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Lies Open Prison Doors
Chapter 11: Experiment
Ichigo wandered the halls for a while, just looking for a spot where he could sit and focus. He tried the library, but apparently there had been a fight. A bunch of guards were crowded around unconscious bodies on the ground. Tables nearby were flipped over, books and magazines scattered across the floor, and there was a metal pipe impaled through one of the computer monitors. In the midst of the chaos was Captain Zaraki. He swooped down to grab one of the unconscious inmates and lifted the man right off the ground, just like he'd done to Cang in the yard earlier. Zaraki shook him until he woke with a start, then utter fear crossed the inmate's face when he found himself staring into a single golden eye. Ichigo couldn't hear what was being said between them and he didn't stick around to find out.
It was hard to imagine Zaraki was a father. Ichigo had no idea the guy even had a daughter—not that he would know. He lost touch with almost everyone in his old life once he returned to Karakura. For obvious reasons.
Ichigo passed a group of inmates near one of the windows to the yard. They gave him what could only be described as the 'stank eye', but no one dared to cross his path.
Things have really gotten tense around here, haven't they?
All because Grimmjow wasn't king anymore?
Or because White was gone?
Ichigo could see both being good enough reasons. The Vasto Lorde were being led by Grand Fisher, who apparently spent most of his time in solitary, and without Grimmjow to keep them in line, they could do whatever the hell they wanted. That meant freedom but also disorganization. As for White—he wasn't just some form of entertainment to these people; He was also their drug dealer.
Ichigo dealt with addicts before and this place was crawling with them. A whole week without a fix was like an eternity to them. It would explain why everyone seemed so on edge… But even though White wasn't running the product, wouldn't one of his lackeys 'take up the mantle', so to speak.
Ichigo shook the thought away and continued his search for solitude. He avoided the yard and his cell at all cost. He didn't want to run into Bazz-B again and he still wasn't ready to face Grimmjow yet. So he eventually found himself in one of the stalls of the bathroom in B wing.
His butt was planted on the lid of the toilet with the stall door locked and he had a fist tucked under his chin, looking a lot like 'The Thinker' statue.
So!
Ichigo's first stop in the thought-train was Grimmjow.
If he wasn't lying then how the fuck did the authorities know his name?
Ichigo could always call Byakuya about it, but he felt he was already asking too much of the man as it was...
The first person he thought of was Ginjou: He'd been the one who provided Ichigo with his fake documents so he could sign up for the military in the first place. Ichigo obviously burned the documents afterwards and Ginjou wasn't stupid enough to keep copies or leave any traces behind. Ichigo also knew that Ginjou would never turn him in. The guy was wishy-washy when it came to his morals, but he treated Ichigo like the son he never had. Even after Ichigo left that world behind, Ginjou made efforts to pop in every now and then. He even bought Nelliel a present last Christmas; A large stuffed worm-looking plush toy that she called Bawabawa. Ichigo never knew what the hell the thing was supposed to be, but Nel loved it. She never left the house without it.
Ginjou was family and Ichigo couldn't bring himself to even assume the man would turn him in—not like this, anyway.
The leak had to be from Grimmjow.
The only problem was that Ichigo believed him when he said he wasn't a snitch.
There was a small chance that Grimmjow honestly thought he didn't say anything. He may have let it slip unintentionally, but Ichigo was having trouble imagining Sergeant Grimmjow Jeagerjaques making a mistake like that.
Ichigo sighed and leaned back until his shoulder blades pressed firmly against the cool tiles behind him.
He also still needed to figure out why Kaien was put in Psych Ward. The neverending lack of information was starting to give him a headache...
"Eyy! C'mon! Don't be like that, Tats~!"
Speaking of headaches… That sounded like Renji.
"Just drop it, alright!?"
"... I said I was sorry…"
"Hah! SORRY!? Not fucking good enough. That was my last bit! Now I'm totally dry! Where the fuck am I gonna get more?"
"Stop whining! Yama is settin' up new contacts. Just be patient, man!"
"FUCK that! I had a good thing goin' with White—That old geezer is gonna charge us out the ass." A disgruntled sigh echoed through the restroom.
"It's your own damn fault ya know." Renji grunted and the sound of a faucet turned on.
"How's that!?"
"Look—I wasn't there cuz a' my arm, but ya said you're the one who told Reaper 'bout the fight. If you had just left it alone then White woulda killed Blue before they even got caught… Don't know why ya bothered to help that Vasto piece a' shit anyway..." The running water stopped. "Just sayin'..."
Ichigo had to bite his tongue to keep a frustrated growl at bay.
"Ehh… Ya got a point…" Tattoo's voice went soft. "But I don't regret it. No one deserves to die in this hellhole—not even Blue. When I heard how Ichigo stood up to Hotshot and won, I figured he could stop the White fight too, and I was totally right!" Ichigo's muscles slowly unwound themselves at the confession. "You shoulda seen it, Red! That whole fight was somethin' else! The way he dodged and predicted White's moves! The guy ain't human, m'tellin' ya! His reflexes are fuckin' amazing. Dude, he literally caught White's fist before he got stabbed right in the throat, and while he was looking away! What a badass..."
Ichigo felt his cheeks burn and he shrunk against the toilet in embarrassment. Were they seriously just hanging out in the restroom gossipping? And of course Ichigo had to be part of it.
"Shuddup already! You've been gushing over him all fuckin' week!" Renji groaned but Tattoo didn't even seem to hear him.
"Mannn, I still can't believe I missed that auction fight. I'd gladly hock my next stash to see Reaper fight naked. Fucking hell~ Is he as big as they say?"
Ichigo didn't think his face could get any more red at this point. His cheeks were going to melt right off his face if they didn't STOP.
"Tch.. It wasn't all that… And he's..." Renji's grumbling trailed off and Ichigo couldn't hear the last bit that was said.
Unable to fight the urge, Ichigo dared to peek through the small cracks between the stall doors and saw Tattoo slap a hand across Renji's back.
"Aww. You still upset that ya got your ass handed to ya?"
"Shuddup." Renji smacked the man's arm away and turned to lean back against one of the sinks. "If I'd known who he really was, then I woulda been more careful. I thought he was just some punk that could put up a fight."
