CHAPTER 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach...

"New Love" by Maroon 5.

Umm...yeah...anyone up for some fluff? Ugh...think I outdid myself this time...

What the fuck, I got nothing to lose
I'm a slave to the way that you move
I'm an addict for all that you do
You're the only drug I wanna do yeah

Onwards...

XOXOXO

Was he dreaming? Perhaps he'd been imagining things. He had just had the orgasm of his life a moment ago, so it was plausible that his mind was conjuring something he only dreamed about hearing. He stared at Grimmjow, hoping and praying that his mind wasn't lying to him, that this all wasn't some sort of elaborate illusion.

"What did you say?"

Grimmjow sighed, but kept that small smile on his lips. "I feel like I'm fallin' in love with you, Ichigo. And this ain't new, so that's why I can say that and feel confident about it. I've liked you for a long time, and this that we have between us now...it's strong. Don't you feel it?"

Ichigo didn't want to appear weak or like he was overly emotional, but no one since his mom had said the L word to him. Not even his old man. Hell, his old man was never home long enough to care about more than what Ichigo was up to in school. It was depressing. But this...this was absolutely beautiful. Tears threatened to sting his eyes, so he swallowed a few times and closed them.

"I-I feel it," he whispered. He wasn't sure his voice was strong enough to carry at a normal tone. "Is this really happening right now?"

Grimmjow's arms around him tightened as he brought Ichigo closer. "It's definitely happening."

A sigh shuddered past Ichigo's lips as he leaned forward and rested his head against Grimmjow's broad shoulder. He felt it alright. He'd liked Grimmjow since he'd first lain eyes on the boy, but never in his wildest dreams had he thought they would end up together this way. Maybe even reckless sex had crossed his mind, but this? A real relationship? The prospect of love? Never. They were enemies, forbidden from even talking to each other. The notion alone should have been utter ridiculousness, yet here they were, defying the odds.

Grimmjow suddenly lay back against the pillows, his arms still wrapped around Ichigo's waist. Ichigo kept his head against Grimmjow's shoulder as he let his mind roam freely. He wanted to live in this moment for the rest of his life, even though he knew it was impossible. He knew they would have to return to their homes and go back to pretending to hate one another in public. This relationship would take a lot of work, but Ichigo was willing to fight for it. He was willing to be with the one person who'd told him he was falling for him.

"Grimmjow," he whispered before clearing his throat. The taller boy hummed in response, the deep vibration of his voice soothing to Ichigo. "What if I told you I was already there?"

"Already where?"

"There. For you."

Ichigo was struggling with his words for once because he was afraid of outright telling Grimmjow that he believed he was already in love with him. Probably had been for some time. What would be the taller boy's reply? Would he tell Ichigo he was moving too fast? But they'd already performed the most intimate act of a romantic relationship. It wouldn't make sense for Grimmjow to tell him that. Maybe Ichigo just needed to stop acting like a shy little girl and tell his new boyfriend how he really felt about him.

Grimmjow rolled them over until Ichigo was on his back, looking up at him. Blue eyes were blazing with passion and something else that Ichigo had only ever seen in his mother's gentle gaze. That alone had the power to clog his throat with emotion.

"What are you trying to tell me?" Grimmjow's voice was quiet and so contradicting to his normal behavior. Ichigo averted his eyes, but Grimmjow turned his chin, making him face him again. "Talk to me. We don't have to hide shit from each other anymore."

Ichigo was still shaken with nerves. He'd never felt this way about anyone that wasn't his family, and it was too difficult to just lay bare his soul, even though he really wanted to. He reached up and wrapped his arms around Grimmjow's strong neck, burying his face at the base of the boy's throat. He couldn't keep himself together. It was as though everything decided to hit him all at once: how much he missed his mom, the explosive feelings he'd kept hidden for Grimmjow, their unfair family situations... Ichigo inhaled slowly and deeply, trying his damnedest to tuck it all away again. His exhale came out as a breathy chuckle.

