A/N Ah, it's Summer. Finally. Just some short updates, I read the last, eh, six chapters and managed to find some spelling and grammar errors. I'm going to go fix those after posting this. Sadly, I have no internet for a few days so I reasoned that I may as well do something productive and write the next chapter. There will be more updates at the bottom, but for now carry onward!
Also, I feel like Grimmjow hasn't been getting as much time and love as everyone else, so this chapter will be mostly from his POV (if not all).
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor any of the music used at any time.
Warnings: I don't believe anything that warrants mentioning, besides language, but with Grimmjow and Shiro I feel like that's a given.
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Important Dates
Week 4 / Friday & Saturday – Two weeks until song is due
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Grimmjow's POV
"You're positive? There's absolutely nothing on record for Ichigo Kurosaki?" I growl, barely resisting the urge to throw my glass at the wall.
"Yes, sir. He doesn't show up on any records, his record is squeaky clean as well. There is nothing anywhere, it's almost like he's a ghost," Shawlong trails off.
"Alright, thanks. Just, keep digging ok? Try to find anything on him, nobody has a record that clean, especially not with a temper like the one he has," I wait for a response before pressing the 'End Call' button on my screen, tossing the thing down on the couch cushion next to me with a curse.
It's been a week since the surprise recital at school, and ever since then I swore to myself that I would find out exactly what the berry was hiding from me. With nothing better to do, I turn on the TV just in time to see Tensa's ugly mug appear on my screen. My frown deepens as I watch him hide his face from the flashing camera lights, the action not matching his previous patterns. Normally whenever he was bombarded by the paparazzi he would smile and wave, and would inevitably end up on every magazine cover for weeks to come due to his ever growing popularity.
Lately, though, he seems to hide his face and his appearances have been slim at best. I quickly reason that I only notice due to the fact that I believe in the phrase 'know your enemies better than they know themselves', but something still feels off about my reasoning. It only takes me a second of hesitance before I swiftly push those thoughts to the back of my mind. They're not important at the moment, and I can sort through them later when time and my patience allows it.
Strolling over to the counter, I grab my phone on the way there and stare at my wallpaper. I had taken it the day earlier when I went to visit Ichigo after hearing about an accident he had with some bicyclist. Honestly, I didn't believe it for a second and I still think it's a load of bullshit, but it's clear that nobody is going to give me any real answers to my questions so I let it drop. Ichigo's eyes stare up at me from the screen, his ever present scowl still lingering, but a smile that he can't quite seem to hide shines through.
Growling at my girly thoughts, I slam my phone down on the counter along with my now empty glass. I have never felt this way towards anyone, and the fact that Ichigo has managed to completely worm his way into my defenses throws me off. After having a heart of stone and ice for so long, to have somebody so bright and full of fire begin to melt it is something I'm not quite willing to accept yet. Yet I find myself dialing his number, holding my phone up to my ear as it rings.
"Hello?" A sleepy voice answers, and I can't help but grin. "Who's this?" Ichigo questions, and I manage to pick up on a yawn from his side of the line.
"Yo, it's Grimmjow," I roll my eyes when I hear Ichigo groan in annoyance. "I'm not calling to fuck with you, not at the moment anyways," lies, all lies, "but I was gonna ask if practice is still on for Saturday?"
"Yeah, Shiro managed to clear up his schedule for that day," Ichigo yawns again and it's the only thing that stops me from slamming that pale ass nobody on the phone. "I think everyone will be here around one, so if you actually do bother to show up."
"I'll be there," I interrupt him, drumming my fingers on the table. "Do you need anything for your foot?"
"Wha?" He responds immediately in confusion before sighing. "No, I'm fine. Just show up if you're gonna show up. Also, don't call me at 11 at night, fucking asshole," he mutters the last part. "Night," he hangs up before I manage a response, leaving me staring at the phone in my hand as I lean against the edge of the counter.
Flashback to the day after Ichigo breaks his foot
Normal POV
"Kurosaki," Aizen calls out, pausing for a second before looking up from his roll sheet. "Ichigo Kurosaki?" Everyone turns around to stare at the empty desk, before Renji clears his throat and speaks.
"Uhm, yeah, Sosuka-sensei, Ichigo probably won't be here for a few days," he trails off, scratching his temple where his hairline ends nervously.
"And what would be the explanation for his sudden disappearance?" Aizen asks as he slides his glasses down to stare at the red-head without any obstruction.
