Thank you all for your patience and wonderful comments. This has grown to be one of my favorite stories and I've got lots planned. Hopefully I can let myself sit down long enough to get it all typed.

Weekend Getaway- 25

Ichigo glowered all the way to the pool. He'd gone the long way because he didn't want it to look like he was doing what Grimmjow told him. Not that he wouldn't know. He'd probably laugh about it too. Sighing, he pulled off his clothes to reveal the swim trunks he'd put on after he'd showered earlier. He'd planned on coming down here anyway.

He brushed past some of the foliage to get to the water's edge and tested it with his toe. And nearly melted when he felt how warm it was. Sitting on the edge, he lowered himself in slowly and let out a long sigh. He submerged briefly and then came back up. The water came up to his chest and there was enough room to move around comfortably but this obviously wasn't for laps. Just like he'd thought earlier, he couldn't see much past the plants, making it a seemingly isolated, intimate space. There were gaps that showed some of the seating areas but it still felt like a whole other world.

Swimming over to one corner, he discovered some indentations in the stonework of the pool. They seemed to fit the curve of his body perfectly as he lay back and he let himself relax against the side. Grimmjow's warning about falling asleep in here might not have been a total joke. After the good meal, he was tired and comfortably full. The soft lap of the water against the side lulled him into a relaxed state where his mind wandered.

He was content to drift in his own thoughts until he heard the sound of footsteps in the room. Grimmjow's warning about Szayel came to mind but Ichigo fought not to move and betray his presence. He thought about finding a weapon and nearly snorted to himself. He was all but naked in a pool of water. The worst he could do to the intruder would be to get his shoes wet or snap off a frond and try slapping him to death with it. If it even was the creepy pink haired man. The person came up behind him and stopped. Tilting his head up, Ichigo was instantly relived to see Sosuke looking down at him, his lips quirked in a small smile.

Ichigo smiled back up at him and tried to not feel sheepish about his brief self consultation on improvised weaponry. "Hi."

"Hello. I see you've discovered one of my favorite spots."

"Are you done already?"

"Sadly, my work is never really finished. But it can be put on hold for a while. After all, even minimum wage jobs offer lunch brakes."

Ichigo snorted and shook his head as he settled deeper in the water. "Have you eaten yet? There was some really good pasta we had for lunch."

"I'm not hungry for food at the moment."

That made Ichigo look back up to see Sosuke pulling off his clothes. Was he going to get in the water naked? It's not like he was a total prude but there were several other people here. Right now, Sosuke had stilled mid-strip and was looking intently off to the side. Narrowing his eyes briefly, he continued to undress. Ichigo wasn't quite sure what that was about but he was distracted by a lot of bare skin. But it turned out that his moment of discomfort was unfounded. Sosuke had a swimsuit on under his slacks. Like he'd been planning this all along. When Ichigo gave him a dry look, the other man just smiled.

"I find it pays to be prepared for every contingency." Sosuke found that it was beneficial to have that kind of philosophy over the years and his employees felt the same way apparently. Grimmjow had been lingering outside on the patio, watching Ichigo for some reason. He'd been far enough away to give some privacy but close enough to make a difference if he needed to. But one look from Sosuke had him nodding and heading off around the side of the house. Sosuke wondered what could have happened to make him this cautious in their own territory. He'd have to ask him later. Lowering himself into the water, he moved over next to Ichigo. His fingers trailed gently over his shoulder before rising out of the water to cup his chin. His thumb brushed Ichigo's lower lip. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Ichigo let himself float over so that they reclined in the same indentation in the stone. It appeared that some spots were designed for more than one person. Curling up against him, he sighed contentedly.

Sosuke stroked his wet hair. "You do know you're supposed to wait at least thirty minutes before swimming after you eat." He chuckled when Ichigo frowned up at him.

"I'm not training for the Olympics or anything." He frowned harder when he saw Sosuke's smile. The other man was laughing at him. Shaking his head, he settled back down. "I don't know how you manage to do any work with all of the stuff you have here. I'd be procrastinating so much, I'd never get anything done."

