{fic} las noches high - chapter twenty-five
Title: Las Noches High - chapter twenty-five
Author/Artist: taintedkibou
Pairing/Characters: Grimmjow/Ichigo
Rating: PG-15
Genre: AU; high school
Disclaimer: I own the mangas that I purchased, but Kubo owns the characters.
Summary/Notes: Forced to transfer from school to school because of something he has no control over, Kurosaki Ichigo resigns himself to expulsion, only to find out he has one last choice: attend Las Noches High.
[ chapter one ] [ chapter two ] [ chapter three ] [ chapter four ] [ chapter five ] [ chapter six ] [ chapter seven ] [ chapter eight ] [ chapter nine ] [ chapter ten ] [ chapter eleven ] [ chapter twelve ] [ chapter thirteen ] [ chapter fourteen ] [ chapter fifteen ] [ chapter sixteen ] [ chapter seventeen ] [ chapter eighteen ] [ chapter nineteen ] [ chapter twenty ] [ chapter twenty-one ] [ chapter twenty-two ] [ chapter twenty-three ] [ chapter twenty-four ]
Ichigo woke feeling safe and warm. He burrowed himself deeper into the warmth, freezing when a voice groaned that was not his. It was a difficult task, opening his eyes, but once it was done, the reward let butterflies loose in his stomach. ‘This isn’t a dream…’ He grinned. Grimmjow scowled even while he slept. Managing to free a hand, he reached up, brushing aside the sky blue locks that always fell across the creased brow. Of course, they fell back into place.
"...'s mean you can go to school? You have time to play with my hair..." Grimmjow tilted his face away as he yawned, turning back to pin Ichigo with a smoldering, yet playful gaze.
"Can't we just stay like this?" Ichigo sighed.
Grimmjow shuddered. "Too vanilla."
"Don't lie. You know you cuddle. What have we been doin' the entire night?"
"Sleepin', last time I checked."
"Cuddling," Ichigo corrected, tightening his arms around the other.
Grimmjow pried him away, wriggling free. He sat up, but those willowy arms were around his waist once again. “Let go, shinigami. We have to get ready for school.”
Ichigo was reluctant to do as he was told, but he eventually released Grimmjow. The blue-haired teen stretched, groaning as his muscles popped. As always, Ichigo's eyes were drawn to the patch that covered Grimmjow's lower back. "Grimmjow..."
Grimmjow glanced over his shoulder and knew immediately where Ichigo's attention lay. He reached behind himself, feeling for the taped edges. Ichigo took over the task, carefully peeling it off. Once the contrasting dark ink against the light skin tones became visible, he immediately remembered yesterday's conversation. "He did this...?"
"Yeah," Grimmjow muttered. It didn't matter to him one way or the other.
Ichigo let his fingers dance over the inked design that now decorated Grimmjow's lower back. He was the reason why he'd been ‘branded’, so to speak. Ichigo leaned down, placing a light kiss to the area above the 6. “I like it,” he whispered. “Somehow… it suits you.”
“Ulquiorra got a 4,” Grimmjow muttered beneath his breath.
“And you’re jealous,” Ichigo laughed.
“I am not!”
Ichigo cringed, awaiting a blow of some sort to follow the outburst, but none came. He peeked out over his arms and winced when his forehead was flicked. Grimmjow smirked. “Baka. Get up and start getting ready for school.” He managed to walk away from the bed with no further incidents to hold him back.
Ichigo watched him leave, scooting off the bed only after the door had closed. As he prepared for a shower, he contemplated if his libido had died over the years he’d suppressed it. Why had there been no reaction even though he and Grimmjow had shared a bed? Thinking back, he realized the same nonexistent reaction had not occurred when he’d crashed Grimmjow’s dorm. His heart raced just from touching the silky blue hair. Ichigo stared down at his lower body before throwing his arms up in the air in frustration ‘What the hell am I doing…?’
*
Freshened up and ready to take on the world, the couple met in the hall and headed downstairs together. Shawlong was waiting outside the sedan for them. He bowed, straightening up slowly. His expression was as stoical as ever. "Kurosaki-san. It is my duty to inform you that my services will be reduced to taking you to cram school and work on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays."
Ichigo nodded. "That's fine. And if I need to go in town for anything I can't find in The Village, I can still call you, right?"
"Of course, Kurosaki-san."
"I'll see that Grimmjow gives you a raise for being so loyal." Ichigo grinned. Even though his expressionless mask remained, had anyone been looking closely, they would have noticed the glimmer of laughter in the man's dark eyes.
Not wanting to be bothered with removing his hands from the pockets of his pants, Grimmjow delivered a kick to the side of Ichigo's leg with his knee. "Who's givin' out raises now, idiot shinigami?"
“My name’s ‘Ichigo’!” the orange-haired teen snapped.
“Like hell I’m calling you that!” Grimmjow scoffed, delivering another kick to the back of Ichigo’s leg. “Shinigami works just fine for me…”
Shawlong bowed his head as the arguing duo walked by. He was certain they had already forgotten about his presence, but it pleased him to know they were happy.
* * * * *
Inoue’s hand stilled, the writing utensil she held falling from between her fingers. Her drooping eyelids snapped open and she glanced around to see if anyone had noticed. She picked up her pen with a soft sigh and resumed her attempts at following the lessons.
At the end of class, Inoue stood from her seat and her eyes immediately rolled back into her head. The school case slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor. She followed shortly after, knocking her chair aside with a clatter.
"Oi!" Loly ran to the fallen figure. "Oi... oi! Wake up, damnit! Get Ulquiorra!" she demanded of the nearest student. The boy nodded, running off to complete the order. "Idiot..." Loly scoffed, moving into a seiza position so she could rest Inoue's head on her lap. She wanted to be the only one that caused the orange-haired girl pain.
The student returned, stepping aside to allow the stoical brunet entrance. A flicker of emotion passed through Ulquiorra’s green eyes before it vanished. He crossed to where the crowd had gathered, crouching upon reaching Loly and Inoue. He slipped both arms around the lifeless figure, lifting with ease. Loly followed, springing to her feet. “She just needs to sleep,” Ulquiorra explained. “Resume your normal activities.”
The brunette scoffed, glaring, but could say nothing to the Student Council President. She waited, watching as Ulquiorra walked out of the classroom with Inoue.
*
When Inoue came to, she was in the Student Council room rather than the infirmary. A pillow lay beneath her head as support. She wouldn’t attempt sitting up and, instead, turned her head to look right. There was no one there, but she knew that wasn’t truly the case.
"It was wrong of you to assume that you could return to school following yesterday's actions."
Inoue had made a visit to Las Noches High Sunday, but of her own free will. "But, you..."
"You and I are completely different." Ulquiorra entered Inoue's line of vision. "You also gave more than we did. A day or two of sleep was all that was necessary for us."
Ulquiorra gracefully lowered himself to his knees in front of the couch so he was eye level with the worn-looking girl. Orihime smiled tiredly. "I don't feel... jealous, because I know your actions weren't for Kurosaki's sake only this time around."
Inoue smiled, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. It was true. She had thought of Kurosaki, but she had also been thinking of Ulquiorra and the others that would be spared. "Can I rest now, Ulquiorra-kun?"
"You should."
Inoue sighed softly, closing her eyes. Ulquiorra rose, smoothing a hand down over the knees of his pants. He took up residence in the nearby one-seater, resigning himself to staying for as long was necessary.
* * * * *
It was a difficult task escaping from Grimmjow, but Ichigo managed to make it to work. Adjuchas Grocer housed another problem in the form of a six-foot-plus tall wall.
“Kurosaki!” Edrad cornered him near the entrance of the department store. “I don’t see nothin’ in yer hands!”
Ichigo grinned sheepishly up at his supervisor. “I… don’t feel up to it today. Maybe next week?”
“Next week ya should be worryin’ ‘bout yer finals.”
“I should, shouldn’t I?”
“Whenever ya have time!” Edrad boomed, slapping Ichigo on the back. “No rush!”
