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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
- 26
- 27
Well, after a couple of year of deliberating, I decided to catch up on Naruto. I've already finished eight volumes from where I last read it, when Naruto confronted Pain and then Madara was talking crazy about taking over the world, blah blah blah. Don't think I'm done though, I think it's up to volume 61 and I'm only at 58.... Maybe I'll start watching the anime also, who knows?

Doesn't matter, since I caught up on the manga online but I still have absolutely no idea what's going on! Just another crazy guy trying to take over the world!

Warrior by Boogermeister

Chapter 27- To Be Freed

Ichigo ignored the sparse comments and murmuring nearby, as well as the tightening feeling of hunger, as he waited and waited. True to his words, he was sitting across from the guarded building, watching for a chance to get in so he can speak to Grimmjow. There was no way that he could leave without knowing whether or not the Gaul will be safe.

The cloudy weather from morning had already been lifted, with the sun high in the sky signalling noon. Luckily, he was sitting underneath another building with enough shade for the rest of the day. But he didn't want to move, even when he was feeling very hungry. He had left the house without breakfast, and he didn't bother to have his money on him when he thought he could speak with Grimmjow right then and there. "Hmm...." he groaned, burying his face into his raised lap. "I never think out my plans...."

".... Ichigo? What're you doing here?" Ichigo glanced up to see Renji standing over him, a mix of surprise and concern on the red-head's face.

"Oh, hey...." he mumbled. Renji frowned and glanced at the building occupied by soldiers, before glancing back at him.

"Grimmjow's in there, right?" he questioned.

".... Yeah," nodded Ichigo.

"But you can't get in there, right?"

"Pretty much," he frowned sadly.

"Shit...." Renji sighed, moving to sit next to him. "Aizen and my master confronted Ginjou this morning, but it was a failure. We couldn't get him to admit that he had truly stolen the documents. Hell, he could have burned the fucking thing soon after he tricked Grimmjow, something we can't prove of it either. I'm sorry about that, Ichigo...."

"No, but knowing Ginjou, he's probably relishing in what little glory he received from his treachery," Ichigo scoffed. "I can't believe it, nobody cares about him and yet the Roman law protects him because Grimmjow wanted what most people had thought of. He had deceived and tortured those who are lower than him, and still he can walk around freely with no remorse."

"That much is true, Ichigo.... but the only difference was that Grimmjow was still a slave when it happened," said Renji. "A slave who is openly defiant is considered a danger to the public. Remember the last time that had happened, it actually became a war generations ago. And I know you don't want that to happen, him getting executed if he keeps being rebellious."

".... That won't matter, he gave up fighting in order to protect me," he muttered quietly. "He doesn't want me to suffer because of he had done."

"Yet here you are.... suffering regardless of what he had done," pointed out the red-haired fighter. "How long had you been sitting here, Ichigo? Aren't you hungry or tired....?" Instead of answering, Ichigo just looked away but Renji simply smiled as he ruffled at his hair. "You silly kid.... You didn't think that you wouldn't get permission to speak with Grimmjow just like that?"

"I get it, I'm an idiot," frowned Ichigo.

"Well, I meant to run another useless errand courtesy of Rukia, but I don't think she would mind me speding a couple of coins for lunch," he smiled at him. Ichigo got the message and smiled back.

"I'll remember to pay you back, Renji," he said.

"No need, if you're going to hang around here all day then you cannot be wasting away," smiled Renji, as he got up. But he soon went serious as he glanced at the building. "Don't worry.... you'll get to speak to him sooner or later. If you can't get permission, then you should ask Aizen to do so."

"But then my father might find out about it," he sighed.

"Yet you hanging around here all day without telling anyone seems more better?" he questioned and Ichigo scoffed at him.

"If I have a denarius every time someone questions my actions...." he muttered.

"Sorry, sorry.... I just want you not to worry so much," Renji smiled in reassurance. "The gods will work in your favor if given the right time." With that, he left Ichigo alone, as the teen pondered about his decisions. He wanted to see Grimmjow, simple as that but it was so complicated to even talk to him.

Maybe he should go back home to convince his father to help him get permission. But almost immediately he decided against it, not wanting to be nagged at by him or Nel. He was getting tired of being treated like a child, as if he didn't know what he wants in life. Why was she so against him being with Grimmjow, let alone the man himself? What had he done to harm anyone in the household? He was never hurt by him, it was nothing but common teasing and heated passion. So to think he had to choose between his love and his family some weeks back.... He wasn't so sure which is more important, but he knew that he couldn't just leave Grimmjow.

If his father were to find out about his latest behaviors, then so be it. Ichigo was already odd enough, so waiting for the one who once served him shouldn't be that surprising to everyone. He glanced up in time to see Renji coming back with a loaf of bread in his hands. "Sorry, but this is what I can get on the go," the red-head smiled a little as he handed it to him.

"Thanks a lot, Renji," Ichigo smiled back as he took it, before taking a big bite out of the lightly sweetened treat. "You don't have to worry about me, I'll do fine by myself."

"Can't help but worry.... if this situation gets worse, I might have to tell my master about it," he nodded. "Speaking of which.... we won't stop searching for his friend, Ichigo. Actually, he's en route on land as we speak." Ichigo paused eating and stared at him in surprise.

"On land? As in.... here?" he asked. "I thought he wouldn't be here for another two months or so."

"Well, after the bullshit with the documents, Master became more persuasive and determined with the trade, hoping to cover up the mistakes," sighed Renji. "But it's still far off, possibly by a week or two. Maybe Grimmjow'll still be here by then, but let's hope so, right?"

"Yeah.... Thanks, Renji," Ichigo smiled lightly.

"Okay.... I have to get back to work, but I might stop by to check on you," Renji nodded before turning to leave. It was moment of buzzed silence as Ichigo resumed munching on the bread, staring down at his lap. He would have to remember to mention that to Grimmjow when or if he sees him, maybe it would cheer the Gaul up to hear his friend coming back.

".... That boy's still there...." muttered one of the army guards, as a few stared at the preoccupied teen. "It's better to send him away from here."

"Tch, who would bother with a slave, even if it is somebody important?" questioned another one.

"We should inform Senator Aizen, he might know what to do with him...."

(Blood and Sand)

Grimmjow washed his hands free of blood and dirt after a long day of hunting, feeling the cold rush of water as he stared at the riveting reflection of the river. He then scooped the cool liquid into his hands and drank. Repeating the process, he felt content of today's hard work as he let a deep sigh of relief. "Fuck.... finally got time all to myself...." he sighed, enjoying the comfort to the usual sounds of the forest.

That was until he suddenly heard a slight rustle in a bush behind him. He narrowed his eyes at the sound but he didn't bother to reach for his hunting daggers on his waist. He heard the rustling again, but he leaned close to the riverbed, picking up a small pebble between his fingers. It was getting annoying, if he was going to get ambushed then this person should do a better job of being discreet.

"Tch...." With a flick of his wrist, he shot the small rock at the target in the bush.

"Oww...!" Within a second, Ichigo scrambled out of the bush, rubbing the now sore bump on the side of his head. "Why would you do that, Grimmjow? You could've hurt me for real!" he scowled in pain.

