Grimmjow x Ulquiorra. Yaoi, yay! It's my first one, hehe. Yahoo, I've had an addiction with these two lately and there honestly aren't enough stories of them together so that's where this one comes in! It's a one shot and I hope everyone is in character! It took me about three weeks to finish, I've been working really hard on it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think! Thanks.
Flicker of a HintGrimmjow sighed as he listened to Aizen drone on about their next plan. He honestly didn't care about protecting Heuco Mundo or Aizen. All he wanted was to kill that stupid Ichigo. Grimmjow sighed again; he really wanted to leave already. He couldn't stand this guy's annoying voice any longer. Did he really believe that everyone sitting at the table cared? He had no patients to waste time here. After he sighed for a third time Ulquiorra shot him an angry look.
Grimmjow had just sighed. Ulquiorra glanced at him. It was annoying when he saw the Sexta Espada so bored with Aizen-sama's speech. It was disrespectful to look so distaining at their leader. Ulquiorra turned back to Aizen-sama, listening intently. He would do anything to help the boss. Aizen-sama usually wanted his constant attention and guidance, but lately he had been spending more time and planning with Gin. Grimmjow sighed for a third time and Ulquiorra glared at him angrily.
Grimmjow's eyes downcast and he caught himself before he sighed for a fourth time. He growled angrily when Aizen continued on in his droning voice. Grimmjow looked back at Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra could make him so angry sometimes. Just because he was the Cuatro Espada didn't make him any better. His emerald green eyes were glued on Aizen's shifting arms as he emphasized something. The bright eyes then shifted to meet the sea blue ones that had been staring. The sixth Espada quickly looked back down at his hands. He hoped Ulquiorra hadn't noticed his staring.
Ulquiorra shook his head as Grimmjow looked down. The fourth Espada shrugged and moved his eyes in time with Aizen-sama's explaining hands. When Ulquiorra felt eyes looking at him he turned back to Grimmjow. The blue eyes went down again with embarrassment. He wondered why the lower ranked Espada had been staring at him so intently. Had Grimmjow thought he wouldn't notice?
"All right my Espada. Do not touch any of the people who have entered Heuco Mundo without my permission," Aizen ordered.
Grimmjow gritted his teeth in agitation. He had so been looking forward to going after Ichigo and getting his revenge. He clenched and unclenched the hand that had been repaired by the girl Aizen was so interested in.
Ulquiorra pushed open the large swinging doors and let all the other Espada leave. He watched as Aizen-sama and Gin left through another door. He wondered what was going on between those two that concealed such secrecy. Perhaps a new plan was formulating that he was not involved in.
When Grimmjow attempted to go past, Ulquiorra spoke, "Try to obey Aizen-sama for once, Grimmjow."
Grimmjow glared at him, "I'll listen to Aizen when you stop being his lap dog."
Ulquiorra flung his head back letting jet-black locks of hair fall away from his eyes which now shown with rage. He defended with indigence, "I do not do everything that Aizen-sama tells me."
Grimmjow laughed, "Yeah ok."
"Don't test me Grimmjow," Ulquiorra growled.
Grimmjow shrugged. He couldn't help it, but he loved to get on Ulquiorra's nerves. He felt so much pleasure when he saw the rage burning in those fascinating green eyes. Often he found himself wondering what the fourth Espada was thinking of at the moment since it wasn't often that Ulquiorra showed anyone, let alone him, emotions. Ulquiorra was a tad sexy with the frown across his pale face, Grimmjow admitted.
Ulquiorra watched Grimmjow's retreating form. The teal haired Espada's stance was overly confident and expectant. It was almost like the sixth Espada was trying to get a rise out of him. Was he? The rage Ulquiorra felt quickly subsided. He didn't want to give Grimmjow the pleasure of seeing him being worked up on purpose. He was embarrassed at himself for even letting this much emotion show. Usually he was as emotionless as a teacup, but for some reason this arrancar got him to show emotion.
Ulquiorra pushed past the other member of the group and sauntered off to his room. Grimmjow's face contorted into a look of disappointment. He had been expecting the other Espada to flip out on him. Grimmjow loved to be engaged in some kind of battle or fight.