Ichigo was surprised his spine hadn’t snapped yet. With a weak smile, he allowed himself to get dragged off to the electronics side of the store; it was where he would be working for the evening.
+ + +
Ichigo flexed his shoulders with a sigh as he walked across the parking lot at the end of his shift. Dragging-sometimes lifting-sixty inch flat screen televisions was an exhausting chore. He opened the door to the black sedan that waited for him, but he didn’t climb in. He was dragged in. Ichigo’s wide eyes narrowed before he rolled them. Grimmjow smirked down at him, the orange head now resting in his lap. Ichigo felt his legs being moved and he craned his neck just in time to catch a glimpse of Shawlong before the door was closed. The brunet returned to his seat behind the wheel.
Ichigo managed to right himself, scooting back to the left side of the car. Grimmjow didn’t follow. Ichigo glared at his profile, finally speaking his mind. “Why are you-”
“Had to do some shopping,” Grimmjow replied quickly.
“Where are the-”
“In the trunk.” The blue head turned and Grimmjow revealed his smirk. “Anymore questions?”
Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the back of Shawlong’s headrest. “…what do you want to eat tonight?”
Grimmjow grinned, leaning sideways. He slipped an arm around Ichigo’s shoulder, pulling him closer so he could bury his nose in the sweet-smelling, short orange locks. “Now that’s the right question. I want gyoza.”
“You sound like a child,” Ichigo scoffed.
“You roll, I’ll do the rice.”
A one-sided conversation was taking place, and Ichigo knew there was no changing Grimmjow’s mind. He freed himself from the lax hold and turned, pressing his lips to the corner of the other’s mouth. It was the closest place he could reach without feeling too embarrassed knowing that Shawlong was less than three feet away. “Thanks for coming to get me.”
“I told you, I came to shop.” Grimmjow smirked at Ichigo’s annoyed glare; it was always fun to tease him.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Monday and Tuesday passed. Between avoiding Grimmjow’s wandering hands, Di Roy, and various others, Ichigo still managed to check the second year History classroom, the indoor pool, and the indoor gymnasium. He did so diligently, but there were still no signs of the missing instructors.
*
“Where are you going?” Grimmjow questioned after his neighboring classmate stood up Wednesday afternoon after the lunch bell rang.
Ichigo smirked down at the Student Council VP. “Jealous? You’re a jealous person, aren’t you?” Grimmjow’s scowl deepened and Ichigo laughed softly, “Where else am I going? To the infirmary. You wanna come?”
“No.” Grimmjow felt uneasy for some reason and he couldn’t pinpoint why. He should have said ‘yes’, but he quickly found out it was his mistake letting Ichigo walk out of the classroom without him.
A firm grip snagged Grimmjow’s upper arm after he stepped through the sliding doors and out into the hall. He glared at the dark-skinned blind man keeping him from moving forward. Was today the day Gin had been trying to warn him about? Grimmjow gave his arm a jerk, but it only served to anger the man even further. Tousen’s grip tightened and he tugged the student in the opposite direction of the steps Ichigo had descended in order to reach the infirmary. Grimmjow glanced over his shoulder, a look of defeat crossing onto his face; he’d lost himself for a moment and forgotten the real reason he’d been so adamant to keep away.
Ready for one of his routine naps, Ichigo let his feet guide his way to the infirmary. “Lu… lu…?” He froze in the open doorway. The wide-eyed and very female face staring back at him was not Aaroniero Arruruerie. “Where’s…?”
The flustered woman sat up straight in the swivel chair. “Arruruerie-san will be absent for some time. I’m taking his-Ah!” Her nervous smile completely withered after Ichigo vanished from her sight.
Ichigo didn’t have far to go. Fists balled at his sides, he glared at Aizen Sousuke, who currently barred his path. Aizen smiled in return; the gesture always sent chills down the boy’s spine, but he stood tall. The bottom of the world he’d been seeing through rose-tinted glasses had just been ripped out from beneath him and he wanted it back. “Where’s Lulu?”
Aizen chuckled, “Such an affectionate nickname. Would you like to take a walk with me, Kurosaki-kun?” The Principal stayed a foot or two in front of the teen as they began an unknown journey, arms tucked behind himself. The suit he wore matched Las Noches’ school uniform, in terms of color. The shirt beneath the jacket was black to offset it.
“I’m sure you’ve already heard stories,” Aizen started, leading the way down to the opposite end of the hall. They exited the main building, heading for the unused wing.
“What stories?” Ichigo muttered, glancing around at the untrimmed hedges, surprised that such a thing existed. Aizen chuckled softly and the sound made a shiver run down Ichigo’s spine. Ichigo buried his hands deeper in the pockets of his uniform slacks.
Aizen stopped and faced the boy. A dangerous gleam was reflected in his brown eyes. “I created this Utopian society with my bare hands.”
“There’s nothing Utopian about it,” Ichigo argued.
“You’re the cause of that.”
“Ha!”
Aizen’s eyes narrowed at the derisive grin the boy wore.
“A few years ago, probably at the start of my puberty, I was fighting to protect myself. At roughly the same time, Nel was getting her head split open! Did I cause that flaw in your Utopian society?”
“That, Kurosaki-kun, was a stage in the evolutionary process: process of elimination.”
Ichigo forced himself to keep his hands buried in his pockets. He knew if he removed them, he would do something regrettable. Aizen put more distance between himself and the teen; they had arrived at their destination. He turned around, opening the door to the old music room. Aizen outstretched an arm, inviting his guest. Ichigo moved forward reluctantly, telling himself this was for the greater good. He would travel to the ends of the earth to find out where Aaroniero was.
Aizen hit a switch and the dark room came alive, machines humming and whirring, providing enough light for them to see. Ichigo had just arrived at the ends of the earth. Aaroniero Arruruerie lay on the same metal slab Grimmjow had once occupied, shirtless as the student had been. Electrodes attached to his temples and chest worked to retrieve data from his mind and turn it into useful information.
Aizen strolled over, trailing his fingers over the cold, silver surface. His hand came to rest atop Aaroniero’s. “Do you want to know the truth behind the stories you haven’t heard?”
Ichigo found himself unable to look away from Aaroniero's motionless body. He tried to silence the voice in the back of his head warning him that he might never see the laughter in those midnight blue eyes again.
Aizen took his silence as a ‘yes’. “I came from Shinou, as I’m sure you’ve heard, along with Kaname and Gin. While there, I started a little project of my own that touched on the untouchable controversy of cloning.”
Ichigo’s head snapped up to stare at the Principal of Las Noches High, brown eyes wide.
Aizen smiled at the teen’s horrified expression. “I haven’t cloned your dear beloveds. I simply gathered the necessary information from them. My success lies over there.” He extended an arm in the direction of the darkened tank filled with contents similar to the amniotic fluids found within a pregnant woman’s womb. “Third time’s the charm, they say. The first experiment at Shinou failed, and I simply disposed of the body. The faculty staff didn’t agree with this method. It was a waste-there was nothing to salvage. I was planning to make a second attempt, but Genryuusai stepped in and took action.”
Aizen turned Aaroniero’s hand over so it lay palm up, tracing random characters across the skin. “Kaname also felt that Shinou’s faculty had been unjust and followed me. Gin…” Aizen chuckled softly. “Gin joined us because he had nothing better to do. He was useful, in his own way.” He stepped away from the table, turning his back to the orange-haired teen. “I got my second chance after I created this world, but that was also a failure. I was still lacking… something.”
Aizen glanced over his shoulder, smirking at the frozen orange-haired boy that continued to glare at him. “Then you arrived at my doorstep. I had no intention of taking you in, but you have Grimmjow to thank for that.”
Ichigo’s narrowed eyes flew wide.
