Chapter Four: And the winner is…

Ichigo slowly woke up to silence. He lay there for a while, trying to wake himself up, but gave up and allowed himself to slip back into sleep.

He woke up again a while later and with a yawn tried to roll himself over to go back to sleep, but was stopped when arms tightened around him. Looking over his shoulder he was surprised to see Grimmjow lying behind him still asleep. His face was calm, and Ichigo found himself watching him. Looks kind of cute… Untangling himself from Grimmjow's arms he looked around the room. It looked almost exactly like the room he had been given, but with light blue walls and the furniture looked a little beaten up.

It that an imprint of a foot? Ichigo looked at the door. Everything went really fast last night; I never got a chance to really look around.

Getting up Ichigo spotted clothes on the edge of the bed. Grabbing one Ichigo held it up and was surprised to see it looked exactly like his bankai outfit. He grabbed the pants and looked them over. The clothes looked like they fit him. Ichigo frowned at that, someone had to have come in to put the clothes here. Deciding not to ask too many questions Ichigo spotted the bathroom and went to get dressed.

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Grimmjow woke up to the sound of a shower. Yawning he stretched out languidly and lay a hand where he figured Ichigo would be. He frowned when all he felt was warm bed sheets.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Looking up, Grimmjow grinned when he spotted a half naked Ichigo standing in the doorway of his bathroom. Grimmjow couldn't help but look him over. He was just wearing a white hakama, leaving his chest bare. Grimmjow licked his lips when he spotted Ichigo's nipples.

"You should have woken me up; we could have taken a shower together." Ichigo just glared at him and looked away. Grimmjow frowned when he noticed the clothes Ichigo was wearing weren't his. "Where did you get the clothes?"

"I found them on the bed when I woke up. Does that happen often?" Grimmjow growled. He didn't like the fact someone had been in here when he was asleep with Ichigo. He's MY mate, Grimmjow snarled to himself and looked Ichigo over one more time, grinning when the boy turned around to get dressed and showed him his ass. Licking his lips, Grimmjow stood up, and wrapped his arms around Ichigo.

"Let me finish," Ichigo slipped out of his arms and finished dressing, ignoring Grimmjow.

"I can't touch you?" Taking a step forward Grimmjow grabbed Ichigo and pulled him back into his body and held him there. Resting his head on Ichigo's head Grimmjow felt himself start purring. Ichigo laughed when he felt the reverberations against his chest as Grimmjow purred. It felt strange to be in his arms, but strangely enough, Ichigo felt safe. They stayed like that for awhile before to Grimmjow's amusement and Ichigo's embarrassment, his stomach growled loudly.

Blushing Ichigo gave a mumbled "So where do we eat?"

Grimmjow smiled. "Come on, I'll show you the cafeteria." Ichigo quickly shunpoed after Grimmjow who sonidoed out of the room and down the hall.

"How far away is it?" Ichigo asked after they had sonidoed past a few floors and many hallways. Grimmjow laughed.

"A few floors down below the espadas rooms, near the central dome. That stupid fox likes to change the hallways around, but we're almost there." Ichigo nodded and watched the white walls fly by along with an occasional door. Yet the place was empty, devoid of any and all life.

"Where are the other Arrancar?" Grimmjow snorted.

"Asleep, it's still really early in the morning. Most won't be up for another hour." Ichigo nodded. "This is the cafeteria." Surprised Ichigo stopped and looked up to see he was standing in front of two double doors. Pushing them open Grimmjow stalked into the room. "Oi, hurry up!"

Ichigo found himself growing annoyed "I coming," He snapped, "Don't be a bastard."

Grimmjow stopped in front of a high table at the far end of the room overlooking the rest of the tables. "I was talking to the cooks," Grimmjow sat in his chair. "They take a while to make anything. Lazy bitches." Grimmjow patted the chair next to him. "Come on, sit here."

