AUTHOR"S NOTE: okay so this is a long chapter and it is very similar to a chapter in 'I Care' because it is the same scene just with Starrks POV after all the two stories happen in the same time frame. i have added stuff so please read through.

Disclaimer i dont own the characters and all that jazz


Chapter Eight

I am exhausted, which I can imagine doesn't come as a surprise to many of you. I am after all notorious for my laziness. This however was a different type of exhaustion. Sure I was both mentally and physically exhausted after all I had just one 2 rounds with my precious pineapple then I get to come home deal with that fucker Gin, and I get yet another 2 rounds in with the overzealous Szayel. That's quite a work out believe me. However this exhaustion came from defeat and all the emotions defeat entails. I was so tired of trying, so tired of caring, so tired of doing anything really, because I knew- and I bet subconsciously a part of me always knew- that as long as I was one of Aizen's faithful minions I would never truly be free. Some of you might be saying some deep philosophical shit like 'the illusion of freedom are chains in its self', to be frank I'd much prefer 'illusion chains' over the chains then the mental ones I was reminded of daily. Not having any windows in my room didn't help with my whole 'I'm in a prison' feeling either. I'm sure all of this was the intentional doing of either Gin or Aizen. After all they loved to mind fuck people in every way possible.

After cleaning up in the shower after some interesting sex with Szayel I just strutted out in my birthday suit and flopped into my bed water still dripping from my body and hair. But I was too tired to care. Moving as little as possible so not to waste the nonexistent energy I had, I struggled under the covers of my bed, nuzzling into the comfort of my pillow. I heard the diva emerge from the bathroom flicking off the light switch as he came. He took a couple steps into the room then stopped; he swayed from foot to foot indecisive on what to do.

"Should I leave?" He finally asked. His voice barely hid the hurt and anxiety. I guess when I had yelled at him to get lost earlier I had really hurt the man. Part of me hated myself for it but another part couldn't care less. It was horrible that I was dragging him into my world knowing I would never be able to come to love him, knowing he would forever just be a fuck buddy I could live without most of the time. But then the other part of me- the not so nice part the reason why I was a mercenary in the first place part- thought he deserved all the shit and heart ache he would get, after all her practically threw himself into my life.

"I don't care" I mumbled, rolling over concluding any further communications. That was the truth. I didn't care if he stayed, shared my bed or left. After all I had no emotional attachments to the man. However I was the only one. The diva breathed a sigh of relief and snuggled in under the bed covers with me. He cuddled closer to me his arms wrapping around my chest face nuzzled into my back I could feel the smile on his face. He was happy, the poor guy really liked me. If I hadn't been so tired, so dead inside from the life I unfortunately had here I might have cared.


I awoke the next morning in the most unpleasant manner. Someone knocking at the door, a really irritating sound to wake up too; it got my blood boiling and ignited some homicidal thoughts. Fortunately the one up side to having spent the night with someone was that they got to answer the door and bitch at the person on the other side. Which thankfully Szayel did, I opened one eye as I watched him walk over, not that I could see anything it was still pitch black in the room, I was blinded when he swung the door open letting the natural sunlight from the hall seep through the door.

"What!" he demanded, apparently he didn't like being woken up in such a manner either. Once my eyes had adjusted I saw that he answered the door butt naked. I buried my face in the pillow and groaned. This was going to get out. Not that I had any doubt it wouldn't but I was also known for never letting a late night conquest to stay the night. People would start to get the impression that I was getting soft. I heard who ever had come to the door utter a hollow apology and continue to mutter something about meeting Lord Aizen in the 'throne room'. Knowing I shouldn't keep that man waiting I threw away the covers not caring if some landed on the floor, after all I would just get somebody to clean it up for me. I stumbled into the bathroom, trying to shake the drowsiness from my body.