"Even if you WERE more 'careful' ya still woulda got your ass kicked." Tattoo turned to face Renji, a mocking grin slapped across his face as he spoke. "I'm still jealous you get to share bunks with him. I've got so many questions I'd like ta ask."
"Then just ask'm. He won't hurt ya 'less you swing first. Learned that the hard way..."
Ichigo couldn't keep the satisfied smirk from spreading his lips when he saw Renji roll his shoulder with a grimace.
"Pshh. You ask him for me then!"
"What, you scared?" A large smirk nearly split Renji's face in half. Tattoo shoved at the man with his own smirk.
"Says the chicken who's hiding in here to avoid him."
Ichigo blinked when Renji suddenly lunged at the other inmate. Tattoo's face scrunched in annoyance when he was backed against the sinks and long, tattooed arms caged him there.
"Don't. I'm still pissed at you for stealin' my shit."
Renji ignored the warning growl as he pressed forward, nose brushing against the black ink around his pale throat. Strong hips rolled forward, and Ichigo glanced up to see Tattoo's cheeks burn red. The man anchored his hands against Renji's sides, fingers twisting into the fabric of his prisonsuit.
"Dammit, Red. Back—"
Ichigo pulled away from his little peephole and tried to block out the small gasp from Tattoo when Renji's mouth sucked and nipped against the skin below his jaw.
Apparently that's all it took to get Tattoo fired up because Ichigo didn't hear any complaints after that. The sound of zippers being pulled and the rustle of clothes bounced off the tiles, followed by small breathy groans.
"Nnn~ fuck. In a hurry?"
After a solid minute of just sitting there, listening to the little sounds they made, Ichigo couldn't help himself—He leaned forward to peek through the door again. He found Tattoo turned around and bent over the same sink he'd been pushed against. He still had his shirt on but the suit was gone, along with his boxers. One long leg was thrown over white porcelain and the scarred side of his face was pressed against the giant mirror.
Renji, on the other hand, had his shirt off while his suit still clung to his hips. One hand was latched to Tattoo's slim waist, his thumb digging into the tender flesh. Renji reached with the other hand to tug down his boxers just enough to whip out his hardening dick. He gave it a few quick strokes to coax it to full mast before aiming it right between the tempting cheeks in front of him. He teased the puckered entrance with his tip, letting precum smear against it.
Ichigo's eyes roamed up Renji's well-toned back, soaking in the thick, black lines of ink etched across almost every inch of skin. It was nothing too fancy, but the way the jagged lines linked into each other and wrapped around his body was interesting.
His attention snapped back to Tattoo when he heard the man whimper. Renji was slowly pushing his length inside. Ichigo had been too distracted to know if Renji actually prepared him properly, but Tattoo didn't seem to be in any pain.
"Fuuuuck~"
Nope, definitely not in pain.
Renji's hips rocked forward and he didn't bother waiting for the other to adjust. Tattoo braced one hand against the mirror right beside his face while he gripped the sink with the other. His breathing hitched and his jaw went slack.
Ichigo gulped as an embarrassed flush spread from his forehead all the way down his neck. The look on the Tattoo's face: so heady and twisted in pleasure.
"You sure you can handle it? Old man Yama doesn't—… Aw, what the hell is THIS?"
"Huh..? Oh! Haha! Get a fuckin' room you two!"
All eyes snapped towards the entrance and Ichigo quickly recoiled further back into his stall when he heard the new voices. He recognized Shinji, but he had no idea who the other was.
"Hey, what's up?" Renji said casually, like he wasn't balls deep in another inmate right now.
"Not much, Red. You doin' alright over there, Tats?" The mystery voice said with a laugh.
The man in question was too busy stroking his own erection that hung over the sink to really respond properly. He didn't seem too embarrassed by the audience, but he was still avoiding eye contact with them.
"Ya really know how to take dick, don'tchya?"
"Fuck you!" Tattoo growled but his voice trailed off into another whimper when Renji angled his hips just right and gave a good, hard shove.
"Woah~ What's got you all fired up!? Is his dick not workin' right? Red, I thought I taught you better."
"Hah! You're real fuckin' funny." Renji spat and took his frustration out on the ass he was pounding into. Ichigo's gut twisted in arousal when the sharp sound of skin slapping against skin reached his ears.
"F-fuck!" Tattoo panted, his hot breath fogging up the glass.
Ichigo's curiosity got the better of him. He returned to his peeping position to see the owner of the new voice. He was tall with short silver hair that was stylishly spiked at the top. He had hard, chiseled features, a tight jawline, and if Ichigo squinted he could see various holes in his ear and two in his left brow where piercings used to be. It was too bad he couldn't wear them here, Ichigo didn't meet many people with facial piercings.
"But for real, what's with the attitude? I don't even get a kiss hello?" The guy said while stepping closer.
"Ya know how he gets when he hasn't had his fix." Renji teased with a grin and his hips never stopped moving.
"Hah! Is that all?" The silver haired man grabbed a handful of ebony hair and a gasp tore from Tattoo's throat. He heatedly locked eyes with the other man with his lips pulled back in a snarl, opposing the amused smirk he was met with. "Tell ya what, Shuuhei~" Tattoo shivered at the sound of his real name in that sensual tone, "I happen to have some extra stuff lyin' around if you wanna earn it.." As he spoke, he slowly reached into his pocket to retrieve a tiny clear bag filled with soft white powder.
Tattoo's expression immediately flipped when the baggie was dangled right in front of his face. His brow scrunched in ecstacy and he looked to the man with hooded eyes. "Yes!" He gasped out after a particularly hard thrust from Renji. Ichigo wasn't sure if he was answering the question or just exclaiming in pleasure. "K-Ken! Please." He whined when the fingers in his hair tugged backwards until his face peeled away from the mirror.
"I gotcha." 'Ken' said as he carefully placed the small bag into Shuuhei's gaping mouth. "I wouldn't bite down if I were you." He mumbled against the man's heated temple. Renji snorted in amusement at that and immediately sped up his thrusts, forcing Shuuhei to really try not to clench his teeth. Ken kissed down the man's face until he came across the black '69' tattoo on his cheek and gently chomped down on it. He then took his now empty hand and slid it up Shuuhei's shirt, letting his fingers tease and roam over wiry muscles. He made sure to pause and tweak each nipple as he went. Shuuhei's strokes on his own erection sped up suddenly and his face twisted in pleasure. He was so close.
