Chapter 26: Lucky to Have
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"I have to pee." Rangiku said casually, slipping off of the barstool that she had been perched on and grabbing my hand. "Come on, Juna."
I shrugged, figuring that I might as well pee while she was peeing. We walked over to the women's washroom, only to see that there was a line leading outside the door. Rangiku was pretty much bouncing up and down as we took our place in line. And it was barely moving. So I thought about the huge washroom upstairs... and pulled out my phone to text Grimmjow.
TO GRIMMJOW: Hey... is it okay if Rangiku and I go upstairs to use the fancy washroom? The one down here has a line.
I didn't have to wait long for his response.
FROM GRIMMJOW: Ha. Sure babe.
I looked up to see him grinning at me from the bar. I bit my lip, blushing as I looked back at him.
TO GRIMMJOW: Thank you!
I showed Rangiku my phone so that she would know where we were going before I grabbed her and started pulling her to the "Employees Only" door... only to realize that some tall guy was blocking it. He had his black hair pulled into a tight, thin braid.
"Excuse me." I called out, reaching to open the door.
But he placed himself in front of it. "This area is off limits." His voice was just as firm as his posture.
I hadn't expected to run in to anyone that I didn't know... so I wasn't sure how to handle this situation.
Rangiku was squirming beside me. "Show him the damn phone." She grumbled.
"Right." I pulled my phone out of my pocket and showed my conversation with Grimmjow to the strange man. "I have Grimmjow's permission."
"Tch." He snorted. "You could have any number of people saved in your phone under that name."
I gaped at him. Did this man really think that I was lying? What would I possibly have to gain by making this up? Except for special access to a swanky, uncrowded washroom... "I'm Grimmjow's girlfriend. You can ask him yourself."
His thin lips stretched into an arrogant smile. "As if I would believe that a little girl like you would be the King's girlfriend... that might impress your school friends, but you aren't fooling me." His words were sharp and made me feel like a lesser person.
"Why you-" Rangiku was ready to pounce on him, her blue eyes burning.
"Shawlong. You should watch your tongue." Tier's voice sounded from behind me, interrupting Rangiku's attack. "Grimmjow won't be happy when he finds out that you've been giving his girl a hard time." Her voice was smooth, as always, but it held a dangerous undertone. Her arms were crossed firmly under her chest and her pale blue eyes were sharp against her dark skin.
The man's face changed from cocky to solemn in a moment. "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
"Just shut the fuck up, you stupid, insolent prick." Rangiku finally shoved the now wide-eyed man to the side, pulling the door open and grabbing my hand so that I would follow her.
Tier quietly followed behind us, shutting the door so that the man was out of our sight as I led Rangiku to the upstairs women's washroom. Rangiku was still fuming, muttering under her breath about audacious pricks and how she should have kicked the man's ass... I figured that she most likely would have if she hadn't had to pee so badly. When we walked into the washroom though, her entire attitude changed.
She whistled out loud. "Damn Juna, this really is a fancy washroom."
I laughed as she let go of my hand to run off into one of the stalls. And then I went into one myself. I finished before her and washed my hands thoroughly. I decided that I would wait for her on the couch, and then I noticed that Tier was sitting on it. I sat down near her, forcing a smile in her direction.
"Thanks for dealing with... whoever." I thanked her, still a bit upset about what he had said.
"Shawlong." She told me his name. "He's Grimmjow's assistant. And I've already texted Grimmjow about what happened... so he'll suffer, I assure you."
I wasn't sure whether to laugh or grimace, because I wasn't entirely certain of whether or not she was kidding.
"Well good!" Rangiku shouted from the sinks before turning on the water to wash her hands. "That guy deserves a beating!"
I sighed. I didn't really blame him though... I mean, up until now, I had just been so caught up in Grimmjow that I hadn't had the time to wonder what he saw in me. I was just always so appreciative that he was there. But now that Shawlong or whatever had pointed it out, I really did wonder... What did Grimmjow see in me? And those bitches from earlier... I hadn't felt very threatened by them... but should I have been?
"Stop frowning." Rangiku ordered, flopping down onto the couch beside me. "Damn this couch is comfy..." She mumbled before looking at me again. "You've got nothing to be upset about. He was just one arrogant asshole."
I sighed again. "Yeah, but... was he really?"
She tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"I mean..." I groaned, my thoughts swirling through my head now. "He was just pointing out the obvious. I'm a high school girl... and Grimmjow is like this big shot business owner. I'm like a little fangirl that's totally obsessed with him."
