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Contract
By : NeemaAdaeze
Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female
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Chapter List
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Contract by Boogermeister

Chapter 4- First Quarter Initiation

He was wrong, the moment he saw the greyish-white clouds overlapping with one another, covering the entire sky. He had a feeling about it, he could feel it in his body. His instincts were telling him to hide away until the 'danger' was gone, it wasn't safe to venture outside. Even decades of living strong was no match for him in the condition he was in right now. He stared intently through the living room window, his palms and fingers pressed against the cool glass as he growled. Why does it have to happen right now....?

Eventually, he moved away from the window. For now, he was safe in the house, nobody wouldn't bother him here. But what about today? Does he still have to go out to escort Ichigo from school....? He sniffed the air and frowned, Isshin wasn't home yet since the twins reminded him of his work at the hospital. Maybe he should call Kisuke to do it for him, then--

Grimmjow frowned grimly, his eyes fallen to the ground in realization. That would always happen.... even the thought of it made him squeamish to ask someone to run his errands. Even then, he was reluctant to do so and made himself go out to get Ichigo in the past. But it was one of these days that he was vulnerable, when he could barely harness his demonic powers. He might as well be a human, as he scoffed under his breath.

"Shit, shit...." he grumbled, plopping himself onto the couch just a second before he heard movements from upstairs. He knew it was Ichigo, she had been getting up early to avoid him, plus he could smell the artificial scent of pomergranate as he soon heard her walking quietly downstairs. He didn't bother to look up, but knew that she was rushing around in the kitchen for breakfast. "Damn it...." he sighed before getting up. Maybe this was the best time to tell her now, like Kisuke had suggested.

As he made his way to the kitchen, Ichigo was about to step out. The teen stiffened in surprise at the sight of him, he had kept his distance from her before but being so close to him was a shock. "Ah, fuck....!" she scoffed, taking a step back. "What the hell, Grimmjow....!"

"Sorry about that, but there's something I need to--" he muttered but Ichigo roughly moved past him. "Ichigo, wait a minute...." he said.

"I'm going to be late for school," she huffed.

"Just wait....!" he insisted, reaching out to grasp her by the arm. But the moment he touched her, the novice hunter whirled out of his hold and glared at him.

".... What do you want?" she scowled bitterly. Grimmjow just frowned at her, but let that go as he took a deep sigh.

"Ichigo.... I have something to tell you, something important," he frowned. "The thing is.... I'm not sure if I'm able to meet you after school today." Instead of being surprised by the news, Ichigo just looked at him dubiously.

"Fine, I guess I could hang out with Rukia then...." she sighed as she was about to turn to the front door.

"No, you don't get it, Ichigo," said Grimmjow.

"What? What is it....?" she frowned at him. "You're not picking me up, and that's that. And I'm glad that you're not, at least there's no one to breathe down my neck."

"That's not it, kid--"

"You're not making any sense, and frankly I don't give a damn," scoffed Ichigo. "If there's anything else you want to tell me, just save it for later...."

"Just.... wait a fucking minute!" Grimmjow suddenly growled out, almost startling the teen. "Just.... hear me out, okay? I have a reason why I cannot get you," he gritted, his instincts asking to lash out. "Look outside, the weather's changing and it will rain soon. I won't be able to leave the house, Ichigo, if that happens."

"Oh.... is that it. I guess old habits are too fucking hard to break," Ichigo scoffed at the news.

"That's not what I'm trying to say, Ichigo," he frowned.

"Oh, I know what I'm hearing, and that you're acting like a real scaredy cat over something like rain," she scowled. "Like I said, it's because of your stupid phobia that I don't have a mother....! I don't care that you're not coming for me, Grimmjow, just because you didn't save her!"

"And the reason I didn't save her is because I couldn't save her....!" he gritted. "I just couldn't go out there and save her.... because I'm powerless during rainstorms! My demonic powers diminishes from the weather, Ichigo....!"

".... What....?" Ichigo could only stare at him in total disbelief, as if his answer wasn't true. But thinking back on it.... there had been times that Grimmjow had appeared unusually anxious and miserable during rainy days. But if that was the case, then why would he let himself go out anyway....? Just for her, when she was a little kid....? ".... Prove it," she spoke out.

"Wait, what?" Grimmjow frowned in surprise.

"You may be a cat demon, but I doubt that could be the reason--"

"You don't believe me? That's the truth, Ichigo....!" Grimmjow scoffed in disbelief. "You've forgotten that I'm a hybrid of two different cat demons. But the powers from my father-- who was a werecat-- have limitations. And right now, I can't use it during rainstorms!"

"But it's not raining now! I want you to prove it to me that you still got any demonic powers!" she scowled. "Better yet.... I don't need to! It still doesn't explain why for that one day you couldn't go, and my mother had to get me....!"

"My weakness wasn't my fault, your mother knew that!" he growled, close to baring his teeth out of impatience. "She was the one who insisted on getting you on that day, when I wanted to in the first place....! I can't be at fault, Ichigo....!"

"It's still your fault, regardless of that....!" she scoffed angrily.

"Ichigo--"

"Just shut up....!" Even with his sharper senses, he didn't see it coming when he suddenly felt a sharp sting on his cheek. He looked up in utter surprise at the teen with her hand raised, realizing that she had struck him. "Even if it was a demon attack.... it's still your fault that she's dead," she gritted bitterly. "You were supposed to be her partner, yet you let her die.... There's nothing you can do for me can erase that tragedy. So why are you even here, Grimmjow....?"

".... It's your mother's wishes that I become your partner, Ichigo," Grimmjow growled lowly. "She knew her own death will come sooner or later, and she knew that you will become powerful one of these days. But until you learn how to reason with me, something bad will happen to you too...."

"Something bad....? Like what?" she scoffed.

"Fuck-- just anything, you selfish brat!" he snapped with a snarl. Ichigo literally flinched by his angered tone, taking a step back almost out of reflex. "It's because of your mother that I am now connected to you!" he growled, his sharp white teeth bared at the teen. "There's no getting out of it unless one of us is dead, but she made me promise to look after you no matter what....!"

"What--"

"Your mother and I made a deal, involving you, soon after you were born...." he growled, stalking up to her with his glowing eyes narrowed at the shocked teen. "There's really no getting out from this deal, since it was signed with blood.... mine and yours, to be exact. And if you dare to try and break it off, you will die. And that will be my fault, Ichigo."

Ignoring the throbbing pain on her hand from slapping him, Ichigo stared at him with shocked and widened eyes. Was that true....? She was never told of this, that her mother's last wishes were actually more than that. But.... how could this be, why was she connected to Grimmjow over a blood deal? Grimmjow just glared at her, a deep growl vibrating out of his throat before stepping away. "If only your mother would see how fucking petty and selfish you are acting right now...." he growled lowly. "With the way you are at the moment, you don't even deserve to be a fucking hunter...."

"Wha...." Ichigo was lost for words, it was something she had never seen this side of Grimmjow. The powerful demon, who was like a tamed beast to her when she was little, was glowering at her in complete disappointment right now. She reluctantly looked away, not wanting to feel the intense aura coming from him.

".... Just go.... you're going to be late for school," he snorted, turning away from her. "Do what you want, kid, if you think you're so fucking tough to do shit by yourself...."

