Not Close Enough

While Ishida had rushed off after Ichigo, Sado Yastora had been busy searching for the body. Because the hollow attack was near the school, he had a good idea where it was. Dispelling his arm Sado rounded the side of the large building and glanced around. Not far away he saw a shock of familiar orange hair peeking out from behind a bush. Carefully Sado bent down and slid his arms under Ichigo's arms and back to heft him. Transferring him to one shoulder Sado then hastened towards the obvious spirit pressure boiling out from the trees.

Nearby beamed the steady blue pulses of Ishida’s power, vastly different from the raw undulating roil of Ichigo's. For Sado, it reminded him of comparing a campfire crackling wildly in the wind compared to the controlled blue steadiness of a Bunsen burner flame. Both consumed fuel and burned yet the fire licked along wood randomly, compared to the Bunsen’s vertical hot blue and purple single flame. Either one was hot though the flames represented different temperatures. Although you could control a campfire if watched it carefully it still needed a steady supply of fuel provided manually. A Bunsen flame however was touched off by a spark and burned as long as the gas was switched on.

Fires started naturally. A Bunsen burner only when deliberately set. Even though a campfire could be...

Sado pondered these analogies while carrying Ichigo's body towards the edge of the woods. He stopped when he heard crackling branches along with someone sobbing. A dragging step indicated one of them was limping while the other supported him. Through the trees he spotted, their figures slowly make their way along the path. Ishida's gleaming white cloth was smudged with dirt, his shoulder shoved under the armpit of Ichigo. Why was the Quincy half dragging half carrying the substitute shinigami?

"Ichigo... are you..."

"No Chad," Ichigo murmured. "I feel like shit."

"I need a hand," Ishida confessed, looking awkwardly at Sado.

Ichigo swung his head up towards Sado’s voice. One look into those puffy red-rimmed brown eyes gave Sado a very big hint. Under the fringe of his long hair, Sado’s own brown eyes widened. Immediately he rushed forwards, helping to take Ichigo's weight. A great deal of strength had departed his legs for he sagged against Sado’s chest. However, Sado wrapped a strong arm around him holding Ichigo against him in a supportive hug.

"I'm sorry," Sado murmured. Ishida released his hold on the substitute watching them carefully. What was awkward and unnatural for the Quincy seemed easy for the tall human. Ichigo gripped handfuls of Sado’s white school shirt and continued to hide his face. It was clear to Sado just what sort of help he needed, the comforting kind.

"Ichigo, you should get back into your body now. It's better if we go back to school before they give us a hard time," Ishida said.

"Fine, whatever you say," Ichigo answered with a muffled voice. Sado looked up at Ishida's frowning face, twisted with confusion and discomfort.

"Ichigo, Ishida san, and I are here for you," Sado said soothingly. "You don't have to tell us anything if you don't wish."

"Too late for that. You guys probably know the whole damn story," Ichigo half-laughed half sniffled. While Ishida steadied, Ichigo's body by holding its shoulders Sado helped lower Ichigo into it in a smooth continuous motion. Ichigo did not open his eyes at once and look up at them. Instead, he kept his head down, grasping Sado's offered hand in a tight squeeze.

"Kurosaki, get up now. We have to go back," Ishida said.

"I honestly don't give a shit," Ichigo answered.

"Do you want me to take you home, Ichigo?" Sado offered.

Ichigo shook his head violently. "Hell no I can't face my dad right now. Let's go back."

Effortlessly Chad boosted Ichigo to his feet, still holding his hand. Ichigo pried his fingers out of Sado's grasp and walked ahead of both of them, shoulders hunched over. Ishida quickly moved forwards but felt resistance from someone grabbing his arm.

"Let him be alone for a minute," Chad whispered.

"But..."

"If you don't mind I need to be alone, okay? I know the way back. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now guys," Ichigo said wearily looking back at them.

"But Kurosaki..." Ishida protested.

"Just leave me alone, please will ya?" Ichigo mumbled, throwing up a dismissive hand. He quickly walked off in the direction of the school.