"That's ridiculous." Tier said simply.
And then Rangiku started ranting. "Yeah, Juna! You're like a freaking rockstar! And you're drop dead gorgeous! He's lucky to have you."
I thought about all of the women that I had seen downstairs in his club... all of the women that had smiled and flirted with Grimmjow, fawning over his every move...He was such an amazing man... so charismatic and confident... and so damn handsome... and of course he had a stunning personality. He could have any girl in the world. "He's surrounded by beautiful women. And he could have any one of them."
"But he wants you." Tier's voice was smooth, as if she were stating an obvious fact.
I pouted, staring down at my hands as I twiddled my fingers in my lap. "I just don't know why..."
"It doesn't matter." Rangiku grumbled. "You should just know that Grimmjow does want you. And that's what matters." She stood up, waltzing over to the door. "Now let's go."
"I'll catch up." I mumbled, looking over at the mirror and pretending to fiddle with my hair.
"Okay. But no more sulking!" She commanded before leaving the room.
I didn't feel any better. Sure, we could all say that he wanted me until we were blue in the face. But if I didn't know why, then could I really believe it? He was just so much... more... than I was.
Tier actually huffed, and I looked up to see her rolling her eyes. "Come here." She motioned to the space beside her as she pulled out her phone.
I slowly stood up and moved over to her side.
"Grimmjow would kill me if he knew that I showed this to anyone, so keep this to yourself." She grumbled, scrolling through her phone.
I nodded, not fully understanding, but sure that I was able to keep a secret. "Okay, I won't tell anyone."
She handed me her phone, and I realized that it was open to the text messages that she and Grimmjow had shared. She had scrolled it to a conversation that seemed to have started last night. I read through the messages, not paying attention to the ones that referred to various business discussions... the ones that really stood out were the ones about me. There were so many of them...
GRIMMJOW: I'm taking her out tomorrow... do you think that she'll like the boat?
TIER: Of course she will. Just try not to kill her XP
GRIMMJOW: Ha ha. Very funny. Actually... I was planning on asking her tomorrow. She better fucking say yes or I might just go on a killing spree.
TIER: No killing sprees! Bad idea! Seriously... I like this one. But I'm sure that she'll say yes. You may be an asshole, but she'd be lucky to have you as a boyfriend ;)
GRIMMJOW: Gee, thanks. And damn, I'll be lucky to have her. She's so fucking amazing.
TIER: Awww, look at you... all smitten <3
GRIMMJOW: Shut the fuck up before you ruin my reputation.
TIER: LOL! Your reputation? Are you really all that worried about it?
GRIMMJOW: I won't be when I've got fucking Juna on my arm tomorrow night. She'll have everyone jealous.
TIER: Oh, so that's why you're into her? Trying to make all your rivals jealous, huh?
GRIMMJOW: Hell no. Like I give a fuck about them. I'm into her because she's fucking incredible.
TIER: Oh? What makes her so special?
GRIMMJOW: You and your dumbass questions...
TIER: What?! I'm really curious! You seem so fond of her... I mean, I like her... and I know that she's cute and all... but I wonder what's so special that makes you so infatuated with her.
GRIMMJOW: She's more than cute. She's fucking beautiful. And she's so damn sweet and innocent... I swear, she's too damn nice for her own good. She worries about everyone else more than herself. She cares about people... always trying to make everyone happy. And I'm terrible for her. I'll probably fucking ruin her. But I wanna make sure that no one takes advantage of her... including me. She's too good for that. I fucking love her, dammit. I just want her all to myself.
TIER: Wow, Grimmjow. I didn't realize that you were that serious about her. I'm impressed. Don't worry about all that, though. You're a good guy... when you want to be. So as long as you treat her right, everything will be fine... I'm so happy for you, Grimmy!
GRIMMJOW: Don't fucking call me that!
The conversation steered toward business and the different people that they'd be talking to tonight at the club, as well as some other topics that I didn't know or recognize... so I handed the phone back to Tier. I was in awe... Grimmjow actually thought that he was lucky to have me. And he had said so many nice things about me... reasons that he loved me... even though a lot of it sounded like he was complaining, I could tell that he really liked those things about me... and that was also what made him so protective. He was worried that my kindness would get me taken advantage of. He was even worried about taking advantage of me, himself... he was so considerate. My heart swelled, and I remembered that I loved him for a reason. He was such a great person.
