Not Close Enough

Patient kisses gave way to frenzied exploration. Ichigo grabbed a fistful of Renji’s robe in his hand, tugging hard. Heeding the change, Renji twisted his mouth on Ichigo's, increasing the pressure of his lips. A muffled squawk from the youth under him caused Renji to chuckle, breaking their kiss. Frustrated, Ichigo frowned, his rapid exhalation rasping across his teeth.

"It's not funny."

"Relax Ichigo. I'm not going anywhere and there’s no rush. Ya got me all to yourself," Renji teased, bracketing Ichigo's legs with his strong thighs. The delicious pressure caused Ichigo to shiver, and grab the front of Renji's Shihakusho. Pulled to one side the cloth V revealed tantalizing black markings that drew Ichigo's curiosity.

"Tell me something, Renji. I always thought it was funny how I could touch ghosts as if you were solid and other people couldn't. Never cared a hell of a lot about it, but it bugs me now," Ichigo blinked up at him. He sat up a bit, propping his head and shoulders on his headboard and gazed up at his would be admirer.

"Rukia said I thought too much," Renji blinked down at him.

"Yeah yeah yeah, laugh it up.” Ichigo glared up at him, with a death ray stare that said, "Go to hell, and I'll give you a one way ticket."

"Shit you're easy to rile up. It's scary how much you're like me, Ichigo," Renji shook his head, clicking his tongue.

"Am I supposed to cheer or be sick?" Ichigo twisted the corner of his mouth into a sarcastic smile.

"You haven't kicked me off this bed yet, so I guess I must be doing something right," Renji observed, running his hands up and down Ichigo's shirtfront. Playfully he tugged at the buttons and then shifted off Ichigo.

"Where the hell are you going?" Ichigo shouted, grabbing Renji's kimono.

"Making sure Zabimaru's taken care of. If I'm gonna keep ravaging you I want to make sure he's in a safe place. I don't want to let my guard down," Renji mumbled.

"He's down on the floor. You're freaking blind!" Ichigo snorted in disgust. He pointed down beside his bed. Renji blinked and chuckled.

"Well I’ll be a baboon’s uncle, so it is. Guess I was off guard myself. You're too damn distracting Ichigo," Renji glared at him.

"Oh shut up," Ichigo glared.

"You still look like you want to go a few rounds. Name the time and place," Renji smirked.

He grabbed Renji again and yanked him down forcefully. Not protesting Renji allowed Ichigo to bury his lips in his, biting and stabbing his tongue into his hot mouth. Grabbing the white headband he held Renji down on him, parting his legs slightly, Renji shifted so his pelvis slipped between Ichigo's now bent knees. Then he let himself fall on top of Ichigo with a grunt through their merged mouths. He fisted Ichigo's short hair in his fingers, squeezing the back of Ichigo's neck and rubbing. His other hand suddenly reached down and pressed to the pillow at the side of his head. Ichigo slid his hand down Renji's powerful back, and then rubbed lightly over the strong backside. It floored him how firm and toned it was through the loose cloth.

"I prefer you in these clothes," Ichigo panted as he reluctantly broke the kiss.

"Why's that?" Renji asked, slipping his hand between them to tug at Ichigo's buttons.

"Cause your jeans are too tight. Not to mention you dress like a hippy reject from Woodstock, like my dad on acid," Ichigo winced.

"I don't like your tone, Ichigo," Renji glared at him.

"What are you gonna do about it huh? Fight me?” Ichigo grinned up.

"You're on," Renji glared back, his feral grin equal in intensity.

This time Renji devoured Ichigo's lips, twisting the young man up to rub invitingly along his body. Grabbing his sleeves, Ichigo pulled the collar of Renji's robe down so his tattooed shoulders were visible. Renji sat up on Ichigo, yanking the teen up by his shirt and tearing at it. Buttons strained and Ichigo grunted in protest. Renji surprised him by undoing them one by one and tugging the shirt out of his jeans. All the while, he caressed and suckled on Ichigo's tongue. Memorizing his taste and smell. Ichigo seemed quite content to explore his mouth, stopping the savage intensity at the feeling of Renji taking his time.

"If you rip it I'll kill you," Ichigo gasped, breaking the kiss with a look of disappointment.

"I'm already a spirit, Ichigo. But you're not," Renji teased.

