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Warrior	By : NeemaAdaeze Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Grimmjow/Ichigo Views: 6033 -:- Recommendations : 7 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, nor do I profit from it

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Warrior by Boogermeister
Chapter 14- Power and Strength
Ichigo seemed to frown out of mild envy, now that Grimmjow managed to have his own lion pelt after his viloent fight. Against four beasts, the Gaul himself killed them all with just a couple of scratches as a result. Even the most experienced fighters could barely fight against lions and tigers, yet Grimmjow was able to do it with ease. Considering that he was the champion, he was reluctantly allowed to skin his own kill, despite of his master's mild digust at the bloody sight. But now that the pelt was cleaned and cured, he wondered if he should have asked about getting another fur. "No way.... if you wanna be trained by me, then you must get what you want with your own kill," Grimmjow simply answered, as they finally reached home.
"Fine, I get that.... but I don't get why you didn't bother to clean up after all that trouble, Grimmjow?" frowned Ichigo, glancing at the Gaul still sporting dried blood over his arms and face. If he hadn't been used to the other man's carnage, he probably would have been downright frightened at the sight. "Goodness, Grimmjow, just because you fought against beasts today, it shouldn't mean that you should look like one."
"Tch, does it matter?" smirked Grimmjow, his sharp white teeth appeared even brighter against the dried blood over his mouth. "I should've known that trying to eat the meat wouldn't be so good. Flesh of the carnivores always tastes like shit, maybe that's why we never really hunt bears and wolves other than for their fur."
"Still, you thought it was a good idea to eat the raw meat," he frowned, but Grimmjow smirked before handing him the heavy pelt.
"If it bothers you that much, then I'll take a bath," he sighed. "But it doesn't make any difference when I kill the next gladiator or beast...."
"Whatever," muttered Ichigo before Grimmjow left as he went to the other side of the hallway. Ichigo just sighed before looking down at the golden-brown pelt in his arms. Judging by the sheer size of the animal, it felt heavy to him, even with the fur folded. Feeling curious, he carefully unfurled it, seeing that the pelt was far bigger than him as half of it crumbled to the floor. "Uh-oh...." he sighed, moving to pick it up just when he heard a short scream. He froze in shock and he knew it sounded like Nel, before he noticed her running up him.
"Ichigo....! What did he-- I mean, that man! He's covered in blood....!" she gasped, clearly distressed and agitated with her eyes widened. Ichigo blinked at her words and frowned in realization. She must had seen Grimmjow just a moment ago.
"Oh, Nel, I can explain--" Ichigo sighed.
"What's with her? I only asked if the water was warm," frowned Grimmjow, when he came by. Nel glared in disgust at him, though the Gaul merely frowned back at her as if she was annoying.
"Must you be stained with blood upon coming back here?" she scoffed. "Now way I'm giving you a bath, you crazy man....!"
"I'm not a damn baby who needed to be bathe, woman," frowned Grimmjow. "I only asked you a simple question, when you ran off. It's not my fault you can't handle the sight of blood."
"I.... damn it," Nel huffed before turning to Ichigo. "Please, Ichigo, don't let me get near this man. I'm beginning to think that he's more animal than human, I swear."
".... Well, only animals can kill other animals," smirked Grimmjow, much to Nel's dismay.
"Nel, Nel, I'll handle this, okay....?" Ichigo assured, patting her on the arm. "Just place this pelt in his room and that's it."
"Pelt? Where did he require it-- oh, forget it," she shook her head, picking up the heavy lion fur. "Better than being near him, anyway."
"Come on, Grimmjow, just go to the bath," the teen sighed, leading Grimmjow down the hallway.
"Not sure why she's acting scary, it's just blood," grumbled Grimmjow.
"Well, it scared her," frowned Ichigo, shaking his head. "If my sisters were to see you like this, they would've been downright frightened."
"Really now? I wouldn't know, considering I've seen girls as young as four hunting small games," he shrugged.
"That sounds unbelievable, if you ask me," Ichigo frowned but Grimmjow chuckled a little, by now they reached the terracotta bathing room. "I'm sure the water's warm, Grimmjow. I'll ask Nel to get you a new tunic, since that one's covered with blood now."
"Heh, you sure love to make that woman cringe at the sight of me," he scoffed lightly.
"Well, sorry, but she is the head servant of the household," Ichigo said. "Everything must go to her first, after all."
"Oh well, guess it's my problem to deal with her," sighed Grimmjow, walking into the room. The tunic was already filthy as he took it off, dried blood and sweat coated his upper torso before stepping into the sunken tub. He sat down into the warm water and almost immediately the filth was getting off. "Shit...." he sighed, splashing water at his face to get rid of the blood. But a second later, he stiffened a little as he felt like something was looking at him. ".... You're still there, kid?" he frowned, looking over his shoulder.
Sure enough, Ichigo was still there by the doorway, though he was barely peeking from outside the room. ".... Sorry, I thought you wish to request something in the meantime," muttered Ichigo.
"No, not really," he shook his head. "Other than being hungry, there's nothing I want for now."
"Okay then...." nodded Ichigo, turning to leave.
".... I'll give you half the pelt if you want to, kid," Grimmjow called out, and the teen paused.
"Oh, you don't have to--"
"I'm big, but the fur's too huge for me to drag around so I'll give you half," he bargained. "In return, you must work harder on your attacks. You keep slacking off whenever you raise your arm up to move."
"Um, fine, whatever..." nodded Ichigo. "Thanks, Grimmjow."
"Don't mention it, kid..." Ichigo just nodded before walking away. He was sure that Grimmjow would notice it, but the Gaul seemed to be too busy with washing up. It shouldn't be that awkward, as he had mentioned that talking to people while bathing was considered normal. But once he saw Grimmjow shedding off his clothing just when he was about to leave, his eyes went frozen at the sight of his bare behind. He only looked away when the other man got into the tub, but felt too embarrassed to make sense of it until Grimmjow noticed him still standing by the doorway.
His cheeks were tingling with blush, before shaking his head. This shouldn't be right.... he only saw Grimmjow as a decent friend as well as a good but stern sparring teacher. Plus, the Gaul was still a slave despite being a nobleman of his tribe. There was no way he could see him in a different way, so it probably was just an awkward situation for him. "Yeah, that's it..." he mumbled to himself with a nod. "Nothing too serious to think about it..."
(Blood and Sand)
"Come on, come on.... go again!" Grimmjow called out, ready for the next attack. "Remember to brace just before you strike, or else you'll stumble around like an idiot!" Ichigo huffed in irritation but nodded, charging forward with the fake weapon raised above his head. He quickly remembered to brace his feet as he then moved to strike Grimmjow at the side. But the Gaul knew what was coming and jumped back, turning on his heels to counterattack.
"Shit....!" Ichigo gritted, as he parried the first two strikes but winced when the third one struck at his left hip. "Owww....!" he whined, rubbing at the sore spot. "You didn't have to hit me so hard, you know!"
"Tch, so what? You left yourself wide open once again....!" he frowned, wanting to smack the teen in the back of his head. "It's been, what, three or four days, and yet you're not able to grasp the concept of offense? You're good at defense, but what's going on in there?" he scoffed, emphasizing by poking him in the forehead.
