A\N:Well, I'm gonna get down to it, like I do in the rest of my story. First off, I would love to give a huge call-out to MMagnet for her awesome and dedicated reviews to my stories, and I really appreciate her inspiring comments and uplifting advice. Arigato! And second, well….I have no second. X3 I just wanted to give big thanks to her!

Also, I have a new poll, and it would be no short of amazing if a bunch of ya decided to help out and gimme some advice. X3 of course you don't have to, but it's just an idea!

Flashback: As I tilt my body slightly to the side to get more comfortable within the limited space both Ichigo and I were in, I find that my lips were drifting over to the orangette's soft, rosy cheek. There, I let out a silent 'I love you', before falling blissfully into the exact same unconscious resting as my lover.

And, at that moment, I almost forgot that we were about to face the hands of either life or death.

Instrument of Violence Chapter 4: Birthday Wishes

Ichigo POV:

For the longest time, the only thing I could do was lay there and stare at the peeling white paint on the ceiling that I was housed under. The bed sheets that Aizen owned wrapped around my waist from the constant tossing and turning, and, as my heart lurched further into my throat, I felt myself become a tiny bit scared. This feeling wasn't something I was used to, you see. Fear was something I threw away long ago, but as soon as I felt that familiar pulsating in my chest, I knew that it was back. I cursed myself, but then again, I had a solid reason to.

I mean, it wasn't every day you're facing death in the palm of your hands for risking freedom, isn't it?

No.

To top it off, becoming a year older felt as if the weight of the world was placed on my shoulders and then topped off with just enough whipped cream to make my body topple over. I was officially the big twenty-four. It sounded nasty. Disgusting. Stupid. I was a year older, and that means I had another year's worth of Aizen behind my back. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to go through another one. Ever again.

With a deep sigh I let my body drag out of the pure white bed that I slept in. The sun was just rising past the flat horizon of the nothingness surrounding this place, and this made me a bit more depressed. If Grimmjow and I manage to escape, I wonder, where the hell would we go? To think I haven't planned this through. I had more than enough time to grapple up at least an idea with what we were going to do, but being caught up with my lover these past two months I hadn't gotten the chance to think.

A growl passed my cherry lips. I was such an idiot.

But where would we go? Walk twenty miles to the nearest town and eat out of garbage cans to feed ourselves? The reality of this situation wasn't exactly the best.

As I drag myself into the bathroom to do my morning duty, I couldn't help but think that both mine and Grimmjow's case was unfortunate. Even if I had my family to back me up on this situation, I had no contact with them past the occasional call from the community phone. Hell, I didn't know what they looked like, let alone where they lived or their names or anything else. All I knew was that they were powerful and that they had just located me.

A surge of panic invaded my thoughts. What if they didn't like how I carried myself? What if they didn't particularly care for me, or what if they thought I was an abomination due to the fact that I was gay? What if they disliked Grimmjow?

I would have to disown them.

It was clear and simple. They were my family. They did raise me the few years that they actually had control of me, but when Aizen came and fucked everything up – it gave me no time to bond with my family. But Grimmjow, well, I've known him for years. I've grown up with him and cussed at him and ratted him out and fought with him and played him and even became lovers with him. And even though they were my family, my life belonged with Grimmjow whether they liked it or not.

The bathroom door closed shut on that comment and I was soon met face to face with the object of my worries. My face was reflected in the mirror, the attributes on my features poking out to appear annoyed or disgruntled. I wasn't exactly sure what to do, so instead I turned on the cold water and splashed the substance on my face. This made a shiver escape my body.

With a deep breath and a wipe of the towel, I told myself not to worry. I would make this my best birthday yet – the birthday I would finally be free.

I would truly be Ichigo Kurosaki. Espada Number Zero was no more.

"Oi, Ichi, ya in here?" A loud, boisterous voice invaded my thoughts as a banging sound rang off the white wooden painted door. Knowing the voice by heart, I smiled a bit and called back. Only Grimmjow was stupid enough to ask that.

