Title: Las Noches High – chapter ten
Author/Artist: Cheza-chan
Pairing/Characters: Grimmjow/Ichigo
Rating: M (overall)
Genre: AU; high school
Disclaimer: I own the mangas that I purchased, but Kubo owns the characters.
Summary/Notes:Forced to transfer from school to school because of something he has no control over, Kurosaki Ichigo resigns himself to expulsion, only to find out he has one last choice: attend Las Noches High.
A/N: (new) Nothing changed; typos and grammar fixed.
The incident was pushed even further from his mind after the new school week began, and Nel had been a welcome distraction over the weekend. Ichigo stopped at the calendar in his room as he buttoned up the short-sleeved summer uniform shirt. With a smile, he walked away from it, heading in the kitchen to grab the last piece of toast he'd left there. After that, it was out the door.
X X X
Ichigo's desk was empty during homeroom. He returned halfway through his first class, heading across the front to hand a slip of paper to the teacher. The contents were read and the student sent to his seat. Ichigo hung up his school case on the side of his desk and took his seat. The student beside him looked as though he wanted to say something, but Ichigo's gaze was drawn to the window. It remained locked on the clouds outside until lunchtime.
Grimmjow stopped when his school case was tugged. He glared down at the blank face that stared back at him.
"I won't be at practice today." Ichigo felt it was necessary to tell him.
Grimmjow snatched his case away. "That's up to you. You'll just suffer the consequences afterward." Ichigo smiled and a blue eyebrow arched sharply. With a scoff, the VP walked out of the classroom. He made a mental note to pull Inoue aside and ask her the reason for Ichigo's lackluster attitude.
x
Inoue was unnecessary; Aizen called the Student Council members to inform them of Ichigo's new situation. "He will not be in school tomorrow. Shawlong-san will be driving him back to Karakura tonight."
"Did you bring us all here for that?" Grimmjow sighed, looking even more bored than normal. "You could've told Ulquiorra and I'm sure he would have made sure the message got passed around."
"As much as I trust him, telling Ulquiorra would be like starting the 'Telephone' game."
Ulquiorra remained expressionless despite the jab made at his expense.
Aizen smiled widely, continuing, "I also don't want you to become suspicious of him when he doesn't appear in any of his classes tomorrow."
Grimmjow stood. "That's all, right?"
"It's probably a little late to ask this, since this semester is almost over, but is everyone making Kurosaki-kun feel at home and welcome?"
Szayel Aporro adjusted his glasses, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Academically, he's doing very well," Ulquiorra reported. "He also seems to have adjusted quickly to the new environment. The proof is in the friends he has."
"Good, good," Aizen laughed. "I have nothing more to say."
The door slammed shut after Grimmjow walked out. Aizen smiled, shrugging his shoulders in a hopeless manner. "Dismissed." The remaining members of the Student Council took their leave of the office.
A silver head poked around the corner and Gin stepped into the open doorway of their joint offices. He entered Aizen's, walking across the room until he stood directly behind the seated principal. "Gonna stop it from happenin'? Tousen's punishment won't have any effect on him, y'know." Gin laughed, "I think they're meant for Grimmjow only."
Aizen smiled from behind his steepled hands. "I'll let him have some fun. I'm sure the first years have nothing to offer him. Besides… our beloved Vice President will make sure things don't get too far." He smiled darkly.
Grin hummed, his gaze following the sad form of the orange-haired figure that walked across the campus grounds. "If you tease him too much, you might break him."
"If that's the case, then I'll just remove him from school."
X X X
Ichigo stared around his dorm and realized there was nothing that needed to be packed. He would only be gone one day and he was going home, where most of his belongings had remained. With a lopsided smile, he walked out of the room, locking the door, and headed back out. As always, Shawlong waited patiently to take him to his new destination: Karakura.
X ~ X ~ X ~ X
"Ichigooo!" Isshin flew back across the room, crashing into the sofa.
"Ichi-nii!" The twins ran to the front door and into their brother's open arms.
"I missed you!" Yuzu cried.
"Goat chin's been more insufferable since you left!" Karin added.
