Hi! Part 4 of my 3 part one-shot fanfic. Don't judge me, you'll like it regardless. This chapter is long filled with angst, violence and fluff – so much fluff. Oh! And singing! Because that is important. And when you get to the singing, YouTube the song and listen to it, it's an amazing song!
Okay Enjoy!
They arrived at a medium-sized house in the suburbs that looked expensive yet cozy. Date night was happening at Tatsuki's and her girlfriend's house. Damn it all to hell, Ichigo thought miserably.
Ichigo stepped from the car, all unconscious grace, and grumbled, "Damn it Rukia, I told you I don't want to be here, date night is for couples and there's only one of me in case you can't count."
Rukia kicked him in the shin and dragged him and Renji to the door. "I can count you ass! Now suck it up, besides Tatsuki said she had a surprise for everyone." She said excitedly as she opened the door.
Ichigo immediately tried to scramble backwards in a panic. He had been on the receiving end of Tatsuki's surprises before and they always ended up a disaster.
Renji grabbed his shoulders and started shoving him through the door and into the house. "Dude you better just get it over with, it's going to happen no matter what you do."
He fought the whole way; swearing and thrashing but it was useless. He was being forced into date night whether he liked it or not.
Grimmjow's POV
Grimmjow was buzzed, lonely and pissed. The buzz was due to the multiple shots he had taken, lonely because, according to his friends, he was a temperamental asshole and pissed because he was sick of being alone. His last relationship had been a year and half ago and it had lasted month. Grimmjow had broken it off when he found out the bitch was cheating on him.
Three weeks had passed since the fight at Hueco Mundo. Every day Grimmjow thought about the hot singer he had saved and everyday he mentally kicked himself and wrote it off. But today with a little too much alcohol he finally admitted to himself that Nelliel had been right, he was infatuated and he was damn sick and tired of it. The orange head could not have been so great that Grimmjow was still obsessing over him three weeks later! Constantly thinking about his vibrant hair, glowing skin, and lithely muscled body…Grimmjow shook his head to get his thoughts back on track.
He growled angrily and nearly snarled when his phone rang. Without checking the caller ID, he picked it up.
"What?!" he snapped.
A voice on the other line responded with a growl, "Don't take that tone with me Jeagerjaques! And to think I was just about to help you out. My mistake."
Grimmjow hurriedly spoke, "Wait, sorry Tatsuki, I didn't know it was you. I'm a little drunk right now and I'm tired-"
"That's no excuse," she interrupted, "Maybe I should tell your sister that you were being rude."
Grimmjow panicked. "No, no, no, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I promise." Grimmjow was a fighter and he would stare death in the face and laugh but everyone knew he was terrified of his sister. She was trained to fight just like him when they were younger and didn't hesitate to beat him down.
He heard Tatsuki sniff. "Alright. I need you to get your ass over to our house. I'm sending someone to pick you up now, dress nice." Without waiting for a response she hung up and left Grimmjow sitting on the couch staring at the phone in shock. He tensed to get up and get dressed when his mind brought up the question, why did he have to dress nice? With a jolt his mind struck a terrifying thought.
He lunged from the couch and sprinted to his bedroom, on the wall next to his door hung a calendar he'd gotten from Nnoitra last Christmas. Each month had a different sword on it; this month's sword was a black and white blade that arced at the base near the hilt before tapering to a sharp point with a plain handle wrapped in white bandages. He looked at the date and saw the box outlined in red.
He stared at it before whispering in terror, "Fuck me sideways."
It was date night.
Ichigo's POV
He had to run, had to get out, had to get away but he knew it was impossible. Surrounded by happy, smiling couples, Ichigo was in Hell. He didn't know what sin he committed to get there but he swore that he would never do it again. How did Renji, Tatsuki and Ulquiorra suffer through this? Were they promised mind blowing sex by their other halves later? Were they blackmailed? Threatened?
The orange head sat alone in a recliner holding a soda and felt like he was dying inside. A little melodramatic but he felt like the sentiment was deserved in this situation. Renji sat on the fluffy carpeted floor with his back to the couch, his read resting against Rukia's legs. Ulquiorra and Orihime sat beside her, holding hands. The two were still shy with each other since they had only been going out for two weeks. But Ichigo caught the looks they shared when they thought no one was looking. The love in both their eyes was immense and made him want to choke. Tatsuki lounged on the loveseat across from them with her legs spread apart in a purely masculine position while Nell sat beside her with her legs in Tatsuki's lap. Those two devils had been the ones to plan this stupid date night.
They were all sipping soda, water or beer and happily chatting. Ichigo was silent, surly, and for the most part, ignored. Why the fuck did they drag him here? He was the only single person and it was obvious he didn't want to be there. Ichigo felt like screaming his frustration.
