Hey folks, yeah i know i've not been updating regularly but hey, i have a life too!

Loving this story, glad a few of your are as well. Thanks for the reviews Leigh, Sherry and Naeme, makes me write faster! No promises about the next one being out tomorrow though!

Chapter 7

Grimmjow wasn't his father. He made very sure in all of his life choices that he wasn't ever even creeping close to converging with the man that made his childhood hell. His biggest obstacle had always been his temper.

He would admit later that anger clouded him so much on the way to Nel's house that he wasn't even sure he drove.

He stormed up her stairs and opened her front door to find her on the sofa with a very tall red head over her.

"Daddy, who's that man Aunty Nel is hugging?"

'Hugging' was not what they were doing but an innocent six year old wouldn't know the difference. "I think that would be Aunty Nel's friend Renji." Grimmjow didn't keep the sarcasm out of his voice when he spoke and he smirked as the two peered over. Nel instantly tried to fix her top, pulling it down and pushing the man away from between her legs at the same time.

"Hi guys, what are you doing here? Coming over without calling." Nel spoke through gritted teeth at the end.

"I tried to call you when I heard someone had broken into my house but you didn't answer. Then I decided to bring your upset and scared nieces over to find out you're not busy, just busy." Emi in Grimmjow's arms looked at him with a puzzled expression but he just shook his head.

Nel was on her feet, over at the girls and checking they were alright, stroking their hair a moment later. "Someone broke in? Are you guys alright? Where's Ichigo?"

Grimmjow's silence made Nel's eyebrows rise. "Girls, go into Nel's room and put the TV on. Relax and we'll get you a snack or something in a minute." The girls obeyed their father but Sofi was more reluctant than Emi, closing the door slowly with her father watching. Grimmjow waited until it was closed before he spoke. His tone finally showed his anger and his muscles tensed up. "That asshole came to my house, threatened the girls and took Ichigo away."

Nel covered her mouth with her scarred hand, her other one instinctively coming to rub on it. There was only one person who got Grimmjow that angry. "He was here? He went to your house? How, what happened?"

"Sofi said Ichigo locked the doors to keep him out, the washing is all over the lawn so I guess he was out doing that when he arrived. Ichigo locked the front and back door but forgot about the patio one. He hid the girls and I found some damage in the shower room so I guess Ichigo hid himself there. He's missing though."

Nel teared up, turning from her brother to her boyfriend as she tried to deal with the situation. Renji took her in his arms and held her close. "Who did this Baby? Who took Ichigo?"

"My father."

Renji's arms tightened, telling Grimmjow that Nel had already had that chat with her boyfriend.

"Can you watch the girls? I'm going to go and get him back."

Nel pulled away from Renji, shock on her face. "You can't go alone. You'll get hurt."

"I'll go with you; from what Nel's told me about your old man I think I owe him a few swings."

"Fine, thanks." Grimmjow's phone rang and he answered it, noting Byakuya's name on the dial.

"And I arrive at your house and there is no one there. The two policemen that Zaraki sent are a little concerned."

"I'm at Nel's, sorry I had to get the girls out of there."

Byakuya sighed down the line. "Understandable I suppose. Are you actually going to be there when we arrive or are we playing cat and mouse?"

"Nel will be here with the girls. I will be back soon."

"Don't do anything stupid Grimmjow, tomorrow is my day off and I would like to enjoy it."

Grimmjow shook his head as he hung up and pocketed his phone before jerking his head at the door to signal to Renji to go. As they walked down the stairs Renji decided he really should introduce himself properly. "Sorry for the way we met there man, I'm Renji Abarai."

Grimmjow snorted before shaking the hand offered as they walked. They were getting into the car by the time Grimmjow answered. "I kinda guessed with you guys messing around on the sofa. I doubt there are too many hot guys with long red hair in the area."

"I hope those were Nel's words, otherwise that's a bit creepy."

Grimmjow snorted again. "I've got my own red head thanks, and I think he's definitely hotter than you. Thanks for offering to come, my other option would have been my brother in law who is more of a make it better rather than a make it hurt guy."

"He's Doc Kuchiki isn't he? Nel sent me to him once for stitches." They drove in silence for a while after that, Renji looking out at the scenery.

