Grimmjow licked his lips uneasily. He carefully removed the steaming pot of stew from the stove and set it to one side to cool. Once he was done with that he pulled out a baguette from the fridge and began to cut it into thick wedges. Vater was going to be home soon so he had to make sure dinner was hot and ready for eating. And he wanted Vater to be in a good mood when they sat down to…talk.

Isshin stared in shock from Grimmjow to Ichigo as the two sat together on the couch and then back at Grimmjow.

'Is it true, Grimmjow?' he asked the teen gently. Grimmjow simply glanced at the floor and tightened his hands on his knees. Ichigo placed a comforting hand over one of his hands and squeezed.

'It's okay, Grimm,' he murmured softly to the German boy. 'It's only Isshin. He's a real swell guy. He won't tell anyone. You can open up to him.'

Grimmjow still remained silent and shook his head frantically. This was all too much today. His heart was so unbearably full. So many emotions had spilled out of him; hurt, anger, love, guilt. He just didn't know what to do now. His entire body was raw and vulnerable from the emotional overflow.

'He's never done this,' Ichigo explained and scooted closer to Grimmjow so he could drape an arm over his shoulders. 'All his life, he's been rejecting the idea of seeing his father as anything but his father and now…well…I don't know if I can speak for him or anything but I think he finally understands that what his father has been doing to him is wrong.'

'You did good, Ichigo,' Isshin remarked and smiled reassuringly. 'Grimmjow needed someone to help him finally see what was wrong. You're a good frien-I mean, lover, I mean-!'

'Chill out, Isshin,' Ichigo cut in, trying not to laugh. The teen really had to do some explaining when Isshin had walked in on them sharing their first kiss. Not that gay people weren't common but you don't expect to see two guys making out in a trashed apartment when your only plan was to see the gorgeous woman who owned said apartment that day.

'Thing is, Grimmjow and I don't know what we are to each other either.'

Grimmjow's heart fluttered at that statement. It was like Ichigo had read his mind. He really didn't know what Ichigo was to him. Were they going out? Did that make Ichigo his boyfriend? Did he really want a boyfriend? Those were such confusing questions he really didn't need right now so maybe getting a boyfriend wasn't such a good idea. He was just glad that Ichigo understood that as well.

'I'm glad you two are being mature about your…relationship,' Isshin replied. 'But coming back to a more urgent matter, I think it's time an adult stepped in to handle this.

'Right now, it's best for Grimmjow to be separated from his father. Judging from all the evidence you've told me, Ichigo, the man is…unstable. God knows, what he could do to Grimmjow if he continued to stay with him.'

Grimmjow felt his chest tighten. This was his Vater they were talking about. The man he had respected all his life and loved dearly. His instincts were screaming at him to tell Isshin to shut the hell up but his mind, his now logical mind, was telling him that this was for the best and he should accept it. Still, it didn't stop his chest from hurting.

'Thanks, Isshin,' Ichigo said gratefully and lightly traced a circle on Grimmjow's hand with his thumb. Isshin nodded.

'I'd be a horrible person if I didn't offer my help right now,' the man said gravely. 'In the meantime, Grimmjow can stay with you. I'm sure Masaki won't mind. If you two can just go to his apartment and pack up his stuff I'll go call the child welfare so they can send someone right this-!'

'NO!' Grimmjow cried out suddenly. He twisted out of Ichigo's comforting hold to stand up, his eyes desperately wide and his heart racing. Ichigo and Isshin stared at him in shock.

'Not now,' Grimmjow whispered, his voice quivering along with his entire body. 'Pleaze, no. Not now. I…he needz me. He'll…break down if you do thiz. Pleaze…don't do thiz…not vithout…me…'

'Easy, Grimmjow,' Isshin hushed and stood up to help Grimmjow sit back on the couch. 'It's okay. Don't get mad. We're just trying to help you.'

