Why Can't I Just be a Normal Highschooler

[NicTheDjinn]

This wasn't how he wanted to start out his first day back from summer vacation. He sure as Hell didn't expect to be *jumped* on his way to school, either, especially by some damn Shinigami members, at that! It really pissed him off-- he knew damn well why, too. He knows that he has a reputation, knows people start fights with him over the most tedious and asinine crap, like his hair color-- but now? Now he'd been roughed up for telling some wannabe gang members off after they tried to convince him 'nicely' to join them.

Bastards really thought he'd agree, really? He has enough trouble with the normal bullshit-- between grades and keeping his head down as much as he can in class, he didn't need to get all caught up in criminal activity on top of it all. He'd go silver if he tried to add that on top of everything else, granted he didn't die stupidly first. Organized crime, big or small, carried that risk. Ichigo had no intention of throwing his life away unless it was to *save* someone else.

But, that didn't matter to those Shinigami goons that damn near broke his ribs before Chad arrived to back him up. He was just lucky he made it to school early enough to afford his aching pace, head pounding. How many times did that Jidanbo guy get him in the skull? Whatever-- he could care leas right now. He wasn't nauseous, dizzy, nor did he have any other underlying concussion symptoms.... Well, at least the ones he knew well enough. Seems to pay off having a small clinic doctor as a father, he supposed. He knew enough to scrape by, know what he can ignore and what not to as far as damage went.

However, his reaction time was.... Admittedly a bit slower, thanks to one of his eyes beginning to swell shut. He'd gotten what he needed for his homeroom after washing up as best he could in the bathroom, only to collide with someone as he rounded a corner. It wasn't just some pathetic bump, like you'd see in some predictable romance manga, no-- he damn near lost his footing and fell back, his aching ribs shooting with more pain from the sudden pressure. "Sh-shit--!!" The carrot-top hissed, before looking up, only to see another face he'd been hoping to avoid--

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, one of the 'Espadas' of the Arrancars-- another group that had been prowling his neighborhood and his usual hangouts since summer began. Granted, all they've done was observe, but.... If he was gonna be honest, it bothered him more to be watched, rather than confronted outright. Still, that being said, he's heard enough rumors about the Arrancars-- how they're more prone to attack when provoked, though some in more creative and sadistic ways, depending on the member. Grimmjow, for one, had been touted as a brash, egotistical playboy with a taste for blood-- seemingly akin to a cat that plays with a mauled mouse, only killing the poor thing once bored.

"D-didn't see you there...." Ichigo warily began, not wanting any more trouble than he has had in one day alone. "Just trying to get to class.... Hope you understand...." He at least knew, for certain, that some gang members had knives on them even on school grounds-- how they're smuggled in was beyond him. "'Scuse me...." He took a careful step to the side, hoping to get out of this encounter no worse than he was already, and, ideally, without further incident before the day was through.

The knot in his gut said otherwise.

-----

Every gang of Yakuza with a presence in Karakura town knew about the Kurosaki kid. Flashy, orange-haired, a damn good fighter… Son of Isshin Kurosaki, one of the few people that had been able to rise to the top in the Shinigami Group and then leave on his own power. Even the Arrancar, the sworn enemies of Isshin’s previous group, knew better than to come after the man or his home. His son was a whole different matter, however. Having inherited his father’s will and fighting prowess, he would be an addition to any organization, and quite a loss to whichever didn’t manage to recruit him. Each one had made their plea- hell, even a broken off faction of the Shinigami Group called the Visored, and a foriegn Mafia going under the Quincys had vied for the kid’s enrollment. Still, Ichigo wouldn’t budge, wouldn’t join anyone.

It appeared that resolve pissed off a good amount of underlings, who took it upon themselves to attempt to beat the orange-haired teen into submission. The Arrancar Group’s lackey’s were notorious for lashing out at anyone who even looked at them the wrong way, and Ichigo had a number of clashes with them, though true to form, he always managed to wipe the floor with the lot of them. Apparently Boss Aizen didn’t mind the teen taking out his men, as it always seemed there were more ready to join up. The Boss attracted guys like that- Soulless, men and women without morals, in it to sate their appetites for power and violence. Perhaps the worst of the worst in that regard were the Espada, the ten members Aizen kept closest to him. No love was held by any members for the others, just as cutthroat to each other as they were to outsiders. The Boss’s will alone kept them from falling upon each other, tearing the Group apart from the inside out.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez perhaps carried the most notoriety, though he was only ranked Sexta Espada within Aizen’s inner circle… Though that was still quite the feat, seeing as the man was a high schooler himself. Somehow. Between his reputation for getting into fights with other students and frequenting the Red-Light District, it was a mystery that he hadn’t been expelled… Or perhaps it really wasn’t- What institution would dare risk his wrath?

