.:Still Waters:.
~Part Two~
…
Beaches are supposed to be one of the most relaxing places in the entire world, their picturesque scenery of flawless miles of white sand bordering the multi-dimensional shades of every identifiable blue and green that paint nature's largest source of life. On early spring days like that one where the temperature is the perfect mellow warm with a cool breeze in the salt-scented, misty air and the rhythmic frothy crashes of waves on the shore the ocean's everlasting, steady heartbeat, Grimmjow usually wouldn't have a care in the world.
Those had all been before his twenty-first birthday when tragedy had struck the vessel under his command out on the very waters he'd scoured unrelentingly since he'd woken lying on his back upon the shore in the exact moment the sun rose over the eastern horizon, its celestial light definitely beaming over him to illuminate the beautiful vision of his savior.
Nevertheless, in a cruel twist of fate the sun's rays had been blindingly bright and cast shadows that'd obscured his view of the mysterious figure's face. His bleary, burning eyes had managed to drink in the toned, peachy flesh of a lithe, masculine torso, glittering dark amber orbs sparkling down at him, lusty pink lips, and this aural crownof hair woven in the luminescent shade of tangerines and honey blossoms in the fleeting seconds they'd shared together, his hand able to cradle the smooth satin skin of a face that still appeared like an old memory in his mind and had proved its existence from that single touch.
And then there had been that voice.
It had sounded as if this beatific stranger had spoken in sweet melodies, his tone as pleasingly harmonious as chords played on finely tuned instruments by master composers, and this live Siren had called to him, to his very soul, and bewitched the prince utterly once he heard his own name on that delicate yet full set of lips.
Just you and me, Grimmjow, the earth-bound angel had said to him gently, already having stolen the blunette's tedious sanity and wildly thumping heart. Then I could be part of your world...
Then he'd vanished as if turning into part of the grayish sea mist, somehow just suddenly gone. Not that Grimmjow believed someone capable of a disappearing act so convincing without some sort of help, it wasn't possible. So the headstrong royal had set out to find the enigmatic young man with sun-colored hair and a habit of saving random men from a watery grave among the coral reefs, yet nowhere anywhere along the coast for miles did Grimmjow find him, thoroughly ignoring pleas for him to accept the reality that he'd hallucinated the whole encounter after narrowly avoiding death.
No, he was real all right, the man felt it in his bones that his savior was out there and closer than he probably even realized. He could've never imagined a voice like that, a voice so perfect he'd suffered through countless torturous, carnal dreams consisting of nothing aside from those hypnotic sounds and then abruptly find himself starting awake tangled within his bed sheets unbelievably hard and furious these nocturnal visitations from his desire remained the deceits of his subconscious.
Somewhat breaking out of his deep contemplation on the distinctive presence missing in his life, Grimmjow tore his gaze from the seemingly endless sea and looked down where pretty Pantera was padding across the sand toward him, mewing questioningly up at her owner. He crouched down onto his haunches so he and the Savannah were at eye-level, rubbing the thick patch of white fur on the back of her neck and making her pointed ears flick back and forth curiously.
"Yeah, I know I gotta find him, Pan. But I've already looked everywhere," he told the feline bitterly, his brow knitting in a frustrated scowl as his eyes swiveled back to the gentle waves of the ocean. "Where could he be?"
Of all the things he'd discovered about the human world, Ichigo never so much came across as an inkling about how hard it was to walk on these things. How did they ever learn, let alone make it look so easy? He felt totally incompetent when so far he achieved a new personal record of two bowlegged steps before falling back on his ass. This had all obviously been a spectator event for his audience consisting of a fingernail-gnawing, nervous wreck of a mermaid and a red and black striped shark clearly trying to be supportive but unable to stop staring at him like he'd grown a second head instead of a pair of legs.
Currently he was sitting back on his hands in the shallow low tide boasting several craggy rock formations right beside his prince's castle, his long, perfect gams spread out in front of him. Well, at least they were a comfortable fit, almost even more so than his tail since two slender appendages were easier to maneuver.
Ichigo slowly lifted one of his recent cosmetic changes above the water. He was helpless to stop himself beam from ear to ear in delight as he again saw his flawless foot poke out from underneath the surf and wigged all five toes, still thinking this was the best thing that had ever happened to him in all the years of his young life. By Poseidon's name, he'd done it.
He had legs.
Crossing one over the other, similar to how humans sometimes posed for pictures, Ichigo lamented his longing to shout in triumph and spin around as he'd also seen humans do but, clearly, that was the last thing he could do for the time being. He had to nail the basic casual stroll down first, then he could attempt the more advanced techniques.
"Mah mah, look at what the catfish dragged in!" a sing-song voice called from above, drawing Ichigo's amber orbs skyward where the familiar feathery form of his land-faring, avian friend was circling in to greet the trio of sea-dwellers (though that would soon change.) Urahara actually chose the knee of the orangette's top leg as his landing perch, the latter raising an eyebrow at the seagull's obliviousness. "Look at you, there's certainly something different about you today, Ichigo. Wait, don't tell me!"
Ichigo grinned at the fact that even if he wanted to give away the secret to his differed appearance, he couldn't exactly 'tell' the bird anyway. Hmm, that would probably take longer for him to adjust to than the whole walking thing. A few feet away, Rukia rolled her eyes as Urahara scrutinized the boy for the tiniest change since he'd last seen him. "Ah, I've got it! It's your hairdo, is it not? You've been using the dinglehopper, haven't you?"
Ichigo just shook his head, pressing his lips together to keep from smiling. "No you say, well let me see... A new shark tooth necklace?" Urahara guessed, earning another head shake in the negative, and he scratched his green striped hat using the end of one wing. Deciding to take some pity on the seagull, Ichigo began bouncing the leg he was standing on top of in a not so subtle hint. "No new necklace... I have to admit I can't put my foot on it right now, but if I just stand here long enough I know that I'll-"
"He's got LEGS, you idiot! He traded his voice to the sea demon and got legs, Poseidon help us all!" Rukia screeched, nowhere close to being in the mood for dealing with Ichigo's friend's... eccentricity. She was barely holding it together in the face of this evil the orange-haired prince had brought on her with his selfish need to prance about on land with those awful humans.
"I knew that," Urahara protested, adjusting the brim of his hat.
"Look, Ichigo's been turned into a human," Renji jumped in to the discussion, sensing that those two in a conversation on their own were bound for trouble they didn't need now of all times. "He's gotta make the prince fall in love with him and he's gotta kiss him, got it?"
Urahara didn't answer for Ichigo sent him fluttering away onto the ledge of the closest rock as he tried to stand again, holding his arms out to the sides to help balance himself as his entire body trembled in effort. This time he'd improved to stay upright on his madly shaking legs, knees swaying in and out, a whole five seconds until he inevitably stumbled clumsily to the right, splashing into the shallow waters face first and showering the rest of them with the salty spray.
However, stubborn to a fault, Ichigo pushed himself back up, casually removing a thick, emerald strand of seaweed from his mop of tousled tangerine. He'd barely taken one toddling step when he collapsed into a heap of limbs and even more seaweed, which seemed to be Rukia's breaking point.
"He's only got three days! Just look at him- on legs, on human legs!" she wailed despondently, burying her face in her hands and then suddenly gesturing them up to the heavens as if seeking divine intervention during her time of need. " This is a catastrophe! What would the king say? I'll tell you what the king would say, he'd say he's gonna throw a mermaid in the prime of her youth to the fishermen's nets with a school of salmon, that's what he'd say!"
"You are one chick in some desperate need of psychiatric help. Seriously, you literally scream at us every other day King Isshin is going to set a Great White on you or make you into fish fry for his dinner and nothing-"
"That's it, I'm not the mermaid going down for this, oh no way! I have to do the sensible thing and end this madness right now," Rukia announced, throwing a hand in the shark's face and sliding down off her rock back into the shallow tide. "I am going to march straight into the castle and look the king in the eye and tell him just like I should've done the minute-..."
The dark-haired mermaid fell silent as Ichigo frantically scrambled over the jagged sandstone and sent miniature tidal waves of seawater in all directions in his haste to reach her, grabbing her by her slim shoulders in evident alarm. Having successfully gotten her attention, the orangette shook his head fervently to show he was very much against his father hearing about what he'd done.
"No, don't you shake your head at me, young man," Rukia ordered the other teen sternly, trying to nip this insanity in the bud that instant. It was for his own good, after all. "Maybe there's still time, Ichi! If we could get that demon to give you back your voice, you could go home with all the normal fish, and just be… just be…"
The overwhelming heartache in those big brown eyes was the saddest thing she's ever seen, the shimmer of unshed tears glistening over those expressive amber orbs conveying the sheer magnificence of the depths of Ichigo's feelings for this prince stealing her breath away.
"And just be miserable for the rest of your life," Rukia sighed deeply, not capable of the cruelty it would require to crush her best friend's soul simply so she wouldn't be in any risk of the king's punishment. Ichigo would have done the same for her without a doubt and if anyone deserved their true love, it had to be him, "All right, all right. I'll try to help you snatch up that prince - but I had better be made the maid of honor at the wedding, understood?"
Ichigo's hug of gratitude nearly cracked one of her ribs but she just pat him on the back, knowing she would one day wonder why she'd ever been such a sap.
"Ahem, speaking as an expert on human culture I believe I can assist you here, Ichigo," Urahara spoke up, folding one wing behind him and pointing at the teen's scandalously bared human body. "Lesson one is simple: if you wish to be a human you have to dress like one, and no need to worry because I have just the thing."
Forty-five minutes later, the four of them had traveled along the great length the castle walls serving as a border between the royal family's prized palace and the seashores until they'd at last come to where there was an opening in the endless white stone and to Urahara's pleasure there was a rather decently sized rock formation a short distance from it on the sand beyond the water line.
Ichigo had been directed to stand in front of the ledge so that the seagull could get the full effect of exactly how the orangette looked in the human outfit designed especially for his 'grand entrance' as the bird had phrased it. However, the expressions Rukia and Renji were currently wearing as they too studied Urahara's fashions - as worn by a young man who hadn't improved in the whole walking department as much as they had hoped - spoke volumes louder than the original 'artist's' praise.
"You look great, kid, absolutely sensational. When they see you wearing this you'll knock 'em dead for certain."
This was the first occasion Ichigo really missed his voice as he was brimming with questions about what precisely he was dressed in considering it appeared nothing similar to the clothes he'd witnessed on humans before. He felt incredibly uncomfortable in it as well since it was basically an extensive, thick length of off-white fabric that was torn in some places and scratched the bare skin underneath with its rough texture. With Rukia's help, this single piece of fabric had been wrapped around him from under his arms to below the knee and then secured into place with rope tied too loosely, causing the makeshift article of clothing to keep slipping down and bunch together around his thighs.
If this looks as stupid as it feels I'll strangle that bird's scrawny little neck with my bare hands, Ichigo vowed mentally, leaning more of his weight on the big rock at his back as his legs were already threatening to give out from under him.
"Cock your hip to the side and place your other hand on your waist... ah, perfect!" Urahara gave him a shrill wolf whistle as he did as told, wondering how posing like this would get Grimmjow to fall in love with him at first sight. "Now give me your best 'come hither' look, and a smile would work wonders, too."
The teen's face fell into an irritable scowl the same time noises could be heard from right on the other side of the castle walls, his gut wrenching harshly and panic taking control of his actions at the reality that he was really doing this, Grimmjow sure to appear from around the opening any second now. His three friends instantly disappearing from sight and leaving him to do this on his own.
Eyes wide as sand dollars, Ichigo clutched onto the folds of his outfit and bit his lip as he anticipated the owner of whomever's footsteps were coming closer and closer...
When the one to shoot out of the confines of the castle walls and onto the beach was not only definitely not the blue-haired prince but not even human at all, he felt his eyebrows raise to meet his hairline and he grew warier of the waist-high, pearly white creature as it barrelled across the distance straight for him. Unsure of what to expect of the foreign animal, Ichigo backed up as far as possible on the rock ledge and wondered why the admittedly cute yet quite enthusiastic thing seemed to believe he was terribly interesting.
It ran right up to where he'd curled up atop the rock, standing up on its hind legs to place sand-covered paws on top of Ichigo's knees, staring at the boy with light blue eyes and a small pink tongue lolling out of the side of its mouth. Oh, now I remember you, he thought as he recognized the 'cat' that had accompanied Grimmjow loyally that night on the ship and the prince had risked life and limb to save. Now feeling fondness grow within for the cat, he leaned down closer to her level - Pantera, as he recalled that being her name - and deciphered once she jumped up to swipe her rough tongue over the tip of his nose he wasn't the only one who remembered their brief encounter when they'd first met.
"Pan, what in the hell are you-!" a deep, rough voice called out and Ichigo's head snapped up to where it had come from, his mouth going utterly dry and his heart leaping into his throat as he laid eyes upon the man he loved. "Oh... oh, I see."
Grimmjow had donned his usual get up of a loosely fitted collared white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, light blue trousers belted with a bright red sash, black knee-high leather boots, and yet Ichigo felt as if he were staring at a god too radiant for mere mortal eyes. How he ever could've considered that ridiculous statue even comparable to the real thing was beyond him.
And Grimmjow was nearing him in every one of his long, confident strides that caused the younger male to be ashamed of his own trembling, shuffled steps punctuated every so often by the clamour of when he fell face first. He would seem an absolute invalid beside the man.
Yet was it okay for him not to give a damn as long as it meant he would be beside him?
I told you one day I would be part of your world, Ichigo mused wistfully in his head, a wry smirk forming on his lips as he imagined what the other's reaction might be if he hadn't believed that every word had been as sincere as they were meant to be. Maybe, if he should be so lucky, Grimmjow had felt that immediate intimate connection between them too and had been waiting or even searching for him in the time since. Everything should fall into perfect place at this excruciating moment they saw each other once again, the precise one the seventeen year-old had risked everything for to have that chance of being with Grimmjow, hopefully for a very long while.
Please remember me...
However, the blue-haired prince was functioning on a completely different wavelength. Traditionally when the albino Savannah became excited by something along the shores outside she and her master's home's protective walls it would turn out to be some kind of dead animal that had washed up from the water, so it was fair that Grimmjow hadn't been expecting anything out of the ordinary when Pantera had abruptly began trailing the scent of her next target at light speed. He'd have been surprised if she had led him to anything other than the carcass of another creature demised.
So once he did see for himself what she'd discovered on the castle's private and therefore unpopulated beach was a boy maybe a few years younger than himself, sitting astride the ledge of a large rock and being lavished with playful affections by his famously aloof cat, Grimmjow had nearly been stunned into silence. Yet started approaching the strange teenager seemingly stranded all on his own on the prince's land and that was when the boy had lifted his head, the powerful and somehow alluring gaze emanating from within warm, softly glittering brandy orbs - eyes truly unlike any other.