"I love you."

The following silence was so thick, Ichigo felt like he could reach out and grab it. What was going through Grimmjow's mind? Was he upset? Had Ichigo unknowingly turned the moment into an awkward one? He carefully pulled away from Grimmjow's neck, already missing the boy's unique scent as his head lowered to the pillow. He kept his eyes tightly shut, hoping against hope that the mood wouldn't turn sour. Why was Grimmjow so quiet?

A hot bead of moisture hit Ichigo's cheek before it slowly rolled down along the line of his jaw. Frowning, he opened his eyes. He was so stunned by what he saw that all he could do was gape at the blue-haired boy. Grimmjow's eyes were bright and shining with tears, even though he wore a deep scowl. It was almost as if Grimmjow didn't realize he was crying. His head moved down until it was resting against Ichigo's chest, his shoulders shuddering as he fought whatever emotions were roiling within him. Ichigo gingerly put his arms around those wide shoulders and pressed his face into soft blue hair.

"Grimm?" Grimmjow's shoulders heaved as he expelled a deep breath. Suddenly, the quiet was dispelled by the boy's soft chuckles. "Grimm?" Ichigo tried again.

Finally, the blue head lifted, and blazing Summer sky eyes gazed down at Ichigo. He was wearing a wide, beautiful grin that was so different and endearing, it took Ichigo's breath away.

"That-" Grimmjow started. He paused and shook his head in obvious disbelief. "I can't even tell you how happy I am right now."

Relief flooded Ichigo as he smiled back. His arms around Grimmjow's shoulders moved to around the boy's strong neck and applied tender pressure in order to bring Grimmjow's face closer to his.

"I think I can take a guess by that goofy grin on your face," he murmured.

Grimmjow's laughter was low and seductive as he brushed his straight nose against Ichigo's. "At least mine ain't as goofy as yours."

"In your dreams, Princess."

Before Ichigo knew it, they were kissing again. This time it was slow and heartwarming – something Ichigo had never experienced before. Yet, he loved every moment of it.

XOXOXO

It was four-thirty in the morning, and he and Ichigo were standing beside their cars, lazily making out. He had a hand under the shorter boy's t-shirt, his palm gliding along sturdy ribs and taut muscles. He wished they didn't have to leave one another after the night they'd shared, but if they didn't, they would only bring more trouble their way. Grimmjow pulled out of the kiss first, his eyes hooded, his body on fire.

"We gotta go," he mumbled before claiming Ichigo's lips once more.

Ichigo chortled into the kiss and ran a lean hand down the side of Grimmjow's face. "So stop kissin' me."

"I'm tryin'."

He meant it too. He was really trying to ease away from the orange-haired teen, but found it more difficult than he'd anticipated. He backed Ichigo against the side of his car as he deepened their kissing. His tongue delved into Ichigo's mouth, engaging the other boy in an oral battle that tightened his groin and set his stomach ablaze. He reached around and gripped Ichigo's firm backside, drawing him closer. They were panting and moaning, and...God, did they really have to stop? He couldn't get enough of his new boyfriend.

"I love you."

His stomach fluttered and his heart soared every time he thought about Ichigo's quiet declaration. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that things would progress so far and so fast between him and his once arch nemesis, but everything he learned about Ichigo made him fall a little harder. However, he couldn't say that he wasn't thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

Ichigo leaned back and pressed his hands against Grimmjow's chest, a long sigh accompanying a look of utter disappointment. "I don't want to leave," he husked.

"Me either."

Grimmjow hated to part with Ichigo, but realized after glancing down at his watch that time really did fly when you were having fun. He groaned and pressed his nose into Ichigo's hair. This was so unfair. He didn't understand why he couldn't just be with the orange-haired teen. Why did his father have to be such a monumental ass? Why couldn't Eric take control of the business, leaving Grimmjow to his own devices?

