A/N: Long time no see guys. A lot's been happening and thank you guys for your support and love. Imma finish up this story soon and thanks again for staying with me this long and being patient!

A FEW MONTHS LATER.

"Dodge right, RIGHT!" Ichigo was witnessing a hilarious sparring session between the baldy and Tatsuki. It was downright embarrassing to see a grown man getting his ass whooped by a smaller woman. But honestly, Ichigo could sympathize with the guy, Tatsuki was way stronger than she looks and she definitely knew how to punch. Just by watching how she carried herself, anyone could just tell that Tatsuki could definitely hold her own.

He was shocked out of his inner thinking when he heard someone land on the ground hard. Next thing he knew, he saw a crowd of people in the ring, surrounding Madarame. He was knocked out cold. Tatsuki, on the other hand, was taking off her boxing gloves and walking off towards where he was standing.

"That guy was weak." Tatsuki said to him as she neared.

"Or maybe you're just crazy strong." Ichigo mentioned, hinting to her that she was able to overpower most people, most men in fact. She just shrugged and both of them made their way towards the gym's juice bar.

Later on...

Ichigo made his way to Nel's cafe as usual whenever he finishes his weekly routine at the gym. It was pretty recent since he started visiting her cafe without her brother in tow. They always had good food there and she was also a pretty good barista. He only knew a few restaurants in the city district and would rather visit someplace where he actually has seen the owner.

Oderushvank Cafe

The bell at the door rang as he entered the shop. Nel greeted him from behind the counter, and he leaned over for a simple hug. It would usually be a huge bear hug but there were customers around so they had to tone it down. Opting to eat lunch there rather than at home, he placed his order of whatever is good and stood by to collect his coffee as she brewed it. She made really good coffee. Real coffee, not those commercialized overpriced syrupy stuff from Starbucks.

He leaned on the coffee waiting area, which was a shoulder height table with condiments, and he checked his phone for messages. That's when he felt something loom behind him. He stoned immediately but relaxed when he felt two muscular yet damp arms circle his stomach. The man behind him squeezed him lightly. Ichigo blushed at the PDA but there was only three customers around with their faces deep into whatever they were busy with.

Ew, why is he so moist? The man behind him was so warm and sticky from what Ichigo could feel on his clothed back. Ichigo turned and was faced with his favourite sight of the moment. Currently, it was Grimmjow's bare chest, and for a bonus it was a little damp and red.

"Please tell me that's sweat."

"Oh no, I just took a fucking shower before coming here." The man sarcastically replied, rolling his eyes at Ichigo's comment.

Ichigo had already changed into a casual shirt and jeans from the gym. Realising that it was indeed sweat, he was a little disgusted albeit charmed by the undeniably sweet back blue-haired man had his torso bared, with some sports shorts and shoes. He wore the UnderAmour full length tights underneath his shorts (because he said it helped to stop the dangle as he worked out). He lowkey looked like a ballerina but he was cool with it.

"Why are you always naked? I never see you with a shirt." Ichigo genuinely asked even though he had no problem with it.

"It's his thing Ichigo. Hey Grimmy," Neliel replied after having just finished brewing his coffee by then and handed it over to him on the table.

Grimmjow took the coffee cup from the table and immediately took a sip. The man frowned. Ichigo knew it was too bitter, he personally liked it pure and strong, no sugar, and just unadulterated coffee juice. Partially, because he didn't want to share it. The man shoved the coffee cup back into the owner's hands.

"Why? You got a problem with me being naked?" the man replied to the question with full confidence that originated from sources unknown. Obviously, Grimmjow knew everyone liked to see him naked. And to be fair, Ichigo didn't really want to share his boyfriend with anyone.

Wait, boyfriend? Beau? Lover? Friends with benefits? He didn't know what they were called but let's just say, he didn't want to share this fine piece of meat.

They had last met a few days ago when Ichigo came over with food and they hung out as usual. They usually won't meet after a week or so but on days like this, which were rare, they'd coincidentally meet. This time Ichigo was back from the gym and Grimmjow was back from a run. And the two of them at Nel's for food.