Nothing ever truly caught Grimmjow off guard, he was the ruling monarch of an entire kingdom and the sole living descendent of the legendary House of Jaegerjaques, bred to be a leader, a hunter, a conqueror, a man above all others. No one should have weaponry so dangerous to him as an exquisite face so beatifically ravishing angels would be sick with envy. The vibrant orange of his halo-like hair was practically glowing under the grayscale shade of the thick clouds above them, like the illuminating radiance of a sunrise...
"You... seem very familIar to me," Grimmjow finally said, trying his hardest to ignore the fullness in his chest as this gorgeous stranger struck a tightly strung chord somewhere inside him and he was barely aware of leaning against the side of the rock the orangette was perched upon and sliding to its edge. "Have we met before?" the blunette demanded a bit more harshly than he'd intended.
Ecstatic at the confirmation Grimmjow had held onto the memory of when they'd lain on the sand after the storm and experienced that indescribable bond, Ichigo grinned broadly and hastily nodded that yes, they most definitely had met before. His breath left him all in a single gasp when his hands were seized by the other man's.
"I knew it, you're the one I've been looking for," Grimmjow said smugly, his smirk of satisfaction stemming not from arrogance but a deep seated content that the one he's ached for had come back for him. "Tell me your name," he said, eager for that precious piece of knowledge
Ichigo, the orangette tried to say, his lips moving and nothing spilling forth from them. Devastation weighed down on him heavily in place of his quickly fading euphoric delirium, his temporarily forgotten deal with the sea demon rushing back into his mind and his expression twisted to mirror the delayed grief and anguish as he right then and there realized what he'd lost.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Grimmjow asked of him as he picked up on the dampening of Ichigo's aura as it happened. His answer was a pair of lost, almost childlike eyes full of guilt and the younger man pulling one hand out of his grasp to gently tap his exposed throat, the implication like an implosion of their reunion. "You can't speak," he stated rather than asked and received a slow shaking of the other's head, their hands falling apart and Grimmjow angling his face away from Ichigo's. "Then you couldn't be who I thought."
Pantera hissed aggressively below them, baring her feline set of sharp teeth, and Ichigo huffed defeatedly. Couldn't the man see he was clearly exactly who Grimmjow had thought he was? It wasn't exactly common to see hairstyles in the precise same shade of orange, after all. But he hadn't come this far to give up now, even the man's cat agreed they belonged together.
Needing the blunette to know the truth, Ichigo gestured wildly to capture the man's attention and so that dazzling sapphire blue was focused intently on discerning the message that would explain everything. He swam his hand through the air and made a big circle to say 'ocean', then pointing a finger at himself. "What's the matter? You're hurt?" Grimmjow guessed, shot down frantically when the other shook his head and drew the letter 'X' right before the older man's face.
Though the boy's pantomiming became more rushed he understood the desperation for someone to know what he was saying, his increased efforts merely confusing Grimmjow further, the meaning of two pointer fingers held behind his head of tangerine spikes and grabbing his own neck appearing nonsensical, this game of charades lost on him completely. "No, so... you need help?" he guessed again, not using the clues to decipher the explanation, but rather simply asking just in case the answer was a yes.
Grimmjow was unable to not offer his aid to the younger, his more humane side molding the mute beauty into a tragic figure in his eyes. There was more to this orangette who'd been discovered stranded alone on an empty beach and with nothing on his person save for the clothing he'd made for himself out of an old mast sail and some rope, obviously confused and not able to tell a soul what'd happened to him or communicate with those who would possibly help in some way. It was not often Grimmjow experienced pity, but the desolation of this orange-haired teen's situation visible under dark lashes in pools of warm brandy appealed to his sense of basic decency. What to do about it was what had to be determined.
As the boy's frustration reached maximum levels he became careless, not paying attention to his precarious position on the rock ledge and one exaggerated motion later he lost his balance completely and plummeted forward, straight into Grimmjow's upper body . "Whoa, careful there," the blue-haired prince grunted, catching the teen's weight before either of them could go down and securing the other in his arms.
All of those hours Ichigo had lavished alone in his grotto imagining what it would surely feel like to be held by his love's burly arms had not even touched the surface of the sensations conjured by the man's actual embrace. Grimmjow cradled Ichigo to the elder's addictively warm, solid body firmly so that he felt safe and shielded from harm and still took it upon himself to treat him with a surprisingly gentility, as if he were something precious. The slighter male's enhanced sensitivity to touch due to the one touching him the blue-haired love of his life sent shivers down his spine and created a sudden inability to keep himself upright.
"Damn, you must have really been through hell lately," Grimmjow murmured, steadying the strange yet endearing soul whom he knew nearly nothing about. A tender and somewhat enchanting moment passed between the two, wherein they moved in sync to meet each other's eyes, and final decisions were made on the spot by them both. Grimmjow was going to do what he could for the other man and Ichigo was not going to protest in the least, in non-verbal ways that is. "Look, I'm going to help you, okay? I may not be a saint but you can trust me. Come on, let's go inside. I've got you now."
Ichigo gave a secretive minute smile at the ground, adoring the way the other male was rather blunt for a noble and gave orders even when being chivalrous and helping out what he thought was a total stranger, and to him it was actually soothing to his frayed nerves to be told everything would be okay - no ands, ifs, or buts to stress over and the closest to serenity he'd ever gotten in his life as Grimmjow guided him past the castle's outer walls and inside his home, the now pleased Pantera sauntering behind them with her tail held up in the air and swaying back and forth.
Shooting one last smirk of triumph over his shoulder to where he knew Renji and Rukia had spied on their entire encounter, Ichigo returned his gaze forward to stare in wonder at the extensive splendor of the kingdom's ornate castle for their rulers and theirs families.
Left behind in their hiding spots in the jagged rocks in the shallow waters, a miracle occurred and both Rukia and Renji were quiet for an entire minute until the shark grumbled, "Well that was easy."
"Easy? Ugh, honestly are you blind or deaf or both?" Rukia scoffed, clearly having just watched something entirely different from whatever Renji had seen happen between their lovesick friend and that prince. "Ichigo nearly blew it just now, trying to mime out his life story to a man who thinks they'd never met until now. Did he give his brain to the sea demon, too?"
"But that blue-haired dude just picked him up and brought him inside his awesome house, isn't that a good sign?" Renji pointed out, thinking that the petite brunette had no idea what she was talking about.
"Oh, Ichigo got lucky this time 'cause he's cute! That won't work forever, you know. Now come on and help me look for a way I can get to that boy and talk some sense into him so he can get his damned kiss and I can go home." Rukia was aware of how bitchy she was coming across for the time being but somebody had to be on point during this secret operation.
She may have been many things but she was not blind, deaf, nor stupid and so she recognized true love when it was unfolding right in front of her. Everything depended on that one kiss. Ichigo's lifelong happiness and freedom was at stake and he was going to make that man realize his real identity as the one who'd saved him drowning and watched over his unconscious form and been there, smiling down at him as he'd awakened and evidently developed feelings for Ichigo equally as ardent.
They simply needed a little push in the right direction, and who would make sure they got it if she didn't?
Once he'd entered the castle's grand foyer decorated in marble tile flooring and a wraparound balcony looking down from the second story, Ichigo had started when Grimmjow's voice boomed throughout the spacious structure, echoing and reverberating off the stone walls like when he and Renji had been caught up in a pack of whales during their mating calls. He was also taken aback when one person, a middle-aged woman whose long black hair was braided into a simple plait starting underneath her chin and continuing all the way to her waist appeared descending the staircase on the right.
"Ah, Retsu, there you are," Grimmjow said, and Ichigo couldn't help but notice the fondness in those sapphire eyes as the woman approached.
"Master Grimmjow," the woman replied in warm tones, a kind smile adorning her lips as she respectfully inclined her head. "A pleasure, as always. Though I really wish you wouldn't bellow quite so loudly – your voice has the tendency to carry with crystal clarity through these old hallways. And besides, you know that I am never too far away."
Ichigo watched, rapt with fascination, as the blue-haired prince gave a sheepish grin, a delicate hue of pink dusting the bridge of his nose as he scratched at the back of his head. Was Grimmjow… blushing? He never would have thought it possible, had he not just witnessed it with his own two eyes.
"Heh, sorry about that," Grimmjow apologized, yet another rarity for the bull-headed prince. "I guess I forget sometimes just how manly and–"
"Manners, young Master," the woman gently interceded, her cobalt gaze drifting toward the bright haired male to Grimmjow's right. "When you bring a guest to your home, it is proper etiquette to introduce them to those they are unfamiliar with. You don't want the poor boy to feel uncomfortable, do you?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, right," Grimmjow stammered, turning to Ichigo like he'd all but forgotten he was standing there. "This is why I called you, actually," he said, urging the timid orangette forward with a firm hand on his back. "I found the kid stranded out on the beach, all alone with nothin' but the clothes- uh, mast on his back. I can only speculate he washed up on the shore from a shipwreck."
The woman gave a soft gasp. "Oh my, how dreadful. Are you alright, dear? Do you require medical attention?"
Ichigo opened his mouth with every intention of telling the fretting woman that he was indeed fine, that she needn't worry, that he had everything he could ever want now that Grimmjow was by his side… only to remember that he couldn't give her any verbal reassurances whatsoever – not even a hum of content. Pressing his lips together in a thin line, he cast his gaze down to his feet and answered with a despondent shrug of the shoulders.
Confused by the boy's actions, the dark-haired woman looked to Grimmjow for answers. The prince sighed, automatically reaching out to ruffle the younger male's soft sunshiny tresses but thought better of it and lowered his hand back to his side.
"From what I can gather, he's completely mute," Grimmjow explained, his brows furrowing in sympathy when the orangette seemed to flinch at his words.
A brief look of concern flitted across the woman's soft features before she replaced it with compassion and a mother's smile. "Do not be disheartened, young one. As Master Grimmjow adequately demonstrated mere moments ago, voices can be somewhat… overrated."
Ichigo quirked his lips at that, whereas Grimmjow felt rather piqued. "Oi, that's not very–"
"Unfortunate circumstances aside," the woman pressed on, once again completely disregarding the disgruntled prince. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Retsu Unohana, a Lady of the castle and prince Grimmjow's primary caregiver."
When Unohana bowed politely at the waist, Ichigo chanced a quick look up at Grimmjow. The blunette gave him a dashing grin, one which weakened his knees and spread warmth throughout his veins whilst simultaneously assuring him that everything was going to be okay. Feeling insurmountably better from that one simple gesture alone, Ichigo turned his attention to his surroundings, aimlessly wandering about the foyer and taking in all the wondrous details of the castle whilst Grimmjow and Unohana conversed.
"He certainly is a curious spirit," Unohana mentioned casually as she noticed amber eyes alight with marvel greedily drinking in the splendor of the castle. With a subtle curve of the lips, she turned back to Grimmjow, who she noted was also staring after the orange-haired youth. "Beautiful, too. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Yeah," Grimmjow murmured almost instantly, completely forgetting himself – and subsequently his audience – as sapphire eyes trailed hypnotically after the mysterious teen. Quickly realizing his blunder, the blunette straightened up and cleared his throat. "I mean, uh… That is, I…"
With a knowing smile, Unohana put an end to his misery. She had what she needed. "Would you like me to escort the boy for the afternoon, Master Grimmjow? I know you have important business to conduct that will keep you busy until dinner."
Grimmjow gave the kindhearted woman a grateful grin, only just refraining from kissing her. "That would be great, 'Hana. I don't know if there's anybody out there lookin' for him, but until I find out otherwise it's safe to assume he'll be spending his days here with me– us. With us. Here. In the castle." Unohana didn't say a word, but Grimmjow knew her well enough to read the mirthful glint in those dark blue orbs that were openly teasing him. "So, yeah… Just show him around a bit, get him settled into a room, maybe draw him a bath an' get him some clean clothes. I want him to feel comfortable here, welcome… like he belongs."
"Of course," Unohana replied with a small acknowledging nod. "Anything else?"
"Keep questions to a minimum, obviously, and if you absolutely have to ask then try to word it in a way that he can answer with a yes or no. Don't just ignore him, though. He may not be able to talk, but he sure as hell seems to like listenin' just fine. I filled the awkward silence on the way here with useless banter, and the kid looked like he was hangin' off my every word!" Unohana felt inclined to mention the likelihood of the beautiful teen becoming transfixed even without the use of vocabulary on Grimmjow's part, but decided to keep said inclinations to herself for the time being. With an encouraging smile, she gestured for the prince to continue. "If you can manage it, try not to bombard him with a load of people and introductions. From what I can tell he's quite unsteady and, I dunno… submissive? It's strange, really; almost like he's unsure of what he's doing or even who he is. Does that make sense?"
"More than you know," Unohana answered cryptically. "Do not fret, young Master, I will take good care of our guest. Now, why don't you run along, you have a long day ahead and you know that it is rude to keep others waiting."
"Ugh, do I have to?" Grimmjow frowned with a feigned groan of displeasure. Well, most of it was feigned, anyway. When Unohana merely raised a brow, he conceded with a mildly petulant huff. "Fine, alright. Am goin'… Just let me say goodbye to the kid first."
With a compromising nod, both Grimmjow and Unohana turned toward the orange-haired teen, only to stop short at the sight that greeted them; a shocked and flustered Nanao Ise, one of the live-in maids, gaping at the orangette as the overly inquisitive teen paraded around with her thin rimmed glasses perched precariously on the end of his nose. Unohana politely concealed a humored smile behind her hand, whilst Grimmjow openly laughed outright at the weirdly adorable scene.
Ichigo on the other hand was mightily confused. He'd seen these strange human devices before in various different paintings and portraits he had acquired from desolate underwater wreckages, and had it on very good authority from Scuttle himself that humans used the circular glass to see into the not so distant future – that's why they were reserved for those of scientific background and great intellect, just like the men in the paintings. So why then when he put on the wire framed apparatus did his vision blur and swim like it did when he was a mere babe and his eyes were evolving to suit the water? He was a prince, was he not? They should work for him too, damn it!
With a disgruntled huff of disappointment, Ichigo pushed the glasses up to rest on the crown of his head, blinking rapidly to dispel the bleary edges to his vision. The maid was still gawking at him, looking like she wanted to say something or perhaps even snatch the doohickey back (though Ichigo couldn't fathom why when it was obvious they were broken), and it was during this bumbling exchange that the teen happened to glance down the drab servant uniform to two very prim, very shiny shoes.
Huh…
Looking at his own bare feet, he gave an experimental wriggle of the toes and frowned. Everybody seemed to cover their feet up here on land, even Grimmjow, and whilst the novelty of his newly acquired fleshy appendages still hadn't quite waned Ichigo wanted nothing more than to just fit in, to be the best damn human he could in order to win his prince's affections.
