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Grimmjow leaned back in his chair, staring at his phone as if it was some kind of foreign object. He hated this. The idea of asking anyone for a favor, let alone Ichigo Kurosaki, made his skin crawl. But his sister Neliell’s wedding was fast approaching, and his family wouldn’t stop bugging him about settling down.
He needed a date…a fake one.
You see, Ichigo was the only person he could think of who might just pull it off.
He grit his teeth as he finally dialed the number, his foot tapping impatiently on the floor as he waited for Ichigo to pick up. When the familiar, slightly irritated voice answered, Grimmjow's scowl deepened.
“What do you want, Grimmjow? I’m busy.”
“Yeah, like I care,” Grimmjow shot back, irritation already seeping into his voice. “Look, I need a favor.”
There was a pause on the other end, and Grimmjow could almost hear Ichigo raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “A favor? From me? This should be good.”
Grimmjow pinched the bridge of his nose, already regretting this decision. “My sister’s getting married three months from now, and my family won’t get off my ass about settling down. They’re all over me like flies on shit, asking when I’m gonna find someone. I need a date. Someone who can act like we’re together so they’ll shut the hell up.”
Ichigo burst out laughing. Grimmjow’s grip on the phone tightened, knuckles turning white as he fought the urge to hang up.
"You’re serious?" Ichigo finally said, amusement clear in his voice. "You, the guy who can’t stand anyone, needs me to pretend to be his boyfriend? You know how insane that sounds, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know it’s fucked up," Grimmjow growled, annoyance creeping into his tone. "But I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have to. It’s just one day. You show up, play nice, and then we go back to ignoring each other like usual."
There was a long silence on the other end of the line, and Grimmjow could practically feel Ichigo weighing his options. Finally, Ichigo spoke, but not without a hint of teasing in his voice.
"What’s in it for me?" Ichigo asked.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes, but he expected that question. "I’ll owe you one. Anything you want, within reason."
"Anything?" Ichigo’s voice took on a playful lilt. "Even if I ask you to, I dunno, stop being such an asshole all the time?"
Grimmjow’s eye twitched, and he had to take a deep breath to keep from snapping. "Fine. I’ll try to be less of an asshole. Happy?"
Ichigo chuckled. "You know what? Sure. I’ll do it. It’ll be fun to watch you squirm, pretending to be all lovey-dovey. And I’ll get a free meal out of it."
Grimmjow couldn’t help but snort at that. "Don’t get any ideas. This is strictly business. We’ve gotta make this convincing. You think you can handle that?"
"Please," Ichigo replied, his tone confident. "I’m good at pretending, remember? But I hope you’ve got a plan, because we’re going to need one."
Grimmjow nodded, even though Ichigo couldn’t see him. "Meet me tomorrow, and we’ll go over the details. And remember, no funny business."
Ichigo laughed again, the sound annoyingly carefree. "I wouldn’t dream of it. See you tomorrow."
Grimmjow hung up, tossing his phone onto the couch with a sigh of relief. This was going to be a long three months, but at least he had a plan now. He just hoped he could survive pretending to be Ichigo’s boyfriend without losing his mind in the process.
You see, the two of them never got along ever since they first met in junior high, but due to mutual friends they were around each other quite a bit. Grimmjow always thought the orangette had a stick u his ass, but he didn’t care at that moment. He needed someone that could genuinely convince his mother, sister and the rest of the family that he was in a relationship and doing well, and Ichigo was his guy.
~
The following evening, Ichigo showed up at Grimmjow’s apartment.
Grimmjow heard a knock at the door and groaned, already dreading the upcoming conversation. He opened the door to find Ichigo standing there with a casual smirk, hands shoved in his pockets.
"Hi, honey. Figured we might as well get this over with," Ichigo said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His eyes flicked around the apartment, noting the clutter and mess with a raised eyebrow. "Nice place you got here. Real cozy."
Grimmjow closed the door behind him, already regretting this decision. "Cut the crap, Ichigo. Let’s just go through the details."
Ichigo chuckled as he followed Grimmjow into the living room, where a couple of beers were already set out on the coffee table. Grimmjow grabbed one, popped it open, and took a long swig, trying to drown out the irritation bubbling inside him.
"Alright, so here’s the deal," Grimmjow began, leaning against the back of the couch. "The wedding’s in a couple of months, and we need to convince my entire family that we’re a thing. That means we’ve got to look like a real couple. You know, the whole shebang. Hand-holding, smiling, pretending not to hate each other’s guts."
Ichigo grinned, clearly amused by the whole situation. "Sounds like a blast. But you know, Grimmjow, this isn’t just about showing up and acting like a couple for one day. Your family’s going to be asking questions, expecting us to know all the little details about each other. We need to make this look real."
Grimmjow rolled his eyes. "I’m aware, genius. That’s why we’re going over everything now. We need a story, something that makes sense and doesn’t raise any eyebrows."
Ichigo nodded, dropping onto the couch and grabbing his beer. "Alright, let’s start with the basics then. How did we meet? And don’t give me some cliché crap about locking eyes across a crowded room."
Grimmjow snorted. "Like I’d go for that bullshit. We’ll say we met through a mutual friend. Maybe Renji introduced us at a party, and we just hit it off after that. Makes sense, right?"
"Not bad," Ichigo agreed, taking a sip of his beer. "But let’s add a bit more to it. How about we didn’t like each other at first? That way, it explains why we’re not all over each other even now."
Grimmjow gave a grudging nod. "Fine. We couldn’t stand each other, but eventually, we realized we had more in common than we thought. We started hanging out, and one thing led to another. There, happy?"
Ichigo smiled, leaning back with a satisfied look. "Works for me. Now, what about the first date? Your family’s going to ask about that."
Grimmjow frowned, trying to think of something that wasn’t too sappy. "We went to a bar. Just had a few drinks, talked, and somehow ended up spending the whole night together. It wasn’t anything special, just... comfortable."
Ichigo’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Yeah, that sounds believable. Not too romantic, but enough to explain why we’re together."