"Yeah, I've already picked out the flower arrangements, the caterer, and the hotel we're going to stay in on the honey moon." Ichigo felt like beating his head against the coffee table as Nell continued to talk about the wedding. "The only thing we're missing is a DJ for the reception." She turned her hazel eyes to look at the emotionless face of Ulquiorra. "We were hoping you would DJ Ulqui." Nelliel Orihime were the only ones that got away with calling the man by the cute pet name.
Ulquiorra was pale with midnight black air, large emerald eyes and tear tracks tattooed beneath them. Most people complained that he didn't feel human emotions but Ichigo could see that while the emo didn't wear his emotions on his sleeve like other people, he did feel emotions. He could be angered by the stupidity of others, embarrassed by praise and he obviously felt immense amounts of love for his curvy strawberry blonde girlfriend.
The pale man was shocked at Nell's request but he hid it well with a nod of his head a murmured, "I would be honored Nell-san." Nelliel had insisted he call her Nell but he refused to drop the honorific.
Nell beamed happily and cuddled next to her girlfriend. Tatsuki looked down at her with warm smile and said, "Now all we need are the bridesmaids and groomsmen." She looked to the rest of them and Ichigo tensed. "I would to ask all of you to fill those spots." Rukia and Orihime squealed happily while their boyfriends either nodded calmly (Ulquiorra) or grinned like an idiot (Renji). They all accepted. Ichigo said nothing.
Tatsuki smiled and Nell clapped her hands happily before stopping slowly with a frown on her face. "Wait babe, that makes it uneven. I only have two bridesmaids while you have four groomsmen."
Ichigo frowned at that, four? Who was the fourth? Tatsuki just smiled at her teal-haired fiancée.
"I've already figured it out, you'll have three and I'll have three." She counted on her fingers. "Renji, Ulquiorra and your brother for me while you have Orihime, Rukia and Ichigo. See it's even."
Ichigo shot up from his seat with a red blush at Renji's loud mocking laughter. Tatsuki looked at him with calm and expectant eyes, like she knew he would say something. But she was surprised when he didn't. Instead, he shut his eyes tightly, grabbed his jacket and calmly walked to the door before opening it and leaving quietly.
Rukia made to get up but Tatsuki waved her down while gently shifting Nell off her lap so she could stand. The dark haired woman walked to the door and followed Ichigo out.
Grimmjow POV
The night was cool, the sky a dark blanket with millions of stars. The sound of bats searching for insects was a barely heard sound that was nearly over powered by the song of many crickets. Grimmjow could normally appreciate the ambiance of the nighttime setting but tonight he was pissed and tired. He had had the cab sent by Tatsuki drop him off further down the street so he could walk the last block up to the house and have a chance to think.
What were his sister and soon to be sister-in-law plotting? Why did they need him over at their place on date night when they knew he had no significant other? And what did Tatsuki mean when she was going to help him out? What was going to happen when he got there? He really hoped they hadn't set him up with another blind date.
He was musing all the different ways they could torment him and make him regret the day his father had met his mother and so wasn't watching where he was going.
Walking up the driveway something ran into him, knocking him back a step. He reached out to steady the smaller body that had hit him and his eyes widened to see bright orange hair. He had never seen anyone else with that color of hair but his mind couldn't find a reason for the orange head to be here. He had to dreaming. He had drunk himself into a stupor and was dreaming of his daily orange-haired obsession.
Brown eyes rose to meet his, a scowl in place, mouth open to yell at him before his face froze. Grimmjow felt his face split into his signature shit-eating grin. It didn't matter if he was dreaming or not, he had finally found his orangette and looking at the golden skin and delicate features, he was determined to rectify his mistake at the bar. He was getting this man's name and number and hopefully a date. And then sex.
Before Grimmjow could say anything the smaller male in front of him proved very clearly how much of a dream this was not by snarling and punching him in the jaw. Hard. Grimmjow staggered back a step and the little hell cat launched a round house kick to his side and following up by rushing into his personal space and while Grimmjow found himself lost in the fury held in those chocolate eyes, slammed a fist into his gut. Grimmjow fell back onto the ground and the lithe male leapt on top of him to continue his attack.
Ichigo's POV
Ichigo was furious. At first he was hurt and resigned when Tatsuki had said he would be a bridesmaid. The orange-head hadn't even responded before walking through the door and into the cool night air. He hadn't felt true anger for three weeks, his legendary temper noticeably absent. In fact, he had felt like he was moving through a haze, going through the motions, not feeling anything. But when he ran into that solid, obviously male chest after walking out of Tatsuki's house and looked up to see bright teal hair, matching eyes and predatory grin, he felt something right then. Anger, fury that he couldn't control scorched through him and all he could do was channel it at the source of his anguish. He launched himself forward and attacked, slamming the asshole into the ground. Ichigo followed him to the concrete, kneeling on his hips and continued to wail on him furiously.