Cigarette smoke lingered in the air in a particular corner of the school yard, though the immediate sight of that dyed blue hair was enough to keep even the most diligent class reps away. In the heat of summer, he’d already unbuttoned his shirt almost halfway, and rolled up his sleeves; both alterations giving any casual observer a good view of his impressive physique. Man, this shit was boring… It was such a nice, sunny day, perfect for anything besides sitting in class, reciting old poetry for the thousandth time. No, honestly, he was jonesing for something to get the blood pumping, a fight or maybe a fuck- enough of these chicks were staring at him, surely-

Blue eyes flicked up as a dot of orange entered the school grounds and headed inside. Huh... that must have been that Kurosaki kid everyone was buzzing about. Ulquiorra had given quite the report after he and Yammy had an encounter with him... A wide grin formed on Grimmjow’s face, the man taking a long final drag before tossing the burning butt on the ground and stomping it out. There was a soft clang as he lifted Pantera, resting the aluminum bat in the hollow of his right shoulder and neck.

His pursuit ended up being fairly slow, as he'd lost sight of Ichigo once he'd gone in the school. Grimmjow didn't know which class the underclassmen had homeroom in, getting a variety of looks from the other students as he stalked the halls, lo eyes peeled for that shade of orange. The hallways cleared out fairly quickly, making his search a bit easier. Then, even easier when his prey slammed straight into his solid chest. The tip of his bat hit the floor, making a soft clank as Grimmjow caught his balance. His face was split into a grin, pleased that his prey had run straight to him by accident.

“Where you think you’re going, Kurosaki?” He stood in the middle of the hall, blocking the man’s exit and finally getting a good look at him. A low whistle passed his lips. “Damn kid. Looks like someone else got to you first… Did quite a number too, heh. Who was it? Some of those Shinigami punks?” His nose scrunched in distaste. Fucking Shinigami… They were so full of themselves, all high-and-mighty. He could see why Boss Aizen hated them so much, even though he’d been one. Aizen was honestly just as bad, the tea-guzzling prick.

…Not that he’d ever call him that out loud. He liked his fingers intact and attached, thank you very much.

The blunt end of his bat pressed into Ichigo’s sternum, shoving him back a bit. “Here I thought you’d offer some sort of challenge. The way everyone talks you up, I wouldn’t expect some damn Shinigami worms to get you so roughed up.” A sneer painted his lips.

Behind them, one of the classroom doors slid open, only for it to slide back closed even faster. No one was going to come to Ichigo’s rescue… Not with the blue-haired upperclassmen standing there, brandishing his jaguar-print bat. It had been a pain to get customized correctly- Those fuckers at the shop hadn’t been able to tell a jaguar from a cheetah from a fucking Dalmatian.

-----

Well, dammit, seems he can't leave so easily, can he? And, of course, there wasn't anyone around willing to offer a hand to him-- Chad was on another floor with the other half of his grade-- so he was face to face with someone clearly itching for some action.... And judging from the tension Grimmjow bore, he was either hoping to break a few bones or bury a few in a different sense. Ichigo had a feeling in this case, the guy would rather break him with that bat. And, speaking of said bat, that rhing felt cold even as it prodded his sore chest. It's a damn miracle he didn't have blood staining his uniform. Its also a miracle he can't tie a tie to save his life-- some prick would use it to choke him out.

"Look.... It's quite a task to leave a brawl unscathed when its 12 armed and angry men, some of which are twice your size against one of you, especially when some asshole comes out of the shadows with a 2x4 to your forehead to start it all off. I'm just lucky the bastard didn't aim lower on my face...." The redhead growled, before taking an, admittedly painful, deep breath to calm himself before he made more trouble for himself. "If you really wanna beat my ass, fine, but at least give me a week to recover. Between the brass knuckles, planks and bats, as well as punches and kicks while I was down, its a goddamn blessing I can still breathe at all." And, true to it all, his voice was strained, raspy, bordering on making him cough, as if that would ease the pain somehow.

"Deal? We can make a date out of it if it'll get ya off." He was exhausted, tired, and annoyed-- can he *just* go to class? "Granted, I'm not jumped again before then, undoing any progress I've managed to get." He added, the expression on his face conveying that, unfortunately, he anticipated more trouble sooner than he'd like. "And, honestly.... I dont get why you yakuza types even want me-- let alone wanna pick fights with me. I want *nothing* to do with that mess, no matter who's asking. It's hard enough studying my ass of and dealing with the standard brand of assholes I gotta deal with just for something as stupid as my hair." He groaned, rubbing his forehead sorely, before his vision swam a moment, making him brace a bruised and formerly bloodied hand against the wall a few moments.