They continued hashing out the details. Favorite foods, pet peeves, inside jokes, all until they had a full backstory that even Grimmjow’s nosiest relatives would buy. Every now and then, Ichigo would toss in a playful jab or a sarcastic remark, which only made Grimmjow’s scowl deepen.
As they wrapped things up, Ichigo leaned back on the couch, stretching his arms behind his head. "You know, this might actually be kind of fun. I get to see you squirm in front of your family, and you get them off your back for a while. Win-win."
Grimmjow shot him a glare but couldn’t deny the relief he felt at having their story straight. "Just don’t get too comfortable with this. Once the wedding’s over, we go back to normal. Got it?"
Ichigo grinned. "Got it. But until then, you’re stuck with me, babe."
Grimmjow groaned, downing the last of his beer. "This is gonna be hell, isn’t it?"
Ichigo’s laugh echoed through the apartment as they settled into a reluctant partnership, both knowing that the next few weeks would be a test of patience, acting skills, and maybe even a little bit of unexpected fun.
~
Over the next few weeks, Grimmjow and Ichigo found themselves talking almost every other day. What started as a way to solidify the details of their fake relationship soon became something else.
A series of conversations that were surprisingly enjoyable, even for two people who often got on each other’s nerves. They talked about their favorite movies, childhood memories, and little quirks that might come up during the wedding weekend. Despite their initial reluctance, a strange sort of camaraderie began to develop between them.
One evening, their conversation took a more serious turn. Grimmjow had just finished recounting a funny story about a prank Neliell had pulled on him when they were kids, and there was a pause before Ichigo spoke up.
“So, you and Nel. You two seem really close,” Ichigo remarked, his tone thoughtful. “I guess you had to be, after your dad… you know.”
Grimmjow’s expression darkened slightly, but he didn’t shy away from the topic. “Yeah, we had to be,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. “When our dad died, everything changed. I was just a teenager, and Nel was even younger. Our mom tried to keep it together, but it was hard. I had to step up, take care of Nel, make sure she was okay, even when I wasn’t.”
Ichigo listened intently, his usual sharpness softened by understanding. “I get it,” he said after a moment. “I was nine when my mom died. We were walking home from school, and it was a drunk idiot heading for me.”
“She pushed me out of the way. Saved my life, but she didn’t make it.”
Grimmjow looked at Ichigo, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice. He swore he caught a glimpse of a tear in the other's eyes. “I'm sorry,” he muttered, not sure what else to say. “That’s… rough.”
Ichigo nodded, his gaze distant as he remembered that day. “Yeah, it was. My dad tried to be strong for me and my sisters, but I could see how broken he was. I had to grow up fast, just like you. Take care of my family, even when I felt like I couldn’t.”
For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of their shared losses hanging in the air. But it wasn’t uncomfortable; it was a rare moment of understanding between two people who usually clashed.
Grimmjow finally broke the silence, his voice a little rough. “Seems like we’ve both been through some shit, huh?”
“Yeah,” Ichigo agreed, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips. “But we’re still here.”
“Damn right we are,” Grimmjow said, a hint of a smile playing on his own lips. He leaned back, feeling a little more at ease than before. “Anyway, enough of the heavy stuff. What’s next on our list? Favorite food? Embarrassing childhood stories?”
Ichigo chuckled, the somber mood lifting slightly. “Let’s go with embarrassing childhood stories. I’ve got a few good ones about Renji I can share.”
As they continued to talk, the bond between them grew a little stronger, their conversations no longer just about their fake relationship but about the real experiences that had shaped them both.
~
One afternoon, Grimmjow suggested something different. He invited Ichigo to the gym where he trained, hoping that a good sparring session might help ease the nerves that had been gnawing at him since this whole charade began. Ichigo agreed, eager to release some pent-up energy and, admittedly, curious to see Grimmjow in action.
When Ichigo arrived at the gym, he was greeted by the familiar sounds of clanging weights and the rhythmic thudding of gloves against punching bags. Grimmjow was already warming up in the ring, his toned muscles rippling under the harsh gym lights. Ichigo couldn’t help but admire how at ease Grimmjow seemed here, in his element.
"About time you showed up," Grimmjow called out, tossing a pair of gloves at Ichigo. "Let’s see if you can keep up."
Ichigo grinned, sliding the gloves on as he stepped into the ring. "Don’t worry about me. Just try not to go crying to your sister when I wipe the floor with you."
They squared off, circling each other with matching smirks. It wasn’t long before the teasing gave way to action. The spar started off as playful banter, each man throwing light jabs and dodging with ease. But as they got more into it, the intensity grew. Their movements became quicker, more deliberate, the air between them charged with adrenaline.
After a particularly fierce exchange of blows, Grimmjow managed to catch Ichigo off guard, sweeping his legs out from under him. Ichigo fell back onto the mat, breath rushing out of him as Grimmjow quickly followed, pinning him down with his weight. Grimmjow grabbed Ichigo’s wrists, holding them firmly above his head.
Ichigo found himself staring up at Grimmjow, their faces inches apart, both of them breathing hard from the exertion. For a moment, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them, the sound of their panting filling the small space between them. There was a flicker of something in Grimmjow’s eyes, something that made Ichigo’s pulse quicken.
The tension between them grew thick, but Ichigo, never one to let an opportunity for a quip slip by, smirked up at Grimmjow. "Are you gonna take me now, Mr. Jaegerjaquez? Gonna make me beg for it?"
Grimmjow feighned annoyance, but the corner of his mouth twitched in a reluctant grin. "In your dreams, Kurosaki. I’d have you begging in seconds, and we both know it."
Ichigo chuckled, but there was a nervous edge to it that wasn’t there before. Grimmjow released his wrists and stood up, offering a hand to help Ichigo to his feet. They both knew it was just teasing, but the moment left them feeling a bit more unsettled than either of them cared to admit.
As they wrapped up their session, the camaraderie from before had a new layer of something neither of them wanted to acknowledge. They parted ways with a casual nod, but when each man returned to his own apartment that night, the memory of the moment lingered.
Grimmjow found himself lying in bed, replaying the scene in his head. He could still feel the warmth of Ichigo’s body beneath him, the defiance in his eyes, and the way his own heart had skipped a beat at Ichigo’s taunt. He scowled at the ceiling, trying to shake off the thoughts, but they clung to him like an unwelcome guest.