For a moment, Ishida blinked, processing what Ichigo had said. He then turned back towards Sado who shook his head. "I don't know what you're doing, but I'm going after him to make sure he is all right."

"He will be. I will go after him. You may wish to change before you return," Sado suggested.

"This is the worst time he can be alone, don't you see?" Ishida protested.

"Trust me. I know Ichigo. He won't do anything foolish."

"But he's never been in love with someone before! How could you possibly understand?” Ishida blurted out.

"I do understand, Ishida-kun. However, I know Ichigo better than you do, and longer than you have. He will be all right..."

"If you say so. I just don't think we should leave him alone for TOO long," Ishida mumbled, watching Chad turn and leave. Grumbling to himself the Quincy reached into the bushes and snatched his school bag, unzipping it to draw out his school tie.

"Are you all right Ishida-kun?" Sado asked. Ishida glanced up to see the taller man glancing back at him.

"Don't worry about me. It's Ichigo you should be concerned about since you know him so well," Ishida snapped.

"You seem upset too. What happened back there?"

"I'll tell you later. Just... go after Kurosaki and I’ll meet you after school and explain," Ishida sighed, noticing the surprise and hurt on Sado’s face when he snapped.

Sado nodded, striding away with long legged measured steps. Ishida watched him, following at a distance towards the entrance of the school. He ducked into the gymnasium and hoped the locker rooms would be open this time.

Quickly Ishida shed his Quincy outfit, folding fit neatly into a bundle small enough to fit into his schoolbag. Striding out of the men’s locker room, he tossed the strip of his tie over his neck and knotted it deftly. A quick glance at his watch confirmed they had only been away for an hour and a half but the day was mostly gone. Ishida dashed back towards the classroom, peeking inside. He caught sight of Keigo and Mizuiro looking his direction once he entered the classroom and murmured his excuse to Miss Ochi.

"Good heavens Ishida-san, are you all right? Did you manage to get your blood sugar under control?"

"My blood sugar?" Ishida repeated, looking into her concerned face. He glanced sharply back to Mizuiro who nodded. Therefore, Ichigo's friends had provided another alibi.

"You know how he has to eat regular meals. He must have forgotten lunch!" Mizuiro said aloud.

"I'm fine now. Thank you," Ishida said tightly, faking a smile.

"Kojima-san told me. There's no need to be embarrassed," Miss Ochi said with a winning smile. Biting his lip Ishida slunk back into his seat by the window and hung his bag on the hook on the side of his desk. He spotted Ichigo hunched over with his face buried in the composition book. Renji's seat behind him was empty, while Sado, Inoue, and Tatsuki stole glances at him, then Ichigo.

"Kurosaki san you don't look well. Are you sure you don't want to go home?" asked Miss Ochi.

"I'm fine," Ichigo mumbled.

"You left class so suddenly. I can understand your dedication to missing lost time, but I am concerned. Would someone take him to the school nurse again and help him home?"

"I will!" Keigo shot up his hand.

"I'll get his books and bring him his missing assignments later," Sado nodded.

"Good, good. Asano-san, Kojima -san, please walk Kurosaki-san san to the nurse. Thank you so much for your cooperation."

Ichigo let his two friends walk him without much further protest. Already he seemed as if he wouldn't be able to learn much in his distracted state. As difficult, as it was for Ishida not to say something he was grateful that Keigo and Mizuiro volunteered to help Ichigo home. They already knew his problems anyway, and what did he know that could possibly help Ichigo anyway?

"Terrific Uryuu. You know next to nothing about how to properly comfort people. It's your own damn fault you keep people at arm's length," he told himself. He felt dark brown eyes watching him throughout the rest of class and felt some small comfort that Sado was worried about him. From the way the taller man had firmly yet gently held his arm Ishida had felt a strange crawling feeling tingle over him.

Mizuiro returned to the classroom without Ichigo. It seemed clear that Keigo had chosen the opportunity to ditch class the rest of the day since he probably was the one walking Ichigo home now. Ishida frowned, glaring at the line of text in his book instead of the empty spot where Keigo would normally sit.

