Countdown: 10
Hello everybody! I feel better today =) Sorry I haven't updated... I thought about it, but... well... yeah. I've been crocheting, and I spent today cutting strands for Sakura's hair. I freaking hate putting the hair in for those dolls. She has 211 strands, and that's just for starters. The last one took more than that T^T Anyway, Grimm and Ichi have been rewarded for taking care of me in my time of need, but Shiro will be kicked in the ass for his mouthiness at the end of this fic XD
Shiro: WHAT! That ain't fair! DX
Vae: I'm sorry, i see your lips moving but all I'm hearing is 'just leave her there' and 'I'm a double crossing snowflake'.
Shiro: *glares at Grimm* Oh, now i know she didn' think a that one herself.
Grimm: *looks around innocently as Ichi snickers behind his back* I have no clue what you're talking about.
Shiro: Sure ya don'.
Ichi: On with the update. I don't want to have to break up any fights. =D
Chapter 14
Ichigo wakes early the next morning, wrapped in Grimmjow's arms and too content to move. Unfortunately, Grimmjow's friends had surprised them with a short pre-victory party… one of the reasons Nnoitra skipped out on the training session. The house is still a mess and Grimmjow wasn't very happy when everyone left, the orangette having to put out for around half an hour to get his husband into a deep sleep.
"I suppose I should get up," Ichigo murmurs to himself.
He checks Grimmjow once more, the other so knocked out he's drooling on his pillow. Withholding the snickers that fight to be voiced, Ichigo carefully slides away from his grasp. Ichigo tip-toes out of the room after drawing the blanket up over Grimmjow's chest. The minute he shuts the bedroom door, he turns to face the mess with a frown. The orange head moves into the kitchen to grab a garbage bag, heaving a sigh as he kneels in the living room and starts to pick up the paper plates. Soda cans, beer cans, wine cooler bottles, and pizza boxes are strewn everywhere. Game cases, DVDs, controllers, and magazines are in an equal state of disarray.
*What the hell are ya doin'? * Shiro pipes up. *Get yer tight ass back in that room and ride yer lover 'til ya can' feel yer fuckin' body from the waist down no more! *
"Shiro, I really don't want to play these games today," Ichigo murmurs tiredly. "Don't you have a pause button or something?"
*Nope! I'm all Shiro, all the time! *
"Wonderful."
He reaches for a box with three slices of pizza in it, frowning at the leftovers and tossing them into the garbage bag. Shiro whines a few more minutes about the lack of sexual activity, yet falls quiet at the feel of Ichigo's complete serenity. He's in a zone Shiro can't touch right now.
Grimmjow wakes a few minutes after Ichigo left, the area he's getting used to Ichigo heating has gone cold. With a sleepy frown, he sits up and looks for his lover. He hears faint rustling in the living room, so he gets up and shuffles that way. The man, still half asleep and quickly going back under, finds Ichigo by the couch. He drags the blanket off the back of the couch, walking around it silently as Ichigo busies himself with the last of the garbage. Grimmjow drops to his knees behind Ichigo, the other stopping at the sound. Before Ichigo can move, Grimmjow pushes him to the ground and cuddles up to him while pulling the blanket over them.
"Uh… Grimm?" Ichigo questions hesitantly.
"Sleep," the other mumbles.
Ichigo attempts to get away, but Grimmjow tightens his arms around the other. After a moment the orangette sighs in relent and pulls a pillow down from the couch. He shares it with Grimmjow, listening to the other's soft breathing even out into sleep. With a small smirk, he closes his own eyes to rest and lets himself drift off.
Uryu and Orihime are walking up to Ichigo's home with Chad. The trio has been waiting for a call from Ichigo, but it's almost lunch and he still hasn't phoned them. They were going to have lunch together. Chad had heard about the fight tonight, suggesting Grimmjow might've taken up Ichigo's attention today to train. It's not too much of a stretch for them to believe Ichigo would fight if Grimmjow asked him, though that's only hopeful thinking. Orihime knocks on the door, listening for any answer. There's a yelp and a thump before footsteps hurry toward the door. It's thrown open to reveal Ichigo in a pair of basketball shorts and an oversized tee shirt, Grimmjow is on the floor by the couch rubbing his head.
