I hope you're all excited for what's coming up! Not in this chapter... but definitely in the next! ;p I'm sure everyone is upset it's coming to an end, but the one replacing it is freaking awesome! And I don't compliment my work often. Well... the concept is pretty cool. Thanks to Kawaiiberry-chan, we have given birth to an epic brain child! But this fic has to end before that one can be posted T^T Sorry, that's just the way it is. BTW, I've figured out how to balance my novel and my fics! I can write 12-18 pages in a day, which is 2-3 chapters. If i post one chapter a day and I write 3 in a day, that gives me 2 days to work on my novel! Hmm... I wonder why I didn't figure this out earlier, it seems so simple.

Ichi: You were too busy throwing me into every humiliating and evil situation you could possible think of! D8

Vae: ... Oh yeah, that's what happened ;p

Ichi: You're not even sorry about it! *flailing arms in anger*

Vae: *thoughtful expression before shrugging* Nope.

Grimm: Ichi, just leave it. You're never gonna win this fight, you know that.

Shiro: I wanna help torment Aibou! *waving arms excitedly*

Ichi: *growls before punching Shiro*

Shiro: *raises hand weakly from ground* ... Nevermind. Aibou's tormented 'nough.

Chapter 11

Ichigo strolls along the sands with a placid smile on his features, breathing in the cool sea air and sighing in content. Grimmjow actually wasn't that bad when it came time for him to leave, which was just odd but he wasn't about to question it. He can see the bonfire from where he is, all Kensei's pierced and tattooed coworkers and friends hollering good-naturedly. The music is a mixture of the stuff bass was made for, said bass pounding in his ears. If someone screamed out here, no one would hear them… not even Grimmjow, with his sensitive feline senses, would be wise to it.

"Hey, Kensei!" Ichigo grins. "Having fun?"

"Wasn't a party 'till you got here," he laughs.

"Damn, Kensei," a pierced male jokes. "You're fighting with your fine bitch and you still managed to make us jealous with your date."

"Hey, Tori," Ichigo smirks in humor. "One too many beers already?"

"No way, hot stuff, the party just started. I may be three sheets to the wind now, but by the time things wind down… I'll be twenty!"

Ichigo laughs at that, always happy to joke around with Kensei's group. Though they all look intimidating, they're all very nice and always up for a joke. Besides, Grimmjow's twenty times more intimidating than the meanest looking biker! If Ichigo can beat the shit out of him, there's no one that can intimidate him. A hand grabs his ass and he growls in anger, turning to swing at the one with the audacity to touch him. His fist is caught without a problem, his amber orbs wide in shock as they lock with familiar cyan.

"Hey, Kitten!" Grimmjow grins. "See you haven't lost your temper… or your hook. Fuck that hurt."

"Sorry, Grimm," Ichigo blushes. "I didn't know it was you… I thought you weren't coming."

"I had to pick something up."

Ichigo gives him a questioning look, glancing back at the others torn between pulverizing the newcomer and not wanting to get killed by a temperamental orangette. Grimmjow steps to the side, Ichigo gasping as he's tackled to the ground by Mashiro.

"Berry-bun! Mashiro missed you so much!" she squeals. "Kitty told Mashiro Kensei was sorry and berry-bun needed Mashiro to save him from Kensei's friends. It's okay, Berry-bun, Mashiro will keep them away from you! After all, Berry-bun belongs to Kitty now!"

"What the hell?"

"I told her no such thing," Grimmjow comments with a roll of his eyes. "I simply told her I didn't want my honeymoon ruined because she's holding a grudge against her damn lover."

Ichigo grins, launching himself at his hubby and almost knocking him over with his hug. Thankfully, Grimmjow is a well-trained fighter and can find his center within seconds. The group gives Kensei a strange look, the pierced male shrugging his shoulders before kissing Mashiro.

"Thanks a lot, Grimmjow," he smiles. "If you hadn't of played the guilt card, Mashiro would've snubbed me for another month."

"No problem," the other waves off. "I'm just glad my bitch stays with me. I really don't like the loss of attention."

Ichigo rolls his eyes, pulling his husband over to the area they're using as the dance floor. It's almost like a fight, but more sensual. Grimmjow moves with more grace than a man should hold thanks to his feline side, complimenting Ichigo's movements perfectly. Ichigo never would've thought the ex-Espada would be a good dancer let alone a great one, yet he's not about to not exploit it. He runs his hands over the other's body, delighting in the feel of firm muscle before their bodies press together. They'll be leaving the party early tonight, lest they end up fucking in the sand. Although… sex on the beach doesn't sound too bad.

