Not Close Enough

An entire week had flown by. Now Ichigo and Renji indulged in the bathroom in Ichigo’s apartment, simply enjoying the view of one another’s bodies as they cleaned off the sweat of a hard day. Ichigo hissed as he slid one leg into the steaming hot water. All over his body were minute cuts and nicks, characteristic from a certain shikai. What made the experience less embarrassing was the fact that he had singed his opponent with multiple Getsuga Tensho launched from many directions. Neither one would resort to Bankai.

For the benefit of Squad 6 they had dueled, first clashing swords. Ichigo’s attempt to try a basic kidou had resulted in it exploding right into his face. He heard the laughter from his squadmates, and felt a sense of gladness. As lousy as Renji was with kidou, Ichigo was far worse.

“At least he can’t keep me on for having skills in THAT area,” Ichigo chuckled, sliding into the hot water. He released a sigh, feeling the sting on his cuts. Through half-shut eyes, Ichigo watched the other shinigami bend down and grab the soap, which had slipped from his grasp.

“I guess that’s kinda reassuring huh? Sorry ya got embarrassed to hell,” Renji said, sitting on a stool as he soaped his thighs. Ichigo saw the distinctive pattern of markings that matched those on his chest and the outsides of his arms.

“I suck worse than you do at kidou,” Ichigo laughed, sticking out his tongue. “Glad I made your day.”

“Sure as hell did. No offense…” Renji laughed back. Lifting the bucket of water, he dumped it right over his head, soaking his long red hair so it plastered on either side.

“Didn’t think I’d not miss modern plumbing,” Ichigo mumbled. Water trickled through the slatted wood floor into a drain.

“Speaking of that subject, make some room will ya?” Renji suggested.

Rolling his eyes overdramatically, the former substitute bent his knees. Carefully Renji maneuvered himself so he sat between Ichigo’s legs and rested his damp head on Ichigo’s chest. Sighing the younger shinigami rested his head on a folded towel and braced his back against the slanted tub side. Even though Renji had to bend his knees to sit properly in, they could both enjoy the hot water at the same time.

“I’m gonna miss having my own place,” Ichigo mumbled, thinking how nice it was to wake up without his father attacking him first thing.

“Yeah, I sure as hell don’t miss Urahara’s freaking excuse for a breakfast…”

“Renji you haven’t shown me your place yet really,” Ichigo said.

“Well it’s a damn sight messier than here. Well not THAT worse, but I’ve got a lot of stuff.”

“You’ve moved enough of your damn kimonos into the freaking closet so there must be some space. You don’t have some big assed manga collection do you?” Ichigo teased.

“Well… Rukia borrows ‘em a lot, an’ I trade ‘em with my friends,” Renji confessed.

“I’m not even going to ASK where you got them,” said Ichigo.

“What, you know as well as I do that we’ve got our own books n’ publications…”

“I know, I know,” Ichigo said, ruffling Renji’s damp hair. “I get Squad 9’s paper and read it over the coffee you made sure got delivered here.”

“Hisagi Sempai does a bang up job w’ the editing. An Momo does her own manga too,” said Renji. “That’s what I collect.”

Ichigo slid to sit more upright in the tub. “That reminds me. What’s this shit about recruitment pamphlets?”

“Eh? Yeah I guess that’s something that got thrown your way when ya took the job,” Renji snickered.

“Is Taicho gonna illustrate it?” Ichigo asked.

“Nah, he hasn’t got the time. I’ve been sketching up some stuff for it. Me ‘n some of the other guys.”

Ichigo's eyes widened. “You draw? I thought Rukia was the only one of the 2 of you who did.”

Renji felt a sense of relief that Ichigo was polite enough not to insult Rukia’s drawings. After a few times he knew better. That and Renji’s fist in his jaw or on his arm helped condition him to refrain from editorial comments.

“I ain’t got her unique style. Momo taught me,” said Renji. “I kinda used to scratch on wood for the fun of it. Me ‘n Rukia both when we had time t’ daydream.”

“How many damn things don’t I know about you,” Ichigo mumbled.

“Same as things I don’t know about ya, Ichigo. Not that there’s any rush. We’ve got a hell of a lot of time…” Renji trailed off into a blisslful sigh. Ichigo smiled fondly, keeping his eyes closed. He enjoyed Renji’s body nestled against his and the soothing heat of the tub permeating his tired muscles. Wrapping his arms around Renji’s chest, he nuzzled the back of his lover’s neck. Even though he was still alive, Ichigo wouldn’t mind spending his afterlife like this.

