Private

Chapter 24

Chapter 24:
*Two Weeks Later*
Ichigo woke up and glanced at the clock, groaning when he saw it was only five and buried his head in the pillow. After ten minutes he turned to look at the ceiling and sighed. Today was results day and to say Ichigo was nervous was an understatement. Not that he needed top grades to study art at University, something he was thankful for since he wasn't the brightest crayon in the packet. He got good grades, but he hoped they were enough.
Sighing heavily, Ichigo ran a hand through his tousled hair and turned to look at Grimmjow who was still sleeping, his chest moving rhythmically as he breathed. Ichigo moved closer and placed a hand on his chest to feel his steady heartbeat and couldn't help but smile.
"You have no idea how lucky I feel when I wake up in the morning to see you next to me Grimmjow. I can't imagine anything but this and I don't want anything else. Thank you for coming back."
Leaning forward, he kissed Grimmjow softly as not to wake him before getting out of the bed quietly to make his way into the bathroom to shower. Returning to the bedroom he shook his head when he found Grimmjow hadn't moved an inch and sighed before collecting his clothes to change.
Padding outside to the kitchen, Ichigo started making breakfast. He'd spent almost every night since Grimmjow came back over at Nel's. If his father didn't get the hint by now then he never would. Ichigo still had to tell him officially, but that could wait. Ichigo shook his head at the scene Isshin would make when he found out his son was moving out and snorted to himself.
"What's so funny?"
Ichigo jumped and cursed before turning to glare at Nel. "Morning to you too. You're just as bad as Grimmjow, what is it with you two?"
She shrugged and opened the fridge. "Because you're such an easy target."
"Ha ha." He replied dryly before sitting down with his food and looking at her expectantly. "Well, what is it?"
"Hmm?"
He rolled his eyes and poked at the food. "You never wake up this early, so what is it?"
Nel paused and sighed before moving to sit next to him as look at him seriously. "Our parents are coming down today. Grimmjow doesn't know yet, I haven't told him."
Ichigo frowned in confusion. "Why?"
Waving a hand dismissively, Nel snorted. "You know how he gets. So if I was you I'd be ready for a meltdown. Just wait until they see that." She pointed at the ring on his finger and Ichigo blushed.
"So? They can't stop us. Besides, Grimmjow said your mother was warming up to the idea."
"Well, we'll soon find out." She grinned when Ichigo's face paled. "Cheer up Ichigo, me and Grimmjow are on your side, don't forget." She stood up to leave again but paused and turned to look at him with a bright smile. "Good luck today!"
"Thanks." Ichigo cradled his drink and sighed heavily. "Today is going to be a long day..."
"So you're nervous then?" He jumped, just managing to stop his drink spilling and turned to glare at Grimmjow, who was leaning on the bedroom doorframe looking at him. "What?"
Ichigo sighed and shook his head, returning to look at the drink. "Nothing."
Grimmjow sighed and moved to sit next to him, nudging his shoulder gently. "Idiot. We both know you're smart so stop your mindless worrying. You'll have the grades you need."
"That's not why I'm worried." Looking up at him, Ichigo hesitated before slowly telling him the bad news. "Nel told me your parents are coming down today."
As predicted, Grimmjow immediately stiffened and his expression darkened. "And you don't think to tell me?"
"Hey, she only told me five minutes ago." Ichigo held up his hands in surrendering gesture. "So what do you wanna do about it?"
Grimmjow sighed and ran a hand through his sleep tousled hair. "What can I do? Run away, no thanks." He stood up and held out a hand for Ichigo to take which he did after a moment's hesitation. "Anyway, it can wait until after we've gotten your results."
Ichigo made a face before leaning in to kiss him. "Thanks. Go get changed then so we can go, the sooner I get them, the better."
"M'kay."
Grimmjow trailed back into the bedroom, leaving Ichigo to clean up. He sighed when he'd finished and lent against the counter, waiting for Grimmjow to reappear. When he did, Ichigo grinned and went to his side, pulling him from the flat and he looked down at the orange head in surprise.
