As an apology for no fight scene in the first chapter, please take this double update. Side note, if you ever feel inspired to draw some cover art or know what I should use, feel free to PM me. I cannot draw. It will not be good, so please…
Anywho, I kind of have a plot direction for this, so we'll keep going. Thanks for reading.
Ichigo would say it took Grimmjow about two weeks of bad attitude training days to get over their interrupted battle. Shawlong was close to begging Ichigo to fight him just so he could focus on the fight approaching. Ichigo was sure that Grimmjow had only smiled when he was going against Chad and even then his friend had some struggles keeping up because of Grimmjow's rage and attitude. Grimmjow would argue that he was just being a little more forceful than normal. Again, he liked sparring with Chad, so he would never do anything to cause the man to run away. Chad simply called it intense training.
Recently, Ichigo got called to go come home. His sisters were missing him, and he did owe them a visit. His dad annoyed him, but he was glad that his sisters were still interested in seeing their older brother since they were now seniors in high school. The twins were a bit busier now with exams, clubs, and college and scholarship applications. They still appreciated a visit from their big brother though.
Ichigo dressed in black jeans and a red tee. It was technically his day off (finally), and he knew that Grimmjow had nothing to do on his schedule. Things were again tense between the two simply from the lack of an outlet. However, he knew how to be cordial enough. He had a job to do of course. Ichigo checked his phone and all the apps that linked to the security cameras around the house. Things had been quiet for a week, so he wasn't too concerned. Nothing was out of place.
The man went into the main house to check if Grimmjow was around. He found him lounging on the couch.
"I'm going out for a bit." Ichigo announced before turning. He had expected a grunt or maybe even silence.
"Where ya goin'?"
Ichigo turned again. "I uh, visiting my family. My sister's making dinner and invited me over. It's been awhile since I've been over." Ichigo didn't know why he shared so much, but he was a bit surprised that Grimmjow took some interest.
Ichigo got the grunt he expected the first time around. He noticed that man seemed concerned with something, but he didn't press. Soon, Grimmjow was alone in the house.
He looked back at the tv. On screen displayed a series of clips featuring Grimmjow's next opponent. Dordoni Alessandro del Socaccio demanded long fights and delivered heavy kicks. He had recently had a series of back and forth of wins and losses, but Grimmjow wouldn't risk a loss just because of his ego. He had watched the guy's fights during his heyday and knew the level of damage that man could inflict if underestimated. Sure, Grimmjow was cocky but not stupid.
He was starting to get into the head space he usually had before an approaching fight. This head space was either moody and grouchy or intensely focused and excited. Or a mix. It wasn't necessarily bad, but Grimmjow did need a break from all the tension going on. He got why Aizen was keeping him on a leash, but he needed to get off it. Seeing Ichigo leave reminded Grimmjow that other people had other things to do besides train, fight, and party. Most of his friends were fighters too, so they didn't really give the type of distraction that he needed. He pulled away from the fight clips and glanced at his phone. He could call her but…he decided against it.
"Fuck, I need to get some fresh air." Grimmjow stood up and tossed on a hoodie and a pair of sweats. He took a water bottle from the fridge and headed out.
Being rich had its perks like a relatively isolated house with no immediate neighbors. Grimmjow started jogging in no particular direction and up a hill. His heart started pumping heavily and he could feel the sweat gathering on his neck. He ran and looked at the passing trees and other scenery. His mind was quiet for a while before his thoughts went to his current live-in bodyguard. Though they still argued, Grimmjow guessed it wasn't so bad. It wasn't like they didn't have their own space or that Grimmjow was bringing anyone home anyway.
The man heard a twig snap and stopped running. He turned around, but there was no one behind him. Maybe he was imagining things. He was used to Ichigo coming along for runs. Grimmjow didn't bother to think about all the psychos who were trying to spy on him, but it did have him wondering at times just how hard Ichigo's job might be.
Grimmjow started running again. As long as he knew the man, he didn't really know much about him. They talked about basic things like his fights and training with Chad. Grimmjow knew a little about Ichigo's family like the twins and the dad—seen a pic of them together. He didn't ask much about the friends who came by because he was too irritated with their presence to care.
