Chapter 11: Separation

Szayelaporro's voice echoed through their cell, with a dark and low timbre, but Ichigo was already preoccupied.

He was slamming into Uryu. The Quincy was wailing and was clearly in great pain, but he didn't care. He turned the panting boy onto his side and entered him again. He'd noticed his length was coated with blood before he slammed back in, but that wouldn't stop him. The fire in his loins was urging him on. He wanted this. Needed this. Uryu made distressed sounds, but he didn't care. He was almost at the finish line. That was all that mattered right now. He grabbed the boy's hips tightly and rocked hard, ignoring his pleas. Almost there. Just a few more seconds and-

"Aaaah!" Screaming, Ichigo arched up and started heaving. His face was slick with cold sweat and he stared at his knees while trying to get some air into his lungs.

"Thank god… that wasn't real…" He panted. "Thank god…" He repeated, as his body slowly started unwinding from that powerful nightmare's grip. Grabbing fistfuls of his black Shihakusho, he tried to calm down a little and wiped his brow with one of his sleeves.

The lights were dimmed again, but he found Uryu not that far away from him. He was sleeping on his side, facing the wall, while he had rolled over to the middle of the room, it seemed.

Next to the door was a tray. They'd missed the moment their sustenance had been brought in again. Feeling a little better at the sight, he crawled over and felt a surge of happiness at seeing everyday things like a bowl of water and a bowl of rice. Uryu really needed more food, preferably proteins, but at least he had something to offer the other boy.

Szayelaporro had kept his word, and had let them alone for some time. Judging from the replenishments they got once a day, this was the 4rd day since their latest experiment and that maniac hadn't shown his face since. Not that they were complaining of course. If not for those stupid collars, they'd have taken him down a long time ago.

Uryu became more and more depressed with each passing day. He was obviously wounded, and the lack of food wasn't helping anything. Their imprisonment was really taking a toll on him. Ever since they'd been forced to have sex, he'd bleed from his backside from time to time. Thankfully, it wasn't all that much, but they couldn't do anything about it. Ichigo had tried staunching it with toilet paper again and from time to time, the bleeding would stop, only to start again a few hours later. Sometimes the Quincy would sit up, but most of the time he just laid down. The fact that he couldn't talk was getting to them more than before, as they had absolutely nothing to do and they couldn't talk to fill the time.

Ichigo was still very much aware of the other boy's condition. He tried cleaning his wounds every time they got a fresh bowl of water. He'd hidden one of the previous bowls inside his clothes, and so he could pour a little water over in that one to use for that sole purpose. Not contaminating their precious liquid. Uryu's abdominal wounds were a real mess and he needed medical attention, urgently. Even he had figured that out.

Ichigo tried not to think too much about what could lay ahead of them. He would fall apart if he did…

With the tray in his hands, he went to sit down behind the other teen and carefully shook his shoulder. He did it a few more times before the Quincy stirred a bit, then froze, obviously on edge. Uryu's breathing picked up and he made a throaty sound.

"It's just me, Uryu." Ichigo said, hushed, while gently placing a palm on his back. "We're still in our cell." The other boy didn't move. He was afraid. And the Substitute couldn't blame him after what he'd done. His palm still firm on the other boy's back he could feel a shiver running down his spine.

Szayelaporro could push the button to inject him with the aggression enhancer meds at any time. Uryu could never be fully certain if he would become hostile towards him or not. To try and outsmart that, Ichigo had chosen a safe word that only the 2 of them knew of. He'd whisper it to the Quincy whenever he picked up on his fear.

"Kanae…" Ichigo softly whispered in the other boy's ear. It was the name of Uryu's mother. Before the archer lost his voice, they'd talked about what their mothers had been like and he'd remembered her name. It seemed like an appropriate safe word to him, as Uryu had obviously loved her dearly.

Ichigo wasn't 100% sure this ploy would work, because when he got aggressive, he might or might not know of this deal they'd made. But for now, it was at least reassuring for the Quincy and he hoped it would stay that way.

Sighing with relief when he heard his mother's name, Uryu relaxed a bit and turned over onto his back to look at the Substitute, rubbing his eyes.

"Look! I've got food for you." The Substitute smiled and saw the Quincy's face lighten up a little, too, although he seemed even wearier than before. Ichigo let that slide for now, but he'd make sure his friend would take plenty of rest afterwards.

"Let's get you propped up." Gently, he helped the archer into a sitting position and when he was stable enough to hold that form, he passed him the rice. Ichigo had refrained from eating again. His spiritual pressure didn't need replenishing as bad as Uryu needed food. Even if he had used his Hollow powers to cauterize his wounds, still… he'd manage without. He'd just drink the bare minimum of water.

Uryu looked at him wearily, yet managed to give him a faint smile. He passed the bowl back to Ichigo to ask his permission. He always did, even though Ichigo had told him he could eat all of it by himself several times.

