Reluctance

Chapter I

This little plot bunny suddenly appeared before me and would not stop pestering me! Let me know what you think!

Synopsis: A rather bored, reluctant Prince Ichigo couldn't wait to get his High school life over and done with. But when love comes knocking in the form of a teal-haired outsider, will he be as reluctant to let it in? Not what you think. Yaoi. GrimmIchi, slight IchiHime.

Pairing: GrimmIchi. Some IchiHime, UlquiHime and ShiroHime.

Warnings. Yaoi, as pairing suggests.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I've come to accept that now, though it still pains me to say it.

AN: This is and AU fan fiction, so where ever Seireitei is mentioned it has nothing to do with the Bleach world. It is merely a place name. XD

'I am not wearing it goat-face, so you can forget about it right now!'

Ichigo stood before his father defiantly. His arms were crossed tightly across his chest as a barrier against the sheer embarrassment that was his father.

He had never asked for this. In fact, give the choice he would outright refuse. However, that was never an option. Even if he complained and revolted against his father's wishes - in the end he would not be able to run away.

The Kurosaki family had a long history, longer than Ichigo cared to ever learn about thoroughly. A very long family history of royalty, leadership and duty.

Duty.

It was always about the 'duty'. The duty to his family legacy, the 'duty' to the people and the 'duty' to the future generations of Seireitei.

I know what you're thinking. It's the usual story about how a Prince is unwilling to lead his country to greatness and prosperity because he's all angsty about something. Usually the death of a loved one.

That is not the case. Well, not really.

The truth is the Kurosaki family are not a long line of real Princes. That's just how they are viewed by the people of Seireitei. It's a really long boring story that Ichigo didn't care to remember most of, just the main pointers.

Like the fact that the whole 'Prince' thing was a big part of the community. People thrived off of it. Especially the media. As Seireitei was a quite secluded area, the media revelled in everything 'royal'.

This now unfortunately included the 'coronation' of the new Prince. Yes they even took it that far. Those who thought the whole idea was ridiculous were few and far between, and more often than not they were too afraid to voice their opinions in case they were reported to the town's council. Ichigo sympathized with them – he really did.

The town council were a group of people who took the whole thing very seriously. They believed that the whole thing was very good for the community and it helped limit crime and the never ending clashing of the clans.

That was what started the whole thing of in the first place.

Dating back to the beginning of the town's historical records there has always been a four way split of the town. Three of the sectors were governed by the rival clans: Shinigami, Hollows and later the Vizards.

The Vizards history began later than that of the Shinigami and Hollows. It was said that the Vizards started when a group of people who had parents from both sides couldn't stand the discrimination them any more. Naturally the parents and their children were cast away from their families and in their hatred; they came together and created their own sector. This again began more feuding as they fought for the land that had previously been used as farming ground for the larger clans to use.

The situation became so out of hand that the clans had decided to take arms against each other. The wars raged around each other, all sides losing hundreds.

Until a very brave young man and his family began to make the people see what they were doing wrong and finally made the Clans see how they could work together to make a nation that would be unstoppable. The fighting had made the town weak to attacks from neighbouring towns and even the larger cities hat would prey upon Seireitei for their valuable fuel resources.

This was the birth of the Kurosaki family legacy, and to this day, the Kurosaki family has lead Seireitei through all the difficulties of the modern world. This brings us right back to the present day with Ichigo, his little sisters Karin and Yuzu, and their crazy father.

'But Ichi-nii, it would look so good on you.' Ichigo grimaced at the thought that their father had managed to turn his sister against him. He could never deny Yuzu and her big puppy eyes. Damn it.

'Ichi-nii, stop complaining, you know how much worse it would be if you didn't. Then you'd have to go up against Central 46 and you know what happened last time.' Ichigo shivered at the thought of the stuck up officials that tried to keep his crazy father in line. They really didn't like the fact that the next generation of Kurosaki's had the appearance of a delinquent and the attitude to go with it. Both were hard facts that Ichigo couldn't deny.

Not that he would even bother trying.

His short spiky hair was the brightest orange you could ever imagine. It drove the council up the wall as they still would not believe that it was his natural colour. Most of them were there mere hours after he was born to give their blessing, along with several paparazzi to show them doing a good deed.

Glory hogs, the lot of them.

He had been a deep auburn when he was first born, more the colour of his mother's hair. Over time it had lightened and steadily brightened until it was the almost glowing orange it was currently.

He also wasn't the best behaved child in Seireitei, but by no means was he the worst. He just got more attention when he did something not quite as 'Princely' as he should have done, or not done at all in some cases.

Usually it started with his hair, which made the council even madder for obvious reasons. It would be the usual insults that he shrugged off but it would escalate when the idiots realised exactly who they were insulting. It didn't help that Ichigo had been short for his age in Junior High and he also had taken on far more from his mother's side in the looks department for an average boy.

It had made growing up awkward to say the least. Before a bodyguard would appear to drag the unfortunate person out from under Ichigo, they would make fun of his hair, ask him was if it was possible for a girl to be that flat-chested and they would end up with a fist, or possibly a leg, in their mid-section.