He dismissed it by the time the school bell clanged. Ishida was one of the first to rise and sling his book bag over his shoulder. However, he marched over to the desk and said, "I'll take Kurosaki his missing assignments Ochi-sensei."

"How thoughtful of you. Make sure to tell him it’s due Friday," she said brightly, scribbling down on a pad. She passed Ishida a set of worksheets and a written note, and then nodded.
***
Squaring his shoulders Ishida glanced up at the blue sign that said Kurosaki Clinic. He hesitated before knocking on the door, remembering what had happened the last time he came here. Flinching at the noise of an overenthusiastic Kurosaki Isshin giving him an enthusiastic greeting and a slugging pat on the back. Then listening to him ramble on about how great it was that Ichigo had so many good friends now that he was in high school. Especially smart ones who probably needed Ichigo's friendship.

"As if I needed anyone to be popular. I don't care if I’m popular or not," Ishida mumbled, pressing the door buzzer. Fortunately, the smaller energy behind it indicated it was someone he could more easily deal with. Yuzu's face poked out as she looked up at him with a polite warm smile.

"Hello, Ishida-san? You came to bring Ichi-nii his homework. Asano-san said so..."

"Is Kurosaki in?" Ishida asked, trying not to look TOO concerned, but smiling politely as he bowed to Ichigo's younger sister.

"He's upstairs. Would you like to come in for some tea?"

"Actually that would be most kind, but I don't wish to put you to any trouble," Ishida said.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm sorry if Ichi-nii won't come down. He's not been feeling too great and he's taking a nap. But you can come in and make yourself right at home."

"Did Asano san leave or is he still here?" Ishida asked, walking through the door and removing his shoes. Yuzu immediately dropped a pair of slippers for him to step into and reached out a hand towards his book bag.

"Chad-san's still here. He thought he'd wait and see if Ichi-nii needed help with his homework, but he wouldn't come down. I am worried though. Dad said not to bother Ichi-nii, but he can't miss dinner..."

"What about Asano?"

"Ichi-nii told him to go home. He seemed pretty upset but he's still sitting in front of the TV with Sado-san..."

"I see," Ishida mumbled and peered around her shoulder to see several people sitting on the sofa around the television.

"Why don't you go join them and I'll bring you some tea..." said Yuzu, moving behind Ishida and gently nudging him with a hand on his back towards the living room. Although he resisted he realized it would be rude to refuse. He was worried about Ichigo after all.

Sado actually smiled at him when his eyes met Ishida's. He felt a bit more at ease despite Keigo glaring annoyed at him. "Hello Ishida-kun. I'm glad you're here."

"Oh man he's here?" Keigo whined as Ishida strode in and sat down on the sofa next to Sado.

"You didn't have to stay you know. Why aren't you upstairs seeing how your FRIEND is doing?" Ishida said pointedly.

"Keigo-kun, he's Ichigo's friend as well," Sado said firmly yet quietly. "We are all concerned about him."

"Yeah that's great and all, but the last thing he's gonna wanna do is homework so you can just put the books down now, Ishida-san," Keigo snorted, glaring up at Ishida.

"I could care less what your opinion is of me, Asano. I'm merely carrying out Sensei's request. Whether Kurosaki does his homework is up to him," Ishida answered, lowering himself to sit next to Sado. The larger teen had moved over and nudged Keigo aside a space to clear an area for Ishida to sit.

"Well don't be surprised if he slams the door in your face, Ice-shida," Keigo answered, still glaring at Ishida as if he were uninvited.

"You're just upset because he did the same thing to you two minutes ago," Ishida countered.

"Well I don't wanna make him MORE upset. I wanna be there to cheer him up when he decides to come down and help get his mind off this!" Keigo bragged.

Ishida gave a labored sigh and glanced at Sado, who gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't let him fool you. He is glad you're here."

"Maybe, but it makes no difference to me," Ishida confessed. "Have you seen Kurosaki?"

"Only long enough after Yuzu-chan took me upstairs. The light's off in his room..." Chad started, then glanced up over Ishida's shoulder.

Following Chad's line of sight Ishida found himself looking a slightly relieved Mizuiro smiling down at them. He carried two glasses of soda, one in either hand. Behind him walked Yuzu, carrying a tray with a pot of tea and several cups.

