"Kōri no manikyua anata ga fureru to…"
Yung bae playing through the speakers of her car as she waited next to it. The spring day going smoothly as possible. Beautiful. Warm enough only to wear a light jacket, a scarf, with some light jeans and red riding boots. Zephyr brought the camera to her eye. Capturing the field of flowers swaying to the gentle wind.
She brought it back to her eye, catching two birds flying in unison with each other. Finding something to do while waiting for a late client. A couple expecting their first child had booked her at last minute since she was due any day now. Naturally Zephyr felt obligated to the couple. It sucked when people took advantage of it, but Zephyr knew they wanted to create memories and thought nothing other than that.
Almost twenty minutes passed before she gathered her equipment, ready to head to another appointment until a black sedan parked just a few feet behind her car. "Zephyr! Sorry we're late!" a man shouted, his head sticking out the window.
Shielding her eyes from the sun, she watched as a tall man ran to the passenger side. His sandy-brown hair veiled his face obstructing her view for a good look at him. He spoke. "Careful honey."
Zephyr could hear the man gently coercing who she would assume be his wife. "You don't have to treat me like a baby you know. I could still move."
"I know. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible."
Finally standing a few inches shorter than him. She tossed her braid to her back. Rubbing her stomach then she patted his face. "You take such good care of me."
"For you, anything."
'Must be nice.' Zephyr smiled with a hint of envy. Watching as the couple took their time walking to her. Indeed the day was bright and beautiful, but it didn't reflect her somber disposition. At least for right now.
Last weekend after the dinner
This was a bad idea. This have to be a bad idea. She thought to herself, looking to the many cups before her on the opposite side of the ping-pong table. Too many drinks and she would definitely be the one blackout drunk in the bushes somewhere. Especially since her tolerance level for good quality sake was at a all time low for this week.
The group of the Kuchiki manor sat next to one another, calling up memories and the regular case of nostalgia. Whereas the fresh face beauty just observed the history intertwined with gazes and laughter of long time friends. Careful to not disturb the energy with her newness . Ichigo, so far, is the only one she know and he was her opponent at the moment. Rangiku jumped besides her at the victory of making the small ball in the red cup. The man with gentle features, golden hair with bright blue eyes, smiled at the woman. Taking the cup, chugging it back as if the burning liquid didn't affect him at all. "Nice one Matsumoto." the adonis spoke
Kira, she found out was his name when Rangiku expressed her own thanks. More of a distraction since Ichigo bounced the small white ball back to her and landed in a cup of Jägermeister. The one drink she was trying to avoid more than Shunsui's sake.
Groaning, Zephyr brought the cup to her vision, looking to Ichigo, a crooked smile before she spoke. "You would aim for this one huh?"
Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, smirking. "I didn't mean for that to happen."
Apparently she was too guarded. Something he automatically picked up on for how quiet she was. She didn't know his friends all to well and Ichigo wanted her to loosen herself even more. Given what they were playing, he didn't know what he was getting himself in to. But he did insist that she stay around, take a load off and unwine around a group that didn't discriminate her or even judged her. She was just someone who they welcomed without prejudice. And to be frank, she welcomed them too.
Zephyr could tell that Renji, Ikakku, Yumichika, and Rangiku were the most outspoken from the group. Rukia and Chad were a close second in that department being that they were the observers and mediators before anything else. Orihime always had a positive energy with her and a damn good vibe despite the known rivalry when it came to the gglue of the group. Kira was timid but didn't mind speaking his thoughts, same with Hanataro who was now bartending against his will. Uryu kept to himself but always made it known he was there when the occasional debate happened between him and Ichigo. It was a funny sight, and she could see the love and respect around them. She could see why he was the one everyone gravitated to. He balanced it all out.
Ichigo.
The protector. The knight in shining armor that connected everyone that was here. Zephyr didn't know the story on how the pieces of the different personalities intertwined together, but she knew that it was something worth learning about over drunk banter and laughs.
Like now.
Guffaws and laughter to the poolside caught her attention. She didn't understand exactly what was going on but the way Rukia held her stomach laughing in hysterics as Renji joined her while Yumichika kept his hand to his mouth, keeping his laughter from escaping.
"I do remember that!" Orihime spoke through her chuckle.
Ikkaku mumbled under his breathe, taking a small sip of the drink and craning his neck. "Let it go already."
Hanataro, feeling the second hand embarrassment, prepped another drink at Ikakku's ready.
"I'm sorry man, but that wig did not fit. Not one fucking bit." Renji added, on the brink of tears.
Zephyr snickered to herself. The little time she came to be around them, she couldn't fathom the though of Ikakku wearing a wig. He looked better without it.
"Oh wait I think I still have a picture saved!" Rangiku shouted. Skipping off to the mansion to retrieving her phone. Also forgetting the fact that they were in the middle of a game.
"It was just something to try out!" Ikakku bellowed, chugging back what remained in his cup.
Sighing as they all watched the busty woman disappear, Kira shook his head in mid throw. "Well I guess this was expected. I leave you to finish my friend." He patted Ichigo on the shoulder before joining the rest of the group.
"Just you and me now. Want to continue?" Ichigo spoke up.
"Sure. Unless you're scared I might drink you under the table."
He smirked, she didn't know that this wasn't a problem for him. Ichigo tossed the ball making it into another cup of Jägermeister. His eyes didnt leave off of her, but she couldn't say the same. She was up against someone who had the capacity of making her eat her words where she stood. "Okay lucky shot. Not bad."
She took the cup, cracking her neck to brace herself, chugging the drink back. Though the first one burned, the second wasn't as bad. In the terms of liquor however, that was also a bad sign. But she would not give him the benefit of seeing her quake despite the mild shudder through her body. "That's spicy."
Laughing, Ichigo stood with one arm crossed over his torso as the other rested under his chin as if he was truly studying her.
Nervously she laughed, catching his gaze before she decided to toss the ball, missing the cup entirely and into his hand. "You're throwing me off looking at me like that."
"Couldn't help it." He broke their gaze, playfully bouncing the ball for him to catch it again. "What's your story?"
"Nothing profound I can assure you."
"I'm curious."
"Curious? About what? I'm just a professional photographer. Earning my way." Keeping his focus on her, he tossed the ball making yet another victory in a red cup. Zephyr groaned. "now I feel like you're cheating." Taking the cup, once again chugging it back.
"Hn. Quit." But that only permitted him a glare from her end. Countering her, he smiled. "you love what you do?"
She hummed. "Mmhm." covering the small belch. "I do. Freezing time, capturing beautiful scenes and bringing your vision to life. It's underrated."
Ichigo tilted his head. Leaning on the table, the underlying goading but innocent competition from him as Zephyr readied herself to throw the ball. "What made you want to do this as a career?"
She bit her lip, her eyes focusing on the one cup underneath him. "I can put it into a bunch of stupid words now, or I can show you in the future."
He waited until she tossed the ball to miss again. He caught it before it flew off into the bunny shaped bushes. "A choice?"
Nodding her head with a slight shrug of her shoulder. "Its up to you."
"Whose to say we'll even see each other in the future."
Retorting. "Whose to say we won't?"
"I'll give you that one." He took a cup chugging it back despite her missing.
"Your turn. Do you love what you do? Working at a clinic and being a bouncer and all…"
"I guess working at this security firm has it's good and bad days. But if I was to choose between the two, I enjoy working in pediatrics more."
He did have a gentle soul for it. At least that's what she got from him. "You have any children?"
"Unfortunately I do not."
