Hi everyone! I'm going to try to knock this chapter out before school and works starts but…I don't know. We'll see. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.


Grimmjow groaned quietly as he dipped his entire body into the hot springs pool. If there was one good thing about this isolated hellhole of a training facility, it was the fact that there was this wonderful hot spring where the fighter could rest his weary body. He felt like Aizen and Shawlong were punishing him for his little yacht party stint. Everyday, there was some hellish combination of running, weights, sparring, martial arts training, and some obscure holistic medicine thing that Grimmjow had to endure. On top of that, he could kiss his indulgent cheat days goodbye. The meals prepared were designed to keep his muscles strong and lean. If it didn't come naturally, Grimmjow wasn't getting any sugar. The man was dreaming of sweet French toasts and ice cream.

All in all, the man was tired.

He was ready to fight and knew all of this work was necessary in order to get that delicious championship title. The bastard had it for too long now, and Grimmjow knew he was the best. He just had to prove it.

But for now, he would rest here and prepare for his next fight against some egotistic bastard named Jin Kariya. He didn't know much about the guy, but it didn't matter. Grimmjow was all for putting cheeky bastards in their place, but he tried not to get too riled up. He heard that guy played mind games and liked to taunt his future opponents online. Maybe that's why he tried to stay off his phone.

Speaking of which, Grimmjow glanced up at the orange-haired brat who was always consumed by his phone. It annoyed the fighter so, but he couldn't argue with Ichigo's excuse that he was checking surveillance and things like that. However, there really shouldn't be anyone going through great lengths to see Grimmjow. No one would really think to look here except other fighters or people in need of some physical therapy.

"Oi Ichigo," Grimmjow got a grunt in response. This brat. He cupped his hands together thinking of squirting the other with the hot water, but Ichigo was too far. "Hey, what the hell have you been doing lately? Must be exciting watching me get tortured all day."

Ichigo didn't even look up from his phone. "It's a pleasure I will savor to the end of my days." He chuckled. Grimmjow grumbled and glared at the man. "You okay?"

"I feel like shit." Grimmjow grunted out before cupping his hands together and dumping some water over himself.

"Well you're the one that wants the prize—to be the champ, right?" Ichigo replied and glanced up. "No one said it would be easy."

"Tch, I know that." Grimmjow sighed. He was ready to get this fight over with. All these opponents he'd consider small-fry until he took on the current title holder. That's when he would face a real challenge and fight. Plus, he'd get to fight Kurosaki as well. Grimmjow stretched his arms before looking back up. Ichigo was on his phone again. Fucking asshole. "Oi, come here."

Ichigo was confused. "What? Is something wrong?"

"Nah. I just feel like a rich bastard here sitting here while you just stand there."

Ichigo shrugged. "Well, you are a rich bastard." He dodged the splash of water. "Hey, watch the suit! And don't be so childish," he scolded, "I can't believe you're splashing around in the hot springs."

Grimmjow chuckled. He finally got a rise out of the man. "Whatever. Aizen won't be back until the day before the whole weigh-in and publicity shot thing. You're gonna stress yourself out."

Ichigo grunted. "You sound like my sister." He mumbled.

"The one that can cook? I'd listen to her. With the way she cooks, she probably knows the secrets to life." Grimmjow replied somewhat seriously. If there was anything that could be said about the man, it was that he was serious about his food. And after all this time eating rabbit food and drinking who knows what, he was practically daydreaming of the few meals Ichigo has brought back from home.

Ichigo shook his head. "If she goes to culinary school, you better hire her once she's done."

"I will keep her and hoard all her food for myself." Grimmjow grinned. "Now, come on. I don't feel like having you watch me and shit."

Ichigo didn't feel like arguing. He turned his phone ringer on and placed it on the bench that was near the entrance to the private pool. He then removed his shoes before sliding the door to the changing rooms.

Grimmjow laid on his back bored and didn't move after he heard the door open. He turned slightly when he felt a disturbance in the water. "Gonna keep ya shorts on?"

Ichigo shrugged. "Yeah? You have yours on."

"I don't mind swimming in the nude, Berry." Grimmjow chuckled. Ichigo only rolled his eyes. "Anyway, when's yer date with that Russian?"

Why would he want to know about that? Ichigo shrugged. "I don't know. Next week maybe. Why?" he was a bit suspicious.

