Not Too Close RenxIchi ChaxIshida 20/?- rated T
Title: Not Too Close
Genre: Romance
Rating: T
Word count: 3200 approx
Pairings: RenjixIchigo, SadoxIshida
Summary: Back to the RenxIchi with something I hope people will enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, Tite Kubo created the characters and they belong to Shonen Jump. This fan fiction means no harm to the anime/manga and I make no money writing it.
Time varied between Soul Society and the living world sometimes. A few hours before or after relative to them two of Ichigo’s friends continued on the trail of the two Shinigami. Trying to put enough distance between Renji and Ichigo so the couple would not catch them and ask all sorts of awkward questions.
“I still don’t’ think this the best idea,” Sado confessed, trying to remove Ishida’s hand from his arm without hurting him.
“Be careful or you’ll fall,” Ishida cautioned, trying to hold Sado steady on the energy surface he focused his Hyrenkyaku on.
However, Sado finally twisted his arm free and leapt down. Ishida dispelled his Quincy energies to land next to him, confusion crossing his face. “Just why did you do that?”
“I think we shouldn’t follow them. Especially since their trace leads into the park,” said Sado.
“But aren’t you the least bit concerned that…” Ishida began. He stopped however when a blast of reishi alerted his senses. Both he and Sado remained perfectly still until it dissipated.
“Ichigo’s energy is gone,” said Sado. “They’re probably in Soul society.”
“Why would Ichigo just rush off to Soul Society?” Ishida asked with a worried glance at Sado. “I know that Abarai asked him to come, but I just don’t like him rushing off without telling us.”
“Perhaps to have privacy?” Sado suggested which caused the Quincy to glare at him annoyed.
“That’s not at all amusing, Chad.”
Sado shrugged. “In the past you wouldn’t want anything to do with Shinigami activity?”
“Well yes,” Ishida stammered, adjusting his glasses on his nose with a slight blush. “But that was before I realized that Kurosaki needs us to keep him out of trouble from other Shinigami.”
“It is his decision, and we should respect it. Humans aren’t usually welcome in Soul Society so even if we did follow we may get him into trouble.”
“You don’t think Kurosaki suddenly showing up uninvited in Soul Society won’t cause a problem?” Ishida retorted.
“If he wasn’t allowed there, Abarai wouldn’t have invited him. Why shouldn’t a substitute Shinigami go to soul society?”
Ishida frowned, folding arms across his chest. “He’s human too, Chad.”
“Maybe. But so are we and we have school tomorrow. We should probably go back and get a good night’s sleep.”
“Just how long is he going to be gone? I for one don’t look forward to putting up with that lunatic mod soul in his body!” Ishida groaned.
“True, but that’s one thing we can do for Ichigo. Make sure Kon doesn’t get his body into trouble. Remember that he likes girls.”
“And that means open season on Inoue-san,” Ishida realized, wincing. “We are needed here more than there with what disasters he may cause…”
Sado nodded knowingly. “Keigo and Mizuiro don’t know. Ichigo’s got enough problems already.”
________________________________________
Ichigo had a very loud voice. Of course, Renji knew that ever since they had first encountered one another while fighting. Equally volatile either Shinigami was quick to pick up his weapon and fight for what he believed in with heartfelt conviction.
Fortunately, the apartment had very well insulated walls. The simple clean lines of rice paper stretched over wooden screens provided an interesting blank canvas for Ichigo to trace his eyes over. Dizzy, overrun with emotion he laid back spread-eagled and let his body hum after the full-fledged assault he had been subjected to.
“Soul Society,” Ichigo mumbled, and then let out a snort that could be amusement or something else.
His mind spun with the mental possibilities of just what Kon was up to, and he struggled to sit bold upright. However, the body stretched on top of him made such an action impossible without flinging it across the room. The last thing Ichigo wanted was to piss off his bedmate right now. Besides, he looked so peaceful sprawled on top with that hair haphazardly strewn over Ichigo’s chest. Just under his chin, he felt that hard head pressed.
“Oi, you’re heavy,” Ichigo grunted, nudging Renji in the leg with one toe.
“Mmm just a few more minutes,” his partner responded, adjusting his position so his thigh tangled around the young man’s hip.
“Gah,” Ichigo groaned, realizing in some ways it was akin to his friend’s horror stories of letting a huge friendly dog share their bed. Then he gave a sad smile because the one he loved often referred to himself as a stray and that was the last thing the former vice captain needed to hear.