Shit, maybe he *should* go home, but even if he should, he was more than likely going to get finished off. Plus, its his forst day of school-- it's hard enough to not have a sour first impression with your teachers when the school stews in rumors constantly. When he finally focused on the Espada again, it was clear the poor guy was suffering from a migraine, or even possibly a mild concussion, now that the adrenaline finally ran out, despite the situation. "Please, just let me go, and we'll fight later or whatever you want to do in a week, alright? I'd rather be seated if I pass out... "

-----

“Twelve of them huh? Geez, you gotta wonder if those punks aren’t just trying to kill you so we can’t have you!” The alpha’s roar of a laugh echoed down the deserted hallway. “I wouldn’t put it past them… But damn Kurosaki, I guess I underestimated you if it was that bad and you walked out still breathin. Or mostly breathin. Wheezing really. You break some ribs?” Again he tapped him with Pantera, the blunt tip grazing Ichigo’s side, right over said ribs.

One of Grimmjow’s eyebrows raised, his grin only seeming to grow as he leaned in a bit closer. “A week? I dunno, that’s a bit long to wait…” That bat returned to his side, the Arrancar twisting his wrist to spin it once. The alpha tilted his head this way and that as if weighing his options, then seemed to arrive at a conclusion. “But I guess you’ve got a point, there. It wouldn’t be a good fight when you’re already wrecked all to shit.” Again, that laugh echoed down the hall, the sound attracting a few brave spectators to peer out past the glass of their classroom doors. “Yeah, sure thing Kurosaki. Beating you to a pulp one-on-one sounds like just the thing to get me off. A week, then, if you last that long. I’m down.”

Grimmjow didn’t really know the ins and outs of why everyone wanted Ichigo either. He was supposedly really fucking strong… That was honestly enough for Jaegerjaquez. Other people could deal with police and politics and all that bullshit, he was happy just bashing skulls as needed. “Beats me. Boss Aizen has his reasons I guess.” He shrugged, grin faltering and eyes narrowing when Ichigo braced himself against the wall. “Damn Kurosaki, you weren’t kidding were you?” The yakuza stepped right up into his personal space, brushing orange bangs back to look at the wound. “That needs looked at...” He grunted, letting out a long hiss of breath between his teeth.

Up this close, the delinquent carried the scent of cigarettes, and something intensely him, intensely alpha. It was earthy and spicy, like frankincense and vetiver... But with an undercurrent of violence and bloodlust. The scent became even more pronounced when, suddenly, Grimmjow scooped Ichigo up and braced him against his muscular, bared chest. One arm hooked under Ichigo’s legs, the other wrapping around his back to support him. Pantera was left laying in Ichigo’s lap where it wouldn’t fall. “Your old man runs a clinic right?” The blue-haired alpha asked casually as he started walking them towards the stairs- as if he hadn’t just picked up another full-grown man and started princess carrying him. “Which ways is it?” He asked, walking them down to the ground floor with ease, his rumbly growl of a voice echoing in the stairwell and vibrating through his chest.

-----

Ichigo grimaced at the other's raucous laughter, his head pounding a bit at the sound. "At this rate, I think that's their plan, the bastards...." He grumbled, before hissing and trying to move away from the bat after it had made contact, whincing and glowering at the alpha. "I would like to hope they aren't, but seeing as they weren't playing fair or nice, and with how sharp the pain is, I at least have bruised or mildly cracked ribs. Not coughing up blood yet at least...."

The Omega grew wary as the other came close, leaning into uis personal space as he deliberated on whether to give him a week to recover or not. But, despite the insult, he was glad that he'd be able to rest a week-- or at least try to-- before Grimmjow would come for him with that bat he seems to favor so much. Again, Ichigo had winced at the other's laughter, hating how his pounding only grew worse the longer he stood there, interacting with the blue-haired male. "Wonderful...." He groaned lowly, swaying a bit at the thought of further harm in his future. He was going to end up in an early grave at this rate.

The redhead flinched when the other came into his space further, and checked out his sound, and admittedly, it *was* pretty bad. "I'll have my dad look at it when I get home--" He hadn't expected to be picked up so suddenly, nor so effortlessly by the alpha, his heart rate picking up suddenly as the bat was placed in his lap. A faint flush colored his bruised and scraped cheeks as he was held so securely against the other's well-built chest, and the poor young man was left stammering. "Wh-what the hell-- *put me down*!!" Ichigo tried to demand, his voice cracking at the shame this little stunt was causing. However, as the alpha spoke, he heard and *felt* the other's voice vibrate against his body, and he couldn't stop his mild scent from making itself known, as if rewarding this alpha's caring behavior.

Dragon's blood, vanilla and orange peel-- a scent he's been able to pass off as beta at the least, or tame alpha at best for the longest time. He was honestly worried that, while being so close, the alpha would discover him-- but, so far, he seemed just fine. Begrudgingly, he began goving the other directions to his home and clinic, clinging faintly despite feeling perfectly safe in Grimmjow's arms. Damn instincts, painting him a damsel needing to be saved....

-----

“Huh? What, you can barely walk as it is, you think you can make it there without falling and busting your head open the rest of the way?” Again that roar of a laugh burst from deep inside his chest, echoing down the halls and only fading once he stepped out the front doors. Warm morning sun still shone down upon them, Grimmjow sighing happily, a slight hint of mint joining his bouquet of alpha scent. Yeah, it was way too nice to be in a classroom right now. A detour sounded like just the thing- even if it was just carrying some underclassmen home. Actually, maybe he could even go have a little fun after dropping this kid off. It had been a bit since he went and graced his favorite club… It was never too early to start having a good time.

