Disclaimer: Let's see where this is going okay? The last chapter was pretty drama-ish, maybe its time to move it forward just a notch again Yea? I also noticed we have more followers, welcome welcome. I hope you're all enjoying it so far. I know I am. So let's begin! …I think I know where I want this chapter to go, haven't had the time to write mini subplots for this one so hope it doesn't suck as much. I do not own the song in this chapter…ever.
Track 10: Blue Skies Gossip
"We are on track." Uryuu whispered. "We are on time." He sunk into one of the leather chairs.
Luxus glanced at each other in anticipation. Well what's going to happen next? Shuuhei spoke up. "Well Uryuu?"
Their manager opened up the planner that was always in his briefcase and searched ahead in weeks. "I think we need some interviews. No more gigs until the release, we want the fans to become a little bit impatient."
"Release date still April 22nd?"
"We're all clear for that."
Renji rested his head on the table. "Can we go back to having some stupid fun now? We only have two more songs to write and record."
"Yeah, sure, I have no problem with that as long as it's after the interview."
"We don't even have an interview set in stone!" Ichigo interjected. "I don't think I've had a drink in a week."
Rukia looked at the fiery head with skepticism. "Really? That's such a long time."
"I can taste the sarcasm from your lips."
"Uh oh." Shuuhei grinned seductively, and Rukia rolled her eyes.
Uryuu's cell phone rang. "Hope this is good news." He excused himself and walked out the studio.
"If we have to do another interview it better be with someone worth it." Renji said while unbraiding his hair.
Rukia sat there inspecting her nails lost in thought. She really didn't want to be at the meeting today, and had hoped it would go by quicker than how it was going now. Being at home sounded like a legit plan or somewhere with an amazing couch to relax on. She just needed to relax, that's all. The weekend wasn't exactly kosher, well her life wasn't exactly kosher anymore. But shit, relaxation was a cure for hectic, a temporary cure. Loving the band and music is a top priority, and so is her mental health. Besides, she knew that The Cruex were back in the city to wrap up their tour. So that meant…
Decisions, decisions. She frowned and fidgeted some more.
"Ruk, you doing alright over there?"
She glanced at her best friend and smiled. "Yeah, just really hungry right now."
"Let's grab some breakfast after this meeting okay?"
Uryuu walked in and marked on their calendar. "And yes, you do have an interview with Shinji Hirako on his popular talk show Vizards. No partying. Until then keep it together." He packed his briefcase up and prepared to leave. "If you can behave for a couple more days I'll even pay for table service. Deal?"
Rukia spoke up. "You know it's bad when you have to bribe them with alcohol."
Uryuu sighed. "It is sad, but guys. We were lucky enough to get this spot. First it sounded like nothing but bad luck from the start, now we're getting good luck. Let's keep rolling with it." With that he left the band to their own devices for now.
Rukia checked her phone and her heart sped up a bit. "I'll meet you guys at the restaurant okay?"
"Bye.." Shuuhei raised his hand, but Rukia was already out the door. He smirked. "At least I got to see her ass before the door closed."
Renji punched his friend in the arm. "Come on man!"
Rukia watched her pace as she walked, she felt like she was in mid jog. Slowing down some more, and putting on a small air of nonchalant she continued walking at a normal pace. Turning around the corner sharply Rukia slammed into a body. A pale arm shot out and steadied them both.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching—"
"—Where you were going?"
"Ulquiorra." She pulled her tote bag back up onto her shoulder. "How has the tour been so far?"
The emo looking guy blinked slowly and shrugged his shoulders. "Can't wait for it to be over." He responded with a dark mood.
"Um, is everything okay?" Rukia really didn't care, but it would be extremely rude of her if she didn't ask.
"Just don't believe everything is as it seems." Ulquiorra started walking again. "This place is poison, I'm poison. Grimmjow is poison. It'll take a toll on you."
Rukia frowned and watched him walked away. 'What was all this poison talk?' Don't let fame get to your head? All that glitter's not gold? Well, Rukia hope she would keep her mind and her head on her shoulders. Byakuya taught her better than that, but she wasn't the only one that needed to keep a look out for that bug.
