I know I haven't posted much recently but real life has been spanking me pretty hard lately and focus has been in short supply.

Unexpected Baggage- 29

For a super secret base, Aizen's island didn't look all that impressive from the outside. There were a few small buildings with one central structure, a helipad and a small dock. Two boats were anchored off shore and Grimmjow spotted at least three armed guards patrolling the grounds. So they had company already. Whoever they were.

"Sometimes it's good to get away from the office," Aizen said wistfully as he glanced out the window.

Ichigo flicked his eyes toward Aizen to see if he was supposed to comment but his uncle was too busy staring out at the scenery. Starrk appeared to be asleep and Grimmjow figured he wasn't expected to say anything. There were times when Aizen wanted input from the troops and sometimes he liked the hired help to know their place. It was often hard to tell which way he wanted it at any given time.

The helicopter set down on the pad and the engine shut off leaving them in sudden quiet that almost seemed louder. The sea breeze ruffled Grimmjow's hair as he followed Aizen and Ichigo when they stepped out of the helicopter. It might have been picturesque if he weren't worried about what was going to happen today. Starrk brushed past him but he didn't say anything. He didn't have to. Grimmjow frowned at his back and did his best to ignore the pilot who trailed after them. He knew better than to draw attention to himself now. Things were happening, he just didn't know what.

Unsurprisingly, the inside of the building was lush and expensively decorated. Aizen always did like to pamper himself. But instead of some secret factory or training facility, the main space was actually a plush conference room. The gleaming polished wood table was surrounded by several deeply cushioned chairs, each one occupied. The place was practically filled to bursting with villains and infamous people. No wonder this place was so far out to sea and mostly likely not on any map. The authorities would love to see them all together like this so they could take them down.

Barragan sat smugly in his chair with his small entourage surrounding him. His businesses ranged from drugs to extortion and back again. Kariya was there as well, his expression placid as he leaned back in his seat. And there were several others of varying degrees of notoriety. Grimmjow recognized two high level drug dealers and one smuggler by face if not by name. They all had their own separate territories but Aizen's firm foothold in the police department put him near the head of the pack. He was king in all but name.

Near the head of the table, there were two chairs reserved for Aizen's closest accomplices, Tosen and Gin. They were still on the police force doing his bidding from the inside. But strangely, their seats were farther away than Grimmjow remembered. He wondered if they'd done something wrong or if their boss's paranoia was increasing to the point where he kept even his closest people at a distance. Aizen strode in and glanced around at his guests as he headed to the throne-like seat, guiding Ichigo by the elbow. He seated the redhead in the smaller chair next to his own and stood at his side with is hand resting on his shoulder.

Starrk stopped just inside the door and lounged against the wall looking harmless. He unobtrusively snagged Grimmjow's sleeve, silently telling him to stay put. Grimmjow didn't like being separated from Ichigo but there was no way he could do anything about it now. So he tried to mirror Starrk's pose but tried to go for disinterest and mildly menacing. He felt like he stood out on a certain level in his street clothes. Everyone else here was dressed to impress including Aizen and Ichigo in their white suits. Maybe the choice to have Grimmjow dress down was a power thing or maybe to show them all what his rank was. Or maybe Aizen really didn't care.

"It's so nice of you all to attend," Aizen said warmly. "Before we discuss business, let's have some tea." With one last squeeze to Ichigo's shoulder, he sat smoothly in the large seat and smiled benignly at the people around the table. His demeanor was actually kind of creepy but no one said anything. They probably didn't dare. Each accepted their tea calmly but waited for Aizen to raise his cup before sipping. That was nothing new. Aizen actually had someone shot once for failing to wait. Grimmjow wasn't sorry he didn't get any.

Aizen savored the aroma before taking a sip. "Ah. Better. Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why we've gathered together a month early."

"Actually, we were wondering why your nephew is here. I thought that he was uninterested. That he needed more persuasion and training before becoming a part of your business." Out of everyone there, Barragan was the most outspoken and the one who feared Aizen the least. Grimmjow had always suspected that he found Aizen to be an amusing upstart. Something to occupy his time in the boredom of his old age.

