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Prize of Victory	By : NovaAlexandria Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 87205 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach nor make profit from this snippet

Chapter List
- 45
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You may need to jump back a couple of chapters, I am doing a quad post.

Warnings: Umm, long chapter I guess

Tatsuki sighed as she walked back through the city to the house, Starrk�s sword still in hand and soaked in insect gore. The battle was finally drawing to a close, but during it she had lost sight of everyone.

Now all she wanted to do was to find her way home, take a long shower and find her futon so she could lay down and die. She knew Orihime was safe; Ulquiorra would have let nothing happen to her after all and Tatsuki could still detect her friend was alright. She couldn�t tell where Orihime was, just that she was okay wherever she was.

�On second thought, taking a few extra minutes to get home doesn�t sound like a bad idea. Or the night.� She couldn�t help but to think.

She didn�t know if Orihime was at home or elsewhere. She almost suspected that if Ulquiorra was still on the field or had been pulled into a meeting then Orihime would most likely be at the medical facility to assist with the wounded. If not, then rushing home would definitely be uncomfortable.

The sound of after battle parties flaring up started to waft through the streets and Tatsuki found herself sighing once more as she continued on her long trek. Having not been permitted out of the house too often she wasn�t familiar with the city at all short of the path leading to Ukitake�s estate.

In less than an hour she had no less than at least four different groups of Arrancar attempt to accost her until someone in the group would either recognize her as belonging to Ulquiorra or realized she held Starrk�s sword in her hand and might be best left alone.

�Wonderful. They are all drugged up on Instinct and Victory.� She grouched to herself. �Not to mention booze.� She added.

The need to get home was definitely becoming an urgent need, or to at least find someone she knew.

�What we got here?� Came a drunken slur an hour later when she was almost positive that she finally, somewhat recognized her surroundings.

The fact it was probably almost midnight didn�t help in making things seem familiar. Things always looked different in the dark.

�Great, just what I needed. Another hormonally high, drunken, Arrancar.� She grouched as she turned to face the dunking idiot. �Regrettably, the power they hold is still far greater than my own.�

�Oh, aren�t you a pretty thing.� He drawled as he sauntered up to her.

�I would kindly ask that you leave me be.� She said as firmly as she could.

�Oh, and she�s got fire too. I like that.�

Tatsuki had to hold in her groan as she quickly calculated the best way to get out of this situation. Run, fight or talk?

The drunken fool tried to reach out to grab her and she smacked his hand away from her with Starrk�s sword. As sharp as the blade was, she didn�t have the strength to get through the Arrancar�s Hierro.

�Oh I am going to love this.� The Arrancar laughed. �A woman with fire. And judging by the blood on that blade, one with bite. I thought none of you were left.� He smirked lecherously.

This time he moved far faster than she could see and snagged her sword hand in his, crushing her wrist until Starrk�s blade clattered to the ground and she let out a hiss of agony.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn�t break the others grip on her.

�Let me go, or you will regret it later.� She warned coldly.

�What you going to do about it?� He asked, his breath reeking of alcohol.

�Let her go.� Another voice ordered calmly.

Both of them turned to stare at the new comer in surprise.

�I saw her first.� The Arrancar snarled, pulling her flush against him. �Aizen-kami has forbidden us to fight over Claiming rights.�

�That woman belongs to Ulquiorra-sama.�

�She ain�t Claimed.�

�Do you want to explain that to him?� The new comer asked.

�Aizen-kami�s law states you can�t interfere. Remember what he did to the few that did?�

�Do you honestly think Aizen-kami would care about what his most loyal and favoured subordinate does to an underling not even another�s fraccion? Are you willing to chance that Aizen-kami wouldn�t over look the doings of his favoured?�

Her assailant scowled. Tatsuki could understand it well. Messing with Ulquiorra was not something any sane person would want to do, but right now she was just thankful this Arrancar seemed to recognize her somehow.

She was pretty sure they had never met before, so she guessed he might have seen her being escorted with Orihime to and from Ukitake�s estate a time or six.

�Tsh.� The Arrancar finally snarled and shoved her away from his body before stumbling off, cursing under his breath.

She retrieved Starrk�s sword from the ground and looked at her rescuer.