Grimmjow tensed slightly but continued to stay afloat and closed his eyes. "Tch, no reason. Still can't believe you pimped yourself out to get me away from that party." His voice had a tinged on something close to…jealousy?

Ichigo was still getting used to Grimmjow's somewhat interest in his personal life, but he didn't mind it too much. To be fair, Ichigo lived with the man and that didn't lend itself to too much personal space and privacy considering his job. Ichigo didn't know what to say though. He just shrugged and poured some water on his head. "You were telling me I needed to have some fun, so…it couldn't hurt to go on a date." he couldn't think of what else to say. He felt the annoyed rays radiate of the men. Ichigo paused and looked at the man. Now, what did I do?

Grimmjow groaned and flipped over in the water. "I was drunk." He reasoned.

Ichigo couldn't help but smile a bit. "So I'm not allowed to date?" he teased slightly. He wasn't sure why the fighter was getting all tense and annoyed about his dating life, but he couldn't pass over this unique opportunity. He met Grimmjow's glare with a smile.

Grimmjow turned away after a moment. "Do whatever the hell you want."

"I'm so flattered that you want all my attention, kitty." Now, Ichigo's grin matched Grimmjow's on a good night.

Grimmjow's response was something near a growl. "Fuck off, Kurosaki."

"Oh so now I'm Kurosaki."

"Suck a dick." Grimmjow grumbled and moved further away in the water.

This grumpy asshole. "Whatever. I'm not the one giving out drunk kisses." Ichigo mumbled. Ichigo continued to relax in the water. After a bit, he peeked at the man and saw the rather intense look he was receiving. He blushed slightly but internally blamed it on the heat of their current surroundings. Grimmjow broke it off, and they continued to sit in silence for a while before the fighter got out and went inside. Ichigo looked at the door and sighed.


Ichigo tried to stand still as he stood at the side on the stage in front of rows of press and UFC personnel. The crowd wasn't the only thing that made him nervous. It was definitely Grimmjow.

The man was…unpredictable at press conferences and these weigh-in events. With his brief stint at the yacht party, the press was more ready than ever to capture any reckless behavior the man might have displayed. He was definitely a trash-talker, but Ichigo knew that he briefed Grimmjow on what to say as well as Aizen's well-timed call on the way from that gym in the mountains. There really shouldn't be anything that could go wrong, but…again, unpredictable. Ichigo simply hoped that Grimmjow would answer the questions asked and keep things moving. Ichigo would even accept the most blatant flirting to any reporter in the crowd if that was the worse Grimmjow's behavior got. Ichigo was more concerned with any arguin that could take place.

The bodyguard shifted slightly and popped a chocolate kiss into his mouth. The sweet really didn't do anything for his nerves, but don't tell Ichigo that—placebo effect and all. He knew should have calmed down. Grimmjow was acting fine since their hot springs incident and was training harder than ever.

"Chill out Berry. I ain't gonna let that Kariya bastard get to me." Grimmjow said before winking on stage.

The questions were finally winding down, and photographers were setting up for some of those staged shots that would be used in commercials, posters, and the like.

Ichigo glanced up at the men. That Kariya guy just had a rather charismatic yet sinister air to him. He seemed to act like he always knew what was going on and that nothing could be going on against him. Ichigo accidentally made eye-contact with the man and shivered slightly after a very open and flirtatious look and wink. He quickly shifted his eyes to the back of Grimmjow's back. Distract yourself, Ichigo. Okay well, Grimmjow was wearing a rather fitted and stylish dark blue Italian suit that showed off his broad shoulders. Ichigo knew he wasn't wearing a tie and definitely unbuttoned the top few buttons to show that chest of his. Ichigo assumed it fed into that ego of his. The man knew he was handsome. Ichigo sighed and popped another kiss into his mouth. He looked at the crowd and noticed the rather attentiveness of the other photographers and sports journalist.

His bodyguard instincts rung, and he turned to see Kariya whispering something to Grimmjow while the lighting equipment was being fidgeted with. He tensed. God, I hope he doesn't say anything to piss him off.

Grimmjow took a deep breath. "You wanna repeat that for me, scarface?"

The man smirked and chuckled. "I think you heard me. I said that your bodyguard is really cute. You must have a lot of fun with him at home, hmm?" he hummed and looked away as if in thought.