The man beneath him grabbed his wrists and restrained them easily, Ichigo snarled at being held back from attacking. He jerked at his wrists but couldn't move. The man slowly sat up, skillfully avoiding the head butts sent his way.
A hand on the back of Ichigo's collar hauled him to his feet and shoved him, making him stumble a few feet backwards. Ichigo looked up to see Tatsuki with a pissed off look on her face.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" She yelled at him, "That's Nell's younger brother and I know he's a dick but that doesn't mean you can attack without provocation!" The man looked offended at the dick comment but grinned when Ichigo looked at him, pissing the orange head off even further.
Ichigo swept passed Tatsuki and planted a strong kick to the man's sternum that left the blue haired bastard gasping for air on the ground. The pissed off guitarist kept walking all the way to the front gate before stopping and swinging around to look at his dark haired friend.
"I don't care who his sister is. He's a piece of worthless shit." He stated before storming out the gate and down the street. He lived on the other side of town but he would be damned if he went back and asked someone for a ride.
Grimmjow's POV
"Goddamn that kid can throw a kick." Grimmjow gasped from his position on the ground.
"Of course he can," Tatsuki smirked. "I helped teach him." She reached a tan hand down to pull the man to his feet. "What the hell did you do to piss him off so bad?"
Grimmjow opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by an angry voice.
"He broke Ichigo's heart." Rukia stood on the doorstep, fists planted on her hips and a scowl on her delicate brow. "I told you what happened at the bar right Tatsuki? Well this is the bastard that saved Ichi and then ditched out after helping him."
Grimmjow started to defend himself but was once more interrupted by a strong punch to the jaw sent by a Tatsuki that sent him back to the ground. Looking up to protest, Grimmjow paled at the fury in Tatsuki's eyes. He fought not to tremble as he slowly got to his feet and put his hands up in a calming gesture.
Tatsuki was livid, "You fucking prick, you were the one that left him after that?"
"Look I don't know what I did but I swear I didn't mean to hurt the kid. I was just trying to help. I didn't think I should stick around, I was just some stranger." Grimmjow reasoned.
Tatsuki wasn't even slightly mollified with his explanation. Her hand darted out and Grimmjow winced. She simply grabbed his collar and pulled him down close to her before snarling in his face, "His name is Ichigo."
Grimmjow whined in pain when the dark haired butch grabbed his ear and started yanking him to the house.
"You are going to tell me what happened and then we are going to fix this." She growled.
Once everyone got inside, Grimmjow was forcibly sat down and was glared at until he explained. Tatsuki listened carefully and then had Rukia and Renji narrate how the orange-head had been doing since the incident.
Tatsuki nodded in thought with her hand on her chin as she paced. Everyone watched her and waited. Nelliel, also thinking everything over got up and walked over to her fiancée and whispered in her ear. Tatsuki's eyes widened at her words. She nodded at Nell. They both turned to the room at large and it was Nell that spoke.
"Alright we know what to do but we need everyone's help to pull this off." She turned to her baby brother. "We need to know if you are willing to do this Grimmy. It's important that you want to do this as well. It's for your benefit along with Ichi's."
She and Tatsuki then began to layout their idea and after everyone, including Grimmjow, nodded that they were willing to help, they began to formulate a plan.
Half way through Renji interjected, "You know that Ichigo isn't going to give in just like that right. He doesn't forgive that easily and he would sooner crush Grimmjow's skull under his shoe." Grimmjow winced at the image provided.
Tatsuki waved him off, "It's for his own good. And besides if what you say is true, then this plan will work."
Everyone looked slightly apprehensive but decided that in order to help their orang-haired comrade, they had to do what was necessary. Grimmjow was just happy that he had finally learned his crush's name.
Ichigo's POV
Fury coursed, anger burned and a touch of hurt to top off the emotional volcano that was Ichigo Kurosaki. He was also exhausted from the cross-town trek he taken the night before. All Ichigo wanted to do was wallow in his misery and sleep. And he did for a week and half.
His friends called and tried to talk to him but he refused to listen. They wanted him to meet with the blue-haired bastard to see his side of the story but Ichigo refused. He didn't care what the asshole had to say. As far as Ichigo was concerned the man could go die in a hole. The week passed with phone calls and yelled threats from both Tatsuki and Rukia, calm reasoning tactics from Chad and speeches about sucking it up from Renji, Ichigo told them no and to leave him alone. The only one he didn't tell to fuck off was Chad and that was because Chad was actually trying to see it from Ichigo's point of view.
He was in bed and someone was beating on his door but he didn't feel inclined to get up and answer it. The pillow on his head however did nothing to quiet the insistent fist pounding on his door.