It came from all sides of Seireitei, especially from the Hollows, but it really didn't matter to Ichigo. If they had a problem with his hair, he was going to sort it out. Just like a good Prince would do.

The council hadn't been amused when he said that to them. But, again, Ichigo didn't care.

Another reason why short life was awkward also began with a bodyguard. The other kids were too afraid to come with in 6 feet of him. Who wouldn't be with a 6 foot something monster always prowling around behind him. The girls he could understand, but the guys were weary too. Leaving him a bit lonely sometimes.

Almost all of the 'approved' friends from the nobles of the Clans were either extremely stuck up or deathly boring. Some could talk him to sleep within five minutes.

There were some which he considered the greatest people he had ever met in his life. Mainly, Kuchiki Rukia. A small fiery girl with everything going for her. Ichigo had no doubt that she could and would excel at anything she set her mind to. The midget was also fiercely loyal and the best person to have around in a debate. She had such a way with words the other person would give up from a headache immediately if confronted.

Although she said she didn't know what she wanted to do in the future, Ichigo had a feeling that it would be something to do with either publishing or politics. It helped that the Kuchiki family owned the largest printing house around, from newspapers to shoujo manga, they did it all.

The other most important person was Shirosaki Ogichi, who hated his first name and preferred to go by Shiro. He was a few years older than Ichigo and helped him out in any fight when a bodyguard wasn't around. Consequently, Isshin had decided that it was more appropriate for Ichigo to have a bodyguard that was closer to his age. It had been one of the greatest acts Isshin had ever done for his son.

Shiro had taken to the position readily, and Ichigo often suspected that it was the action he got rather than his bond with Ichigo. Which was very strong regardless, something that Ichigo had strived to keep as he was socially awkward enough as it was. He went to Shiro for advice on everything that he absolutely could no talk to Rukia about.

As much as he loved her – as a friend, mind – she was one of the biggest gossips around. Though she never did it to hurt Ichigo, she was too loyal for that.

In any case, having Shiro in his life was also another very important thing for an up and coming Kurosaki Prince. Part of his role was to create his own council within the school with members of the surrounding clans. In order to bring a sense of unity, or something … he forgot.

Just like the reason that he had to wear that ridiculous … thing. He knew that he was different from the rest of the people his age, but that didn't mean he had to stand out even more than he did anyway. It was just like having a neon sign flashing above his head or a parade following his every step. It was bad enough as it was with a group of body guards following no less than 20 paces behind him at all times. He was at least thankful that now he was going to be in High school the only one would be Shiro.

The item of clothing in question was by no means badly made; in fact it especially tailored for him and was even customised to his preferences by his not so close friend and self appointed seamstress, Ishida Uryuu. Yes, he was male and yes he liked to sew. He got picked on even more than Ichigo did so Ichigo took it upon himself to protect Ishida's well being.

In fact, it made him feel great that he could use his power to protect someone else. The fact that it was Uryuu and a boy lessened the effect slightly, but he was glad nonetheless. He also didn't care that Uryuu resented him for it; he tended to not listen when Uryuu began to moan at him about something or other. It was usually his clothes he wore. Ishida, being so ashamed that he let such a public figure go out into the world looking how he did, took it upon himself to make Ichigo's entire wardrobe.

Most was more than fine, the jeans he was especially pleased with, but Uryuu saw it as an opportunity to try out some of the more outrageous designs on the Prince. Something Ichigo had come to resent.

'But my darling son, it's a tradition! All Kurosaki Prince's have to have one. It dates back all the way -'

'To the very first Kurosaki Prince, who fought long and hard to bring this town to peace.' Ichigo interjected with a dull monotone. He had heard the story so many times that he could recite it all without even thinking about what part of the story he was starting at.

'Yes, that's correct my beautiful son! I had one, and my father had one, and his father had one. All lovingly made by the most talented seamstress of our time.'

While his father was weirdly floating half a foot of the floor, Ichigo yawned and scratched the back of his head. Being in this family was too weird for words sometimes.

He turned his attention back to the article in hand, still in the hands of a very irate Uryuu who had personally come to present it and make sure that Ichigo put it on and wore it correctly. The boy was quickly losing his patience, Ichigo could tell as the vein began to throb more prominently with each passing minute.

'Ichigo just put it on so I can make sure it fits. I have other places to be – making sure your coronation goes to plan being one of them. I can hardly organise that bunch of buffoons if I'm here dressing you. Which I will if you don't comply soon.'

Ichigo gulped audibly, he knew that Ishida wasn't joking. He had only been subjected to it twice before and both were horrific moments of his life that he would rather forget.

'Fine, fine. Give me the shirt and jacket.'

'But what about the -'

'No way. I am not wearing those pants. I get called a pansy enough as it is.'

…

…

…

In the end Uryuu got him into the pants, if you could call them that. Ichigo received a hit upside the head when he had mentioned they looked like he wasn't wearing underwear.

