"You did what?!"

Rukia flinched at the shrillness of Orihime's voice. "Can you keep it down?!"

Shock forked over Orihime's features after Rukia spilled about the night before with Grimmjow. As they ate lunch at home, the need to tell someone about her… experience with Grimmjow burned her up inside. Orihime dropped her slice of pizza on the kitchen table leaving oil smudges in its wake. Rukia stared at her lap during the pregnant and uncomfortable silence that followed.

"Say something," Rukia murmured still not making eye contact. "I'm still trying to understand this myself."

"So basically, you like multiple people?"

Rukia crossed her legs underneath her and sighed. "It's more complicated. Imagine all the relationships you've had in your life and how you felt about each person. I'm sure you can remember great memories even if the relationship didn't end on a positive note. For me, each relationship is at once instead of staggered. Kensei, Grimmjow, and Soi Fon each have qualities and memories I cherish. If I could focus on one person, I would."

Orihime shook her head. "I'm just not getting it yet. Isn't it like cheating before getting in a serious relationship by dating others at the same time?"

"No." Rukia paused and sighed again. "Well, it depends on what cheating is to each party involved. To Ichigo, yes, I wasn't being honest, but to Grimmjow, it's not an issue if he gets his time with me when he wants. I still have to clarify that I want to keep my ties with each, and they decide if they stay."

"You let go of Ichigo for them?" The slight edge in her voice confused Rukia as did the furrow of Orihime's brows and her deep frown. "He was the only person you liked right away!"

"It doesn't matter now that I like more than one."

Orihime stood. "I'm sorry, but I agree with Ichigo that it wasn't fair of you to lead him on like that."

"Orihime," Rukia called in shock. "What's with you? You're always on my side."

"I have to be honest with you," she replied while heading back to her room. "I still love you, it's just too much to process right now."

Rukia heard the door click shut leaving her alone and unsure. She'd hoped for understanding from Orihime after discovering an important aspect of herself. Rukia placed her elbows on the table and realized she needed to plan for telling her suitors the full truth, starting with Soi Fon. She deserved clarification more than Grimmjow and Kensei. Grimmjow gave her the polyamorous label and Kensei might have an idea, but Rukia would make things crystal clear the next time she saw him. A small grin tugged at her lips. For weeks she'd been calling him an ass, thwarting his advances, and refusing to believe that he wanted anything more than sex. As Rukia spent time with him, the more she realized that there was more to Kensei than the persona he portrayed. How he took care of his family, his willingness to admit mistakes and his clear patience in pursuing her made her curious about him. Rukia wasn't sure he could care about anyone other than himself, but her opinion changed.

Rukia grabbed her phone and called Soi Fon. She answered on the third ring. "Hey, Rukia."

"Hello, Soi Fon. Are you busy today?"

"I'll be at the dojo for a couple of hours, but nothing afterward."

Rukia chuckled. "I wish I had your motivation to stay fit. I guess you eat healthy too right?"

"Usually," Soi Fon replied. "I'm guessing you don't?"

Rukia picked up a slice of pizza from the box. "If you saw what I was eating, you'd guess the answer."

"Is it fried or greasy?"

"Greasy," Rukia admitted. "It's pepperoni pizza."

"One slice of a medium pizza has over two hundred calories and over five hundred milligrams of salt. Not to include the excess fats and the carb overload from the bread."

"So?"

Soi Fon huffed. "That attitude is how you get fat. Come to my dojo at three o'clock. We're working off those calories."

Rukia blinked. "Do what?! I haven't exercised on purpose in months!"

"Your health is the most important thing you have some control over," Soi Fon continued. "Come on. It will be hard, but afterward, you'll feel accomplished."

