Sorry I haven't updated... in a couple days I think ^^; I'm sure I meant to. Oh well, here's the update for today. In case you're wondering, Asylum is on hold for now. You caught up to where I've stopped... at least, you've caught up to the chapter I've yet to fix up. I finished my cosplay outfit today, so until I start the second one (if I start the second one) I'll be writing. Still trying to think of a title for the new fic. I'd like to post it, but I refuse to do so until it's titled ^^; Still working on Lust, but slowing inching my way to the end. In case you guys haven't figured it out yet, Hunter is the last fic from my original list to be finished. I'll try and work on that one after Lust. That's about it for the fic updates =D
Ichi: Shiro's missing! D=
Grimm: Are you serious? Where'd he go?
Ichi: I have no clue! I've been looking all day and I just can't find him!
Vae: Did you find Gin?
Ichi: ... wait... why would i look for Gin?
Grimm: Ichi, when no one can find you, where are you usually hiding?
Ichi: I'm not hiding, dumbass, I'm with you in... I don't want to know where he is anymore. T^T
Chapter 7
Grimmjow's pride is exhausted to say the least. It's only been two days and the demon is getting on their last nerve. Ichigo, of course, isn't any better but at least he takes others into account. Right now, Shiro has been complaining constantly. He's not even into the mood swings yet; he just likes being a pain in the ass. Ichigo, however, has seemed awfully sick since he became heavy with Grimmjow's second litter. His irritation comes from nausea and fever, he's normally covered in a sheen of cold sweat, and his color has paled. Grimmjow is worried. Thanks to Uryu's quick thinking and their resident witch and hybrid's ability to cast runes, Aizen's seer has been blocked from their territory.
"Shiro, I thought you were watching Ichigo!" Grimmjow snaps.
"I was… then he punched me in the face an' I watched 'im walk out the door," Shiro grins.
"Idiot! He's ill, I can't have him losing our litter because of your stupidity!" the jaguar roars. "The next time you neglect your duty when I ask you to watch him, I'll refuse to have sex with you for the next year!"
Shiro's face goes chalky at that, fear within those golden orbs. He won't press Grimmjow again, that's for sure. The demon can handle a lot of punishments from the jaguar, even likes them, but no sex is the one he just can't deal with gracefully. Grimmjow storms out of the room, his search for his younger mate beginning.
Ichigo is in a little niche behind the waterfall of Szayel's garden. This little area grows the plants that need more darkness, some even glowing within it. The orange head just needs to get away for a bit, Shiro was driving him nuts. The stress the demon lays upon him is worse for him now that the mage is medicating himself with those potions. He sighs and curls up into a tighter ball. He has to continue taking that pinkish potion three times a day now that he's started. Since he's supposed to eat with them and he hid away just after breakfast, Ichigo has a basket packed with snacks in his hiding place.
"There you are," Szayel muses. "I was wondering where you got off to. Lilinette has been on guard at the den's entrance and she never misses anyone leaving."
"I just needed to get away," Ichigo sighs out. "Shiro is stressing me out and it's making me sicker."
"… Did you tell Grimmjow about how taxing this will be on your body?"
"No. I'd prefer he didn't know."
The hybrid enters the niche and sits beside Ichigo, sighing lightly before plucking a few herbs and flowers. Ichigo watches Szayel place them in a pouch, wondering what he'd need them for. They're quiet for a long time, the mage tensing when he hears Grimmjow calling for him outside his safe haven.
"He's been searching for you for fifteen minutes now," the pink haired male states. "He's checked all over the den… it's likely he'll panic and tear up his territory next. Shall I do something to stop him?"
"… Tell him I'm fine and you know where I am. You're supposed to be in charge of my health anyway, right?" Ichigo muses. "It would be much better for me to stay in a stress free environment."
"It would, but I doubt sitting in a damp space behind a waterfall would be considered good for you. I'll make him aware of your state of stress, he would appreciate an update I'm sure. I'll also give him options on how to relieve your level of stress. Stay here, I'll be back."
Ichigo nods gratefully, reaching into his basket to get something for lunch. Beside the sandwich he made up is another vial of his potion. He swallows it quickly, turning to his food once that's done. His head is light, his heart hammering in his chest, and Ichigo is afraid his food won't stay down. Once he gets a little something in his stomach, though, the symptoms settle.