"I'm good, Uryu. Please eat. You're in no condition to…" He trailed off. To what? He knew the other boy was gravely injured, but he was not giving up. Caring for him was all Ichigo could do right now. That, and trying not to have a mental breakdown. "Just take it." He said softly.

Tentatively, Uryu took a first mouthful or rice and coughed. He'd know this would happen, as it was always like this, and Ichigo helped holding his bowl. Just as he knew the other boy's mouth would start filling up with bile right about now, from having too little food in between days. The Quincy knew how to deal with this and after a bit of coughing and grunting, he sat up again. Ichigo passed him the water bowl. He'd just poured a bit into their spare bowl, and after Uryu'd finished eating, he would make him lay down to clean his wounds.

No sooner said than done, the Substitute guided him to the floor again. Uryu trembled and tried to muffle his groans while Ichigo, very carefully, tended to his wounds. At least, since he cauterized them, they'd remained closed. But that was the only positive thing about them. He always checked the Quincy for any fever, as he dreaded the day it would inevitably happen. So far, Uryu had fought it off and he hoped the boy would be lucky for once.

Face flushed and eyes closed, Uryu tried to control his moaning and arching. Ichigo understood he wanted to make him feel less guilty by faking how bad he really felt. It wasn't convincing him at all. And even if the Quincy had forgiven him for what he did, he hadn't forgiven himself…

When Ichigo was done, he carefully readjusted the archer's, now filthy, Quincy attire, which was starting to look more brown-red than white with all the dried blood on it. Uryu was panting heavily, trying to breathe through the pain. Ichigo interlaced his fingers with his and started whispering soft encouragements to him. This had also become a habit. Uryu would give him a soft smile and just watch him while he did so. And for some reason, it always helped him calm down.

Feeling rather bold today, apparently, Uryu touched Ichigo's face with his fingertips, which turned into a caress. The Substitute indulged him and placed his own palm over the other boy's. Whatever encouragement the Quincy needed right now, he wouldn't object. He needed to get him through this. Uryu was content with just looking at him for a bit, even if there was a tad of sadness in his eyes. Soon, the moment was over and Uryu needed to rest again.

They needed to get all the rest they could, as the Substitute was certain Szayelaporro was up to something. And since he gave them so much time "off", it probably was going to be bad. The Espada also hadn't activated the collars since they last saw him, which made him even more suspicious.

Sighing. Ichigo lowered himself to the floor and wrapped his arms around his friend. He needed to keep him warm. Uryu hummed gratefully and gave him a smile, before returning the favor. It didn't take all that long for the badly injured Quincy to pass out again.

There was nothing Ichigo could do. It was so frustrating, seeing Uryu become weaker every day, but he couldn't stop it. It made a hero like him feel utterly helpless. He could only hope to protect him from that maniac and his guards… He tried not to think about the situation getting even worse. The thought that Uryu might not survive this was enough to break him…

Ichigo wasn't tired, so he just lay there for a while. Watching the other boy sleep. He looked so peaceful like that. With his guards down. He could almost forget he was in grave pain… Ichigo felt strangely at ease like this, feeling Uryu's heartbeat against the rhythm of his own.

After he'd watched over his friend for a while, the door opened. Damn! Their peace and quiet was over.

The Substitute quickly d disentangled himself from the sleeping boy. He jumped up and stood before Uryu with bravado when Szayelaporro leisurely walked inside, followed by a few of his Fraccionés. Ichigo growled and made fists.

"So good to see you, Shinigami Substitute." Szayelaporro grinned.

"Fuck you!" He spat, hatefully.

"My, that's not very friendly of you, Kurosaki Ichigo." The Espada said while tilting his head an placing his index finger against his cheek. "And here I was, coming to see your girlfriend and help him out."

"You're not touching him!" Ichigo shouted. Anger was already filling his gut and he was ready to strike at everything that looked funny towards Uryu.

Szayelaporro laughed hauntingly. "Oh my, I see the Quincy has finally managed to ensnare you. How wonderful." He taunted.

"Shut up and leave us alone!" Ichigo countered.

"So you're saying I don't need to give him anything to stave off infection?"

"Yeah, right! As if!"

"Now, now. Don't you trust me, Kurosaki Ichigo? I'm deeply hurt." He said, giving him a toothy grin. "After your… entertaining show… last time, I also gave him a dose. Out of the goodness of my heart. Otherwise he'd have a fever by now. Move aside, so I can give him the shot." He produced a syringe from inside his white robes and held it up so Ichigo could see.

"Why should I believe you? What's the point in helping him if you're just going to torture us again?" He wasn't buying it. Who knew what that freak would do. The Espada shrugged, annoyance apparent on his bespectacled face.

"His part in my experiments is not over… yet…" He laughed darkly. "He still needs to survive for a little longer."

"No!" Ichigo said steadfastly. "You're not getting near him." He balled his fists and glared at the other man, tightening his chest.