"Ah! Damn it....!" scowled Ichigo. "It's not my fault but--"
"It must your damn fault because it's like you're apprehensive to even hit me!" scoffed Grimmjow. "What is it with you, kid? I thought you wanted to learn how to fight!"
".... I do, but...." Ichigo huffed heavily. "I dunno, it's like I keep freezing whenever I try to hit you."
"What....? You're afraid to hit me, is that it?" frowned Grimmjow but Ichigo just shrugged. ".... Tell me, kid," he pressed, moving close to him. The teen glanced up, and noticed that Grimmjow was leaning rather too close to his face and he immediately went stiff. But the other man doesn't seem to notice it as his cyan eyes scrutinized at his now flustered face.
"Damn it, Grimmjow, you're too close...!" he scowled as he stepped back.
"Whatever, but I find it ridiculous that you're shitty when it comes to offense," frowned Grimmjow. "What is it? Tell me..."
"Um.... I guess attacking someone makes me feel reluctant somehow," he huffed lightly. "I dunno why. Maybe it's because I have to hurt someone, even with these fake swords," he shrugged, fiddling with his weapon.
"Hmm, I don't get that," he muttered. "That's the point of using weapons, it's kill or be killed, kid.... You have to be powerful against your opponents, and you cannot show them any mercy. Doing so equals death, you got that?"
"Yeah, but...." Ichigo frowned, scratching the back of his head. "It's just hard to get used to the fact of having to hurt someone."
"Listen here, kid...." Grimmjow frowned. "If it bothers you that much, then why did you make me a galdiator of all things? Why do you let me kill my opponents, who probably had done the same thing before meeting their own fates?"
".... It's hard to say, Grimmjow," sighed Ichigo, but the Gaul just frowned as he shook his head.
"Then I'm not getting this--"
"No.... it's just that you already look strong and brave, like you're a fearless predator or something," he explained quietly. "I once said that I feel kinda jealous about your skills and such. That's why I pretty much adored those gladiators, quite honestly.... You were right about me having some sorta fantasy about the fighters."
"What? No.... that can't be right," Grimmjow sighed in realization. He knew what the teen was talking about, when he was angry about being a slave and they had an argument a few weeks back. And that resulted in Ginjou's attack on the poor boy only moments later. Now that he had thought about it, he hadn't seen the army commander in the last game, when he was killing the giant cats. For some reasons, he wanted that man to witness his carnage and bloodlust. He wanted him to fear and regret leaving him alive back in Gaul, now that Grimmjow was a champion. That was the true reason that he wanted to keeping winning in the games, that he wanted to get at him when he get the chance.
"Kid, I.... I only have to be strong, to keep the outsiders and invaders away from my village," sighed Grimmjow. "I was only caught off-guard by Ginjou and his army, and I will make him pay for what he had done to me. Don't you ever think of that, getting back at your enemies?"
"Um, no, I don't really have any enemy," Ichigo shook his head. "Sorry about that, Grimmjow.... I guess I don't possess any form of animosity to take on the offense." Grimmjow huffed but a small idea chimed in his head. It may work, as he moved to ruffle at the teen's bright orange hair.
"Think about this, then...." he muttered. "There's gotta be someone you must hate so much.... and I'm sure you have any reason to do so...." Ichigo frowned at his meaning as his brows furrowed. He wasn't sure what the Gaul was trying to say but it sounded like he was giving clues about something. It was someone he truly hate...? His eyes pondered at that, trying to figure out who he really hate. There were virtually nobody in which he really hate. Just only....
".... You're talking about Ginjou, right?" he questioned, yet he didn't sound surprised about it. It was like he knew it but didn't see it from the start. At that, Grimmjow smirked lightly and nodded as he patted him on the shoulder.
"Care to tell me why you hate him, kid? When the first time you two had met?" he asked.
".... It was about three years, during the summer festivals," he sighed with a frown. "Ginjou was a general then, when Aizen introduced him to me, but I didn't like him one bit in an instant. I was just barely a teenager but I knew how he was.... looking at me, like I was some sort of a prey that needed to be captured in his sexual conquests."
"Shit, even then he wanted you?" Grimmjow frowned in slight disgust. He couldn't really imagine a grown man having sexual infatuation on a minor, and a boy at that. "He really sounds like a fucking sick bastard...."
"Yeah, luckily he didn't dare to get close to me.... but his leer on me was creepy, to say the least," frowned Ichigo. "After that, he would see me one time or another, either in the streets or in the games. But each and every time he saw me, I would always feel uncomfortable by his stares and not to mention he kept making undertones about wanting me, wishing that I'm old enough so he can 'get to know me better'...."
"Shit, that's insane," grimaced Grimmjow, narrowing his eyes as he glared away. "Does he always do this with other minors before?"
"Not sure, but it was always with me," he sighed deeply. "He would always come to me, even though he would always have Tsukishima with him since I first met him."
"Who now....?" questioned the Gaul.
"Oh.... you only saw him once, didn't you?" he muttered, but the other man shook his head, clearly wasn't sure what he was talking about. "He's this tall, slim slave that Ginjou would have around. If you heard of the rumors, he's also.... a slave who he often uses for sex. I could tell, he seems so distant and frightened whenever Ginjou turns to him, he would always be afraid if there would be a punishment sooner or later."
"Tch.... compare to you, he's nothing but a fucking tyrant when it comes to being masters," frowned Grimmjow. "But now do you get it, kid? Sometimes anger is the best way to enable your attacks. It helps, really."
"I know what you're trying to say, Grimmjow, but...." Ichigo just shrugged. "It's easy to say that, but I don't think I can get it just like that."
"Why not, you did with the other lessons we had done," he frowned, but the teen shook his head.
"It's different this time, I'm sorry...." he muttered.
".... Fine, but we're gotta try this again," Grimmjow confirmed with a deep sigh. Ichigo nodded, before the Gaul walked up to him. "We'll try again tomorrow, after my training."
"Oh, tomorrow, we're going to see Aizen about the next game, Grimmjow," Ichigo said. "He's actually sponsoring yours, just so you know."
"Oh.... guess that makes sense, I haven't thanked him for giving me the primus...." sighed Grimmjow. "Okay then.... Give me the sword, will you?" he said, reaching to grasp at the teen's hands. Ichigo felt a tingling sensation the instant he felt the hard callous-covered fingers touching him, and he was surprised with himself that he didn't flinch away from him. Especially since the touch only lasted a second before Grimmjow tugged the hilt away from his grip. "It's getting late, kid, I'm going to bed," he nodded.
"Uh, right.... Good night, Grimmjow," Ichigo muttered. Grimmjow put up a tired smile before walking away, leaving the teen in the torch-lit hallway. But he frowned... what was that about? It was just one simple touch, but it felt rather strange against his skin, like a bug bite but less irritating. He turned to go upstairs to his room, subconsciously rubbing at the back of his hand. He wasn't sure whether or not it was a good feeling, but he also wasn't sure if he would think much of it either.
(Blood and Sand)
Aizen frowned lightly, he hadn't expected to see his nephew so early in the day.... and sober to be exact, as Ginjou strolled in for a visit. The army commander's slave Tsukishima hobbled meekly after him. His stringy black hair hung almost perfectly over the bruises in his face, resulted from his punishments that hadn't let up since the insults he had accidently blurted out about Ichigo. "Kuugo.... how interesting, I didn't expect you to be here," muttered Aizen, he was enjoying the lush scenery of his villa garden when he saw him walking up to the senator. "What's the occassion?" he questioned.
