Naturalist: This Is Not Goodbye

At long last, after hours of lazing about with Ichigo slowly getting more and more tense, he's finally snapped. Grimmjow lays back in bed as he watches the other, humor glittering in his eyes as he forces himself not to laugh. He's never seen Ichigo in such a state, pacing and rambling as he curses just about everything and everyone for his misfortune of a plan gone so far awry there's no fixing it.

"I can't believe this!" Ichigo snarls. "All this time and nothing! I catch footprints, white fur, ghostly light, but no fucking panther spirit!"

"Calm down, Ichigo," Grimmjow sighs.

"He's playing with me! That fucking Pantera is playing with me!"

"Ichigo, you're being ridiculous," the seme states attempting to swallow his laughter.

Now, the uke has finally started blaming the great panther god, Pantera, for his misfortune. Grimmjow was wondering how long that would take, as he's already blamed everyone else. It's cute to see him like this, the blush of fury on his face almost as sexy as the one it holds during sex. It's odd to the teal haired male just how opposite they are, and yet they seem to fit together perfectly.

"… Is it just me?" Ichigo asks quietly. "Is it me that's to blame? Am I finally losing my knack."

"Of course not, Ichi," he sighs. "You're awesome. You've almost filled that sketchbook with scenes from this place, that was just on the way there. I've never seen anything so beautiful before… except you, but I don't think you count."

"Why?" Ichigo growls out.

"Because there's no way you're manmade," he chuckles. "You had to have been born of the sunrise and all the most perfect parts of nature."

"… Y-you… Stupid! Don't say stuff like that!" the vibrant haired teen blushes.

"Get that fine ass over here," Grimmjow grins. "I got at least five hours of pent up sexual frustration to get rid of and you're not going anywhere until I'm satisfied."

"… Five hours?" Ichigo whines. "I have to leave tomorrow morn… Oh! You better make this good!"

Grimmjow pulls him onto his lap, his erection straining against his pants to reach Ichigo's inviting tightness. He doesn't press the whole wild sex thing, wanting to take it slow for once, and Ichigo doesn't fight against it. He's completely melted against his lover's chest, submissive to whatever he deems he wants to do to him. Grimmjow scours his body with his tongue, letting his hands roam over tan plains as Ichigo writhes. Once the smaller is completely out of it and oblivious to anything but his mouth, Grimmjow gives a wicked smirk against a firm chest and ties the orangette's wrists to the headboard.

"Whoa… wait a minute," Ichigo mutters as he tugs on his wrists. "I don't think this is a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because you might not let me go."

"Too late now, isn't it?"

"But…"

"Nope! Too late!"

Before Ichigo can say anything else, his lips are caught by Grimmjow's. those hands roam up and down his sides, his tongue coaxing the smaller male's into a playful battle. Ichigo groans and lifts his hips to find a bit of friction, his lover pulling out of his reach just to aggravate him. This is their last night together and he'll be damned if this doesn't last. He moves down the slim male's body, nipping and kissing and leaving the occasional bite. Ichigo whimpers, so close to begging and still too proud to do so. He ghosts his breath over his uke's arousal, Ichigo breathing in sharply before growling in frustration.

"G-Grimm!"

"Yes?"

"Take me!"

"… I think I'll wait."

"If you don't fuck me now, I'm gonna plant my foot up your ass!" Ichigo screams.

"You have an awfully strange method of begging."

"I don't beg. Now get on with it!"

"If you want me to continue, you'd better start begging."

"… Get off me."

Grimmjow starts at that, his wide eyes darting up to look at the furious amber pools glaring down at him with the force of a typhoon. He hesitates at that one, trying to figure out what's going through the other's mind. Finally, after realizing he's actually serious, Grimmjow utters a sound of disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

"Get… off… of… me," Ichigo states slowly. "I refuse to beg, so if you won't continue without it, then untie me and get the fuck off."

"I've heard of male pride, but this is ridiculous."

"I won't repeat myself again."

"And if I refuse, what then? I mean… you're pretty much helpless and if I choose to torment you until you break and beg like a…"

He's cut off when Ichigo's legs wrap tightly around his throat in warning, the strength behind them shocking for such a slender man. With a sigh, Grimmjow grumbles under his breath before looking back at the enraged little orangette.

"Okay, okay, no begging," he pouts. "Jeez, you're hard to play with."

"I don't mind being played with Grimmjow, but I'm not used to being so submissive and I can't stand being played with during sex!"