Meanwhile, Ichigo stared at the ceiling in his own apartment, a similar restlessness gnawing at him. He kept telling himself it was just the adrenaline, that it didn’t mean anything. But the truth was, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the look in Grimmjow’s eyes, the way it had made his breath catch.
~
A few days before the wedding, Grimmjow and Ichigo realized there was one last detail they hadn’t practiced yet.
Kissing.
It was the kind of thing that could easily trip them up if they didn’t get it right. After all, they were supposed to be a couple, and people would notice if their kisses felt awkward or forced.
They met up at Grimmjow’s apartment that evening, the air between them charged with a mix of anticipation and embarrassment. Grimmjow, leaning against the kitchen counter, looked everywhere but at Ichigo. “So… I guess we should, uh, get this over with,” he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
Ichigo, standing a few feet away, raised an eyebrow. “You make it sound like we’re about to walk into a firing squad. It’s just a kiss.”
“Just a kiss?” Grimmjow scoffed, finally meeting Ichigo’s gaze. “We’re not exactly the most… compatible people, you know.”
Ichigo rolled his eyes, stepping closer. “Oh, please. You’ve been acting like this whole thing is some Herculean task. It’s not like I’m asking you to marry me.”
Grimmjow’s lips twitched with a smirk. “You’d be so lucky, Kurosaki.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Ichigo shot back, though his tone was more amused than annoyed. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves fluttering in his stomach. “Let’s just do it and get it over with.”
They both stood there, awkwardly shuffling their feet, neither of them making the first move. After a few more moments of hesitation, Ichigo groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “Seriously? We’re two grown men, and we’re acting like a couple of teenagers on their first date.”
Grimmjow scowled, but there was a hint of embarrassment in his expression. “Fine. You want to do this? Let’s do it.”
Before Ichigo could respond, Grimmjow grabbed him by the arm, pulling him close with a rough, almost impatient motion. Their faces were inches apart, and for a second, neither of them moved, both caught off guard by the sudden proximity. Then, as if on cue, they both leaned in at the same time, only to knock foreheads together with a dull thud.
“Shit!” Grimmjow cursed, immediately pulling back and rubbing his forehead.
Ichigo winced, doing the same. “Smooth, Jaegerjaquez. Really smooth.”
Grimmjow’s glare could have melted steel. “Maybe if you weren’t such a damn stiff, this wouldn’t have happened.”
“Stiff? You’re the one who pulled me in like you were starting a bar fight!” Ichigo retorted, half-laughing despite himself.
They stood there for a second, just staring at each other, before Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh. “Alright, let’s try this again. But this time, let’s not headbutt each other.”
“Good plan,” Grimmjow muttered, still rubbing his forehead.
They took a moment to reset, this time approaching each other more cautiously. Grimmjow placed his hands on Ichigo’s shoulders, and Ichigo rested his hands on Grimmjow’s sides. Slowly, they leaned in again, both more careful this time. Their lips met, and for a second, it was just a quick, almost perfunctory kiss, but then something shifted. The kiss deepened, becoming more intense than either of them had expected.
Grimmjow's hand moved up to cup the back of Ichigo's head, pulling him closer, while Ichigo’s fingers tightened against Grimmjow’s sides. It wasn’t just about practice anymore. It felt real, and that realization sent a jolt through both of them. When they finally pulled away, they were both slightly out of breath, their eyes locked on each other.
“Well…” Ichigo began, his voice a little rough. “That wasn’t so bad.”
Grimmjow blinked, trying to shake off the daze from the kiss. “Yeah I guess not.” He cleared his throat, trying to act nonchalant. “Just, uh, try to remember that for the wedding.”
Ichigo laughed, a genuine, warm sound that made Grimmjow’s heart skip a beat. “You don’t have to worry about that. If we pull this off like that again, your family’s going to think we’ve been together for years.”
Grimmjow smirked, but there was something softer in his eyes. “Yeah… let’s just make sure we don’t knock heads again."
Ichigo grinned, still feeling the lingering warmth of the kiss. “Deal.”
~
It was Thursday night, and Ichigo was sprawled out on his couch, half-watching a movie while mentally going over his to-do list for the weekend. He had almost managed to push the upcoming wedding from his mind when there was a knock at his door. Sighing, he got up and opened it, surprised to find Grimmjow standing there, looking as gruff as ever.
"Grimmjow? What’re you doing here?" Ichigo asked, stepping aside to let him in.
Grimmjow walked in without waiting for an invitation, his eyes scanning the apartment before he turned to face Ichigo. "You need to pack enough clothes for the entire weekend."
Ichigo blinked, completely thrown off by the command. "Wait, what? Why?"
Grimmjow huffed, clearly annoyed that he had to spell it out. "The wedding’s not here. It’s in the next city over. We’re driving there tomorrow morning, and we’re booked at the hotel where the wedding’s taking place. We’ll be there until Sunday, so you need to pack."
Ichigo’s brows furrowed as he processed the information. "You didn’t mention anything about staying at a hotel or being gone the whole weekend."
"Well, I’m telling you now," Grimmjow shot back, crossing his arms over his chest. "We’ve got to be there for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night, too. You can hang out in our room if you want, but I need you there for the wedding and the reception on Saturday."
Ichigo’s eyes narrowed, catching on to a key detail that made his irritation flare. "Wait a damn minute. ‘Our room’? As in, we’re sharing a room? You didn’t think that was something worth mentioning earlier?"
Grimmjow rolled his eyes, clearly not seeing what the big deal was. "Relax, it’s just a room. We’re pretending to be a couple, remember? It would look weird if we didn’t share a room. Besides, it’s only for two nights. Not like it’s the end of the world."
Ichigo scoffed, crossing his arms as well. "Not the end of the world? You spring this on me at the last minute, and I’m supposed to just be cool with it? You could’ve told me about this earlier so I could’ve prepared for the whole ‘sharing a room with you’ thing."
Grimmjow gave a dismissive shrug. "I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. What, you scared of sharing a bed with me or something?"