"Uncle, there's something that concerns me...." frowned Ginjou, as one of his uncle's slaves brought up a chair so he can sit across from him.
"Oh, and what is it exactly?" Aizen asked. "Surely.... it doesn't have to do with your slave here looking battered, does it?" he added, taking a brief glance at the slumped slave standing next to his master. Ginjou's frown deepened at that but shook his head.
"He was being disrespectful a few days ago, but I guess the bruises aren't going away so quickly after the punishment," he frowned.
"Well, can't you send him away to assist my servants, please? The sight of him is making me quite unsettling...." sighed his uncle.
"Tch.... You heard him, get out of my sight now," commanded Ginjou as he glared at him. Tsukishima nearly flinched by his harsh tone but nodded before scampering away. "Now then.... you should already know this, Uncle, that I'm only halfway into my term as a praetor," he said. "I was just wondering if I can further myself into it for another year--"
"And you want me to entice the other senators into voting you for another term, correct?" Aizen finished with a questionable frown, crossing one leg over his knee. "Tell me, Kuugo, why do you wish to stay as a praetor? Sure, usually it is a highly ranked member of the army to qualify, but I assume you would be better off bullying the citizens after this term has ended." Ginjou nearly bristled by the off-handed remark but shook it off as he shrugged.
"On the contrary, I prefer to judge the orders according to the Roman Laws, in order to satisfy the upper class," he answered. "Technically, Uncle, it is like bullying the low-class citizens who dares to break the law."
".... You've forgotten these so-called low class citizens are the majority of Rome, Kuugo," frowned the senator. "They are the ones who actually control our lives. They support us in order to support them, it is a cycle of the Roman Empire. If you were to use your powers just to abuse the citizens, then you'll lose favors from them and in turn so will the Senate. There would be absolutely no way for you to ask for another term if they fear you."
"Tch, but isn't that the point, Uncle?" frowned Ginjou. "This empire was created to take over the other countries and get those fucking savages to fear us in order to live. They are not Romans as you and I--"
"Not according to blood, but they could still be Roman citizens if given the chance," Aizen argued coolly.
"But they are still not the same as us," he frowned. "They either serve the empire, or die like the savage animals they are."
"Much like the Gaul, Grimmjow, Kuugo?" questioned Aizen, and this time Ginjou bristled in disgust at the mention of him and his uncle calmly noticed it as he folded his hands over his lap. "If that was the case, then he should have been dead by your assault. But that man's practically defiant against Death himself judging by those exciting games he had won. And from what I believe.... you are more and more irritant through each of his victories."
".... I don't care about that fucking Gaul, Uncle," he scoffed. "He can relish in those hellish gladiator games for all I give a damn...."
"Is that why you weren't there to watch him fighting against the lions?" he assumed.
"I prefer not to go, anyway--"
"But I thought you wanted to speak to Ichigo, Kuugo," said Aizen. Ginjou inhaled at that but just frowned. That was true, he wished to talk to the teen about the incident that happened a few weeks ago but his abhorrence towards Grimmjow kept nagging at him to do it properly. Especially since the slave wasn't even punished for assaulting him, a high-class Roman and a praetor at that. "Keep it in mind that it was exactly your fault for putting your hands on Ichigo in that drunken stupor of yours," frowned Aizen. "That is why I had let Grimmjow off the hook, as he was in the right for saving him."
"And you rewarded him that fucking primus, and the rain fell the moment he won," he retorted. "You thought by humiliating me, you can reap the benefit from that damn Gaul."
"You're wrong, Kuugo.... You don't need me to humiliate you," Aizen calmly countered. At that, Ginjou clenched his jaw muscles in total disdain. His own uncle was criticizing him again, and he was getting sick of it. Ever since he was raised by him, he had been spoiling himself due to his only relative's riches. And because of that, Aizen had forced him into enlisting the army but after Ginjou realized that he could boss people around due to his own social class, it seemed to only make his behaviors worse. Even though he rose through the ranks quickly through the years, his debauchery didn't cease, much to the dismay and embarrassment of his uncle as it wasn't a secret to other members of the upper class.
Ginjou didn't get it. His uncle kept pointing out his flaws despite that he was a praetor, and would always get scolded like a little child. It frustrated him, as he exhaled deeply. "If you think that I'm an embarrassment to you, then why have me as a praetor?" he questioned.
"Why, indeed.... I assumed that for once you'd act more like a sensible Roman who can carry out their duties," muttered Aizen. "True, you were like that for the first month before you went away from Gaul. But then, you reverted back to your old ways from what I've heard. And since you've been back, you've been spending your free time in the brothels and wasting money on wine. And because of your cruelness on the regular citizens, you securing the term for the second year is pretty bleak."
"But that can't be right...! I have to get it again, Uncle, because--"
"Because you deserve it?" he questioned rhetorically. "Remember our last emperor.... he believed he deserved to be a ruler just because he's a descendent of the first ever one, and his madness nearly destroyed the empire."
"But I'm not the emperor--"
"And into the next year, you won't be the praetor again," frowned Aizen. "I don't know where you're getting at, Kuugo, but--"
"Pardon me, Master...." Gin interrupted the senator as he casually walked up to him. "Ichigo and Grimmjow, they just arrived...." he informed. Ginjou nearly jolted in surprise, Ichigo was meant to come here? Whatever for, he wondered, as his uncle slowly stood up.
"Thank you, Gin, I'll meet with them in a moment," he sighed. "I believe our conversation has ended for now, Kuugo. Maybe if you clear your reasons a bit further--"
"I'm not leaving.... not until I speak to Ichigo, at least," Ginjou said, as he quickly stood up. "Please, Uncle, let me talk to him for just a second--"
"Let me talk to him first, as he doesn't know of your presence at the moment," he cut him off. "Him seeing both of us at the same time would proven difficult for my sponsor for him. For now, just stay here until I call for you. Is that so hard to understand, Kuugo?"
"No... I got it, Uncle," huffed Ginjou. Aizen frowned at his reluctance but said nothing as he followed Gin inside. His personal servant discreetly glanced at him and his lips curled into his usual wide grin.
"Are you sure that it is wise to have him around as you are about to talk to Ichigo now, Master?" he asked.
"This is my house, Gin, and I am the master of it," he replied quietly. "He has no choice but to obey my orders, no matter what."
"Still, I find it quite a gamble to keep him around when he was the one who brought disrespect to your household," he sighed. Even as a servant who dared to voice his opinion, Aizen had to admit that he was telling the truth. Many times, his family name had been questionable due to Ginjou's antics, sometimes he wondered whether they were even related by blood. As soon as he reached the entryway, he put up a small smile at the sight of Ichigo and Grimmjow waiting, though only the latter seemed to be already bored as he yawned silently.
"Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you," he nodded, and Ichigo smiled sheepishly as he nodded back.
"Thank you for making the time to seeing us, Aizen," he sighed. "You said that you wanted to sponsor Grimmjow on his next game, correct?"