He straightened and put a hand against Ichigo's chest, giving it a slight push. "Go...'fore I change my mind."

Ichigo's brown eyes smiled a second before his lips did. He stood on his toes and left a soft kiss on Grimmjow's cheek before turning to his car with a small wave. Grimmjow watched Ichigo slide into his car, start it up and glide away with another wave.

"Text me when you get home!" he hollered after Ichigo.

Ichigo tapped the horn and sped off. Grimmjow was heavy with reluctance when he entered his own vehicle. And to think it would only get worse the more time he spent with Ichigo. He didn't care, though. He'd walk through Hell barefoot if it meant he could keep his relationship with Ichigo going. He started the car and jumped when his phone shrilled in the tight silence. He pulled it from his back pocket and smirked at the message.

I love you...

Ichigo was trying to kill him. He felt like a girl as it was with all the new emotions jumping around inside of him. He quickly sent a reply before setting the phone in one of the cup holders in the middle console and starting the car.

Don't drive and text idiot! Do it when you get home. ...And I love you too...

He didn't check his phone when it chimed again, instead peeling off in the direction of his home with a wide grin.

XxxxxxX

School used to be a dull affair, but now, with the promise of seeing Ichigo everyday, it held new meaning. He still had to save face in front of his friends, but it wasn't a total bust. For instance, he knew that Ichigo traveled through the main hallway towards the academic wing during the change from sixth to seventh period. Grimmjow planned to take full advantage of that. He left class a little later than usual, annoyed at how many people still lingered in the long corridor. Thankfully, with his status, the security guards didn't bother him when he was in the halls longer than he should be. He passed the few stragglers, chuckling to himself when one of the burly guards shooed them into their classrooms.

Just as Grimmjow was beginning to think Ichigo wouldn't show, his arm was grabbed, and he was pulled none too gently into a dark room. After stumbling into a yellow mop bucket, he whirled around to face his aggressor. The door slammed, blocking the tiny amount of light that had been filtering into the cramped janitor's closet. And then his back was pressed to the wall, his arms full of enthusiastic teenager. Grimmjow could recognize Ichigo's smell in a room full of people. He dropped his backpack and pulled Ichigo closer, their lips finding each other with an urgency that bordered on desperation. He slid his hands under Ichigo's shirt, savoring the feel of soft skin and tight muscle. Before long, the only sounds in the closet were their heavy breathing, the gentle rustling of clothing, and the wet smacking of their kissing. Finally, Grimmjow figured he needed to breathe.

"Did anybody see you?" he asked into the dark.

Ichigo snickered. "Nope. I left class a few minutes early to beat the rush."

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"'Cuz...you're not as brilliant as me."

"Jerk," Grimmjow grumbled as he tugged Ichigo even closer.

Ichigo gave a quiet moan when one of Grimmjow's hands slid beneath his belt. Between harsh breaths, Ichigo whispered, "Yeah, yeah, yeah...you love it."

Grimmjow growled as he fumbled with Ichigo's jeans. He needed to get that pesky button undone so he could claim his prize, but Ichigo liked his jeans a little fitted, and it was getting annoying.

"Ya know I do. Now...a little help would be nice."

Ichigo chuckled, but he complied, his hands sliding from Grimmjow's chest down to his own pants. Grimmjow listened, eagerness ratcheting up a few levels when the sound of Ichigo's zipper filled the room. Ichigo took one of Grimmjow's hands and guided it to his erection that was peeking through the slit of his boxers. Grimmjow's breath caught in his throat, but he leaned forward, closing the gap between his and Ichigo's faces. He took hold of Ichigo's shaft and groaned along with his boyfriend.

"Much better," he murmured before reclaiming those soft lips that haunted his dreams.

Grimmjow stroked with more urgency than he'd intended, but it was only because Ichigo was undoing his belt and jeans, Ichigo's touch barely there when he slipped his hand into Grimmjow's boxers.