"Good afternoon, Ichigo!" she chirps.
"Did you just get up?" Uryu frowns.
"Well… not technically," Ichigo blushes. "I was up earlier, but Grimmjow came out into the living room so he could nap with me on the floor. I couldn't squirm out of his grip."
"You said you had sketches for me."
"Down to business as usual, right?" the orange head laughs. "Come on in, guys. Make yourself comfortable and I'll get your damn sketches."
Grimmjow watches the three walk in, picking up the blanket and pillow and returning them to the couch. He's a bit disappointed, as he wanted to spend the day with Ichigo before he had to fight. Ichigo heads to the back room, so he follows curiously. The other is in the guest room, humming to himself as he shuffles some loose papers and carefully slides them into a large manila folder. When he turns around, he drops the folder in his surprise.
"You're awfully skittish," Grimmjow smirks. "I've already seen your sketches, you already told me you're the brains of 'Strawberry Patch', and I promised I'd keep it a secret. I'd love for you to stop panicking like this; I don't want you having a heart attack."
"Sorry, I just… When the hell did I tell you that?" Ichigo glares.
"When you were drunk off your ass and tied me to the couch," Grimmjow chuckles. "I didn't get the chance to tell you my mother's name is Pantera."
"You're… no that's… oh my god!"
"I know, right?"
The grin on Grimmjow's face is wide and teasing, yet Ichigo's skin has gone paler. Apparently this is really hitting a nerve on the other the Grimmjow didn't mean to press. With a sigh he heads further into the room, picking up the discarded envelope and drawing Ichigo in to kiss his forehead. Ichigo had heard Grimmjow's mom was famous in high school, but he didn't know she was Pantera. The woman never used her last name and never mentioned having a son.
"Don't worry," Grimmjow murmurs. "She'll love you. She's in Paris right now, though, so you can't meet her until she gets back. By then, maybe you'll be a little more comfortable about her being my mom."
"Yeah… right…"
"Your friends are waiting for you."
Ichigo nods dumbly and heads for the living room, his husband carrying the envelope he's all but forgotten. Uryu and Orihime are chatting while Chad just waits, the bigger male looking up at the sound of Ichigo's soft footsteps. Uryu stands and walks toward him, surprised when Grimmjow is the one that hands him what he's waiting for.
"What happened?" the raven frowns. "What did you do to Ichigo?"
"I just told him my mother is Pantera," the other grins wickedly. "He didn't take it as well as I'd hoped."
"Your mother… she's… no… that's not…"
"That's about how Ichigo took it," Grimmjow laughs. "Do you guys have any plans? I wanted to take my baby out before the big fight tonight."
"Oh, you have a child? That's so wonderful!" Orihime smiles.
The group just stares at her, Grimmjow sending Ichigo a look that clearly states he'll need an explanation later. Ichigo just shakes his head, a small smirk on his features at the strawberry blonde. She seems so out of it, like she's in a tower in her own little world where no one can reach her.
"We don't have kids," Grimmjow comments. "I was talking about Ichigo. I wanted to take Ichigo out before the fight."
"Oh! Okay. We were just going to have lunch together, but since you're married to him I guess you get first dibs. Which is just fine, because we were going to go over work stuff he always falls asleep over."
"I do the sketches," Ichigo informs. "Anything else isn't my department."
"Well, thank you for these, Ichigo," the raven smiles. "We'll be going now; I don't want to irritate your husband on his big day. Good luck on your fight, Mr. Jaegerjaques."
Grimmjow shakes Uryu's hand, and then Chad's as they leave. Orihime is brave enough to give him a hug before she does the same to Ichigo, the stunned fighter just standing there a bit shell shocked. Once the group leaves, the couple has a quick lunch. They shower and get dressed afterward, Ichigo stretching out on the couch to wait for Grimmjow to finish.
