For sapta! Sorry for taking so long with writing this! Thank you for being so patient with me and I hope you enjoy this piece!

Poor Grimm. He's still madly in love with his ex who is with someone else. So according to Rukia's advice, he should put on a brave front and move on with life. Which, of course, required singing a song in public.

When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

'Here's the list of songs for this afternoon,' Byakuya said curtly, handing a sheaf of papers to the blue-haired pianist. 'Don't forget to play Vivaldi's Four Seasons. And I do mean all of it. Are we clear on that, Mr. Jaeguerjacques?'

Grimmjow forced a smile from under his gray beret. 'Crystal.'

Nodding, the manager of the Seireitei restaurant briskly walked off the platform placed in the midst of the fine diners, leaving his newly employed pianist to roll his eyes, and place an elbow on the grand piano in front of him.

'Kill me, kill me now,' he groaned softly, eyes darting about to analyze his spectators for the night. These must be the crème de la crème of society, with their Hugo Boss suits, monogrammed buttons, Coco Chanel dresses, and beige Oxfords.

Why did he agree to this again? Oh yeah, Rukia said her brother was looking for a professional pianist to play for his restaurant since the original guy had called in sick. And, of course, being the only midget in the world with an obsessive brother complex, she pitched in Grimmjow's name. She did fail to mention that he was from a rock band but as long as Grimmjow looked the part her brother would never know the difference, right? Guess that was why he had been forced to spend $100 bucks on stiff, white trousers that were currently riding up his butt crack, a coral knitted sweater that was choking him, and this stupid excuse for a hat that just insisted on letting gravity push it around, or in this case down.

'It's just for today,' Grimmjow thought, breathing deeply as he lifted the cover off the keys. 'All I gotta do is smile, pretend I belong, and then later make fun of these stick-in-the-mud rich duds over a keg of beer at ol' Urahara's.'

That thought calmed him, and allowed him to admire the parlor grand piano before him. True he belonged to a rock band but that didn't mean he couldn't appreciate instruments as antique and valuable as this piano. He had probably only seen these on display and dreamed of one day playing one. If it meant he had to pretend to be a rich snob, he supposed he could swallow his pride for a day and simply bask in the beautiful music of this piano.

He pressed a key. It rang like a bell, clear and sweet. He sighed. Oh yeah. This was so worth it.

'Ouch! Stop pushing, Renji!' Rukia scolded and jabbed an elbow into her boyfriend's ribs. He doubled over in pain, and she easily glided through the double doors of Seireitei. She scanned the room before she found her target. She grinned.

'You guys!' she whispered excitedly. 'There he is!'

Nnoitra walked around Renji and whistled. 'Well, lookie, lookie,' he chuckled. 'Ol' Blue's gone to the dark side.'

'Oh, please, Nnoitra,' Stark snorted as he walked in followed closely by Uryu. 'Grimmjow has always been well versed in all instruments. In fact, I'd find it insulting if Byakuya had said no without even giving him a chance.'

'Hey!' Rukia retorted, folding her arms crossly. 'My brother isn't that cruel!'

'But he isn't that nice either,' Renji joked and wrapped an arm around her. She gave him a death glare.

'You want another elbow to the gut, pineapple-head?' she growled. He quickly leapt away from her like she was on fire.

'Why are we here again?' Uryu drawled, looking around in bemusement.

'Well, I kinda forced Grimmjow to play so I thought we should come here as a surprise and offer some moral support.'

'Moral support, huh?' Stark remarked, glancing at the platform. 'Well, ol' Blue is gonna need all the support he can get. People here look like they don't let anything near them unless it's branded.'

'People around here aren't that stuck up,' Rukia said defensively.

'They're eating with gold encrusted utensils.'

'That's not-!'

'Oi! We here to show moral support or just talk about it?' Nnoitra grumbled.

'Right! Hey, Grimmjow!' Rukia yelled out, waving her hand. Some people seated close by looked around and glared at her.

'Real classy, Rukia,' Uryu sighed with a roll of her eyes. But she was already on her way to the platform as her shocked pianist of a friend stared at her.

'Surprise!' she beamed. Grimmjow laughed.

'Are you guys serious? You came all this way just to say hi?' he exclaimed, eying the trail of friends making a beeline for him. They stood out like a sore thumb with their street-wear. God, what he would give to just put on some jeans and a hoodie, and join them in making fun of the Snob Society.