Both of them hadn't taken any major step with the relationship. They had their make-out sessions and sleepovers but there wasn't any actual sex. They would usually stop, and calm themselves down. It was frustrating for the both of them but they felt that it wasn't the right time or they had other reasons not to.

It was either Grimmjow was always injured with something. Or Ichigo had a major project coming up. Mostly it was due to the first reason but Ichigo never once blamed him.

Ichigo noticed that Grimmjow would come back from his work with bruises and cuts. They weren't as bad as the scars on his stomach and left arm the other day. It was still worrying no matter what the circumstances were. Ichigo never knew what Grimmjow's career was and it remained a touchy subject in the relationship. Ichigo could infer it involved some kind of physical fighting especially when Grimmjow said he works at a martial arts gym. The bruises and the excessive amount of time he spends on working out and training was a definite sign that Grimmjow was some sort of fighter. As a fighter himself in the past, he could understand Grimmjow's situation. Whenever the man cancelled a date, Ichigo would still come by, already expecting to tend to Grimmjow's broken lip or bruised arms etcetera. They had a working relationship without the sex and it was all good according to Ichigo.

Currently, they were having lunch at their table. The man already donned some ratty old white shirt he keeps in his sister's cafe. Ichigo noticed that there were new bruises since the last time he saw him. There was a jarring one on his face. The man was acting oblivious like there was no large bruise on his cheekbone. How did he not notice that?

Just then, his phone on the table vibrated. A notification popping up,

Shindigs: emergency. Come now.

Oh fuck! Ichigo just stood up, his food the last thing on his mind. Grimmjow was downright shocked, staring incredulously at Ichigo. Ichigo knew this was really serious. Shinji would usually call if he had an 'emergency'. Ichigo knew the man was in deep trouble if he hadn't had the ability to call and had to communicate through texts. Shit. He's in deep deep shit.

"I gotta go. Shinji's in trouble." Ichigo at least tried to offer an explanation as he quickly packed his bag and rushed towards the door. He was panicked and hurried, not exactly a good combination. Exiting the cafe, he heard someone following behind him.

"Wait up, I'm coming along," Grimmjow had tailed behind him. Ichigo just nodded, it would be pointless to explain why he shouldn't come. Anyway, it might be to have b backup, anything could happen. They jogged on to the main road and managed to hail a cab the moment they reached.

The ride to Shinji's was around 15 minutes. At the meantime, he calmed himself down, mentally hashing out horrendous possibilities. What if he got mugged? What if he dropped a knife and it landed in his leg? That sort of shit always happens to Shinji, he drops an actual knife on the ground and it lands in the middle of his toes. How is he that careless?

The phone in his hand vibrated. typing...

Okay, he texted me. So that means he's conscious and his fingers are available to type. He should be fine, right?

The thoughts buzzing in his head occupied the first ten mins until he realised they were stuck in a jam. And then it started to rain, which officially booted his plan on sprinting to shinjis. he finally remembered that Grimmjow was sitting beside him, being quiet.

Ichigo finally turned to face the man beside him. Grimmjow was actually eating his burger in the taxi; the burger that he demanded his sister to cook specially for him, with beef AND chicken breast. There was a food wrapper on it, which explained why he didn't hear Grimmjow following the exact moment he ran off. The man was a few bites away from finishing his giant super stacked burger, he continued eating while looking at Ichigo as if he was doing nothing wrong.

"You're actually eating? How did you-," The message tone broke its silence, "Nevermind." Ichigo did not continue his comment.

Shindigs: Where are you?

kurosaki_Ichigo: I'm in the cab omw. Stuck in a jam. You need me to run there?

shindigs: no but I need u asap.

Ichigo mentally sighed. Seeing that the situation wasn't too serious on Shinji's part, he was partially relieved.

"Is he okay?" Ichigo heard Grimmjow ask while his attention was focused outside the window.

"Yeah, we're reaching soon."

"SHINJI, ARE YOU OKAY?!" Ichigo hollered the moment the door opened. His best friend just installed the new fingerprint security system, giving Ichigo full access as well.