With a growl he ripped the covers off and stalked to the door before throwing it open. A relieved Yumichika and an irate Ikkaku was on the other side. They both tried to cover up their gawking as they looked at Ichigo. He was dressed in his usual sleep garb, a pair of tight fitting boxer shorts and nothing else. All tan skin and smooth, lithe muscle.
Yumichika cleared his throat, "Hey berry you have a performance tonight remember, we need to get you ready." They pushed their way inside and Ichigo shut the door behind them. Yumi and Ikkaku had decided that they were going to be Ichigo's personal dress team since the singer didn't know the difference between shorts and capris and couldn't match an outfit to save his life. He had tried to pay them but they refused. Since Ichigo's pride wouldn't let them work for free, the three men had come to the agreement that Ichigo would model for Yumichika's up and coming fashion line and he would spar with Ikkaku occasionally at his dojo.
The grumpy orangette looked at the clock above his stove and scowled, "I have three hours until the show, what the hell? It doesn't take me that long to get ready."
"Yeah but you also have that dinner with Ulquiorra and the record label." Ikkaku sighed.
Ichigo swore before walking towards his bedroom, "Let me take a shower first," he threw over his shoulder. Yumichika picked up Yoruichi and scratched her behind her ears as she purred, what would Ichigo do without them?
A five minute shower and a quick dress up later, Ichigo was in his car and on his way to the dinner. His piece of crap car had finally got traded in. Since the band had been doing so well Ichigo had been able to get his dream car; a glossy black Camaro with a neon blue skull with flames painted on the side identical to the one on his guitar.
He arrived at the restaurant on time and walked in, somehow managing not gape at the opulence of the place while he was led to the table by the maître d. The vibrant haired man drew many eyes that he confidently ignored. Thanks to Yumi and Ikkaku his closet had been greatly expanded and tonight he was dressed in sleek black slacks with a deep purple silk dress shirt and black tie.
At the table sat Ulquiorra whom Ichigo had made their manager after finding out about the man's excellent business sense and two men Ichigo had never met. They were the partnering heads of the Seireitei record label. This label only sought after the best bands and musicians and the people that worked for them always made it big and went down in the history books.
Strangely, the three had their heads bent together and talking lowly but stopped when they saw Ichigo coming towards the table. Ichigo ignored it in place of reaching to shake hands and introduce himself to the men. They were odd. That was Ichigo's first, second and third impression. The first dressed in a simple black and white suit that offset his long silver white hair, he had a kind face and an easy smile making Ichigo instantly like him. The other screamed pervert to Ichigo; he was dressed in a suit as well but it had a pink flowery kimono thrown over it, his mid-length brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail and his breath smelled of sake. They introduced themselves as Ukitake Jūshirō and Shunsui Kyoraku.
They all sat down, ordered drinks and food while making small talk and getting to know each other. After the meal, they decided to talk business. A contract was loosely outlined. They would meet again in two weeks to read over the contract, make any necessary changes and sign it.
"Of course we plan on watching your performance in person tonight so we can have a proper idea of how best to represent you." Ukitake smiled.
Kyoraku laughed and slung an arm over Ukitake's shoulder, "It'll be like a date," he sipped from his sake cup and turned his eyes on Ichigo. Ichigo had been stuck inside his head lamenting over the fact he couldn't stop thinking about a pair of wild cyan blue eyes and wishing he could beat the shit out that blue-haired bastard again. His hand that rested on the chair arm clenched into a fist at the thought.
Kyoraku noticed and spoke again, "Say, Kurosaki-san. You seem to be a little distant. Is everything alright?"
Ichigo darted his eyes up to meet Kyoraku's and was unnerved to see the knowing gleam within the brown depths. He cleared his throat to speak but found the words were stuck. Ulquiorra noticed and intervened smoothly,"
"I believe it is nerves, we're all hoping tonight's performance will go well. We haven't performed in such a large venue yet so there are many problems that could potentially occur."
Ukitake smiled at Ichigo reassuringly, "Everything will go well; you are a talented band and I'm sure you will be fine."
Ichigo gave him a tense smile before standing with Ulquiorra following his lead. Ichigo pulled out his wallet but was stopped by Kyoraku's smooth voice.
"I don't think so Kurosaki-san, it's already takin care of, you two go get ready for the performance and we'll see you there."
Ichigo reluctantly nodded before departing with Ulquiorra in their respective vehicles. A few minutes later, Ichigo pulled up at the back entrance to where they were performing and was stunned to see it surrounded by people. Men and women alike, holding posters with 'We luv 15,' and tee-shirts with Ichigo's symbol, the flaming skull. He was shocked, he knew Yumichika had been planning on releasing a line of clothing for 15 but he hadn't even thought to see what the clothing looked like.