"Serves you right for being so noisy, kid," Grimmjow scoffed. "That's why you weren't able catch your own kill, those animals could hear you and flee the moment you make so much as a whisper."

"But I was so close of surprising you--"

"Hah! You're twenty years too soon to catch me by surprise, kid," Grimmjow smirked. "You failed one of your lessons. You must use the forest as an advantage, it's more than a place to catch games."

"Oh, and what makes you so much of an expert?" Ichigo scoffed sarcastically. Grimmjow simply chuckled, scooting up to Ichigo as he reached to touch at the sore lump.

"You must relax, Ichigo...." he smiled. "You have to work with the enviroment, you cannot rush to get your way all the time."

"Hmph, you don't look like the type to be patient, Grimmjow," frowned Ichigo, earning a teasing pinch at his forehead. "Ow, that really hurts....!" he winced.

"You're not so patient yourself either, kid, but that's the point of learning," smirked Grimmjow. Before Ichigo could chastise him, he was suddenly pushed down onto the damp earth, the Gaul's heavier body partially pinning him down. He shivered a little when Grimmjow's sharp eyes stared into his own before one of his hands were grasped.

"What're you trying to do....?" he muttered.

"Relax.... touch the earth, you have to feel it," he instructed, digging through the dirt with Ichigo's fingers. "It shifts and moves, making it adaptable for those who wants it to be. Same thing with trees and the water, you have to use it to go against your enemies as well as getting your prey. To do so, you have to be one with the enviroment, Ichigo."

"Tch, if you say it that way then I guess it would make sense," sighed Ichigo.

"Of course I'm right, I am the one who has been hunting since I was a young boy," he chuckled.

"All right, I get it.... Now can you get off me, Grimmjow?" scoffed Ichigo.

"Hmmm.... nope," Grimmjow smirked mischievously, moving to kiss his lips.

"Mm? N-no, Grimm-- Mmmhhh!" Ichigo moaned in surprise. In a vain attempt to push him away, the teen's squirming only made it worse as Grimmjow trailed his sharp teeth down his throat. "Please, Grimmjow.... I don't want to do it today," he mumbled, rising heat tingling at his cheeks. Grimmjow merely chuckled before pushing up his master's cloak and tunic. "Uhnn...!" Ichigo flinched the moment he felt the skilled fingers touching him.

"Heh, you're too easy to falter under me, kid," smirked Grimmjow.

"Sh-shut up....!" he whimpered, biting back a moan when the older man decided to press a finger against his dry entrance. "L-let's do it another time, please.... The sun's setting soon and we need to get back home--"

"It'll be all right, kid," Grimmjow smirked, sitting back on his heels as he pulled the teen onto his lap. He leaned for another kiss and this time Ichigo cooperated as their tongues wrestled against one another, with his slim fingers grasping at the silky sky blue hair. "Hmm... you're truly special, you know that?" the Gaul rumbled quietly.

"Flatter all you want, I'm still gonna be mad at you if we get in trouble with our curfew...." Ichigo muttered through another kiss.

"Doesn't matter, I like it when you're mad...."

"Shut up, idiot," he frowned. Grimmjow smirked nonetheless, his eyes softened as he caressed Ichigo's cheek.

"Ichigo...." he muttered quietly.

"Yeah....?" Ichigo nodded, now curious of why his slave paused in his usual actions. "Something wrong?"

".... It's time to wake up."

"Huh?" Ichigo blinked in confusion, the moment Grimmjow moved his hand to shake his shoulder. "Grimmjow, what're you doing?" he questioned him.

"Get up, Ichigo, you can't sleep on the ground like this," Grimmjow muttered, his voice sounding oddly urgent as he shook him again.

"Huh? What you do mean sleeping on the ground?" Ichigo asked again. "You're holding me in your lap, what are you talking about?"

"You must get up.... Wake up, Ichigo....!"

With a startle, Ichigo woke up, gasping deeply as his wide eyes took in the dark surrounding of early evening. Looking around, he noticed Nel as well as Renji kneeling over him. Nel appeared very concerned but there was also disappointment in her eyes, as she shook him again. "Ichigo.... get up right now," she whispered.

".... Nel....?" Ichigo mumbled, slowly getting up from the dusty ground.

"It's a good thing that Renji told me what you were doing, Ichigo...." frowned Nel. "The real question is what are you trying to accomplish, staying here until you catch a cold or worse, just for Grimmjow?"

"But..."

"Sorry about it, Ichigo, but I had to tell your family soon after I saw you," sighed Renji. "Then again, it wasn't that hard to see a orange-haired kid mulling near the military cells so your father figured it out right away."

"Oh.... so what's he thinking about this?" muttered Ichigo.

"What do you think, Ichigo? He's very disappointed in your behavior today," frowned Nel as she stood up. "You shouldn't embarrass yourself and your family all because you believe Grimmjow being locked up unfairly...."

".... Is that all you care about....? About me and nothing else?" he sighed.

"Hey, she's just worried about you, Ichigo, you should understand that," Renji frowned in concern. "Like I said, talk to Senator Aizen to see if you can see Grimmjow. Just being here without permission is considered a nuisance to the soldiers."

".... I don't want to pester him about it," Ichigo muttered. "Besides, if I can't get his permission then I would just keep coming here no matter what."

"Ichigo...." Nel frowned in disbelief.

"Such a stubborn kid...." Renji shook his head before getting to his feet. "I'll leave it to you, I need to get back to my master. He might be worried if I'm taking too long getting home."

"All right, thank you for the help, Renji," Nel nodded. Renji gave her a small smile before walking away. Nel turned to Ichigo, who finally gotten up and dusted at his clothing, and sighed deeply. "Ichigo--" she spoke, but the teen simply walked past her without so much of a glance. "Ichigo, wait....! Please, just talk to me....!" she said, following right after him.

".... What's there to talk about?" muttered Ichigo.

"Just.... anything! I don't want to feel alienated by you just because of my opinions!" she answered.

"Your opinions speak more than that, that's why I don't want to hear it," Ichigo frowned, looking straight ahead as they walked through the near empty streets.

"But why can't you hear me out, Ichigo? I care about you, and I worried about you," she explained. "And I know you're suffering all because of Grimmjow."

"No.... I'm suffering because of what's happening to Grimmjow," Ichigo muttered. "I was close to him, not you, so you've never seen him suffering just as well. And the source of that happened to be Ginjou, nothing else."

"But, Ichigo...."

"But what? No doubt that Ginjou knew of this, and will try anything to get at me now that Grimmjow's not here to protect me," frowned Ichigo.

"But.... your father and Senator Aizen are there to help you, Ichigo. He will not get near you--"

"He will try it and will suceed to do so," he scoffed, finally turning to look at her. "You don't get it, Nel.... I am afraid of him, and once Grimmjow's gone he will make his move. Who can stop it? Not Aizen, because Ginjou will find a way around him. And with Father gone for weeks at a time, I'm vulnerable within my own home. So what is there for me to do, if Grimmjow's not here with me. Do you ever think about that....?"