When Ulquiorra was safely tucked in his room, he collapsed onto his bed. Aizen-sama didn't need him at the moment and he couldn't fight any of the Shinigami so he found himself with unwanted free time. He picked up a book on his desk. It was written in fine print and was something Aizen-sama told him to read. Ulquiorra had been putting off the fact of reading it, but since he had the time he decided he might as well. He opened it and turned through the first few pages. After he read two pages into the book he slammed it shut. How could Aizen-sama read this? Ulquiorra admitted he wasn't one of the most interesting creatures, but that book was just plain boring, even for him.
Ulquiorra put his sword back on his belt and left his room. He went to the studio where all the workout equipment was and target practice. The Cuatro Espada had never actually trained in the room before, but his boredom lead him to this. Honestly he didn't need the practice, but at least it would be something to do. When he entered to his surprise, Grimmjow was already in there. Ulquiorra couldn't believe everywhere he went the Sexta Espada was. Why couldn't he find something to entertain him with that didn't include being annoyed? Wasn't there a quiet place he could relax alone?
"What are you doing here?" Grimmjow asked.
"I came for target practice," Ulquiorra retorted in his monotone voice as if it was the most obvious answer out there.
"Never seen you in here before," Grimmjow stated as he continued to lift the heavy weights.
Ulquiorra first wondered why Grimmjow was talking so nicely, it was unlike his normal tone, and then he wondered why the other arrancar was making small talk with him anyways. The sixth Espada had streaks of sweat running down the partly visible part of his chest. Ulquiorra shifted his green eyes to the target. He decided he wouldn't be able to practice in there after all.
Grimmjow pushed up and down letting the weights click and clank loudly. He couldn't understand why the other arrancar seemed to be everywhere. It almost seemed like he was wandering around with nothing to do, but Grimmjow doubted that. Aizen always kept the fourth Espada on his toes. He glanced over to the other Espada who was standing by the target, surprised to see Ulquiorra looking at him. Grimmjow watched those green eyes move quickly away from him. He wondered why he suddenly felt himself so fascinated with the higher leveled Espada.
Grimmjow saw Ulquiorra turn to the door and start to leave. Grimmjow hurriedly grabbed a towel to whip his face off and followed after the other.
Ulquiorra looked over his shoulder to see the other arrancar walking a good distance behind him, but wasn't hiding it. What did Grimmjow want now?
Ulquiorra vanished then reappeared behind the other Espada grabbing his arm and turning it behind his back, "What do you want now Grimmjow?"
Grimmjow smirked triumphantly. He had gotten the reaction he had wanted from the other man, "I was just heading to my room dude."
Ulquiorra couldn't hide the flicker of surprise that crossed his face for almost a moment.
"I thought you'd rather have the whole training room to yourself since you obviously didn't want me in there."
Ulquiorra once again felt the threat of a challenge in Grimmjow's voice, but he wasn't sure on whether or not he wanted to act on it. If he engaged himself in a battle with the teal haired Espada he wasn't sure he could control himself and he didn't only mean his strength. He had had odd urges lately that even he didn't expect. Without Aizen-sama's constant attention he honestly was feeling a little lonely. As much as he didn't want to admit it he couldn't change the fact that it was there and that it was bothering him.
Grimmjow could almost see a flicker of consideration in the prospects. Did Ulquiorra really having nothing better to spend his time on? Grimmjow could see the uncertainty in the other's eyes and it was reflected within him. The unusual ideas and notions he felt confused and irked him to no end. Why was he suddenly and unexpectedly having weird, he wasn't going to go into any further detail then that, thoughts about the smaller arrancar. And having the fourth Espada's nails digging into the flesh around his wrist wasn't making it any easier on him. As much as he wanted to deny it he felt his cock start to jerk into an erection. Did Ulquiorra really turn him on that much?
"Go back to your room then," Ulquiorra ordered letting go of the blue-eyed Espada's arm.
"Only if you come with me," Grimmjow countered.
This time Ulquiorra couldn't contain the surprise that traced over his features. That had been just the reaction Grimmjow wanted. The Cuatro Espada really had been thinking about him and that gave Grimmjow all the permission he needed.
With his freed arm Grimmjow yanked Ulquiorra's wrist letting the other arrancar fall against the wall. Grimmjow grabbed the other wrist with his left hand and pushed Ulquiorra harder against the marble wall.
