Sweet Naivety Chapter 18: Brotherly Advice, a bleach fanfic

Chapter 18: Brotherly Advice at the Karaoke Bar

We made it to the karaoke bar where everyone was already waiting. Most of them had already changed, too. They had gotten a table so that we were all sitting together, and I ended up sitting between Grimmjow and Renji. Keigo was up on the stage with Mizuiro and Chad singing "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top, but Mizuiro and Chad were just kinda standing there and Keigo was getting annoyed with them. Then Uryuu jumped up on the stage and started singing with Keigo and it was altogether hilarious.

"So!" Ichigo leaned over Renji to get my attention. "You never told us what song you had in mind, Juna!"

"Oh, yeah!" I clapped my hands together happily. Then I decided that since we were already here, I would just surprise them. "I'll go sign us up!" I jumped outta my chair, ignoring the way that they were calling after me, and put our names on the list with the song that I had in mind. When I sat back down, they were eyeing me suspiciously.

"What did you choose?" Renji asked.

"You'll see!" I grinned at him.

"Tell us!" Ichigo demanded.

I laughed at them. "Don't worry! It's a classic!"

Eventually, our turn came. We stood up together when our names were called. And as I was passing by Grimmjow, he grabbed my ass and whispered "good luck" which only made me blush horrendously. And I blushed harder when I heard him chuckling as I walked away.

"Alright, now we've got Renji, Ichigo, and Juna singing 'We Will Rock You' by Queen!" The announcer called out.

Ichigo and Renji grinned at me, which made me grin too, as we grabbed our microphones. We stood on the stage, the boys on either side of me, and I got the biggest adrenaline rush as I looked out at the crowd and the music began to play.

Renji started off with the first verse… and damn, he sounded amazing.

Buddy you're a boy, make a big noise

Playing in the street, gonna be a big man some day

You got mud on your face, you big disgrace

Kicking your can all over the place

When the chorus kicked in, all three of us started singing. Before I knew what I was doing, I was dancing along with the music, unable to stop myself from getting lost in the sound.

We will, we will, rock you!

Ichigo took the second verse, and he sounded really good, too.

Buddy you're a young man, hard man

Shouting in the street, gonna take on the world some day

You got blood on your face, you big disgrace

Waving your banner all over the place

By the time the second chorus rolled around, the whole audience was clapping along as the three of us sang.

We will, we will, rock you!

And then it was time for the third verse… my turn… my heart was pounding in my chest as I looked out into the crowd. But I saw my friends cheering, and I had Renji and Ichigo with me, so I opened my mouth and I sang it out.

Buddy you're an old man, poor man

Pleading with your eyes, gonna make you some peace some day

You got mud on your face, big disgrace

Somebody better put you back into your place

Holy hell, it was amazing! I felt so elated! And when the three of us started to sing the chorus again, it felt like everyone was singing along.

We will, we will, rock you!

When the song finally ended, it felt like I was crashing down from heaven. Renji grabbed me up and swung me around as we left the stage, the three of us laughing like silly little kids.

"That was awesome!" Ichigo yelled.

"It so was!" I was barely able to speak through my laughter.

"Dude. We need to start a band!" Renji sounded like a crazy person.

Or, at least, he did until Ichigo agreed. "We totally should!"

I just kept laughing with them until we made it back to our table.

"That was amazing, guys!" Everyone started complimenting us.

I tuned out, too embarrassed to listen, when Ichigo and Renji began telling everyone about their idea to start a band. Grimmjow wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into his side, so I used the opportunity to shrink down and kind of hide myself in him. Gin, who was sitting on Grimmjow's other side, leaned over to speak to me.

"You really do have a talent, Juna." He grinned his strange grin at me. "You could always sing at my café… I'd be willing to pay you."

"Pft." Grimmjow scoffed. "If she's singing anywhere then it'll be at my club."

Ah, jeez… now they were starting?

"She's clearly shy and needs to start out in front of a smaller crowd… my café would be the perfect place for her." Gin argued, still smiling.

