Hello all, I'm so sorry about the long wait. Life has been busy and I had NO time to write. I finally got some time so I'll try to do my best to update a little quicker. Also make sure to vote on the poll on my profile. It really needs some help. Thank you to Racey, my beta.

PS: Time skip alert, I really don't want to drag this on with nonsense and uninteresting parts. There will be a few time skips in the story, but not too many.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Chapter 06

6 Weeks Later

The dimly lit room was filled with soft sobbing and sorrowful murmurs. The normal soft and smooth lavender bed sheets were crumpled in a heap and a figure sat in the very middle. He stared down at his tiny fingers, trying to figure out how he let Grimmjow slip through them. He had thought everything was going perfect. The three years they had been together had been everything to him and he didn't think he could ever love a man as much as he loved Grimmjow.

He heard the soft voice of his mother in his ear, but all he could think about was getting his boyfriend back.

"Luppi, honey, calm down." He shook his head. He didn't want to calm down. He wanted to let the tears roll down his face. He wanted his hair to look a mess, his skin to be dry and cracking. Why should he care what he looked like? No one was there to kiss him. No one was there to tell him how sexy or how cute he looked. No one was even there to touch him or enjoy the feel of him.

"Grimmjow will come back, dear," his mother whispered. "He loves you. He doesn't have anyone else, remember?" Luppi glanced to the side of the bed, the small, purple cell phone cradled against his ear. He looked at the framed photo of him and Grimmjow from last summer. Smiling. He hadn't seen Grimmjow smile in such a very long time. The man was looming over him, arms wrapped around his tiny waist. The feeling of being protected and wanted had always surrounded him.

Grimmjow never gave the impression that he didn't want or love Luppi, so the blunet leaving was so hard to get over. "You have to fight for him, Luppi. He wants someone who is willing to fight." The feminine man looked back down at the sheets. His mother was right. Grimmjow had said he wanted someone who could stand on his own two feet and be strong. He slowly raised his hand to wipe the tears from his eyes. He needed to fight to get Grimmjow back, no matter what that meant.

"Thank you, mommy." He could practically hear the smile on his mother's face. He refused to let this bring him down. He would stand on his own two feet and get his man back. A creepy, unnerving smile slowly turned on his lips and he looked down at the glinting silver on his bed. He reached his hand out and slowly slid his fingers across the cold object. The handle set in dark wood with an etched signature on the side. No one would get in his way and if they did, he would just have to cut them down.


Orihime sat in a mustard colored leather chair situated in a quiet corner of a coffee shop. The quiet music was backdropped to the chatter of other customers. She was sitting there, waiting for Rukia to join her for their normal girl talk. It had been six weeks since she found out that Ichigo was seeing the blue haired club pianist. In her heart, it just didn't feel right. Why would the oranget want him instead of her? Wasn't she perfect enough for him? She had never thought Ichigo would even be into men. She had always thought he was just holding out for the right girl, or at least…her. She sighed and looked down at her tangerine spiced tea.

She guessed she should have said something long ago. Maybe if she hadn't doubted herself, she would be with Ichigo now. She frowned; her normal, large, happy gray eyes were filled with sadness. She didn't think it would hurt so much when she found out Ichigo found someone else, but her heart throbbed and thumped with disappointment and heartache.

She glanced up when the door chimed, to see Rukia walking in. She watched the gnome-like woman make her way over to the counter and order before heading her way. The dark haired woman sat down across from Orihime, setting her Chappy purse down next to her. She interlocked her fingers on top of the round wood table and gazed at her best friend. She knew Orihime was hurting, but she refused to let the woman stay that way. She would find a way to get Ichigo back on the right side. Ichigo's clouded judgment was something she would have to rectify herself. She didn't understand how the man could choose the pianist over Inoue.

The woman that had been there for him, even before his accident and practically stayed everyday with him at the hospital. The woman who refused to live her life, just so she could make sure Ichigo was alright. How could he choose some punk with gifted hands, over a woman with a big heart? She shook her head and sighed. That boy was just confused and she would just have to set him straight, one way or another.