Ichigo felt his temper flare at Grimmjow’s nonchalant attitude. "It’s not about being scared, it’s about giving someone a heads-up! You just expect me to go along with whatever half-assed plan you come up with at the last minute?"
Grimmjow’s eyes flashed with irritation. "It’s not half-assed, and it’s not like you had any plans this weekend, Kurosaki. Just pack your shit and be ready tomorrow morning."
Ichigo opened his mouth to retort, but he knew arguing with Grimmjow was like trying to stop a freight train. With a frustrated sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine, I’ll pack. But next time, try to give me a little more notice before you drop something like this on me."
Grimmjow’s expression softened, if only slightly. "Yeah, alright. My bad. Just make sure you’re ready. We’ve got a long weekend ahead of us, and we need to keep this act up the whole time."
Ichigo nodded, still a bit annoyed but resigned to the situation. "I’ll be ready. Just don’t expect me to be all lovey-dovey with you 24/7, alright?"
Grimmjow snorted. "Trust me, that’s the last thing I want."
With that, Grimmjow turned and headed for the door, pausing only to toss one last comment over his shoulder. "Don’t forget, 9 a.m sharp."
As the door clicked shut behind him, Ichigo stood in his now-quiet apartment, shaking his head in exasperation. Sharing a room with Grimmjow for the entire weekend? This was definitely going to be more complicated than he’d anticipated.
But as he started packing, a small part of him couldn’t help but wonder what the weekend might bring.
~
The next morning, Ichigo was ready by 9 a.m, just as Grimmjow had asked. He had his medium-sized luggage packed and waiting by the door, mentally preparing himself for what was sure to be an awkward weekend. He half-expected Grimmjow to send a quick text or just honk from the street, but instead, there was a knock at the door. Ichigo opened it to find Grimmjow standing there, looking surprisingly calm.
"Ready to go?" Grimmjow asked, his tone casual.
"Yeah," Ichigo replied, a bit taken aback when Grimmjow grabbed his luggage without a word and started hauling it out to the car.
Ichigo followed him out, locking the door behind him, and couldn’t help but appreciate the unexpected gesture. He wasn’t used to Grimmjow being this considerate, and it threw him off a bit. Once they were both in the car, Grimmjow navigated out of the city, the tension from last night seemingly dissipated.
The ride was mostly quiet, with a few conversations here and there about mundane topics such as traffic, the weather, what activities they might get into once they got to the hotel. Despite the silence, it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was almost peaceful to be frank. Ichigo found himself glancing over at Grimmjow now and then, wondering if this calm demeanor was a glimpse of a side of him he hadn’t seen before.
When they finally arrived at the hotel, it was just past noon. The building was elegant, with large glass windows reflecting the midday sun. As they walked in to check in, Ichigo couldn’t help but feel a bit of nervousness creeping in. This was the start of their performance, and he had to be on his game.
They approached the reception desk, but before they could get too far, a loud, excited voice called out, "Grimmjow! Is that you?"
Ichigo turned to see a small group of people pouring into the lobby. Grimmjow’s cousins, if he remembered correctly from the photos Grimmjow had shown him during their prep. The cousins, a mix of men and women in their twenties and thirties, immediately fixated on Ichigo, their eyes lighting up with curiosity and excitement.
"Oh my God, is this him?", one of the women, a brunette with bright green eyes, asked as she practically bounced over to them. "Grimm, you didn’t tell us he was so cute!"
Ichigo felt his face flush at the attention, but he quickly forced a smile, slipping into the role they’d rehearsed. "Hi, nice to meet you all. I’ve heard a lot about you."
Grimmjow wrapped an arm around Ichigo’s waist, pulling him close in a show of affection that was more possessive than gentle. "Yeah, this is Ichigo. And before you start grilling him with a million questions, we just got here and we’re pretty wiped from the drive."
The cousins exchanged knowing looks, their smiles widening as they clearly drew their own conclusions. "Oh, of course! We’ll let you two get settled," another cousin, a tall man with a mischievous grin, said. "But don’t think you’re getting out of hanging with us later. We’ll see you at dinner?"
"Yeah, we’ll be there," Grimmjow replied, his voice firm but polite.
As the cousins finally dispersed, Grimmjow tugged Ichigo gently toward the elevators, his hand still on Ichigo’s waist. "Let’s get to the room. We’ve got some time to relax before we have to deal with more of them."
Ichigo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding as they stepped into the elevator. "That wasn’t so bad," he muttered, leaning against the wall.
Grimmjow snorted. "Yeah, just wait until they get a few drinks in them. It’s going to be a whole different ball game tonight."
Ichigo rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. "Guess I better be ready, then."
When they reached their room, Grimmjow finally let go of Ichigo and started unpacking his own bag. The room was spacious, with a queen-sized bed dominating the center and a beautiful view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Ichigo took a moment to appreciate the view before setting his suitcase on the bed and unzipping it.
"So, what’s the plan?" Ichigo asked as he pulled out a few clothes and hung them in the closet. "You really want to take a nap, or was that just an excuse to get away from your cousins?"
Grimmjow smirked, tossing his duffel bag into the closet. "Little bit of both. Figured you’d appreciate the break before we’re back on display.”
Ichigo nodded, grateful for the brief reprieve. "Thanks. It’s weird, but I think I’m actually starting to get used to this whole pretending-to-be-your-boyfriend thing."
"Don’t get too comfortable," Grimmjow teased, though there was a softness in his tone that wasn’t there before. "This is just for the weekend, remember?"
Ichigo gave a mock salute. "Yes, sir. Just for the weekend."
Ichigo glanced at the bed, then back at Grimmjow. "You sure you’re not gonna hog the whole bed?"
Grimmjow snorted. "Please. You’d just shove me off if I did."
Ichigo shrugged, taking off his shoes and flopping onto the bed. "Guess we’ll find out."
Grimmjow rolled his eyes but followed suit, lying down on the other side of the bed. As they settled in, the silence returned, but it was more relaxed now.