"A little eager aren't we?"
"I just want to get this over with. Lucky for you yours is coming in the post."
Grimmjow snorted, making Ichigo stop so he could lock the door before they left. "Lucky? I still have to wait for mine to appear. At least you get yours today."
Rolling his eyes, Ichigo tugged on his arm to make him speed up. "Whatever, let's just get there already."
They walked in silence to the school, Ichigo too nervous to speak and Grimmjow knew he was likely to snap at him if he tried to lighten the mood. When they saw Renji, he grinned and ran over, waving a piece of paper in his hands.
"Guess what? I got the grades!"
Grimmjow snorted and looked at Ichigo. "See, if pineapple can do it, so can you."
"He's right Ichigo." Renji paused to think about what he'd said, and frowned. "Hey, I'm not a pineapple."
"Keep telling yourself that. Just like Ichigo isn't a strawberry."
Ichigo glared at him, almost throwing a punch but instead, sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm surrounded by idiots." He shook his head at the questioning look he received from the two. "Just stay here, I'll be back in a minute."
Grimmjow gave his arm a reassuring squeeze and he smile gratefully before leaving so he turned back to Renji. "Where's Rukia then?"
He looked at him in surprise. "Since when is she Rukia, I thought you called her Kuchiki."
"Yeah well, that was before Ichigo. So you gunna answer my question or not?"
Renji huffed slightly, looking slightly offended. "She's on her way, Byakuya insisted on driving her."
"So you asked him yet?"
"What?"
Grimmjow rolled his eyes; the red head could be so dense when he wanted to. He was surprised the guy had got the grades to even get into University. "Duh, about proposing to Rukia dumbass."
He shook his head. "Hell no, I'm still very fond of my balls thank you."
"Nice, you're such a wimp."
"Oh right, so why did you say to Isshin then?"
"Nothing. I didn't ask permission, I just asked Ichigo. His answer was the only one that mattered so why was the point in asking his dad." He shrugged off Renji's reply when he opened his mouth. "Yeah, yeah, save it for someone else. I'm not about the traditional Japanese, besides, I'm German remember and it's not particularly common for people to do that anymore.
"Idiot."
"Oh right, I'm the idiot." Grimmjow shook his head and glanced at the school doors to see Ichigo coming out. "See you in a minute, there's Ichigo." Walking over to the orange head, Grimmjow frowned when he saw Ichigo's downcast face. "What is it? You didn't get the grades?"
He sighed heavily and Grimmjow was about to console him when he grinned widely and threw himself into Grimmjow's arms with a laugh, almost making them both fall on the floor. "'Course I did!"
Grimmjow sighed, but couldn't help but smile. "See, told you, no need to worry."
"Mmm." Ichigo looked up at him searchingly for a moment before leaning forward to kiss him. "Thanks."
"Yeah you better be. I've had to deal with your grumpy ass for a week now."
Ichigo hit his arm half-heartedly before pulling away and going over to Renji to talk with him, Grimmjow following at a slower pace. By the time he'd got there, Ichigo was already saying goodbye and Rukia had just arrived. Grimmjow gave the two a short wave as Ichigo came over and try left. He frowned when Ichigo gave him an amused look.
"What?"
"You and my friends, I didn't think that would happen." He shrugged and his mouth twitched slightly as he held back a smirk. "It's hard to believe we all used to hate you and you us."
"Yeah well, shit happens."
"Shit?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow and the comment and turned to look at him. "Is that what I am?"
"Oh shut up, you know what I mean." Rolling his eyes, Grimmjow sighed and shook his head. "So you told your dad you're moving out yet?"
Ichigo snorted in response. "Yeah right. Give him time to get over the engagement first or he might have a heart attack." He paused, a grin forming on his face. "Actually, that might not be such a bad idea after all."
"You know you're actually some sort of demon in disguise right."
Ichigo just shrugged his grin still in place. "You know I have a violent side. How many times have we fought?"