Ichigo sat on his bed, cross-legged. The soft purring of Pantera could be heard from the section in-between them. It was just like any other day that he would be home alone. Renji was at work and Yuzu and Karin wouldn't be around until after school. He clutched the cordless phone and listened as Grimmjow's sultry and smooth voice spoke into his ear. He couldn't help but smile at how giddy it made him feel when he heard the blunet speak.

He had called earlier, only to be seized by Grimmjow's voice as he just woke up. It was something Ichigo had quickly locked away in his mind. The man's voice always made his body tingle, but to hear that raspy, quiet and deep tone was enough to make his body quiver. If he was a woman, he would probably be giggling with delight. It surprised him that he had started spending a lot of time with the blunet. He was still trying to figure out his feelings for the older man. Over the last six weeks, they had spent a great amount of time with each other and it was hard not wanting to be around Grimmjow.

He knew Renji's attitude towards him was all because of Grimmjow. The red head didn't hide the fact that he plainly despised the blunet. The rude remarks and distinguishing mood had gotten, worse week after week and he didn't understand why Renji just couldn't be happy for him. The fact that he had got his ass handed to him probably didn't make the situation better, but that wasn't Ichigo's problem. He just wished that Renji would be happy that he wasn't moping around and feeling upset about his predicament.

"Do you have work tonight?" Ichigo asked after a while. He knew Grimmjow usually worked on a Wednesday night, but he was hoping there was a change of plans. He really enjoyed going out to other places with the bigger man. They mostly went to places where Ichigo didn't have to do much seeing. Concerts and the movies were always the most fun. Ichigo always enjoyed listening to how Grimmjow interpreted whatever was on the screen in his own way. He liked the little things the blunet did as well, the subtle touches and ways just to get closer to him. Or how when they would be in a secluded area, Grimmjow would use that chance to plant kisses anywhere his lips could reach.

Ichigo had been enjoying the attention more than he thought he would and he knew it was only a matter of time before things would get a little more serious. He really didn't know if he was ready to even take it one-step further. He did enjoy how things were going now, but he knew Grimmjow had needs. He didn't like for the man to have to wait. He didn't know what had gone on with Grimmjow's ex, but he was sure they had been in a very intimate relationship.

Grimmjow's soft, deep voice made him slip from his thoughtful state. "Mmmm, yeah. Sucks, but I'm only doing my waiter shift."

"No piano tonight?"

"No piano tonight. My boss said he wanted to talk to me about something serious. It's kind of unnerving."

"Why?" Grimmjow made a noise and Ichigo could hear the shifting of sheets and the bed creaking.

"Whenever he wants to talk about things, it always turns into something…bad." Ichigo hummed, but wasn't sure he really understood. Whenever he spent time at the lounge, Aizen seemed like a nice man. He was calm and always spoke in high regard of Grimmjow.

"I'm sure whatever it is, it will be fine. He doesn't seem like an evil man or anything."

Grimmjow sighed. "…He's just hard to understand, that's all."

"Like you." He smiled when Grimmjow chuckled.

"I'm hard to understand? I'm sorry."

"It's not a bad thing. It kind of makes you unpredictable and spontaneous."

"Makes me sound…romantic," Grimmjow rumbled, making Ichigo blush.

"…Sh-shut up." Grimmjow chuckled low before groaning loud into the phone. "Wh-what are you doing?"

"…I'm- wait, are you thinking nasty thoughts?"

"N-no! Of course not! Y-you are just groaning and I thought…Shut up!" Grimmjow cackled loud. His laughter was deep and it would be infectious if Ichigo wasn't trying to be mad at the bigger man.

"You were so thinking something naughty. It's alright, we all think about those kinds of things."

"…Whatever," Ichigo mumbled. "Don't you have to get ready for work or something?"

"Did I make you mad? You know I'm just playing, but…yeah I do gotta get ready for work." Ichigo frowned. He didn't want to get off of the phone. He enjoyed listening to Grimmjow's voice. "But I'll call you when I get home, sound good?"