�Thanks.�

�It is not safe for an un-Claimed woman to be wondering around so soon after a battle.�

�Yeah well, I kind of lost track of Orihime-chan during the attack and I haven�t come across her or Ulquiorra-san since. I am also a bit lost, I don�t get out of the house much.�

�I will escort you home. I would not want to see Ulquiorra-sama displeased because his property was damaged.�

�Thanks, I would appreciate that.� She said truthfully, although inward she cringed a bit at being referred to as property. �Arisawa Tatasuki.� She introduced herself politely, studying her rescuer.

�Tesra Lidocruz.� He introduced himself.

�I think I recall that name. You�re one of Nnoitra�s fraccion, right? Orihime-chan might have mentioned you.�

�Yes. I have meet Orihime-san a time or two.� He admitted. �This way.� He indicated down one of the streets.

Tatsuki fell in beside him as they walked back to the house. She studied him out of the corner of her eye. He wasn�t bad looking for a hollow and seemed to have some manners, which was more than she could say for most of the race.

They passed many parties and pretty much every Arrancar leered at her as they passed them.

�I understand the whole Instinct thing and Victory, but are they really that far gone into it or are they just using it as an excuse to be jerks?� She couldn�t help but to ask.

He looked at her a bit surprised by the question, but did answer truthfully.

�It was a very difficult battle for most of them, so many are actually that far gone.� Tesra answered, looking at a rowdy group as they passed it. �The alcohol does not help matters either.� He added as an afterthought.

�You seem to be fine.� She pointed out.

�I didn�t partake of much of the battle, and the parts that I did were hardly challenging.�

�I see. What are the chances of another attack you think?�

�I do not know.� He admitted.

Tatsuki frowned and they walked another block in silence.

�If these battles become common place than there is a damn good chance I might get caught outside again. The last thing I want is every damn Arrancar chasing my skirt because Ulquiorra is too busy chasing Orihime-chan�s.

�And I know his type. Even if I begged him to Claim me he would sooner cut an arm off than sleep with �trash� such as myself.� She grumbled to herself.

They passed another leering Arrancar.

�Granted, sleeping with Ulquiorra is just wrong on too many levels. If more battles like this take place and the damn Hollows get this out of control, even staying in the house might not be safe. Being in the house didn�t stop the ones that attacked Karin and Yuzu.�

Tatsuki let out a sigh of frustration. Tesra looked at her, but didn�t say anything. She glanced at him again and a crazy idea jumped in her brain. It was so crazy she gave herself a physical and mental shake, but now that the idea had plopped in her brain it refused to go away.

There was only one safety from instinct crazed hollows, and since she was damn sure Ulquiorra wouldn�t �cure� it, she would need to find someone trustworthy that would.

�You don�t have anyone Claimed?� She ask, trying to sound as casual as she could.

Tesra looked at her in surprised confusion before answering in the negative.

�Really? I find that kind of surprising.�

�My only focus is serving Nnoitra-sama.� He answered.

She studied him again.

�I must be completely out of my mind. I just met him five minutes ago. But giving the alternatives.� She glanced around at another roaring party. �Besides, it would be damn nice to go with Orihime-chan when she goes out. I hate letting her out of my sight and since Ulquiorra won�t do anything about it, I will.�

�I don�t suppose you would be interested?� She asked.

�In what?� He asked.

�Look, you seem like a half decent guy, and I think this just might work.�

The look of confusion on his face indicated he had no idea what she was rambling on about.

�Can we go to your place?� She asked.

His confusion doubled.

�I should really get you to��

�Ulquiorra-san doesn�t give a rat�s ass about me. I am just there to keep Orihime-chan company. Assuming they are both even home right now I can guarantee you I will be the last thing on their minds. And if they are not home what�s to keep these bozo�s,� she pointed at the nearby party, �from just barging drunkenly in anyway?� She pointed out.

He looked over at the party and then looked ahead, a frown on his face and he seemed to be concentrating.

�It would seem there is no reiatsu at Ulquiorra-sama�s place.� He looked at her in silent contemplation before sighing. �If you wish to come with me, you may.�

�I think I would like that, thank you.�

She followed him as they changed directions.

�So, how long have you been Nnoitra�s fraccion?� She asked out of curiosity, and to break the awkward silence that had settled over them.

From what she had learned of the Espada from Orihime, he was one hell of a male domineering womanizer and had a rather sadistic taste in fighting, which was interesting because she picked up none of those vibes from Tesra and she could detect a creep miles away.

�Since joining Aizen-kami�s army.� Tesra answered.

