*Shy wave* Hi…

I'm back. I'm not giving up on this story, so let's keep chugging along. I know a lot of you were upset with the cliffy, so let's see if things get resolved in this chapter.

Thanks for reading!


The last month or so had been quite a blur for Ichigo. Grimmjow was serious that he didn't want to talk at all unless it was for work. Even then, it seemed as if there were little words exchanged between the two men. After Grimmjow's latest win, he didn't even give Ichigo the chance to congratulate him. Things were so silent between the two that Ichigo would spend his few off days back at his rarely used apartment with Renji.

The bodyguard tried his best to keep things moving, but it was hard. The situation was worse than when he first started working as Grimmjow's guard. At least then they would bicker and argue and get on each other's nerves. But they were talking! Everyday, Ichigo would wake up, get dressed, and be ready to take Grimmjow to whatever task that was planned for the day. Ichigo would give a small smile and say, 'Good morning,' but he wouldn't get so much as a look or grunt in response. The only word Ichigo could recall was an apology after Grimmjow bumped into him, but after their eyes met for a second, Grimmjow scowled and adverted his gaze again.

All of it was tearing Ichigo apart. He knew he would regret delaying the news to Grimmjow, but it was true that he had well intentions. Ichigo was so wrapped up in keeping things in the works for Grimmjow's safety that he didn't take a moment to realize he was creating this false fairy-tale world for the man. Grimmjow wasn't a child. And he wasn't a newbie to the limelight. Something similar to this must have crossed Grimmjow's mind before, right?

It didn't matter though. Ichigo still had a job to do and was quite set on catching and putting away this Luppi guy. In fact, there had been fewer close calls and contact that he or Yoruichi's team noticed since Grimmjow and his little dispute. The thought was on Ichigo's mind a few times for sure. It was as if this creep knew there was some split between them and was waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. And that's what bother Ichigo as well. As much as he wanted things to be normal between him and Grimmjow, he knew he had to take care of the situation that was the cause of this in the first place. How would he feel if something happened to Grimmjow after all his insistence that he was there for his protection?

And that's why Ichigo was where he was now. He tried to focus as Yoruichi gave him a simple debriefing on whatever odd behaviors seen at the places Grimmjow frequented. It had been the same as normal, and no one was getting any closer to locating this guy. Apparently, Luppi had caught on that people were after him and went remote from his day job. The company had no clue where he was working from, and no court could really support a warrant without more information or evidence. It was really dragging on Ichigo, but right now, he was down about how things fell apart between him and Grimmjow.

"Still trouble in paradise?"

Ichigo looked up at the woman. He had that same scowl on his face that tried to block out the world. "What are you talking about?"

"I figured you and lover boy got into an argument, but you still haven't resolved it?" Yoruichi went on. Ichigo opened his mouth to deny such a thing, but Yoruichi wouldn't have it. "We've all noticed how you guys acted when we gave Grimmjow the rundown on the situation. He wouldn't even look at you, and you looked like a sad puppy. You still have that look in your eyes." She grinned knowing she was right and took a seat across from Ichigo in the meeting room. Her eyes softened a bit. "What's wrong?"

This was the opportunity Ichigo needed to let it all out.

He groaned and rubbed his face. "I fucked up. Grimmjow was pissed that I didn't tell him about this stalker situation, and he went on about how I only see him as a job. He said that all I'll ever be is his bodyguard."

The woman smiled gently and rested her head in her hand. "And you want to be more?"

Ichigo glanced away with a light blush on his cheeks. "I-…I don't know. I want to be his bodyguard. I want to protect him. I care about his wellbeing. Yeah, he's an asshole, but I…I care."

Yoruichi was quiet for a moment then nodded. "Yeah, I know a thing or two about caring for some absolute idiots." She sighed. "Look, I don't really know how far things got between you two, but I can tell you care. Take pride in your job and do it well. Maybe Grimmjow needs to see that you care more about him than just 'a job.'" She smiled and stood up. "I'll let you know if anything comes up. This guy may have disappeared for now, but he won't stay long." She placed her hand on Ichigo's shoulder before leaving the room.

The young man stayed there for a moment. He didn't really know what to do. He hoped Yoruichi was right, but there was no telling. I just want everything to work out. I'll do anything for this to be all over with.