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a particular set of scents making themselves known. What… Was that? Grimmjow followed the scent, nose almost ending up buried in Ichigo’s hair. “Huh.” Damn, the Kurosaki kid smelled good. It was kind of strange for him to like another Alpha’s scent like this. Usually, they smelled gross- like that giant stick bastard Nnoitra. All Grimmjow could ever pick up of him was body odor and char, not that he made a habit of sniffing the other Espada. He didn’t even like to get close to the psychopath if he could help it. It always felt like he was planning out where to stab him if he turned his back for too long...

Wait. Was the kid even an alpha? It smelled a little… Sweet for that. Another inhale, the blue-haired alpha was no closer to the answer, though his nose was much closer to the wounded man’s hair. Maybe a beta? It was hard to tell… Beta scents usually seemed more subdued. Ulquiorra was supposedly a beta, and his scent was little more than weak herbal tea to Grimmjow. There was no denying betas could be strong, though, so that didn’t rule it out for Ichigo. Ulquiorra as a beta was still very capable, even while blindly and emotionlessly following orders like some sort of weird attack dog. Sure Aizen was their Boss, and they were all indebted to him in some way or another, but that level of devotion was creepy. Grimmjow scrunched his nose, banishing the thoughts of the weird, slender beta.

The only other option was an omega… There was no fucking way that was it, though. Imagining this orange-haired punk with arms full of pups- hah! It was ridiculous enough that a little chuff of laughter escaped his lips, puffing into Ichigo’s hair. That didn’t fit the descriptors Yammy and Ulquiorra had given about Kurosaki in the least! His scent wasn’t nearly as flowers-and-candy as the omegas he frequented at the Hostess Clubs… Plus, every omega he’d been around fell prey to his scent in no time flat, and Kurosaki here still had the sense to look indignant.

Nah, definitely not an omega.

“This way, right?” He checked, raising his head as he stopped pursuing that confusingly pleasant scent. Luckily the street was pretty deserted this time of day, or surely someone would have remarked upon the sight of an almost-shirtless alpha carrying another like a princess while almost sniffing his hair. Whatever Ichigo’s presentation was, it didn’t matter as long as he was as good as everyone claimed. Shame they were having to raincheck it… It was for the best anyway, as the kid had said. Beating his ass at any condition but his best wouldn’t prove anything.

-----

The omega grimaced at the other's mocking words and laughter, but it didn't help that the other was right, in a way. He really wasn't fit to be walking anywhere by himself-- he was easy pickings for whoever wanted to fuck him up more, or worse. He was no less pissed about it, however. "Fine.... But just know that I'm nit enjoying this, not one bit." He bitterly grumbled, despite how his scent only grew stronger the further along they went-- and grew thicker, almost, as they came outside, causing that soft mint to join the other's otherwise prime alpha aroma.

It was so hard not to want to fuck his face into the other's neck, breathe the other in--

Oh. He's being sniffed not so subtly by this alpha bastard!! "H-hey-- STOP sniffing me!!" He stammered out, his face growing red out of embarrassment, only for the other to sniff even *closer* to his hair, frustrating the redhead deeply. "You listening, knot-for-brains?? Stop. Sniffing. Me!!" He about yelled, before trying to push the other's face away. "You have any idea how creepy that is?? And I don't want people getting the wrong idea about us-- bad enough your princess carrying me!!"

It was almost hard to bitch about all of this, really, when his inner omega was preening, relishing this sort of attention. At least Grimmjow stopped as he asked whwre to turn next, and Ichigo told him where to go, still indignant, hoping no one that would bother him saw him being carried off. There was no way he'd hear the end of it if the Shinigamis saw him being carried off by a damn Arrancar-- no less an Espada!! Luckily, as far as he knew, they arrived at his home amd clinic safely without incident, his father greeting him at the door with genuine concern, but also a mostly civil, but also dospleased look thrown the delinquent's way. "Thank you for bringing my son home-- but know that if you were to blame for this, I'll make you regret ever having looked at my Ichigo." Isshin growled out, taking Ichigo easily from the other's hands, and closing the door behind them both.

Safe to say, it was a long, and proper, examination, and luckily for the omega, he would be cleared to go back to school in a week's time.... However, about then, he'll also have to be at least three days into his suppressants, as the week after, he was going to be due for his heat. He just hoped that the proximity to Grimmjow won't fuck with his hormones too terribly-- its a pain enough to have to get new suppressants that work as well as his currwnt prescription does!!

