DISCLAIMER: But really I wonder what would have happened if Ichigo had smuggled the Panther King away from Hueco Mundo and into Karakura Town…sighs, if only you would just grant this fangirls wishes Kubo-sensei, SLY would be happy forever more
()()
DRUNKEN SEAHORSE
CHAPTER 6 SIDE B
(GRIMM CONT…)
Surely anybody in his/her right mind would be a bit cautious before entering an abandoned wear house out in the middle of nowhere.
Only a fool would waltz inside before checking his surroundings. Grimmjow wasn't a paranoid type of guy nor did he have an overly wild imagination but while his mother had been alive the woman had taught him many lessons.
The one coming to mind at this moment
()()
FLASH
"You should never underestimate the power or intelligence of another country or nation. To do so could lead to one's downfall," words spoken right before the woman dunked the boys' head into a tub of bleach.
Grimmjow's mother wouldn't tell him why it was necessary to bleach his hair ice blond but the boy had a couple of well educated guesses. He was betting the strange men in the next room were a large part of it. They're laid back poses and casual demeanors didn't fool the youth for a minute.
These guys were…collectors or loan sharks of some sort-After his father had walked out on them his mother had gotten into some type of financial trouble and it was no longer safe for them to live in Canada.
()()
Grimmjow's lip curled in disgust 'Maybe if Yama-jii could get off his old decrepit ass for five minutes mama and I wouldn't have to leave home.'
Snorting at his altered appearance Grimmjow almost missed what his mother said to him next,
"It will only be for a short while. Half a year at best. You'll have to speak French a lot more than you are currently accustomed but eventually it will be like second nature to you."
The youth scowled and crossed his arms "I still don't like it mama. This stuff makes my head itch and you can barely even see my brows anymore."
The woman smiled down at the boy. "You'll get used to it."
()()
Why was he thinking of such a useless memory at a time like this? Hell if Grimmjow knew!
Removing his sunglasses Grimmjow stepped out the car and scanned the area before walking up to the abandoned were house. He couldn't tell much since the windows were heavily boarded up and the door was made out of solid wood.
But according to the envelope…
"Welcome to Shiro-bino's wonder shack-to learn more step inside!"
Grimmjow raised a brow. Not knowing whom this Shiro character was even though he had a slight nagging feeling in the back of his mind.
'I'm only doing this because he claims to know Kurosaki-no other reason.'
()()
(Ichigo)
When Inoue and Rukia wanted something there was no ifs, ands or buts about it the duo would get what they wanted because the two women became almost freakishly strong and there was nothing Ichigo could do to stop them.
Still he tried-first clinging on to the car door handle-digging his blunt fingernails into the leather-refusing to move an inch well…at least up until Rukia whacked his fingers with a ruler that she had pulled out of nowhere….
On Ichigo's second attempt to stay rooted to his spot…digging his fingers and feet into gravel on the ground out in the parking lot-not caring in the least about the fact that his underbelly was being scraped and bruised in the process as the princess and the bunny lover tried to drag him towards the overly bright, overly girly, overly puke-pink-tastic floral boutique.
Ichigo had nothing against flowers. No honestly he didn't but he did not wish to spend an entire an afternoon learning how to arrange bouquets or whatever his female companions expected from him.
Coming to terms with being a flaming poof was one thing. Gushing over flowers and oversized plants was something else entirely. Perhaps it wouldn't be so horrible if one of his fellow guy friends had tagged along to share in Ichigo's misery.
Chado was still in Mexico, Ishida was focused on becoming the greatest fashion designer Karakura Town had ever seen and refused to leave his apartment unless it was absolutely-then again even if Ishida did agree knowing Ichigo's horrid luck the guy would probably find an afternoon in a floral shoppe to be like a dream-Ishida always was a little weird.
Keigo was out of the question since he would be far more interested in flirting with the sales girls behind the counter rather than keeping Ichigo from being bored out of his mind.
And Renji….he and the tattooed redhead hadn't spoken to each other in years.
Hell the one time Ichigo tried to make amends-start a new by sending his friend (yes despite everything he considered Renji his friend) the finest cut of steak money could buy as a holiday gift he never even received a simple thank you note in return.
Of course Rukia claimed that she knew for a fact that the package had gotten eaten by a mountain lion or something…
'Hey it can happen you know? We've cut down so many trees and forests and built houses and condos right on their land so its only natural that the animals would move into our territory and eat the most delicious looking piece of meat in sight.'