"Hey princess."
Rukia turned to face the gruff voice. "Hey yourself —, why is your hair all flat?" She couldn't resist. She had to run her fingers through his hair. It wasn't being held up in a faux hawk with any gel products, and gods it was so soft, and very different. She messed around with the tuft that was hanging lower than the rest of the hair that was hanging on his forehead.
"I take it that you like the look."
"Did I say that?" Rukia grinned.
"You didn't have to." He wrapped an arm around her. "What's on the agenda for the day?"
Rukia followed in step with Grimmjow. "Going to get breakfast with the boys, then most likely crashing for a bit. We have an interview with um, that eccentric talk host Saturday."
"Ouch. Have fun on that show. I'll be watching,"
"Watching?"
Grimmjow grinned. "Don't worry about it, but I was looking forward to having you all to myself tonight."
"Maybe that could happen."
He brought her forward and hugged Rukia close to his body. "I'm taking you out for dinner."
Rukia felt a wave of heat going across her body. She was getting nervous. She didn't have an answer yet. "S-sure. When and where?"
"Give me your address." He saw a flash of hesitation at that. "What? You can know where I live, but I can't know where you live?"
Rukia looked elsewhere but at him. "It's, uh, complicated."
In truth it was. There was the one fact that her stepbrother would turn Grimmjow away instantly upon setting his eyes on him, demand to know who Grimmjow was, and no. No way. Then there was the other fact that her other place was shared with three guys, and she doesn't even have her own room in that house! And two of those guys aren't exactly sold on the idea of her and Grimmjow as a couple. Awkward right?
"Look, can I just meet you there?"
Grimmjow stared at her hard. "Fine, your call. I'll text you the details later. I got to run." He pecked her on the forehead and walked off without another word.
No real kiss? What the hell. 'Jerk.' She huffed and rushed off to meet with the guys at the café. When she arrived she found that Renji had already ordered a large glass of orange juice for her.
"Mm, OJ." She slid into the booth next to the drummer.
"What took you so long? You left before us." Renji asked.
Rukia took a long sip from her drink. "Ran into interference."
Shuuhei's face twisted into a large grin. "Was it that Grimmjow?"
Renji rolled his eyes. "I can't stand that guy."
"You're not even giving him a chance." Shuuhei leaned back in the cushy booth feeling drowsy for once.
"He's got a lot of baggage."
Rukia raised her eyebrows. "Don't we all?"
"Don't worry Rukia, I'll give him a chance." Shuuhei winked at her. It seemed like Shuuhei always had her back.
Ichigo shrugged. "What for? We don't even know the guy."
"Sure we do." Shuuhei held his hand and ticked off the facts. "He's the lead guitarist for The Cruex, he has a crazy ex and who doesn't? He's an older guy, and he's completely in love with our girl."
Ichigo looked dubious. "He's not in love with Rukia."
"Yeah he is."
"How can you even tell? And it's way too soon. They haven't even properly been together— they're not together!" Ichigo's voice rose up slightly.
Shuuhei sighed. "I know this because I'm in love with Rukia."
Renji let out an exasperated sigh and began looking around the café for their waiter, it was overdue for ordering food. Ichigo's dubious look remained on his face while he rested his head in his right hand.
"I don't count?!"
"Nope." The orange haired answered.
Shuuhei put more cream in his coffee. "Well, I think I should count." He looked at Rukia and smiled softly.
'Hmm?' Rukia felt a flutter in her chest. It was such a sincere look Shuuhei gave her, and he was behaving for now. She couldn't help it, she had developed a soft spot for the lecher in her heart. She smiled. Yeah, Shuuhei always had her back.
Renji had finally flagged down their waiter and they all ordered. It felt like old times, but there was now something different in the air. Since the beginning a lot of things have changed, mainly their status. They were being recognized on the streets, and even had a few brave people come up to the table and asked for a photograph. They could also see a few paparazzis hanging around across the street outside since it was the law for loitering on property. It was all-new. Soon they were going to need bodyguards. Their food was shortly brought out to them, and they all dug in ravenously.
