HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Now…where tf have I been you ask? Great question! Finishing my bachelors, three depressive spirals, new job, and getting emotional while writing this chapter lol.
I'm doing better and I want to write, so I figured I need to write this story. I definitely didn't mean to have such a long and unannounced break. I do want to finish this story, so I'm going to try my best. This chapter might not be the best, but I needed to give you guys something and get this story moving.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy.
Ichigo rubbed his eyes and sighed.
He had been sitting at the computer for hours now, and it was definitely later than he normally would have been up. After Urahara's discovery, he and Yoruichi went over and looked for all the data on this guy—Luppi. There were several fan accounts on varying platforms and for sure some rather explicit hopes and fantasies that the man had concerning his favorite fighter. What was more troubling though was how everything about Luppi was okay on paper. He seemed to be an arrogant guy, but he also graduated from college early and had a great job at some corporation that was invested in AI technology for the home. It seemed like this whole stalker business was a dark, secret obsession.
And really, it was definitely an obsession at this point.
Afterwards, Ichigo had a long chat with Aizen about it all in which the man calmly (and creepily) stated he would start to 'handle' the situation. Ichigo wasn't sure what that meant, but he knew that he was tired. He had just spent the last few hours sitting in his room transferring critical software and camera footage and access to a newer cybersecurity facility that Yoruichi had suggested. Apparently, Soi Fon was happy to help once the older woman had reached out to her. Then, there was changing all the passwords to his and Grimmjow's emails, social media, and even the gate code. It was oh-so tedious, but Ichigo couldn't complain. It needed to be done.
He stretched then perked slightly at the knock on his door.
He looked up and saw the ever-common shirtless Grimmjow enter with bowls in each of his hands. Ichigo raised a brow. "You should be asleep."
The man grunted. "So should you."
Ichigo watched as the man plopped down on his bed and handed Ichigo a bowl. It was his favorite cereal. Grimmjow had also managed to get the right milk-to-cereal ratio perfect. He peeked and noticed that the man had the same thing in his own. "I thought you said this is sugary shit." Ichigo chuckled before putting a spoon in his mouth.
Grimmjow looked away. "Tch, I can splurge a bit. Shit, I know Aizen's probably gonna ship me back to that damn training facility once these fractures heal. That man is cruel." Ichigo shrugged and kept eating. "Seriously though, why are ya up? You ain't workin' are you?"
Ichigo wiped the milk from his lips. "Just finished." He answered between bites. "I won't bore you with the details."
"Tell me."
Ichigo paused and looked up. "What?"
Grimmjow shrugged and placed his bowl on the bedside table. "Your whole job is keeping me 'safe,' right? I don't really know what the hell you do though. So tell me the details."
Ichigo couldn't really argue with that logic, but he also didn't plan on telling Grimmjow everything on a random late night either. Part of him suggested he hold off for a bit longer, but another told him that was wrong. Grimmjow had been kept in the dark long enough. Ichigo tensed slightly since he was so nervous. He sat quietly and finished his cereal while he thought. I have to lean into this slowly. "Well," he began, "I basically have to keep an out anywhere you go, so it's a lot of camera footage, building layout analysis, self-defense training." Ichigo tipped his head back to drink his milk and sighed. "That's usually how it goes, but then there's the Internet…" he rambled on slightly then glanced up at Grimmjow. The other seemed to be actually paying attention and serious for once.
Grimmjow nodded. "What's wrong with the Internet?"
Oh gosh where do I get started? "Well, there's a lot of loose ends to check since people can hack accounts, devices being on the same internet connection, and whole other things. Then, you're famous, so there's a lot of things out there about you that I can't keep track of. And then there's the damn fan accounts. And you won't believe-," Ichigo started blushing after remembering all the photos, thirst comments, and such he had looked at when unraveling this complex stalker situation.
This, of course, got Grimmjow's attention, and that toothy grin was back. "Fan accounts?" he questioned amusingly.