"Oh, man," Grimmjow mumbled.

His words were cut off as Ichigo kissed him again. He was so caught up in the moment, it took him a few seconds to realize that Ichigo had a hand over both of their erections and was bucking wildly into it. Grimmjow hissed and pressed their foreheads together. With Ichigo so wanton, he didn't think he'd be able to last at all. Which was probably what Ichigo wanted. It wasn't like they could take their time.

"I'm gonna cum," Ichigo whispered, voice husky and thick. "Been thinking 'bout this all night and all day."

"Shut up," Grimmjow grunted before hissing again.

He couldn't hold back. It felt too damned good. He grabbed a handful of Ichigo's hair, tilting the shorter teen's head back before thoroughly kissing him. He pumped into Ichigo's fist, fast and hard, providing more friction. Ichigo whined into the kiss, his own hips moving with their own brand of desperation. Using his free hand, Grimmjow palmed and kneaded one of Ichigo's lower cheeks, his pace quickening. Everything caught fire and tightened as he pulled out of the deep kiss. He lowered his lips to Ichigo's extended neck, his breaths coming fast and heavy.

"Oh, my God," Ichigo gasped a second before warmth spilled over his hand and against Grimmjow's lower abdomen.

The sensation sent Grimmjow over the edge. He joined his boyfriend in ecstasy, his teeth sinking gently into Ichigo's neck. He shuddered as his orgasm was wrung from him like a wet cloth. After a few moments, his hips finally slowed to a standstill, but his breathing was still coming in hurried, deep gulps. Ichigo was the first to recover, his voice vibrating with a low chuckle.

"Damn, that felt amazing."

Grimmjow could only grunt with approval. His body felt like a sack of potatoes: heavy and slumped over. Ichigo nuzzled Grimmjow's neck, his grin apparent even though Grimmjow couldn't see his face.

"I could use a nap right 'bout now," Grimmjow muttered into Ichigo's neck.

Ichigo outright laughed as he ran his fingers through Grimmjow's bangs. He loved when Ichigo played with his hair. He leaned into the caress and kept his eyes closed. He'd meant what he'd said about a nap. He was completely spent for the time being, and he really didn't want to separate from Ichigo.

"We gotta go back to class, though."

"Don' remind me." Grimmjow slowly backed out of Ichigo's embrace with a sideways grin. "That was fun. Same time an' place tomorrow?"

He could hear Ichigo moving around in the darkness, but there was a lengthy pause before the teen cackled. "You're such a perv, Grimm."

"Me?! Yer the one-"

Ichigo shut him up with another kiss, tender and filled with unspoken promises. Grimmjow indulged him, but after a while, he grinned into the lip lock.

"That's not gonna work all the time, ya know?" he grumbled.

"Yeah, right," Ichigo scoffed, running a hand over Grimmjow's shirt. "You're helpless in my hands."

Grimmjow didn't like the cocky sound of Ichigo's tone, but screw it. He'd let the boy get away with murder at this point.

"Shut up," he muttered.

For a while, the only noise that could be heard was Ichigo's soft breathing and the slight rustling of his clothes. Grimmjow really didn't want to move, didn't want to leave that closet, but he knew time wouldn't stand still for them. He sighed and pressed his face into Ichigo's soft hair.

"I guess we should go now," Ichigo said, his voice muffled against Grimmjow's shirt.

Grimmjow nodded. "Yeah. Hey what are you doing this weekend?"

Ichigo paused. "I didn't have anything specific planned. Why?"

"I wanna see you."

Ichigo chuckled, but Grimmjow could hear the satisfaction in it. "So, you wanna meet up somewhere again?"

"Hell, yeah. Just don't know where yet. We can talk about it later, I guess."

"Sounds good to me."

Ichigo wrapped his arms around Grimmjow's neck and teasingly brushed his lips against Grimmjow's cheek. Grimmjow smirked as he folded the shorter boy into his embrace.