"Then.... explain to your father about your relationship with him," Nel said. "Maybe by doing that, you can get him back--"

"Or my father might be disgusted at the fact that a slave is fraternizing with someone like me. Either way, it's not going to work, Nel...." Ichigo frowned. "I don't have any hopes as long as Ginjou's here."

"Then what would you do about it....?" Nel questioned.

".... If Grimmjow's gone, then I'll try to get away from here," he muttered.

"What? Wait a minute, what're you talking about, Ichigo?" she questioned in disbelief. "Ichigo.... you can't be serious, you can't run away from home because this--"

"No, you don't fucking get it....!" he scoffed. "Ginjou will kill me.... once he's done with me, he will kill me, Nel! All because I'm with Grimmjow....! I don't want to live like that anymore, Nel! He has been after me since day one, yet no one has done nothing to stop him....!"

"But they're doing it now--"

"Just.... shut up, you're not helping," he scowled. "You've never helped me with my situation against that bastard. I told you about him a couple of years back, that Ginjou had been leering at me from time to time. But, as always, you only said that it'll be all right, that he will turn his attention to something else.... Well, look at it now, it had gotten worse....!"

"Well, I.... I'm sorry about it, Ichigo," Nel frowned sadly. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen but--"

"Maybe if you had accepted the fact that me and Grimmjow were together then none of this would've happened...." Ichigo muttered hurtfully. "You didn't have to act so mean and cruel towards him. You didn't have to be like that.... Sometimes, I think you're as bad as Ginjou...." The last comment immediately stabbed at Nel's heart, before she put up a very sad frown. Maybe he was right, and maybe Grimmjow was right as well....

She had tried to protect Ichigo so many times, but Ichigo wasn't a boy anymore. He wasn't the same little child who often cried over trivial things. In fact, the last time he had cried, his mother died, for days on end. Then the next thing she knew, he stopped but became silent for the next several weeks, sitting in the garden with a blank stare, never bothering to move until his father is forced to take him to bed.

A teen herself, Nel wasn't sure what to do or how to help him with the grief back then, holding back her emotions to take care of the young twins. She was helpless to cheer him up.... That was why Ichigo was able to do it himself, by finding entertainment with gladiators in order to make himself smile. All of that led up to now, simply because she wasn't able to comfort him.

".... Ichigo...." she muttered. ".... What are you going to do? What is there to do if Grimmjow's gone from here?" she asked quietly. Ichigo just hung his head, not focusing on the older woman, as they continued walking.

"With what little honor I have left.... I'll take my own life before Ginjou can do so," came Ichigo's answer, and almost instantly he was grabbed by the shoulders. He saw the horrified look on Nel's face, but he was impassive of her reaction.

"You cannot possibly do that, Ichigo...!" she gasped sharply. "How can you do think of such a thing....?"

".... What other option do I have left? Even if I do run away, Ginjou will try to find to find me in one way or another," Ichigo scoffed quietly. "He's mad, he will try to get me no matter what.... And unless Grimmjow can stay here with me, I don't have a chance to live."

"But, Ichigo--"

"Let's just go home.... there's nothing that can be done about it, Nel," he huffed, shrugging off her hold on him before resumed walking. But Nel was still in disbelief, wondering how did it end up like this. In either scenario, Ichigo might die. Not because of Grimmjow.... It was never Grimmjow's fault in the first place. She should have attempted to stop it the moment she had heard of Ginjou thinking terrible stuff about the teen. But like him, she was afraid to speak up against a powerful man.

So that was it.... It was more than the fact that Ichigo and Grimmjow were a couple. They were together to resist against the cruel praetor, protecting one another from that man. It explained why Grimmjow was so disheartened from seeing the teen's bruised face some time back, he couldn't have protected him because Ichigo decided to confront Ginjou alone. Yet Ichigo was right.... Ginjou will get him and kill him or the teen will be forced to take his own life, either one that she doesn't wish to happen. She shivered from the cool breeze, until she realized a trickle of tear falling down her cheek.

Snifling, she mentally prayed to the gods, just any one, to do something about it. And maybe.... to help Grimmjow in some way....

(Blood and Sand)

Sitting on a shredded nest of old cloths and straws on the floor, Grimmjow just stared down on his lap. His arms weren't shackled above his head, as he had enough space to move them around but he was still chained to the wall. He hadn't been able to sleep well since being locked up. He was able to eat the coarsely made bread and watery stew, but other than that he remained silent. Without Ichigo here, there was nothing he can do about it since his master wasn't allowed to visit him. So what can he do, beg the guards to see him....?

He was still a slave under the law, so that was impossible. But it wasn't fair, Ichigo shouldn't be punished as well for his own actions. Glancing up, he could tell that it was night by the small amount of moonlight glowing through a small barred window nearby. Two lit torches were close by, with one right around the corner from his cell.

".... Fuck...." he grumbled softly. He wondered if Ichigo was doing okay. He had heard of him staying in front of the building for hours in hopes of speaking to him from the other guards. Another reason to add suffer for the both of them, all because of Ginjou.

".... That kid's finally gone, his servants already took him home," he heard one of guards muttering, his voice echoing in the stone walls.

"Ugh, finally.... thought we have to do something about."

"Lazy ass...." they chuckled a little before everything went silent again, as Grimmjow just frowned grimly. At least Ichigo finally went home, but the teen was naturally stubborn. No doubt that he will come back tomorrow and do it again, but Grimmjow hoped he won't get in trouble for it. As the silence dwelled on it longer, the Gaul was finally feeling a little fatigued, he needed to sleep albeit in an uncomfortable position. Leaning his head back against the wall, he shut his eyes and took a deep breath. The sooner he can go to sleep the better.

Barely a minute in, he went into a deep sleep, but his dream was muddled and dark. Like he couldn't find a way to a better one, as he didn't have a dream the night before, nothing but a black haze to walk through aimlessly. Maybe if Ichigo had come here earlier, he probably would have been sleeping better right now....

It didn't matter anyway, as he suddenly woke out of his discomforting sleep from a loud noise. It sounded so loud, like something metallic clanked against the cell bars, as he blinked tiredly. Was someone there, just another guard who was passing by....? Finally out of his sleep, he sat up to see what was the distubance.... Only to feel an ice-cold dread prickling on his skin as his widened eyes stared at the one who had started it all.

".... Good evening, Gaul. Are you comfortable enough in that cell of yours?" smirked Ginjou, gripping at the bar as his narrowed eyes glared at him. Grimmjow just glared back, his cyan eyes glowed brightly in the dimmed room as he growled lowly with his teeth bared. "Even when in chains, you're still defiant.... But it doesn't matter anyway, with your punishment pending any day now. However.... it's a shame that I won't get to see it, since I cannot personally execute you."

".... Too bad for you...." growled Grimmjow. "But since I'm in fucking chains, I can't strangle you as well. I suppose we are both wrong...."

"Hmm, so you say...."

".... Why the fuck are you here? The senators mentioned that you shouldn't be allowed here," he grumbled. Ginjou chuckled quietly as he stepped back and paced back and forth.

"Those guards work in shift.... it just so happens that some of my subordinates are working through the night," he smirked. "Can't risk coming here during the day with the senators' lackeys patrolling around, so it was better to come here at this hour."