The whole thing was doubtful-ridiculous and Ichigo vowed to never try and reach out to his friend again.
If Renji was gonna be a jerk and hold a grudge then why should he care? Then again forever was a long time.
"Hey uh Rukia?"
The raven-haired woman let go of his feet once they reached the entrance "Yes Ichigo?"
"Is Renji-uh did he get an invitation to my party?"
Rukia smirked "Naturally. He practically got down on his knees and begged for it-the poor fool."
Inoue nodded and then added "Renji-kun looked about ready to cry so I gave him my ticket since Ruki-bunny is my date and its seems silly to have to invitations when we're a couple. In addition to being official secret members of the P-league."
"P-league?"
"Mm hmm didn't anyone tell you?"
Ichigo shook his head and Inoue continued.
"Masaki-san set it up where a small group of us would keep an eye on you to ensure your safety and um-
"What?"
A sigh, "She's such a bright and wonderful person. I only wish my mother had been as dedicated when it came to my happiness."
Ichigo frowned. His mother meant the world to him but maybe he should talk to her about this P-league thing.
()()
(Grimmjow)
Sitting at a long marble table with a glass of golden liquid in hand sat a cross dress with long silver blond hair and golden eyes.
How did Grimmjow know that this was a cross dresser? The heavy eye make up, yellow bustier, silver sequined low cut-capris pants and zebra striped stilettos was a dead give a way.
The only question remaining-why was there a cross dresser sitting at a table when he was expecting some guy named now what was it Shino-Shippo-Shilo?
Black cherry painted lips curled into a smirk before the cross-dresser introduced him self as "I'm Shiro."
"Shiro?"
A simple nod "Yes I am Shiro and I know Ichi better than anyone else."
A raised brow "And? What's any of that go to do with me?"
A while blond brow twitched-seemed the powdered male wasn't a fan of his-not that Grimmjow cared.
"Everything."
"Okay."
"No not okay-a matching cherry black painted finger nail was thrust in his face "Nothing about this is okay Grimm-Jaque."
" you just ask me out here to lecture me all day or do you actually have something to say that could be of some use to me?"
The smirk turned into a wide grin "That all depends," Shiro crossed his legs and tapped his fingernails against his wine glass "Are ya ready to prove ya self?"
Grimmjow snorted "This some kind of trial-is that what you're tellin' me powder face?"
"He he, somethin' like that but we best keep it between jus' us two-don't think Oba and Oji would approve of my lil' test for ya."
"Test?"
"I'll make it crystal clear for ya Grimm. Ichi ain't a toy-ya want him? Think ya deserve him? Well then ya gotta go the distance and show it-startin' with this."
Grimmjow caught the bag that the bino tossed to him. There was nothing particularly special about the bag-not even a label on it just a simple plastic black bag.
The way Shiro's golden eyes were now glittering with insane glee made him rethink his previous thought.
"Open it."
()()
(Ichigo)
Ichigo would sooner gut himself before admitting that there was something very enchanting and inviting about this not-so-little floral shoppe.
It looked more like a botanic garden rather than a shop and he would only be lying if he said the flowers weren't having an effect on him.
The orange berry did not only wish to stop and smell the roses he wanted to buy them. As well as every other type of plant and flower he did and didn't recognize. It could be a gift-a surprise for his mother.
He stopped in front of a rather exotic looking flower resembling a birds' beak.
"Something caught your eye?"
Ichigo jumped feeling a bit startled at the new voice coming from behind. He turned around wondering where Rukia and Inoue had run off to now?
He looked up not sure what he was expecting but certainly not…
Based on the apron and the nametag it was an employee or one of the owners of the shop.
Ichigo wasn't one to stereotype but this guy well...in short he looked nothing like your average florist.
He was tall with bronze toned skin, two-toned dove white and slate gray hair and firebrick colored eyes. The scar shaped x on his forehead only added to the man's physical appeal rather than deter from it. He had a strong masculine nose, jaw and chin.
His body build was not quite like a tank for tanks were a bit more square and large around the middle.
Rather the guy had the kind of muscle mass that had clearly been achieved through hard labor rather than excessive work- outs at the gym. His eyes-sharp and narrow-pinned the orange berry to the spot.
Yet there was something about this guys' relaxed air that put Ichigo at ease...well sort of.