Grimmjow pulled up at the old house he'd rather had never seen again. He slammed his door shut and walked round to join Renji before heading through the broken gate.

"So, what's the play here? He's your dad and I know he hit on you a bit but do we care if he gets hurt?"

"Did Nel ever tell you about how she got that scar on her hand?" Grimmjow started to walk forward, not wanting to waste any more time. Renji was at his side with every step. He frowned and responded with a negative. "He'd kicked the shit out of me then held her hand to the gas stove to teach me a lesson. We don't give a shit about him getting hurt."

Renji's face matched Grimmjow's as they approached the front door.

iiiiiii

Ichigo slumped over the bench he lay on. His wrists were tied to his ankles underneath and his ribcage and abdomen ached with his weight on them. So far all Grimmjow's father had done was beat on him but the threat of worse was there, calling him his bitch and his mount at every opportunity. He'd lost his t-shirt before getting tied up and most recently had been getting threatened with cigarette burns.

"You know this was how I used to punish Grimmy for being a little shit. He used to squeal so loud when I held them to him. Has he still got the marks?" He didn't get an answer. "I bet he still has some of them. He was such a disobedient little shit. What about you? You've certainly been through the wars, was it your daddy that took his belt off to you as well? Were you a bad boy too?" Ichigo remained silent. He'd learned through his own ordeals that any response, smart alec or truthful usually just made things worse. "Maybe you really are just brainless. Some useless piece of fluff to warm Grimmy's bed and wash his sheets." He flicked a glowing piece of ash onto Ichigo's back which made him flinch. It didn't burn but it was still hot.

"Why would my boy give up the ladies for even a pretty boy? What is it that is so much better? Maybe I should find out."

"Try it and I'll kill you."

Both Ichigo and Grimmjow's father turned towards the voice, Ichigo releasing a tear of relief at the sight of Grimmjow and Nel's boyfriend. He'd only seen pictures of him on her phone before but he was unique enough to recognise. The father was frowning however, standing slowly and moving to keep the bench between him and the two large men.

"So, that didn't take you long. How did you know I had your little fuck buddy?"

"Intuition. Now, you violated your restraining order; kidnapped and assaulted my boyfriend and threatened him with sexual violence. How long have you been out of jail, was it so much fun you wanted to go back?"

"Where is that angry little boy that used to threaten me and scream bloody murder? I would've though hurting your boy toy would have at least had him peeking out."

"I don't need to get angry now. I am going to take my boyfriend and leave." Grimmjow could feel Renji frowning at him from the side but Grimmjow wasn't going to escalate the violence if he didn't have to. Ichigo was right in front of him and relatively unharmed. It looked like Grimmjow himself had done worse that morning at the beach.

"And next time I'll just take the girls, or maybe Nel. I haven't seen her in so long. I bet she's a beauty like her mother was." He didn't get to say anything else, Renji taking two steps and punching him straight in the mouth.

"You keep your hands off this family. We're not little kids all alone anymore." Grimmjow had cut Ichigo's ties with his pocket knife before standing with him, Ichigo leaning on him heavily with tears still rolling down his cheeks. Grimmjow kept an arm around him as they walked away, Ichigo limping heavily and wincing with the pain in his chest as he walked. They managed outside but the stairs were too much for him, Grimmjow eventually just lifting him up and carrying him to the car. It wasn't pain free for the smaller man but it was quicker than walking. A police car pulled up alongside Grimmjow's just as Grimmjow was helping Ichigo slide into the passenger's seat and he turned to see Ikkaku Maderame and Yumichika Ayasegawa in the front seats. They both got out of the car with a slight frown on their faces at the three men at the car, surprised at the resolution they'd driven up into.

"Well, I guess the cavalry is late." Ikkaku raised an eyebrow at Grimmjow before frowning as he took in Ichigo's battered appearance. "I take it this is Ichigo? Are you alright sir? We were told you had been kidnapped."

Ichigo glanced at Grimmjow who nodded before he answered. "I was, by Grimmjow's father. He's in the house."

"And he let you walk out when Grimmjow arrived? Everything is peaceful? It all seems a bit friendly if you excuse my question."

Ichigo's chin dropped, not liking the way the policeman was making things out. Grimmjow didn't like it either, standing at Ichigo's side more with an arm around him. "He was persuaded to just let Ichigo go when Renji and me turned up. He didn't expect to see us this quickly. He is currently in there nursing a sore mouth."