"Want to change that?" Ichigo asked, reaching for the combat pass on his belt.

"How do you want to do this, Ichigo? If you don't want this, tell me now okay? I don't want to force myself on anyone. Don't do it just to prove a point," Renji whispered. Eyes wide Ichigo stared up at him.

"Who says I'm backing down, huh?" Ichigo countered.

"I'm not saying you are, carrot top," Renji whispered. "I'm just giving you an out if you’re not ready."

"You calling me chicken, you red pineapple?" Ichigo asked.

"You said it not me. Think of it as the warm-up before the game," Renji breathed in his ear.

"Play? This isn't a game, is it?" Ichigo frowned.

"You're too serious. How many times do I have to tell you to lighten up?"

"Enough already," Ichigo answered.

"You're acting as if this is a fight. Is that the only way you know how to be around me?" Renji asked. Ichigo blinked, releasing the front of his robe.

"What are you talking about?"

"You always showing me that moody teenager mister tough guy act. You can drop it Ichigo. Like I said I'm not going anywhere, and what you see is what you get. Unless pissing me off gets you in the mood," Renji said.

"Knock it off. I don't know what the hell I'm doing," Ichigo glared, staring away.

"That's why we should horse around, ya know?" Renji said his dark eyes full of implication.

"Duh," Ichigo answered. "I know what that means!"

"Good. Are we on the same page then?"

"Yeah, absolutely, Renji," Ichigo nodded, panting at the pounding in his chest.

"You can do whatever you want. Let your imagination run wild, Ichigo. I'm not going to embarrass the crap out of you," he said seriously, rubbing his partner’s scalp. "It's better if we get used to this. Just this part."

"Why?"

"No. Just that you're so impatient. And you might miss out on, that's all," Renji explained, rocking his hips down on Ichigo. "And what better way to learn what to do then to practice and mess around?"

"Why didn't you say that before, you jerk?" Ichigo asked, blinking at him.

"You're as hard headed as me, that's why. Us redheads are supposed to be hard ass and stubborn as hell. We can't bust your reputation, right?" Renji said sarcastically.

"Hell no," Ichigo answered, snickering. Relief set in and he felt more at ease at Renji's grin.

"So, what do you want to know? You got any questions. Or are we just going to learn as we go?" Renji asked.

"I learn on the job," Ichigo answered.

"At least you're relaxing. That's a good sign. Now, are you going to take a closer look at me or what?" Renji glanced down at where Ichigo's hand tugged on his belt. Meeting the challenge Ichigo unbelted Renji's sash and tugged his shihakusho open all the way.

"That must have hurt like hell to get those," Ichigo winced, rubbing a hand over Renji's markings.

"You like 'em?" Renji asked, closing his eyes and enjoying Ichigo's hands caressing his skin.

"Either you're a sadist who likes pain, or you’re trying to show how badass you are," Ichigo answered.

"Heh," Renji answered. "Not the answer I expected, but at least you’re honest."

"They're considered badass or criminal here," Ichigo shrugged. "But hell, it's different. Not good or bad. Just is. I'm not going to say one thing or another. It's weird, but it's something I can't keep my eyes off wondering why the hell you did it unless it was to impress someone... or you have your own reasons that are none of my business."

"Zabimaru," said Renji quietly, his eyes more open and less guarded. "They just happen. But if you tell anyone else that..."

"You'll kill me, right?” Ichigo chuckled, running hands deliciously over Renji's ribs.

"You got it."

He shrugged off his top, so it hung around his hips. Renji then flexed his muscles, running his hands over Ichigo's as they explored the lines. Then when the teen's hands rubbed his muscles, he closed his eyes and inhaled, rumbling with pleasure. "Feels damn good."

"Uh huh," Ichigo breathed, shivering as Renji's hands caressed the backs of his. Then reaching down Renji lightly ran his hands over Ichigo's chest, now visible between the halves of his shirt. Still he sat on the teen's hips, his whole weight bearing down on the lump tenting Ichigo's jeans. It felt sinfully good and he did not want Renji to leave where he sat.

"What?"

"When are you going to take that stupid band out of your hair? You look like a freaking pineapple!" Ichigo joked, his eyes twinkling as they regarded Renji's ponytail.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Renji asked.

"This," Ichigo answered, suddenly twisting his hips, and tossing Renji to the side. He flipped them over so he grabbed Renji's ponytail and tugged the band out. It fell to the floor and silky hair fell over Ichigo's hands.