Dread filled the pit of her stomach. Although she realized the month-long junk food binge needed to stop, Rukia hadn't planned to change her habits until the new year. She used to run three times a week and lift weights, but when she lost focus during her studies due to the new people in her life, the lapse in judgment had her studying for hours without breaks. Her mind already conjured six reasons not to exercise including she didn't drink enough water. Wouldn't the pizza make her sick or wouldn't her lack of stamina cause too many problems? None of these reasons would work with Soi Fon so Rukia just exhaled instead.

"Don't kill me," Rukia muttered.

Soi Fon laughed. "Oh, it will be tough. You can bet your ass on it."

Rukia hung up and studied the half-eaten muffin she'd gotten from Mezamiz. Orihime had eaten all of her scone. She couldn't waste it, right? Just as Rukia reached for it, she frowned. That wasn't the right mindset if she planned to eat healthier and Soi Fon would have no mercy if she found out. Rukia steeled her resolve before her stomach changed her mind, grabbed the blueberry muffin, and stood. She tossed it in the garbage, a deep ache resounding in her chest at wasting such a delicious morsel. Rukia frowned when the doorbell rang. She padded to it but first glanced down the hall to see Orihime's door still shut. Rukia bit her lip. She'd give Orihime time to calm down. Rukia still didn't understand what had gotten her so riled up. Rukia looked through the peek hole and sucked her teeth. She opened the door and allowed Kiko to bound inside, but blocked Renji's way.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here because we need to talk," Renji mumbled. "Let me in Rukia."

Rukia thought about slamming it in his face. Renji never responded to her texts. Now that she and Ichigo ended things, she didn't care about Renji's side. Instead of letting her annoyance get the better of her, Rukia left the threshold with the door open. Renji got the hint and followed her. As the door shut out the wind, Rukia heard her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She turned and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for him to speak.

Renji started to pull off his jacket, but Rukia stopped him. "Don't get comfortable."

Kiko was oblivious to the tension in the room and pranced around Rukia's legs. That habit would be hard to break. Rukia once again ignored her. She wasn't in the mood to play right now. Renji ran his hand over his red locks.

"Look, I'm sorry Rukia."

"What's with the change of heart?" Rukia questioned. "You didn't respond to my texts so why are you at my house now?"

"To apologize!" Renji snapped.

Rukia raised an eyebrow and decided their conversation was over. "Get the dog and leave. You're being rude and I don't have time for it."

Renji growled in irritation. "I didn't tell him to spite you! He was fighting with me about you, tellin' me to back off and it just slipped out. I'm sorry, I mean it."

Rukia turned her gaze away from him. "I'm sure Ichigo would have ended things, anyway. I trusted you with that information because I didn't want to hurt you either. I didn't ask you to keep quiet, but I expected you to let me handle my situation."

Renji shoved his hands in his pockets. "Where do we go from here?"

"I'm not sure," Rukia said, reaching down to pet Kiko who sat impatiently at her feet. "I know he needs space. I've figured something out about myself. I like four people, and I want a relationship with each one."

Renji's eyes widened. "You're a polygamist?!"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "That's having multiple spouses. I just want to date multiple people so I am polyamorous."

"Well, if you date more than one person, doesn't that mean you won't marry just one?!"

Rukia paused. She hadn't thought that far ahead yet. She'd only made this revelation yesterday. "I just want to spend time with my suitors."

"Am I one of them?" Renji asked with a grin.

Rukia took a deep breath. He was attractive, yes, and they shared sexual tension, but no spark. It flickered within her for Soi Fon, Kensei, Grimmjow, and still Ichigo. "I…"

She paused, eyebrows furrowing as she studied Renji. She stepped closer with a look of concern filtered over her features. Renji looked… sick. His skin was pale and she could see his cheekbones more than usual.

"Have you dropped weight?" Rukia asked.

"Have I?" Renji questioned, looking down at himself. "Sometimes I forget to eat, but I don't think that happens often enough for you to notice." His eyes softened. "So, I guess by avoiding my question, I have my answer?"

Rukia exhaled. "Yes. I am still pissed at you, but let's be friends again?"