"I like it when you get all mushy."

"Shut up," Ichigo snapped.

The words were entirely without heat, though. Well, not the negative kind anyway. Before Grimmjow could respond in kind, they were kissing again. Hell, at this rate, they'd never leave the closet, and that was just fine by him. His lower half was just beginning to heat up and stir to life when Ichigo backed away, taking all of that pleasant warmth with him.

"Come on before we start something we can't finish in here."

Grimmjow sucked his teeth. Before? It was a little too late for that, but he'd let it go for now. Though what he really wanted to do was drag his boyfriend back to his chest and...

"Didja hear me?" Ichigo interrupted.

"Fine, fine. You owe me for this."

"What? How?"

Grimmjow eased away from the wall, his legs a little unsteady. He was astounded by the complete 180 degree turn his thoughts had undergone when it came to the orange-haired teenager. Now, instead of annoying him, everything Ichigo did made him smile.

"You knew what you were doin' when ya kissed me like that," Grimmjow grunted.

He could hear Ichigo's wicked grin. "Yeah, well...gives you something to look forward to, right?"

"Heh, I don't need a kiss for that to happen."

After the words left his mouth, he realized just how cheesy they sounded. Ichigo's resulting cackle didn't help the embarrassing moment either.

"Awww. You can be cute when you try hard enough."

Grimmjow lowered his voice and edged closer to where Ichigo stood. "I'm gonna kick your ass."

Ichigo bolted, and they spilled from the janitor's closet, laughing. Thankfully, the hallway was empty and silent. Grimmjow turned both ways just to make sure before he grabbed Ichigo's arm and pulled him close. He dipped his head and kissed him.

"See ya 'round, OK?" he murmured.

Ichigo's brown eyes had gone a little distant and glazed before he nodded and adjusted his backpack. Grimmjow grinned as they left in opposite directions. Yeah, his life had changed alright, but he couldn't say that it was a bad thing.

XOXOXO

"Where the hell were you?" Szayel snapped across the aisle while the teacher's back was turned. "You're almost twenty minutes late!"

Ichigo gave a secretive grin. Szayel didn't need to know everything. Sure, he knew that Grimmjow was Zorro, and Ichigo still owed the pink-haired brat an ass kicking for that, but there were some things Ichigo planned to keep to himself. Like the fact that he and Grimmjow were officially an item and actually in love with one another. Heat spread across his cheeks and crept down to his neck, totally giving him away. When he peered at Szayel from the corner of his eye, he grimaced. The jerk wore a smug smirk as he sat back in his seat and adjusted his glasses.

"Well," Szayel mumbled. "Well, well, well."

Shit. Now he had to find a way to keep his friend out of his hair about his whereabouts. He decided to ignore Szayel for the rest of the class, but as soon as the bell rang, signaling its end, Szayel hovered over him, arms folded across his slender chest.

"You are not getting away without telling me what's going on. Why you insist on trying to hide things from me is beyond my comprehension."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. Only Szayel could make an insult sound like a college lecture. Ichigo climbed to his feet and stuffed his things into his backpack. He was taking his time, stalling, as he tried to figure out what he was going to tell the pink-haired teen.

"I just had a few things to take care of," he finally came up with.

"Really," Szayel scoffed. "Don't insult my intelligence, Ichigo. Where were you today? Does this have anything to do with Zorro?" he crooned.

Ichigo blushed at the thought of Grimmjow and his striking, blue eyes. Not to mention, what had occurred in the janitor's closet...that Ichigo had initiated. He smiled, inwardly proud of himself. Before he'd pulled Grimmjow into the closet, he hadn't thought he would have the courage to go through with it. But peering through the tiny gap at the taller teen had changed his mind. Ichigo rubbed a hand over his face, willing the flush to disappear. It didn't work.

