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Undisclosed Devotion	By : horrorgal Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Ichigo/Ishida Views: 7352 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor the characters. I do not profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
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Chapter 19

Tomo sat in the cell of the Nest of Maggots, a honor, he thought sarcastically, that was given to a select few. Most of the prisoners here had the privilege of roaming freely, but since he had yet to be questioned thoroughly, he was to be kept locked away from the other prisoners. He had been told that Mayuri Kurotsuchi had once graced this very cell many years ago. Even the whisper of the Captain's name made him tremble in fear. In just the few days that he was locked away here, he had heard gossip from the guards, none of it pleasant. All of his comrades were dead, leaving him alone to deal with the aftermath.

He only had himself to blame now, his cowardliness had gotten the better of him, and he had not held enough courage to try to fight. Instead he tried to flee from Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki. He knew he would not have escaped, not with the other shinigami waiting outside. It made him feel sick. If they had only listened to him. How could they not see the danger that the Quincy posed? He had tried to tell them of their evil, to make them see reason. Even the guards ignored his words when he was foolish enough to try to get them to understand. It was as if they were deaf to his voice, and when he had finally gotten the attention he sought, it ended with a backhand to the mouth and his wrists chained.

That was how he sat for hours now, locked away, bound like a common piece of scum. He shouldn't be in this nest of criminals. He had only been trying to protect Soul Society. Ryuken and Uryu Ishida still lived, and there were more out there. Saburou had hinted as much and more. If he wanted to be truthful to himself, execution was most likely in his future, but maybe they would just keep him locked up here for a few hundred years. Neither option was appealing, but incarceration was the better of the two. Maybe the Captain Commander would be lenient after questioning him. He sighed and looked towards the cell door and knew he was going to drive himself mad if he continued to dwell on it.

It was uncomfortably cool here and his reiatsu felt like it was dulled. He rested back against the meager bed and stared at the blank ceiling for a time. All he could do was think or sleep. He decided sleep was easier and closed his eyes, never before feeling as weary as he did now. He dozed, letting himself drift to the only peace he would grasp again. He slipped into slumber and visions of his life beckoned him, better times before he had even become associated with Saburou. He was happier then, and proud to be a shinigami, even if he was no more than a simple solider in the ranks. His regret had a stronger hold on him as his mind fell deeper into dreams of the past.

Tomo was unaware of the cell door opening, or of the white clad man that stepped stealthily into the room to approach him. He did not see the expression of angry reproach on his handsome face, or the hand that reached for him. Gloved fingers slid over his throat, so softly that he breathed a peaceful sigh before the caress tighten down to cease his breathing. Tomo was shocked awake, eyes fluttering open. Instinct made him grab for the man's wrist to wrench his hand away, but the heavy shackled chains made the already difficult task nearly impossible. His fingers grasped desperately at the sleeve of his coat, struggling as he tried to sit up and get some kind of leverage to push him off. The fingers only tightened, and he produce wheezing sounds of protest, mouth open wide in a silent scream.

He fought to take in even a small gasp of air, weakly hitting the arm attached to the hand that felt like a vise. Wide eyed, he looked up at the man clothed in white, his long blond hair running over his shoulders, his blue eyes cold and piercing as a dagger. A Quincy! Tomo's lungs felt like they were on fire as he struggled for his life. His arms began to feel much to heavy to lash out any longer as dark spots filled his vision. His last thoughts were a panicked jumble. Where were the damn guards? How did this Quincy get inside Soul Society undetected? How was he this strong? Why was this happening? Cruel darkness took him into the depths, his body going limp as he was forced to embraced his end.