“You feel too damn good,” mumbled Renji in his sleep.
“That’s the reason your ass isn’t thrown against the far wall,” Ichigo chuckled. “But I may in a minute because I gotta go…”
“Yeah,” answered Renji, rolling off and onto his side. Ichigo ruffled his red hair and then untangled himself. He did not bother worrying about clothing because there were needs that are more urgent. Sliding the shoji screen aside, he realized how much this place was an anachronism. Including having to stand squatting over a toilet instead of sitting down on one.
Alternatively, walking across a small wooden slatted floor to see a tub that could be filled with extremely hot water, and a few buckets and wooden racks. “Shit, I should a guessed. Freaking traditional.”
He contented himself with filling one of the metal basins and using it for a quick sponge bath. Then grabbing a white cloth robe he wrapped it around himself and entered the apartment again. He did not have to look far to see someone with their head buried in the open fridge, and fought the temptation to tag that backside with a playful foot to it.
“Bathroom’s free. Oi!” he barked.
“Be back,” Renji answered, dashing off across the room. He was wearing a multicolored floral print kimono that Ichigo barely had the time to see before he heard the screen door slide open and shut. Rubbing hands over his face, he opened the various cabinets and mentally surveyed just what foodstuffs were there. One of the few things that seemed remotely familiar and out of place in this environment was what appeared to be a toaster of all things. He tossed a few slices of bread in and then hunted for coffee.
“Damn, no coffee,” Ichigo cursed. What kind of a place WAS this?
Of course, they did not have coffee, at least when he had last been in Soul society. Not until he had pestered someone and Ukitake had sent a messenger with a container. He instead put a pot on the stove, which had gas style burners, and found a small teapot and clay cups. One container was a ceramic jar of loose tea, while the drawer contained a metal mesh basket and a wooden whisk.
A metal pot with an inserted lining resembled a rice cooker, except it did not plug into a wall. He found the dried rice and set it up, figuring he remembered that it was something Yuzu sometimes cooked for breakfast but not always. He recalled the former vice captain often ate steamed rice for breakfast with bits of sweet bean jam. He was happy to find eggs at least and had pulled out the straw lined carton when something hit him.
“Since WHEN did he have that kind of kimono?” Ichigo suddenly wondered, blinking fully awake. He quickly turned off the boiling water and poured it through the tea collected in the strainer, lowering it into the pot. He mentally thanked his mother for teaching each of her children to cook. Even though Yuzu handled making meals Ichigo still often lent her a hand when company came over. At least until she shooed him out of the kitchen so she could do it herself.
While the rice steamed, he made more toast then put it in the oven to keep it warm while he satisfied his curiosity. He had only looked in the drawers not the cabinets. To his surprise when he opened the closet door, he found a number of clothes that in no way resembled something he would typically wear. Except maybe during festival time, family funerals, or weddings.
“What the hell? These are not my clothes,” Ichigo mumbled, shaking his head.
He reached for a pink flowered robe on one hanger and almost dropped it when someone said, “Ya figured it out, didn’t ya?”
Ichigo spun around to see Renji with a very amused expression on his face. He caught the hangar Ichigo almost dropped and rested his other hand on Ichigo’s shoulder. Staring at him in confusion Ichigo asked, “These are your clothes?”
“Yeah. I brought a few changes of my clothes here. Figured you wouldn’t mind sharing since you’re not always gonna be in those clothes,” said Renji.
“Wait, is it all right for you to stay here? For a 4th seat to spend the night with a fukaitaicho? I thought Kuchiki didn’t want us fraternizing…”
“He meant on the job. He doesn’t give a damn about what his squad mates do off the job as long as they report in on time and do what they’re told. It’s beneath his consideration what commoners do,” Renji wrinkled his nose when he said this.
“Yeah, figures. Lucky for us," Ichigo said, rolling his eyes, but he smiled at the thought of being around the other so much.
“An’ by the way, you wanna burn breakfast or what?” Renji asked, leaping to his feet.
“Shit…” Ichigo cursed, rushing back into the kitchenette area. Fortunately, he caught the rice before it solidified into a hard mass.
“Lemmie whip something up. It won’t take long,” Renji offered, taking the eggs out of the fridge.
**
“I miss coffee, damn it,” Ichigo commented, kneeling across from Renji by the low table a few minutes later. He tucked his knees under the cloth skirt, enjoying the warmth. Already it was 10 minutes later, and the wall clock told him that they had a half hour to finish getting ready and head to squad 6.