"What's on everyone's agenda tonight?" Renji asked a moment later.
Ichigo scratched his head. "Tatsuki and Orihime are coming into the city, they already heard about the show. Uryuu already got them tickets."
"Childhood romances." Shuuhei teased.
Ichigo blushed. "None of those chicks are childhood romances! Renji what are you doing?"
The red head shrugged his shoulders. "Have a date with that chick from the show, the backstage help."
"Really? Just like that?" Rukia asked. "Sounds risky."
"Everything I do is risky."
Rukia sucked on her cheek. "You have a point." She felt relieved that Renji was going out somewhere, and along with going out with a female. Good, maybe that woman will keep him occupied for a few months. "And Shuuhei what are you doing?"
"Taking my ass to bed."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked. Ichigo felt Shuuhei's forehead for a fever.
Shuuhei looked at them all like they grew a second head. "Rock stars need to rest as well."
Rukia shook her fork at him. "I could just jump on you now, actually I should jump on you! Especially after the rough time you gave me at the beginning for being tired all the time."
"You should come and torture me later tonight."
"Too late, have plans. I'll do it next time."
"Is that a promise?"
Rukia smiled and sighed. "No." The remainder of breakfast went smoothly. No interruptions from fans, but it was every band members mind that it was probably time to get Uryuu to hire them at least one body guard each. No one wants to be liable for punches thrown.
As they went their separate ways Rukia called up Rangiku. They haven't seen each other in awhile, and she was beginning to miss the enthusiastic attitude of her. Lucky enough it was Rangiku's off day, no escorts today or tonight, no photo shoots either. She was on a little vacation from her job, so Rukia drove to the buxom woman's place that slammed open the front door immediately and crushed the petite woman in her arms and breast. "It feels like I haven't seen you in forever!" She practically dragged Rukia inside her home talking spastically and excitedly. "Guess who else is here?" Rukia wasn't sure, and even if she did Rangiku didn't really give her a chance. "Senna!"
The two little ones screamed and embraced. Rangiku swooned. "You two are just adorable." They all got comfortable in the living room and sat around and chatted, giving each other updates on their lives.
"Senna you still haven't found the right woman yet?" Rangiku asked.
The bright-eyed girl shook her head. "Nope. I mean, well, there was this one chick, Nemu."
"But?" Rukia asked.
Senna shrugged. "She was just going with the flow. To be honest, she doesn't know if she wants to be with a female or a male."
Rangiku frowned. "Well that sucks."
Senna smiled. "It's a process. I'm still young. Anyways, what about you Rangiku?"
"Me?" Rangiku feigned ignorance, but slid into normalcy. "I still have that silver fox."
'Silver fox?' Rukia's memory flashed to Gin Ichimaru, whom she listed as the strange man in her book. "How long are you going to keep him a mystery to us?"
"You'll meet him sure enough. Maybe tomorrow."
"I won't be able to. Have that show to be on, but what's he like?"
Rangiku smiled wistfully. "You just described him. Mysterious. In everyway, but the sweetest person I've ever been around. One moment he's all there, and then the next he's all gone. So hard to decipher…" Rangiku trailed off. Senna and Rukia exchanged looks. "…Why am I going on about me? What about Grimmjow, Rukia?" And she was back. "You haven't said anything about him lately!"
"He just got back from touring."
Rangiku and Senna sat waiting for more from Rukia.
"Fine!" She crossed her arms. "We have a date tonight."
More silence from her two friends.
"There's nothing more to say!"
"You are lying!" Rangiku leaned closer to Rukia. "I know when something is up in the line of sex, and I'd say you two have bumped uglies together."
'How in the world?' Rukia lightly pushed Rangiku back to her place. "Maybe we did, maybe we didn't, but we're not together so if we did it was only one time. Take it how you want to."
"Aw." Rangiku pouted. "He's such a strong, nice guy. I still think you're hiding something, that's okay. I'll watch Vizards Unmasked tomorrow night! Shinji knows all the gossip in the entertainment industry."
Rukia rolled her eyes. "Joy."
