Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All rights and reserves as always, belong to Tite Kubo

Warnings: Blood, Mild Language, and Character Death?

*Well well well, i never thought that that 'short break' would end up lasting...a month? or more, i'm really not sure. I'm soooooo terribly sorry about that pause. Upside, my thumb is healed, bad side...a flying blue cat stole my laptop and i lost my collection of oneshots i've been slaving over. Damn, never ever trust Pantera, lol. Anywaayyyyys. Enjoy (:


Ichigo whimpered in his sleep, his eyes moving wildly behind his eyelids seeing some horrors that the rest of them weren't aware of. Lilynette sat in her father's lap watching Ichigo's friends awkwardly sit down at the edge of the living room. Questions filled her mind, like rushing rapids, and she wanted to give voice to them. What was Ichigo like when he was younger? How did they meet him? What made him like this? She bit them down though and beckoned Tia into the kitchen for the second time that day.

After the busty blonde had gotten up and padded soundlessly into the kitchen, Lilynette pat her hardily on the back. "Good job finding his friends, Tia." She said, putting on a brave front. "How did you manage to find them?" What she really wanted to ask was, why call them and not his family like she'd asked? Tia eyed her silently for a few moments, like a student searching for the answer in her teacher's eyes. With a sigh, Harribel answered the burning question she knew was shining in her eyes.

"I have my way's Lily." She said, and then added almost as an afterthought, "His family members are on their way now; they lived considerably farther than his friends." Lilynette let go of a breath she didn't know she'd been holding and nodded, satisfied. After they arrived she could try and get to the bottom of this. She wouldn't…no, couldn't let Ichigo die like this, from some torment that ate him from the inside. It was too painful to watch. The way everyone jumped up every time he opened his eyes, and dropped, exhausted when he fell asleep again. The way Grimmjow clung onto his hand like a lifeline. The raw pain in everyone else's eyes. It was like a soundless shapeless terror hung over the house. And call her conceited, but Lilynette felt like the only one who could really save the strawberry. Everyone else was too wrapped up living in their old memories with Ichigo when they should've been focused on making more, for the long run. And she planned on making that happen. She wanted Ichigo to laugh again, to smile again, to yell and kick and act like a brat again. She wanted him to show them all who he really was, under these layers of torture. Lilynette had never ever seen him truly smile, not once. Maybe that was why she could think so level headed.

Someone pounded on the door, like they were trying to break it down, and Harribel nodded to Lilynette like she'd asked a question and went to go answer it. She trailed behind, wariness making her hands clammy. Who could that be? The police? Surely they hadn't come here for any of them? When she walked back into the living room, Ulquiorra flashed her a look that was too quick for her to interpret and then focused his emerald gaze back on Ichigo. She still couldn't figure out why Ulquiorra pretended to hate Ichigo, if he did then he wouldn't have come to see him. And just like everyone else, his gaze never lingered from his tiny, shivering form. Her light pink gaze flicked over to Ichigo momentarily, and to her surprise she saw him awake, and sitting up, taking slow sips of water from a glass that Grimmjow offered. His body was covered with a light sheen of sweat and his eyes had lost that crazed look. Szayel caught her looking and flashed a bright smile.

"His fever broke," The doctor said, and for the first time hope shone in his eyes, and in Neliel's, who'd stopped crying but was still cradled in Nnoitora's arms. Lilynette rubbed her sweaty hands on her tee shirt and walked over to Ichigo, smiling affectionately at him. The moment was short lived because someone was yelling and causing a ruckus from the entryway, and a big man with short brown hair marched in, having pushed past Harribel to get in there. Nnoitora and her father, Coyote Starrk, stood up, ready to intervene, when the man, very abruptly burst into tears and charged across the small space to Ichigo who looked both relieved and exhausted at the same time. Lilynette wondered how such a tower of a man could reduce himself to crying so quickly, and she watched in amusement as he debated on whether to hug him or shake his hand, but both seemed rather inappropriate.