"That's right," nodded Aizen. "Follow me, if you please," he gestured his hand out before walking ahead. Ichigo quickly followed after, and so did Grimmjow. But the Gaul narrowed his eyes slightly as he glanced around. Normally, he would be excited about his next fight but something seemed a little off. His primitive instincts were telling him that another person was here, but wasn't sure who. But whoever it is, Aizen appeared to conceal it as best as he could. ".... Now then, I've heard of your victory against the lions, Grimmjow, and I quite say that it was a marvelous fight against those beasts. Such a shame that I didn't get to watch it, my excuse was political business."
"That's all right, Aizen," Ichigo said, as they entered the senator's office. "But Yoruichi was there to make things excited the entire time, I suppose."
"Ah yes.... She is quite the character," he nodded. "Anyway, as usual, Grimmjow holds the right of the primus as the champion and I wish to sponsor it legitimately. If you know what I mean...." At that, Grimmjow's frown deepened. The first ever time he was given the primus was mainly out of bribery, because of Ginjou's attack on Ichigo. But he said nothing about it as he crossed his arms across his chest, while his teenage master blinked in mild surprise.
"What sort of game you want him to do, Aizen?" asked Ichigo. "Don't tell me you wish to make him fight against a giant again."
"Oh, that one was just one of the few who were thought to be unstoppable," nodded Aizen. "Hearing how Grimmjow defeated five beasts in one go, I assume that he would like to go against about four or five fighters at the same time."
"What? You gotta be kidding me...." Grimmjow scoffed in disbelief. But despite of the Gaul's blunt reaction, Aizen smiled a little about it as he moved to sit behind his desk.
"I can assure you that you can get the oppotunity of proving your skills, as you told me of your warrior background," he said. "After all, you are the son of the late chieftain Criturix. You must be just as famous as he was when it comes to bloodlust."
"True.... but I have-- I mean, I had.... my men to help me out when it comes to going against more than one opponent," frowned Grimmjow. "Those animals think differently than people when it comes to killing. Those other fighters would be more focused on taking my life and they will come at me at once."
"And that's your problem with it, Grimmjow?" Ichigo asked as he glanced at him. "Being overwhelmed if there's more than one person to fight against? You think you can't handle it?"
"I didn't say that, but in a situation like this one, I might need someone to help me out," Grimmjow explained.
"Oh, that would interesting," Aizen nodded, smiling in interest, "but with whom you wish to fight alongside? Do you have anyone in particular to participate?" Grimmjow sighed and thought about it. He only knew that Renji was a champion for a brief period of time before getting injured, and then had to climbed back up into popularity. He had never really seen him in action in the arena, only seeing him afterwards sporting cut and bruises all over him. He would like to see the red-haired man to give his all to win with him.
"Hmm.... What about Renji?" he suggested, and Ichigo blinked in surprise at that.
"Renji?" questioned Ichigo but his tone was full of curiosity.
"Byakuya's fighter, you say....?" Aizen also questioned but he was just as interested about where this was going. "He's formidable, I can say that. However, if this is what you want, then we should speak to Byakuya about this. After all, I cannot be responsible if Renji were to get injured."
"I'm sure Renji would be estatic of fighting in the final battle," Grimmjow replied with a small smirk. "I highly doubt that he would turn it down, even if he has to fight alongside me. It might be fun, that's my opinion."
"If you're the only one who thinks so," Ichigo frowned lightly.
"Still, I'll think about it as long as Byakuya would consider about it," Aizen sighed. "For now, you'll fight in the primus however it may be, and you will be rewarded substantially."
"Fine, whatever...." sighed Grimmjow, but mentally he was glad that the coins he will require was going to ensure freedom for his friend. He hoped that Diroy was still alive in the long run. Ichigo seemed to be right about lengthy time it'll take to get to him.
"Is that all we had to talk about, Aizen?" asked Ichigo.
"Actually...." Aizen sighed, standing before walking aroung his desk. "Ichigo, there's something I would like to talk to you personally.... while Grimmjow can wait somewhere else." Grimmjow's expression lessened into suspicion at that as he glanced over at Ichigo, who seemed surprised about it.
"Huh? About what, Aizen?" he asked.
".... Come on, we'll go by the garden to talk," he said, nudging the teen out the door. "Grimmjow, please stay here for a moment. This is a private matter...."
".... Fine...." muttered Grimmjow, but his guard was up as he watched them walking away. He wasn't sure what but he was having a bad feeling about it, as he narrowed his cyan eyes.
(Blood and Sand)
The silence between them was making Ichigo oddly uncomfrotable, as they brisked through the hallway. He wanted to ask why Aizen wished to speak to him in silence and for what exactly? He wondered what it could be about but said as he followed after the senator. ".... Sorry about this, Ichigo," sighed Aizen and Ichigo nearly faltered in his steps.
"Huh? S-sorry about what, Aizen?" questioned Ichigo.
"It wasn't like I was trying to trick you or anything of sort.... but this is something you need to deal with," he replied quietly. "I hope you will not be angered about it." Ichigo frowned in slight confusion, what does he mean by that? He saw the opening of the garden as they rounded the corner, but the moment he notice someone sitting nearby, he almost froze in his steps. He could point out the form clearly, from the silky black hair to the blood-red army uniform.
".... Ginjou," he frowned, yet he didn't feel being tricked by the senator. Maybe Aizen didn't expect to see him as well, judging by his disappointed sigh.
"Kuugo, he's here...." he sighed. The army commander glanced up and noticed the wary teen before he stood up.
"Ichigo, it's good to see you...." he greeted with a small smile, but Ichigo frowned at him when the older man stepped forward.
"Don't try to ruin it, Kuugo," warned Aizen before walking away and Ginjou scoffed under his breath.
"Pestering old fool," he grumbled but Ichigo caught his words as his frown deepened.
"If he didn't pester about this, then I wouldn't have to see you," scoffed Ichigo.
"Uh, I didn't mean like that, Ichigo," Ginjou quickly replied. "It's just that Uncle has a habit of pointing out my flaws."
"I'm not blaming him, your flaws are not that hard to miss," the teen scoffed, shaking his head. Ginjou's eyebrow nearly twitched at the remark but sighed as scratched the back of his head.
"Look, Ichigo.... About what happened a few weeks back, at the party--"
"Did you remember what you've tried to do to me?" Ichigo questioned with his tone mixed of annoyance and disgust. "You were drunk off your ass, and the moment I tried to get away, you attempted to...." He swallowed back the sourness that was biled up in his throat before narrowing his eyes at him. "The fuck is wrong with you, Ginjou? Are you that fucked up that you were willing to hurt me?"
"Ichigo, I am really sorry about it," frowned Ginjou and he stepped forward, but Ichigo stepped back out of reflex the moment he tried to reach out to him. The older man noticed that and he nearly scowled. "You won't accept my apology, Ichigo....?"
"After evertything that had happened, your apology sounds half-hearted right about now," he frowned.
"Is that fucking right?" he scowled. "You should be glad that I'm even doing this, or else I wouldn't have bothered in the first place."