-----

Grimmjow had been too deeply entranced in Ichigo’s scent to notice the first complaint made by the injured man. Being shoved at got his attention, though, Grimmjow snapping at those fingers irritatedly. “What, you shy or some shit? Never been sniffed by another alpha before?” He laughed, though there was a distinct mocking quality to the sound. “If you’re gonna complain, I could always throw you over my shoulder. Think that would give anyone ideas, Kurosaki? Alpha on alpha huh? Kinky. Can’t say I’d mind, but I’m more interested in beating your ass over fucking it.”

Although fucking another alpha… that would be a hell of a power rush. Especially a strong one, like Ichigo was supposed to be. Bending him over a desk, dominating him, while Ichigo snarled and fought… But he’d eventually submit to him, and become putty under his hands. Huh. Grimmjow tucked that series of thoughts away to be examined later. Privately.

The alpha found himself surprised that the clinic Ichigo lived at… How often had he passed by the building, never giving it a second thought? Well… Now he’d make sure to remember it. He didn’t know who he had expected to see, but Isshin Kurosaki, an ex-yakuza was not it. Ulquiorra had mentioned something about Ichigo’s dad being from the Shinigami group, hadn’t he? Grimmjow had honestly been expecting some over-weight doctor-looking guy, not this bulky well-built man.

No wonder everyone was after his kid if Ichigo had half the same potential.

“Nah, wasn’t me, not yet anyway. Apparently, some Shinigami punks jumped him before school… I just brought him back.” He turned his chin up in defiance, not letting the man’s stature or previous position get to him. An Espada had nothing to worry about, confronted with some old fuck like this. “Sounds like your fight to pick is with your own Group, Shinigami. Or are you in the business of letting your kid get his ass kicked?”

Not that his sneered words made it far, the door solidly shutting in his face. The Sexta Espada stood there a moment, eyes wide, before snarling and stalking off. Whatever, at least now he could enjoy the weather and look forward to a fight soon to come. Yeah.

That fight, in fact, was on his mind for the rest of the night. Even as the alpha enjoyed the many and varied entertainments offered by the red-light district, he found his mind wandering back to Ichigo, to that weird fantasy he’d had in the middle of carrying him home. Even sitting among the fur-covered booths at his favorite bar, an omega in his lap and another feeling up his bared chest, he was thinking about Ichigo’s scent. About what it would be like if he’d stuck his face in the man’s neck and inhaled deeply… Which was a fucking weird thing to think about another Alpha… He stared at the ceiling as the lights in the club strobed, illuminating throngs of partygoers losing themselves to the music and the alcohol and the drugs.

Nope. He wasn’t feeling it.

Plan B for the night had him walking down a street, out of the Arrancar Group’s Territory and into that of the Shinigami Group. It took a whole ten minutes to come across a group of the group’s grunts… And even less time for them to all be at each other’s throats. Perfect. Blows were loudly exchanged, the back alley echoing with the sounds of enraged men and fists meeting jawbones and stomachs… And the laugh of an alpha having a good time. Most of the day and well into the night was spent like that... Tosen was going to be pissed, but fuck that guy anyway. Grimmjow’s knuckles and clothes were bloody by the time he returned to his lonely apartment, flopping on the bed and flat passing out for the couple of hours he had before sunrise.

A single sunbeam snuck past his blinds hours later to rudely wake him, the alpha stretching himself awake before starting to get ready for a day of classes that he’d probably skip again. Knuckles bandaged, and in a fresh uniform, he stepped out the door to his small lonely apartment and started his walk towards the school. Today Pantera would stay at home- he hadn’t cleaned the bat off, and even the most cowed teacher would throw a fit about the dried blood flaking off in their classrooms. As he walked, yawning, something in his peripheral caught the man's attention... Right, the Kurosaki clinic... No reason to go there until his challenger had healed up.
...Actually the best way to keep Kurosaki from getting his ass handed to him again was probably to escort him, wasn’t it..? No Shinigami punks would fuck with him with an Espada around. Then, Ichigo would heal up just in time for their fight. That signature grin spread across his face as took the detour.

“YO KUROSAKI!” A bandaged fist beat against the front door once Grimmjow reached it, some of the neighbors peeking out their doors at the loud yakuza-looking man in front of the clinic. “YOU HOME STILL?!”

-----

"I've never been sniffed by *anyone*!! Fucking pervert-- I do NOT want to have anybody thinking we're a thing!!" He growled, his face positively red as he complained clear as day. "And like HELL would I want you out of any alpha I know to try putting me over their shoulder, let alone anything intimate!!" He snarled, pretty damn tempted to bite the others nose for his ridiculousness. "Just because you can get any omega easily doesn't mean you'll have a chance with me!!" He hissed, bristling visibly.

He was glad to be home before long, and even more grateful that his father was the one who answered, and taking him inside before any further molestation could occur. The man quirked a brow at how the young Espada raised his chin in defiance, before letting out a low warning growl-- one a grown wolf would utter towards a pup, reminding them where they stood. "Clearly, respect and honor has faltered since I've left.... Seems the younger generations are poorly trained, lack any form of respect." He spoke civilly, a combination of wet earth, dragon's blood and juniper wafting off of him, thick and bordering on almost agressive. "If you hurt my son without a proper provocation or declaration to fight, I will hunt you down myself." And with that, the door was slammed into the punk's face, the man only relaxing so he could focus on tending to Ichigo's wounds.