Opening the Camaro's door, Ichigo stepped out of the car and locked it. He started towards the entrance. Before he had even made it five steps he was surrounded by screaming people. He was bewildered and startled by the noise and questions rapidly fired at him. He might not have been able to move if it hadn't been for a strong hand grasping his arm and gently leading him through the fans and swiftly into the building. Ichigo was shaking and still felt the suffocating heat from the bodies pressing in on him.
A hand grabbed his shoulder and shook him slightly, a low voice asking him if he was okay. Ichigo nodded shakily and looked up to see Chad, already dressed for the concert; Orihime was at his side, smiling her slightly clueless smile.
"Hi Kurosaki-kun, are you ready for tonight? I'm so nervous but excited too. There's going to be so many people and we're already almost completely packed. Ulquiorra said that we had completely sold out the seats and he thinks that the record label is going to take us on and…" Ichigo ignored her babble as she was led away by Chad who gestured for Ichigo to go on.
Ichigo walked to his dressing room to get ready. He entered the small room and was quickly disrobed by an energetic Yumi. Ikkaku was off to the side waiting with Ichigo's concert clothes in hand, catching his interview clothes when they were thrown at him by Yumi.
Ichigo sighed and started to dress, scowling at Yumi's penchant for dressing him in tight clothes, while Yumi got a start on his hair. The orange locks were styled into a more wind-swept look and a porcelain mask fragment was carefully slid over his eye. Ichigo frowned, this was new. The mask fragment was placed on the right side of his forehead, trailing down to cover his eye, ending with lightly sharp teeth resting above the corner of his mouth. Red lines swooped gently on the white surface surrounding his eye. He decided he liked how it looked and slipped into his boots. Shiny black pants with holes shredded over the knees and a black zip up vest, his arms were bare, showcasing smooth muscle. His left arm was bound in white overlapping bandages that enhanced the curve of his muscle rather than hiding it.
Yumi nodded that he was done and allowed Ichigo to grab his guitar and walk out. Ikkaku and Yumi stayed behind, they were going to watch the show but Ikakku had to talk to his boyfriend.
"Are you sure this going to be okay, I can't see Ichigo taking this calmly in any sense of the word." His eyes were concerned.
Yumichika smiled and kissed boyfriend on the cheek gently, "it will be fine and besides," the smile morphed into a smirk, "this the kick in the ass Ichi needs."
Ikkaku nodded and they left to go watch the show.
Ichigo was rushing to the curtained off area of the stage where he and the rest the band would make their entrance. It was an outdoor stage. Ichigo could hear the screaming masses. Orihime, Chad and Renji were already there. Ulquiorra stopped Ichigo before quickly grabbing the black guitar from the orangette's shoulder and waving the other three onto the stage.
At Ichigo's 'what the hell?' look, Ulquiorra explained, "Tonight, just for the first song, I want you to sing. Tatsuki is going to play guitar and then you'll take over."
Ichigo nodded reluctantly at this new turn of events. Ulquiorra walked away with Ichigo's guitar leaving Ichigo alone. The orange head could feel nerves creeping up on him. He took a few deep breaths and forced himself into calmness. Everything would be fine, he knew the song by heart; he could do this. Seeking reassurance, Ichigo reached up to gently touch the edge of his mask and found that he surprisingly took comfort in it. Maybe he should have Yumi make it a permanent addition to his wardrobe.
At the sounds of the opening notes to the song, Ichigo braced himself. This song was slightly dark but was rich in sound and Ichigo's voice melded with it perfectly. Orihime's softly played piano notes soared into the air with a coy sense of gentleness and Ichigo could feel his heart race. A slight pause and then violently played guitar notes slashing out, sudden and short, four in a row. Ichigo stalked onto the stage, a graceful glide filled with sensual promise while also laced with fatal intent. The crowd went crazy but stopped when Ichigo got to the mike and he growled out the first lyrics. The crowd of hundreds became almost silent, Ichigo always had the effect. He sang like he didn't give flying fuck about any of it, and that darkness that wasn't really difficult for him to fake, made the masses pause and hold their breath in anticipation.
Walking, waiting, alone without a care
Hoping and hating
Things that I can't bear
Did you think it's cool to walk right up
To take my life and fuck it up
Well did you
Well did you
I see Hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
The song filled Ichigo with a sense of savage happiness. On the stage, he didn't have to contain himself, he could be who he was, could lay out his entire being at that mike and simply exist. He loved it.
Renji's POV
The red haired drummer shivered as he played. Ichigo was a beast tonight, something that crawled out of the jungle, not quite evolved and all animal. He was actually afraid of what was going to happen next. Hopefully the orange-head wouldn't freak out to bad because if he did, God help them all.