“Sorry we don’t have that typically in Soul Society,” Renji apologized, swallowing a mouthful of breakfast before speaking.
“Not even instant?” Ichigo asked, blinking at him.
“You mean that stuff actually comes where ya just add hot water? Ya might as well just drink tea!” Renji shook his head.
“Well I know grinding coffee beans a pain in the ass to some, but dragging a jar of instant through a gate wouldn’t take too long,” Ichigo asked, blinking at him.
“I’ll see what I can do about that,” Renji promised.
________________________________________
Back in the living world, two others were stirring in the morning light. Nestled together on one futon, the larger of the two came into alertness first. Wrapping his arms more tightly around the figure he was spooned into he whispered, “Good morning… Ishida?”
Ishida blinked at the sound of the familiar deep voice. As he opened one eye, he saw the familiar blur of the world without his glasses. Mumbling he turned over and tried to reach for them.
“They’re on the bookcase,” said the deep voice again.
“Mnnh,” Ishida mumbled, his entire body aching. The large brawny arm wrapped around his torso tightened, so his back pressed to a hard wall of muscle. Soft lips kissed the back of his neck, causing him to shiver.
“If you wait a minute I’ll get them for you,” Sado murmured into the Quincy's ear, causing him to shiver.
“I… I’ll be all right without them until I take care of some needs,” Ishida said, voice in a near whisper.
“Would you like coffee?” asked Sado.
“Yes please that would be advisable,” Ishida murmured, freezing still where he lay. The reality of where he was exerted himself and he felt shy from head to toe as Sado pressed a soft kiss to his ear, and then released him from the embrace. Instinctively Ishida wrapped the covers around himself.
He saw the shape rise and step over him, giving him a blurry view of bronzed skin, and white boxer shorts. However, he was surprised to see that his classmate seemed to be hiking fabric over his head and tugging it down. Just in front, he saw his white costume draped and folded neatly on the chair where he had left it the night before.
“Here,” Sado said, bending down. Ishida stared past the blur of curly hair and felt something placed into his palm delicately.
“Thank you,” he said, realizing from the feel of metal and plastic that it was his glasses. Tugging them back, he unfolded the temples and hastily slipped them on his nose. What met his eyes was a partly clothed Sado bending down on one knee, peering at him with concern from under that fall of curly hair. Ishida had enjoyed how soft and silky they felt when trading kisses last night.
“Are you all right? Did you sleep okay?” Sado continued to ask.
“I’m fine really,” Ishida said with a nervous smile, cocooning himself in the sheets.
“You can borrow my robe if you like,” Sado offered. “It’s in the closet… you want me to…”
“No don’t trouble yourself. I will find it. That’s quite thoughtful of you,” Ishida sighed with relief, sitting up in bed once Sado turned his back. He allowed the sheets to fall, revealing his bare chest adorned with distinctive scarring. Throwing the covers aside, he picked up the blanket and wrapped it around him. It was so damn cold in this place.
Realizing Ishida needed privacy Sado decided to head to the kitchenette in his small apartment. Bending over slightly he pulled some items out of the fridge and set them on the counter. Already the bittersweet aroma of coffee permeated the morning air, energizing Sado without even having to taste it. Six eggs cracked easily between the fingers of one hand into the frying pan that Sado had set on the stove. He used the spatula to nudge the eggs into a fluffy yellow mass.
Over the sound of eggs frying he heard the bathroom door click open and then glanced up to see Ishida wandering out, lost and swimming in the large blue velvet robe. It almost dragged on the floor. Sado’s robe came to his ankles and he fought the urge to laugh at Ishida tugging it up by the pockets so he would not trip on it. His monogrammed initials on the breast pocket were wrinkled from the way Ishida had doubled the front and tied it tightly so that the belt was looped and tied in the back.
“I decided to forgo the shower. I’m a bit hungry, considering how good that smells,” Ishida said. Sado nodded at Ishida’s small but welcome smile. There was something cute about the Quincy in his robe that melted Sado’s already soft heart.
“Here,” Sado said, placing two plates he had made up on the table. Then he put down a pair of mugs. Ishida picked up the chopsticks he had set to the side.
“I accept this food humbly,” Ishida said, his mouth watering.
“That’s good because there’s more here than I can eat,” Sado said, nodding at Ishida’s small smile.