"Ohhhh?" Szayel continued. "I take it that's a big yes. So...what am I missing?"

Ichigo sighed. Szayel was haughty and annoying, but he was still Ichigo's best friend. "We're going out," Ichigo blurted as he brushed past.

Szayel was right on his heels. "Eh? Wait! Ichigo!" Szayel gripped his elbow, halting Ichigo outside of the classroom. He glanced around to make sure they weren't being listened to before he leaned in, mustard-colored eyes wide. "So, does this mean you know who Zorro really is?"

Ichigo glared. "Yeah, no thanks to you!"

"Well!" Szayel huffed. "I didn't have a choice really. Once Ilforte gets into his romantic stage, he's impossible to deal with. He insisted we keep your identities a secret in order to allow you buffoons to figure it out on your own. It worked, did it not?"

Ichigo had to admit that it did. And maybe if he'd known beforehand who Zorro really was, things wouldn't have ended up so unbearably wonderful. Did that mean he had to thank Szayel? God, he hoped not. The teen was insufferable when he was smug. Szayel grinned as if he could read Ichigo's thoughts.

"You're welcome. But you must tell me the details. I want to know everything. How did this come to pass? I really can't believe the two of you are over whatever animosity was between you."

Ichigo hung his head as he allowed Szayel to lead him to their next class. How he wished they didn't have a nearly identical schedule. He really wasn't in the mood to have his brand new emotions exposed to criticism.

"I started remembering things," Ichigo muttered, hesitant at first. He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "I remembered that Zorro had the same blue eyes as Grimmjow, had the same face, same smile, same smell..." By now, Ichigo was blushing again. "So, I asked if we could meet up. He wanted to do the same. I guess, he was starting to remember things too. We got together at Skyline and that's where I found out for certain that Zorro was in fact Grimmjow."

"Mmm...and?"

Ichigo huffed a breath and rolled his eyes. "Well, we agreed not to contact one another anymore, but I guess, by then it was too late. We both liked each other, so it was kind of hard to just forget about what had happened. So...I, uh...I ended up texting him because I was bored. We ended up talking, and things just went from there," he ended, aware of the vague nature of his statement.

"I asked for details, you know," Szayel prodded.

"Well, I don't kiss and tell!" Ichigo snapped.

Which was a blatant lie. Normally, he did with Szayel, but he refused to show his best friend just how shyly Grimmjow made him behave. He lifted his chin in defiance and focused straight ahead. Szayel chuckled.

"Oh, this is absolutely adorable, Ichigo." Ichigo turned a withering glare at Szayel. "I'll let you off the hook this one time, but I have to know one thing!"

"What, Pinky?"

"Don't call me that horrible name. You know it displeases me. Anyway, do you love him? I know you're serious because you never miss a chance to regale me with your sexual conquests, but...does that mean what I'm thinking?"

Ichigo flushed again. Damn, Szayel for being so fucking perceptive. He wasn't going to answer that. When Szayel realized that Ichigo didn't intend to speak, he smirked.

"I see. So, that's an obvious yes. Well, I, for one, am very happy for you, Ichigo. I never understood why the two of you hated one another simply because of a stupid family feud. Your personalities are a perfect match, and it's about time that you idiots saw it."

"I hate you," Ichigo mumbled, helpless.

What could he do? Szayel was right in every sense of the word. Not only that, but he and his brother were directly responsible for Ichigo and Grimmjow's relationship. Ichigo sighed and turned to his friend before they entered their next class.

"I hate saying this because I know how awful about it you can be, but...thanks, Szayel. If it weren't for you and your brother, me and Grimm wouldn't be together."

Szayel stared at him for what felt like forever before a tiny grin lifted the corner of his mouth. "Grimm, is he?"

Ichigo shoved Szayel's shoulder and stormed into the classroom. See what he got for trying to be nice? He rubbed his hands over his face again, trying to dispel the redness.

It didn't work.

Thank you for reading!