Sosuke considered that for a moment before responding. "Well, The work came first so by the time I had all of this 'stuff,' work was more of a habit than anything else. But that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy it when I can." He heard Ichigo grunt in reply and he thought that he might be falling asleep. Until he felt the soft brush of lips at his shoulder. He pretended not to notice at first. The redhead was still in rough shape and it wouldn't do to make his condition worse before he had a chance to get better. But when the younger man's hand slid over his abdomen, his resolve wavered a bit. The gentle, exploring touch sent shivers down his body. Nobody else had been able to do this to him and he was still a little unsure about it. But not enough to push him away.

Ichigo smiled against Sosuke's skin as he continued to touch him. And when the other man took a short breath, he knew he had him. Coming from him, one of the most self controlled people he'd met, that was almost like a full out moan. Ichigo didn't feel like he was up to anything heavy duty at the moment, but that didn't mean they couldn't fool around. And Sosuke didn't seem to mind the idea. Sliding over so he was straddling his hips, Ichigo leaned down and kissed him softly. He took his time savoring the texture and taste with small nips and swipes of his tongue. Sosuke sighed and brought his arms around his waist.

Part of Ichigo's brain was a little confused at his own behavior. He'd never been this forward with anyone else. Not that he'd had that much experience but for some reason it felt strangely natural. Pressing himself closer, he reached up and wound his fingers through Sosuke's hair. He could already tell that he was hard as his own erection brushed against the other man's lap. Ichigo found himself making small noises in his throat that deepened into soft moans. The small aches of his bruises seemed distant and far away in the wake of his own arousal.

Sosuke held him a little closer, his hands roaming up and down the redhead's back until they slid down to cup his tight little rear. He was content to let him take the lead for the moment. His hair was still dry and Ichigo's wet fingers caught on the strands, tugging almost roughly and the noises he was making shot straight to Sosuke's hardening length. Bringing his hands back around, he cupped the redhead through his shorts and smirked when Ichigo mewled into his mouth. He continued to trail kisses down over Sosuke's chin and neck until he shuddered and pressed his face into his shoulder. His breath was coming in short gasps as he moaned quietly.

It didn't take long to push him over and he came with a shudder before melting and collapsing onto Sosuke's chest. But he was surprisingly alert despite his apparent haze. His hands slid between their bodies so he could return the favor. His touch wasn't all that skilled but his enthusiasm made up for it and Sosuke found himself letting his head fall back with his own quick release. Ichigo was still pressing his lips to his shoulder as his heartbeat started to slow. The older man wrapped his arms around him and settled into the curve of the seat they were reclining in.

Ichigo sighed. "You have to go back to work again, don't you?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Sosuke stroked his hair and nearly sighed himself at the disappointment he heard in the young man's voice. He did have quite a few things to do. But he was surprised that he was a little disappointed himself. Now that he'd dragged Ichigo away from his normal life, he kept abandoning him to take care of his own business. While it did involve him, there wasn't much he could help with at the moment. When this was over, he'd have to take some time off so they could spend more time together. Sosuke laughed when he remembered that a vacation more than ten years ago had started all of this in the first place.

"What's so funny?"

"Just some old memories coming to the surface."

Ichigo pulled back a little to look at him. "Well, at least they don't sound like bad ones." He tilted his head to the side for a moment before leaning in for another kiss. "You should probably go back to work before I change my mind and try to keep you here the rest of the day." Ichigo had an amused glint in his eye.

Laughing again, Sosuke returned the kiss. "You're probably right. If I stay any longer, I might just let you. I've got a meeting this evening that I need to prep for and I can't miss it." Seeing that disappointment again, he tried to think of something to soften it. "My staff and a few others will be getting together informally tonight. Inoue will be coming," he added. He saw Ichigo blink in surprise and continued. "At the very least, it will give you something to do. I imagine it can be rather lonely wandering around this place by yourself." And he hadn't even thought about that when he'd brought him out here. But at least it was better than the penthouse in his building. Grimmjow and the others had their own apartments there and Ichigo would be even more cut off.

"Get together? Now, of all times?" Ichigo was a little baffled that they'd be thinking about any kind of recreation with the things that were going on.

"When dealing with an adversary that you can't see, it's important not to let them know they have the upper hand. While we're being much more careful, we're not going to completely change our lives just because there's a threat."