*Ichi, do ya like us bein' 'part? * Shiro questions hesitantly. *I mean… ya don' seem ta like me 'round an' all. *
*… I don't know how to answer that. *
*Try. *
*You can be annoying and selfish… and you don't really take my opinion into account. But… but when I'm all alone I like that you're there to talk to, * the orange head admits. *When I'm by myself and feeling horrible because another relationship fell apart, it's nice to have someone to talk to. Although I would've appreciated someone that didn't rub my face in the fact they were right constantly… *
*But I was, * Shiro points out. *I hate ta tell ya this, Ichi, but we ain't able ta go back ta bein' one person. The closest we're gonna get is actin' on urges tagether, which would be infinitely more pleasurable fer us… sort a like how sex is so overwhelmin' thanks ta us enjoyin' it tagether. Ya need ta start listenin' ta me when I tell ya somethin' er someone ain't good fer ya, I'm the missin' part a yer common sense. *
*Okay, okay… I can see where you're coming from, * the other sighs. *I'll try to take your opinion into consideration more if you do the same for me. *
*Deal! *
Grimmjow walks into the living to see Ichigo staring at a blank TV, his body sitting perfectly straight and his hands on his knees. It would be seriously unnerving and completely eerie if he wasn't used to these spells. He decides to wait until Ichigo's done speaking to Shiro… or whatever the hell he does in these moods. He grabs his tennis shoes and sits down in the chair by his wife, slipping on his shoes and checking his wallet in case he forgot something. After making certain he has his keys, wallet, and cell phone he notes that Ichigo is coming around.
"Hey, baby, you okay?" he asks.
"I'm fine, why?"
"Just making sure. You were in another spell and I wasn't exactly certain what you experience in them."
"Mostly just talking… sometimes arguing."
"I thought we'd go for a walk in the park," Grimmjow smiles. "Maybe a little fishing? I haven't been fishing in a long while, I need the relaxation. What do you think?"
Ichigo smiles in answer, nodding happily as they head to the door. Stark is out front, waiting for the two at the passenger side back door. He opens it for Ichigo to slide across the seat, closing it once Grimmjow is settled in the vehicle. Grimmjow watches Ichigo, noting he doesn't seem to ride in the car well. Ichigo, however, is listening to Shiro beg for the motorcycle again.
"Hey, Grimm?"
"Yeah?"
"I haven't been in the garage yet, is that were you put my bike?"
"Yeah, Hallibel put it there," he comments. "Right next to mine."
Ichigo stops at that, sending a curious look to the other. He could see Grimmjow on a bike, but never really thought about it. He saw a car in Grimmjow's driveway, that's really all they've taken anywhere even though the other knew Ichigo had a bike.
"Why don't we ever ride?" he questions after a moment.
"I like to walk," Grimmjow shrugs. "My bike is usually for weekends and summertime. I just haven't really had a reason to ride lately. Wait, is that why you're so bad at riding in cars?"
"If I wasn't on my bike, I was on foot. I like the speed."
Grimmjow snorts in humor, pulling Ichigo closer to kiss him. A part of Ichigo soars at all the positive attention, that part completely forgetting this marriage is a ruse. Grimmjow's just been so attentive to him, always making sure he's happy and safe. Ichigo feels as though he's back in high school, mooning of the gorgeous male from afar… but this time he's the lucky person on Grimmjow's lap, being held in the other's arms, and occupying his bed. Man what he wouldn't have given back then to have this relationship.
The drive to the park doesn't take long, the two getting out by the lake. Stark is digging around in the trunk when Ichigo notices he didn't open the door for them. He pulls out a tackle box, a cooler, and a couple fishing poles. Grimmjow thanks him, grabbing the majority of the gear and leaving Ichigo with the tackle box. They head to a small grassy area by the lake, other people fishing in areas far enough away to give them privacy, and sit down to ready their hooks. They cast their lines, Grimmjow laying back in the grass after making sure his pole is sufficiently lodged between a few large rocks.
The day passes with a few large catches and companionable silence, though there are a few light conversations between the two. Ichigo is laughing at Grimmjow, who was nearly yanked into the water by another fisherman, when Stark arrives to pick them up. He helps them with their things, noting the serenity that hangs upon him.