Ichigo smiled and lowered his clouded eyes. "Yeah…sounds good." He said his goodbyes and hung up the phone. He set it down next to his leg and sighed, trying to figure out what he was going to do now that his time wasn't being preoccupied by Grimmjow.


Grimmjow chuckled as he threw his phone onto the bed. He laid back and looked up at the ceiling. He really couldn't believe so much time had gone past. A month and two weeks? Everyday had gone by so fast. Not one day had dragged on, while spending time with Ichigo. Sometimes he wished it had, because it was just far too enjoyable to ever want it to end. Life was…comfortable. He cracked a little smile. He felt good. He didn't feel like he had to jump through hoops to make Ichigo happy. He could be himself. He could ignore that his flaws were showing. He always knew he wasn't perfect, but before it was like he was always being reminded of that. Even though he felt the need to impress Ichigo, he didn't have to.

Ichigo didn't care how much money he made or what kind of clothing he wore. All the orange haired man cared about was being happy. He cared that Grimmjow was happy. Whether he was some club pianist, concert pianist or some famous composer, Ichigo just wanted the blunet to smile.

Grimmjow slid out from between the sheets of his bed and padded out of his bedroom. Making his way down the hall, he came up to a door at the far end. He pushed it open to reveal a small office. A small, royal blue keyboard sat catty cornered by his desk. He made his way over and sat in the comfortable, gray office chair situated in front of it. An array of scribbled on music sheets were scattered across the floor and desk. Some had small notations, while others were filled with small music notes written with a black pen. He reached down and picked one up, smirking at the music notes.

He had finally been working on composing various different pieces, but one in particular was something he had been working on for Ichigo. Call him sappy, but he thought it was perfect for him. A little pick-me-up for all that he had been through in his life. The piece was almost completed and when that time came, he would make sure to play it with his heart and soul, just for Ichigo.


Grimmjow stepped into Dangai and casually made his way directly towards Aizen's office. The dark brown door blended well with the walls, almost seeming invisible. The white letters on a black nameplate was the only contrast. Grimmjow just stood at the door, contemplating his decisions. Did he really want to know what Aizen wanted to talk about? He really didn't have a choice, but the more he stood there, the more he felt like he had control over his own choices. He exhaled a breath and raised his hand to knock. He heard a soft, but authoritative "Enter" and quickly made his way inside, softly closing the door behind him. He tried to keep his eyes on his boss, but every time he stepped foot in that office, his eyes quickly wanted to take in everything.

The man's taste in everything was always extravagant. His furnishing looked completely high-end, with restored and refined wood furniture. It was a big difference to the completely white walls filled with various framed photographs of Aizen with an array of celebrities. Actors, musicians, recording artists, boxers and even talk show hosts. It seemed the man had some very well known connections. Diplomas and business licenses scattered the walls as well, sitting between pristine conditioned paintings. One painting always had creeped Grimmjow out though. It sat on the wall behind Aizen's desk. It was large, covering the entire width of the wall. The mood of it was dark, the crescent moon in the painting illuminating the grainy, tan sands below. A white stone castle sat in the far distance. Creatures roamed the area covered in bone material, but what was the most frightening thing were the holes in their bodies. In their chests, stomachs and some in their faces. The holes where the eyes should be glowed gold, but they looked so sad, so dead and so...hollow.

He glanced down from the painting to see Aizen looking up at him with a thin arched eyebrow. "Grimmjow, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He softly smiled at the blue haired man, making him sneer back.

"I wanted to know what you wanted to talk to me about."

"Ah, yes. You should have a seat." Grimmjow frowned, but seated himself in the high backed, white leather chair. Aizen set his fountain pen down and steepled his hands together. "Once you finish your normal shift tonight, we will be having a guest. He is a very important friend of mine and I want you to treat him with respect. Also, I'll need you to play the piano for him as well."