Renji's expression turned distant. "Yeah, I guess so."

He left soon after. Rukia decided not to go with him to the fireworks. Ichigo would join him and she didn't want it to get awkward. She preferred to enjoy them because in less than two weeks; she started three more classes. Rukia dreaded Statistics because she'd always been terrible at math. Still, she'd make it through the spring semester and be closer to applying for nursing school. Two of the classes were online and Rukia checked every few hours to see when they were available to start. Rukia hoped to get a jump on the semester. After sitting on her bed, Rukia stood and searched through her drawers for workout gear. If she didn't put them on now, Rukia may call Soi Fon and tell her she didn't want to exercise. Who started a New Year's resolution on New Year's Eve, anyway?!

Orihime gripped her pillow and turned on her stomach, resting on its soft surface. She mulled over the bomb Rukia dropped on her. Orihime didn't mean to storm off since Rukia didn't understand what upset her. She hated fights; they seldom disagreed on anything. In high school, Orihime wanted to go to a party hosted by the school's hottest jock. He invited her over for a house party and Rukia fought the idea like the plague. Tamiko, her crush, had never once been interested in her until that day he asked her. Orihime tried to start a conversation with him once; he acted like he didn't even hear her so she jumped at the chance to see him at this party. Rukia objected. They argued, they screamed, and when Orihime tried to leave, Rukia grabbed her by the wrist. A fight ensued when Orihime whirled around and snatched her arm back. Rukia grabbed her and yanked her back inside.

"Let me go, Rukia!" Orihime yelled.

She shoved Rukia up against the wall beside the door hoping to get her off. Her back hit the wall with a thud, but Rukia refused to release her.

"I know something bad will happen!" Rukia shouted. "Stop being so goddamn airheaded and trust me on this! You don't have any friends going! It's not safe!"

They ended up falling on the floor and wrestling. "Then come with me!" Orihime exclaimed from her place on top of Rukia. "If it's so unsafe, why won't you go with me?!"

"Are you dense?! Why would we put ourselves in danger?! That's stupid!"

Orihime was livid hearing her best friend call her names. She smacked Rukia hard across the face. She'd never hit anyone in her life. The last person should have been Rukia. That snapped them both out of their fight. Orihime's hand hung in the air, her breathing slowing as she realized what she did. Rukia reached up to touch her reddening cheek. The brunette got up and crossed her arms.

"You'll have to try harder to get passed me, Orihime."

It turned out that Tamiko and his friends spiked the punch. Two girls got raped, and they arrested Tamiko for sexual assault. From that day forward, Orihime trusted everything that her friend said. Another time was when Rukia wanted to move to Tokyo without telling her brother. They didn't end up fist fighting because of it, but it was a very emotional and drawn out argument. Orihime thought it was wrong to leave without a word. She couldn't imagine doing that to her own brother, but Rukia pointed out that her relationship with her brother was healthy and loving. She and Byakuya's was not.

However, this disagreement differed from the others. Rukia believed she was polyamorous. At first, it stunned Orihime, but when she thought about it, it made sense after piecing together the events of the last few weeks. Orihime closed her eyes, her heart going out to Ichigo. He got blindsided by it. Orihime wished Rukia had been honest with him. She should have told him when she had the chance instead of letting him find out from Renji. Orihime grabbed her phone and opened Facebook. Ichigo's page was the last thing she looked at. She scrolled through his pictures again. The snooping woman printed out his pictures excluding ones with other people and hid them in a white envelope. Just as Orihime reached for them, she heard the front door shut. Rukia must have left. Orihime decided to check on Ichigo. Rukia's news must have still stung.

Orihime stretched and climbed over her unkempt pink comforter to her closet. She pulled the off-white doors open and grabbed a pair of jeans. She threw her favorite black turtleneck over her head along with a gray beanie. Next were her dark blue puffer jacket and black boots. Orihime brushed the ends of her hair and put a little eyeliner on. Lip gloss wouldn't hurt either.