"Uh I'm here with my friends. They're getting married and uh-
Why did he always have to come off sounding like some pathetic submissive puppy in front of men like this guy?
It was annoying and embarrassing.
Ichigo inwardly snarled at him self and tried again "Anyway if I had it my way I wouldn't even be here because trust me this is the last thing I want to do on a Wednesday afternoon."
"How generous and loyal a person you must be."
Ichigo scowled. Was this guy mocking him or-?
'Is this what it feels like to be cornered by a wild rhino?'
()()
(Grimmjow)
Was this some kind of joke or did this powdered bastard who could almost pass as his long lost rival in a different universe actually stalk him for the past couple of years? Creepy much?
Grimmjow narrowed his electric blues at the bino "I don't know how the hell you found out about that but-
Shiro cut him off with a snicker "Calm ya self kit'n of course I know all about your lil' dirty secrets but that's not what's botherin' ya right now-nah you don't care about that-what ya do care about-or rather what's worryin' ya is the possibility that Ichi might find out since after all why would I keep such excitin' info from my favorite cousin?"
Cousin. Well that certainly explained some things.
Grimmjow was very tempted to reach across the table and strangle the life out of the powdered cross-dresser but he didn't think a certain strawberry princess would approve and so he kept his cool.
"I don't know how the hell you found out about my-about thisbut whatever you're driving at won't work because I'll rip out your throat before you can even get another syllable out!"
Shiro grinned entirely unaffected "Kit'n's got same claws eh?"
Electric blues flashed.
"Touche, touché. Tell ya what Grimm ya put on this sparkly little number and I'll take you too see Ichi tonight."
Grimmjow didn't trust just anyone but something told him he could trust Shiro. So with a scowl he snatched the dress "You got a bathroom round here or something?"
Shiro snickered "What's the matter? Ya shy?"
No he wasn't fucking shy. Lil bino bastard!
"Fine you wanna show? I'll give you one." Grimmjow unbuckled his belt and pulled down his pants.
The powdered berry clapped his hands and cooed "Lucky me, most girls only wish they could be havin' this much fun."
An eye roll. A grumble. Grimmjow pulled his shirt up and over his head than tossed it to the side. "You better not be fuckin' with me."
Golden eyes glittered and Shiro let out an appreciative shameless whistle "Wouldn't dream of it, Grimm."
Unbeknown to Grimmjow the powdered male had a few more tricks up his sleeve.
()()
(Ichigo)
Suka-darling you're not picking on our customers again, are you?" (1)
A second voice, masculine but slightly higher in pitch.
The second florist came skipping (not literally but pretty close to it) out of the swinging double doors located in the back of the shop carrying a bag of planting soil over his right shoulder.
He was also tall and his body build brought to mind the image of a military man for reasons Ichigo couldn't explain even if he tried-sometimes his brain/imagination just carried itself away-
The man's blond hair, sparkling blue eyes and scruffy chin hair did not mask his natural youthful looking appearance.
An unlit cigarette dangled from the side of his mouth and Ichigo was a bit impressed-must be some trick he thought, that the man was able to speak just as clearly as someone who didn't have a sin stick in his mouth.
Although Ichigo wasn't an expert on body language he had heard quite clearly-the blond had referred to the other as darling so there was high possibility that these two were a couple.
Then again perhaps the two men were just good friends who were comfortable enough in their own skin to fool around and tease one another. Although based on the way Scar's face softened at the arrival of the blond-it was probably the former rather than the later. Not that it was any of Ichigo business.
It was just well…interesting.
"Jean-pookie, didn't we agree that we wouldn't use pet names during working hours?"
Jean-pookie? What a strange-Ichigo shook his head. He's heard far worse.
"And for the record I wasn't picking on this boy I was merely making conversation."
Ichigo noted that although both of the florists spoke Japanese quite fluently there was a slight accent and that lead the berry to conclude that the two men weren't originally from Karakura Town.
Jean shifted his bag of soil to the other arm "Really?"
"Yes really now can you please stop lecturing me in front of the boy. It's embarrassing," Scar hissed.
The whole scene was beginning to make Ichigo feel uncomfortable.
He scanned the shoppe hoping to find Rukia or Inoue-no such luck.