Aizen smiled but the expression was a little tight. He tolerated Barragan's presence and insubordination because of his large network of useful contacts. That might only last until he figured out how to take him out completely and absorb his organization with minimal losses. Right now, Aizen was angry which probably made everybody nervous but they had enough control to school their expressions.

"That was then, this is now." Standing again, Aizen smoothed his hand over Ichigo's hair, his fingers griping slightly as he lost a bit of control himself. Admirably, the redhead barely flinched. "You will show Ichigo the proper respect as he is officially my heir."

To Ichigo's credit, he managed to mostly hold onto his composure. But if he'd been sipping from his cup, he might have spit out his tea when he heard Aizen's pronouncement. Of course, Grimmjow was more sensitive to his moods so others might not have noticed his discomfort as much. After stiffening in his seat for a brief moment, Ichigo gazed out over the table and met everyone's eyes. Not quite staring them down, but making it clear that he wasn't weak. If he was playing up his part, he was doing a really convincing job. As much as he hated his uncle, it appeared he knew how to play the game. There were a few quiet murmurs but no one openly said anything. It appeared to be news but they didn't dare comment. At least not right now.

As for why Aizen suddenly wanted to officially name Ichigo his heir, nobody seemed to know. Grimmjow was curious about it himself. After drugging him into near unconsciousness because he wanted to control him, now he wanted to let him into his inner circle? Grimmjow didn't trust him and it didn't look like anybody else did either. Aizen's power existed in a way that made people line up to be a part of his organization not because they wanted to, but because it was suicide not to.

The meeting progressed normally after that. It was a status update of all current enterprises and activities. A sharing of information that was as much a dance of intrigue as it was informative. Grimmjow had been to many before. He felt the familiar feel of it wash over him and it wasn't entirely pleasant. He'd tried so hard to run away from all of this and here he was right back in the middle of it. The sickening surge of it settled in his gut and he shifted slightly where he stood while trying not to draw attention to himself.

When it got to the point where Grimmjow felt like he was on the verge of doing something stupid again, the meeting finally adjourned. One by one, all present stepped up to offer congratulations to the new prince of the realm before offering their respects to Aizen. The last was another ritual to pander to the man's ego. All the while, Ichigo sat in his seat looking superior and slightly bored. But despite Aizen's announcement and the murmured words of support, the redhead wasn't really being treated with respect. The tone of the whole affair made him seem more like a pampered pet. Like everyone considered this one of Aizen's phases that would eventually pass. If Ichigo was aware, it didn't show on his face.

Only after the last of the guests had left did Aizen stand and usher Ichigo toward the door. Grimmjow and Starrk fell into step behind them as they headed back out toward the helicopter. The whole trip seemed anti-climactic somehow. Like something big should have happened. Aizen had told Ichigo that it was a surprise. Maybe he meant the announcement that he was now officially Aizen's heir but Grimmjow wasn't going to look into that too much. He just had to remind himself to keep his guard up. Right now, his leg was staring to throb and he was doing his best to ignore it.

Ichigo's hands remained clenched in his lap on the ride back to the mainland as he stared out the window. Grimmjow kept a close eye on him while watching Aizen at the same time. The older man seemed lost in his own thoughts which probably wasn't a bad thing. Of course, his temperament could shift at any moment. But even when they got to the mansion, he seemed distracted. Waving vaguely in Grimmjow's direction, he mumbled something about taking care of things before getting out of the helicopter and wandering off on his own. Starrk gave Grimmjow a flat look before following him in his slouching gate.

Stepping down onto the ground himself, Grimmjow reached up to help Ichigo down onto the ground. The redhead flicked his eyes around nervously before taking his hand. They said nothing as they headed to Ichigo's room and nobody paid them any notice. After all the high security and tight lockdowns, it felt strange. Grimmjow had a brief, ridiculous urge to keep walking out the front door and not look back. But despite the lack of attention, he knew they'd never make it off the grounds if they tried. Growling low in his throat, he glared at Szayel who had fallen into step with them in the main hall.