"Mm-hm," he says absently.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Nope."

"Grimm… Ah!" he cries out as he's penetrated. "Fuck! A little warning next time would be great!"

"You were so busy talking, I didn't want to interrupt you."

The cocky grin on the larger man's face has Ichigo's brow ticking in anger, his mouth opening to yell once more and his voice cut off by Grimmjow's. his scowl quickly melts as the other presses his dominance with ease, the vibrant haired teen sighing in contentment as his entire being relaxes beneath the muscular form of his lover. The teal haired man starts a slow pace, just enough to keep Ichigo content and not yet powerful enough to bring them close to the edge. Ichigo purrs, his every nerve ending on fire at the feel of that thick shaft moving within him.

"Faster," he sighs out.

"I don't suppose now would be a good time to ask you to beg."

A soft growl of warning and Grimmjow picks up his pace with a good natured chuckle, the smaller male moaning wantonly as his prostate is struck with those powerful thrusts. It doesn't take much more coaxing and that steady slam has turned into an eager hammering, Ichigo's body slowly sliding up the mattress with the force. He plants his hands against the headboard, pushing back to avoid his head hitting it, and screams for more. Grimmjow groan as his lover's entrance tightens around his swollen arousal, hissing in pleasure as Ichigo's warm fluids coat their stomachs and his body tremble beneath him. With a few more deep presses, he follows his uke over the edge and growls in his release. His arms shake as he tries to hold himself up, the larger male barely moving himself to Ichigo's side before falling beside him.

"… Untie me," Ichigo mumbles sleepily.

"You'll be fine till we wake up," the larger male answers.

"Grimm," the orangette snaps. "Grimmjow? Grimmjow!"

The soft even breathing of his seme sends a bristling anger up his spine, however he's too tired to act on it. No doubt he'll be woken a few hours from now for another round, one he'll crave just as much as this last one, but until then he closes his eyes for a bit of sleep.

Ichigo is just waking when the sun touches through the window, his arms still bound to the headboard and now almost numb. Grimmjow is gone, yet he can hear his voice outside on the balcony this time. He grumbles in irritation, scowling up at his wrists that he can barely feel through the pins and needles.

"Grimmjow, get your ass in here and untie me!" he yells in fury.

"Hmm?" Grimmjow wonders as he peek in through the door. "You say something?"

"I've got pins and needles, asshole!" he snaps. "Any longer and I'll permanently lose the ability to use my fucking arms!"

"Hold you fucking horses, I'm coming," the seme sighs. "You know, you try to be all threatening and shit… but it only serves to turn me on more."

"… Untie me and step away from the bed."

The flat tone laced with such seriousness and a partial fear has Grimmjow grinning that feral grin that sends pleasant goose bumps along Ichigo's skin, the smaller praying their practically non-stop intimacy last night is enough to keep his lover's libido at bay. Thankfully it is, the other untying Ichigo and moving to let him up. He frowns at the loss of feeling in his arms, Grimmjow grasping them and massaging the pins and needles away.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs as he kisses the smaller male's lips softly.

"It's okay," Ichigo sighs. "I was kind of hoping you wouldn't untie me."

"Oh? Some kind of kink?" the taller teases.

"No!" the orangette blushes brightly. "I just… didn't want to leave yet."

"… I'll walk you to the edge of the jungle, okay?"

It's said softly and the answering 'okay' is just as soft, the tone of two soul mates about to say goodbye… most likely forever. The very thought pains the young artist, only his pride and determination holding back the tears that want to fall from saddened amber orbs. As they make their way to the exit, Ichigo's bag slung over Grimmjow's broad shoulder, the orangette cuddles as close as possible and prays his seme refuses to let him go. Unfortunately, Grimmjow will let him leave, will insist on it… Ichigo can't survive in his world.

"So… This is goodbye," Ichigo murmurs as he stands with the tree line separating them. "You know… maybe I can stay a bit longer?"

"I'd like that, Ichi," Grimmjow says with a sad smile. "But it's probably best if you went home. After all, I can't keep you all to myself forever."

"Yeah, I guess… you're right," he sighs. "I'll miss you, Grimm. Thank you for saving me and keeping me safe, perhaps I'll return to visit in a bit."

"That'd be perfect," Grimmjow smirks while handing the orangette his bag. "Goodbye, Kitten."

"No, Grimm, I'll be back… I promise."