Grimmjow was not enjoying this.

Sure, on the outside it seemed like he was back to his old ways of partying at clubs and having the time of his life, but he was still very upset on the inside. He understood why Ichigo did what he did, but it didn't make it any easier. Grimmjow knew there were things about Ichigo's job that he kept in the background, but a whole stalker that had made contact with him twice was terrifying. And honestly, Ichigo was right. This wasn't some middle school bully that Grimmjow could just beat up and call it a day. This was a crafty son of a bitch who definitely had the knowledge and resources to make Grimmjow's life a living hell. There was definitely a difference between being the wet dream material for his fans and being seen as an obtainable possession for an obsessive weirdo.

The loud vibrations of the booming club music resonated through Grimmjow's body. He had the attention of two beautiful ladies on each side of him as he lounged in his private area. They giggled and whispered sweet naughty things in his ear and gently rubbed their hands on the exposed skin of his arms and parts of his shoulder. He looked like he enjoyed the attention and was slightly buzzed from the alcohol, but Grimmjow knew he couldn't lie to himself. He wasn't taking anyone home tonight and hasn't in forever. He knew who he wanted to whisper in his and touch him. But Grimmjow was a stubborn bastard and couldn't sort out his feelings easily.

Humming as he took another sip of his drink, Grimmjow turned his head slightly and caught sight of one of his troubles.

From the corner of his eyes, Grimmjow could see Ichigo standing at the entrance of the private section. He faced the front and occasionally glanced around the club, checked his watch and phone, then turned around to briefly look at Grimmjow. It was very routine and professional—which shouldn't have bothered Grimmjow but it did. It was as if Ichigo had fully accepted the distance between them. Grant it, it was Grimmjow who ordered it but still. I could kiss and maybe even fuck one of these girls here right now, and I bet he wouldn't say a word. It was all getting to Grimmjow's head. He couldn't make up his mind.

The girls, guys, clubs, alcohol, spars all weren't enough to clear his mind. He knew he was giving Ichigo a hard time, but it was eating himself up as well. Grimmjow didn't like the strict professionalism between them. That line had been pushed to the side awhile ago. He wouldn't admit it right now, but the fighter missed the late-night cereal and teasing and joking…and kissing. He was punishing the both of them, but how could get things to be the way they were?

The man abruptly stood up from his seat which pushed the women away from him. Grimmjow grumbled as he stomped to leave his space. As he stepped passed Ichigo, he felt his arm grabbed briefly.

"Wait, where are you going?" Ichigo asked. It was probably the most he had said to Grimmjow that week. Grimmjow tried to ignore the soft concern look in those brown eyes.

He glared back his cold icy ones. "To take a piss! You're telling me I can't do that shit by myself?" he barked back.

Ichigo took a step back and reset himself in that same stiff professional posture. The young man cleared his throat and looked away. "Hmph, excuse me sir. Of course, you can. I apologize." It was brief and the extent of what would be that week's exchange between them.

It pained Grimmjow's heart. He was still torn between giving Ichigo hell ad letting it all go. Both options threatened his sanity. Nothing would calm him down.

Grimmjow marched off to find the bathroom amongst the thick of people having a great time. He walked around the dancefloor and passed the bar to the men's restroom. He was grateful to find it empty. He turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on his face. Get it together man. I ain't gonna feel better until shit's right between me and the Strawberry. Grimmjow looked at himself in the mirror.

He looked great to everyone else, but he knew better. Grimmjow could see the stress and irritability in his eyes. He felt like he needed to wash himself to get all the confusion away. The slight cuts and bruises were covered but there from all the times Grimmjow sparred while distracted and got hit. Shawlong told him he was getting too cocky, but Grimmjow knew his focus was drifting—wondering if his bodyguard was paying attention at all. Grimmjow could tell he was defeated. No, not in the octagon, but he was finally losing to his heart. Grimmjow couldn't be mad at Ichigo forever, and there was no point to. Aizen had explained how dedicated Ichigo was to finding who this stalker bastard was. The scary lady and odd man were connects of Ichigo's who had explained the trickiness of the situation and the real threat this guy was. Ichigo really was trying his best to keep Grimmjow safe, and here he was in a bathroom trying to figure out whether or not to stay mad at him. Gosh, I am a real bastard sometimes.

