"Are you sure?" A hand stoke through his hair at the edge of the threshold. For once Grimmjow was fully dressed and Aizen still only in his underwear.

"Yes," he assured despite the lips on his neck and the hands wandering down his torso to his belt. "I still have a debt to pay, work to do."

"You can pay it here."

"Fuck that." Grimmjow pulled away when Aizen tried to undo his belt. "I'm doing this professional, remember?"

Aizen sighed. "I remember." Grimmjow stepped all the way out into the hall. "I'll see you in a few days."

He half waved, his wrist was caught and he was yanked forward. Aizen devoured him in a deep kiss before letting him go. "In a few days."

The door shut. Grimmjow let his heart beat calm and turned for the stairwell.

He'd been here for three days. He wasn't sure how he'd let it happen but somehow that much time had passed between long stints in bed, showers, a rooftop swim, drinks at the bar and a game of pool that gave him a new appreciation for the sturdiness of the pool table—not to mention a rash from the felt.

He was out of breath by the time he descended every floor. He took a moment to catch it again but it was early morning, nice out and he wasn't so tired that he sought out Stark for a ride. He walked toward the shore. It was really beautiful out, but he often didn't find time to appreciate things. He wondered if it was really the day that was making him feel so good, or the days previous.

He shopped. It wasn't one of his favourite tasks but he felt the urge and that was rare so he went to the shops in the better part of town and looked around.

He spent more than he should—when he had a new identity to pay for. He walked away with clothes he wouldn't have purchased a month ago, maybe even a week ago. They were more like the ones Aizen had bought for him a while ago—a little bit tighter. Colours that played off his eyes, his skin tone. Things he never would have bothered considering before.

He felt a bit stupid about it by the time he got home but he changed anyway. He'd try it out, try embracing the life he'd chosen without conscious thought.

Then he worked. He wheeled and dealed and talked and listened and sold information and traded packages. Aizen called—he was busy, he had to postpone. He promised to meet him the following night. He was out late—almost all night, but he headed home with cash in hand and feeling satisfied.

Two blocks before he got to his place, however, headlights struck him from a parked car. He almost ran, but the voice yelling "Police" was enough to stay him. He could see nothing beyond the lights but he heard the door slam shut and then a shadow moved before him

"Get in."

He was shoved in back with no other explanation. Before the man could slam the door shut, however, he stuck a foot up and stopped him. The door bounced back.

"What's going on?"

"Just get your leg out of the way."

"No. I want an explanation."

"Fuck kid, we don't have much time."

Grimmjow's eyes narrowed. What was this man after? But in a second his gun was out and aimed at Grimmjow's knee cap.

"Get your leg in the car."

Grimmjow didn't have much choice. He relented and the door slammed shut. A second later the officer got in the front seat and turned off the car.

"What the fuck do you want?"

"Just shut up, already. You're the freelancer right, the one everyone always talks about?"

"I don't know what you're on about."

"Easy Kid, I'm not trying to trick you up, I have a job and I need a neutral party."

Grimmjow gave pause. The man turned around to face him through the cage that separated them. He had dark hair and a fierce eyes. He didn't seem to by lying.

"I'm listening."

"Good. I need you to get a message to Sosuke Aizen."

"Aizen?"

"Word on the street is you have a good relationship with him." Grimmjow had done his best to make sure his relationship with Aizen remained private, but since he never took a deal that encroached on Aizen's territory it was hard to miss that he was starting to choose sides at least to some extent. "I need someone who can talk to him directly. Can you do that?"

Grimmjow nodded.

"Good. Tell him it's from Kaien. Tell him there are two more fish in the barrel."

Grimmjow frowned. What sort of code was that? It didn't matter, he supposed.

"Aizen will pay you when you deliver."

"Got it."

"And don't go straight to him after this. Just in case someone saw us. Give it a day."

"Fine."

"Good." He got out again and opened Grimmjow's door. "Later, kid."

Grimmjow left quickly, not wanting to be spotted anywhere near a cop. So that guy was on the take for Aizen? Interesting. He supposed Aizen must have at least one man on the inside in order to grease the wheels of justice from time to time.