Jugram Haschwalth squeezed until he was satisfied the shinigami was dead. He pulled his hand away with a low sound of disgust. Cutting his throat would have been quicker, but using a weapon would have caused a unnecessary mess. Besides, his blade was only for a worthy opponent. He looked at the man's dead, bloodshot eyes before he gently closed the lids. He would look like he was only sleeping, but the dark red bruises on his throat would give away the truth. No matter. He had knocked the guards out before entering, and his death would probably not be noticed for a hour or two at least, not that it mattered. They wouldn't know who did it, or how he even got in. He turned and went out the door as quietly as he entered. The man had not been a real threat, but a roach needed to be crushed like any other. His Majesty would be pleased.

~~~

Ichigo left work later than he would have liked, but he needed the extra yen, so he wasn't about to complain when Ikumi kept him longer than he was scheduled for. He hadn't been able to see Uryu a lot since the mess at the old hospital. He was staying with his father for a few days to clear the air between them, and Uryu seemed happy enough to do so. Ichigo hoped they could work everything out. He still wasn't sure what Ryuken's stand was on their relationship. It made him uncomfortable to think about now that he wasn't worried about Uryu getting attacked on a daily basis. His own father had left it alone and not even mentioned it again. Sometimes the old man could actually be considerate of his privacy.

He walked along the sidewalk, his shadow stretched across the pavement. He looked up and watched the sun begin to set for the day. He was ready to get home for a long shower, but changed direction to head to Urahara's place instead. He was curious of any news from Soul Society. He was still trying to understand why Mayuri killed Saburou so indiscriminately. Maybe he deserved it after so many were murdered, but not like that. There was no way for him to answer for what he had done now. Ichigo didn't know the Captain Commander well, but broken orders would surely piss him off, unless Mayuri pulled a real good excuse out of his ass. Mayuri could be crafty in his way of dealing with things, so well in fact that it was a unnerving. It was likely he would get out of this with little trouble.

He stepped into the shop. It was empty of customers at this time of the day as usual, but he had never seen the shop full the entire time he had been coming here. Considering his business had more to do with selling products he got out of Soul Society than selling snacks to kids, it was no surprise. He walked along one of the short aisles towards the back, grabbing a bar of his favorite chocolate on the way. Tessai, who was usually the one standing behind the counter, was replaced by Jinta, who looked at Ichigo with a smart ass expression that he had grown used to seeing. His growth spurt hadn't changed his bratty attitude.

"What's up, Carrot Top?"

Ichigo tossed the yen on the counter for the bar. "I've told you before not to call me that."

"Like that's ever gonna happen."

Ichigo blew it off. "Where is the boss man?"

"In the back with the others. Go ahead in. I think he was getting ready to call you anyway."

Ichigo put the chocolate in his jacket pocket and went to the back. He followed the sound of voices and opened the door. Urahara, Tessai, Yoruichi, Chad, Orihime, Renji and Rukia all sat around the table in deep discussion. Urahara waved for him to sit and he did so. The chatter stopped once he entered, and he looked around the table curiously. They all looked serious, which was never a good thing. He was starting to wish he had just went home now.

"What happened?"

Rukia spoke first. "Tomo is dead, murdered in his cell."

"What? How? Did the Captain Commander get a chance to talk to him?"

Renji shook his head. "No, he was waiting until he got all the information he could from Captain Kurotsuchi. They had Tomo in a cell in the Maggot's Nest. Even had guards near to keep a eye out. According to the two guards, they were both struck from behind and knocked out. They didn't see who it was, or sense any reiatsu. No one was seen entering from the outside either. The Captain Commander spoke to both the guards, and he believes both of their stories."