"Hehe~ Enjoying the show?"
All movement from the three stopped and Ichigo's head snapped up so fast he nearly got whiplash. His wide chestnut eyes locked with playful ones twinkling down at him. Sonuva—He completely forgot about Shinji.
The blonde had snuck into the stall next door and was standing on the toilet to peer over the divider.
"The hell? Someone's in there?" Renji's hips had stopped, but he didn't pull out. Ken detached himself from Shuuhei and walked over to the stall on the other side of Ichigo. He took Shinji's example and hopped up onto the seat to peer over. His eyes widened and then narrowed in glee when he recognized that head of bright orange hair.
"Well, well, well~! I was wondering when I'd finally get to meet you."
Ichigo opened his mouth to say something, but all that escaped was hot air. He gulped down the dry lump in his throat and leaned forward to block the view of his hand, which was currently latched to his own aching cock through the suit. He self consciously shifted his shoulders to cover most of his face when he saw Ken lick his lips.
"Who is it?" Shuuhei managed to gasp out once he reached up to remove the bag of heroin from between his teeth. Renji shrugged and resumed fucking him. He didn't seem to care about the weirdo that had been spying on them.
Ichigo felt a nervous shudder squeeze his throat when steel-grey eyes narrowed and a sadistic grin glared down at him. That look reminded him too much of Zangetsu and Grimmjow—which was doing terrible things to his already warped libido.
"It's King—-ooor do you like to be called Reaper instead?"
"W-what!?" Renji's grip faltered and he groaned when the muscles around him clenched in surprise.
"Fuuuck~" Shuuhei's lips parted and all the air in his lungs escaped like he'd been punched in the gut. He released a long groan and then there was the unmistakable sound of his semen splattering into the sink.
"Did he really just cum?" Ken asked, smirk only growing as he glanced up at the two knuckleheads.
Renji chuckled under his breath before removing himself from the spent man and then shifted to ejaculate in one of the other sinks. It only took a few good strokes and he came without a sound.
Shuuhei quickly jumped back into his clothes and limped towards the stall that Ken was in as he zipped himself back up. His face turned as red as Ichigo's when they locked eyes.
"Shit!" Shuuhei ducked back down and hid behind the divider as he harshley whispered at Renji, "It is him!"
"Why're you whispering when everyone can hear you?" Shinji deadpanned as he rested his elbows across the divider on his side.
"Fuck!" Shuuhei cursed again, his voice still stuck in a whisper.
Ichigo chose to stay silent. He didn't know what to say, and he was too busy trying to will his own erection away to think of anything.
He blinked and shifted his gaze when he saw Renji's head poke up next to Shinji.
"'Sup?" The man said with an anxious grin. "No hard feelings 'bout the whole auction thing… right?"
Okay… He had enough of the floating heads talking down at him. He needed to leave.
Ichigo stood to his feet and unlocked the stall before finally stepping out. Renji took his lack of response as a bad sign and quickly scooted around the other stall to block his exit.
"Look! M'sorry, alright!? If I'd known you were—"
"It's fine." Ichigo interrupted him. He really didn't care about that. He just needed to get the hell away from these guys in order for his problem to go away. He couldn't even look Renji in the eye after what he witnessed. "We're cool. I'm just gonna go."
Ichigo had never watched anyone have sex before, obviously aside from porn. What made it worse was the fact that these guys were so fucking casual about it. The whole situation was awkward to say the least.
He tried to walk around Renji but Shinji got in his way next.
"Aw. Whatchu running for? Don't be embarrassed. These two horndogs are always lookin' for something to hump."
"Yeah, ignore them." A large hand reached over Ichigo's shoulder to push at Renji's face. The silver haired man then walked around and stood in front, effectively replacing the redhead from Ichigo's line of sight.
"I was talkin' 'bout YOU and Red. Tats here is a fuckin' angel compared to you two." Shinji laughed at the annoyed glare sent his way, then he wrapped an arm around Shuuhei to pull him into the spotlight. The man refused to look up from the ground and his face was still hot with embarrassment.
"Him? An angel? You obviously haven't seen what he can do with that mouth." Before Shinji could retort, the new guy returned his attention to Ichigo, "But anyway! My name's Kensei. People 'round here call me Knuckles though." He introduced himself with a stern frown and crossed his well muscled arms over thick pectorals.
"Uh… Okay. Yeah—just call me Ichigo." His arm automatically rose for a handshake because he was suddenly anxious and didn't know what else to do. The man smirked as he took the offered hand, but then he used the grip to reel Ichigo in closer.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
"Ya seem kinda nervous, Ichigo~" Kensei smirked when the hold on his hand tightened. He then ducked closer to whisper in the other's ear, "Ya know, we'd be more than happy ta help ya with your lil' problem there."
Ichigo quickly snatched his hand from the other's strong grip and jumped away when long fingers lightly cupped his erection. His fist came up on instinct, ready to punch the smirk right off his face, but he managed to stop himself. He was really trying to have better control over his emotions. He didn't want to seem like a pushover either though.
Ichigo grabbed the taller man by the front of his suit and yanked him down to eye level so he could growl in his face, "You ever touch me like that again, and I'll rip your fucking arm off. Do I make myself clear?" He thought he was being pretty intimidating, but Kensei's smirk never dropped.
"Is that what you told Hotshot 'fore you sucked his dick?"
Ichigo didn't try to stop himself this time. He used his grip on the man to pull him forward as he decked him right in the face with his other hand. Kensei's head snapped to the side from the impact and a raw red spot immediately began to form on his cheek.
"Huh… That actually kinda hurt." At least Kensei's grin was gone, but the excited glimmer in his eye never wavered.
Ichigo rose his hand for another strike in order to get his point across but, just as he rose his fist once more, another hand shot out to grab his wrist. With a snarl, Ichigo turned to glare at the man who dared stop him but his anger deflated when he saw it was Shuuhei. The man had a determined scowl on his brow, but he still refused to meet Ichigo's gaze.