The sound of a lock clicking broke Grimmjow from his thoughts. He turned to the door and was confused to see a shorter young man who blocked the exit.

The other was short, young, and beautiful. He had a cocky smile and an uneven curly bob cut. His attire fit the style of the club, but there was not one wrinkle or moisture stain from the hours of dancing and sweating that most patrons had. It was as he had just appeared here. But that was one of the least of Grimmjow's concerns.

It was his eyes.

Those lavender eyes ravished and claimed full ownership of the fighter. The other wasn't intimidating by appearance, but just from the way he looked at Grimmjow set off his alarms.

What the fuck is going on? Grimmjow visibly tensed. That face was familiar, but his brain was wired for survival mode considering there was no open exit from the bathroom. Grimmjow tried to play it cool. "Can I help you?" he started off gruffly.

There was a light chuckle. "Oh come on. I made myself all beautiful and gorgeous for you. I'd expect you to be a bit more appreciative."

Grimmjow tensed more and leaned against the counter trying not to appear too cautious. "Do I know you?"

Suddenly, the man's eyes grew cold, and the air radiated dark vibes. "Well you should! All the months I've been planning to meet you! The hours breaking down security codes, bribing people for your address, sending you gifts, trying to pry that stupid idiot bodyguard away from you, all so I can have this moment and make you mine! I deserve it!" he exclaimed.

Grimmjow's eyes grew large, and all alarms were going off. Oh fuck. It was the man who had been causing the stress of many: Luppi Antenor. Here Grimmjow was successfully cornered and unsure of how things would play out. During one of his early meetings with the odd man (Kisuke right?) they had gone over what to do in the very unlikely event that Grimmjow had an encounter with this guy. However, nearly all of the brought-up scenarios relied on Ichigo's presence which Grimmjow had shoved away. Grimmjow tried to relax. "So you have your moment. What can I do for you?"

The smaller man writhed and covered his mouth as he thought for a second. "Oh there's so many things you can do for me, but we have time. I just can't wait to take you away from those vile creatures who claim that they love you and drool over you. Ugh, I almost couldn't contain myself when I saw those whores all over you. Disgusting! Why didn't you choose me?" his voice had ranged from joyful to annoyed and then cocky. He let out a deep breath. "But here we are." He took a step closer and gestured towards the door. "Are you ready to go to your new home?"

Self-control had its limits, and Grimmjow was sure passed his. He wasn't quite sure what to make of all of this, but this guy gave him the creeps. "What the fuck? I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't want anything to do with you!" Grimmjow growled out backing further into the counter.

That seemed to break a chord in Luppi. "You-You- what do you mean? You don't know what I've built for us. It's taken forever! I've planned it all. You don't have to abuse that perfect body of yours any longer. I'll be there for you always. I'll take care of you. You'll have everything you'll ever desire." Luppi went on and begged and pleaded.

Grimmjow wasn't sure what to say, but he was visibly apprehensive and wouldn't back down. "Get the fuck away. I said no." He then threw a punch in attempt to escape. To his shock, his punch was deflected and his arm was grabbed tightly by the man. Quickly, a sharp pinch was felt in his bicep.

Luppi let go of him and grinned as his prize stepped back and stumbled. "Hehe, I wished you would make things easy for me." He sighed. "But they do say the best things are the most difficult to get."

Grimmjow's body was tensing and relaxing uncontrollably. He was barely able to keep his balance and couldn't grip the counter as he fell onto the floor. "What the fuck?" he mumbled. His vision went between blurry and too bright. Everything was spinning; things processed slowly. He jumped as he felt a cool hand on his cheek.

"Ssh, relax. It'll be easier once we're home. I said I would take care of you." It was as if Luppi's voice was in the distance. The other continued to caress the captive's face for a few moments before heavy banging was heard on the door.

"Hey Grimmjow! Are you in there? Why is the door locked?" The two could hear Ichigo's concerned voice from the other side of the entrance.

Luppi cussed. "It's always this bastard! Just when everything was going right!"

Grimmjow groaned and laid on his side. "Ichigo?"

There was a loud slam as the door crushed inward from Ichigo's force. The young man groaned before straightening himself up and looking at the situation. His eyes expanded as he looked at who stood over Grimmjow. "Luppi…" he whispered.