"That's all?" Aizen just nodded, his eyes sparkling with knowledge and amusement. Something didn't feel right. Grimmjow could tell his boss was withholding information, but he didn't have a way of figuring out what. He brushed it off, hoping it was nothing and rose from the chair. "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll just start my shift." He made his way out, closing the door behind him.

Aizen sat, gazing at the door. His mouth slowly turned upwards. He lowered his fingers and drummed them against the wood desk. Gazing down, he looked at a few sheets of papers, most with blank spots initialed and some not. He lowered his brown eyes to the bottom of the page, Grimmjow's name in bold letters and a long line right beside it. He softly chuckled. This had to be the best idea yet.


"Okay, next you add a few drops of vinegar to the rice and then stir it gently." Ichigo frowned as he sat at the kitchen table. He never understood why Yuzu had to voice what she was doing while she cooked. It had been a habit ever since Ichigo went blind. He really didn't mind, but it was just kind of weird. He could hear Karin grumbling as she did her homework. "Then you smear this and add that, then wrap!"

"Yuzu, what are you making?" He listened to the girl as she hummed a little tune to herself. He opened his mouth to ask her again, but she quickly interrupted him.

"Sushi!" He could hear the happiness in her voice before he heard her socked feet pad towards the table. He heard a plate softly touch the table and a pair of chopsticks as they were set against the plate. Yuzu went on her way and Ichigo started to eat. As he did so, he could hear the brown haired girl humming again in the kitchen before hearing a familiar set of loud thuds.

"Renji?"

"…Yeah, what?" Ichigo frowned. The red head was still in a pissy mood and it was really starting to get on Ichigo's nerves.

"Yuzu, Karin. Can you two go to the office for a moment? I need to speak to Renji privately."

"Tch, why should we? We already know you are going to chew him out."

"Karin! …Please, just go." The dark haired girl frowned, but grabbed her things. She slowly made her way down the hall, Yuzu following right after her. When Ichigo heard the door close he sighed. "Renji, what the hell is your problem?"

"What are you talking about? I don't have a problem." The red head was grabbing a plate of food before sitting down across from Ichigo. He gazed at the smaller male, frowning at the scowl on the man's face.

"You do have a problem. You've had a fucked up mood for the last few weeks. It gets even worse every time Grimmjow calls. He kicked your ass. Get over it."

Renji chuckled dryly. "You think I give a damn about that. He didn't kick my ass. He caught me off guard. Big difference. I've told you before. I hate him. I hate him calling here. I hate the fact that he's always hanging around here and I hate that you are spending so much time with him. He's just going to fuck you over, Ichigo," Renji argued as he stuffed a piece of sushi into his mouth.

"…Why can't you just be happy for me?" Ichigo looked down at his plate. Renji's face fell. His brows furrowed and pulled together. "I find someone that makes me feel good and it's like I'm not allowed to be happy. I've been through hell all my life and Grimmjow makes this life much more livable. I know I have my sisters, but sometimes I just need…more. So why can't I? Why doesn't anyone want me to be happy?"

Renji just continued to gaze at Ichigo. Of course he wanted Ichigo to be happy. He just felt that he could make the smaller male so much happier than that blue haired punk could. It was only a matter of time before Grimmjow betrayed and hurt Ichigo and the orange haired man didn't need that. He didn't need to feel like he was that much more pathetic. All he wanted to do was protect Ichigo from anymore harm.

"Ichigo…I want you to be happy, but I don't think you need Grimmjow for that. There are plenty of other people out there that could make you feel the same way."

"Like?"

"…" Renji didn't really want to continue this conversation. He didn't want to jeopardize his friendship with Ichigo over the silly feelings he'd had for years. He refused to make Ichigo think their friendship was covering the lie Renji was keeping about how he felt. He sighed. This was tearing him apart, but he knew it would be the right thing to do. "Orihime."

"Inoue? What does she have to do with anything?"

"You are just as blind now as you were years ago." Ichigo frowned, but let Renji continue. "That girl has loved you since high school. No one else but you."

