Countdown: 14

Inching along toward the ending. still quite a ways to go, however. I'm torn on Hacking. I can either throw in the conflict of Ichigo begin captured by the hacker... or go with what I was thinking of in the first place. I don't know which will happen yet, so you'll just have to wait... until the end of Tiger ;p Lmao! Sorry I can't tell you more XD Anyway, I don't have much news today. Life (meaning mine) has been boring and uneventful. I'll just let you get to the update!

Shiro: Ah, the mornin' after! Ichi will be pissed off an' sore! I love it when he's pissed off, but I love it when he's injured more! XD

Ichi: *punches Shiro* And I love it when you don't talk!

Grimm: Ichi's been very moody recently, so let's just leave him be. =3

Shiro: I'll keep that in mind. T^T

Chapter 10

Then next morning Grimmjow let's Ichigo sleep in. He went on his morning jog alone, using the time to clear his head and call Hallibel and Nelliel. The two should arrive momentarily. The blue haired man is already back and doing laundry, Ichigo still passed out in the bedroom. It's almost nine; his jog started at six and ended at eight. The last hour he's spent tidying up the house.

"Grimm?" Ichigo murmurs from the bedroom door. "How long have you been up?"

"Since six," he smiles. "I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep, so I went for a jog. How are you feeling?"

"Sore."

Grimmjow grins, a touch of arrogance hidden within the pride and self-satisfaction. He just catches Ichigo rolling his eyes before turning away, heading to the guest room. Grimmjow belated recalls that the other had left his clothes back there. The orange head must be heading that way to get dressed. Unfortunately, with an hour left to his own devices Grimmjow sort of moved everything into his own room. After all, they're married and they need to share space… and he was fucking bored!

"Your clothes are in our room," he comments.

"… What?"

"I moved your clothes and stuff into our room," Grimmjow explains as innocently as possible. "Your clothes are in half the dresser and half the closet, your bathroom things are in the master bathroom, and I left your bedding in the guest room."

"… Why?"

"… I was bored," the blue haired male admits quietly with a light blush. "I didn't want to wake you up, so I had to keep myself busy."

As much as he thought his significant other would be angry, he's surprised when he hears Ichigo laughing at him. A sigh of relief answers Ichigo's laughter, Grimmjow sitting down in an armchair heavily as Ichigo takes a seat on the couch. The orange headed male gazes at his hubby for a moment before frowning.

"You have that interview today," he comments. "You can't reschedule again, Grimmjow. No more excuses. Stark will take you; I'll stay here so I don't ruin everything a third time."

"Awe, come on, Kitten. You didn't ruin everything… I didn't want to go anyway," Grimmjow grins. "Besides, they want you there as well. Something about getting the first look at my new wife, or some shit."

"But…"

"Don't worry, I told them to be here at eleven. We can have lunch with them. For now, however, go take a shower and get ready. Nelliel and Hallibel will be here soon."

"What about your training?"

"Today was my day off."

Grimmjow ushers Ichigo to the bathroom, shutting the door after gently pushing him in. Ichigo doesn't know what to say, he's not too happy about dealing with a couple therapists. The first one he sat with fucked up his head rather badly. He simply can't imagine his head any worse than it already is.

Grimmjow lets Hallibel and Nelliel in around the same time Ichigo finishes getting dressed. He wanted to wear something nice for the interview, but forgot by the time he finished his shower. The skinny jeans and sky blue hoody would have to do for now. He walks out in time to see Nelliel hug Grimmjow, the two girls taking a seat in each armchair… leaving the couch for their 'client'.

"Hello," Ichigo smiles.

He extends his hand to the closest female, Hallibel. The blonde takes his hand, shaking it firmly as she introduces herself. Ichigo can't help but imagine her as an Amazonian warrior, her height and dark skin mixed with her attitude making the image all too real. Nelliel is more childish than Hallibel, reaching to shake Ichigo's hand and yanking him into a hug. Afterward, Grimmjow pulls him onto the couch.

"We have half an hour before the reporter shows up for his interview," Grimmjow remarks. "Do you guys want me to leave? I can take a walk."

"No," Ichigo remarks. "You don't have to."