'Not just to say hi!' Rukia huffed. 'Also to thank you for doing this and hearing you play on the piano. All I've ever seen you do is play your guitar and sing.'

'Well, I am a man of many talents.'

'Hey, that's me too!' Renji chimed in and looped an arm around Rukia once more.. 'Right, Ruks?'

'If chucking watermelon seeds at a pigeon counts as a talent I suppose you're on your way, Renji,' Rukia said dryly.

'Hey, hey, be nice, Rukia! At least he's trying to impress you,' Grimmjow teased. 'Aw, man, did you invite everyone in town?'

'Well, I-!' Rukia stopped mid-sentence when she saw her friend freeze up, eyes fixed on the door. She followed his gaze and winced. 'Shit.'

Orihime, Ichigo and Ulquiorra glided in. The bright-haired duo laughed, Orihime lightly touching Ichigo's chest as she giggled. To all the world, they looked like such a cute couple. Save for the blue-haired pianist who was staring with a stony look.

Rukia bit her lower lip. 'I'm sorry, Grimm,' she murmured. 'I…I didn't mean to-'

'It's not your fault, Rukia,' Grimmjow said impassively, reseating himself at the piano, and focusing little too hard on the keys. 'You couldn't be rude and not invite them. Plus it would make me look like a loser for not being able to move on.'

Rukia sighed and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. It was no secret that Grimmjow was not completely over Orihime. They had been dating for two years and everyone was sure that they would get married after college. Then Ichigo transferred to Karakura University. That was when everything changed.

Long story short, Grimmjow broke up with Orihime and the next thing you knew she was hanging out with Ichigo all the time. Despite seeming so strong on the outside, all of Grimmjow's friends knew he was still hurting.

'Hey, Orihime doesn't know what she's missing out on,' Rukia said suddenly. 'You're a great guy, Grimmjow, and don't you forget it!'

Grimmjow looked up at her in surprise. Then he laughed. He patted her hand that was on his shoulder. 'Thanks, Ruks,' he said softly. 'But sometimes, I just think I'm too much of a coward.'

Rukia frowned. 'That's just stupid, Grimmjow. You're the most confident guy I know. Hey, don't look at me like that. I know what I'm saying. You know what's confidence? Being the better person. So instead of letting this…' she waved her hand in the direction of Ichigo and Orihime who had joined the rest of the gang to chat, '…get to you, be that person and go up to them and say, "Hey, I'm happy for you and I hope he treats you well." You get what I'm saying?'

Grimmjow stared at her with wide, bemused eyes. He placed an elbow on the piano edge. 'You know, you never fail to impress me, Ruks,' he said admirably. 'Renji is really lucky to have a girl like you.'

Rukia snorted. 'Yeah, tell him that.'

'You don't give him enough credit. You know he really loves you and just wants to see you happy.'

'Yeah. I know. I just like giving him a rough time. I love you him too.' She turned scarlet. 'DO NOT tell him that. Or my brother. I don't think I want a gravestone for a boyfriend.'

Grimmjow grinned. 'Sure.'

'Hey! Get to that music! My brother isn't paying you to talk to me.'

'Ugh, you guys really are siblings.' Rukia rolled her eyes and hopped off the stage. 'Hey, Ruks!' She turned around. 'Make sure they don't go anywhere. I got a surprise for the gang.'

Rukia raised an eyebrow. 'O-kay.' There was something mischievous about that tone but she humored him. After all, he couldn't do anything too brash that might get them kicked out. Right?

'Hey, Rukia!' Orihime said brightly and hugged the petite girl. Rukia was almost smothered by her voluptuous chest. 'I'm so excited to hear Grimmjow play! I haven't heard him play since-'

She paused and looked at Ichigo uncertainly. The orange-haired guy gave a half-smile. Ulquiorra, Ichigo's best friend, coughed to break the awkward silence.

'I'm sure he plays wonderfully,' he remarked, although it was well known that sometimes the monotonous male couldn't stand the brutish blue-haired singer.

Suddenly, soft piano music filled the room. The gang looked up to watch Grimmjow gracefully capering his fingers across the keys, letting the sweet melody float around everyone. Some people seated up close even turned around to look at the blue-head in admiration.

'I'd like to dedicate this song,' Grimmjow said, clear but gentle. 'To all the loved ones out there. And hoping that they are cherished for who they are.'

Rukia's eyes widened. Was Grimmjow going to do what she thought he was going to do? At that moment, he started to sing in his soft, lilting voice.