With a goal now firmly implanted in his mind, Ichigo determinedly set about trying to make his intentions clear to the hemming maid without the use of words, which turned out to be an arduous and frustrating task if ever there was one.
"Oh my… What is he doing now?" Unohana queried with a subtle tilt of the head. The boy was surely fascinating, like a blossoming child first discovering the wonders of the world.
Grimmjow's brows pulled into a puzzled frown, though the smile never left his mouth for an instant. "I have absolutely no idea," he replied honestly as he watched the teen gesticulate wildly to the Nanao's feet and then his own, trying his damnedest to communicate… well, he had no fucking clue what exactly. Gently nudging Unohana in the ribs, the prince gave a wicked smirk. "Heh, just look at Nanao's face, though. I don't think I've ever seen the girl so speechless before!"
Unohana gave the blunette a chastising side glance, wiping the grin right off of Grimmjow's face, before sweeping her arm out toward the pair as indication that he should intervene. Disguising an eye roll behind the guise of scratching his temple, the blue-haired prince gave a curt nod and stepped forward.
Ichigo was in the middle of attempting to remove Nanao's right shoe, the poor maid sputtering and sporting a crimson blush as she fought the overeager stranger off when Grimmjow finally butt in. When he felt a large and callused hand settle on his shoulder, Ichigo immediately ceased in his fruitless endeavors and straightened up, amber eyes peering up through dark lashes to lock with glittering sapphire.
"I get that you're excited to be here, kid, but that ain't no excuse to frisk the staff," Grimmjow said with a devastating grin to which Ichigo promptly melted. Casting a devious wink in Nanao's direction, his grin morphed into a smirk. "Not that Nanao wasn't lovin' every damn second of it…"
"W-What!" Nanao stammered, her blush flaring even brighter. "I most certainly was not!"
"Oh, c'mon Nana, don't be such a prude," Grimmjow teased, throwing an arm around Ichigo's shoulders and hugging him close. Ichigo certainly wasn't complaining, even when Grimmjow went a step further and playfully pinched his cheek. "Ya can't tell me that gettin' felt up by a kid this beautiful didn't get you even a little hot under the collar…?"
Nanao squared her jaw, positively fuming by now. "Why you…!"
"That's quite enough," Unohana's soft but stern voice interjected, the motherly undertones causing the ruffled maid to shy back like a scolded toddler. Grimmjow gave a triumphant grin and puffed up his chest – only to immediately deflate with Unohana's casual remark of; "I was talking to you, young Master." Smile unperturbed, she turned next to the huffing maid. Honestly, it was like dealing with a pair of preteens. "You are excused, Nanao. Please return to your duties."
"Yes, ma'am." With a polite bow, a not-so-polite glower at a certain blue-haired monarch, and not before snatching back her commandeered glasses, Nanao made a swift exit, mumbling under her breath of perverted princes and attempted rape.
Holding back a weary sigh, Unohana directed her attention to her loutish charge. "Now then, didn't you have an important meeting to attend, Master Grimmjow? I'm sure Aizen and the other representatives are waiting for you."
Sensing the sinister connotations to the deceptively innocent comment, Grimmjow wisely chose to heed the woman's words. "Eh, yeah. Sure. I was just goin'…" Dropping his arm from around Ichigo, he smiled down at the apprehensive looking teen. "Hey, what's that look for? I'll be back before you know it. 'Hana here is gonna show you around whilst I'm gone, get you comfortable with the castle and show you your sleeping quarters. Don't worry, kid, you're in the best of hands."
With a final handsome grin and a spirited tousle of his tangerine spikes, Grimmjow about turned and started down a long corridor off to their right. Ichigo reached a hand out after the retreating prince, amber eyes wide with a flurry of consternation and panic. He was just about ready to bolt after Grimmjow, not wanting to be separated from the man not only for the purposes of his objective, but also because he was so utterly lost and completely alone up here on the surface. But before he could take a single step, a soft and delicate hand touched upon his bare shoulder making him whirl round fast enough to give himself whiplash.
"I realize that you are all alone, and are probably frightened right now, but rest assured that we mean you no harm. You are safe here," Unohana tentatively coaxed the startled boy, her eyes curving at the corners and radiating trust. Smiling warmly, she removed her hand and gestured to the hall opposite the one Grimmjow had passed down. "Shall we?"
Without waiting for an answer, Unohana began down the corridor. Ichigo blinked and watched her go, the caring woman not glancing back even once to see if he was following her or not. Biting his lip, Ichigo took one last longing look down where Grimmjow had gone before hurriedly trailing after Unohana. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about the motherly, dark haired woman that he found infinitely comforting. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that in this weird and wonderful world she would shelter and protect him like she would her own blood. Who knows, perhaps she may even hold the key to winning over Grimmjow's heart? It was worth a shot.
As Ichigo meticulously pondered his next move, Unohana walked silently ahead, a gentle grin lighting up her features.
Ichigo was exceedingly satisfied with his decision to follow Unohana, and was currently basking in heaven.
After a very brief inauguration consisting of where he would be sleeping and how to get to and from certain places, including the dinning room, kitchens, library and gardens, Unohana had introduced him to his very own private bathroom – a novelty to one whom, even as a prince himself, has had to share with younger siblings for many, many years.
Drawing the vibrant haired teen a nice, hot bath full of calming salts and copious amounts of bubbles, Unohana gave the boy a few moments of privacy to divest himself of his – for lack of a better word – clothing, before keeping him company whilst he bathed. The look of sheer delight on the teen's face as he immersed himself in the torrent of frothy bubbles, joyously scooping up handfuls and blowing them into the air only to watch with sparkling amber eyes as they floated back down like fragile diamonds was enough for her heart to swell with fondness and overlook the sopping mess of the white tiled floor beneath her feet.
Smiling down on the spritely child, Unohana carefully broached a rather pressing issue. "Master Grimmjow tells me you were washed up from a shipwreck; that must have been a very traumatic experience for you. Would you like to try and communicate your feelings on the matter? Sometimes talking through your problems with others can relieve a lot of the stress induced in such upsetting circumstances."
Ichigo bit down on the inside of his cheek and glanced away, drawing his knees despondently to his chest in response. How could he possibly try and enlighten this woman as to his situation? As it was, even if he could still talk and endeavored to explain himself, there was no way she could possibly ever hope to begin to understand what he had done in the name of true love.
Sensing the great distress suddenly clouding the beautiful teen, Unohana simply inclined her head, chalking it down to a much too painful memory to drudge up at the moment and swiftly changed the subject.
"Well, my young charge also tells me that you're fond of listening, hmm? I may not be as avid a storyteller as Master Grimmjow, to whom you seem so enthralled every time he speaks…" Ichigo ducked his head at that, a furious splash of pink dusting across the bridge of his nose as he busied himself with the suddenly very interesting tap fixtures. Unohana's eyes curved just that little bit more. "…but perhaps you would like to hear a little of our prince's story?"
Ichigo immediately snapped to attention, whipping round so fast that Unohana barely managed to avoid a thorough soaking. Smiling sheepishly, Ichigo nodded his head in the affirmative. With an amused chuckle, Unohana waved away the teen's bashfulness over his actions and took a seat perched on the rim of the large tub.
"Grimmjow's mother and father were a very happy couple, and wonderful monarchs. They ruled their kingdom with pride and integrity, and all of their citizens were truly content. Our king was born and raised here, but his queen was a princess from across the waters – France, I believe. She was so overwhelmingly beautiful and incomprehensibly kind hearted that king Jaegerjaques proposed after just one week of courting. The palace was overjoyed."
Unohana paused, letting fond memories of long ago wash over her as Ichigo sat quietly by her side, his arms crossed over the edge of the tub and pillowing his head as he lost himself in the tale of Grimmjow's past.
"For a long time they tried to conceive, but as the months passed by and still no fruit for their efforts, they lost all hope of ever providing the kingdom with an heir. The queen was so disheartened that she started to blame herself, and so the king whisked them both away on a romantic cruise to reaffirm his devotion to her. When they returned it was with elated hearts and the most joyous news; the queen was pregnant. It's quite beautiful, really. Grimmjow was begot from the deep dark recesses of despair as a shining ray of hope and prosperity."
Subconsciously Ichigo inclined his head, as if affirming that the statement was indeed fact, and Unohana had to carefully school her expression so as not to give away the boy's gaffe.
"The queen had a happy and healthy pregnancy, positively glowing with radiance wherever she stepped. The king was swollen with pride, and doted on his expecting bride and unborn babe – it was such an honor to be able to observe them behind closed doors, to see the queen reclining late at night in the study when Grimmjow kept her up with his fussing, reading poetry out loud to her fruitful stomach in the hopes of soothing her anxious bundle, or witnessing the king humbly massaging his queen's tired feet when the swelling became too much to bear. But perhaps my favorite memories are of early in the morning, when I would venture to wake the blessed couple for the day to find them basking in the others embrace, adoring smiles upon their faces and eyes shining only for each other…"
Ichigo gave a wistful sigh; that sounded so magical. He really hoped that he and Grimmjow would share a love just like that, so full of cherishment and adoration and heart. When he gazed up at Unohana, however, he felt all the warmth and fuzzy delight sap slowly from his body at the pained and saddened look clouding her usually amiable eyes. Whatever was coming next, it wasn't going to be good…
"As the chief physician of the palace, I was called the very instance the queen went into labor on an unusually cold and dreary July morning. She was in terrible pain, so much more than any delivery I had ever preformed before – and I knew, deep down in my heart, that she wasn't going to make it." Ichigo's eyes widened at that and he choked on a soundless gasp. "I think the queen knew it as well, and by all accounts she should have perished long before she could give birth – but as any devoted and determined mother would, she used the last of her deteriorating strength to bring Grimmjow safely into the world. Nursing her precious baby boy to her heart, she passed away quietly not five minutes later to the sound of Grimmjow's wailing and with the biggest smile I have ever seen touching her lips. The king, of course, was completely distraught. For weeks on end he was inconsolable and neglected everything and everyone around him, including himself. The only happiness he could find was in fawning over his bouncing boy, the only piece of his wife that he had left. His health suffered, and Grimmjow was barely out of the crib when he too followed his dearly beloved in death. We never did find an official cause of death, though many speculated that he simply died of a broken heart."
Ichigo blinked back the tears pooling at the corners of his eyes, trying his best to be discreet as he thumbed away the evidence of the lone bead that escaped before he could prevent it. If Unohana noticed she didn't comment, she merely reached out to tenderly pet her hand through his damp tangerine tresses.
"Oh child, Grimmjow's story may not have such a happy beginning, but it is the rest of his journey that matters, that makes him who he is. With Aizen by his side and my guidance to aid him every step of the way, he has grown into a truly remarkable young man. Though many of the royal council believe him still too brash and impudent to rule over the lands as king – especially with no wife to speak of – I have absolutely no doubt that he will prove his worth and make a fine ruler one day. With a raw nautical savvy and diplomatic aptitude ingrained into the very marrow of his bones courtesy of his father, coupled with devastating good looks and a passionate spirit from his mother, Master Grimmjow will surely conquer worlds. Of this I am certain."
Chewing pensively on his bottom lip, Ichigo reclined back into the spacious tub, shivering as a chill that had nothing to do with the suddenly tepid bathwater raced down his spine. Poor Grimmjow. He couldn't believe just how unfortunate his young human life had been, growing up without a mother and father and left with the weight of an entire kingdom to govern bearing down on his shoulders. Ichigo knew full well the kinds of pressure being a prince could entail, but even so he had his family to fall back on when things became too overwhelming or taxing. Hell, he had Rukia and Renji to help shoulder the burden for him. But Grimmjow… he'd had no one. The orangette was sure that Unohana and Aizen had done a wonderful job raising him, he could see as much for himself, but it could never quite substitute for the real deal. Ichigo was unfortunate enough to know firsthand what it was like to lose a parent, but to lose both before you ever really knew them? Well, that just broke his heart.
With nothing but the trickle of rushing water as Unohana washed Ichigo's hair and the idle chatter of the palace attendants filtering in from outside, the atmosphere gradually drained of the thick tension polluting it before, allowing Unohana to work in a companionable silence and the boy to mull over his emotions in peace.
'Well now, Master Grimmjow,' she mused to herself as she tipped the teen's head back to rinse of the lathery suds. 'It would seem that worlds are not the only commodity you will conquer…'
Ichigo quirked a quizzical brow at the nurturing woman when she began humming softly to herself, wondering what it was she could be thinking to make her smile like that. Unohana offered the puzzled teen no explanation, just hummed a little louder and smiled a little wider.
Early that evening, Grimmjow had finally wrapped up his business for the day and was very much glad for the fact – honestly, there was only so much monotonous drivel from foreign ambassadors about congested shipping routes and trade agreements he could take! He was a young and virile man for crying out loud, and as such his political attention span only reached so far… Not to mention it was exceedingly hard to concentrate on serious economic and bureaucratic issues when he couldn't get a certain orange-haired enigmatic beauty out of his god damn head. A rather piqued Aizen had had to snap him out of his idyllic daze on several separate occasions and apologize profusely to their guests on the prince's behalf.
And so, after an energetic run along the beach to clear the boredom induced fog muzzing up his brain and a long, hot bath to rid himself of the dirt and sweat acquired during said run, Grimmjow and Aizen had retired to the dining room to await the arrival of their most recent lodger.
The banquet hall was a commodious and splendid room, with floor to ceiling windows built into the north and eastern walls overlooking the sea, flooding the vast area with torrents of shimmering light that rippled like the waves it reflected. On the western walls hung three large, magnificent pictures; the one on the right a stunning rendition of the late king's vessel docked at its home port, on the left Grimmjow's own pride and joy sailing over crisp blue waters, and taking up centre a beautiful portrait of his mother and father on the day of their blessed union. A long, hand crafted oak dining table was situated in the middle of the room, chairs to accommodate an entire party lined the table with Grimmjow's overly elaborate seat positioned at the head. Currently Aizen occupied the prince's place whilst the blue-haired royal paced agitatedly back and forth in front of the windows to his left.
"Oh, Grimmjow, do be reasonable," Aizen said with an impatient sigh as chocolate brown eyes lazily followed the blunette's restless strides. "Gallant young men just don't swim around rescuing people in the middle of the ocean and then flitter off into oblivion…"
Grimmjow's lip twitched in a growl. "So what, you're sayin' you don't believe me?"
"No, no, of course not," Aizen reasoned calmly, eyes now focused on the task of filling his finely made calabash smoking pipe with tobacco – a parting gift from the oversea emissaries they had convened with early today. "All I'm saying is that perhaps you should spend a little less time chasing your own tail and more time focusing on what's right under your nose."