"But, ah...." Ichigo couldn't speak, all of the hatred and the grudge she had towards him seemed pointless anymore. She just frowned, before finally moving to slip on her sneakers. She wanted to look at Grimmjow, but for some reasons.... she didn't want to be scolded by the last person she had expected. She didn't hear his movements saved for the stressful growling coming from him, but eventually she opened the door and left the house.

The air was chilly, a sign from a coming rainstorm. Ichigo frowned grimly, a sour feeling was clenching at her stomach. Was it guilt she was feeling....? It felt different from the guilt she would have when being lectured by her father. There was no way she could act so bitter as before once she goes home, as she began walking her way to school.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"Ichigo, is there something wrong....?" frowned Rukia, finally having a chance to speak with her soon after dismissal. Ichigo, being sullen and quiet for the entire day, merely shrugged though not acknowledging her concern, passing through clusters of students. Rukia frowned again, simply shaking her head of what could be going on in her mind. ".... Another bout with Grimmjow, Ichigo?" she questioned quietly.

"...." Ichigo didn't answer, her tired eyes looking ahead as soon as they left the school. It seemed that Grimmjow was right all along, as he wasn't by the gate. Plenty of their classmates seemed to notice it as well.

"That yakuza guy's not here...."

"Guess Kurosaki's bodyguard ain't gonna be around today."

She ignored the snide comments, but it was the least of her concern. She was supposed to be a hunter, born from a strong family from her father's side. She took up the responsibilities after him and tried everything she can to strengthen up her skills.... and yet she felt like a misbehaving child being punished by someone she once adored. It left a very bitter taste in her mouth. Seven years of blaming someone felt like such a waste now....

Her mother was the one who created some deal with Grimmjow, just to protect her. Thinking about it, it sounded like she was the type to do such a thing. And yet.... Ichigo was in the dark about it from the beginning, she was never told about Grimmjow being contracted to protect her at all cost. That was why Isshin insisted on getting the cat demon back as her partner despite her protests.

"Ichigo...." The teen was shrugged on the arm, before finally noticing Rukia frowning in concern. "What is going on with you....?" she asked quietly. "Did you got into trouble with Grimmjow again?

".... I don't know...." Ichigo muttered, and her petite friend looked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean by that? Is there a reason he's not here to pick you up?" she questioned.

".... He's mad at me, for being mad at him," came her dismissive answer.

"Oh.... well, what did you expect out of this, Ichigo? You cannot blame him for something that nobody had control of," frowned Rukia. "And if Grimmjow's mad at you for that, then it means he's been hurting just like you have been. The only difference is that he's been grieving all alone for years."

"...." Ichigo didn't think of it like that, looking down on the ground as she walked lazily. Maybe that explained why Grimmjow didn't go to her mother's funeral, feeling so ashamed of failing her and the family. So that what it was, she had been acting like a pitiful child who clinged on to the past; she hadn't been able to grow up and move on like a normal person would have.

"Ichigo....?"

".... I think.... I should go home, Rukia...." sighed Ichigo. Rukia blinked at her sullen expression but let out a loud sigh.

"Your stubborness, you need to work on that...." she muttered as she shook her head. "Fine then, Ichigo.... I'll talk to you later. But cheer up, okay?"

"Yeah...." nodded Ichigo but it was a very brief gesture as she looked up to see her friend walking away in a different direction. She then looked around to see that she was near the shopping district. The teen stopped her walking, wondering if going straight home right now would give her more drama. She didn't want to see Grimmjow, to have the heated glare on her for being such a fool. There was no one home except for that demon at the moment, so she doubted that her father would try to lecture her for ignoring the meanings of her punishment.

Resuming a pointless stroll, she wandered past shops and stores, not wanting to think about the blood deal or protection or anything else. But as she was about to look up, she suddenly stopped when she felt a strong demonic aura nearby. Looking around in full alert, she realized that she was across the street from that recently opened shop, owned by that nue demon.

And sure enough, she saw him standing outside the store but he didn't have any flyers in his hands. Rather, he seemed impatient over something, with his arms crossed over his chest and his foot tapping, as if waiting for something. It seemed that he didn't notice her and was fully concentrated on his own distractions. Ichigo watched him and frowned, what could be it that this nue seemed to be irritated about? It was fortunate enough for her that she then noticed a guy wearing a frumpy business suit and sunglasses walking up to him.

And following after that peculiar man were a cluster of about four or five young women. Ichigo peered closer; those women appeared to be wary and apprehensive of being there. And by the look of that shady man, who was actually human, it seemed that her initial accusation proven to be true. Now that she suddenly saw a stuffed unmarked envelope being handed the nue demon who now seemed pleased of the offering.

"About time...." sighed Renji, stuffing the envelope into his back pocket as he glanced at the women. "Are these the girls....? Are they suitable for the jobs I got for them....?" It was far to see, but Ichigo read his lips. That Renji guy soon smirked before he opened his store door. "Get in, please, I'm already late for my appointment...."

"Of course, sir. Come on...." She saw the seemingly frightened women being herded inside, before Renji shook hands with the shady-looking man.

"Take care," she heard him say before he was walking off. Ichigo narrowed her eyes, she was right all along. That nue really was trafficking human girls after all. She was about to reach for her cell phone but realized that calling for Urahara would take too long to carry out an action, and waiting too long meant she couldn't get enough evidence to prove the nue's shadier activities.

".... Shit," Ichigo frowned. She couldn't waste any time right now, when her opportunity was already walking down a few blocks. She quickly began to follow his trail, vaguely aware of a distant rumbling sound of thunder. If she can catch him in the act, then that would prove her worth as a hunter. With or without Grimmjow.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Even from miles away, Grimmjow nearly flinched from the sound of rumbling thunder. He sat up from the couch he was lounging and stared at the front window. The grey-white sky was still in this area, but by the sound he heard with his supernatural ears it won't be long until the rain comes. He frowned, he was alone in the house but he didn't like it. After that blow-out this morning, he confided to himself in Isshin's clinic, not wanting to be seen by the twins for the next few hours. But the stagnant smell of medicine and rubbing alcohol was getting to him and resumed back in his temporary bed.

The natural need to stay in the house was hard to ignore. He could feel his bones shivering at the thought of leaving what was 'safe', but he didn't like his weakness. Werecats were similar to werewolves, including most weaknesses like being harmed or killed by silver. But he was immune to that mystical metal thanks to his hybrid upbringing, but he was still helpless when comes to rainstorms. During his self-exile, he made makeshift shelters from abadoned caves or tents, but he was still fearful of the weather.

He glanced up at the window again, realizing that Ichigo should be home right now. That should be expected when he told why he couldn't get her. But Ichigo should be in the wrong, she didn't take his explanation seriously, that and the fact that they were contracted to one another by blood.

If that was the case, then what was the point of being here at all? As he mulled it over, he heard the sound of calm footsteps coming up to the house. He stood up to see who was coming but he knew it wasn't Ichigo. The feet sounded too heavy and tired, as the front door soon opened. ".... You're here, Grimmjow?" Isshin frowned in surprise when he stepped in.

"Yeah...." sighed Grimmjow with a reluctant nod. Isshin frowned, taking off his jacket and shoes before going up to him.

"Ichigo's not here," he stated.

"I know that...." he replied grimly.

"So.... either Ichigo decided to ignore my punishment, or you didn't bother to get her after school," Isshin sighed with a shake of his head.

"I'm sorry about that, but the weather...." he muttered, but the former hunter realized it as he looked out the window.