Ichigo shrugged and walked over and sat himself next to him. To his surprise an Arrancar, that he hoped was NOT the cook, swiftly ran over with two plate of food in its hands. It looked more like a blueish-green blob than anything and was shaking in fear, causing great rolls of fat to jiggle around.

"Finally," Grimmjow huffed as the Arrancar set them down in front of them. It didn't meet their eyes; instead it kept fidgeting as if waiting for something. Ichigo gave the creature a funny look before glancing over to see Grimmjow looking critically at his food. He took a bite before nodding. "It's good," The Arrancar looked like it was almost jumping for joy as it turned and raced away as fast as it could.

"What was that about?" Ichigo watched as it was talking animatedly to another cook.

"Grimmjow has the habit of killing any Arrancar that so much as looks at him funny." Ichigo looked up in surprise to see a familiar Arrancar standing behind him. "Hey, you're the guy from the park!" Ichigo watched as the Arrancar sat next to him.

"My name is Ulquiorra Schiffer." Ulquiorra's face showed no emotion as he watched Ichigo. "How was your first night here?"

"Nobody cares about that emo boy, my names Nnoitra." Ichigo looked up to see a tall dark haired male with a huge grin on his face showing off his teeth. "Hey, you look cute. Wanna join me?"

"I already have someone." Ichigo mumbled, feeling himself blush slightly. Nnoitra tilted his head to one side.

"Who?" Ichigo nodded over towards Grimmjow who looked pissed off and was glaring at Nnoitra who just laughed. "If you want someone better, I can…"

"Shut it," Grimmjow snarled, glaring at him. He glanced sideways at Ichigo who was still blushing. "You should eat before it gets cold." He went back to his food ignoring the others who had just showed up. Ichigo tried to ignore the newcomers and instead concentrate on his food, but curiosity won over. Leaning over slightly, Ichigo whispered to Grimmjow "Who are all of these people?"

"We are the espada, the strongest Arrancar. There are ten of us, the weakest being number ten and the strongest is number one."

Ichigo looked away from Grimmjow to see the table was almost full except for three seats at the top of the table.

"Do the three trai…" Ichigo hesitated. If they were traitors for leaving Soul Society, what did that make him?

"What?" Ichigo shook his head at Grimmjow's questioning gaze.

"Never mind." Suddenly it was quiet, the steady hum of voices had disappeared. Ichigo blinked in surprise as he looked around, he hadn't noticed the cafeteria had become so full. Wondering why everyone had gotten quiet he jumped when Aizen's voice reached him.

"Good morning Ichigo-Kun, how are you doing today?" Ichigo looked up at the front of the table to see Aizen at the head of the table, to his right Ichimaru and to his left Kaname.

"Er…Good," Aizen smiled and nodded before turning to Ichimaru who's eyes were open and watching him. Ichigo hunched down in his seat slightly, hoping Ichimaru would look away.

"Stop that," Grimmjow hissed at him. "It's like you're scared of them."

"I'm not, that fox-face is just weird." Grimmjow snorted drawing looks from the ones closest. Grimmjow got up, leaving his plate on the table, and Ichigo quickly followed suit. As they started to leave, Aizen's voice rose up.

"If you don't mind Ichigo-Kun, I would like to talk to you later."

"Alright." Ichigo watched as Aizen turned to talk to Kaname. Turning he followed Grimmjow out of the cafeteria, never noticing the anger on his face.

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Grimmjow growled to himself as he stalked back to his rooms. Ichigo hurrying to catch up. "What does that bastard want with you?" Ichigo stopped at the anger that came into Grimmjow's voice.

"Why would I know?" Grimmjow turned and glared at Ichigo.

"Then why would he want to talk to you?" He snapped, his voice rising.

Annoyed Ichigo snapped back. "Maybe he wants to give me back my sword, or take me to Orihime, or ask me if I need something, or ask me if I like my room, even though I wasn't there long because you destroyed it. Why the hell would I know?"