He scratched the back of his head "Look its really no big deal I'm just here to support my friends-as I said they're getting married and well I'm not sure where they went but listen I don't want to cause any problems or anything. I just decided to look around and this uh flower caught my eye-I've never seen anything quite like it before and I- he trailed off-hating how unsure and unintelligent he must sound.
The blond man beamed down at him "Yes the crane flower is one of my favorites as well," a look of nostalgia crossed his face, "I remember the first time I first laid eyes on it I went breathless," a sigh and then blues eyes twinkled "You have a good taste for a youngster. What's your name?"
Ichigo was about to respond but a low growl coming from Scar cut him off-he wasn't an expert on these things but there was a good chance the man was jealous of all the attention the blond was giving him.
"I'm Ichigo and I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm not actually buying anything today."
Jean frowned. "That's too bad but its not like we can force you to change your mind."
"No. Sorry."
"There's no need to apologize," here the blond flashed a radiant-almost breathtaking smile- "It's perfectly fine if you don't wish to buy anything."
Ichigo might be reading a bit too deeply into the unspoken words in the mans' sentence but he couldn't help but think this was some sort of reverse psychology method-the blond would some how trick him into buying flowers or a plant-convince him that it had been his intention the entire time.
'Why can't life just ever be simple?'
"If the prices are an issue then we will be more than happy to give you a discount."
Well on the plus side at least Scar was no longer glaring daggers -course that might be because Jean had wrapped his arms around the taller mans' neck-this couple was not afraid of showing public affection either apparently.
Ichigo commanded himself not to look away-he had to get over it sometime-especially if everyone around him insisted on being so touchy feely.
"What do you say, kid?"
Kid? Really was it necessary for these guys to constantly bring up his age-he wasn't THAT freakin' young. Its not like he was still in high school.
Ichigo scowled.
"Oh Steven now you've made Ichigo upset-making him ruin that lovely face of his-
Lovely? What the hell?
"Uh look I'm not-
"He doesn't like it he can leave." Scar or Steven or whatever his real name was grunted (2)
"Nonsense-now you stop that right now!" the blonds' tone was scolding even though his eyes were still dancing with light "This boy- (Ichigo's scowl deepened)- and Jean corrected himself "Pardon me what I meant was Ichigo is special. It is not every day we get such an adorable customer you know."
"Don't start this again-you talk about the kid like he's a new born pup or something-
Ichigo let out a groan.
'Seriously why me?'
()()
(Grimmjow)
Under the scrutinizing gaze of another cross-dresser Grimmjow could honestly say that this kind of thing happened-NEVER!
Shiro circled him like a predator would circle its prey-a wide grin stretched across the bino's painted lips-
"Hmm we're goin' to have to do something about ya arms," a pause, "A shawl won't cut it-instead ya will wear a jacket cuz afterall ya need to retain some of that bad-ass-ity ya got goin' for ya."
The powdered male put a finger to his lips again "We're gonna need to come up with a name for ya. Somethin' close to ya real one but not painfully obvious like Grimelda or somethin'-that's an ugly name anyway," a pause and then a snapping of fingers, "Ya name needs to scream I'm a sexy bitch and I get what I want when I want it!"
Grimmow's right brow twitched and he chewed on the inside of his cheek-not quite sure what Shiro was talking about although he had a guess or two.
"I'm gonna give ya a pair of sunglasses and an ear piece as well-that way I can determin' whether or not ya are serious bout ichi. Ya can't make it too obvious though-ya need to be discreet-keep ya self hidden in the shadows until I give ya the signal."
Back the hell up! Wait just a minute this was beginning to sound a lot like some cheesy spy stalker/blind date scenario and from the sound of things Shiro expected him to go out in public in a dress, wig and heels-seemed the golden eyed bino expected Grimmjow to approach his rival dressed like a chick-oh hell fuckin' no!
Shiro grinned "No one ever said this was gonna be easy Kit'n ya can back out if ya like but this opportunity won't come to ya again."
There had to be a way to get out of this and still see the orange berry-there just had to be-Grimmjow wracked his brain-trying to think of a way to get Shiro to change his mind.
()()()
(Ichigo)
"There you are Kurosaki-kun, we've been looking for you for almost an hour."
Ichigo turned to find both of his female companions standing inside the floral shoppe with flushed faces, smeared makeup, wrinkled blouses, grass-stained skirts (he raised a brow) and cherry chocolate covered ice cream cones in hand.