Ichigo frowned a little and looked away. They might be going about their business as usual but his own life had been completely disrupted. Fortunately, school was out for now but he hadn't been to work in nearly two weeks. Ukitake had told him to take all the time he needed so he wasn't worried about losing his job, but it was still irritating that he'd given up nearly everything. It stung a little bit and he didn't like that he felt cheated somehow. He should be grateful that Sosuke actually gave a damn and was doing his best to protect him.

"What's that look for?" The other man's concern broke through is brooding.

"Nothing really. I'm just. . ." He slumped a little. "If I let it, this whole thing stresses me out."

Sosuke held him close and murmured into his hair. "I know and I'm sorry. I wish you hadn't been dragged into this the way you were." No apology could make up for the way he'd barged into Ichigo's life.

"Don't." Shifting, the redhead raised himself up so he was looking down at him, his expression intense. "If I hadn't, I never would have met you. Don't cheapen this just because I'm feeling whiney. I'm not a pushover and I'm not going to let whoever the hell it is totally ruin my life." A muscle along his jaw tensed as he clenched his teeth briefly. "I may be a little out of my depth but it's worth it."

Sosuke found his breath catching at the simple honesty in Ichigo's words. The redhead really meant what he said. Deep down, part of him was worried that the younger man would be a little resentful about everything that had happened and that it would grow until what they had would self destruct. As a matter of fact, he'd been sure of it and he'd been holding back a little bit because of it. Why invest in something that wouldn't last? But his assumption about that was slowly eroding under the weight of Ichigo's stare. Sosuke reached up and cupped his cheek.

"Yes, it is." He felt Ichigo relax a little as he looked away again.

"Sorry."

"It's alright." Sosuke pulled him back down and continued to hold him for a while before he spoke again. "Is there anything you need?"

Ichigo didn't answer for a moment. There were a lot of things he needed but he couldn't think of a single one that he could actually have right now. He needed his family and friends to be safe, he needed to figure out who the hell was targeting him and he needed five damn minutes to get a hold of himself and see where his life was headed. All of those things were a little out of his reach at the moment. So he'd settle for what he had and tightened his grip on Sosuke. "Nothing at the moment."

"Alright then." When Ichigo pulled away again, Sosuke felt a mix of relief that he wouldn't have to pry him off and disappointment that he actually let go. But they could continue this later when he had some more time. Trailing his fingers down Ichigo's cheek, he looked him over one last time. "You might want to consider a nap before tonight. They tend to stay up until sunrise."

"Yes, dear," Ichigo said with heavy, dripping sarcasm. Sosuke laughed again and kissed him again before slipping off the seat and pulling himself out of the pool. He offered his hand to Ichigo who only hesitated for a small moment before taking it. He pulled him up and they went over to one of the seating areas where there were a couple of fluffy towels that hadn't been there when they came in. He saw Ichigo eye them suspiciously before shaking his head and grabbing one. Sosuke was long past being surprised but he hadn't seen Ulquiorra come in this time either.

They both picked up their clothes and walked back up to the bedroom where they took a quick shower to wash off the chlorine before changing clothes. Sosuke didn't argue when they spent some extra time in the hot spray exploring each other. Toward the end, Ichigo started slowing down a little, his sighs sounding more tired than aroused. It didn't take much effort to dress him in some loose clothing and guide him to bed. He drifted off with a small smile on his face and Sosuke found himself staying to watch him sleep for a while. But he really did have a meeting that required some preparation. It hadn't been just an excuse to slip away.

He considered locking the door as he left but it wouldn't stop anyone on his staff, or even anyone determined to get in. Not without a barricade from the inside. Perhaps he should find Grimmjow. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nel's reflection in one of the framed paintings along the wall. She was watching from around the corner, using the glass as a mirror. Her green eyes blinked and he could have sworn he saw her blush a little when she saw that he'd noticed her but she made no move to leave. So, it wasn't just Grimmjow who was putting in an extra effort. That made him feel a little better. Despite not liking the idea of depending on others, he was glad that he'd found so many that he could count on. It would be easy enough to recover monetary assets after all of this was over, but there was only one Ichigo. He couldn't afford not to be too careful with him.

As he made his way to the office, he caught Grimmjow's eye where he was lounging on a couch in one of the living rooms. The other man noticed his look and got up to follow him but he didn't say anything until they were in the office.