"We're just visiting," Nelliel smiles. "This isn't a session or anything. Besides, I work with children and Hallibel usually works with criminals. Ichigo isn't really our type."

*That's what she thinks, * Shiro cackles.

"Shut up," Ichigo hisses quietly.

The girls watch him evenly, yet the raise brow on Grimmjow tells Ichigo he was speaking out loud. He curses mentally, letting his gaze drop to the carpet. Grimmjow drapes his arms over the back of the couch, trying to support the other without pissing him off.

"So tell me, Ichigo, who was your last therapist?" Hallibel wonders.

"His name was Mayuri Kurotsuchi," Ichigo informs. "He said he want to attempt fixing my temper in a new way… I just wanted it gone."

Grimmjow stays quiet at that, yet he obviously doesn't like the comment if the look on his face is anything to go by. Ichigo doesn't notice, however Nelliel is watching him closely. She knows Grimmjow well, he's never went this far out of his way for a stranger… not even a business partner. Ichigo must've really grown on the blue haired man.

"How did this therapy go?" she wonders.

"It was hypnosis," Ichigo answers. "I went to sleep and when I woke up… I felt different. The next day I noticed my mind didn't seem to be only mine anymore. Something else is in there, but it was only a feeling at first. Then, slowly, it started getting stronger."

"How bad is it now?"

"… Do I really have to do this?" Ichigo questions Grimmjow. "I mean… it's not that bad."

Shiro cackles in the back of Ichigo's mind, louder than normal, and the younger male grips his head. He shakes off the unwelcome voice, trying his hardest to concentrate on those before him. Hallibel and Nelliel exchange looks, though neither says anything. Grimmjow is the one that pulls Ichigo back.

"Ichigo, you blacked out and disappeared on me," he comments. "Don't tell me it's not that bad. You fucking scared me! I at least want to get a handle on those episodes."

"Fine," Ichigo sighs. "I black out, I wake up in places I can't remember going to, and he just won't shut up! All he ever does is talk and complain and insult me!"

"He?"

"Shiro!"

*Oh yeah, ya don' look crazy at all, * Shiro snorts in humor.

"Shut the fuck up, you parasite!" Ichigo shouts.

Grimmjow is surprised at the outburst, yet tightens his grip on the other's shoulder. Ichigo stops at that, unsure if he should be embarrassed at the outburst or infuriated at Shiro for causing it. He's just so frustrated, he's not sure he can take much more.

"Ichigo, does Shiro talk to you often?"

"I honestly don't think he knows the meaning of silence," the other scowls.

*I do too! Silence is what I hear when the pussy cat leaves the shower! * Shiro cackles in joy.

*Sometimes I wish I could beat my head against the wall and only you would feel it, * Ichigo growls.

*Ya could try. *

Hallibel and Nelliel note the faraway look Ichigo takes on, the blonde tapping her chin lightly in thought. It would seem the woman with sea green hair knows exactly what she's thinking, a worried frown gracing her lips. Grimmjow doesn't want to interfere with them, they know what they're doing, yet he's afraid for Ichigo. The other just seems so fed up.

"Might we talk with Shiro?" Hallibel asks.

"No," Ichigo states quickly. "No, I don't like when I black out. I always wake up with blood on my hands! He's violent! He's a fucking monster, that's why I wanted to get rid of him in the first place!"

"He was there before the therapy?" Nelliel wonders.

"Well… no. I mean, not like he is now. I always felt like a different person when I lost my temper, he was the one that made me feel that way. After therapy, he started talking and developed his own personality… so I named him. I didn't want to remember that he used to be me."

"But he is you, or a part of you," Hallibel says. "You can't just throw him away, you need to accept him. That's the only way to fix this mess Mayuri created."

"No thanks," Ichigo frowns. "I'll just deal with him like I usually deal with him. It's been working out rather well so far."

"You can't keep pushing him away, he's your Id," Nelliel points out. "Eventually, the desires he holds will overwhelm your own morals. You'll disappear, Ichigo. This… Shiro person… will take over permanently."

Silence reigns in the room, Ichigo's panic shooting up to cosmic levels though he doesn't show it on the outside. He can hear Shiro screaming something about hating the rain, yet even that's been tuned out. Ichigo can only stare at the woman with sea green hair, completely stupefied.