He followed instruction and didn't go to Aizen right away. Two days later he showed up in the penthouse. Security let him in but Aizen wasn't there yet. He helped himself to a drink and went out onto the balcony to catch the last rays of sun on the city scape. He watched the life so far away below. Up here it was like another world. He was a different person. It was strange to think of himself down there most of the time, just another speck to Aizen's eyes.

The door inside opened. He heard it slam shut. He eased himself off the rail and peered in past the billowing curtain. Aizen violently loosened his tie and threw it on the couch. Next his coat hit the chair and he whipped around to the bar for a drink. He downed one quickly and slammed his glass back against the counter with such force Grimmjow was surprised it didn't shatter.

Grimmjow stepped back inside, carefully. He'd never seen the raw anger in Aizen that was clear in his tightened shoulders, his heaving breath.

"Aizen."

He should have realized Aizen hadn't seen him. He had guessed security would have mentioned his arrival but it seemed no one had because the next instant Grimmjow's glass shattered on the hardwood and he brought both hands up to stay the one that clenched around his throat.

Aizen's eyes were wide and full of rage. It took him several long seconds to realize whose windpipe he was crushing and when he finally did he let him go. Grimmjow staggered back, gasping, holding his throat that would now be bruised. Aizen stared at him. He made no apology. Gave no explanation.

"What's wrong?" Grimmjow finally asked.

"It's best if you go."

"Aizen…" he saw rage in every line of his body. He backed up. "Okay, I'll go. But I was asked to deliver a message to you."

At this Aizen's eyes narrowed. His shoes crunched over broken glass as he rapidly closed the distance between them. His hands came up around Grimmjow's shoulders and held with an iron grip.

"From Katagiri?"

"No…from a cop named Kaien. Why, did Katagiri do something? Is that why you're so upset?"

"What was the message?"

"There's two more fish in the barrel."

If possible Aizen's fingers dug into him more. He winced but then Aizen pulled away, sweeping his hand over his face.

"What is it?" Grimmjow pressed.

"You need to go."

"I don't think you should be alone."

"Grimmjow!" He spun back. But then he said nothing more. He approached Grimmjow again, but this time as if in slow motion. Grimmjow was completely still as hands trailed down his face, his neck which still burned from the assault. He saw in Aizen a danger he hadn't seen since the first night they'd met. He'd almost forgotten that cold stare, that demanding voice until he heard it now.

"Don't speak. Don't move."

The buttons of his shirt scattered over the floor. Aizen yanked his flannel shirt off in one motion. Next he hauled his undershirt up over his head. Grimmjow was breathless, waiting. He should have left when he'd had the chance. He shouldn't have put to the test their uncertain relationship.

Teeth scraped his throat. Then they sunk into the tendon at the top of his shoulder. Grimmjow hissed out. Aizen's fingers dragged down his back, leaving hot lines in their wake. Then they gripped his belt.

"Ugh." Grimmjow fell against the pool table when he was shoved. His hands slid over the surface and he nearly fell completely when Aizen snapped off his belt and dragged his pants down. Now his heart was pumping. Now he tasted fear at just what gripped Aizen and how it was going to come out on him.

"Aizen."

"Don't." Aizen's voice was just in his ear. His hands wrapped around his naked torso and he bento into his back. Grimmjow waited but Aizen had stopped. He felt hot, short breaths between his shoulder blades where Aizen rested his face.

"Go to the bedroom. Prepare yourself."

Suddenly he was untouched. Aizen took several paces back. In his hand he gripped a pool cue. Grimmjow eyed the many decorations all around them. He knew what his own first instinct was when he was mad. He just hadn't expected to share that trait with man who always seemed so calm.

"GO!"

He did. He shut the door firmly behind him and backed away from the sound of smashing glass. He shivered where he stood. What was he supposed to do? Wait to be violently taken? Or would the man who re-entered be calm once more?

Judging by the sounds on the other side of the door, he was in for a hard go.

He sat on the bed. He'd made this choice, both when he'd decided to be with Aizen, and just moments ago, when he hadn't taken the out Aizen had offered him. He had no one to blame but himself.