But as Ichigo settled into the bed, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this weekend might be more than just a simple act. There was something about the way Grimmjow had handled everything so far, something that made Ichigo wonder if maybe there was more to their dynamic than either of them wanted to admit. Little did he know that the same thought had crossed the blunette’s mind.
~
The rehearsal dinner was in full swing, and Ichigo found himself surrounded by Grimmjow’s family, all of whom were eager to get to know the man who had supposedly captured Grimmjow’s heart. Despite his initial discomfort, Ichigo quickly found that everyone was incredibly nice and welcoming. They peppered him with questions about his life, his work, and how he and Grimmjow had met.
Throughout it all, Ichigo played his part flawlessly, answering with ease and even adding little anecdotes that made their fabricated relationship seem more genuine. He could feel Grimmjow’s presence beside him, steady and grounding, though the blue-haired man was unusually quiet.
Grimmjow, on the other hand, was experiencing something entirely unexpected. As the night went on, he found himself watching Ichigo more than he should have. There was something about the way Ichigo smiled at his relatives, the way he handled their questions with grace, that made Grimmjow feel a strange warmth in his chest. It wasn’t until Neliell sidled up to him, a knowing smile on her face, that he realized he’d been staring.
“You’re really fond of him, huh?” Neliell whispered, nudging him playfully.
Grimmjow blinked, snapping out of his thoughts and glancing at his sister. “What?”
“Ichigo. I like him,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “He’s a good fit for you, Grimm.”
Grimmjow opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. The truth was, he did feel bad for lying to Neliell. She was so happy, so genuinely pleased that her brother had found someone who made him happy. He wanted to tell her the truth, but the guilt was outweighed by the thought of ruining her joy on such an important weekend. So, instead, he simply nodded and returned her hug when she wrapped her arms around him.
“Thanks, Nel,” he murmured, his voice gruff as he tried to push away the conflicted feelings stirring within him.
As the night wore on, Ichigo and Grimmjow found themselves gravitating toward each other more and more. Whether it was because they needed to keep up appearances or because of something else entirely, neither could say. But as the evening began to wind down, Ichigo did something that threw Grimmjow off balance entirely. He leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
Grimmjow froze, his mind reeling as he tried to process what had just happened. It was such a small gesture, something that should have been insignificant given the circumstances. But the way Ichigo’s lips felt against his skin, the casual intimacy of it, made him question everything about their arrangement. Was this really just an act, or was there something more developing between them?
Ichigo, for his part, seemed completely unfazed, continuing to chat with one of Grimmjow’s cousins as if nothing had happened. But Grimmjow couldn’t shake the feeling that the lines between pretend and real were starting to blur.
When they finally made it back to their hotel room, the air between them was thick with unspoken tension. Grimmjow could feel his pulse quicken as they stepped inside, the memory of that brief kiss still fresh in his mind. Ichigo, too, seemed a little more on edge, his movements less relaxed than they had been earlier.
They moved around the room in near silence, each trying to push down the growing arousal and attraction they were both clearly feeling. Grimmjow busied himself with unpacking some of his things, while Ichigo took his time washing up in the bathroom, each of them giving the other space to cool down.
When Ichigo finally emerged from the bathroom, Grimmjow glanced over at him, his eyes lingering on the orangette a little longer than necessary. Ichigo’s gaze met his, and for a moment, the tension crackled between them, neither one willing to break the silence first.
But somehow, they managed to keep things under control. Grimmjow turned away first, clearing his throat as he focused on pulling back the covers on the bed. “We should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.”
Ichigo nodded, his voice quieter than usual. “Yeah, you’re right.”
They climbed into bed, careful to keep a respectable distance between them despite the undeniable pull they both felt. It took longer than usual for them to fall asleep, each of them lying awake for a while, lost in their own thoughts about the night and the confusing feelings that were beginning to surface.
As Grimmjow finally drifted off, he couldn’t help but wonder if pretending with Ichigo was starting to feel a little too real.
~
Ichigo woke up to the warmth of another body pressed against him. It took him a moment to fully register the situation.
Grimmjow’s arm was securely wrapped around his waist, holding him close. The heat radiating from Grimmjow's body was comforting, and Ichigo could feel the man's hardened member pressing against his thigh. For a second, Ichigo considered just staying like that. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to decide what to do.
Part of him didn’t mind the closeness. It felt natural, almost too natural, given the circumstances. But another part of him reminded him that this was all supposed to be an act, and getting too comfortable could complicate things. Yet, the way Grimmjow’s arm fit around him, the steady rise and fall of his chest against Ichigo’s back. It was hard to ignore how right it felt.
Before Ichigo could come to any solid conclusion, he felt Grimmjow stir beside him. The tension in the air shifted as Grimmjow’s body stiffened, realization dawning on him. He quickly pulled away, putting some distance between them as he mentally berated himself for letting things get out of hand.
"I’m sorry," Grimmjow mumbled, his voice low and filled with embarrassment. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck as he avoided Ichigo’s gaze. "Didn’t mean to… you know…"
Ichigo opened his eyes and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling as he tried to figure out how to respond. The last thing he wanted was for Grimmjow to feel awkward or guilty about something that was completely natural. Hell, it wasn’t like Ichigo was entirely unaffected by their closeness either.
"Don’t worry about it," Ichigo finally said, his tone casual but sincere. "It’s not a big deal. It’s just… morning wood. Happens to everyone, right?"
Grimmjow glanced over at him, frowning slightly. "Yeah, but still… I didn’t mean to hold you like that. And… well… you know."
Ichigo couldn’t help but smile a little, trying to ease the tension. "Relax, Grimmjow. It’s not like you did it on purpose. Besides," he added, turning his head to look at Grimmjow, "it’s not like I was complaining."
That last part slipped out before Ichigo could stop himself, and he immediately felt a flush of heat rise to his cheeks. Grimmjow blinked, surprise flickering across his face before he quickly looked away, his own cheeks tinged with a faint pink.
"Uh, right," Grimmjow muttered, clearly flustered. He stood up from the bed, desperate to put some physical space between them. "I’ll, uh, go grab a shower.”
Ichigo watched him retreat into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him. As soon as Grimmjow was out of sight, Ichigo let out a long sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. His heart was still beating a little faster than usual, the remnants of their intimate position lingering in his mind.