He especially enjoyed the way in which the cleft of Renji's ass sat right atop his semi erect cock. Renji must have noticed too because he shifted his hips mischieveiously. Ichigo uttered a low groan, reaching around his partner to tease and rub as well. They had enjoyed an erotic game a few times before bathing like this.

Turning his head, just enough to kiss Ichigo Renji hissed at the steady even squeeze Ichigo tugged his length with. Softly Ichigo nipped the edge of his ear. As tired as he was he yielded to the urge to let himself go.

"Let go, I got you," Ichigo murmured.

Again, Renji caught his partner's mouth in a hungry kiss, using his tongue to imitate the slight thrusting motion of Ichigo's hips against his ass. Wrapping arms around him tightly Ichigo let himself shudder to a climax. Minutes later Renji grunted into Ichigo's lips, feeling himself erupt into the steaming hot water.

"Mmm, damn that was good," Renji murmured, lying back against the former substitute again.

"No kidding," Ichigo agreed, sighing as he cradled Renji's hips between his bent knees. They basked in the mutual aftermath of a satisfying rutting while allowing the heat to unwind any knots in their muscles.

“Ya got yer pay right?” Renji asked.

“Yeah. Never thought I would have to use that. But I guess rent isn’t cheap here, even if I am in… squad six…” said Ichigo.

“Good cause Ikkaku n’ Yumichika asked us out drinking tomorrow night. Rangiku’s probably gonna join as well as Kira n’ Hisagi…”

“I’m not old enough to drink,” Ichigo protested, and rolled his eyes.

“Not sayin’ ya have to drink sake, Ichigo. Nothing says that ya can’t just enjoy yerself,” said Renji. “Hitsugaya Taicho joins in if Matsumoto drags him along and he just drinks tea.”

“I guess that sounds like fun,” Ichigo said, touched that Renji wanted to bring him along with his drinking gang.

Renji smiled. “Good then I’ll let ‘em know."

“Thanks,” Ichigo said.

“What for?”

“Working with me,” Ichigo said softly, caressing his lover’s chest. “Even though you were fucking pissed enough to punch my lights out.”

“Didn’t realize how much quality time I’d get with ya,” Renji answered, shifting a bit so his backside rubbed against a sensitive part of Ichigo’s anatomy one last teasing time. “An I guess there are some perks t’ not bein’ fukaitaicho. Not as much damn paperwork. Got more time t’ work on my skills.”

“Ah, yeah,” Ichigo realized, feeling slightly embarrassed. He fell silent, continuing to rub circles across Renji’s chest.
“I’m turnin’ into a damn prune here. Wanna get out n’ have some dinner?”

“If you’re making it, yeah,” Ichigo said, sitting up as Renji shifted to climb out. He thought he couldn’t get sick of watching the droplets of water sliding down that tattooed ass. Reluctant to get out Ichigo pushed off the sides of the tub and felt the cold air shiver his skin at the same time the water dribbled off him.

A white towel stretched between two hands wrapped around him. Behind the towel, Renji hugged him effectively blocking the change in temperature. “Can’t have ya freezing to death.”

“Dumbass I’m fine,” Ichigo complained, feeling Renji dragging the terrycloth down his body. “I can get my own towel.”

“I’m so tempted to slam you up against a wall, but my stomach’s telling me I don’t have the energy after our bath fun,” Renji lamented, stepping back.

After they dried off, they exited the small bathing area. A cloth hit Ichigo in the face. Ichigo blinked down at the pink flowers on white. “You’ve gotta be shitting me.”

Beside the closet Renji tugged another robe out and glared. “Hey it’s clean. So stop complainin’. I’m half starved and it’s your turn to make something.”

“Shut up it’s fine, I take back what I said,” Ichigo called back, on the way to the kitchen area. At least his garment wasn’t bright orange orchids with green leaves that decorated the kimono that Renji had selected. As garish as the stuff Renji wore in the living world these things were just as ‘loud’. Well not ALL of them, but the more comfortable ones were decorated with rather busy and vibrant prints.

He lifted the lid on the rice steamer sitting atop the simmering pot. Just in time, he stepped back to avoid a blast of steam in the face. “Crap, that’s hot as hell…”

“You okay in there?” Renji called back.

“Yeah, I’m all right. Rice isn’t burnt at least. Whatever concoction you’re boiling away to the left’s doing okay too I guess…” Ichigo reassured him, lifting the lid on the heavy-duty metal container that reminded him of a western style crock-pot. A mild sweet aroma wafting from it caused his stomach to growl.