"You know what I'm going to do, don't you?" Szayelaporro grinned. He pulled out the remote to their collars from inside his white tunic, and dangled it tauntingly in front of the Substitute.

Ichigo growled. He knew that bastard was going to zap Uryu too, but… "No. You've done enough harm to him already. You're not touching him again!"

"Ah dear boy, don't be so melodramatic. You're just going to make it worse for him, again." The Espada crooned. He was right, dammit, but still, he wasn't going to surrender. Taking on a defensive stance in front of the Quincy was too much for the Espada's patience and with a quick "Have it your way.", he pushed the button.

"Fuck!" Ichgio screamed as the electricity shot through him. He sank to the floor in front of Uryu, instantly looking at the other boy's reactions. Uryu, whom had been sleeping, was literally shocked out of his dreams, screaming. Eyes flying open in panic and making short, pained sounds, limbs flailing in shock. He gripped the collar, searching for the Substitute.

Ichigo tried to reach for him. "Hold on…." He groaned. "It'll be over soon." Their fingers touched and Ichigo tried intertwining them as encouragement. It would be over again soon. But it wasn't. It took a much longer time than usual and when it finally stopped, Ichigo was lying flat on his back, panting wildly. He groaned and rolled over, trying to get into a sitting position.

Meanwhile, Szayelaporro had walked over to the Quincy, whom had curled up into a ball, heaving. At a snap of his fingers, all the guards in the room were pointing their rods at Ichigo, and they attacked, raining down blows on him.

Ichigo cursed and shouted. He was feeling dizzy from the prolonged current that had just fried his body. He threw punches around, but when one of the guards was hit, 2 others zapped him from behind. Ichigo growled again, but didn't risk another dose of the collars. When he stopped fighting, the Espada laughed.

"Good. You've become a little, docile puppy." He smirked. Ichigo growled again, but shut his mouth.

"Now, dear Quincy, " the Espada said, sultry-like, while grabbing Uryu's chin, "are you enjoying playing house with your boyfriend?" Uryu glared at him and slapped his hand away from his chin, only to have his wrist caught in a bruising grip. "Do you like all the extra attention he gives you right now, hmm? Don't worry, I'll give you some more playtime together… But as your purpose is not yet fulfilled, I'll be so generous as to inject you with something to stave off any infection. Now, hold still, if you want this to be over soon." Uryu kept glaring at him, cautiously, but didn't manage to free his wrist. Without further delay, the Espada stuck the needle into his shoulder. Uryu growled at him.

"That's not a way to say thank you." Szayelaporro smiled darkly before standing up. "Enjoy your time together while you still can." He laughed.

"Asshole!" Ichigo shouted. But as the pink haired man was walking towards the exit, he suddenly got the urge to ask him something and wanted to try his luck. "If you want him to live, please give me something to dress his wounds. And he needs food and water, too." He'd already been down on his knees, anyway, and he didn't care about degrading himself in front of that maniac. He needed to protect Uryu. They needed to stay alive. That was all that mattered.

"Please. You need him alive. I'll do whatever you want…" Ichigo begged. Looking back at Uryu, he saw the Quincy was obviously stunned by those words, and sadly averted his gaze. At this point, Ichigo didn't care if begging was what it would take. If he could save Uryu, then he'd do it, gladly.

"Don't push it, boy." Szayelaporro answered while turning around, leering wickedly. "Have I not shown him mercy already? "I gave him 2 shots for an infection he's bound to catch in the end. But for which you exponentially augmented the chance." He sneered. "Yes, his role in my experiments is not over yet, but I've been too generous already." That being said, he walked outside with a haughty trod, leaving the 2 boys puzzled.

With a snap of his fingers, the Fraccionés were out the door again. One had taken their empty tray in the process. The lights dimmed and Ichigo crawled over to his friend.

"Are you okay?" He asked. Uryu nodded. "That fucking Espada. Don't listen to him." He could curse the man all he wanted, but right now, he'd actually lent them a hand…

The following day went on pretty much the same. They didn't see the Espada and were brought a very sober meal. Ichigo had long past abandoned his night and day rhythm in this place and slept whenever he felt like it. How long had it been since they saw any sunlight, or heard the wind?

Just as the previous day, Uryu was becoming more and more gloomy. No wonder, with everything he'd gone through. He probably felt helpless and hated that feeling. Ichigo could relate to that, as he'd feel the same had their positions been switched.

After he'd let the other teen eat and cleaned his wounds again, Ichigo fell asleep while keeping Uryu warm. He had no idea how long he'd slept, but he didn't have any nightmares, at least.

When he woke up, yawning, he blinked a few times. In his sleep he'd rolled away from the Quincy again and lay sprawled onto the floor, while the other boy was curled up into one of the corners, facing the wall. Groaning, Ichigo did a long full-body stretch. He felt a lot more relaxed, his nap had obviously done him well.

