This is the first fic update requested =) I'm attempting to end Jail Bird, in case anyone's wondering. Unfortunately, I keep gravitating back to my semi-crossover fic... you don't know what it is, I never posted it ;p Ha ha! I'll give you guys the book it's based loosely off of though! Considering I'm the one that brought it up XD I don't know if any of you have ever read 'Unicorn Bait', but that's the base... avery little itty bitty bit of the base ;p I had wanted to base it off that completely, but my hands decided not to listen to me... and their version is slightly more interesting!
Shiro: I'm a prince! XD
Ichi: Just what the world needs, to be ruled by you. *rolls eyes*
Grimm: I'm a god! =3
Ichi: Even better =(
Vae: Awe, it's okay, Ichi. You get to be a princess! XD
Ichi: ... Just fucking shoot me now. T^T
Chapter 2
Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, known as 'The Jaguar' among those ringside, blinks in surprise at the lithe body in his arms. He's had women swoon over him, get in catfights with one another, throw themselves at him, and even throw undergarments to catch his attention… but passing out is a first. Byakuya carefully extracts the unconscious male from his arms, smiling minutely before carrying Ichigo to the ringside seats.
"I apologize for my associate's conduct," the tall raven comments. "You see, it's his birthday and he's having a very bad day. Seeing one of his favorite fighters just overwhelmed him."
"… Okay," Grimmjow murmurs. "Well, you'd better keep an eye on that one. A lot of people around here would love to take advantage of him."
"Trust us, they're not that stupid," Renji grins.
He grunts when Rukia slams her elbow into his stomach, his sheepish smile lost upon the fighter ignoring them. Byakuya is the head of a famous modeling agency, which he's partnered up with Ichigo's fashion industry to become one of the most desired tag teams in their respective careers, and he's been after Grimmjow for three months now. The man is perfect and a contract with him strikes the raven as good business, much like most of his other famous contracts. Unfortunately, Grimmjow is extremely difficult to convince. He's only modeled three times, he's done four commercials, and he's shown up at about ten events in his entire career… which would be about five years' worth. Normally, Byakuya uses Rangiku to treat his VIP members… not something he's proud of, of course, but it gets results. Grimmjow had suffered too many lovers that ran along the strawberry blonde's personality, however, and that wouldn't be a wise move.
"Good luck on your fight, Jaegerjaques," he offers politely.
"… You called me yesterday, didn't you? I was busy," the blue haired male muses. "What was it you wanted?"
"Now hardly seems the time to talk business. I will gladly wait until you have time to kill."
"Ah! I remember now, you're the head of that modeling agency!" the more muscular man states triumphantly. "You wanted a contract deal. Nelliel told me you wanted to know if there was anything I needed that you could provide as incentive!"
"Yes, but you're about to fight now. I would rather you concentrate on that… I would hate to be the cause of your defeat."
"Well there is something I want, but we'll talk tomorrow! I hope your sexy little associate wakes up soon, I fight to impress after all."
With that sly grin he's known for, Grimmjow heads around to his side of the ring. Just as he's getting into the large cage, Ichigo is waking from his stupor. His amber eyes search for the man he's been unable to forget, lighting up when they see him in the ring. Grimmjow's muscles bunch and flex beneath tan skin, a light sheen of sweat from the built up body heat of the crowd sending naughty images to the other's brain. Ichigo shakes it off, making certain he's not drooling before turning to those watching him.
"Like what you see, Ichigo?" Renji teases.
"Shut up," the orange haired male snaps. "He was an asshole in high school and that's not about to change now!"
"Wouldn't you like to face him again? You two were known for your wild battles," the redhead continues casually. "Image feeling those punches again… that body wrestling with yours…"
"Shut the fuck up, Ren!" Ichigo almost squeaks. "I don't like him like that now, it was just a little crush provoked by bloodlust… something I don't have anymore!"