"Don't be so loud! Of course I am!" I say back as I roll my shoulders once. It would be bad to make Grimmjow worry because I was stressing. He was probably stressing enough as it was. Well, if he was, that man sure knew how to hide it well in any case.

"Ya takin' a dump er somethin'?" I take that back. He deserves to stress. Fucker.

A snort passed my lips. "No, and back away from the door before I flatten you." That was my warning, and if he was behind that door when I opened it, it was his fault for being flattened. Secretly, I wished he didn't move.

But Grimmjow was too smart for that.

And as I whip the door open, I was met with a smirking blue-haired devil of a man on the other side. He was a good five feet away from the door, which made me want to shake my head and grin at my obvious humor. But I didn't. I was more mature than that.

Maybe.

"What'cha screaming about so early in the morning?" I find myself biting back a yawn as my woken face twitched.

I noticed Grimmjow flick something behind his large body as one hand disappears. I raise an eyebrow. What was that he had? The colour was…What was it? Blue? Hm. Grimmjow, his smirk never leaving his place, decided to usher me back to bed in one swift motion. Grimmjow's long, elegantly lean fingers seized my wrist in his iron grip and he pulled me towards the less-than-plush mattress that I was forced to sleep on. I scowl a bit as I was not-so-gently pushed onto the bed. But then again, when was Grimmjow gentle? My body bounced a few times. No, he was never gentle. Though, who would ever want him to be?

"Hm…." Grimmjow hummed as he crawled into the bed with me, his left arm still curled behind his back. "Some little birdie told me…" I felt his free arm wrap around the part of my body lying on my bed, and then his other, the left, wrapped around the part facing the ceiling. His brash form snuggled in to me as he rested his head against my shoulder, a little bit of his lip brushing against the junction of my ear. I fought a shiver. Where did that thing go? "That…" A breath passed his lips. I groaned. What in the living world was this man doing? And so early.

Though, I found myself eager what he was to say.

"You…" Come on, come on. What was it already? He was beginning to scare me.

"…Have gotten a year older today."

Blink.

Son of a – who in the hell told him?

Before I could even will myself to try and fight his body off of mine, to at least get some distance between us, Grimmjow forced his grip around my horizontal body to become tighter, causing whatever fight I had in my body to drift. He knew me all too well. That was kind of scary. Stupid blueberry.

I blushed and made sure my face was buried in the only part of the sheets I could access. Why did he have to go and bring that up? But what I wanted to know most was…Who in the living hell told him? For fucks flying sake of flying rabbits and rainbow unicorn shit, I was going to kill whoever told that stupid love of mine.

You see, I hate birthdays. I thought they were useless. It was annoying. I've used that word countless times already, only for the fact that I couldn't think of any other word to say. I was simply incapable of thinking anything else. Birthdays were some fake idea where people thought that you should celebrate the fact that you were born, that you should rejoice and think the world utterly and physically too amazing to comprehend something so simple as to the fact that someone popped you out and you caused them a shitload of pain. But then again – that was only my opinion.

At that moment, I forgot about that blue thing that was behind Grimmjow, and focused on hiding a bit more. Which was stupid, again, stupid, because Grimmjow was laughing and I was blushing and I couldn't get away and I couldn't… I couldn't…Ugh. Whatever. Point was I couldn't move. And it was embarrassing.

"Lemme go." I mumble into the sheets.

"Not a chance, Berry." I could feel the irony of his smirk without even having to look at him. Idiot.

"Fucker."

"Always. Now lift that head a yers before I have to go and do it myself. I got a little somethin' fer ya."

Oh he did not find something to give me.

But I lifted my head anyway. With a slow, testing peer behind me to send a questioning look to the tanned man, I find his back facing me as he reaches for something. Another flash a blue. My eyes narrow. Just what was that item?

As Grimmjow's body turns around to face me once more, I felt the curiosity piquing at my mind. With a hesitant frown, I try and peer around his shoulder to get a better look at the present that he held. When it was hidden from view once more, a pout resided on the features that Grimmjow was currently staring at – humor there, but not appreciated.