Grimmjow's shoulders tensed. He promised he would on his best behavior, and it was true. Grimmjow was getting better at not letting other's comments about him get to him, but this man was talking about well…the Berry. He wouldn't admit that the teasing was knocking on the door of those pesky emotions he was doing good at internalizing, but hey, knock on the Devil's doors and he just might answer. Grimmjow rotated his neck and kept the uninterested look on his face. "Ain't like that. Ichigo's just here to do a job."

"Oh, you're on first name basis?" Jin chuckled.

"Alright gentlemen, you can stand up and pose." The head photographer commented. The fighter's trainers and staff moved off the stage. The men stood up, and their chairs were taken away. They faced each other and held their fists out and got into each other's faces. The cameras started flashes, and they changed poses slightly.

Kariya continued. "It's a shame that you don't appreciate what's around you." He took pleasure in the growing display of anger on Grimmjow's face.

Grimmjow's jaw clenched. "Whatever." The photos finished, and the men shook hands.

Kariya leaned in and whispered in Grimmjow's ear. "After I put you in your place, I'm taking Ichigo home, bending him over, and showing him a good time. I bet he'd look hot under me moaning my name."

To everyone else, it was a quick change and flash of white, hot rage. Ichigo watched shocked as Grimmjow suddenly punched the man in his face after they shook hands. Kariya was knocked on the ground, crashing into the surrounding camera equipment. Grimmjow discarded all his fight training and was on top of the man. He got in a few hits in before multiple people were able to pull the man off. Lights flashed quickly in the room. Kariya popped up and grinned as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Grimmjow shrugged off the men's grips before storming off the stage and walking out the room.

Ichigo stared at the doors on the other side of the room. He was stunned a bit. Grimmjow's actions were usually just rowdy, loud trash-talking that might have gotten a little tense and pushy, but as far as Ichigo had been around, Grimmjow didn't straight up attack the other person. He was also shocked by the absolute feral look that was in the man's eyes. Grimmjow didn't really get upset even when fighting in ring. He got intense, but Ichigo knew he enjoyed fighting for the sake of fighting. This right here seemed personal and anger filled.

Ichigo cussed before jogging through the crowd and trying to find wherever Grimmjow had went.


It wasn't surprising that the ride home was quiet. Ichigo did Grimmjow the favor of ignoring his phone and all of Aizen's constant phone calls. Ichigo hoped he could come up with some excuse of why, but Grimmjow growled out the word 'Home' before grabbing Ichigo by his collar and leading them to the car while dodging any place where the press could bother him. Ichigo didn't like the rather rough treatment, but he would take it instead of risk Grimmjow tearing into the crowd of paparazzi and employees that worked at the arena.

Ichigo glanced up into the rearview mirror as he drove. Grimmjow was just staring out the window without saying much. The air was thick and still hostile from the event, but Ichigo didn't really know how to diffuse it. He didn't want to make things awkward.

Ichigo pulled in passed the gate and sighed in relief that everything was in order. He called in a favor from one of those top-notch security head's he'd met and made sure that one of their guys would be keeping an eye on Grimmjow's home. He would rather do it himself, but Aizen made it very clear that if Ichigo was to be working, he would have to be at Grimmjow's side at all times. Ichigo had to settle for email or text updates and him checking on the cameras from his phone.

Plus, the place was slowly becoming home in Ichigo's mind—not that he'd admit that to Aizen or Grimmjow.

The bodyguard turned off the car and stepped out. He was ready to go and make himself useful to Grimmjow's attitude by staying the fuck out his way. He barely got a few steps in before Grimmjow's voice stopped him.

"Come inside for dinner when you're done showering." Grimmjow grumbled as he walked to his front door.

Ichigo froze and looked at the man for a second. He wanted to say that he would just stay in his room, but the instructions were clear. And Ichigo didn't want to anger the man more even if he doubted that Grimmjow would take out his aggression on him—certainly not how he did on Kariya. What was up with that anyway? Ichigo decided to let his curiosity wander. He simply nodded and entered his building from the side fence.

Ichigo entered his room and took off his suit coat. What really was the deal with Grimmjow today? Ichigo knew the man didn't seem to take much personal, with that ego and all, but Kariya riled him up bad. Ichigo stretched and continued to think. He knew he bumped heads with the fighter, but that was just some more of that ego, pride, whatever thing that occasionally occurred. Most of the time now, it remained at teasing and light-hearted insults with some minor truths.