�How long ago was that?�

�I am not sure. Time doesn�t have much meaning in Hueco Mundo.�

�I see. So I shouldn�t ask how old you are then huh?� She asked with an amused smirk.

He blinked at her surprised, but conceded he wasn�t sure how old he was anymore. Hueco Mundo didn�t really have sunsets to mark the days, let alone seasons to help mark the years.

�So if you don�t know your age, I guess you don�t got a birthday either.�

�May 13^th.� He answered.

She blinked at him surprised.

�I do recall that much. It�s just, time itself really doesn�t mean much. We don�t really celebrate birthdays or mark the passing of years.� He explained.

�That�s a shame. Well, now I know.�

They walked in silence for a moment longer.

�What�s yours?� He asked.

�Hmm?� She looked at him.

He had the slightest hint of a blush.

�Your birthday?�

�July 17^th. And before you ask I am 22. Ask my weight though and you�ll regret it.� She threatened playfully.

�I see.� He offered her the tiniest hint of a smile.

They walked in silence some more. So far her creep radar was still flying completely clear. In fact, he almost reminded her of a younger Ichigo, before his mother died. Some what shy, polite, yet still had that little something. And instead of a momma�s boy his devotion was clearly to Nnoitra.

The silence between them didn�t feel all that awkward. Before long they reached a small, single story house and he opened the door, stepping aside and letting her in. The place was small but quaint.

There was very little other than the basics and it was completely spotless. She doubted she could find a spec of dust if she searched all day.

�Sorry for asking, but do you have anything to clean this blade with? I would hate to return it to Starrk-san soaked in dried insect guts after he was kind enough to loan it to me.�

�Yes I do. One second and I will go grab my cleaning kit.�

�Thanks, do you have a back porch, I would hate to get this gunk on your clean floor.�

�Straight down the hall. There should be a lighter by the door to light the lanterns.�

�Right.�

She walked down the hall and found the lighter before heading outside and lighting the lanterns. Looking at herself she realized she was also covered in gore. She was going to have to burn these clothes as she doubted she would ever get them clean again.

Tesra joined her a moment later, handing over a whet stone, a cloth and a bottle of cleaning solution.

�Thanks. I hate to be a real burden, but you don�t got anything I could wear do you? These cloths are starting to stink and the guts are starting to dry and become crusty.� She indicated her ichor splattered body.

�I might have something.� He admitted, and there was that little blush again.

He disappeared into the house and she set about cleaning the gunk off of Starrk�s Katana. What ever the solution was made of cut right through the mess with an ease she found pleasurable. By the time Tesra returned with some clothes folded in his arms she was expertly sharpening the blade.

�Thanks. At this rate I am going to owe you more than I can afford while sounding like a parrot.� She chuckled.

�The bathroom is to the right just inside the door. You can use the shower if you want. Clean towels are under the sink.� He offered with a slight blush and a hint of nervousness.

�Once again, thank you. I think I will take you up on that offer.�

She retreated to the bathroom, closing the door but not locking it. She was all too happy to strip out of her destroyed clothing and hop in the warm shower. She took the time to examine the number of cuts and bruises she had acquired, wincing at a few of the darker ones.

�Not really that bad.� She noted. �Nothing that wont be faded to yellow in a week.�

She hoped he didn�t mind she used his shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, but really it was nice to feel clean again. When she finally got out and towelled herself dry she almost felt human again. Not once had she detected Tesra had even come near the bathroom during her quick shower.

She pulled on the cloths he had given her. They appeared to be a spare uniform and were a bit big on her, but that was fine. The trench coat like jacket did more than enough to cover her body as it went right down to her feet where she noticed it had terminated at his knees. Not to mention it was soft and clean instead of crusty, gunky, and smelly.

The hakama were actually not too long for while he was a good 8 inches taller than her, she had rather long legs where his height was in his body. She just gave the ends a single roll up and they fit fine. The absence of underclothes didn�t bother her in the least.

Her bare feet padded silently across the wooden floor as she hunted her benefactor down. He was in the kitchen, apparently preparing a pot of tea. She kneeled silently on a cushion at the traditional table and watched him work.

She could tell he was definitely thinking by the little motions he made. No doubt he was wondering why she had been so willing to follow him home and wondering just what she had meant when she had asked him if he was �interested� earlier.