"And how did he get this sore mouth."

"He tripped." Grimmjow was straight faced when he said that, daring Ikkaku to accuse him.

"Into my fist." Renji wasn't going to let Grimmjow take any responsibility for his actions.

"I think we need full statements guys, why don't we go to the station and see the captain."

Grimmjow shook his head, reaching over Ichigo's front to pull the seatbelt into its socket. "Nope, we can do it at the clinic. I want Byakuya to look over Ichigo and I'm not saying anything to you guys until he does. You're making this out to be some sort of joke while the man I love is bleeding and hurting beside me. And I will be telling that to the captain as well."

Ikkaku took a better look at Ichigo, seeing the red rimmed eyes. "I am sorry if I implied he wasn't hurt. We can continue this at the clinic; we'll just see what's been going on inside first."

Grimmjow nodded before signalling for Renji to get in the car. He slunk in the back behind Ichigo who was keeping his head down while his face was bright red. Grimmjow put his car into drive before heading to the clinic, speaking to Byakuya over the hands free to ask him to meet him back at his work. The man had stayed with Nel and the girls but said he'd return to the clinic to get it ready.

Grimmjow thanked him before handing up with a press of a button on the steering wheel and concentrating on the road. He glanced at his side now and then, seeing Ichigo with his bottom lip between his teeth. Reaching a long arm out, Grimmjow put his hand on top of Ichigo's. "Are you alright? I can see where it hurts but you're so quiet."

"You said you loved me."

Grimmjow blinked, glancing at him for a moment before dragging his eyes back to the road. He had just confessed in front of two police officers and Nel's boyfriend; not really the romantic setting he'd planned on using. "Yeah I guess I did. You said it first though." He glanced over and saw Ichigo frown, smirking at him. "When I lifted you into bed? You said it."

Ichigo's blush intensified. "I was asleep, that doesn't count."

"So, you don't love me?" Grimmjow was still grinning which stopped Ichigo from panicking.

"No, I mean I didn't mean that."

"So you do love me?"

"Shut up, can we talk about this later?"

iiiiii

Ichigo was shown into one of the clinic rooms and asked to change into one of the gowns from the cupboard. Byakuya closed the door on him, leaving him alone for the first time since he'd been released from the bench.

He'd hidden in the shower room, knowing it was only so long before he was discovered being that the house wasn't that big. The door was banged a few times before they twisted the lock open from the other side. Ichigo had stood when the lock started to turn, meeting them on his feet but even in the small space they had the advantage. Ichigo had thrown one of them into the wall, dislodging the towel rail which became a weapon for Grimmjow's father. The other two had backed off and Ichigo was faced with the man and the long reach pole. One smack across his head was all it really took to bring him down as it disoriented him a lot but he managed to keep his feet. He didn't even see the hit to his chest, and he was sure it was a kick that took his legs but he might have been wrong.

He only really came around when he was wrapped around the kitchen bench in a strange house. Grimmjow's father was alone and leering at him. He hit Ichigo's back, kicked his back side and slapped him about the head as they spoke but Ichigo had kept quiet beyond uncontrollable moans of pain.

Then Grimmjow had just appeared. He hadn't even been awake long but Grimmjow had already found him. And he just took him away. Ichigo had been expecting Grimmjow to kick the shit out of his father but he gently cut Ichigo free and took him in his big arms. Ichigo felt the trembling of his adrenaline draining in the car but it really hit him once he was alone. His hands shook as he loosened his jeans and they stayed where they fell. He unzipped the hoodie Renji had loaned him and tried to put it on the doctor's bed but it missed and landed on the floor as well. The gown went on like a jacket, not open at the back thankfully but Ichigo couldn't manage the side tie, fumbling with it but eventually leaving it open. He didn't notice but his breath was coming a bit faster and he clutched the gown to him, feeling a chill across his skin. He heard movements out in the main waiting area but he had to block it out of his mind. He was regressing and becoming certain that someone was coming to get him, to hurt him again. He glanced around the small room, looking for some way out.

iiiiiii

Grimmjow was sitting with Ikkaku going over what he'd seen and heard since Sofi phoned him. He was happier that the cop was taking things a little more seriously and that his partner was contacting Grimmjow's father's parole officer.