The younger man grabbed some house clothes before stepping into his conjoined bathroom. He turned the water on and continued to think of any and all possibilities of what would get Grimmjow so upset. Then, he thought about the definite consequences of his actions. The organization definitely wasn't going to let this slide. Pushing and trash-talk was just publicity, but an attack was seen as bad sportsmanship. Grimmjow really could get his fight cancelled or considered a loss. Then, there goes his record and more than likely his challenging champion fight. Ichigo knew that was the man's dream, and he didn't want to see that go to waste. What happened, Grimmjow?

Grimmjow cussed to himself as he aggressively ordered takeout from his delivery app. He would stick with his diet, but part of him said it didn't even matter. He would be one lucky man if his fight wasn't cancelled. He already knew that Aizen would chew him out yet work hard to get some strings pulled. Grimmjow knew he had good prospects and was a fan favorite, but sportsmanship and morals had their grounding. The punch would definitely feed into his bad-boy image, but he couldn't care less about that now. He just got off the phone with Aizen before ordering the food. The man was not happy, but his voice did not waiver from that amused cold tone either. Grimmjow couldn't figure the guy out, but as long as he could get his fight, he would relax.

Well, not necessarily.

Grimmjow still wanted to kick Kariya's ass. He couldn't really handle the way the man had talked about Ichigo, the images he painted in Grimmjow's head. Those would definitely haunt him in his nightmares. The only thing that would really calm his nerves is a great victory against the man. He just prayed that Aizen would work whatever magic, so Grimmjow could get a chance at that victory.

Grimmjow changed into some sweats after his shower and dried his hair. Even after being in the safety and comfort of his own home, he was still on the edge. He didn't know…well he did know why he reacted the way he did. Anyone could call Grimmjow all sorts of names, some true, and dog on him or whatever. He expected it and seen it especially with the Internet these days. So why did Ichigo being brought up bother me? Grimmjow thought he was doing well subduing his pesky emotions, but obviously, everyone has a limit.

Grimmjow got a notification that his food was here and went downstairs. He made his interaction with the rather short and feminine male driver quick before closing the door and turning around. He was met with nervous brown eyes. And that's why I did what I did today.

"Yo." Ichigo smiled slightly.

Grimmjow knew he was trying to lighten the mood, and Grimmjow owed him that. He nodded and held up the bag. "I got food."

They ate in peace while some background music played from the stereo system. Grimmjow needed to calm down and the music plus food was slightly making things better. He saw how Ichigo sat and shifted slightly ever so often. He made the guy nervous which Grimmjow wanted to fix. "Crazy day." He grunted.

That seemed to make Ichigo smile and nod. "You're telling me." He took a bite into his mouth. "I- I don't think I've seen you so mad before well as serious as it looked."

"It was serious." Grimmjow let on slightly.

Ichigo played in favor of his curiosity. "Was it?" he paused unsure if he wanted to continue. "You don't seem to let things bother you or at least personal insults."

Grimmjow shrugged. "I don't, but that bastard made some disrespectful comments about well…you."

That was not expected. Ichigo was shocked. "Me?" Grimmjow only nodded and continued to eat. Ichigo didn't really think he had anything to do with that Kariya guy or Grimmjow's fight. He was a piece in the background that was more for keeping fans away than inciting any type of argument. He met Grimmjow's intense gaze and blushed slightly. "Well, I mean I appreciate it but…don't go risking your goal for my sake. I want you to get that championship title."

Grimmjow felt something stir inside. "Really?"

Ichigo smiled and patted him on his shoulder. "Hell yeah. You and I been going through hell to make sure you win and all. Hopefully, you get a chance to kick his ass. Get a punch in there for me." Ichigo went on.

Grimmjow grinned. "Hell yeah."


Once the dust had settled, Aizen was able to get the organization to agree to a very heft fine—coming out of Grimmjow's paycheck—and a public apology for his sportsmanship. That went on well with Ichigo again watching from the side with no Jin Kariya in sight. The apology was more directed to the organization and fans than his opponent, but Grimmjow did get in a good 'I hope to handle things better in the ring and may the best man win' in which was as close to an apology as he was going to get. For Ichigo, it was probably the most civilized he's seen Grimmjow act without any cocky showmanship or flirty behaviors. All in all, Grimmjow was lucky, and the fans are hype to see how things play out.

But for right now, Ichigo was ignoring anything related to fights, rivalries, or egos. Grimmjow was back at the mountain training site but told Ichigo to take the evening for himself. Ichigo figured he needed some space to get his mind right.