There's that hint of danger within burning amber, a lingering effect from his explosive temper, and Renji immediately backs off. Byakuya, however, can't allow this opportunity to pass him by. He knows Grimmjow will want something huge to compensate him for his yearly contract, yet the smaller male is the only person the raven knows that might help out. After all, Ichigo's extremely easy to take advantage of with that insistent need of his… and it's just good business Byakuya uses it to his advantage. Besides, it might turn out well for everyone!
The fight is infuriating for the younger male, as Grimmjow is up to his old style. Though it's nice to see he was correct in assuming the asshole hasn't changed any, it still pisses Ichigo off to see Grimmjow toying with his opponent like a cat with a mouse. He shouts in fury, swinging his fist and barely missing a dodging Renji. Unfortunately for the redhead, Rukia is winding up on his other side… and he moved right into her attack. It's a wonder the other managed to survive growing up with Ichigo and Rukia. There are words exchanged between the two fighters, the noise drowning it out though Ichigo catches their lips moving. They're talking about a woman named Nelliel, Grimmjow's older sister from what Ichigo can recall. A split second after his opponent's lecherous grin, the man is lying flat on his back in a single punch from Grimmjow. Steam practically pours from the infuriated man's ears as he stalks the cage, a wild jaguar fresh from the capture, and Ichigo knows the comment was anything but rated PG-13.
"Wow… that was the stupidest thing anyone fighting Grimmjow could do," Ichigo murmurs in disappointment. "What kind of psychotic moron with a death wish would provoke him like that?"
"That one," Rukia grins. "Let's get an autograph!"
"… No thanks," Ichigo blushes. "I've already made a fool of myself, I don't want a repeat. Besides, I have to pick up my shit from Troy's place before that walking poster child for STDs he's dating touches everything! I'm already gonna have to burn all my fucking clothes! There's no way he's gonna tell me she didn't wear them!"
"Are you taking the high road, Ichi?" the small raven haired female wonders.
"Fuck that! I'm taking everything I can grab and trashing everything I can't!"
"I'll help!" she cheers.
She looks to Byakuya and he sighs, knowing he'll be providing the getaway vehicle for them. Renji is steeling himself for the trip, as he'll be carrying most of the stuff when he's not holding back the two bitches from fighting… meaning Rukia and Ichigo, he doesn't know how bad the girlfriend is yet. Once the fight is over, they head out in hopes they manage to beat Troy back.
The next morning, Ichigo wakes to thumping in the hallway. After packing up his things, trashing everything expensive that he bought and couldn't move… like the huge flat screen TV… and arguing with Troy on the phone all the way to the Kuchiki manor, Ichigo passed out on the bed provided. He didn't even have the energy to change clothes, just fell face first and immediately went to sleep. Now, however, that thumping is rousing him and he's about to hurt someone.
"What the fuck do you want!" he growls out.
"Nii-sama needs you to go straight to the office," Rukia provides. "He already called your part time job and said you were quitting, he really needs you back."
There's that familiar pang in Ichigo's chest at the thought, his heart swelling in joy even as Shiro berates him. He ignores the more savage part of him, getting up to shower and dress before heading out. Though he isn't usually one to drive he does own a motorcycle, yet Troy managed to wreck that a couple days ago… it's been in the shop since. He finds one of Byakuya's drivers waiting for him, the tall and slim man opening the back door to the limo and closing it once Ichigo gets in.
*Pathetic, * Shiro chides.
*Shut up, Shiro, * Ichigo growls mentally. *I really don't want to hear it. This is my job, not just a way to feel needed. *
*Then ya better fuckin' complain 'bout 'im callin' yer other job! At least do that much, ya spineless li'l bitch! *
*Don't call me a bitch you fucking cocksucker! * Ichigo grumbles in response.
The car comes to a halt, Shiro quieting quickly as the door is opened by the chauffer. Ichigo heads into the huge office building, ignoring everyone else as he strolls to the elevator. Byakuya's office is at the top, so he has a long wait ahead of him. Yet just as he reaches the fifth floor out of fifteen, the door slides open once more… and the wait just got unbearable.