The three women shared more stories besides their love lives and divulged in a little bit of wine. In a couple of hours Rukia had to call quits to get ready for her date. Making her way back to the guy's house she ran into Shuuhei in the living room. "The rest still here?"
"Nah, Ichigo went along his way after breakfast. Renji left about twenty minutes ago." Shuuhei was lounging on the couch reading a book with the television on low.
"I can't believe you of all people are staying in." Rukia sat on the back of the couch.
"Hey, just because I'm in doesn't mean no one is coming over." He winked at her over his book. "A couple of hot somethings."
"Never mind." Rukia swiftly got off the couch, and headed to Renji's room. "And I thought you were going to have a calm night."
"This is calm to me." He shouted at Rukia as she walked up the stairs away from him.
As Rukia got ready she caved from her stubbornness and texted Grimmjow the address to the band's house. She quickly slipped into a zebra printed hi-lo dress, and black shimmer wedges. Going into the bathroom she glanced at herself, and decided to touch up lightly on the makeup. She felt herself getting antsy as the time ticked away, and went back downstairs to wait with Shuuhei. She didn't have to wait too long because Grimmjow called within ten minutes telling her that he was outside. Telling Shuuhei he'll see him later she walked out and got into Grimmjow's car. "Your faux hawk is back." She noted.
He smiled. "For now. So this is where you live?"
"One of the two places."
"Where's your other place?" He backed out of the driveway and headed back into the city.
"Further out into the residential areas, about forty minutes away on a good day."
Twenty minutes passed and Grimmjow pulled up to a restaurant Rukia never heard of before. "Hueco Mundo. Is this new?"
"Eh, sort of. It's been here for about a year. Pretty decent food for a decent price." Grimmjow walked around and took hold of Rukia's hand. "A lot of people I know hang out here, but they won't bother us so much either." That was a plus.
And Grimmjow was right. If Rukia's stomach could expand by ten, she would've continued eating. So far this was the best restaurant she had been to since she was back in the states. The best food she had in awhile because the guys didn't cook healthy enough food for her on a daily basis, and she was usually dead tired by the time she got home to cook a decent meal herself. Oh how she missed the chef's food back at home home, but this was pretty darn close to it.
"The food was really good. Thank you." Rukia leaned back into her chair and sipped on the remainder of her martini. Now that dinner was over she felt the nervous fingers creep along her skin, and caused her goosebumps. Oh man, she downed the rest of the martini.
Grimmjow raised an eyebrow and grinned at her. "Glad you enjoyed it. Want to take a walk? There's a park nearby." He noticed that Rukia was licking at the rim of her drink glass. "You want another one before we go?"
She contemplated for a moment, but decided best not to. Two was enough, they were pretty strong, and she still wanted some form of smartness to remain with her. "Let's go for that walk."
It was dark when they reached the park. It was located somewhere between Grimmjow's apartment building and the studio. Rukia recognized the area and could see Grimmjow's apartment building not to far off in the distance. "Are you in walking distance of the studios?"
"It's about a twenty minute walk. I wouldn't know if you'd want to call that walking distant, but this is where I exercise. There's plenty of people during the day, but at night is almost deserted."
"Kind of dangerous."
"It's lit up nicely if you ask me."
There was rustling in a couple of bushes. "You sure it isn't dangerous?" Rukia asked with skepticism laced in her voice.
Grimmjow's face-hardened. "Positive. If anything just a bunch of nosy paparazzis."
"Hiding in bushes?" Rukia was surprised.
"They'll do anything to get a picture." They walked forward a bit, but now Grimmjow's attention was away from Rukia and he didn't look too happy anymore.
She touched his arm to bring his attention back to them. "Don't get all worked up about it. It'll do no good, besides..." Rukia took a deep breath. "…There's an answer I know you're waiting for."
Grimmjow's sharp eyes turned onto her and held her eyes intensely. "Thought I was going to have to drag it out of you."
"Is tonight really just about an answer?"
"It'll help me know if I'm wasting my time or not." He was dead serious. There wasn't an easy air about them despite that they were outside under the stars and moon. "The past month was me waiting and being patient, and coming to you. I'm not trying to play games here, so yeah I guess tonight was about the answer not only. I really wanted to see you." He looked away from her and appeared to be thinking about something. "I have a lot going on in my life, and I can't guarantee that I'm always going to be right beside you, but if you don't want what I can offer I'm sure some other chicks will."