"Then what....?" he questioned through gritted teeth. "You're here to torture me one way or another....?"

"But of course, what's the point of my visit?" The praetor's smug comment resulted in Grimmjow standing up abruptly, the iron chains taut from him attempting to move forward as he snarled lowly.

"What is it that you want from me, Ginjou....?" he gritted. "You won't fucking stop until you will have my head, and there's no doubt that you will go after Ichigo if I'm gone...."

"Oh, right.... I almost forgot about that," smiled Ginjou with a devious gleam in his eyes. "Just like you, I cannot touch him, even though I'm still a little.... disappointed about him giving away his honor for a pathetic slave...."

"I noticed that, and that's the reason I went beserk over it," growled Grimmjow, still tugging at the chains. "You attempted to force yourself upon him again the moment he was alone.... That's why I wanted to kill you so fucking much, Ginjou, your very existence had been giving me nothing but pain since day one. And trust me, that'll give Ichigo as well as those other Romans a much better relief if you were gone from this world."

".... Do you honestly think so, Gaul?" Ginjou questioned with his smirk suddenly fell. "I don't know about that, but those other Romans might think otherwise.... You see, one of my slaves attempted to take my life earlier today. You should know this one, the one who looked like your poor little friend."

"Such a pity, I'd like to applaud him for making such an effort," Grimmjow gritted.

"Too bad, I had his throat slit and he bled to death," he added, his devious smirk came back. "That was his punishment as a slave, after all. And that will be yours as well.... the moment you make another threat to another official, you will be crucified right here in Rome. With your precious master looking on with horror in his eyes."

"I doubt it, as I only see you and only you as my true enemy," snarled the other man. "I could care less about the Roman people or this empire. But I truly care about Ichigo and I love him--"

"You're a fucking savage, Gaul....!" Ginjou scoffed at him in amusement. "A savage cannot love or care or any of those sentimental shits that a human would have. Do you honestly believe that Ichigo loves you....?"

"Of course he loves me.... and he loves my cock just the same," Grimmjow answered, smirking lightly when the praetor's demeanor fell. Without warning, Ginjou slammed his fists against the bar but the blunet didn't even flinch by the sound. His defiant eyes burned at him, his sharp teeth bared as he exhaled. "That's too bad, Ginjou.... you're more of a savage than I am.... you're no human if you have never loved someone before. Like I said, I love Ichigo and he loves me as well, nothing can change that...."

"Nothing, you say?" frowned Ginjou. "You forgotten that you will be sent somewhere else where you won't bring any more trouble to me, did you? Once you're gone, Ichigo will be mine...."

"Knowing you, Ichigo's gonna be protected once I'm gone--"

"I'm not finished.... You think you're the only obstacle of my goal? I seem to recall a few particular senators who are protecting you because of your true heritage," Ginjou mentioned. "If they happened to be gone, then what makes you, Gaul....?" Grimmjow just glared at him, but soon he realized what he meant as he inhaled sharply.

".... You'll kill the senators?" he questioned in disbelief. "Are you fucking insane?"

"Not all, of course," Ginjou smirked once again. "Just my former uncle and a couple highly ranked ones. You wouldn't know who but that's none of your concerns."

"You're fucking crazy....! There's no way you can get away with it!" snarled Grimmjow.

"Who's to say? There's a good chance that the public will hear that it was their slaves who murdered them, courtesy of one bold gladiator," he chuckled, much to the Gaul's anger and confusion.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, you don't know? You see, I'm going to convince the public of you needed to be executed, after I tell them that your madness influenced my own slaves to harm me," he sneered. "After all, you bravely threatened me out in that arena, so it would make sense. Who knows, maybe the people will believe a true Roman rather than some feral Gaul."

"That will never work.... your plan will fall before you know it, and I will find a way to reveal it--" Grimmjow growled but the praetor chuckled again.

"Who would believe a slave like you?" he laughed darkly. "Even if you try to warn the guards here, there's a good chance that you would be persecuted for another threat. And then I will have my chance to end your pathetic life."

"Tch....!" snarled Grimmjow.

"And one more thing.... I won't kill Ichigo after you're dead, at least not until I have a taste of him," he said, licking his lips in a lecherous manner. "I'll keep fucking him and fucking him, until he'll remember the girth of my cock. You will be nothing but a distant memory for him, a last bit of hope until I take him out as well. Such a shame too, when his own family doesn't know that he was conspiring against my life as well with his so called lover."

"Don't you dare....! Ichigo has nothing to do with this, there's no reason to pull him into my downfall!" Grimmjow growled.

"Oh! But he does, the moment he presented his ass to you as if you are a fucking god!" he sneered at him. "It shouldn't have to be like this, we both know that, but now.... Ichigo's no longer a weakling but a man who must face the inevitable."

"You will never touch him, you shit....!" he snarled. "I taught Ichigo how to use the sword, there's a good chance that he could slash your cock off! After all, he almost did it before what he had told me....!"

"Well, like I said, he will fall by my sword because of you," Ginjou countered, stepping away from the bars. "He wouldn't have to die just because both of you couldn't stop lusting after one another. But don't worry so much about it, Gaul. Once your beloved master is charged for plotting my death as well, he will have no one to turn to...."

"You fucking bastard....! You're fucking sick, you know that?!" Grimmjow snarled angrily. The iron chains creaked and scratched from his angered strength but they still didn't move as he tried to move with all his might. "I'll find a way to destroy you, mark my words, Ginjou!" Ginjou stared at his furious expression, and his grin widened before letting out a low chuckle.

"Your threats are nothing to me anymore," he grinned. "I'll take back is mine to begin with, and I will watch the terror on your face when they nail your hands down on the beam. The same thing with Ichigo when I'll fuck him for weeks on end.... He'll wish for death everytime I use his hole and I will bring that promise once I'm bored with him."

"You....!" he growled but the praetor was already turning around to leave. "I'm not finished with you, Ginjou....! Don't you dare walk away from me....!"

"Farewell, Gaul.... I'll see you again when I'm done with my uncle's funeral," he chuckled, finally leaving him alone. But Grimmjow was still livid, with every muscle in his body shook.

He can't do anything about it.... that much was true. He would get executed if Aizen is killed and not be able to protect him. "Shit....! Shit....!" he scoffed, shaking his head. Deep down, he was terrified, that his nightmare will come true. He will die and Ichigo will suffer for it. There was nothing he can do, as he stepped back to relieve the pain in his arms. "Ichigo...." he muttered in regret. "I'm so sorry about this.... I shouldn't have gotten you involved with my problems..."

Slowly sitting back down onto the ratty bed, he felt a headache coming up from a lack of sleep. But that was the far least of his concern.... He must find a way to warn the senator about Ginjou soon, hopefully it can work.

(Blood and Sand)

"There's just no way....!"

"It's more than just a grudge against the praetor, I hear...."

"To think he was that dangerous, to even coerce the other slaves to try to kill him."

"I had a feeling that Gaul was up to no good, champion or not...."

It was all he heard, at first Ichigo assumed they were still talking about the episode from the arena. He had a feeling about it, judging from the glances he had received from passerbys. Of course he should feel ashamed about having his own slave acting irrationally, but he knew the real truth, as he walked through the streets. But it was more crowded than usual, especially for morning.