Suddenly, he heard soft sobs and made a surprised gasp. Was Uryu crying?

"Uryu?" He tried softly, while pushing himself into a sitting position. "What's wrong?" He crawled over to the Quincy in the dim light and could see him stiffen up. Dammit, not this again.

"It's just me, Uryu." He tried and spoke their safe word. "Kanae… See? It's me, Ichigo." Moving closer towards him, he saw he was bleeding from his rear again, as bright, red blood was slowly seeping through his stained clothes.

"Crap!" He put a palm onto the Quincy's back and could tell the other boy was very tense. He could feel his heart racing under his touch. Gasping, Uryu tried to will his melancholy away, it seemed, muffling his sobs.

"What happened? Are you alright?" Ichigo asked, turning the archer towards him. Uryu quickly wiped his tears away and tried to stop sobbing, but… he couldn't fool Ichigo. Besides the obvious signs, like tears and sobs, his face was flushed and his brow covered in sweat. Ichigo wasn't an expert, but something was definitely wrong.

"Did I… Did I go violent on you again? I didn't feel any sting from the collar…" The Quincy shook his head. "Thank god..." The Substitute sighed in relief. What else could it be?

"Did the guards-" Uryu shook his head. "Not that either, huh." Ichigo thought it over for a moment. Ever since they got here, Ichigo'd been frequently plagued by nightmares. Maybe…

"Did you have a nightmare?" Uryu averted his eyes, then, after a moment of silence, he nodded. "Damn. It must have been terrible to get you upset up like this…" Ichigo tried, but the other teen didn't validate that. The Substitute sighed in relief again. Nightmares weren't fun, but at least, they weren't a real threat.

"You'll be alright." Ichigo whispered. "I suffer from nightmares too since we got here." As the Quincy seemed really shaken, he tried to give him a hug, but stopped when he felt the other boy go rigid. "Uryu? You know it's me, right?" The archer was still looking down, and nodded. Ichigo took a long exhale at that. This place must be getting to the Quincy even more that he'd thought…

"Come on. Let me take a look at that bleeding of yours." He reached out, but Uryu swiftly caught his hands, face flustered. He shook his head.

"Oww, come on. I've done this before. No need to go all shy on me now." The Quincy shook his head again. "Don't be silly." Ichigo said and tried turning him over again, so he could reach for the back of his pants. The terrorized shriek the other boy made, had him stop dead in his tracks.

"Uryu? I just want to help-" He didn't get to finish that sentence. As he'd turned the archer to face him again and saw the panic on his face, he just froze. Uryu's breathing had picked up and he stared at him in dread. Ichigo felt his heart drop by the way the other teen was acting.

"Are you sure you're alright?" He asked. The Quincy's face relaxed a bit and he nodded, but kept his guards up. Ichigo sighed before standing up and walking to the semi-high wall in the room. He returned with a few folded sheets of toilet paper.

"Here. You can do it yourself then." Uryu nodded, but didn't move until the Substitute sighed again and turned away from him, saying: "That must've been one hell of a nightmare…"

Facing the wall, he let the Quincy tend to himself, while he heard the boy make stifled sounds. He felt a little more frustrated about it than he'd liked, but if Uryu had decided he needed privacy right now, then so be it. After he'd sat there for a while, he turned around to check on his friend, only to find out he'd dozed off again.

Sighing, Ichigo crawled back to him and wrapped him in his arms to keep him warm. Even with the antibiotics Szayelaporro had given him, he was getting worse. He cursed that stupid Espada and hoped that Uryu would feel a little better when he awoke.

It was the 6th day after they had slept together and they still hadn't seen the 8th Espada, thankfully. After Uryu's nightmare yesterday it took him a while to open up to Ichigo again, but he did. So Ichigo couldn't help but wonder what was going on today.

After he'd cleaned the other boy's wounds again, and Uryu had taken his necessary nap, Ichigo had woken up huddled into one of the corners of the room. Staring in front of him, he was shocked to see the Quincy lay down on his back in the middle of their cell. His arms and legs were splayed out and it seemed he was awake.

"Uryu? Are you okay?" Ichigo tried, but Uryu didn't give any reaction. He crawled over to the other teen and sucked in a sharp breath from the look on his face. His face was flustered again and he was panting. His sapphire eyes were half closed and unfocussed, staring in the distance. His glasses weren't on his nose, but lay a little to the side from him on the floor, which was a bit odd. Ichigo gasped as he realized the Quincy looked ready to break…

"Did you have a nightmare again?" The Substitute asked, while gently placing a hand onto the other boy's cheek. Uryu remained unresponsive. He just kept panting and staring at nothing.

Ichigo knew their time here was really rough on the other teen. Uryu was exhausted, famished and injured. Afraid the Quincy was close to throwing in the towels, Ichigo wanted to try a different approach.