Ichigo hesitantly walks away, turning and waving as Grimmjow does the same. As much as it breaks his heart, Ichigo needs to save that place and he'll stop at nothing to do so and return to the addictive man. Grimmjow turns to go back into the trees once Ichigo is out of sight.

"Goodbye… Kitten," he mumbles before the darkness of the trees consumes him.

Ichigo races into the village after the long walk, every step he take tearing his heart to smaller shreds as he gets just one step further from that gorgeous god-like man. He finds Renji without a problem, his best friend since birth chatting away with a few of the local girls. The one thing he can always count on to locate said friend in a heartbeat, aside from his many black tribal tattoos, is his crimson red hair.

"Ren!" Ichigo calls. "Renji!"

"Hey, Ichi!" the redhead greets with a grin. "I thought I told you I'd pick you up?"

"I needed time to think," the orangette sighs. "I… I need to talk to you. Come on."

The stroll through the town that seems so old and yet so populated, the buildings something you would find in an old Mayan civilization… or close to it. Ichigo never minded, he really likes old places like this. Places untouched by greed and steel, trapped in the old ways and filled with legends of gods and spirits. He'd move out here if he could, but again… running water is his friend. As they sit within the small… could you even call it a restaurant… of their inn, Renji finally sees the hesitance and longing in his 'brother's' eyes.

"Ichi, what's wrong?" he asks seriously. "Did something happen?"

"I… met someone while I was in the jungle," he sighs.

"… Seriously. In the middle of a jungle you happened to meet someone," the other scoffs. "Was he at least hot? Was it Tarzan?"

"Shut up, I'm being serious! And… he damn well look way sexier than any Tarzan I've seen," Ichigo mumbles.

"Ooh! I'm jealous!"

"… I'm going to hit you."

"Sorry, sorry," Renji chuckles. "Go ahead. What was he like? What happened?"

"He saved my life," Ichigo sighs just a step away from dreamily. "He even guided me through the jungle… he showed me so much I never would've found on my own, you should see some of the sketches I've gotten!"

While they talk an old man listens, he own this old time tavern and inn and nothing goes on that he doesn't know about. Ichigo never minds him listening in, as the man tells him everything he's learned and shares old legends and wives tales with him to pass the time. The two miss as his brow crinkles in confusion, though he keeps his pipe between his teeth and his questions to himself for now.

"He was kind of cocky and arrogant, but so sweet and perfect. He said he watches the border and he lives there! Can you imagine? Living in the wild like that, oh I was in my glory while I was there!" Ichigo sighs happily. "Something strange happened while I was there, though…"

"Strange? Like what?"

"Well… once in awhile when I was near him… there was this really weird pull," Ichigo murmurs while scratching his head. "Kind of like… an attraction I couldn't control."

"Must've been jungle fever," Renji laughs.

Ichigo smacks him over the head with his sketch pad, the other pouting as he rubs the sore spot. The old man watches as Ichigo opens the book and slides it over to his best friend, pointing at a speck of blue with a smug look. Renji looks and his eyes open wide, his lips parting to give a low whistle.

"Damn… I'd have jungle fever around that, too. Fuck, Ichi… How'd you survive?"

"… That's not important right now," he waves off with a bright blush.

"… You let him fuck you didn't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about! You know me better than that, asshole, I'm not that loose!"

"You let him, didn't you?"

"… Yes," Ichigo mutters bitterly. "But wouldn't you? I mean, come on, the guy is fucking gorgeous!"

"Yeah, you're right," Renji states with a pout. "Now I really am jealous of you."

Renji and Ichigo are both bi-sexual, with a similar taste in partners. Right now, Renji is just getting over a break-up with Byakuya Kuchiki. The guy was a total asshole and Ichigo swore he had a stick up his ass, something he continuously brought up when Renji would complain to him about always having to bottom. Ichigo's argument was, 'if anything else were shoved up there it could cause serious damage'. obviously, the redhead didn't find that amusing and told Byakuya if he didn't start treating him as an equal then he wasn't coming back… that was almost a month ago. Renji's had plenty of time to get over it and move on, though he's decided a bachelor's life is more to his liking at the moment.

"I know," the orangette grins. "I'd be jealous of me, too."

"Young man, I apologize for intruding upon your conversation," the old man states. "But… did you say you met a man that lived in the jungle?"

"I did!"

"… No one lives in that jungle, boy," he frowns. "No one at all."