When the next day came, Ichigo was to stay home-- he had properly cracked ribs, and needed at least three days to recover enough to be allowed out of his room or do anything strenuous. So, when the loud banging on his door occured, he groaned, before he opened his window, and looked down at the blue haired man with a scowl. "People are trying to recover, you know!" He called down, bite in his tone. "I told ya you'd get your fight in a week--" he coughed roughly, before wheezing shortly after.

"...but, I appreciate you coming by to walk me to school, even if its only for your benefit." He admitted, though it might not have been heard. "I'll tell you what, though, if you want to do more of this Romeo and Juliet sort of conversation, just toss a pebble at my window, unless you want my number." Wait, why did he offer that last one?? "I can't leave, even if I wanted to until I'm cleared by my dad. I swear, he's impossible when it comes to recovery for my sisters and I...." He groaned softly, before rubbing faintly at his mildly bandaged forehead.

"Anyways.... It'll be six more days at the earliest before you get your fight, alright?" He sighed, looking at the other with a bit if displeasure. "Until then, you can be a knothead elsewhere or feign giving a shit at school." Though.... A part of him liked the idea of being visited daily by the other. "I just hope the workload won't be too bad...."

-----

Grimm’s head craned up to look up at Ichigo, a slow grin spreading across his face as he took in those bandages. “Damn yeah Kurosaki, looks like I was right to bring you here instead of lettin ya pass out in the hallway, huh? Maybe you should even thank me, doncha think?” The alpha goaded, expression cocky. “Just how hard is some gratitude, just a ‘thank you so much Grimmjow, I’d’ve probably passed out in the hallway like a bitch if you hadn’t showed up just in time.’ Maybe throw in a few compliments just so I know how extra thankful you are.”

There was, arguably, a lot worth complimenting on the alpha, after all… His uniform was askew as usual, which revealed a good portion of the man’s chest and torso. Soft blue hair was freshly washed and a little damp from his earlier quick shower, tiny beads of moisture running down his neck and evaporating in the warm light of the sun. Even with his relaxed posture the alpha broadcast strength and power. It was honestly no wonder the man had no issues finding willing mates wherever he went.

“Gotta listen to Daddy, huh?” Grimmjow sneered, narrowing his eyes a bit. Well, looked like he couldn’t escort the punk to class after all… Not that he’d been particularly looking forward to it or anything. At least now he knew where Ichigo’s room in the clinic was- next time he could forgo the door and climb up there, or just throw something like the kid suggested. “Eh, you’re going to compare me to Romeo after all the fuss you put up about me carryin you around yesterday? I thought you didn want anyone gettin any ideas… And after you said I didn’t have a chance with you!” He laughed loudly, some of the neighbors in the area just as spooked by that loud, powerful laugh as Ichigo’s classmate’s had been the day before. “You wanna give me yer number, Kurosaki? Kinda bold of you after all this fuss, ain it?” Still, he pulled his phone out, the case sky-blue with leopard print matching Pantera on the back. Dexterous thumbs stroked along the screen, opening up a new contact and typing in ‘Berry Punk.’ “Well? Hurry up and give it to me, unless you want me comin to bang on your door every day to see if yer good yet.”

-----

Really?! The nerve of this guy-- "How about you shove it and stop being so expectant!! You're only demanding thanks because you wanna kiss ass or make yourself feel better about having to wait!!" He growled back, though his cheeks were turning pink, frustrated over decided to mumble his thanks rather than say it aloud. Still, cocky bastard wouldnt have appreciated it for the right reasons, so fuck him!!

"You want me to tell you you're pretty? Ask to wash my clothes against your abs? Please-- you're just a playboy tomcat of an alpha!!" Ichigo really was fiery today. "You're just the perfect bad boy for any omega dumb enough to break their heart over." He added sarcastically, rolling his eyes as hard and as visibly as he could do the other would see, with those stunning sky-blue eyes-- no. Don't think about those eyes!!

"Oi-- at least he gives a damn about me, wanting his only son to have a better chamce at life than he did!!" He yelled back, leaning on the window frame a bit with bandaged knuckles. "My sister's and I are all he has-- he left because he wanted to raise me right, give mom the time she deserved...." He trailed off, a saddened look passing over his eyes, but only for a moment. "He may be unorthodox, over protective, but he's my *Dad*. And, besides, he's also my doctor, so I trust him as far as recovery ETAs go." He huffed, before relaxing where he sat.