"I know you're in a lot of pain, and I know this place is hell, but… please, don't give up, Uryu. I'll help you through this." He saw the Quincy's face contort in hurt and tears started spilling from his eyes. Ichigo felt his own heart throb hard in his chest and couldn't escape the urge to draw the other boy into a hug, pulling him up into a sitting position in the process.

Safely wrapped into his arms, Ichigo listened to Uryu's painful sobs while he held him. The Substitute whispered soft nothings, and patiently let the Quincy voicelessly share his grief. All the while carefully holding him, feeling every shiver of the other's body.

"It's okay." He whispered, even if he knew his friend was about as far from okay as he could be, but still… "Please, don't give up, Uryu. For me. I'm with you." At that, the Quincy finally lifted his arms to hug him back, clinging to Ichigo with desperation.

The Substitute didn't care he was fiercely enveloping another boy with his arms. The need to protect him was blooming in his chest again and he would do anything to keep him safe. In this prison, Uryu was all he'd got and that translated into the intensity of his hug. Patiently, he waited until he felt the Quincy's sobs diminish, but he didn't let go.

Suddenly, they heared the sound of the door opening. Ichigo cursed as he felt the archer tense up. Breaking the circle of their arms, the Substitute turned away to look their visitors in the eye.

"You have to come with us, Shinigami." Said one of the 6 Fraccionés that were now present in the room. Ichigo stared at them, anger already rising in his gut.

"Why?"

"The master's orders." Said one of them while coming forward. His staff ready to strike.

"What does he want me to do now? What are you going to do to my friend?" He stood up, slowly, while keeping his eyes on the enemy at all times, and took a step forward. Uryu remained in a sitting position behind him, quickly wiping his eyes.

"We don't know." One of them barked. "Just come with us."

"And what if I don't?" Ichigo said defiantly, showing them his teeth. Suddenly the screen went on.

"Then, I'll take it out on the Quincy." Came the cheerful voice of Szayelaporro. Both boys now directed their attention to the screen.

"Why only me? What are you going to do to him?"

"I have to separate you two so you can rest before the next experiment." The Espada sang.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo didn't understand. "Why separate us now? I don't wanna leave-" Szayelaporro dangled the remote of the collars in front of him, instantly gaining Ichigo's full attention. He looked over at Uryu, but the latter looked just as puzzled as he was.

"You don't get to ask questions, pretty boy. You just follow my orders, or I'll make sure your girlfriend gets to spend an exceptionally nice time." The Espada gave them a toothy smile. With a snap of his fingers, 3 of his guards now circled Uryu, poking him defiantly with their staves, while the latter glared and hissed.

"Dammit!" Ichigo cursed. That left him with few options. He turned around to the archer right in time to see him conjure Ginrei Kojaku. The guards were ready to attack him, but the Quincy wasn't going to surrender without a fight. Injured or not. Ichigo couldn't help but marvel a little at his resilience, especially since he'd looked so depressed mere moments ago.

"Okay then," he heard Szayelaporro say from beside him, "if that's how you wanna play. Detain the Quincy immediately and bring him to me for-"

"No!" Shouted Ichigo. He couldn't let that happen. Uryu had suffered so much already while he was only a little battered and bruised. He turned around to face the other teen, who was trying to stand up, grunting and on weak legs, but ready to fire. "Uryu, wait!" Grasping his shoulders, he saw the confused look in those deep blue eyes and said: "I have to do what they want..." The boy shook his head in a firm 'no!'. As his legs were ready to give, Ichigo quickly grabbed him by the waist and supported his slender frame. "I can't take the risk of them being extra nasty to you. I refuse!" He saw a hint of fear in the other boy's eyes. "I know. I don't wanna leave you either, but… I'll come back to you. I promise." He whispered.

Uryu, too, must've realized the consequences would be even worse if they didn't comply… And in his current state, he wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight anyway. Uryu looked down for a second before he drew Ichigo into a short, but intense hug. He tried telling Ichigo something with sad eyes, and Ichigo guessed he meant something like "be safe".

Turning around and facing the guards again, Ichigo followed them out the door, keeping his eyes on Uryu for as long as he was in sight. The last guard had placed his daily ration by the door before stepping out. Good. At least, the Quincy would be able to eat something.

"Follow us." Said one of the Fraccionés.

Ichigo put on an angry expression, but did as he was told. They kept marching through the same corridors and rounding corners. This place was a real maze! It was nearly impossible to distinguish one hallway from the next. He would never find his way back to his friend by himself!

Finally, after a decent walk, the came in front of a door, that looked exactly the same as all the other doors. How they could tell the difference was beyond Ichigo.

"Enter." said the leader of the pack, and they all pushed him inside with their rods.

"Okay, okay." Once inside, Ichigo's jaw almost hit the floor. "What is this?" He asked the guards, but they already locked the door behind him without a word.