"I…" I bit my lip as my brows furrow at the sudden warmth in my stomach. When I really thought about it, this was exactly the first present I have ever gotten from someone other than myself. But I would refuse to admit that – it made me feel ashamed, for some reason. "What is it?" I settled for the annoyed glare as Grimmjow's smirk widens considerably.

"Now why would I go and tell ya tha'?"

My eyes narrow further. They are now just slits. "Then who told you?" I decide to drift my gaze to the side of his face then. I can still trace the slight scar where Grimmjow once held a mask as fierce as my own, but, then again, mine was not welded to my skin. His had been – for disobeying, and his scar was one that resembled a raison, big and gaudy and completely and utterly uneven. His face beheld a stature as if he had been burnt. I shivered just at the thought of the pain he would've gone through – not only getting it on, but taking it off.

God am I glad he didn't have that anymore.

Then again, I'm getting off track. Who in the hell told him? Whoever it was, I'm going to make sure their asses are tossed so far up in the air they won't be able to fall back down into our atmosphere and will eventually choke to death so I can laugh at their dying faces.

A bit cruel.

I'll settle for a big fight.

But you get the point.

And yet, I couldn't stop myself from the ongoing curiosity as to what might Grimmjow get his hands on to get me. I thought about the limited amount of supplies that we had access to, and I couldn't help but picture the strain that Grimmjow would have went through to get anything. So, letting it slide for one day and one day only, I blush and hold out my hand petulantly. The bluenette seemed to get my discomfort and didn't push me any further, only taking the present from behind his back and resting it in one of my hands. Situating myself to get comfortable, I was once again wrapped in a comforting embrace, and I decided to peck my lover on the cheek in a sign of affection and thanks.

With a light smile and a strained stare towards the blue object, I can't help but notice the weight. It was a small present, but it had a lot of baggage to in, and that was kind of confusing. A furrow of my brow gave Grimmjow the incentive that I was confused. He snorted.

"Open it already." Impatience was the significant figure in that statement. I glance upwards towards him but then blink and look down, carefully moving my fingers to open the surprisingly intricately wrapped piece. Slowly but surely, my fingers numbly unwrap the birthday present, careful not to rip it, and I find behind them lay a set of papers. Confusion marred my face as I stare upon them blankly. Papers? What are these? Bewilderment was the next thing that my lover gauged. He chuckled. "Read the names." Grimmjow lifted one finger to point at the typed letters in the form of a name, and my eyes drifted….

"I-Issin…K-Kurosaki?" with my eyes blinking in a sudden fit of shock, I let my jaw drop back and my eyes expand in size due to the fact that I just realized what this had to be. But it couldn't…How did he get his hands on these? Their files…Closed files…Classified information….I just couldn't understand, so I snapped my head back to scrutinize him. He looked prepared to give me an explanation.

"Yeah." Grimmjow licked his lips as his voice came out a bit gruffer than intended. "Szayel helped me out as repayment of a favor."

More confusion.

Grimmjow…He – "You hate him, though." I said aloud as my voice drifts off. The bluenette shrugged.

"I do." He didn't elaborate.

As soon as he said the words, I almost cried. Quite literally, actually, I had to hold back the welling up of tears as I turn and bury my face into his chest without abandon. I felt a sense of love whelming my heart over, enfolding it in a comfortable, tranquil embrace as it almost leapt out of my chest. Grimmjow tightened his hold on me as I thanked him multiple times, only thinking how hard it probably was for him to go and ask that pink haired bastard for help. Though, he still did it, despite how much he hated the man, for the sake of me, and that…I dunno, it just made me feel…comforted. Protected, even.

"I love you." I didn't hesitate to say as I kissed him softly on the collarbone. I felt Grimmjow's lips press on my forehead, and at that moment I felt a welling of pride and love so great towards the bluenette that I almost couldn't contain myself.

"Love ya too, Ichi." I could almost feel the happy grin on his face. With a shake of my head and a blush adorning my cheekbones, I decide to glance around the papers once more. I wouldn't really get in to the information until I at least had some time to dig around, but I would at least read the first page.