"Well, he broke his foot yesterday," a few people begin murmuring amongst themselves what might have happened before Renji snaps at their off the wall theories. "He fell down some stairs," at the inquiring gazes and the looks of alarm on his friends' faces, he quickly continues, "when, uh, a bicyclist managed to knock him off balance. Tripped right down the damn things, haha…" he trails off when Aizen sends him a disbelieving look.
"I'll leave it in your very… capable hands then to drop off his work while he is absent. Oh, and don't forget to remind him to acquire a doctor's note to provide evidence to your statement," the brunette continues on calling role, Renji releasing a sigh of relief at the end of the impromptu interrogation.
Although everyone else seems to brush off the incident when they realize there isn't any juicy gossip to be found, Grimmjow stares at the red head before glancing nervously back to Ichigo's desk. The red head had wrote it off as though it was an everyday occurrence, and hell who knows for Ichigo it probably is, but something just didn't sit right with the blue haired hellion. As soon as the bell rang for lunch, Grimmjow quickly cornered the group.
"What really happened?" He growls, leaning forward to try to intimidate any one of them for answers. "We all know that Ichigo isn't retarded enough to let a fucking bicyclist catch him off guard, let alone result in him tripping down some damn stairs. Now, answer me."
"I have no idea what the hell you're talking about," Rukia appears from nowhere, glaring up at the tall male. "He's been stressed with that stupid assignment and managed to be caught off guard. Besides," she puts her tiny hands on her waist, "if you're really that concerned about his well-being you would be visiting him, not questioning where he got the injury from," as soon as the words leave her lips she squeaks softly, immediately bringing her hands to her mouth "I shouldn't' have said that," she whispers, but Grimmjow's sensitive hearing picks it up.
"You know what, you're right," Grimmjow grabs his pack with his latest masterpiece stored inside, hauling it over his shoulder. "I think I'll go pay the berry a visit. Thanks for the advice, midget!" The blunette yells as he walks out of the classroom and down the hallways before vanishing from everyone's sight.
"Look what you went and did now," Ishida sighs, fixing his glasses.
"Oops?" She smiles nervously before fishing her phone out of her pocket. "Guess it's time to warn Shiro and Ichigo. Besides, if Ichigo just took his pills hopefully they knock him out before he starts spilling secrets everywhere," they all flinch at the memory of Ichigo's loose lips when he's drugged.
End Flashback
Normal POV
Luckily enough for Ichigo, even drugged he had managed to keep his secret safe. The only thing that may have given anything away was the fact that Ichigo had mentioned meeting Shiro right before the accident, but unless someone was looking on information on what actually happened it would be brushed off. He had barely had time to gather his thoughts after the drugs wore off before Rukia and the gang had barged in, yelling at the top of their lungs. Apparently they had managed to bullshit an excuse for my broken foot, and after hearing it Ichigo had tried to actually get out of bed to punch the red-haired man.
Grimmjow's POV
I arrive at Ichigo's house, stretching after stepping out of my car and fixing my shirt where it rides up. Before leaving my car I grab my mini notebook and stick it in my pocket, just in case I get any ideas for songs. My manager had informed me that Shirosaki was up to something, and that we needed to keep up if not excel the pale haired fucker, so I had to use every second I had to create some new music. Fortunately for me, my muse was only one closed door away. Knocking, I brace myself to dodge his crazy dad if the raven was the one to answer the door. Imagine my relief when Yuzu opens the door, smiling up at me.
"Ichigo told me that you might show up. Actually," she purses her lips, "I believe you're the first one to get here. Anyways, I'm making lunch so I'll be sure to make you a plate!" She smiles and invites me in, closing the door behind me before taking off towards the kitchen where I'm half convinced she lives.
"Thanks, Yuzu!" I yell out after her as she disappears around the corner, kicking off my shoes at the door and making a bee-line for the stairs.
Knocking on the closed door before entering, I wait for Ichigo's response before opening the door. Internally I flinch at the sight of the cast around his foot and the mountain of pillows that keep it elevated. For some strange reason the sight of him injured in his own house bothered me much worse than the scene that I had witnessed at the hospital yesterday. It may have also been because of the fact that he was drugged and you couldn't see the hint of pain in his eyes.
"Wow," his eyes widen to a comical size, no doubt on purpose, "you actually bothered to show up. And fifteen minutes early at that."
"Well, you didn't believe I would actually fucking show up so I clearly had to make a point," stalking over, I watch his eyes narrow in record time and chuckle.
"What the fuck are you laughing at, asshole?" He growls as I pull the nearest chair next to his bed.