Both of them barged in, their eyes frantically searching for the blonde. There was no response, Ichigo immediately froze. He heard somebody shuffling around. Grimmjow had sensed that something was amiss. Grimmjow put a finger on his lips, in a shushing motion. Both of them treaded silently as if it was a recon mission. He gestured towards Ichigo to check the left part of the house while he worked the rest. Knowing the protocol, he nodded. Both of them walked silently, trying to spot his friend in need. Ichigo had moved into the kitchen, finding any signs of struggle or blood. He grabbed the kitchen knives to see any suspicious prints or blood on it. And just as he reached out for the wooden holder,

"Yo bitch. I was taking a dump in the toilet," Shinji walked out from the master bedroom in a suit. It was a khaki colored suit, tailored perfectly for his body shape.

"What the… So what's the emergency here?" He was completely bewildered by the fact that Shinji looked totally normal and also had a suit on.

"Oh yeah, my fashion show is today and I need all my associates there." The blonde shrugged as he went to the refrigerator to get an apple.

Ichigo's jaw dropped, "I thought something bad happened to you! I came here all the fucking way!"

"Oh please, it wasn't as if you were doing anything important." Ichigo was infuriated by then, his head was boiling. Steam was practically shooting out of his ears. The nerve of this bitch.

"Still?! You could have told me?"

"Meh. Too bothersome," Ichigo couldn't help it this time. Conveniently, shindig had turned his back towards him, digging into his pocket for something, with the apple in his mouth. Ichigo grabbed the closest thing that he could grab, which was an empty mug right next to him. He cocked the damn back, so ready to throw the piece of ceramic onto his best friends head, praying that it would physically knock some sense into him. He tried to make the throw when a hand restrained his. It was Grimmjow with a completely bewildered expression, like how could he even think to throw a mug onto someone's head. Ichigo whispered his justification that if he had known Shinji as long as he did, Grimmjow would've done the same.

"Oh, so this is the beastly hunk you talked about it. Damn... you weren't joking when you called him a Greek God." Shinji commented as he leaned on the counter with the half eaten apple in his hand.

Both of them just stared at Shinji.

"I mean he has this tough, don't-give-a-fuck image. Which is really hot. He's way better looking then what you told me. You didn't tell me he was this ripped." Shinji just went on and on. Grimmjow just gawked at him, how could anyone blatantly say that in front of the actual person they're talking about?

Ichigo stood there, mentally banging his head on an imaginary wall. It was a miracle he'd actually be friends with this alien, let alone the best-est of friends with a weirdo like him.

"OH I KNOW! He'll be your plus one. It's gonna be great! Then I don't have to hire some stranger to be your date!" Shinji exclaimed to no one in particular.

"Wait, what the fuck's happening?" Grimmjow finally talked, voicing out his confusion. Ichigo had done the same but he'd prefer if Grimmjow did it. He was trying to control himself from cussing Shinji out until the next year. Pulling that shit really got to him.

"First things first, Ichi here has been helping me out with my latest designs for my first fashion runway, which is today. He needs to be there because he's like my co-designer and it needs to be publicized that I have good looking friends too. And with you as his date, I'm gonna be the top shit on Instagram!"

Grimmjow just faced Ichigo, his expression clearly depicting a 'seriously?' Ichigo, knowing Shinji this long, already understood there was no way out except to listen to his orders.

"Wait, we can't just attend the event dressed like this." Ichigo figured that if he was going to go, he'd want to at least be decent and not be in gym wear.

"I'll get Ishida."

It was Ichigo's first time at a fashion runway and his heart was pounding. From the limo he could already see the press and some local celebrities sauntering in. He knew that Shinji was good but he didn't know the extent of it. From what he's seen, it looked as if Shinji had definitely made some connections.

They came from Ishida's shop, the man working some sort of fairy godmother magic on them. He got him and Grimmjow to don on perfectly tailored suits, the colors matching with each other according to Shinji's demands, all in two short hours. He had to give the man credit for being able to pull that off even though he only altered suits he had made from his own collection.