Bullshit they were looking for him. The duo had run off-probably to the park or something nearby and decided to act like horny teenagers-feasting on each others bodies as a main course and then knocking out the poor pathetic gullible bastard driving an ice cream truck and stealing all of his loot-the cops were probably looking for Rukia and Inoue at this very moment and-
"We haven't decided on a date but where's the fun in following the same old routine's anyway besides planning a the perfect honey moon is almost as important as planning the perfect wedding you know?"
"Yes and can you honestly think of a better place than a private beach resort?"
"Beach resort?"
Inoue's lashes shielded her gunmetal grays and a sad frown marred her otherwise pretty face "Oh I'm sorry Kurosaki-kun I'd almost forgotten about your beach phobia."
Rukia snorted and corrected the other woman before Ichigo could "It's not a phobia Hime, its more like," a smirk "Should I continue or would you like to tell the story?"
Ichigo scowled. Now? Really? In front of complete strangers and Inoue?
"Shut up Rukia."
"It's not his fault really," the raven-haired woman continued on completely ignoring his request/plea/demand "Ichigo used to love the beach up until the moment when he discovered that he was-
"SHUT UP RUKIA!"
Ichigo didn't mean to bellow and make a scene-he didn't mean to startle Inoue and make both Scar/Steven or Jean flinch but enough was a freaking nough! He was sick and tiered of having his personal life/be it past or current aired out.
Rukia looked like she wanted to continue taunting him but thankfully refrained-for once.
"I'm going for a walk. You and Inoue stay here and discuss your floral patterns or arrangements or whatever."
()()
FLASHBACK
'I'm only going because Shiro's competing-no other reason. It's just a coincidence that Grimmjow happens to be throwing a beach party on the same day at the same time.'
Lovely speech Ichigo was telling himself as he checked out his reflection in the mirror for the 3rd time in the past 15 minutes. Board shorts and one of goat faces' floral printed shirts didn't scream "Look at me did it? Perhaps he shouldn't have bothered to put gel in his hair especially since it was bound to get wet at the beach anyway.
Why had he purchased the damn gar of apple-scented goo in the first place? Because Rukia had insisted on it-just like his raven-haired friend also insisted that Ichigo should ditch his beloved blue jeans for one day.
Ichigo wasn't really sure why he listened to almost everything Rukia said-maybe it was because a small part of him wished for the girls' approval.
Lately the orange berry has been thinking if he could just shut off the wrong part-the freakish part of his brain for 5 minutes his normal side could retake control and he could appreciate the fairer sex.
Appreciate how well the teeny black bikini made Rukia's silver blue eyes stand out even more-could appreciate her soft vanilla cream toned skin rather than day dream about his pain in the ass rival sun-tanning on the beach-just thinking about Grimmjows' perfect chiseled abs and biceps and-Ichigo punched the mirror refusing to complete his treacherous thought-ignore his reddened face.
There was a knock on the door
"Do you need some help Ichigo? Inoue or I could come in there and-
"NO! NO I'm fine Rukia. I'll be down stairs in a few minutes. You should-why don't you head out to the car? Renji's probably going stir crazy by now you know he gets when he's left in a car for too long."
"Well alright if you're sure-
"I'm fine really," Ichigo insisted even though he was feeling anything but fine. "I'll be out in a minute."
'Right after I get rid of this' he mentally added as he glared down at the tent in his pants.
()()
It wasn't too late to back out now. Fall and crack his head open on the porcelain sink-drown himself in the tub-pretend that he had suddenly come down with a severe case of the flu. Shiro would be pissed-would probably refuse to have anything to do with him but-
'My humiliation vs Shiros' wrath? I think I'll take my chances.'
()()
But of course his powdered cousin couldn't just bite his head off and ignore him for ever more-that wasn't Shiro's style. No instead at a quarter past 12:00pm the golden eyed bino pounded on Ichigo's bedroom door and
"King ya bring ya scrawny ass out here or I'll come in there and drag ya out screamin'-your choice."
On the plus side the powdered berry was nice enough to at least give Ichigo a few minutes to consider before making good on his threat and breaking down the door.
Ichigo let out a groan. Doors weren't exactly the cheapest things to replace. He glared at his cousin "What the hell is the matter with you? Do you know how much that costs?"
Shiro stepped over the broken door and shrugged, "Eh if it means that much to ya Ichi I'l buy ya a new one. More import'antly stop avoidin' the reason for my comin' here-get ya ass outta bed, now!"