Instead he simply murmured, "My boy." And knelt by his head, pushing Grimmjow roughly out of the way. The bluenette growled at him, probably ready to get into a fist fight over that spot, but he came up short when the man began talking, "Ah, my son, you're too young to shoulder this kind of sadness, how am I going to be able to face Misaki now? Hey, did you hear that? I sound pretty cool, huh?" Ichigo smiled weakly, his chocolate brown eyes warmed and his whole body seemed to relax. Ichigo, Lilynette realized, smiled with his whole body. She'd never seen anything like it, and she'd decided that she wanted to see it a million times more. "Look at all this sweat, geez, you must've just got over a fever, you know what helped with that is," And he began a very strange list of concoctions, the likes of which Lilynette had never even dreamed of in all her wildest imaginings. Szayel pushed Grimmjow farther away, and asked the man's name. "It's Isshin, Kurosaki Isshin." He said glaring very seriously at Szayel. "Don't be alarmed but your hair…is pink. Like…cotton candy." Szayel reached up and touched his hair, affronted. Ichigo made a weird choking sound, while he looked at the ceiling, and with a jolt she realized that he was laughing.

"Dad! Don't be so rude!" Said a high voice from the entryway of the living room. A thin, willowy girl with long orange hair the same color as Ichigo's stood there, a warm blush across her cheeks. Behind her stood a taller girl with black hair and a baseball cap who was slouching until she caught sight of Ichigo. The orange haired girl rushed forward and pushed her father out of the way, ignoring Ichigo's injuries and hugging him tightly. "Ichi Nii, I can't believe it." She said, her voice thick with tears. The other girl walked tentatively forward, her eyes shining with unshed tears that she blinked away, sitting by her sister's side on the floor. A silent communication went through Ichigo and this dark haired girls eyes, their connection possibly even stronger than with his other sister.

Ichigo cleared his throat, "Sorry for making you worry, Yuzu… Karin." He said, his voice slow like he was trying to talk through syrup. His father was murmuring something about his children being together again and Lilynette couldn't help but wonder how he'd gotten so screwed up when he had a loving family like this. Ichigo's eyes widened a scary amount and he looked around the room like he was searching for something he didn't want to see, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he apparently didn't find it.

Lilynette glanced over at Grimmjow, who had inched his way back by Ichigo's side, and touched his leg very gently, as if he might shatter from the simple touch. Everyone sat in companionable silence and listened to Karin and Yuzu, Ichigo's younger sisters, update him on all that had happened to them while he was away, as if he'd just gone on vacation. They talked about menial things, Yuzu had gotten on honor roll, Karin was being offered a baseball scholarship that'd take her through college. They'd visited Misaki's grave every year since he'd been gone, and had told her to bring him back, and apparently, she had. After a while, after some apologies, Ichigo fell asleep again, but this time, everyone didn't sink into despair like before, they were anxious. They wanted to see Ichigo like he had been just then, so vibrant and alive, they couldn't help but feel hope that he would live. Finally, After Grimmjow tucked him back in, and planted a kiss on his forehead when he thought no one was looking, Lilynette called a meeting of sorts, just in time for one last person to step into the living room.


Grimmjow felt warm, from the inside out, and yet he felt some burning anger that hadn't been there before. Call him selfish, or jealous, or anything even remotely bad, but he was actually angry that Ichigo's family showed up and he was…overjoyed. It was instant, like a spark finally taking hold and turning into a blazing inferno. Why was it that when Ichigo had woken up and saw him, he'd only saw an escape? He'd been by his side when they hadn't; he'd answered his midnight calls and always always came to get him, so why was it that Ichigo didn't smile for him? Didn't…laugh for him? It felt so unfair, and even though he was happy, no ecstatic, that Ichigo was recovering, he still felt…cheated somehow.

Ichigo's breathing was deep and even, healthy sounding and he didn't seem to be having nightmares, he looked so peaceful an innocent. He looked his age finally, he looked like a teenaged boy. Grimmjow's eyes flicked around the room briefly before he very gently pressed his lips to Ichigo's forehead and then backed away before anyone could make accusations. The bluenette saw Lilynette stand up, her mouth opening, probably to deliver some speech, when someone glided in, silent as a ghost and serious as the plague. He looked like an A class geek, this guy. With long brown hair in a scholarly cut, reading glasses perched on the edge of his nose. He body was as taut was a wire, but that wasn't what made Grimmjow want to take Ichigo and run, it was the way his eyes immediately zeroed in on Ichigo, like they were the only two people in the room. And Ichigo, so peaceful a moment before shuddered and reached for Grimmjow, even in his sleep. Grimmjow placed his hand over Ichigo's and glared at the man, wondering his connection to Ichigo.