"Feisty aren't ya?" Renji chuckled, and it was a nice sound, Ichigo thought. Now they lay side to side, Renji’s back pressed against Ichigo's wall so the teen could scoot his body up and press him there. Grabbing handfuls of Renji's hair Ichigo pulled his face forwards. HIs kiss was clumsy and then teasing. Renji murmured a sigh as Ichigo coaxed his lips apart and rubbed his scalp. Renji then wrapped his arms around Ichigo, massaging his back and pulling his shirt out of the back of his pants.

Ichigo's breath puffed hot in Renji's lips when he felt hands sliding and squeezing his ass. It was a thrilling feeling, driving him insane and wild with a burst of hot lust. His legs tangled with Renji's and he ran his crotch along the shinigami's leg. Renji did the same, sliding his hand in the back of Ichigo's jeans and massaging his muscular ass with teasing pinches.

"Oooh man this feels awesome," Ichigo panted.

"Good. That's what I want," Renji murmured, his eyes half shut and hair obscuring the markings around his face. Ichigo did not think twice about the fact it was a man in his bed and not a woman, and it seemed perfectly comfortable. For now, he contented himself with feeling the soft silk of Renji's long hair and the hard muscles of his bare chest caressing his own. Simply taking his time, he petted the smooth marked skin, and tasted Renji's slow kisses. He felt more relaxed and comfortable the longer they lay side by side and fondled one another's bodies.

"You’re driving me crazy," Ichigo panted.

"You're pretty good at this, Ichigo. If Id didn't know any better I'd say you were holding out on me," Renji whispered, nipping at his lower lip.

"Heh," Ichigo answered, swelling with the complement.

"So it looks like you like horsing around, Ichigo?"

"It's not bad," Ichigo said.

"Uh huh," Renji nodded. "We can play some more or go onto the next level."

"Next level? So you're making an analogy to Shikai and Bankai now?" Ichigo chuckled.

"If ya like," Renji shrugged.

"Don't you know it's first, second, third base and home?" Ichigo responded. "Sheesh you're not hip with it."

"Baseball? Figures." Renji rolled his eyes.

"Hey what the hell's wrong with baseball?" Ichigo poked him in the chest.

"Nothing at all," Renji shrugged, and then pulled Ichigo back for another kiss. It shut him up, not that Renji minded the sound of the kid's voice. They argued a lot, yet still fought side by side. Perhaps this could work just as well if he could get Ichigo to let go more. Only the sound of their kisses filled his room, as he gained confidence and tugged at his belt. Soon it fell to the floor, snaked out of the loops of his jeans. Then he shimmied out of them with Renji's help, letting them puddle near his shirt. For a moment, he wondered if he should slip out of his body.

"Nah, I wanna feel it like this first," Renji whispered in his ear.

"Let's get under the covers," Ichigo said quietly.

"Fine by me," Renji nodded, and then moved aside so Ichigo could tug the blanket up. Both of them climbed between the sheets, not asking why Ichigo wanted them in his bed. Yet Renji guessed it was just in case some nosy person would walk in.

"I don't want my idiot dad walking in here. I know he can't see you, but I don't want him giving me crap about jacking off without the right tools," muttered Ichigo.

"You got a point. I don't want anyone to interrupt this or I'll slice them like pickled radishes," Renji growled.

"Really?" Ichigo stopped to ask.

"I want this, Strawberry. Hope you feel the same."

"You think I don't? You're one hell of a kisser Renji. And damned if you don't feel good here," Ichigo whispered.

"Agreed. You're not so shabby yourself. I figured you would get to like this as much as wrestling with me. And it's much more fun too isn't it?" Renji whispered.

"Yeah," Ichigo nodded, caressing the side of Renji's face and enjoying how good Renji's hands felt on his body. Between the cool sheets, they again tangled their legs, and Renji flipped so Ichigo sat astride him. They turned over, kissing leisurely and letting their hands roam for a time. Gently their tongues caressed and kneaded, throughout sampling one another’s mouths while their hands memorized their bodies.

He had to admit he liked how Renji's hair spilled out over his pillow and lay alongside his. The man was damn handsome with his hair around his face, his marked body pressed tightly and grinding against his. Renji was strong and fierce, yet a mixture of contradictions.

