Byakuya waited patiently for their 'guest' to arrive.
He was not eager to host an Espada at his family home. Unfortunately, there was no way around it. All the major clans and families were having arrancar put in place to watch them, although some were more troublesome than others. The Shihoin clan had received the most difficult, the former King of Hueco Mundo. That was a sign of Aizen's distrust of them. Barragan was the most competent Espada when it came to treachery and plotting.
So in some ways it was a good sign that they'd been given the Espada of Destruction. He was reputed to be a mindless beast. Byakuya thought that was exaggerated but there was still no way such a man could hope to understand what the Kuchiki clan did for Soul Society. So Aizen did not think they were a threat.
Of course, the arrancar might still be a danger to them. Byakuya could not go against his commands so he would have to learn to manipulate the man, keep him from harming the servants or interfering with their work. And then there were Aizen's other orders. Byakuya grimaced inwardly at the thought.
After Hisana had died, he'd sworn he would never remarry. And he wasn't thinking about it now. But with Aizen's 'request' the clan elders had quietly indicated that a betrothal and marriage would not be necessary in this case. And the need for an heir was urgent now. Before the Winter War he'd had two cousins, both of whom had been intelligent, responsible and possessed shikai. Unfortunately, they'd both perished in the fighting. And Byakuya was well aware of how an upset succession or a poor choice of clan head could destroy a clan. The Shiba clan was a perfect example. Once they had been almost as prominent as the Kuchiki. But after one clan head left to live with a human woman and the second died against a hollow, they'd suffered two years of infighting to determine who would lead the clan. The woman they'd ended up with was simply not suited to the job and their position as a prominent clan had been utterly destroyed. Byakuya was determined that the same thing would not happen to the Kuchiki clan. And if he didn't provide an heir it very well might. If he died tomorrow there would be a nightmare of competing claims. So despite his distaste for the idea, he truly was obligated to be intimate with this arrancar.
Until he saw the man, it never would have occurred to Byakuya to consider how Grimmjow felt about it. He'd assumed the Espada simply followed Aizen's instructions like loyal hounds. But as the arrancar finally arrived, kicking the occasional rock away like a petulant child, Byakuya saw that he looked almost as unhappy to be here as they were to have him. And Kurosaki, following close behind him, was scowling stormily.
That was interesting.
"Welcome to your new cage, Grimmjow." Grimmjow muttered to himself as he glanced over the manor walls and the wrought iron gate. "Fuck my life."
It wasn't that the manor looked bad. It actually looked pretty nice. He could see some really beautiful gardens behind the gate, including a massive fountain that seemed like an invitation for splashing. Grimmjow wondered how much he would offend people if he did it.
There was a guy waiting for them at the gate. Grimmjow paused to examine him for a moment. His long black hair and delicate features were a bit too pretty for his taste, but he could sense the power coiling with him. To hollows, power was always sexy. He was wearing silver hair clips, a white scarf and a taichou's haori. It didn't take a genius to figure out who he had to be.
"Kuchiki Byakuya." He introduced himself with a nod. Grimmjow nodded back.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez." He said then jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "This dumbass is Kurosaki Ichigo, in case you didn't know."
"He knows. And stop calling me that!" Kurosaki snapped and Grimmjow grinned. Getting on Kurosaki's nerves was proving entertaining.
"You're the guy who almost fucked up my garganta. Where should I put my stuff?" He asked Kuchiki before glancing down at his sad little bag. "Not that I've got much." It was two changes of clothing, a hairbrush and a single personal item with a bit of sentimental value attached.
"I will show you to your rooms." He said and took them through the manor. Grimmjow immediately started memorizing the layout. It was a big place and it was definitely possible to get lost. But Los Noches had been even worse so he was sure he'd get the hang of it. "Will this be acceptable, Jaegerjaquez-san?" The guy asked and Grimmjow noticed that he seemed to be rather formal. He glanced around the room indifferently and nodded.
"It will be fine, Kuchiki-san." Byakuya looked a little surprised and Kurosaki looked like he'd bitten into a lemon. What was chaffing his ass? "I like the doors." He had patio doors that opened into the gardens. They made the space feel more open which was nice.
"Excellent. You will be staying in the connecting room, Kurosaki." Byakuya said and Ichigo scowled.
"Connecting room? Why?" He said and Grimmjow laughed. "What?" The shinigami sounded genuinely perplexed.
"You're my fraccion, Kurosaki. That means if I need anything you're it, and if someone attacks me you need to be here, not wanking off halfway across the house." Grimmjow said with a grin, enjoying the scorching look the teen gave him.
"Can't you defend yourself? I thought you were the King?" Kurosaki said, his voice dripping with contempt. Grimmjow's eyes narrowed and he glanced at the Kuchiki guy. He was watching them both with an unreadable expression.
"You know why I'm here, right?" He asked and the taichou nodded. "Are you okay with it?" He asked seriously and thought he saw a flicker of surprise in those calm grey eyes.
"I am resigned to the necessity. The Kuchiki clan needs an heir." He reached up and pulled down his scarf a little, revealing the iron band on his neck. "And I cannot refuse you in any case." He said and Grimmjow scowled.