“Luppi followed him and reported back to me,” Aizen continued. “It’s possible that you’re my missing piece. My second experiment was nothing but a shell. The minds of the occupants behind these white walls are all programmed to obey me and ask no question. That’s why I blame you for the dismantlement of my utopian society. Other than Grimmjow, Luppi was the first to be drawn to you. He’s admitted at a private room in the hospital, by the way, if you wish to visit him.” Aizen smiled sweetly. “I visited him, and found something good still came out of his comatose body. His mind. I’ve heard that a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Ichigo couldn’t find the right words that needed to be spoken. The man that stood before him-there were also no words to describe how disturbed he truly was.
“Don’t try to get into my mind, Kurosaki-kun,” Aizen chuckled. “It’s written all over your face-what you think of me. There’s no time to be worrying about me. We should be worrying about you. If you give yourself to me, I’ll send a new you out into the world. One whose only problem will be what classes to take at University, or what to eat for dinner. No longer will you have to look over your shoulder and worry about your chastity. I’ll give you… Grimmjow-kun. You’re holding yourself back because you know what could happen if you spread your-”
“Shut up!” Ichigo lowered his head, glaring at the floor for a few seconds before squeezing his eyes shut. “When you say… a new me…?”
“Hmm? Ohh!” Aizen laughed, turning around to give the boy his full attention. “I have no intention of cloning you. I’ll take what I need from your body and leave you with the rest. The choices and decisions have always been yours, Kurosaki-kun. You can refuse my offer. If my experiment fails, I'll begin again, with the same individuals that you came in contact with. I’ll leech the life out of them until there's nothing lef-” Aizen's eyes were wide as he stared off to the side. His glasses would have been lying on the floor, broken, if he still wore them. His cheek had already reddened from the punch.
"That was my choice," Ichigo hissed through gritted teeth. His fists remained clenched at his sides. "If I agree, you have to stop!"
"If you are the missing piece-"
"Take my blood-as much as you want!"
Aaroniero's bare chest rose sharply, his monitors reacting wildly.
"Lulu..." Ichigo squeezed his eyes shut, nails digging into the palm of his hands. “You have to stop... or I bring this whole thing down.”
“I'll start new elsewhere." Aizen caught Ichigo's second punch thrown, but his smirk was wiped off his face when the orange crown smashed into his jaw.
"Who are you trying to impress, huh?! Someone in Shinou because they kicked you out?! Get. off. your. fuckin'. horse, and come back to reality for a while! Nel, even Grimmjow-they’re both thankful that you gave them a chance at living their lives again. Doesn't that make you feel anything inside?!"
Aizen was still reeling from the pain the boy continued to inflict upon his face. There was one other person that had laid a hand on him and he'd felt something other than pain. He could still remember her flushed, tear-stained face and wide eyes; those eyes, filled with hurt and devastation, but still... trust. The brown eyes glaring up at him held nothing of the sort. They challenged him, daring him to make the wrong move. "As you wish, Kurosaki-kun. I shall agree to your demands."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed even further. "Don't lie to me."
Aizen laughed softly, "I am a man that keeps his word. And to prove this fact, I’ll let you in on a secret. From the moment the gates of my city closed in April, with you on the inside, I could have dissected you to find out what made you tick. But I gave my word to your father."
“You’re fuckin’ crazy,” Ichigo muttered beneath his breath.
“Am I?” A sweet smile spread across Aizen’s lips.
Ichigo looked away, turning to the unconscious doctor for answers. He was the eldest, so he'd always been the one to do the protecting. Aaroniero hadn't done it in the shadows; he worried and cared for Ichigo for everyone to see. Ichigo could only imagine this was what it felt like to have an older sibling. Aaroniero held a place in his heart that was different from Grimmjow's.
"With this equal exchange, Kurosaki-kun, I shall be out of your life. And that life shall become a normal one if you wish it so."
'What should I do, Lulu…?' With a shout, Ichigo shoved the Principal away. He unbuttoned and ripped off his school jacket, tossing it aside. The long sleeve of his shirt was then rolled upward to reveal the crook of his arm. "Take it," he ground out, staring at Aaroniero's still frame to give himself courage. "Take it and put an end to all of this."
Aizen smirked, adjusting his suit. "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun. You should know... Inoue-san also offered herself to keep me away from you. With both of your genes, my child shall be a magnificent creature."
Ichigo scoffed. "For you to be child and creature in the same sentence..."
Aizen laughed softly, "My dear Kurosaki-kun. We're all creatures. Though... I try not to think of myself as God's creature. I stand above him. The proof is… over here." He walked away, heading for the container in the middle of the floor. The figure inside stirred at his approach, lifting its head. Wide, round eyes stared up at the man. Its mouth opened, air bubbles escaping. Aizen smiled, placing a hand to the glass. "Soon, Wonderweiss."
The child tilted his head quizzically.
"That's your name."
A wide grin spread across his face, revealing two buck teeth in the front, before he opened his mouth wide again to let more bubbles escape.
"Make yourself comfortable, Kurosaki-kun. You'll be here all night."
Ichigo glared at the man's back before turning a worried gaze to Aaroniero. He closed his eyes, ducking his head, drawing comfort from the fact that the nurse was still alive. Starrk, Lilynette, Harribel-they would be back after a few days of resting. Ichigo opened his eyes and noticed the faint movement of Aaroniero's hand. He reached out, curling his fingers around the brunet's.
Aizen looked away from their interaction, attention drawn to the thudding against the container. Wonderweiss showed the man his hand, curling it into a fist with a wide grin, mimicking the images he had currently received from Aaroniero’s mind. Aizen smiled, nodding at the child. 'You'll be perfect this time around.'
+ + +
The hard metal table he lay upon was cold to his bare back, but it was a discomfort he would have to bear. Ichigo stared ahead at the dark ceiling, trying not to pull his left arm away as Aizen searched for a vein in the crook of the elbow. He reminded himself that he was doing this for Aaroniero, and any other unfortunate soul that, if things had been left unchecked, would have fallen victim to Aizen’s plans.
Wonderweiss, stark naked and in no way ashamed, dripped water throughout the room as he continued to wander aimlessly after being removed from his human-sized test tube. His bright blond hair clung to his small face and inquisitively wide purple eyes darted back and forth wildly as he struggled to take in everything. Unlike the other participants of Aizen’s experiments, Wonderweiss was born from science and technology. The child returned to the table where Aizen worked, skirting around to other side. His lips parted, forming a small ‘o’ as he stared down at Ichigo’s strained expression. His eyes traveled down the teen’s frame, brightening when they came to rest upon his clenched fist.
Ichigo started at the tentative poke to his fisted hand, eyes flying open. He was met with an innocent, purple-eyed gaze. His first reaction was to draw his hand away, but then he realized, just like any child would, the blond sought affection. He uncurled his fingers and found himself relaxing at the wide grin that split the child’s face. Wonderweiss thrust his hand into Ichigo’s, squeezing tightly.
Aizen smiled at the sight, his current task finished. Ichigo’s blood flowed swiftly into the vial, gradually filling it. This was the first step; there was still so much more that needed to be done.
* * * * *
There was no telling how much time had passed in the windowless room, but it was finally over. Ichigo gingerly dressed himself after sliding off the table. His body ached from head to toe. The metal slab had been unforgiving. His arms wouldn’t obey as he tried to ease them through the sleeves of his white shirt.
“Ichi!” Still naked, Wonderweiss hurried over to where he stood. He climbed onto the table, giving himself the proper height, and took the shirt.
Ichigo smiled weakly, slipping in one arm at a time. “Thanks…” he groaned. The blond grinned, fisting his hands atop his thighs. He tilted forward then back. Ichigo finished buttoning his shirt-he wouldn’t bother with the gakuran jacket-and faced the child. Wonderweiss’s purple eyes sparkled, his grin widening at the attention being given to him. Ichigo placed a hand atop the golden crown, trying not to wince as he did so. ‘Don’t let him corrupt you.’
Wonderweiss blinked several times, tilting his head sideways. His eyes widened, his grin returning. Ichigo turned, unable to look over his shoulder without his body protesting. Aizen was making his way toward them. What worried Ichigo was that the man’s face was a blank and expressionless canvas. Wonderweiss hadn’t moved from his current position, and watched the wordless interaction between the two.