Ichigo chuckled. "You are so full of it. She isn't in love with me."

"Told you. You are still as blind as ever."

"Quit it with the blind joke!"

"Well then stop being so insensitive to her feelings." Ichigo glared in Renji's direction, his mouth pulled into a deadly sneer. He would never believe that sweet Inoue was in love with him. She was nice, but she was nice to everyone.

"I'm not. I don't see what you are talking about."

"Exactly! What woman spends every waking minute at the hospital with a man she doesn't love? Inoue has been there every step of the way for you and you push her feelings aside. She would throw her own life away if it meant that you would be able to live yours. Get a grip, Ichigo. If you are meant to be with someone, than Orihime is the one you need to choose."

Ichigo's face was unreadable. He seriously didn't know what to think. Orihime was…in love with him? Why hadn't anyone ever told him? Why was he the only one still left in the dark? Was he really supposed to be with her? He felt something throb in his chest. He had never known. He felt bad for not noticing her feelings long ago.

"Ichigo…Grimmjow is not good for you. He will take you and rip you apart. If you saw what I saw in him, you wouldn't want to be with him. His attitude and body language are not a good thing. He's just not the right person for you."

"Is it because he's a guy?"

"…No-"

"You're lying." Renji grimaced at the venom in Ichigo's voice.

"…Okay, maybe that's why too. Look, you need a woman to take care of you. Someone like Orihime is perfect. She's sweet, beautiful and she's already completely dedicated to you. Just let that man go and get with Hime."

Ichigo sat there. Maybe Renji was right. Maybe he should be with Orihime. She had been around him for years. She was a caring woman and someone that any man would want. He frowned. Was that really enough though? Did he really need Inoue in his life? Was she going to make him feel the same way Grimmjow made him feel? He sighed. He just didn't know what to do anymore.


Grimmjow sighed as he wiped down the last table for the night. It had been a long shift, full of young women hitting on him and older women practically trying to do the same. He seriously didn't know where they had been coming from. He picked up the tray of dirty dishes, scrunching up his nose in distaste and made his way to the kitchen. He set them down next to the sink so that his co-worker could start cleaning them.

He was starting to get anxious about this so-called important guest. He wondered why he had to stay and play the piano for him. What made him so damn special anyway? He made his way out and towards the back room. He pulled his apron off, slipping it into his locker and grabbing his jacket. Grabbing his cell phone from the pocket, he noticed he had a text message. He threw his jacket over his shoulder and started to walk back out to the front. Scrolling through his phone, he entered his inbox and saw it was from Ichigo.

Whenever you have time, can you contact me? It's really important. ~ Ichigo

Grimmjow wondered what the problem was. When he had talked to Ichigo earlier that afternoon, everything seemed fine. He sighed and slipped his cell phone into his jean pocket.

"Good evening…" Grimmjow looked up when he heard Aizen's voice coming from the center of the lounge. He guessed Aizen's special friend had finally arrived. He noticed a gorgeous man of average height. His skin was pale, but looked healthy with a natural glow. His long obsidian hair was pulled into a low, loose ponytail and he wore an immaculate suit that looked like it was worth more than Grimmjow would make in five years. The man's steel gray eyes were determined and seemed overly bored. His lips were pulled into a thin line and he just seemed like a total ball-breaker.

Grimmjow casually made his way over to where Aizen was. He watched as the two men conversed. Aizen looked up and smiled. "Ah, Grimmjow, I want to introduce you to someone. This is a good friend of mine, Kuchiki Byakuya. He's vacationing here for a few days and I thought he was someone you would like to meet."

"I wouldn't exactly call it vacationing, Aizen." Byakuya turned his attention to Grimmjow. He seemed to be assessing the man with a critical eye. "You are sure this is him?"

"Yes, he would be a perfect addition." Grimmjow made a noise to let the two men know that he was still standing there. "I apologize, Grimmjow. Would you like some time alone with him, Byakuya?" The dark haired male nodded and started walking to a table situated near the piano. He didn't wait for Grimmjow to get the hint and sat down in the hard wood chair. The blunet sat opposite him and gazed into those cold gray eyes.