Ichigo laughed, hugging his sisters tightly. "I missed you both." He also missed his father and his crazy antics, but there was no way he would state that out loud. Yuzu refused to let go and even Karin seemed reluctant to separate herself. They had been growing constantly for some time now, but it appeared as though the twins shot up in the few months that he was away. Yuzu had always been a few inches taller than her sister, but they now stood at identical heights, both reaching Ichigo's chest, rather than his abdomen, which is where they'd been when he started at Shinou.
"Are you going to tell Mom about your new school?" Yuzu questioned, lifting her head to stare up at her brother. "The semester's almost over, you know?"
Ichigo wriggled an arm free with a grin, prying both girls away. Her question reminded him; he had been so focused on trying to stay out of trouble that he hadn't realized he was already close to his goal of graduating. He just needed to get through one more year. "I'll be coming back so we can go to the fireworks festival." Ichigo glanced over to where his father had fallen and remained motionless. "Get up, old man."
Isshin sprang to his feet, posing in a manner Ichigo had seen on Dordonii once before.
"Don't waste time with him," Karin muttered.
"Chief of Staff!" Isshin blubbered.
"That title is null and void," Karin scoffed. She grabbed Ichigo's free hand, tugging him towards the kitchen. "Let's start preparing for tomorrow."
"Hai, hai. Just a couple more weeks and I'll be free to spend two whole months with you guys."
"And me?" Isshin cried from behind the trio.
Yuzu was the only one that smiled—it was an almost apologetic gesture—as the siblings faced their father. "We don't need you," Karin and Ichigo deadpanned in unison.
"That's not fair! Daddy wants to be loved!"
Ichigo released Karin's hand. He spun around, dropping low in stance, and delivered a punch straight to Isshin's gut. The man fell over, twitching, a bit of foam escaping down his chin. Ichigo dusted his hands off and plastered a grin on his face as he lead his sisters the remainder of the way.
"Ma…sa…ki," Isshin gurgled.
X
That night, Ichigo fell asleep easily in a familiar bed.
Isshin had eagerly agreed to be the pack mule for their trip, stating that he would grow strong while they all grew weak. The twins happily climbed the hill, hand in hand with their brother, while their bags were carried by their father, who was having more fun climbing the hill—as he had last year—on his hands.
They arrived at the site and walked along the path to find the proper grave. With solemn smiles—Yuzu still shed a few tears—they spoke to Kurosaki Masaki, telling her their deepest thoughts that they would have shared with her had she still been alive.
Ichigo stepped up, his lips pressed into a thin line. He pressed his hands together in respect to his mother, whispering his apology softly. The twins had already wandered away; Karin was consoling Yuzu. Isshin had been the only one close enough to hear the soft words. He lifted the pack of cigarettes to his lips, holding one between them to pull it free. The box was replaced in his pocket, a lighter now in his hand. "Why are you still apologizing?" The doctor exhaled deeply, the cigarette smoke escaping into the air.
"Because…" Ichigo slipped his hands into the pockets of the black, form-fitting jeans he wore. Masaki's killer—a drunk driver, really, but the end result was the same—had been found, but Ichigo would always believe the whole situation could have been avoided if he'd kept holding her hand and stayed put.
"How many times do I have to tell you—"
"It's seven," Ichigo cut in. Isshin stared at his glaring son with a lost expression. "She's been gone for seven years."
"Really?" Isshin laughed. "I was going to say twelve. Time feels like it's flying!"
"Idiot."
Isshin accepted the punch to his side, smiling as he sank into a crouch in front of the tombstone. "Masaki," he sang. "Our son seems to have forgotten everything we tell him, no matter how many times we tell it to him. I get tired of doing it, especially after ten years."
"Get the numbers right!" Ichigo snarled, kneeing his father in the face so he fell away from the tombstone.
Even though blood rushed from his nose, Isshin placed the cigarette to his lips and took a drag, exhaling towards the heavens. "I'm proud of both of you. You and Masaki. Don't ever forget that your name is Kurosaki Ichigo." He grinned. "Protect her in your memories, if it'll make you feel better."
Ichigo glanced back at the grave, his lips turning upward in a small smile. 'You wouldn't want me to give up, would you, mom? If I can't protect myself, how can I protect you…'
X
Yuzu and Karin placed fresh flowers in the appointed places on the grave while Ichigo lit and arranged the incense. The family bid farewell to Kurosaki Masaki, heading off to spend the remainder of the day enjoying the lunch they had packed.
