Countdown: 17

Lmao! You'll love the beginning of this! I just reread the first bit and started laughing ;p Wait... is it weird to reread your own stories? And if it's not... is it weird to reread your own stories and react to them pretty much the same way a normal reader would? I'm so odd =( Then again, the whole basis of fanfiction is to write for yourself. If that's the case, I'm safe! XD

Shiro: An' people say I'm fuckin' crazy =(

Ichi: Shut up! *clamps hands over Shiro's mouth before turning to fuming Vae* He didn't mean it. He's a dumbass, stuff just tumbles from his mouth without him thinking straight. He's not wired right, remember? *nervous grin*

Vae: ... I shall forgive it THIS time. Keep your base personality under control before he gets you both in trouble... mainly you.

Ichi: Oh don't worry, I'll kick his ass for almost getting me in trouble. =(

Chapter 7

The nighttime scenery is lost to Ichigo, his eyes unfocused as he argues with Shiro. Grimmjow is slightly worried, but the myriad of expressions that play across Ichigo's face are humorous to watch. They're both still in the car, the park coming up fast, and it would seem the orange headed male has no clue what's going on.

*I don't want to argue with you anymore! * Ichigo shouts mentally. *I said I'm not having sex with him and I meant it! *

*Then I'll just push ya inta the background and ride 'im 'til he can' see straight, * Shiro cackles. *I wouldn' mind bein' uke if it means gettin' some a yer fuckin' sexual tension relieved! *

*My sexual tension is none of your business! *

*Uh, I'm sorry, who's representin' yer base instincts 'gain? I'm fairly certain it ain't ya. *

Grimmjow smirks when Ichigo's face lights up crimson, the rage mixing with mortification. A part of him would really like to know what conversations Ichigo has in his head, but right now he really needs the other to come back to the here and now. Stark has stopped the car and they only have a short while until they need to be at the benefit. He gets out and walks around the car's back, giving Ichigo time to gather himself, and then opens the back passenger door. Ichigo is startled when he's pulled from the backseat, though he doesn't panic because Grimmjow's grip isn't threatening.

"We're here," he explains.

"… The park?" Ichigo comments distantly.

Grimmjow waits for the other to gather his thoughts, shaking himself from his trance, and then leads the orange head away. Ichigo is lost for words, mostly because Shiro is still encouraging kinky sex in the back of his mind. He sighs and looks up toward the blinking stars, smiling minutely at the serenity of this place. The two step into a clearing ringed by thick trees and bushes, a large lake of dark water reflecting the moonlight above, and Ichigo stops in his tracks. His breath is stolen from him, his eyes large in awe, and Grimmjow grins at the sight.

"This place," Ichigo breathes out. "It's so beautiful."

"Yeah, I prefer it at night," the larger male chuckles. "Daytime is too busy for my tastes, but here at night… I can really take my time and think. I thought you'd like this place, too."

"I do," Ichigo smiles as he steps closer to the lake. "Thank you."

"We have time to walk for a bit, but we need to leave soon if we want to be on time."

He holds his arm out for his wife, which Ichigo takes hesitantly. Afterward, they stroll along the edge of the lake and indulge in the cool night air. This moment is the best moment of Ichigo's life, as sad as it is to admit, but he doesn't care. He has a romantic setting and he's with the man he loved in high school… there is nothing better for him right now. Grimmjow pulls Ichigo closer without thinking, more to share the other's body heat than lavish him with attention. The orange headed male glances at him almost shyly, yet reminds himself yet again this is only pretend.

*That ain't what the marriage certificate says, * Shiro reminds.

*This is just a cover, it's not real! *

*Yeah, just like I ain't real, right? Well, I got news fer ya, aibou, I'm very real. An' if ya'd stop thinkin' like a reluctant tool, this marriage would be as well. *

*You're wrong. I'll only get my hopes up to have them destroyed… again. *

*So yer used ta it! This should be a piece a cake! *

Ichigo growls at the voice in his head, unintentionally voicing his displeasure out loud. Grimmjow sends him a questioning glance, however the blush he gets in answer assures him it's not directed his way. After a short walk, the two head back to the car. Stark is waiting for them, leaning back in his car and seeming to be asleep.

"We're ready to go," Grimmjow calls up once they're seated.

"To the benefit?" the brunette inquires.

"That's right. Try and get to the back door without anyone noticing, I want to avoid the cameras this time if you don't mind."

Stark hums in understanding, shifting the car into drive and heading out of the park. Ichigo watches the lake hide between the trees, and then the trees grow smaller. Once he can't be bothered to stare after them anymore, he sits back and looks to his husband.

"You space out a lot," Grimmjow frowns. "I don't like that. If I'm not around you, you could be hurt or kidnapped."

"I wouldn't worry about that," Ichigo chuckles dryly. "I have a sort of built in security system… nothing hurts me physically."

"… And emotionally?"

"… Nothing's perfect," he murmurs. "Even a security system as efficient as the one I have."