"I almost forgot about that.... it will rain today, right?" he said. Grimmjow just frowned, before looking away as he scratched the back of his head. "I guess Ichigo would go against my words if it involves you--"

"Shiba.... I blew it," he said, and Isshin looked at him in surprise. "I.... I told her that I am weak during rainstorms, about why I couldn't save Masaki on that day. But.... I don't think she believes me and she berated me. And.... I couldn't take it anymore and I told her off, that I am contracted to her and nothing can change that."

"What....? You didn't mention the whole thing, did you?" Isshin questioned.

"No, I didn't.... but it doesn't change the fact that she doesn't want me around," he scoffed. "I'm trying everything I can with her, and yet she kept pushing me away. If this keeps up, then the contract between us will break with terrible consenquences." Isshin looked at him and sighed deeply, crossing his arms over his chest as he walked around the living room.

"If that's the case, then why are you so close to failing to connect with her, Grimmjow....?" he asked quietly.

"I'm not...."

"You are, you pretty much proved it by telling her off," he frowned at him. "Look at you, Grimmjow, you're grumbling about Ichigo not wanting to be with you when you're not even trying. You're just sitting around and moping that you can't do it. I thought you were a powerful demon, Grimmjow, so why are you apprehensive of being by Ichigo's side?"

"Why?" Grimmjow gave off a derisive scoff and his narrowed eyes glowed when he glanced at him. "She is your daughter, it should be your role to look after her from any mundane danger like male suitors. But she will not have anything like that, not even a normal life.... because I have to be with her. You were there when Masaki written the contract, when I personally pricked Ichigo's finger for her blood to seal it, when she was only a couple of months old. I am more than a partner for her or even a protector."

"Grimmjow...."

"She belongs to me in a different way, Shiba," he scoffed, walking up to him. "She has to be mine in order to protect her. You let it happen only because you trust Masaki and her powers, and you trust me as well."

"That's because you're the only one I can trust to watch over her, Grimmjow," Isshin said and Grimmjow blinked at him in surprise. "The twins barely have any powers to properly distinguish demons from humans, let alone harness it to become hunters. Ichigo is the only one who developed hers from Masaki, and because of that she will be in constant danger. That's why I want you by her side, I can only do so much for her during the past seven years."

"But...." Grimmjow looked back at the window, feeling his throat dry when he tried to swallow. In a way, Ichigo was right about that one day he didn't pick her up and it resulted in Masaki's death. But on that day, it was pouring torrentially and his powers were diminished greatly. If he were the one to go, then........

He heard the sound of thunder again. It was getting close, but it was still far away. Maybe if he had enough time.... "I'll find her, I doubt she'll answer your calls, Shiba," he sighed heavily.

"Are you sure? The rain'll start in a moment or two--"

"I can manage.... she's already in enough trouble as it is," he said, quickly putting on his jeans then his shoes. "If something happens and I hadn't returned within the hour.... call her mentor for back-up."

"Fine, just be careful...." nodded Isshin. Grimmjow nodded back as he opened the door and stepped out. His instincts were raving inside of him, telling him to go back. But he growled, forcing his body to move ahead. There was no way that he would hold himself back just because of his limitations. The strong smell of water was in air, but he ignored as he made his route to the school. He could track her scent there, but with the rain coming he was on borrowed time.

"Ichigo...." he grunted.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

As quietly as she could, Ichigo trailed after Renji. Not so close to him, as she walked several yards away from him. But it seemed that the nue demon didn't notice her presence, with clusters of other humans passing by every so often. After a while, she glanced around and frowned, the central districts of the city were slowly changing into a more inconspicuous environment. The buildings she had passed by were rather underdeveloped and shoddy, as if nobody had ever bothered to fix them up.

A gust of wind suddenly picked up, making an old discarded can rolled and rattled in front of her. Renji stopped at the sound of it, and Ichigo instantly froze. It was possible that he would notice her, now that there were far less people around. But Renji resumed walking as he put his hands in his pockets, but the teen girl was beginning to think this was a bad idea. To follow after a Class-A demon through a shady neighborhood without her weapon, it seemed so wrong at all ends.

But she had to prove to everyone that she was a good hunter. To her father and her mentor, and especially to Grimmjow. Even with the so-called contract sealed with blood, there was no way that she would need him. She trailed after the demon, this time with wider but fair distance between them. But Ichigo was keeping an eye out of her surroundings. The route was taking longer than she had expected, as the crumbling buildings gave way to a clear opening. In a distant, she saw a large chain-link fence and behind it were large rows of warehouses.

Was this where that nue demon was operating his darker side of business....? She saw him going up to the already opened gate and and entered the lot. Ichigo frowned, she needed to catch him in the act once he gets to his base of operation. But the moment she stepped past the gate, Renji seemed to slow down his pace. He must be close to his place, Ichigo suspected.

".... Goodness gracious, how long are you gonna keep tailing me, girl?" Renji questioned out loud.

Ichigo felt her heart jolted in sheer shock, her eyes widened when the demon stopped his walking and turned to her. He was annoyed at her persistence yet at the same time he appeared amused for going so long, as he quirked a light smirk. "What....?" she gasped sharply.

"I knew of your scent from the start, when you were only a block away from me," Renji smirked, poking at his nose. "If you were a professional hunter as you thought you were, you would've used one of those special concealing body sprays that not even a high-ranking demon would have sniff you out. But here you are, sweating in fear because you got caught, like a kid with his hands in a cookie jar."

"But.... that doesn't change the fact about my initial suspicions about you," Ichigo scoffed, her eyes narrowed to glare at him. "I knew you were a devious demon, when I saw you herding women to your so-called business earlier. Care to deny it now....?"

"Herding? Why would I do such a thing, when those women wanted to go there in the first place?" he smirked.

"To 'work' at your place, in a form of trafficking, I suppose?" she questioned him. Renji's smile dropped for a fraction of a second, before he let a loud laugh as he shook his head.

"Trafficking, as in prostitution....?! Sure, I once owned a brothel or two around the end of the Edo period, but I've been going on legitimate businesses for the past few decades, girl," he chuckled. At that, Ichigo frowned in a mix of disbelief and surprise. Edo....? This demon was that old?

"You're that old....?"

"Heh, close to four hundred years old, little girl...." he grinned as he looked at her reaction. "Still wanna come at me now, or do you want to back away and be a good little pretend hunter that you are-- Ichigo, was it?"

"Wh-what was that?!" scowled Ichigo, reaching to her back pocket.

"Even with that badge, you cannot stop me so easily," he smirked, and Ichigo paused in her actions. "You really don't get it, do you....? I'm one of the oldest demons in this area, I'm a rare nue, and I'm even more rare with my abilities that not even the most advanced hunters know of. You're pretty much playing with fire, girl, and honestly I'm getting a bit annoyed by you insistent accusations."

"Doesn't matter, because I can still do well without my weapon," she scowled. "And until you admit it, I won't back down from someone like you." A deep rumbling of thunder was close, as Renji chuckled and took a step back.

"All right, all right.... Actually, I like your attitude and personality, Ichigo," he said. Much to Ichigo's slight confusion, he began to take off his shirt. His exposed rock-hard abs were covered in the tribal markings, etched over his chest and down his stomach. "I supposed you'll be a first hunter in years to see what I can do. That is.... if you can manage it."