"Wha- what are you doing?" Ulquiorra questioned although his voice betrayed him. The unexpectedness of contact and the harsh grips had left him speechless. His usually emotionless face couldn't be quelled. All day long he had been giving away everything he felt and thought, and now it had backfired on him.
Grimmjow ignored the question and moved to Ulquiorra's ear, "I told you I want you to come to my room."
Grimmjow bit down on the earlobe after he had uttered the small phrase. Ulquiorra's breath caught. Was Grimmjow honestly doing what he thought he was doing? Ulquiorra tried to squirm away from the larger man, but the steal grip held him in place. Grimmjow's mouth left the lobe and worked its way down the pale-skinned throat.
It tickled Ulquiorra immensely, but he would not let Grimmjow know that fact, as he stayed motionless. Grimmjow moved his knee up so it now held Ulquiorra's left hand against the wall and he moved his finger along the pants line of Ulquiorra's uniform. The green eyes opened a little wider. Was Grimmjow suggesting what he thought he was suggesting?
As quickly as it had happened Grimmjow jumped away and spoke quickly before he vanished, "We'll have to continue this later."
Ulquiorra had just enough time to smooth out his uniform and gain composure before Aizen-sama turned the corner. When the brown haired man saw his most dedicated arrancar he smiled.
"I was just looking for you Ulquiorra," Aizen commented.
"And here I am," Ulquiorra told.
"Follow me then."
Ulquiorra followed his commander and chief to his private office. He sat down in the seat across from the older man and kept his eyes fixed on Aizen-sama as the man started one of his long and rambling explanations of something. Truthfully Ulquiorra couldn't concentrate on a word the man said. His thoughts kept shifting back to Grimmjow and what he had done. No one had ever laid a hand on him before, let alone in the way Grimmjow had. What had the other Espada been trying to prove, if anything? His hand involuntarily moved up to his neck as he traced the spot Grimmjow's mouth had been on. It felt good. He blinked twice. Had he just thought it felt good? There was no way he thought anything Grimmjow could do was good. He shook his head and moved his eyes back to his leader. He had to get those dirty thoughts out of his mind and quickly.
Grimmjow was sprawled on his bed with his hands tucked behind his head. Why had he done that to Ulquiorra? Yes, those thoughts had been running through him all day, but he didn't know how badly he had wanted to touch the man until he felt Ulquiorra grab hold of his arm. It was odd. Now that he had done it there was no turning back. He had felt Ulquiorra's soft snow-white skin and it left him itching for more. Stupid Aizen always ruined everything he noted. Grimmjow kept replaying the look of surprise that shone in the emerald eyes. He definitely thought it was a good look for the black haired man. He hoped Aizen was finished with Ulquiorra by now because he was getting anxious. No matter, he decided he would go wait for Ulquiorra in his room. That would be something the Cuatro Espada definitely wouldn't expect.
Ulquiorra managed to hear half of what Aizen-sama had said, but he was still pretty clueless, not that he would let the leader know that, mind you. When he reached his door he felt pulsing from within. That was unexpected. He pushed the door open too peeved and confused to care. He just wanted to take a nice hot shower and do nothing else for the rest of the night. The day had just been too weird and he was ready for it to end.
His ambitions were cut short however when Grimmjow emerged from a shadow catching the fellow Espada off guard for the umpteenth time that day.
Ulquiorra sighed, "What do you want now Grimmjow?"
"I want to finish what I started," he purred like a kitten.
Ulquiorra was taken aback by the sensual tone. He had no time to react before he was pushed up against the wall for the second time that day. This time Grimmjow wasn't as tender as he licked and sucked on the juniper of his neck. Grimmjow nipped and bit leaving red fang marks all over Ulquiorra's body. Grimmjow ran a rough hand over the toned, but smaller stomach than his. He ran a light fingernail over Ulquiorra's hardening nipple. In return he got a small gasp from the black haired arrancar. Grimmjow started to push Ulquiorra's white jacket off before the fourth Espada freed himself.
Grimmjow teased, "I get such a sweet sound for one little touch?"
Ulquiorra indignantly glared at the teal haired man, "What makes you think you're worthy of touching me?"
That remark intrigued Grimmjow to no end. First off he expected Ulquiorra to be a lot angrier. Second he expected Ulquiorra to attack him and tell him to get out. Lastly he thought only Aizen was allowed to play with his favorite toy. The way Ulquiorra spoke showed that if Grimmjow could play his cards right, he might get a chance with the fourth Espada.