When the door opened, Grimmjow stood. Aizen was already unbuttoning his shirt, then his pants. He left all of his clothes in a heap at the door and then he went for Grimmjow.

He didn't kiss him. He didn't offer him anything but hands on his hips twisting him around to face the bed then shoving him to his knees. Grimmjow caught the side of the bed, glad it was softer than the pool table when his chest pressed into it, but nervous, knowing what this meant. Aizen hadn't taken him in this position before—not since that first night—and already he felt how much it opened him up for the deepest penetration.

"You aren't prepared."

Fuck, he'd meant it literally? Grimmjow had steeled is mind—not lubed up and fingered himself. He heard an angry breath but thankfully the drawer still opened. He lay gripping the sheets, waiting for fingers but quickly realizing his mistake. Aizen had just lubed himself. He was ready and in no mood for the prelude.

"AHHghh…" Grimmjow smothered his scream in the sheet. Cold sweat broke out over him as he realized just what he'd done. He should have left. Yes, he knew that now. But it was too late. Aizen had a hold of him around his waist and he drew in and out in rapid succession.

"Uh…ah…" he couldn't contain his pain. He gasped for air and squeezed his eyes tight. It wouldn't last long. It couldn't. He could bare through to the end.

It seemed to take an eternity, but Aizen finally came. He stabbed in deep a few more times then bent in over Grimmjow and came hard and deep inside of him.

Grimmjow felt Aizen draw away but he himself didn't move. He didn't want to, not yet. He breathed hard, his throat clenching and eyes stinging with the unavoidable reaction but he didn't let it out.

Then he felt warmth on his cheek. The bed dipped next to his head and he shut his eyes to the gentle strokes that weaved though his hair. They worked their way down his back, swirling over scratched, reddened skin.

There was a long sigh then Aizen stood. Grimmjow watched him cross the room to the bathroom. He turned on the light, bent over the large round tub and turned on a tap.

Grimmjow waited. He saw the calm that now took over Aizen's features. He saw the danger was passed. When the water was full, Aizen returned to where Grimmjow still hadn't moved. He bent down and his hands slipped under Grimmjow's hips. He hoisted him up and held him tight so he couldn't fall.

Grimmjow winced and held back. His knees wouldn't lock and every step stabbed pain through him. When he slipped on the tile Aizen dropped one shoulder and got his arms under Grimmjow's knees. He lifted him up and stepped over the edge of the tub.

Heat consumed them. First it spread over his flesh, then it surged into his wounds—even the deepest of them. He cringed against Aizen's chest but took a breath and waited for the moment of stinging pain to pass. Then he relaxed into it as best he could.

They were silent for a long time, so long that Grimmjow began to think Aizen was mad again. But the arms around him were gentle. He opened his mouth, waited a moment, then decided to chance speaking.

"So Katagiri…" Hands tightened but he pressed on. "What happened tonight?"

He could hear Aizen's heart thrumming. What had gotten him so upset?

"He made a major move this evening. He took some territory but worse…" his chest expanded with a long breath, "he undermined my whole operation. I found out some of my lower level men were playing for his side."

"Whoa." This was huge. It would affect everything, not just Aizen but Grimmjow and his clients as well.

"Anyone could be a traitor."

Again, his hands tightened. Grimmjow tensed, feeling dread. Was that what had just happened? Did he think Grimmjow was against him too?

He pulled back, wincing as he sat on his own in the tub. "You suspect me?"

"You are the newest person in my life. You've been closer to me than anyone. And now this? I'd be a fool not to suspect you really work for Katagiri."

Though he was surrounded in warm water, Grimmjow's whole being turned cold. He gripped the side of the tub and pulled himself out. The air seemed freezing now. He was shaking as if it was below zero. His legs still felt like jelly, his backside like fire, but he stood, gripping the sink to hold himself there.

Aizen stood too, getting out right behind him.

"Don't—"

Hands wrapped around him. Lips touched his own softly. Then he was tight to Aizen's chest and heard the whisper.

"I guess I'm a fool then."