Ishida's impulse was to leap up from the sofa but he saw Chad shake his head no. "You didn't HAVE to carry those Asano-san! I've got room on the tray!" Yuzu protested, chasing him as she sat the tray on the coffee table.

"No, no I've got this. What sort of a gentleman would I be if I didn't help a young lady serve his friends who have stopped by? It would be downright rude," Mizuiro flashed a winning smile. He handed one glass to Keigo and kept the other for himself as he sat down in front of the TV. Keigo meanwhile had knelt near his friend, leaving more room on the sofa for Sado and Ishida.

"You're all guests. It's my job to serve you," Yuzu almost pouted. Ishida guessed from the look in her face she was just as worried about Ichigo, and keeping busy was her way of coping.

"You guys all hogging the TV. Get real," Karin glared at them as she sauntered past holding a soccer ball.

"We're sorry!" Keigo apologized, shrinking under her glare.

"We're here to help," Sado said, glancing at her levelly. "But if you wish us to leave..."

"Did I say that? At least with you around Dad's not such a pain in the butt. He'll pay attention to you instead of getting on my nerves," Karin sighed, rolling her eyes. "I'm on my way to practice."

"Good luck," Sado said.

"Thanks," Karin nodded. "Oh, and don't be afraid to drag Nii-san outta bed if he doesn't eat dinner. He's starting to get me down."

Once Karin left, Keigo turned around and motioned them all to lean towards him, a finger to his lips. Despite his better judgment, Ishida moved into the huddle as well. Mizuiro also scooted up so they were all sitting in a circle around the coffee table. Ishida sipped at his tea and suppressed his urge to throw out some acrid comment as Keigo whispered, "We've got a lot of work to do, men. It's obvious to me that Ichigo's got boy problems and as his friends it's our DUTY to put things right."

"Is it?" Ishida asked. "According to you, I'm not included in his friends."

Keigo waved a dismissive hand before patting Ishida on the shoe. "Did I say that, well just consider it a joke, Ishida-kun. When it comes to my buddy Ichigo, nothing's more important than his happiness."

"Who appointed YOU the negotiator, Asano?" asked Ishida, glaring at him, partly for the inferred familiarity of ‘kun’ instead of ‘san’.

"Well at lunch you agreed that it was a good idea if Ichigo-kun planned a nice date with his boyfriend to make up with him," Mizuiro pointed out.

"Well that was before they had a nasty argument. Why do you think he's so depressed?" Ishida asked, glaring at them both.

"Maybe we should at least listen to what they have to say. I think they both could use all the help we can give them," Sado said shrugging.

"Good man Chad! Now since there are four of us each of us have our own little duties to perform. Since Ichigo had an argument with his boyfriend, we need to figure out a way to get them together in a setting so they can make up," said Keigo.

"I've selected a few restaurants that would have nice ambiance, and I've arranged for flowers to be delivered," said Mizuiro.

"You're serious," Ishida blinked. "What do Sado and I do?"

"Well we were hoping one of you could convince Abarai-kun to show up. Make up a good story to get him here in time. And since you seem close to him, Ishida-kun..."

"Me close to Abarai? Are you out of your mind, Asano?" Ishida said with a laugh.

"Well you were so quick to defend him I thought you were buddies?" Keigo said. Ishida glared and shook his head.

"We both know him reasonably well," Sado said, resting a hand on Ishida's shoulder. "And both of us will try to convince him to come."

"That's wonderful! And uh since you're good at sewing maybe you could make sure that he's got some nice duds for it," said Mizuiro. "Not that he doesn't have a cool fashion trend. But the place I've made reservations has a dress code."

"Even if I could do so, are you quite sure that this will even be feasible, Kojima?" Ishida wondered, not believing his ears.

"It's worth a try. You could work on the outfit while I speak to Abarai-kun," Sado said politely.

"And what are you going to do, Asano?" Ishida asked, glaring at Keigo.

"Support Ichigo in his time of need as a buddy! Butter him up so he'll think he has a chance."