"So you see?" Tier's voice melded with my thoughts. "He thinks a lot of you... just like I'm sure that you think a lot of him."
I nodded, feeling the joy rushing through me with every flutter of my heart. "I really do love him."
She smiled at me. "And he loves you too. So no more doubting, okay?"
I smiled back at her. "Okay."
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Tier and I walked up to the VIP area, where apparently everyone had regrouped to. Grimmjow grinned when he saw me, motioning for me to go and sit beside him. Of course, I had no qualms about that. I stepped over to the couch that he was seated on and took my place beside him.
"I hear that my dumbass assistant gave you a hard time?" Grimmjow grumbled as soon as I was situated.
I shrugged. "He was just doing his job."
Grimmjow didn't seem nearly as forgiving as I was. His bright blue eyes glared over to the corner, where I realized that Shawlong was standing. He snapped his fingers, and the man came running.
"Please forgive me, Miss Ukitake. I had no idea that I was speaking to the King's girl at the time..." He was trailing off, until a sharp glare from Grimmjow got him back on track. "Of course that does not excuse my behavior. I do apologize."
I felt embarrassed at how excessive this was... it seemed so unnecessary. "It's alright. You didn't know."
"Of course that does not excuse how blatantly rude I was." He answered quickly. "Please allow me to make it up to you. Whatever you need, just let me know."
I blinked. This really was excessive. "It's no big deal, really..."
"Tch." Grimmjow scoffed from beside me. "You're lucky that she's fucking nice, you dumbass." And then he turned to look at me. "Seriously, Juna. Whatever the hell you want, he's on it. Make him your fucking bitch."
I gaped at him, nearly spluttering in surprise. He didn't really expect me to order this man around, did he? "I don't need anything... really."
"Well as soon as you do, please just let me know. I'll be happy to complete any task that you require." Shawlong actually bowed... and then he didn't leave until Grimmjow jerked his chin, indicating that he could. Jeez... Grimmjow really was like a king.
"He's gonna be your bitch whether you like it or not." Grimmjow muttered, reaching toward the lounge table for his drink. "So just get the hell over it and let him handle your fucking grunt work." He took a gulp of his drink before turning his attention back to me.
"But Grimmjow..." I mumbled, still a bit beside myself over the circumstances. "I'm a high school student... I don't have grunt work."
"Then he can do your fucking homework." He reasoned, as if he had reached a great conclusion.
I held back my sigh. "But I need to do my own homework... that's how I learn."
"Well I'm sure you'll figure out something for him to do, then!" He grunted irritably. "Because he's not off the fucking hook for this until he makes up for insulting you."
This time, I did sigh. "Can't I just forgive him?"
"No." He grumbled, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. "Because you're too fucking nice and obviously forgive people too damn easily." He leaned his head onto my shoulder, holding me against his firm, muscular body. "I probably wouldn't even know about it if Tier hadn't fucking told me."
I chewed on my lower lip, lifting my hands to rub his strong arms. "It's okay, ya know... you don't have to punish everyone that's mean to me."
"Yes I do." He snapped back, burying his face into my neck. "No one should be mean to you. He's just lucky that I didn't fucking beat his ass."
I wanted to laugh, but I was afraid that would just piss him off. After all... it was so sweet of him to take care of me this way. He was just looking after me... and I loved that about him. "Thank you, Grimmjow."
I should have seen it coming... especially when he leaned up and pulled me further up onto the couch so that he was hovering over me. But the words still gave me butterflies.
"Just kiss me, babe."
I grinned back at him before wrapping my arms around his shoulders, lacing my fingers through his wild, blue hair and running my other hand down his back. And then I pressed my lips to his. I was very aware of the many people that were still nearby, but with the lighting and their own conversations, I hoped that they wouldn't be paying too much attention. Grimmjow's tongue pushed into my mouth, and the taste of his whiskey and cigarettes blended with our kiss. I wondered if he could taste the daiquiri that I had been talked into drinking. His hands roamed down my body before settling on my hips, jerking me even closer to him as he pressed himself close.I moaned at the simple action, feeling the butterflies swarming in my stomach.When I heard a suggestive whistle, I immediately pulled away, blushing and nearly fainting from embarrassment while Grimmjow just chuckled, a handsome smirk on his face.
How do you think Juna's uncles will react to her coming home late in the next chapter?