Sado picked up his utensils as well, waiting a split second behind Ishida beginning to eat before he did. As they shared their breakfast, Sado occasionally peered at Ishida from under his fringe of dark hair. How cute. He always loved cute things. Though Ishida was not exactly ‘cute’ and ‘cuddly’ like a parakeet, or a stuffed animal, he was attractive. Lean, muscular like a greyhound, with silky shiny hair and deep blue eyes that varied between cobalt when introspective, and midnight when angered.
“Quite delicious,” Ishida commented, those cobalt eyes fixed hungrily on the plate. Was it Sado’s imagination or was Ishida desperately trying to hold back from wolfing down the food?
Sado looked at the wall clock. “Glad you like it. I’m afraid we only have forty five minutes before we have to be at school…”
“Good thing you woke us when you did. I do not relish arriving there with the dilemma we will face,” Ishida said, watching as Sado poured Tabasco sauce on the side of his plate. He dipped more of his egg into it and carefully maneuvered the piece of it into his lips.
“Kon, in Ichigo’s body. Not a pleasant thought,” Sado nodded, wincing mutually with Ishida. Picking up his coffee, he took a good swig of it. Alertness buzzed in Sado’s brain, and he found himself enjoying sharing his apartment.
Ishida felt a slight blush come to his cheeks for the umpteenth time glancing around the tidy place. That futon they had both squeezed onto last night was comfortable enough, but he could have slept on the sofa. However, Sado insisted that they could both share, and from the way, things were going he did not have the heart to refuse. Having that large muscular body spooned up to his felt wonderfully good to the Quincy. He was lonely and Sado’s attention seemed a heaven sent gift.
“You do realize that I forgot a change of clothes,” Ishida mumbled.
“Have you forgotten that you left your duffel bag here?” Sado asked, pointing to the closet.
“How foolish of me,” Ishida realized, shaking his head. “I do not know what is wrong with me lately. Being absent minded is not a characteristic I like to be known for.”
“You’ve had a lot more to think about. Both of us have,” Sado said. Ishida nodded soberly, picking up the last bite of his breakfast. He hated to end it because it was pleasant just sitting here with someone who was not babbling endlessly or trying to engage him in needless conversation.
“So… less than three quarters of an hour to get ready? And both of us need a shower,” Ishida murmured, setting his chopsticks down.
“You first. I’ll clean up in here,” Sado said. Ishida murmured thanks and climbed to his feet, disappointed that the idea of sharing had not made it into Sado’s suggestions.
“Right… thanks…”
“There’s an extra disposable razor in the bathroom, and towels. Help yourself,” Sado said, stacking the plates and carrying them to the kitchen.
Still Ishida he was not sure how quickly he wanted to take things, because Ishida did not want Sado to think that this was just because of unresolved tension with the Quincy and two Shinigami.
Sharing a bed was intimate enough even though they both did nothing but fall asleep. Apart from Sado bending down and brushing his lips lightly over Ishida's, that is. Or pulling him close and rubbing the Quincy's back more as Ishida looped his arms around Sado's neck. Softly teasing his classmate's mouth apart to give him a nervous meeting of tongues before drawing back.
Or Sado suggesting they share the futon because he didnt' want either of them relegated to the sofa as Ishida had sometimes slept there before. Shyly Ishida had capitulated, helping him unroll and set it up.
Then turning away from one another quietly as they had removed their own clothes. Stripped only to his underwear and Sado in his boxers they slid under the covers. Sado had spooned into him, wrapping his arms around Ishida and had kissed the back of his neck softly. For a moment Ishida turned over and brushed another nervous kiss to his companion's lips before feeling extremely weary and regretful that sleep overtook him.
“I can't stop thinking about that kiss,” Ishida mumbled as he made his way into the bathroom and hung the robe up. He could not hear anything over the shower, so he focused on going as quickly as he could so Sado would have enough hot water.
Ten minutes later Ishida exited the bathroom, wearing Sado’s robe and a towel draped over his head. Sado nodded from the kitchen, his eyes focusing for a long minute on the Quincy. “It’s all yours,” Ishida said.
“Right,” Sado nodded, and strode past him, closing the door behind him. That good look at the boxer shorts and T-shirt on Sado’s form was definitely something that Ishida did not mind getting used to. Taking a deep breath Ishida found his duffel bag in the closet which held his school uniform. Carefully he folded up his Quincy outfit and hastened to change.