"So what is this all about?" Grimmjow watched as Byakuya pulled a small case from his inner suit pocket. He opened it and pulled out a small, glossy, deep purple business card. He set the card down on the table and slid it over to where the bigger man could see it. Grimmjow picked up and read the information on the card.

San Francisco Symphony

Byakuya Kuchiki – Music Director

Davies Symphony Hall

XXX Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) XXX-XXXX

Grimmjow's cerulean eyes enlarged and his mouth dropped open. He had to be dreaming. The one place his mother talked about the most when he was a child. To have her son play in any orchestra around the world was great, but she constantly talked about San Francisco. America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. He could feel his face hurting from the wide spread smile. He didn't even notice the secretive smile on the stoic man's face. He was just too enamored by the card in his hand.

"So, I take it you know of the San Francisco Symphony?" Grimmjow could only nod as he continued to gaze at the card. "Aizen has spoken to me about your…gift and I thought I would come see it for myself. We are looking for a few new talents, which include a symphony pianist."

"…Really! I-I would be honored to do it…I mean, it would be an honor if you chose me." Grimmjow had to stop himself before he started speaking as if he had word vomit. He had never been so excited in his life. Even when he got his first piano, he didn't feel like he could float away as far as he thought he could now.

"Well, I would need to hear you play first."

"Okay." Grimmjow wasn't sure what to do until he noticed the man gazing at him. "Oh, right now?"

"I think later on would be a little problematic."

"Oh, right!" Grimmjow shot from his seat and swiftly made his way over to the piano. He was so nervous. He was about to audition to be in the SFS Orchestra. His palms were sweaty and he felt like he would fall on his face in front of the calm man. He quickly made his way up the stairs and sat on the black bench he was so familiar with. His whole body was shaking with adrenaline. He opened the lid and stared down at the row of keys. "Uhh, is there something specific you want me to play?"

He eyed the man sitting cross-legged at the table. He was so nervous, but he wanted to do himself justice. Byakuya was silent for a moment, assessing the way Grimmjow sat at the piano. He had poise and confidence. Though he was shaking, he knew the blue haired man had some talent.

"Étude Op. 10, No. 12 in C minor by Chopin." Grimmjow's eyes looked frightened. He didn't know if he could just do it on the spot. He swallowed making his Adam's apple bob and then sighed. This was going to be a long night.


55 minutes later

Grimmjow scowled as he sat across from Byakuya. He had never played so hard in his life and it was all just to impress some prick from SFS. He had played ten different songs. He had better be getting the damn job. The suspense was killing him and he balled his hands into fists. "So?" The dark haired man looked into brilliant blue eyes. He was perfect. He had talent, looks and the right attitude. He was more than determined to achieve what he set out to do and Byakuya felt the man was everything SFS needed. He may have been a little temperamental, but it wasn't anything Byakuya couldn't deal with.

Byakuya cleared his throat. "The pianist works three months straight, with a month break in between. You will work three shows a day with various days off throughout the week…" Grimmjow's mind was about to explode. His ears were clouded and he couldn't hear another thing the man was saying. He had got the job. He practically wanted to throw himself over the table and hug the man, but he didn't want to get a glare of death. He just couldn't believe his luck. Just wait until he told Ichigo…

His face completely fell and his body went rigid. Ichigo. He had forgotten all about the orange haired man. He couldn't leave now. He was supposed to be with Ichigo. "Mr. Jeagerjaques…" It was all moving too fast and he didn't know what he should do. "Mr. Jeagerjaques."

"…Uh, yeah sorry, uhm, about the job. D-do I have to leave immediately for America?"

"It would be the best option," the dark haired male gazed at Grimmjow to see a face of sorrow, "but if you need some time, you can come in a few months. We can have a stand in until you arrive. I'd advise you to think carefully about this though. There is no guarantee that the position will still be there in three and a half months."