"Like what do I owe the pleasure of seeing some overgrown monkey demon changing to his real self?" scoffed Ichigo.

"No, no.... If I were to reveal my real self, this entire place would've leveled by my size," smirked Renji, with his garnet eyes glowed intensely as he hunched over. "No.... I'll only give you just a small percentage of my powers."

"What....?" Within seconds, Ichigo felt a strong surge of demonic aura coming from him and the instinctive need to back down immediately went up in her mind. But whether it was fear or determination, her feet couldn't move as she stared at the demon's body rippling.

"Grahh....!" Renji growled out, his teeth sharpened with drooling fangs before he arched his back. Within seconds, his jeans ripped apart, revealing his legs morphing into what looked like hind legs of a feline animal. Even his shoes were torn away when his feet enlarged into clawed ones, as bright red fur cloaked over his lower body. Ichigo watched with a frozen expression, noticing the marking on his stomach had crept over his thighs like stripes, before more fur grew from the center on his chest and on the back of his now clawed hands.

"Hahh...." growled the demon, as a serpentine tail suddenly slithered behind him. His long tongue darted out to lick his lips as he exhaled, before his glowing eyes narrowed at the shellshocked teen. "Satisfy now, hunter....?" he smirked, his slightly guttural voice rumbling deep from his chest. "Because of you, I ripped my good pants. I hope you'll pay for it after we're done here."

".... Tch, as if, considering that you accepted bribes that I saw earlier," Ichigo managed to speak out, with renewed heated glare on the transformed demon. Renji rumbled out a chuckle as he stood straight up.

"Like I said, I like you," he grinned, taking a heavy step forward. "If I haven't have a previous agenda to uphold, I would consider taking you in and teach you a thing or two about a demon like me." With that, he licked his lips, and Ichigo almost shuddered at his double meaning.

"S-stay back....!" she scowled, taking out her badge. But she didn't even have a chance to move, when the nue was suddenly in front of her. "Wha--"

"You're slow, girl...." he teased. Before Ichigo could react, she felt a tight constricting bind around her body.

"A-ahh....!" she gasped out, realizing that her arms were immobalized against her sides and looked down to see the lizard-like tail was coiled around her. Renji simply smirked, easily lifting up the hunter off her feet as he glared at her shocked expression.

"You shouldn't have fuck around with me, Ichigo," he rumbled, his face inches from her own. "To be honest, I don't usually harm females, they're too fragile to fight. I have an honor to uphold, so I won't really hurt you." He then smirked, revealing his fanged teeth before he lifted her up higher. "I think I would just play around with you, just to teach you a lesson...."

"Ahh! N-no, wait--" With a twist of his tail, he swung her around before unfurling the scaly appendage. "Ugh....!" she grunted when she tossed to the ground. She tumbled across the concrete, but the impact was a lot more subdued than she had fearfully expected. But she didn't have a chance to recover, as Renji was on her almost instantly.

"Hah! Not so tough now....!" he snarled in delight, his tail moving to wrap around her.

"No you don't....!" Ichigo scowled, without hesitating she slammed her badge against the tail. Renji felt a sudden shock against her reptilian skin and jumped away from her. He hissed in slight pain as he glared at the teen, who struggled to get to her knees. "Told you that I can hold my own against you....!" she gritted. The nue demon growled under his breath, he could feel the burning pain on his tail before he crouched on all four.

"Sneaky little girl.... but I gotta admit, I like your fire," he growled. "Guess I gotta up my game, then...." With a push of his powerful legs, he jumped at her with a snarl. The initial shock of seeing the powerful demon before her was already running off, as Ichigo quickly dodged out of the way. But not before thrusting her badge at him, singeing the skin on his marked arm. "Fuck....!" he snarled, gaining his footing.

"Heh, guess your boast of being a powerful demon is nothing but shit!" panted Ichigo with a shaky smirk. Renji snarled and glared at her, but he grinned and bared his drooling fangs. His pointed ears caught the crackling sound of thunder so closely by, but he ignored it as he reached up to rip off his bandana.

"Have you forgotten what I've just said? I don't like laying my hands on a lady," he growled.

"If that's the case then it means you're holding back, you monkey shit!" she sneered. "I could eaily defeat you if you're gonna act so chivalrous....!" Renji laughed, snapping off his hairtie and his crimson hair fell down his shoulders and back.

"No matter, I'll knock you down and make you squeal like a frightened piglet....!" he growled. He took a step forward but suddenly froze, before he let out a low threatening snarl. "What the....? Seems that a stray kitten had found us," he gritted, and Ichigo blinked in shock.

"Huh....?"

"Ichigo....!" Ichigo flinched at the booming voice before a figure suddenly appeared in front of her. She blinked again.... and realized who it was. Renji, however, frowned at the newcomer and narrowed his eyes.

"Tch.... you came at a bad time, I was only playing around with your human," he rumbled with his tail slithering behind him.

"Wha.... Grimmjow, what are you doing here?!" Ichi gasped in disbelief, managing to get to her feet. Grimmjow, with his back facing her, didn't acknowledge her for a moment, as he let out a defensive growl. But the teen couldn't believe it. She thought Grimmjow didn't want to come out because of the coming storm, as she glanced up to see the clouds were becoming darker and darker. She looked back at the blue-haired demon, and realized that his body was actually quivering, seeing his clenched fists were shaking. ".... Grimmjow?" she frowned.

"Huh....? What's wrong, little kitten? You're realizing that you're getting involved into deeper shit, after your human kept nosing into my business?" growled Renji.

"My bad.... I should've looked after her if I had known that she would do this," Grimmjow growled lowly, as he took a couple of steps forward. "But.... you harmed her nonetheless, and I won't tolerate it...." Renji looked at him and chuckled, as he crouched in defense.

"Play, harm, same thing," he smirked. "The real question is, what are you gonna do about it, Mister Whiskers....?" The cocky tone of his voice did not phase Grimmjow, who roughly tore off his shirt with the fabric ripping between his fingers.

"What I'm gonna do.... is to tear your monkey ass apart...." he snarled threateningly.

"What? Grimmjow--" Ichigo attempted to call out to him, but Grimmjow let out a vicious snarl as the muscles in his body rippled. She stumbled back a step despite of herself, feeling a strong wave of energy coming from him. It felt so familiar to her, even though it had been seven years since she had last saw him change. With wide eyes, she watched Grimmjow as the demon hunched over.

"Arghh....!" he yelled out, feeling his legs and feet shifting and morphing. His second-hand jeans were still in tact, but his shoes ripped apart, revealing black cat-like feet with ink-colored claws. He then went down on all fours, gritting his now sharpened teeth, as coarse black fur sprouted out of his elbows and down to the back of his clawed hands. His ears enlongated into cat-like ones with the same black hair, as his sky-blue hair grew down to his lower back. "Hnnn...!" he growled, before a snow-white tail flicked around agressively.

Renji growled but quirked an eyebrow, seeing that the tip of the cat demon's tail was split into two with black tufts. "Split tail....? Something's not right, you don't look like a bakeneko," he growled in slight confusion.

"I've warned you before.... I'm a hybrid of two feline demons," Grimmjow sneered, his cyan blue eyes glowed fiercely at him as the markings became more jagged. "I'm very strong so you should not be taken me lightly. Just for that.... I'll rip that fucking snake tail of yours." Ichigo didn't even see him move, just a blue blur charging at Renji.