He sank against Aizen in relief. Once again Aizen scooped him up but this time he took him to the bed, toweled him down and pulled the sheets up around him. For a moment he lay next to him, but Grimmjow could tell he wasn't staying.

"You shouldn't have stayed. I asked you to go for a reason."

"I know." Grimmjow didn't say he was sorry. Neither did Aizen.

"Stark was stabbed," he elaborated. Grimmjow's stomach tightened. He rather liked the laid back criminal. "He'll live but he was wounded by Yammy, someone both of us trusted. And there were others, lower down but still with inside information. Now that information is in the enemy's hands. And on top of it all Kaien sent his message."

"What do two fish in the barrel mean?"

"Two cops on the take for Katagiri. There was one, now there are three. Kaien is my only. Usually too many men on the inside and things get messy but now my man's outnumbered. It's more likely to be one of the other three on the scene or worse, they'll take Kaien out in a friendly fire or something. I wouldn't be surprised if he backs out."

Now he moved off the bed and went to his wardrobe to change. "I have a lot of work ahead of me and it's going to be dangerous out there the next few nights. I want you to stay here."

Grimmjow nodded. He'd stay for the time being, anyway. Aizen did up his tie. The last thing he did before leaving was returning to the bed and giving Grimmjow a firm kiss. Then he whisked out of the room and shut the door firmly behind him.

Grimmjow was sore the next day. Aizen hadn't been back all night. He examined himself in the bathroom mirror. Red lines had been left in his back. Teeth marks would remained for quite some time in his shoulder. But the worst was of course inside of him. He grit his teeth and bared it though. He had gotten used to a hint of this discomfort most mornings but he'd forgotten just how bad it could be.

He expected to find a warzone beyond the bedroom but it had all been cleaned up while he was asleep. He even found his clothes, the buttons sewn back on his shirt. He wondered who did all these jobs for Aizen, cleaning up after him. They were like phantoms. But today Grimmjow was grateful. He dressed and worked his way outside to the pool. It was calming here. He didn't swim but he sat in the lounge chair and stared up at the sky until he fell asleep again. Later he ate from what he found in the fridge and read some of the paper that had been delivered.

By the end of the day he was bored. This was not the life for him—contained and well kept. He was fidgety. He knew by morning he'd be gone but he managed to wait out the night for Aizen's sake. The other returned home late, collapsed still dressed on the bed and pulled Grimmjow into him before passing out. He woke in just a few hours and had to get up again, continue whatever war plans had been set in motion.

Grimmjow dressed too.

"Where are you going?"

"Home."

"Grimmjow—"

"I'll come back if you want. But just...tomorrow, okay?"

Aizen looked resistant. "It's not safe."

"Yeah but how long is this going to go on?"

Aizen didn't answer. Indefinitly was the answer and they both knew it.

"I want you to stay."

"I know and I said I'll come back."

"No."

"No?"

"No," Aizen reaffirmed.

"Aizen you ain't keeping me here."

But the look on Aizen's face said otherwise.

"Fuck you." Grimmjow moved past him to the door. He got all the way through the penthouse, out the hall and to the stairs before he realized he couldn't get out. Two men were hurrying up the flight toward him. He backed away and returned toward the elevator but there were already the two regular security guards there. He spun back to the penthouse door and found Aizen waiting for him.

"You bastard."

"Call me what you want but I'm doing this for your own good."

For your own good. The words resonated with him on a level that made his skin burn, his heart pound. His fists balled and his breath quickened but restraining hands came down around his shoulders.

"I don't care if you're pissed at me, as long as you stay alive."

"Don't touch me!" Grimmjow shoved Aizen's hands away. He looked back at the security. There was no way out of this. He was seething when Aizen stepped aside. He brushed past him into the penthouse. Aizen moved in behind him, closing the door again.

"Until things calm down, I can't let you put yourself in harm's way. Your apartment is right on the waterfront where much of the territory is being fought over. When you calm down, I hope you will think about this rationally. In the meantime, you do not have to stay up here, just in the building. Go the hotel bar, to the casino. Gamble. Drink, do whatever you want, just don't try to leave."

Grimmjow never turned around to face him. He heard the door shut. He was alone.

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