"You don't know that," he whispers.

"Obviously a happy medium can be found, but it's not likely," Hallibel comments. "Your Id is the part of your brain that wants immediate gratification. Morals and patience are trivial to that part. Your Ego and Super Ego are meant to work together with the Id, that's why separating it from the rest is a horrible move. That type of therapy was banned years ago, Mayuri never should've fooled around with it."

"I… I need to take a walk," Ichigo comments. "I have to… think."

"At least do whatever thinking you have to do in the guest room," Grimmjow sighs. "I'll walk the girls out. If you'd like some alone time, I'll take a walk."

"Fine."

Ichigo heads to the guest room, listening as the girls get up to leave with Grimmjow. The drawing table is still set up with a sketch book and some pencils, so he sits at it and doodles quietly. He doesn't really have to think… he needs to speak with Shiro. Since he usually does that out loud, perhaps it was best he stay in the house.

"Shiro, we need to talk," he sighs.

*I'm listenin'. What ya want? *

"Nelliel said I'm going to disappear if we don't find a happy medium. I think we need to make a deal on how things are going to happen from now on."

*I guess. I mean… we both know last time I tried ta take over fer good I almost got thrown in the looney bin, * the copy murmurs. *Anythin' is better than that place. *

"Grimmjow didn't appreciate you kidnapping my body," Ichigo says. "He's famous, you know, I could've been kidnapped and held for ransom."

*What the fuck? * Shiro whines. *Ya want me ta leave a damn note er somethin'? 'Cause we both know I ain't gonna stop kidnappin' ya. *

"That would probably be best if you can't help yourself."

*Then ya better start spreadin' yer legs more often in return, * the copy scoffs. *'Cause my libido happens ta be yer libido an' it certainly ain't gettin' satisfied. *

Ichigo rolls his eyes, huffing at the insistent complaints from his inner demon. They spend the rest of the half hour bickering and attempting to find some happy medium, yet they only come to terms with a couple things. It's just too vexing talking with the other.

The orange head is pulled from his argument by a knocking at the door, his feet taking him there without thought. Once he's shut out Shiro once more, the other promising to behave for a little while, Ichigo answers the door. On the other side is a short female with long black pigtails at the back of her head and sharp grey eyes, a black dress suit with billowing pants making up her attire.

"Um… Hello?" he murmurs.

"Good evening. My name is Soi Fon; I'm looking for Mr. Jaegerjaques. This is the address I was given."

"Yeah, you have the right place. He stepped out to take a quick walk, he should be back soon," Ichigo informs as he opens the door. "You must be the reporter he said was coming. Come on in and have a seat, I'll give him a call for you."

"Thank you."

The petite woman enters the house, glancing around curiously as Ichigo leads her to the kitchen. He needs to start lunch, as he's just realized it's a few minutes to eleven. Soi Fon sits at the breakfast bar, watching Ichigo deftly dial Grimmjow while pulling out stuff to fix. The blue haired man answers on the second ring, assuring Ichigo he'll be back in a bit and asking him to keep the reporter entertained.

"So, you're Mr. Jaegerjaques's new wife?" the raven questions.

"Yes."

"How long have you known him? I'm only asking because there's a rumor he's using you."

"… We were married while under the influence, but I can honestly say he's the best thing that's happened to me," Ichigo smiles. "My past relationships haven't exactly been… well, they haven't even been close to mediocre. This random marriage thing turned out really well."

"And Grimmjow thinks the same?"

Ichigo thinks on that a moment, trying to pinpoint where Grimmjow's emotions were going and coming up blank. Then again, with the way his friends have been acting around him Ichigo can see that the way he treats Ichigo is very different from the norm.

"Grimmjow is hard to read, but he says he's happy. He treats me very well and I do what I can to keep him happy," the orange head smiles. "We have our problems… I'm not used to someone being affectionate without wanting something in return; he's not used to having a wife that appreciates a flower picked from a garden as opposed to a million dollar diamond. We get along well, though, all things considered."

Grimmjow walks in the front door just as Ichigo finishes the grilled cheese sandwiches, the larger man sitting beside Soi Fon. Ichigo sets the plates before them, grabbing a bag of chips from the cabinet before joining them.