But the sparse whispers and murmuring was starting to grow, to multiple alarmed gasps and shocking mutters, as Ichigo noticed more crowds clustered to one street nearby. As much he wanted to go see Grimmjow again, he was mildly curious of what was going on. But when he saw some of the local shaking their heads in disgust or simply looked pale when they passed by, he suddenly knew and he frowned.

It had been a while since there had been a public execution within the city aside from the ones in the arena. He had seen bloated rotten bodies hanging on sides of buildings since he was a little boy, sobbing in his mother's arms the first time he saw it and wondering why would one deserve such a punishment. And it was no different now, as he passed through the crowd. But as soon as he moved in front of them, he instantly gasped in absolute horror with his eyes widened by the sight.

"Fucking hell...." he gasped, as he stared up at one body hanging by the wooden beams. He recognized this one, and he knew who had done it to him. It was that slave, the one who was used in order to get Grimmjow lose in the primus, his body blotched with bruise-like marks from being dead for so long. But it was more than that.... up close he could see that his troat was slit and there was a vicious wound on his chest. He stared at him, seeing the milky film of his half-lidded eyes, and wondered why the boy had to deserve such a thing from Ginjou. Underneath the nailed down feet, he could a written note on the wood, with the wax seal of the Roman military symbol.

".... This slave was punished according to the laws of the Roman Empire, convicted of attempting to kill the praetor after being influenced of the apprehended Gaul gladiator. As such, the other slaves suspected in Kuugo Ginjou's household are punished by crucifixion...."

A sour mix of bile was churning in his stomach as Ichigo looked to see several other slave hung in the same manner, some with throats slit like the boy. "Oh my goodness...." he muttered with so much dread. Was this Ginjou's message that he was still in control, that it would give him the reason to exert his fearful powers further....?

"Tch, if this is true then that Gaul warrior should deserve to die...." Ichigo heard one person spoke.

"Maybe, even if it's that detestable praetor he made threats against," muttered one woman.

"If he could cause this much trouble, imagine if he goes against another Roman of note...."

So that was it, this was Ginjou's latest scheme now that the praetor already heard of Grimmjow's imprisonment. Trying to manipulate the public through fear and intimidation. Pushing back through the crowd, the feeling of queasiness was slowly going down the moment he reached to another street. "No.... I have to tell Grimmjow about this somehow...." he realized, returning back to his destination. But as soon as the building came into view, he halted his steps almost immediately.

There were more soldiers patrolling the area than yesterday on the ground as well as on the rooftop, and he knew why. It was obvious that Ginjou's current influence as well as the execution of his slaves seemed to have caused more added security, something that Ichigo didn't like. But he didn't want to falter right now, as he resumed walking.

".... You there, this is an authorized area by the Roman military," confirmed one soldier the moment Ichigo walked up to the guarded entrance door. "You must leave here immediately, young man."

"No, not until I see Grimmjow," frowned Grimmjow.

"It must be that Gaul's master...." muttered one of the other soldiers before the first one nodded.

"Even if you are the master, the Gaul cannot receive any visitation without permission from a government official," he affirmed.

".... But I know Senator Aizen, he put him in there for protection," the teen argued. "I should be able go there and see him."

"Even so, you need proof. Do you have any letter and his signature for the permission?" Ichigo frowned at the question but said nothing before the guard let out a deep sigh. "That is the rule, boy. No written permission, no visiting. Now come back when you have a letter." Ichigo scoffed in disbelief, this was going around in circles. Even if he would boldly attempt to sneak in, it was impossible to get past even more guards before even reaching Grimmjow.

"Then.... I won't leave here until I get to see Grimmjow, simple as that," he said as he crossed his arms. "Simple as that...." The guards glanced at each other, one smirking lightly at the ridiculous idea, but they wouldn't budge but Ichigo expected it. "Laugh all you want, but I'm pretty persistent. I'll keep doing it until either you let me in or Grimmjow is about to leave, simple as that." With that, he turned on his heels and walked across the street and settled by a nearby shop.

This time he prepared himself and was up for the challenge. But he wasn't sure if Grimmjow even knew that he was doing this. But it shouldn't matter, all he wanted to do was to see him, to see if he was doing okay in there. And to warn him about Ginjou's devious plan.

Meanwhile....

Cracking the tired joints in his body, Grimmjow fluttered his eyes open from a very uncomfortable sleep. He couldn't anyway with him being chained to the wall, but also with the dreaded conversation from Ginjou. There must be a way to warn someone about his plan to murder Aizen, without himself being a scapegoat. He slowly sat up, just in time to see a couple of guards coming into view with one carrying a tray of meager food.

".... Excuse me...." he muttered when the cell door opened and the guard came up to him.

"Breakfast...." the soldier said, placing the tray next to him.

"W-wait, I need to speak to you," Grimmjow called out, and the other man looked at him in slight confusion. "I.... I think something bad's about to happen soon...."

"Yeah, probably your departure is coming up in a matter of days," the guard shrugged before turning to leave.

"No, not that....! That senator who helped me before-- Aizen-- I think he's in serious trouble! You have to believe....!" he said. The two guards frowned at his words before the first one stepped up to him.

"And what makes you say that, Gaul?" he questioned.

".... I just know, all right? I'm just having a bad feeling about it," frowned Grimmjow. "He's a friend of my master, so I don't want anything to happen to him. Please, you must believe me...."

"Really now? You were raving around like a beast the other day, and now you're acting so meek over some senator?" questioned the guard, as the other one chuckled under his breath.

"It's the truth, I only trust him and my master," he pressed on. "If you don't warn him now, he might die...."

"Die how? Do you know something of it if that is true?"

".... I just know, okay? But I'm telling the truth--"

"Whether if it's true or not, this is a very serious statement you are making," said the guard. "But if this accusation turns out to be false, your punishment will be a lot worse than just sitting here in chains."

"Don't bother, it's probably not worth investigating," muttered the other guard. "Come on, let's go...."

"Yeah, this is a waste, much like that master of his waiting outside," he shrugged, stepping out of the cell. That perked up Grimmjow, who stared at them in surprise. Ichigo was out there again? Why, just for him?

"Wait! If my master's out there, then let me speak to him!" he called out. "He can understand me, he'll believe that I'm telling the truth about Aizen!" But he was ignored when the guards were walking away. He instantly felt frustrated by their dismissive attitudes and wanted to lash out at them. But he really knew better, he cannot afford to be punished further for being like this. Huffing deeply, he slumped his shoulders as he stared at his lap.

"Fuck.... Ichigo, why are you waiting for me....?" he muttered quietly. "You're too fucking stubborn for your own good. I don't want you to get hurt again because of me...." Glancing at the food nearby him, he reluctantly picked up the bread. Starving wouldn't do him good if he wants to keep on living. All just to see Ichigo one last time.

(Blood and Sand)

Hearing the knock on the large set of doors, Gin calmly walked up to it soon just as he was passing through ther foyer. Nobody was expected to visit the household, and the head slave was mildly confused but suprised about it as he frowned lightly. But it would be rude not to accept it and he moved to open it. "Well, Good Afternoon...." he greeted with his usual grin, only to frown a second later when he realized who it was. ".... Praetor, we weren't expecting you," he stated, his slightly opened eyes stared at the smirking man in front of him.