"I-I know and I really want the job…it's just that I need to talk to someone about it first. Even if you give me a month to think about it, it should be enough time." He really needed to talk to Ichigo about this first. He knew it was a great chance, but he would feel bad if he just up and left immediately without saying something to Ichigo in advance.

"Very well. I can see that you are having a hard time with your decision. I will be leaving Japan sometime at the beginning of next week. In a month's time, if you still want the job, contact me in America. I will make arrangements for your arrival if you choose to take part in this opportunity." Grimmjow just nodded. He watched as Byakuya rose from his seat and casually made his way out of the club.

The blunet lowered his face into his hands. He couldn't believe his luck. To think he would be able to go to America and play the piano. It was something he always dreamed of doing. So why did he feel an ache in his chest? Why were his hands shaking? And why did he have to choose between his dream and Ichigo?


Grimmjow pulled up to the curb near Ichigo's apartment. He stepped out of the car, closing the door behind him. He reluctantly made his way down the concrete courtyard towards the orange haired man's door. He was trying to get his mind straight and figure out what he was going to do. He also wanted to know what was so important that Ichigo had to talk about. He reached the door and raised his hand to knock. Three knocks and he leaned against the doorframe waiting for someone to open it.

The door slowly creaked open revealing long red hair and tattooed eyebrows. Those eyebrows scrunched together and the mouth on Renji's face turned down in a frown. "It's fuckin' 12:15 am! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Look, I really don't have the patience to deal with you today. Ichigo called me and said he needed to talk to me about something. I just got off of work so I'm here. Is he asleep or not?" Renji's frown became deeper, but he stepped out of the way and let Grimmjow in.

"He's in his room. You know where it is."

"Thanks, man."

"Tch, what-the-fuck-ever." Grimmjow slipped off his shoes and made his way down the hall and pushed Ichigo's door open. The room was dark, only illuminated by the high moon. He could see the rise and fall of breathing in the bed. The orange hair peaked out from under the covers and Pantera laid at the very top of the pillow. He softly closed the door behind him and crawled on top of the bed. He laid there next to Ichigo, watching the man sleep. The small blue-gray feline trotted her way down towards her previous caretaker, walking in a circle and curling up next to the man's chest.

She mewed softly before drifting off to sleep. Grimmjow sighed. The feeling was nice. Just laying there and listening to Ichigo breath. He felt like a stalker in a way, but he couldn't help how Ichigo made him feel. He frowned when what happened earlier popped into his head. He didn't want to wake Ichigo up, but the quicker they talked about this, the quicker he could come to a decision. Grimmjow leaned over and pressed his lips to Ichigo's ear. He softly whispered his name, loving when the smaller male groaned and moaned his name. He smirked and repeated Ichigo's name again.

He pulled back a little and watched as burnt orange lashes fluttered open and cloudy white eyes were revealed. Ichigo could feel hot breath ghosting across his face and sighed. "Grimmjow?"

"Mmmm." He watched as Ichigo pulled the covers down and leaned closer to him. The bed creaked and the sheets shifted as he felt Ichigo's hand slowly run across his clothed chest.

"What are you doing here? And what time is it anyway?" Ichigo whispered.

"I'm here because you wanted to talk and it's about 12:30 in the morning." Ichigo frowned. He had forgotten that he wanted to talk to Grimmjow about what happened earlier that day. "Actually, I have something to talk about too, but maybe I should have waited until you were wide awake." Now that he thought about it, it probably hadn't been a good idea to come over so late.

"No, no it's okay. You first, mine can wait." Grimmjow took a deep breath and buried his face in Ichigo's soft orange locks. His hair always smelled good, like sweet butter cream. He heard Ichigo giggle and smiled.

"Sorry, your hair just smells good," Grimmjow mumbled.

"It's Yuzu's fault. She's always buying different shampoos." Grimmjow just chuckled.

"Maybe I should take her shopping with me."

"You're stalling. Is what you wanted to talk about bad news?" Grimmjow sighed and lowered his head down on the pillow next to Ichigo's. He gazed at the man he had come to enjoy being around.