Tatsuki's POV
She stood off to the side, still on stage but not in the spotlight. That was fine with her, she had never been comfortable with having all eyes on her. Ichigo was the perfect singer. He could possess an entire mob of fans and put them under his spell and he made it seem so effortless. She couldn't wait to start her life with Nell and she was glad she had left the band to Ichigo; he was going to take farther than she ever could. Now if only she could make sure that he didn't destroy them all later…
Ichigo's POV
The music beat at his senses, rushing through his blood and Ichigo reveled in the thrill of it. The lyrics came to an end with the songs finished and the crowd rioted with screams and cheers and whistles. Ichigo smirked and bowed, almost insolently and crowd ate it up. He was in his element.
Ichigo turned and waved at Ulquiorra who then sent a stage hand up with Ichigo's guitar. The band already knew what song was next and as they started playing it, Ichigo couldn't help but think that this is where he belonged.
Two hours later, the concert was over and Ichigo was tired but he still had adrenaline pumping through his veins and blood roaring his ears. While the other members of the band started for home after bidding him farewell, Ichigo was dragged off to the side by Ukitake and Kyoraku to talk about their performance. The two were ecstatic, drunkenly so on Kyoraku's part. Ichigo thanked them and they spoke briefly about the future of the band, Ichigo tried to end the conversation politely but the two men kept going. Finally Ukitake led Kyoraku away, the drunken man had his arm around the white haired male's shoulders and was singing extremely off tune.
Ichigo shook his head in disbelief and turned around to head to his dressing room. He changed out of his stage clothes and into some comfortable jeans and his favorite T-shirt, the one with "Nice Vibe" splayed across the front. He left his guitar in the room before locking up and going outside.
Kyoraku's POV
"Do you think we gave them enough time?" Ukitake asked worriedly. He nibbled at his lip looking over his shoulder at Ichigo Kurosaki's retreating back.
Kyoraku stopped singing and when he spoke, his words were sober (it never ceased to amaze Ukitake how Kyoraku could be such a well-functioning drunk, even after knowing him for so many years), "Yeah, I think so. After what Ulquiorra told us, they needed enough time for the parking lot to empty. It should be empty by now."
Ukitake still looked concerned with a side of guilt hovering on his brow, "I don't know about this Kyoraku, I know we agreed to help but it seems like their plan is a tad overboard."
"No, not at all," Kyoraku laughed, "I think Kurosaki needs this. You saw him at dinner, he was distracted and upset; this will help him move passed this. It'll be good for us too; a distracted singer doesn't perform well."
Ukitake nodded and smiled softly at Kyoraku who responded with a light kiss to the other's lips. They kept walking, snuggled close.
Ichigo's POV
The parking lot was almost completely empty and dark. Ichigo fished his car keys from his pocket and was about to unlock his car when the back of his neck prickled. He glanced quickly around but saw nothing. He groaned at the thought that he was turning into the opening scene of a horror movie. He turned back to unlock his car door but was interrupted by a car squealing to a stop behind him. He looked around to see a van with tinted windows and was alarmed when hooded figures jumped from the vehicle. He was too distracted to fight and a dark bag was shoved over his head, arms wrenched behind him and tied together. He shouted as he was tossed roughly in the car. The floor beneath him vibrated as the van pulled out of the parking lot.
The kidnappers said nothing and after his ankles were tied together, he was left alone. He couldn't move and Ichigo felt panic bubbling within him at the thought of being kidnapped. Images of the men who had assaulted him at the bar flashed through his mind and Ichigo tasted fear.
After an indeterminable amount of time the vehicle stopped. Ichigo was grabbed from the van and carried to a door which was opened for them, he could only assume they were now in a building. The arms carrying him were strong and yet strangely gentle which threw Ichigo off for a moment. Why were they being gentle? He refused to ponder it further as another door was opened in front of him. Ichigo was finally set down into a chair. His ankles were tied to the chair legs, his wrists to the arm rests, his torso to the chair's back. Rope restrained him and then the rope was covered in a healthy layer of duct tape. He swore inwardly. There was little hope of his escape.
The bag on his head was pulled off and all Ichigo could see was darkness. A piece of tape covered his mouth from behind and his protests came out muffled.
A light came on, blinding him with its suddenness and a voice spoke. Ichigo's eyes widened.
"Sorry Ichigo, we can't let you move or speak. We've tried talking to you but you wouldn't shut up long enough to hear us. We've heard your side but now it's your turn to listen, whether you want to or not." Tatsuki stood with a hip cocked and smirk on her lips. At her side was Yumi and Ikkaku, Renji, Rukia, Chad and Ulquiorra. He glared and scowled for all he was worth and started yelling into the gag. Tatsuki sighed.
"Look you can scream all you want but you're not going to get anywhere you need to listen. We are just trying to help."
Ichigo rolled his eyes while his snarky reply was muffled. Renji growled, "She's right Ichigo, we are helping. We've been trying to help but you're too damn stubborn for your own good. You made us do this man."
Ichigo's eyes were murderous, the threat held there enough to make Renji pale considerably.