"I know that, I just wanted to do a surprise visit," replied Ginjou.

"A surprise.... visit, you say?" Gin questioned, but not wanting to sound too skeptical.

"Yes.... You see, I am here to apologize to Senator Aizen. Or rather.... my uncle," Ginjou nodded, with a geniune smile. Though still skeptical, Gin masked it with a light frown as he looked at him as well as Tsukishima standing beside his master. He hadn't seen him for a while, assuming that he was locked up somewhere or even killed by Ginjou. But here he was, holding a clay pitcher of wine, before the praetor stepped forward. "Please, I need to make an audience with my uncle.... I need to say that I am truly sorry to him...."

His eyes squinty once again, Gin looked at him for a moment but reluctantly nodded, stepping aside as he opened the door further. "Very well.... come right in," he muttered.

"Good...." smirked Ginjou as he and Tsukishima stepped in.

"I'll lead you to the garden, and I will get Master for you shortly, is that all right?" he suggested.

"Yes, as long as I get to talk to him," he replied as he followed the silver-haired slave. But Gin was still frowning in confusion, wondering why the man was here in the first place. It sounded off.... Ginjou was still bitter about being disowned by Aizen, and before that he was considered rude and disrespectful towards him for years. So why the sudden change of heart now, did it have to do with his role as a praetor?

"Please.... wait right here," nodded Gin as he showed them the small table and chairs within the luscious greens and imported exotic flowers. "I'll return shortly...." he muttered, turning around to go inside. He walked briskly to where his master was, with his mind constantly shifting back to the praetor being. Walking into the office, he bow his head the moment Aizen looked up to see him.

"Gin....? Is there something wrong....?" asked the senator.

"Forgive me, Master, but we have an unexpected guest here...." Gin replied quietly.

"Oh, that's quite all right," nodded Aizen with a slight smile. "We just need to respect the reason why--"

"No, Master, it's more than that...." he said with an unusual frown. "It's, well, the praetor who is here. To see you...." His news was expectedly shocking to Aizen, who instantly frowned in disbelief.

"By all means, why is he here?" he questioned.

"I honestly don't know, Master. But he mentioned that he wished to apologize to you for everything he had done to you," he muttered. That clearly taken him aback, as Aizen's eyes widened in unusual surprise.

"To.... apologize?" he questioned incredulously.

"I would not lie such a thing like that, Master," frowned Gin. Aizen forwned as well, slowly getting up before making his way up to his slave.

".... Something is wrong about this...." he whispered, his bronze eyes narrowed in true suspicion. "There is just no way that he would come here to say that he wished to apologize to me."

"Are you certain of it?" Gin asked quietly.

"I know Kuugo.... I don't believe he actually came to mend our broken ties," muttered Aizen. "For decades, he had been rebellious and disgraceful towards me and the family name and now he's asking to repent....? This is something I cannot ignore so easily...."

"Then.... what shall you do about it, Master?" he muttered quietly. Aizen's lips tightened as if thinking into consideration, before shaking his head.

".... Go along with it, I'll find out about his motives sooner or later," he said. Gin frowned in mild surprise but obeyed his wish with a nod. "Let's go, we don't want to keep him waiting."

"Of course, Master, he's in the garden...." nodded Gin as he followed him to said destination. A moment later, when they arrived, the senator finally saw his so-called nephew sitting in the garden. His narrowed eyes never wavered when Ginjou turned his head to see him, with the praetor smirking at him in greeting.

"Well, hello there...."

"Kuugo...." Aizen acknowledged coolly as he moved to sit across from him, his gaze flickered at the pitcher of wine the other man's slave was holding. ".... When we last spoke, you were downright livid of me of telling the truth about your behaviors," he spoke in his usual calmness. "You were considered rude, ruthless, not caring if you were to hurt someone whether if it's a slave or a noble but now.... this.... You come here, sitting in my garden.... wishing to speak to me as well as apologize to me, out of all people...."

".... That's correct," nodded Ginjou.

".... And, may I ask, why....?" Aizen questioned. Ginjou sighed deeply as he looked at him, with a light frown on his face.

".... Uncle...." he muttered quietly, addressing him for the first time. "I am telling you the truth. I am truly sorry for what I have done to you ever since you have taken me in. I, well.... took advantage of your charity and used it for my own selfish gain. I knew that was wrong, and yet I enjoyed being in charge...."

"Of course, you were absolutely abusive of your powers," muttered Aizen. "Everybody have a limit in their roles, even the emperor himself. You should know the lesson in that, Kuugo."

"Yes, I know that, Uncle," he nodded. "I should have seen it sooner but I was too stubborn.... I was the fool to think that I should have the privilege just because I am a noble. But.... I must earn my title instead of just asking for it, like you had said."

"Hmm, that's true but.... already, your career has been teetering for months now," he said. "However.... do you think by killing off your house slaves would make it sufficient....?"

"Ah, so you've heard about that," nodded Ginjou, yet he wasn't at all surprised of his question. "But it is true, Uncle, one of the slaves had attempted to harm me when my back was turned. Luckily, Tsukishima was nearby and saved me," he added, taking a brief glance at his waiting slave. "That's the law, isn't it? Should one slave attempted murder on his master, then all will be punished by death. Except for my favorite servant, of course...."

"I see.... that's understanding to hear," Aizen sighed. "But.... back to the matter.... I am not sure whether or not we can mend our tattered relationship, Kuugo. It's actually hard to believe that you yourself would want to do this. Please tell me why...."

"Uncle.... it's really true, I do want to make it up to you. Plus, I even brought a very expensive wine for us to drink-- an innocent attempt to be with only family I have," said Ginjou, on cue Tsukishima moved to place the polished clay pitcher onto the table. Aizen merely looked at the gift with a slight raise of an eyebrow, yet deep down he was still skeptical of this. There was no way that Ginjou would willingly give something like wine to him.

"I appreciate this gift of yours, Kuugo," he nodded. "However.... it's still morning, I can't possibly partake your in such a time like this."

"Of course, I understand that...." smirked Ginjou. "I hope you enjoy it sooner or later, Uncle, so I should leave you alone...." With his loyal slave by his side, the praetor stood up and walked up to his uncle. "If this is any way that we can salvalge our relationship, I hope that this will work. I'll speak to you later...."

"I believe we will, Kuugo, thank you...." Aizen nodded with a light smile.

"Good to know.... I'll show my way out. Come along, Tsukishima," said Ginjou as he began to walk.

"Yes, Master...." nodded Tsukishima as he closely followed behind him. But as they made their way to the front door, Ginjou's expression secretly twisted into a dark sneer. Aizen had appeared genuinely surprised of his unexpected visit as well as his gift. But he knew his uncle, he wasn't the type to pass up such high-quality wine and no doubt that he would try it soon. ".... Master...." his slave muttered to him as they left the villa.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he will succumb it to it in the coming days if not tonight," grinned Ginjou as he looked at him. "It'd be too suspicious to add in all the arsenic in that pitcher, but I really prefer to take it slow...."