Same bed but it feels just a little bit bigger nowww…

The blue-haired singer squeezed his eyes shut and furrowed his brow as he sang. He tilted his head to one side and belted the next line.

Our song on the radio but it don't sound the sameee.

When our friends talk about you all that it does is just tear me down.

'Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name.

'Oh!' Orihime cried out softly, eyes tearing up. She turned to Ichigo who had stilled, his own eyes trained on Grimmjow as the singer cooed softly, his voice echoing in the high-ceilinged restaurant.

The piano rose in crescendo. Grimmjow bobbed his head to the beat.

Too young, too dumb to realizeeee

He suddenly paused playing, glanced up at the audience, and smiled. Then he resumed.

That I should've bought you flowersss,

And held your haaand.

Should've gave you all my hoursss,

When I had the chaaance.

He leaned back a little, letting the heat of his voice reveal his innermost feeling and connection with this song, before slowly sitting up straight again.

Take you to every party 'cause all you wanted to was daaaance.

Now my baby's dancinggg,

But they're daaancing with another maaaan.

Renji whistled. 'Damn, Grimm,' he murmured. 'Didn't know you had it that bad.'

He glanced at Rukia. How would he feel if she left him? What if he didn't appreciate her enough? All he wanted was to see her smile. Wasn't that what everyone wanted for their significant other? But if that meant seeing them with someone else, was it worth the sacrifice?

Grimmjow pulled on his anguished face as he struck hard on the keyboard, amplifying the angst behind the next verse.

My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish waaays,

Caused a good, strong person like you to walk out my liiiifee.

Rukia heard Orihime inhale sharply. Grimmjow's song was really affecting her. She wondered just what had really happened between them since they never really talked about it, and nobody in the gang really wanted to pry. She knew Grimmjow was hurt about it for a long time. And to sing a song about it…well, Grimmjow really knew how to get emotional she'll give him that.

She glanced at Renji. She wondered how she would feel if Renji left her. Did she really not appreciate how much he loved her? All she wanted was to see him happy. But if that meant seeing him with someone else, was it worth the sacrifice?

Grimmjow threw his head back.

Now I never, NEVER get to clean up the mess I maadee.

He leaned forward slowly, eyes fluttering close as he sang softly.

And it haunts me every time I close my eyesss

'Well, whaddaya know?' Nnoitra snickered. 'Ol' Blue can be a sappy romantic after all.'

'Sssshhhhh!' everyone in the gang hissed before turning back to listen to Grimmjow sing. Instead of scowling, Nnoitra laughed silently. Buncha saps, the lot of them. Maybe that's why he hung out with them.

As Grimmjow went into the chorus a second time, he really let himself go in the music, letting the words fall off his lips like water droplets, like he was a part of the song as it was a part of his soul. His heart was thrumming like mad, making his entire body vibrate with it. He was shocked he hadn't missed a key yet. But the song…this song…it was everything. He glanced at the gang, watching their enraptured looks.

Then their eyes locked. Grimmjow almost stopped breathing. But he quickly focused his eyes on the keys in front of him, face flushed red. The tempo picked up as he reached the climax. His voice strained with the words and he quickly trained it to stay steady before it got lost in the emotions of the lyrics.

Although it huuurts,

I'll be the firstsss to say that,

I was wrrroooonnnggg

As he belted that word, the audience started clapping. Some even smiled. Rukia grinned and looped her arm through Renji's, startling him.

'That's just boss, huh, Renji?' she murmured. 'I'd never have the guts to spill my feelings out like that.'

Renji squirmed a little. 'I love you, Rukia,' he blurted out. Rukia looked up at him, surprised. He swallowed and grinned sheepishly. 'Always have, always will.'

Rukia blinked. Then she smiled slowly before standing on tiptoe to peck him on the lips. 'Always, Renji Abarai,' she giggled.

Oh, I know I'm probably much too late,

To try and apologize for my mistakes,

But I just want you to knowwwww

Grimmjow pressed hard and stopped, panting a little as he surveyed the audience. They all watched him with bated breath. Smiling in satisfaction, he resumed his composed façade, pushing a few stray strands of hair out of his face. His voice lost its gravelly tone as he returned to the sweet, soft lilt from earlier.

I hope they buy you flowers,

I hope they hold your haaand.

Gives you all their hours,

When they have the chaaaance.

Take you to every party,

Because I remember how much you loved to daaance.

Do all the things I should've done,

When I was your man

He gave a crooked smile, head cocked as he looked at the audience. A few girls giggled and blushed as he looked their way. He played the piano a little more slowly, letting the melody hang in the air as his words rang one last time in the air.