"Who's the big guy, Kensei?" a smaller tattoo artist asks curiously.

"That's Ichigo's husband," Kensei smiles. "His name's Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, he's new to town."

"… He should get a job at our place; we're looking for another piercer."

"No, he's in on a club project with some of his pals. If we're nice enough to Ichigo, maybe he'll let us get in free!"

The others grin at the idea, but cast it aside immediately when Grimmjow hands the other something to drink. Ichigo looks at his doubtfully, yet decides it's okay as long as Grimmjow is with him. Grimmjow doesn't drink, as he doesn't want to compromise his sharp senses and abilities should a threat arise. With his bitch close to him, he'll be extra careful to keep Ichigo safe.

The party is wild and loud, though it doesn't contain much more than drunken banter. It lasts at least four hours, but starts winding down after someone had staggered into the ocean to throw up and promptly passed out. If Grimmjow and Kensei hadn't of stayed sober to protect their mates, they would've most likely drown. Ichigo and Mashiro are snoozing against the stereo system as Grimmjow helps Kensei pick up, the two constantly moving their gaze back to their mates in caution.

"You've done really good with Ichigo, you know," Kensei smirks. "He's a handful. Shinji was actually afraid he'd never find a mate with his temper… and his Hollow. After he regained his power, Shiro's been mad-protective of him."

"Shiro's the biggest threat to us," Grimmjow frowns. "I'm just waiting for him to do something drastic to get Ichigo away from me."

"Shiro's not like that," the other assures. "He's Ichigo's brother, that's all."

"How long was Orihime in love with Ichigo before he finally realized it?" Grimmjow comments flatly. "I've no doubt my dense little bitch wouldn't know his own feelings if they beat the shit out of him, propped him up against his sword, and planted a fucking flag on his forehead that proclaimed their name."

"… Probably."

The two grin at the thought, returning to picking up the litter left on the beach from the party. They have to maneuver around a few of the artists, as almost everyone just passed out in the sands, and Grimmjow heads over to the nearest vehicle to grab another trash bag. He catches sight of something in the backseat of Kensei's car, the one he's getting the bag from.

"Hey, Kensei," he calls with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "I've got the perfect way for you to repay me!"

Ichigo wakes the next morning with a pounding headache, a pathetic groan leaving his lips as he buries his head beneath his pillow. One hand reaches over to search the bed for his companion, a soft frown touching his lips at the empty bed beside him. He gets up and stretches, hissing in pain as his lower back throbs.

"Hmm… I don't remember having sex with Grimmjow last night," he murmurs as he scratches his head. "Is it considered rape if my husband takes advantage of me while I'm drunk?"

*Would ya take 'vantage a him? * Shiro counters.

"… Probably not."

*I would, * the other snickers. *That's pro'bly the only time yer ever gonna top 'im. *

"I don't' like topping," Ichigo states with a scowl.

*I wouldn' mind toppin' 'im. *

"I don't think you could even if he was so wasted he couldn't tell us apart."

*… Is that a challenge? *

Ichigo rolls his eyes at that, knowing Shiro's just in an abnormally good mood this morning. Something completely embarrassing must've happened to Ichigo last night, or he'd still be going on about how bitter he is toward the world for Ichigo getting married. He brushes it off, too tired to think about anything embarrassing happening right now. As he undresses for his bath, he can hear muffled laughter within his mind. Sighing in irritation, Ichigo pulls off his shirt and drops his pants… and Shiro bursts out laughing like the maniac he used to be.

"What the hell is your problem!" Ichigo snarls out, finally fed up.

*L-look… behind ya! * he gasps out.

Ichigo can just imagine the other rolling on the roof of his home's mimic within it inner world, holding his stomach as he cackles. Muttering to himself, Ichigo glances behind him just to humor the other. Grimmjow is just stepping up to the porch after heading out to get Ichigo a present when he hears the scream, a feral grin with a hint of satisfaction gracing his lips. When he walks into the bedroom, Ichigo uses his entire weight to knock them both back onto the bed. His features are seething, his hands fisted in Grimmjow's collar as he growls in rage.