“Good, it’s almost done,” Renji murmured behind him. Ichigo turned to see Renji jet again standing in his personal space, only an inch between them. The former substitute recognized the navy blue fabric decorated with muted blue hexagons his lover now sported. It was a bit short on him, but it fit Renji in the shoulders and chest.

“Looking for an excuse to wear my clothes huh?” Ichigo asked. Both of them pretended to complain but secretly liked the idea of wearing something that had been on the other’s body.

“If you want I’ll take the damn thing off,” Renji chuckled, grabbing at Ichigo’s lapel.

“No horsing around till this stuff’s done. You were the one who bitched about being hungry remember,” Ichigo reminded him.

In response Renji smirked. “There are different kinds of…”

“Yeah, different kinds of hunger right,” Ichigo completed, frowning at the taller shinigami. “And then there’s burning your ass on a hot stove because we attacked each other in this damn kitchen two days ago?”

“Sorry,” Renji apologized, rubbing the back of his neck. He remembered thankfully that Ichigo had good reflexes when he had tried to hug him last time and the poor teenager had brushed up against the stove in his enthusiasm.

“Forget it. Just set the table,” Ichigo said with his back to Renji. He tried to hide the smirk spreading across his once annoyed face.

“Yes sir, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji answered, saluting as he pulled a stack of plates out of the cabinet.

Immediately Ichigo tugged the dishes away from him, and then shoved his lover up against the counter. His brown eyes gleamed seriously. “Let’s get one thing straight again Renji. Inside this apartment, there’s none of this yes sir or no sir shit. We’re just you and me.”

“Didn’t mean it THAT way, Strawberry. Just sorta slipped out,” Renji mumbled, noticing the hurt in those young eyes.
Ichigo grabbed Renji’s shoulder, attacking his mouth before he could say anything else. He reached around Renji to set the dishes down once more. Ichigo seized a handful of Renji’s red hair with one hand and locked his other around his lover’s back. A few seconds later Ichigo remembered to breathe. Renji’s eyes were closed tightly, hands still clutching Ichigo’s body to his.

“Let’s get this dinner on the table,” Ichigo suggested, licking his lips. Renji simply nodded, reaching for a potholder to grab the stew off the stove while Ichigo set the table. Tension melted away amidst the mouthfuls of beef and broccoli poured over the steamed rice they soon devoured.

The ringing soul pager wall unit interrupted their silent meal. Ichigo excused himself and grabbed the pager receiver on the third ring. “Hello? Kurosaki here…”

Renji watched Ichigo’s look of surprise. “Urahara san? Yeah you didn’t call back to say you got the message so I figured you had… what?”

Renji reached for more rice, snickering in self-satisfaction Ichigo didn’t care how much he ate, compared to who was on the phone now. He glanced up hearing Ichigo say, “Ishida and Sado keeping an eye on Kon? They don’t have to do that!”
Ichigo began to pace in the kitchen, listening for a few minutes. “Yeah, on second thought I owe ‘em a huge thank you for it. I haven’t had the time to… no… it’s okay so far… I just…”

“Everything okay?” Renji mouthed when Ichigo turned towards him, nodding.

“Yeah, Renji’s here with me. No… we’re just eating… look we don’t’ need your perverted suggestions…” Ichigo snapped into the phone, face flushed a suitable pink.

Setting his bowl down Renji rose from the table and leaned next to Ichigo. “I’m right here Uarahara-san. And he’s behaving himself, so don’t worry! Just make sure Ichigo’s buddies don’t’ get all mixed up on account of that mod soul!”

“Gimmie that,” Ichigo groaned, snatching the phone back. “Yeah… that’s fine… look I have to go now… bye!”

Renji watched Ichigo hang up the unit. He reached over to wrap an around Ichigo’s slightly slumped shoulders. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. Just hearing about the people at home. Guess I’m homesick is all,” Ichigo laughed quietly. He shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Turns out I know just the cure for that,” Renji informed him, turning Ichigo around so they faced one another. For only a moment, the younger shinigami glanced up at Renji as he caressed Ichigo’s face. Only a second later lips hungry attacked one another. A flowered white robe soon dropped in a rumpled heap to the floor next to a blue one on the path towards the futon area.

***

Back at Karakura High school, two friends tried to make sure Ichigo’s absence wasn’t noticed. It had been a difficult first week. That first day, the modsoul Kon, in Ichigo’s body, noticed Sado's impassive stare the moment both he and the Quincy walked in, and had backed away from Orihime almost immediately. Since then, he'd been polite to the girls, yet as soon as Sado and Ishida’s backs were turned was trying to kiss them on the hands or get a good look. Particularly when he thought neither of Ichigo’s friends were able to see him he thought he could get away with it. Sado's stare could be quite effective, as could Ishida's own blue-eyed death ray glare. He did not need a bow and arrows to keep Kon in line giving him sour looks all day.

