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Chapter 11

Grimmjow sighed as he sat on the plane. He was nervous. He had never been on a plane before, let alone flying clear across the world. If he was a child, he would probably be running up and down the aisles. He sat near the window and gazed out, waiting for them to finish boarding the large airbus. He hoped it wasn't going to be full. He hoped that the seat next to him would be completely empty. He sighed again and looked down at the small envelope Renji had given him before stepping out of the car. He didn't understand where the man had gotten the sudden kindness. Grimmjow guessed it was because he was finally going to be out of the red head's hair.

Renji had told him not to open it until he was high in the air, but Grimmjow didn't know if he could wait that long. He didn't enjoy surprises and if it was something stupid, he would find himself catching a cab back to Ichigo's just to kick Renji's ass. He looked up when more people walked down the aisle.

After a while, the flight was completely boarded and Grimmjow got his wish of having privacy. He listened to the stewardess speak about rules and regulations, making sure he followed them even though he didn't want to. He didn't need his first flight to be a complete shitty one. He made sure his cell phone was off before slipping it into his jean pocket. He leaned back and watched the workers go down the aisles before quickly seating themselves.

Take off was fine, rocky, but it didn't bother Grimmjow. He just leaned back and enjoying the calming feeling. When the seat belt light went off, Grimmjow stared down at the small envelope. He slowly and calmly opened the flap, reaching his fingers inside and pulling out what seemed to be a couple of photos. When he turned one of them around, he chuckled to himself. He stared down at the photo of a young Ichigo, no more than sixteen or seventeen. The normal vibrant orange hair was still prominent, but Grimmjow looked into something he hadn't seen on the Ichigo of now. Deep, rich and expressive mahogany eyes. They had swirls of gold and were just as amazing as Ichigo's smile.

Grimmjow had seen many pictures of Ichigo around the apartment. Most of them were when he was a child, surrounded by his family mostly. He had never seen any pictures of Ichigo when he had gotten older. The fact that the boy was smiling, made Grimmjow a little relieved. He had worried that after what happened to the boy's parents that he had never smiled again. Of course he smiled now, but Ichigo had grown a lot more.

He set the picture down and turned over the next one, frowning at the image. He wondered who in their right mind would take this kind of picture. He turned it back over and saw small Kanji written off to the side.

With Love, Yuzu

Grimmjow smirked wide and flipped the image back was right to think that Ichigo always looked most innocent in his sleep. The calm expression that was void of any signs of scowling. His hair always looked limp and messy, but still as vibrant as the sun. His body always looked relax with a leg thrown up and over various covers and Pantera laid right in the curve of his body, held by long arms. It was something he actually enjoyed waking up to since he had stayed at Ichigo's place. And this was something he definitely had to keep by his bedside.


After being in the air for a little over twelve hours, Grimmjow touched down in San Francisco at around two in the morning. He wasn't too shocked that there were even people awake at such an early hour. Walking towards baggage claim, he could feel people staring at him. He knew he looked different, but he was sure there were weirdos even in America. He walked down the escalator and followed the signs to where he could pick up his baggage. He walked by a guy in a black suit only to backtrack when he saw his name on the medium sized rectangular card.

The man holding the card gazed at Grimmjow as if the man was about to steal his wallet. He started to shiver at the glare of death he was receiving from the much larger man.

"Ca-can I help you, sir?" Grimmjow just rolled his eyes. He understood what the man had said and to bypass any hassle, he pulled out his passport to show the nicely dressed young man. The man gazed down at it before glancing back up to Grimmjow. "Ah, Grimmjow, sir! Oh, you probably don't understand me!"

The man cleared his throat and started to speak in Japanese. "Grimmjow-sama, I am Hanatarō Yamada. I will be your driver and assistant until you get familiar with San Francisco."

"They chose…you…to be my assistant?" Hanatarō nodded, his hat falling forward across his brow. Grimmjow frowned, but he guessed the shrimp was better than no one. "Well, I need to get my bags from baggage claim. Oh, and you don't have to call me sama, Grimmjow is just fine." Hanatarō nodded again and followed after the blunet.

He wondered what Byakuya was thinking to have someone so young and small be his assistant. He guessed he couldn't judge a book by it cover. He learned that lesson countless times with Luppi. Grabbing a couple of his bags, he watched as Hanatarō grabbed the last one, only to drop it.