"I got a job. It's to play the piano in an orchestra."

"Really? Congratulations! That's what you've wanted to do." Ichigo's smile was beaming, but Grimmjow just couldn't smile about the news. "So where is it? Here in Japan?"

"San Francisco." Ichigo's smile started to dwindle.

"That sounds like-"

"America, yeah," Grimmjow interrupted.

"But…oh, well congratulations still. I'm so happy for you."

"You don't sound too happy anymore." Ichigo looked down towards the sheets. Of course he was happy. Grimmjow was going to play some place where his talents wouldn't be locked away. It was something Grimmjow should be overly happy about, but America was so far away. There would be a time difference and miles and miles of ocean and land between them. He wouldn't be able to call the bigger man when he wanted to, or spend time with him.

"No, of course…I'm happy. It's just that…it's so far away. America? Have you ever even been there?"

"Nope and I know some English, but not fluently."

"Well, you have to do whatever you feel will make you happy." Grimmjow sighed.

"Yeah, that's the problem…I don't know what would make me happy right now."

"Grimmjow, you have an opportunity of a lifetime. Don't throw it away just because of me. I'll be fine. I mean you still can visit here, right?"

"…"

"…R-right?"

"…Yeah, I guess I could. The director said I would get a month break every three months."

"W-well see, th-that's…that's not so bad." Grimmjow frowned and lifted his head. He reached his hand out and lifted Ichigo's chin. He could see the small trails of tears rolling down the man's face.

"Why are you crying?"

"Sh-shut up! I'm not crying! I just have something in my eye!"

"It looks like crying to me." Ichigo sniffled and raised his hand to wipe away the tears.

"Well…it's not, okay?" Grimmjow sighed and leaned down, softly pressing his lips against Ichigo's. He pulled back and gazed into Ichigo's eyes.

"Just tell me not to go and I won't." The orange haired male really did want to tell Grimmjow to stay, but he refused to be some selfish person. He wanted the blunet to do what he loved and he would not stand in the man's way. He softly smiled and leaned forward, pressing his lips to Grimmjow's. He ran his tongue along the man's bottom lip asking for entrance and he quickly slipped the appendage inside Grimmjow's hot cavern. He moaned and enjoyed how the bigger man immediately kissed back. He could feel himself being pushed down onto the bed, but let the man take control. He could feel the man's soft hands running across his abs and chest and his body started to shake in fear.

He wasn't ready for this. They had only known each other for a month and a few weeks. It just wasn't something Ichigo wanted to give away yet. He tried to pull away from Grimmjow and the man got the idea. He slowly let up and looked down at the panting, orange haired man.

"Sorry…got a little carried away." Grimmjow started to pull off of Ichigo, noticing that the man was blushing a nice shade of raspberry.

"It-It's okay. I'm just not ready for that yet." Ichigo looked away. "I do want you to stay, but I want you to go as well. I want you to follow your dream, Grimmjow."

"Soooo?"

Ichigo chuckled and leaned his forehead against Grimmjow's chest. "Go. Enjoy America. Bring me back lots of souvenirs, yeah?"

Grimmjow smirked. "Yeah…"

"Good, so how long until you have to go?"

"One month." Ichigo hummed. He guessed that was enough time. Maybe in that time he could figure out what he really was going to do. Did he really want to be with Grimmjow, the man he just couldn't stay away from? Or start dating Inoue, the woman who has loved him ever since high school? He sighed and buried his face closer into Grimmjow's chest. He could feel the man's long fingers running their way through his hair. He could feel his eyes slowly getting heavy. He tried to stay awake, but his thoughts and Grimmjow's fingers were just making it impossible. Whatever his decision was, he would start to ponder on it again tomorrow.


So, is Grimmjow really going to go to America or is he going to stay in Japan? Got to stay tuned to find out. Also Luppi is scary, lol. Don't forgot to vote in the poll. Review please and see you when the next chapter is finished.