He wondered how Ichigo was fairing in Soul Society.
***
Genre: Romance
Rating: T
Word count: 3200 approx
Pairings: RenjixIchigo, SadoxIshida
Summary: Back to the RenxIchi with something I hope people will enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, Tite Kubo created the characters and they belong to Shonen Jump. This fan fiction means no harm to the anime/manga and I make no money writing it.
Time varied between Soul Society and the living world sometimes. A few hours before or after relative to them two of Ichigo’s friends continued on the trail of the two Shinigami. Trying to put enough distance between Renji and Ichigo so the couple would not catch them and ask all sorts of awkward questions.
“I still don’t’ think this the best idea,” Sado confessed, trying to remove Ishida’s hand from his arm without hurting him.
“Be careful or you’ll fall,” Ishida cautioned, trying to hold Sado steady on the energy surface he focused his Hyrenkyaku on.
However, Sado finally twisted his arm free and leapt down. Ishida dispelled his Quincy energies to land next to him, confusion crossing his face. “Just why did you do that?”
“I think we shouldn’t follow them. Especially since their trace leads into the park,” said Sado.
“But aren’t you the least bit concerned that…” Ishida began. He stopped however when a blast of reishi alerted his senses. Both he and Sado remained perfectly still until it dissipated.
“Ichigo’s energy is gone,” said Sado. “They’re probably in Soul society.”
“Why would Ichigo just rush off to Soul Society?” Ishida asked with a worried glance at Sado. “I know that Abarai asked him to come, but I just don’t like him rushing off without telling us.”
“Perhaps to have privacy?” Sado suggested which caused the Quincy to glare at him annoyed.
“That’s not at all amusing, Chad.”
Sado shrugged. “In the past you wouldn’t want anything to do with Shinigami activity?”
“Well yes,” Ishida stammered, adjusting his glasses on his nose with a slight blush. “But that was before I realized that Kurosaki needs us to keep him out of trouble from other Shinigami.”
“It is his decision, and we should respect it. Humans aren’t usually welcome in Soul Society so even if we did follow we may get him into trouble.”
“You don’t think Kurosaki suddenly showing up uninvited in Soul Society won’t cause a problem?” Ishida retorted.
“If he wasn’t allowed there, Abarai wouldn’t have invited him. Why shouldn’t a substitute Shinigami go to soul society?”
Ishida frowned, folding arms across his chest. “He’s human too, Chad.”
“Maybe. But so are we and we have school tomorrow. We should probably go back and get a good night’s sleep.”
“Just how long is he going to be gone? I for one don’t look forward to putting up with that lunatic mod soul in his body!” Ishida groaned.
“True, but that’s one thing we can do for Ichigo. Make sure Kon doesn’t get his body into trouble. Remember that he likes girls.”
“And that means open season on Inoue-san,” Ishida realized, wincing. “We are needed here more than there with what disasters he may cause…”
Sado nodded knowingly. “Keigo and Mizuiro don’t know. Ichigo’s got enough problems already.”
________________________________________
Ichigo had a very loud voice. Of course, Renji knew that ever since they had first encountered one another while fighting. Equally volatile either Shinigami was quick to pick up his weapon and fight for what he believed in with heartfelt conviction.
Fortunately, the apartment had very well insulated walls. The simple clean lines of rice paper stretched over wooden screens provided an interesting blank canvas for Ichigo to trace his eyes over. Dizzy, overrun with emotion he laid back spread-eagled and let his body hum after the full-fledged assault he had been subjected to.
“Soul Society,” Ichigo mumbled, and then let out a snort that could be amusement or something else.
His mind spun with the mental possibilities of just what Kon was up to, and he struggled to sit bold upright. However, the body stretched on top of him made such an action impossible without flinging it across the room. The last thing Ichigo wanted was to piss off his bedmate right now. Besides, he looked so peaceful sprawled on top with that hair haphazardly strewn over Ichigo’s chest. Just under his chin, he felt that hard head pressed.
“Oi, you’re heavy,” Ichigo grunted, nudging Renji in the leg with one toe.
“Mmm just a few more minutes,” his partner responded, adjusting his position so his thigh tangled around the young man’s hip.
“Gah,” Ichigo groaned, realizing in some ways it was akin to his friend’s horror stories of letting a huge friendly dog share their bed. Then he gave a sad smile because the one he loved often referred to himself as a stray and that was the last thing the former vice captain needed to hear.