"It was difficult finding a parking space." Was the very first thing the man said, the creepy moment over and now he was acting like he didn't even notice Ichigo was there. When he spoke, he spoke to the room in general, and he commanded attention. But he still edged ever closer to Ichigo. The only other person that seemed to notice was Ulquiorra and he walked over to the sofa and sat on the edge his cool gaze meeting the man's eyes in some confrontation that only the three of them seemed to be aware of. Other people were talking but they were like background noise, all that seemed to matter was what was going on now. After a seemingly long time, the man's gaze drifted over and locked onto Grimmjow's electric blue gaze. He bared his teeth, not one for fighting inwardly and was about to stand until the other sounds in the room came back to him, loud and clear. First he heard his name, though it wasn't directed towards him, and he felt multiple gazes on him then, and he forced down his panic and nausea and pried his eyes away from the man that seemed like an immediate danger.

"Well technically Grimmjow found him, and the rest of us met him later, we've been seeing him on and off for the past three years and…" The voice droned on and on, with a detached feeling he tried to find the source. Ah, Lilynette's mouth was moving, but somehow the voice didn't match the movements. It was like watching an American show in Japanese. He had to lean back against the couch exhaustion overwhelming him. Suddenly, he realized that he hadn't slept since three nights ago. Last night was terrible, and he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. The night before last had been meant for him and his wife, who stood in the corner looking angry at the world. He didn't blame her, because he'd already confirmed her worst fears. He was deeply madly and truly in love with Ichigo, and there was absolutely nothing that either he or Tia could do about it. It really wasn't fair to any of them, that Grimmjow's true first love would be this kid, that this kid had to go through all this shit, and Tia, poor beautiful Tia had a husband that was in love with some boy she hated. Gods, they were all screwed up, Ichigo more than anyone else, he reckoned, but they were all screwed up anyways. He tuned out and rested his head on the edge of the couch, refusing to leave Ichigo when threats seemed to be closing in on all sides.

Sleep brought with it disturbing heart stopping dreams; Ichigo walking far ahead of him, getting father and farther no matter how hard he ran, no matter how loud he called his name; he felt something chasing after him, calling him and laughing mirthlessly when it caught him; some spiky redheaded teen being slowly swallowed up by black bubbling tar, red bloody gouges where his eyes had been telling him to protect Ichigo don't let it happen again…and abruptly the teen grabbed him and grabbed him into the tar after him.

And Grimmjow woke up panting, the lights off in the house, his face buried in the sofa cushion, his blue spiky hair pressed flat to his head on one side and someone was stroking his hair softly. The hand that was on his head was shaking slightly and he reached for it, and kissed it gently, over and over again, while Ichigo sang him a sad little song, one that Grimmjow had heard somewhere in a distant memory.


Ichigo's Song (A.k.a Falcon Flies Alone)

Soaring with the wind

A falcon flies alone

Silent as the sky

I hear his lonely cry

Never can he rest

I walk with you

Along an empty winding road

We're far from the ones we love

Never can return

Never can we see again

The countries of our birth

When will I ever find a place to call my home?

Sadness circling like a falcon in the sky

When will I ever find a way to speak my heart?

To someone who knows what it is to be alone?

Far far above the clouds

Against the setting sun

A falcon flies alone

Silent as the sky

I hear his lonely cry

Never can he rest

I long to spread my wings

And fly into the night

Open this lonely heart to one who understands

When will I ever find a way to speak my heart?

When will I ever find a place to call my own?

Sadness and loneliness a falcon in the sky

When will I ever find a way to speak my heart?

To someone who knows what it is to be alone


Ichigo felt Grimmjow relax against him when he finished singing, though the feather light kisses on his hand didn't seize, they only intensified, and in spite of himself he felt his cheeks warm at the simple gesture. He remembered how he'd been calling his name desperately in his sleep, and promising over and over to protect him. But he also remembered Harribel and he didn't want to do anything to put their marriage in jeopardy.