Ishida clenched his fist around his mechanical pencil. “Just how much longer can I stand watching this idiot? I don’t know if I can stand an entire month of this.”

Hearing Kon's laugh even when he was behaving in class was really getting on his nerves. He counted the hours until school dismissed while Sado kept a close eye on Ichigo's body. Today of all days was particularly tricky because Kon stood in front of class sharing a report he had written. Something he automatically tried to turn into a comedy routine.

Unfortunately, his enthusiasm earned him an odd stare from the class. Half of them snickered while the rest just blinked. Keigo and Mizuiro both slapped their books and laughed along with Kon’s jokes. Sado managed a fake smile, which looked even more ridiculous on him.

"Sheesh, what a tough crowd," Kon mumbled, sinking down in his desk.

"You are behaving fine. Stay that way," Sado advised. He had moved into the desk directly behind Kon for the time being.

"But how in hell am I supposed to keep up this whole charade about liking pineapple head when I dig girls!" whispered Kon.

"I'm sure you're creative enough to figure that out," said Ishida, from across the aisle.

"For your own good," Sado added, bending over in his chair.

Suddenly a piece of chalk shot across the room landing in Ishida's temple. He dropped his book, yelping in frustration. "What did I do?"

The sensei scolded, “Ishida-san, Kurosaki-san? Perhaps you two would enjoy staring at each other in the hall!"

"Aww man, see what you made me do!" Kon whined. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he frowned in a convincing Ichigo manner. Sado simple blinked at the piece of chalk that bounced off his face and landed on the floor.

"Am I in trouble?" he asked. "I apologize... sensei."

Miss Ochi nodded, pointing towards the door. "You too, Sado-san. Out in the hall... now..."

Ishida picked up his book from the floor so he could set it back on the desk. Sado followed his fellow students out of the classroom, standing closest to the door while facing the window. Kon made a sour face once Ishida stood next to him, glaring at the floor.

"Hold onto these gentlemen. Don't spill now," the teacher instructed.

"You've got to be kidding," Ishida started. A sharp look from the teacher stopped him. He grudgingly took the handle of the pail of water between his two hands.

Once the door to the classroom shut, Kon stuck out his tongue at Ishida. "You two got detention too!"

"Shut up," Ishida grumbled. "I've NEVER gotten detention before, you idiot. You just couldn't keep your mouth shut could you?"

“I like looking at the hot girls in the class! It's not MY fault you two can’t keep playing police officer on me! Anymore than it's yours that you two can’t keep from giving each other goo-goo eyes during class! Sheesh!” Kon snapped.

"Goo-goo eyes?" Sado asked, not budging an inch as he stood as still as a statue.

"That was NOT true. I was simply... oh never mind," Ishida protested.

"I knew it. You two have a thing for each other don't ya. Can't say I'm surprised. If I were into guys I'd totally go for the tall dark and mysterious types. Though you could pull the stick outta your ass, Quincy," Kon rambled on.

"Someone please shut him up before I lose it," Ishida pleaded, flushing bright red in anger and embarrassment.

"Why is it so embarrassing if he knows about us?" Sado asked, blinking from under his dark curly hair.

"A HA! Your partner doesn't deny it. And I'm gonna continue to bug ya till you lay off and lighten up! I didn't even TOUCH my love goddess and you two go big brother berserk. It's bad enough when the karate chick twists my arm... not that I mind pain..."

"I give up," Ishida sighed, wishing the floor would swallow him up.

Only the slightest blush crossed Sado's face. He couldn’t keep from smiling however from Ishida's flagrant unrest. It only proved how much he had succeeded in reaching the Quincy. Kon continued to grin too; sure he had some dirt to use on the two of them to get them to back off.

***

"Hey Ichigo!" Keigo laughed, grabbing him in a bear hug as Kon wandered out into the yard for lunch.

"Hey waitaminnute!" Kon protested, glancing down at Keigo. "Easy on the shirt!"

"You're in a chipper mood. Your boy problems solved?" Mizuiro asked.

"You were holding out on us Ichigo. Why didn't you just come out and say you were bi?" Keigo asked, shaking him by the shoulder playfully.

"Uh well cause... it's one of those things ya know. A guy's gotta keep SOME things to himself. Keeps the ladies and the men guessing," Kon laughed, slugging both of them on the back.

"But you've made up with the exchange student right?" asked Keigo.