"Feeling a little paranoid?" Aizen asked, referring to how he'd been watching earlier. He settled behind the desk and Grimmjow flopped down in one of the chairs facing it.

"Not really but I don't believe in doing things half-assed."

Aizen raised a brow and regarded him calmly. "And you believe I would?"

"No," Grimmjow sneered. "You know I don't. But I still think it's a mistake having that creep here."

"And that's the reason that you're watching Ichigo without his knowledge as I assume he doesn't know he's under surveillance."

Grimmjow answered immediately, his voice level. "Nothing's happening to that kid on my watch."

For some reason, that was a bit of a surprise. Even after their discussion when Grimmjow had returned from cleaning up Ichigo's apartment, he hadn't seemed quite this determined. "Given the history of our relationship, I'm pretty sure your diligence isn't just for my sake."

Grimmjow shifted in his chair but managed not to flinch under Aizen's flat look. "Why not? You sign the paychecks, remember?"

"And there are others that actually pay more as you're well aware." Aizen smirked when Grimmjow frowned. "Yes, I know you shopped around a while back."

"That was like six years ago. You're not still sore about that, are you? It's not like I actually quit or anything." They'd been in a rough spot at the time and tempers had been running high. Neither of them mentioned that Grimmjow never would have left without Ulquiorra and the smaller man wouldn't leave at all if he had a choice. But that was another matter entirely.

Aizen was mildly amused by the other man's obvious discomfort. Grimmjow sighed and shifted where he sat across from the desk but he still wasn't sure quite where it was coming from. Aizen wasn't worried about his resolve. When Grimmjow made a promise, he kept it one way or another. He was more curious about his motivation than anything and he was a little surprised when he finally spoke, his voice quiet.

"You smile more."

"Excuse me?"

Grimmjow frowned again as if he didn't like being forced to say it out loud. "Since he's been around, you smile more. And it's not that fake look you get when you're trying to put people at ease and get under their guard. It's like you're actually happy for the first damn time since I can remember." He sighed and ran a hand through this hair before letting it fall back to his lap. "That's worth hanging onto if you can manage it," he muttered.

Aizen leaned back in his chair and considered that for a moment. That was the second time today he'd been told his relationship with Ichigo was worth something. But coming from Grimmjow who was far from any kind of philosopher or relationship expert, it felt like it had a certain weight that made it seem more real. Aizen really had meant it when he agreed with Ichigo earlier. He was worth keeping if he could manage it. As to happiness, the redhead had also asked him if he was happy with what he did for a living. He still wasn't sure how to answer that. But aside from the danger of their current situation, he had to admit he was at least a little more content lately. Maybe even happy but that seemed an insufficient description.

Aizen opened up his laptop and started typing. "And where is the subject of your ire at the moment?"

"Pinky's in his lab in the basement. Which I can't believe you let him have by the way."

"It keeps him occupied. Without it, Szayel would be looking for something to amuse himself and nobody wants that."

"So you admit you don't like him. Which brings me back to my original question. He doesn't know so much that you couldn't drop kick his ass. The police wouldn't get anything useful out of him."

Aizen lifted his gaze to pin Grimmjow to his chair. The other man just stared back, refusing to be intimidated. If there had been anyone else in the room, he might have backed down. But when they were alone, he didn't bother to be overly respectful. Which was part of why he still had a job, Aizen supposed. He didn't think he'd want every member of his staff to bow every time he turned around. Even for him, that got old after a while. Grimmjow helped keep him grounded in a way.

"He's only in my employ until he's outlived his usefulness."

Grimmjow blinked. "Really?" A feral grin stretched his lips and it was anything but pleasant. "Just tell me I get to take care of it when the time comes and I'm a happy man."

"It's nice to know you're so easily amused."

Grimmjow didn't rise to the bait, far too please by the prospect of the other man's downfall to care. "Whatever. Just as long as he's not around forever."

"I'll keep that in mind." Aizen when back to typing, a not so subtle dismissal. He felt Grimmjow's eyes on him for a few moments like the other man was studying him. But he soon got up and left the room, probably to check up on Ichigo. As for himself, he was trying to take care of some last minute details before his meeting this evening. He'd let himself get distracted lately and he needed to remain focused.