The Substitute took a good look around. The room was about the same size as the cell he shared with Uryu, complete with a semi-high wall hosting a toilet. Not that he needed one, but they probably had those facilities fitted in every cell. Except… There was a soft bed in one of the corners. Another corner had a sink and a bathtub, which was already filled with steaming water! Some soft looking towels were draped over a corner of the tub. In the middle of the room was a table with 2 chairs. But the most exhilarating part was all the food on the table! There was meat, cheese and fruits, as well as bread and other things. Ichigo didn't need food in his spiritual form, but looking at all the steaming delicacies and inhaling the sweet waft they spread, was enough to almost make him drool.

"W-what is this?" He took a step closer to the table before he noticed the screen inside the room. "Szayelaporro! What do you want?" Unsurprisingly, the screen lit on and he looked directly into the amber eyes of said Espada.

"My, Kurosaki Ichigo, are you really that dumb?" He quipped. "I told you, you needed to rest for the next experiment, didn't I?"

"Yes, but-"

"After all the hardships I have put you through, I thought you could use a little time to relax."

Ichigo wasn't that stupid. He obviously was up to something. Knowing the Espada wasn't going to tell him anything about his plans, he had to ask: "What about my friend?"

"What about him?" countered Szayelaporro sheepishly.

"He's in dire need of food and he would really welcome a hot bath. Please let him-"

"No." Interrupted the Espada with a wicked grin. "I want you to replenish your spiritual pressure. You need to be in excellent shape for my experiment."

"Why? What do you want from me?"

"You'll find out in a few days. In the meantime, just enjoy yourself." The 8th Espada laughed.

"Wait!" Shouted the Substitute. "What are you going to do with the Quincy? You still need him, don't you?"

"For now." Was the dry answer he got. Ichigo balled his fists in frustration and tried again.

"Why can't he stay with me? He needs food and I have to clean his wounds and-" Before the screen went black, Szayelaporro had given him a flat look. He clearly didn't care.

"Goddamit!" Ichigo punched the wall in frustration, followed by a wavering sigh. "He needs me…" He muttered.

Two days. It'd been 2 days since Ichigo was forced to switch cells. Having nothing to do in a room packed with food and other enjoyable things, he'd feasted, bathed and slept for hours. But… he felt so guilty about it, as he was worried sick about the Quincy.

He hadn't eaten all the food, but they kept bringing him more every few hours. He'd stashed away some of it, in the hope of smuggling it over to Uryu. He couldn't help but wonder how he was doing and he hoped they at least brought him food and water like before. Which made him feel bad again, as Uryu probably still only got a piece of bread or some plain rice. Barely enough to stay alive. While he feasted on roasted chicken, tangerines, dates, cheese and the likes…

Sighing and rubbing his face, he'd had it with this situation. He needed to see his friend. Needed to know he was okay.

For the umpteenth time, he jumped up from the chair he'd been slouching on and yelled:

"Let me outta here! I need to see Uryu!" He got no response. Like the previous times. He didn't let it go and walked up to the door, banging it fiercely. "Fuck! Let me outta here!" He screamed! "I need to see the Quincy, dammit!" He'd lost count how many times he'd tried this before, but it was all in vain.

Running a hand through his short hair, he sighed. What was the point in all of this? They'd been held for days, with only a bare minimum of sustenance to survive, and then out of the blue, the Espada wanted to separate them. Stuffing him full of food and giving him time to take relaxing baths. It didn't make any sense.

Suddenly the screen lit up and Ichigo immediately directed his attention to it. He'd expected to see that smug face of Szayelaporro, but instead he saw…

"Uryu!" The Quincy was slouched in one of the corners of his previous cell, looking melancholic. Head bowed and his limbs lifeless next to him. The camera zoomed in on his face a little and it was clear the teen looked even worse than before. His pale face told a story of exhaustion and suffering. Had they even bothered to feed him? Had he been able to keep his wounds clean? Ichigo felt a pang of guilt again after everything he'd eaten since they were separated. He even had gotten around to wash and dry his clothes, while Uryu had been stuck in his dirty, blood stained uniform for god knew how long.

"Assholes! Let me outta here!" Ichigo tried again. "I need to see my friend! Dammit!"

Angrily, he punched the wall a few times, before sinking down to the floor. Feeling equally glum as Uryu looked. All the excitement had gotten him panting. He took another look at the archer on screen and cursed that he couldn't even say something to him…

Ichigo didn't know how long he'd sat there, but he must have drifted off to sleep after a while. He woke up to the smell of roasted meat and glancing towards the table, he could see they'd replenished his supplies again. Dammit. How long were they going to keep him here? The screen had gone out again and he could no longer see the Quincy…

Having nothing else to do, he went to look at the food they'd brought for him and couldn't resist to sample a few. Feeling guilty again while he stuffed his mouth with meat. Suddenly, he felt very dizzy. Grunting, he grabbed his head, while trying to stay on his feet. What was happening? His vision got blurry and the room spun in front of him. He groaned and tried to make his way to the bed. Maybe laying down would help to shake it off. He failed to get there... Seeing stars before his eyes while he collapsed on the floor.