Ichigo wore a dark navy suit, with a skinny black tie and a white blouse underneath while Grimmjow wore a full black one. Both of the pieces were form fitting, accentuating their broad shoulders and fit bodies to a T. It seemed like Ichigo had a smaller built compared to Grimmjow, but he was like the average size of a man. Looking at Grimmjow alone, everyone would think that he was the model not Ichigo.

Kotetsu had worked on their hair and a little on their face. Grimmjow had his hair pulled back and Ichigo wanted to just drag the man into his own bed. He was completely dashing, his jawline and his nose, his lips everything was just sinful. Kotetsu had assured him that he looked as good but he didn't believe it.

They were in a white Bentley, preparing to make a red carpet entrance. Shinji told them to just keep walking until halfway through. Stop and pose for a few seconds and make their way into the hall. Ignore all questions let the managers do the talking.

Being on the actual red carpet wasn't as bad. They received quite a large amount of attention but they ignored it. Both of them were good at ignoring things. Standing next to each other they looked like a pair of bachelors from some foreign country, just passing by for the event. They never said a single word to each other as they walked down the carpet. Grimmjow hadn't once complained the whole time either, in fact he was silent throughout most of it. Ichigo felt bad that he had troubled his friend(?), whatever he is. Grimmjow sensed the doubt and he had just reassured him by telling him that he had nothing on that day anyway. He might've said that while they were changing. And they might've made out and felt each other up a little afterwards.

Whatever it was, they were fine as long as they were together.

Out of the havoc outside, they finally entered the building. It was a warehouse but it was those modern minimalist ones where it was kind of empty with enough space to walk around. It suited Shinji and his style, just like his house. In order to view the runway, they had to enter a larger section of the warehouse. Shinji had once told him during one of the days that he wanted his runway to have a desert theme. Ichigo just said it sounded cool because it really did.

He didn't expect to enter an actual barren desert. The floor was covered in sand, the clear greyish-tone sand that was clearly synthetic yet so fine like powder, and the seats were arranged around the runway which was like a cross. The runway for the models were elevated but still lightly covered in sand. The decor in the room was minimal, the chairs for the guests were white benches and there was almost no lighting. It was amazing but the whole thing would definitely tick some people off. You could barely see the designs from the lack of light and sand was everywhere. Shinji would do that, annoy people then impress them so much they'll shove it up their ass. He often gave that impression and that really made him a special cookie.

The collection that walked the runway was as impressive as its setting, even better actually. The models wore beige, blacks and whites, wearing as plain as possible, allowing people to focus on the jewelry they wore and not on its canvas. There were all kinds of accessories that Shinji made: ranging from simple necklaces and bracelets to headpieces, corsets and even body jewelry spanning the entire limb. It was the perfect showcase of creativity, breaking boundaries of what jewelry was meant to be.

He accessorized the whole body, leaving nothing to expense. The last few models were the best, the previous came out according to colors and type, diamonds then sapphires then emeralds then pearls and it continued. As the runway was nearing its finale, the gold collection came out and everyone was floored. He could hear the gasps from the guests.

It was as if the pharaohs were back from the dead, deciding to bless the audience with their wealth and presence. The women were like queens, and the men like gods. Ichigo could hear the audience whisper in wonder and awe, he even noticed Grimmjow's stoic surprised look. Ichigo felt unnecessarily proud, his own best friend had done all of this in the span of a few months and still had the time to spray tan weekly. He was amazing.

The final model came out with a dress emblazoned with all kinds of diamonds, feathers, making her look like an angel. The whole room was dark and the spotlight was only on her. As she walked on the runway, Shinji followed behind, with an Egyptian mask on, hiding his face but not his blonde hair. He strutted on the path as if he was one of the models, the whole audience stood up and cheered. Some even threw white roses at him. It was a great moment for Shinji and for the audience as well. Ichigo appreciated that he was able to be there and gave support to his best friend, the first person from his past who readily took him in. Shinji made it seem he still had a chance in this world, especially in facing his past. Ichigo had needed that support and now he was going to give it back.