"Don't talk to me like that!" Grimmjow took a step forward forcing Ichigo to take a step back.

"What the hell's your problem?" Ichigo snapped. Angry he walked past Grimmjow, their shoulders brushing against each other. Grimmjow whipped around and grabbed Ichigo by the throat and slammed him against the wall. Ichigo gasped and struggled in his grip his fingers trying vainly to rip Grimmjow's hand off his neck.

"You little bitch. I'm not some tame pussy like the others. I don't bow down to anyone!"

Ichigo snarled in his grip, his voice coming out breathy. "Let me go!" Ichigo's struggled slowed as he fought to get air. "Grimm…"

Grimmjow gasped when a pale hand grabbed his wrist and with a quick twist broke it. "Let him go Grimmjow," Below them, Ichigo lay panting, trying to regain his breath. Ulquiorra went on, ignoring Ichigo. "Aizen-Sama will not be happy with you if you harm him." Grimmjow growled and pulled his good hand back to smash it into Ulquiorra's face.

"Even you can't change," Ichigo stood up, not looking at Grimmjow.

"Ichigo, please wait, I…"

"Aizen-Sama requests your presence." Ichigo turned and followed Ulquiorra, trying to ignore Grimmjow's shouts.

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"Hello Ichigo-Kun, would you like some tea?" Ichigo hesitated in the doorway, he was unsure of what to think after what had happened with Grimmjow. Looking around the room, he was in what appeared to be Aizen's private quarters. The man was sitting at a small table drinking tea and watching him over the rim of the cup. Ichigo walked to the table and spotted Zangetsu lying next to Aizen's chair in its scabbard.

"Oh! Um…you wanted to talk?" Aizen laughed as he watched the boy, whose eyes were only for his sword.

"You were under the impression that I called you just to give you your Zanpakuto?" Ichigo hesitated and glanced away. Aizen laughed. "Well, if you don't want to talk, you can take it and leave." Aizen indicated Zangetsu.

"I'm not rude," Ichigo sat down with a glare aimed at Aizen, who smirked.

"Of course not. I was merely giving you a chance to get out of having tea with me. Some of the espada would love such a chance." Aizen poured tea for Ichigo who felt strange sitting next to a man who viewed himself as God.

"Like Grimmjow?" Aizen stopped and with a sigh, put his cup down.

"Grimmjow is filled with anger at serving me, he dislikes it."

"Then why does he?" Aizen sat back and stared intently at Ichigo.

"This is why I want to talk. You see, I promised everyone who follows me something they wanted. Grimmjow wanted power. The power to become something more than an Adjuchas. All I asked was for them to follow me. He, like the rest, did. I asked you here because I want to know what you want. What can I give you to make you want to stay?"

"I want to protect my family and friends." Aizen nodded.

"I can do that, but you would still have sacrifices. Instead of using Karakura, I can use Soul Society as the Kings Key." Ichigo looked away. Aizen sighed and decided to change the subject.

"How are you and Grimmjow doing?"

"He attacked me in the hallway. If you hadn't called for me when you did Grimmjow could have killed me."

And a good thing I noticed his reitsu flux. Aizen growled to himself. Keeping his face neutral he spoke slowly, as if he were thinking out loud. "Grimmjow is wild and untamed…"

"That's not an excuse! I don't get why he just attacked me, it's like he changed in an instant!"

"Grimmjow is unpredictable, although he does seem to care for you. He is kinder around you." Ichigo glared at him.

"What are you saying, that I should forgive him? You're not doing a good job of convincing me."

"No, only give him another chance. I'm sure he regrets what he did to you."

"Just because he regrets what he did doesn't mean he won't do it again!"

"Are you scared?" Ichigo looked away. "Would you like a different room? One away from the Espadas?"

Ichigo…

Ichigo growled at Shiro in his mind. Don't talk to me.

Oh come on, when you first met him what was he like?