At the reminder of yesterday, he blushed harder, before sputtering bitterly, "Th-that's the only window reference that came to mind, and besides, you seemed sooooooo keen on trying to proposition me yesterday!! Suggesting throwing me over your shoulder like any of you're tragically easy omegas you probably have on speed dial!!" He hissed, trying to force down his own nature with that decent possibility-- force himself to stay rational with the thought the other wasnt going to be faithful, not one bit. No chance in Hell!!

But, soon, he was telling the other his number, like an idiot in deep denial.

-----

Grimmjow only answered with another laugh, clearly not taking the other man’s admonishments seriously. His grin only grew with Ichigo’s tiny muttered thanks. “See, that wasn so hard, was it..? You could tell me I was pretty, too. You knoiw. if you wanted to... I do love some positive affirmation, Kurosaki.” Blue eyes lit up with amusement, fingers deftly undoing the last couple buttons on his school uniform- exposing those abs and the light trail of hair disappearing below his belt. “Damn Ichi, that’s a couple of vivid fantasies there. You been day dreamin about my body huh? About me bein a bad boy? Kinky.” The alpha sent a particularly smoldering look up to the injured man. “You wanna break your heart over me, Ichigo?”

The look only lasted a few moments before Grimmjow was howling with laughter, shaking his blue mane. “Heh… Just kiddin just kiddin. Yeah yeah, listen to your old man. Sooner you heal up the better anyway.” Yeah, after all, he was only interacting with the other alpha for the sake of the fight they were soon to have. Ichigo healing quickly was in his best interests, too. Yeah. Yeah, that was the only reason he was here… The flirting was just fun, riling the other alpha up… Even though his blush was pretty damn cute, for an alpha.

“I dunno sounds to me like you’re hoping I’ll forsake my Family for you, huh? Sorry, ain gonna happen punk. I worked too hard to be where I am now to give it up, no matter how pretty the chick on the balcony is.” One blue eye winked. “C’mon Kurosaki, I’ll put you first on my speed dial if that sweetens the deal for you.” Victory spread over Grimmjow’s face when Ichigo gave in, quickly punching it in and pressing call. He wouldn’t put it past the kid to give him a fake number, after all. “You wanna come down here and getta good pic of me, so you know who’s callin?” The alpha teased, standing so sunlight hit the full expanse of his now-bared chest. “Somethin you can look at stave off your loneliness while you’re recovering? I could even strike you a pose or two, how about it?”

-----

"I bet you do, you cock-sure bastard." He groaned, rolling his eyes again. "I wouldn't put it past you to take as much time as an omega does doing their makeup and hair every day." Though, the other's teal eyeliner and or eyeshadow always seemed perfect, constantly. Vain bastard, making it hard to ignore those smouldering eyes. "Wha-- *PUT YOUR SHIRT BACK ON, YOUR HALLY TRAIL IS SHOWING, YOU INDECENT BASTARD*!!" Ichigo yelled, sheilding his eyes with one hand as he turned really pink then-- Grimm was enjoying himself, making Ichigo suffer, wasn't he?

"I'd never willingly put my heart out there just to be broken by a scumbag like you!! I was raised to value an honest, faithful partner-- something I know you'd never be!! You may be eyecandy, but you'll only give me a gutache if I caved to your type!!" He spat out, trying to recover at least some dignity if he could. But, knowing Grimmjow as well as he did so far, the other would have some sort of comeback, for sure.

Though, hearing the other hope he'd recover as soon as possible did make his heart flutter, even if only for a moment. He knew damn well it was only because the other wanted to fight Ichigo-- try to see if he's really everything everyone claims he is as a fighter. Though, he did feel a pang of disappointment in the other at his retort, before huffing. "Not everything is about looks, you knot-head-- and that's another reason why I don't like your type. Always superficial, greedy and heartless." He replied, before answering the other's call with a push of a button, then ending it a momemt later all while making eye contact. "I don't think I'd get a good enough picture to feed that ego of yours, tomcat." He sighed, and added, "And I'm bedridden for three days, remember? Can't leave my room without help, doc's orders." At that, he seemed a bit annoyed, but what did he expect? "If you want to bother me so bad, just send something you want me to set as your contact pic, otherwise I'll find the dirtiest stray Tom I can find and make sure the picture quality is poor, just to spite you."

[Final]

Ichigo’s yelling only seemed to encourage the alpha, Grimmjow laughing. “Gotta look good for all the heartbroken hopefuls, ya know…” He made sure that Ichigo was looking before licking his lips exaggeratedly, a hand brushing his hair back. The smoky, woodsy scent of vetiver hung in the air around the alpha, broadcasting his confidence and enjoyment of the situation. “You must be lookin pretty hard to see it from there… Can’t help but ta stare? Want me to come up there so you can get a better look? Wanna see if the curtains match the drapes, Kurosaki? Can’t blame ya being curious…”

That grin only seemed to grow cockier at Ichigo’s admonitions. “What, you sayin I’m a lyin cheater?” The alpha shot back. “That’s a dangerous thing to accuse another alpha of, punk.” Grimmjow bore his fangs at the figure in the window, just a quick warning more than an actual threat. Sure, he slept around, and had a reputation as a heartbreaker… But none of those flings had ever been serious. As brash and prideful as he was, Grimmjow liked to think that if he did take a mate, or have a serious relationship, he’d be good at it.