"Hey, associate," Grimmjow grins.
Ichigo's amber eyes grow large, his heart thumping madly within his ribcage as he backs up until he's pressed against the elevator's wall. Grimmjow is dressed in tight blue jeans and an even tighter white shirt, a black leather jacket slung over one shoulder as he ambles in and presses the close door button.
"So… got a meeting with the big man?"
"He's my partner…"
"You swing that way then," Grimmjow comment teasingly with a raised brow.
"… Not like that you perv!" Ichigo blushes heatedly. "He's my business partner!"
"Oh? Then you know this building fairly well, right? Know which floor I can find an adequate assistant on?"
Ichigo stops at that, question in his eyes before he realizes his past rival… doesn't even remember him. Ichigo's temper boils, yet he catches himself. It's been four years since they've been near each other, the closest they ever got was when they were fighting and the anger had blinded them to everything but the attack, of course Grimmjow wouldn't remember him. The larger male was a social jock, into every sport imaginable, and Ichigo was just a wall flower until someone pissed him off.
"Sixth floor," he murmurs. "There's also a bulletin board on the far left wall that has other numbers and names for those looking for jobs."
"Thanks!"
Grimmjow waits until they reach the fifteenth floor, letting Ichigo out and following the orangette's ass with his eyes. After Ichigo is far enough away, he hits the sixth floor button and leans against the back wall to wait. Ichigo, on the other hand, heads to Byakuya's office.
"Hey, Byakuya," he calls out as he walks in. "Rukia said you needed to see me."
"Yes, I did. I must speak with you about our current contract," Byakuya smiles. "Please sit."
Knowing the tall raven only ever asks him to sit before telling him something he won't like, Ichigo cautiously takes the seat across from Byakuya. His partner is quiet for a long moment, looking over some paperwork and shuffling the loose sheets around his desk. Ichigo clears his throat, attempting to get the other talking sooner.
"… I'm attempting to bring Grimmjow Jaegerjaques into our list of famous models, his image will sell many items," the raven comments. "Unfortunately, he's one I'll have to list as VIP… and Rangiku will only add salt to old wounds caused by past relationships."
"And I'm here because..?"
"I could really use your help dealing with him."
"No, dealing with him takes an army of the most patient and head strong monks!" Ichigo scoffs. "Trust me on that, the only people he gets along with are assholes like him… or prostitutes, but only as long as they're going down on him."
"… Rather vulgar."
"He's a rather vulgar dick."
Byakuya rolls his eyes, sighing in frustration before leveling Ichigo with his no-nonsense glare. The orangette is defiant… for all of five seconds. At the look he knows so well from growing up with Rukia and being raised by the older raven, Ichigo withers quickly. He averts his amber eyes, finding the floor to be more interesting than his business partner.
"I needn't remind you just how much this contract will impact your business," Byakuya states. "Not to mention, you'll be paid handsomely… enough to get you back on your feet. I'm sorry we have such an ill-bred way of obtaining the biggest clients; however it seems to work far better than most. Had I thought I could use something more modest, there's no doubt I would've done so…"
"Grimmjow wants a sex toy, that's all," Ichigo snaps. "I'm not a sex toy!"
"In all actuality, you sort of were," Byakuya muses aloud. "I mean… your past relationships all used you in one way or another, they had no real feelings for you… and yet you slept with them. The only difference between you and those prostitutes you accuse Grimmjow of wanting, is the fact you didn't get paid."
"… I really don't like you right now."
"Because I speak the truth?"
"For your information, I haven't had sex in over a year!" Ichigo snaps in irritation.
"Oh! Good," Byakuya says lightly. "Then you won't mind getting some from Grimmjow!"
"I most certainly do!"
Their conversation is cut off when someone knocks on the door, Lisa opening it quietly before poking her head in. She's Byakuya's assistant and has been for two years, the only person that's managed to deal with things adequately enough to please the high-standard man.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaques is on the sixth floor," she remarks. "He called and told me he'll be late… he's looking for a competent assistant and can't seem to locate them."