Rukia swallowed and felt challenged. "Are you…seeing other women?"
"I was until about a month ago."
She sighed deeply. She couldn't be mad at him for being honest. Rukia needed to think some more so she continued walking further up ahead leaving Grimmjow behind. Off in the distant she saw a flash of lightening and thunder rumble. Looking up, the stars were being covered by clouds rolling by quickly. Rukia spun around and looked back at Grimmjow, turmoil in her eyes. "I don't know what I'm doing." She yelled at him over the thunder.
Grimmjow began walking towards her to close the distance. "Neither do I." Lightening flashed again, or was that a camera flash Rukia didn't know nor did she care.
"Yes you do. You have multiple blueprints on relationships."
"Not one is the same." He pulled Rukia close to him. "I know what I want, so what do you want?"
Rukia swallowed. "I want—." Thunder clapped loudly above them causing her to jump. "I want this." The words rushed out of her mouth before she could register she had said them at all.
"Finally, took you forever." He grabbed her chin and leaned down to kiss her, biting her lightly on her lower lip. "Now all I need is for you to tell me you love me."
"That might take all night." She murmured against his lips.
He smirked. "Shorter than a month." He held onto her roughly, wrapping an arm around her little waist. "I can go for an all nighter." Big ran drops were beginning to sprinkle down. Grimmjow reluctantly let go of Rukia all but her hand and led them back through the park to his car. They were damp by the time they threw themselves into his car, but that didn't deter them from a heavy wet make out session. It didn't take them long to get into his apartment, into his bed to keep the neighbors up all night.
The photo was digitally displayed on the monitors and the television screens around the studio, and through millions of other televisions tuned to the show. The theme with the photo shoot was school uniform. Renji had his shirt un-buttoned and was holding it open to show off his tats. Shuuhei had his collar popped up, but his sleeves were ripped off. Rukia had her shirt un-tucked, and had on black thigh high stockings to go with the short skirt. Ichigo had his shirt halfway un-buttoned and shirt tucked halfway in and out. The background of the photo was a beautiful cerulean blue.
"Welcome to the live show, Vizards Unmasked!" Yelled the host Shinji Hirako. "Our guests tonight are none other than Luxus!"
The four walked out waving to the crowd in non-school themed clothes, but in attire that looked like they were going to do business with a touch of rock and grunge. "You guys are looking hot and sexy. Trying to set off a riot in the studio?" Shinji laughed and the crowd giggled and laughed in unison. "Let's get down to business. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered because everyone wants to know."
"Steamy questions first or the standard questions?" The host asked.
"Steamy!" Shuuhei shouted without even thinking of considering the rest of his band mates.
"Don't we get a vote?" Renji asked. "Because I was going to say standard."
"Same here." Ichigo said.
Rukia frowned. "We don't even know if there are standard questions."
"Good observation Rukia." Shinji said. "You guys don't know, these questions may all be standard or they may all be steamy." He pulled out the note cards and a made a show of crossing his legs. "Let's begin. Who's the steamiest in bed?"
The questioned elicited a low excited murmur throughout the crowd, and Rukia couldn't contain the giggle that the question procured.
Shinji smiled. "Rukia, would you know the answer?"
"Sorry, I do not. They can deliberate it amongst themselves." She acknowledged the three men that surrounded her on the couch.
Shuuhei looked from Ichigo to Renji and back to Shinji. "It's me." He said unabashed.
Ichigo scoffed. "I think that question is invalid. There's no way either of us would know who has the best moves."
"Yeah, we'd all have to be in the same room doing…things." Renji put in.
"I'm all up for that." Shuuhei said.
Rukia smiled sweetly and said in a light voice. "No thank you."
"Okay fine, that question cannot be answered due to lack of evidence, how about this one though? Who's banged the most people?"
"I'm going to give that one to Shuuhei." Ichigo informed them all. "That's just his reputation."
The crowd burst out in laughter and applause.