"Do you want kids?"
"Of course."
"Really? I didn't take you for that kind of guy. How many?"
"Never really thought of that. I'm fine with one, or a couple." He shrugged.
"Me too." Zephyr didn't pay attention to the amount of cups she had to drink. Including this one. It didn't matter. What ever he spoke she took it to heart and he the same. So when she asked this specific question, considering how much he already opened up to her, she knew he wouldn't lie to her about this. "Why did you choose abstinence?"
"Sex isn't a priority to me."
"What is a priority to you?"
"I can't give you a definite answer to that. Everyone bring something different."
"Fair. Do you have a type?"
Ichigo shook his head. "Nope. You?"
"Hmm…I do love a man with a great sense of humor. You know, gets my sarcasm and jokes."
"How the hell you ended up with Grimmjow?"
There was a pause, smiles creeping on both their faces before they both laughed. "Honestly he was a good time that passed its expiration date."
"Ouch. That's harsh." He bounced the ball into his hand again. "But it happens."
"It happened to you?"
Still smiling as he crossed his arms. "Don't push your luck. You got this much out of me."
Nodding her head in affirmation. "That's not fair.." He had a guard up and only came up with that generic answer to persuade her otherwise. She smiled, catching on to him. On the contrary, Ichigo didn't lie. He just didn't know how to enunciate words when it came to that specific question. He did have a ex that came to mind. But that's all that happened. She was just a thought.
Twelve cups of Jägermeister with Shunsui's sake later and Zephyr had to grip the table to keep herself standing. Through blurred vision she noticed on Ichigo side he still had the majority of his cups despite three missing and two of those was thanks to Rangiku who still didn't make a appearance back.
"Just call it quits Starlight."
"What do you mean? I'm not drunk." She slurred.
"Nobody said you were." He laughed.
She didn't answer. She couldn't. Lightly she tapped her cheeks, making sure to focus on the cups before him. 'Okay, I need to make one of those cups. Just one.'
Here came the hard part. Her vision was already impaired by the amount of alcohol she consumed, so focusing on one thing was going to prove a far greater battle than the embarrassing notion of having to throw up in front of Ichigo. A small belch that tasted like pure liquor left her lips after the thought.
'Yuck!'
Aiming her hand to line up with the one cup that seemed easy to her. Bending her knees slightly she toss the little white ball, making it into one of the cups, but before she had the chance to celebrate the small victory, Zephyr could hear a faint voice yelling 'timber'. The scene before her changed from a concerned handsome face into a sky full of stars and scattered clouds.
'Did I just fall!?'
"Oi starlight! What the hell!?" Ichigo snorted a laugh kneeling to her side. "You okay?" was all she heard.
She could feel the warmth of him at her side. Too inebriated to construe her current situation and why he was asking her if she was okay. When her eyes finally opened, looking into his chocolate spheres that stared intently into her, she reached up, putting a finger between his eyebrows, smoothing out the wariness. "Why you sooooo look worried?" She slurred, mixing her words.
His eyebrow lifted in question. "Huh?"
"Because you're on the floor silly." Rukia spoke with a hiccup, stumbling to the commotion barefooted as she too partook it the inebriety going around.
"Huh!?" Zephyr repeated, trying to match the same tone as Ichigo. She looked to her side, seeing Rukia kneel down next to her, luckily she change out of her gown into something comfortable as Harem pants and a flowing shirt halter top. She laid on the floor besides Zephyr. "The floor is cool right?"
Rukia agreeing. "Mmm hmm. My skin feels hot."
"Renji, get your wif—Great…" Ichigo shout trailed off into a sigh, but it reached no one specifically since Renji was passed out snoring on the long chair. Ichigo looked to Zephyr who seemed more amazed in the stars than anything else. "Promise me you'll stay here?"
"Hmhmhm." She hummed laughing. "aye aye anything for you captn."
He chuckled. "Good." Exhaling loudly, Ichigo looked one last time the women, both connecting the dots in the sky. Renji however had a rude awakening coming, or so Ichigo thought.
It was bittersweet that everyone else seems to be doing their own thing, leaving him the only responsible one. Kira already went to his room as well as Orihime, Chad, and Uryu, figuring that it was getting too late and work needed to get done the next day. Rangiku was nowhere to be found but everyone knew her situation with the timid blonde. Ikkaku passed out in a drunken stupor at the bar and Yumichika laid on the couch next to him, bottle of sake dangling from his finger tips.
"Dammit." Ichigo groaned, the only one with a sober mind, reaching for Renji to shake him awake, but the red head didn't budge. His tall lean figured balled comfortably in the fetal position. "The hell you do to their drinks Hana?" but his words once again fell on no ones ears since Hanatoro was passed out on the bar besides Ikkaku. Humming a lullaby to himself. "Whatever."
Ichigo reached back, his hand coming to reign full force against Renji cheek. It surprised him since it only earned him a lazy groan from the red head. His eyes opened slowly one after the other, the result for a damn good-well-needed sleep, looking to Ichigo and rubbing his cheek, yanking his shoulder now that he was rudely awakened. "The fuck do you want?"
"Go to bed and take your wife." Ichigo demanded.
"You're not the boss of me." Renji threw his long legs over to the side of the chair. Stretching with a roar for a yawn and a side eye combination. "Where is she anyway?"
Ichigo pointed on the other side of the pool. "Over ther—OI STARLIGHT!" His eyes widened, bright like embers, as Zephyr snatched the last bit of her button down shirt off. The little decency it covered was gone, leaving the beauty in her lacy white underwear, contrasting with her skin perfectly.
"Ichigo…why is your girlfriend almost naked? Whoa! R—Rukia!" Renji stuttered watching his wife emulate Zephyr actions.
"I'm thirsty!" Zephyr shouted to Ichigo who slowly walked the lining of the poolside. Enticing her away from it.
"You mean you're hot, not thirsty!" Ichigo corrected.
She took a moment, thinking about it. "I am thirsty and this water look good!"
He chuckled. "I cant let you drink that kind of water Starlight, you'll get sick."
She laughed, stumbling to the poolside, inches from jumping in. "Liar." She took one more step before looking up at him, almost within her space. "you have that face again. Why do you have that face?"
"I was born with it. Just don't jump in the pool!"
That sounded more like a dare to the white haired woman instead of someone actually trying to get her from making a obnoxious move.
"Whoo Zephyr go for it!" Rukia called from her side, crawling to the pool, halfway undressed herself, and Renji trying to rush to grab her on the other end. Yet he already had a battle within himself, working to find his footing.
Zephyr turned to Rukia then back to Ichigo. That was all the confirmation she needed.
"See it's okay."
Ichigo readied himself to grab her, once she was in his reach. "Don't!"
Zephyr smiled, escaping him just by seconds when she jumped in like a canon ball, and sinking like one.
"Damn it all!" quickly he undressed himself. Ripping off his own shirt to yanking his pants off and kicking his shoes wherever. He dived in, quickly swimming towards her. Her arms were opening as if she was levitating herself. Her eyes tightly shut and her hair flying all around her. Her lips together so she wasn't partaking in the water. That was partly good. Ichigo reached her but she eluded him before he could grab her again. She looked behind to see his face puzzled, until she turned fully to him, beckoning for him to come to her. Enjoying the fact that it was him chasing her.
Ichigo did as so, moving closer to her amazed at the fact that she could hold her breathe this long despite being under the influence. Zephyr at this time didn't know what she was doing, and being that he was the modest sort, she knew he wouldn't follow her advances. She swam circles around him when he came close to her, attempting to escape him again until he gently grabbed her ankle bringing her back into him.