"He's just trying to rile you up. Don't let him." Shuuhei mumbled with a frown and hesitantly released his hold, not sure if Ichigo would start swinging again.
The orangette sighed through his nose and shoved Kensei away before retreating. He made sure to move so that his back wasn't towards any of them.
"You're right... Look, I'm sorry about that—" He gestured to Kensei's cheek, "But I've been having a lot of trouble keeping my rage in check since I got here…" He confessed while rubbing his temple. He could feel the vein there pulsing as he tried to calm himself.
"Well, there're ways to fix that." Ichigo sent Shinji an unamused glare, but the blonde waved the look away. "M'not talkin' about SEX—though that is one of the best ways to release that pent up aggression." He chuckled at the upturned sneer he received. "But no. What I meant was, you could always play basketball in the yard…" When Ichigo shrugged at the suggestion, he added, "Or you could visit the gym. Right now it's Shinigami territory, so you're free to use it without any of the Vastos botherin' ya."
Ichigo looked up in interest at that. A gym? That had never been part of Zangetsu's tour when he first got here. Then again, Zangetsu never took the whole tour very seriously in the first place…
"I can show you where it is, if you want." Shinji offered while stuffing both hands in his pockets with a shrug.
Before Ichigo could reply, a different voice spoke up from the entrance.
"Aha! There you are~"
All eyes turned to see a head of light blonde hair and a scruffy chin. It was that one guard—Kisuke, if Ichigo remembered right. His head peered from around the corner but then he stepped forward to fully enter. He had a simple, easy-going grin on his face, but the calculating gaze peering through parted bangs had Ichigo on edge. Thankfully, the man's grey gaze wasn't on him. It was busy sizing up the other inmates.
Kisuke probably thought these guys were giving Ichigo a hard time, which wasn't untrue, but he didn't want any trouble. Especially with a guard involved now.
"Were you looking for me?" Ichigo spoke up and gave a small nod in greeting when Kisuke finally looked back at him. He nodded in return and then spun to face Ichigo completely.
"Yes. The captain asked me to keep an eye out for you," He admitted, grin still in place, even when Ichigo grimaced.
"I don't need a damn babysitter…"
Kisuke lifted his hands to exaggerate the shrug as he replied, "I told him the same thing. But it's not my call, so you'll have to take it up with him."
"Son of a…" Ichigo felt another headache coming on. "Fine. Just… don't bother me." He took this as his opening to finally leave the restroom. He only paused when he was about to pass Renji. He looked the man in the eye and raised his hand for a cordial handshake. He wanted to show that he honestly had no hard feelings towards the man, but Ichigo kept the scowl to show that he wouldn't be so forgiving if it ever happened again. Renji seemed to understand the hidden message and bowed his head before giving Ichigo's hand one firm shake. Short, sweet, and to the point. Ichigo threw a wave over his shoulder to the other inmates before walking out, Kisuke hot on his heels.
Ichigo didn't like the idea of having a 'bodyguard', but he was grateful for the chance to escape. He was also aware that 'help' usually came in odd forms, and this guy was definitely ODD.
Kisuke didn't even have to say anything to set off Ichigo's alarms. It was that unnerving grin he caught him doing sometimes. Ichigo wasn't sure he ever wanted to know what went on inside that man's head. Expressions like that could only come from something undoubtedly sinister.
On the bright side, no one bothered Ichigo while Kisuke was around. He wasn't sure if it was because of the grin or the fact he was a guard, but he guessed it didn't matter. Not even Bazz-B and his little gang wanted to start trouble. Even when they accidentally bumped into them. Ichigo could tell Bazz-B wanted to say something nasty, but the mohawked fiend only smirked and winked at him before retreating in the same direction he'd been walking. His posse made sure to hoot and make degrading noises at Ichigo's ass as they circled around him though.
"Tch… Cowards." Ichigo snorted under his breath and unconsciously lifted a hand to gently massage his thumb, the same one he dislocated to get out of those cuffs earlier.
"I heard about what happened… wanna talk about it?" Kisuke offered with a more genuine smile this time. Ichigo blinked up at the man but shook his head with another soft snort.
"If you already know what happened, then what's left to talk about?" He shrugged one shoulder before continuing his trek through the prison halls.
"Alright, alright. We don't have to get into that, but there is something you want to talk about though, isn't there?"
Ichigo's foot paused mid step and he swung his leg around to turn and face the man. He scowled at him with narrowed auburn eyes glowing beneath the fluorescent light.
"Sounds like you already know everything there is to possibly know. But sure, go ahead, tell me exactly what it is I wanna talk about."
"Oh I'm sure there are A LOT of things you want to get off your chest," Kisuke's wicked grin was back and his grey eyes glimmered beneath the shadow of his bangs, "But maybe we can start with Grimmjow. I know he's your cellmate now—must be pretty awkward… " Kisuke took a long step forward so he could lower his voice as he continued, "After all, you two were lovers at one point, right?" He chuckled when Ichigo's annoyed scowl twisted into something a little more angry. "You beat him up and took his title, so I guess you guys didn't part on good terms. But that can't be right, because you saved him from White, who you ALSO slept with—if Maki's word is to be trusted."
Ichigo refused to say anything. This guy obviously knew his way around the gossip chain, but Ichigo could tell that he was fishing for more information.
"Don't want to talk about that either, huh?" Kisuke hummed in thought before continuing, "Well, speaking of White, I guess we could talk about how much the guilt must be eating you alive. Not only did you get him arrested, but what's worse is you didn't even know about it. Must be rough knowing that nothing you do for him will ever give back the last 10 years of his life."
Ichigo's anger wilted and his gaze gradually dropped to the floor. Motherfucker hit that nail right on the head. He may not be able to correct his mistake, but Ichigo still needed to do something to help Zangetsu. Even if it was just getting him out of Psych Ward. The guy seemed so reluctant to go back, and if Dr. Aizen was really in charge of the place, there was no telling what that pervert was doing to him.
"If you have a point, then you better fucking get to it." Ichigo grumbled and Kisuke beamed victoriously when he finally got a response.
"I heard from Ikkaku that you were asking about Psych Ward, so I assumed it was because you wanted to find a way to get White out."