"You, obviously. I didn't know you hit your head when you fell as well. Might wanna get that checked out," I duck the pencil that he throws at my head. "Look, even your aim is off. Should I be concerned?" My smile is no doubt eating my face as I look at him turning a color true to his name.
"Fuck you! If I wasn't so drugged up, I would come over there and kick your ass. You egotistical sadistic douchebag," he hisses and I can't contain the laugh that manages to escape.
"Oh, man. I promised I wouldn't give you too hard of a time, but you honestly make it too damn easy, Strawberry," he begins muttering curses under his breathe, and I can't stop smiling as I manage to catch a few words. "Now, Strawberry, it's gonna be hard to find someone that wants to kiss you with a filthy mouth like that," I wink at him, unable to completely control my desire to flirt with him.
Before he's able to counter with a comment that is no doubt on the tip of his tongue, I hear the door to the bedroom open and I suck my teeth in annoyance. There goes my private time with Ichigo. Looking over my shoulder, I see Shinji and Renji frowning at me, the red head with his arms folded over his chest trying to seem threatening. I roll my eyes and lean back in the chair.
"Oh, look. The Goon Squad is here," the smile returning to my face as they glare at me. "Now there's no need to look constipated, I'll behave, for the most part," I whisper the last part to myself, sure that they didn't hear it.
"You know nobody believes the lies that fall out of your mouth," Shinji walks closer, "but that's beside the point. How are you doing, Ichigo?"
"Fine, better before this idiot got here," he sighs and goes to sit up, swatting Renji's hands away when he tries to help. "I'm injured, not crippled. I can at least sit up by myself," he gives a huff when he manages to sit up straight up. "Is Rukia going to be able to make it today?"
"Nope," pineapple hair responds, leaning against the wall, "she called me not half an hour ago apologizing that she couldn't show up. Apparently her brother needed her help with something at the house."
"Can't be helped," Shinji looks around the room. "For once Shiro isn't here," at this I grit my teeth, ignoring the look that Renji sends me, "when will he get here?"
"I'm not sure, he said he may be a little late," I listen closely to this; my suspicions confirmed that Shiro is indeed up to something. "Shit," I look over as Ichigo stares at his empty bottle of water miserably. "Can someone, uh, get me a new bottle?"
"I'll do it," I stand up and shove my way past the blonde. "Just one?" I look back at Ichigo as he stares at me in shock, never expecting me to do something that doesn't somehow benefit me.
"Yeah," he shakes his head, "actually, maybe two? If I'm gonna be talking a lot," he trails off looking at Shinji and Renji, who are watching me in astonishment as well.
"Ok, yeah, I'll get two," walking out of the door I take a quick break, running my hand through my hair. I wanted to gather proof that Shiro was up to something, but I never expected it so soon. "That's just fucking perfect," I growl to myself.
Strolling down the stairs in no particular rush since Shiro isn't here anyways and I already know the Goon Squad up is talking shit about me, I notice that the TV on, the most popular, and most accurate, gossip station is playing on mute. I grab the remote, turning the volume up when I notice that they're talking about the music section of the show.
"The charts are holding steady, Tensa still claiming first place for the sixth week in a row," the lady with blonde hair, a beauty mark beneath the right side of her mouth, and huge breasts smiles. "Shirosaki and Grimmjow are once again neck and neck, switching back between second and third for seven weeks."
I leave it on, noticing Karin watching from the dining table. Walking in the kitchen, I wave to Yuzu and tell her that Ichigo sent me down to get some water which she hands me from the fridge, thanking me and informing me that lunch should be ready in about half an hour to an hour. I nod my head, leaving the kitchen and freezing at the sight I see on the TV.
"And straight from the source, and the highlight of tonight's program, we have an interview from Shirosaki that was filmed earlier today! Here's the video," the small thumbnail of Shiro from the party expands to fill the entire screen, going black for a second before it shows Shirosaki in an interview with a man wearing a pink flowered kimono.
"Thank you for joining us today, Shirosaki," he holds out his hand, while Snow White takes it eagerly, smiling the whole time.
"It's an honor ta be here, Kyoraku," he leans back in the chair.
"So, excuse me for cutting to the chase, but is the news true?"
Shiro blinks for a few seconds before waving his hand. "Ya'll have ta be more specific than tha, mah friend. There are many rumors flyin' around," Kyoraku smiles and laughs.
"You do have a valid point there. I mean to ask is it true that you're going to release another record so soon after just finishing one?"
"Oh, yes," Shiro uncrosses his legs and leans forward. "Strike while tha' iron is hot, right?"