"Oh, please.... You're only doing to get on my good side," scoffed Ichigo. "You don't really care about me, Ginjou. I'm just another fuck toy just like those poor slaves of yours--"
"Shut your damn mouth, Ichigo....!" Ginjou hissed through his teeth, and the teen flinched when the army commander stormed up to him, cornering him against the wall. "I really don't get why you like to talk back to me, when I'm a higher class than you," he muttered lowly. "I could.... think of many ways to fucking punish you. But there were times when I do want to hold you down and ram you raw and bloody until you can't even walk straight.... And trust me, I would do it in a heartbeat, if we weren't in my uncle's house." Ichigo shuddered out of fear and anxiety, with Ginjou so close to him as he felt his large hand settled on his hip. "I will have you one of these days, Ichigo.... but I might back off if only you are willing to lay with me," he murmured when he then smirked, inhaling the faint scent of honey emitting from the teen's breath. "What do you say....? It's only fair that you can be the cherished lover of the great praetor, if you just accept my more lenient offer...."
Ichigo felt the sickness churning in his stomach, and anxiety was bubbling up in his chest, like he wanted to throw up. He had never truly liked Ginjou, who was leering at him with a preverted gaze on him. He didn't want this, as the anxiety soon shifted into anger as he roughly pushed the older man's hand away from his side. "Don't fucking touch me, Ginjou....!" he scowled. Ginjou blinked in surprise at that but he quickly frowned back as his sepia-colored eyes narrowed at him.
"You won't accept my offer, Ichigo?" he questioned.
"It's like you're offering it to a damn whore!" he scoffed, stepping away from him. "I'm not like anybody else, Ginjou. So don't you dare to come at me like that ever again, or I'll tell your uncle of your threat on me."
".... You wouldn't dare," he gritted lowly.
"Try me," challenged Ichigo. Ginjou glared down on him, but Ichigo stood his ground. He wanted him to back down but it appeared that it wasn't going to work this time. He scoffed as he backed off, but his glare was still on him. ".... I'm leaving now, I don't care whether or not you'd be there at the games," frowned Ichigo. "All I care about is Grimmjow being able to win and that's it--"
"You still have faith on that fucking Gaul?" scowled Ginjou.
"He's the champion of Rome, is he not?" he frowned. "It'd be a matter of times until he becomes a legend of his own rights, much like the past gladiators."
"Who the fuck cares about the past legends--"
"I do, if you said if you wanted to get onto my good side," Ichigo countered. "Fuck you, Ginjou. Grimmjow'll be a legend in his own rights, much more than that legendary Thracian who led a rebellion centuries ago."
"Is that right....?" sneered Ginjou. "But you've forgotten that he was killed in battle against the Roman army, and his so-called followers were crucified along the Appian Way. He's not a legend when he had dared to go against the Roman army. He deserved his death and so does that Gaul. I cannot wait until that bastard gets killed and he won't be in your mindset any more."
"I highly doubt it, Ginjou...." scoffed Ichigo. He sharply turned on his heels and stormed off. He really did not want to be around him any longer, as he felt the sickening feeling finally going away. He inhaled to calm his nerves and slowed his pace through the hallways.
So that was it. Ginjou wasn't apologetic about the attempted rape on him, and claimed that he would do it again if given the chance. That sounded sick, in Ichigo's opinion, yet he knew that Ginjou was capable of doing so, as he had heard of many of the older man's slaves being executed for no apparent reason. He walked through a room, where many house servants were busy cleaning and organizing. But the teen paused in his steps when he noticed a familiar person nearby. It was Tsukishima, he realized, but something wasn't right. For one thing, despite the slave's tall frame, he appeared a lot smaller with his back haunched over as he was setting aside clean cups and plates on a nearby table. He quietly stepped closer to him, as Tsukishima didn't notice him yet, and saw deep reddish-purple bruises on his fair-skinned face.
Ichigo frowned sadly, he knew the reason behind it. That the slave was result of Ginjou's anger, it was so obvious. He stepped up behind him and sighed before reaching out. "Um, Tsukishima--" he muttered, as he lightly poked at his shoulder.
"Ah!" the tall slave yelped out from the sudden contact and was greatly startled. The clay cup in his hands tumbled out of them and fell to the solid floor with a loud shatter. Tsukishima was startled again at the sight of the broken pieces before turning at who scared him, only to pale any further than he even could possible. "A-ah, ahh...." his voice fell out in total fear and his body shook, but Ichigo seemed just as shocked of seeing him in his state.
"I.... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," the teen apologized, but Tsukishima was terrified by the sight of him as he stepped away. "Ts-Tsukishima? I said I'm sorry--" he said, attempting to reach out.
"Please...! Don't, please....!" he managed to gasp out and Ichigo paused in surprise before moving away. He didn't get it, he had thought the slave would appreciate his respect for him, considering the harsh treatment he had to endure from Ginjou.
".... Sorry for breaking the cup, let me pick up the pieces," he sighed, quickly kneeling down to pick up what used to be a cup. Tsukishima seemed to have snapped out of his fear momentarily to realize a nobleman was cleaning up the mess that the slave like him had caused.
"N-no, please, don't....!" he mumbled frantically as he knelt down. "Just stop...." he pleaded, taking the reddish-brown shards from him.
"But--"
"Please.... I don't wish to get punished by Master again," he mumbled. Ichigo noticed him trembling out of fright that the shards in his hands were digging into his skin to seep out bits of blood. "It's because of you.... that I am being punished," he whimpered softly. "Because I'm not like you.... that he only wants you and not me...."
"What....?" Ichigo frowned in disbelief. Because he was wanted by Ginjou, Tsukishima would take the blunt of his anger over it? That couldn't be right. "That's not fair for him to treat you like that, Tsukishima," he frowned. "If there's any consolation, I don't even want him like that. I don't even like him for that matter...." But his honest opinion, for some reason, resulted in the tall slave narrowing his hazel eyes at him with a bitter frown.
"You don't even deserve him, anyway...." he muttered softly, but Ichigo caught his undertone that was surprisingly full of contempt and his frown deepened. He had thought for sure that Tsukishima would hate being sexually used by Ginjou, but it sounded like he loved to be taken by his master almost every night. It sounded even more confusing, as Ichigo frowned at him now out of pity.
"You're sick, Tsukishima.... you can't possibly believe that you love him, can you?" he questioned quietly. Tsukishima nearly flinched at the accusation but practically scowled at him, his fists over the broken shards were making the pain into his palm more intense yet he didn't care.
"So what....? It's only fair that I could still be his favorite slave no matter what," he muttered. "If I lose his favor, then he won't care for me anymore...."
"Still.... it's not right if he keeps beating you like this, Tsukishima," frowned Ichigo. "Besides, you're afraid of him, I can tell.... so what's the point of loving him?"
".... I want his attention on me only, not you...." mumbled Tsukishima. "What makes you so special, anyway....?"
".... I don't even know, I'm sorry--"
"Tsukishima....!" Both of them flinched at the harsh voice echoing in the mostly empty room. But Tsukishima shivered at who it was, but bowed his head the moment he heard the heavy steps coming up to them. Ichigo, however, just frowned in disdain when he glared up to see Ginjou. His brief absence were surely not missed but with the army commander looming over them, he could care less about him. ".... Tsukishima, what happened here?" questioned Ginjou, and his slave flinched at being addressed.