The other was quite displeased. "Ugh, you annoying bitch! I finally, finally get a chance to make Grimmjow mine, and here you come!"

Ichigo tensed. "Get away from him."

Luppi laughed and rolled his eyes. "Oh don't worry. I have a plan for you too." He reached into shirt and pulled out a small gun. Ichigo flinched to move, but Luppi shook his head as he pointed it to the lost Grimmjow. "Ah- ah, don't come any closer. He and I are going home together."

This was getting crazy. Ichigo watched as Grimmjow twitched and groaned on the floor. "What is wrong with you? You're willing to shoot your love? You could kill him!" Ichigo tried to reason and reassess the situation with this new threat.

Luppi grinned and waved his other hand. "I love him any other time he's bruised and battered. I'll patch him up." His mood changed swiftly again and glared at Ichigo. "You on the other hand infuriate me. You're always hogging my Grimmjow and spending time with him. He makes your cereal and flaunts his body around. I'm sure you like it! Out of all the ugly sluts after him, you're the worst!"

"Ichigo…go…" Grimmjow called out in a mumble.

The other two looked at him. "Ugh, I'm going to have to teach my lover a lesson though." He then kicked Grimmjow in the ribs. The fighter screeched in pain. There was still a recovering injury there. "He's going to learn not to say any other man's name than mine."

"Don't do that!" Ichigo barked out.

Luppi rolled his eyes. "Oh so dramatic. Why do you care? Grimmjow isn't giving you any attention. You're just a used-up toy. Go away, and this will all end."

"Ichigo…"

The bodyguard flinched as another harsh kick was landed.

"Stop. Calling. His. Name." Luppi growled. He ran a hand through his hair and unlocked the gun's safety. "Please don't make me make a mess of you here. I rather do that in other ways."

Seeing the loaded gun again drove Ichigo to act on instinct.

He lunged towards the two in an attempt to disarm the man. Luppi moved quickly and randomly fired a couple shots before one hit Ichigo.

From outside the room, a woman had gasped as she walked by the scene and saw Luppi with a gun, a bleeding Ichigo, and a huddled Grimmjow. She shrieked and ran towards the club's main area.

"Shit!" Luppi cussed before freezing with stress. His plan was falling apart. He had calculated different scenes and scenarios, but nothing prepared him for this. He cussed again before dropping the gun and fleeing the restroom.

At the same time, Ichigo tried to calm down. He leaned over the other and held Grimmjow's head in his hands—ignoring the blood that was trickling down. "Grimmjow, hey, Grimmjow!"

The man's eyes were closed and turned his head a bit. "Ichigo…"

Ichigo felt his breathing picking up. "Yeah, I'm right here. Don't worry." He felt tears well up in eyes.

"Hmm, you're huh-," Grimmjow panted, "an idiot."

Ichigo shook his head and chuckled. His vision started getting foggy, and he was laboring for his breaths. "Heh, probably." He gasped before he grabbed his arm and leaned forward on the floor. Things were blacking out quickly.

The two men laid on the bathroom floor unsure of what was going on in the world around them or each other.


Ichigo woke up feeling groggy. Before he even opened his eyes, he knew he was in an unfamiliar setting. He laid down in a somewhat comfortable bed and tried to move. For whatever reason that seemed difficult to do. The young man summoned all his strength and opened his eyes.

It was a hospital. The lights weren't too bright, and it seemed as if it was early morning. Ichigo sighed as his most recent memories came back to him. He remembered the club, Grimmjow leaving, waiting, then some more waiting, then finally going to check on him. There was…Luppi…and a gun.

Ichigo gasped. "Grimmjow!" he lifted himself from the bed and groaned at a sharp pain. He looked down and saw his arm wrapped up. Oh…that's right. I got shot.

"Ichigo," it was a faint whisper, but he heard his name. Ichigo turned and saw gentle, soothing blue eyes looking back at him.

From his side, Grimmjow was sitting in a small side chair. He looked as if he had been sleeping uncomfortably for hours. He was dressed in loose gray sweatpants and a comfy black hoodie.

The bodyguard gave him a soft smile. "Hey Grimmjow," he cleared his throat after he didn't get an immediate response, "I'm sorry for what happened. I should have been there sooner I-," Ichigo cut himself off once he registered the big warm hug he was currently getting enveloped in. He was lost for words.