"How cruel you are, Master," he smiled lightly. In turn, Ginjou sneered in glee. Hopefully, Aizen will take the bait then he will make his move against that Gaul.

However.... Aizen simply stared at the purchased drink, as if he wasn't sure how to make of it. True, he had finer taste of certain things including wine but receiving something like this from his alcoholic nephew was beyond suspicious. There was no way that Ginjou would relent meekly before him after that mad tirade some days before. And after the many years of putting up with his insufferable behavior for so long.... something wasn't right.....

".... Master....?" mumbled Gin, noticing the senator's dubious frown.

"Gin.... do you believe that my nephew would come here purposely just to make amends with me?" Aizen suddenly asked. Gin frowned in surprise but knew that his master wanted to hear his opinion as he sighed deeply.

"No, I honestly don't believe he would do such a thing, Master," answered Gin. "We knew them for too long that for him to bring a gift directly to you...."

".... This is not right, I'm certain of it," he frowned, reaching for the pitcher. Removing the cork, he took a light sniff of the aroma. There was no distinction in of it besides the deep alluring scent of grape juice and some spices, but there it didn't mean that it was perfect. Luckily, there was already a spare cup on the table as he moved to get it.

"Ah, Master, what are you trying to do....?" his slave asked in surprise.

"I just need to see for myself, Gin. If there's anything wrong, I'll know for sure," Aizen muttered, pouring the violet-red liquid into the cup.

"But.... if it is tainted, then you shouldn't drink it....!" Gin frowned in concern. "You really could get sick or worse....! I can't let you do that, Master!"

"You're trying to stop me, Gin....?" Aizen questioned him, but his tone wasn't stern as his servant fidgeted with worry.

"As your loyal slave.... I have to protect you no, matter what...." he nodded. "I want to take the sacrifice, it can't be you....! You're not getting yourself killed from your ungrateful nephew....!"

"And hopefully I won't be killed from him tonight," muttered Aizen. But before he could take a sip from it, Gin suddenly snatched it out of his hands. "Gin...." he said in mild surprise.

"Please.... I need to do this, for you...." said Gin, smiling a little with his eyes opened. "This is my duty as a slave to serve you, Master. I have to see for myself if this is really poisoned."

"And if it does have poison?"

"Then.... I am glad to be belonged to you, my Master," Gin smiled softly, his light blue eyes glistened with subtle happiness. Without another hesitation, he put the cup to his lips and quickly drank the content.

"Gin...." Aizen gasped and he stood up. But Gin already finished the wine, squinting his eyes tight from the strong taste as he staggered backwards. "Gin.... are you all right?" he asked, quickly pulling him into his arms and holding his head.

"Yeah.... Shouldn't have to drink it so fast, though," Gin smiled a little, heated blush crept at his cheeks. But Aizen was still concerned, as he felt his body heat rising a little but he wasn't sure if it was from the drink or the poison in it. "Maybe I should take a second cup to see if it works--"

"No, that's enough, Gin," frowned Aizen. "At least wait and see.... if you're getting ill, then tell me right away. I'll be right by your side no matter what." Despite having a sour feeling in his stomach from drinking too fast, Gin managed to laugh.

"Even as your slave, I find it interesting that I have this much feelings for you after so many years," he laughed softly, his eyes watered a little as he snuggled into the linen-clad chest. "Silly Master.... you shouldn't care for me that much...."

"Nonsense, you've been my main slave for too long so it's hard to replace you...." Aizen smiled lightly in assurance and Gin laughed again, as he and the senator walked inside.

"Now's not the time for jokes...."

(Blood and Sand)

"...." Sitting quietly, Grimmjow scratched underneath the cuffs that was irritating his skin. He wished he could just take these off, it wasn't like he could do anything that would get him any further trouble without the chains. The natural lighting from was getting dimmed, meaning that nighttime was near. But he wondered if Ichigo was still out there, just sitting out in the streets just to see him. "Shit, you're much more stubborn than I expected you to be...." he sighed tiredly.

He would have to wait another sleepless night, not sure if Ginjou would coming by later on. If that is the case.... "Shit....!" he scoffed, shaking the tough iron chains. "Ichigo, just go back home.... Don't waste your breath on me...."

He glanced up when he heard movements, until he saw two guards walking up to his cell. He frowned but looked down on his lap when one of them placed his usual meal next to him. ".... Just so you know, your master had already left just a while ago," said one of the guards.

"That's good to know, but my master's very persistence and he won't give up so easily," muttered Grimmjow. "It could be a year and he would wait for me. You should do him a favor and let him speak to me."

"Tch, don't really get what's up with that kid. I've never heard of a Roman being so supportive for a slave," muttered the other guard.

".... And that's why I trust my master, and no one else...." muttered the blunet, but he was obviously ignored when he was soon left alone in his cell. ".... Ichigo...." he mumbled quietly, before reluctantly moving to eat. It was conflicting, he wanted to see Ichigo so badly yet he didn't want him to stay forever for someone like him. It had only been two days of being apart, yet it felt like years. But Ichigo will wait for him, and it hurt to hear of him doing that. And it won't be long until the teen's father will get suspicious of his behavior, and Grimmjow doesn't want that for him.

After the slow eating, he finally started to feel tired but his mind was still full of paranoia, wondering if Ginjou might come here again. But after a couple of hours of waiting, he couldn't take it anymore as he eventually went into another uncomfortable sleep. Maybe the praetor really had went through his plan of killing his uncle, and there was nothing he can do about it.

Meanwhile....

The last sliver of red-orange sky was still evident in the horizon, as Ichigo brisked out of the city. Despite of his initial plan of waiting out until he could speak to Grimmjow, he realized halfway through the day that it was a bit pointless to do so. Plus, without the proper authorization, he would just look like an idiot sitting under the warm sun day after day. That would lead to one sensible thing, he needed to go to Aizen and request for permission.

He cannot wait much longer, as he saw the nearby villa of the senator. Aizen should be home by now so this was an appropiate time as he walked up to the large front door and knocked. He waited only a few moments until the doors opened and he blinked in slight surprise at a different faced slave. Usually it would be Gin who answered the door but he didn't dwell on it for long as the slave bowed his head.

"I'm sorry.... but the Master is not allowing any visitors at the moment," he muttered quietly.

"Not allowing visitors....? Why, is there something wrong with him?" Ichigo questioned in surprise.

"I'm sorry but I cannot say," the servant bowed in apology. "Please visit another time...."

"W-wait a minute....! At least tell him that Ichigo Kurosaki came to see him, that's all....!" he mentioned. The slave nodded at his request before closing the door, leaving Ichigo to frown in disbelief. Did something happen to Aizen that he didn't want visitors, was he ill of some sort?

"Damn it...." he scoffed in defeat. The one time he wanted to see the senator, and he wasn't available to be seen. "Guess I have to wait until tomorrow...."

Meanwhile, in the slaves' quarters, Aizen sat by a bed where Gin was lying in, his face fixed with much concern but also irritation. It turned out to be true.... the silver-haired slave was gasping for air, his nornally pale skin went into the a feverish pallor with a film of sweat soaking his body. That wine was poisonous as Aizen had expected it to be. But he didn't think it would be that terrible and that quickly effective, as he watched him coughed and wheezed. From one cup, he himself could have turned out like Gin right here and now.