'Grimm,' Ichigo pleaded. The worry in his voice made Grimmjow's heart melt. He glanced at the teen and saw his eyes were glistening. He knew he was upsetting Ichigo by acting like this but he couldn't help it. He couldn't just abandon Vater without an explanation. He'd feel guilty for the rest of his life for doing that to him.

'Grimm, you know what needs to be done, right? You know…you know what he's doing is wrong and you can't let him get away with it, right? Please tell me you understand that.'

Grimmjow let out a shuddering sigh and forced a smile as he leaned forward to capture his love in an affectionate embrace. Ichigo was surprised by this sudden action but that didn't stop him from placing his arms around the emotionally fragile boy.

'I know,' Grimmjow answered softly. 'I underztand. But…not now. Not vithout an explanation. Let me do it. Let me tell him vhat iz going to happen. Then…then you can call and…and…take him…avay…'

It was so hard for him to make that decision then and there. If he had continued to listen to his instincts, he would've told Isshin to go to hell and that he'd never give up his Vater. But the fact of having Ichigo in his arms and telling him he'd always be there for him was enough of an encouragement to make him finally accept that his Vater needed this as much as he did. At least Isshin agreed to give him time and the opportunity to clear things with his Vater. This separation was finally going to set things right. All Grimmjow had to do now was explain everything to Vater and then it'll all get better. He'll even get to see Mutter and Stark and Nel again. Maybe even apologize to Mutter for thinking her as cruel.

The thought of seeing his family again gave him courage. He finished cutting the bread and stuck them in the oven to toast. Just as he did, a door slammed, making him jump. His heart instantly picked up pace. Vater was home.

'Grimmjow!' Aizen called from the hall. He heard the scuffling of shoes as Vater took them off. 'Is that stew I smell? Wow! Das riecht lecker!'

'I saw Mutter make it once,' Grimmjow said proudly as Aizen finally came into the kitchen. 'I'm surprised I still remembered! I know you like it so I thought I'd give it a try!'

'I know it'll turn out wonderful,' Aizen said with a smile as he peeked at the stew and inhaled deeply. He then turned to Grimmjow and pulled him into a hug before kissing his head. Grimmjow stiffened and he was half tempted to push him away. But he didn't.

When Aizen finally let go to go freshen up, Grimmjow felt like his body was on fire. He gripped the kitchen sink, trying to ease his madly beating heart. He realized he was trembling.

'Get a grip, Grimmjow, get a fucking grip,' he chanted to himself. 'This shouldn't be so hard. Just tell Vater straight out. No hesitations. It's for the best. Remember, this is for the best.'

'So,' Aizen remarked cheerfully as he glided in. 'When do we eat.'

Grimmjow balled his hands into fists.

'It's not just for the best,' Grimmjow told himself firmly. 'It's for Ichigo.'

'Vater,' Grimmjow said slowly. 'I have to tell you something.'

'Mm?' Aizen said as he placed napkins on the table and hummed a cheery tune. Then he looked up and saw the serious look on his son's face. His smile faltered. 'What is it, Grimmjow?'

The boy gulped nervously and twisted his hands in his oversized indigo shirt. This was definitely an easier said than done sort of situation.

When Grimmjow took too long a pause, Aizen frowned and strolled forward, his hands reaching out to touch his son. Grimmjow's eyes widened slightly and he took a step back. When Aizen saw this, he stopped advancing and his frown deepened.

'Grimmjow, what happened?' he said quietly, his voice losing that soft tone. It was hard now. Grimmjow had never heard his Vater use that tone before. He felt his mouth dry up. This was also definitely scarier than he imagined it would be.

'I've been talking to my friends,' Grimmjow stammered, his hands now contorting his shirt which was sure to leave stretch marks. 'And…and…'

'What?' Aizen said calmly but his voice sounded dangerous. 'What have you been talking about, Grimmjow?'

Silence. Grimmjow glanced at the floor before looking back up.

'Is this right, Vater?' he said softly. 'About you and me? Is it right what we do? What you do to me?'

Aizen stared at him in disbelief before laughing. Though it sounded forced and mechanical.