I took a quick shower, which was really only standing under the water for a few minutes. What can I say, mornings are not my thing. I walk out of my bathroom with a towel around my waist and over to my dresser. I pull on a pair of stark white gloves to cover my number, then a pair of blue boxers – yes blue. Aizen could control what we wore but no one NO ONE tells me what colour underwear to wear- Next I pull on the stupid pants that I have to tie with a sash due to my slim -but muscular I assure you- figure, then follows my jacket which I pop the collar on because I'm just that cool. When I'm ready I turn around to face my room and notice no other then my sleep over buddy sitting on the couch by the fire place waiting patiently for me to finish. He had already gotten dressed and was wearing a tight fitting jacket open at the top to reveal a love bite I assume I must've given him. Except I wouldn't call it a love bite more like 'what the fuck do you think you did Starrk?' bite. A pair of yellow eyes stare at me intently from behind his thick rimmed glasses. I stare back for a split second then leave my room. Knowing Szayel has no choice but to follow, since after all we were both summoned by the sounds of it.

Arriving at the throne room I throw the door open stifling a yawn in the process. I didn't get enough sleep last night. I needed at least 10 -12 more hours. I took my place standing next to Grimmjow who has defiantly glaring at Aizen barely sparing me and Szayel a glance when we walked in.

"Szayel, Stark and our newest recruit Grimjow. How good of you to join me." Aizen smirked. I hated when he did the formality crap, we weren't here by choice… well not totally we all knew what Aizen did to those who disobeyed. Szayel's brother was a prime example. Aizen paralyzed him then gave him to Gin to run experiments on. Szayel never seem effected which always unnerved me. Like really how cold hearted could you get. I nod my respects to my 'boss' and watch as Szayel did the same, Grimmjow however still defiant just looked away.

"The governor and I are old acquaintances, he and i have an arrangement and I'd like for the three of you to pay him a friendly visit." Aizen got to the point quickly his grin growing ever slightly. I guess he was planning on ways to make Grimmy boy pay for his disobedience.

"Friendly" I heard Grim mutter, I knew better then to interrupt. "Yes, friendly" I looked back to see Aizen respond, his face betraying his annoyance with the noob.

"You are to persuade him on a certain matter" he continued.

"And what would be that matter?" I asked, because I knew Grim would've and I was curious too, in all honesty.

"It is not of your concern." He drawled rather annoyingly. Aizen usually sent us on missions but this seemed a little beneath us especially me being ranked 1 and all, there had to be more I was sure of it.

"Once you have a guarantee that he will comply with me I have another task for the three of you to complete." Called it.

"Unfortunately due to the American constitution the reach of the federal government can only go so far, saying this, in order to get my way I need to influence a majority of governors. However some remain stubborn and refuse to let go of their morality. We live in a world now where it seems there are still men who cannot be corrupted as easily as others. They need to be dealt with. Intimidate them, and if it comes to it, eliminate them. A more submissive individual will be arranged to take their place."

Of course anything with government officials called reason for caution, after all those slime balls were almost as bad as Aizen when it came to their manipulative tendencies. I waited a second longer but when it became apparent that was all he had to say I bowed respectively and left, Szayel and Grimmjow following behind me.

"So when do we leave?" Grimmjow asked me. I looked down at him, he was almost my height but he had horrible posture and slouched a lot. Not at all attractive, or intimidating which is what I think he aimed for. "Gin will be by too drop off the details, we'll leave after that." I said trying very hard to stifle yet another yawn. I really needed a nap, and I didn't want to see Gin again. The common room would do, I didn't have to pack considering I always kept a duffel bag of clothes in my car, and we would be taking it not buts. Two things I'm very picky about beds and cars.

I sat down on a plush chair snuggling into it content to take a nap here when I noticed Grimmjow sat down as well. That was odd, he and that emo kid seemed inseparable since we got here, fucking here making out there rather annoying I admit but at lease it was predictable.

"Aren't you going to try and get in a quick fuck before we leave?" I asked, I had learned it best to be brash with the guy. That's the only language he ever seemed to understand.