"Guh....!" Renji was fast as a high-ranking demon, but feline-type demons were naturally light and quick on their feet. And being a mixed-breed of some, Grimmjow was even faster, as he nimbly dodged a slash from the nue. He leapt against the steel wall of a nearby warehouse before jumping for a counter-attack.

"Yahh!" he snarled, his black claws aimed for the nue demon's face.

"Shit!" Renji blocked the attack with his arms, hissing in pain when his skin got pierced. "Fucking alley cat! I'll rip your throat out!" he growled and pushed him away. On cue, Grimmjow landed on his feet but instantly went at him, his narrowed eyes glowing for bloodlust. Renji saw that coming, and whirled around with his scaly tail coming at him.

But instead of being struck on impact, Grimmjow used the opportunity to latch on, sinking his claws into the tough scales thanks to quick thinking. Renji snarled and swung his tail down to the concrete ground. "Agh....!" Grimmjow yelled out in pain from the impact but he didn't let go, as he gripped the nue's tail tighter.

"Either you let go or I'll slam your fucking brain across the ground!" snarled Renji, swinging the serpentine appendage again.

"Wait a minute! Grimmjow....!" Ichigo gasped in realization. With the tail slamming down the ground again, Grimmjow yelled again, this time coughing out blood from being slammed against his back. Already, he could feel it soon after his transformation, that his powers were slowly draining away. His grip was getting loose, before the red-haired demon swung his tail one more time.

"Guhh....!" Grimmjow gritted, out of instinct he let go of him and jumped away. Renji snarled under his breath, dark red blood dripped from his fresh wounds as he glared at the hybrid demon. "What's wrong, monkey....? I thought you are supposed to be a very powerful monster," he sneered, though his inner instincts were tearing in his mind for being out in the open.

If this continues on, then he would be helpless.... He snarled and bared his fangs, then he had to go to his back-up plan. Quickly going on all four, he suddenly charged at Renji.

"Grimmjow, wait--" Ichigo called out, when she noticed that Renji was going to swing his tail again. But Grimmjow already saw it coming, and shifted his footing just before he raised his clenched fist at the nue.

"Aghh!" Renji snarled out in pain the instant he was punched in the nose. He stumbled back out of reflex before Grimmjow moved for the second attack.

"Big mistake!" sneered Grimmjow, just as he gave him a high kick. The force of the attack sent the other demon flying across the ground, slamming into one of the large warehouses. Ichigo just stood there frozen, seeing how ferocious the cat demon was. She had completely forgotten how powerful he was, that his strength was more than enough to ward off middle-level demons. She flinched out of her stupor when a flash of lightning erupted overhead, and it seemed that Grimmjow noticed it as well as he heard the thunder booming loudly.

His anger and determination switched into a form of anxiety, he felt his heart beating harder than before as his sharp eyes darted at the blackened sky. "Shit.... I'm running out of time...!" he growled, before turning his attention to Ichigo. Maybe he should take the teen and flee while he still had the chance, as he was about to move.

"Fucking shit....!" An angry roar froze his movements, before he heard a harsh crushing sound of tough steel. He glared over his shoulder to see Renji getting to his feet. The nue's glowing eyes were fiery as he crushed the outer wall of the warehouse with his bare hands, his cheek was deeply bruised from the kick as he snarled at him. "I know that some bakeneko are agile but their physical attacks are not that fucking strong!" he snarled angrily. "Now I'm really gonna kill you....!"

"Shit....!" growled Grimmjow, just one more kick and then he would escape with Ichigo. "I'll have to end this...." With the strength of his hind legs, he charged at him at full speed. "I got you now....!"

But the sky let out an ear-deafening crash, and within seconds, Grimmjow felt a wet drop on his cheek. Almost instantly he felt his powers depleting away and he faltered, the moment heavy drops of rain felt over them. "Oh no...." he gasped in terror, stumbling into a stop just yards away from Renji. Ichigo noticed the cat demon's slumped form, before realizing it in disbelief.

Was this....? Grimmjow's truth about his weakness was for real....? Renji noticed it as well, before he grinned at his chance. "Gri.... Grimmjow....! Get back!" Ichigo yelled out, but the nue quickly charged at him.

"I knew it....!" he snarled, slashing at defenseless demon. Grimmjow saw his attack, and yet he felt body being sluggish when he attempted to dodge away.

"Ahhh!" he snarled at the searing pain across his chest. Blood splurted out from the deep wound and he stumbled back. "Fuck--" He didn't have time to dodge another attack, when Renji whipped his tail at him. It felt like a severe kick to the stomach, as Grimmjow choked out blood before he was sent flying. "Aghh!" he hissed after colliding against another warehouse, his ribs almost cracked from the impact.

"Grimmjow....!" Ichigo gasped sharply. But Renji laughed once Grimmjow crumbled to the ground, as he slowly stalked up to him.

"Oh, you're not just a bakeneko. I've seen your kind many times in my life," he smirked. "Your powers are useless once the sky is covered. With werewolves, they can't transform if the power of the moon is concealed. But I also knew that werecats are even more weak at any time, during storms regardless of lunar and solar powers. Didn't think that a freak like you would be one as well...."

"Wh-what....?" Ichigo couldn't move, even with the rain soaking into her uniform. Did that explain it....? Was that why Grimmjow was risking himself to look after her, until that one day when her mother volunteered....? She saw Grimmjow coughing and growling, as he shakily got to his feet. Blood and rainwater trailed down his stomach, but he ignored the pain and glared at the smirking nue.

"Oh, you're still gonna fight me, Whiskers?" he smirked. "Either I slammed you around too much, or you're that stubborn to back down. But I don't care, as long as I'm giving your pretty little human a show."

"Shut.... the fuck up, you monkey piece of shit....!" snarled Grimmjow, baring his fangs though his legs were wobbily. "I won't let you harm Ichigo....! I swore.... myself to protect her, that I'll die trying if it that's what it takes....!" Hearing of it, Ichigo felt even more shocked. This was what Grimmjow doing to prove it to her. He was risking his life for her.... when after years of the teen girl's hatred of him over the wrongful death of Masaki. This couldn't be right, she didn't want him to die just for her!

"Such a noble gentleman you are, but you're about as foolish as most humans are," smirked Renji, stepping closer to him.

"Might as well, I've lived with my former partner and her family for years...." he gritted. "And for that, I wanted to protect them, especially Ichigo. She is my new partner, and I will protect her...."

"Good to hear.... too bad you gonna die because of her foolishness," Renji grinned, before suddenly charging at him. Grimmjow, realizing that leaping out of the way was pointless, decidedly ducked down the moment the nue whipped his tail for his head. In a split-second he realized he was at close-range, he had to give a counter-attack. Bracing his hands against the ground, he quickly twisted his body and swung his leg up.

"Got you!" he snarled, his cat-like foot aiming at Renji's face.

"Heh...." Without skipping a beat, the nue simply grabbed his ankle with an iron grip. Grimmjow's heart jolted in surprise from the sudden turn of event, as he glared at him. "Nice try, but I won't fall for the same trick twice," he sneered with his fangs bared.

"Wha--" Before Grimmjow could try to get away, Renji suddenly sank his sharp teeth into his leg. "Ah-ahh....!" he yelled out at the sharp pain, thinking that the other demon will rip his leg off. But a second later, he felt a far more burning sensation, like hot acid was melting through his blood and muscles. His inner instincts got the better of him as he snarled out in a panic, in a struggle he lashed out at the nue's legs.