'Is it wrong for a Vater to love his Sohn?' he said smoothly and smiled demurely as he spread his arms out as if to hug Grimmjow. 'Come here, Grimmjow. Your mind is full of all these confusing ideas from this foreign country! Come. Let Vater make the confusion go away.'

Any other time, Grimmjow would have agreed with Aizen and rushed into his arms. To feel safe, loved, protected. But now…now those arms spoke of imprisonment, of artificiality, of deceit. He didn't feel safe anymore. He felt trapped.

Aizen's smile began to fade again and his brow creased slightly. He slowly dropped his arms.

'What's gotten into you?' he murmured. 'You were never like this. You were always willing to come to your Vater. Did something upset you that you're acting like this, Grimmjow?'

'Yes,' Grimmjow thought bitterly but he didn't say it out loud.

'I just don't…I just don't think…' Grimmjow said faintly and wheezed his eyes shut now. This was it. 'I just don't think I can do this anymore…'

'Do what?' Aizen tried to laugh it off again. Like he thought Grimmjow was pulling a silly prank on him. Then he realized he was serious. His voice became low and hard. 'Do what, Grimmjow? Not live with me anymore? Is that it?'

Grimmjow felt his body shaking again. He didn't trust his voice to answer nor could he bring himself to look at his Vater. Instead, he stared intently at the floor and nodded.

He didn't know what happened but the next thing he knew Aizen was standing in front of him with the scariest look on his face ever. Grimmjow tried to cry out in fear but his voice stuck in his throat. He couldn't even run away because Aizen had caught him firmly by both his wrists.

'It's that boy next door, isn't it? Ichigo,' he said silkily. He tightened his grip painfully on his son's wrists. Grimmjow bit back a yelp. He was so, so frightened right now. 'Isn't it?'

This time he shook Grimmjow. Hard.

Trying not to cry, Grimmjow merely nodded, too afraid to speak.

'I knew there was something about him,' Aizen breathed. 'The way he would look at me. I could tell he disliked me. But I disregarded that. You needed a friend and so I encouraged you to spend time with him. If I had known he was filling your head with lies and tall tales I would have thought twice of letting you go to his apartment.'

'Vater,' Grimmjow gasped and tried in vain to pull free. 'Vater, you're hurting me!'

'You are never to approach that boy, Grimmjow. I forbid it, you hear me? Do you understand?' Aizen demanded, his voice harsh and grating. Grimmjow nodded frantically again, just wishing he would let go. The pain in his wrists were getting unbearable. But Aizen shook him violently again. Grimmjow thought his head was going to fall off.

'I want you tell me with your own mouth, Grimmjow! Promise me you'll never see that boy again!'

'I promise! I promise!' Grimmjow cried, no longer able to hold his tears back. 'I won't go near him ever again! Just please let me go!'

He sobbed uncontrollably now. He'd lose control. He didn't know what else to do. This was all too much. He'd never seen Vater so furious and it scared him so bad. He needed comfort. He needed Ichigo. But…he wasn't allowed to see him anymore. He wasn't allowed to see the boy he loved with all his heart…

Aizen sighed in relief and suddenly pulled Grimmjow to his chest, wrapping his arms around the boy. He gently kissed the top of Grimmjow's trembling head.

'I'm sorry, mein Sohn,' he whispered lovingly in his ear. 'But I just can't bear to lose you. You are so important to me. You mean the world to me, you know? The whole world. And no amount of riches is ever going to make me part with you. Do you understand?'

Grimmjow felt thick, hot tears cling to his eyelashes as they trailed down his face. He didn't know what to say. So it was best to remain silent and accept this strange love that terrified him so much.

'Oh dear,' Aizen said in alarm and pulled away from Grimmjow to rush to the oven. That was when he noticed the smoke curling out of the place and the smell of burning toast invading the air. Coughing, Aizen pulled out a tray of burnt black wedges.

'Well, I guess I'll have to pop down at the store to buy some more,' he said brightly, reverting back to his carefree nature. Grimmjow just stared at him with his now reddened eyes. 'Warm up the stew! I'll be back in ten minutes!'