Grimmjow ran back home. He took a shower, turned on a movie in his room, and crashed for the night.
The next morning, he opened the fridge to see two packed meals each with a note on them. One was for Ichigo while the other was labeled for Grimmjow. The notes had some rather feminine handwriting and were decorated with doodles. Grimmow's had a cartoon panther and boxing gloves. It was the wrong sport and that would have usually annoyed him, but he didn't bother. He opened lifted the container and realized that there were multiple stacked on one another. He peaked into the first one and saw a colorful array of vegetables, protein, and starches. It looked like the healthy shit he needed to eat, but it actually smelled good.
Grimmjow's mouth salivated a bit. He then noticed there was a note written on the back of his: 'Please get along with Big Brother Ichi.-Yuzu and Karin' Grimmjow blinked then sighed. The twins seemed like they had their head screwed on right. Grimmjow put the food back and started making breakfast. So maybe there could be a second benefit to having the bodyguard around.
Ichigo was head deep in his game and barely paid attention to the flashing of lights that surrounded him. People ran around him with different props, camera, and costumes. Grimmjow was a lot of things: a fighter, asshole, celebrity, but…not the best model. Oh he looked the part! He just…lacked the patience.
Ichigo had a love-hate relationship with the days Grimmjoww had to shoot for whatever product endorsement he had. He hated it because Grimmjow had to be difficult. He would argue with photographers, demand breaks, and make random request that would "keep him calm." Of course, Ichigo was also human, and the love part had mainly to do with Grimmjow's looks at shots where very little clothes could be found. Sure, he had been living with him for a bit, but with the right lighting and positioning, looking at the other was very nice.
Ichigo glanced up quickly before darting back to the phone.
However, he couldn't withdraw from the situation. A flash of light was in his face, and he looked up.
One of the main photographers, Rangiku Matsumoto, smiled brightly at Ichigo. She was half bent over and held a camera in her hand. She stood up and winked at the man. "That suit's Italian. I could hook you up with the company if you wanna model for them."
Ichigo sighed and scratched his head. "I barely know about clothes. I get suits sent to me for the job." He took in the woman. She had on a pink shirt that exposed her chest and a gray pencil skirt on. Her hair was down and flowed over her shoulders. Ichigo knew most people mistook her for a dumb broad, but she was actually successful photographer and model. Interestingly enough, she had gotten her start as an octagon girl and knew a lot about fighting sports. Once Grimmjow started getting popular, she called him up for a sports magazine feature which lead to a spike in endorsement deals since companies saw that Grimmjow was a gorgeous specimen even when recovering from his fights.
Once Ichigo came around, Rangiku had been obsessed with trying to get him to model. She would say 'only a few pictures, please?' Rangiku said that Ichigo was the right balance of maturity and youngness. It wasn't for Ichigo though.
Rangiku shook her head. "Well you don't need to know about them—just wear them." She looked at the picture she took. "You do look good though." She then glanced in the direction of a rather angry model. "I won't distract you though. The eye candy available is rather satisfying."
Ichigo blushed. "Whatever…"
Rangiku giggled. "A little birdie told me you're living with him."
Oh gosh…I wonder who did that. "Part of my job." He muttered.
"Well l lucky you." She reached into her bra and pulled out a card. "Take this and keep it in your wallet. It's my number. If you ever change your mind or need anything, let me know. Grimmjow is a popular employee. I'd love to squeeze in some shoots in before his next fight."
It's warm. Ichigo nodded and put it in a wallet. "He's annoying at these types of things. Maybe he needs to do something else."
Rangiku placed a finger on her chin. "Well, we could see if he'll take up that cologne over. Those shoots are usually at the beach." She sighed and shrugged. "But I don't know. The lighting can be difficult. Then there's the wind." She shook her head. "If we did that, he really would be out all day with barely anything on in the Sun."
You just had to open her mouth. Ichigo slowly rubbed his face in an attempt to rid the blush that reappeared. He couldn't say much. "Thanks for the card."
"Anytime. We can always meet up if you like. Doing anything tomorrow night?" the woman was quite a flirt even if she was joking.