This whole situation was getting more complicated than he’d anticipated. What started as a simple favor had turned into something that was beginning to feel all too real. Ichigo couldn’t deny the attraction he felt toward Grimmjow, but he wasn’t sure if it was mutual or just a product of their close proximity and the roles they were playing.
As the sound of water running in the bathroom reached his ears, Ichigo pushed himself up from the bed and decided to focus on getting ready for the day. He could figure out his feelings later. For now, they had a wedding to get through, and that was going to take all of their attention.
But as he went about his morning routine, he couldn’t quite shake the image of Grimmjow holding him close, the feel of his body against his own. And he couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was more to their arrangement than either of them had originally thought.
~
As they both finished getting ready, the atmosphere in the room had shifted from awkward to something more comfortable, though still tinged with an unspoken tension. Ichigo straightened his maroon tuxedo jacket, giving himself a once-over in the mirror. The deep, rich color contrasted perfectly with his bright orange hair, bringing out a certain intensity in his eyes. He nodded to himself, satisfied with how he looked, but when he turned and saw Grimmjow, he couldn’t help but pause.
Grimmjow had opted for a white tuxedo jacket, which contrasted sharply against his blue hair and tanned skin. The crisp, clean look of the jacket highlighted his broad shoulders and muscular frame, giving him a sharp, almost regal appearance. It was a stark difference from the usual casual clothes Ichigo had seen him in, and the effect was impressive.
Ichigo felt his breath hitch for a moment, but he quickly shoved that reaction down, trying to play it cool. “Not bad, Grimmjow,” he said, forcing a casual tone as he adjusted his cufflinks. “Clean up pretty well for a guy who usually looks like he just rolled out of bed.”
Grimmjow shot him a sideways glance, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re not lookin’ too bad yourself, strawberry,” he retorted, his tone teasing but his eyes showing a hint of something more. The maroon jacket suited Ichigo in a way that was almost unfair. The way it complemented his fiery hair and brought out the sharpness in his features wasn’t lost on Grimmjow. But he wasn’t about to let Ichigo know that.
“Guess we’re gonna be the best-looking couple there, huh?” Grimmjow added, still smirking as he adjusted his collar in the mirror.
Ichigo rolled his eyes, though a small, genuine smile played on his lips. “As long as you don’t trip over your own feet, maybe.”
“Funny,” Grimmjow shot back, his smirk widening into a grin. “You just try to keep up with me.”
The banter between them helped ease some of the lingering tension, and it felt good, natural, even. They both knew they looked good, and there was a mutual, unspoken acknowledgment of it in the air, even if they were both too stubborn to admit it outright.
As they prepared to leave the room, Ichigo caught Grimmjow’s eye one last time, and for a brief moment, something flickered between them. It was as if they both realized, in that instant, how easy it was to fall into this dynamic, how comfortable they were becoming with each other despite the pretense of their relationship. But neither of them said anything, instead opting to keep the moment light.
“Ready to knock ’em dead?” Ichigo asked, his voice carrying a hint of challenge.
“Always,” Grimmjow replied, opening the door and gesturing for Ichigo to lead the way. “Let’s show these people what they’re missing.”
With that, they headed out, ready to face whatever the day and the wedding might throw at them, even as they continued to play off the growing attraction simmering just beneath the surface.
~
As they prepared for the wedding ceremony to begin, Grimmjow found himself standing at the entrance of the aisle, Neliell beside him, her arm looped through his. The reality of the moment hit him hard, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a wave of emotion that he couldn’t easily push aside. Their father had passed away when they were both teenagers, leaving a void that had never quite been filled. Today, Grimmjow was stepping into that role, walking his little sister down the aisle, a duty he took with solemn pride.
Neliell looked absolutely stunning, her wedding dress flowing gracefully around her, the delicate lace and soft ivory fabric accentuating her natural beauty. Her long hair was done up in an elegant style, a few loose curls framing her face, which was lit up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Grimmjow swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in his throat. He wasn’t one to get sentimental, but seeing Neliell like this, all grown up and ready to start a new chapter of her life, stirred something deep within him.
“You look beautiful, Nel,” Grimmjow murmured quietly as they prepared to step forward.
Neliell glanced up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you, Grimm. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Grimmjow gave her a reassuring smile, his usual tough demeanor softening for her. “You’ve always had it in you, Nel. I’m just glad I could be here for you.”
With that, they began their walk down the aisle. The guests turned to watch, and Grimmjow could feel the weight of every eye on them. But his focus remained on Neliell, making sure she felt supported every step of the way. Their mother was already in tears, watching her two children share this significant moment. As they passed by, she caught Ichigo’s attention and leaned over, whispering something to him through her quiet sobs.
“She’s always looked up to Grimmjow, even when they were kids,” their mother said softly to Ichigo. “He’s her protector, and seeing them like this… it’s everything I could’ve hoped for.”
Ichigo nodded, understanding the depth of the bond between the siblings. He knew Grimmjow was often rough around the edges, but it was moments like this that revealed the care and love he held for those close to him, especially for Neliell.
When they reached the altar, Grimmjow carefully handed Neliell over to her fiancé, Starrk, who was waiting with a calm, gentle smile. Starrk nodded in appreciation to Grimmjow, who gave a small nod back before stepping away. It was a bittersweet moment for Grimmjow. Letting go of his sister, trusting her in someone else’s care. But as he looked at the way Starrk and Neliell gazed at each other, he knew she was in good hands.
Grimmjow made his way to the front row, where Ichigo was seated. As he sat down, he felt a light pressure on his hand. He glanced over to see Ichigo giving his hand a gentle squeeze, offering silent support. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes, and Grimmjow found himself unexpectedly grateful for it.
“You did good,” Ichigo whispered, his voice low enough that only Grimmjow could hear.
Grimmjow squeezed Ichigo’s hand back, a rare, soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Thanks,” he murmured, his voice gruff but warm. “Means a lot.”