"You can refuse me any time you damn well please. I don't do rape." He said gruffly and glanced over as Ichigo made a confused sound. "Look, Kurosaki. Aizen wants the arrancar to breed naturally and he wants to see what'll happen if we breed to shinigami." He said and wasn't too surprised when the teen gave him a horrified look, then turned it on Byakuya. The noble just met his gaze calmly. "And I'm technically a woman. So I've been assigned the two of you. Sorry."
"Sorry? Sorry?! Stay away from me you freak!" Kurosaki spat, gripping the hilt of his sword and drawing it in one smooth move. Grimmjow tensed, a flash of anger flowing through him. Sure, he thought of himself as a freak all the time, but it wasn't something he was going to take from fucking Kurosaki.
"Kurosaki Ichigo." Byakuya spoke before he could and the icy chill in his voice was impressive. "This is an order from Aizen-kami. Jaegerjaquez-san has no choice but to obey. Control yourself or you will be removed." There was a tense pause before Ichigo scowled and slung his sword back over his shoulder. "Now, apologize." Grimmjow couldn't help but grin. The noble sounded like a very strict teacher. But Ichigo stiffened in rage.
"I will never apologize to one of the monsters who helped destroy my town and killed my friends and family." He snarled before going through the connecting door, slamming it shut behind him. Grimmjow gazed after him for a moment, then shrugged.
"Whatever." He could see Kurosaki was hurting and taking it out on him. Maybe it was Aizen's calming whammy still working on him, but he could let it go. "Let him sulk for a while. Does this place have a spot to spar?" He wasn't going to let his skills get rusty. Byakuya nodded.
"I will show you." As the black haired taichou led him out the doors to the gardens it occurred to Grimmjow that he could be letting a servant do this. In fact, most nobles probably would. Was he giving the Espada so much personal attention because they would be sleeping together? Probably. Hollows could get it on without even knowing each other's names but shinigami were different. It was kind of intriguing. For now, though, he would just take advantage of it.
He wanted to know more about his new home.
You're being a dick King.
"Shut the hell up." Ichigo growled before punching his pillow.
Ichigo, he is right. Zangetsu said and Ichigo bit his lip. When both sides of his power agreed it was almost a sure sign that he was wrong. Grimmjow was not involved in the destruction of Karakura town. He was in Los Noches, fighting you.
"But if he hadn't exhausted me I might have won against Ulquiorra!" He argued and winced as his hollow blew him a raspberry.
As if. You were completely healed when you took him on, King. The only way you could've won was if you let me take control. And since you didn't do that…Ichigo scowled at the amused malice in his hollow's voice.
"Shut up! You're nothing but a monster. You wouldn't have gone back to Karakura town to stop Aizen." He said and his hollow sniggered.
Damn right I wouldn't have. I'd have healed up Grimmjow then pinned him to a wall and fucked him. I knew he wasn't quite a guy right away, you know. Stupid arrancar, letting logic get in the way of scents. His hollow sounded very cheerful and Ichigo gritted his teeth. He has the musk of a female.
"…What does it matter." Ichigo muttered, all the anger suddenly dissolving into sorrow. He rested his head on the pillow, closing his eyes. "My family is dead. My friends are dead…" The pain of it was like a knife in his heart. He'd failed them. Failed all the people who had counted on him.
That is not true, Ichigo. Zangetsu said and Ichigo frowned, lifting his head. Ishida and Orihime are certainly alive. Sado, Renji and Rukia may all be alive. And likely many of your other friends from Soul Society, like Toshiro, are still with us. But they may be in dire circumstances. That thought made him sit up, glancing out the window. His room didn't have patio doors like Grimmjow's but it did have a view of the garden.
"I hadn't thought of that. You're right." Ichigo said, feeling unutterably grateful to his zanpakuto. Zangetsu had just given him his purpose back. "They probably need me. But how can I protect them now?" He was bound to Grimmjow.
You will have to work through Grimmjow. Zangetsu said and Ichigo grimaced at the thought. Try to get closer to him, learn to manipulate him. Perhaps he can do something.
"Ugh. I'm not exactly good at things like that, Jii-san." It was really not his style. Although he could just try to be Grimmjow's friend. If Grimmjow was serious about not raping him the arrancar would probably be open to that.
Oi, just be friendly to the kitty so he can get you some info on how your friends are doing. His hollow's suggestion sounded much better. It won't be hard, the cat needs you to look after him.
"…Why?" He asked, still puzzled. It seemed like as soon as he'd asked, Grimmjow and Byakuya had started talking about having kids. His hollow laughed and he blinked. "What?"
Someone must have filled Byakuya in on the facts of life. Look, King, it's really rough being a female hollow. Part of the reason why is they almost completely lose their powers when they're pregnant. Ichigo frowned as he listened. Gestation is pretty short but he's still going to be helpless for at least three months. Nothing but basic hierro and I bet you five dollars Grimmjow has lots of enemies. Why else would Aizen give him two really powerful soul reapers?
