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"I must warn you-"

Grimmjow sat in the candy store opposite its enigmatic owner. Kisuke held up the gigai, all fleshy and lacking any distinctive features. Just looking at it made his skin crawl for some reason.

"This gigai will almost completely nullify your espada  powers and reiatsu. You'll still be stronger than your average captain but you won't be able to go full pantera if you know what I mean."

Processing the conditions of this big decision, Grimmjow gripped his trousers with apprehension, the feeling alien to him.

"And if I don't wanna be a human anymore?"

Kisuke shook his head with a small smile.

"This gigai's a one-time use only and I'll be in the seireitei so you can't ask me for another."

Gritting his teeth, Grimmjow bowed his head as he conversed with himself internally. It was a big sacrifice, but knew the trade would be unfathomably worth it.

_._._._

"Come on, it's only a little further." Akito directed, leading his two female companions.

Yui held her mother's hand, focusing on her popsicle while the older woman fanned herself with her hand. The weather was hot and the sky was as clear as a fresh rain drop. Wanting to make the most of the day, Akito suggested they go out to enjoy the sunshine. Unbeknownst to the family of three, a certain  menace had a scheme up his sleeve.

Entering the park, Akito pointed out where he and Grimmjow had their sparring lessons. To his displeasure, his mother had a rather negative reaction to this supposed betrayal.

"You were getting sparring lessons from a GHOST when you have a karate teacher for a MOTHER!" she playfully scolded, yanking his ear.

"Ow, ow! I'm sorry! But it was a different kind of sparring!"

Yui laughed at his turmoil to which he responded by sticking out his tongue. The trio were given reprieve from the sun's rays when they entered a canopy of trees. Just as Himari was about to say something, her son's phone began blaring from his pocket. Taking it out, he checked the caller ID but there wasn't one. Lifting it up to his ear, he glanced tentatively at his mother before speaking.

"Hello?"

"Thank fuck. Took me long enough to work out this goddamn thing." Came a familiar voice.

Confusion turning to delight, Akito smiled.

"Grim! When did you get a phone? Actually, when did you get my number-"

"Shut up, just come to this spot."

Grimmjow gave him the details of where he wanted them to come but not giving a reason. Peculiarly, he demanded he not share this information with his mother or sister. Not one to disobey his orders lest he suffer the panther's wrath, Akito agreed.

Luckily, the spot was in the direction he was walking, so no detour was necessary. They ended up on a hill with a beautiful view overlooking the town.

"I know a good spot, come on." He suddenly exclaimed, picking up the pace.

Blinking, Himari also quickened her pace to keep up with her uncharacteristically peppy son.

"Aki! What's the rush!"

Yui remained absolutely focused on her popsicle, making sure she didn't lose any of her melting confectionery to gravity as her mother practically dragged her along. Grinning, the teenager kept his mouth shut.

Close to the destination, Akito slowed down his pace. Shielding his eyes from the sun, he scanned the area.

"He said to come here bu-"

Just up ahead, he saw that familiar figure and shock of blue hair that almost blended into the sky. Grimmjow turned around, a toothy smile growing on his face. What surprised Akito the most was his mother's strange reaction.

"Is that-"

Transferring Yui's hand from hers to her brothers, Himari all but dashed towards the unprepared man. Shocked, Akito accidentally let go of his sister's hand, grasping his unruly hair.

"You can see him!?"

Grimmjow's expression bordered on fear as Himari crashed into him and lifted him up.

"I can see you!" She cried, spinning him around.

"Gah! Calm down, woman!"

She put him back down but before he could get another word out, she dragged him down by his lapel. Their lips met in a frantic yet loving kiss, Grimm's hands settling on her waist as he closed his eyes. Quickly, the older sibling protected his sister from such an impure sight. Once they were done, he granted her permission to see again. Himari turned to her children, excitedly waving them over. Yui was mostly curious, slowly approaching the odd looking man who crouched down to be on her level.

"Yui, this is Grim." Her mother explained.

That was all she needed to effectively launch herself into the man's arms.

"Is running into people hereditary or something?" He grinned, lifting the elated girl into his arms.

Looking down, he gestured to a large bag on a blanket filled to the brim with all kinds of snacks and desserts. Yui let out an extended "ooh" while her mother clasped her hands together with starry eyes.

"Some dude in a bucket hat said this would be a good way to break the news." He said, tone not entirely sure if the execution was effective.

Yui wrapped her arms around his neck, mumbling something incoherent. Joining in, Himari wrapped her arms around his waist, thanking him for his thoughtfulness. Pink dusted the man's  cheeks, not used to being lavished with so much endearment. Even so, his eyes trailed to Akito's. They shared a silent moment, reminiscing on their fond memories and what led them to this moment. Smiling, the teen joined in the group hug.

The expanded family of four happily sat together on the hill enjoying the wide selection of treats. Grimmjow attempted to explain the concept behind gigais but gave up after it was clearly falling on deaf ears. Every time Himari looked at him with pure affection and wonderment, he would lose his train of thought.

"So many slim jims." Himari noted, rifling through the bag.

"He loves meat." Aki added with a snicker before taking a bite of a cupcake.

His unsavoury comment was quickly followed up by Grimmjow clocking him on the head with a karate chop. Himari praised his form which earned her a smile from the blue haired menace.

Getting comfortable, Himari sat between Grimmjow's legs, letting him rest his chin on her shoulder as he hugged her. Yui used her brother's lap as a pillow, counting the clouds in the sky.

"Does this mean you're moving out from under my bed?" Akito randomly brought up, brushing some hair out of his sister's face.

Confused, Himari tilted her head.

"You've been living under his bed?"

Grimmjow rested his forehead on her shoulder, feeling the foreign feeling of embarrassment enter his body for the first time in centuries. Getting used to being so open was going to be a long journey.

"Not like I could do much else."

"You could've slept in mine." She innocently suggested, leaving against him more.

Choking, the teen turned to his mum who seemed none the wiser to her risqué words. Grim, on the other hand, had the biggest smile on his face.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be well acquainted with your bed soon enough." He whispered, kissing her cheek, making her blush.

Retching, Akito covered his ears. Making the most of the sunny day, Akito and Grimmjow played a slightly more violent but fun game of Frisbee while the girls watched and cheered on.

Back at home, they busted out popcorn and blankets to watch a family friendly movie. For some reason or another, they passed up many classics in favour of the penguins of Madagascar. Despite his unpleasant and scary exterior, Grimmjow still managed to enjoy the animated entertainment.

"Ha! Rico's cool as shit!" he exclaimed.

"Shit!" Yui repeated.

"Oh no."