"He doesn't think any of the other guards did it, or maybe one of the prisoners?"

"No, and it's not likely either. Nothing like this has ever happened down there before."

Ichigo shook his head. "This doesn't make sense."

"Well, it gets better," Rukia added, "according to Captain Kurotsuchi, none of the information he got from the files is of any real use. It was mainly just copies of his stolen inventions and a few that Saburou was working on, including that hallucinogenic he used on all of us. The Captain was able to counter that somehow. It's why the effects wore off sooner than later, or so he says. I have no reason not to believe him though."

"There was no information on any Quincy?"

"None. Not about any of the ones they had already killed, Uryu or Ryuken, or any others that may be living," she said.

"Most likely he was keeping that kind of information to himself to be cautious," Urahara said, absently stirring sugar in his tea. "As of now, the problem is taken care of." He looked at Ichigo. "Not exactly how we all might have wanted, but it's what we have."

"You don't think Mayuri did it, do you?" he asked, looking Urahara in the eyes.

"Honestly, no. His beef was with Saburou. I wouldn't have done the same, but Mayuri and I have never really agreed on most things."

"He's an oddball, but I never expected to see him literally stab someone in the back. Just doesn't seem his style," Ichigo said. "He's more creative from what Uryu has told me about his interaction with him on the battlefield."

"I'm not going to pretend I understand what was going on in his mind either. He and I have always been in a type of competition with each other since the beginning as far as our scientific knowledge goes. I can't see that he will explain himself, definitely not to any of us. The Captain Commander is another matter, but it might remain between them is my guess on that."

"So, what do we do now?" Ichigo looked around the table at the others.

"As of right now, nothing," Urahara said simply. "Our part is over. If they do find anything else of interest that they want to share, I'm sure they will let us know."

"Yeah, we're a bit in the dark right now," Renji added.

Ichigo didn't feel right about any of it, but he knew answers weren't going to magically appear. He was just going to have to wait it out with the rest of them. He was relieved, but had it all in the back of his mind, like a song stuck in his head. He could only assume that Urahara had at least informed his father about the news, but what about Uryu and Ryuken?

"Does Uryu and his father know?"

"Well, I figured since you two are so close, that maybe you could inform him," Urahara said nonchalantly and sipped his tea. "Again, it's not much to tell in any case."

"Yeah, I guess," he said softly.

"Relax, Ichigo," said Rukia as she elbowed his side hard. "The threat is gone, be grateful for it."

Ichigo rubbed where her shot landed and gave her a scathing look that had little heat behind it. "Fine, but you didn't have to try breaking my ribs to get your point across."

"Don't be a wuss. I've told you before, it doesn't suit you."

Renji stood. "We should get back."

Rukia rose to join him. "We'll keep in touch."

They both left to goodbyes. Chad and Orihime weren't far behind as they left together holding hands. All in all, Ichigo thought he should take Rukia's advice, but he had a bad feeling that something was going to happen sooner or later. Something always did. He headed home to an ordinary night with the family. It was if the insanity of the last week hadn't even happened. He took his shower before he called Uryu to give him the news. He took it about as well and he thought he would.

Ichigo wanted to see him, but it was late, and he was still staying at his father's place. Ichigo didn't want to deal with a awkward visit, and decided it best not to invite him over either. They would have plenty of time tomorrow when Uryu went back to his apartment. Well, some time anyway; he had another day of work ahead to catch up for lost time. By the time he reluctantly ended the call, he was feeling drowsy. It was nearly midnight when he looked at the clock. He lay back on his bed and closed his eyes, hoping a Hollow wouldn't decide to disturb what sleep he could get.