"Dude, glare all ya want it ain't gonna change the fact you're stuck here until you listen." Ikkaku smirked. Yumichika nodded in agreement.
"Well, we should probably let them get to it," Rukia grinned. The others nodded before opening the door to file out.
Chad looked at Ichigo before walking at the door and the words in his eyes were undeniable, a plea to listen and be open minded. The look filled Ichigo with a slight hint of guilt at not hearing his friends out earlier. The one thing he didn't get was why they were leaving. If they wanted to talk to him then shouldn't they stay in the room?
The door shut but opened a second later to show the last person Ichigo wanted to see.
Grimmjow's POV
The plan formulated by his soon to be sister-in-law was nothing short of crazy. Kidnapping. Forcing the kid to listen to what Grimmjow had to say. Admittedly it wasn't the first thing Grimmjow wanted to do but he agreed it was necessary. The cute little orange-head was seriously stubborn.
When Tatsuki and her friends came out of the room and she tagged him to go in, Grimmjow was rather apprehensive. Entering that room and seeing the look in Ichigo's eyes made him realize that he was right to be nervous. As the lithe male laid eyes on him, Grimmjow shivered at the promise of pain held there. If looks could kill then Grimmjow would have exploded into oh so many gory pieces. The kid definitely did not want to see him.
Grimmjow sighed and dragged a chair from a corner in the room to rest in front of the trussed up male. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees with his hands dangling between his legs. His eyes perused Ichigo's pissed off, scowling face. He returned the scowl with one of his own, just as fierce.
"I hope you don't think this is all my idea."
Ichigo's expression was answer enough.
"Well it wasn't. It was that psycho bitch Tatsuki. I know she's practically my family but damn if she ain't crazy." With this Grimmjow leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "Neither of us is leaving this room until we figure something out. They locked the door behind me and it locks from the outside so we're stuck. I know you're pissed at me and I think I know why. I'm not very good with feelings and shit like that but I'm going to try because I want to figure something out. Do you think you could at least help me out a little?"
After a moment, Ichigo nodded and Grimmjow sighed in relief. He stood and slowly moved to Ichigo, striving not to alarm him. "I'm going to take this tape off so you can talk but the instant you start yelling at me, it's going right back on, got it?"
Another slow nod. Grimmjow kneeled and ever so gently tugged the tape from Ichigo's mouth. He sat back down his chair and cleared his throat to speak.
"Right now, this mess we're in, we're both responsible for it. So now we both have to work together to fix it." He gestured at the two of them. He waited for Ichigo to say something.
A cleared throat, a scowl, beautiful brown eyes darting back and forth between him and the floor and a resigned sigh finally led to Ichigo saying, "So what is your name anyway? You obviously learned mine from one of them but I still don't know who you are."
Grimmjow grinned and replied, "Grimmjow Jeagerjaques at your service."
Third Person POV
Grimmjow. The name felt funny saying, even in his head. The room was well lit with zero furnishings and pale yellow walls. Ichigo didn't recognize the room and his efforts to do so kept him from having to look at Grimmjow for the moment.
Finally he looked up and anger blazed in his eyes as he voiced the question that had been pooling in his mind like acid for weeks.
"Why the hell did you leave? Where were you?"
The grin on Grimmjow's lips faded, replaced by a serious expression full of guilt as he bowed his head slightly.
Ichigo scoffed angrily, "I mean, what did you regret saving me? Wish you hadn't done it or something?"
Grimmjow's head whipped back up to stare Ichigo in the eye. "Fuck no I don't regret it, not for a damn second! I just thought that-"
"What?! What did you think? You left me Grimmjow. You saved me and then left. Didn't even give me a chance to say thank you or see if you were even okay or-" Ichigo bit his lip harshly.
Grimmjow's eyes widened at the wet sheen on those brown eyes as Ichigo spoke again, this time brokenly and hopeless.
"Do you have any idea what I've been going through? I know what those bastards were going to do. How am I supposed to deal with that? And the person that saved me just up and vanished. Did you even care if I was okay?" He didn't give Grimmjow a chance to answer. "Well I wasn't okay. I am not okay. Every night when I go to sleep I see them. I see what they're going to do. And you're not there to stop them. I scream and call for you and you never come. You're never there. I know I'm a pussy for wishing you were there and being so hopelessly afraid but that's the way I feel. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt so utterly destroyed by the knowledge that someone was going to rape you, more than one someone, and that you wouldn't be able to stop it? Have you ever had your strength taken away from you like that?"
Ichigo's words ended on a choked sob. Grimmjow felt like his heart was being squeezed to tight. He dropped from his chair to his knees in front of Ichigo and cradled the man's face between his palms.
"Ichigo, I- I didn't know-"
"No!" Ichigo wrenched his face away from Grimmjow's gentle hold and glared at him with defiant eyes that were wet with tears that finally began to fall down his cheeks.