He attempted to swim to the surface until she caught on to his lips. Taking his air before she pushed off him, avoiding him entirely. Being that she thought of doing this only brought one thing to his mind and he wasn't the type to take advantage of a woman. Though it wasn't a kiss, he knew he had to stop her before anything else happened.
Ichigo reached his hand up, watching her swim off like the mermaid she looked. He grabbed the side of the pool bringing himself up for air. Thinking that she would follow him but to no avail. He thought of going back under to get her until he felt her against his legs. Her hands latched on to his sides, helping to catapult her to the surface. Dangerously close to his face. When she finally opened them, her glazed over eyes looked from his lips to his own, almost giving into the temptation just enough before he slightly pulled away.
"Sorry, I almost couldn't help myself." Zephyr spoke, hugging his neck to keep herself afloat.
'Me neither.' He thought to himself. "We should get out of here."
"I don't want to." She shook her head. "I don't want this to end."
"Don't want what to end?"
She smiled through quivering lips. "Being this close to you."
He chuckled, gripping the poolside harder that his knuckles turned white. "You're drunk. And you're freezing. Lets get you dry."
One thing for certain, she was in fact cold. Thankfully Renji, though somewhat tipsy, left two towels and robes for them before he retired to his shared chamber. Ichigo wrapped her in both, rubbing her down so that she was warm enough.
"What about you? Are you not cold?" she asked
"I needed the swim." The cool air was working in his favor.
He went to retrieve his clothes and hers as well. "I think I have some sweats and a t-shirt that you can wear for now."
"Oh I love baggy clothes!" she exclaimed.
"Shouldn't be a problem then right?"
"Duh." She smiled, wobbling.
"Follow me then."
The trip throughout the manor was a adventure in itself. Zephyr eyes averted everywhere. From the library, a movie theatre, the cream and white marbled kitchen where she witnessed Rukia and Renji partaking in a midnight supper, and a very "use some protection you two." That made Zephyr trip on her own feet and Ichigo shaking his head.
The large windows letting the moon shine through, brightened the upstairs hallway they walked down. Zephyr looking out for a moment, noticing how high the moon sat.
She turned to focus on Ichigo toned back. For someone sculpted and chiseled almost to perfection, he always hid it underneath his clothes. Whereas Grimmjow had no problem showing off the hardwork and genes he was blessed with. Her eyes then went down to his plump but.
Lingering on him feeling herself heating up because she didn't know what it was about him that made her want him the way she did. His personality? His looks? His body? His face? How long his eyelashes were and the way he blinked? Or was it his confidence within himself?
'Maybe when he would fold his arms and tilt his head, his eyes lingering on me?'
Ichigo was worth more than just someone to have a great night with. Ruminating over the duration she knew of him, he was someone that she could see the future with. Perhaps he was just someone to teach her a lesson she didn't want but necessary?
By now the walk seem like it took forever. At the end of the hall was the large gold and white door. He opened it allowing her to walk in the dimly lit space. Her mouth almost hitting the floor seeing how large the bedroom was.
Pure black with silver accents all around.. The alaskian king bed in the center of the large room, to the tribal mural that took up a wall. Zephyr shaky legs trekked down the staircase, still amazed at it all. The silver curtains blew to the cool breeze from the opened balcony doors. The night was still in effect, so the picturesque view of what was before her looked more like a painting, a fantasy one would say.
Her feet reached the bottom, flexing her toes to the thickness of the black rug. If she didn't know any better, the cloth felt like a bed in itself. She stuttered. "T—this is amazing." She did a three-sixty turn, looking to the dim lamps in the corner to the desktop where he walked to place his clothes on the chair, to the vacant room and the bathroom off to the opposite side. All this for one man?
"Make yourself comfortable."
"No…." she hiccupped, sitting next to the bed instead of on it. "…problem"
She was drunk and he understood her notion since she was still wet from their unexpected swim. Ichigo shook his head before making his way to the walk-in closet, another room the size of a small apartment. He looked to the many outfits left here. Quickly he changed out of his wet boxer briefs into a pair of black ones, some new sweats he packed, and throwing the white halter top over his shoulders, truly grateful that Rukia bestowed this piece of the house to him no matter the many of times he refused.
Considering Rukia did live with him before she mended the relationship with her brother and Renji. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for them since they were strictly platonic with one another. Of course it was the irregular rumors in high school that they were dating which not only caused friction between him and a jealous Renji at first, but it was also something to look back and laugh on. Ichigo remained oblivious to the favors he done for Rukia, but it never went unnoticed to her. Giving him this small piece of the house as a part of her gratitude was only a quarter of what she had in store. Ichigo laughed to himself. bringing before him a pair of black sweatpants he haven't worn since he was aa teen. He grabbed another t-shirt with the number fifteen on it seeming it too small for him to wear now. Nostalgia coming at him in full effect.
"You might be in luck Starlight!" He called back for her, folding the old clothes together as well as grabbing another towel for her to dry off. He looked before him, waiting on a answer but there wasn't one.
Not even a hiccup.
Too quiet.
It was when he turned, freezing him in place, watching as her lacey bra fell to the floor next to her feet where both robes were. She too watched, so she couldn't take heed of the little moment he had stilled in place to stare at her. Quickly he turned back around. He knew she was drunk, but being that he didn't really know her on a intimate level, this made it hard for him on how he should handle her. He cleared his throat, losing count for how many times he unfolded the clothes just to fold them again a physical interpretation of him fumbling for words. When he finally came to, Ichigo cleared his throat before speaking again. "I…er…got some clothes for you to put on."
"I feel fine like this." She chimed. He could hear the rhythm of her slow, unsteady, footsteps. Almost like she was finding her way to him. Her voice exceedingly close but he didn't dare turn around to look.
So why not take this opportunity for him to feel where she was coming from into her hands? For him to understand how willing she wanted to be on him.
Ichigo body tensed when he felt her breathing in the middle of his back. He closed his eyes once he felt her arms snake around his waist, her soft fingers feeling on his deep abs. Taking a rather large amount of air through his nose as he felt her nipples touch his back, and exhaled the same exact way when he felt her lips make contact with his skin. Ichigo looked up, praying to whomever for her to stop, then looked to the side of him, staring at her enjoying herself as she tempted him with each slow sweep of her lips. Chipping away at his control.
Her sultry, alto voice, low and sensual. Words rolling off her tongue like honey. Almost putting him under hypnosis. "What's going through your mind when I do this?"
Ichigo huffed a laugh. Did she really want him to answer that question? Or did she want him to show her? Whatever it was, she didn't know the dangers of this territory with him, only what was obvious on the external front of things. Each time her lips made contact on his flesh, it picked at the blaze within him. Needing to combust. To engulf her entirely.
Internally she shook him when she nipped his shoulder blade and it didn't help the fact that she spoke on what exactly he was thinking. "Why are we pretending?" she asked when he didn't answer but he still couldn't come up with a logical reason. Only thinking about a subject to dance around. To safely change the subject.
At long last Ichigo conjured a sentence. Brief, but still something. "What do you mean exactly?"
Zephyr replaced her lips with her forehead resting on him. "I want you, and it's clear you want me too."
Ichigo touched her fingers when she raised them to his pecs. "You're right…there is a attraction. I would be lying if I say I didn't play my part on what's going on with me and you…but I don't want to further complicate things. Zephyr, you belong to someone else."