"I just don't want to go over in my pajamas," Orihime joked with herself in the mirror.

After a little coaching, Orihime first checked the parking lot from the railing for Ichigo's car. She saw his black Scion and walked over, knocked, and waited. Orihime could feel blood rushing to her ears. Kiko's collar jingled toward the door with footsteps following. When the door opened, Orihime's heart jumped to her throat.

"Hi Ichigo," she said with nervousness cracking her voice.

"Hello Orihime," he answered, keeping Kiko back with his foot. "What brings you over?"

"I, um, I just…" Orihime pushed her two pointer fingers together. "I just wanted to see if you were okay after everything that happened with Rukia."

She couldn't bring herself to look at him. Her heart was beating so hard, she thought it might burst. Her breathing became shaky; she focused on slowing it enough so she could make eye contact.

"Does Rukia know you're over here?" Ichigo asked.

Orihime shook her head. "We got into, um, I guess a disagreement about this whole polyamorous thing. I didn't think it was right for her not to tell you as soon as she realized she liked different people."

"She's polyamorous, huh?" Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest. "Is she not remorseful about hanging me out to dry like that?"

Orihime waved her hands frantically. "N-No! She was trying to tell you the night before Renji told you, but she just wasn't persistent enough. It definitely bothered her to end things with you!"

"But not enough to drop the others?"

Orihime sighed. "No."

Ichigo ran his fingers through his tangerine locks, his jaw ticking in irritation. "Well, it's a good thing we didn't get too serious." He looked out towards the parking lot. "It's cold. Come in."

Orihime had to stop herself from jumping up and down. "O-Oh, sure, thank you!"

Rukia made the worst decision of her life. The out of shape brunette was on her third set of 15 push-ups but almost died trying to complete the first set. There were also 15 burpees, 20 mountain climbers, 30 V sit-ups, 20 weighted sumo squats, 20 ball slams with sprints at the end across the large gym for five. Total. Rounds. What the hell?! When round five came around, Rukia wasn't sure if her pizza would stay down. She modified and lowered the rep scheme on almost every exercise and it still didn't help. She sensed judging eyes or maybe looks of pity from others in the dojo as she bent over, hands on her knees while struggling to fill her lungs with air and slow her racing heart before it gave out.

"Come on!" Soi Fon coached. "One more sprint and you're done!"

"I can't!" Rukia wheezed. She tried to shout it, but it came out as a whisper.

"Why come this far?!" Soi Fon started jogging backward while watching Rukia. "Let's go!"

Rukia stood up vision swimming. Her legs wobbled like Jell-O and the soreness she would feel tomorrow may hinder her ability to walk. Her whole body was on fire, but she dug deep and started with a slow jog to catch up with Soi Fon. The other woman sped up.

"It's a sprint, not a stroll in the park!" Soi Fon barked. "Move it, Kuchiki!"

Rukia blinked. "I'm not in the military! You sound like a drill sergeant!"

"We're playing like you are today!" Soi Fon shouted, slowing down to run next to her. "Pick up the pace or we can add one more round!"

Oh, hell no. Rukia would pass out before starting another round of torture. Using nothing but willpower, Rukia's legs moved faster. She lost sensation in them on round three; Rukia focused on the wall across the dojo begging the distance between it and her to close. Rukia brushed the wall with tired fingertips and whirled around.

"Now run like someone lit a fire under your ass!"

Rukia complied and ran as fast as she could back to the dreaded weights and equipment. When she reached it, Rukia flopped on the floor. Soi Fon chuckled and sat down next to her. Sweat sheeted her body and her hair became stringy with sweat.

"Still think binging pizza is a good idea?" Soi Fon asked. "It's a lot easier to eat the calories than it is to burn it off."

"I know that," Rukia muttered. "I just ignored that fact."