"So I really am his bodyguard?" That was such a strange thought. "Grimmjow must hate that." He muttered to himself. "I wonder what he'll be like pregnant?" The thought was rather horrifying. Grimmjow was temperamental at the best of times. What would he be like when pregnancy hormones got to him?
Doesn't work that way for hollows, King. His pregnancy hormones will make him clingy and people pleasing. Actually, if you could wait that long, that would be the perfect time to ask him about your friends. His hollow said cheerfully. He'll be putty in your hands.
"Clingy and people pleasing?" Those were two words he would never, ever have associated with Grimmjow. "That's so the father doesn't abandon him?" He hazarded a guess and felt his hollow's agreement.
Yeah. A pregnant female really needs the sire around. Otherwise she usually has to force an abortion to survive. He said and Ichigo winced. If you want to make friends why don't you go see if he wants to spar? I bet he'd love that.
"…Maybe later." Byakuya was still showing Grimmjow around. Ichigo frowned as he thought about it. Why was Grimmjow so respectful to the Kuchiki noble? But then, Grimmjow had always called him by his last name. Maybe it was just how he did things.
Sighing to himself, he went to the window and opened it to let in a bit of fresh air. The clash of sword against sword reached him and Ichigo blinked then shook his head.
If he was right and Grimmjow was sparring with Byakuya, it wouldn't be hard to convince him to spar.
Grimmjow looked at the spread in front of him with amusement.
Someone had clearly put a lot of effort into making them supper. Care that was totally wasted on Ichigo, who was glaring at the sushi like it had personally offended him. Byakuya sipped his tea and frowned faintly at the ryoka boy. Grimmjow decided to ignore them both and just enjoy the food.
Picking up the chopsticks he began sampling things. It was the first time in a long time that he'd had real food. Aizen had just let them make reishi pills, keeping the real food for the ones that needed it. Which was fair enough, the supply lines had been complicated enough already. So food like this was a rare treat. There was sushi, sashimi, fried squid and some little strips of beef that came with three dipping sauces. Ichigo still wasn't eating. Grimmjow finally gave in to temptation and poked him with the chopsticks, making him look up with an outraged look.
"Starving yourself ain't gonna help." He observed and Ichigo looked like he was about to say something nasty. But he bit it back, looking down at the food again.
"I suppose you're right." He finally said grudgingly. "And I should take some before you eat it all." Grimmjow glanced down at his plate in faint surprise. He did have quite a lot, but there was plenty.
"Yeah, make like a hollow, grab your share of the kill before it's gone." He said with a grin, trying to cheer the brat up. Ichigo just ignored him and took some of the sushi, eating it slowly. Grimmjow shrugged and took a sip of his tea. It was okay and went well with the food, although he was no fan of tea in general. They ate in silence for a while before Byakuya spoke.
"Jaegerjaquez-san, could I ask you something?" Grimmjow blinked at the formality and nodded, his mouth full. "Do you know what has happened to my sister, Rukia? No one has heard from her since the battle in Los Noches." Ichigo looked up sharply as Grimmjow hesitated, his mind going back to that meeting. He hadn't been paying much attention but Rukia's name was one of the few he knew, so he remembered.
"Call me Grimmjow. And yeah, she was assigned to Zommari." He didn't miss the way the Kuchiki noble stiffened. "You know him?" They might very well have run into each other in Los Noches. Byakuya paused for a moment before carefully sipping his tea.
"I defeated and destroyed him." He said calmly and Grimmjow winced.
"That's… not so good. Did he know your full name?" He asked hopefully and Byakuya shook his head.
"I didn't introduce myself to him." He said quietly before sipping his tea again and Grimmjow noticed that Ichigo was watching him intently. So Kuchiki's sister meant something to him.
"Then there's every chance he doesn't have any clue she's your sister. He would know she killed Aaroniero though." Grimmjow considered that a moment and shrugged. "They weren't buddies. She might be okay. I mean, aside from the whole breeding thing." That made Ichigo wince and look away as Byakuya's lips tightened. Grimmjow sighed to himself. He didn't really understand how the shinigami felt about this. For hollows, rape was pretty much a fact of life. You just learned to live with it. "Sorry." He said awkwardly. Byakuya waved his apology away.
"Thank you for the information." He said politely but Grimmjow could feel the atmosphere going straight to hell. Ichigo wasn't eating at all now, just staring into his tea and the Espada made a quick decision. This was killing the mood anyway so fuck it. He'd take his time getting laid.
"Yeah, well, thanks for the meal. I'm going to bed." He pushed himself up. Byakuya nodded as Ichigo kept staring into his tea.
"Sleep well." The noble wished him and Grimmjow nodded before leaving. When he got to his room he went onto the balcony. The sun had already set and he looked up at the sky, taking in the stars filling the heavens. They were beautiful and reminded him of Hueco Mundo, but the moon was wrong. Instead of the eternal crescent moon he was looking at a gibbous moon. Sighing to himself, he went back inside and flopped down on the bed, trying to sleep.
It was hard when nothing around him was right.