Do all the things I should've done,

When I was your maaaan.

He stopped, eyes trained on his trembling hands on the keys. He slowly looked up. Everyone started clapping. Someone even yelled out, 'Bravo!' and 'Another!' over the applause. Grimmjow grinned. Then he froze when he saw Byakuya standing in front, stoic as ever. Sweat beaded the singer's forehead.

'Um, I'm sorry I didn't-!' he started.

'You have a 5 minute break till your next performance,' the owner said curtly. 'In that time I hope you can come up with another original piece to play for our guests.'

Grimmjow gaped at him. Then nodded quickly and hopped off his stool to join his friends who greeted him with boisterous laughter and hugs.

'Damn, Grimm!' Renji laughed. 'Didn't know you could sing like that!'

'Aren't you glad you did this now?!' Rukia chimed.

'You mean, aren't I glad you forced me to do this,' Grimmjow joked. Suddenly, he was face to face with Ichigo. His cheery demeanor vanished immediately as he stared into those deep, brown eyes. He fidgeted a little. 'Um…hi.'

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. 'Hi.'

Shit, Rukia thought. Ichigo knew Grimm had been singing about Orihime. She didn't know how he would react to that but if they were going to have a fist fight right now her brother was going to murder her.

'Oh, I can't stand this anymore!' Orihime suddenly burst out. She stood between the two boys and glared at Ichigo. 'Ichigo, it's high time you forgave Grimmjow and made up already! He's willing to admit he was wrong in the relationship! Now it's your turn! Can't you tell how much he misses you?'

Everyone started in confusion.

'Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,' Nnoitra said, shaking his head. Then he tilted his head. 'Did I miss something here?'

'I think we all did,' Renji added, staring at Grimmjow and Ichigo with his mouth open.

Ichigo sighed, jamming his hands in his pockets. He stared at the ground before looking up at Grimmjow with a sheepish smile. 'You really meant all that?' he asked.

Grimmjow's heart leapt into his throat. 'Every word,' he croaked.

Ichigo sighed. Then he leaned forward and kissed the surprised singer on the lips. 'Now how can I say no to a face like that?' he grinned.

Everyone's jaw dropped.

'Yay!' Orihime cheered and linked hands with Ulquiorra. 'See, Ulqi? I told you they would make up eventually!'

Ulquiorra rolled his eyes. 'That's because Ichigo is a softie and Grimmjow will always be a klutz,' he sighed. Then he eyed the pair. 'Are we done?'

Grimmjow smirked. 'Cool it, Ulqi. No need to get your panties in a twist here.' Then he turned to Ichigo in confusion. 'Wait, what about Shuuhei? I thought you guys were…'

Ichigo snorted. 'I wasn't dating him. He needed help with chemistry so I tutored him. Turns out he has a major crush on the chem teacher.'

'Professor Muguruma?'

'Oh, yeah! He's got it bad-!'

'HOLD IT!'

Everyone looked towards Rukia standing with her arms akimbo.

'What the hell is going on?' she demanded. She glared at Grimmjow. 'I thought you still liked Orihime!'

Grimmjow laughed. 'Yeah, about that. See, Orihime figured out I was gay a long time ago while we were dating. Then she noticed I had the hots for Ichigo while she was digging out Ulqi here. So she helped me get with Ichigo while Ichigo helped her get with Ulqi. Then…Ichigo and I had a falling out. A really bad falling out.'

Ichigo took over. 'Basically Blue here didn't know what he wanted. I felt like I was a puppet being dragged around and couldn't take that anymore. I still helped Orihime win Ulqi over but Grimmjow and I weren't on speaking terms. Until now. Thanks to Orihime.'

'Hey! What about my song? Don't deny that my mad singing skills didn't melt that icy heart just a little?'

'Nah. I'm an Ice Queen, Grimm.'

'Oh, you're a queen alright…'

'Let it go, Grimm, let it go…'

The duo laughed. 'Shit, my break is up!' Grimmjow cursed. 'I'll see you guys after this! Damn it, I think Byakuya is thinking of hiring me. Fingers crossed he hates me too much to consider that.'

'Guaranteed! You have a face only a mother could love,' Ichigo said smugly.

'Asshole.' Grimmjow pecked his cheek before jogging back to the piano. Ichigo watched him go, a dreamy look in place.

'….I'm still confused,' Renji muttered.