　

　

Tesra frowned at the tea pot before him as he measured out the leaves he needed. The young woman definitely confused him. She wasn�t a Shinigami, that was for sure, but she still had a decent amount of reiatsu. And judging by the amount of gore covering her she had no few of the enemy under her belt.

He was also a little surprised that she was still un-Claimed, but not overly. What was more surprising was that Ulquiorra even let her near him, but then there was a relationship between her and Orihime and everyone knew there was a big something going on between the Espada and human woman with powers that defied even the gods.

But this woman completely confounded him. Oh he had stopped the Arrancar attacking her simply because the last thing anyone needed was a pissed off Ulquiorra, and if Ulquiorra had found out he had witnessed the event and not done anything to stop it then, Nnoitra�s fraccion or not, he would probably wish he was dead before the 4^th even touched him.

He had planned on doing nothing more than seeing her back to the house and in Ulquiorra�s claws.

�So how did she end up here, in my house, in my shower?� He questioned. �And just what did she mean earlier; asking if I was interested and �this might work?�� He wondered with a frown.

The fact there was a woman in his house, in his shower, brought that blush back. He never really had time for them and they definitely wanted nothing to do with him, or more particularly with Nnoitra. And since he served his master pretty much non-stop it didn�t leave him much time for a social life.

It was something Tesra had never really thought much of, at least until now. Now there was a woman naked in his house, one who actually seemed genuinely interest in him. Hell, she had asked him his birthday. No one had ever asked him that before, not even Nnoitra.

But why? Why was she interested in him? No one was interested in him. He was about as plain as you got. Short sandy hair, brownish grey eyes. The women all abhorred his Master.

He sighed. Women were clearly a pain. An evil pain. He should just escort her back to where she belonged. Unfortunately, a quick reiatsu check showed no one was at the house yet. If he left her there alone and she got attacked he would be lucky to die if Ulquiorra found out he had left her unguarded after finding her.

The water was clearly ready and he poured it into the pot, watching numbly as the steam rose.

�Should I offer her something to eat? Perhaps even a place to sleep.� He asked himself.

It was almost one in the morning and even he was starting to feel a bit drowsy after the long day trailing after his Master while Nnoitra gleefully hacked and slashed his way through the throng of bugs before he had been ordered to check up on his Master�s pet.

Not that he had expected to find Matsumoto in any trouble. She may not have her Zanpakuto, but she definitely had Kido. It didn�t matter either way as the bugs never made it past the main gates.

He pulled two cups out of the cupboard and turned around, almost jumping in shock to see the woman who had been tormenting his thoughts sitting ever so innocently at the table.

�Did I startle you?� She asked with the barest hint of a smirk.

�I didn�t realize you had finished showering already.� He said as he set the pot and cups down.

His clothing was a bit large on her, but it was clear she didn�t mind. She had Starrk�s katana resting beside her comfortable and the way she had cleaned the blade, not to mention the amount of gore that had been on her, let him know she was definitely well acquainted with the use of such a weapon.

He poured them both a cup and they sat in silence as they both took a sip. Her eyes were studying him, as if measuring him for something, although what it was he wasn�t sure.

Finally, she seemed to come to a conclusion for she gave her head a nod; which was a relief because the intense look she had been giving him was making him very uncomfortable.

�I am not going to lie, hell I can�t even believe I am considering this, but all the pros seem to be outweighing the cons.�

�Excuse me?� He asked confused.

�So far you are the only half decent Arrancar I have met outside of Starrk-san that might even consider this, and from what knowledge I have asking Starrk-san would pretty much just end in my unfortunate death.�

�I still don�t understand what you want from me?� He pointed out confused.

She seemed to pause a moment, as if considering how to word her request, or coming up with the courage to speak it. Perhaps both.

�You said you had no one Claimed, right?�

�Right.� He answered slowly.

�So, would you be willing to Claim me?� She asked seriously.

He spluttered on his tea and stared at her with eyes wide in shock. Surely he didn�t hear her right. Who in their right mind asked to be Claimed, let alone from a complete stranger?

�Hear me out here. Orihime-chan is my best friend in the world. I would do anything for her, but every time I leave the house I am a liability because I look like good eats. Ulquiorra-san wouldn�t Claim me if I badgered and begged him until the end of time. He would see sleeping with me like sleeping with a rather dirty trash can.

�If these battles become more common then there is more of a chance of me being caught out unguarded, or the next time after a battle Ulquiorra-san might not be around and dip shits like the ones we passed on the way here could burst on in and do as they please.