"So you're saying I could be worthy of touching you?" Grimmjow asked leisurely. He didn't want to seem too eager and miss his chance.
Ulquiorra just shrugged without so much as a backward glance as he moved to his desk. He truthfully didn't know why he had just given Grimmjow such hope. Or why he was acting so, to the sixth Espada, but one thing was clear: his body wanted Grimmjow as much as Grimmjow wanted him.
"I thought you were off limits," Grimmjow confided as he walked around to the bed, jumping on it and letting himself bounce twice.
Ulquiorra's head turned sharply at the statement, "Why is that?"
"Cuz you're Aizen's play thing."
Ulquiorra's green eyes glazed over in untold rage. That was one point that struck a nerve. He advanced to the Sexta Espada and pounced on him. He pinned him to the bed with his hands over his head. Deep blue eyes opened in surprise then they relaxed.
"I am not Aizen-sama's play thing," Ulquiorra corrected.
Although Ulquiorra didn't realize it, Grimmjow had gotten exactly what he wanted. Ulquiorra was now straddling his hips. The Cuatro Espada had control for the moment, but the tides could just as easily turn.
Grimmjow smirked uncontrollably. He reached up a talented hand and grabbed Ulquiorra's hips tenderly. It kept him perched on top of Grimmjow. When Ulquiorra realized that was Grimmjow's idea all along he tried to dismount, but was trapped there by the teal haired man's strong arms.
"Let go," Ulquiorra growled in warning.
Normally Grimmjow would resign and give into the higher rank, but he wasn't going to this time. He had had these urges for the entire day and honestly a few other times. Now that Ulquiorra was within his grasps he was going to take full advantage of it.
Ulquiorra was infuriated now. Grimmjow was totally ignoring his order on purpose and on top of that he was touching him all over. Ulquiorra couldn't deny that the touches were nice, but he wouldn't let Grimmjow have the satisfaction of knowing.
Grimmjow saw Ulquiorra's face contorting with his different thoughts. He decided this would be the perfect time to flip the smaller arrancar under himself. After the task was completed he ripped open the fair skinned man's jacket. He was enjoying himself a little too much.
Ulquiorra went limp. He wasn't going to fight the larger Espada any longer. He was fed up and done with it. He didn't like to be tossed around like a toy and that was exactly what Grimmjow was doing to him. Whether he wanted the caresses or not he had them now. His arm shot up quickly and he yanked Grimmjow's jacket off his shoulders and let it fall to the ground by the bed. The sudden friction left red-raw streaks going down the other's arms. Then he placed both hands on Grimmjow's chest. Grimmjow's smirk only widened as he finally got the fourth Espada to play along with him. Ulquiorra quickly knocked Grimmjow backwards and switched their positions once again. As sneaky as Grimmjow could be, Ulquiorra could match him evenly. The black haired Espada held Grimmjow down by his shoulders and then started to nip and bite on his shoulder, neck, ear, and jaw line.
Grimmjow was taken aback at first, but soon accepted the touches with gratitude. As emotionless as Ulquiorra had acted, Grimmjow could feel the want in him now. Ulquiorra had such skilled hands he was surprised. Perhaps the fair skinned arrancar was more experienced then he had let on.
Ulquiorra read the look perfectly, "Or maybe I'm just a natural."
Grimmjow laughed thoroughly entertained, "Maybe I'm a natural too."
Grimmjow backed up his statement by literarily ripping Ulquiorra's clothes off his body. Ulquiorra blinked his eyes and realized with surprise that he was butt naked. He hurried in returning the favor by pulling off all of his partner's clothes. Only once they were both naked did they take the time to observe each other's bodies. Grimmjow's slightly tanned skin was glistening with little sweat droplets. His very toned abs were flexing and un-flexing as his large arms moved. Ulquiorra's fair skin was a little pink from his excursions and his clear-cut muscles didn't move. When blue and green met they jumped each other's bones. Fragile pink lips crashed into rosy red ones and the fire started to radiate in between them.
Before anything could get more heated Ulquiorra broke the kiss and held his partner down firmly, "If you want to get anything tonight Grimmjow, I suggest you take back what you said about Aizen-sama."