Ichigo shook his head. "Can't. Friend's got a local fight."
"Ooo, the fighter? Once he makes it big, we'll take him on." She laughed. "You just might be a model magnet, Kurosaki." Suddenly, her phone binged and she looked at it. "Well, the boss is summoning me. Take care." She turned to leave.
Ichigo nodded. "You too." He felt someone coming and turned towards them. He cussed under his breath.
Grimmjow sauntered over in a white robe that he somehow managed to avoid covering his chest. Some of his hair was down and in his face. He glared down at the man. "Chad's got a fight tomorrow?"
It took him a second too long for Ichigo to process the words, but he managed to ignore the grin that the other flashed. He nodded. "Yeah. A few friends and I are going. Then, we'll probably get some food and drinks afterwards." He paused thinking about taking a risk. Then he thought screw it. "You wanna go?"
Grimmjow was a bit surprised by the suggestion but contained his excitement. He had rarely been anywhere the last few weeks, and a fight was a great suggestion. He would have his babysitter with him, so Aizen couldn't argue either way. He had to play it cool. He shrugged. "Sure, I guess."
Ichigo nodded. "Alright cool. Invite some people if you want." He then stood up and stretched. "Are we done here?"
"Fucking finally. I don't know why I agree to do these things sometimes." Grimmjow grumbled.
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "One word: ego. Now put on some clothes so we go and these people can relax."
"I thought you liked catching an eyeful." Grimmjow winked.
Ichigo kept a blank face. "Hurry up or I will leave you."
Grimmjow didn't realize how much he missed the regional classes of fights. He was in them for about two years before he had his first major fight, but he remembered the traveling and sleeping in cars he had to do. It was just him and some old buddies from the neighborhood. Along the way, he met Shawlong, and Aizen recruited him after some scouting. Big arenas and tons of fans were exciting especially with the theatric lights and booming music, but the smaller space, near shitty sound systems, and rowdy local fans were just as fun.
"Ichigo!"
Grimmjow turned to see his friend run right past him and tackle his bodyguard in a hug. Grimmjow looked over annoyed as the woman stood up and fixed her clothes. She had on a light blue crop top and white pants.
"Ichigo, I'm so happy to see you."
The man coughed. "Nel, please. I need air."
"Tch, ahem. Hello to you too brat," Grimmjow spat out. He crossed his arms.
Nel stood up and pointed a finger. "Don't even Grimmjow. You were the one ignoring me."
"I invited you here at least!"
"Whatever. Maybe I just accepted to see Ichigo. Maybe he's my REAL friend. Hmm?" Nel argued back.
"Oh fuck me, I-,"
"Hey, hey calm down. Nel, relax. Aizen has ramped up security a bit, so Grimmjow was just waiting while we did some more perimetry check and boost some cybersecurity." Ichigo replied.
Nel backed away. "Fine, but I better get tickets to your next fight Grimmy. It's been too long." She then started walking towards the seats where the rest of Ichigo's friends were.
Grimmjow grumbled and started walking too. "Uh, thanks…for getting her off my case."
Ichigo sighed. "No problem. I know how she can get when she's angry."
"No kidding. If she would've stuck with fighting, she would have gone pro like me." Grimmjow absentmindedly rubbed his arm remembering one particular brawl between the two.
"I bet. Is anyone else you know coming?"
"Nah, I didn't really feel like inviting anyone else. Nelliel irritates me, but I haven't seen her in a while…how did you two meet again?"
Ichigo shook his head. "Crazy story. I was walking from the store when-," Ichigo paused when he saw a flash from the corner of his eyes. He turned slightly.
"What's wrong?" Grimmjow tensed a bit.
Ichigo shook his head. "Nothing. You wanna get some snacks? Chad's fight isn't until an hour and a half or so."
Grimmjow nodded. "Yeah sure."