"Why would you assume that?! I could have been asking about my cousin, Kaien, because he was in there at one point too." Ichigo lied through his teeth.
"Nice try, but you had no idea Kaien was even admitted until Ikkaku told you, and if you really wanted to know what happens in Psych, you could've just called and asked Kaien about it, but you didn't."
"How do you know all this!?" Ichigo griped. He was sick of being left in the dust when it came to information gathering. That was his motherfucking job!
"I know way more than you could possibly imagine, Ichigo!" Kisuke said cheerfully and then he coyly drummed his fingers together in front of his own face. "But let's start small. Follow me, there's something I'd like to show you."
Ichigo debated whether or not to actually follow the oddball, but curiosity got the better of him. He just really hoped that he wasn't getting tricked into another one of Bazz-B's sexcapades…
Oddly enough, Ichigo's gut instinct told him he could trust this guy.
With a sigh, Ichigo turned on his heel and then lightly jogged to catch up with Kisuke's retreating form. They ended up going back through C Wing and then came to a stop in front of the counselor's office. Ichigo assumed the man would knock, but he was surprised to see Kisuke fiddle with the keys attached to his belt. He eventually found the one he was looking for and pulled the retractable key holder to unlock the door. He let it zip back into place as he opened the door and turned his head to see Ichigo's incredulous look.
Kisuke grinned again before answering the unasked question, "Sousuke left early today, and Zaraki let me… borrow his set of keys."
"Uh-huh…" Ichigo's lips pulled up into an amused smile. He gestured to the open doorway and bowed mockingly. "After you."
Kisuke released a small giggle before walking inside. He waited until Ichigo entered as well before closing the door behind them. Ichigo stood to the side and flicked the light on as Kisuke made himself comfortable in Sousuke's leather desk chair. Without hesitation, he leaned forward to root around in the topmost drawer.
Ichigo peered curiously into the opening as the man rummaged.
"I know they're in here somewhere… He wouldn't trust anyone else to handle them and he'd never suspect Zaraki to resort to snooping." Kisuke rambled under his breath as he pushed aside some scrunched up sticky notes. "Sousuke is one paranoid son of a bitch though, that's for sure…"
Feeling curious, Ichigo reached for one of the yellowish wads of paper and uncrumpled it. He could barely read the hastily doodled chicken scratch that littered the paper. A lot of the items listed on the note were crossed out and impossible to distinguish, but Ichigo was able to read a couple lines:
Experiment #997
FAILURE
Possible variable inconsistency: Subject too old, or blood could be unstable.
Getting very close...
Well then… that certainly wasn't something you just randomly come across in a counselor's desk. What the fuck was this creepo up to?
"Aha! Here it is." Kisuke smirked triumphantly as he slammed a particularly thick file onto the desk, making a few stray papers flutter to the floor. Ichigo rolled his eyes but reminded himself to make sure everything was placed in its original spot to avoid Sousuke getting suspicious. He recrumpled the note in his hand and placed it back in the drawer before reaching for the file. The first thing that piqued his interest was the name written in sharpie across the flap. 'Zangetsu Shirosaki Jr.'
'Huh, I'm surprised they managed to fit his whole name... Wait, 'JR'?' ' Ichigo didn't remember seeing that little bit of information on the psychiatric evaluation Sousuke tried to get him to sign. He guessed paperwork like that didn't necessarily require full names/titles, but it was still a curious thought. Ichigo hummed to himself as he flipped the folder open. And damn—If he was already thrown off by that tiny revelation, then the first page alone had him collapsing back into the chair with shock. Kisuke slowly leaned over Sousuke's desk so he could soak in every little reaction from Ichigo. His nostrils even flared slightly, as if he were scenting the air. Fucking weirdo.
"But… This can't be him."
Ichigo lifted the folder and flipped it around to reveal the picture he was looking at. On the photo wasn't the pale figure he'd been expecting at all! The snow white hair he was familiar with was pitch black, but still the same length and style. Instead of colorless skin, it was a healthy tan that had seen some time in the sun. Then there was his expression… It was really hard to compare this man in the photo, who was staring at the camera with nervous terror, to the ghostly killer that Ichigo had been intimate with. The same man with that devilish smirk and raspberry flavored tongue.
Ichigo felt an excited shiver race up his spine at the mere thought of it. Why the hell did that turn him on? He should probably see about that therapist Inoue had been recommending to him for the last year and a half.
"Yeah, that's him. He doesn't really look like that now, does he?"
Ichigo flipped the folder back towards himself and took another long look at the photograph. Even his eyes were different. In the photo they were… normal: No black sclera, but he still had bright irises, the same color as melted gold.
Everything else was the same, to the angular shape of his jaw and the similar lines of his face, but just 10 years earlier. So fucking young.
"What happened to him? I understand people might lose their tan because they're locked up most of the time, but THIS," Ichigo threw out the photo so it slid across the desk, "this is definitely not fucking normal." Kisuke trapped the paper under his fingers before it slid off the edge and then leaned forward to inspect it. He let out a long, suffering sigh.
"It's so inhumane... what they did… Well—what they are doing to him, I suppose—now that he's back inside.."
"What's going on here? If you know something then please just fucking tell me already." Ichigo hated resorting to the 'P' word, but he was so tired of being in the dark.
"Ya know… He was actually pretty docile when he first got here." Kisuke began while snatching the folder back from Ichigo's grasp. He then flopped into the chair, making it rock backwards, "But then people started hearing more and more rumors about 'Reaper' and all of his 'confirmed kills'. People were too stupid to realize Zangetsu couldn't have possibly done any of those things while behind bars—everyone just assumed it happened before he was convicted. So then Zangetsu had to put on an… act: He needed to play the part of an infamous killer to keep people from messing with him—you already know what that's like." Kisuke gestured to Ichigo and the orangette nodded with his lips twisted in understanding. "Being surrounded by absolute morons for days upon days: I'd probably go insane too.." Kisuke thumbed through Zangetsu's file as he spoke and then slid a specific document towards Ichigo. "He first got admitted to Psych Ward after biting his cellmate's dick off."
What!?
Ouch!