Grimmjow seemed to be thinking of what Ulquiorra meant then realization struck him, "Oh you mean about him and you?"
Ulquiorra growled angrily, "There is no him and I."
Grimmjow shrugged, but Ulquiorra tightened the pressure between himself and the bed, cutting off blood circulation to the other.
Grimmjow let a chuckle escape his lips and he gave up against the other, "All right Ulquiorra, you win. There's no Aizen and you."
After that statement Ulquiorra loosened the hold, but still kept him harshly against the bed. His face had an odd expression on it that Grimmjow had no idea what to make of.
He spoke again, "What, what else?"
Ulquiorra shook his head, "There is nothing else, you said what I wanted."
"Then why are you giving me that look?"
"It's the first time I've heard you call me by my name in that way."
Grimmjow seemed to be debating if it were true and when he couldn't prove its falsity he shrugged. He grabbed Ulquiorra by the back of the neck and pulled his face down to his own and pushed his lips onto the green-eyed arrancar's. He started to run his fingertips around Ulquiorra's stomach, seemingly too soft to be his own touch. When Ulquiorra started to moan uncontrollably, Grimmjow had a distinct notion that Ulquiorra was a pro with this.
Ulquiorra batted Grimmjow's hand away soon after and attempted to move his tongue into the other's mouth. When Grimmjow wouldn't comply and give him entrance, he nipped at the bottom lip, but continued with his other ministrations. There would be more time later to force the other's mouth into submission. He started to fondle Grimmjow's ball sac with such softness, but roughness that made the teal haired Espada almost want to melt… almost.
When Ulquiorra had had his fun he let Grimmjow take the reins. Grimmjow first took one nipple in his mouth and ran his tongue over the sensitive tip. He massaged the other one between his thumb and index finger. He switched back and forth evenly distributing his attentions. Ulquiorra relaxed significantly at the amazing touches. When Grimmjow felt the smaller Espada relax he moved his mouth back to the other's and tried to gain entrance to Ulquiorra's mouth, but he was just as stubborn. Grimmjow hadn't conceited to him, so Ulquiorra would not conceit either. Neither would back down and they started to kiss ferociously, each trying to win dominance over the other. Whoever won now, would definitely have the upper hand in what was to follow.
Thinking about what was going to follow made Ulquiorra lose concentration for a moment, but it was enough to throw him off. His mouth opened ever so slightly and Grimmjow took the advantage to push his tongue in, forcing the other to open his mouth wider. When that happened Grimmjow started to explore every crevasse and gum line inside the other's mouth. As he gained dominance over Ulquiorra, he started to show it. He flipped Ulquiorra under him so that the soft white stomach was resting on the now sweat stained sheets and held him down so he could do whatever he pleased with the other. Ulquiorra attempted to fight it for only a slight moment before he gave in and let the other reign supreme. Grimmjow was a lower rank than him, but he supposed just this once he could let the other have the upper hand, and he wasn't talking about ranks anymore.
Grimmjow swiftly moved his hand to Ulquiorra's backside and ran a rough hand over his butt cheeks. Ulquiorra shivered in pleasure at the new sensation. No one had ever touched him there before. He assumed it was because Aizen-sama would probably kill anyone who went near the Cuatro Espada with impure thoughts. Ulquiorra wondered for a brief second what Aizen-sama would do if he found them together right then and there, just like that. He probably wouldn't be able to do much since he wouldn't want to destroy the Sexta Espada. Grimmjow had had enough run-ins with the unhappy leader and Ulquiorra didn't want to add to it. His mind was rushed back to the present when he felt a pointer finger and thumb start to intrude on his asshole.
Grimmjow watched as Ulquiorra's mind started to wander. How could he be thinking of something else at a time like this? Grimmjow was so intent on the other arrancar, but it seemed like Ulquiorra was showing him no attention what so ever. Well that was definitely going to change right then and there. He put his pointer and thumb into his mouth and sucked on them to get them nicely coated with saliva. He would have had Ulquiorra suck on them for him, but then he would lose the mood of surprise and he had an underlying feeling that the other Espada could possibly bite his fingers off. He placed his pointer finger and thumb on the tender skin around the other's asshole and started to push them inside, stretching the skin significantly. Ulquiorra's eyes snapped back into focus and rested on Grimmjow's pleased blue orbs. Grimmjow couldn't contain the triumph he felt at seeing Ulquiorra's face contort into an odd expression when the fingers dug deeper.