"What do you want?" Grimmjow said as he did his best to keep himself between him and Ichigo.

"Come now, don't be so antagonistic. It's time for a checkup. I'm only interested in his health after all." Szayel smiled sweetly at both of them.

Grimmjow didn't want the other man touching Ichigo but he could see that the redhead was looking a little ragged around the edges now that he wasn't under such intense scrutiny. Maybe checking him over wouldn't be a bad idea. Leading the way to Ichigo's room, he set him down on the couch in the sitting room. Szayel placed his bag on the coffee table and started to dig around before pulling out a stethoscope and thermometer. Ichigo's lips thinned in distaste but he allowed the other man to check his vitals. Grimmjow sat at his side and took his hand and squeezed gently. It might have been an adolescent gesture but Ichigo held on just as hard.

Szayel sighed and clicked his tongue. "Temp's a little high and your pulse is thready which isn't a good sign. I'm going to need to give you another dose."

Ichigo swallowed and leaned into Grimmjow. "Do I have to?" He sounded young and tired. This morning's meeting must have taken a lot out of him.

"It's only going to get worse if I don't give you something now," Szayel told him, not unkindly.

"Give him what?" Grimmjow might have to deal with his presence but he wasn't going to tolerate not knowing what was going on. Szayel wasn't going to do anything without spelling it out step by step first.

"Making him go off his previous meds cold turkey would be bad. I'm bringing him down with something else which should ease the discomfort." He held up a vial for Grimmjow's inspection before pulling out a syringe. "It's as safe I can make it." For once, there was no hint of mockery in his voice.

Grimmjow wrapped an arm around Ichigo's waist and rested his cheek on his hair while he glared at the other man. Szayel returned his gaze with a bland look as if it didn't phase him. And it probably didn't. But he was careful as he drew a dose from the vial and injected it into Ichigo's arm. The redhead sighed and pressed further into Grimmjow.

"I've got you," Grimmjow murmured.

"He might get a little sleepy but it shouldn't last too long. You should have a few hours to yourselves before dinner. Aizen isn't very active in the afternoons."

"You're just full of helpful information," Grimmjow muttered.

"And you're still a suspicious, grumpy bastard. I'll see you both later." With that, Szayel picked up his things and left the room.

"I don't want to inherit his shit," Ichigo said bitterly after a few minutes of quiet. "I never wanted that."

"I know you don't." Grimmjow guided him up so he could take him into the next room and into the bed.

"You should go. I don't want you to get in trouble." Ichigo halfheartedly pushed at his shoulder.

"Forget it, you're stuck with me. Aizen practically made your safety my job today." Grimmjow considered it his responsibility anyway so it wasn't exactly a stretch for him.

"But he might change his mind." Ichigo was sitting on the bed now and he scooted back so he could lie down. Grimmjow went back out to securely lock the door from the inside before coming back into the bedroom. Moving Ichigo over on the mattress, he lay down beside him and pulled him into his arms.

"I'll deal with that if it happens. But I'm not going to borrow trouble by worrying about it and neither are you. Get some sleep."

. . . . . . .

It was late in the afternoon when Ichigo finally stirred from the deep sleep he'd fallen into. Grimmjow hadn't slept himself but he was content enough for now despite the situation.

"What time is it?" Ichigo asked, his voice fuzzy with sleep.

"Five thirty." Grimmjow brushed a few strands of hair away from Ichigo's forehead as he leaned in to kiss him. "How are you feeling?"

"Was tired and irritated. Not so much now." Ichigo kissed him back and melted against him.

Grimmjow wasn't entirely sure if it was side effects if or if Ichigo was really interested but his body was willing to find out. A distraction would be good for both of them. Grimmjow rolled so he was laying on top of him and as their arousals brushed, it made them both catch their breath.