"If it's too heavy-"

"I got it, sir." Grimmjow gave a lop-sided smirk down at the younger man. He could see the boy was strong-willed even if he looked like a total wimp. He guessed that the little guy wouldn't be so bad. "If you are ready, the car is waiting outside." Grimmjow nodded and followed behind the dark haired man.

Grimmjow wasn't looking at much as he followed after Hanatarō. He could feel his body starting to shut down after the long flight and practically no sleep. He hadn't slept much the night before, mostly staying awake with Ichigo snuggled up next to him. His nerves had been all twisted up and he had found himself wide-awake through the whole entire night. Stepping out of the airport, he caught sight of the sky. It was deep blue, stars twinkling high in the darkness. He could smell the water in the air and wondered if it was a sign of rain or the fact that he was on an island city surrounded by a body of sea.

He sighed and continued to gaze out, in his own little world. He was unaware of the many people staring his way, probably gazing at the bright and obviously unnatural hair of his.

"Grimmjow-san." Sapphire blue eyes looked down, locking with deep blue and Grimmjow wondered what the boy wanted. "The car is here if you are ready to go." Grimmjow's eyes lowered some more and he noticed the black sedan parked next to he curb. Making his way over, he placed his bag into the open trunk and slid into the back of the car. He could feel his eyes drooping shut, but forced himself to stay awake to check the scenery. He knew he was going to be there for a while, but knowing him, he would be too busy later on to actually do much sightseeing.

He listened to the sounds of the car around him and he could feel the start of the engine. The humming of the motor was starting to lull him to sleep and he wasn't sure if he would be able to even stay awake. He leaned against the side of the door window and gazed out to see the slowly disappearing lampposts. His eyes closed shut only to open again before closing once more and his body shut down to a restful sleep.


"Grimmjow-san…"

"Grimmjow-san, it's time to wake up." The blunet groaned, stretching and wondering who would wake him up. He blinked his eyes open and looked around, trying to figure out where he was. "Grimmjow-san?" He glanced over to see the shrimpy dark haired male leaning over him. Jerking back, he gazed into blue eyes. "Ahh! I apologize, Grimmjow-san, but…we have arrived at your new place of residences." He frowned, but nodded and tiredly stepped out of the car.

He found himself in a dark underground parking garage and wondered just what kind of place he was going to live in. He never lived in a place with a parking garage and wondered if Byakuya threw him in some overpriced expensive hotel. He sighed. Right now he could care less though. All he wanted to do was sleep and enjoy a warm bed. He knew he should call Ichigo. The boy was probably worried about him.

After getting his bags from the car, he followed Hanatarō to an elevator, where they rode up approximately eleven floors. Stepping out when they opened, Grimmjow stared at the long hallway, floors lined with a striped beige carpet and walls painted a light tan colored. As they walked, he could see the maple colored doors with silver door handles and number plates off to the side. He frowned at how different it was from his once home of residences.

They stepped up to a door, the numbers 1174 and Hana produced a key from his pocket. "This will be your home from now on, Grimmjow-san." He handed him the keys and stepped to the side. The blue haired man looked down at the warm metal in his hands, thumping over the intricate grooves. He still couldn't believe this was happening. He slipped the key into the keyhole above the door handle and turned. He pushed down the knob and pushed open the door.

Stepping inside, he instantly realized that he would have to get new furniture. He quickly removed his shoes, a habit since he was a child and his feet moved as he stared at the large area. His leather couch looked gaudy and unattractive in such a room. The white and cream walls made the place feel homey, but the moment he stared at his furniture, he knew it would have to be changed. He could see Hana walking in behind him, but he ventured into a different part of the apartment. The door to the bedroom was open and he noticed that someone else's bed was in the place where his should be. Stepping into the room he looked at the large dark wood framed bed. Pillows set in an arrangement as if they were on display. He could see sheets that he knew for a fact he never owned, but now he wished he had, because they looked comfortable. He walked over and thumped the fabric at the end, savoring the fact that it was soft fur.

He noticed a folded note sitting on top and plucked it from the soft comforter. Unfolding it, he started to read:

Hello, Grimmjow.