"Yeah right, whatever ya say. He's gone on a trip though. We had a talk an' figured that we should see other people," said Kon.

"But... are you sure?" Keigo asked, blinking at Mizuiro.

"How long will lover boy be gone?"

"A month," Kon said, biting his lip to remember.

"Ohhh I see," Keigo blinked. "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go out and get a bit crazy while he's gone. I'm sure a sweet looker like him won't let the dust settle."

"Well, that can't be bad if he's just dating can it? Just as long as the rest goes according to plan," Mizuiro frowned.

"Ah here's our spot men. Let's settle down and enjoy the view, girls, or guys," Keigo suggested, flopping down under a tree and bracing his back against it. Mizuiro sat on Ichigo... Kon's other side, setting down his own bag lunch. Kon opened up the bundle Yuzu had packed and licked his lips.

"Wanna trade?" he asked.

"Dude you haven’t done that since last year," Keigo chuckled.

From a distance, Sado and Ishida strode out into the back area of the school. They selected the next tree over, glancing at Kon chattering away cheerfully with the other two. "I've seen it all. It's the three stooges."

"You like the show as much as I do," Sado commented, setting down a lunch bundle. He carefully untied the knot in the cloth, and then pulled out the wooden box. Ishida pulled a similar container out of his shoulder bag, and set it down. The smell of fish and steamed vegetables reached Sado's nose. He was glad that Ishida had thought to make them box lunches the night before.

"Hmm, though watching them would be far more entertaining and less disturbing. You realize that Kon needs to keep his stories in some coherent order..." Ishida sighed, pushing around pieces of vegetable with a pair of chopsticks.

Sado picked up a piece of sweet potato carved into a star shape. He nibbled on it thoughtfully, keeping a close watch on Ishida. When he heard no reply for a few minutes Ishida asked, "What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," said Sado. "It's just interesting the way you eat."

"And you've just NOW commented on that? It's no more unusual than how anyone ELSE eats," Ishida asked, blinking at Sado as if he'd gone nuts.

“Your neck muscles move in a way I like to watch, that’s all,” said Sado innocently enough. “Does it bother you I said that?”

“Er… no…” Ishida chuckled, feeling that ever-familiar blush returning. “But aren’t we supposed to be watching Ichigo’s substitute?”

Sado pushed around clumps of rice, and then picked up a piece of beef, placing it in his mouth. “As long as Keigo and Mizuiro don’t seem to mind, it’s all right. Though I think they’ll be upset their plan won’t be necessary.”

Ishida finally lifted a piece of fish to his lips. “But he’s spinning a whole tale about Abarai being away for a month… when Ichigo gets back…”

“It’s not untrue,” Sado shrugged.

“I suppose it’s all right. I just dislike having to babysit him,” Ishida sighed, picking up another morsel of his lunch to slip into his mouth. Sado continued to eat at a steady pace for a long minute.

“We weren’t here the last time he ‘filled in’ and the world didn’t come to an end as far as Ichigo’s social life went.”

Scooting back far enough, Ishida braced his back against the tree trunk next to Sado. “Yes but we weren’t here to see wonder boy at work. We were busy fighting hollows ourselves remember?”

“Kon can handle it,” Sado answered simply. He glanced down at the Quincy, staring again.

“Now what?”

“You’re not eating much. You shouldn’t skip out on enough nourishment. You’ve been…”

“I am a Quincy remember. I can gather reishi from the world around me… and I don’t eat that much to begin with.”

“It wouldn’t hurt for you to bulk up a bit. Not that you don’t already look fine the way you are,” Sado began, but stopped to shove another piece of food into his mouth.

“You sound like someone’s mother,” Ishida chuckled. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine.”

“That was insulting. I’m sorry,” said Sado, glancing away.

“No it wasn’t. Don’t apologize. You do have a valid point,” Ishida interrupted, picking up pieces of pickled radish to pop into his mouth.

“Would you like to trade?” Sado asked as he carefully watched Ishida’s expression. He held his bento box directly in front of the Quincy, who reached out a hand to accept it.

Ishida passed his over with a slight smile. “I suppose that would be amenable. Help yourself.”

“Thank you,” Sado replied, reaching for the proffered plastic ware container. Each of them finished the other’s lunches off while relaxing under the tree.

Ishida thought since Keigo and Miziuro knew about his infatuation with Sado, they had nothing to hide anymore. Once he ate his fill of Sado’s lunch he leaned back, resting his head on Sado’s left shoulder. Against his head, Ishida felt the other man rest his, both of them leaning on one another to relax.