"I don't want to miss Gin" he muttered, a rather bad lie but I let it go. Something was definitely up between the love birds. I would ask about it later, if I didn't forget. I wiggled deeper into the cushions, leaning my head back hands crossed across my stomach when I heard the damn front door open. Gin walked in looking pointedly at me before running his gaze over to the sulking Grimmjow.

"Hmmm, Grimmy- Chan you look awfully insignificant sitting like that." He cooed in his creepy pedophile way. Grimmjow just pouted and looked up at gin with a frown.

"Awww, cheer up Grimmy. I'm sure if you ever need it Szayel will be happy to give you some tender loving care." Szayel glared at the fox while I just started blankly ignoring the suggestive glance Gin gave me at his comment.

"Like I would ever want to comfort a buffoon like that" Szayel hissed crossing his arms. I did however catch a blushing glance he shot me. I pretended not to notice that either. Gin did though, and his smile got broader.

"It didn't seem that way when I kicked your ass trying." Grimmjow growled. I could tell already this was going to be a bad trip.

"Now, now be civil please, it's much more attractive." Gin intervened before fists started flying. This was going nowhere and I really wanted this man to leave.

"Do you have something for us Gin?" I asked trying to speed his departure.

"Ah yes" he exclaimed as he handed each of us a file.

"This has the name and info on Aizen's inside man and the list of uncooperative governors. You know what to do have fun, any charges charge to this credit card." he handed me a card.

"However all charges must be mission related or it comes outta your pay,"

"Yeah, yeah got it" I sighed. I told the other two that we would meet back here in an hour and watched as they left, finally being alone with the detestable man.

"So I see you took my advice nah ichi-chan*" he stated, his smile growing more menacing. I just grunted in response.

"I saw that Szayel is parading a rather nice bite he has, and usually his clothes are so tight to his throat." He just drabbled on as he sat his ass down on a seat next to mine. He gave me a side long glance with open eyes then said rather quietly voice serious.

"I haven't told Aizen about your little affair with the mafia's boy toy." I looked at him. This was strange I didn't think Gin kept anything from Aizen.

"Don't look at me like that; we've all had loves we can't be with." He gave me a sad smile and stood walking out of the house. This was unusual, Gin had a heart. And a lover that wasn't Aizen, I wondered what happened to the other party and who the love was. No sooner than Gin had left and Szayel walked back with duffle bags packed for the trip, the damn diva had to bring the majority of his wardrobe. I sighed leaned back picking up a book to read hoping Szayel would take it as a 'don't try talking with me gesture'. Soon after not ever a couple lines into the book Grimmjow walked back in huffing and puffing, he'll deny it all he wants but it was quite pathetic looking.

"I thought you'd take longer" I said closing a book.

"What do you mean?" Grimmjow asked flopping down on the couch with a defeated sigh.

"I said an hour so you could spend some time with your fuck buddy before we left" I sighed, I was hoping he would call me out on talking about Ulqui like that. It would meant they had reconciled and he would stop pouting, cus honest to god it was an ugly face and just made me want to punch his lights out.

"I didn't wanna hold us up" he said shuffling his feet and looking away, a sure tell he was lying.

"I'm sure" I responded dryly.

"I take it you'll change in the car" I said getting up, I didn't have a problem with wearing the uniform outside but Grimm's was a little to provocative for my taste. It left nothing above the waist to the imagination. I left throught the front door allowing Szayel to over take me so I could chat with Grimmy boy.

"What's going in between you and Ulquiorra?" I asked feigning concern. It's not that I really cared I just hated him being like this, he was annoying as his cocky self but at least he was tolerable. Him like this was just too much on my patience.

"Nothing" he shrugged.

"Don't lie to me boy." I was losing patience quickly.

"Ulquiorra's ranked higher than me." he muttered quietly. I couldn't help but stare at the boy. That was all? How childish. I couldn't help but smile this was an easy problem to fix, after all I had long figured out how to brush off Aizen's mind games.