"What's wrong Ichigo?" he whispered.

"I... I don't know what to do next," Ichigo mumbled, embarrassed.

"It's okay. Just improvise," said Renji. "I'll go as fast or slow as you want."

"So it's up to me, huh?" Ichigo asked. "I'm cool with that. I just... man I hate being a freaking idiot."

"If you knew how to do this you'd have ripped my clothes off long ago," Renji boasted.

"Aww bullshit," Ichigo answered. "Because I'd be too freakin' stubborn to know you'd be good in bed."

"Good in bed. You ain't seen nothing yet," Renji continued to brag.

"Oh yeah, well are you going to put your money where your mouth is?"

"Be careful what you ask for," Renji whispered his voice a low growl. Ichigo grabbed the bulge in Renji's pants at the same time the other man's knee brushed his.

"How's that?" Ichigo asked rubbing and squeezing.

"Not bad. You are good at this, Ichigo," Renji purred. "Except if you put your hand DOWN my pants it'd be better."

"I'll show you," Ichigo taunted, undoing the hakama and plunging his hands into them. His hands wrapped around the hard erection, marveling how it felt much like his own. Hard, slick and warm. Keeping a slow pressure, he squeezed and rubbed along it, just as he would himself.

"Mmm, that's better," Renji answered. "You want me to help you feel good? You don't have to, but...”

"Do it," Ichigo answered, voice not wavering. Renji glanced at him with a look of trust, and then slowly reached into his partner's boxers. Ichigo released Renji's cock to pull his underwear down, and Renji hiked his hakama down around his knees. Now lying side by side, they grasped one another's cocks to stroke them. While Ichigo noticed the difference in skin tone, he was quite impressed with the sight of more of Renji's inked body visible. Their hands were large and strong, rough as they glided and teased with the right amount of pressure.

"Mmm don't stop, it feels so freaking good," Renji hummed.

"Oh hell, you... man... I can't..." Ichigo groaned as he arched his back.

"More," Renji whispered hoarsely. Harder and longer, they squeezed and massaged, each trying to outdo the other until Ichigo grunted, and Renji did soon after. Crying out Ichigo buried his face into Renji's shoulder and the shingami did the same. They shuddered, their hands suddenly coated with a slick hardness that exploded over the sheets and their bare bodies.

"Oh… Ichigo!" he shouted.

"Renji... I..." Ichigo choked, his whole body shaking and convulsing. Strong arms held him close and then they panted in a shared embrace. Murmuring he felt the blinding white spots swarming before his eyes as he hugged Renji tightly to him.

Renji pushed back and kissed Ichigo on the lips. Before he reached over and bound him possessively in his arms. Ichigo sighed and slid his arms around Renji's neck, pressing his brow to the other man's. A warm glow buzzed over his body and he was in bliss with the shattering orgasm. Still the sheets were a messy puddle and he knew his father would be teasing him. Yet Renji's essence tingled over Ichigo's skin, spirit instead of matter.

"Renji?" Ichigo asked.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks man. That was…. I can’t describe it," Ichigo panted.

"You're telling me. I haven't had that much fun in decades," Renji whispered, kissing his ear.

"I don't know though... if I'm ready for... well... you know..." Ichigo murmured.

"No rush. Not when there's so much fun to explore first. You may have learned Bankai in three days but you couldn’t master it outside of Soul society, remember?"

"You telling me I'm going to suck at home plate?" Ichigo asked, lifting his head.

"No Ichigo. I'm just saying that you don't have to rush to master everything. Sometimes there's something to be said for taking the long way," Renji explained, reaching down to lick his hands and taste Ichigo's ejaculate. Ichigo felt proud of how flushed and sweaty Renji seemed.

"I don't have ten years to learn sex," Ichigo nudged him.

"No, but I don't want to rush this. It means too much to me, Ichigo," Renji said, caressing his cheek.

"Means too much?" Ichigo blinked. He suddenly felt all warm and gooey inside, something he never thought Renji Abarai would do.

"Yeah. You look surprised. Why shouldn't I care about you and me? I don't do this with just anyone, you know."

"Didn’t think you did. Cause if you did I'd have to kill them," Ichigo said, with a slow smile of contentment.

"C'mere," Renji said, pulling Ichigo into his arms and giving him another delicious kiss. Rolling over, Ichigo felt more relaxed then he had in a long time.