About as quick as it started, Renji let go of him but not before tossing him across several yards. The cat demon skidded over the puddled ground, his face landed against one before he began to gasp for air. What was going on....? It felt like he was being suffocated by an immense amount of pressure. His cyan eyes were wide, but his vision was beginning to blur, and his unusually warm body heat was quickly becoming hot and feverish.

".... jow! Grimmjow! Grimmjow, are you okay?!" Grimmjow didn't realize that Ichigo was yelling in sheer panic, as he was starting to claw at his own throat. He wasn't even aware that the teen was running up to him, she appeared stricken with shock within his vision but he wasn't seeing her. His animal side was making him to panic, his bloody leg that was bitten was shaking as if he was going into convulsion. "Grimmjow! What happened?! Can you hear me...?!" she yelled as she knelt before him, shaking at his shoulder.

"Goodness, I didn't expect it to travel so quickly in him," Renji chuckled, combing his soaked hair back as he looked at the two. "Then again, the rain's made him weak. Otherwise, my venom would've gone through his system a lot slower." He took a few steps forward, but paused when the hunter turned her fierce glare at him.

"What the fuck did you do to him....?!" she scowled angrily.

"I already told you, I'm a rare demon," he replied with a smirk. "In fact, I'm the rarest of the rare in my kind that not even the few nue demons left have this ability in the past several centuries. And the only antidote for my venom is hard to come by as well, only some of the expert hunters can get it and even that medicine is rare. Guess you're lucked out, little girl...."

"You fucking bastard! You didn't have to kill him--"

"I wouldn't have to kill him, if you hadn't bothered me in the first place," he argued, his smirking expression dropped as he narrowed his eyes at her. "You should've stayed away from me, knowing how fucking strong I am. You should've known about your so-called partner's weakness as well, yet he risked himself for you. Those are mistakes for the both of you, and now he's going to die because of you."

Despite of the heavy rain, hot angry tears stung in Ichigo's eyes. This monster was berating her for putting Grimmjow in danger, and yet.... he was right. She didn't believe Grimmjow's secret weakness, and she knowingly broke her father's punishment to confront Renji without any precaution. Grimmjow was still gasping and choking in her hold, as his eyes were about to roll to the back of his head. She looked back at him, and she gritted her teeth in fear.

This was all her fault. Grimmjow was trying to make up with her, and she drove him away as a result. ".... Maybe next time, those higher-ups will give you a better partner. At least you'll learn your lesson after his unfortunate death," he scoffed, as he turned to walk away.

"Just wait a fucking minute....!" Ichigo yelled out as she stood up. "You think you can get away with this, you shit....?! You've forgotten that I'm still here!" Renji looked back at her, all of the humor was completely wiped off in his face. He gave off an annoying growl as he cracked his knuckles.

"Your persistence is pretty attractive.... but you're becoming a nasty little bitch," he growled with his eyes glowing. "If you weren't a hunter, I would've have you bending over as I tear you apart with my dick. In fact, you would make a good second wife for me, little girl, despite of your fiery personality." Ichigo grimaced in utter disgust at his threat, though a bit of confusion flashed in her mind. What did he mean by second wife...?

"You sick freak....!" she seethed.

"Trust me, my mind's a lot more dirtier than that," he smirked again, as he stepped forward.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Hold it right there!"

Both hunter and demon froze at the booming sound of gunshots in the air. Ichigo went wide-eyed in shock but Renji simply frowned at the intrusion as he turned his head slightly to the right at the origin of the sound. "Hmph, looks like we got caught...." he huffed.

"Wh-what....?!" Ichigo frowned. Through the rain, she looked around to see several men in dark suits appearing almost out of nowhere. All of them had various weapons drawn, and one behind Renji was the one with the gun. They were hunters, she realized, now that she noticed the men holding swords and daggers and even whips. Instead dread fell over her, they were obviously professionals. And to be seen being cornered by a strong demon would feel shameful if it wasn't for her concerns for Grimmjow.

"Oh my fucking hell.... I think I know who these guys are," Renji sighed in exasperation, noticing the unifomity of the men. "If they're here then it that means.... oh, there you are," he smirked, looking past the surprised teen. Ichigo noticed his stare and looked over her shoulder. There was a stoic-looking man shielded underneath a large black umbrella, calmly walking until he stopped in front of the writhing cat demon.

"My, you've changed so much so.... Byakuya Kuchiki," grinned Renji, relaxing his pose before he stood straight up.

"Wha.... Byakuya....?!" Ichigo gasped in absolute shock. Lifting the umbrella up, Byakuya gave a briefest of acknowledgement at her and frowned. The teen wasn't sure about what the more experienced hunter was thinking behind his indifferent expression. But it seemed that he knew Renji, who let out a tiresome sigh.

"What're you doing here, Byakuya? I thought we were going to meet later tonight," he said with a rumbling growl. But the nobleman simply frowned at him, before looking down at Grimmjow. His skin was burning hot and his breathing was raggedly.

"One of my associates saw you being trailed by Ichigo Kurosaki earlier and relayed the news to me," he answered evenly, looking back at him. "I assumed you would cause trouble with even the amateur right here, and right now I see it in my eyes."

"But it's not my fault, she and her pet harrassed me and I had to teach them a lesson," he smirked.

"Regardless, you know the rules of bringing harm to hunters or even their demonic partners," he frowned, reaching inside his blazer. "Even a Class-A demon like yourself would be apprehended if you kill one of them."

"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Byakuya ignored him, before taking out a small concealed hypodermic needle. "Huh, you were carrying that? How convenient...." Renji frowned in surprise.

"Kurosaki..... inject this into your partner's neck," he advised, holding out the needle to the shocked teen. "The antidote should work on him before it's too late. He's already halfway through death." Shaking out of it, Ichigo took it. She couldn't think about why Byakuya knew of Renji at the moment, as she knelt down and cradled Grimmjow's head onto her lap. His skin was searing to the touch, but she shouldn't feel panicked as she took off the needle cover.

"Hahh.... hahhh...." Grimmjow panted weakly, his vision darkened and his body was still twitching. But he felt cool wet fingers cradling his head. His animal instincts already took over his mind and he couldn't comprehend what was going on. Who was touching him....? ".... Ahh.... a-ahhh...." He flinched when he felt a small sharp prick against the side of his neck, his initial thought that he was being poisoned again. But soon felt a soothing sensation traveling through his bloodstreams.

"Grimmjow....? Grimmjow, can you hear me....?" Ichigo sniffed from the cold rain, staring at the cat demon's response to the antidote. "Are you okay....?"

"...." The glazed look in his eyes shifted away to show light in them, before Grimmjow coughed and breathed deeply for air. Ichigo flinched from his reaction, but held him still as he shuddered. Within seconds, his long hair molted away to its original length as well as the fur on his arms and now de-clawed hands. His feline feet shifted back to normal, and his split tail shrunk away.

"Grimmjow....!" she gasped, did the antidote work in time? Gritting his teeth, Grimmjow soon let out a painful groan and shivered, before he finally realized his surrounding.

".... Ich.... Ichigo...." he groaned, but he winced when he felt a sharp pain up his leg.