"A tramp stamp? You had me get a fucking tramp stamp last night?" he snarls. "You fucking asshole! I can't believe I trusted you to take care of me and you did this!"

He points to the tattoo on his lower back right across his spine, a paw print in blue with a gothic 6 over it. Grimmjow grins at him, not the least bit unnerved in the face of the other's rage. Ichigo has begun sputtering, searching for the words to really knock Grimmjow down and make him feel like shit… but can't think of one thing.

"You're horrible! You're… you're just… Oh! I'm so gonna get you back for this!"

"You're welcome to try, Kitten," the other laughs. "But I seriously doubt you'll manage it. Unlike you, I don't drink when my bitch is around. Alcohol impairs my senses and I need them to protect you."

"… I'll think of something," Ichigo huffs. "I'm sure Shiro would like to help."

"… Ichi, I really don't want you going along with whatever your inner demon says," he sighs out more seriously. "He might inadvertently hurt you."

"He wouldn't," Ichigo assures. "I trust Shiro; he's a really good protector. Besides, I have fairly good judgment. I won't do anything I know isn't right."

Grimmjow frowns, but says nothing more. He really doesn't think Shiro can overcome Ichigo, but there's always that small voice in the back of his mind that screams 'threat' when the subject comes up. Ichigo, now that he's calm, realizes his state of undress and scurries back into the bathroom. Grimmjow waits a moment until he hears the other get in the tub, and then sneaks into the bathroom to bathe with his lover.

"Grimm! Get the hell out!" Ichigo snaps. "I'm still mad at you!"

"I won't try anything," he assures as he sheds his clothes. "I just want to be close to my bitch."

"Stop calling me that, or I'll show you how much of a bitch I can be!" Ichigo snaps.

Grimmjow snorts at the comment, easily sliding Ichigo forward so he can sit behind him. His Kitten may be showing his claws, but he's about as harmless as a toothless dog and Grimmjow isn't worried about his bark. After a short lived struggle, the orangette leans back into his significant other's chest with a scowl.

"See? This isn't so bad, is it?"

"Shut up, I'm still…"

"I know, I know. You're still mad at me," Grimmjow states with a roll of his cyan orbs. "But you have to admit, Kensei did a fucking awesome job on that tattoo."

"… Kensei did it?" Ichigo shrieks. "I'm gonna fucking kill you both! You're so gonna get it! I'm…"

Grimmjow cuts him off by yanking on his hair and locking their lips, the smaller male melting against his mate. Once he's sure Ichigo is too preoccupied to complain anymore, Grimmjow picks up a sponge and carefully starts washing the one sitting atop his lap. They're quiet for a long time, Grimmjow carefully scrubbing the other without getting his tattoo wet. Since there isn't much water in the tub and Ichigo in sitting on Grimmjow's lap, the water barely covers the majority of his ass and Grimmjow keeps a dry washrag over the marking to absorb any moisture that gets too close.

"I think this is the first thing you've done since we got forcibly married that Shiro didn't hate you for," Ichigo sighs. "He actually thought it was quite hilarious."

"So did I," Grimmjow chuckles.

"Of course you did," the smaller male grumbles.

"Awe, come on, at least it's hotter than that stupid Kido marking."

"That's a matter of opinion!"

Grimmjow finishes up their bath, carefully lifting Ichigo's hips so he'll get the hint to get up. As the orangette climbs from the tub, the Sexta takes great delight in watching his ass… and the tattoo just above it. Though he knows exactly what the arrogant male is doing, Ichigo can do nothing more than roll his eyes… and 'accidentally' step in a very painful place for his husband.

"Shit!" Grimmjow hisses in pain.

"Oops," Ichigo comments innocently although he's grinning wickedly. "Sorry, Grimm."

"I'll bet you are," the other grumbles. "Just hurry that sweet ass up."

He gives said ass a playful, but firm, smack. Growling in warning, Ichigo gets out a little faster and grabs a towel. Grimmjow follows him, not bothering to wrap a fluffy towel around his own body and simply draping it over his shoulders.

"You know, there's this thing called modesty…"

"Really? Never heard of it," the blue haired male grins.

"When are we going home, Grimmjow?" Ichigo sighs. "As much as I'm loving all this, Shiro is getting antsy and I can't blame him. There's only so much you can do here."