Which he wasn't, but that was hardly the point.

The trousers in question were more akin to riding jodhpurs than anything else. Tight fitting leather trousers, in black with black ties and gold buttons at the knee. On his feet were the popular black Hessian boots of the 1900s – Uryuu had felt the need to inform him that the entire outfit was in high a fashion now has it was back then. The shirt, unlike the fashion back then, was of a very fine white silk, with the attachable cravat in a shimmering gold.

To top it all off was the 'centre piece' of Uryuu's newest 'creation'. It was a Napoleonic era full-dress parade jacket, made in a rich tapestry fabric, depicting the ever black flames of the Kurosaki family, with contrasting black velvet collar, cuffs, lapels and waistband. It had gold braided trim on the collar, cuffs and across the front and it fastened with unique vintage-style golden star buckles. The jacket was decorated on either side and at the cuffs with medieval lion buttons – this Uryuu had insisted on with the lion being on the Kurosaki family crest – also in gold. Gold bullion fringe epaulets on both shoulders with gold stripes and stars embroidered on the top. An actual antique Kurosaki crest was on the left chest with two gold chains attached. To top it off the jacket was fully lined with a rich red satin.

Although Ichigo was sure it made him look like an idiot, at least he was a well dressed, hot idiot. Ishida had smirked when he had said this and escorted himself out, mumbling something about having to get himself to the school, though Ichigo didn't miss the blush staining the boys cheeks.

Looking himself over again in the ceiling to floor mirror, Ichigo resigned himself to the fact that he was indeed going to have to wear this get up for at least the first week, but after that it would only be the jacket – which he was slowly starting to like, a lot.

He dodged his over-eager father's glomp attack as he re-entered the living room with the full outfit on. His youngest sister, Yuzu, looked like she was about to cry, but when Ichigo asked her what was wrong she shook her head and said that she was so proud of him.

Ichigo smile softly at her and placed a hand on top of her head. Karin looked him over a couple of times before saying, rather bluntly.

'I wouldn't go too far from Shiro-nii, if I were you.'

Ichigo cocked his head to the side in confusion. Sometimes he just couldn't understand that girl at all, but seems how her gaze was centred on his trousers, he quickly caught on.

'Karin! It's embarrassing enough as it is, stop staring.'

She sighed and looked away, 'Fine. But don't blame me when you have guys coming on to you.'

Isshin perked up at his, 'No. Don't worry my son; daddy will protect you from the lustful teenage youths!' He was promptly drop-kicked into the ground.

'Hurry, Ichi-nii. You'll be late.' Yuzu came over with a home made bento in hand. She reached up on her toes to kiss his cheek before he ran to the hallway, grabbing his helmet on the way.

One of the perks of being the Prince was the diplomatic immunity. Meaning, he could ride his custom motorcycle to school.

In true Kurosaki fashion, the bike was large, expensive and very fast. A gold paint job topped off with the Kurosaki black flames; it was Ichigo's pride and joy. It stood in all it's glory right next to the very familiar bike and form of his personal body guard and best friend Shiro.

Identical smirks came upon the boys' faces as they took in the others' outfit. Shiro, it seemed, had been accosted by Uryuu as well.

The entire outfit being identical to Ichigo's with white material instead of black and silver adornments replacing the gold.

Shiro stood a couple of inches above Ichigo, a fact he loved to mention, a lot. Even when Ichigo reminded him that he was 2 years his senior, the albino just laughed it off and ruffled Ichigo's hair.

That was one thing that made Shiro special and made him want to fight for Ichigo's causes all the more. If he wasn't feared so much, Shiro would have been the constant target of bullying.

Luckily, at least Ichigo thought so, the Shirosaki family was also granted diplomatic immunity since the 6th Kurosaki Prince's reign. Ichigo forgot why, but ever since then the two families had been very closely linked.

'Well, well, King. Yer publics awaitin'.' Shiro drawled with the ever resent smirk on his face.

'Don't remind me. Let's just get this day over with so I can get on with the rest of my life.'

Shiro laughed again. Placing his white helmet with tinted visor, he motioned for Ichigo to do the same. Speaking through the radio system they had specially installed, Shiro ran through some of the things he would have to remember to say and do.

While never overly fond of the rules of society, Shiro knew when things have to get serious. Though he still liked to revel in Ichigo's pain as he was reminded of some of the tasks he had to fulfil during his times in the school.

As they pulled up to the front gates, the military were holding back the press when they passed through. Saluting the young Prince as he dismounted. To save himself a lot of trouble, Ichigo didn't remove his helmet until he was right outside the main entrance of the building. With Shirosaki following suit, the press took pictures of the 'Young Prince Ichigo and his Shadow.'

AN: Well please do tell me what you think. This won't be updated as often as my other stories (Baring Your Colours: On The Plus Side: The Show) But I wanted to get it out there before it drove me insane.

Not a lot happening in this chapter, but it's introductory and I suck at first chapters.

FlamingOrangeRose -x