Zephyr sighed, pressing the side of her face against him. "If you knew what was going on, you would have a change of heart about this little situation of ours and me supposedly belonging to Grimmjow."
"You misunderstand so let me say it this way. I don't care about Grimmjow, but you do."
She stood silent, looking to the floor, letting his words resonate within her.
"Two…" Ichigo continued. "I don't want to complicate things for you. You want me, but to what extent? How long would that last with your feelings for him and your temporary attraction to me?"
"I—I'm not so sure…"
"It wasn't meant for you to answer. I'm giving you a idea on where I stand, if I was to give in to not only your desires, but mine too."
'His desires?' That brought a smile to her. He didn't deny that he didn't 'desire' her and she knew that the third time he kissed her. "The way you kiss me though. It wasn't someone who abstain from sex. You longed for it. I know there's a fire in you. But you…hold back from me. Why?" He tried to turn around, but her arms kept him in place. He fixed his mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. Ichigo stood silent, feeling her eyelashes on his back as she closed them, sighing. "you're so warm."
"Maybe you should put on some clothes?"
"Why when I have you right here? We don't have to do anything."
They stood in pureassuaging, silence. Listening to just him calmly breathing and his heart beat.
Steady.
Gentle.
Most of all strong.
Ichigo reflected back on her question. 'Why are we pretending?' His very instinct was coaxing him to take her down to the floor, feeling those succulent lips. Tasting just how they look.
So sweet.
"Before, you asked 'Why?'…" he looked to the side of him again. Looking at the top of her head, drying to its naturally curly state. "you say something about a fire within me. And yet you poke at it each chance you get. You can be scorched by someone like me."
He felt her smile. "Would've thought you knew by now that I'm fire proof considering who I been dealing with." She looked up, seeing him looking to her through his peripheral. She rested her chin on his shoulder blade. "I see the way you look at me. Your eyes linger on me more often than you want to allow. To tell you the truth. I feel a sort of way when you watch me. I like it."
To him, on different circumstance and after some time together, Ichigo might have assessed the idea. But she was intoxicated even if her sober thoughts were a drunk woman words. He knew where she wanted this to end. "Sorry, I cant take that chance with you. Not…now."
Her hold loosened, allowing him to finally turn around. Swift movement making her laugh when he threw the shirt over her head as the motion forced her to move her arms into the short sleeves and fixed the shirt so that it cover just below her butt. However, the next course, Ichigo didn't know how she convince him to lay in the same bed as her even if they were far apart.
She broke the comforting silence, staring out the balcony doors to the view. "Are you scared?"
"Of what?" Ichigo looking at where she laid scoff at the jab to his very manhood when she didn't answer him right away. "What can you possibly do to me?"
She turned to look at him. Taking this moment to slide closer to him, placing her hand over his heart. She laughed. "Never underestimate a woman's touch."
With a eyebrow raised, he asked her, folding his arms behind his head, smirking. "Was that a threat?"
"Never. I couldn't possibly hurt you." She sat up pointing to her arm. "with these muscles? Yeah right. I'm talking on a more emotional reach. You're scared of getting your heart broke."
He wanted to say something but he remained silent. His face turning stoic the more he thought about the very thing she knew all too well.
Heartbreak.
Realizing this, she retracted her words. "…or someone already broke your heart."
"That's a tale for another time."
"Right." she mumbled. Guilt over taking her. Zephyr moved back over to her side of the rather large bed, wanting to say sorry for running her mouth and not taking into consideration of someone else's feelings, but she felt like it wouldn't do much help. She watched him turn his back to her. Nothing else said for the remainder of the night. She slid under the covers as he slept on top of them. Sleep wasn't going to come easy for her. It couldn't. At least for neither of them. This wasn't expected but it happened and this was the right way to deal with it before she said anything else.
It was fun while it lasted.
But whatever it was, while the sparked between them went cold on one end. The other still burned. Trying his best to calm it. Ichigo didn't want to go back to this place. It was inevitable however. Always in the back of his mind telling him that he would never be the same. Never becoming fully healed. His thoughts reflected back on the day of the news his mother died. Feeling like whatever was left of his beating heart shatter each second that passed.
••
Present
"495…496…497…498…499…500."
He needed a distraction but didn't know the first step going about it. Grimmjow paced his breathing as he changed hands—his right arm behind his back and his left hand on the floor—glaring at his reflection whenslowly he inhaled, lifting himself, and exhaled the same. "501…"
Maybe another set will clear his mind, but all it's been were 'maybe's' and never a definite. His thoughts were rampant. Not one inkling concerned with everyday life such as his job, what to eat, did his truck need gas, stupid little things were not on his mind. But a woman haunted his thoughts and he never had this happen, not since golden eyes-purple hair- five years ago. What took her place, stood at 5'6 pure white hair, brown skin, cat shaped eyes, succulent lips, a hour glass shaped and hips he held on to when she rode him. Strange how impactful women were when he really paid attention.
All he thought about was what the fuck was she doing right now if he wasn't getting her attention.
All she sent was the last text message saying that 'Ichigo can keep me company' and who knew what that meant a week ago.
She hasn't responded to him since. "…523…" a low growl escaping him. Of course to him he knew what that was a code word for. Meaning if their was a opportunity then the bitch was going for it. He would like to think that she was better than that, but Ichigo was unpredictable and had she been obvious, he wouldn't feel anyway towards it. But she was far from foreseeing.
Zephyr, the capricious woman, that probably would give into Ichigo. Grimmjow nose wrinkled. "…557…" Imagining all the things Zephyr has done to him, and done with him, she was doing the same with Ichigo.
Right now his muscle didn't burn—he didn't feel it. In fact nothing ached on him. This was driving him. Pushing him to put his anger into his workout. But this was a different kind of emotion. This would carry on past this part and from then on, he had no clue what he was going to do about it.
Grimmjow continued. His own thoughts betraying him. Teasing him and losing all control of his own mind when it came to that woman. This was doing the most in his eyes and he had to forget about it. But forgetting her was close to impossible. Zephyr was in fact unforgettable. Naturally so. Apart from the obvious being that she had long white hair down her back—living in Japan—she stood out along with him.
Unknowingly she left a mark on him that he let slip past his usual wall. "…572…"
He had questions. None that could be answered by the plethora of other women. Not his brothers. Hell, he didn't know that answer himself. "…588…"
Maybe he just needed to see her face again to determine that? What was it that brought these strange thoughts and why was it happening now? They've known each other little over a year, everything was going smoothly. She text him whenever she was in the mood and he would show up to play that role she gave him. It was routine in a way. Vice versa. Then somewhere down the line, things were misconstrued. Whether it was her, or him, he had no clue. Perhaps this was something that he would leave alone, at least for now. Or even after the get together tonight. Maybe he'll surprise her tonight. A dinner? Car convos that she enjoyed? Whatever. He just needed to see her. "…599…"
Grimmjow, on his free hand reached for his phone vibrating next to him. He was ignoring it all morning. Not because he was occupied by another woman who couldn't keep him distracted, but he wasn't in the mood to speak to anyone. All afternoon wanting to hear from one person only to satisfy his ego. He looked to the screen becoming disappointed yet again. "What?" holding himself up keeping from finishing his set.
Yammy answered back, unperturbed by his rudeness. "Coming out tonight?"
"Maybe..."
"Got some company?"
"More like a sudden nuisance."
"You're going to end up catching something."
If only the dumbass knew it wasnt anything like what he was thinking. "Pfft. Don't speak that kind of evil into my life. You know damn well I don't have those problems. I'm always wearing protection."