"Has it ever occurred to you--Asano and Kojima--that perhaps Kurosaki may not wish to see Abarai again?" Ishida asked, staring at them over his glasses.

"Why, Abarai-kun's not two timing him is he? Why did they argue?" asked Keigo with shock. "If he's hurt Ichigo I'll..."

"Calm down. We don't know that," Mizuiro said, patting Keigo's shoulder. "Is that so?"

"No," Sado answered simply. "It was a misunderstanding."

"I don't particularly feel this is the best idea," Ishida said.

"Why not?"

"It should be up to Kurosaki and Abarai to make the steps to repair their relationship. They may resent us all for intruding. All this subterfuge..."

"But you were all for it! What changed your mind, Ishida-kun?" Keigo asked.

"Asano, it’s simple. It's one thing if Ichigo offers flowers and a date. It means significantly less coming from his friends. Abarai's not one for head games," Ishida said.

"For someone who says he's not too close you claim to know him pretty well, Ishida," Keigo grumbled, glaring at him.

"Let's just say I'm using my brain and reasoning it out," Ishida said with a smirk. "Since you’re turning to me for help on this little escapade, Asano, this is exactly what I'm doing."

"But you don't know Ichigo-kun like we do," Mizuiro said firmly. "He's very stubborn. He won't take the initiative unless someone knocks him over the head. Usually that someone is Tatsuki-kun. If you won't help she will."

"And Inoue-san's offered to help Ichigo's sisters find him the right outfit as well," Keigo said.

"Abarai is every bit as stubborn as Ichigo. He won't go for this," Ishida insisted.

"What harm is there in trying?" Sado asked, squeezing Ishida's shoulder.

Sighing Ishida closed his eyes and lifted his glasses. He rubbed his eyes with the thumb and forefingers of one hand. "All right, when are the reservations for?"

"A week from Friday. That gives you a whole eight days to figure out a way to get Abarai to come. I think it's plenty of time..."

"It seems reasonable. That should be just enough time to t... to get in touch with Abarai and convince him to listen to us," said Sado.

"Track him down? Isn’t the guy coming back?" asked Keigo.

"Well you saw yourself he wasn't in class..."

"He's not a delinquent is he?" Mizuiro with concern.

"He's most likely gone back to his old school," Ishida answered.

"That's really lousy! But if it's in Tokyo I'm sure we can get him a train ticket... so it's perfect timing!" Keigo said.

"Nothing dulls your sense of hope does it, Asano?" Ishida quipped, shaking his head.

"All right then, you both will help?" asked Mizuiro.

"Fine. I'll offer my assistance. But don't say I didn't warn you if there are complications," Ishida relented, surprised at himself for even going along with such a plan. Part of him hoped it would be successful but the rest of him dreaded just what sort of an excuse he and Sado would have to find to bring Abarai back to the living world. Neither had sensed his trace anywhere since he disappeared.
**
The four friends all waited for Ichigo to come down. Unfortunately, it was late by the time Isshin crashed their pow-wow overenthusiastically and Ishida felt the sudden need to depart. He guessed that Ichigo would probably be eating dinner in his room if he had the appetite. In addition, Sado's gentle insistence on them leaving was a good indication they should leave. Keigo and Mizuiro stayed behind however and promised to work on bolstering Ichigo's morale.

Ishida decided in the end they were better suited for that task than he was. Mulling the words he had shared with Kurosaki in his mind he strode towards the bus stop to catch the next transport that led to his part of town. He wasn't surprised to see Sado still walking quietly at his side, as if waiting for him to speak or honoring the silence without pestering him with questions. Sado had a calming effect on many people. He only spoke when he had something worthwhile to say.

"You seem troubled," Sado said.

"Is it that obvious?" Ishida asked, as he stepped onto the bus. Coins suddenly jingled in the slot as Sado reached around Ishida. He stood just behind the Quincy with his feet on the bus stairs.