As a Roman, he shouldn't feel so concerned on the help, but he had a reason to do so as a human being as he grasped at his clammy hand. "Try to stay calm, Gin...." he muttered to him. But even under the sickness, Gin managed to laugh though it was a weak one.

"D-Don't worry 'bout me, Master...." he grinned a little, reverting back to his usual dialect. "Maybe i-if I was a little fatter, th-then the poison woulda slowed down in my s-system...."

"Shh, don't talk and concentrate on breathing, all right....?" said Aizen. Gin coughed again but nodded. "I should have known.... It was far too suspicious for Ginjou to come here just to ask for forgiveness.... He knew me too much that I have a specific taste of wine and to give me that...."

"H-he's a troublesome man, M-Master...." mumbled Gin, flinching a little when he felt a cool damp cloth on his forehead.

"He's far more than troublesome, that's for sure...." the senator sighed before he saw another servant walking in. "What is it? Was there someone at the door?"

"Yes, Master, it was the young man Ichigo Kurosaki," he answered quietly.

"Ichigo, you say? What did he want?" he asked.

"He didn't say, only to wish to speak to you, Master...."

"I see.... probably to discuss about Grimmjow's predictament," nodded Aizen. "It's not the right time to do so, anyway, not when I just found about that assination attempt on me and with Gin being poisoned--"

"M-Master...." Gin gasped out. "It's okay.... y-ya need ta talk ta Ichigo," he said, his eyes opened up to look at him. "If he c-can do this ta ya, then he can do it t-ta anyone, includin' Ichigo. An' fer wha'....? It's cuz that G-Gaul man made him insane...."

"Gin, you're hallucinating," Aizen shook his head.

"No...." Gin muttered, gripping at his hand. "Please listen, Master.... I'm not n-naive on this.... Grimmjow's tha reason yer nephew's goin' mad, just cuz tha man's very defiant against him, not that I blame h-him.... But, wit' Kuugo showin' off his true colors, i-it's only a matter o' time 'til he does it again...."

"Do you believe so, Gin? Maybe it's only me he's after--"

"An' wit'out ya, Kuugo's free ta punish Grimmjow as he wants ta," he said before coughing again. "It m-makes sense, only ya and couple o' senators are protectin' Grimmjow.... an' wit' him gone, there's no tellin' o' whether or not that there could be war, r-right?" Aizen stared at him and nodded. Regardless of his status, Gin was truly smart. With him gone, there was no promise that Grimmjow would be protected under his care, meaning that the Gaul would be executed by Ginjou. That was the plan, or supposed to if Aizen had drank the wine.

"When you get better tomorrrow, I will speak to Ichigo...." he concluded.

"No.... whether I live or not, ya still need ta warn them 'bout Kuugo," Gin insisted. "I don' want y-ya ta act when it's too late...."

"Hmm.... you're too loyal of a slave for me, Gin," Aizen sighed with a small smile. "But I'd rather have you live for the next day.... All right then, I will talk to Ichigo as well as Grimmjow. It needs to be done."

"Y-yes, Master...." Gin smirked weakly.

(Blood and Sand)

Zangestu whined and huffed, as Ichigo left his bedroom. It was another day but the teen couldn't just sit around the house all day, not with his mind on Grimmjow. The more time would passed, the less chance he would get speaking to him. His dog followed him downstairs, as he crept to the kitchen. He didn't want the rest of his family to wake up, especially his father who was still around. With his constant trips to the city lately, he would assume that his father would be getting irritated from it. But with his only parent being busy with his own job, it was hard to tell.

"Shh...." Ichigo hushed his dog when Zangetsu yelped softly. "Here, Zan.... now run along...." he muttered, feeding him pieces of dried meat before he stole a round loaf of bread and a couple of apples. He guessed he had to wait another full day in an attempt to see Grimmjow.

But as soon as he left the kitchen, Nel was about to walk in. Both of them was startled in surprise before the woman noticed the food in his hands. ".... You're going back over there, huh?" she frowned.

".... Yeah...." nodded Ichigo. Nel just stared at him, as if unsure what else to say as she fidgeted with her fingers. ".... Is there something wrong, Nel?"

"Ichigo...." Nel sighed deeply before getting her composure. "I don't want you to go with your plan.... if and when Grimmjow will be sent away," she whispered. "I could never let you take your own life because of Ginjou."

"Nel...." frowned.

"Listen to me.... I know that your father cannot protect you forever, but you've forgotten that you have other relatives to live with in case Ginjou attempts to come after you," she reasoned. "They can protect you in another city, far from Rome. Remember, your cousin Kaien is a quaestor-- a powerful public figure. Maybe you can discuss this with your father of moving there."

".... You won't pressure me into telling him the truth about me and Grimmjow, Nel?" Ichigo asked quietly.

"That doesn't matter anymore, Ichigo...." she shook her head. "I'm not saying this because of Grimmjow's being locked away. But with him being absent, that request seems to be pointless right now...."

"But...."

"I'm sorry for putting the pressure on you but I really do care about you," frowned Nel. "I really don't want you to get hurt, not like this."

"Yeah, I understand that, Nel," Ichigo smiled lightly. "I didn't mean anything from my outbursts from before, I was just angry over everything. I really love you like family...." That made Nel smile in relief, before the woman moved to hug him.

"It's all right, Ichigo," she sighed, kissing at his forehead. "But remember this, you will be safe no matter what, even when Grimmjow's away."

"Yeah...." nodded Ichigo, before he heard a set of footsteps coming this way.

"Uh, Ichigo....?" Orihime called out and he looked at her. "There's, um, someone here for you...." she said.

"A visitor....? At this time?" frowned Ichigo. "Who is it, Orihime?"

"It's.... Senator Aizen, Ichigo," she replied. Ichigo blinked in surprise. Aizen being here, to see him? Giving his food to Nel, he moved to go to the foyer. Something wasn't right.... If Aizen was here to see him, then did something happen to Grimmjow....? Sure enough, he saw the senator, appearing distressed and weary, and he slowly walked up to him.

"Aizen....?" he muttered.

"Good Morning, Ichigo," nodded Aizen though he was still frowning.

".... Did something happen, involving Grimmjow?" he questioned hesitantly.

"As a matter of fact, yes.... something did happen, and it might involve Grimmjow...." Aizen frowned, and Ichigo inhaled in surprise.

"Wh-what do you mean by that....?"

".... Come with me, so we can discuss this further," Aizen explained as he turned to leave. Despite being shocked and confused, Ichigo instanly followed after him. Whatever this urgent visitation was about, he didn't wait to demand what was going on. And if it involved Grimmjow, he wasn't going to take any chances.

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Ughh, I was so lazy halfway through, but I managed to do it! Yay! Unfortunately, I'm going on a week-long vacation so no writing for a little while. Although you wouldn't know from my last update since I'm always get distracted by the wonderful world of the internet!LOL So yeah, more crazy drama!

Read and review.

I'll update ASAP!
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