"Yeah, yeah. I didn't call to see if you wear a condom or not. You coming out?"
"I might. Depends."
"On what?"
"None of your damn buisness!"
Yammy answered him in a grunt mixed with a laugh before they both disconnected. Maybe this will get him out of the foreign funk he was in. Grimmjow completed his set. Coming down from the rush and he felt it in his arms. Zephyr was the motivation after all. Each set was a 'maybe she'll escape my thoughts' resulting in a productive, yet unnecessary and ridiculous workout.
Grimmjow sat on the bench, wiping his face, arms, and chest free of sweat. Clicking through his phone to see her name. He was never one to give someone else the satisfaction to see him amorous. So when he pressed her name and composed a text such as 'can i see you??' It was only to see how tonight would play out. Nothing more. Nothing less.
••
Zephyr sighed, closing the door to her apartment with her back. "Stupid!" She yelled locking it. Kicking off her shoes in the foyer. "He hates me." She groaned, dragging her feet to her bed where she fell face first in the comfort.
The same weekend.
Ichigo didn't say much to her during their little time together. When she woke up earlier he was already gone out the room and when she went to the kitchen where she was summoned, he didn't look up to greet her. His eyes stayed on his phone screen, eating his breakfast across from Sado.
The kitchen filled with the lens of black sunglasses and tylenol induce 'hello's' from Rukia, Ikkaku, and surprisingly Hanataro. "Sup, loving the mane white lion" Ikakku mumbled in his cup, lounging on the rather large love seat to her left in the spacious entertainment room. The sun was blaring through the large dome which explained the sunglasses.
Playfully she shook her wild hair, turning to everyone else. Ironic how the one with the least amount of hair gave her a compliment about her own.
"Zephyr!" Hanataro yelled, but after the fact that most of everyone covered their ears excluding Ichigo and Sado, he shushed himself. "that was too loud."
She laughed stealing a glance at Ichigo, which made her feel uneasy and rightly so. She felt since Ichigo was the glue holding them all together, then affecting him will cause a chain reaction with everyone around him.
Rukia soon put a stop to that irrational train of thought when she greeted Zephyr with a smile behind her own dark shades. "How are you feeling?" she spoke up, sitting at the island, her face full of regret from even drinking how she did. Wrapped in a crisp white robe, coffee in her hand and a tray of food that she was contemplating on eating since she had a rather large midnight snack.
"I should be asking you that question. But I'm alright…somewhat." Zephyr laughed. Remembering pieces of how the two of them were both on the ground.
"Ugh please don't remind me. My stomach is killing me." She dropped her head, "but please enjoy the feast. The chefs whipped up a lot so there's plenty for everyone."
Zephyr stood at the opposite end of the island. Looking to the steamed rice, miso soup, fish, fruits and other side dishes. "Not really hungry. I just need to get home. Got a lot of work ahead of me before our next session."
Rukia rolled her eyes. " I know we have another session coming up but You are coming back right? We could enjoy some more of Shunsui's Sake…" At the mention of the sake name, came the taste of it, then the unbearable feeling of nausea. Rukia paused a moment, gathering her bearings as she tried to focus on not trying to ruin breakfast. "oh yeah, theres a birthday party in two week. I'm telling you in advance because you should come."
"I feel like I over stood my welcome." Zephyr stole another quick glance at Ichigo, then everyone else. A nervous laugh as she fiddled with her fingers in the pockets of Ichigo old sweatpants. "you guys don't even know me like that."
Rukia notice the shift in the woman eyes, speaking only to break the ice that was obvious on Zephyr mind. "Oi Ichigo, I havent seen these pajamas in a long time. I would've thought you got rid of them."
Ichigo blinked slowly from his phone screen and the quiet talk him and Sado were having, to Zephyr. Her breathe hitched when his eyes lingered on her. The type of attention she didn't need, especially now she didn't have liquid courage on her side. "Just old clothes." He shrugged.
Zephyr couldn't determine if the patronizing tone in his voice was a hit to her. "Thank you for lending them to me anyway." She retorted.
Slowly he stood up, walking past her and Rukia to wash his dish. "Mmhm." Was all he hummed.
"What's gotten into you Strawberry?" Ikakku spoke up now.
"I'm fine."
Zephyr looked behind her. Their back to each other. He was off which they all noticed. She turned back, looking down at the marble top of the island. She could see her reflection, her hair almost veiling her face with curls falling and pointing each direction. She bit her lip, balling her fist on the countertop. "I have to find a way home."
"Nonsense. Ichigo could take you. He has to go back to town. You do live downtown right?"
Zephyr kept her head down, keeping from prying eyes to dig deep into her own. "You can't just volunteer him like that."
Surprising her when he spoke, Ichigo interjected bringing the dish to his vision. "While that is true. I don't have a problem dropping you off."
"You don't have to. Honestly, it's not like I cant find my way off this island."
"Funny. I never asked if you couldn't or asked for any of your navigating skills. I just said I would."
"Okay." Was all she said. She bit her lip, giving no room to argue. "I'll go gather my things."
That hour drive of silence was insufferable. Orihime kept the mood light sitting in the back seat. Sado was the first to get dropped off, then Orihime. When it came down to her, neither of them spoke to one another. She didn't even look at him and only looked to the passing cars, people, and familiar buildings. She wanted to be free of his presence. Frankly he was just a reminder for how careless, how desperate, she seemed. No goodbyes were spoken, only exiting his car with the little dignity she had. Despite her storming off he waited until she was in the building; leaving when she disappeared behind the door.
Present
Now laying on her bed, her phone in hand contemplating on texting Rukia that she wouldn't make a appearance at the party. Naturally Rukia would call trying to convince her to show her face all the while dismissing the fact that Zephyr wanted to limit her presence. But knowing Rukia, she was the inviting, welcoming sort. Who Zephyr really knew before them was Ichigo however. And since he was giving her the silent treatment, there was no way Zephyr would go to a party where she was a complete stranger, hated by the one person that was held in high respect.
This was what she needed, this reason to justify not going or being around them despite the disappointment. Zephyr watched as the percentage of the phone changed from one percent, to two. Giving it a fighting chance to stay on to convey her text message. Time wasn't on her side. She didn't want to sit on the idea any longer, just get it over with.
Before her phone screen loaded, she pressed the key for contacts, utilizing the recents tab to pulling up Rukia number. 'I wont be able to make it. Sorry.'
Simple, right to the chase. No sugar coating. She had a lot of work to do. Editing photos, the many videos from the events of last weekend. She couldn't be bothered with procrastination. Then on second thought, who was she trying to convince?
Zephyr placed her device on her night stand. The plan to press send crumbling right before her. She walked over to the small office near the window, plugging her camera into her desktop. Not a moment later the faint vibrations from her phone on the nightstand was heard. The differing rhythm telling her it's a text instead of a phone call. Rushing towards it, she hesitated as Grimmjow name displayed on the screen. Stuck. After she read "can I see you??"
Pondering on the question. His company would bring a change of pace this morning, especially to what was already happening. But then it would confuse her further. Why was she acting like a coward? Zephyr was looking for something to persuade her otherwise because maybe, just maybe, something good might come out of this. What would change now?
Ichigo was right. It was natural to be attracted to one another. They both were new to one another. Fresh air. They also didn't know one another or what the other was dragging along. Maybe it was for the best that she stepped back before capitalizing off of that 'simple attraction'. Grimmjow been in her life longer than Ichigo. Ideas could probably come to her when she see Grimmjow face and be reminded why she needed to be by herself.