"I-I.... Master, I--"
"Ginjou, I was the one who broke the cup," Ichigo replied, much to Tsukishima's surprise and shock. "I was just trying to pick up the pieces, but Tsukishima insisted of cleaning up instead of me--"
"Is that right?" scoffed Ginjou, before glaring down at Tsukishima. "Tsukishima, is he telling the truth? Is that why your fucking hands are bleeding, you stupid bitch?" His slave whimpered softly, his teary hazel eyes glancing at Ichigo in confusion but the teen wanted him to go along. Hesitantly, he gazed up at his master and nodded.
"I only wanted to help him, Master," he muttered meekly. "B-but, I made a mistake of grabbing all of them in once--"
"Of course you did, you fucking idiot!" Ginjou seethed. Without warning, his foot swung out to strike harshly into Tsukishima's stomach. Ichigo flinched in shock and gasped as Tsukishima choked out in intense pain. But the older man didn't waste a moment when his slave then coughed out a bit of bile, before he pulled him violently by the hair to force him to stand. "Stupid, worthless idiot....! You'd think all that whipping would've trained you better than this!" he scowled angrily. "I'm in the right mind of re-training your ass so you can fucking act right, especially after that bullshit you said this week!"
"P-please, Master, I-I--" whimpered Tsukishima.
"I don't want to fucking hear it!" scowled Ginjou, practically close to snapping his slave's neck as he shook him. "As a matter of fact, I think you're better without that damn tongue....! Maybe then, you'll learn your place--"
"Ginjou....! Leave him alone....!" Ichigo scoffed angrily as he quickly stood up. Ginjou's narrowed glare shifted to the teen, who nearly trembled from it but still stood his ground. "You have no reason to punish him over trivial things, Ginjou!" he frowned. "You're nothing but a cruel bully....!" Something seemed to snap in the army commander's mind, as he harshly pushed his servant away before stomping up to him.
"You're in no position to even dare to talk to me in that way, Ichigo...." he growled lowly. "I could easily throw you in jail for that, or I could even take away your status as a citizen and send you away to the mines, like the rest of those disgusting savages you seemed to pity for...."
".... Really? I thought you would take away my status just to take advantage of me," Ichigo spat. Ginjou inhaled sharply at that and clenched his fists, but soon sneered as he grabbed at his shoulders. Ichigo felt a jolt of fear the moment he felt the tight grip, yet his brown eyes seemed to glow with anger as he glared back at him. "Take your hands off me, Ginjou," he muttered lowly. "You've forgotten that we're under your uncle's house. I could just scream, and he'll send you away...."
"Is that right, huh...?" he sneered. "Well, how can you when I can easily take you down and slam your head against the floor until you cease moving?" The teen shuddered, knowing that the threat was real by the army commander's unnerving glare. He felt fearful out of that, and yet.... he felt even more angry that the older man was willing to kill him after he backed away from his sexual advances. This man was truly sick and mad, as he attempted to squirm away from his hold.
"Let go of me, Ginjou...." he scoffed.
"Tch, or else what?" sneered Ginjou.
".... You dare to put your hands on the kid again?" Ginjou's eyes widened at the angered growl-like voice behind him. He had completely forgotten that Ichigo came with the Gaul, as he then heard quick but heavy footsteps and turned his head just in time to see the animalistic glare on him. "Back the fuck off..." growled Grimmjow.
"You are asking for an execution if you think you can talk to me like that," gritted Ginjou.
"Really now? Seems like you've forgotten about the thrashing I gave you a few weeks back, considering that you were so piss-drunk," Grimmjow growled, without a second thought he pulled away Ichigo from his hold. Ginjou scowled at the obvious insult as well as Grimmjow's greater strength than his own, as he stepped back to grasp the hilt of his sword that was buckled to his side.
"Say that again, you filthy savage, and I will make you wish you were never born," he threatened.
"Ah, Grimmjow--" Ichigo gasped, but Grimmjow was quick to push the teen behind him as he sneered at him.
"Go ahead, I'm practically immune to dying through every battles I went through," he egged on. "Just give me another battle scar or two, Ginjou, I dare you."
"You will address me as 'Praetor', you wortless slave," Ginjou frowned angrily.
"Then you should address me as 'Champion', Ginjou...." sneered Grimmjow. "I am the one who sent rain to the Roman people, and you don't like the fact that a so-called 'savage' Gaul is winning over them. I can say whatever I want.... because you're nothing but a weak little shit who can't even kill me then and can't even do it now."
"What did you say, you barbarian?" he scowled, the sound of metallic scraping echoed as he attempted to take the sword out of the scabbard.
"Sheathe your sword immediately, Kuugo....!" The army commander froze in his action before gritting his teeth and did so as his uncle walked into the room. "I had thought you will control your emotions when talking to Ichigo, but it seemed that it is the same as before," he frowned at him with narrowed bronze eyes. "I don't get it, maybe I shouldn't have decided to let you stay. Not after how I see your slave bleeding over there...." he added, glancing at Tsukishima who was hunched over in fear with fresh blood trickling over his slender fingers.
"Uncle, I can explain--"
"There's no need to hear it," Aizen cut him off. "For once, I wish the trouble hasn't been caused by you, but as usual it is." Ginjou scoffed under his breath, but his eyes narrowed angrily on Grimmjow and Ichigo. ".... Ichigo, care to tell me what happened?" he asked as he turned to the teen who was still protected behind his slave.
"Um, well.... it's actually my fault, Aizen," sighed Ichigo, and the senator blinked in mild surprise. "I only meant to say hello to Ginjou's slave but I startled him by accident and broke a cup as a result. I tried to pick the pieces up but Tsukishima insisted to help when Ginjou walked him...."
"And let me guess, he punished his slave just for helping you?" he questioned. Ichigo's gaze shifted at Tsukishima, who seemed confused over why he was helping him, before he nodded a little.
"Yes.... and I said that Ginjou was being unfair of how he was treating him," he said.
"I see, and what did you do....?" he asked, this time the question was aimed at Grimmjow. The Gaul frowned a little but he shrugged.
"I saw him putting his hands on him," he answered, nodding his head at his younger master. "I only tried to protect him.... like a slave should do for his master. Am I right about that?"
"A very disrespecful slave at that--" scoffed Ginjou.
"Kuugo, enough," Aizen frowned at his nephew. "I really am getting sick of your embarrassing antics, you've caused enough trouble for me and my status that I'm not even sure if your qualification for the second term as a praetor is reachable." At that, Ginjou inhaled in shock and opened his mouth to retort. But he quickly shut it, knowing that arguing it won't do any good to change his uncle's mind. "And while you're thinking about what are you going to do after your term is finished, you will leave here immediately. And you will also leave your slave here under my care."
"The fuck! You can't do that, Uncle....!" Ginjou scoffed angrily, while his slave seemed absolute distraught at the decision as he let out a choked cry. "I bought Tsukishima myself--"
"But with my own coin, you did, when you didn't have enough for yourself," he frowned. "Technically, I can take him from you by law. You'll have him returned once he is healed, but only when I say so. Is that clear, Kuugo?"
".... Whatever you say, Uncle," Ginjou gritted in utter contempt, turning to leave.
"A-ah, Master--" Tsukishima called out, but froze when his master gave him a furious glare.
"You stay here, Tsukishima, or else I'll cut off your fucking fingers one by one....!" he scowled vehemently and Tsukishima flinched at that before bowing his head down.