Grimmjow growls to himself, pacing in Szayel's garden. When the anaconda makes his presence known, his leader can't help but jump in surprise. The pink haired hybrid has always been light on his feet, yet Grimmjow only misses him when he's highly agitated about something.
"Szayel! What are you doing here?"
"You mean aside from the fact this is my area?" the other smirks playfully. "I've come to tell you Ichigo is fine. He's sitting with me, so I can watch over his stress level."
"Stress level?"
"Grimmjow, you need to understand the mixture of potions he's consuming can be deadly if not handled properly. The more stressed he gets, the sicker he'll become. I would suggest keeping him around someone with a mild mannered personality or a calming presence. He seems to be fine around me; Ulquiorra might be a good choice. Even Chad or Uryu, if the later can behave himself."
"I see. I'll figure it out today," the jaguar sighs. "In the meantime, would you mind watching him?"
"Not at all, I happen to enjoy his company."
"Thanks. Shiro also needs some company before I strangle him," Grimmjow mutters. "Any ideas on who to place with him?"
"Hallibel," Szayel states without thought. "If anyone can make him behave, it'll be her. Ulquiorra if you'd like to be a bit nicer… maybe Nell, she's pretty tough as well. She also has the added benefit of being your blood, so Shiro won't willingly harm her for irritating him. He'd be too afraid you wouldn't sleep with him anymore."
"Good idea!"
Shiro is stretched out on the bed when Grimmjow finds him, curvaceous body bare from the heat. To save for confusion, everyone continues to call Shiro a 'he'. Nnoitra was the last to mention his gender change; he was beaten badly by the ill tempered demon. At the sight of Grimmjow, Shiro sits up a bit and puts an alluring expression on his feminine face. The demon entices his current lover with all the skill he's picked up over the many years of his life.
"Forget it," Grimmjow growls in warning. "I'm still pissed at you!"
"Awe, come on!" Shiro whines in his slightly higher voice. "Ain't it 'nough ya won the lil bitch fer yerself? Ya should be thankin' me! I wanna fuck, get over here an' take care a the demon carryin' yer fuckin' litter!"
"… I talked with Szayel," the jaguar murmurs as he sits on the edge of the bed. "I didn't like what he had to say. I know him well, he's hiding something… making things seem less serious than they actually are. Something isn't right."
Shiro hums as he drapes himself against Grimmjow's back, his thin arms wrapping around the other's neck. He leans forward to press his newly gained breasts against the other, noting the worry on Grimmjow's face easily. It's a sight Shiro's never come across before. He's usually Grimmjow's closest lover, yet the demon's always been able to care for himself. At this change in mood, Shiro pushes away his urges and lays his chin on Grimmjow's shoulder comfortingly.
"Yer scarin' me, Grimm-kitty," he admits quietly. "I never saw ya like this 'fore."
"… Szayel said the mixture Ichigo's taking could be deadly if not handled correctly, but I think there's more to it. Do you think… Do you think Ichigo would be stupid enough to take a deadly mixture like that? That he would do so without telling me the risks he's taking?"
"I don' know," Shiro shrugs. "I ain't never been good at readin' my summoners. I honestly thought he'd tell me ta fuck off when I gave 'im the option a gettin' preggers."
Nelliel roams into the room, smiling widely as she stops at the end of the bed. Shiro stares at her, growling in irritation at the interruption. He's about to lash out at the other verbally, yet Grimmjow moves away from him to stand.
"Nell's gonna be your companion throughout your pregnancy," the jaguar practically dictates. "Ichigo will stay with a companion as well. I'm not chancing either of you losing my cubs, so get used to it! I would appreciate it if you'd behave around Ichigo from now on, your presence is stressing him into sickness."
"Ain't my fault he's a fuckin' pansy ass," Shiro bristles. "Where is the lil princess anyway?"
"… I don't know. All I know is that he's accompanied by Szayel for the moment."
"Hmm… looks like I ain't the only one stressin' 'im out," the demon smirks mischievously.