Even as he thought that, warm lips were pressed against his own, light and gentle. It was perhaps the sweetest kiss he'd ever experienced before. And before he could ask what had prompted it, Grimmjow stood up, only to bend down and kiss him on the forehead before turning and walking into the kitchen, where the others were having some kind of meeting about him. He touched his lips with a tentative smile and let himself feel the warmth for a little while, before a distorted voice said, You're in danger Ichigo, get out of here, now. And he realized that he was totally and completely alone. He threw the blankets off himself and stumbled out the front door, not even bothering to take shoes or a rain jacket. When he opened the door, a blast of icy wind met him yet he still stumbled on not even stopping when stinging rain droplets drenched his hair and thin layers of clothing, blocking his vision. When he was up to his ankles in water, he stopped looking up the sky that was dark orange.

He felt clear, finally, he couldn't hear Shirosaki or Zangetsu, he didn't feel consumed by panic for once. While he had this moment of clarity he tried to reason out the important things, try to examine the painful stuff like about his uncle Aizen or maybe try and find a solution to his problem with 'the voices in his head'. But the only thing that stood out to him, painfully clear was shining cerulean eyes a laugh he couldn't deny and a smile that could melt his carefully guarded heart. He hadn't even noticed it before, the way that he clung to him as tightly as Grimmjow seemed to hold him, the way his eyes immediately looked to him for comfort, when he felt insecure, that was the person who comforted him. He could've easily called someone else those times he needed help, but Grimmjow's number was the only one he called, the only one he even wanted to talk to in those dark times.

He barely remembered it, but Grimmjow had taken care of him, had tried to rehabilitate him. And the way he'd showed his thanks? By running away. Running away from this perfect clarity he now felt. That he wanted to keep feeling. Gods, how had he missed this before? There was so many things holding him back, so many things in their way, but now he wanted to get better, now he wanted to show Harribel what he could be show them all that he was-

"Ichigo, somehow I knew I'd find you out here." Said a chilling voice from behind him. He hated the way his name had been caressed, it was like he was back in that room, awaiting his fate. The last vestiges of his former clarity withered away and he turned and faced his Uncle Aizen. The man had that infuriating grin on his face, as if he should be allowed to smile. The fact that he could be happy meant that whatever gods there was were some sick bastards. "I'm glad you decided to grow your hair out, you look so much like your mother that way." The way the said it mad chills run up and down his spine, it would seem like a normal conversation to innocent onlookers but the both of them knew. And he hated sharing a secret with Aizen. The man took another step forward and another, the tips of his shoes touching the edge of the puddle Ichigo stood in. He leaned forward, so that his lips were able to press against Ichigo's ear and in a seductive purr he said, "I hear that you turned to prostitution after you left me. Must be hard not having anyone who could satisfy you the same way I did."

Ichigo pushed him, but the man didn't move, he was the one who stumbled back, into the street. And he saw his escape, a car turned down the road, its windshield wipers working furiously but they couldn't see him. And he couldn't see inside either. He took another step back, grinning savagely at Aizen as the man realized what was about to happen. "You could never satisfy me, Sosuke." He said, loving the look of desperation that crossed the older man's face. What he had just said was a lie. Seeing him like this, broken the way he was supposed to look, that satisfied him more than anything ever had before. The horn of the car blared alarmingly close, and he felt his heart speed up, adreline running through his veins, and his breathing was coming quick and short.

"Ichigo, don't," Aizen called from a seemingly faraway place. But he wasn't listening anymore, he turned and faced the car.

When it was inches from hitting him, he whispered, "I love you Grimmjow." The impact of the car sent him flying over the hood, his vision turning black before he'd hit the ground, or even registered the pain.


Okay, now, before you track me down and kill me, let me explain. Ichigo's not dead. I reallly wish I could kill him off and make this story as sad as it possibly could be, but he's not. It can only go...uphill from here believe it or not. Haha, you'll see what i mean next week. And i mean that. I'm not saying next week and i really mean next year like that crazy long pause i just took.

Oh yeah, fun fact about Daichi Sama? My Kaa san used to sing Falcon Flies Alone to me like all the time. I sing it to my sister at night but she threatens to throw herself out of a window every time i sing.