The apartment got eerily quiet as Aizen left. The only sound that was heard was the click of the key as it turned in the lock. Grimmjow winced. Aizen had locked him in. Like he didn't even trust to leave him alone for a mere ten minutes.

Grimmjow's knees were knocking against each other violently. He finally gave in and slumped to the floor, fresh tears now trailing down his face. So this was his life now? A wedge of toast that suddenly blackened? How could he live like this after knowing the truth?

His body convulsed as a sobbed ripped from his lips.

How could he live like this?

'Niisan! Finish your breakfast! You know it's bad to leave food!' Yuzu complained as she looked distastefully at the half-eaten piece of toast on the table. Ichigo hurriedly shrugged on his brown jacket and rolled his eyes at Yuzu.

'I promised to meet up with someone, Yuzu!' Ichigo replied nonchalantly as he headed for the door. 'Give it to the cat or something!'

'Niisan! We don't have a cat!' she yelled indignantly.

'Then find one!' Ichigo yelled back and chuckled as he shut the door behind him before she could reply. He wasn't lying when he said he had to meet up with someone and that someone being Grimmjow.

His lips tingled when he thought about that boy now. And his cheeks always flushed a noticeable red shade. He hated to admit it but he was whipped. Majorly.

He couldn't believe that a simple kiss had changed everything about their relationship. For starters, they were no longer friends. There were closer than that. MUCH closer. And was THAT going to take a lot of explaining to their gang!

But now, Ichigo no longer felt weird thinking about Grimmjow all the time. He had a reason now. That reason which sometimes gave him a very uncomfortable 'problem' in his nether regions. Especially when he thought back on that kiss. Grimmjow's lips sure had felt nice. He wondered if he could sneak another kiss today…

Though Grimmjow had told Ichigo he was going to face his father alone, that didn't stop Ichigo from pressing his ear against his bedroom wall to hear what was going on. He was disappointed to hear the conversation was in German but surprised when the tones became sharper and more intense. Now, more than anything, he was anxious to meet Grimmjow this morning for school so he could find out how the confrontation had gone down.

He quickly looked up when he heard the door to Grimmjow's apartment opening up. But his heart immediately faltered when he saw it was Aizen. As the man shut the door, he pulled out a key and locked the door. Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Why was he locking his apartment? Had Grimmjow left early for school or something? He hoped not.

'Um, Sousuke-san,' he said politely and noticed how the man suddenly stiffened before he looked in his direction. The emotionless look was still plastered across his face and made Ichigo really uneasy but he still pressed on. 'Is Grimmjow ready to go for school?'

'Oh, I'm sorry but Grimmjow won't be going to school today,' Aizen replied, a slow smile spreading across his face. That smile made Ichigo squirm. It looked…unreal. 'He's feeling sick so I'm locking up. That way he can rest without being disturbed by…others.'

As he said 'others' his eyes briefly swept over Ichigo before he gave the boy a curt nod and left. Ichigo was stunned. Grimmjow looked perfectly healthy yesterday. How did he get sick?

A sudden, terrifying thought hit him. Did Aizen do something to him? He'd better not.

Anger flooded his senses now. He checked the stairs to make sure Aizen was gone before he began banging on Grimmjow's door.

'Grimmjow!' he called out loudly. He didn't care if he waked the rest of the neighbors. This was important. It was about Grimmjow. 'Grimmjow, are you in there? Open up! It's me! Ichigo! Hey! You okay in there?'

No reply. Ichigo was getting frantic. This wasn't good. What the hell had happened last night that Grimmjow won't even answer his door? And worse, why the hell had Aizen locked it up? He couldn't even go down to the counter and ask for a spare. The landlord didn't trust anyone with other apartment keys.

But Ichigo was getting desperate. If Grimmjow was in distress he wanted to comfort him. He couldn't bear the thought that Grimmjow might be in trouble or worse, hurt. That thought nearly made him go ballistic that he said something even he couldn't believe he was saying.