"I'm tellin' ya, he was real; I just know it." Turning away from those skeptical brown eyes that seemed to tell him otherwise ("you're dreaming, boy") Grimmjow pressed his left forearm against the cool glass of the window, sapphire orbs mirroring the pinky gold hues of the dying sun and brows furrowed in determination. "I'm gonna find him, Aizen. I swear it."
The brown-haired advisor gave a short, noncommittal hum. "And then what?"
Pausing to think over his answer, Grimmjow scowled harder at the crashing waves meters below. "And then I'm gonna–"
The handsome prince got no further as Unohana's pleasant lilting voice filtered in from the open doorway, interrupting his train of thought and instantly snaring both men's attention.
"Come along, child," the woman coaxed, gently tugging at a shadowed figure. "Don't be shy."
With a firm yet tender press to her newest charge's shoulders, Unohana urged the skittish teen forward into the room and stood back to happily watch the events unravel. Ichigo licked his lips, suddenly feeling incomprehensibly nervous as he timidly edged himself toward where the gorgeous blunette stood. Stepping out of the shadows and into a pool of dusky sunlight, he raised a hand to shield his eyes against the sudden glare before lowering both to his lap and twiddling his thumbs, a shy smile curling one corner of his mouth.
Grimmjow could easily count the amount of times he had been genuinely gobsmacked on one hand, but this was definitely not like any time before. Sapphire pools wide, jaw slack and pulse bordering on erratic, he couldn't even string one coherent sentence together in order to properly greet the frankly ravishing teen. The amber eyed beauty was dressed in a fine powder blue shirt with a cream colored silk sash tied loosely around his waist, tailored black slacks adorned his athletic legs and buckled Italian leather boots decked his feet. The first couple of buttons on the shirt had been left undone, advertising a creamy expanse of smooth, kissable skin and highlighting the silver necklace draped around his neck, Grimmjow's insignia surrounded with small, glittering stones of blue topaz dancing against the fading light.
Swallowing hard, the human prince tried desperately to ignore how good his family's emblem looked nestled snugly against the kid's collarbone. The shirt was obviously one of Grimmjow's own; not only did he recognize it as such, but the sleeves were slightly too long on the boy's arms and the cuffs covered most of his hands (which Grimmjow found rather darling if anyone cared to ask). The teen's peachy skin looked fresh and radiant, his choppy orange hair soft and clean, and his eyes big and sparkling. Gods, he looked so… so…
"Well, well. Grimmjow, isn't he an absolute vision?" Aizen simpered slyly from behind the blunette, making Grimmjow start from his unexpected proximity.
'Yes.' Grimmjow affirmed to himself with a subtle nod. 'A vision; that's exactly the word I was looking for.'
Feeling a tad tongue tied as the orangette carefully advanced, Grimmjow awkwardly cleared his throat and gave the boy a debonair grin. "You look amazing," he breathed before he had the wit to stop himself. "Uh, I mean clean– no! Er, that is you look… decent?"
Ichigo cutely scrunched up his nose, unsure whether to be offended that he had just been branded 'decent' by the man of his dreams or flattered that the blunette seemed so frazzled at his mere appearance. In the end, if only to save his withering pride, he decided to choose the latter.
Glancing back at the distinctly baffled look plastered all over Aizen's usually so collected features, and the poorly hidden look of mirth decorating Unohana's, Grimmjow huffed and rolled his eyes before falling seamlessly back into his typically audacious mannerisms. With a cocky smirk and a rough tousle of tangerine spikes, he winked down at the nervous teen.
"Ya scrub up real good, kid."
Before the royal idiot could dig himself an even bigger hole in which to bury his sudden case of foot-in-mouth, Aizen quickly intruded upon Ichigo, escorting him over to the dining table by the elbow.
"Come, come, come. You must be famished, dear boy. Let me help you." Sitting where instructed on the left of Grimmjow's grand chair, Ichigo smiled gratefully as the prince bustled Aizen out of the way to guide his chair in before walking to his own. "There we go, that's much better. Are you quite comfortable?"
Ichigo didn't register the older man's question, his attention immediately fixated on the shining silver dinglehopper sitting right next to his plate. He wasn't entirely sure why they would have an instrument for grooming ones hair resting on the same surface where they supposedly ate their food, but hey, who was he to argue the specifics of human social conduct? With a mental shrug and a certain gusto, he picked up the dinglehopper.
Sat directly across from the orange-haired youth, Aizen continued to ramble on. "I must say, it isn't every day that we have such a lovely dinner guest, eh, Grimmjow?"
"When I think of our most recent guests, I'm inclined to agree," Grimmjow snorted with an antagonistic flair.
Aizen leveled the blunette with a reproachful stare. "Now young prince, that's no way to talk about your distant allies, especially not in front of com…pany?"
When Aizen trailed off uncertainly, Grimmjow quirked a brow and followed his line of sight to the orangette. Wine glass raised and about to take a sip, the blunette stopped short, both eyebrows shooting up toward his hairline at the downright bizarre spectacle before him. Was it just his eyes, or was the quirky teen brushing his hair with a fork?
When the idle chatter around him suddenly ceased, Ichigo slowed in his ministrations to peer over at Grimmjow – who just so happened to be staring at him like he'd gone and suddenly sprouted his merman tail again. Chancing a quick glimpse in Aizen's direction he was met with much the same bewildered stare and thus immediately set the dinglehopper back where he found it, supreme embarrassment causing him to duck his head and avert his gaze to his lap even though he had absolutely no idea what he had done wrong.
The abrasive sound of a match being struck had never sounded quite so loud in the uncomfortable hush of the banquet hall. Ichigo, having never heard such a noise before, gave into his curiosity and peeked up through his dark lashes at Aizen as he fed a small, flickering flame into what looked suspiciously like a– yes, it was! A snarfblatt!
Aizen couldn't help but notice the way the young male's head snapped up, amber eyes brimming with wonderment at his ornate pipe. With an encourage smile, he held the smoking device out to the inquisitive orangette.
"Do you like it?" he asked, a sense of satisfaction welling up in his chest as he watched an animated grin tilt the boy's mouth. Grimmjow on the other hand barely repressed a groan – damn Aizen and his bloody pipe! He could fucking recite the spiel he was undoubtedly about to launch them into in three… two… "It is rather a fine piece of craftsmanship, if I do say so myself. The wood is varnished mahogany and the bowl made of porcelain. It was actually a gift from the duchess of–"
Grimmjow wasn't entirely sure what happened next, it all happened so fast. One minute he was resting his chin in his palm, dutifully ignoring Aizen as he prattled on about his precious fucking pipe in favor of watching the unorthodox teen as his pretty features lit up whilst holding the smoking implement, a dazzling smile curving his mouth as he raised the mouthpiece toward luscious, soft looking pink lips…
…and the next there was a giant cloud of noxious smoke and dark ash shrouding Aizen's entire face! Well, Grimmjow mused, that certainly was one surefire way to shut the windbag up.
Unable to resist, Grimmjow let out a raucous bark of laughter. "Holy shit, that's fuckin' hilarious! You should see the look on your big sooty face!"
Unohana, who had been standing passively by the sidelines, chose that moment to approach the prince, her face one of joy as she laid a hand upon his shoulder. "Why, Master Grimmjow, that's the first time I've heard you laugh quite so jovially in weeks."
That particular observation made Ichigo smile brightly, whereas Aizen looked rather miffed. Pulling a handkerchief from his breast pocket, he set about cleaning his sullied face, idly wondering if the smell of burnt tobacco and smoke would ever again leave his nostrils.
"Ahem, yes. Very amusing," he drawled, tucking the blackened handkerchief back into his jacket. Grasping for an immediate change in topic, he roved his eyes over the only present female. "Unohana, my dear, what's for dinner this evening?"
"Chef Zaraki has been preparing a sumptuous dish in honor of our esteemed guest, his specialty; stuffed crab," the dark-haired woman smiled, only for it to waver at the sound of clattering pans and maniacal laughter ringing out from the direction of the kitchens. "If you'll please excuse me a moment."
Ichigo wrinkled his nose in distaste at the thought of having to eat something he considered to be like kin, but otherwise remained impassive. He knew that humans were fond of turning marine life into delicacies to devour – Poseidon knows his father had lectured him time and time again of the fact – but that didn't mean he was overly keen on the barbaric act himself, even if it would please Grimmjow. Fortunately the prince and the brunette were too busy conversing to notice his apparent discomfort, and Ichigo quickly schooled his expression into one of interest when their attentions broadened to include him.
Unohana returned minutes later wheeling in a small cart carrying three covered meals on decorative silver platters.
"Apologies for the tardiness," she said with a courteous bow. "It would seem that Kenpachi got just a little carried away with his knives and an allegedly errant crab. He's so passionate about his work."
Ichigo cocked a brow at that. Passionate? The man sounded like a raving lunatic! Though judging by the passive look on Aizen's face, and the blasé attitude Grimmjow displayed, Ichigo assumed that the castle was more than accustomed to this Kenpachi guy's knife-wielding antics and chose not to comment on it – not that he could comment on it, even if he wanted to.
"You know, Grimmjow," Aizen said, grinning coyly as Unohana began to serve their meals. "Perhaps our young guest might enjoy seeing some of the sights of the kingdom. Something in the way of a tour, hmm?"
Stirred out of his dream-like trance as he stared deep into shimmering amber orbs, Grimmjow turned to acknowledge the brunette. "Huh? Sorry, Aizen. What was that?"
"Oh for the love of– You can't spend all your time moping about," Aizen hissed in hushed tones. "You need to get out of the palace, do something – have a life!"
With his gaze fixated on the infuriating blunette, Aizen failed to notice the very much live crab cowering down on his plate as he removed the dome shaped lid. Ichigo sure noticed though, and took advantage of the other two male's distracted natures to silently usher the poor crustacean across the table.
"You must get your mind off of this ridiculous fantasy and–"
"Geez, old man, take it easy!" Grimmjow rebuffed. "It's actually not a bad idea, if he's interested that is…"
Darting swiftly under the safety of the orangette's platter lid, the crab barely made it in time before Ichigo slammed the cover back into place, coolly propping his chin up in his palm and smiling nonchalantly as Grimmjow's sapphire gaze landed on him.
"Whaddaya say, kid? Would you like to join me on a tour of my kingdom tomorrow?"
Ichigo positively beamed with delight, amber eyes shining as he nodded his head enthusiastically. Grimmjow returned the grin tenfold and Aizen gave a pleased clap.
"Wonderful!" the brunette exclaimed, happy to see the prince finally looking excited about something other than chasing phantoms. "Now, let's eat before this crab decides to wonder off my plate."
At the sound of metal striking against fine china, Aizen could only stare in total bewilderment at his suspiciously crab-free dish…
Later that evening, when the sun had sank behind the horizon and the moon bathed the lands in a ethereal, silvery glow, Ichigo found himself in the grand palace gardens surrounded by beautiful, sweet smelling flowers and the happy chorus of chirping crickets.
Lounging lazily in the grass by a small pond near the castle walls, Ichigo watched with a dreamy smile and lidded amber eyes as Grimmjow fooled around with Pantera. The large feline was relishing in the attention lavished upon her, purring and mewing her content as she pawed and jumped all over the blue-haired prince. Ichigo gave a soundless chuckle as Pantera eagerly pounced upon her master, bowling Grimmjow over with a soft thud before attempting to lick his handsome face right off with her sandpaper reminiscent tongue. Grimmjow gave a hearty laugh, catching the frisky cat in a headlock and ruffling her fur in a boorish yet playful manner. Pantera gave a yowl of disapproval before breaking free and leaping agilely to her feet. Grimmjow chuckled at the disgruntled pet as he too picked himself up, dusting down his trousers and fixing his disheveled shirt. Hunkering down, he gave Pantera a generous rub against the sweet spot right behind her ear in apology, the feline instantly melting into the tender touch and purring her pleasure loud enough for even Ichigo to hear, her tail curling around her human's leg as she lovingly rubbed up against him.
Looking up, Grimmjow felt his heart stutter at the sight of the teen gazing over at him, those gorgeous eyes shimmering in the moonlight and youthful features painted in pure relaxation. It made such a breathtaking and serene picture that Grimmjow actually paused in his actions.
Unable to take the full brunt of such an intense look, Grimmjow averted his gaze and clutched at his chest, narrowing his eyes in concentration. What the hell was this feeling? This dizzying rush of warmth that seemed to permeate through to his very soul and caused his heart to swell to uncomfortable proportions in his chest? He had never felt this way about another person before, and even though he had no idea what in hell the emotion was, he knew that he never ever wanted it to stop.
Stumbling out of his inner turmoil when Pantera bumped her head against his thigh in search of more affection, Grimmjow blinked and fulfilled her demands whilst offering the younger male across the grass a small wave.
Ichigo started at the friendly gesture, so wrapped up in his own little world that he had completely forgotten that he was essentially gawking at the blunette like some love-sick fool. Gods, Grimmjow probably thought he was a total freak just staring at him like that – if he didn't already after his many embarrassing blunders during dinner, that is.
Giving a clumsy wave of his own in response, Ichigo was somewhat relieved when Grimmjow went back to roughhousing with his pet, allowing him to wallow in his own misery. Dejectedly plucking at the blades of grass by his feet he didn't notice a third presence quietly creeping up behind him until it was too late.
For the very first time since making his pact with the sea demon, Ichigo found himself glad that he no longer possessed a voice as a cold, damp hand latched onto the shirt at his lower back and he opened his mouth in a silent scream, arms flailing and eyes shooting open.
"Psst! Ichigo, ya idiot!" a feminine voice whispered harshly, the firm grip on his clothing the only thing keeping him from bolting back into the security of the palace. "Behind you!"
Heart thundering in his throat, Ichigo peered over his shoulder, his amber orbs widening in shock at the sight of Rukia leaning out over the grass from the rippling pond, her lavender scaled tail concealed from view in the inky depths of the water. Eyes flicking briefly over to Grimmjow, Ichigo was relieved to see that his little performance in amateur theatrics had gone unnoticed as the man pampered his overgrown cat. With an inaudible sigh of relief he discreetly scooted back toward the edge of the pond, allowing Rukia to sink back down until the water was lapping around her moderate bust. Where Ichigo was overjoyed to see his good friend again after such a lousy and awkward start to his mission, Rukia sported a dark scowl.
"What're you deaf as well as stupid now?" she hissed, folding her arms. "I was calling you for like five minutes straight and you totally ignored me! If we weren't on such a tight schedule I'd be giving you a lengthy tongue lashing right now!"
Ichigo couldn't help but grin. Rukia was still Rukia…
Pointing at her general being, then at the water whilst gesticulating wildly and frowning, Ichigo attempted once again to get his message across without the use of speech. Rukia for the most part looked perplexed before she finally cottoned on and answered his unspoken question.