"But… I was there with him," Ichigo smiles. "I stayed in his home, we traveled all the way to the base of the mountains together."

"He took you to the mountains' base?"

"Yes. He took me himself, kept me safe… I almost got eaten by a jaguar!"

"You what!" Renji snaps.

"It's not as bad as it sounds," comes the sheepish reply.

"… So," the redhead frowns while changing the subject. "What exactly is the name of your super hunk?"

"Grimmjow," Ichigo sighs dreamily. "His name is Grimmjow."

The old man drops his pipe, startling the orangette at the loud clatter that echoes in the silent room. With a muttered apology, the old man stands and leaves the two alone within the tavern. Shrugging it off, Ichigo goes back to staring with extreme longing at his sketch of the wild teal haired man.

"Hey! Did you ever find your spirit panther?"

"… Stupid panther was messing with my head!" Ichigo growls. "I saw tracks, some bits of fur, and it's tail in the long grass. But damn if I didn't see the fucking thing!"

"It really does exist?" Renji asks, completely flabbergasted.

"I knew it did! I just knew it! Now I just have to come back on my next break!"

"Your next… but Ichi, there are so many…"

"No! I want that place," he says stubbornly. "You can't imagine how beautiful it is, Ren! Just walking through the jungle I had so many things inspire me… so much more than anywhere else."

"Ichigo… They're going to burn the jungle down next week."

His heart stops, his breath caught in his lungs as shock and despair cling to his mind. Renji sees this, moving from his own chair to comfort his best friend and brother. Suddenly, Ichigo is on his feet and racing to his room. He has to do something, has to think of something, or Grimmjow will be killed in the fire.

"Stupid stubborn idiot," Ichigo hisses as his fingers fly over his keyboard. "He should've come with me! He should've asked me to stay!"

Renji watches with sad eyes as Ichigo curses to himself, going back to his own laptop as they look for solutions. Ichigo has gone through everything, cursing a rainbow or two when things hit a dead end. He could buy the land, he has enough money for that, but it's not for sale. He could announce it an archeological find, but that's the reason behind burning down the jungle. Renji brought up that he'd attempt to get a hold of Byakuya, the one holding the land at the moment… unfortunately, they didn't have a rather good break up and the man has always been the type to hold a grudge.

"I've got it!" Ichigo yells sudden, making Renji jump and slip off the bed.

"Fuck, that hurt!"

"Sorry. Um… Byakuya has a webcam, right?"

"Yeah, we used to chat on it a lot when I traveled with you… why?"

"Hook me up to it, I need to call him," Ichigo says in determination. "And I need him to be able to see me."

Ichigo has known Byakuya and Rukia Kuchiki just as long as he has Renji, as their family and his were very close friends… well… sort of. He isn't like his father, he's always been able to get anything he's wanted for the simple fact he's mastered his aunt's art of deception. If Yorouchi gave him anything, it was that. The minute Byakuya answers the web call, Ichigo lets the tears flow.

"… Kurosaki? What's wrong?" the other asks hesitantly. "Is Renji okay? He went with you, right?"

"Yes, he's fine," Ichigo blubbers. "I just… I need Rukia's number. I lost my phone and I really need to talk to her!"

"Rukia is unavailable, Kurosaki," he frowns. "She's on holiday with her friends and asked not to be disturbed under any circumstances. I thought she would've told you."

"I've been… I've… been in the jungle here," Ichigo sobs. "They're gonna burn it down!"

"Yes, those are the orders."

"But they can't!"

The raven haired man watches hesitantly as Ichigo breaks down, resting his face in his arms as he sobs like a heartbroken girl dumped after giving up her virginity. Byakuya has never been good with Ichigo when he's crying, as he's always seen the little orangette as another sibling of sorts. He never admitted it to Ichigo, but he had told Rukia… who told Ichigo anyway… that he was more another sister than a younger brother. That meant that he was more likely to spoil him, giving him anything to keep him happy. Ichigo never fails to take advantage of that when in need of it.

"Ichigo, is everything alright?"

"No! It's not alright!" he hiccups. "That place is so beautiful and perfect and full of so many amazing things, it's not right to burn it down."

"There is a temple archeologists wish to excavate…"

"To ruin yet another work of art!" he yells through his tears. "They can learn just as much from pictures as they can destroying statues and digging up stone! I… I can reach it. I can reach it and I can paint it for them, take pictures for them. I do it all the time for the nature magazines."