Grimmjow rolled his eyes at his friend, taking a drink of the whiskey that he had ordered. "My club is energetic, which would make her more comfortable."

They kept bickering like that, so I decided to ignore them. I pulled away from Grimmjow and leaned towards Renji and Ichigo. "You guys sound really good." I smiled at them.

"Not as good as you." Ichigo scratched the back of his head as he smiled back.

"I don't know… Renji could give Juna a run for her money." Uryuu commented as he pushed his glasses up onto his face.

"I think that you sounded the best, Ichigo!" Orihime gushed from Ichigo's side.

Ichigo blushed faintly. "Ah, naw… They definitely sounded better than me…"

Shuuhei grunted. "You all sounded great. You really should give some thought to that band idea…"

"Hey, Shuuhei, you play the guitar, don't you?" Ichigo questioned him.

Shuuhei shrugged. "Yeah, in my spare time."

"Well that's awesome! You'll be our guitar player!" Ichigo started to get all excited again.

"Do you play any instruments, Juna?" Shuuhei asked me.

I shrugged. "My favorite thing to play is the piano… but I can also play the guitar."

Renji grinned. "That's so cool! I can play the guitar, too... but not very well."

"Then you'll be backup guitar! Juna is our pianist!" Ichigo was getting more excited by the second.

"What do you play, Ichigo?" I asked him curiously.

"Bass." He answered happily. "Now all we need is a drum player."

"Chad can play the drums." Rukia patted the silent giant on the back.

I tilted my head, having hardly ever heard the guy speak. "Really?"

He grunted quietly. "Yeah."

"Alright! This is great!" Ichigo was practically bouncing in his seat.

I laughed. I didn't think I'd ever seen him so excited.

And then Renji joined in and they started getting all excited together, trying to think of a band name.

"Wait… so you guys are serious?" I questioned, finally realizing that they weren't kidding.

"Of course we're serious!" Ichigo blurted.

"Isn't it great, Juna?!" Renji grabbed my shoulders, grinning wildly. "It's gonna be so awesome!"

About that time, the announcer called out that it was time for Rangiku and Orihime to sing a song. All of our attention focused on the stage as the two women, one exuberant and one kind of shy, bounced up to take their microphones. They sang "No One" by Alecia Keys. And I couldn't help but crack up laughing at the way that Rangiku kept pointing and dancing at Gin. Even Grimmjow started laughing. But Gin seemed happy… he just kept smiling at her… and it was cute. And wait… it seemed like Orihime kept glancing at Ichigo… was I imagining things?

As the song was ending, Renji leaned in to whisper in my ear. "We're up next."

I whirled to face him. "What?"

He grinned mischievously at me. "I signed us up for another song."

And sure enough, after their song ended, the announcer called out "Next up, we have Red and Pink singing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey!"

Renji, still grinning like a madman, grabbed my wrist and pulled me up on the stage. We took our microphones and I realized very quickly that I was supposed to sing first, so I didn't have time to be nervous.

I planted my feet and just sang…

Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world

She took the midnight train, goin' anywhere

Then Renji sang…

Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit

He took the midnight train, goin' anywhere

I focused on the music, trying to calm my nerves as I sang the next part.

A singer in a smokey room, the smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night, it goes on and on and on and on

We sang the chorus together.

Strangers waiting up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlight people livin' just to find emotion

Hidin' somewhere in the night

My nerves finally melted away as I swayed to the music, singing my next part.

Workin' hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill

Payin' anything to roll the dice, just one more time

I smiled at Renji as he took over… damn, he sounded amazing.

Some will win, some will lose, some were born to sing the blues

Oh, the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on

We stood together as we starting singing in sync again.

Strangers waiting up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlight people livin' just to find emotion

Hidin' somewhere in the night

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

Streetlight people

Don't stop believin'

Hold on

Streetlight people

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

Streetlight people

Everyone clapped as the song ended. Again, the adrenaline rush had me buzzing. Renji hugged me before we walked off stage together. It was amazing how awesome it felt to sing… especially with him. He just sounded so great and I felt like we sounded so good together… but, it could have just been my excitement deluding me on the matter. Either way, though, it was so much fun!

