Chapter 19

Ichigo paused after leaving the hospital. He knew he shouldn't but he could not help glancing back. He couldn't see Toshiro's room exactly, more the just looked in the general direction he thought it was. In his mind he could imagine him lying in that impersonal hospital room crying. Crying because of Ichigo. Even thinking of what he had just done made Ichigo's heart ache. That definitely had not gone the way Ichigo wanted it to go. He crushed the man he loves. Ichigo hoped if he won that Toshiro would forgive him but he knew he didn't deserve it. With one final glance, Ichigo forced himself to keep walking.

Ichigo forcibly kept his mind blank as he walked to his apartment. It was not an easy feat. Various thoughts kept intruding, thoughts of Yuzu, of Toshiro and Shiro but Ichigo kept stuffing them away. This left Ichigo in a numb sort of state as he made his way into his apartment. He knew that what he was going to do might not allow him to come out alive but Ichigo only felt grim resolve.

Finally, he arrived at his door. Wasting no time, Ichigo picked up the cell phone he had dropped in his haste to get to Toshiro. He paused again, typing the number he unwillingly knew by heart. With one last deep breath, Ichigo hit the send button. For those few seconds all Ichigo was aware of was his own heartbeat. The rapid thump almost drowned out the ringing. His heart seemed to beat to a crescendo until the voice finally answered.

"King." The voice rang in his ears. Ichigo's heart seemed to stop and start again when he heard Shiro's dreaded voice.

"Shiro." Was Ichigo's simple reply. Moments ago he had thought that he had his emotions completely under control but when faced with this horrible man, Ichigo lost all that control. All he could feel was all consuming fear.

"I am delighted to hear from you my King. I knew you would come back to me. Pets always do." Shiro continued. Ichigo could almost hear the sadistic grin in that voice. "Such a shame what happened to your friend isn't it? He really should be more careful, the streets are a dangerous place. Poor little Toshiro got all scarred up." At the mention of Toshiro, it was as if all of Ichigo's clarity came rushing back. His determination and resolve was just suddenly there, as were the images of Toshiro laying in the ambulance bleeding and of him in the hospital bed, heartbroken.

"Stay the fuck away from Toshiro, Shirosaki." Ichigo spat into the phone.

"Tsk tsk Ichigo, you know better than to take that tone with me. I would hate to have to punish you." The words were said in a gleeful tone, Ichigo knew Shiro loved to give pain. "But if you come to me King, this will all be over."

"You know what Shirosaki? You're right. This will all be over. Meet me by the docks and we'll settle this." Ichigo told him, feeling both apprehension for what was about to come and hope it would all come to an end."

"We don't have anything to settle King. You're mine; that is all you need to know." He could hear a slight wariness in Shiro's tone and that gave him strength.

"We'll fight for it. No weapons or help. I win; you leave and never bother Toshiro or me again. You win and I will come with you and never put up another fight." Ichigo told him, praying Shiro took the deal. This was the only way he could think to protect Toshiro. There was a long pause as Shiro seemed to contemplate the offer before answering.

The albino gave maniacal laugh. "Very well Ichigo. If I win you will be my obedient pet for the rest of your life. Meet me by the docks, pet, and we will have this… fight." There was a pause before the last word as if Shiro did not consider Ichigo to be a worthy opponent or he was simply too arrogant in his in abilities.

Ichigo was about to agree but the line went dead before he could respond. He set the phone on his desk and pulled out a piece of paper. Most likely Renji and Byakuya would be looking for him soon. And while Ichigo didn't want them interfering in the fight, he knew he'd need help after. So on that blank paper, Ichigo simply wrote 'the docks' and made his way to the door.

Making his way out the building Ichigo felt real hope. Maybe this could all be over.

Shiro hung up the phone, turning to the man standing in front of him. "I knew he would call Grimmjow. He knows who his master is, but he's just like a disobedient puppy, I have to prove I'm his master. But oh the punishment will be fun." Shiro started to get lost in his own thoughts, visualizing how he would punish his orange haired pet. He didn't know how long he fantasized about his King but when he came back to reality, his bluette pet was still standing there. Shiro reached out and ran his fingers along Grimmjow's cheek. "You are such a good pet Grimmjow. You never disobey me." Shiro told him almost dismissively, still lost in thoughts of Ichigo.

Grimmjow tilted his head towards the tough, eager for any attention. Then the pale hand fell away. Shiro was getting ready to leave and meet with his King. "Grimmjow." The albino addressed him. "Remember what I told you to do. What your orders are." He said, reminding Grimmjow as he opened the warehouse door.

The bluette nodded. "Yes Shiro. I will do what you told me."

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