I am delighted that you were willing to embark on this new journey. I am sure you have made many people happy, yourself included. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and you have set aside everything to take part in it. Most people wouldn't be able to do so and that kind of strength is what we always need for the San Francisco Symphony. You are a talented young man and I know that I didn't make the wrong decision when I chose you that night.

As you have noticed upon reading this, your bed is missing. It was damaged in the trip from Japan. I took it upon myself to purchase you a new one as well as some much-needed necessities. Call it a home welcoming gift from your new boss. They are just basic tools that you will need, but feel free to look throughout your apartment at your own time. I am sure you are very exhausted and don't have much energy left.

You will not start working until the end of the month. I have given you this time to get used to your new surroundings and find out what there is to offer in San Francisco. You do not need to worry about much. Hanatarō Yamada will be there to help you and cater to anything that you may need. He is originally from Japan, but has lived here for many years.

I do hope that you will enjoy your new life here in America as well as your new career with the San Francisco Symphony. I look forward to seeing you soon.

SFS Director

Kuchiki Byakuya

Grimmjow glanced back down to the bed and wondered what else that stoic man had bought him. He sighed and threw the note onto the side table. He was too tired to think about it now. He padded back into the living room to see his assistant standing still at the door like a British guard.

"Hana, was there something else you needed?" The petite man blushed at the nickname, but shook his head. "You're allowed to leave then. If I need you I can call you, right?"

"Yes, sir. I left my card on the kitchen counter. Feel free to call me for anything." Grimmjow nodded and watched the shaky man leave, closing the door behind him. Grimmjow sighed as he walked over to grab his bags. He hauled them into his bedroom and let them fall to the carpeted floor. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his cell phone and the envelope Renji had given him.

He threw his phone onto the bed and set the envelope down on the side table before he started to undress. He would deal with getting situated tomorrow, or whenever his jet lag thoroughly went away. He ignored the idea of slipping into some pajamas to sleep in his boxers and started to pull down the covers. Slipping inside, he pulled the covers over him and reveled in the warmth and comfort that was given off from them. He reached for his phone, turning it on and watched as the screen started to light up. He knew he would have to get a new number soon. The thought of re-doing everything over just made him exhausted. He was going to be an American citizen and the thought of going through the procedures were tiring in itself.

His phone beeped and he looked down to see a text message. Pressing a few buttons, he reached his inbox and saw that it was from Ichigo. He smirked and pressed a button to read it.

Call me when you get to America. I don't care how late it is. ~ Ichigo

Chuckling, he scrolled through his phone book, too tired to even remember that Ichigo was on the speed dial and press the call button. Holding it to his ear, he listened to it ring. The monotone sound was calming and he found his eyes drooping closed.

"Grimmjow?"

"Morning, Ichigo," he said in a lethargic tone. Ichigo made a noise at the statement, knowing that it was evening in Japan.

"You made it safely. I was worried with the storm that was coming this way." Grimmjow enjoyed the sound of Ichigo's voice flowing through his ears. It was as if he was right there next to him.

"Yeah, safe and sound in my new bed."

"How is it out there?"

"Mmm, not really sure. I was too tired to really see anything. I'll look probably later on in the week."

"Want to get off the phone? You sound really tired." Grimmjow wanted to chuckle at the pout he could practically hear in Ichigo's voice. He knew this was going to be hard for the both of them, but he was sure they would be able to handle it.

"No, stay on until I fall asleep." Ichigo giggled and it relaxed Grimmjow's mind. He listened to the boy talk, adding in a few tidbits of his own, here and there. He told Ichigo about the photos that were given to him and he cackled with joy at hearing Ichigo yell at Renji. Ichigo talked about Yuzu wanting to send gifts his way because she was worried about his eating habits. Whatever the orange haired man wanted to talk about, he listened with as much enthusiasm as he could muster in his tired state. After a while, he could feel the jet lag starting to really set in.

Ichigo sat on the other line, listening to Grimmjow's deep breathing and knew the man was fast asleep. He smiled and continued to speak, even though he knew the man wouldn't respond. After a while he finally hung up the phone and left the man to his deep slumber.


A Few Days Later

Though Grimmjow was still feeling a bit haggard, he refused to stay in the bed. He wasn't the lazy type and even though he knew he should be sleeping, he wanted to look around. He and Hana had walked around the area and Grimmjow found out that there was a furniture store not to far away. He knew there was still the language barrier, but he would rectify that soon enough. He opted to just have his little assistant translate for him until he was able to speak proper English.