"Tell him my best assistant is with me at the moment," Byakuya remarks. "I'd be happy to employ them for him."
"Wait… what?" Ichigo snaps. "Byakuya, I know you're talking about me!"
"You were my best assistant, Ichigo."
"Absolutely not! I only played your assistant because Uryu was taking over his part of the business and he gave me a vacation! You know it's hard for me to not work!"
"I'm well aware of that, but I also know you managed to balance your career and your part time job rather admirably… and you're still on vacation."
Ichigo curses beneath his breath at that fact, debating whether or not assisting Grimmjow would be worse than what Byakuya will have him doing should he fuck up this arrangement… Definitely better, Byakuya can be a real dick when he wants to be.
"What do I have to do?" Ichigo sighs out.
"I knew you'd comply," the raven smiles. "You always do, you're quite predictable in that respect."
"Byakuya, just tell me what the fuck you want me to do!"
"Grimmjow is different from other clients, there's only a single thing he wants bad enough to sign a yearly contract for modeling. He's told me what it is, but you'll just have to trust me… I would never throw you to the wolves. I always have your best interests in mind and I would kill myself before harming a hair on your head. I wouldn't do this unless you could handle it."
"I know, I know," the orangette mumbles with a blush. "Don't get all 'mushy big brother' on me, it's embarrassing!"
The door is knocked on once more, Lisa looking in before allowing Grimmjow the chance to walk through the entrance. He makes himself comfortable in the chair beside Ichigo, throwing the smaller male a feral grin. Cyan orbs cut through Ichigo like knives, though he ignores the feeling well, and Byakuya can tell there's a bit of tension between the two.
"So, where's this kickass assistant you promised me?" the fighter inquires.
"You're sitting beside him. Ichigo is not only my business partner, but was once my assistant. He's capable of keeping up his own business and running the majority of mine as well," the raven smirks. "He's very industrious. I don't recommend him to most, however, because he gets things moving accordingly with his temper."
"Temper, huh? Sounds fun," Grimmjow grins wider. "I always love me a good temper. About our contract…"
"Ichigo will be taking care of that as well," Byakuya waves off. "I'm sure you'll find him an adequate enough solution to your troubles. He's already agreed to help you out in any way possible."
"Great! Meet me tomorrow night at the club, we'll celebrate!"
Ichigo opens his mouth to question the other, yet he's ignored and Grimmjow stands to leave. The youth eyes Byakuya heatedly, knowing the other is up to no good. Though it's usually Rukia he has to worry about, Byakuya taught her how to plot with the best of them. When he receives no answer, Ichigo stands and shows himself out… dreading the next night more than even his other personality.
I love my imagination! XD I just can't get away from forcibly making Ichigo marry Grimm ;p Although, I have a fic I've yet to name where they don't get hitched! I'm trying really hard not to be repetitive T^T Let's see, I know that he's usually raised by Kisuke and Yorouchi... Shiro is normally his twin or split personality... he's always with Grimm, but no one seems to mind that ;p I'll try to figure somethign new and unusual out =D I promise. As per usual, your pool is now down to Life or Dream. Happy reviewing!
Grimm: When are you posting a new fic? =3
Vae: When I finish one of the older ones. Jail Bird is the oldest on the list for now, so that's the one I'm working on.
Grimm: I think you should post the fic with Ichi as a princess!
Ichi: Shut the fuck up, Grimm. You're such an asshole! DX
Shiro: I agree! I agree! *raises arm and waves it energetically*
Grimm: See? You're out voted! Princess Ichi it is! =D
Vae: Uh... I'm the writer and I'll choose which one to post first. =(
Ichi: Ha ha! =)
Vae: Besides, there are three unposted fics I'm working on and each one humiliates and annoys Ichigo just as much as the others.
Ichi: *sighs and shakes head* Why do I even get my hopes up? T^T