Grimmjow agreed to have Sofi and Emi interviewed later even though he was sure they hadn't seen anything. The more information the police had, the more likely that the asshole would end up back in jail.

Ichigo had been put in one of the clinic rooms, Byakuya giving him a few minutes to get changed and Grimmjow was desperate to get back to him, to just be in the same room as him if not touching him. He didn't like the fact that someone had tried to take him away. It wouldn't be happening again. Byakuya came out of his office in his white coat and headed into the clinic room. He had mentioned to Grimmjow that the head injury might need more detailed scans than he could provide so Grimmjow was expecting a trip to the big hospital about forty minutes away anyway. He hoped his girls would be alright with Nel.

Byakuya came back out of the door before it had even closed, a deep frown on his face. He looked to Grimmjow who stood instantly. "Did he go to the toilet or something?"

Grimmjow excused himself from Ikkaku. "No, he's not left the room." Grimmjow brushed past his brother-in-law to see the empty looking clinic room with the clothes on the floor. Panic started in Grimmjow's system but he swept the room with his eyes, spotting the sock covered feet poking out from behind a cabinet. There was just enough room for a small male to squeeze mainly out of sight and Ichigo had his head down over his knees, breathing too quickly and holding his knees with white knuckles.

Byakuya noticed where Grimmjow was looking and raised his eyebrows. He headed over and knelt on the floor, reaching out to touch Ichigo's hand. "Ichigo, can you come out?"

Ichigo scrunched even tighter, not lifting his head and jerking a millimetre further back, away from Byakuya's hand. The doctor looked round at Grimmjow who took his place.

"Be careful, he might lash out. I think his head wound is worse than I thought. He's disoriented and now that he's trying to process what's happening he can't cope."

"He was joking with me in the car though. He seemed fine." Grimmjow noted the trembling over Ichigo's small body and just wanted him in his arms.

"When he was still pumped with adrenaline. Now he's having to cope without it. He might pass out but we'll have to get him to the hospital."

Grimmjow frowned before reaching out and covering Ichigo's cold hands with his. He felt the flinch but he didn't let go. He took Ichigo's wrists and started to pull him forward. "I've got you Love. Come on; out you come". Ichigo tried to stay where he was but Grimmjow was stronger, pulling him across the slippery floor and into his arms. Ichigo struggled for a moment until Grimmjow got his chin up and Ichigo was looking at him directly. "I've got you. I'm going to lift you up alright?"

Ichigo blinked sad eyes at him, looking around the room before focusing on Grimmjow again. "My head hurts."

"I know Love. We're going to get you some help for that okay?" Grimmjow slid his arms under Ichigo's knees and was happy when he wrapped his arms around Grimmjow's neck. Grimmjow stood to his feet and followed Byakuya out into the main area. Ikkaku rose to his feet at the sight of them and Byakuya said they were going to the hospital. Byakuya had a doctor's car with a siren that he rarely used but he was a first responder for a large area a fair distance from the hospital and it was needed. He led Grimmjow to it and put both of them in the back seats of the 4x4 car. He didn't plan on using the siren but he'd get there quicker in the more powerful car.

Byakuya got them straight into the trauma area and asked for a head specialist to see Ichigo immediately. He had privileges in the hospital to order tests and perform procedures and had Ichigo in for a CT scan quickly.

Grimmjow was at his side as much as he could be, standing outside when he was being scanned obviously but held his hand as they waited. Ichigo's other injuries were checked and he did not have any cracked ribs but had bad bruising over a lot of his torso. His ankle was badly twisted again after not having enough time to heal properly before being twisted again and he had facial bruising again with a couple of cuts inside his mouth. Neither man spoke as they waited but they exchanged glances and hand squeezes as they tried to relax. Grimmjow was still tense with anger and Ichigo was still struggling with his panic though his head had cleared slightly as time went on.

Byakuya came to them with the head specialist after they'd had the scan and reassured Ichigo that he had no swelling or bleeding in his head and things would normalise with time.

"It will take time and your head will hurt for a few days. I would like to keep you here tonight just to observe you." The head specialist was around Byakuya's age, short dark hair starting to grey at the sides.