Shuuhei raised his hands. "But keep in mind ladies, I don't do it without love."
Renji giggled. "Bull—*beep*."
Shinji leaned on his elbow and smiled at his guest. "So, are you a womanizer Shuuhei?"
Shuuhei looked like he was deep in thought. "Well, you see—."
"—He's a sex addict." Rukia interjected with a wink.
Shinji let out a hoot and the crowd's excitement went up a notch. "Rukia, how do you know this?"
"Hold on, hold on." Shuuhei opened his arms out. "I'm only a womanizer to some women, but Rukia is my sweet nympho. I could never replace her."
Rukia covered her face with her hand. "Oh my god. I'm not your sex nymph!" She couldn't wipe the smile off her face though.
"Oh you guys are the best guests I've had in awhile." Shinji straightened up and went to the next note card. "Rukia, who do you like the most?"
"Hmm, I like them all."
"Okay, how about this one, who would you bang?" Shinji asked with a big smile.
Rukia played coy and looked at each male. "I couldn't just get with one and not them all. It just wouldn't be fair."
"You hear that ladies?" Shinji asked the monitor and crowd. "Your men are safe from Rukia, so go after each others throats and not hers. So, who argues the most?"
Shuuhei and Rukia both looked at Ichigo and Renji expecting them to answer for themselves. The orange head and the red head finally raised their arms in defeat and laughed. The show was going well so far. Nothing really embarrassing, just a bunch of funny questions that was pretty much easy to know even if you weren't in the band. Shinji announced the break and walked off stage to grab a drink and snack. The band went off to look for their manager, they had a few questions for him.
"Uryuu!" Ichigo spotted their manager and quickly approached him yanking him by his tie. "What kind of show is this?!"
Uryuu angrily snatched his tie back from Ichigo and fixed himself up. "Obviously it's Vizards Unmasked."
"Yeah, but, the details behind this sure would've been hell of a lot easier than just feeding us to a big bad wolf." Renji leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You guys should be thanking me. The ratings for the show is off the charts, people want to know what goes on behind the scenes of celebrity lives."
Rukia fingered her body hugging asymmetrical dress's small slit on the slide. "That's easy for you to say because you're behind the scenes making the cash. You don't have to worry about stalkers, or angry people, or paparazzis peering into your private moments."
"Where the hell is he getting these questions from? You?" Shuuhei pointed at their manager.
Uryuu scoffed. "Of course not. I'm trying to keep the band's image intact."
"These questions are ripping that apart!" Ichigo shouted. "Have you been watching the show at all? Or were you too busy trying to suck Orihime's face off because I only see Tatsuki sitting out there."
That got Uryuu blushing. He wasn't trying to suck off her face at all, in fact he was still trying to ask her out, and he was just leading into it when the break was issued. Doing all that was extremely hard to do because Orihime's attention was glued to the television in the back, especially every time there was a flash of bright orange on the screen.
Ichigo sighed when they heard that they had five minutes to set. "Just pay attention this time. We've already been doing the coy act, and the obvious act to throw it in their faces as if this information is something everyone should've known by now. Get it together man."
On their way back they raided the snack table before they went to sit back down on the couch. Shinji bounced back onto the stage waiting for the countdown. "By the way." He murmured. "You guys are doing great, but get ready for the next round, it's a shocker."
That left Luxus feeling peculiar. "What could possibly happen?" Shuuhei wondered.
Shinji sat back into his comfy chair as the five-second countdown began. "And welcome back to Vizards Unmasked! We went through a steamy, sexy round during the first part, so if you're now just tuning in…sad to say, you missed the juicy stuff, and now we must concentrate on other matters like relationship statuses."
'Story of my freaking life.' Rukia wanted to roll her eyes. She was over this whole thing now, and she was sure the males were too.
"Renji!" Shinji shouted and rubbed his hands together. "We got a tidbit of you and a young miss." The screen showed a picture of Renji and the girl from that was backstage help from their concert.
"She's a sweet girl and that's all I can say." Renji said candidly.
"Hm, if you say so." Shinji turned his attention to Shuuhei. "And what you Mr. Womanizer?" The screen switched to of Shuuhei and Rangiku walking around downtown.