Aizen cupped the side of Ichigo’s face after arriving, holding his head steady as he leaned down to cover the boy’s mouth with his own. Eyes wide, Ichigo reflexively swallowed the object being forced down his throat by the invading tongue. He was released and immediately sank to his knees, his right hand covering his throat as he coughed. His vision blurred and his left hand slid away from the edge of the metal table. ‘…never liked drugs… hate ‘em now…’
Darkness took hold of his senses and Ichigo slumped to the floor. Wonderweiss peered down at him before looking to Aizen. The brown-haired man smiled, “He’s just sleeping.” The child’s lips formed a small ‘o’ and he lowered his head to stare at the orange-haired figure. He didn’t look away even after the door opened.
Gin entered quietly, glancing at the Principal as he crossed into the room. Aizen smirked, combing his fingers through his brown hair. “Don’t,” Gin warned before the other could speak, his tone crisp and sharp. He knelt, gently scooping Ichigo into his arms. He made sure the boy’s head was cradled and turned to leave, but his shirt snagged something, or so he thought. Glancing over his shoulder, Gin found the blond child clinging to his shirt.
“Ichi…” Wonderweiss glared.
Gin smirked, cocking his head to one side. “Ya really think I’m da one hurtin’ him?” He scoffed and resumed walking. Wonderweiss let the clothing slip from between his fingers and the silver-haired man was gone.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Ichigo stared at his golden-eyed reflection; the entity appeared to be sulking. He walked over and crouched next to his other self. “Somehow… that pitiful look doesn’t suit you. Maybe ‘cause it’s my face?” He grinned sheepishly.
The other hunched his shoulders up to his ears, scoffing. “Are ya tryin’ ta get rid of me? Is that why ya did it?”
“No.” Ichigo closed his eyes, thinking of all the people that had somehow wormed their way into his heart, becoming important to him. Aaroniero’s grinning face stayed with him the longest and Ichigo exhaled softly, “No. I did it to protect them.” The golden eyes rolled, another skeptical scoff escaping the being that had deemed itself to be Ichigo’s inner desires.
Ichigo smirked and lowered himself to his knees. Wrapping his arms around his other self, he let his chin rest atop the orange crown. “Besides… You said it yourself. I’m you.”
The being mirrored Ichigo’s smirk, its golden eyes shining brightly. “Don’t forget that… King.”
Ichigo didn’t have long to dwell on the new title he’d been given. The body he once held vanished and his arms fell away to his sides. He smiled, drawing his hands up to stare at them. The fingers curled into fists. Aizen hadn’t taken anything from him.
+ + +
Ichigo’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked several times, finding it difficult to focus, darkness still surrounding him and all. His lips parted and a dry, hoarse sound escaped; a deafening roar in the silence.
“Is he…?”
“Kurosaki-kun…?”
“Kurosaki…”
There was movement from all sides, but no one showed their face to him. The lamp at his desk was switched on. Someone had been kind as to not blind him by turning on the main light for the room. Silver and white finally entered his line of vision and Ichigo laughed hoarsely at the worried expressions now fixated upon him.
“Kurosaki-kun.” Gin smiled tiredly. “Ya hafta stop doing’ dis. ‘s nah good fer my heart.”
“Sorry,” Ichigo murmured, shifting on the bed. He used his elbows to gingerly prop himself up. When he attempted to sit up straight, his head protested. Vertigo forced him back onto the mattress and Ichigo covered his face with his arm. “How long… have I been sleeping?” he mumbled, remembering the pill he’d been slipped.
“Two days,” Di Roy answered.
Ichigo snorted. “Shorter than last time.”
“I won’ let’cha leave this room,” Gin warned him.
“Finals…”
“Kurosaki-kun,” Gin sighed. “I’ve looked over your progress and your grades are more than perfect for going to University.”
“Keio is-”
“Keio?!” Di Roy climbed onto the bed, dragging the arm covering Ichigo’s face away. “You said… You said you would stay here until I joined you for a semester!”
Gin tugged the white-haired child off the bed by the back of his shirt, letting go after Di Roy was behind of him. “Kurosaki-kun. Go back ta sleep. Yer tired. I know ya are.” The Vice Principal’s words served as a trigger. Ichigo felt his eyelids, along with the rest of his body, become heavy. He closed his eyes, his body relaxing. “Let’s leave him,” Gin told Di Roy, snatching the back of his shirt again. He dragged him along, back to the front of the dorm.
“Sleep well, Kurosaki-senpai!” Di Roy managed to cry before being tossed into the hall.
“Shush,” Gin hissed, slamming the door shut.
Ichigo rolled over onto his side with a small smile.
+ + +
When Ichigo woke again, he was able to make out 3:48 A.M. on the digital clock beside his bed. He exhaled deeply, rolling over in the opposite direction. His heart rate accelerated as he stared into the darkness of his room. Seventeen years of having Kurosaki Isshin as a father left him expecting the unexpected; he knew he wasn’t alone. “Grimm…jow?”
“Go back to sleep,” the low voice spoke gruffly.
“Fuck…” Even though he knew he had a visitor, it was still unsettling. “Don’t… do that. Were you here with Di and Ichimaru?” Ichigo tossed back the covers, actually managing to sit upright with this attempt. He swung his legs over the side of the bed. The shadows shifted and tall, scowling teen emerged, arm outstretched to push Ichigo back down onto the bed.
“Grimm-mm!” Ichigo’s hands rose, hovering for a few moments before curling around Grimmjow’s shoulders. He pushed the other away before the kiss became too much to handle in his weakened state. He gasped for air, eyes squeezed shut.
“If I had known…” Grimmjow fisted his hands in the bed sheets. “If I had known beforehand…! That bastard Tousen kept me hostage in the detention hall. I couldn’t come find you.”
“Grimmjow?” ‘He was worried about me? Of course he was.’ With a smile, Ichigo combed his fingers through the soft hair at the nape of Grimmjow’s neck.
“You asked why…”
He arched an eyebrow, tilting his head, but the darkness prohibited him from properly seeing the other’s face.
“You asked why several times,” Grimmjow continued, never lifting his head. “The reason why I tried so hard to keep my distance was because I knew you were gonna do some stupid shit like this. You’re the type of person that would give your life to protect what you love.”
The smiling face of Kurosaki Masaki flashed in his mind and Ichigo smiled. “I am.”
“Idiot,” Grimmjow muttered, lowering his body so he lay beside the smaller teen.
Ichigo wouldn’t say it out loud, but it made him feel even more loved knowing all the extremes Grimmjow went through were on his behalf. His hand slid away from the back of Grimmjow’s neck and he found a fisted hand on the bed, prying its fingers open. Ichigo grinned at the groaned protests. “Be vanilla for me.”
“Just this one time, shinigami.” Grimmjow’s hand opened and Ichigo’s fingers slid in between his, both sets curling together.
Ichigo smiled and closed his eyes. He listened to Grimmjow’s soft, even breathing-a sign that his companion had fallen asleep before him-and let it lull him back into a peaceful slumber.
A/N: I’m sorry! I knew it would happen… No ‘might’ about it-I have to push updates back to Thursday… or whenever is convenient. I mentioned it earlier (I think?) that I’d returned to school, so my classes are kinna taking a priority. But how ‘bout the chapter~? *spreads arms* Passable? Yes, no? Did it I rush it, maybe? I did say I knew what I wanted to do with Aizen, so… I chose Wondey because he was the only modified-MAX 'car, and well… very child-like. I thought he'd be perfect *shifty eyes*
*runs away* She who writes and runs away, lives to spread more crap another day! *trips and falls* Sssssss… aaaaaaaaaaah!