"There's a small hole in the castle wall a meter or so down, and luckily enough the sea flows right through it and into this pool," she told him as she jammed a thumb over her shoulder. "Renji wanted to come and see you too, but his fat, blubbery ass couldn't fit through the gap. Oh boy was he ever livid – it was hilarious."
Ichigo rolled his eyes skyward but grinned all the same. It would seem that some things would never change, regardless as to whether he was around or not. Leaning back on his hands and stretching his long legs out in front of him he was more than content to pass the night away watching Grimmjow horse around with his beloved pet, the two of them emanating such simple joy and camaraderie he couldn't help but smile.
Rukia, being the astute and nosey little mermaid that she was, took notice of those big dewy eyes and goofball grin and decided it was high time they moved things along. It was already closing in on the end of day one, leaving them just two days to achieve their (in Rukia's humble opinion) laughably futile goal.
"So, Ichigo," she hummed softly to get her now human friend's attention. "How're things coming along with the prince? Are you making any progress?"
Ichigo, never once taking his eyes of the blunette, lifted one shoulder in a languid shrug leaving Rukia to wonder if he was even paying attention to her right now.
"Come on, Ichigo, it's time to get your head out of the sand and into the mission at hand! Following the man around like some infatuated guppy isn't going to get you that kiss. We've lost one day already and despite now living in the castle you're no closer to the prince than you ever were before." When Ichigo didn't so much as even twitch in response, Rukia narrowed her eyes and wrenched herself out of the water to smack the lackadaisical orangette upside the head. "Oi! Are you even listening to me? This is important, Ichigo – we're steadily running out of time!"
Taking a moment to recompose herself, the raven-haired mermaid took no notice of the baleful glare Ichigo shot her way whilst gingerly rubbing the back of his head and did what she does best – strategized.
"Okay, we've got to come up with a plan to make the prince kiss you," she began, rubbing her chin in deep contemplation. "You've got'a look your best tomorrow; that means dressing up nice, brushing your hair and, for the love of all things aquatic, no scowling!" The comment in itself made Ichigo glower to which Rukia snapped her fingers. "Yes, that. None of that! Now, if the two of you should find yourselves alone there are a few simple tricks you can do to get his attention and hopefully win over his affections… You've got to bat your eyes, like this," she demonstrated with a pretty flutter of her long, dark lashes. "Then you got'a pucker up your lips, like this," here she combined the two, her lips jutting out into a full pout and her eyelashes fanning against porcelain cheeks.
Ichigo thought the whole thing looked kind of ridiculous, but who was he to argue? If it helped in his venture to make Grimmjow fall madly in love with him then he was willing to try just about anything.
"Oh barnacles, here he comes!" Rukia muttered before hurriedly ducking beneath the water. Ichigo snapped his head up just in time to see Grimmjow approach, a deadly swagger to his step that made Ichigo's heart skip a beat and Pantera trotting loyally by his right heel.
"Yo, kid. It's gettin' late. We should really retire for the night if we're to get up early for that tour."
Extending his hand out, Grimmjow helped the teen to his feet, the warmth and silken feeling of the orangette's delicate fingers lingering against his skin long after they broke contact. Stuffing both hands deep into his pocket, he gestured toward the dimly lit castle with his head.
"C'mon, I'll walk ya to your room."
Ichigo gave a bashful smile and a coy inclination of the head before following behind the handsome prince, petting a happily purring Pantera on the head as she pranced alongside him. Grimmjow grinned but said nothing more as they made their way back indoors, a heady rush of excitement turning over in his stomach at the prospect of a whole day alone with the boy tomorrow.
From the shadowed reeves of the pond, large violet eyes watched as the two men ambled toward the majestic palace, a merry smile touching upon her features as they slowly disappeared from view.
"You are hopeless, boy," she sighed with a small shake of the head. "Completely hopeless."
Quietly sinking back beneath the surface, the mermaid swam smoothly down through the water to the small fracture in the castle's defenses and carefully wedged herself back into the familiar territory of the ocean.
Renji, who had been moodily patrolling in front of the (stupidly tiny) crevice, promptly shot off after Rukia as she swam by.
"Well? How'd it go? Is he doin' okay?"
"No headway yet," Rukia informed him with a dismissive wave of the hand. "I swear that boy is like a lost cause."
Renji, knowing the petite raven better than she ever gave him credit for, gave his interpretation of a wide, toothy grin. "Heh, so you've got a plan then. Wanna fill me in?"
Concealing a sly little smirk Rukia gave nothing away, simply gesturing for Renji to hurry along. Renji snorted but complied. Oh yeah, she definitely had a plan.
Meanwhile, back at King Isshin's glorious underwater palace, the bearded merman was restlessly gliding back and forth by one of several windows in his throne room, a troubled frown etching deep into his brow and marring his normally dashing features.
When the small, ruffle necked seahorse suddenly entered Isshin whipped around to face him, his expression a desperate mixture between dread and anticipation. "Any sign of them?"
"No, your Majesty," the seahorse regretfully informed his king. "We've searched everywhere. We've found no trace of your son, or Rukia."
"Keep looking," Isshin demanded, brows knotted in a dark glare and voice laced with fatherly concern. "Leave no shell unturned, no coral unexplored. Let no one in this kingdom sleep until my boy is safe at home!"
With a bone weary sigh and sluggish bow, the seahorse devotedly obeyed. "Yes, sire."
Once the other was out of sight, Isshin collapsed back into his grand coral throne and buried his face into his hand, his features pinched with lament.
"Damn, what have I done?" he cursed himself, thinking of his beautiful boy and grief stricken daughters. "What have I done?"
The next morning Ichigo awoke at the crack of dawn, too excited for what the day could hold to sleep any longer. Not only was he going to be spending the entire day with Grimmjow but he was also going to be able to see so much more of the human world and experience it firsthand. His mind was awash with ideas of what the prince's kingdom could hold... and, of course, what it might hold in store for the two of them.
Slipping out of the ridiculously comfortable bed, Ichigo padded over to the vanity and seated himself before the mirror to scrutinize his appearance. By Rukia's council he had to look his absolute best at every moment if he wanted Grimmjow to kiss him before sunset tomorrow and now that he knew that the object with all the little fine hairs on it, called a brush, was what humans used to fix their hair (and not dinglehoppers) he could try to use it to straighten out his permanently unruly halo of coral orange strands. Picking up the brush, he inspected it for a moment or two before running it through a lock of his hair that smoothed out evenly and lay flat for a brief second of bliss 'till it popped right back up again.
Huffing despondently, Ichigo set the brush back down and rested his chin on his fists as he continued to assess himself, trying to find at least one single trait of his that Grimmjow could find attractive. What had Rukia said last night about looking a certain way to get someone to kiss you?
Pucker up your lips like this... and bat your eyelashes like that...
After watching himself do as she said in the mirror, Ichigo scrunched up his nose in distaste. Who would ever find that face appealing? He wondered if Rukia had ever even kissed anyone herself and sighed, his eyes catching a glimpse of his shark tooth necklace lying underneath the collar of the sleeping clothes Unohana had so kindly laid out for him.
Almost hesitantly, the orangette turned his head to the window adjacent to the vanity, the one with a clear view of the endless sea. His gut wrenched terribly as he realized yet again if he wanted to remain with Grimmjow on land he could never go back or see his family again, however, fortunately a soft knock on the door distracted him from his depressing thoughts and Ichigo stood up to go open the door a crack to see that it was the housekeeper, Unohana, who was smiling gently at him and holding a pile of fabric. Stepping back from the doorway so that the woman could enter the room, he watched as she placed another pile of new clothes for him on the bed and smiled at her, bowing his head to show his gratitude.
"You're welcome, my dear," Unohana said in her soft, motherly voice. "These are the clothes you may wear on your trip throughout the kingdom with Prince Grimmjow. He wishes me to inform you to meet him in the front courtyard in half an hour so you two may depart."
Ichigo nodded though inwardly he was panicking - half an hour couldn't possibly be enough time to thoroughly prepare himself to make the blue-haired prince fall in love with him!
"Is there anything else you will require, dear?" the housekeeper asked and the teenager shook his head no, smiling at the same time so that it was a pleasant refusal. "Very well. Good day, and have fun on your tour." Unohana left the room as gracefully as she'd come, the instant she disappeared beyond the doorway the exact moment Ichigo took to have a minor panic attack.
Where's Rukia when you need her? he lamented, pacing back and forth in the palace's guest room and wringing his hands. He'd never had this feeling before, so wracked with nerves and yet completely exhilarated. Then again, he'd never been in love before, either. Well, at least he couldn't make a fool out of himself by saying something stupid or talking too much. Though I still can't laugh at my own joke, Ichigo thought bitterly, plopping down onto the bed and casting a cursory glance at the folded pieces of clothing beside him. Now was probably a good time to start figuring out how to put them on, and correctly. After dinner the night before, he couldn't appear to be an uncultured clutz yet again.
It took thirty-two minutes to decipher the puzzle that was human clothing but when he was finally finished Ichigo supposed that he'd gotten it right this time. The collared, long-sleeved shirt the color of seafoam had been easy enough to get into. The pants, a similar style to what Grimmjow wore only a bit more form-fitting and made of deep navy fabric, he'd had a bit of trouble with as he'd attempted to put both pant legs on at the same time. The lace-up vest the same dark blue as his pants and pair of black buckled boots had been the real problem, Ichigo basically having to teach himself how to tie a knot and fasten a buckle the reason he was a whole two minutes late showing up to where he was supposed to meet the prince.
His gaze immediately found where Grimmjow was standing in the middle of the palace's grand front courtyard waiting for him next to a contraption that reminded him of his family's chariots, only this thing had wheels and a bizarre-looking animal with a long face attached to it by reins. As he approached the blunette, who was a stunning sight to behold even in his 'casual' garb, Ichigo tried to appear apologetic for his tardiness with a sheepish smile and desperately hoped that the prince wasn't strict about punctuality (it never had been the orangette's strong suit.)
Grimmjow had been wondering if the orange-haired boy had gotten lost in his opulent and spacious home when he heard footsteps coming up behind him. Turning around, he saw his guest walking towards the carriage as if expecting to be scolded like a young child would, his naivete never ceasing to be somehow charming to Grimmjow's puzzlement. He wasn't entirely sure why he was always finding the mute boy so endearing. It had to be because he could definitely admit that he found the shipwreck victim undeniably gorgeous, especially today as the new clothes Unohana had picked out suited him brilliantly. The different shades of blue contrasted alluringly against the peachy tone of his skin, chocolate brown eyes, and radiant tangerine hair.
"Ready to take that tour of my kingdom?" Grimmjow said, grinning as he pretended not to notice the time and was pleased when this seemed to successfully cheer up the orange-haired teen, his lovely face brightening up as he nodded emphatically. The prince gestured in the direction of the carriage, signaling for the boy to hop in.
Ichigo hesitated before stepping into the carriage and slowly lowering himself onto the seat, watching in his peripheral vision as Grimmjow casually jumped into the strange transportation apparatus and snatched up the reins, cracking them sharply in the air. The whole thing lurched forward almost instantly, the animal trotting steadily and hauling the carriage through the massive palace gates. Ichigo was fascinated by how the contraption bumped up and down along the dirt road that led from the royal home to a whole colony of buildings up ahead in the distance. And since he couldn't ask, he decided to satisfy his curiosity of how this thing worked on his own.
Needless to say, Grimmjow's brows furrowed even as his eyes widened as he looked to his right to see the boy leaning upside down from the back of the carriage, not knowing Ichigo was simply inspecting how the spoked circles were all connected along the bottom and the four-legged animal even appeared to have metal on its feet. Above him, Grimmjow angled his own body as far back as he could go while still holding the reins to see for himself what in the hell the kid was doing. Yet in the next second he pushed himself right side up and back inside the carriage, sitting properly in his seat as if nothing had happened.
While most people would find the boy's... quirks odd and unsettling, the blue-haired prince couldn't help himself from finding the other more and more intriguing. The kid didn't seem to hide anything yet there was an undeniable air of enticing mystery about him and Grimmjow wanted to know more.
Meanwhile, Ichigo was taking in the amazing view of the kingdom, which was set on a hill with winding cobblestone roads lined by white washed stone structures of varying sizes and shapes and roofed by red tiles like the prince's castle. It was the most incredible thing he'd ever seen (well, second to the man beside him, of course.) The dirt road carried them to the entrance of the kingdom proper where there were two guards on either side that bowed and smiled as they passed through the double gates. Being that he once was a prince himself, Ichigo instinctually smiled and waved politely back at them.
Not ten yards into the kingdom proper there were crowds of people, throngs of men, women, and children just going about their daily lives cheerfully. It was apparent that Grimmjow ensured the happiness of his people and that fact made Ichigo's heart skip a beat, his dark amber orbs slitting over just the slightest to check out the man beside him, who was guiding the carriage to a stable close by the entrance gate.
They rolled to a stop in front of said stable, Grimmjow gracefully leaping from the carriage and flipping the stable hand a golden coin, knowing the worker would know what to do with the horse and buggy. It was a moment before he remembered himself, or his companion rather, and turned back around to see him tentatively standing up and looking around as if trying to figure out what to do.
Finding this curious but no less endearing, Grimmjow didn't hesitate to reach out and grip onto the other's hips, lifting him up and out of the carriage. It was only when he set the boy down and saw the blossom pink flush on his cheekbones that the prince realized it might've been a bit of a bold move. "Uh, so," he coughed a tad awkwardly, something he never did. "Where would you like to go first?"
Ichigo, still reeling from that warmly welcomed yet fleeting physical contact with his love, scanned the entire area and felt entirely overwhelmed with enthusiasm. He wanted to go everywhere, explore everything and learn whatever he possibly could. But where to start? Hmm...
That was when he spotted, across the courtyard with the statue of an ancient monarch, a building whose windows showcased more books than he'd ever seen in his life. Eagerly pointing there, he instinctively grabbed Grimmjow's wrist and pulled him along to burst through that store's door.
The blue-haired prince didn't think he'd seen a young man with wider, more child-like eyes full of awe and wonder than he did this one's. It was if he'd never seen a book before in his life and Grimmjow felt the tiniest of smirks make his lips twitch. If only more people could show that kind of sparkling energy. Perhaps then he would've long found a wedded partner before now.
That subject making his gut churn, Grimmjow turned his full attention on the orange-haired boy who was stately walking down the aisles of volumes as if he wished to read every title. Suddenly, the kid paused as something captured his interest and hesitantly put out a hand to touch whatever it was.
Snap!