Ichigo instantly panicked, grabbing hold of Grimmjow and pulling him up to allow Ichigo to hide in his chest. He was shaking his head and squeezing his eyes shut but didn't prevent two tears rolling down his face. Grimmjow looked over at Byakuya who nodded his head slightly.

"Hey, Ichigo if you don't want to stay then you won't stay. He can come home with me can't he Byakuya?" Grimmjow held Ichigo by his upper arms and knelt at his side to look him in the eye.

Ichigo turned to look at Byakuya with desperation in his eyes. "Yes, of course you can go home if you really want. I'll come and see you later tonight and tomorrow morning as well. And Grimmjow will take care of you. Is that better?" Byakuya was happy to see him assertively nod his head before turning back to Grimmjow. Grimmjow just held him close, wondering why he was so panicky about staying overnight in the hospital.

Byakuya dropped them both off at Grimmjow's home saying he'd try and get Grimmjow's car back to him that evening if he could get a lift home again. Grimmjow thanked him for everything before taking the other man inside. Ichigo stood in the living room still dressed in the gown as he tried to normalise his thinking. He was home and safe and Grimmjow was with him. That was what he had to focus on.

Grimmjow made them hot drinks and held him close on the sofa. "So, I heard you tell Ikkaku what happened, I kinda guessed most of it and I know the damage you've got so that's not what I'm asking but; are you alright?"

"No, not really. Sorry I freaked out earlier. Not really got the best reactions to hospitals. He knew everyone at the one we lived near and they just all laughed at my clumsiness. Sometimes there would be a new doctor or an intern or something that would be concerned about the frequency of my visits or particular injuries but the senior doctors wouldn't even listen to an allegation against him."

Grimmjow nodded as he kissed the top of Ichigo's head. Ichigo winced as Grimmjow pressed the bruised part against himself but accepted the gesture with no complaint. Grimmjow did notice and apologised with a little panic in his voice which made Ichigo chuckle.

"What can I do to make you feel better? I'll leave the shop closed tomorrow and stay with you. I don't think you'll be working on Monday though. What do you want to do?"

"I should be alright for my shift on Monday. And if you don't want to close your shop tomorrow then don't. I don't want to put you out."

Grimmjow snorted. "You're not putting me out. If we could nip by my shop so I can put a notice in the window and make sure everything is safe then it'll fine for a few days. I can grab a couple of projects to work on here in the shed. It's not got the power tools my shop has but I'll be alright. And I'll be here."

Ichigo pressed his lips together as he looked up at Grimmjow. "You don't have to."

"I know."

Ichigo pressed his lips onto Grimmjow's, exchanging a small kiss but a much needed one. They broke apart and looked into each other's eyes for a moment. "I do love you, you know. Just in case your head trauma has made you forget my little declaration earlier."

Ichigo smiled warmly at him. "Oh I remember it alright. It was only later that I started to panic. Then things get fuzzy. And I love you too, in case you need to hear it when I'm not unconscious. Still not sure that counts for me saying it first."

"Well, we'll need to have a discussion with the girls about this, if we're really going to do it properly. If we're going to be a family." Grimmjow raised his eyebrows and looked hopefully down at the other.

"I'd like that, though the girls already kinda know something is going on between us. Emi told Sofi she saw us kissing on the sofa that day her tooth fell out. And Sofi told me she wouldn't mind having two daddies."

Grimmjow chuckled; glad his girls were so welcoming of his choice. They definitely would have said something if they had known and had not been happy about it. "Two daddies eh? You alright being a daddy?"

"I think I'll just stick to being 'Ichi'. Or Ithsygo. She doesn't have a lisp, how the heck did she manage to garble my name up?"

Grimmjow just chuckled again. "I don't know Ithsygo, though it does sound cute."

"Shut it, and don't bother using it. When will the girls be back anyway? I'd kind of like to see them."

"Aw, daddy instincts kicking in already. Nel is bringing them home with a take away for dinner. With Renji too. He's a good guy."

"Is that just because he hit your dad in the mouth?"

"Not the only reason. But the main one."

Is this the end? No, of course not. Can't stop writing fluffy scenes with this pair! was supposed to get further in this chapter.

Question: what do you think is going to happen now? I dropped some major hints in this chapter and Ichigo wasn't just kidnapped for the fun of it... see you next time. Drop me a wee line if you're enjoying this please!