Grimmjow didn't want to admit it but…he was enjoying himself at the moment. Chad's fight was a glorious victory. His opponent was quick on his feet, and Grimmjow knew the man had been training on his speed. Chad had been knocked down at one point and suffered from a few hits. However, he was able to wrap his legs around the other and propel himself up. Then Chad was on top and landed his own hits. Sadly, the round ended before he could secure the victory. In the final round, Chad started moving faster and surprised his opponent with a particularly powerful hit and knocked him out. It was a clean victory. Grimmjow couldn't get rid of the wide grin plastered on his face. Now, that's a serious punch. He remembered a similar victory he had and the rush he got from surprising both the crowd and his opponent. Grimmjow wouldn't be surprised if he would see Chad get his first pro fight in at most two years. He wished he could fight him himself, but they were two different weight classes.
The bar filled with another wave of cheers, and Grimmjow knew there was another round of shots going around. There were only good vibes as Grimmjow watched an enthusiastic guy named Keigo reenact some of Chad's best moves as if everyone wasn't there. Nel got over her grudge with Grimmjow and started cracking some jokes with him at Ichigo's slight expense. Hers were never as cruel. She simply recounted a time when the two were together and apparently the bodyguard had a shocked look after some girl tried to flirt with him.
"But of course, we know who's keeping Ichigo too occupied at home." She giggled with a wink.
Rukia gasped at that. However, before she could ask any questions, Renji reminded her of another story about an embarrassed Ichigo, and she took out her notepad and sketched it out.
"You guys suck. This is supposed to be a celebration for Chad—not a charity roast." Ichigo grumbled and flipped over his phone. There was a notification. He glanced at it then stood up. "I'm gonna go real quick."
Grimmjow raised a brow. "Everything good?"
Ichigo waved his hand. "A sensor went off, but I'm sure it was nothing. I'm only going outside. Pull some stories from Nel or something." And with that he was gone.
Grimmjow didn't say anything. He just raised his beer to his mouth.
"Um Grimmjow," he glanced at the shy woman. Orihime blushed and tapped her fingers together. "I just wanted to say I'm glad you and Grimmjow are together." She squeaked realizing what she may have been implying. "Well not like that! I mean if it were then that's okay, but then again, wow good for Kurosaki-kun he's so shy…It's good that you two can get along. He's good about being dedicated to his job. It's important that he can fun you know?"
Grimmjow was a bit lost at the spiel of words that came out the woman's mouth, but he grunted and tried not to react to her emotional sentiment. "Yeah well it's…whatever. He's still a bit of a brat."
Orihime laughed and didn't say anymore.
Soon Ichigo returned and didn't say anything about the security alert. Grimmjow didn't push. The celebration went on even after Keigo passed out, Rukia slapped Renji for an embarrassing childhood story, and Chad quietly thanked everyone for their support.
Grimmjow poked the other man a bit roughly. "Oi let's go."
Ichigo grunted. "Damn, I knew I shouldn't have had those last couple drinks." He raised his head from the table. "Drive home." He grumbled.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes. "You gotta get out more if you're barely managing your liquor." He paid the bill then placed one of Ichigo's arms over his shoulder.
"Fuck you." Ichigo groaned as they started to move.
"Tch, you'd like that wouldn't you?" Grimmjow snapped back. He got Ichigo in the backseat, called a cab for Nel, and fist bumped Chad for a job well done.
On the way home, Grimmjow noticed he wasn't so nervous about his upcoming fight. Clubs were still fun as well as the attention of others, but this night reminded him a lot of his early days. He glanced up at the sleeping man in the backseat. Gosh, this idiot. He shook his head. Sure, he had Ichigo to thank for the night but…Ichigo didn't need to hear his thanks.
They arrived home just Ichigo rumbled a bit out of his sleep. He said thanks then they went their separate ways. Grimmjow wanted to check that the guy didn't throw his lungs up or choke in his sleep, but Ichigo shouldn't be that drunk.
He stared at the ceiling over his bed thinking about the events of the night. Seeing Nel, watching Chad's fight, and the drinking were fun. He brought up some feelings. Grimmjow wanted to bang his head against a wall. Fuck! He didn't think he was a feelings guy.
Shitty ending? Okay ending? Who knows?
Thank you for reading. I wanna incorporate some more characters in the story. I just gotta work some more ideas out. But! Drop your suggestions still. Thank you for reading. Please review and take care~