Soi Fon instructed her to walk around. Rukia and Soi Fon circled the edge of the dojo, watching as others in their Gis practiced hard. As her heart rate decreased, Soi Fon suggested they head to her house for protein shakes and a shower. Rukia brought clean clothes in her gym bag and bath supplies. She and Soi Fon planned to watch fireworks that night for New Year's Eve. Rukia hoped they wouldn't run into Ichigo or Renji. Rukia wanted to text Orihime and see if she wanted to tag along, but the way their conversation left off, she decided just to text her to meet them there instead if she so chose. They stretched and headed for Soi Fon's house. Rukia pulled into Soi Fon's driveway and they hurried inside. It was still bitter outside, but at least the evening forecast predicted clearer skies. Sume greeted them with a hearty meow and sauntered toward them. Rukia reached down to pet the beautiful cat.

"You need to drink your protein shake within thirty minutes of working out for it to be most effective," Soi Fon called over her shoulder. "You also need BCAAs, which are amino acids, the building blocks of protein and L-Glutamine which can help slow down muscle breakdown and increase metabolism of protein. Creatinine is important too."

"You know a lot about being healthy huh?" Rukia mused when she reached the kitchen.

"I have to," she answered. Soi Fon opened the fridge. "Do you want chocolate, Cinnabon, or sea salt caramel?"

Rukia gazed over the muscles shifting in Soi Fon's upper back. The taller woman had taken off her jacket. She wore a dark blue sports bra and black leggings that had a white rifle on each of her legs. Her muscles in her back shifted as she reached into the fridge for almond milk. It was amazing for Rukia to realize the attraction to both Soi Fon matched her attraction to Grimmjow's physique. Rukia accepted that she was curious about the relationship building between her and Soi Fon. Dating a woman was foreign, but exciting. Rukia needed to explore this new identity and this was one of the first steps.

"Sea salt caramel please."

Soi Fon first handed her a shaker that had a reddish liquid in it. "This is the BCAAs, L-Glutamine, and creatinine mixed with water first. Chug it."

Rukia accepted the cup and did what she was told. It tasted sweet, like strawberries, but tangy at the same time. She discovered the BCAAs were strawberry kiwi flavored after a quick glance at the container. Once that was empty, Soi Fon took the cups and rinsed them. She then poured in almond milk followed by the protein powder and ice. The brunette handed the cup back, and they shook them together.

"Sea salt caramel is my favorite flavor," Soi Fon mused. "You might like it too."

Rukia took a couple of sips. It tasted just like its name suggested. "It's not bad."

They kept sipping their protein shakes in silence. Rukia decided it was time for the conversation Soi Fon had waited patiently for. She leaned up against the familiar counters and took a deep breath.

"I owe you an answer about us," Rukia began. "I need to start with the whole truth first."

"What's that?" Soi Fon questioned, her dark eyes trained on her.

Rukia found that it got easier to explain being polyamorous. She didn't cut corners trying to embellish what it was. Rukia would just be honest, lay everything out on the table, and let Soi Fon choose.

"I am polyamorous," Rukia started while putting her empty cup on the counter. "I figured it out this week. You know about my suitors, but things have changed. Ichigo and I have ended things because I like Grimmjow and I think there is a possibility for something between Kensei and me."

Rukia met Soi Fon's gaze. "And I also think there is something between us. Grimmjow is very important to me, and after spending time with Kensei and seeing a different side of him, I'm curious. Then there's you. You've made me realize a part of myself that I never knew was there. Those kisses helped me understand that I can be in a relationship with you."

Rukia leaned her elbows on the counter behind her. "The bottom line is that Grimmjow and Kensei know that I have a relationship with each of them and you. Are you willing to share me? That's what it comes down to."

Soi Fon's eyes widened. "You expect me to share you?!"

"No," Rukia answered. "We can remain friends if you like. If you want to end everything now because of this, I understand. I just can't let them go. I care for all three of you. I've never been in a situation like this, and I know it's selfish, but each of you brings out a part of me and a relationship that I care about."