Grimmjow leans back, mulling that thought over. He needs to get in touch with Hallibel and Nelliel; they'll be able to enlighten him on Ichigo's strange behavior. Obviously, Ichigo doesn't notice it… or doesn't want to. Stark pulls into a side street by the hall holding the benefit, parking and exiting to open Grimmjow's door. Ichigo is pulled out on that side, ushered to the side door easily before he's pushed through by the blue haired man. Grimmjow nods to Stark, the brunette leaving to park, and follows Ichigo to the great hall.

The minute they open the door to the large area, they're assaulted by voices. Ichigo doesn't get the chance to retreat, the heavy hand upon his shoulder pushing him forward. That hand drops down to take the smaller male's, squeezing reassuringly.

"Don't worry, you don't have to leave my side," he whispers. "Just smile and act like we're in love."

"I hope you know the basics about me," Ichigo mutters. "What if they ask something stupid like… what's my favorite color?"

"I'll tell them the truth. We got married under the influence and want to try and make it work."

"But why?"

"Why not?"

Ichigo sighs and rolls his eyes, brushing off the offered arm and scoffing. He keeps hold of Grimmjow's hand, but that's as far as he's going with public shows of affection. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing… nothing more. He's no chick to hang off that bastard's arm like an ornament.

The whole affair is overwhelming, the orange head sticking so close to Grimmjow for any semblance of comfort as he's crowded. Thankfully, the cameramen stay at a reasonable distance. Though he'd love nothing more than to leave, Grimmjow's attention has been caught by a busty strawberry blonde.

"I'm telling you, Grimmjow, you'll be getting a call really soon," she laughs. "You're a shoe in for the lead role, there is no one better."

"I don't know, I'm not really the acting type," the other smirks playfully. "Besides, I've been thinking about a nice honeymoon. It's the least I can do for my wife; it's not easy to put up with me."

"What were you thinking? A weekend cruise to the Bahamas? Please! With the money you'll get from this upcoming hit, you can buy him a fucking island and spend the summer in Paris!"

Ichigo rolls his eyes, slipping his hand from Grimmjow's and backing away. He's not gonna stand there like an idiot while they drool all over each other. At least with his ex-boyfriends, they had the decency to do it behind his back! He walks over to the buffet set up for those there, looking over the food curiously and reaching for a glass of wine. Grimmjow doesn't even notice he's missing.

"Ichigo, I didn't expect to see you here."

Ichigo turns quickly at the familiar tones, almost dropping his glass in surprise. He smiles at Byakuya, the raven dressed to impress as he usually is. Byakuya is with Unohana, a kind woman he's known for a long time. She heads up the hospital, but they've been close friends all their lives. She nods a greeting to the orangette before wandering into the crowd.

"Hey, nii-sama," Ichigo smiles. "How are you?"

"I should be asking you that, you haven't called since the wedding."

"I'm sorry… I'm still angry with you," the younger male frowns. "And now I have to watch my husband jump through hoops for that whore."

Byakuya's eyes widen at the comment, spoken so bitterly and with obvious jealousy hidden in the tone. He glances toward the blue haired man, sighing at the sight of Rangiku Matsumoto. She's a leading lady, sought by all producers to bring their scripts to life… but she's a lush and a temptress. Grimmjow wasn't on her radar before, because he wasn't taken. Now that he is, she wants him. It's only fun for her, however, as long as he's unavailable by a prior commitment. She'll seduce him until he leaves Ichigo for her, sleep with him until that moment, and then decide some other married man is more appetizing.

"Just ignore her; she's no threat to you."

"How would you know that?"

"I'll ruin him if he strays," the raven comments in a careless manner. "He knows that by now, I shouldn't have to tell him. You and Rukia are the most important people to me; I would do anything to keep you safe and happy."

"I know, nii-sama," Ichigo grins. "That's why we love you so much."

The two turn back to watch Rangiku playfully push Grimmjow's shoulder, giggling like an idiot as he grins. By now, the attending reporter has noticed Byakuya and Ichigo. Though they're not permitted to a camera crew, they're allowed a couple photographers… and Grimmjow's new wife is the biggest scoop of the night.

"Excuse me! Excuse me, can I speak with you?"

"Uh… I guess," Ichigo murmurs nervously. "Byakuya?"

"I won't leave."

The raven sets a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, sending him a confident smirk. Ichigo sighs and turns his attention to the reporter, inhaling sharply at the flash of a camera. That hand squeezes his shoulder, soothing him if only a bit. It's not like Grimmjow's hand, it doesn't give him as much solace for some reason, but he'll take what he can get.

"How long have you known Grimmjow Jaegerjaques?" the reporter questions. "I don't recall ever seeing you around him before, were you two secret lovers?"

"Um… no," Ichigo murmurs. "I hadn't been in contact with him before we were married; it was the product of too much alcohol."

"Who's idea was it to make it work?" they frown. "Surely not his, last time his wife got away with the contents of his bank account."

"It was his," Ichigo shrugs. "I don't care for his money, I have my own. I think that's why he wanted to make it work."

"So he's using you."

Ichigo raises a brow at the bold statement, crossing his arms over his chest defensively. Within his mind Shiro's rage sings, the other personality demanding an apology in blood. He quickly bottles Shiro up in his mental cage, scolding him vehemently.