The sound of a fan slapping closed right where Ichigo's fingers would've been caused him to jump about two feet in the air and back, turning large eyes on a strange man with curly, ivory hair that didn't move and whose face was caked in some sort of white substance, save for his cheeks that were stained red and a little circle that was drawn on above his lower lip. "There vill be absolutely no touching of ze first editions, boy," the man said in an accented voice that sounded falsified even to Ichigo's ears. "Do you understand or do I 'ave to draw you a picture?"
Ichigo opened his mouth on instinct, wanting to tell this ridiculous man off, but he just ended up opening and closing it a few times until he gave up completely and huffed in defeat, turning away from that book that had caught his attention quite vividly.
"How much is the damn book?"
The orangette's head popped up to witness Grimmjow squared off with the store owner, who was now reduced to a simpering fool. "My apologies, Prince Grimmjow, Your Most Gracious Majesty, I 'ad no idea -"
"The book, if you please," the blunette cut him off, withdrawing from his pocket a bag of gold Ichigo knew had to be worth quite an amount judging from the owner's shocked, pale face.
"Vell, it is a first edition, Your Grace," the powdered man stammered.
"Here," Grimmjow grunted, plopping the sack full of gold into the other man's hand and then snatching up the volume Ichigo had had his eye on. Whilst the bookstore owner stared at his small fortune with gleaming, beady eyes, the human prince placed a hand on Ichigo's elbow and led him out of the musty store back into the fresh air.
Then he held the book out for the boy casually as if he hadn't just spent a lot of money on something Ichigo had only just shown faint interest in. Refuting that kind of generosity, the former merman shook his head and held his palms out. He couldn't accept something so extravagant.
Grimmjow, however, wasn't having it. He'd gotten pissed when that powdery old man had treated the orange-haired boy like that and wanted to put him in his place, so he had and now he had a book he didn't need so why couldn't the stubborn little thing just take it? "It's okay, I want you to have it, " he said. "Something to remember your trip here when you go home."
For some reason something he said made the light in the mute beauty's eyes dim and mentally kicked himself in the rear for doing so, but the other did hesitantly reach up and take the book from his hands. "There, see? Not that hard," Grimmjow teased and the other man smiled the slightest bit up at him, which suited his fair face much better than those furly scowls he saw all the time. "Romeo & Juliet, though? I figured you'd be less of a sappy romance and more of an action/adventure sort of guy."
I thought so, too, and... then I saw you, Ichigo thought, shrugging in response to the other's statement. He looked down at his first real book not water stained or crumpled or rotting away into nothing. He was able to read some of the words like "Romeo & Juliet" and "First Edition" but he knew it would take him months to be able to read and understand the entire volume, especially since it was written in verse. He could barely even read half of the alphabet it was written in, the merfolk version much different than this one.
He spun the book over, surprised to find an illustration there of two lovers intertwined in a passionate kiss with the celestial sun beaming behind them in a beatific portrait. It only served to remind Ichigo that he had today and tomorrow to get Grimmjow to fall in love with and kiss him or else all would be lost.
"So, where to next?"
In genuine Grimmjow fashion, the prince was able to take the other's mind off of everything else except them and them alone. Ichigo shrugged again, showing that he was easy to please and ready to go wherever the blunette wanted to take him.
"All right, let's go up this way. There's a bistro where we can sit down and have lunch," Grimmjow directed, gesturing toward one of the pathways that ran through the quaint kingdom. "You do like French, right?"
Ichigo nodded and smiled brightly, not having a single clue what the man was talking about.
They strode side by side up the street that led to another courtyard, this one with a fountain that spouted water from a statue of two fish intertwined. Meanwhile, Ichigo was startled at how normally the townspeople acted around their reigning monarch, basically ignoring his presence altogether as if he were just one of them. Merfolk were quite the opposite as the former prince of Atlantis recalled the endless list of formalities he had to navigate through in his daily life due to being from nobility. However, he decidedly preferred Grimmjow's kingdom's take on the subject, especially thankful that it allowed them to spend as much time together as possible without everyone sparring for the blue-haired prince's attentions.
"Well, here it is," Grimmjow announced casually, waving a hand up at the sign above a small shop with large windows and tables and chairs set up directly outside. "Do you want to sit-" he paused as Ichigo plopped down on one of the cast iron chairs nearest to them and appeared to be waiting for something to happen. "Okay, outside it is. I'll be right back, so just sit tight."
Whilst Grimmjow entered the bistro, Ichigo surveyed the excitement of the outdoor market set up just across the courtyard. Stands were filled with all kinds of fruits, vegetables, breads, and meats and he could vaguely hear customer and vendor haggling over prices. It was only until he laid eyes on the last stand that his enthusiasm plummeted, feeling sick at the sight of dead fish and other seafood laid out for purchase, some even hacked up into different morsels for sale separately. He clasped a hand over his mouth as his face turned slightly green and he tore his gaze away from the horrifying scene.
"Whoa, you all right?" Grimmjow asked, a bit alarmed at the sickened look on his guest's lovely face, who nodded affirmatively and seemed to shake whatever it was off whilst his dark amber eyes scanned the brown paper bag the blunette held. "Yeah, I didn't know what you like so I just got one of everything. Oh and... I couldn't resist," the man said, withdrawing from the bag a round piece of black cloth.
At Ichigo's confused expression, Grimmjow elaborated. "It's called a beret. You know, a hat?" he explaining, swiftly whipping it out over that head full of tangerine spikes. The boy looked bemused for a second and with the beret atop his crown of orange hair was quite possibly the cutest thing Grimmjow had ever seen.
Ichigo reached up to feel the 'beret', unused to having his head covered yet not so rude as to take it off as it had been a gift. He awkwardly gave Grimmjow a thumbs up to which the man chortled heartily, the sound rumbling from deep within his chest and sending the orangette's heart aflutter. "Glad you like it. Now, let's eat."
The food, of course, was all unfamiliar to Ichigo, but he dutifully tasted everything his beloved had bought for them. He found he didn't like most cheese, except for something called 'Brie' which he shamelessly devoured. The baguettes he thought were to die for, warm, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. He also enjoyed something called a 'salad', which wasn't too different from the seaweed dishes he'd eaten all his life in Atlantis.
It appeared that Grimmjow was more of a meat eater, scarfing down a 'sandwich' that had four different kinds of meat and three cheeses. Ichigo thought that the man was still charming even as he choked down a huge hunk of food, which would let anybody anywhere know that he truly was in love.
Evidently when one finished their meal here on land, they would then celebrate by eating something else called 'dessert.' Grimmjow took him to another shop a few doors down that sold a popular sweet treat called 'ice cream' that came in different flavors and was scooped into a holder that you could also eat. To say Ichigo was eager to try some would've been the understatement of the millennia.
"So, what flavor do ya want?" Grimmjow asked him. Not prepared for the question, Ichigo just pointed at the closest tub of ice cream that was a medium brown color. "Nice choice, I'll have that, too."
They strode back outside with their 'cones' of ice cream in hand, Grimmjow already wolfing his down and the younger man staring at the treat from all sides, trying to decide how to best eat it. However, he hadn't taken so much as a lick when he heard a group of young boys laughing, the sound unpleasant and cruel.
Ichigo glanced over by the fountain where a girl in pigtails much tinier than the boys who surrounded her was staring sadly at her fallen ice cream cone, her dessert clearly pushed down onto the ground by one of the older kids. Scowling at the sight of the bullying that apparently existed in both worlds, Ichigo strode right up to the small girl and the boys teasing her.
Bending down, he offered his untouched ice cream cone to her, smiling softly to show that it was okay. "Hey mister, mind your own business!" one of the bolder boys sneered at him, shocked when the orange-haired teenager didn't abide by the empty threat and instead stood up to his full height which was a good six inches taller. However, it was the furious glare and intent to punish in those brandy brown orbs that struck fear into the spineless bully.
"-W-whatever, let's-... let's go, guys," he stammered to the rest of his group and they all promptly took off running, a satisfied smirk crossing Ichigo's lips.
Grimmjow watched in amazement as the teen turned back to the small girl and again offered her his own ice cream, which she took with a shaky thanks and a brief hug around the orange-haired boy's legs before skipping away cheerfully.
He hadn't thought his opinion of his mute guest could get much higher and yet it just had. "That was nice of you," Grimmjow said, walking up behind the other male who stared at the ground and shrugged his shoulders again. "Here, have some of mine," the blunette insisted and upon foreseeing a polite refusal, pushed the half-eaten chocolate ice cream cone into the other's hands. "Go on, try it. Best you'll ever have, trust me."
Ichigo slowly stuck out his tongue to swipe at the creamy sweet substance running down the cone in the hot sun, his eyes nearly popping out of his head as he licked his lips. This was the best thing he'd ever tasted!
Seeing the expression of such simple joy on the boy's face, Grimmjow happily allowed him to chow down the rest of the chocolate cone. Not to mention, he wasn't particularly opposed to seeing someone so dazzlingly attractive use their tongue in such a way, either.
Ichigo had just finished his (Grimmjow's) ice cream when he heard it - the faint melody of music. He recognized it immediately, it was the same tune that had played on his music box before his father had destroyed it. Unthinkingly hooking his arm around the older man's burly one, Ichigo dragged them through the streets in search of the music's source.
They found it in the kingdom's main square, stopping along the sidelines that had formed around a large space where couples were merrily dancing with each other, the musicians located at the far end of that makeshift dance floor. That sweet melody made Ichigo sigh heavily without realizing it, that wistfulness for the chance to twirl and swirl about in the arms of a lover just like the statuettes in his music box coming back full force.
"So I suppose you wanted to dance?" Grimmjow surmised, grinning toothily.
Ichigo shook his head furiously, waving his hands to affirm that was definitely incorrect. He'd just learned to walk yesterday, how was he supposed to dance? "Do you not know how?" Grimmjow somehow guessed and Ichigo s somberly shook his head no, avoiding the other's searching gaze. "Well, there's no time better to learn from the best, you know."
Before Ichigo knew what was happening he was being hauled into the throng of dancers, Grimmjow apparently unable to take no for an answer. He tried to pull away desperately yet the blue-haired prince was quite a bit stronger than he was and so he found himself flush against Grimmjow's body, one hand grasped in the other's while his left lay on the man's shoulder, who gripped him around the waist in a gentle yet firm hold.
"Look, it's easy," Grimmjow comforted the silently panicking male, leading them back one step then one to the side then one forward. "See? One, two, three, one, two, three..."
They did this for a while, the orange-haired newbie gradually getting the hang of it and definitely starting to love it, this carefree feeling one could only experience on legs. Ichigo's eyes were wide as sand dollars and yet a beaming smile slowly appeared on his lips. He was really doing it. He was dancing. "Now, a twirl, ready?" Grimmjow said, spinning the orangette out before he was ready and causing him to stumble.
However, Ichigo never fell as Grimmjow caught him around the hips and lifted him off the ground up into the air to spin him around. When his feet touched back down to solid ground, the two of them stilled, sapphire blue and chocolate brown locked together and it felt for both of them that the very earth moved in that moment and never would they want to look away.
"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Grimmjow taunted playfully, he the only one able to break the silence. Glancing up at the sky to see it was nearly sundown, he reluctantly gave in to the fact he couldn't keep his guest out all night without seeming improper. "I guess it's time to head back... Say, do ya wanna drive?"
As their buggy careened down the dirt road heading to the castle at breakneck speed, Grimmjow pondered if letting the orangette steer the reins was the best idea. Especially when the giant pit in the road came up and the other showed no sign of slowing down. In fact, he flicked the reins to urge the horse on even faster and Grimmjow tried to remember some sort of prayer now that death was imminent when the carriage's wheels left the ground behind the leaping steed.
They soared through the air for one heartstopping moment and then crashed back down on the other side of the pit, barely making it. Grimmjow let out a soft sigh of relief and saw that the brown-eyed beauty beside him looked like he was having the time of his life. For some reason the prince wanted to keep that look and the happiness it belied there, so he shrugged and folded his arms behind his head in order to relax in the ride back to the castle.
Meanwhile, in the shallow waters surrounding the pit in the road a red and black fin snaked closer to a very frustrated mermaid.
Rukia couldn't believe Ichigo had departed the area where she could watch over him and his 'dates' with that prince, leaving her here to deal with his two insufferable, idiotic friends - like the one currently surfacing his head above the water.
"Any kissing yet?" Renji asked.
"No, not yet! Now stop asking me every five seconds!" Rukia hissed, squinting to see in the distance Ichigo and his prince disappearing through the castle walls. Just then, her second biggest annoyance swooped down from overhead lackadaisically.
"Yo, Renji!" Urahara called down to the two sea creatures. "Any kissing?"
"No, not yet," the shark answered glumly.
"Hmm, well they better get crackin'," the seagull stated the obvious. "You know, that prince takes an awful lot of row boat trips out to the lagoon..."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Rukia demanded, slinking back under the water along with Renji as Urahara flew overhead en route to said lagoon.
"Hope ya don't mind coming out here with me," Grimmjow said, currently wading knee deep in the lagoon by the castle and drawing a small row boat out onto the water. "It's just if I hear Aizen talk about... marriage one more time, I swear I'll clock him upside the head with that damn pipe of his."
Ichigo nodded in understanding, surveying the natural beauty of the lagoon they had entered. There were large weeping willows hung with their curtains of greenery, lily pads gently floating on the water's surface, reeds and tall grass making perfect homes for frogs and bright pink flamingos. It was also right after dusk so the scene was rather... romantic, if you will.
He clambered into the boat after Grimmjow had pulled it adrift, the latter handling the pair of oars and rowing them out further on the water. Ichigo fidgeted with his sleeves nervously, sensing that this was definitely a perfect place for him to finally get that kiss but he had no idea what to do. Poseidon below, how he wished he could talk to Grimmjow for just a few minutes, have just one conversation with the man. Perhaps then the blunette could see something in him that was worthwhile.
Safely behind one of the willow's trunks, Ichigo's three friends huddled down to spy on the two men in the boat. "Move over... move your big feathers, I can't see a thing," Renji demanded of Urahara, who completely ignored the shark as he'd chosen to take matters into his own wings.
"Nothing is happening," he concluded, shaking his head. "Only one day left, and that boy ain't puckered up once. Okay. All right, this calls for a little vocal romantic stimulation. Stand back."
Urahara massaged his throat muscles and stretched out his neck, Rukia seeing what was about to happen yet unable to act fast enough stop the bird's miserable wailing from drifting out over the lagoon. "Christ, somebody should find that thing and put it out of its misery," Grimmjow said, wincing at the awful sound.
"Dear Poseidon, I'm surrounded by amateurs!" Rukia descried as she clamped Urahara's beak shut with her bare hands. "You want something done, you've got to do it yourself. First, we have to create the mood..."