~~~

The following day seemed to drag on from the moment he got out of bed, to lunch time at work. Uryu agreed to meet him someplace that wasn't far from the shop. Ichigo would have preferred to go to his apartment, but if he was late back, Ikumi would lose it. She was already difficult to deal with on the best of days. As soon as he saw Uryu waiting outside the cafe, he smiled. Ichigo didn't waste time and kissed him full on the mouth, blissfully ignorant of being out in the open where others could see them. He just didn't care. Uryu's body stiffened for a fleeting moment before he just went with it, kissing back. His cheeks were a adorable shade of pink when Ichigo pulled back.

"Sorry, couldn't resist. We haven't seen a lot of each other the last few days," Ichigo said, not really feeling sorry at all.

Uryu nervously looked around, but no one seemed to have noticed their show of affection. "It's alright. I'm just still getting used to the public thing. I mean, we've barely had time for any of this, right?"

"Well, that should change now. Lets head in, I only have a hour before I have to be back to work."

They got a table and ordered. Ichigo waited until the waitress left before he took Uryu's hand under the table. "Did you tell your father everything?"

"Yes. As predicted, he wasn't happy, but neither am I for that matter. It's just so exasperating. If that bastard Mayuri hadn't been so quick to kill Saburou, maybe we would still be able to get more answers," he said low, so no one would hear their conversation. "That's not to say he wouldn't have been killed like his subordinate anyway. In fact, I'm sure that would have happened."

"Urahara said that we should just put it out of our minds for the time being and just wait for anymore news, or lack of, if that's the case."

Uryu looked to him, hand clasping his under the table. "Ichigo, I have this really bad feeling. Like, all this was just a spark before an explosion. I know I've said that before, but I know there is something more going on."

"I know, I feel it too."

The waitress brought their food over, smiling as she did before she left them alone again. Ichigo wasn't quite as hungry as he was when he left work, but he ate anyway, changing the subject of conversation. He didn't want their time together to be muddled with worry. Uryu relaxed as they spoke of normal things. Their hands kept touching under the table as they spoke, and he even managed to get Uryu to take a bite of food from his plate, even as he was left blushing again. It felt good to be able to be a real couple, and he didn't want it to end. He glanced at his watch and sighed. The time had flown by.

"I need to head back."

"I'll walk with you."

They were quiet most of the way, but Ichigo was pleased when Uryu took the initiative this time and grabbed his hand to hold as they walked. He looked at him, admiring his profile and the delicate fall of his raven hair that fluttered softly with the light breeze. He wanted to kiss him again and nuzzle his neck. Hell, he was tempted to drag him to his apartment and do a number of filthy things to him. Ichigo looked straight head and pushed that out of his mind in a hurry. He didn't need to get aroused when he was about to get back to work, and skipping the rest of the day to fulfill his fantasies was, unfortunately, not an option. When they arrived at the shop, Ichigo felt a deep pang of resentment as he looked at the place.

"Do you hate working here that much?" Uryu asked. "You look like you want to burn the building down or something."

Ichigo looked at him. "What? Oh, no. I like it well enough. I would just rather spend the rest of the day with you."

Uryu smiled soft. "What time are you off?"

"Six, unless my evil boss decides I need to stay later to help with inventory. I have the day off tomorrow though. Want to go do something that doesn't involve Hollows, or hunting down psychopaths?"

"Yes, that sounds like a great idea."

"Good." Ichigo looked at his watch. "I better get inside before the boss lady comes out and drags me in."

"Ichigo, wait."

"Yeah?"

Uryu pressed against him, his arms tentatively sliding around his waist as he looked in his eyes. "Come over tonight. I don't care how late. I want you to spend the night with me."

"You mean.."

"You know what I mean," Uryu said, and let his hand slide down over his ass with the hint of a smirk on his lips.

"Are you sure?" The warm hand cupping his ass squeezed playfully. Ichigo felt the heat rising on his face. "I guess that's a yes." Uryu covered his lips with a tender kiss before he slipped away. Ichigo groaned. "You just have to tease me before I have to go into this lion's den, don't you?!" he called after him as he walked away down the sidewalk.

"Just call if you're going to be late!" Uryu yelled without looking back. Ichigo watched him go, shivering slightly. He could still feel the warm press of his lips.

"Kurosaki, get that lovesick look off your face and get in here! You have deliveries to make!" Ikumi stood in the doorway with a hand on her hip and a knowing smile. He rolled his eyes and went inside to finish his day of work, that would now feel much longer than it had before.

AN: As you can imagine, the next chapter will be yummy sex time. :D Or as yummy as I can make it. It will also be the last chapter of this story. Anyone who is reading the manga currently, knows who Haschwalth is. Anyone who doesn't know who he is, OMG, why aren't you reading the manga?! Thanks for reading all.

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Undisclosed Devotion