Shuuhei grinned. "Your information is sadly misinformed because that's a good friend of mine."
Shinji mocked pouted. "Aw well then, but I'm positive we're going to be getting super hot here in just a minute." The screen popped up an image of Ichigo in the middle, Riruka on the left and Orihime on the right.
Ichigo cleared his throat. "Girl on the right was a classmate of mine, and my ex on the left side. You are behind on your info."
"That's up for debate because I heard that your classmate is your stalker and want-to-be-lover. I believe I caught a glimpse of the beauty backstage." Shinji smiled widely. "Don't get me wrong. There's nothing with having a devoted stalker. To be honest I wish she was stalking me instead." He laughed loudly. The whole time the crowd has been in up and arms about these allegations, but they were loyal fans of the band as well so everything was almost always instantly dismissed by them.
"Last, but not least. My dear Rukia." The screen popped up with her and Grimmjow from last night. At least it was a decent picture of them just walking. Guess the camera freaks high tailed it out when it started to sprinkle. "So, Grimmjow and Rukia. I don't think the world saw this one coming!"
'Like this isn't embarrassing at all.' Rukia sat in thought. 'These people don't know me though, but my goodness if Byakuya saw it…Oh my god Byakuya!'
Back at the mansion Byakuya decided for once to watch a little bit of television. He still wasn't so sure why shows were popular, but Hisana used to be all about the reality shows and claimed they would make a popular show themselves. Those shows were not in taste with Byakuya though, he opted for news and intelligent talk shows. So while searching for one in the night he happened to come upon a loud, obnoxious host calling it Vizards Unmasked and announced that their guest tonight was Luxus. Byakuya contemplated for a moment if he should change the channel because who knows what this show was really about, but he felt obligated because of Rukia. So he forced himself to sit through the host's shinannigans, and everything seemed fine until…
'These questions are a bit probing.' He hadn't realized that his mouth was set firmly, but the maid who brought in his nightly cup of coffee saw his facial expression and had a chill go down her spine. "That will be all for the night, tell everyone they may go home."
The maid hesitated for a moment. "But sir, it's between eight and nine still." Everyone was usually sent home at nine, and he expected that they stay exactly until nine.
"I said you may go."
Her eyes went wide and she gave a quick bow before rushing off to tell everyone else that something was amiss with Byakuya, and that they needed to vacate the premises now. Byakuya leaned back into the couch calming his nerves. They just showed a picture of Rukia and Grimmjow. There's no way she's going out with that man, no way right?
"Rumor has it, you guys were seen canoodling in the park. Heavy canoodling at that." Shinji leaned against his hands.
Rukia brought herself back into reality and hoped to gods that Byakuya and no one else extremely important was watching this ridiculousness She sighed. She knew that Grimmjow was mostly likely watching it, and if she denied the rumors then surely he will be furious. On the other hand if Byakuya happened to be watching it then he should already be angry from the get go. 'Well then…' "Guilty."
"Official?"
Rukia nodded her head. "Yes, we are." This confirmation was rewarded with a couple of squeals. Rukia squinted out in the crowd and swore she caught a glimpse of Rangiku.
"Well my dear, you managed to get the crazy girl fans to keep away from you with your own band members, but now you're probably going to get crazy mail from Grimmjow fan members."
"Story of my life." She said with sarcasm.
"Alright and we'll take a short break, stay tuned! Luxus will play one of their latest singles!"
"He's going to kill me." She looked up at Renji. They were standing by the snack table while the pineapple head devoured away.
Renji was a little peeved that he just found out that his best friend, his crush, was going out with that guy. He still held onto hope though, this was just a hiccup. "Don't worry, I have your back."
"But you won't be there." She was referring to the mansion.
"Then I'll sneak in there." He put a celery stick in her mouth. "You've been sticking it out so far, even against me. What's stopping you from going against your stepbrother?" He put his arm around her and led them both to their instruments. "Give him hell if you have to, and when you're done with that come to me."