Ichigo turned away and scratched his cheek. "Yeah, lot of celebrities have them…" he let that idea hang in the air for a moment. He wanted move back to the original topic, so Ichigo could get this weight off his shoulders. But, he also knew that Grimmjow's curiosity and well-fed ego could never truly be satisfied. Ichigo tried to focus on something else that wasn't Grimmjow's handsome face and that stupid grin he had on.
"Heh, what's on those accounts, Berry?" Grimmjow chuckled.
Ichigo didn't look at him. "Normal stuff…clips from your fights, photos, whatever." He replied quietly.
"Damn, you're so cute."
Ichigo's cheeks heated quickly and he turned at the comment. "What?" He was suddenly aware of how close they were sitting on his bed and how Grimmjow's bright eyes looked in his dimly-lit room. "What does that have anything to do with what I'm talking about?"
Grimmjow snickered and leaned in slightly. "You've been getting more flustered around me, Berry. I'mma have to find a replacement soon if you're getting too…distracted." His voice lowered suddenly.
Ichigo found some of his resolve again and crossed his arms. "Whatever. Good luck finding someone to deal with you, asshole." He shot back.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll keep you around, Berry. I like that flustered side of you. Good to know you like looking at me." He winked.
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "You like looking at yourself. I'm sure you'd be fine without me." He argued.
Grimmjow leaned in a bit more. "Sure, but something about you gets me goin', Berry. I think you like it too." He chuckled as he noticed the still apparent red. "You blush easy."
Ichigo huffed. "Bastard."
"Be careful. You're gonna run out of insults." Grimmjow replied then lifted Ichigo's chin a little with their lips only inches apart. He stayed still for a moment and heard the slight hitch in Ichigo's breathing. Grimmjow chuckled a little. "Expecting something, Berry."
Ichigo regained some of senses and pushed Grimmjow's hand then leaned back. "Go away." Ichig grumbled. He turned away from Grimmjow and started cleaning up the few papers on his bed and the closed his laptop.
"Aww don't be like that, I-chi-go." Grimmjow grabbed the papers from the other and leaned back into his space.
Ichigo just scowled at him. "Get out my room." He grumbled.
"Hehe, this is my house." Grimmjow argued amusingly.
"Whatever."
Grimmjow licked his lips and closed the space between them again. "Alright, alright no teasing." He grinned. "You can get your treat." Then, before Ichigo could shoot back something snarky, Grimmjow pressed their lips together in a kiss. The fighter was surprisingly gentle and felt warm against Ichigo. The young man wanted to argue more, but the more willing side took over. He groaned slightly and wrapped his arms around the man's neck.
Ichigo gasped at the gentle hand that teased circles under his shirt, and Grimmjow pulled back and snickered. "Good night, Ichigo." He breathed against the man's lips before leaning back and standing on his feet. He watched as the bodyguard blinked slowly before glaring up at him. Ichigo's cheeks were burning red, and he looked every bit irritated as well as aroused. Grimmjow didn't mind the look. "What? Expecting some more?"
If it was possible, Ichigo blushed more but refused to entertain that question. "Good night." He grumbled. Grimmjow snickered but simply winked and walked out. Ichigo fought the urge to scream into his pillow like a schoolgirl dealing with her first crush. That man is cruel.
The bright light from the Sun shone through Ichigo's eyelids, and he turned over while groaning in bed.
Wait a second…what time is it?
The young man shot up from his sleep and quickly turned his attention to the clock that rested on his desk. Shit! 12:30pm! Ichigo knew he had been up late the night before, but he didn't think he would have overslept like he did. Well, he did have some pleasant dreams that lured him back sleep when he woke up slightly. It happens to the best of us. We do want to finish those lovely dreams.
Ichigo stood up and opened his closet. He was grateful that he had a decent amount of dress shirts and pants that were already pressed. He put on a black pair of pants and a red shirt. He combed his hair, brushed his teeth, and finished freshening up. Ichigo knew that there wasn't anything really on Grimmjow's schedule, but he did have a meeting with Aizen. If Ichigo was lucky, the man would cancel because of some other business.