[ chapter twenty-six] [ chapter twenty-seven] [ chapter twenty-eight] [ chapter twenty-nine] [ chapter thirty] [ chapter thirty-one] [ chapter thirty-two] [ chapter thirty-three]
Author/Artist: taintedkibou
Pairing/Characters: Grimmjow/Ichigo
Rating: PG-15
Genre: AU; high school
Disclaimer: I own the mangas that I purchased, but Kubo owns the characters.
Summary/Notes: Forced to transfer from school to school because of something he has no control over, Kurosaki Ichigo resigns himself to expulsion, only to find out he has one last choice: attend Las Noches High.
[ chapter one ] [ chapter two ] [ chapter three ] [ chapter four ] [ chapter five ] [ chapter six ] [ chapter seven ] [ chapter eight ] [ chapter nine ] [ chapter ten ] [ chapter eleven ] [ chapter twelve ] [ chapter thirteen ] [ chapter fourteen ] [ chapter fifteen ] [ chapter sixteen ] [ chapter seventeen ] [ chapter eighteen ] [ chapter nineteen ] [ chapter twenty ] [ chapter twenty-one ] [ chapter twenty-two ] [ chapter twenty-three ] [ chapter twenty-four ]
Ichigo woke feeling safe and warm. He burrowed himself deeper into the warmth, freezing when a voice groaned that was not his. It was a difficult task, opening his eyes, but once it was done, the reward let butterflies loose in his stomach. ‘This isn’t a dream…’ He grinned. Grimmjow scowled even while he slept. Managing to free a hand, he reached up, brushing aside the sky blue locks that always fell across the creased brow. Of course, they fell back into place.
"...'s mean you can go to school? You have time to play with my hair..." Grimmjow tilted his face away as he yawned, turning back to pin Ichigo with a smoldering, yet playful gaze.
"Can't we just stay like this?" Ichigo sighed.
Grimmjow shuddered. "Too vanilla."
"Don't lie. You know you cuddle. What have we been doin' the entire night?"
"Sleepin', last time I checked."
"Cuddling," Ichigo corrected, tightening his arms around the other.
Grimmjow pried him away, wriggling free. He sat up, but those willowy arms were around his waist once again. “Let go, shinigami. We have to get ready for school.”
Ichigo was reluctant to do as he was told, but he eventually released Grimmjow. The blue-haired teen stretched, groaning as his muscles popped. As always, Ichigo's eyes were drawn to the patch that covered Grimmjow's lower back. "Grimmjow..."
Grimmjow glanced over his shoulder and knew immediately where Ichigo's attention lay. He reached behind himself, feeling for the taped edges. Ichigo took over the task, carefully peeling it off. Once the contrasting dark ink against the light skin tones became visible, he immediately remembered yesterday's conversation. "He did this...?"
"Yeah," Grimmjow muttered. It didn't matter to him one way or the other.
Ichigo let his fingers dance over the inked design that now decorated Grimmjow's lower back. He was the reason why he'd been ‘branded’, so to speak. Ichigo leaned down, placing a light kiss to the area above the 6. “I like it,” he whispered. “Somehow… it suits you.”
“Ulquiorra got a 4,” Grimmjow muttered beneath his breath.
“And you’re jealous,” Ichigo laughed.
“I am not!”
Ichigo cringed, awaiting a blow of some sort to follow the outburst, but none came. He peeked out over his arms and winced when his forehead was flicked. Grimmjow smirked. “Baka. Get up and start getting ready for school.” He managed to walk away from the bed with no further incidents to hold him back.
Ichigo watched him leave, scooting off the bed only after the door had closed. As he prepared for a shower, he contemplated if his libido had died over the years he’d suppressed it. Why had there been no reaction even though he and Grimmjow had shared a bed? Thinking back, he realized the same nonexistent reaction had not occurred when he’d crashed Grimmjow’s dorm. His heart raced just from touching the silky blue hair. Ichigo stared down at his lower body before throwing his arms up in the air in frustration ‘What the hell am I doing…?’
*
Freshened up and ready to take on the world, the couple met in the hall and headed downstairs together. Shawlong was waiting outside the sedan for them. He bowed, straightening up slowly. His expression was as stoical as ever. "Kurosaki-san. It is my duty to inform you that my services will be reduced to taking you to cram school and work on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays."
Ichigo nodded. "That's fine. And if I need to go in town for anything I can't find in The Village, I can still call you, right?"
"Of course, Kurosaki-san."
"I'll see that Grimmjow gives you a raise for being so loyal." Ichigo grinned. Even though his expressionless mask remained, had anyone been looking closely, they would have noticed the glimmer of laughter in the man's dark eyes.
Not wanting to be bothered with removing his hands from the pockets of his pants, Grimmjow delivered a kick to the side of Ichigo's leg with his knee. "Who's givin' out raises now, idiot shinigami?"
“My name’s ‘Ichigo’!” the orange-haired teen snapped.
“Like hell I’m calling you that!” Grimmjow scoffed, delivering another kick to the back of Ichigo’s leg. “Shinigami works just fine for me…”
Shawlong bowed his head as the arguing duo walked by. He was certain they had already forgotten about his presence, but it pleased him to know they were happy.
* * * * *
Inoue’s hand stilled, the writing utensil she held falling from between her fingers. Her drooping eyelids snapped open and she glanced around to see if anyone had noticed. She picked up her pen with a soft sigh and resumed her attempts at following the lessons.
At the end of class, Inoue stood from her seat and her eyes immediately rolled back into her head. The school case slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor. She followed shortly after, knocking her chair aside with a clatter.
"Oi!" Loly ran to the fallen figure. "Oi... oi! Wake up, damnit! Get Ulquiorra!" she demanded of the nearest student. The boy nodded, running off to complete the order. "Idiot..." Loly scoffed, moving into a seiza position so she could rest Inoue's head on her lap. She wanted to be the only one that caused the orange-haired girl pain.
The student returned, stepping aside to allow the stoical brunet entrance. A flicker of emotion passed through Ulquiorra’s green eyes before it vanished. He crossed to where the crowd had gathered, crouching upon reaching Loly and Inoue. He slipped both arms around the lifeless figure, lifting with ease. Loly followed, springing to her feet. “She just needs to sleep,” Ulquiorra explained. “Resume your normal activities.”
The brunette scoffed, glaring, but could say nothing to the Student Council President. She waited, watching as Ulquiorra walked out of the classroom with Inoue.
*
When Inoue came to, she was in the Student Council room rather than the infirmary. A pillow lay beneath her head as support. She wouldn’t attempt sitting up and, instead, turned her head to look right. There was no one there, but she knew that wasn’t truly the case.
"It was wrong of you to assume that you could return to school following yesterday's actions."
Inoue had made a visit to Las Noches High Sunday, but of her own free will. "But, you..."
"You and I are completely different." Ulquiorra entered Inoue's line of vision. "You also gave more than we did. A day or two of sleep was all that was necessary for us."
Ulquiorra gracefully lowered himself to his knees in front of the couch so he was eye level with the worn-looking girl. Orihime smiled tiredly. "I don't feel... jealous, because I know your actions weren't for Kurosaki's sake only this time around."
Inoue smiled, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. It was true. She had thought of Kurosaki, but she had also been thinking of Ulquiorra and the others that would be spared. "Can I rest now, Ulquiorra-kun?"
"You should."
Inoue sighed softly, closing her eyes. Ulquiorra rose, smoothing a hand down over the knees of his pants. He took up residence in the nearby one-seater, resigning himself to staying for as long was necessary.
* * * * *
It was a difficult task escaping from Grimmjow, but Ichigo managed to make it to work. Adjuchas Grocer housed another problem in the form of a six-foot-plus tall wall.
“Kurosaki!” Edrad cornered him near the entrance of the department store. “I don’t see nothin’ in yer hands!”
Ichigo grinned sheepishly up at his supervisor. “I… don’t feel up to it today. Maybe next week?”
“Next week ya should be worryin’ ‘bout yer finals.”
“I should, shouldn’t I?”
“Whenever ya have time!” Edrad boomed, slapping Ichigo on the back. “No rush!”