"But how can you manage that? Excuse my bluntness, but not many can accomplish such a feat."
"Mah, I feel like yer tryin' ta dig up some dirt," Shiro wags his finger while the main in the ponytail laughs and shrugs his shoulder.
"You caught me there, was it really that obvious?"
"Call it experience, but back on track," Shiro sighs before his shoulders slumping dramatically. "Guess if I don't say it, ya'll find out some other way. I'm not only releasin' a brand new record, but it's a joint record."
"Oh~" Kyoraku coos. "Do tell~"
"I will be workin' wit tha' famous Tensa," Shiro sings cheerfully. "Now, I can't give all tha' details, so ya'll just have ta' wait like everyone else fer more details."
"I'm more than happy with what you've told me today. Once again, thank you for this exclusive interview."
"It's mah pleasure," Shiro waves at the camera before it blacks out, Matsumoto appearing once more on the screen.
"There you have it! I imagine this new album will be the most successful album of this generation. With two such talented, but different, song writers it will definitely contain the widest diversity of genres! I can't wait until the release of the first singles. We'll keep you updated, so check back next week at this time! Up next-"I shut off the TV before she has a chance to continue, ignoring Karin complaining about the next show.
This was impossible. There was no way I could compete with a dual album released by not one top tier singer and writer, but two of the best, minus me of course. I resist the urge to throw the water bottles in my hands, instead crushing them slightly as I take deep breathes. Ichigo is waiting upstairs, and he's the only one that can keep me from breaking someone's nose, although I doubt even he can do that when Shiro shows up here. Red clouds my vision as I imagine the look of success and smug smirk that Snow White will no doubt be wearing when he arrives.
Pausing outside Ichigo's bedroom, I put the bottles down on the table that decorates the hallway on the second floor. I run my hands over my eyes and down my face, keeping my hands folded over my nose as I try to take deep breathes to calm down my temper. The end of the program runs in my head again. Yes, it's true, while they may both be super successful and famous; they're two completely different singers. Tensa prefers happier, more energetic songs that please the greater percent of the population, while Shiro is more in my area, with crude and offensive lyrics and a heavy dose of rap and insults.
Kicking the wall, I curse, a plan already trying to form in my head. There's no way I can compete with that, unless I managed to find a way in. A light bulb no doubt appears above my head as I realize what I have to do and the magnitude of the revelation. Just as I'm about to call my manager, I notice the front door opening and the sound of Shiro greeting Yuzu traveling up to meet my ears. The urge to rub my hands together and let out a maniacal laugh is almost overwhelming as the steps creak beneath Snow Whites feet. He reaches the top of the stairs, eyes landing on me as he smiles.
"So, 'ave ya seen tha' news today, Grimmy?" He singsongs as he gets right up in my face, retreating when I grin in his face, purposefully showing all of my teeth.
"Saw it a few minutes ago, I'm glad for you," he takes another step back at my kind words, all walls thrown up in defense. "Let me know how that goes, yeah?"
I breeze past him, bumping into his shoulder as he stumbles, watching me go with wide eyes full of apprehension. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I lean against the railing, phone already dialing, ringing once, twice, three times before they answer.
"Grimmjow, I take it you saw it," the voice answers as I hear a chair spinning in the background.
"Of fucking course," I growl. "Why else would I be calling?"
"There's no need to be uncivilized," they sigh, a pen clicking, "and I guarantee I'm already on it. There's no need to explain your 'grand plans'."
"Sometimes I wonder why I chose you as my manager, and then I remember how cruel you are," I tap my feet in time with the pen clicking. "I see you're already working on something else, as well."
"Always three steps ahead," they practically sing. "I'll call later tonight. Nine on the dot, be expecting my call, you know I don't like to wait."
"Yup, of course, bye," I hang up, shit eating grin in place.
You want to raise the stakes? I'm all in, now, you pale piece of shit.
I'm whistling as I make my ways back up the stairs and back to Ichigo, who is unaware of the favor I've just done for him.
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A/N So now here is the challenge, can you figure out who Grimmjow's manager is and what they're up to? PM me and I'll see how many of you can get it. Anyways, yeah, summer so there should be some more updates. Also, my friend from college found out about this story (she hasn't read it, she just knows I have it) so you can thank her for this update. She keeps messaging me "Next chapter, Tara. Where's the new chapter, Tara. Write it now, Tara." Therefore, I got it done. I'm gonna try to update at LEAST once every month, at LEAST, but since my friend is helping me now I believe they'll be more frequent and updates more stable.
Also, why is getting a job so fucking difficult? I swear.