After buying himself some new couches that would fit in his new living room, he and Hanatarō headed back to the apartment where the car was parked. The dark haired man decided to show him where the symphony hall was at so that the blunet could get familiar to the distance.

Grimmjow was surprised at how close the place was, probably about five to ten minutes away. After showing him there, Hana wanted to show his boss where he spent most of his time, hoping that Grimmjow would enjoy the place as well. He knew how hard it was coming to a new place and he was thankful that Byakuya had showed him around when he first came to America. He had been working with the man for quite a while and was very lucky that the noble man spoke many languages, including Japanese.

Grimmjow sat in the backseat, gazing at the large buildings that reminded him so much of Tokyo. The sky was gloomy, showing that it would probably rain soon. He wouldn't complain though because he was the type that enjoyed rain, just as much as he enjoyed thunder and lighting. He watched the scenery change and noticed that increase in Kanji and Japanese culture.

Sitting up from his leaned back position, he gazed at the passing shops. "Where are we?"

"Japantown, sir." Grimmjow gazed at the various buildings, surprised that he would even see such a thing. He knew of Chinatowns in various parts of American cities, but to have a piece of home right there made him feel welcomed and content. "They hold a large variety of festivals throughout the year around here. There are also a lot of different shops, galleries, and spas, as well as a dojo. It's where I used to spend most of my time when I felt homesick."

It made him feel a little less nervous to be in a new place. He knew it would be hard for anyone who was moving to a new place, but if everyone could have a piece of home wherever they were, it would probably make the transition so much easier.

"Also sir, I'm not sure if it pertains to you, but San Francisco is neutral to the gay community." Grimmjow glanced out of the corner of his eye and looked in the rear view mirror to see a slight blush on his assistant's face.

"…Are ya gay, Hana?" The young man coughed, trying to clear his throat.

"Uh…y-yes sir. I am." The dark haired man glanced up to the mirror to see Grimmjow looking at him. "I-I'm sorry if you aren't into that, uh, s-sort of thing."

"No worries. …I have a lover back in Japan." The petite assistant seemed to relax at the news. "So, are you dating anyone?" Hana's face lit up again and Grimmjow found himself chuckling. He didn't know what is was about the blushing, but even with Ichigo it always made him want to laugh.

"Uh, ye-yes. He works at the dojo here in Japantown." Grimmjow's brow arched, wondering just what kind of man his little assistant was dating. He wasn't really one to pry, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

The rest of the day had been a relaxing one. He mostly shopped for things he needed at the apartment, as well as walk around part of the Japanese district. He had lunch with Hanatarō because he refused to have the man as an assistant without getting to know him. The dark haired man was going to be in his personal and private space, and he refused to let the man continue to be a stranger. It wasn't to hard getting used to him being around. He was quiet most of the time, but he wasn't really afraid to say what was on his mind.

Grimmjow did find out that the boy was clumsy every now and then. He did get picked on and bullied, but he still tried to live his life. Hanatarō had said his boyfriend mostly stood up for him and it gave him the strength to stand up for his own self. The blunet was actually surprised that the small man would even introduce him to his boyfriend.

Ganju Shiba was a interesting man. He was loud, kind of reminding Grimmjow of Renji. He was a big man and the blunet could see the reason why he worked at a dojo. It was surprising to see that Hana was dating such a man, but he guessed opposites did attract. Hana was a very small man with a calm and quiet personality, while Ganju was big, loud and brash. The blunet guessed they fit each other fairly well and the thought of them made him think about Ichigo.

He knew it had only been a few days, but he wondered how Ichigo was doing. They had been so used to seeing each other everyday for the last month that it felt awkward not seeing Ichigo at all. Lying alone in a bed and falling asleep on a pillow instead a soft mop of orange hair felt wrong in some way. He knew he couldn't deny that he missed Ichigo already, but he knew that he was doing this for a better life. He was out there to do something for himself and he knew that Ichigo was willing to give up as much as he was for his dream.