"Okay, now I'm really feeling better," Ichigo murmured against his lips. He reached around and rubbed his hands up and down Grimmjow's back before pulling away a little. "But maybe we shouldn't. If he finds out. . ."

"I talked to Starrk earlier. We'll get a head's up if anyone comes our way." Grimmjow showed Ichigo the phone that he'd pulled from the hiding place behind his headboard before they left this morning. "We're safe enough for now." But he wasn't going to push it if Ichigo really didn't want to go any further.

"We still probably shouldn't." But even as he said it, Ichigo hooked a leg around the back of Grimmjow's knees. "But I just. . ." Breaking off, he leaned up and kissed him. And then he was threading his fingers through Grimmjow's hair and pulling him close. Maybe he was making up for lost time or making the best of the time they had. Or maybe he was just trying to forget everything if only for a short time. No matter what the reason was, Grimmjow wasn't arguing. Tugging on the fabric of Ichigo's shirt, he pulled it carefully out of the younger man's pants.

It allowed him access to the heated flesh beneath and he splayed his fingers across Ichigo's middle. Ichigo pressed into the touch and sighed as he arched his neck back. Grimmjow unbuttoned the shirt and eased it off of his shoulders and down his arms. Clothes were pulled away piece by piece to let their bare skin touch and it was sweetly glorious. Not even Grimmjow's wounded leg was enough to ruin it for him. He kissed Ichigo's lips and looked into his eyes. He had to find a way to keep this.

It wasn't a fierce clash of passion and wills. It was soft and sweet and slow. As Grimmjow entered him, he held Ichigo close and held his gaze. He'd never been so close to someone like this before. In the midst of all the turmoil, Grimmjow hadn't really had time to think about it. He'd been so shocked to have his old life crashing down on him again. But he supposed that he shouldn't spend too much time worrying about it now. If they survived all this, then maybe he'd obsess about it then.

After laying together for while, Grimmjow's phone beeped and the unexpected sound made them both jump. "Dammit," he muttered. At least it went off now and not earlier when they'd been in the middle of things. "We need to be in the dining room in thirty minutes."

Ichigo frowned and huffed before rolling slowly over so he could get out of bed. But when he got to the edge, he leaned forward and put his face in his hands. Grimmjow was about to ask it he was okay but before he could say anything, Ichigo shook it off and stood up. His expression was determined and a little cold which was alarming. Maybe he should kick Szayel's ass after all. But when the look was turned on Grimmjow, it softened a little. Just part of the act then.

"C'mon. If we're late, it will be a problem." Holding out his hand, he waited patiently for Grimmjow to take it before pulling him to his feet and guiding him to the shower. "We'll have to stop off at your room so that you can put on a uniform," he said as he turned on the water.

Grimmjow sneered. He hated that damned thing.

"Don't give me that look," Ichigo snorted as he pushed him under the spray. "You want out of this, you're going to have to play along for a while. He's already unpredictable as it is."

"I know that." Grimmjow snapped and closed his eyes and sighed at the sensation of fingers massaging his scalp as Ichigo lathered his hair. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it." He leaned under the spray and tried not to jerk out of Ichigo's touch.

"Of course not. I never said you had to." The redhead's temper sounded like it was starting to heat up. "It's just. . .Dammit." Ichigo pressed up against Grimmjow's wet body. "That out of control feeling is still there. And I'm probably going to get another shot before dinner." The anger faded into a kind of weary defeat.

Any annoyance Grimmjow might have felt seemed useless now. They could snipe at each other all they wanted but it wouldn't serve any purpose. He rarely felt so rational about anything. Things had gotten so utterly out of control and he knew that getting angry wouldn't solve anything. How responsible of him, he thought sourly. He finished soaping them up and rinsing so they could get ready. There wasn't much time for introspective musings. Ichigo put on a white suit with no tie. Again, the cut of the clothes flattered him but the color signified Aizen's pure control over everything.

In Grimmjow's room, he pulled out on of the clean uniforms that hung in the closet. Grimmjow had a feeling that his street clothes would disappear again so he'd hidden them under Ichigo's mattress before coming here.