She tapped the keys. 'Sure. I'm home.'
Right to it.
He was quick with a reply but she already left her phone starting to work on her emails and editing photos. She also checked her website for anyone who wanted to book her for her skills and had a couple of people interested. "Good."
She needed the extra flow of cash if she wanted to stay above her bills. Reputation also played a big part which she welcomed the comments from those under the photos she posted with murals, landscapes, animals, the night life that blossomed in Karakura. Worrying about Ichigo, or seeing Grimmjow was the least of her worries. At least that's what she thought. At most, she had this to ease her mind.
••
After a much needed shower, Zephyr sighed to herself when she fell on her bed in her towel, stretching on her bed then falling limp. Staring at her ceiling as jazzy house music sprung from the obnoxious stereo system that Grimmjow thought she needed, her eyes slowly coming to a close after she seen the clock was 2:58 p.m. Still early in the day and she could get a bit of a nap.
Just when she almost slipped into a sleep, her phone was ringing. Vibrating across her night stand with a different pattern from what she set as a text. Jumping up, she grabbed it before it fell off seeing Grimmjow calling. She picked up, her tone sleepy. "Hey…"
"I'm outside." He spoke, sending a slight shudder down her spine. His baritone deep, raspy, with the smooth undertone to it.
She sat up, pulling the curtain back to see him leaning against his truck, looking up to her window, the phone still to his ear. It must have been cold and breezy from the way his vest and grey long sleeve shirt blew to the wind. Drastic change from this morning. "You look good." She spoke above a whisper.
He moved off his truck. Placing his free hand in his dark Jean pocket. "So do you…you coming down?"
"I figured you would come up and we handle our buisness and get some rest."
His eyes visibly seen, narrowed. "I sent you a text to get dressed."
Rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Must've got it when I was working and slipped my mind. Sorry."
"Well then get dressed. I'll be down here waiting."
She groaned. "Why am I getting dressed?" He was quiet for a minute, making her pull the curtain back again to see him lean back on his truck. "Grimm?"
"I know you don't want to be seen out in public with me after the last altercation. But fuck that. I want to take you out to eat. Then later on, we can stay at my house. Do all the shit you like." looking up to the window still.
Zephyr chuckled. "Wow. That's actually…different of you."
"Call it my new leaf." He smirked.
"Sure your schedule free? I mean you are a busy man with the ladies."
"The ball was always in your court woman. Just say the word and I'm all yours." He smiled moving his free hand to the side.
"Certain things you have to do in order to progress further dummy. Talking to other women isn't one."
"What you think I been trying to do? It's your own fault you never take me serious."
"Because you're a liar. All you want is to fool around. You're never serious with anyone."
"Give me a chance to prove myself. Starting now. Come out with me tonight."
Rolling her eyes as she sucked her teeth. "One night doesn't make up for a year."
"No shit dumbass. I didn't call you to fucking argue. Get dressed!"
Before she had a chance to respond, he hung up. Leaning back against his truck with a tightened jaw. She threw her phone on the bed, slowly unraveling her towel as he still looked up. It dropped to her ankle making his gaze intensify at her naked frame.
She laughed when he looked around and didn't see anyone looking at her. When he turned back for a second view, she was already gone from his sight. 'Fucking tease'
Zephyr didn't think about getting fancy and only wore a olive cropped sweater that tied between her breast and hung off her shoulders. The high-waisted black leggings and gold waist beads wrapped around her hips. She didn't want to wear heels and in fact wanted to be comfortable and decided to wear black thigh riding boots instead. She knew he was probably pissed considering how long she was taking but it wasn't her fault. She left her hair out in it's natural curl pattern, only laying down her edges. She finished her outfit with a gold choker necklace, her septum ring, and gold earring hoops. All she needed was her phone and wristlet since she wasn't packing much. He wanted to go out? Well she was going to be the scene.
She turned everything off in her apartment, looking back thinking she might regret this but also looked forward to what might happened. She checked all of the locks and going out her door with a new outlook.
When she finally made it to his truck, he still leant against the passenger door. Her beauty familiar, but it didn't stop him appreciating the intricacy of her. She embraced him, but before she could wrap her arms around him, Grimmjow shocking her, grabbed her chin, giving her a passionate, long kiss. "Um…what was that for?" she asked pulling back when he was done.
He spoke adjacent to her lips. His eyes still closed. "missed your lips." Grimmjow kissed her again but her mind held on to those three words.
'missed my lips?'
The kiss didn't surprise her, but the amount of desire he put in it. How slow and sensual his lips moved with hers, the soft biting he did on the bottom of her lip. He felt her hand moving to rest on the nape of his neck, he knew she was melting right into him. She too felt one of his hands slide down from her back, gripping her ass. She broke their kiss moving his hand back up her back.
"That's inappropriate." She spoke in a sharp whisper.
He snickered. "Damn. What is it about you…"
She groaned. "Let's just go."
"Lets..." He said with a toothy grin, opening the passenger door. She climbed in but of course Grimmjow took this as a opportunity to smack her bottom watching it jiggle.
Before she could respond he already shut the door, slightly laughing herself when she notice his grin as he walked to the driver side. She couldn't remember the last time she been in here. Though he looked like the messy sort, it was clean with the small wrappers of food and the occasional three empty water bottles tossed in the back seat.
She was just lucky that she didn't find any underwear or a empty wrapper of a condom. That would have thrown her off. Grimmjow slid in, his cologne traveling with the cool breeze, pushing the button so the engine roared to life. "Hope you're hungry."
"I am. I'm actually tired too."
"Then let's go to my place. Order some take out, watch a movie. Get some rest there"
"What are you trying to do? You only do stuff like this when you're planning something."
"Don't make me repeat myself."
Zephyr twisted in her seat, moving her elbows on armrest between them to look directly at him. "What is it?"
Grimmjow returned her stare. "Look. I get it. Your suspicion is high and with good reason I guess. But as I keep fucking saying…This is me proving myself to you after everything that went on between me and you. That's all!"
Zephyr proceeded to stare at him. "I don't believe you."
Sighing. Grimmjow mimicked her posture, staring directly in her eyes. "The fuck else you want me to do? It's just going in circles at this point."
Zephyr eye lingered a moment longer before speaking and moving back into her seat. "I just have to pay closer attention. That's all."
"Whatever." He murmured. Sitting back in his seat, throwing the truck in drive.
••
Everything seemed to be going perfectly. She laid on his lap as he massaged her scalp, playing with her curls. Stretching it just so it could bounce back. Both of their stomach full from the soup dumplings he ordered and spicy miso ramen with more nori and menma one could eat.
This was the intimacy she craved from him. So it was strange that he, Grimmjow, would actually show some attentiveness towards her.
Of course if it wasn't one thing, it was another. The evening would be perfect but his phone rung constantly. He didn't answer. Couldn't. Should she say something, the mood would only become sour. This, on the contrary, wasn't like her. She always spoke her mind. He knew that all too well and it was only a matter of time before she did.
On cue, his phone vibrated. He softly pulled her hair back to see her eyes closed. She let out a soft sigh, signaling she was in a deep sleep. Grimmjow looked to the phone screen seeing Yammy name again. "Yo?" he spoke low.
"Made a decision yet?"
His eyes remained on Zephyr sleeping soundly on him, still massaging her scalp. "Rain check."
"Bullshit."
"I'm serious. Not tonight."
"Oh so shes back at your house huh?"
Click.
Grimmjow hung up, shutting his phone off in the process. "The bastard never mind his buisness."
