Natsumi could tell when Grimmjow was about to leave on another mission. He seemed to have developed a ritual prior to his departure. The first on this list of priorities was to screw Natsumi senseless the night before, as if he would never be able to again. Or maybe he just did it so she wouldn't wake up without him there. Natsumi wasn't stupid; she knew that Grimmjow cared about her in his own messed up way, and she liked the way that he would show it, or try not to.
The next thing that Grimmjow would do before he left consisted of a rigorous workout in his room. He made sure that although Natsumi would be asleep, she could smell his sweat.
After this, Grimmjow would usually go bitch out some of his subordinates, just to let off steam. This would usually spur a fight between him and one of his peons, obviously with him as the victor. A confidence boost was an excellent precursor to a mission; however, Grimmjow would then usually have to find a replacement for the fracción that he would have obliterated.
Grimmjow's routine consisted of several other tedious tasks, but it always ended the same way. He would return to his room, sit on the floor cross-legged with his palms pressing down on his knees, and watch Natsumi sleep. He had no idea why he would do this before every mission, but it just felt right to him. Something about the way her chest rose and retracted with her rhythmic breathing calmed Grimmjow, even though he knew his blood would start pumping as soon as he laid eyes on the enemy.
Usually, Grimmjow would sit and watch Natsumi for hours, then leave for the mission at the last possible minute. Usually, Natsumi wouldn't even notice that Grimmjow was watching her. Unfortunately, this night wasn't usual.
Natsumi's eyes popped open. She could feel an intense stare on her figure, causing her to sit up. Her eyes met Grimmjow's, and she knew what was happening without him having to waste breath in explanation.
"You're leaving?"
Grimmjow could feel the despondence in her tone and continued to stare. He knew that she was aware of the answer, so he didn't bother replying. He placed his palms on the ground instead, pushing himself off of the floor. Without sparing her a second glance, Grimmjow turned around and headed for the door. Before he could pull the knob, however, he heard Natsumi's gentle voice call out to him.
"Be careful."
Grimmjow paused. He never listened to what Natsumi advised, but for some strange reason, this recommendation stopped him. He thought about it for a moment, then chose to respond with what she most likely wanted to hear.
He turned his head over his shoulder and looked back at her, her eyes narrowed with concern. His own eyes widened at this. Then, with a libidinous smirk, he finally replied, "I will."
Grimmjow turned back around and waltzed out the door, leaving Natsumi alone with her worry.
She knew he had lied about being careful.
But she was glad he did.