'Grimmjow, if you don't open up I'm going to come through the window! I mean it!' Ichigo blurted out.

Still no reply. Now he was getting furious. Fine, if Grimmjow wasn't going to answer then maybe he'll stay true to his promise.

'Niisan! What are you doing yelling in the hallway? You're going to wake the neighbors!' Yuzu said in surprise as she opened their apartment door to check on the commotion. But her scolding was lost on him as he rushed past her to his room.

He glanced out his window and gulped as he saw the distance between his window and the floor. It sure was pretty high. He sure hoped he wasn't fucking crazy doing this.

He carefully climbed onto the sill and balanced himself. Pressing his back firmly against the window, he held on tightly, willing himself not to look down or he might lose courage in doing this. He could feel his palms getting sweaty and his feet tingling as his body realized how high up he was.

'Don't look down, just don't look down and you'll be fine,' he coaxed himself and focused on the window next to his. It was just a leap away. A short, quick leap. And then he'd be at Grimmjow's window. He just hoped it was open so he wouldn't have to be out on the sill for so long.

He tried swallowing but his mouth had gone dry now. It was just a small jump. He could do it. He could make. All he had to do was…

'ICHIGO!'

He almost lost his hold on the window when he heard someone behind him scream in shock. It was Karin.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?' she yelled in both anger and shock. Her face was red too. 'Are you trying to kill yourself or something?'

'N-No!' Ichigo spluttered and half wished he could crawl back in. That's when he made the mistake of looking down and panic suddenly welled up. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, he was fucking CRAZY! What the hell was he thinking jumping onto the next window? He wasn't a gymnast! He was just a kid! He could make a mistake, he could seriously injure himself! Fuck that, he could kill himself pulling this stunt-!

'Ichigo?' sputtered another astonished voice but this wasn't coming from inside his home. He glanced to his side and this time, his heart didn't flutter because of the height.

'Vhat do you think you're doing?' Grimmjow said incredulously as he leaned out of his window, his mouth gaping.

'What do you think I'm doing? You weren't opening the door so my choices of seeing you were sorta limited!' Ichigo yelled angrily at him. Grimmjow blinked stupidly before blushing as he mumbled a barely audible apology. Ichigo waved it aside.

'What fucking ever but can you please let me in? We fucking need to talk about stuff!' Ichigo snapped at him. 'Like why the hell did your dad say you were sick and why he locked you in?'

Grimmjow suddenly looked away but not before Ichigo saw that the boy was about to cry. He quickly put two and two together as he crawled back into his apartment.

'Didn't go well, did it?' he said gently. Grimmjow glanced down at his fingers and Ichigo saw a few stray tears cascade into the boy's hands. This was fucked up and it made Ichigo furious. He couldn't even reach over and make him feel better when Grimmjow needed him. He hated this.

'Listen, call up the landlord and tell him you need a key to the apartment,' Ichigo said. 'I'm coming over and we're sorting this out. And we're calling Isshin, okay? Enough's enough. You gotta decide now, Grimm. There's no other way around this.'

Grimmjow hesitated before he nodded in agreement. He then shut his window and Ichigo did likewise. Ichigo sighed. At least some of the worry that clouded his mind was relieved. Though he knew the worst was yet to come.

For all of you who're like 'doesn't Grimmjow have an extra house key?' Well, if you were in Aizen's place, wouldn't you confiscate that? -_-' yes I could have incorporated that in some way in the story but I wasn't sure how hence this little end note. Plus, I don't think it's that important to include because there's already enough drama rolling in this chapter

Hope you guys like the update and like WOW I'm surprised by the amount of reviews this story is getting! 0.o

Not that it isn't appreciated but I didn't expect this story to be so popular :3

But thank you so, so much, my lovely reviewers, and hence this chapter is dedicated to you all :D

P.S: I'm sorry if I haven't mentioned this before but Ichigo's dad right now is an OC. I don't know if any of you are disappointed but that's how it is

Till next time! ^_^

TRANSLATIONS:

-Das riecht lecker!: It smells delicious!