"Don't move, don't move....!" she warned. Grimmjow hissed, looking down at his injury. The leg of his jeans was ripped and stained with his blood, but that was the least of his problems right now, as he glanced up at Ichigo.

".... The fuck did I do?" he groaned. Ichigo just frowned sadly but shook her head.

"You covered my foolish mistake...." she mumbled. "I'm so sorry...." Grimmjow stared wearily at her but out of the corner of his eye he saw Renji not far away, being confronted by the man with the umbrella. The nue appeared annoyed but shrugged as he and the man began walking away.

".... You were here for almost a week, and you have yet contacted me upon your immediate arrival," frowned Byakuya. "As a matter of fact, nobody was notified prior to it. It was only fortunate that Kisuke Urahara made a fuss over it at the headquarters, Abarai."

"Is that right? Sorry about that, I was only busy getting my shit together," growled Renji. "Speaking of which.... my payment's now soaked, thanks to those guys," he huffed, picking up his shredded pants and found the wet envelope in the back pocket. Byakuya merely frowned before turning to one of his men.

"Notify Kurosaki's father," he ordered. "Tell him that we have found them and they have escaped any major injuries and death."

"Yes, sir...."

"Kurosaki....? Never heard of that name," muttered Renji.

"Enough of that for now.... are you coming to my residence, Abarai, or do you need to delay for another day?" he frowned at him.

"Heh.... you would like that, wouldn't you....?" he smirked, his eyes narrowed at the other man. "I've already waited several years for this, I'm not gonna delay it for your sake, for that matter. In fact, I'm returning here just for that particuar reason, Byakuya. Don't worry so much about it.... I'll be there in a next few hours." Byakuya felt a bitter taste in his stomach, not liking the underlying meaning coming from him.

".... Fine then, as you wish," he grimaced slightly.

"Great...."

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"...." Isshin quietly walked into his clinic with his hands in his pockets, moving to the spare bed in the back where his patients would usually occupy. And right now.... it was Grimmjow, resting underneath the crisp white sheets. With his powers disabled from the rainy weather, his body wasn't healing fast enough from that nue's attacks as his upper body and leg were bandaged and was put under heavy sedatives. But even through all of that, Grimmjow's face was etched with a pained grimace, with his eyebrows tensely furrowed. After a few seconds of staring, Isshin then turned his attention to the one slumped over in a chair next to the bed.

Since returning home, Ichigo was numbly silent through the ordeal. The reason the former hunter didn't bother to berate her for underminding his punishment, was because of the grief-stricken look on her face. He had recognized it before, it was the same as the one she had sported seven years before when Masaki had died. Ichigo was just sitting there, still in her damp school uniform, with her weary eyes dry after hours of silent tears trickling down her cheeks. She was completely quiet saved for the soft snifles, but she was aware that her father was nearby.

Without a word, Isshin picked up a spare chair and placed it next to her before sitting down. Ichigo didn't move away when he let out a heavy sigh, as he looked back at the cat demon. ".... Why don't you say it, Dad?" Ichigo finally muttered, her voice cracked softly but she didn't look up at him. Isshin frowned grimly but didn't answer her. "I'm just a big failure to you.... you should be ashamed of having me as your kid. I'm nothing but a shitty excuse of a hunter...."

Again, Isshin didn't say a word, but his silent treatment only Ichigo made more miserable as fresh tears welled up in her eyes. ".... If you don't want me to keep trying as a hunter, I'd understand," she sniffed. "I already gave you enough trouble in the matters of months. Just.... forgive me for everything I did to defy you, especially after today.... I don't want you to hate me...."

".... Your mother would kick my ass, if I were to be really mad at you," Isshin finally spoke in a tired voice. Ichigo shuddered, mostly from her wet clothes, but she frowned sadly as she looked up at him. "Sure.... your mother would be truly disappointed at you for behaving this way. But.... knowing her personality, she would easily forgive you. But just the fact that you would act like this towards Grimmjow--"

"He almost died, because of me...." she mumbled tearfully. "I was about to kill him just because I was acting so terrible and selfish over the partnership."

".... No, you didn't do such a thing, Ichigo," sighed Isshin.

"Stop lying, Dad.... it was history repeating itself, and you knew that," she muttered. "I already lost one person protecting me, and Grimmjow was doing the same despite of it."

"I know.... I should have told you about his weakness from the start, but Masaki warned me against it. Because you were young, she was afraid about you being targeted if other rogue demons would've known about it."

"So that was why...." Ichigo didn't need to continue. Grimmjow really couldn't protect her at all. It explained why he appeared anxious during the times he had risked himself to get her during rainy days. And he wanted to get her on that one day.... even though the rain was pouring heavily that one could be soaked in the matters of seconds. "He would've died if he had went for me.... that contract that Mom had worked for would've been broken, and I wouldn't have a partner...."

"And that's why your mother went for you instead, so Grimmjow can protect you in her place," Isshin replied. Ichigo felt more guilty. From what was pointed out, her mother had a form of clairvoyance.... and yet she risked her own life to protect and save her. She could've died at anytime for the sake of her daughter's life, and it happened too soon. Before she knew it, she suddenly felt a very strong arm around her shoulders and was pulled into a tight hug.

"All it matters right now, is that you and Grimmjow are okay.... You already learned your lesson, Ichigo," Isshin muttered quietly.

"No, I'm just a troublemaker to you and Kisuke--"

"No, Ichigo.... you must figure out a way to become a better hunter," he assured. "Now that you know, you will have to be there for Grimmjow from now on. You need to protect him as much he's protecting you. You're still young...." With that, he kissed on her forehead before he let her go and stood up. "Come on, change into clean clothes, and you need to eat. Yuzu's worried about you."

"All right, just give me a few minutes, Dad. Please...?" she mumbled. Isshin nodded and left her alone, and soon silence fell over her. She looked at Grimmjow, who was still out of it, before slowly reaching out to grasp out at his hand. His skin felt unnaturally cool from his very warm body tempurature, but she gripped it tighter.

When was the last time she wanted to feel close to the demon....? When she thought about it.... there hadn't been a time that she wasn't away from Grimmjow growing up. She remembered being held by him more frequently than even from her parents, being comforted by the soft rumbling sounds he would make like a cat's purr. Even during elementary school, when she was specifically told not to talk about demons, many would think her caregiver was an exaggerated person or even an imaginary friend whenever he was mentioned.

But.... Grimmjow was there for her, no matter what, even now when she was the who pushed him away. Snifling, she gave his large hand one more squeeze. "I'm so sorry, Grimmjow...." she snifled.

But all of the sudden, Ichigo felt a squeeze back and she flinched in surprise, before Grimmjow let out a lethargic groan. "Ughhh...." he grumbled tiredly. Witin moments, he slowly opened his eyes to notice Ichigo right in front of him. "Shit.... didn't expect to see you here...."

"Grimmjow...." she gasped softly but then she frowned. "Ah, do you want me to leave you alone....?" she asked, as she was about to remove her hand. But Grimmjow responded by holding onto her.

"Idiot.... why do I want you to leave me alone?" he mumbled tiredly. Regardless of the medicine he was under, he began to make a soft purring sound from his chest. It was purely out of instinct, feeling relieved to see her unharmed. "You've been sitting here all this time, huh....? I could smell your wet clothes during my rest."

"Sorry..."