Grimmjow frowned, stepping into the symphony hall for the first time. He had nervous butterflies in his stomach and didn't know if he could do this. It wasn't the familiar feeling like he was playing at the lounge club. These were new people who he was sure didn't have any problem telling him how untalented he really was. He knew he was probably putting himself down, but he never thought he was good enough for the big leagues. He had doubt just like everyone else, even if he was considered some 'prodigy'.

"Grimmjow." The blunet looked over his shoulder at the sound of the deep voice. He noticed Byakuya walking down the aisle, clad in a pair of dark blue slacks and a light gray silk dress shirt. His footsteps were silent as he walked and his hands were loosely slipped into his pockets.

"Have you taken a look around the symphony hall?"

"Yeah, this place is huge," Grimmjow responded. It was indeed large. It seemed to house over a thousand guests. Lights shined from above and the taupe walls hid away as the sienna seats dominated the room. When Grimmjow gazed up he could see panels of glass on the ceiling above, looking as if they were floating. The lights reflected and made them sparkle as if they were made of diamonds.

The stage was made of solid wood and Grimmjow thought it gave an old world look to the rest of the modern hall. His inner mind was practically jumping with joy at the fact that he would be able to play there of all places.

"Are you ready to meet the some of the other musicians?" Grimmjow looked back over at the stoic man and nodded. "Their in the music room, practicing." The blunet followed behind Byakuya and walked down a corridor. They stepped into one of the rooms and Grimmjow saw a few other people sitting in seats with their instruments. The moment he stepped through that door, eyes assessed him. He was nothing like everyone else. He was much younger and his hair was various shades brighter. He was foreign among the American musicians.

He looked away and sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought.


One Month Later

Grimmjow leaned against the railing of his balcony and gazed out at the San Francisco night sky. Life was rough, as he was trying to get used to everything there. Most of the musicians he was working with weren't as bad as he thought, but the language barrier had been a major bitch. The entire time he had been there in America, he pushed himself to learn as much English as possible. He knew the basics, but when it came to speaking proper enough, he found himself in a difficult situation.

He mostly kept to himself until he was able to speak the language properly. After that happened, it was hard to even fit in with the other people in the orchestra. There were a few that spoke to him every now and then, but most of the time, he just played the piano and left. He could feel the animosity rolling off of some of the people and wondered why there was so much hostility towards him. Was he not allowed the opportunity like everyone else?

He didn't feel welcomed, but he guessed he shouldn't care, just like he didn't care about it before. He never was a friendly or social person. He was surprised by how many friends he had already, but he guessed it was because his personality fit them so well.

He and Nnoitra clashed like crazy, but they were so much alike that they could get along with each other, even if it meant getting into a brawl every now and then. Ulquiorra was quiet and his dry humor was sometimes painful, but Grimmjow was totally opposite being loud and obnoxious and they balanced each other out. Starrk wasn't difficult to befriend. He was cool headed and he instantly got along with Grimmjow.

And then there was Ichigo. There were so many things he could say about the fiery man. No matter how many times he tried to deny it, it was a thing a fate for them to meet. He had always thought that he would be stuck with Luppi. If it wasn't for bumping into Ichigo, he would have never gotten into a fight with Luppi. He would have never met little Yuzu. He would have not been able to make it to work that night because of a certain painful migraine. And if he hadn't gone to work, he wouldn't have been able to see Ichigo again.

Grimmjow looked down at his fingers, flexing them. He missed Ichigo more than he thought he would. It was difficult going back to the lonely life. He knew he was never lonely before Ichigo, but with Luppi it had always seemed that way. It was hard to want to be in that relationship. It was stressful and Grimmjow felt like it was more of a chore than something he actually wanted. With Ichigo, it was always leisurely. Though he put time and feelings into it, he got something so much deeper out of it. He could relax around the orange haired man and it made his chest hurt at the thought of being away from that affection for so long.

Grimmjow sighed and continued to glance out. He looked over his shoulder when he heard his cell phone ringing. Casually making his way back into the apartment, he snatched up his phone from the coffee table. Walking back outside, he stared down at the blinking blue screen. It was as if the younger man knew what he was feeling. He smirked down at the communication device, pressing the green call button and holding it up to his ear.

"…Hey, Ichigo."


So as you can see, this chapter was strictly Grimmjow POV. I didn't want to jump back and forth between POVs so I did it like this. I hope everyone enjoyed. Please review and see you next chapter. :)