“You feel too damn good,” mumbled Renji in his sleep.
“That’s the reason your ass isn’t thrown against the far wall,” Ichigo chuckled. “But I may in a minute because I gotta go…”
“Yeah,” answered Renji, rolling off and onto his side. Ichigo ruffled his red hair and then untangled himself. He did not bother worrying about clothing because there were needs that are more urgent. Sliding the shoji screen aside, he realized how much this place was an anachronism. Including having to stand squatting over a toilet instead of sitting down on one.
Alternatively, walking across a small wooden slatted floor to see a tub that could be filled with extremely hot water, and a few buckets and wooden racks. “Shit, I should a guessed. Freaking traditional.”
He contented himself with filling one of the metal basins and using it for a quick sponge bath. Then grabbing a white cloth robe he wrapped it around himself and entered the apartment again. He did not have to look far to see someone with their head buried in the open fridge, and fought the temptation to tag that backside with a playful foot to it.
“Bathroom’s free. Oi!” he barked.
“Be back,” Renji answered, dashing off across the room. He was wearing a multicolored floral print kimono that Ichigo barely had the time to see before he heard the screen door slide open and shut. Rubbing hands over his face, he opened the various cabinets and mentally surveyed just what foodstuffs were there. One of the few things that seemed remotely familiar and out of place in this environment was what appeared to be a toaster of all things. He tossed a few slices of bread in and then hunted for coffee.
“Damn, no coffee,” Ichigo cursed. What kind of a place WAS this?
Of course, they did not have coffee, at least when he had last been in Soul society. Not until he had pestered someone and Ukitake had sent a messenger with a container. He instead put a pot on the stove, which had gas style burners, and found a small teapot and clay cups. One container was a ceramic jar of loose tea, while the drawer contained a metal mesh basket and a wooden whisk.
A metal pot with an inserted lining resembled a rice cooker, except it did not plug into a wall. He found the dried rice and set it up, figuring he remembered that it was something Yuzu sometimes cooked for breakfast but not always. He recalled the former vice captain often ate steamed rice for breakfast with bits of sweet bean jam. He was happy to find eggs at least and had pulled out the straw lined carton when something hit him.
“Since WHEN did he have that kind of kimono?” Ichigo suddenly wondered, blinking fully awake. He quickly turned off the boiling water and poured it through the tea collected in the strainer, lowering it into the pot. He mentally thanked his mother for teaching each of her children to cook. Even though Yuzu handled making meals Ichigo still often lent her a hand when company came over. At least until she shooed him out of the kitchen so she could do it herself.
While the rice steamed, he made more toast then put it in the oven to keep it warm while he satisfied his curiosity. He had only looked in the drawers not the cabinets. To his surprise when he opened the closet door, he found a number of clothes that in no way resembled something he would typically wear. Except maybe during festival time, family funerals, or weddings.
“What the hell? These are not my clothes,” Ichigo mumbled, shaking his head.
He reached for a pink flowered robe on one hanger and almost dropped it when someone said, “Ya figured it out, didn’t ya?”
Ichigo spun around to see Renji with a very amused expression on his face. He caught the hangar Ichigo almost dropped and rested his other hand on Ichigo’s shoulder. Staring at him in confusion Ichigo asked, “These are your clothes?”
“Yeah. I brought a few changes of my clothes here. Figured you wouldn’t mind sharing since you’re not always gonna be in those clothes,” said Renji.
“Wait, is it all right for you to stay here? For a 4th seat to spend the night with a fukaitaicho? I thought Kuchiki didn’t want us fraternizing…”
“He meant on the job. He doesn’t give a damn about what his squad mates do off the job as long as they report in on time and do what they’re told. It’s beneath his consideration what commoners do,” Renji wrinkled his nose when he said this.
“Yeah, figures. Lucky for us," Ichigo said, rolling his eyes, but he smiled at the thought of being around the other so much.
“An’ by the way, you wanna burn breakfast or what?” Renji asked, leaping to his feet.
“Shit…” Ichigo cursed, rushing back into the kitchenette area. Fortunately, he caught the rice before it solidified into a hard mass.
“Lemmie whip something up. It won’t take long,” Renji offered, taking the eggs out of the fridge.
**
“I miss coffee, damn it,” Ichigo commented, kneeling across from Renji by the low table a few minutes later. He tucked his knees under the cloth skirt, enjoying the warmth. Already it was 10 minutes later, and the wall clock told him that they had a half hour to finish getting ready and head to squad 6.