X ~ X ~ X ~ X
Yuzu frowned, but Ichigo thought it looked more like a pout. He smiled, placing a hand atop her head. "I'll be back in time for the festival," he told her. "I promise. I'll even buy you a yukata from Las Noches to wear. How does that sound?" Yuzu's eyes lit up as she smiled and nodded. "Thought you'd like that."
Karin crossed her arms over her chest with a deep sigh. "Take care of yourself, Ichi-nii," she mumbled.
For Karin, Ichigo had a hug. He laughed as she protested, releasing her after the first push against his chest. Ichigo straightened up, sighing deeply. "You don't want a yukata, do you?"
Karin looked away, but he could still see the faint blush that tinged her cheeks. "…maybe."
"I want one, too!" Isshin whimpered from inside the house.
Ichigo glared over the twins' heads at him. "Wear what you have in your closet."
"Where are you going to get the money to buy them kimonos anyway?" Isshin's eyes narrowed. "Did you steal from daddy's wallet?"
"Bye, Ichi-nii!" Karin waved, grinning, before pulling her sister inside so she could slam the door shut before Isshin arrived.
Ichigo laughed, taking a few steps backwards. He looked up at the front of the clinic, never feeling more proud to be part of this crazy family. He turned away and jogged across the street to the waiting car. "Back to school, Shawlong!" Ichigo took one last glance at the building before the car pulled away.
Ichigo had never been so happy to be in his Friday class. The cool pool water was a nice comfort in contrast to the excruciating heat that blazed down upon Las Noches. Fridays were supposed to be beginner's swimming, but the four instructors involved practically ripped the "beginner's" part to shreds, especially the head instructor. Tia Harribel—Harribel-sensei to her students.
Ichigo was amused that a few female students managed to make it into the class. He'd heard that fights used to break out between male students to get into the class, which he, himself, had easily slipped into. Any other day, Ichigo would have remained seated off to the side. He had started out there. Sitting at the shallow end of the pool, feet dangling in the water, he observed, with a smirk, the way the rest of the class fawned over the well-endowed, dark-skinned woman.
Her blonde hair was pulled back in two thin ponytails and a clipboard was clasped in her hand. As he was, she wore the short-sleeved jersey top over the school-regulated one piece swimsuit. She glanced in Ichigo's direction before turning back to the other students that vied for her attention. "Free swim," she announced in a calm voice. Questions were thrown her way, all of which were intercepted by Apacci and Mila Rose.
Harribel circled the pool, stopping once she had reached Ichigo. With his arms keeping him propped up, he tilted his head back to stare up at her. "Free swim," he repeated with a lopsided grin. "Tia. If you know of my situation, then you know there's no way I can take off this jersey. No matter how badly I want to…" He had the pant legs rolled up, but underneath was a black swim brief.
The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the woman's lips. "We're all here with you, though. Nothing will happen."
"And we also give you more time before the end of class so you can have the locker room all to yourself." Sung-Sun, the fourth instructor, had the lower half of her face hidden behind her jersey sleeve. Her attention was drawn elsewhere when one of the students called out.
"Sung-Sun-sensei! Can we do some synchronized swimming?"
"Or water aerobics!"
"After the relay swim," Apacci shouted.
"Maybe… I'll take part in the relay swim," Ichigo sighed. He shifted his position, drawing his legs out of the water, and his hand slipped out from beneath him. Harribel moved quickly, supporting his upper body to keep his head from hitting the hard tile. "Thanks," he laughed sheepishly, a nervous grin on his face.
Sung-Sun abandoned her lounge chair to reach them. She bowed to her immediate supervisor before reaching down to help Ichigo onto his feet. Her right hand still covered the lower half of her face. They both left their jackets behind on the chair. Sung-Sun leapt gracefully into the water, making almost nary a ripple as she streamlined her way to the group of bobbing students that waited for her. She turned, lifting a hand to invite the boy she had left behind.