"Your wife was just telling me about your odd relationship."

"Is that so?" Grimmjow murmurs. "I'm sure you've already gotten everything you want from him, right?"

"I was told he isn't well, does that bother you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I've interviewed Mayuri a couple years ago… it would seem your wife was his patient. None of his patients left therapy without being damaged in some way. No one seems to be able to handle his method of therapy."

"Ichigo is fine," Grimmjow frowns. "There's nothing we can't handle together."

The raven hums to herself at the comment, sliding her gaze over to Ichigo. Ichigo seems to be in his own world, uncaring of what the interview entails. A peaceful expression lies upon the other's brow, his attention left on his food as Grimmjow speaks with Soi Fon.

"Isn't his extensive traumatic past difficult to deal with?" Soi Fon asks. "I mean, he's lived a difficult life since the age of five. Even with the guidance of Byakuya Kuchiki, this man has found endless ways to stay in trouble."

"You really did your research, didn't you?" Ichigo scoffs.

"I'm a reporter, but unlike others I prefer to write the truth. I can't do that without research," the raven scowls. "You witnessed the murder of your parents at the age of five, you were hounded by the press for months afterward, and Byakuya Kuchiki took you in after months of living on the street…"

"Enough!" Ichigo snaps. "I don't like to talk about that stuff! I don't even talk to Byakuya and Rukia about that shit, just stop!"

Grimmjow tenses, yet Soi Fon steers away from the topic quickly. Apparently, she knows more about Ichigo than Grimmjow does. It takes a few more minutes, but she finds a topic that seems to make Ichigo more uncomfortable than angry.

"I looked into your past, but I've yet to find anything about a career. You went through college while in high school and graduated relatively early, but I never found a job anywhere. Did you marry into money, or do you rely on the Kuchiki fortune?"

"Neither," Ichigo murmurs. "I worked as Byakuya's assistant for a while, made enough money, and funded my friend's career. It was a worthwhile investment. I'm a silent partner in Uryu Ishida's fashion business. I do the paperwork and found a second partnership with Byakuya's modeling agency. If anything, I was brought up with a very sharp mind for business."

"You're the co-owner of the line 'Strawberry Patch'?"

"Yeah… I still hate the name, but he said if I was going to be nothing more than a silent partner then he gets the right to name the damn line after me. He likes to tease me about the meaning of my name. He knows it wasn't meant to mean strawberry, but he loves the joke."

It's obvious Soi Fon wasn't expecting Ichigo to be part of something so big. She was most likely hoping to paint the other as just another gold digger, out for nothing more than Grimmjow's money. The orange headed male stands and clears their plates, walking around the counter to hug Grimmjow once they're in the sink. He whispers something about 'work' in Grimmjow's ear, smirking at the kiss he receives in turn, and then walks off into the back of the house. His part in the interview is over as far as he's concerned. Grimmjow turns back to Soi Fon, wishing he hadn't agreed to this stupid interview in the first place. At the time, however, the biggest news concerning him was the possible movie deal he was offered.

There we have it! A little background on Ichigo's unusual condition... and a little more of Shiro pissing him off XD Don't we all just love that? Lmao! Anyway, I should really get something productive done =( I still haven't touched my outlines, haven't drawn anymore characters for my new book, and I haven't even opened Hacking yet ;p I really need to get on the ball. Of course, I still have three dolls to put together and 8 more to make... I have so much to do and no will to do it T^T Oh well, I'll get to it eventually.

Grimm: That's Vae-talk for 'I'm too lazy to think let alone work on anything' ;p

Vae: My code is secret! Stop telling people! DX

Ichi: You're really not that difficult to figure out =D

Vae: Shiro! I demand you be on my side!

Shiro: ... An' I always will be! As long as Ichi is mistreated an' I can say it wasn' me! XD

Ichi: I can't believe you'd sell me out like that!

Shiro: It's my fucked up way a sayin' I love ya, aibou!

Ichi: I prefer Grimmjow's way of saying that to yours!

Grimm: So do I! It satisfies my libido and wipes out your temper! =3

Shiro: Yeah... much as I love the idea of dominatin' ya, I ain't fuckin' ya, aibou =(