Rukia munched on the celery stick and strapped on her guitar. She shook her feet out for they've been in high heels the whole time. Even when sitting down it still put her feet in an awkward position. Further on her right Shuuhei was testing the microphone one last time before the break was over.
Shinji walked over briskly. "You guys ready? Okay good, we're on in thirty." He messed with his suit's collar and readjusted his tie. He tightened his clip on mike on the lapel and stood center stage. The red light went green and… "Welcome back! We've had a very exciting evening tonight with Luxus as our guest, and here they are to send us off!"
"Oh, oh." Shuuhei sung into the microphone and the music video popped up onto all the screens. In the background they heard a fan scream 'I love this fucking song!', and Shuuhei almost lost composure. "Oh."
"Whooooooa." Rukia joined in with singing and strumming the guitar, smiling at the vocalist antics. "Some times I pick the flowers, cause I want to know. He loves me not, he loves me lot, he's got to go. Not talking bout the dude that's on the go go go." She pointed to each male and began strumming again. "The situation that we got is so much more."
Shuuhei stepped up. "You make me laugh, you make me cry, but I want you right by my side. And if you go…I could die. You bring me low, you bring me high."
Rukia led in the chorus. "I build you up, you break me down, and that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion." The guys finished off her word.
"You pick me hard, I let you down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion."
Rukia continued with a different verse. "My therapist told me that opposites attract. I wish that you was here with opposites attack. You love me then you hate me what's it going to be. Don't want to miss the magic that is you and me."
Shuuhei came back in. "Oh, oh, oh. You make me glow, you make me shine, we always fight right on time. And if you go…I could die. You bring me low, you bring me high."
"I build you up, you break me down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion."
"You pick me hard, I let you down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion."
Shuuhei started getting deeper into the song despite the lack of lyrics, but that's what artists do. They play and they give emotion with their work. "Oh, oh." There was a slight commotion in crowd, and then a cheer. "Oh, oh."
Love rose from a seat in back risers with his sunglasses on with a mike in his hand. "Sometimes we don't see each other eye to eye baby." He quickly made his way down the stairs onto the stage. "We up and down like a rollercoaster ride baby. Sometimes you don't see the way I try baby. I…hate the way you make me want to cry lady." He stood next to Shuuhei and Ichigo and made hade gestures to go with some of his words, and Shuuhei mimicked.
"I want to fly away. Sometimes I need a break." Love swung an arm out, like an umpire calling safe. "The way you treat me made me want to go and say…" He flounces over to Rukia's side. "…but I can go on without you in my arms. He wrapped an arm over her shoulders. "I can't resist the way you used me with your charm." Rukia booty bumps him away.
"Oh, oh, oh. You make me glow, you make me shine, we always fight right on time. And if you go…I could die. You bring me low…" Shuuhei and Love bent down. "You bring me high." Then stood back up on their tiptoes.
"I build you up, you break me down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion." The guys chimed back in.
"You pick me hard, I let you down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion."
The break came in where it was just Renji hitting the bass and Rukia strumming away. "I build you up, you break me down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—."
"—tion, tion."
"You pick me hard, I let you down. And that's the story of our situ-a-a-a—. Whooa, whooooooa. Whooa, whooooooa."
They played out the rest of the song, and once finished Shinji came over and shook hands Luxus and Love. "There you have it ladies and gents, Luxus!"
A/N: And there you have it ladies and gents! And yea, I'm way behind schedule. I said at the end of April and well it's the beginning of May. The semester sucked in a way because my car broke with a month left so I had to be taken off my work schedule and find rides to school…and I could only find rides for 2 out of the 5 days I'm supposed to be there. Some help people are, but I made it and I finished this chapter finally! Not a lot of drama, but hopefully there was tension and maybe a few can guess what's going to happen next, and don't say lemon cause even I don't know when the next one will be. Maybe the next chapter? Sounds about what, but who knows okay? Don't be angry at me! Review, add as your favorite or whatever, but I have NOT abandoned this fic. It's my baby! Oh btw the song is really the "pop-goes-rock", Black Eyed Peas – The Situation. And it's really simple, and no. The real pop-goes-rock does not exist, use your imagination! I did!