“Sorry we don’t have that typically in Soul Society,” Renji apologized, swallowing a mouthful of breakfast before speaking.
“Not even instant?” Ichigo asked, blinking at him.
“You mean that stuff actually comes where ya just add hot water? Ya might as well just drink tea!” Renji shook his head.
“Well I know grinding coffee beans a pain in the ass to some, but dragging a jar of instant through a gate wouldn’t take too long,” Ichigo asked, blinking at him.
“I’ll see what I can do about that,” Renji promised.
________________________________________
Back in the living world, two others were stirring in the morning light. Nestled together on one futon, the larger of the two came into alertness first. Wrapping his arms more tightly around the figure he was spooned into he whispered, “Good morning… Ishida?”
Ishida blinked at the sound of the familiar deep voice. As he opened one eye, he saw the familiar blur of the world without his glasses. Mumbling he turned over and tried to reach for them.
“They’re on the bookcase,” said the deep voice again.
“Mnnh,” Ishida mumbled, his entire body aching. The large brawny arm wrapped around his torso tightened, so his back pressed to a hard wall of muscle. Soft lips kissed the back of his neck, causing him to shiver.
“If you wait a minute I’ll get them for you,” Sado murmured into the Quincy's ear, causing him to shiver.
“I… I’ll be all right without them until I take care of some needs,” Ishida said, voice in a near whisper.
“Would you like coffee?” asked Sado.
“Yes please that would be advisable,” Ishida murmured, freezing still where he lay. The reality of where he was exerted himself and he felt shy from head to toe as Sado pressed a soft kiss to his ear, and then released him from the embrace. Instinctively Ishida wrapped the covers around himself.
He saw the shape rise and step over him, giving him a blurry view of bronzed skin, and white boxer shorts. However, he was surprised to see that his classmate seemed to be hiking fabric over his head and tugging it down. Just in front, he saw his white costume draped and folded neatly on the chair where he had left it the night before.
“Here,” Sado said, bending down. Ishida stared past the blur of curly hair and felt something placed into his palm delicately.
“Thank you,” he said, realizing from the feel of metal and plastic that it was his glasses. Tugging them back, he unfolded the temples and hastily slipped them on his nose. What met his eyes was a partly clothed Sado bending down on one knee, peering at him with concern from under that fall of curly hair. Ishida had enjoyed how soft and silky they felt when trading kisses last night.
“Are you all right? Did you sleep okay?” Sado continued to ask.
“I’m fine really,” Ishida said with a nervous smile, cocooning himself in the sheets.
“You can borrow my robe if you like,” Sado offered. “It’s in the closet… you want me to…”
“No don’t trouble yourself. I will find it. That’s quite thoughtful of you,” Ishida sighed with relief, sitting up in bed once Sado turned his back. He allowed the sheets to fall, revealing his bare chest adorned with distinctive scarring. Throwing the covers aside, he picked up the blanket and wrapped it around him. It was so damn cold in this place.
Realizing Ishida needed privacy Sado decided to head to the kitchenette in his small apartment. Bending over slightly he pulled some items out of the fridge and set them on the counter. Already the bittersweet aroma of coffee permeated the morning air, energizing Sado without even having to taste it. Six eggs cracked easily between the fingers of one hand into the frying pan that Sado had set on the stove. He used the spatula to nudge the eggs into a fluffy yellow mass.
Over the sound of eggs frying he heard the bathroom door click open and then glanced up to see Ishida wandering out, lost and swimming in the large blue velvet robe. It almost dragged on the floor. Sado’s robe came to his ankles and he fought the urge to laugh at Ishida tugging it up by the pockets so he would not trip on it. His monogrammed initials on the breast pocket were wrinkled from the way Ishida had doubled the front and tied it tightly so that the belt was looped and tied in the back.
“I decided to forgo the shower. I’m a bit hungry, considering how good that smells,” Ishida said. Sado nodded at Ishida’s small but welcome smile. There was something cute about the Quincy in his robe that melted Sado’s already soft heart.
“Here,” Sado said, placing two plates he had made up on the table. Then he put down a pair of mugs. Ishida picked up the chopsticks he had set to the side.
“I accept this food humbly,” Ishida said, his mouth watering.
“That’s good because there’s more here than I can eat,” Sado said, nodding at Ishida’s small smile.