"Too many to count." Grimmjow paused in thought, frowning slightly. "When was the last time we fought?"
"Dunno, a few weeks after we started sleeping together probably. Why?"
"This is gunna sound kinda bad. But, I kinda miss it."
Ichigo looked at him in amusement. "You think I don't? Sure I don't miss the bruises but I do miss the rush, the excitement of it. You're the only one who can actually put up a good fight against me."
"Well then, it's a date. I'll persuade Urahara to lend me the dojo for the night sometime soon."
Ichigo couldn't help but smirk, his eyes bright with excitement when he looked at Grimmjow. "How's this going to end?"
"Either with both of us pissed off, or sex. I'm hoping for the second option."
"Yeah, I agree with you on that." Ichigo frowned when Grimmjow stopped suddenly. "What?"
"Look at that." Grimmjow left him on the path, venturing down a small alley where he saw a cardboard box and he could hear small mewls coming from it. "I think there's a cat in it."
Ichigo sighed and followed him over. Crouching in front of the box next to him, Ichigo peered inside and saw a small white kitten curled up in the corner, mewling quietly. He looked at Grimmjow in surprise when he scooped the kitten out and cradled her gently.
"You can't be serious." He asked in disbelief and Grimmjow frowned at him.
"It's a kitten Ichigo, and it's obviously been abandoned. You wanna leave it here to die?"
"No."
"Well then. Let's go home and find her something to eat." Grimmjow marched towards the path, Ichigo following helplessly. He scowled at the kitten on the way back, hissing quietly when she looked at him and smirked. Yeah, it smirked, Ichigo was sure of it.
They paused outside the flat door and Grimmjow frowned. "Hey Ichi think you grab my keys, I can't get to them."
"Sure, where are they?"
"Back right pocket." Ichigo sighed but dug his fingers in the indicated pocket and pulled out the keys to unlock the door. "Thanks."
He set the keys on the side and followed Grimmjow into the other, eyeing the kitten warily when it was set on the table so Grimmjow could rummage in the fridge and drawers. He finally found can of tuna which he prepared for the kitten, who ate it in seconds before mewling and looking at him expectantly for more.
Grimmjow chuckled and stroked it affectionately. "I think we're going to needed to buy a few things for you. Mainly cat food by the looks of it, you sure seem hungry."
Ichigo eyes widened in horror. "You're not seriously thinking of keeping that thing." He asked incredulously, not believing Grimmjow could actually care about the white fluff ball on the table.
Grimmjow frowned at him and scooped it into his arms. "Of course. Obviously no-one wanted her or she wouldn't be on the streets. I'll take care of her."
"I can't believe this." Ichigo muttered in disbelief. "I must've gone insane."
"Ha, I can't believe you're jealous."
"I am not jealous!" Ichigo yelled, giving him an indignant look. "Why would I be jealous of that fur ball?!"
"Great, so you don't mind me keeping her then." Grimmjow smirked when Ichigo started to get flustered.
"Fine! But I'm not cleaning up after it! Now way in hell!"
"That's cool, I'll get her house trained, don't you worry." He looked at the kitten and held her out to observe her. "So what should I call you?"
"How about fur ball?"
Ichigo muttered the words and Grimmjow ignored them before he smiled. "Pantera."
Ichigo scoffed. "Pantera, seriously?"
The cat meowed and rubbed again Grimmjow's chest, making the man grin. "See, she likes it. So that's settled, I'll call you Pantera."
Ichigo shook his head and went to sit on the sofa, leaving Grimmjow to pander to his new pet. Hearing the front door open, he saw it was Nel. "Hey."
She looked at him and smiled. "Hey, my parents here yet?"
"Nope, but Grimmjow adopted a new member to our lively family."
She frowned in confusion before going into the kitchen ad Ichigo heard her squeal. "Wow! What an adorable kitten! Can we keep him?!" Ichigo groaned and smacked himself with the cushion.
"Stupid cat."