Dammit… Had they put something in his food?

He tried getting up, but couldn't. Dammit… His knees refused service and he sank effortlessly through his elbows as well. The only thing left to do was laying down, panting and groaning.

"Good boy, Shinigami Substitute." He vaguely heard Szayelaporro's voice from somewhere. "Your girlfriend will see you now." Ichigo wanted to yell at him and demand answers, but found out his speech was slurred and he couldn't form coherent sentences. The Espada laughed at him. "Finally lost your tongue? Good." Orders were barked and Fraccionés stepped forth. They grabbed Ichigo by his arms and legs and carried him out of his cell.

"Nnng… aah…." Groaned the Shinigami Substitute.

Everything spun in front of him and he moaned while moving his head from side to side, trying to figure out what was going on. All these corridors were the same. He didn't know where they were taking him and he currently didn't care. He just wanted to lay down until his dizziness passed. Grunting, he closed his eyes to stop seeing the hallways spin and prevent his stomach from spilling everything he'd gobbled down.

The guards stopped in front of a door and when it opened, they went inside and dropped him to the floor. He groaned from the impact, trying to figure out where he was. The room was completely dark.

"It's showtime, Kurosaki Ichigo." Said Szayelaporro's voice, tauntingly. "I'm counting on you to give us an entertaining performance."

Ichigo didn't understand what he meant, nor what that bastard wanted from him. He didn't even know in what dark dump they'd thrown him. He couldn't move and his head was still spinning. He could only make grunts and stilted breaths, trying to will his body to move, but to no avail.

The door closed again and he heard shuffling sounds coming from inside the room. Someone was in here. The lights went on, dimmed, and the noises sped up. Suddenly, he felt himself being turned over and felt wetness on his face. Trying to focus better, he noticed silky-like black hair and a pale complexion and realized he peered into the worried face of Uryu.

His heart sped up with happiness from seeing his friend again. Alive! Ichigo wanted to tell him so many things, but his tongue felt thick and lifeless in his mouth. When he picked up on the sounds Uryu made, he noticed tears rolled over his cheeks and dripped onto his own. The Quincy seemed to be laughing and crying at the same time, so Ichigo could conclude it were tears of joy.

Thank god, he was alright. At least, he seemed to be. And yes, Ichigo was very happy to see him, too. Even if he was feeling like crap right now.

Uryu wiped his plastered strands out of his face and hugged him fiercely. He was making gasps and short, fast sounds, but Ichigo didn't understand any of it. Suddenly, his mind broke down! He had to be hallucinating, because… Uryu had shyly pressed his lips against his in a tentative kiss. He could do nothing in return but make soft, startled sounds. Uryu's lips were warm and soft and tasted of the saltness of his tears. When Ichigo didn't object, he did it again, more confident this time.

Of course, they'd kissed before, but… Ichigo had used that to distract him while they were forced to have sex. So why was the Quincy kissing him right now? To express what he couldn't say in words? That he was happy to be reunited? Although, he couldn't deny that it felt nice.

Blushing bashfully, Uryu caressed his face, before enveloping him in his arms once more. The gasps and soft sounds he made then were easily understood. "I missed you."

Ichigo tried to answer that he'd missed him too, but still couldn't produce any coherent speech. Nor move any of his limbs. When he only made weird mumbling sounds, he noticed Uryu wrinkled his brow in worry. The boy tried to drag him towards one of the safer corners, but had to forfeit due to putting too much pressure on his wounded abdomen. Grunting in frustration, Uryu left him for a second.

An arm went behind his back and the Quincy was trying to get him into a sitting position, which was rather tough, considering his body had gone completely limp. Sighing, the archer had managed to get his upper body lifted high enough so he could offer him some water with his other hand. Ichigo welcomed the liquid, as his mouth felt as dry as parchment. After he'd drunk a few sips, Uryu offered him a piece of bread, unknowing that he'd feasted on too much food for 2 days. Ichigo couldn't do anything, but the other boy swiftly understood he wasn't interested.

The Quincy laid him back onto the floor and Ichigo just watched him. Uryu proceeded to sit down in front of him, and carefully placed his head on top of his legs, so he didn't had to rest his head on the hard floor. Uryu gave him a soft smile before gently running his fingers through his hair. Then he did something that made the Substitute's heart beat faster.

"I-I… chi… go…" The Quincy said and gave him a smile. "I… chi… go…"

He spoke! It had come out hoarse and raspy, but he'd said something! His voice was coming back! Ichigo wanted to cry out his joy and wrap his arms around him, as finally something good had happened in this vile place! But he couldn't… His body still refused to cooperate. He made grunts and hums, but he didn't know how the archer would understand that. Then, he felt Uryu's thumbs on his cheeks and realized he was wiping away his tears. Ichigo hadn't even noticed he'd started crying… But seeing the look the Quincy gave him, he knew the other boy had understood his feelings.