"Y-yes, Master, I'm sorry...." he mumbled. Ginjou just scoffed giving one final glare at Ichigo and the Gaul. But Grimmjow simply smirked as he glared back, his cyan eyes glinted darkly, as if he wanted the other man to do something.
"Tch....!" he scoffed, stomping out of the room, echoing footsteps diminishing at every second until the muffled sound of the front door slamming was heard. A moment of slience rolled in before Aizen let out a deep sigh.
".... Aizen, I apologize if I acted foolishly--" Ichigo said quietly.
"I know, but next time.... make sure that Grimmjow himself will hold his tongue, because I won't save him from my nephew's retaliation again," frowned Aizen, narrowing his eyes slightly towards Grimmjow, whose smirk rapidly diminished at the meaning. The senator no doubt heard the confontation between the two men, as Grimmjow was allowed to find Ichigo after a while and was actually walking ahead of Aizen before he heard the threat and went against Ginjou.
"Yes, I'm sorry about how he acted," Ichigo nodded in respect.
".... Didn't mean to disrepect your household," Grimmjow frowned but his tone was meant well with his honesty. "I hope this doesn't ruin my chance to fight."
"No, it doesn't, thankfully," Aizen shook his head. "For now, I'll discuss the details to Byakuya concerning his fighter. I will speak to you later, Ichigo. Hopefully the fight will go through as planned."
"Yes, thank you, Aizen," nodded Ichigo.
"You.... follow me, I'll see to it that your hands are attended to," Aizen commanded, gesturing Tsukishima to come before he turned to leave. The slim slave seemed hesitant to obey but nodded shakily and walked after him. But his apprehensive eyes briefly hardened when he walked past Ichigo and took a glance at him. The teen was slightly taken aback by the sudden glare but frowned, he didn't get why Tsukishima was so devoted to his abusive master. It was sick and terrible that he was like that, and it irritated Ichigo. In fact, everything about Ginjou was making his stomach churned with disgust and anger. Everything that man had ever done was filling him up with so much contempt that.....
"Don't you ever think that, getting back at your enemies....?"
It just chimed into his head. Ichigo finally got it now, as he inhaled deeply, now that him and Grimmjow were alone in the room. "I really hate Ginjou...." he muttered quietly but his slave heard him and glanced at him with a knowing frown.
"That shouldn't be new, nobody seemed to like that bastard," Grimmjow scoffed quietly. "Not even his own uncle likes him."
"No, Grimmjow...." muttered Ichigo. "All this time, I've always thought that Ginjou had wanted me in more ways than one, from the few years he had looked at me with such lecherous eyes. But as soon as I finally told him off.... he didn't hesitate to threaten to rape or even kill me because of it." Grimmjow's eyes darkened in disgust at the last statement. He had knew it all along, that the army commander was nothing but a cruel blood-thirsty man who would use unnessacary carnage for his own gain. Ichigo wasn't that naive about Ginjou, but after seeing his true nature would have made him feel frightened about it. But it didn't, to Grimmjow's surprise.
Seeing how truly Ginjou was, it appeared that Ichigo was rather angered from the whole ordeal today, as his face hardened with resolve. "I get it now, Grimmjow, that Ginjou's nothing but a cruel sick man," he said, glancing up at the Gaul. "Nothing can be done about him, not even his uncle can help...."
".... You're okay thinking like that, kid?" Grimmjow frowned in slight concern.
".... I already hate him, after these past few years," he replied, a hint of abhorrence was evident in his voice. "I understand that now, Grimmjow...." He turned to walk for the exit and Grimmjow followed after him, though the latter was frowning out of confusion now. What was Ichigo getting at? ".... Grimmjow," Ichigo called out to him, and Grimmjow blinked at him.
"Yeah, kid?"
".... I'm going to try it for real, I'll learn the offensive moves today," he confirmed. Grimmjow blinked at that, he couldn't believe that to be true. Then again.... maybe the reluctance to hurt someone would soon change because of today's events, as he simply nodded.
"Sure.... I hope that you're up for it, though," he said, but blinked when Ichigo turned to smirk at him.
"I truly am, Grimmjow," he smirked determinedly. Grimmjow stared at his sudden answer but smirked back, this time with interest. "Come on, let's go home as soon as possible," he said eagerly.
"All right, kid, hold your horses...."
(Blood and Sand)
The moment they got back home, Grimmjow rushed to grab for the fake swords from his room. For some reason, him seeing Ichigo getting pumped up to fight for real was making him excited. True, his spars with the other fighters at the ludus was fun, but.... There was something about the teen that was intringuing to him. For one thing, he had never liked Ginjou, and that was fine by him as he himself had hated the army commander since his enslavement. That was his fuel for staying alive and keep going, so he can get his revenge. Somehow, he had restrained himself from pummeling Ginjou earlier today. Maybe it had to do that he had already learned his lesson before but it couldn't be it.
The anger was there.... but when he saw Ichigo daring to glare Ginjou down with such intensity, he had to admit that he was in awe. Before, Ichigo was scared and apprehensive around him but now he was changing in front of the Gaul's eyes, and it felt exciting. He hadn't felt this way around anyone before, nobody had ever tried to impress him with such determination, not even his old friends back at the tribe.
He wasn't sure why but it almost felt like he enjoyed this new side of Ichigo. He was willing to learn and was more than ready to take a risk. Grimmjow liked that, he wished it was like that with the girls who had pointlessly flirted with him....
He frowned a littled as his pace slowed at the thought. That was strange.... did he just compare Ichigo to those women? Sure the females in his tribes were strong-willed, but many young girls only wanted to pair up with noble warriors to ensure a status of their own. Grimmjow would admit that he had laid with plenty of them, but in the end they weren't even interested about learning how to hunt themselves. At least his mother was able to care for herself and him when he was a child after his father died. Also it did help that she was a skilled and agile hunter all her life, but Grimmjow taught himself most of the hunting and he became the main provider.
Still, he found it strange. Ichigo wasn't no female, but he had the same source of tenacity he was looking for in a partner. But that couldn't be right, as the teen was a boy.... and Grimmjow really had no interest with someone who doesn't possess female endowments. In the back of his mind, he really didn't get why Ikkaku and Renji were into men, although he was told that the red-head also enjoyed the pleasure of a woman once in a while. What was there to leer at anyway to make men so appealing....?
"Grimmjow, hurry up....!" Ichigo's eager voice piped up down the hallway, breaking Grimmjow's thought.
"Oh, sorry about that," he sighed, brisking up to him. "Now then.... you're alright with this, Ichigo?" he questioned as he gave the teen the sword.
"Of course, Grimmjow, I really do want to fight," Ichigo nodded, his thin eyebrows furrowed as he then pursed his lip. "You don't think I can do it....?"
"Tch, I never said that," smirked Grimmjow. "I just wanted to make sure." He took a few steps back, his hands gripping tightly on the fake swords. "I'm ready when you are, kid...." Ichigo just nodded, bracing himself for the first move. ".... Let's go!" The Gaul called out.