'These women were born in the water.' With a resigned sigh, but still wearing a smile, Ichigo removed his jersey bottom. Catcalls and whistles went up all around and he dove into the water to escape them.
X
As promised, Ichigo was allowed to head to the locker room almost twenty minutes before the other students. A shower was in order before he could put his school uniform back on.
Ichigo removed the necessary items from his locker and headed to where the showers were located. He took a wary glance around the entire perimeter before stepping out of the pants he had put back on to travel from the pool to the locker rooms. The article of clothing fell from his hands before he could place it on the bed and Ichigo found himself pinned face-first against the outer shower wall. "Where the hell do you come from?" he hissed through gritted teeth. "You're like—"
"Cockroaches?"
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Szayel Aporro?"
"I'm not the one holding you. That would be my dear and precious older brother." The soft laughter grew nearer and Ichigo coughed after suddenly inhaling an unknown fragrance. "Aw. It doesn't smell that bad. In fact, you should start feeling quite nice. Right… here."
A whimper escaped Ichigo as a finger traced the outline of his member through the spandex of the swimming brief. The figure that held him reacted to his heating body, pressing closer so that Ichigo became aware of his obvious erection.
"Down, Ilforte. You'll get your turn."
"There are no turns to be… had…!" Ichigo's legs trembled, his knees buckling. Ilforte's arm wound around his waist to keep him upright.
"I feel like placing you out in the hall to see how many students come flocking." Szayel Aporro cupped Ichigo's chin, turning his head so the other boy could see his smirk. "Would you like that, hmm?" He trailed his thumb over Ichigo's bottom lip. "No. I want you to beg me. Ilforte."
Ichigo found himself weightless. His face burned in embarrassment as his legs were spread apart after being lifted from the floor. "St—stop…"
"Where's all the bark and bite from before?" Szayel drawled, hooking a finger into the top of the briefs Ichigo's erection strained against. The material was pulled downward, exposing the engorged head that leaked pre-cum. Szayel Aporro sighed softly, producing a small razor blade. With two slashes, the black briefs fell apart, dangling from Ichigo's thighs since the ruined material had nowhere else to go. He slipped it back into his pocket and reached up, but his hand traveled beyond Ichigo's head. "Suck," he ordered, his fingers extended.
The blond complied, opening his mouth so the digits could be inserted. He sucked on them hungrily, remembering to thoroughly coat them. "I would have brought some of my own, but you seem like the type that would enjoy a more… old-fashioned preparation."
Ichigo opened his mouth to protest, but a throaty moan escaped him after he was stroked. The touch was merely a distraction for what was coming. His eyes widened at the first push against his entrance and Ichigo found an inner strength to lash out with his right leg. Szayel's glasses clattered to the floor. Ignoring the pink-haired student's glare, Ichigo began thrashing in Ilforte's arms. He managed to free one arm and immediately reached behind him. His fingers found and tangled themselves in the long, pale blond hair and he yanked.
"Don't let him go!" Ilforte had no choice but to, despite his brother's orders.
The second his feet touched the floor, Ichigo slammed the blond backwards into the wall. He collapsed beside him, panting heavily.
"No one will come if you don't call for help. Can't find your voice?" Szayel Aporro taunted, walking over. Ichigo glared up at him, his face flushed from the effects of the aphrodisiac. "You're still mine."
Ichigo tucked his chin against his chest, whimpering as delicate fingers curled around his arousal. "I'm not… yours…" He grabbed Szayel's arm, but he didn't force him away. Szayel Aporro smirked, but it was a short-lived victory. His eyes widened as the grip on his arm became painful. Ichigo pulled the Student Council member downward. "You're mine," he giggled breathlessly, licking up the startled student's cheek.
"I-Ilforte!" Szayel Aporro still desperately tried to free his hand.
"I thought this was what you wanted," Ichigo laughed, trailing his lips lower. He latched onto the exposed flesh of Szayel Aporro's neck, sucking firmly to leave his mark.
The blond shook off his bout of dizziness and sat up, snatching Ichigo's arms to lock them behind his back. The orange head tilted backwards and Ichigo licked at the third year's bobbing Adam's apple before nibbling playfully. "Let's do something fun… aibou."