Ichigo exited his in-law suite and covered his eyes as the bright light of the Sun shone aggressively. He walked around the pool and entered the main house from the side. Ichigo looked into living room and saw two men sitting.
Ichigo wasn't lucky today.
"Hello Kurosaki, glad that you're up this morning." Aizen's cocky smile was not a great sight to see. Ichigo gulped and nodded his head. He looked over to Grimmjow who was sitting separately from their boss.
The fierce intensity was not expected. Grimmjow was pissed. Ichigo then noticed the tense and irritable vibes that were radiating strongly. The fighter was slouched and rested his arms on legs. He was glaring at Ichigo; it seemed like the only thing that was stopping Grimmjow from pouncing Ichigo and kicking his ass was Aizen's presence.
I don't think he looked that upset when all that shit was happening with Kariya, Ichigo gulped. There was something else hidden in Grimmjow's stare that Ichigo couldn't detect. He shifted his focus back to Aizen. Something had happened, and he obviously needed to be caught up in order to figure out what Grimmjow's issue was.
Aizen chuckled. "I was surprised that you didn't come over to the office this morning. I took the liberty to stop by and make sure everything was okay. Grimmjow told me you were asleep, so I decided to chat with my star."
Ichigo tried to gather himself and nodded slowly. "Okay…" there wasn't much else he could think to say.
Aizen rubbed a hand through his hair and waved his hand. "Nothing you don't know already. I just caught him up on our stalker situation and plans for the future. This is everything you've been handling for the last couple months, right?"
It took all of Ichigo's mental capacity to stop his brain from shutting down in that moment right then and there. Aizen spilled the tea! Ichigo knew exactly why Grimmjow was furious. Ichigo had been keeping him in the shadows about this entire thing, and he was told out of the blue. Plus knowing Aizen, there were probably nothing sugarcoated or comforting about this situation.
Ichigo looked away and nodded coolly. "Yes, it is."
Aizen stood up and brushed his pants off. "Wonderful. I'm really glad we're all on the same page. Kurosaki, I'll let you pass on extra rest for today. I know you've been up tracking this fool. I trust we'll have this matter solved soon." He smiled and rested his hand on Ichigo's shoulder.
Ichigo couldn't look up. He nodded. "Yes, it will."
"Great." Aizen clapped his hands. "I will leave you two for now. Kurosaki, we will meet soon. I'm sure you and Grimmjow have a lot to discuss." The man then let himself out. The bang of the door closing rung through the silent house.
Ichigo's hand gripped his elbow. He didn't know what to do. How is Grimmjow taking this? Ichigo was really just doing his job, but with much time and trust between the two of them, this wouldn't be easy to hear especially after the rather…personal developments going on too. Ichigo took a deep breath and looked up. "Grimmjow, I-,"
"Don't you dare! You kept secrets from me! For months! You lied. Some creep is after me, and you didn't tell me." Grimmjow yelled back and threw his hands in the air.
"I'm doing my job! This isn't some punk you can just beat up on the street and be done with. He's crafty and strategic. He's been close to us at least once before. Who knows how many times he's almost hurt you!" Ichigo shot back and clutched his chest. He could understand Grimmjow's feelings, but Ichigo wasn't entirely wrong. He had to keep Grimmjow safe.
"Tch, so I'm just a job then. You'd do anything to keep me in check and clueless, huh?" Grimmjow was now on his feet and looking down at Ichigo.
"What are you talking about? Yes, I'm doing my job. I'm supposed to keep you safe and protected. I'm your bodyguard!" Ichigo stiffened up.
"And that's all you'll ever be. You're my bodyguard; that's it! Don't talk to me unless it's work. You're right. You're there to keep me safe. That's it. Nothing more at all." With that, Grimmjow turned and went up the stairs.
Ichigo stood shocked and frozen even as the door slam from above seemed to shake the walls of the house. He finally knew what that underlying look was in Grimmjow's eyes.
It was pain.
*blows nose and wipes tears* MY BABIES!
I do feel like this is short, but I don't want to force anything and publish something I might regret. I'm definitely going to try my best to update sooner. I like this story, and I hope you do.
See you guys next time.