Shiro didn't make empty threats. Ichigo knew this better than anyone and yet it still didn't stop him from pulling both the bed sheets and pillow back over his head.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Ichigo imagined his powdered cousin was pretty fucking pissed right now but he simply did not care. Shiro would have other competitions-what was the big deal if he missed out on one race?
"Alright King I'm gonna give ya to the count of three and if you're not outta bed by then well….
The sound of knuckles cracking reached the orange berrys' ears-
Ichigo let out a growl and threw off his covers, snarling out a series of curses at his cousin who was now wearing a triumphant grin on his face.
"That's my Ichi-knew ya'd come round."
Ichigo flipped Shiro the bird and stormed into his private bathroom and slammed the door with more force than was necessary.
()()
40 minutes later…BEACH BUMS AHOY!
On the plus side the beach wasn't overly crowded nor was the weather blazing hot. Shiro wasted no time in dropping Ichigo quite literally into the sand so he could run off and be his uber social self.
It was the way the golden-eyed youth had always been for as far back as Ichigo could recall.
Shiro would say and do just about anything and strike up a conversation of some sort with just about anyone whether it be a bum, druggies, gang members, old ladies, newborns, college girls (or the occasional college guy), street performers, nuns etc.
A shadow fell over Ichigo pulling him from his thoughtful musing. He looked up and almost instantly regretted it.
Life hated him. Seriously.
Looking way hotter than any fantasy the orange berry could conjure up in his mind-the real thing-the real Grimmjow was rocking beach wear (a shark fang necklace, black wife beater, khaki colored board shorts, purple flip flops) far better than he had any right to-but hell if Ichigo would voice these thoughts out loud.
Not that he had to since there was a good chance his rival already knew what with the huge grin he was wearing on his face and all.
"Congratulations Kurosaki you've just been recruited to join my team."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes at his rival suspiciously and Grimmjow used the opportunity to invade his personal space and pull him to his feet. "Up you go!"
Perhaps the sun had gone to Grimmjows' brain because what other reason would there be for the guy to act so-
"Lose the shirt strawberry princess, its completely washes out the color in your face."
Call it amnesia. Call it too much exposure to the sun. Call it hypnotism. Call it whatever the fuck-Ichigo had no proper explanation for what he was doing-as if he was a puppet having its strings pulled by its master the orange berry worked nimble fingers on the buttons of his borrowed shirt-rolling it up into a ball and shoving it into the bottom of Inoue's over sized beach bag.
Against his better judgment and common sense Ichigo followed his rival or more accurately he let Grimmjow drag him to the other side of the beach.
In the back of his mind Ichigo knew something was off-this wasn't an every day occurrence-this-whatever this was-Grimmjow was up to something-a prank of some sort-
Ichigo paused in his steps and scanned the area.
He wasn't exactly sure how it happened but almost every time he went out he would get separated from his friends-or make that Rukia, Renji and Inoue always tended to disappear on him before he could even register exactly what was going on.
And his powdered cousin was of no help to him at all.
Shiro was getting even more revved up for his race-waxing his beloved board and striking a pose for his fanclub-well in between playfully shoving his opponents in the water-that is.
Ichigo let out a sigh. 'How do I always end up in situations like these?'
"You're too quiet back there. Say something."
And that was another thing. Why was he walking behind his rival instead of beside him like equals?
What the hell is wrong with me?
"Oi!"
His rival was barking commands but his voice lacked edge. Grimmjow sounded more amused than anything.
"Oi Kurosaki you haven't seen me in 2 days the least you can do is acknowledge me when I'm speaking to you."
There were a couple of ways Ichigo could respond to this but-
"You're the last person I'd expect to be walking around in public wearing a pair of royal purple flip flops, Grimmjow."
There that was something-perhaps not what his rival was expecting but it was better than silence-better than stumbling over his words-better than throwing out insults-not that he wished to insult the taller youth in the first place.
Ichigo wasn't really sure what he wanted. He was wary and curious at the same time.
Grimmjow turned and his blue eyes glittered, "The fact that you've noticed tells me I made the right choice."
Ichigo's orange brows furrowed he was confused and-
"Wait? What?"
Grimmjow tossed his head back and laughed and Ichigo glared at him.
"What the hell is so funny?"
Was he missing something? Just what the hell was going on? Why wasn't Grimmjow threatening to tear him an additional ass hole right now? Why wasn't his rival-?