"We could have more sex."

"Seriously, Grimm, I want to go back to work."

"Well… There's a luau tonight we can go to tonight if you want," he shrugs. "I'm sure we're hanging out here for at least a week, the girls are having too much fun to leave now."

"This bites," the orangette huffs. "I would've been just as happy laying around the apartment."

"I know, Kitten. Unfortunately, we're at the mercy of psychotic women bent on forcing us to have their idea of a romantic honeymoon. We'll just have to bit our bottom lips and do as they say; it'll go much easier for us."

"Women are evil," Ichigo bristles. "This is why I'm gay."

"No, babe, you're gay because you like to take it up the ass."

"… I'm not talking to you anymore; it's bad for my mental health."

Grimmjow laughs loudly at that, following Ichigo into the bedroom and searching for something to wear. He tosses something to Ichigo, the orangette drying off and getting dressed while Grimmjow is busy in the closet. Afterward, he heads into the kitchen and waits for the other. Today he doesn't want to stay on the beach; he wants to go into the nearby town to window shop. As he sits patiently on the couch, he spies a small box on the coffee table. His curiosity getting the better of him, he picks it up and opens it. Inside are two rings, one plain gold band and another with a nice sized diamond set into it. They're nothing fancy, but Ichigo can't help the tears that threaten to fall at the surprise.

"Oh, you found it," Grimmjow states from behind him. "Do you like them?"

"… Why did you..?"

"This is what humans do, right?" he inquires in confusion. "When they get bound for life, they buy silly jewelry to wear so everyone knows? At least, that's what everyone is saying. They keep asking me why I don't have one if I'm married."

Ichigo's gaze narrows at the comment, amber orbs burning through the unshed tears as he turns that gaze on the other. Grimmjow seems unbothered by it, reaching for the small box and taking out the rings.

"Just who were the ones telling you this?"

"Just some females around the resort," he shrugs off. "Really persistent women, always following me around and shit… annoying."

"They were flirting with you, Grimmjow!"

"And they got about as far with me as anyone grabbing your ass got with you," he snorts before sobering. "Why didn't you tell me about this human tradition?"

"… It didn't seem important," Ichigo says quietly.

"Well it is," Grimmjow frowns. "Seireitei gave me money as a wedding gift, but I thought I should use it to buy this for you. I'm sure they were thinking I'd use it for more unconventional and kinky things… especially since that little midget gave me a good amount, but this seemed more important."

"Grimm…"

He takes Ichigo's hand and slides the ring with the medium sized diamond onto his ring finger, kissing his mate after and smiling as he puts the other on himself. Ichigo stares at the ring a long while, trying his hardest not to cry and failing at the heartfelt gesture he knows Grimmjow normally wouldn't think of. He wraps his arms around the other's waist, burying his face in his husband's chest and bawling.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, Grimm, this is great!" Ichigo smiles through his tears. "Thank you!"

He holds Ichigo close, sighing in content as he attempts to calm his mate. It doesn't take long, the younger male drying his eyes with a grin. He takes Grimmjow's hand tugs him out the door, far happier with the other than he was when he woke to find that damn tattoo.

Ah, that tattoo gag never grows old ;p And how sweet is Grimm with the wedding rings? I just wanna cuddle him like my cute little kittens outside! XD Anyway, like I said before, next chapter has the surprise in it! You may or may not like it, but IT'S MY STORY! SO THERE! =p Lol! It's okay, I still love you all =D Now, I need to go work on my novel now, so I'm gonna hurry this up =)

Grimm: What no room for us?

Vae: Awe, there's always room for you!

Shiro: Is Ichi gonna get preggers in the next chapter? =D

Ichi: You're all evil! Why do I bother with you? T^T

Grimm: If you don't know that by now, you never will. My theory is the fact you just don't want to admit you love us. *shrugs*

Ichi: You wish. *scoffs*

Shiro: Ya should see some a his fantasies! I can' sleep at night witout connectin' ta 'em an' seein' ya bendin' 'im over a flat surface. =D

Ichi: SHIRO! YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL PEOPLE THAT, IT'S PRIVATE! D8

Shiro: *scratches head* Oh... okay, now I know! =)

Ichi: A lot of good that does now!

Grimm: It does me plenty of good! Want me to make your dreams come true? =3

Ichi: *scowl dangerously* Get the fuck away from me.