Ichigo was surprised his spine hadn’t snapped yet. With a weak smile, he allowed himself to get dragged off to the electronics side of the store; it was where he would be working for the evening.
+ + +
Ichigo flexed his shoulders with a sigh as he walked across the parking lot at the end of his shift. Dragging-sometimes lifting-sixty inch flat screen televisions was an exhausting chore. He opened the door to the black sedan that waited for him, but he didn’t climb in. He was dragged in. Ichigo’s wide eyes narrowed before he rolled them. Grimmjow smirked down at him, the orange head now resting in his lap. Ichigo felt his legs being moved and he craned his neck just in time to catch a glimpse of Shawlong before the door was closed. The brunet returned to his seat behind the wheel.
Ichigo managed to right himself, scooting back to the left side of the car. Grimmjow didn’t follow. Ichigo glared at his profile, finally speaking his mind. “Why are you-”
“Had to do some shopping,” Grimmjow replied quickly.
“Where are the-”
“In the trunk.” The blue head turned and Grimmjow revealed his smirk. “Anymore questions?”
Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the back of Shawlong’s headrest. “…what do you want to eat tonight?”
Grimmjow grinned, leaning sideways. He slipped an arm around Ichigo’s shoulder, pulling him closer so he could bury his nose in the sweet-smelling, short orange locks. “Now that’s the right question. I want gyoza.”
“You sound like a child,” Ichigo scoffed.
“You roll, I’ll do the rice.”
A one-sided conversation was taking place, and Ichigo knew there was no changing Grimmjow’s mind. He freed himself from the lax hold and turned, pressing his lips to the corner of the other’s mouth. It was the closest place he could reach without feeling too embarrassed knowing that Shawlong was less than three feet away. “Thanks for coming to get me.”
“I told you, I came to shop.” Grimmjow smirked at Ichigo’s annoyed glare; it was always fun to tease him.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Monday and Tuesday passed. Between avoiding Grimmjow’s wandering hands, Di Roy, and various others, Ichigo still managed to check the second year History classroom, the indoor pool, and the indoor gymnasium. He did so diligently, but there were still no signs of the missing instructors.
*
“Where are you going?” Grimmjow questioned after his neighboring classmate stood up Wednesday afternoon after the lunch bell rang.
Ichigo smirked down at the Student Council VP. “Jealous? You’re a jealous person, aren’t you?” Grimmjow’s scowl deepened and Ichigo laughed softly, “Where else am I going? To the infirmary. You wanna come?”
“No.” Grimmjow felt uneasy for some reason and he couldn’t pinpoint why. He should have said ‘yes’, but he quickly found out it was his mistake letting Ichigo walk out of the classroom without him.
A firm grip snagged Grimmjow’s upper arm after he stepped through the sliding doors and out into the hall. He glared at the dark-skinned blind man keeping him from moving forward. Was today the day Gin had been trying to warn him about? Grimmjow gave his arm a jerk, but it only served to anger the man even further. Tousen’s grip tightened and he tugged the student in the opposite direction of the steps Ichigo had descended in order to reach the infirmary. Grimmjow glanced over his shoulder, a look of defeat crossing onto his face; he’d lost himself for a moment and forgotten the real reason he’d been so adamant to keep away.
Ready for one of his routine naps, Ichigo let his feet guide his way to the infirmary. “Lu… lu…?” He froze in the open doorway. The wide-eyed and very female face staring back at him was not Aaroniero Arruruerie. “Where’s…?”
The flustered woman sat up straight in the swivel chair. “Arruruerie-san will be absent for some time. I’m taking his-Ah!” Her nervous smile completely withered after Ichigo vanished from her sight.
Ichigo didn’t have far to go. Fists balled at his sides, he glared at Aizen Sousuke, who currently barred his path. Aizen smiled in return; the gesture always sent chills down the boy’s spine, but he stood tall. The bottom of the world he’d been seeing through rose-tinted glasses had just been ripped out from beneath him and he wanted it back. “Where’s Lulu?”
Aizen chuckled, “Such an affectionate nickname. Would you like to take a walk with me, Kurosaki-kun?” The Principal stayed a foot or two in front of the teen as they began an unknown journey, arms tucked behind himself. The suit he wore matched Las Noches’ school uniform, in terms of color. The shirt beneath the jacket was black to offset it.
“I’m sure you’ve already heard stories,” Aizen started, leading the way down to the opposite end of the hall. They exited the main building, heading for the unused wing.
“What stories?” Ichigo muttered, glancing around at the untrimmed hedges, surprised that such a thing existed. Aizen chuckled softly and the sound made a shiver run down Ichigo’s spine. Ichigo buried his hands deeper in the pockets of his uniform slacks.
Aizen stopped and faced the boy. A dangerous gleam was reflected in his brown eyes. “I created this Utopian society with my bare hands.”
“There’s nothing Utopian about it,” Ichigo argued.
“You’re the cause of that.”
“Ha!”
Aizen’s eyes narrowed at the derisive grin the boy wore.
“A few years ago, probably at the start of my puberty, I was fighting to protect myself. At roughly the same time, Nel was getting her head split open! Did I cause that flaw in your Utopian society?”
“That, Kurosaki-kun, was a stage in the evolutionary process: process of elimination.”
Ichigo forced himself to keep his hands buried in his pockets. He knew if he removed them, he would do something regrettable. Aizen put more distance between himself and the teen; they had arrived at their destination. He turned around, opening the door to the old music room. Aizen outstretched an arm, inviting his guest. Ichigo moved forward reluctantly, telling himself this was for the greater good. He would travel to the ends of the earth to find out where Aaroniero was.
Aizen hit a switch and the dark room came alive, machines humming and whirring, providing enough light for them to see. Ichigo had just arrived at the ends of the earth. Aaroniero Arruruerie lay on the same metal slab Grimmjow had once occupied, shirtless as the student had been. Electrodes attached to his temples and chest worked to retrieve data from his mind and turn it into useful information.
Aizen strolled over, trailing his fingers over the cold, silver surface. His hand came to rest atop Aaroniero’s. “Do you want to know the truth behind the stories you haven’t heard?”
Ichigo found himself unable to look away from Aaroniero's motionless body. He tried to silence the voice in the back of his head warning him that he might never see the laughter in those midnight blue eyes again.
Aizen took his silence as a ‘yes’. “I came from Shinou, as I’m sure you’ve heard, along with Kaname and Gin. While there, I started a little project of my own that touched on the untouchable controversy of cloning.”
Ichigo’s head snapped up to stare at the Principal of Las Noches High, brown eyes wide.
Aizen smiled at the teen’s horrified expression. “I haven’t cloned your dear beloveds. I simply gathered the necessary information from them. My success lies over there.” He extended an arm in the direction of the darkened tank filled with contents similar to the amniotic fluids found within a pregnant woman’s womb. “Third time’s the charm, they say. The first experiment at Shinou failed, and I simply disposed of the body. The faculty staff didn’t agree with this method. It was a waste-there was nothing to salvage. I was planning to make a second attempt, but Genryuusai stepped in and took action.”
Aizen turned Aaroniero’s hand over so it lay palm up, tracing random characters across the skin. “Kaname also felt that Shinou’s faculty had been unjust and followed me. Gin…” Aizen chuckled softly. “Gin joined us because he had nothing better to do. He was useful, in his own way.” He stepped away from the table, turning his back to the orange-haired teen. “I got my second chance after I created this world, but that was also a failure. I was still lacking… something.”
Aizen glanced over his shoulder, smirking at the frozen orange-haired boy that continued to glare at him. “Then you arrived at my doorstep. I had no intention of taking you in, but you have Grimmjow to thank for that.”
Ichigo’s narrowed eyes flew wide.