"Don't you dare try to comfort me! You had your chance. Why can't you just leave me alone?" Another angry sob escaped.
Grimmjow once more caught Ichigo's face in his hands and this time the smaller male didn't pull away.
"Because I can't stop thinking about you," Ichigo's lips parted slightly in surprise and Grimmjow continued. "I can't get your voice out of my head. It sings to me everyday. As I fall asleep your face is the last thing I think of and the first thing I see when I wake up. I look at the orange sunset every night and all I see is you. I will never leave you alone again. I will chase you to the ends of this world and the next. I will always find you. Ichigo Kurosaki I can see myself loving you until the end of time if you'll have me."
Ichigo heard the truth ring in Grimmjow's deep baritone. He gave a small laugh slash hiccup and pressed his face into Grimmjow's warm hand. Grimmjow smiled happily, taking it for the acceptance it was.
Gently freeing Ichigo from his bonds, Grimmjow pulled the lithe man to his feet and swept him up into a hug before lowering his lips to Ichigo's. He tasted salty tears and that special taste that was obviously all Ichigo and knew that he could grow addicted to Ichigo's lips and taste. Ichigo was the one that deepened the kiss. Tongues gently, shyly tangled before growing bolder with their eagerness to explore the other. They held each other tightly and both vowed to not let go.
When the door was finally unlocked and they came outside a cheer sounded from all their friends assembled at the sight of the two males holding hands. Ichigo blushed while Grimmjow grinned widely in pride. Renji came up to clap Ichigo on that back with a laughed congrats and exclamations of 'finally!' but was quickly thrown to the ground with a fierce kick from Ichigo.
The volatile male clenched the hand that Grimmjow wasn't holding into a fist and glared at the room at large before snarling, low and dangerous, "If any of you ever do that to me again, I will make you suffer and wish that you had never been born." The threat sent slight chills up the spines of those present. They were surprised when Grimmjow pulled Ichigo under his arm and the fear inducing glare in Ichigo's eyes lessened quickly. Looks like Grimmjow wouldn't have a problem cooling Ichigo's temper. All Grimmjow could think though was how absolutely hot Ichigo sounded when he was growling out threats of pain and death.
Weeks passed. Ichigo and Grimmjow were officially dating. Ichigo's band was already being produced and their first tour around the country was being planned. Grimmjow had gotten a job as security detail for the band. He had gotten his friends Nnoitra and Hallibel hired on as well as security. Ichigo was hesitant about hiring Nnoitra after what happened in the bar but after several profuse apologies from Nnoitra, he relented.
And now the day had finally arrived. Tatsuki stood at the altar beside her groomsmen. Ulquiorra and Renji stood to her right, lined up with a place empty between her and Renji. They watched as the flower girl rained blue and white flower petals along the walkway. After the child reached the altar and took her place, the bridesmaids started down the walkway: first Orihime, then Rukia and then Ichigo. The girls were wearing sky blue dresses with a white ribbon perched delicately on their hip with ends cascading down their legs gracefully. Ichigo was wearing a tux in the same shade of blue with a white shirt under his jacket. At first he had been indignant at the fact he would be matching the other bridesmaids rather than the groomsmen who got to wear and a standard black and white tux. He allowed it however after Nell had turned her puppy eyes on him complete with quivering lip.
They made their way down the aisle and took their designated places. Then the music started. Wagner's wedding march coursed through the air and the guests stood and turned to look down the aisle as two figures appeared. A woman in a beautiful, sleeveless white wedding dress with a delicate veil covering her face and hair. At her side, walking her down the aisle to the beat of the music was a figure that made Ichigo's breath catch. Grimmjow, blue hair and cyan eyes, striking in his tux with a proud smile on his face, gently led his sister to the altar. He handed her off to Tatsuki with an approving kiss to his soon-to-be sister-in-law's cheek and murmured, "Take care of her." Grimmjow then took the space that was left open for him in between Renji and Tatsuki.
Ichigo looked at Grimmjow across from him and shared a happy smile before turning to look at Tatsuki and Nell who stood before the priest. Old man Yamamoto began to read from his bible, deep voice echoing among the eaves of the church's ceiling, binding the two women together forever.
Well, it was long and took even longer to finish but there it is, the fourth part of Rockin Strawberry. Grimmjow and Ichigo are finally official, Nell and Tatsuki are married and the band hit the big time. I hope you have enjoyed.
There will be another chapter after this but it's more of an add-on really, a way to finish it up. And of course it's for anyone that was looking for a little Grimmjow on Ichigo action. So stay tuned and enjoy.
The song that Ichigo sang at the concert was "Slept so Long," by Korn. I like listening to it be sung by the vampire Lestat in the movie Queen of the Damned.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(=^.^=)