Ichigo reached down to give his own dick a comforting squeeze as he imagined what that would feel like. Fucking hell!
He then suddenly recalled a joke Ikkaku made when they were first introduced: 'Watch out for this one. He bites.'
Heh. Guess that made sense now.
He reached for the paper Kisuke had slid to him. It was a medical report describing the cellmate's condition after being mutilated. His name was Bulbous G. Ichigo glanced down when Kisuke slid another paper towards him. This one was a death certificate saying that Bulbous had committed suicide a few weeks later. He hung himself with his own bedsheet.
Guess some men just can't live without a dick…
"So what happened after he got admitted? How long did it take for him to change?" Ichigo's curiosity was showing again.
"No one really knows. I tried interrogating the guards that worked in Psych Ward at the time, but, like I said-Sousuke is easily paranoid. He kept Zangetsu hidden in his own personal lab. No one saw him again for 5 whole years, and once he came back he was as you know him now. I have a pretty good idea what Sousuke did to him, however… I don't have enough evidence to put a stop to it."
"But you made it seem like there was a way to get him out! You—" Ichigo nearly shouted, but he muted himself before he got too loud. He could hear footsteps coming down the hall.
"That's where you come in." Kisuke lowered his voice with a smirk as he slid the whole folder back towards Ichigo, who let it fall off the edge and plop into his lap.
Ichigo snorted under his breath as he settled deeper into his own chair. "I already have my lawyer, Byakuya, looking into Zangetsu's case. I'd be willing to confess to the B&E that got him arrested in the first place, but Byakuya would have to argue against all the fights he got into afterwards. Best thing we could do is make him look like a victim of the system." Ichigo perused through the rest of the folder as he spoke. Most of the documents were extensions for Zangetsu's sentence, and Yhwach's large signature was at the bottom of each and every one. With the amount of papers, you'd think they'd just go ahead and say his sentence was for life. But no. The amount of years added went beyond a normal lifespan—like they expected him to live past 200 years old or something. It was a ridiculous amount of time.
"That could work." Kisuke hummed to himself as he continued to rifle around inside the desk. "Assuming you don't get accused of being the real Reaper and wind up with a death sentence. Zangetsu was originally taken in for Burglary because your 'infamy' wasn't very threatening 10 years ago, so Zangetsu only got a slap on the wrist—technically speaking. But NOW, with the amount of killings you're accused of, the judge won't be so lenient."
Ichigo hummed in agreement, eyes never leaving the black and white print in front of him as he nodded his head. He had already thought of the consequences to his confession: if the judge really wanted him dead—then so be it, but he'd be damned if he didn't take Grand Fisher's life first. No way in hell was that bastard going to die of old age… Ichigo would personally send him off with a memorable death.
And yes, he thought about Nelliel… He knew it wouldn't be fair to her if he left this world without even really explaining where she came from… but she was much too young for that now. He planned to have that conversation at a much later date, but with the way things were going, he might never get that chance. Ichigo figured he could write a cheesy death-wish letter and leave it in his will. It would be like one those letters you see on TV; Written across the label, he'd put 'For Nelliel-Tu on her 18th birthday'.
Ichigo also knew that if he did die here, then she would still be in good hands. Despite the bumps in their relationship, Inoue would never let anything happen to that little girl. Plus, Rukia had stubbornly claimed herself to be Nel's godmother, and Ichigo trusted the Kuchiki siblings wholeheartedly. Byakuya may seem like a hardass most of the time, but Ichigo knew he had a soft spot for kids, especially Nel. Whenever Byakuya would get within her sights Nel would squeal in excitement and run at him with hands up and ready to receive the big bag of candy Byakuya always got for her.
Heheh... Yeah, They would all make sure she's safe.
Ichigo felt like he'd done his part—he took her away from that death mansion, away from Grand Fisher, and he brought her somewhere she could grow up and be happy…
Ichigo could make his peace with a death sentence if it truly came to that.
"If you really do confess, that'd be great for Zangetsu n'all, but then what about these guys?" Kisuke finished with a serious frown as he slapped three more files onto the desk. Ichigo hesitantly put the one in his hands to the side before picking up the next one.
Inside was the familiar soft smile of Ukitake. Only, instead of long white hair, he had locks as black as his eyebrows. He noticed the man's skin still had its peachy glow. Ichigo skimmed through the short number of pages in the rest of Ukitake's file before quickly setting it aside to open the next one.
This time it was Ulquiorra, and he was the opposite: He had the same hair and vibrant green eyes Ichigo met earlier, but his skin looked like it had been sucked dry of all its original color.
Ichigo hummed in thought as he reached for the last file. He assumed it would be his cousin, Kaien, since these were the same men Ikkaku listed as being the only ones to ever 'leave' Psych Ward. However, it wasn't Kaien but someone he'd never met before. The man had reddish-brown hair, tan skin, and hard grey eyes*, but Ichigo realized that this may not be what he looked like nowadays. He flipped to the next paper in the file to read his name: Kokuto Togabito.
Hmmmm, it didn't ring any bells but Ichigo had a dizzying wave of dejavu after taking another look at the guy's face. Not wanting to linger on any forgotten memories, Ichigo quickly flipped to the next page. His chestnut eyes narrowed with interest when he saw that the man had been convicted for double homicide. Reading further down, it mentioned that Kokuto had tried to plead insanity. That would explain why he was in Psych Ward. Ichigo felt his gut twist in sympathy when it went on to explain that both of his victims had been suspects to the rape and murder of Kokuto's younger sister.
Ichigo couldn't blame the guy... he'd only be calling the kettle black then.
If anyone ever did that to his own sisters, then Grand Fisher would just have to wait in line.
Great.
Now he had a kinship with the man and they haven't even met yet.
"I don't know what you expect me to do about them. My only concern is Zangetsu. I want to at least help him get out of that crazy place. After that I'll use my transfer papers to get the hell outta here before he tries to stab me in my sleep." Ichigo flapped the last folder shut in one hand and then tossed it back to the pile that had grown on the desk.
"Really? You don't want to help these poor men who were also experimented on?"