Ichigo didn't really know what to do really. He hadn't been to his actual apartment for a while, but he only stopped in to get the mail and say hi to Renji. However, the friend was out studying, so it was an uneventful visit. He then decided to get some food and cook a decent meal for himself.

Ichigo walked through the small shop and filled his basket with some ingredients and snacks he wanted to bring back with him. Grimmjow may have been on a diet, but Ichigo still liked things like sugar and carbs. He paid the cashier and stepped out into the late evening air. It was nice to have a moment to be chill and do normal people things. Even on his days off, Ichigo was used to hanging out with friends and family who he hasn't seen which meant he really didn't have restful moment.

But then Ichigo's bodyguard instincts went off.

He turned and was approached by a tall man who work slacks, a dress shirt with a popped collar and tie, and a large brown coat. He had a scar on his chin and a slight bruise on a cheek.

Ichigo was surprised. "Uh, not sure if you want to be talking to me." He started off. "I'm sure you know who I am."

Kariya chuckled and held out his hand. "Yes, the sexy bodyguard of the asshole who punched me."

Ichigo blushed slightly at the directness and shook his hand. "Sure, but I would think Grimmjow would have a reason."

The man snickered and rubbed his chin. "Yeah, I said some choice words—nothing that would offend you I assure."

Ichigo didn't know the details, but this didn't seem like the reason for the man's sudden appearance. "What do you want?"

The man became serious again. "Let's walk." He turned and Ichigo followed.

Kariya looked forward as they walked down the suburban neighborhood. "I'll make it easy for you to understand. Fighting is still growing in this country. Most fighters get to live a semi-normal life with the occasional public sighting, but" he chuckled and shook his head, "your employer is a celebrity that just happens to fight. I don't understand the hype about him personally."

I mean it does help that he's gorgeous. Ichigo shrugged. "I mean…I'm sure he's appealing to some people." He muttered. "But what are you saying?"

Kariya reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope. "People get emotional and attached to people who they get to see in the limelight. Fans are good, but…then there are others." He handed Ichigo the envelope.

Ichigo moved his bag to hang on his elbow and took out the letter. It was the work on someone who watches too many murder-mystery films. The magazine letters varied in color and size but were cut clean and glued on smooth. The message was a colorful angry letter detailing the various ways the person was going to punish Kariya for disturbing Grimmjow and being touched by him. It was definitely disturbing and weird. But Ichigo knew about the problem.

"Not surprised. Have you heard of the 'superfan' of precious Grimmjow?" Kariya asked curiously.

Ichigo tensed. He wasn't sure if he could confide in the man too much, but he did bring this to his attention. He nodded. "I haven't found him yet, but I'm dealing with it…you're not concerned about this?"

Kariya grinned. "I knew I was playing with fire, but I only thought I was expecting Grimmjow's fists. I'm not going easy on him just because he has stalker issues." He noticed the nervous appearance from Ichigo. He turned his head a bit. "He doesn't know?"

Ichigo shook his head. "I haven't…told him."

"Wow, you're an overprotective boyfriend. It's not good to keep secrets though." Kariya teased.

Ichigo blushed. "It's not like that!" Jeez why do people keep saying that?

Kariya chuckled. "Keep the envelope. I would say I'd keep quiet if you'd go on a date with me, but" he chuckled, "you seem a bit occupied."

Ichigo wiped his face. "I appreciate the warning about this and all. Can you keep me updated if you hear anything else from this guy?"

Kariya grinned. "So I can get your number?" he winked. Ichigo rolled his eyes and handed him his card. "I'll leave it up to you, but I'm still kicking his ass."

Ichigo rolled his eyes and grinned. "Sure. I'd love to see you try."


Quite a long chapter, but I definitely enjoyed writing it. I'm happy with this. It makes me feel like I'm getting my groove back in. Today was my first day of class, so we'll see how school and work impacts my updates. I don't know to be honest.

I hope you guys like this little splash of jealousy and protectiveness. I do think Grimmjow wouldn't let certain things bother him, but talk about Ichigo? Yeah, Kariya got what was coming for him. I'm thinking about making him a semi-recurring character though his character isn't as complex in the anime since he was only here for like an arc. That or maybe my made up Russian strong man. Who knows? As usual, thank you so much for reading and please review if you want.