"How do you figure?" he wonders tightly.

"It's no secret after that first accidental wedding, other fans have been attempting to force his commitment thought such a bond," the man scoffs. "If he's already legally married to you, any other marriages won't take."

"Did it ever occur to you that this marriage is helping the both of us?" Ichigo asks quietly. "Maybe, just maybe, I needed someone like him as much as he needed me? I may not need his money, but he treats me damn good!"

By this time, Grimmjow has retreated from the clingy strawberry blonde. He's a bit pissed Ichigo didn't say something to get her away from him, but he was glad the other was attempting to mingle. The reporter, however, is getting on his nerves. He's too close to his wife and Ichigo's beginning to get agitated. He walks up to the orange head, carefully putting himself between Ichigo and the reporter.

"Hey, honey, did you bid on one of the baskets?" he wonders.

"Huh? Uh… no. I didn't, why?"

"It's for a good cause, Kitten," he grins. "Come on, let's go look."

Without a spare glance for the reporter, Grimmjow wraps an arm around Ichigo's waist and guides him to the tables that line the far wall. Baskets of varying items, most rather expensive, are set up for a silent auction. They spend the rest of the night bidding and staying away from the man trying to corner Ichigo again.

The night was long, but Ichigo managed to win a picnic basket of wine and a couple spa passes. He'll likely give those to Rukia, but he'll enjoy the wine! The ride home was long and Ichigo fell asleep somewhere along the way. Grimmjow wakes him when the car pulls up in front of the house.

"Come on, Kitten," he sighs. "Time to go inside."

Ichigo grumbles sleepily, sliding from the vehicle and trudging up to the house. Grimmjow catches movement in the trees off to the side, a growl rumbling from his lips quietly, and locks the door behind them once they're inside. He makes a quick round, locking all the windows and the sliding glass door to the backyard, and then joins Ichigo in the living room.

"Let's get ready for bed, Ichigo," he murmurs. "We can take a bath in the morning, you look like you're about to fall asleep on your feet."

"Okay."

He turns to walk into the guest room; however Grimmjow grips his hand and leads him to the master bedroom. Too tired to put up much of a fight, Ichigo slowly sheds his clothes and flops down on the bed in his boxers. Grimmjow carefully rearranges him, pulling the blanket from under him and draping it over his tan body. After, he strips down and sits on his side of the large bed. With a tired sigh, he lies down and reaches over to turn off the bedside lamp.

"Grimmjow?" Ichigo murmurs.

"Yeah?"

"Are you using me? Like the reporter said?"

Grimmjow doesn't know how to answer the question, knowing the truth would be 'yes' and feeling as though he should say 'no'. It's true he only wanted to be legally married to keep others from claiming that bond; however he's beginning to realize he likes the other's presence around him. Ichigo is fun and challenging, quiet, and interesting.

"I suppose you know it started that way," he sighs in thought. "I like your presence far more than I had first thought I would. I think… this might actually work. I mean, not soon… obviously. Maybe in a few months or a year."

"You're good to me," Ichigo mumbles. "You're the first that's been this good to me. I appreciate it, I really do. But I don't think this is going to work."

"Why not?" Grimmjow asks a bit offended.

"… I'm not well," the other mutters bitterly. "I mean, I'm healthy, but… there's something wrong with my head. You won't want to deal with that, you'll get tired of it and you'll send me away."

"Never. I sort of figured you weren't all there, but it's actually sort of amusing to see you make faces at yourself."

"No, it's worse than that," the orangette whispers sadly. "I'm not always myself."

Grimmjow doesn't understand completely, but he gets the gist. He reaches over and pulls Ichigo against him, wrapping him up in an embrace he would never give a hook up. The blue haired man is surprised when Ichigo hugs him back. The two lay like that until they fall asleep, both worried about the future they can't seem to agree on having together.

There we have it! And now for news! I finally finished my cosplay outfit for Mizore, I still haven't worked on my outlines, I created sketches for the twins in my new book idea, four characters for the same book idea have the basics of their looks and info finished, I chose many names I liked for the rest... Hmm... Now for fanfics! Tiger is a couple chapters further into the story. One of those chapters is just what my yaoi fan readers have been demanding ;p Not telling which one, not giving details.

As for cosplay, I think I may have a permanent convention buddy! My cousin, Peanut (obviously not her real name), has agreed to dress up with me. She's supposed to go as Ururu the first time we cosplay and I'll be Mizore. I chose them, so she got to choose the next costumes. She likes Pokemon ^^; I'm going as Pikachu and she'll be Pichu XD I've already scanned the net for costume ideas and found a few I like... her's is already drawn up.

Shiro: I wanna cosplay!

Ichi: Who the hell are you gonna cosplay as?

Shiro: Ya. =D

Ichi: ... You seriously want to be me for a day? Be my guest.

Grimm: No way! I'm not fucking him for any reason... and I don't think I could fuck you if you were dressed up like him. =(

Ichi: ... Okay, Shiro! Let's do it!

Vae: ... This would make a freaky fanfic. XD