"You should go…" she spoke sleepily against his leg.
"I'm good." He said, placing his phone down, proceeding to massage her scalp.
She turned to look up to him. "Go. I'm pretty sure there's a reason he want you coming out with him."
"There a reason why you're rushing me out of my own place?"
Lazily she giggled. "No, I just feel bad that you're stuck watching this movie that you loathe just because I wanted to watch it. Now I'm sleeping."
"Come out with me then."
Zephyr looked from him, to the ceiling. Slowly she sat up, her back to him, keeping him from seeing the hesitation in her expression. Grimmjow was right. She didn't want to be seen in public with him. Not since this new found kind of freedom she felt when he wasn't the center of her attention.
He was looking to the television. it was mainly watching him more than him watching it. Grimmjow concerns coming at him in full force. "You never said anything about last weekend." He spoke, looking to the back of her. "how did it go?"
"It went well. Why you ask?"
"You love talking about your work. Didn't mention anything about it all day today"
Zephyr looked at him with a smile. "Maybe I didn't think it was important to you. We have went a couple of days without talking to each other before."
Grimmjow eyes half lidded, bore into her, not buying the obvious lie she was selling. "That never stopped you from telling me before" Massaging his chin.
"Oh? Are you implying something?"
No. He wasn't implying anything. Matter of fact, Grimmjow wanted to change the subject quick. All because it made him look insecure, especially in her eyes. He couldn't have that. Grimmjow looked into her scrutinizing eyes. They narrowed on him as if she was trying to find something. "You're always assuming."
Zephyr smirked. Laying back down on his lap. "You're always hiding something."
'You have the fucking audacity.' His mind traversed every possible scenario that she could have had last weekend. From the point that she stopped texting him saying Ichigo was there, to her reply just a few hours ago. 'The fuck were you doing?'
Her voice pulled him from his own thoughts. "Do you really want to go out to a party? On a nice Thursday evening like now?"
"Its up in the air." He deadpanned.
Zephyr, sensing his mood changing, looked up at him with his eyes focused on the 80-inch before them. "You really want me to go?"
"I asked."
"I wish you would've told me this before we left. I don't have anything to wear."
He still focused on the T.V. "You have some clothes here."
"But anything for a lounge?"
"The hell should I know what you think is lounge-worthy? Go look…"
Lightly she mushed his head as she got up and walked by. "Asshole." She called back in the dark hallway. His bedroom door ajar, the light dimmed in his room when she opened it. Zephyr having been here in a while, still amazed at how clean he kept it. His room smelled like fabric softener and laundry detergent, the good expensive kind, along with his scent. This was definitely him. What she was used to. Familiar with. All of him.
Zephyr couldn't picture anyone else. So why was it now, that everytime she kissed him, or everytime he touched her, she wished it were different hands or lips. One in particular. Zephyr shook her head, making her way to the walk in closet. No door, only a section where around the corner was there a separate room. She knew where to look since he gave her, her own section. Small, but hers.
One outfit stood out. She remembered this dress because it wasn't long that she was out of it. She smelled it. Fresh and washed for sometime. He even folded her underwear to match it. And the white buckle high heels to match it. Chuckling, Zephyr took the white dress off the hanger, holding it up to her face. "I was looking for you." Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad. A new optimism that simply came from this dress.
As expected, the shower was nice, spacious and needed. So long she stood here. She tried not to think any negativity, or what other women been here. Just for this moment, she wanted to relax.
Now if only she had some kind of hair products, she would have worn her hair in a bun. Instead she kept her hair out, only using some of Grimmjow gel.
"My favorite dress." He smirked. Coming from the shower, a towel draped around his waist. He watched her fix the cocktail dress below the crease of her but. A reason why she decided to shower and dress before him.
Zephyr looked over her shoulder at him. "Playing dress up now? Suck I don't have any makeup for you."
"Funny and no. It reminds me of the…fourth time I seen you and you were doing a bullshit job of pretending that you didn't know me just for me to pull that same dress off of you that same night."
"Really? I just thought you liked the way I looked in it."
His towel dropped to the floor. "I do."
Her eyes traveled his toned and ripped body, down to where he was standing at attention, but Zephyr wasn't in the mood for it. Not after having already showered and dressed. She chuckled turning back to the sliding doors to the balcony. "Looks good, but I'm dressed and ready to go."
"Suit yourself." He spoke, looking to his outfit on his bed.
She walked to the full figured mirror in the corner of his room. Fixing the long sleeve of her dress so that once again the soft fabric hung off her shoulders. "For just a heads up. What should I expect tonight?"
"Same you would expect at any party." Pulling up his briefs then black pants.
"That's not what I meant." Zephyr turned to face him, seeing him struggling with the gold rope chain until she helped him. Afterwards, he threw a black long sleeve shirt over his head, fixing it over his abs. He faced her, tipping her chin when he looked down to her face. "Just expect a good time."
"Right...hopefully I will."
••
Before her anxiety set in, Zephyr did one more look at the front entrance to the casino before looking back to Grimmjow. He drove his truck in front of the valet, where he threatened the poor man if anything came back missing or damaged.
Zephyr shaking her head cut her eyes at him when he opened her door, taking her hand in his. "What?"
"Nothing." she chuckled, hearing the roar of his truck fading when they entered the circling gold doors.
There were people. Lots. Almost too much for her to expect but just enough to almost send her into a panic attack. It must have been a event going on. Unknowingly she squeezed Grimmjow hand. She didn't know where this abrupt feeling came from, but something was telling her to turn back. Always happening with casinos.
"You good?" he spoke looking to her hand and watching her hold her stomach.
"Y-yeah." She stammered. "I don't know what just happened but I'm having second thoughts. Maybe we should leave."
"We just got here and you want to leave now?"
"I don't like casinos. I never did."
"We're not here for the casino. We are going to the penthouse."
"I really think we should go."
Grimmjow studied her expression. She didn't look scared but concerned. Her own self troubled at trying to find the reason why.
It was something else she wasn't telling him. That didn't bother him however. What caused her to have this kind of nervousness is what truly burdened him. He looked around, before standing before her. It was ridiculous to him because he was never the one to give advice. He usually handled things accordingly. But she needed him right now, and he was trying to prove to her what he was capable of. Grimmjow grabbed her face, gently motioning her to look up at him as her eyes looked everywhere. "Nobody is going to fuck with you while I'm here. Got me?" He'll have to wait for her to confess this kind of fear to him. A year they been around each other and this was new to him?
Sighing out a breathe of relief. "Got you." She smiled.
Grimmjow held her hand again, walking to the elevator around the center where a fountain with many other patrons and tourist stopped to take photos.
It was huge. Gold everywhere. Conversations the same. Bells ringing. Every once in a while there was someone who yelled from either winning a poker game or scored big in one of the slot machines. "Wait here." He spoke. Walking to the desk to one of the clerk station. She stood next to the security booth. This company must have been big because Grimmjow also knew the guards next to the elevator.
She watched him speak to one. A man, taller and bigger in stature. Almost familiar. She then remembered his name started with a "K". The guys at the alleycats bar. 'How many jobs do he have?'
The man handed Grimmjow two jade bracelets, and a key card.
Grimmjow swaggered back to her. Pulling out the same key card from his pocket, unlocking the elevator meant for the pent house only. "Wear this." Fixing the bracelet around her wrist.
"You're well known."
"Its who you know." He walked in after motioning her in, pressing the third button with the initials 'P1'. The casino was huge, so the ride to the top was going to be a while. "Need it for where we are going."