Grimmjow doesn't take the bait as Shiro wants. Instead he heads out to find Szayel and check on his younger lover. In the hall, he catches Stark heading to the dining room with Lilinette. Ulquiorra is napping in his room with Uryu taking up the extra bed, but Orihime is missing. She's likely outside with Chad, the two rather close friends. He'll usually accompany her when she forages for fruit and such. Within Szayel's area, the pink haired man watches Ichigo by the lake. Hallibel and Gin are swimming in the lake, trying to coax the mage in with them. His face is bright red, so they must be skinny dipping again. Nnoitra is sitting by Szayel, getting his side looked at. His last fight with the witches left him injured by a blade.
"It's okay," Hallibel remarks. "The water is warm enough, I won't let you drown."
"I… I don't have a swimsuit," Ichigo stammers with a growing blush.
"Ah, just get in, damn it!" Nnoitra growls.
He pushes Ichigo's lower back, knocking him into the water in the clothes he's wearing. The mage flails about in his shock, sputtering up water in a panic before Hallibel gets a hold of him. She calms him and Ichigo relaxes. Once he's not panicked, she allows him to swim around on his own. It's actually quite soothing for his frazzled state, therapeutic in a manner the mage really needs. He floats around the lake, steering clear of the waterfall.
"Having fun?" Grimmjow smiles.
"It took long enough to get him in the water," the silver fox smiles.
"You're both naked!" Ichigo protests. "If I wanted to hang around nudity all day, I would've stayed with that asshole demon!"
Gin smiles wider, chuckling at the mage's modesty. His intended mate dunks him beneath the water without hesitation, irritated he'd tease the sweet little mage in such a way. He surfaces, sputtering and gasping for breath. The silver fox swims away from Hallibel with a pout. Ichigo watches in confusion, yet decides it's best not to ask. He swims over to the edge of the lake, watching as Grimmjow sits in the grass there.
"I was worried about you," the jaguar sighs. "Don't disappear on me like that again, understand? I need to know where you are at all times, or it's likely I'll end up hurting someone looking for you. Okay?"
"I'm sorry," Ichigo frowns. "I just needed some time alone. I made sure to eat and everything, all right? I'm not going to neglect my health, not when I'm carrying my children. They deserve the best chance of survival I can give them."
"Ichigo… how dangerous are these potions you're taking?" Grimmjow asks quietly.
Ichigo doesn't answer at first, worried about Grimmjow's reaction to the truth. Ichigo himself hesitated when taking the first potion. After a long moment, he wonders if he can just float away and leave the conversation behind. At the expectant look on the jaguar's face, however, he knows it'll never happen.
"I already made certain my chances of a complete birthing are adequate," he states. "The potion that speeds up conception is dangerous, that's true. The faster you make it, the more havoc it wreaks upon a person's system. I've cut down the time to two weeks; my chances of survival are just short of fifty percent."
"That's not what I would call good odds!" Grimmjow growls in frustration. "Why would you do something like this?"
"… To help," the mage whispers. "I just want to help as much as I can. I'm strong, you know. I can beat this. At least, I'm pretty sure I can. With the people surrounding me, I know I'll be fine. Orihime is a wonderful healer, Szayel is an awesome potion master and medic, Ulquiorra has the knowledge of centuries in his mind… I have faith in their abilities; I know they'll take care of me just fine. Don't worry so much."
Grimmjow wants to argue, yet holds his tongue. He trusts in his pride, yet Ichigo is irreplaceable to him. He can't lose his mate, not even for the litter he carries. Ichigo swims over to Hallibel, watching Gin carefully. That mischievous smile is one he simply doesn't trust. Curiosity gets the best of Ichigo, he figured Grimmjow would hang around Shiro. After all, the demon is heavy with Grimmjow's first litter… Ichigo's is just an afterthought.
"Why aren't you with Shiro?"
"Nelliel's punishing him," Grimmjow waves off. "I'm angry he manipulated you into this without caring for your health, so she'll be annoying him until I decide to forgive him."
"… You should spend time with him," the mage comments. "He's carrying your first litter, after all."
"And you're carrying my second, what makes a difference?" the jaguar shrugs. "Besides, you're less likely to jump me in your current state of health. All Shiro's been doing is attempting to entice me into having sex with him. It's getting a bit annoying."