"So, an open relationship?" Soi Fon questioned. "I've dated girls in the past that had a boyfriend, but never two."

"They aren't my boyfriends," Rukia said.

"Not yet," Soi Fon countered.

She was right. Rukia bit her lip, wondering if this would end of their relationship. "It may come to that, yes. I don't expect you to give me an answer today. You must understand that having a relationship with all three of you means that I will also have sexual relationships wit-"

"Sexual relationships?" Soi Fon interrupted, closing the gap between them. "You're already open to that with me?"

"If it comes to it," Rukia blurted. "I think I am."

"Hmm. Have you already had sex with one of them?"

Rukia felt a stab in her chest. "Yes, with Grimmjow."

Soi Fon nodded in understanding. "No sex until I've seen STD lab results from all three of you."

STD testing didn't cross Rukia's mind in the throes of fiery passion that ignited between her and Grimmjow. They wore a condom, but he went down on her. Grimmjow had slept with Rangiku, and she slept with Kensei who probably had a track record of partners. Rukia swallowed, starting to grow worried. She'd make an appointment to see a doctor and get tested. She'd have to make Grimmjow and Kensei too.

"But…" Soi Fon's voice dropped an octave. "I've already kissed you, so I can do a little of that."

Soi Fon's hand snaked around the back of Rukia's neck. Rukia searched her new lover's eyes. "You're okay with this? With sharing?"

"We'll see how it goes," Soi Fon answered. "You're trying something new so I'll try too. If we don't like it, we'll stop."

Rukia nodded. Soi Fon closed the gap between their bodies. Her lips hovered Rukia's mere inches apart. Rukia lifted her chin and closed her eyes. Just as she did, Soi Fon's lips planted against her own. Their kiss was soft yet deeper than before. Their mouths moved carefully over each other's as if testing the waters and seeing just how far their kiss would go. Soi Fon pulled away, her hands moving over Ruka's shoulders, down her arms, and then wrapping around her waist.

"It all starts with gentle touches," she whispered in Rukia's ear. She kissed underneath her earlobe, then made her way down her neck. "And kisses."

Rukia grasped Soi Fon's arms by her elbows, her breath catching in her throat. Her neck had always been a sensitive area, but the way Soi Fon alternated between ghosting her lips against her skin to open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone. Soi Fon's hands slid underneath her tank top to grip Rukia's hips. Her thumbs massaged her them in circular motions. The sensation made Rukia's breath catch in her throat.

"Found a new spot, hmm?" Soi Fon whispered, picking Rukia up and sitting her on the counter.

Her shaker fell over and clattered into the sink next to them. Soi Fon kissed the tops of Rukia's breasts visible from her low riding tank top. Her fingers twisted into Soi Fon's short hair. She pulled her upright to kiss her again. The intensity of their kiss increased; their tongues locked together in a sensuous battle. Molten lava billowed over her skin from Soi Fon's simple ministrations and with her mind fogged with lust, she wondered just how talented Soi Fon was in bed. Her core was already throbbing and waiting to experiment with this woman. Rukia wrapped her legs around Soi Fon's waist, but Soi Fon unhooked them.

"Ah, ah, ah," she teased. Rukia moaned when Soi Fon's fingers reached up to roll her left nipple between them. "I told you, no sex yet."

"You're just going to tease me?" Rukia panted.

"Exactly."

Soi Fon moved away and turned to finish her protein shake. "We should shower. It's getting late and we don't want to miss the fireworks."

Rukia noticed that her grin disappeared when she spoke about fireworks. "Do you not want to go anymore? We can stay here and watch a movie."

"No, it's fine," Soi Fon said after clearing her throat. "Come. I'll show you where the bathroom is."