The mermaid shoved the seagull under a pile of grass and leaves, slipping silently through the water and ducking under to locate a decaying, ancient log covered in moss sitting on the floor of the lagoon. "Renji, you big barnacle, get over here and help me move this!" she snapped at the shark, who rolled his eyes but swam over to the brunette where they both pushed against the log into the perfect place, angled toward the largest weeping willow. Then she ripped off a piece of thick reed to tap against a fallen branch, keeping a rhythm she knew would call to the lagoon's swarm of fireflies like some sort of spell, the glowing insects forming a wide circle inside the willow's rounded curtain of cascading foliage.
So when the row boat rocked against the poised log, Ichigo and Grimmjow were guided directly inside the enchanting scenery. Rukia grinned in triumph. It didn't get any more romantic than that. They'd be all over each other in no time.
"Now kiss him!" she whispered eagerly, ducking under the water quickly when the blue-haired prince glanced over his shoulder.
"Did you hear something?" Grimmjow asked warily to which the orangette replied with a simple shake of his head and slight frown, even though he'd spotted his friend aways over not seconds beforehand. "You know, I feel really bad not knowing your name. Heh - maybe I could guess it. Is it, err, Milton? Okay, no, how about David? Robert?"
Ichigo stuck his tongue out at that last guess, yet knowing there was no way Grimmjow could ever guess his name in a million years. He was therefore lucky he had as good a friend as Rukia, who surfaced just up to her chin. "Ichigo. His name is Ichigo," she hissed under her breath.
"Ichigo?" Grimmjow repeated, looking around for the source of the noise but stopped once he saw the orange-haired beauty nodding vigorously, even going so far as to clasp their hands together. "Ichigo? Well, that's kinda pretty... Okay, Ichigo."
Brushing off being referred to in any fashion as 'pretty', Ichigo silently rejoiced that now Grimmjow knew his name and had said it in that dulcet, deep voice of his. It was even better than he'd ever imagined. Actually, the sound called to him like a hypnotic symphony and Ichigo leaned forward, following only his instinct as he lowered his eyelids to half-mast and parted his lips.
The sight of the gorgeous orangette he now knew as Ichigo leaning into him had Grimmjow completely entranced as well, those glittering brandy eyes speaking to something primal deep inside him. And those lips, so luscious and red, they were just begging to be kissed...
They were an inch apart when the boat suddenly and violently tipped totally over, both men falling into the water with a great splash. Unable to swim without his tail and fins, Ichigo sputtered and struggled to remain afloat until Grimmjow grabbed hold of him, steadying them both with their heads above the water. "Whoa, hang on, I gotcha," the blunette said, swimming them over to the shallow end near the shore.
Just below the water's surface, two hammerheads - one black, one white - cackled and bumped fins in victory. However, fathoms below their owner was not so thrilled, sharp ebony nails clawing against the outer rim of his floating orb. Shirosaki was furious, his gold on black eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets and his pointed teeth bared in outrage.
"Tha' was a close one - too close. Tha' lil' tramp!" he cursed the too beautiful for his own good sea prince as he raked his fingernails through his long, ivory locks. "'Oh, 'e's betta than I thought. A' this rate, he'll be kissin' my lil' pet by sunset fer sure. Well, 's time Shirosaki took matters inta 'is own fins!" The sea demon barked in laughter while he threw various potion bottles over his shoulders, looking for the specific ones he'd need for the spell that would set everything back on course.
Clutching them in his moon white hands, Shiro slammed the bottles into his sea cauldron, puffs of smoke and sparks flying around him. "Isshin's son will be mine!" he shrieked hysterically in his distorted voice, curling a hand around the black skull pendant he always wore, watching in manic delight as a golden mist traveled up from inside the potion into the black magic jewelry. "An' then I'll make 'im writhe!" he shouted, his voice losing its distortion and taking on a more pleasing tone, a melodic baritone he'd recently stolen from a certain lovesick orangette.
His body began to shift as well as Ichigo's own laughter tinged with insanity rang throughout the demon's cavern. Long, porcelain hair shortened and darkened, eyes changing to a sea green color with normal white sclera, and china white skin tanned to a healthy glow, the overall change making him appear as just another attractive teenage boy that would soon make his appearance at that prince's castle.
"I'll see him wriggle like a worm on a hook while his precious little boy succumbs to my every desire, hah!" Ichigo's voice screamed for all to hear. "With Daddy out of the picture you'll be mine little prince, together forever as I rule the sea as king! Ahahahah!"
...
Miles and miles above on land, Grimmjow was staring out at the ocean from one of his castle's balcony, a cloak wrapped around his shoulders as the air chilled once the sun went down.
To be completely honest, he was thinking of his mystery man yet again, the Siren who'd saved him from a watery grave and comforted him upon awakening on the beach with that most beautiful of voices. He knew that voice meant something to him that even he didn't understand, like it was a part of something much bigger than himself. It was perfect and yet unattainable. He would never hear that intoxicatingly angelic voice again and he supposed he had to get used to it, however reluctantly.
Behind him Aizen stepped onto the balcony to join his charge who was so obviously lusting after that dream of a voice and its owner. It frustrated the older man how blind the prince could be.
"Grimmjow, have you ever heard of the expression 'still waters run deep'?" Aizen asked, coming to stand beside the blunette. "I find it to be quite truthful - that though things in this world may seem... silent there is much more under the surface than you could ever imagine. I believe this might pertain particularly to our lovely guest, wouldn't you agree?"
"Get to the point, Aizen," the prince said roughly, hating it when his ward spoke in riddles.
"Well, if I may say, far better than any dream man is one of flesh and blood, one warm and caring, and right before your eyes..." Aizen trailed off, his gaze wandering over Grimmjow's head as he strode back inside.
Following the man's line of vision, Grimmjow spied up upon the highest balcony stood Ichigo, dressed in his borrowed pyjamas. The boy immediately appeared flustered, blushing and waving tentatively before turning and rushing back into the guest room. A rare, genuine smile spread across Grimmjow's face and he began making his way up toward Ichigo's room. Aizen was right. Why would he need to waste time chasing perfection when it was already right in front of him?
"Grimmjow..." a voice sang out to him, stopping him dead in his tracks. "Grimmjow..."
That was it. The voice. The musical, angelic voice that haunted him like an ever present spirit - existing but not really there.
He rushed back to the balcony's railing, peering through the misted air along the shoreline and making out a figure. They were wearing something that glowed bright gold in the darkness of night and looking directly at it made Grimmjow feel as if something were being sucked out of him.
He reeled back, clutching his head and trying to rid himself of whatever was entering his chest, his heart, his soul, fighting back fiercely. It was slithering inside of his very core.
"Grimmjow, come to me. Listen to my voice..."
And then he was lost completely, golden dust reflecting in his blue orbs.
That next morning was glorious, bright, sunny, and cheerful news spreading throughout the kingdom, the contents of which had spread to the ears of one hat-wearing seagull.
"Ichigo! Ichigo,wake up!" Urahara swooped downwards over the castle's turret where his friend's room was located, the window left wide open for him to fly in easily. Landing on the bed, he flapped his wings rapidly in his excitement. Bleary brandy brown eyes blinked open at the harsh awakening, Ichigo sitting up as Urahara grabbed his hand with his wings and shook it up and down vigorously. "I just heard the news! Congratulations, kiddo, we did it!"
Ichigo quirked a brow, utterly confused about what the bird was talking about.
"Right, as if you don't know," Urahara said slyly and the teenager rubbed his eyes, hoping that this was something actually important if he had to get up this early. "The whole town's buzzin' about the prince gettin' himself hitched this afternoon! You know, he's getting married! You silly sidewalker!"
What? Hitched as in... married? Could he really... Oh my Poseidon! Ichigo thought, jaw dropping to the floor. He just couldn't believe it, even if Grimmjow would do something as insane as prepare a wedding without asking first. "I just wanted to wish you luck. I'll catch you later, I wouldn't miss it!" Urahara cried joyously, soaring back out the window and into the sky.
Happiness stronger than any he'd ever experienced flooded throughout Ichigo and he jumped out of bed, darting for the door while still wearing his pyjamas and only pausing for a quick second to try and fix his hair in the mirror, but that was hopeless, anyway. He sprinted down the stairs and to the hallway that was structured like a balcony above the main foyer.
But he stopped short at what he saw down below. Or rather, who he saw.
There in the spacious foyer was Grimmjow, dressed in royal blue finery with medals and a sash decorating his coat, and there was Aizen, too, though he was donning his everyday black attire. What was really the kicker was the strange boy around his own age who was draped against Grimmjow's side as if... as if they were a couple.
He was handsome, though slight and standing at about an inch or so shorter than Ichigo himself. The stranger also had wavy, chestnut brown hair that complemented his wide sea green eyes and aristocratic features. Who was he? Could he... could he possibly be the prince's chosen partner? Ichigo felt sick to his stomach, misery consuming his whole being.
"Well, Grimmjow, it appears that I was mistaken. This mystery man of yours does, in fact, exist. And - and he is lovely. Congratulations, my dear," Aizen said, directing that last part toward the stranger. Indignation and rage fired up within Ichigo at hearing someone else was claiming to be him. He was the one who'd saved Grimmjow!
"We wish to be married as soon as possible," the prince ordered stiffly, every word he said breaking the orangette's heart one tiny bit more.
"Oh, yes, of course, my dear boy, but these things do take time."
"This afternoon, Aizen. The wedding ship departs at sunset."
"Very well, Grimmjow. As you wish."
The burning tears and choked sobs came then. Unable to do anything from losing the love of his life without the gift of speech, Ichigo ran off, his heart broken, his soul crushed, and his life lost.
Little did he know that Grimmjow's newfound love was currently cupping a black skull pendant in one hand, a devious smirk curling his thin lips. He'd seen the boy running away in tears and satisfaction was his as he laid his head on his husband-to-be's shoulder lovingly. Everything would go exactly the way he wanted.
Sunset inevitably came, its appearance the end of everything for Ichigo. He would never get to spend his life with Grimmjow or be part of his world. No, as soon as the sun set he would belong to the Sea Demon forever and there was nothing he could do about it.
Currently he was watching the wedding ship sail off toward the horizon curled up on the dock, arms hugging his knees and staring blankly at the vessel taking his beloved farther and farther away. He couldn't cry anymore, all his tears shed upon his pillow. Though Rukia and Renji were mere feet away, floating in the water, they offered no words or gestures of comfort for it was far past the point for that.
Urahara, who still hadn't heard that Grimmjow's new love was not in fact Ichigo, was soaring overhead the wedding ship and hoping to catch the former sea prince to wish him luck before the ceremony. Nevertheless, he was shocked to hear what was without a doubt Ichigo's voice humming a distorted tune and descended to beside the boat, where one of the port windows was open so he could see the brown-haired young man inside.
He was dressed in a white suit and pinning a black cravat around his neck, looking very much like he was preparing himself for his own wedding. "What a lovely little groom I'll make. My dear, I'll look divine," he simpered to himself in the mirror in Ichigo's voice, tilting it back so Urahara could see the reflection. "Things are working out to my ultimate design. Soon I'll have that little orange-haired merman and the ocean will be mine!"
Hysterical cackling followed the proclamation, the image in the mirror depicting the Sea Demon's true form laughing in twisted glee at his plan's success. "The Sea Demon..." Urahara muttered under his breath, whipping around back in the direction of the dock. He had to tell Ichigo!
"Ichigo! Ichigo, Ichigo!" he shouted from above the dock, diving down to where the boy was huddled on the edge and now looking at him with empty, vacant eyes. "I was flying- well, of course, I was flying, and I saw that the Sea Demon's on that weddin' ship, talking with a set of stolen pipes! Do you hear what I'm telling you? The prince is marrying the Sea Demon in disguise!"
"Are you sure about this?" Rukia pressed the seagull.
"Have I ever been wrong? I mean, when it's important!"
"So what are we gonna do, damn it!" Renji growled in frustration,
Ichigo gazed over at the horizon, the celestial orb of the sun almost touching the ocean.
"Before the sun sets on the third day..."
The other three were startled when Ichigo suddenly dived into the sea, struggling to swim like he used to but barely treading water and the ship sailing farther away with every passing second. He had to get to that boat in time, not to stop himself from becoming Shirosaki's slave but save Grimmjow from marrying that monster.
Thinking quickly, Rukia reached up to untie a wine barrel from where it had been left on the deck so that it rolled over the edge. "Ichigo, grab hold of that!" she ordered and Ichigo did so, holding out the loose end of the rope to the red and black shark swimming beside him. "Renji, hold onto that rope and get him to that boat as fast as your fins can carry you."
"Right! Let's go, Ichi," the shark said determinedly, gripping the barrel's rope between his teeth and beginning to propel himself and his cargo through the water at top speed.
"I've got to see the Sea King," Rukia said to herself. "He must know about this!"
"Wait, what about me?" Urahara questioned.
"You - find a way to stall that wedding!" the mermaid ordered like a drill sergeant, dipping underneath the frothy waves in order to find King Isshin before anything could happen.
"Stall the wedding, hmm..."
Every sea creature in the area heard Urahara's call for help in the following minutes, birds of all species, crustaceans, starfish, sea lions, and dolphins all heeding the cry for help to name just a few. With the seagull leading them forth to wage an all out attack, they gained on the ship in record speed.
On said ship, 'Tensa' and Grimmjow were arm in arm walking down the aisle covered in flower petals and lined with all of their noble guests. Typical violin-based matrimonial music played as they walked stately towards the altar, where the ancient priest in elaborate pastoral garb awaited them. Among the guests was Pantera, her feline teeth bared as she snarled at the man her owner was marrying, knowing something was wrong with him. 'Tensa' gave a swift kick to the poor cat, Pantera's whine ignored by her bespelled master.
Grimmjow didn't do anything that he wasn't ordered to do under his spell.
"Dearly beloved..." the officiant started as about half a mile behind the ship Renji and Ichigo swam on, desperate to reach it in time.
"Don't worry, Ichi, we're gonna make it," Renji insisted, despite the clear view of the sun almost about to touch the horizon and end everything.
"Let's see, do you, Prince Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, take Tensa to be your lawfully wedded husband, for as long as you both shall live?" the priest said and for a moment too long he went unanswered. Mentally cursing the blue-haired brute for being so damn stubborn, Shirosaki influxed more of his power into the spell he had over Grimmjow.
"I do," the man said finally, tonelessly.
"Eh, and do you- "
A swarm of blue birds led by Urahara himself suddenly zoomed down toward the ship deck, causing Shiro to duck low in order to avoid being hit by the blasted animals. However, they came back around and shot through his legs, his powers limited while in this form and therefore unable to kill them all. The guests all gasped and dove for cover as the birds were then joined by sea lions hopping over the railing into the party.
Pantera bounced about cheerfully, mewling in pleasure as pelicans dumped mouthfuls of seawater on the disguised demon. Starfish then began pelting 'Tensa' with their own bodies, one sealing over his mouth so his screams of fury were silenced.