Sado picked up his utensils as well, waiting a split second behind Ishida beginning to eat before he did. As they shared their breakfast, Sado occasionally peered at Ishida from under his fringe of dark hair. How cute. He always loved cute things. Though Ishida was not exactly ‘cute’ and ‘cuddly’ like a parakeet, or a stuffed animal, he was attractive. Lean, muscular like a greyhound, with silky shiny hair and deep blue eyes that varied between cobalt when introspective, and midnight when angered.
“Quite delicious,” Ishida commented, those cobalt eyes fixed hungrily on the plate. Was it Sado’s imagination or was Ishida desperately trying to hold back from wolfing down the food?
Sado looked at the wall clock. “Glad you like it. I’m afraid we only have forty five minutes before we have to be at school…”
“Good thing you woke us when you did. I do not relish arriving there with the dilemma we will face,” Ishida said, watching as Sado poured Tabasco sauce on the side of his plate. He dipped more of his egg into it and carefully maneuvered the piece of it into his lips.
“Kon, in Ichigo’s body. Not a pleasant thought,” Sado nodded, wincing mutually with Ishida. Picking up his coffee, he took a good swig of it. Alertness buzzed in Sado’s brain, and he found himself enjoying sharing his apartment.
Ishida felt a slight blush come to his cheeks for the umpteenth time glancing around the tidy place. That futon they had both squeezed onto last night was comfortable enough, but he could have slept on the sofa. However, Sado insisted that they could both share, and from the way, things were going he did not have the heart to refuse. Having that large muscular body spooned up to his felt wonderfully good to the Quincy. He was lonely and Sado’s attention seemed a heaven sent gift.
“You do realize that I forgot a change of clothes,” Ishida mumbled.
“Have you forgotten that you left your duffel bag here?” Sado asked, pointing to the closet.
“How foolish of me,” Ishida realized, shaking his head. “I do not know what is wrong with me lately. Being absent minded is not a characteristic I like to be known for.”
“You’ve had a lot more to think about. Both of us have,” Sado said. Ishida nodded soberly, picking up the last bite of his breakfast. He hated to end it because it was pleasant just sitting here with someone who was not babbling endlessly or trying to engage him in needless conversation.
“So… less than three quarters of an hour to get ready? And both of us need a shower,” Ishida murmured, setting his chopsticks down.
“You first. I’ll clean up in here,” Sado said. Ishida murmured thanks and climbed to his feet, disappointed that the idea of sharing had not made it into Sado’s suggestions.
“Right… thanks…”
“There’s an extra disposable razor in the bathroom, and towels. Help yourself,” Sado said, stacking the plates and carrying them to the kitchen.
Still Ishida he was not sure how quickly he wanted to take things, because Ishida did not want Sado to think that this was just because of unresolved tension with the Quincy and two Shinigami.
Sharing a bed was intimate enough even though they both did nothing but fall asleep. Apart from Sado bending down and brushing his lips lightly over Ishida's, that is. Or pulling him close and rubbing the Quincy's back more as Ishida looped his arms around Sado's neck. Softly teasing his classmate's mouth apart to give him a nervous meeting of tongues before drawing back.
Or Sado suggesting they share the futon because he didnt' want either of them relegated to the sofa as Ishida had sometimes slept there before. Shyly Ishida had capitulated, helping him unroll and set it up.
Then turning away from one another quietly as they had removed their own clothes. Stripped only to his underwear and Sado in his boxers they slid under the covers. Sado had spooned into him, wrapping his arms around Ishida and had kissed the back of his neck softly. For a moment Ishida turned over and brushed another nervous kiss to his companion's lips before feeling extremely weary and regretful that sleep overtook him.
“I can't stop thinking about that kiss,” Ishida mumbled as he made his way into the bathroom and hung the robe up. He could not hear anything over the shower, so he focused on going as quickly as he could so Sado would have enough hot water.
Ten minutes later Ishida exited the bathroom, wearing Sado’s robe and a towel draped over his head. Sado nodded from the kitchen, his eyes focusing for a long minute on the Quincy. “It’s all yours,” Ishida said.
“Right,” Sado nodded, and strode past him, closing the door behind him. That good look at the boxer shorts and T-shirt on Sado’s form was definitely something that Ishida did not mind getting used to. Taking a deep breath Ishida found his duffel bag in the closet which held his school uniform. Carefully he folded up his Quincy outfit and hastened to change.
He wondered how Ichigo was fairing in Soul Society.
***