"I've thought of the perfect band name!" Ichigo shouted out as soon as we were in ear shot.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Really?! What is it?!" Renji shouted back, grabbing my arm and running over to our table.

"Well… since you're Red and she's Pink… Valentine's Day! We're Valentine's Day, dammit!"

Shuuhei started shaking his head. "No way." The look on his face made me laugh harder.

They all erupted into an argument, where Ichigo and Renji actually ended up fist fighting. And somehow… Ikkaku jumped in, screaming about how they had knocked over his drink. Yumichika was bitching about how his hair had gotten messed up and Shuuhei had actually gotten up and walked away. I was still standing, just watching them and trying to stay out of the crossfire, when two arms wrapped around my waist and I was pulled down into someone's lap. Of course, I looked up into two bright blue eyes.

"Grimmjow!" I squirmed, trying to get up, but he just held on tighter.

"Settle down." He whispered into my ear.

I huffed, crossing my arms irritably, but settled into his chest. I figured that it was the safest place for me right now, anyway. And then his hand started creeping up my leg, making its way underneath my dress. I grabbed his hand to stop it from advancing further, and was about to say something, but his lips crashed into mine. He tasted like whiskey and cigarettes. I tried to pull away, but his other hand tangled in my hair and he held me still. Suddenly, I didn't feel so safe anymore. His hand tightened on my leg, his fingers digging into my thigh. I used one hand to try and pry it off, while I braced the other one on his chest to push myself away from him. I most certainly did not want to make out with him in public… in front of all of my friends… especially when he tasted so repulsive… and when he was acting so forward… this was awful! I clamped my mouth shut so that his prodding tongue couldn't get in, and he growled in response. I was twisting to get away from him, but he just gripped harder onto me.

"What the fuck is your problem?" He growled the words, low and menacing.

My heart fell into my stomach. My head was pounding from how hard he was pulling my hair. "Grimmjow… let me go." I whispered, sounding more scared than I would have liked.

"So you can hug that fucking redhead on stage for everyone to see, but you can't fucking kiss me?" He sounded so angry.

What had I done? Tears pooled in my eyes, and I struggled not to let them spill. I hoped that everyone was still too busy to see what was happening… because this was humiliating. I tried to look away from his piercing, blue eyes… to one side, Rangiku and Gin were making out, hot and heavy… to the other side, it looked like everyone else was still arguing, too distracted to pay any attention to what was happening with Grimmjow and me… I focused back on Grimmjow's face. His eyes were blazing.

"Grimmjow, I…" I murmured, struggling to find my voice. "I'm sorry for upsetting you… but…" Oh, please… just let him calm down! "I'm just so uncomfortable right now…"

He rolled his eyes. "Of course you are." He grumbled.

Instead of letting me go, he just moved his hands and wrapped an arm around my waist. He grabbed his drink and leaned back into his chair. I sat completely still and watched as he took a big gulp of his whiskey, finishing it off, before signaling the waitress for another glass. I placed my hands in my lap and tried not to move, not wanting to upset him further.

My friends eventually settled down and sat back into their chairs. The waitress brought over Grimmjow's whiskey, along with a martini for Gin and a strawberry daiquiri for Rangiku.

"Here, Juna! Try this!" Rangiku leaned over toward me, giggling like a little girl.

I noticed the slight blush that dusted her face and the slur in her words. She was handing me her drink. I knew that it had alcohol, since Gin had to order it for her. I eyed it suspiciously.

"It's a strawberry daiquiri!" She said happily. "And it's delicious! I've already had four!"

"Well that explains why you're acting like an idiot." Ikkaku grumbled. "Don't drink that shit, Juna." He gave me a stern look as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Rangiku pouted her lips out. "And who are you to tell her what she can and can't do?"

Ikkaku rolled his shoulders like some kind of boss. "I'm her big brother."

At that, Yumichika stood up and walked around the table, approaching me. "And so am I. And I need to talk to my little sister." He gently grabbed my hand to pull me out of Grimmjow's lap.