“Both of you can’t just stand there. Either get on or get off,” the bus driver said. Ishida blinked down at Sado, who smiled and nodded. Surprised he led the way down the aisle. Sado followed and both of them grabbed straps to steady themselves.
***
Still huddled under the covers Ichigo had only surfaced to eat the tray of food that Yuzu brought up. He managed to say hello to Keigo and Mizuiro but was almost TOO polite telling them he was okay and needed some rest. He did let them stay and pat him on the back and try to tell him they were ‘on his side until he asked them politely to leave.

Fortunately, Keigo had enough sense to know when to back off. He had gently urged Mizuiro out the door and closed it tightly instead of pouting and whining. That sigh of concern touched Ichigo that Keigo probably knew him much better and the clinging whiny act was just part of his ‘shtick.”

Now Ichigo breathed evenly in and out, turned on his back as he slumbered. It was quick and merciful how short of a time it took sleep to come and blot out the grey numbness he felt. At least the urge to cry had vanished, replaced with a steady ache twisting his stomach. He’d hated how empty the bed felt. Now all he could do was hope he didn’t dream much.

So dead to the world was he that he didn’t hear the squeak of the window or the gliding scrape of someone opening it. Arms splayed out Ichigo’s face was partly cloaked in shadow when the dark robed shinigami vice captain carefully stepped through and leaped over Ichigo’s bed to land on the floor. For a moment, he tensed, sitting on his haunches as he clutched the handle of Zabimaru. The object he carried in his other hand he carefully placed at the foot of Ichigo’s bed.

“I guess I’m here cause I wanted to say I was sorry for not letting ya know where I went,” Renji murmured, clearing his throat. He heard the rustling of sheets as Ichigo turned over.

“I don’t blame ya for not wanting to speak to me. But just give me a chance to explain. I didn’t mean to run out on ya. I just got so wrapped up in a mission Kuchiki wanted me on. I figured you’d be busy at school and all. But I know I really fucked up.”

He heard a soft grunt in return and sighed, rising to his feet. Carefully he picked up the handful of flowers wrapped in the green foil paper and set them down where he guessed Ichigo’s hand would be. “These are probably my lamed assed attempt to apologize. When you said what you did… I didn’t realize just what came out of my mouth…”

“Renji…” Ichigo mumbled sleepily. “Stupid…”

“Yeah I was stupid. It’s just that I was hoping you’d give me a break too…”

“Mmmn,” Ichigo answered.

“C’mon, don’t be like that. I really want to make it up to you,” Renji sighed, as he shifted over. Removing his zanpakuto from his sash, he lay it down on the floor next to the bed. Carefully he shifted so he straddled Ichigo’s hips and bent down bracing one hand by Ichigo’s left shoulder.

“Mmmn…” Ichigo mumbled, turning his head to the side as Renji lowered his. Once, twice Renji maneuvered his lips to catch Ichigo’s but only succeeded in kissing his ear or his nose.

Quickly Renji backed away; worried that Ichigo would think he was forcing himself. He crept to the end of the bed and knelt on it, sighing. “Okay, I get the message. You’re still pissed. I won’t force myself on you. Ya gotta understand that.”

Bracing himself for a tirade Renji was surprised as hell that Ichigo didn’t answer. He heard only the soft rush of breath and the shifting of blankets instead. That crushing pressure Renji felt inside eased somewhat. Ichigo hadn’t heard anything of what he said. How could he be angry? Especially since the bouquet of flowers dropped off the bed when Ichigo shifted on his side.

“Guess you’re asleep huh,” Renji murmured with a sad laugh. “I’d wake ya up, but you’re pissed enough at me as it is.”

He turned to slide off the bed, but stopped when he heard a soft moan. Swiveling back around Renji shifted closer to Ichigo on the bed once more. Again, he heard Ichigo murmuring, “N… no… don’t… go. Don’t…”

“Ichigo?” Renji wondered, leaning closer. Since Ichigo lay on his side, Renji moved so he could lie alongside the boy as well, though he knew he was precariously close to falling off if he wasn’t careful. A hand flailed out, falling over Renji’s body and yanking him forwards. Surprised Renji almost fell against Ichigo’s body as he lay against the wall partly on his back. That arm warped around Renji, tightly imprisoning him against Ichigo’s chest. Then Ichigo rolled over again so Renji was pinned awkwardly under Ichigo’s body, wrapped with the blanket around him. Since it was between them, Renji’s legs were pinioned because Ichigo threw a leg over Renji’s hip.