"Then by the power..." the old as dirt priest continued on, utterly oblivious to the chaos erupting from all sides.
"Get away from me you slimy little-" 'Tensa' shrieked, ripping the starfish off of his mouth and body yet he was then vaulted up into the air by one of the sea lions who bounced him up and down on the tip of his nose. Busy with the animal assault, Shirosaki had no idea Ichigo had reached the boat and was presently climbing his way up to the deck, relentless in his quest to save Grimmjow, who still stood motionless by the altar.
As 'Tensa' was thrown into the massive white and pink wedding cake, Ichigo pulled himself up over the railing at the same time dolphins jumped up into the air to squirt 'Tensa' with sprays of water. He barely had time to shriek in fearsome rage when Urahara flew right up to his face and screeched piercingly. "Oh, why you little-!" he shouted, wrapping his hands around the bird's neck and throttling him.
In the struggle, Urahara's beak snagged the black skull pendant around 'Tensa's neck and coming quickly to the seagull's aid, Pantera opened wide and chomped down on the demon in disguise's rear end, earning a shrieking roar from him. The cord on which the pendant was strung tore in half, the evil thing soaring through the air and then shattering into pieces upon the wooden deck right by Ichigo's feet.
Golden mist swirled up from the floor, headed directly for the orangette's throat where it then dissipated into the flesh. The enchantment placed upon Grimmjow instantly faded and he was left clutching his head, pain throbbing in his temples as he'd inwardly been fighting the insidious magic inside him since the night before.
"Grimmjow!" Ichigo called from the opposite end of the ship, his voice now his own once more.
"Ichigo?" the blunette inquired, disbelief coursing through him at hearing the voice coming from the boy's mouth. He started for the no longer mute beauty, who was also making his way to him. "You - you can talk. You're the one!" Grimmjow declared triumphantly as they came together, hands intertwining.
"Grimmjow, get 'way from 'im!" 'Tensa' yelled, but it was Shiro's distorted, silvery voice that came out and his face twisted in pure wrath.
"It was you the whole time," Grimmjow said, not understanding why he hadn't figured it out before. Ichigo was perfection, that doesn't come along twice in any lifetime, and there was no longer any doubt in his mind that he loved him.
"Oh, Grimm, I- I wanted to tell you," Ichigo confessed, pressing in even closer to the other man. They drew nearer and nearer to each other, eyes falling shut and the orangette's chin tilting upward even as Shirosaki screamed "Grimmjow, no!"
Their lips were the slightest bit away from touching when out of nowhere Ichigo made a strangled noise of pain, eyes rolling back in his head as he sank out of Grimmjow's arms and heavily collapsed to the deck. The human prince stared in total shock as he witnessed his love's clothes tear away for a man-sized fish tail scaled in the blackest ebony with fins a vibrant crimson red to materialize, Ichigo cringing in guilt and shame as his true identity showed itself.
He was devastated, helplessly staring up at Grimmjow and knowing that now his secret was revealed they could never be together.
"HAH! Yer too late!" Shirosaki crowed in delight. "Yer too late!"
If anyone on the ship thought it was the surprise of a lifetime to see Ichigo turn back into a merman, that was nothing compared to how the Sea Demon practically shredded his disguise off, revealing his true form with a tail of china white scales and dark as night fins, his inverted eyes radiating depravity. A blackened wave formed into the shape of a spiked, skull-covered throne and crashed over the railing, flooding the ship's deck to the sound of the screaming guests.
Ichigo didn't stand a chance as he was scooped up bodily by Shiro, the two of them staying aloft before a wild-eyed, infuriated Grimmjow. "So long, loverboy," the demon sneered, crashing back into the sea with his orange-haired, lovely prize wrapped in his arms.
"Ichigo! NO!" they heard Grimmjow roar as they sank deeper into the fathoms of the ocean. Ichigo tried to break free but Shirosaki created iron shackles for his wrists out of nothing, immobilizing his new pet.
"Poor lil' prince," Shiro cooed as they reached the level of the coral reef, stroking the boy's hair tenderly. "Don' worry, I'mma take real good care 'a ya."
"You scum-sucking bastard, my father is going to turn you into fish fry. That is, if I don't do it myself first!" Ichigo swore, bucking away from the advances of the demonic albino whose hands seemed to be everywhere at once. Busy as they were, neither of them noticed another's presence coming upon them.
"Let my son go. Now."
"Why, King Isshin! Hahahah, 'ow are ya these days?" Shirosaki greeted, grinning maniacally and refusing to budge an inch on his hold on the king's son.
"I will not say it again, Shirosaki," Isshin commanded with all the authority of the king of the seven seas, his expression making fearsome look mild. Rukia, who'd gone to fetch him in the first place, hovered ten feet or so behind the monarch, her worry and fear almost palpable. "Let him go."
"Not a chance, Isshin!" Shiro scoffed devilishly, snapping his fingers so that the original contract Ichigo had signed unfurled in the open water and displaying the latter's unmistakable signature. "He's mine now. We made a deal."
"Dad, I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to... I didn't know!" Ichigo tried to explain to his father who didn't look away from Shirosaki for a second. Then the king raised his trident and aimed it directly for the contract, a powerful blast shooting forth at the thing that made the reef around them tremble with the force. And yet, when the beam of light faded the contract was still in perfect condition.
"Ya see? Tha contract's legal, bindin' an' completely unbreakable , even for you," Shirosaki sneered, laughing in joy by Ichigo's ear. "'A course, I always was a man wit' an eye fer a bargain. Tha son 'a tha great Sea King is a precious commodity, 'specially when 'e got 'is mama's looks. But... I migh' be willin' ta make an exchange fer someone even better..."
Meanwhile, above them on the turbulent ocean surface Grimmjow was furiously rowing a life boat out into the open sea. "Grimmjow, what are you doing?" Aizen called to him from the ship.
"I lost 'im once, Aizen. I'm not gonna lose him again," Grimmjow vowed whilst the sky overhead thickened with heavy, ominous gray clouds.
But down in the depths below, Shirosaki was in the process of making his ultimate goal a reality. "So, do we 'ave a deal?" he asked King Isshin, playing with the links on Ichigo's shackles to egg the old man on. Then, to free his only beloved son from a lifetime of servitude to the twisted demon, despite the imminent consequences, Isshin lifted his trident once more. This time when the ray of light hit the contract it erased Ichigo's signature and replaced it with his own. "Ha! 'S done, then!"
The shackles around the orangette's wrists disappeared and Shiro's golden magic swirled around the king like a vortex that became smaller and smaller as he did. "No!" Ichigo cried out despondently, lowering himself beside the now withered form of his father. "Oh, no... Dad..."
"Your Majesty..." Rukia whispered in despair at seeing the powerful king now reduced to something so pitiful.
"A' last... 's mine," Shirosaki proclaimed, snatching up the crown encircling the shriveled form of Isshin and placing it atop his head, then snagging the trident as well. His demented cackling triggered something in Ichigo, the teen's brow furrowing as white hot ire burned in his veins at what that hideous freak had done to his father.
"You-... you monster!" he shouted angrily, pouncing on the demon from behind and hooking an arm around the evil being's neck, choking him for about five seconds until he was blasted away by the power of the trident, his back hitting a large rock so hard he lay there stunned for a moment.
"Don' fool wit' me ya lil' brat!" Shirosaki snarled, pointing the trident straight in the other's face, inches away from puncturing the flesh. "Contract 'er no, yer still gonna be mine an' if ya step outta line, I'll - AHH!" The Sea Demon screeched as his side was pierced by a whale-hunting dart, the blade sinking in several inches so that dark viscous blood spilled forth from the wound.
Both Shiro and Ichigo glanced up to see Grimmjow swimming above them, he obviously the one who shot the dart, and noticing he had another cocked and ready to go in his hand. "Grimm, look out!" Ichigo called to the blunette as Shirosaki angled the trident toward the man, though he didn't stop at that, again attacking the demon as he attempted to injure the human.
"Getsuga, Tenshou!" Shirosaki sicked his hammerheads on Grimmjow instead and then flung the youth against the rock yet again. "Yer gonna pay fer yer insolence, pet. Now, watch yer lil' boyfrien' get torn ta pieces an' maybe nex' time ya'll think twice 'fore disobeyin' yer master!"
But he had underestimated Grimmjow, who wrestled with the two sharks before thrusting his last dart up through Tenshou's mouth into the head and then tugged it back out. He kicked Getsuga in the nose, a sensitive spot for most sharks, and then drove the bloodied dart into his left eye. Within one minute, both of Shirosaki's adored familiars were dead.
Seeing this, the venomous madness within the Sea Demon's mind exploded, inky black powder darkening the water around him as it shifted and formed to his design, rising higher and closer to the surface swiftly. With Shirosaki distracted, Ichigo swam fast as he could through the black water in search of Grimmjow, spotting familiar boots kicking back and forth straight over him, following their path to the air the man needed.
They both broke through the surface at the same time, not hesitating to grab onto each other as Shiro's throne reached a maximum height of a hundred feet in the air. "Grimm, you've got to get out of here!" Ichigo insisted desperately.
"No, I'm not leaving you!" Grimmjow shouted over the sound of howling winds and torrents of thundering rain.
"Ya pitiful, insignificant fools!" Shiro boomed from his perch high above them.
"Look out!" Grimmjow warned the merman and they separated for a bolt of lightning struck the place they just were.
"Now I'm tha ruler 'a all tha ocean!" Shiro's voice echoed menacingly whilst he twirled the trident around, the waters roiling into tumultuous tides that crashed against each other, creating swells of water fifty feet high. "Tha waves obey my every whim! Tha sea an' all its spoils bow ta my power!"
The waves began churning in a miles wide rotation, one of the largest walls of frothy darkness smashed right into Grimmjow and Ichigo, sweeping them away from each other and helpless to stop it. A whirlpool unlike any other swirled around Shirosaki's throne, his manic laughter deafening as he grew madder still with power. He even raised the ghost vessels from Shipwreck Cove to spin round and round like a macabre merry-go-round.
Grimmjow, panicking now that he couldn't see Ichigo anywhere, grabbed onto a stray rope rippling in the fierce wind and managed to shimmy up the frayed, slippery thing onto one of the shipwrecks. Wasting no time, he ran for the wildly spinning splintered wheel and caught it, using all of his strength to hold it steady and steer it toward his only target.
Nevertheless, Ichigo had no idea where the man was and while madly searching for him anywhere in the watery chaos Shirosaki had created but he was soon dragged in by a terrifyingly strong current, sucking him into the whirlpool that drove him in circles straight to the dead center where the ocean floor was exposed.
"Ah, now we can do somethin' really fun, Ichi!" Shiro shouted down at him, lifting his trident to create a little cage for the boy in that spot. "See, I really still wan' ya 'round ta be my pampered, lil' royal pet so ta get rid 'a some 'a tha' attitude, how 'bout I keep ya down there fer a month 'er two? Ya'll warm up ta me eventually, angelfish. 'Specially when yer lil' prince is good an' dead. Hah! So much fer true love!"
Immediately Shirosaki froze, almost as if he had turned into a statue, but then he moved his head down to look at the ship sternum steered clean through his chest by Grimmjow on one of the shipwrecks. Lightning and thunder crackled and roared, surrounding the fallen Sea Demon as his throne melted back into the ocean, he still perched on it 'till the end.
The sky cleared and the sea softened to its usual gentle waves, the darkness fading as the evil presence had disappeared from this world. On the ocean floor, King Isshin swelled back up to his normal stature as well as all the other poor souls trapped in the demon's cavern. The crown and trident were returned to their rightful owner by Ichigo himself, having swam down to Shirosaki's grave to retrieve them.
And so almost everything was set right.
The morning came quietly for Ichigo, the sun now once again just a celestial being whose warm rays he wasn't allowed to bathe in and the days just things that would pass by as he'd try to rebuild his treasure cove. His time as a human had come and gone. At least he could say he'd had three practically perfect days with Grimmjow, which he supposed would have to be enough to hold onto for the precious memories they were.
He thought of all this while resting on that same rock by the shore where he'd promised Grimmjow someday he'd be a part of his world. The man was currently lying on his back on the beach, having fallen unconscious, but Ichigo would stay his distance. It was hard just to look at the man he loved so close to him yet an entire world away.
I'll always love you, Grimmjow, but I just can't be part of your world...
Further away from the shore in the shallows were King Isshin and Rukia observing Ichigo staring at the human prince he'd fallen for. The tortured look in those brown eyes was truly painful to witness. "He really does love him, doesn't he, Miss Rukia?" Isshin murmured, sighing deeply with a pain only a parent could know.
"Well, it's like I always say, Your Majesty, children have to be free to lead their own lives."
"You always say that?" Isshin asked, amusement clear in his voice even as he steeled himself for what he knew he had to do, his decision on the matter concrete. "Then I guess there's just one problem left."
"What's that, Your Majesty?" Rukia questioned, frowning as she recounted everything and was unable to find a loose end she'd left anywhere.
"How much I'm going to miss him."
The king's trident's points dipped into the sea, a shimmering flare of potent magic sparking forth from the golden instrument. It coursed through the water in an undulating beam that drove straight for the merman perched atop the rock, the glittering blaze ascending around his body. Upon discerning what the phenomenon was, Ichigo's illuminated face expressed pure joy as he watched in wonder as he was consumed by the corporeal magic.
Upon the beach, Grimmjow cracked open his bleary, dry eyes only to be met with nothing but a view of the sky at dawn above him and his heart wrenched agonizingly in his chest. However, he lifted himself to sit up straight, rubbing his pounding temples and wincing as a sudden bright, dazzling light beamed along the shoreline. His mouth parting in shock, Grimmjow watched in stunned awe as a figure emerged from out of the sparkling luminescence. Once he took in the luminous halo of honey blossom spikes and the outstretched arms meant for him, the man rushed toward them.
His new pair of legs clad in glittering black pants with ragged scarlet hems, Ichigo ran right into Grimmjow's embrace, the man lifting him by the waist and spinning them around in elation. Then they were face to face, the air around them heavy with the tension of how long they'd waited for this moment, to be with each other in their own world.
Their lips crashed together like the waves upon the beach and at last they shared that kiss of true love.
Caribouandcake A/N: Yay, a happy ending~ I absolutely loved writing this and bringing a much loved story back to life with my two favorite men. I hope you all enjoyed it just as much and stick around for our next Disney revamp: Beauty and the Beast.
Toringtino A/N: I have to agree, Aibou - there ain't nothin' like a nice sappy ending to a classic story of true romance. It's been a long time waitin', but the ride was hella fun an' now we can move on to our other all-time favourites~ Yessums.
A big thank you to all our readers out there, an' remember to watch this space - 'cause we ain't done yet! ^^
~x~