Almost instantly, Ichigo jumped forward with his his weapon raised. Grimmjow smirked and moved to parry, only to be shocked a second later when the teen ducked the strike and attacked him with a blow to the chin. It wasn't harsh enough to make him bleed, but it stunned him anyway as he stumbled back. And Ichigo didn't waste any time to strike him again, against the shoulder this time. "Damn, shit....!" hissed Grimmjow, rubbing at the throbbing pain on his shoulder. He had admittedly anticipated for Ichigo's offense, but the sudden movements caught him off guard, as he then rubbed on his bruised chin. "Didn't know you can get that quick so.... well, quickly," he scoffed in amazement.
"Huh....? Well, I need to be quick in order to attack first," Ichigo shrugged, but he was just as surprised that he was able to hit him not once but twice. "Is.... is that a good thing, Grimmjow?"
"Tch, you have to be an idiot to say that it wasn't," smirked Grimmjow. "Don't second-guess yourself, kid, you have to rely on your instincts in order to fight. That's how I've been doing it for years, that's probably why I'm considered a 'savage' to you Romans."
"Really? I've never seen you as a savage, Grimmjow. You fighting on instinct alone sounds very brave, if you ask me," Ichigo honestly commented. Grimmjow blinked at that, and an awkward sense of blush nearly tingled at his face before he shook his head. He had never been complimented like that before, and it felt strange to him. Girls he had been often gloated about being with a 'strong warrior', but he knew that they would say that about any other guy with a sword in his village. But.... Ichigo was more straightfoward with his answers, something he had just now realized.
"You considered me brave, kid?" smirked Grimmjow. "About time, thought I was seen as a wild animal and beginning to think I am one."
"Heh, good to know, Grimmjow," the teen smiled before taking a few steps back. "Come on, I wanna go again."
"Fine...." A moment later, Grimmjow parried the first several strikes from Ichigo. But it was still different from the last time. The teen felt more focused and stronger than before, as he was intent to get at Grimmjow's opening. Grimmjow nearly stumbled back when Ichigo swung even harder, he attempted to get back his footing but was caught off guard once again when he felt a sharp strike at his leg.
"Hah! I got you now!" Ichigo grinned, moving forward for another strike. But Grimmjow sneered back, as he nimbly dodged the straightfoward jab and countered back with a strike at his side. "Damn it....!" he hissed in pain. "Damn.... I thought I got it now," he winced.
"No, you got it, kid," Grimmjow smirked impressively, letting out a quiet chuckle. "There was a moment when you nearly had me cornered, but you're getting there. I'm impressed, kid, I have to admit.... who knew that the bastard Ginjou would get to you like that?" Ichigo nearly frowned at that but he admittedly agreed to that. If he hadn't found out about Ginjou's true sadistic personality, then he wouldn't have gone through with the sword fighting. "You still have to go at it, or do you want to take a break--"
"No, I still wanna keep going, Grimmjow," Ichigo nodded with determination. "Not until I finally get it."
"Heh.... don't blame me if you get battered up, kid," smirked Grimmjow. Without waiting another second, he suddenly charged at Ichigo with his fake sword swinging from the side. Ichigo parried his strikes before attempting to gain the upper hand as he ducked under an attack. Grimmjow saw it coming but didn't have the chance to block it as he immediately jumped back from the counterstrike. That was a bad move, as he quickly attempted to gain back his stance in order to counter. But Ichigo was remarkably quicker and moved forward to strike at his stomach hard.
"Ah...!" Grimmjow grunted out of surprise just before he was struck again across the chest. "Ah, shit....!" he gasped, stumbling back before falling on his back. "Damn, kid--" he nearly growled out but a gasp fell out from his lips when the teen suddenly pinned him down, pressing the wooden blade against his throat. He inhaled in utter surprise, his cyan eyes widened as he stared at Ichigo, who looked triumphant at the turn of event but was just as surprised.
A Roman teenager like him, getting the best out of an experience warrior from Gaul, in a matter of moments. Ichigo breathed deeply, before realizing the bodily compromise they were in. He was practically straddling over the Gaul's waist before he felt Grimmjow reached to grip at his hips. He froze, his cheeks nearly tingled at the contact, before nearly flinching when the older man cleared his throat.
"Um.... you won this round, kid," he rumbled. "You mind getting off me?"
"Oh, uh.... sorry, Grimmjow," nodded Ichigo, as he quickly got off Grimmjow's lap. He glanced down in embarrassment with his face heating up as he heard him getting to his feet.
".... Well.... you did decent job of taking me down, kid," Grimmjow muttered, though his tone sounded rather slightly uncomfortable. "Not many people could do that to me, especially by someone your age and from what little experience you have gain these past couple of weeks. I find that impressive...." Ichigo just nodded, slowly getting to his feet. ".... Kid, you're okay?" Grimmjow questioned, his hand gripping on his shoulder. Ichigo stiffened at the contact but nodded again.
"Y-yeah, Grimmjow," sighed Ichigo. "I'm just a little shocked that I took you down just like that, that's all."
"That's understandable," muttered Grimmjow. Ichigo glanced up at him briefly, seeing that Grimmjow's expression softened as he gazed back. The teen wanted to shudder, he had never seen him like that before up close. The Gaul was often seen as cocky or arrogant or maybe even animalistic at some point. But to notice him looking so serious and honest felt almost.... interesting.
".... Thanks, Grimmjow, but I think I have enough for the day," Ichigo sighed tiredly as he nodded. "I'll talk to you later, all right?"
"Sure, sure...." sighed Grimmjow. "Great work, kid.... by the way."
"Thanks a lot," Ichigo smiled a little before turning to leave. But as he walked away, he felt a sense of awkwardness once again. He didn't get it. He really was seeing Grimmjow as a friend, but being so close to him like that.... it was strange. And it didn't help that he was straddling him down like an aggressive lover.... He shuddered in disbelief, that couldn't be it.
Grimmjow only preferred women and women alone, and nothing could be done about it, as Ichigo realized it. That he felt interested in Grimmjow other than friendship.
Meanwhile, Grimmjow just scratched his head in confusion as he went back to his room. What was that about a few moments ago....? He was shocked of Ichigo taking him down, but how he did it was even more perplexing to him. There was a mixture of surprise and excitement and confusion coursing in his mind, and he wasn't sure which to react first. Dropping the wooden swords on the bed, he sat down and inhaled deeply in an effort to clear it thoughts, but it didn't seem to work. In fact, it seemed to intensify as he kept thinking about the teen pinning him down like that. The last time that had happened to him, he was 'courting' with a sister of a rival in the woods, rutting around like wild animals.
But this felt different this time, and he couldn't make sense of it. Ichigo was a male.... yet being around him felt more exciting than ever before. "Shit, shit, shit...." he huffed, flopping back on the thin straw as he tiredly rubbed his eyes. He felt so odd about the contact, of Ichigo straddling him with his slim well-toned legs pressing tightly around his waist. Even under his wool tunic, he had felt the taut muscles tightening against him and before he could stop himself, his own hands moved to grab at the teen's hips. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he was glad to ask Ichigo to get off. But was he, really?
Opening his eyes, he glanced down to realize that he was getting aroused and he stiffened in surprise. He was getting hard.... because of the one teen boy who happened to be his master. "Fuck me...." he groaned softly in disbelief. "There's just no way that kid could this to me...."
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Damn, I meant to finish up earlier, but I couldn't really concentrate when I was dealing with a heat wave. But here you go, both Grimm and Ichi are starting to have feelings for one another and yet either knew of it from each other. Let the drama begin!
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