Ulquiorra promised himself he would not give in to any pain and show it to Grimmjow. Perhaps if he just kept an optimistic mind set it could be avoided.
"How does that feel?" Grimmjow murmured against his skin while placing his middle finger in to help the other two.
Ulquiorra let a half smile cross his face, but spoke no words. It was a very unusual feeling having Grimmjow's fingers touching him in that place.
When Grimmjow was satisfied with his work, he took a deep breath and let a slow smile cross his face. He positioned himself on top of the higher ranked arrancar comfortably, letting his tip hover above the tight opening. Ulquiorra eyed Grimmjow over his shoulder, but didn't pull away. That was a good sign for Grimmjow. Maybe he'd be able to have as much fun as he had hoped for. With a loud grunt he pushed his length all the way into Ulquiorra's asshole.
The first thing that flashed through Ulquiorra's mind was that it wasn't as bad as he had expected. He really hadn't imagined that he would ever let another guy ever do this to him, let alone Grimmjow, but he supposed there was a first time for everything. When he felt well acquainted with the organ inside his body he arched his back up, giving Grimmjow more access and pushing him in deeper. This cute little act made Grimmjow give a low growl in pleasure.
Ulquiorra smirked and repeated an earlier response given to him; "I get such a sweet sound for one little touch?"
Grimmjow chuckled slightly, "I guess I deserved that one, but you definitely deserve this one."
Ulquiorra expected a catchy come back only to feel Grimmjow's hand circle around his throbbing and ignored member. Ulquiorra's breath caught at the feeling of having Grimmjow inside of him while grabbing his length. Grimmjow started to pull out of the smaller man only to slam back into him moments later. Grimmjow started out slow, but was just too hot and heated to control himself. He continued to fuck the other faster and harder while pumping Ulquiorra's dick in time with his thrusts.
Grimmjow was having a blast smashing into Ulquiorra's white ass. When Grimmjow angled his cock a little higher and more to the left Ulquiorra let out a most pleasurable gasp. When Grimmjow heard the sound he attempted to hit the spot over and over again. Ulquiorra was almost seeing stars in front of his eyes as the larger arrancar kept hitting his prostate. He wrapped his fingers around teal colored tendrils and yanked hard on Grimmjow's head. This only made Grimmjow increase the pressure and pace ten fold. Ulquiorra's butt muscles clenched tighter adding more friction between Grimmjow's dick and Ulquiorra's butt cheeks. It was a most pleasurable and exciting feeling as they just soared higher and higher together.
Both wished they could go on like that for another few hours, but sadly their bodies couldn't comply. Each could feel the other close to release. Regretfully Grimmjow quickened the pace further still, so they could end it with a bang. Grimmjow with a low and throaty groan released his seed inside of Ulquiorra, whereas the other with a soft guttural moan squirted his seed all over the sheets. Both collapsed onto the bed, fully spent.
Grimmjow pulled out of Ulquiorra slowly, earning him another groan and giving one up as well. Grimmjow stared at the arrancar who faced him with his eyes closed peacefully. He had a sudden urge to move a piece of Ulquiorra's black hair from covering his eyelid, but decided to refrain. That probably would be a little too sentimental for him.
Ulquiorra sighed deeply with his eyes closed. He just needed to rest for a moment. He wondered if Grimmjow was going to get up and leave or stay. He kind of wanted the other Espada to stay, but he'd never admit it, so he would just accept it if Grimmjow stayed or went.
Grimmjow rolled onto his back and pulled the sheet up to about his belly button. He was curious to see if Ulquiorra would make him go or let him stay. He kind of wanted to stay, but wasn't sure if the other would let him or not. It wasn't really an awkward situation or anything.
When Ulquiorra heard the rustling sheets as Grimmjow moved them to his liking, he could tell the other meant to stay. That was fine with him. Without opening his eyes he reached a hand over and traced the thick scar that ran down Grimmjow's chest.
"You should get that fixed," Ulquiorra commented.
"You should blow me next time," Grimmjow countered.
Ulquiorra opened one eye with a smirk creeping up his face, "And you should let me fuck you next time."
Grimmjow laughed. This was definitely going to be a fun relationship.