Unable to resist the strong pull of the pheromones being emitted, Ilforte fell pray, slanting his mouth over Ichigo's, the other's tongue invading.
Ichigo found himself almost painfully ripped away, strong arms embracing him tightly. He squinted, blinking up at the newcomer, and grinned after recognizing the mop of unruly blue hair. "Grimmjow… Have you come to join the fun?" Ichigo giggled, pressing himself closer against the VP.
Grimmjow gritted his teeth, glaring at scowling Szayel Aporro. His attention was drawn back to the teen he held against him when Ichigo's arms slipped around his neck. Ichigo pulled himself higher, pressing his lips against the pulse of Grimmjow's neck. "Pathetic," Grimmjow spat. "Snap out of it! Shinigami!"
Ichigo squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head. "Don't…" He hated the term because it made him think about his mother. No one blamed him, but, deep down, he could never shake the feeling. "I… didn't… It wasn't…" Then there was also the case of Luppi. "No…"
"What?" Grimmjow scoffed.
"Don't call me that!" Ichigo pushed at Grimmjow's chest, falling to the floor after he was granted his freedom. He curled into a fetal position, inhaling deeply and releasing a shuddering breath.
Grimmjow snatched Szayel up by the front of his shirt. "If there are any side effects from your shit…"
The pink-haired student smirked. "We both know I won't be punished. If you hit me, though, you will be."
With a snarl, Grimmjow threw his fellow classmate back down to the floor. He headed to where the flushed Ilforte sat and held out his hand. "Shirt. And don't think I'll overlook this. Your ass is mine." He grinned maniacally. "You're lucky you don't have any piercings, Ilforte."
Silently, Ilforte undid the buttons of his uniform shirt and handed it over. There was nothing he could say that would change Grimmjow's mind, especially not after the earlier incident with Iceringer. It was already confirmed that he would suffer the same fate as his former fellow third year student, if not one far worse. Grimmjow had entrusted him with the task of keeping his brother away from Ichigo. He was one of a handful of students to be feared, but so was Szayel Aporro; his loyalties had been torn.
Grimmjow wrapped the article of clothing around Ichigo's shivering frame, glad that the Ilforte was taller. Ichigo's arms reflexively went around Grimmjow's neck after he was lifted from the floor.
X X X
Shinigami. Shinigami.
Ichigo's brow furrowed. 'I told him not to call me that.'
Wake up, shinigami!
"Shut up… Grimmjow," Ichigo groaned, forcing his eyes open. 'Grimmjow…? The last person—' "Szayel Aporro!" Several hands pushed Ichigo back down onto the bed, but the damage had been done, and his head throbbed something fierce. "Where…?"
"Infirmary."
"I think I should just continue taking my classes here…" Ichigo smiled wryly, letting his eyes open enough to see who surrounded him. Aaroniero—of course—and Ichimaru Gin.
"Well. We wanted to take you to the hospital, but Lulu felt it was better to start treating you now," the vice principal stated.
Ichigo attempted to move his right arm, but Aaroniero gently held it down. He glanced down and found that he was attached to an IV. Lifting his left arm instead, he covered his face. "I thought I heard Grimmjow," he sighed.
Gin smiled. "He did bring you here, but he's been gone for a while now." He held onto the knowledge that Grimmjow had stayed until the effects of Szayel's home brewed aphrodisiac had been countered. "It's well past school hours, y'know."
"We couldn't let you leave," Aaroniero added. He smiled sheepishly. "Or rather, you couldn't leave. Still can't."
"Who's gonna make sure I get back to my dorm then?"
There was a series of soft knocks on the closed door before it slowly slid open. Inoue entered, her eyes red-rimmed as if she had been crying. Ichigo smiled at her before looking away. "Question answered," he mumbled.
Gin exchanged a quick glance with the nurse before making his way to the door. He walked out of the nurse's tation and found Grimmjow posted against the opposite wall. "How long do you plan to string him along?'
"Until I never have to see him again," Grimmjow growled, his scowl deepening.
"That's a long time, Grimmjow-kun. You'll both be sad if you do that," the vice principal sang as he walked away.
That woman was inside the nurse's office now, so there was no need for him to stay. He threw one final glare at the closed door before walking away, heading in the opposite direction of Gin.