As the ceremony continued, Grimmjow’s thoughts drifted, but they kept circling back to the same thing. How lucky he was to have people who cared about him, who stood by him in moments like this. He wasn’t one to admit it easily, but right then, with Ichigo by his side and Neliell beginning her new life, he felt more at peace than he had in a long time.
~
The reception was in full swing, the energy high as the guests enjoyed the music, food, and drinks. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the dance floor was crowded with people celebrating Neliell and Starrk’s union.
Grimmjow had just finished the father-daughter dance with Neliell, a tradition that had left both of them a bit emotional. For Neliell, it was a poignant reminder of the father they had lost, and for Grimmjow, it was a mixture of pride and sadness, knowing he had to fill that role for her. As they danced, Neliell had clung to him a little tighter, her tears just barely held back.
“I love you, Grimm,” she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere.
“I love you too, Nel,” Grimmjow replied, his voice low as he tried to keep his own emotions in check. “You’re always gonna be my baby sister, no matter what.”
When the dance ended, Neliell hugged Grimmjow tightly, and he held her close for a moment longer before letting her go. He watched as she returned to Starrk, her happiness shining through despite the tears that threatened to spill.
Grimmjow, feeling the emotional weight of the moment, needed a distraction, and his eyes naturally sought out Ichigo. The orange-haired man was mingling with some of the guests but seemed to be looking for something or someone. Grimmjow made his way over, and as if sensing his approach, Ichigo turned and met his gaze. There was an unspoken understanding between them, and soon enough, they were dancing together.
“Didn’t think you were the dancing type,” Ichigo teased as they moved to the rhythm of the music.
“I’m full of surprises,” Grimmjow shot back, his smirk in place. But there was a softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. As they danced, Grimmjow found himself gravitating closer to Ichigo, his hand lingering a bit longer on the small of his back, their steps falling into an easy, natural sync. It was as if the earlier tension had melted away, replaced by a comfortable familiarity that neither of them could ignore.
Ichigo didn’t mind the closeness. In fact, he welcomed it, leaning into the warmth that radiated from Grimmjow. They were lost in the moment, surrounded by the lively crowd but focused only on each other.
Eventually, the song ended, and they both stepped off the dance floor. Ichigo offered to grab drinks for them, and Grimmjow nodded, watching him make his way to the bar. As Ichigo waited for the drinks, Grimmjow’s gaze followed him, an odd mixture of protectiveness and something deeper stirring within him.
But then, out of the corner of his eye, Grimmjow noticed someone approaching Ichigo. It was Ginjou, one of the groom’s friends, and a guy Grimmjow had taken an instant dislike to. There was something about Ginjou’s smug demeanor that rubbed Grimmjow the wrong way. His eyes narrowed as he watched Ginjou sidle up to Ichigo, a sleazy grin plastered on his face.
“Hey there,” Ginjou drawled, leaning a bit too close to Ichigo. “You look like you could use some real company. How about I show you a good time?”
Ichigo’s eyes narrowed in annoyance, and he turned to Ginjou with a sharp glare. “How about you fuck off,” he snapped, his voice laced with irritation. He wasn’t in the mood for this, especially not when he was supposed to be playing the role of Grimmjow’s boyfriend.
But Ginjou didn’t take the hint. Instead, he reached out and grabbed Ichigo’s wrist, his grip too tight to be friendly. “Come on, don’t be like that, cutie. I’m just trying to have a little fun.”
The blunette had seen enough. The moment Ginjou’s hand clamped down on Ichigo’s wrist, Grimmjow was moving, his jaw clenched and his blood boiling.
Before Ichigo could react, he heard a low, dangerous growl behind him.
“The fuck do you think you’re doing, Ginjou?” Grimmjow’s voice was laced with venom as he stepped closer, his blue eyes narrowing at the sight of Ginjou’s hand on Ichigo.
Ginjou looked up, his smirk faltering slightly as he realized Grimmjow was mere inches away, seething with barely-contained anger. “Relax, Grimmjow. I was just-”
“Get your hand off of him if you wanna keep it,” Grimmjow growled, his voice low and dangerous. He didn’t care if he scared anyone around them; all he knew was that Ginjou was crossing a line.
Ginjou hesitated for a moment before releasing Ichigo’s wrist, backing off with a forced chuckle. “Didn’t know you were so territorial, Jaegerjaquez. And no need to get all worked up. Just having a little fun.”
“Your idea of fun is about to get you fucking decked,” Grimmjow snapped, his fists clenching at his sides. “Now get lost in the crowd before I make good on my word.”
Ginjou hesitated, clearly weighing his options, but he ultimately decided it wasn’t worth it. With a scowl, he turned and walked away, disappearing back into the crowd.
Ichigo, still feeling the tension in his wrist, flexed his fingers and looked at Grimmjow. “Thanks,” he said, his voice softer now, though there was still an edge of frustration. “I could’ve handled it, but thanks.”
Grimmjow exhaled slowly, some of the anger dissipating now that Ginjou was gone. “I know you could’ve,” he replied, his tone calmer but still carrying a protective undertone. “But you shouldn’t have to deal with assholes like him.”
Ichigo gave him a small, appreciative smile, the tension between them easing. “Guess you’re really getting into this whole fake boyfriend thing, huh?”
Grimmjow smirked, though there was something genuine in the way he looked at Ichigo. “Maybe it’s not so fake anymore,” he muttered, almost too quietly for Ichigo to hear.
But Ichigo did hear it, and his heart skipped a beat at the implication. They stood there for a moment, the noise of the party fading into the background as they locked eyes. The attraction they had both been trying to push down was bubbling up again, and this time, it was becoming harder to ignore.
No one watching them would have believed for a second that their relationship was anything but real. And in that moment, even Grimmjow and Ichigo were beginning to wonder just how much of it was still an act.
~
The tension between them had reached a boiling point. The moment Grimmjow had stepped in to defend Ichigo from Ginjou, something snapped. The pretense, the careful dance they had been doing for weeks, all of it fell away, leaving only the raw, unfiltered desire between them.
Grimmjow’s hand lingered on Ichigo’s lower back as they made their way through the crowd, the party still in full swing around them, but neither of them could focus on anything but each other. The air between them crackled with intensity, every touch sending a jolt through their bodies.