"Experiment… that same word was on the note. Are you trying to tell me that the prison counselor, the same guy who is also in charge of the whole Psychiatric Ward, is using the inmates here like a bunch of lab rats? Because this is starting to sound a lot like one of those WWII Concentration Camp movies." Ichigo said, his voice thick with bitter sarcasm.
"I'd be careful talking like that. World Wars are not a joke, son." Kisuke pointed a stern finger at Ichigo, and the other raised both hands in the air to show he didn't mean any offence. "But yes… that's exactly what I'm saying. I believe Sousuke has been admitting certain inmates just so he can treat them with... 'experimental drugs'. Obviously, it hasn't been perfected yet—There are still too many noticeable side effects. The white hair, pale skin, inverted eyes, and even their insides are affected. Ukitake didn't always have that horrific cough."
Thinking back to that man's gentle smile, Ichigo felt anger bubble in his chest. Ukitake was dying, and for what? To be Sousuke's test subject? Ichigo recalled the handful of blood the man hacked up and how the others called him 'Pestilence': One of the four horsemen.
Four.
Ichigo smirked to himself when he realized Kisuke had shown him four different folders. He understood the reference now.
"Alright, you win." Ichigo sighed but it wasn't in defeat. He would have just talked himself into helping the others anyway. "What do you want from me?" Ichigo folded his arms down across the desk and drummed his fingers lightly against the pile of papers.
"I need you to sneak into Sousuke's lab inside Psych Ward and retrieve some hard evidence of what he's doing. Look for any sort of recordings, instructions, or maybe even—"
"Yeah, I know what evidence is." Ichigo interrupted with a snort and Kisuke had to resist the urge to whap the younger male across the head.
"Well good. So you'll do it then?"
Ichigo flattened his fingers and inspected the dry skin around his nails as he spoke, "I'll do it if you tell me why I'm the one going when you have all the keys. Why can't you just go yourself?"
Kisuke lightly spun his chair side to side as he answered with a serious frown, "Because Sousuke put one of those fancy card locks on his door and he's the only one authorized to go inside. SOOO…" Kisuke planted both feet completely on the ground and stopped rocking as that sinister grin made another appearance, "Only way to get inside is to get his card key, the very same one he always puts in his suit pocket." Kisuke patted the spot on his own chest so Ichigo knew exactly where to look. "And I figured this would be pretty easy for you because he's already let you get close before." He lifted one blonde brow suggestively as he slowly circled a hand on the desk in the exact same spot Ichigo had been sitting when he offered himself to Sousuke. The same spot he crushed the man's glasses—Back when he was desperately trying to get his transfer paper signed.
A lot has happened since then.
And how the FUCK did Kisuke even know about that!? Did he have cameras hidden in the room or something?
Not that he would ever ask... Ichigo didn't think he was even capable of walking with the size his balls needed to be to ask such a thing. If he had to guess, Ichigo could assume Kisuke has been observing Sousuke for a long time, and hidden cameras were always a good way to catch someone fucking up. That HAD to be it—Kisuke just seemed a bit too comfortable breaking into this man's office and digging through his desk. Like he's done it a thousand times before.
"Fine. But then how am I supposed to get to his lab? Sousuke's card can get me through the building, but I can't exactly go wandering the halls with guards posted everywhere."
"There aren't as many guards at night." Kisuke suggested.
"After lockdown? Are you crazy?! If I get caught, it's an automatic 3 points to my record and if I get even 1 more then I'll be trapped here for 8 years." Ichigo griped with a scowl.
"Wowww! Didn't think Reaper would be scared of getting caught. Damn—but I guess people say you should never meet your heroes."
Ichigo clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. "Don't fucking guilt trip me. I'm trying to get back to my daughter before she completely forgets my face. I know it's a slim chance and I may only be able to leave here in a coffin, but the sooner I get out, the better." His voice drifted into a snarl near the end.
"Alright, alright… But don't back out just yet. What if I could guarantee you a clear path to the lab. I'll schedule the guards and make sure no one is patrolling that area for a while, and I'm sure we could convince Ikkaku to look the other way for your roll call. However, you've gotta make sure your cellmates don't point out your absence. If the other inmates make a fuss, Ikkaku won't be able to ignore it. I could also provide you with any other supplies you might need." Kisuke offered willingly. "Free of charge, of course." He finished with a playful smirk.
Ichigo didn't look up from his hands as he debated. He thought of all the different scenarios he could end up in and didn't like his odds, especially because he stuck out like a sore thumb. His hair alone was a bright beacon between these muted prison walls. Plus, his prisonsuit had black labeling across the back that said 'GEN POP', so if he were to get caught in Psych Ward he wouldn't be able to talk his way out. Even if he had the proper uniform for Psych Ward, it wouldn't really help. If he was caught by a guard, they would still need to confirm his identity. He'd be screwed either way.
Unless...
Kisuke blinked in surprise when determined chestnut eyes shot up to lock gazes with him.
"What size shoe do you wear?" Ichigo asked and couldn't stop the satisfied smirk that stretched over his lips.
It took Kisuke a short moment to realize what exactly Ichigo was planning.
"Ha! And you called me crazy."
"Hey, you're the one who brought me here. If you want my help, then I need a guard uniform—shoes, hat, belt, the whole damn outfit," Ichigo rose a brow challengingly, but Kisuke didn't open his mouth to argue. "And I'll need a few other things."
Kisuke reached up and scratched at the light scruff along his chin as he gruffly replied, "Alright." He then motioned with his other hand for Ichigo to continue speaking.
"First, I'll need a fake Keycard to swap with Sousuke's, and you'll need to make sure he doesn't try to go to his lab for the rest of that day. If he finds out the card is fake then he might change the lock authorization. I also need a flashdrive to collect any evidence that might be on a computer. Oh, and I want to know exactly where his lab is, if you could bring me a map of the prison and point it out, that would be ideal." Ichigo listed calmly and Kisuke nodded to each demand with an impressed look on his face.
"Anything else?"
Ichigo leaned back as he thought hard about his next request. Kisuke was a smart man, he knew a lot about this place and his ability to collect information was impressive. There was a good chance this guy had all the information Ichigo wanted about Grand Fisher… but could he trust him?