The blue-haired teen shook his head, "Nothing Kurosaki. Nothing at all." And yet the laughing continued.
Ichigo let out an angry growl "Bullshit! What the hell is so damn funny? Tell me!"
"It's not so much ha-ha funny it's more like erm how should I put this?
A pause
"You noticed what I was wearing ergo you were checking me out ergo-
A second pause
And then Grimmjow was invading Ichigo's personal space-practically nose to freaking nose-eyes oh so blue-teeth oh so freaking white-mouth oh so freaking-
"You. Want. Me. Don't. You?"
()()
It looked like a normal beach volley ball game and there were even a few girls in the group including-
"Itsugoooo!"
Nel and her mega-sized jugs-the over hyper half Russian girl was dressed in a turquoise green string bikini and a white mini-skirt-not exactly sport attire but Nel nor anyone else seemed to have any objections to her lacy black panties being flashed when a particularly harsh gust of wind blew in when she ran up to greet Ichigo.
Getting suffocated by boobs was not part of Ichigo's agenda today so he carefully pried the girls' fingers off of him "Hi, Nel."
The girl began to talk at a mile a minute and Ichigo wished either Rukia or Inoue were around to translate-he knew Nel was just excited but-
The orange berry looked back at his rival and paled at the sight of Grimmjow's murderous glare.
What the hell?
What the hell was the blue-haired bastard pissed about this time?
After a moment or two the answer clicked in Ichigo's brain.
Of course! Grimmmjow probably had a crush on Nel-the guy was probably in the middle of courting the sea-green haired girl and this particular beach party was their first official date or something.
'And I just fucked that all up with my appearance didn't I?'
Ichigo now felt annoyed-or make that more annoyed than he did before-he glared at Grimmjow-
'Bastard! Why the hell did you invite me (more like drag me) over here if you're on a date with Nel?'
An electric blue brow was raised and Grimmjow mouthed 'What are you glaring at princess?'
Ichigo angrily made wild hand gestures and then mouthed back 'You're the one who started it.'
And then Grimmjow was grinning at him before turning to address the group.
"Alright enough chit-chat this isn't a jolly fuckin' tea party-get your asses over to the other side of the net and let's play some volley ball!"
It was kind of weird in a way seeing his rival interacting with others baring the Grantz twins who were oddly enough no where to be found.
'Don't be stupid of course Grimmjow has other friends besides those two guys.'
Not that Ichigo didn't think it impossible but…well Grimmjow often went on and on about how he couldn't stand being around other people for longer than necessary and-
A tall, thin blonde bright eyed leech wearing a purple bikini and black aviators sidled up to Ichigo just then and attached herself to his arm as she breathed out in what apparently was supposed to be a seductive purr to make him weak in the knees-but failed tremendously
"Hi there."
An orange brow twitched-why oh why did girls have to constantly keep touching him-? Couldn't they see that he just wasn't interested in their over bleached roots, over plucked brows and over whitened teeth-not that there was anything wrong with these things but would it kill these girls to act a little more normal?
"I'm Ino and I've been meaning to ask you this for awhile now," pause and a batting of uber fake lashes "Are you seeing anyone?"
Ichigo opened his mouth ready to tell the girl that he was not interested when-a loud horn was blown right next to his ear practically deafening him
"Oi,oi,oi! We don't have time for introductions. Do that on your own damn time and get your asses over on the other side of the net.
Ah good things do happen and the heavens did not entirely hate him after all. His rival-bless him-had come to his rescue-granted in an obnoxious way but…Ichigo was grateful all the same.
"No not you. You stick with me princess."
Ichigo decided he would let it slide. But only for today. Tomorrow would be a different story.
Volleyball wasn't exactly a favorite sport of his but he was curious/anxious to know what it would be like to be playing with his rival for once instead of against him.
"Ah come on Grimm! That's not fair and you know it." A girl with lavender colored braids whined.
Her bestfriend? Sister? Cousin? Bodyguard? Nodded in agreement and then added "Yeah you already have enough members on your team-Kuro-chan should be with us."
Ichigo didn't wish to be rude or judgmental but he wasn't so sure he'd be comfortable with the idea of teaming up with a girl who wore costume bull horns and pipe cleaners-freakin pipe cleaners!-in her hair.