�Like I said, you seem like a half decent person and I would really like to get this annoyance out of the way. If I were Claimed it would be safe for me to follow Orihime-chan anywhere and keep her safe.�

She seemed to finish her speech, but his brain was all the way back where she had asked, ASKED! him to Claim her. Hell, when he had rescued her Claiming her was the last thing on his brain.

�Do you have any idea what Ulquiorra-sama would do to me if I dared to touch his property in such a way?� He demanded shocked.

Hell, he didn�t even want to think about it.

�As long as I continue to serve Orihime-chan I don�t think Ulquiorra-san cares what happens to me. Honestly, lately I have been feeling like the fifth wheel around the house now that those two seem to have worked their relationship out. The only reason I think he hasn�t booted me out yet is because it would upset Orihime-chan.�

He had no idea what she meant by being the fifth wheel, but he did sort of understand what she was getting at. She wanted to be Claimed for the same reason any Numeros wanted so desperately to be chosen as a fraccion. Plain, simple, protection.

�Didn�t that drunk idiot mention something about Aizen�s law and not interfering with Claims. What did he mean by that?� She asked him curiously.

�He meant that Aizen-kami forbid anyone from interfering with anyone in the process of making a Claim or killing each other off for Claiming rights.�

�So, if I understand this law right, you could Claim me and Ulquiorra-san wouldn�t be permitted to do anything about it?�

He stuttered as he tried to find an answer.

�Technically speaking. But Ulquiorra-sama is Aizen-kami�s favoured.�

�Yes, but Ulquiorra-san is also probably the most law abiding Arrancar out of all of you, right?�

She did have a point.

�And like I said, he isn�t interest in me at all. Of course, if it would make you feel better, we could always ask for his permission first.�

Asking his permission. How the hell do you go up to an Espada and simply ask for permission to Claim their property? He would be lucky to walk away with his limbs attached.

�More pointedly, I will ask.� She offered, clearly sensing his hesitation. �If I get his permission, would you?� She asked seriously.

�You do understand how Claiming works, right?� He asked nervously.

He couldn�t even recall the last time he had slept with someone, if he even had in his Hollow life, and he sure as hell had never cast a Claim.

�Yes.� She answered firmly, looking right at him determinedly.

She was asking a lot of him, but the thought of having someone did seem kind of nice. And if she was Claimed by him then perhaps Nnoitra would permit her to see Matsumoto, and Tesra knew without a shadow of a doubt that the caged woman craved female companionship.

This solved that dilemma, if Ulquiorra agreed of course. There really was no harm in Claiming her after all. It�s not like he had anyone in mind for his Claim anyway (only the Espada had been permitted two pets a piece).

He tossed the pros and cons about in his head, not really finding any cons, other than Ulquiorra possibly reminding him of his place for even thinking about touching his property.

But Tatsuki was right; Ulquiorra wasn�t really the aggressive type and the worse the Espada would probably do was say no while looking down at him, although she seemed pretty certain he would say yes.

�If Ulquiorra-sama agreed, then I see no reason why not.� He finally agreed.

�Thank you.� She smiled at him. �I know I have been a rather large burden, but is there someplace I can crash? It�s been a pretty long day, and night.�

�Yes, you can take my room. I�ll set up the spare futon for myself.�

�Once again, thank you.�

She stood up, bowed politely, and made her way to the bedroom.

�By the way,� she stopped at the door and looked back at him, �that was wonderful tea. You really got a talent at it.� She smiled and disappeared around the corner.

�What in the seven hells have I gotten myself into.� He wondered before realizing in horror he had been checking her out. �What in the seven hells indeed.�

　

　

　

Alright you all, don�t forget to send those love letters to my boyfriend for convincing me to do all these posts. Remember, you don�t need an account to review.

What the elders spoke to Byakuya and Yammy about will be revealed, and if you have guessed somewhat, NO it not going THAT way. That is one line I am not crossing.

At last the last planned pairing is revealed. This is a pairing that just came to my mind randomly as I was typing away. In fact, the whole chapter wrote itself. I know at least one of you will probably be happy about it.

This weeks question: So what do you all think about this chapter�s pairing idea? As far as I know it has never been done.

Next Chapter: Ajuga goes hunting and Szayel wakes up and has a chat to with Karin.
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Prize of Victory