"I want to know something…" He waited for Kisuke to nod before continuing, "Why are you going to these lengths?" Ichigo tilted his head curiously when the man's grin instantly dropped. "I mean… What are you getting out of this?" Ichigo quickly added, "And if you try to tell me you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart, then I'm gonna go ahead and call bullshit."
Kisuke's voice seemed to leave him and he curled further into the seat. He scratched at his chin some more and then sighed through his nose to calm his nerves.
"Ahh… Well!" Kisuke sat up a little straighter as he seemed to make up his mind. "I actually have a few different reasons why I'm doing this, most of which are purely selfish." Kisuke glanced down at the desk and took a deep breath before looking back up. "But if you really want to know, then I'll tell you. The medication that Sousuke has been using on these men… I think it's a formula that I created a long time ago." When he saw chestnut eyes narrow, Kisuke quickly tried to explain himself, "You see, Sousuke and I have history. We used to be lab partners at a military base and we were ordered to create a lot of different things. We let our imaginations run wild and we were having—dare I say it… Fun." Kisuke smiled as he reminisced. "But you know how it goes, good things never last. Sousuke was growing numb to the job and he felt that nothing we created was of any real use. He wanted to make something marvelous! Something that would leave a mark on the world and secure a spot in the history books." Kisuke rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "But he ran into a problem… His bottomless pit of creativity finally found the bottom. His ideas ran dry… so that egomaniac resorted to stealing my notes. He went behind my back and got promoted—Left me behind with NOTHING. I was eventually released from my station because I couldn't come up with anything 'original'. Years later I found out he got kicked out of the military and then I followed him here."
"So you're working here as a guard just so you can get back at your old lab partner for stealing your ideas?" Ichigo tried not to make a face, but his brow scrunched a little in disbelief. Kisuke shrugged his shoulders.
"I told you that most of my reasons were selfish… But I really am worried about these men. I feel partly responsible for their condition and I'd like to help them… but I can't get Sousuke in trouble until I have enough evidence for the police to get a search warrant. This whole thing has to be 'official' so he can wind up in prison himself."
Ichigo chuckled at that.
"That would be sweet justice, wouldn't it?"
"Damn right." Kisuke clicked his tongue as he sent Ichigo a playful wink. "Now then, was there anything else on your list?"
Ichigo gnawed on his bottom lip in thought. They were already talking about some secretive shit that could get them both in trouble… So… fuck it.
"Hypothetically speaking, would you be able to arrange a… visit… for me to be alone with another inmate?" Ichigo couldn't think of a way to be any more vague, but he guessed it didn't matter. Judging from the twinkle in his eye, Kisuke already knew exactly who Ichigo was referring to.
"Hypothetically…? Well, I guess I could work something out. Your 'visit' would have to be pretty quick though."
"Ah… How much time do you think I'll have?"
Kisuke shrugged and then leaned over the desk with his palm outstretched, "Listen, if you can get that Keycard from Sousuke, sneak into his lab, and come back with something, then I promise you will have plenty of time with Grand Fisher. Deal?"
Ichigo smirked and quickly took the man's hand. "Fucking deal!" They both stood from their chairs once the handshake was complete and each had their own expressions of victory.
"Now let's get you back to your cell. You've got about 10 minutes left until lockdown." Kisuke hummed as he looked down at his watch. Ichigo's good mood instantly evaporated and it took everything he had not to groan in despair. Kisuke chuckled as he placed the folders back where he found them. Ichigo helped by ducking down to retrieve the fallen papers from before. He then neatly tucked them back where he remembered seeing them.
They finished quickly, but not hastily. They made sure everything was back to normal before finally leaving. Ichigo stuck close to his new partner in crime as he was escorted back to his cellblock. Not a word was said and Kisuke only smiled and gave him a small wave goodbye when they reached their destination.
Ichigo mirrored the gesture. He didn't know if it was luck or just some twisted form of fate—but when Ichigo woke up in solitary this morning, he definitely wasn't expecting to make any significant progress. But now he had most of the information he wanted—not ALL, but Ichigo wasn't greedy. He'll take what he could get for now.
"Alright, inmates!" Ikkaku's booming voice bounced off the walls. "Line up!"
Ichigo shuffled back against the wall outside his cell and watched as his cellmates also took their spots. Keigo sidled up to his right while Grimmjow was forced to stand on his left, all because Renji was still too nervous to stand next to Ichigo.
Shuuhei was right, Renji's a 'chicken'.
Ichigo wanted to laugh but his face was starting to grow hot again when he remembered what Shuuhei and Renji ended up doing.
Both Grimmjow and Ichigo pointedly ignored one another and they refused to even look in the other's direction. God forbid they accidentally lock gazes...
Ikkaku checked off the list as he walked by and then circled his way around. He then snapped at the inmates to get back into their cells before motioning for the doors to slide shut. Once each lock clicked into place, everyone quietly shuffled to their respective bunks.
Except Grimmjow.
Ichigo finally let his gaze stray towards the man when he noticed he was still standing next to his bunk. Chestnut eyes narrowed curiously when Grimmjow began to pull down the zipper of his suit. Well… okay. The suit wasn't exactly comfortable to sleep in. Grimmjow threw the suit aside and then started unstrapping the sling around his arm. He slowly stretched out the stiff limb and circled it around before reaching for his shirt. He carefully maneuvered the clothing around his shoulder and Ichigo's eyes widened when he didn't stop there.
Keigo rolled his eyes and quickly pulled the covers over his head while Renji just closed his lids and laid back in his own bunk. Neither of them said a word.
Fuck!
Ichigo forgot that Grimmjow liked to sleep nude! He didn't even consider that to be a problem because who the HELL would sleep in a prison naked?
Grimmjow fucking Jeagerjaques—That's who!
Ichigo quickly rolled to the side so he was facing the wall. His face was definitely red and his dick was beginning to stir again.
This was gonna be a looooong night.
…
..
.
TBC
*- You guys will have to just go with me on what Kokuto and Zangetsu looked like in the past, not that it really matters lol.
But anyway!
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!
I threw in the RenShuu part because a couple of readers mentioned it haha. And I threw in Kensei too, because… well, because I could! -shrugs-
If you guys have any requests, then let me know. I won't promise that I'll be able to squeeze it in, but I could try!
THANKS!