Another boy stepped up and placed his hand on the girls shoulder-giving a reassuring smile and nod, -as if to say 'I got this'
"Think about Grimm what are the chances of it being a fair game when you have all the best players?"
A deep growl "AH SHUT YOUR DAMN PIE HOLES ALL OF YOU! If you're gonna bitch about it then Kurosaki and I'll play by ourselves and you can just sit your asses on the side lines."
Ichigo thought this would be a good time to speak up "Uh I never actually said I w-
Electric blues narrowed as Grimmjow came very close to invading his space yet again "You'll play because I say you're gonna play," here a flash of a grin that was somewhere in between friendly and flirtatious "I'll consider it a birthday present since you showed up empty handed."
Ichigo blinked. It was his rivals' birthday how could he have not known this?
Whatever there was nothing he could do about it now. Next year he would get Grimmjow something-what that something was exactly well…he wasn't sure but it would come to him.
"Fine but no cheating."
Laughter reached his ears "No need."
()()
And in the end despite the obvious/annoying fact that his rival did in fact cheat multiple times-kicking sand into another persons face and giving himself extra points just for being him was most definitely cheating-not that Ichigo took this lying down of course.
He and his rival spent a good part of the game bickering and shouting and more or less ignoring the other players as they tried to best each other even though they were supposed to be teammates.
Such was the way of their connection.
But Ichigo wasn't going to lie to himself he enjoyed every part of it. He was having fun and didn't really want it to come to an end yet at the same time-
Something cold was pressed against Ichigo's cheek
"Drink up. Can't have you passing out from heatstroke when the funs just begun."
Drink up? Sure why not? And while Ichigo was at it he could share a beach towel and sit on the sand with Grimmjow-a few spare inches between them.
Why not rest his head on top of the other teen too? They could gaze up at the sky and count the stars when the sun set. Ichigo could make a wish like some love sick school girl and then blame it on the alcohol when Grimmjow made a move and kissed him-and he kissed back.
Sounded like a jolly plan IF he was living in a different universe in a different body-living a different life-where he was not himself but someone else.
"No thanks I'll pass. I actually need to head back now."
Grimmjow frowned. It was a blink and you'll miss frown it but Ichigo didn't miss it because he was always watching Grimmjow.
A careless shrug "Suit yourself."
He said his piece. Played the game. Now it was time to walk away but not with out-
Brown eyes scanned the area. It would be quick. It would be lightening quick-everyone's back was turned and the others were too heavily engaged in their own conversations to notice-he could do it now and no one would know-no one would judge-no one would-
Move a little closer. Up on his tip toes. Lean up and-
"Don't do something you might regret later, strawberry princess."
And just like that-with his lips just less than a hair's-breath away from Grimmjows'-perfect chiseled cheek bones-and that sharp angled jaw- Ichigo froze and pulled back.
What the hell was he doing-if he went and kissed Grimmjow now-even if it was on the cheek and not the mouth it would only make things more complicated-more difficult more-
"I'm sorry." A whisper. Barely there and then he was running…running away from his rival…running away from what could have been but what he was too afraid to start.
()()
Reaching the other side of the beach. Sanctuary. Freedom. He didn't go so far as to break down and cry-that would have been beyond pathetic-He punched the cool white sand as though it were the source of his problems-his confusion-his pain-his
"DAMN IT!"
()()
"Or maybe it should be somewhere more traditional like an onsen or something?"
That's a great idea Hime. Byakuya-nii-sama has been trying to get me to go to one of those for years but I never went because well I thought it would be boring and I'd have no one to share the experience with."
Orange brows furrowed. Hotsprings? What did hotsprings have to do with-?
'Oh crap I did it again didn't I?'
But how did it happen. Last I remember I was walking away from them to clear my head and-
"Come on Ichigo we have other places we need to be and other people we need to see. Jean, Suka thank you for your time."
TBC
Suka/Scar/Steven….all the same guy…he's a character from the fullmetal alchemist series. I'm not like a major fanatic of the series so I'm not sure about the facts but I think Suka is the way his name is pronounced/written in the original version-Scar in the American version and as for Steven…well that was all Ane-chan's idea. I liked it and it stuck.
Anyway so it may not seem like it but this story is getting close and closer to the "big night"…just bare with sly a little longer and enjoy all of the elements…even if they seem a bit pointless at times.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
AND EXTRA THANKS TO THE REVIEWERS!