"No! absolute not!" Byakuya snaps. "Ichigo, that place is dangerous, I forbid you to return there."

"You can't stop me," he scowls though his eyes still water. "I need to preserve that place, Byakuya. Don't you understand? It inspires me more than any ocean or forest or sky, I need it. I can't buy it, no one would sell it to me. I can't get it to be named a preserve, the animals aren't endangered or anything."

"… Does it truly mean that much to you?" he sighs.

"If I don't find a way to save it, I'll camp out in it just so they won't burn it down," the orangette states determinedly. "I won't let them destroy another beautiful place for sky scrapers and mini malls! I just won't! Those animals were there first, they did nothing to bother anyone outside the jungle… they deserve to keep their home and their freedom."

"… Get the pictures of the temple and the paintings," Byakuya compromises. "And I shall sell the land to you."

"Thank you, Byakuya! You're so awesome!" Ichigo cheers.

"One more thing, Ichigo?"

"Anything!"

"Tell Renji I'll talk to him when he gets back… I… miss him."

"I miss you, too, Byakuya!" Renji cries from the other side of the room.

Ichigo rolls his eyes at his sobbing friend, once so confident he was over his stubborn love. With a quick 'goodbye' and about ten more grateful comments, the call ends and Ichigo is throwing clothes and everything he needs back in his satchel. The redhead looks on with worried orbs, fiddling with a shirt before folding it and handing it to Ichigo.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course I am! I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't."

"Ichigo, you were almost killed out there!"

"I'll be fine, I know my way around now," he waves off. "Besides, I've gone up against way worse."

"You've gone up against something worse than a spirit panther bent on killing anyone that gets too close to the mountains if need be?" he snorts skeptically.

"… Okay… so this is a first for me."

"I'm going with you."

"No you're not! I was able to get closest to the mountains alone," Ichigo frowns. "I'm going on my own, or I might not be able to get that far again."

It takes a lot of arguing and Ichigo's fist in Renji's face, which starts an all out brawl, but the orangette finally wins. It takes him standing over Renji's bruised and battered form, but the fact remains that he won. He agrees to Renji driving him there in the morning, his night spent in his room as eagerness builds up within him. Not long now, and he'll be back in Grimmjow's arms.

Ichigo is in the middle of a jungle he's never seen before… well, not in real life anyway. He knows this jungle to be his dream jungle, a place he's tried to escape time and time again. His amber eyes catch moonlight filtering down from the canopy above, pouring of ivory statues and a glassy lake… and a silvery glowing panther. It's icy blue eyes glare down at him, a rumbling growl carry low over the thick silence. It's just like before, but this time… Ichigo is feeling a tad more aggressive. He growls back, crouching low and ready to attack. A hand on his shoulder, large and warm with a strength he knows all too well, stills his attack and melts him.

"G-Grimmjow," he whispers as he turns to face the man.

His eyes are hard and almost sad, filled with regret that Ichigo can't seem to find a reason for. As he stares into his reflection in those blue pools, he feels a strange tingle streak through his slim body. Grimmjow is gone and the panther is closer than it's ever gotten, wise eyes filled with fury and betrayal before a heavy paw slams against the side of his head.

"Fuck!" Ichigo shouts as he bolts awake.

This is the first time the panther has gotten so aggressive with him in his dream, as usually he's just nipped or scratched when he gets too close. This time, the side of his face is throbbing and he stumbles to the bathroom to check for any bruising… there's none, thank goodness. With a sigh, a mixture of irritation and relief, he gets ready for his trip back to his lover. Renji is already downstairs, still aggravated he lost the argument the night prior, and the old man is sitting with him.

"I'd like to accompany you on your ride, sonny," the man states.

"That's fine," Ichigo smiles. "The more the merrier, right, Ren?"

A sharp nod is his answer, the three piling into the jeep after Ichigo grabs a bite to eat. No one talks during the ride, all wary and Ichigo too busy thinking about a certain blue haired man. Before he gets out to rush into the forest, a bony and withered hand stops him.

"I have brought you something to read on your trip," the man murmurs as he hands over an ancient leather bound book. "It has been passed through my family for many generations, but I thought you needed it right now. Please return it in fairly good condition."

"I will, thank you," Ichigo smiles. "My bag is waterproof, so I'll keep it there."

"Promise me you'll read it. It's very important that you do so before you reach the mountains."