Ichigo reached out to smooth one of the dark lapels of Grimmjow's short jacket. "Ordinarily I'd love seeing this much of you. But I don't like this."

"That makes two of us," Grimmjow muttered.

There was a polite knock on the door before Starrk slipped quietly into the room.

"I think we can find the way," Grimmjow said irritably.

"I'm sure you can. I just wanted to make sure you were both prepared for dinner."

Szayel peered around the doorframe and came inside, shutting the door behind him. Grimmjow saw Ichigo stiffen slightly beside him and he put a calming hand on his shoulder. The redhead's lip curled. "I'm getting really tired of this."

"It's one of the last, I assure you." The pink haired man came over and pulled out a filled syringe. To Ichigo's credit, he handled it stoically and made no further complaints after opening up his shirt and exposing his shoulder. But the effect was immediate and the redhead's eyes glazed a little bit. Blinking and taking a deep breath, he did his best to pull himself together and focus.

"Well, I'll come check on you tomorrow. Enjoy dinner," Szayel said with a grin.

Grimmjow didn't even bother to glare after him as he left. Cupping Ichigo's chin, he looked into his eyes to see if he was aware of his surroundings. Dealing with Aizen with anything less than their full faculties would be dangerous. Ichigo lifted his eyes to meet his gaze and smiled a little.

"I'm a little fuzzy but still here." He leaned forward and kissed Grimmjow's lips gently. "Let's get this over with."

Nodding, Grimmjow guided him to the door. Neither said anything to Starrk as they silently followed him to the dining room. He took his place by the door as they went in and sat down. The table was lavishly set and servants were bringing in covered trays as they entered. Aizen sat smugly at the head of the table, his smile benevolent and slightly creepy just like at the meeting earlier.

"Good evening to both of you." Aizen gestured to chairs on either side of him. Grimmjow sat at his left and Ichigo at his right. Neither wanted to be that close but like so many other things recently, they had no choice.

"Aizen-sama," Ichigo murmured with a respectful nod. Grimmjow said nothing but lowered his eyes just the same. The subservience grated on him even though he knew it was necessary.

"I am very pleased with how well you handled today's meeting, son. You will do well just like I knew you would." Aizen lifted a glass of deep red wine to his lips. Grimmjow shuddered inwardly at how closely the liquid resembled blood. Ichigo merely nodded at the praise solemnly and sipped his water. With all the drugs that had been coursing through his system lately, non-alcoholic was probably a good decision.

"And Grimmjow. You seem to be getting right back into the swing of things quite well."

Grimmjow tried not to blink in surprise. Where had that come from? He'd done nothing but complain since he'd arrived and had fought the entire way. He'd even trashed his room. But he supposed that if Aizen was seeing what he wanted to see that was all for the best. He didn't reply to the comment. Every reply that came to mind sounded like it would probably get him in trouble. Aizen apparently didn't mind as his thoughts seemingly danced on to other topics.

"My dear boy, tomorrow you will put your skills to work once again." He reached over and squeezed Ichigo's shoulder, making what might have been a fond gesture seem like a restraining one. Grimmjow wasn't sure what kind of work he meant. He never really asked Ichigo what he'd done while he was here. All he'd said was that he'd practically been treated like a prisoner. But he'd also mentioned working with computers. Maybe that was it.

"Of course, Aizen-sama," Ichigo said evenly.

Aizen's look suddenly hardened and Ichigo's fingers tightened on his fork as he struggled to figure out what he'd said wrong. Grimmjow could practically hear his thoughts racing. Then the redhead squared his shoulders and he made a small bow where he sat.

"Of course, Otou-sama." Father. He said it without a hint of sarcasm, his voice even and respectful. Grimmjow's stomach churned a bit at hearing it. But if they were going to play along with all of this, they had to go all the way. Aizen seemed pleased and he smiled warmly. Almost like his pet had just done a neat trick. Playing to the man's whims would be difficult. Grimmjow just hoped that whatever unpredictability he was suffering from remained relatively benign.