"I guess it come with the territory."
Crossing his arms. "Meaning?"
"The more people you know, the more you're sought after I believe. It's the illusion right?"
"What? You're saying my charisma have nothing to do with it?"
Zephyr shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe, maybe not."
"Explain me and you then."
She leant against the elevator, mimicking his posture. "You never got me smartass."
"My dick begs to differ."
"And that's your issue."
"Cant say you're not in love with me. You confessed all that last week."
"Ugh." She groaned. "you're so dense. Someone could love a person and not actually be in love with them."
"I call bullshit. You know, as well as I do..." He walked to her, getting closer to her face. "that you love the fuck out of me."
"I was very, very, close to falling in love with you. But every time I thought I was, someone else, or rather the women you associate yourself with, get in the way of that."
"Fault is on you." He walked closer so his body pressed against hers. "you've always been hard of hearing. From the moment I stepped to you, I knew what kind of woman you are. I was just waiting on you to take me seriously."
"No…" shaking her head. "No.No.No.No."
"No?" his eyebrow raised.
She lightly pushed against his chest, as she moved from him and his eyes followed. "I'm not falling for that."
"Falling for what?"
"That! All of THAT!"
He chuckled, leaning back against the elevator. "Stop being a fucking weirdo. I'm serious." The curve of his lips gradually lifting. Her distrust weighted on him. Causing him to obviously feel annoyed.
Zephyr looked to the floor, oblivious to his agitation, but nonetheless trying her best to take his words to heart. How could she? After the constant arguments due to other women, or the fact that he just wanted sex most of the time. Never once paying attention to her. Not once did he ever think how that would make her feel. "You didn't put a good fight. If you really wanted to be with me, and only me, why didn't you just say so? Why couldn't you just say it?"
"I been saying it, you just either laugh it off or get mad."
"You're telling me from the start?"
"As things went on, you changed my mind…."
"Cut the shit." She scoffed.
"I'm not a idiot. I know what's been happening between me and you up to this point. I cant blame you if you have your regards. After tonight if you want to continue what this is, then I'm fine with that. But know it's on you."
Zephyr still unbelieving, staring into his eyes. He stared back the same, telling a story for how certain he was. If she was so serious about being with him, then why did she hesitate?
The elevator rung, arriving to their destination. Grimmjow leant off the wall when the doors slowly opened to a sea of mingling bodies. Most with tulip or shot glasses in their hands. Others with cigars, or someone waistline. The music loud. Blue You by Disclosure playing through out the penthouse.
Looking to the many of faces, seeing if she could recognize anyone but she couldn't. A great sign. "This is a different kind of scene."
"Come on." His hand extended for her which she gladly took.
Though their previous conversation, Zephyr didn't know what to make of it. Or how to feel. This revelation wasn't something that one could just wave off. Not to her. This threw her off because she thought she knew how to handle things when it came to Grimmjow. This however was strange. Not once did she ever take from him that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. And now, she was just confused.
"Sup." Grimmjow spoke to a tall lean man. A eye patch with the design of sharp teeth and a gaping hole. Intimidating. Grimmjow was tall but this man was towering over him and dwarfed her. He wore that same security shirt, except with gold bold lettering. "didn't know you would be on the clock Nnoitra."
'Another co-worker'
He looked bored. Only keeping his eye on a particular woman, mingling next to one of the empty pillar cages used for the dancers around. Her hair a funny green. A two piece dress combination matching her tresses and heels. "Bills gotta get paid one way." Nnoitra spoke, his eye unwavering. Watching that woman heavy.
"You? Being responsible?"
Nnoitra scoffed, looking down his shoulder. "Kiss my ass bitch." His eye then looked behind Grimmjow at Zephyr. A creepy grin spreading across his face. "you must be the infamous Zephyr."
Zephyr couldn't show him how disgruntled the comment made her. From the moment she seen him and the mannerism when he spoke to Grimmjow, she knew his type. But she had to say something. She couldn't let him win. "Infamous?"
"Did I offend you?"
"Only thing I'm offended by is the confusion I get from looking at you."
"Confusion? The fuck you got to be confused about this handsome face?"
Zephyr tilted her head. "On whether you're blinking or winking at me." The joke hit hard. What made it worst was Grimmjow's hearty laughter.
Nnoitra snickered, leaning down. "Snappy little one huh? For someone with the case of old lady hair syndrome, you sure do have a quick tongue."
Zephyr fixed her mouth to speak but Grimmjow interjected, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Taking her away before it escalated further than joking. He knew how she could get but he also knew Nnoitra better and with a irritated scoff to his side, he wasn't going to allow Nnoitra to get close to her or rile her up any further. Once the tall bastard see he hit a nerve, which he did, he didn't know when to stop. A fucking juggernaut.
Zephyr looked behind her. Seeing him stick his tongue out—the tattoo of the number five and a piercing burned in her skull—and a long middle finger. She gave him one back before she looked up to Grimmjow. "The hell is his problem?"
"Pay him no mind."
"He's supposedly your friend?"
Sighing, as they walked through the crowd to the the section where people were sitting, exchanging words the most. "More like my brother."
"Mm." She hummed.
"Mm? That's it? No smartass remark?"
"Nope. Just curious about the family reunions though."
"Shut the hell up."
The eventful walk wasn't what Zephyr expected at all. Aside from the many lustful eyes that looked to Grimmjow, Zephyr was the subject of conversation. With confidence he would say that she belonged to him for tonight. It wasn't pleasant to here it that way, but it did keep some of the unwarranted attention away.
Zephyr looked to the giant french glass doors open to the balcony extending out to the amazing view of the city. Majority of the people who enjoyed a good smoke were outside lounging. The smell mixed with hookahs, cigars, or blunts going in rotation lingered, making her nose wrinkle in disgust.
"Brother!"
Both turned their attention to the rumbling deep voice. A bald, burly man, walking their way. Fixing the rouge coat along his large chest. Zephyr quickly recognized the giant, the black beard, the long ponytail, and a faint throb in her ankle.
"I'm here." Grimmjow spoke, grabbing his brother hand for a one arm hug.
"I knew you were going to show. These bitches been whining for you all night. You remember the freaky bitch from the hotel? She's here with her friends, begging to see you again."
'Fucking idiot!'
"Oh…" Hearing how low her voice was proved to be the loudest noise here. It was already too late for Grimmjow to stop Yammy from talking, and the giant fucker just kept babbling, not once looking to Grimmjow half lidded eyes. A signal for him to shut the fuck up.
"They're right over there. Waiting on you to say hi. So whatayah say brother? Seem like they're down for a threesome with ya."
Grimmjow didn't know a time in his life of the worst moment than right now. He looked behind him, seeing Zephyr lips curl as she backed away from his hand that continued to grab at hers and stormed back into the penthouse.
"Dammit, learn to shut your damn mouth!" He exclaimed.
"Shit brother, that was her?" Yammy spoke, lighting a blunt. Finally looking to what caused Grimmjow to be so silent. Shock fleeting him. "I thought you wasn't bringing her, what happened?"
What he worked up all night, gaining a smidge of her trust all for it to be shattered by the rambling of his sworn brother. She disappeared in to the crowd. Not to be seen by him the rest of the night.
Running after her would only cause a scene. Making it a deciding factor for him to back off. Let her blow off some steam. Even let her flirt around for a bit. As long as she knew she was coming home with him, he was just fine with that. Still Grimmjow froze in his steps, speaking more to himself than Yammy. "I'm losing her."