“Oh great, now what the hell do I do?” Renji mumbled. While he enjoyed Ichigo pressed up to him, the fact he’d sneaked in like this would just create more problems. If he tried to get away, Ichigo may wake up and be upset he was leaving again. Ichigo’s head pillowed on Renji’s chest, burying into his shikakusho front as he wound both arms around Renji’s body. One of Renji’s arms was pressed at a weird angle under blankets and the other flailed around to wrap over Ichigo.

“Mm,” Ichigo murmured in content, his breathing half snorting into a low rumbling snore. Yeah, the kid was definitely asleep now and Renji would have to struggle hard to get out of this one. However, he missed Ichigo’s touch so much he was enjoying this despite the fear of waking Ichigo and hearing another argument.

Surely if Ichigo was asleep and dreaming of him, it wouldn’t hurt to kiss him. As long as he was here he may as well make the most of it and hope when Ichigo did wake up he’d be pleased enough to see him there in his bed so they may have a better chance of making up. Twisting his arm around Renji slipped his fingers into Ichigo’s fuzz of spiky hair, loving how soft it felt. He enjoyed the smell of whatever deodorant or soap Ichigo must use because it was musky with a strange pleasant tang. It smelled similar to what he’d seen in the bathroom. Ever so gradually, Renji eased Ichigo’s head off his chest and used his hand at the back of Ichigo’s scalp to angle it up towards his. All he had to do then was lean his head forwards and brush his lips against Ichigo’s nose, then work his way down. His hair pulled awkwardly the way his topknot was pushed into the pillow and the wall but Renji ignored it, brushing his tongue over Ichigo’s lower lip.

He was rewarded with a soft murmur and shifting closer against him. Ichigo’s head rolled over and Renji shifted back just enough to let their lips lie alongside one another. With the slightest touch, he pressed his mouth over Ichigo, keeping his lips closed. It killed him not to tease those lips apart and bury his tongue into Ichigo’s moist mouth but he found something erotic about holding back. Damn I’m so tempted to wake him up and really kiss him, Renji thought. However, he would probably ruin the magic in this moment where he had Ichigo all to himself without fear of reprimand. He wanted more but it didn’t seem right. Yet was Ichigo dreaming of him even now?

“Renji,” Ichigo mumbled against his lips.

“Right here with you k… Ichigo. Not going anywhere. Not again without tellin’ ya why or where first,” Renji admitted, swallowing hard. He was glad he had conveniently ‘forgotten’ his soul paiger back at Urahara’s shop. Now if Kuchiki wanted to get a hold of him he’d have an excuse. Of course, he’d catch hell for it. What was Byakuya going to do? Demote him? Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad, but he was worried as hell if something worse DID happen.

Ukitake and Byakuya were meeting now to discuss business, so judging by the time variation it was midday in Sereitei. Therefore, there was a good chance Byakuya wouldn’t call him back because Renji was ‘off shift’ and supposedly given leave to write up his mission summary. Not all he could catch hell for was filling out a report. Richiki had generously volunteered to do it for him.

Ichigo’s breathing shifted slightly, so his lips opened on the latest brush of Renji’s mouth. He was pleasantly surprised to feel Ichigo’s soft breath against his lips and couldn’t resist opening his mouth as well. He remained completely still, but gently slipped his tongue along the bottom of Ichigo’s teeth, shivering in delight at the tip of Ichigo’s tongue darting out and moving against his.

“The hell with it. If he wakes up it’s better to wake up with me kissing him,” Renji decided, pulling Ichigo’s face forwards. He slid his tongue further into Ichigo’s open mouth, coaxing, tasting. The sideways movement of Ichigo’s lips turning on his encouraged him to slide his tongue over the roof of the younger man’s mouth. Ichigo’s body went limp just a second before Renji surfaced to take a much-needed breath. How he enjoyed tasting Ichigo again after such a fierce argument. It was much needed salve on a whole host of self inflicted wounds and reprimands.