My heart was pounding, though I wasn't sure why. Grimmjow's arm tightened around me and I looked him in the eyes. He scowled, and for a moment I was afraid that he wasn't going to let me go. He grabbed the back of my neck and shoved his lips against mine. And then, finally, he released me. I'm sure that my cheeks were red and I was holding my breath as I let Yumichika pull me away. Ikkaku stood up, too. He glared at Grimmjow before following after us. When they had me in a secluded corner, they both faced me, arms crossed and expressions stern.

"Juna, we need to talk." Yumichika started.

"What the fuck is the deal with you and that blueberry?" Ikkaku interjected, clearly frustrated about something.

I blinked, then giggled at his nickname for Grimmjow. When neither of them smiled, I forced myself to remain composed. "I don't know what you guys mean…"

"Look, I was serious, earlier." Ikkaku grunted. "You need a big brother and I've decided that I'm gonna be it. So that means that I'm gonna protect you from jerks like him. Got it?"

Yumichika nodded along. "And since Ikkaku and I are cousins, we're a package deal. So I'll be your brother, too."

I was so surprised by their behavior… they actually wanted to be my brothers? And look after me? That was so sweet of them… I just couldn't believe it… "Jeez, you guys… you're so amazing…"

Ikkaku grinned at me. "Yeah, duh."

"Well beautiful people need to stick together, you know." Yumichika smiled dazzlingly as he flipped his hair over his shoulder.

"Awww! I love you guys!" I squealed like a little girl and hugged them both.

They hugged me back for a moment… then Ikkaku pulled away with a pointed glare.

"Now… about that blue-haired, non-boyfriend..." He flicked my forehead as if to emphasize his point. "What's the fucking deal?"

I sighed, rubbing my now sore forehead. "I don't know what you mean!"

Yumichika rolled his eyes. "He's awfully possessive for a guy that you just met."

"He's just protective, guys. He takes care of me, and… I dunno. He just gets kinda weird when other people are around."

This time, they both flicked my forehead.

"That's called being possessive, Juna!" Yumichika snapped.

I glared at them, rubbing my forehead again. "Well! I don't know what to do about it! I don't want to upset him."

"If you're worried about upsetting him then there's a problem." Ikkaku grumbled.

"He's a really sweet guy… and he's thoughtful… and h-"

Ikkaku cut me off. "And he's an ass."

I sighed, reminded of how I had called him that yesterday. "If he were an ass then he wouldn't make the effort to spend time with me and my friends… and do the things that I wanna do…"

Yumichika shrugged. "I guess that's a valid point… and he has been nice to us, too, Ikkaku."

"He's still an ass…" Ikkaku grumbled under his breath.

"He's considerate, Ikkaku. He just… gets a little unnerved at some things."

"If he's so considerate then what was that shit with you in his lap?" He snapped back, narrowing his eyes.

"That was just… him getting a little carried away…" I tried my best to explain it without stuttering. "But he was just upset because I hugged Renji on stage. And he calmed down after I apologized."

"That's fucking stupid! You shouldn't have to ap-" Ikkaku started to rant, but Yumichika covered his mouth.

"Let's just chalk it up to the amount of whiskey that he's had… right?" Yumichika reasoned.

I nodded, happy to use that as an excuse.

Ikkaku glared as he shoved Yumichika's hand away, but he didn't say anything else.

Yumichika sighed, then directed his attention back to me. "Juna… let me ask you something." He waited for me to nod again before continuing. "You mentioned the other day that Renji was your first kiss… So am I right in assuming that you've never had a boyfriend or anything like that before?"

I sighed, too, letting my shoulders slump as I looked at the ground. "Yeah… I'm a total novice."

Yumichika nodded. "Then come to me for advice… okay? And for now… try not to be around Grimmjow while he's drinking. At least not until you're better equipped to handle his behavior."

I looked back up at him. "Okay… thanks, Yumi." Then I looked at Ikkaku. "And you too, Ikakku."

They both smiled at me. "No problem, Juna."

The songs used in this chapter are "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top, "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "No One" by Alicia Keys, and "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.