Ichigo was still feeling dizzy and closed his eyes for a bit. Maybe he just needed to sleep this off. Maybe Szayelaporro was just messing with him. What kind of performance would he expect anyway? He hadn't even given any orders. He sighed. What did that freak want from them this time? For the moment, he just relished the fact that he and the Quincy were together again and once he felt better, he could continue protecting and motivating the other boy. That at least, and seeing Uryu again, made him happy.

Unfortunately, their little moment of happiness was of short duration…

The door opened and he felt Uryu tense up in trepidation immediately. Swiftly, three Fraccionés entered the room, their electric staves held out in attack-mode before them.

The Substitute was still unable to speak, nor move his body, and so he could do nothing but watch the events unfold. Suddenly, he felt the signature sharp sting in his neck, and he knew Szayelaporro had just injected him with the aggression enhancers. But why? He couldn't even move right now… The Espada bastard must have concocted something cruel again. Inwardly he cursed! He had to warn the Quincy of the impending violence that was about to break loose, but he could only make incomprehensible sounds and grunts.

Uryu carefully laid his head down onto the floor and Ichigo watched with fearful eyes while his face changed into his trademark icy glare. Slowly, the other teen stood up, albeit on wobbly legs. He was still exhausted and wounded, after all.

"N-no!" Uryu rasped to the guards. He gestured with his right hand towards Ichigo and firmly repeated: "No!"

The Substitute immediately understood what he meant. "You're not taking him!" So he could only imagine the guards would do, too. Neither of the 3 Fraccionés said a word, but they looked at each other, before coming closer, circling the Quincy. Dammit, what did they want with them?

"N-no!" Uryu shouted again and conjured Ginrei Kojaku, scowling coldly.

Ichigo could feel his head spinning again, and his heart started beating faster and faster. He groaned, but the boy in front of him couldn't direct his attention towards him right now. Dammit! He couldn't warn the Quincy that he was about to turn on him again!

The guards moved in even closer and Uryu drew an arrow from the spiritual pressure surrounding him, growling at them. Ichigo felt a little enraptured by the fact that Uryu stood up to those guards, protecting him, feeling the way he did. All those times he'd called him a coward, when he really wasn't, exploded in his face.

Anger was expanding at lightning speed from his gut. He felt enraged, infuriated and clenched his fists. Slowly, he sensed his body start to move on its own. The guards in front of Uryu shrieked and started making panicked sounds as he felt himself rise to his feet. He noticed how the Quincy froze and started to tremble lightly.

From the corners of his eyes, Ichigo saw his orange hair grow long and twirl in strands in front of his face. There was no air in the room, so it had to be because of his spiritual pressure. Looking down, he saw his hands change, his nails transform into sharp, black claws. What the hell was going on? With his heightened ability to sense these things, the Quincy was obviously feeling his spiritual pressure, too.

One of the guards screamed and dashed forward towards Uryu, quickly injecting a syringe into the boy's shoulder. The Quincy, whom usually was very fast, hadn't evaded that injection, as he was too distracted looking at him over his shoulder while slowly turning around to face him. Finally standing up to his full length, all Ichigo could think was:

"Why has Uryu gotten smaller?"

The three Fraccionés dashed out of the room, screaming and howling in terror. They had no business with them any longer, so it seemed. The door closed quickly after them, locking both the Substitute Shinigami and Quincy inside.

Uryu jerked the needle out of his shoulder and threw it to the floor. Breathing hard, he had completely turned around to face him now. Ichigo's eyes locked with his and he could see the panic and fear on the other boy's face. His lower lip trembled and his sapphire eyes growing wide as he took quivering breaths. The arm holding his spirit bow had fallen next to his body, still clutching Ginrei Kojaku, while a shiver ran through his body. Suddenly, Szayelaporro's cheerful voice echoed through the room.

"Quincy darling, you've just gotten a good dose of adrenaline, so you should feel more energized right about now." The Espada laughed, before continuing. "We've given you just enough food so you'd be able to put up some form of entertainment for us. At least, try to fight him. Don't let us down."

Ichigo vaguely saw how Uryu started backing away from him, making panicked noises. He still couldn't grasp what was going on, he was much too confused and everything was hazy. He couldn't tell if this was a dream or not. Maybe he'd fallen asleep while resting his head on Uryu's thighs after all. But nightmare or not, he knew something awful was about to happen. The room was spinning hard and reflected the pounding of his heart.

Then Syzelaporro spoke again, smiling darkly:

"Black… velvet."

Uryu let out a panicked scream and Ichigo could feel himself slip under completely. His last coherent thought was:

"Uryu… run!"