The tension left as quick as it came, replaced once more by that wide grin. “But thanks, glad ta know you think I’m eye candy. You know…” The alpha made a point to exaggeratedly look up and down what he could see of Ichigo. “You ain bad yourself, Kurosaki.” The makeup around his eyes drew attention to those impossibly blue iris’, not even being subtle as he took in the man’s physique much like he’d taken in his scent the day earlier. Ichigo was pretty attractive, for an alpha. Muscular, but not overly so… He remembered the feeling of the man’s body against his own when he’d carried him the day before. There was a good deal of power under that easily flustered exterior.

“Yeah, sure, but plenty’a things are about looks… And I got plenty to back up lookin as pretty as I do.” The alpha chuckled, rolling his head and shoulders in a display of his own impressive musculature. “Oh yeah..? Lemme see if I’ve got some options for you…” Grimmjow looked through his phone, already knowing which photos he wanted to send. The first was an above view of him laid out on his bed, naked except for a corner of the sheet covering his cock. His makeup had been artfully smeared across his eyes, and a nice hickey decorating the strong column of his throat… He’d made sure to smile for the camera, baring his fangs in mock challenge. The second picture was just a little less scandalous, the alpha posed leaning on the lip of a pool, the reflection of the sky in the water matching the blue of his hair and eyes. Water droplets had been caught running down his face and shoulders in this little snapshot of time, drawing the eyes to his biceps and lips. His expression in this one was more of a smolder, like he was a siren trying to drag the photo taker into the pool with him. The third he selected was just a shot of his abs. He’d taken it standing in front of his bathroom mirror, pulling up a tight black t-shirt while his other hand held his phone.

Grimmjow sent all three, the dark heady smell of frankincense wafting off the smug alpha as he looked up to watch Ichigo’s reaction.

[LovelyBones]

Damn that flirtatious alpha. Damn him and that stupidly perfect mouth and face. "Tone down that smug aura, it's making my migraine worse." He demanded dryly, trying to seem more annoyed. "And I saw enough when you carried me home yesterday-- I don't need a closer look at some vain tomcat. Honestly, if I had the time it takes you to doll yourself up every day, I wouldn't know what to do with myself." He scoffed, rolling his eyes as visibly as he could. However, when the alpha had bared his teeth in warning at him over his claims, he rolled his eyes again. Grimmjow couldn't do shit right now, anyways. "So what if I was? A Tom will always be a Tom-- going through omegas as he pleases, never changing. If you wanted any chance at a blank slate, you'd have to go to the opposite side of the country. Word flies, you know. Especially about how you like those little hostess clubs." He had a face of disgust then, before looking away.

He had to remember that, so he wouldn't fall for the other's sickeningly sweet honey.

However, when the other thanked him for calling him eye candy, he grew irritated again, especially when the other made a show of looking the omega over so boldly. "Shove it, flattery won't get you anywhere with me." He growled, though his face grew a bit warmer all the same. Damn his instincts. "And trash is still trash even if it's in a gilded trunk, you cocky bastard." He retorted, however he did somewhat feel impressed by the other teen's build. Grimmjow was strong, but also clearly built for speed.... somewhat similarly to Ichigo. The main difference was restraint, most likely. Ichigo would rather finish a fight without casualty, meanwhile the Espadas were ruthless, more than happy to kill given the chance, it seemed.

Ichigo huffed as Grimmjow began to look through his photos to send to the omega, his heart hammering slightly behind his ribs. Fucker was going to send something vulgar, wasn't he? However, when those images were sent over, his face flushed an embarrassingly bright shade of red. He damn near threw his phone at the well-- he luckily aimed for his growing nest seemingly out if instinct-- and he let out a frustrated snarl. "I am NOT using any of those, you gain, depraved Tom!!" He yelled from his window, fuming, though dragon's blood was soon wafting from him, alongside a heavy dose of sweet vanilla. "You're going to be a mangy 8-bit cat, you cocky bastard!!" He then slammed his window shut, hoping that his scent hadn't traveled far enough for the other to catch a whiff. He then screamed into a nearby pillow, full of conflicting emotions in his chest. He hated Grimmjow-- he was just like any other typical playboy alpha. All about looks, his own vanity, and doing whatever he wants, even if it breaks some poor omega's heart in the process. And yet.... his instincts knew the other was properly strong, had good genes-- he smelled so damn good, and Ichigo hated it. But Grimmjow would never commit, he had to remind himself. He's just a damn tomcat, out to get his dick wet, and will more than likely cheat, if given the chance.

Ichigo needed to protect his heart.

.... Despite all of that, after finding his phone, he downloaded all three of those pictures, glaring at the screen. 'I'm only going to use these for my needs.... nothing more.'