"Are you serious? That's it? You're all moody lately because he's of a higher rank then you? That's pathetic." I couldn't help but chuckle. When his mood didn't improve I decided to go with a friendlier approach, I wrapped an arm around his shoulder like I've seen done in so many movies in these types of situations.

"It's the 21st century Grim, don't be so traditional." He still remained silent and I released his shoulders as we approached my baby. A B-E-A-U-T-F-U-L Camaro.

"Shot gun!" Szayel throws a smirk at Grimmjow.

"Not happening Szayel, Grimmjow out ranks you he gets shotie." I say getting into the driver's seat, avoiding the pout im sure Szayel is giving me. Grimmjow shoots me an estatic grin and throws his duffle bag into the truck, remaining there as he changes into more casual clothes.

"What?" Grimmjow snaps, I look at him in surprise and see him glaring at Szayel. The bickering has already started, just great.

"Don't you change your boxers?" The diva askes disgusted.

"Changed them when I got outta the shower this morning fucktard." Grimmjow growls shutting him up.

I didn't talk for awhile after getting on the road, this drove Szayel to get bored and pull out his ipod, listening to some crap rather loudly. After about an hour I looked through the rear view mirror and noticed he finally fell asleep, I envied him. I decided now would be the perfect time to talk to Grimmjow about the while ranking conspiracy Aizen had going.

"Strength isn't always measured as a physical attribute." He didn't say anything only glancing at Szayel in the back seat taking a picture of the pitiful sight.

"But it definitely helps." He pouted glaring at the passing trees.

"Physically, Ulquiorra is not stronger then you." Grimmjows head whipped around so fast that I thought it would break his neck.

"Didn't you find it funny that Aizen only tested your strength, and how well you were at fighting? Aizen never actually said the rank was based on strength he just implied it. Ulquiorra was probably ranked 4th because his appearance is deceiving, he's sly and cunning not to mention he's obedient and easily manipulated. You on the other hand are strong physically, but your also rash, short tempered and rebellious. To a man like Aizen who lives a life of control your very dangerous." I explained patiently pausing to let him process the information.

"Why would he do that? Why would he want me to believe it had to do with strength?" he demanded utterly confused by my genius.

"Just think about it Grim. What are you and Ulquiorra fighting about? Rank. Now that you know it's not only about physical attributes are you as upset as before?"

"No" he said biting his lip in thought.

"He wants to break your rebellious spirit. It's obvious how attached you are to Ulquiorra, you're stronger around him because you feel you have to impress and protect him. If Aizen were to sever that bond the two of you have I have no doubt that you would become more compliant, easier to control. Of course he can't do his up front he has to make you believe that it's your idea for the problem for the inevitable separation that's bound to come if you continue avoiding and misunderstanding. You two without a doubt are stronger together, strong enough that Aizen sees you as being a threat. By manipulating your emotions he is breaking you two up, eliminating a threat." I said another timbit of my endless intelligence. I watching him out of the corner of my eye, you could practically see all of the pieces snap into place inside his head. He was so easy to read. He pulled out his phone the minute everything came together and started to text furiously.

His phone would buzz in response a few seconds later and he would go again texting like a mad man, until finally he looked at the screen with a happy smile on his face.

"I take it you guys made up?" I asked giving me a knowing smile.

"You're pretty smart."

"Pretty? Try very" I smiled, he gave a bark of laughter at that.

"So what's your magic number, you must be up there somewhere." He asks grinning his usual grin.

"Wouldn't you like to know." I smirked bring my eyes back to the road, I could feel a smile play on my lips. Maybe the trip wouldn't be so bad after all.


**okay for the ichi-chan that Gin called Starrk i looked up how the number 1 is said in Japanese and thats what i got. i could be wrong if i am then please let me know and ill fix it.

i also decided to give Gin a heart

maybe ill do a story with him and someone else.

i was thinking Izuru Kira, if anyone else hasany suggestions lemme know

feel free to ask any questions too.