“Luppi followed him and reported back to me,” Aizen continued. “It’s possible that you’re my missing piece. My second experiment was nothing but a shell. The minds of the occupants behind these white walls are all programmed to obey me and ask no question. That’s why I blame you for the dismantlement of my utopian society. Other than Grimmjow, Luppi was the first to be drawn to you. He’s admitted at a private room in the hospital, by the way, if you wish to visit him.” Aizen smiled sweetly. “I visited him, and found something good still came out of his comatose body. His mind. I’ve heard that a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Ichigo couldn’t find the right words that needed to be spoken. The man that stood before him-there were also no words to describe how disturbed he truly was.
“Don’t try to get into my mind, Kurosaki-kun,” Aizen chuckled. “It’s written all over your face-what you think of me. There’s no time to be worrying about me. We should be worrying about you. If you give yourself to me, I’ll send a new you out into the world. One whose only problem will be what classes to take at University, or what to eat for dinner. No longer will you have to look over your shoulder and worry about your chastity. I’ll give you… Grimmjow-kun. You’re holding yourself back because you know what could happen if you spread your-”
“Shut up!” Ichigo lowered his head, glaring at the floor for a few seconds before squeezing his eyes shut. “When you say… a new me…?”
“Hmm? Ohh!” Aizen laughed, turning around to give the boy his full attention. “I have no intention of cloning you. I’ll take what I need from your body and leave you with the rest. The choices and decisions have always been yours, Kurosaki-kun. You can refuse my offer. If my experiment fails, I'll begin again, with the same individuals that you came in contact with. I’ll leech the life out of them until there's nothing lef-” Aizen's eyes were wide as he stared off to the side. His glasses would have been lying on the floor, broken, if he still wore them. His cheek had already reddened from the punch.
"That was my choice," Ichigo hissed through gritted teeth. His fists remained clenched at his sides. "If I agree, you have to stop!"
"If you are the missing piece-"
"Take my blood-as much as you want!"
Aaroniero's bare chest rose sharply, his monitors reacting wildly.
"Lulu..." Ichigo squeezed his eyes shut, nails digging into the palm of his hands. “You have to stop... or I bring this whole thing down.”
“I'll start new elsewhere." Aizen caught Ichigo's second punch thrown, but his smirk was wiped off his face when the orange crown smashed into his jaw.
"Who are you trying to impress, huh?! Someone in Shinou because they kicked you out?! Get. off. your. fuckin'. horse, and come back to reality for a while! Nel, even Grimmjow-they’re both thankful that you gave them a chance at living their lives again. Doesn't that make you feel anything inside?!"
Aizen was still reeling from the pain the boy continued to inflict upon his face. There was one other person that had laid a hand on him and he'd felt something other than pain. He could still remember her flushed, tear-stained face and wide eyes; those eyes, filled with hurt and devastation, but still... trust. The brown eyes glaring up at him held nothing of the sort. They challenged him, daring him to make the wrong move. "As you wish, Kurosaki-kun. I shall agree to your demands."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed even further. "Don't lie to me."
Aizen laughed softly, "I am a man that keeps his word. And to prove this fact, I’ll let you in on a secret. From the moment the gates of my city closed in April, with you on the inside, I could have dissected you to find out what made you tick. But I gave my word to your father."
“You’re fuckin’ crazy,” Ichigo muttered beneath his breath.
“Am I?” A sweet smile spread across Aizen’s lips.
Ichigo looked away, turning to the unconscious doctor for answers. He was the eldest, so he'd always been the one to do the protecting. Aaroniero hadn't done it in the shadows; he worried and cared for Ichigo for everyone to see. Ichigo could only imagine this was what it felt like to have an older sibling. Aaroniero held a place in his heart that was different from Grimmjow's.
"With this equal exchange, Kurosaki-kun, I shall be out of your life. And that life shall become a normal one if you wish it so."
'What should I do, Lulu…?' With a shout, Ichigo shoved the Principal away. He unbuttoned and ripped off his school jacket, tossing it aside. The long sleeve of his shirt was then rolled upward to reveal the crook of his arm. "Take it," he ground out, staring at Aaroniero's still frame to give himself courage. "Take it and put an end to all of this."
Aizen smirked, adjusting his suit. "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun. You should know... Inoue-san also offered herself to keep me away from you. With both of your genes, my child shall be a magnificent creature."
Ichigo scoffed. "For you to be child and creature in the same sentence..."
Aizen laughed softly, "My dear Kurosaki-kun. We're all creatures. Though... I try not to think of myself as God's creature. I stand above him. The proof is… over here." He walked away, heading for the container in the middle of the floor. The figure inside stirred at his approach, lifting its head. Wide, round eyes stared up at the man. Its mouth opened, air bubbles escaping. Aizen smiled, placing a hand to the glass. "Soon, Wonderweiss."
The child tilted his head quizzically.
"That's your name."
A wide grin spread across his face, revealing two buck teeth in the front, before he opened his mouth wide again to let more bubbles escape.
"Make yourself comfortable, Kurosaki-kun. You'll be here all night."
Ichigo glared at the man's back before turning a worried gaze to Aaroniero. He closed his eyes, ducking his head, drawing comfort from the fact that the nurse was still alive. Starrk, Lilynette, Harribel-they would be back after a few days of resting. Ichigo opened his eyes and noticed the faint movement of Aaroniero's hand. He reached out, curling his fingers around the brunet's.
Aizen looked away from their interaction, attention drawn to the thudding against the container. Wonderweiss showed the man his hand, curling it into a fist with a wide grin, mimicking the images he had currently received from Aaroniero’s mind. Aizen smiled, nodding at the child. 'You'll be perfect this time around.'
+ + +
The hard metal table he lay upon was cold to his bare back, but it was a discomfort he would have to bear. Ichigo stared ahead at the dark ceiling, trying not to pull his left arm away as Aizen searched for a vein in the crook of the elbow. He reminded himself that he was doing this for Aaroniero, and any other unfortunate soul that, if things had been left unchecked, would have fallen victim to Aizen’s plans.
Wonderweiss, stark naked and in no way ashamed, dripped water throughout the room as he continued to wander aimlessly after being removed from his human-sized test tube. His bright blond hair clung to his small face and inquisitively wide purple eyes darted back and forth wildly as he struggled to take in everything. Unlike the other participants of Aizen’s experiments, Wonderweiss was born from science and technology. The child returned to the table where Aizen worked, skirting around to other side. His lips parted, forming a small ‘o’ as he stared down at Ichigo’s strained expression. His eyes traveled down the teen’s frame, brightening when they came to rest upon his clenched fist.
Ichigo started at the tentative poke to his fisted hand, eyes flying open. He was met with an innocent, purple-eyed gaze. His first reaction was to draw his hand away, but then he realized, just like any child would, the blond sought affection. He uncurled his fingers and found himself relaxing at the wide grin that split the child’s face. Wonderweiss thrust his hand into Ichigo’s, squeezing tightly.
Aizen smiled at the sight, his current task finished. Ichigo’s blood flowed swiftly into the vial, gradually filling it. This was the first step; there was still so much more that needed to be done.
* * * * *
There was no telling how much time had passed in the windowless room, but it was finally over. Ichigo gingerly dressed himself after sliding off the table. His body ached from head to toe. The metal slab had been unforgiving. His arms wouldn’t obey as he tried to ease them through the sleeves of his white shirt.
“Ichi!” Still naked, Wonderweiss hurried over to where he stood. He climbed onto the table, giving himself the proper height, and took the shirt.
Ichigo smiled weakly, slipping in one arm at a time. “Thanks…” he groaned. The blond grinned, fisting his hands atop his thighs. He tilted forward then back. Ichigo finished buttoning his shirt-he wouldn’t bother with the gakuran jacket-and faced the child. Wonderweiss’s purple eyes sparkled, his grin widening at the attention being given to him. Ichigo placed a hand atop the golden crown, trying not to wince as he did so. ‘Don’t let him corrupt you.’
Wonderweiss blinked several times, tilting his head sideways. His eyes widened, his grin returning. Ichigo turned, unable to look over his shoulder without his body protesting. Aizen was making his way toward them. What worried Ichigo was that the man’s face was a blank and expressionless canvas. Wonderweiss hadn’t moved from his current position, and watched the wordless interaction between the two.