You too? Why is everyone asking me to give him another chance?

'He's wild and unpredictable; I don't know how to fight him or what he'll do.' Do you remember those words? That's what you thought when you first met him. Even Aizen said he hates him. Talk to Grimmjow, that's all you can do.

"…go…Ichigo." Ichigo looked up in surprise.

"Yeah?"

"You were spacing out. Talking to your Inner-Hollow?"

"How did you know?" Aizen smirked.

"I know Urahara's ways very well. That and it was the only way to bring back your powers. If you would like, we can separate the two of you and give your hollow his own body." Ichigo looked up on surprise.

"You can do that?" Would you like that Shiro?

Yeah! You don't know how annoying you can be.

Ichigo laughed. "We would both like that, and I think Shiro would love to be away from me."

"His name is Shiro?" Ichigo nodded. "Well then, I will talk to Szayel about it, although he is currently busy with Neliel."

"He can't figure out how to change her back?"

"No, she is back to normal. Apparently, in changing her back to her real form she regained her memories. She wasn't very happy."

Ichigo frowned. "What happened?" Aizen watched Ichigo for a while, causing said man to shift uncomfortably.

"Szayel Aporro and Nnoitra both wanted to gain in their positions. They attacked her, breaking her mask and tossed her out of Las Noches. They won't be punished as Nel..."

"WHAT? Why?" Ichigo stood up angrily. "They tried to kill her! She was…"

Aizen held up a hand. "I know." Aizen smirked. "She has already taken care of them." Ichigo stopped and gave him a puzzled look. "Neliel asked me for a favor and I allowed it." Aizen leaned back and clasped his hands together. "Let's just say Szayel won't be getting up any time soon." Ichigo decided not to ask.

They talked about other things, Aizen seemed very interested in his life outside of being a substitute soul reaper, but in the end Aizen had to leave to 'take care of some things', leaving Ichigo by himself to think.

"The teas getting cold." Surprised Ichigo looked up to see Grimmjow standing before him. He looked a little worse for wear, his wrist was in a splint and bruises littered his face. Ichigo just stared. Grimmjow scratched his face and wouldn't meet his eyes.

"What happened to you?"

"So you're talking to me now?" Ichigo glared.

"Are you going to answer the question?"

Grimmjow sighed and nodded to the chair. "Can I sit down?" Ichigo nodded and Grimmjow sat down with a huff. He fiddled with the teapot. "Well after you left, I was freaking out about what happened and then saw Neliel." He grinned ruefully. "She heard and well…" He gestured to himself. Ichigo laughed before he could help himself. "I'm sorry." Neither spoke.

Ichigo, give him one last chance? He makes you feel safe right? Did Renji ever make you feel safe?

Ichigo sighed; annoyed he was going to listen to Shiro. "I don't want to forgive you." He watched as Grimmjow looked away. "But I will. But if you ever hit me again, I promise you will wish Nel had gotten to you first!" Grimmjow grinned and got up. Walking around the table his grabbed Ichigo and pulled him up. Grimmjow cupped Ichigo's face, looking into his eyes. Leaning in Grimmjow kissed him. It was soft at first, and Ichigo enjoyed it more than he had ever with Renji.

I need to stop comparing them, there's nothing to compare anymore. I think I'm falling in love with Grimmjow. Ichigo wrapped his arms around Grimmjow's back and soon the kiss grew heated. Grimmjow licked Ichigo's lips asking for permission to enter. Opening his mouth, Ichigo let their tongues slowly touch and move around. They moaned.

"Let's go back to the room, Grimm." Grimmjow grinned at the breathlessness of Ichigo's voice. Grabbing him, he lifted him up bridal style and still kissing took off for their rooms.

A/N: I don't know what I was thinking for their first fight…oh well, please review what you thought of the chapter! I'm not in love with it…

My vacation was a lot of fun. Went to the beach. Wrote a lot.