The after party was only for some guests, and only those who were invited were moved to an adjoining room which was just a huge party area with mini-bars all around. The theme still remained, the floor still sandy and the place was not as barren. It was livelier and there were bars and exhibits all over. The models from the walk were standing on pedestals like modern living art-pieces. It gave the chance for the audience to see the pieces up close and even consider making a purchase. Other than that, the guests were mingling with each other, a little intoxicated from the drinks the passing waiters gave.

"So what'd you think of the runway?" Ichigo had taken a spot at a bar where it was quieter, waiting for Shinji to make an entrance. Grimmjow was leaning on the bar in front of him. Ichigo knew that this was far from Grimmjow's scene. The man was practically out of it most of the time.

"It was nice, I guess. It's a big thing even though it's just jewelry." Grimmjow shrugged while sipping his drink.

"It's art Grimmjow. Bet you wouldn't-" he saw the man look at something behind him, it was a heavy glare and a scowl grew on his lips.

"Excuse me," he felt someone tap his shoulder, "you look familiar. Weren't you in a magazine for i.d?" the man talking to him was considerably taller than him. There was a middle-eastern vibe to him, his face was tan and chiseled, with a neat shaven beard. The man was talking to him in a lazy yet interested manner. Ichigo had no choice but to converse with him because it was about his job and he was a representative.

"Yes, the designer is actually here. Ishida Ury-"

"That's nice. Would you like to have a drink with me?" the man offered. Ichigo saw the glint in his the man's eyes and he knew it all too well when someone wanted something more from him than just a friendly chat. Ichigo had already set his mind to tell him to fuck off but then he was pulled behind onto someone's chest. It was a familiar chest he realized and he looked up to see Grimmjow's face snarling.

"It's either you are blind or stupid or both to not see that he's with someone." Grimmjow snarled at the other man. They were of the same height, Grimmjow being a bit more bulky. They stared down at each other and the other man eventually backed away.

The moment he left, the bartender bad just prepared the foreign man's order. The man had already ordered without Ichigo's consent. It was two tequila shots. Ichigo just went for it, why not? The man's gone anyway. It's a waste not to.

Grimmjow grabbed it from behind him and downed it like it was water.

"Hey, I was going to drink that." Ichigo whined, it was just for the fun of it but Grimmjow took no shit.

"Too bad." Grimmjow shrugged, as if he didn't just do that. The man still had his left arm around Ichigo, comfortably on the small of his back.

That pretty much continued for the next hour. Ichigo kept getting recognized for his face on the spread of a magazine for Ishida's design. Most of them were flirtatious in manner but Grimmjow scared them off, like a loyal watchdog. Ichigo thought it was cute but the man kind of scared him a little, he really did look like he was going to tear some of their heads off. Surprisingly Grimmjow would get his own fair share of recognition. Mostly just because of his damned good looks and physique. Even without the blindingly blue hair, Grimmjow commanded attention just by being there. Grimmjow would reject every single offer with a 'I'm not interested. No. Get the fuck away from my face'. Man or woman they would get the same answer, if they pushed, he would snarl and they would definitely buzz off.

Finally the man of the day came into the area, everyone applauding when he made his appearance. Almost immediately the man walked towards Ichigo and Grimmjow, spotting them easily with their neon colored hair.

"Hey Ichi, thanks for coming and for the help." Shinji hugged Ichigo, they were smiling like idiots as they stared at each other. There was a hint of pride in their eyes, both of them had made it far from where they came from. Getting there together had made the experience even sweeter.

"Here's a little something I made for you." Shinji handed to him a bracelet, a band of gold that clasped around the wrist. it was like an inch wide, it was simple with detailed engravings on it. Ichigo hadn't seen it on the models as be recalled.

"It's not from the collection. I made it for us. I have one too, see." then he showed his own wrist which had the same band but it was thinner.

"Huh, you got a friendship bracelet. That's cute." They heard someone commented from behind Ichigo, and that someone was Grimmjow. He was standing there like a bodyguard, so people wouldn't crowd too close around them.

"Shut up." Shinji and Ichigo said at the same time.