The next stop is the ring, Ichigo pulled from the car and held close to Grimmjow as they challenge the cameras. The sidewalk outside the building is packed with onlookers and fans, women swooning and men hollering for an autograph. The cameras flash as reporters try to get Grimmjow's attention and Ichigo is reminded of red-carpet events.
"Mr. Jaegerjaques! How confident are you on this fight?" a man calls out. "Do you think you'll win?"
"I better," Grimmjow grins widely. "I wouldn't want to disappoint my wife."
"Will your wife be sitting ringside?"
"Of course."
Grimmjow leads Ichigo inside, allowing Nelliel to take him ringside while he gets ready in the locker room. Ichigo is quiet, his amber pools wandering the area curiously. This time his friends are here, he's sitting with Grimmjow's friends. It isn't much difference to tell the truth, the only difference is the people… the attitude and childishness is still there. The announcer calls out the fighters and Grimmjow walks down to the ring, winking at Ichigo playfully as he climbs up. His opponent joins him, Ichigo's blood going cold in his veins… Kenpachi Zaraki. Ichigo had fought him only once and he nearly died doing so. He had won, just barely… that was the first time Shiro had completely taken over. That was the reason Ichigo was driven into therapy.
"Oh my god," he gasps. "Grimmjow can handle this, right?"
"Sure, he's a great fighter!" Nelliel grins. "He's fought this guy before. It's bloody, but he hasn't lost yet."
Ichigo holds his breath as the bell sounds, watching Grimmjow pace restlessly. Kenpachi doesn't wait another second, darting forward with a bloodthirsty bellow. He swings hard, Grimmjow ducking and sending his leg into the other's gut. Kenpachi grunts in pain, stumbling back and rushing back in without pause.
"That's part of his style," Ichigo frowns. "He'll keep it up until Grimmjow starts to tire, and then he'll go in for the knockout."
Nelliel gives Ichigo a strange look, but brushes off the comment. They turn back in time to see Kenpachi get in a savage hit, splitting Grimmjow's lip before trying for his stomach again. The fight is in the raven's favor, but he had to notice Ichigo in the crowd… his favorite opponent thus far. Ichigo reads his lips as they move, gasping at the 'you're next' that leaves them. The flash of fury that spikes through Grimmjow's eyes sends a palpable wave of bloodlust through the crowd. He dodges the next blow, sending an uppercut that knocks Kenpachi backwards. Blow after blow he attacks without hesitation, like a jaguar taking down its prey in the more violent way possible. Kenpachi goes down, Grimmjow holding himself back from continuing the onslaught. Ichigo can only stare in shock, the display reminding him of when he was in the ring with Kenpachi. Most of all, however, it shows Ichigo that he might very well mean more to Grimmjow than just a pretend wife. He smiles warmly and stands up to cheer with the others.
I love the movie Goonies! I don't know what it is, I just love watching it ;p Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this newest addition to Life's a Farce! XD And of course Grimmjow would be fighting Kenpanchi! Lol! And of course Kenpachi would be the one to force Ichigo into therapy XD I know if I had been in Ichi's sandals in the anime... I would've ran away crying. As much of a big cuddly... well... okay, Kenpachi's good with kids but he's not cuddly in the least ^^; I think we all know that. As much as we like to make him out to be a little less insane and everything, it's just not that possible without going completely out of character for him. Then again, what fun would he be if we dulled him down? =D
Shiro: 'Xactly! I love playin' wit Kenpachi! XD
Ichi: And by 'play' you mean 'beat the shit out of one another until you've both shed too much blood to stand'. *rolls eyes*
Shiro: ... Wait... that ain't playin'? =(
Ichi: No you dip shit! That's not playing! DX
Grimm: Ichi, playing for Hollows and playing for humans is totally different. I'll teach you the difference someday! =D
Shiro: Yeah, like when fightin' means flirtin' an' the end result is a baby in the oven. *scoffs*
Ichi: Say what? D=
Grimm: He doesn't know what he's talking about, he's defective as a Hollow. I'll teach you the difference in playing and fighting this spring! =3
Ichi: *warily scoots away from leering Grimm* I... think I'll pass.