"You're fucking idiot…" Ichigo could feel Grimmjow's voice rumble through his body as the fighter talked.

Ichigo chuckled and submitted into the hug. "I-I know. I-,"

"And don't you fucking apologize. I told you to stay. I was still bitching, and you still wanted to keep me safe." Grimmjow let go and held an intense gaze. "Why the fuck would you do that? I pushed you away. You could have ignored me and let the cops do something or something."

Ichigo was shocked by the sheer amount of emotion Grimmjow showed. He was could see the restlessness in the man's eyes, the forming bags, the ruffled hair. Who knew how long he was by Ichigo's bedside? Ichigo blushed a little and turned away. "Oh jeez, you're really going to make me say it?"

That trademark grin started blooming on Grimmjow's face. "What?"

Ichigo turned away and scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I…care about you Grimmjow. You're not just some job to me. I miss us hanging out together. I miss us bickering. I miss watching you spar with Chad and Nel. I know I screwed up. I just wanted to keep you safe, but that did more harm than good. And even now, I still messed up. You're important to me, and I should have been there. I-,"

Grimmjow was moved by the other's words, but he couldn't take the self-loathing bit of it. He had spent days worried about the younger man. And there were plenty of pent-up emotions building up inside. Plus, Grimmjow wasn't really one for decorum or setting the stage. He leaned forward and grabbed Ichigo's face before leaning in and kissing him. He felt the injured man's initial shock then relaxed into the kiss. Grimmjow rubbed his thumb tenderly over the man's cheek. Grimmjow felt Ichigo's good hand grab one of his arms and heard a slight moan.

Grimmjow pulled back and snickered. "Better call that down. I have no issue fucking you in this hospital." He licked his lisp.

Ichigo beamed red and covered his face. "You're an asshole."

"Hehe, I'm not hearing a no."

"No! You are ridiculous. Just because you're sexy and suave does not mean you can do whatever you want!" Ichigo argued.

Grimmjow raised a brow. "So I am sexy, huh?"

Ichigo ran a hand threw his hair. "You knew that…" he mumbled. He took in a deep breath. "But what happened? You were on the ground, but you seem okay."

Grimmjow went back to his seat and rubbed his eyes. He recounted the last few days. Grimmjow was drugged with a combination of a sedative and muscle relaxer. He was only out for a few hours and rested until the doctors were sure that everything was out his system. The blows he received didn't do any permanent damage. All he needed to do was rest and take some medicine. Ichigo, on the other hand, had received a gun wound to his arm. Most of his problems came from the fact that he didn't immediately cover his wound to stop it from bleeding. The bullet thankfully missed any major arteries, but Ichigo still lost a fair amount of blood. He had been asleep for about two or three days which is why Grimmjow already recovered. He only left the hospital to change his clothes before returning to Ichigo's room and waiting for him to recover.

"Oh wait, what happened with Luppi?" he asked as Grimmjow went on.

The other man rolled his eyes. "Apparently, you had that taken care of. Your old man, Clogs, and that scary lady were guarding the perimeter of the club and saw him fleeing. They quickly got him. He's in a jail cell right now."

Ichigo sighed. "Damn, what a relief."

"Mmhm. I didn't know you had backup on hand." Grimmjow responded. It was a bit unsettling considering he had no clue they were there, but he was comforted by the fact that Ichigo was still going the extra mile after the way things were the last month or so.

Ichigo smiled. "Well I knew I was going to need an extra hand eventually. Plus, it wasn't always those two though talk about luck. I'm sure they handled everything smoothly.

Grimmjow nodded. "Yeah. They gave a bunch of evidence to the cops, so there's nothing to worry about now. Just got to get you better."

"I'm glad you're safe."

"Oh please be concerned with yourself for once! Ichigo, you took a damn bullet trying to protect me…thank you." Grimmjow grunted.

Ichigo nodded. "For you, of course."

"Oh how romantic." Grimmjow chuckled.

"Fuck you."

"We can get there."

Ichigo blushed and groaned into his pillow.


All the feels! Here you go! There will be more to come, but I am definitely on track to wrapping things up.

How was this chapter? Are we officially closed on this Luppi fiasco? Do you think Grimmjow needs to lay on the affection thicker? Lol, please review and share your thougts.

Thanks so much for reading!