"I wish Hall were like that wit me," Gin pouts.
"That will never happen," the blonde scoffs in return.
The silver fox slides down in the water until it almost touches his nose, seeming to hide from the blonde fox he's been chasing. Ichigo still isn't certain they're mates or not, they seem to tolerate one another more than anything… maybe because they're the only foxes in the pride.
Shiro marches into the garden with Nelliel right behind him. His female features are twisted in rage, bloodlust lying just beyond the surface as his brow ticks. The woman with sea green curls giggles at the sight. She dances around to walk backward before Shiro, reaching forward and flicking the other's nose playfully. Shiro growls, tugging at long white locks and screaming in frustration.
"Ya fuckin' psycho imp!" he shouts. "Get the fuck 'way from me!"
"Nuh-uh, not a chance. Grimmy told me to stay beside you no matter what!" she sings out. "I'm not leaving you at all! You might even have to sleep in my room! Won't that be fun? A sleepover? Oh, I'm so excited!"
"Grimm! I fuckin' swear I'll kill this bitch! Get her the fuck 'way from me!"
"Shiro, I'm sure you understand what the punishment will be for harming my blood," Grimmjow glowers. "You'll take your punishment, or you'll give up me as a lover."
"… Yer fuckin' cruel," Shiro grumbles. "Every bit the demon I'd expect from ya."
Grimmjow grins wickedly, lying back in the grass and tucking his arms behind his head. Shiro notes that Ichigo is hiding timidly near the rocks. Hallibel isn't too far from him, however it's obvious this is out of character for the mage. Shiro would expect him to throw something, drag him into the water and try to drown him, but right now he's so… wrong.
"Get over here, bitch!" Shiro yells.
"You're calling me the bitch?" Ichigo scoffs. "I'm not the one with breasts here, now am I?"
"You're so lucky Grimm-kitty told me ta be nice 'round ya!" the lust demon shouts. "Come here right now! I wanna talk ta ya!"
"I'll pass, you stress me out too much."
Shiro opens his mouth to yell again, yet Grimmjow's hand over it stops him. He turns golden eyes to his lover, a question lying within them. Sadness can been seen in the depths of the jaguar's orbs, worrying Shiro once more at the strange emotion.
"Enough, Shiro," Grimmjow murmurs quietly. "I don't want to stress him out, his chances of surviving the birth are already cut too low for my liking."
"Wh-what?" Shiro gasps. "What do ya mean? I thought he was…"
"The potion tears apart his system… his chances are less than fifty percent. The more stressed he is, the less likely he'll live."
Shiro's gaze turns sad at the news. This is his fault; his mage might die because of his selfishness. Compared to the other mages he's used as gateways in the past, Ichigo is great. Shiro really likes him; he's just antagonistic by nature. He lets his gaze fall back on Ichigo, really taking in the vibrant mage. For the first time, he notices the paleness to that tan skin and the dark circles under dulled amber eyes. He doesn't stay in the water long, the effort to stay afloat too much in his weakened state. Grimmjow helps him onto the grass and Szayel wraps a thick fluffy towel around his shoulders. With every movement, Shiro can see the strain. He sighs in regret, looking to the ground at his feet. Sure he was pissed at the gender bender potion, he wanted to get back at the mage, but he never wanted to kill him.
Lmao! This took me all day to edit, because I left to go to the store and people keep chatting with me on Facebook ;p Oh well, it's done now. I think I may have missed one or two things, as I'm very easy to distract, but other than that it should be good. I started watching Fairy Tail the other day, I love it XD One of my friends had mentioned the characters remind him of One Piece, but I told him Natsu is smarter than Luffy... and that Loki guy that flirts with everyone looks a bit like Ichigo ;p
Shiro: Another Ichi! Yeah! I have two aibous to bug! XD
Ichi: That's a great idea! Go bother them for a bit! =D
Shiro: *runs off to see 'other Ichi'*
Grimm: You look relieved. =)
Ichi: I am! Do you have any idea how stressful it is keeping him under control and cleaning up after his outbursts? T^T
Grimm: Awe, come here, Kitten. Let Grimmjow make you feel all better =3
Ichi: ... Well... I don't have anything better to do... *climbs onto Grimmjow's lap*