Aizen cupped the side of Ichigo’s face after arriving, holding his head steady as he leaned down to cover the boy’s mouth with his own. Eyes wide, Ichigo reflexively swallowed the object being forced down his throat by the invading tongue. He was released and immediately sank to his knees, his right hand covering his throat as he coughed. His vision blurred and his left hand slid away from the edge of the metal table. ‘…never liked drugs… hate ‘em now…’
Darkness took hold of his senses and Ichigo slumped to the floor. Wonderweiss peered down at him before looking to Aizen. The brown-haired man smiled, “He’s just sleeping.” The child’s lips formed a small ‘o’ and he lowered his head to stare at the orange-haired figure. He didn’t look away even after the door opened.
Gin entered quietly, glancing at the Principal as he crossed into the room. Aizen smirked, combing his fingers through his brown hair. “Don’t,” Gin warned before the other could speak, his tone crisp and sharp. He knelt, gently scooping Ichigo into his arms. He made sure the boy’s head was cradled and turned to leave, but his shirt snagged something, or so he thought. Glancing over his shoulder, Gin found the blond child clinging to his shirt.
“Ichi…” Wonderweiss glared.
Gin smirked, cocking his head to one side. “Ya really think I’m da one hurtin’ him?” He scoffed and resumed walking. Wonderweiss let the clothing slip from between his fingers and the silver-haired man was gone.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Ichigo stared at his golden-eyed reflection; the entity appeared to be sulking. He walked over and crouched next to his other self. “Somehow… that pitiful look doesn’t suit you. Maybe ‘cause it’s my face?” He grinned sheepishly.
The other hunched his shoulders up to his ears, scoffing. “Are ya tryin’ ta get rid of me? Is that why ya did it?”
“No.” Ichigo closed his eyes, thinking of all the people that had somehow wormed their way into his heart, becoming important to him. Aaroniero’s grinning face stayed with him the longest and Ichigo exhaled softly, “No. I did it to protect them.” The golden eyes rolled, another skeptical scoff escaping the being that had deemed itself to be Ichigo’s inner desires.
Ichigo smirked and lowered himself to his knees. Wrapping his arms around his other self, he let his chin rest atop the orange crown. “Besides… You said it yourself. I’m you.”
The being mirrored Ichigo’s smirk, its golden eyes shining brightly. “Don’t forget that… King.”
Ichigo didn’t have long to dwell on the new title he’d been given. The body he once held vanished and his arms fell away to his sides. He smiled, drawing his hands up to stare at them. The fingers curled into fists. Aizen hadn’t taken anything from him.
+ + +
Ichigo’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked several times, finding it difficult to focus, darkness still surrounding him and all. His lips parted and a dry, hoarse sound escaped; a deafening roar in the silence.
“Is he…?”
“Kurosaki-kun…?”
“Kurosaki…”
There was movement from all sides, but no one showed their face to him. The lamp at his desk was switched on. Someone had been kind as to not blind him by turning on the main light for the room. Silver and white finally entered his line of vision and Ichigo laughed hoarsely at the worried expressions now fixated upon him.
“Kurosaki-kun.” Gin smiled tiredly. “Ya hafta stop doing’ dis. ‘s nah good fer my heart.”
“Sorry,” Ichigo murmured, shifting on the bed. He used his elbows to gingerly prop himself up. When he attempted to sit up straight, his head protested. Vertigo forced him back onto the mattress and Ichigo covered his face with his arm. “How long… have I been sleeping?” he mumbled, remembering the pill he’d been slipped.
“Two days,” Di Roy answered.
Ichigo snorted. “Shorter than last time.”
“I won’ let’cha leave this room,” Gin warned him.
“Finals…”
“Kurosaki-kun,” Gin sighed. “I’ve looked over your progress and your grades are more than perfect for going to University.”
“Keio is-”
“Keio?!” Di Roy climbed onto the bed, dragging the arm covering Ichigo’s face away. “You said… You said you would stay here until I joined you for a semester!”
Gin tugged the white-haired child off the bed by the back of his shirt, letting go after Di Roy was behind of him. “Kurosaki-kun. Go back ta sleep. Yer tired. I know ya are.” The Vice Principal’s words served as a trigger. Ichigo felt his eyelids, along with the rest of his body, become heavy. He closed his eyes, his body relaxing. “Let’s leave him,” Gin told Di Roy, snatching the back of his shirt again. He dragged him along, back to the front of the dorm.
“Sleep well, Kurosaki-senpai!” Di Roy managed to cry before being tossed into the hall.
“Shush,” Gin hissed, slamming the door shut.
Ichigo rolled over onto his side with a small smile.
+ + +
When Ichigo woke again, he was able to make out 3:48 A.M. on the digital clock beside his bed. He exhaled deeply, rolling over in the opposite direction. His heart rate accelerated as he stared into the darkness of his room. Seventeen years of having Kurosaki Isshin as a father left him expecting the unexpected; he knew he wasn’t alone. “Grimm…jow?”
“Go back to sleep,” the low voice spoke gruffly.
“Fuck…” Even though he knew he had a visitor, it was still unsettling. “Don’t… do that. Were you here with Di and Ichimaru?” Ichigo tossed back the covers, actually managing to sit upright with this attempt. He swung his legs over the side of the bed. The shadows shifted and tall, scowling teen emerged, arm outstretched to push Ichigo back down onto the bed.
“Grimm-mm!” Ichigo’s hands rose, hovering for a few moments before curling around Grimmjow’s shoulders. He pushed the other away before the kiss became too much to handle in his weakened state. He gasped for air, eyes squeezed shut.
“If I had known…” Grimmjow fisted his hands in the bed sheets. “If I had known beforehand…! That bastard Tousen kept me hostage in the detention hall. I couldn’t come find you.”
“Grimmjow?” ‘He was worried about me? Of course he was.’ With a smile, Ichigo combed his fingers through the soft hair at the nape of Grimmjow’s neck.
“You asked why…”
He arched an eyebrow, tilting his head, but the darkness prohibited him from properly seeing the other’s face.
“You asked why several times,” Grimmjow continued, never lifting his head. “The reason why I tried so hard to keep my distance was because I knew you were gonna do some stupid shit like this. You’re the type of person that would give your life to protect what you love.”
The smiling face of Kurosaki Masaki flashed in his mind and Ichigo smiled. “I am.”
“Idiot,” Grimmjow muttered, lowering his body so he lay beside the smaller teen.
Ichigo wouldn’t say it out loud, but it made him feel even more loved knowing all the extremes Grimmjow went through were on his behalf. His hand slid away from the back of Grimmjow’s neck and he found a fisted hand on the bed, prying its fingers open. Ichigo grinned at the groaned protests. “Be vanilla for me.”
“Just this one time, shinigami.” Grimmjow’s hand opened and Ichigo’s fingers slid in between his, both sets curling together.
Ichigo smiled and closed his eyes. He listened to Grimmjow’s soft, even breathing-a sign that his companion had fallen asleep before him-and let it lull him back into a peaceful slumber.
A/N: I’m sorry! I knew it would happen… No ‘might’ about it-I have to push updates back to Thursday… or whenever is convenient. I mentioned it earlier (I think?) that I’d returned to school, so my classes are kinna taking a priority. But how ‘bout the chapter~? *spreads arms* Passable? Yes, no? Did it I rush it, maybe? I did say I knew what I wanted to do with Aizen, so… I chose Wondey because he was the only modified-MAX 'car, and well… very child-like. I thought he'd be perfect *shifty eyes*
*runs away* She who writes and runs away, lives to spread more crap another day! *trips and falls* Sssssss… aaaaaaaaaaah!
[ chapter twenty-six] [ chapter twenty-seven] [ chapter twenty-eight] [ chapter twenty-nine] [ chapter thirty] [ chapter thirty-one] [ chapter thirty-two] [ chapter thirty-three]