"… I promise," he assures. "Everyday, I'll read a section. Okay?"

"Do not go near the mountains until you've finished the book," he warns. "It could be a matter of life and death. You should never provoke a god before you know how to deal with them."

Renji starts at that one, turning a disbelieving look away from the man in respect before stifling a snort of humor. Ichigo, however, has seen enough in his young life to believe such words and feel the heavy foreboding they bring to him.

"I… I promise. I'll read the whole thing first," he whispers.

"Good boy. Go, go on your journey of fate."

Thought his look is quizzical and he's unsure of the meaning behind such a statement, he nods and gives the old man a small smile. Ichigo waves good bye to Renji and the man he's grown to like in such a short time, disappearing within the foliage and once more sinking into the world that calls to him. He walks just as he did before, stopping in the same place he camped the first night. Though he wants to run straight into the arms of the man he left not even a day ago, he knows such a thing would be foolish considering how much earlier the night comes to this place. He sits at the campfire, careful not to let it get out of control by bordering it with rocks, and opens the old book so he can read while there's still a bit of light to see by.

"Chapter one: the mysteries of Pantera's Jungle," he reads quickly.

The first chapter is filled with a long and complex story of a family that lived in ancient times, one that made their home in the jungle to escape a war they wanted nothing to do with. The story is so much like Grimmjow's past that Ichigo is wondering if he wasn't pulling his leg, though the ending differs completely from what he told the orangette.

"… The child, killed by a greedy human bent on erecting a temple over the den of the panthers, fought bravely to protect their beautiful home," Ichigo reads in a low tone. "So saddened were the gods that such a brave and powerful child had met their end, that they came down to punish the human that had taken his young life. They demanded the human build the temple has he had planned, but he should honor the child instead… the child they deemed worthy enough to be a god among their circle."

He's quiet at that, the story sending chills down his spine for some unknown reason. After a moment, Ichigo realizes how late it is and puts the book away. He had hoped beyond hope that Grimmjow would come find him again… would hold him in his strong and capable arms as they slept beneath the stars above… but the orangette hasn't seen a single trace of his lover.

*That's okay, * he muses as he falls asleep. *I'll check and see if he's home tomorrow. *

That night is wrought with dreams of his lover, but not pleasant ones. The story he had read only serves to twist his fantasies into nightmares, Grimmjow vanishing forever from his arms after being brutally killed by those humans that are trying to destroy this place.

His night was restless, the vibrant haired artist tossing and turning all night long. He's positive Grimmjow's name was whimpered from his lips repeatedly, the other only falling into a deep slumber when a strange veil of absolute calm he knew he wasn't feeling at the time draped over him. Ichigo's confused about that, as he could almost feel the presence of the spirit panther soothing him. If that's the case, is it going to help him and allow him into the mountains and temple… or should he still be wary of it.

"It's okay, Ichigo," he says quietly to himself. "We'll just go see Grimm, that'll make everything better. He'll know what to do."

With that joyous thought in mind, Ichigo hurries off into the trees and toward the tree house he could find blindfolded. He may have only been there once, but he was with Grimmjow and he remembers every tiny detail when it comes to his lover. As he bursts through the brush that surrounds the huge tree housing the teal haired man, he grins widely and stares up at the house he's so fond of.

"Grimmjow?" he calls. "Grimm, I'm back! Are you home?"

No answer, just the crickets and a few birds echoing around him. His grin falls into a sad frown, a miserably sigh leaving his lips. He decides to wait for the other, or at least sleep within his scent… perhaps that will keep the nightmares away. After a bath in the lake and a quick dinner, leaving a plate beneath a cover in case the other is hungry, Ichigo collapses on the huge fur covered bed. He closes his eyes, humming to himself as that familiar scent invades his senses, and falls asleep.

The moonlight within that forest again, so dark without it, and the panther is nowhere in sight. Grimmjow is standing in the moonlight this time, a hand held out to Ichigo and a feral grin on his lips. Ichigo doesn't think twice about it, racing over and falling into those strong arms. He can't talk, though he wants to say so much, so he settles for staring into those endless pools of cyan. Pain flashes through them, Grimmjow sinking to the ground with Ichigo still held in his arms. People are gathering around them, but Ichigo only sees Grimmjow's life leaving those eyes he loves. In the background of the dream, risen high where the moon should be, is the face of the spirit panther… it's icy blue eyes scowling down on the orangette from the heavens.