"Issin Kurosaki…." I felt the familiarity of the name as I read it once more. A furrowed brow was my only reaction however, for I was unable to remember what he looked like. Under his name said the word deceased. I fought my growing wonder to find out how he had died and even though I had not known the man – my heart pulled in a series of directions. "Masaki Kurosaki…" I remember her, though, from when she was murdered, but that was it. I vaguely remember loving her very much, and how much her smile always brightened my day….But, I couldn't really place that feeling anywhere.

Even though I didn't show it to my lover I was disheartened. The fact that he had died along with my mother brought me to my first realization. I didn't have a family left. Well, not immediate anyway. But then, if my father had passed not long ago, who was…who had found that we were in this place? Someone knew about me from somewhere and had the time and patience to find me – but I really don't know why or even how someone would go about doing that.

Instead of thinking any more on that topic I did what I thought was right: push the thoughts to the back of my mind.

A sigh passed my mouth. I could feel Grimmjow's stone-like eyes boring into me, but I carefully avoided him as I plopped the papers on my lap and ran a hand throughout my knotted orange hair. It was just so much to take in – really, it was. When you never remembered your parents all too much, and you finally get to find out who they were, what they did, how they acted, what their appearance was like, well…It was just kind of overwhelming. Even if they were dead. I had a feeling that I would be unable to glance over this information all at once; I would have to read in stages. But that was alright. At least I had them.

"Occupation…" I read aloud. "Doctor, owned the 'Kurosaki Clinic' in Kakura Town." I flash fell before my eyes. At the name, I vaguely remembered a little bit of what the home looked like, both small and dull, but always lively with the family around. I cocked my head to the side as I draw out a partial map in my head. With a curt nod, I read a bit further.

"Date of birth…" My finger traced the information as Grimmjow listened in on my voice. I was sure he went over the papers at least once or twice, but I couldn't bring myself to be that upset. After all, he was the one who went through the trouble of getting these papers for me. But it did kind of irk me to know that he knew more about my family than I did. "September nineteenth, nineteen sixty-three." That meant he was…I'm not sure when he passed away, but either late forties or early fifties…So young. "Cause of –…"

I wouldn't read any further right now.

Hastily, I tugged the papers onto my lap and out of sight. My lover seemed to get my reasoning, and tightened his grip around me in a protective format. I couldn't help myself, and I leaned back into his embrace with a slight smile. At least I knew that Grimmjow would be by my side, if there were nothing left for me when I came home. We would fare it out, I knew that, somehow.

" Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, please report to the office." An over-speaker suddenly buzzed, causing the both of us to jump. As we glance at each other, a silent realization was made between us.

It was time.

My body stiffened as I forced the papers in the waistband of my shorts, making sure that they were secure and out of view as I stand. Grimmjow got up also. Whatever he was bringing was clearly either out of sight too – or he didn't have anything. That could also be the case.

I made sure what little things I had, which was Grimmjow, a little clothing and my toothbrush, were either tucked away, on my body, or right next to me. Another sigh passed through the room. This time it was from Grimmjow; and when I risked a glance over at him – he had a troubled expression. Which was reasonable. We were leaving. We were finally going to be on the run, and on the run we would be. Forever. At least, until we found that mysterious man who happened to track us – and maybe then.

But we would be free.

Without wasting much time we both began to walk. The world blurred past me as seconds passed, until we were out of our room and standing outside my room door with the most awkward posture ever. We would never come back to this place, and, as I stare back into my room, I find that even though this place was both physical and mental torture, well, it still had its good memories. Most with Grimmjow.

But it was time to make new ones. In the outside world – if we weren't caught.

The world passed by once again as Grimmjow shut the door behind him. We began walking in a pace quicker than normal. Neither of us glanced at the other, but I could feel our bodies edging slightly closer to each other. The people we passed down the white hallway didn't look at us as we didn't look at them.

And as we stop in front of a set of clear glass double doors, I could only think of one thing and one thing only.

It was time to go.