By the time they reached the elevator, their restraint had worn thin. The doors had barely closed before Grimmjow had Ichigo pressed against the wall, their mouths crashing together in a heated, desperate kiss. Ichigo responded just as fiercely, his hands gripping Grimmjow’s jacket as he kissed him back with a hunger that had been building for far too long.
They stumbled out of the elevator on their floor, barely able to keep their hands off each other as they hurried down the hallway to their room. The door had barely clicked shut behind them before they were on each other again, Grimmjow’s hands working quickly to strip Ichigo of his jacket and shirt, his lips trailing hot kisses down the side of Ichigo’s neck.
Grimmjow’s mouth crashed against Ichigo’s in a hungry, desperate kiss, their teeth clashing and tongues tangling as they stumbled toward the bed. Ichigo’s hands fumbled with the buttons of Grimmjow’s white tux jacket, yanking it off and tossing it aside. Grimmjow retaliated by tearing off Ichigo’s maroon jacket, not caring where it landed as he pressed the smaller man against the wall, their hips grinding together in a fevered rhythm.
“You’ve been driving me fucking crazy all night,” Grimmjow growled against Ichigo’s lips, his voice thick with need. His hands roamed over Ichigo’s body, fingers digging into the toned muscles of his back before sliding down to grip his ass, pulling him even closer.
Ichigo gasped, his breath hitching as Grimmjow’s mouth moved to his neck, sucking and biting at the sensitive skin. “Yeah? Well, are you gonna do something about it?,” he challenged, his own arousal spiking at the roughness of Grimmjow’s touch.
Grimmjow’s response was a low, rumbling chuckle, but there was nothing humorous about the way he surged forward, capturing Ichigo’s lips in another bruising kiss. He quickly moved down Ichigo’s body, his hands and mouth working in tandem to drive the younger man wild. Ichigo’s breath hitched as Grimmjow’s mouth found his nipple, teasing it with his tongue before biting down lightly, eliciting a sharp moan from Ichigo.
“Fuck,” Ichigo gasped, his hips arching off the bed as Grimmjow’s hand trailed down his stomach, fingers brushing teasingly close to where he needed them most.
Grimmjow pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto Ichigo’s as he slid his hand lower, wrapping it around Ichigo’s hard length. Ichigo’s head fell back, a low moan slipping from his lips as Grimmjow began to stroke him, slow and deliberate. The look on Ichigo’s face. Eyes half-lidded, lips parted, cheeks flushed. It sent a thrill through Grimmjow. He loved seeing Ichigo like this, completely undone beneath him.
“You look so fucking good like this,” Grimmjow muttered, his voice rough with want.
Ichigo’s response was to roll his hips into Grimmjow’s hand, desperate for more. “Stop teasing,” he managed to get out between ragged breaths.
Grimmjow’s grin was wicked as he complied, increasing the pace of his strokes while his other hand moved lower, fingers teasing Ichigo’s entrance. Ichigo let out a choked moan, his hands gripping the sheets as Grimmjow prepared him, the sensation sending sparks of pleasure through his entire body.
“Gonna make you scream my name,” Grimmjow promised, his voice low and gravelly as he positioned himself between Ichigo’s legs.
Ichigo’s breath caught in his throat as he felt the tip of Grimmjow’s cock pressing against him. “Then do it,” he challenged, his voice laced with both anticipation and defiance.
Grimmjow pushed into him in one slow, controlled thrust, the tight heat of Ichigo surrounding him driving him to the edge. Ichigo’s moan was loud and unrestrained, his back arching off the bed as Grimmjow filled him completely. The feeling was intense, almost overwhelming, but Ichigo craved more. He wrapped his legs around Grimmjow’s waist, pulling him deeper, encouraging him to move.
“God, you sound like a fucking whore,” Grimmjow groaned, his voice rough with need as he began to move, each thrust drawing more helpless, breathless sounds from Ichigo. “Keep making those sounds, Ichigo. Let me hear how much you want this.”
He set a relentless pace, each thrust hard and deep, his name falling from Ichigo’s lips like a mantra. The room was filled with the sounds of their shared pleasure. Moans, gasps, the slap of skin against skin. Ichigo’s fingers dug into Grimmjow’s back, pulling him closer, needing to feel every inch of him. The intensity of it all, the way they moved together, the way their bodies fit so perfectly, was almost too much to bear.
“You’re… mine,” Grimmjow growled between thrusts, his voice rough and possessive.
“Fuck, Grimm,” Ichigo gasped, his fingers tangling in Grimmjow’s hair. “Yes,” Ichigo gasped out, his voice breaking with need. “All your, Grimmjow~”, he moaned.
The admission sent Grimmjow over the edge. With a few more powerful thrusts, he found his release, burying himself deep inside Ichigo as he came with a guttural moan. The feeling of Grimmjow’s climax pushed Ichigo over the brink as well, his body tightening around Grimmjow as he came, his cry of pleasure filling the room.
They rode out the waves of their orgasms together, their bodies trembling, sweat-slicked and spent. Grimmjow collapsed beside Ichigo, pulling him close as they both caught their breath, the weight of what had just happened settling in.
As the afterglow faded, they lay there in silence for a few moments, the reality of their situation sinking in. Finally, Ichigo turned to face Grimmjow, his expression soft but serious.
“So,” Ichigo began, his voice still slightly hoarse, “are we really going to pretend that this was just part of the act?”
Grimmjow looked at him, his intense blue eyes searching Ichigo’s face. After a moment, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Ichigo’s forehead. “No,” he admitted, his voice low and honest. “I don’t think I can go back to pretending.”
Ichigo smiled, a small, genuine smile that lit up his eyes. “Then let’s not pretend. Let’s give this a shot for real.”
Grimmjow’s lips curved into a smirk, but there was a softness in his gaze that wasn’t there before. “Yeah,” he agreed, pulling Ichigo closer. “Let’s see where this goes.”
And as they lay there, tangled together in the aftermath of their shared passion, both men knew that what had started as an arrangement had turned into something much more. They weren’t sure where it would lead, but they were willing to find out together.