"Tch, doesn't matter, but you should get out of it before you get sick--"

"No, I mean.... I'm really sorry.... for blaming you for so many years," she mumbled sadly. "You've protected me for so long and yet.... I didn't realize that you were vulnerable over something as the weather. I'm such a fucking idiot...." Grimmjow gazed at her and let out a stronger purr rumbling from his chest.

".... To be honest, you have every right to blame me, kid," he mumbled. "I am very strong, even stronger than the werecats hunters have come across despite that I'm a Class-A. But I'm just as weak as the rest of them when it comes to the weather.... Someone would think, being a hybrid, one couldn't have a weakness."

"No, it's all right, Grimmjow...." Ichigo snifled. "Now that I know.... I wouldn't have acted so dismissive about you. I mean--"

"Kid, it's all right...." rumbled Grimmjow. "We have a chance now.... we can make it up after all those years. We've both changed, but me and you are gonna be partner from now on. I'll hold it up to myself to protect you in any way." Ichigo sniffed before she shook her head, feeling the warmness coming back to his hand.

"I wouldn't want you dying over me because of the rain, Grimmjow," she muttered.

"Rain, demon attacks.... even if it's fucking bees over our heads, I'll still protect you no matter what," he said with a tired smirk on his face. Ichigo looked at him but managed to smile back, though her eyes were feeling hot from the tears. She rubbed them away then she nodded, taking the opportunity to lean close to him.

"Promise me not to do anything crazy that could get you killed, Grimmjow, all right?" she muttered.

"Only if you stop doing crazy shit youself," he requested.

"Fine.... I promise, Grimmjow...." she smiled.

"Now get outta those wet clothes, don't want you to catch a cold, kid," Grimmjow mumbled.

"Sure...."

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Considering the condition of the weather outside, Rukia decidedly took a nap without changing out of her school clothes. She felt bored when it came to rain, so she stayed in her room for some time. But while resting her eyes, she couldn't help thinking about her friend's problem. She hoped that Ichigo could get over her animosity with Grimmjow, since she had never any problem herself against the cat demon.

Whenever Ichigo would visit the manor, Grimmjow kept a very watchful eye on them during playtime. The Kuchiki clan didn't mind of his presence, although Byakuya would act indifferent and snide of having him around. Maybe being a professional hunter, he would act proud but she didn't really care. Subconciously, she turned onto her back and sighed, until she sudden felt a strong disturbance in the air.

"Huh....?" She immediately woke up before sitting up. She could feel it.... there was a demon nearby. And yet, there was no need for alarm since the manor seemed to be calm when she stepped out of her room. But she frowned in slight confusion, some of the staff here would know that there was a demon on the premise. But before she could try to find out, she noticed a man in a suit walking up to her. She realized that it was one of her brother's subordinates as a hunter, when he nodded his head to her.

"Miss Rukia, would you please follow me?" he requested and Rukia blinked.

"Uh, sure...." she nodded and followed after him. Maybe there was really no need for alarm, a demon around here could be a 'civilized' guest who wished to talk to Byakuya. She shouldn't be surprised since plenty of demons would discuss business with high-ranking hunters but she had never expected her brother would meet someone like that.

Looking up, she realized that they were going to the direction of her brother's office, feeling the aura of some demon getting stronger with each step closer. She was feeling confused, was she needed for Byakuya, and for what, when he was meeting someone....? "Please.... enter the office, Miss Rukia," the subordinate hunter said, opening the large door once they reached the office. Rukia blinked but nodded. It seemed that this demon must be important, she stepped into the large room. It appeared more than an usual one, with filled bookshelves at either side and two black leather couches facing each other in front of the desk.

Due to the position of the furniture, she only saw the back of the guest's head, nothing but a spikey nest of right crimson hair. She froze in her steps in utter surprise, and realized who it was. This couldn't be right....!

"Rukia? Is there something the matter?" Byakuya questioned, catching her attention.

"No.... I just woke up from a nap, Byakuya," he nodded. Her brother looked at her but nodded.

"Then please, sit beside me," he said. Rukia, not wanting to hesitate, walked past the guest to sit next to her brother, her eyes trying hard not to look away from her lap.

".... I've never guessed that it was you, but I don't suppose that you didn't tell your brother that we've already met before," spoke the guest. The petite girl nearly flinched at the accusation, yet Byakuya barely faltered as his frown was fixed on his face.

"She wouldn't have known that it was you, it was merely a coincidence that Ichigo Kurosaki had unknowingly caused trouble for you," he stated.

"Huh? Ichigo?" she perked up. But the moment she looked, she caught eyes with the demon who smirked lightly.

"Oh, I don't care much about that girl anymore, now that we have.... business to discuss," he smirked. "So this is Rukia Kuchiki. Younger sister to the head of the clan. Sounds like a big responsibility to hold up, huh?"

"U-uh, I guess so...." Rukia nodded.

"Abarai, there's no need to make mundane talk if this is about business," Byakuya frowned before turning to his sister. "Rukia, this is Renji Abarai. He has been.... associated with the Kuchiki clan for over a century. And he had just recently returned here to establishing business."

"Y-yeah.... I saw him handing out flyers for his place the other day," muttered Rukia, and Renji smirked at that.

"Again, I would never have thought that it was you," he replied, leaning back on the couch with his marked arms draped behind the cushions. "But.... I bet you don't know know why am I really here, right?" he smirked, narrowing his eyes at the petite girl.

"Abarai--" frowned Byakuya.

"What does he mean by that, Brother?" Rukia asked.

"It's nothing to alarm you, Rukia--" he said, but Renji chuckled in slight surprise.

"You haven't told her yet, Byakuya?" he grinned. "My, I expected you to be modest, but I didn't think you would act this defiant to the point of endangering our contract, now that she's old enough...." Rukia nearly flinched at that, wondering what did he mean by that. She looked at her brother, seeing that he was showing an unusual look of grimace in his expression.

".... I was hoping you would give up on it--"

"No way, the best things come to those who wait, right?" smirked Renji. "The contract still stands, blood and all. I won't back down from something like this, Byakuya, unless you want some terribly bad consenquences."

"W-what are you talking about? You dare to threaten my brother, who is a strong hunter?" Rukia questioned him. But Byakuya grabbed her by the shoulder and she looked at him in slight confusion.

"Stay quiet, Rukia...." he muttered.

"Brother--"

"Stay quiet. He's right, our family's in a contract with him, and nothing can be changed by it," he frowned. "I'm sorry about keeping such a secret from you but.... It's just that this contract, it requires something and Abarai would not take no for an answer. As a matter of fact.... it requires someone."

"Huh....?"

"Oh, for fuck's sake, just say it...." Renji sighed heavily. "Or do I have to myself, and take control of the situation....?" Byakuya gave him a cold glare, but his expressions lessened a little as he turned to Rukia who was still confused.

"Rukia.... I know that this will be a shock to you... but I have to say it," he muttered, a digusted grimace evident on his face. "The contract in which it requires someone.... it involves a member of the Kuchiki clan. As a matter of fact.... it involves you, Rukia."

"What....?" Rukia gasped softly, looking at the nue demon. "I'm in a contract with him, Byakuya? How is that possible....?"

"Oh, you're in more than just a just a contract with me," smirked Renji. "No, girl..... by the words of the contract, you are to be bethrothed to me as my future wife, courtesy of the Kuchiki clan."

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Contract	By : NeemaAdaeze Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 10965 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor make money from it

Contract