Grimmjow washed the grease from his hands. It had been a quiet shift at the auto shop, an infrequent occurrence. It would be busy as shit after the holidays when everyone remembered that check engine light had been on for three months and forgot the last time they had changed their oil. Grimmjow grabbed his jacket and walked out of the waiting area's front door ready for a shower and a glass of bourbon.

"You're not going to shut the garage?!" his co-worker yelled after him.

"Nope!" Grimmjow called over his shoulder. "Night Yammy!"

"You ass!"

Grimmjow shrugged. That wasn't anything new. Grimmjow got in his truck and let it warm, exhaustion washing over him until his thoughts drifted to Rukia. His cock hardened at the memory of moans echoing in his room. His dick of a best friend heard them fucking and teased him about it the next morning. What was there to tease about? That was the best sex he'd had in a long time, and Rukia hadn't even taken control. Grimmjow pictured her as a woman who liked to ride top. Next time, he'd make sure she did. He was about to text her when there was a knock at his window. He rolled it down and cursed.

"Fucking what?!"

Yammy leaned into the window. "I need you to run some for me."

"I don't do that shit anymore!" Grimmjow hissed. "You got plenty of other runners. I'm staying away from that shit!"

Yammy chuckled. "You're not making a fraction of the profit you got running my product. I just need you to give it to one person. I gave him a little snow and now he's coming back still in that 'I can quit when I want' stage. He'll be an addict in no time."

"Why me?!" Grimmjow barked. "You got plenty of other runners, Yammy!"

"Twenty-eight thousand yen if you run it."

Grimmjow paused. He stopped selling for Yammy almost six months ago, but that was almost 11,000 more than what he'd get for running a small amount. It was for personal use, so he wouldn't be carrying a lot on him. Grimmjow frowned and reached his hand up but not high enough for prying eyes outside. Yammy took the hint and shoved the bills and coke into his hands.

"Same price?" Grimmjow questioned, throwing his truck in reverse.

"Yeah."

"You'll get it tomorrow."

Grimmjow pulled out of the parking lot and drove away. There was a slip of paper with it that had where to meet and the person's phone number scrawled on it. They would meet at a grocery store near Rukia's apartment. Normally, he'd stop by, but he knew she was out with her girlfriend. Grimmjow grinned, wondering if he could ever convince them for a threesome. Rukia would first argue that Soi Fon wasn't her girlfriend and that he wasn't her boyfriend, but whatever. Grimmjow opened a texting app while sitting at a light that allowed him to use a fake number. He texted the buyer on how to find him in the parking lot and that he'd be there in fifteen minutes. The buyer had five minutes past the allotted time to arrive or Grimmjow would leave. The buyer texted back within twenty seconds.

"Hey Siri," Grimmjow called to his iPhone.

"What can I help you with?" came Siri's robotic voice.

"Read text."

"I'll be there," Siri spoke. "Would you like to reply?"

"No."

He turned into the grocery parking lot and parked in the middle where there was a good number of cars, but not underneath any street lights. Grimmjow stopped where the area to his right and in front of that space didn't have a car parked. His buyer would grab his fix and keep moving. It was less than two minutes before a gray Jeep Wrangler pulled up as planned. The man was wearing all black, including a black beanie. He jumped out of his vehicle and jogged around to Grimmjow's window.

"You Abarai?" Grimmjow asked.

"Yes." He pulled cash out of his pocket and shoved it at Grimmjow.

Grimmjow looked around first after counting the cash. "Be discreet, asshole." He put the small bag in Renji's hand. "Get the fuck out of here."

Renji didn't wait around to hear his order. He walked back to his Jeep and drove off. Grimmjow backed out and exited too. He needed to find a job not tied to dealing drugs. The money was fucking ridiculous; the fear they instilled made them kings, and the girls were easy fucks. None of that interested Grimmjow anymore. He already had a record and didn't want to land himself years in prison. He wanted to follow his passion for building and fixing cars. He'd saved up almost enough from when he was slinging cocaine to open his own place. Now he needed to get building permits and some college under his belt.