Authors note: Ah, I would've updated sooner, but I have had exams to revise for and stuff to do which sadly, didn't revolve around Fanfiction. I know. Real life sucks.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, if I didn't we wouldn't be seeing so much Ichigo, and we'd be seeing way~ more Szayel Aporro-kun.
Observation is key;
Chapter five: Suffocation.
I woke with a groan and my eyes fluttered open blearily, irritated by the false light filtering through the window above my bed. I shifted slightly and gasped, moving a hand to my side – I had forgotten in my haste last night to take care of my injuries. Laying still for a few moments, I slowly shifted back into my previous position, laying flat on my back. Underneath the blanket, I slowly removed my hand from my side, knowing better then to handle an injury like that. It's remarkable I hadn't managed to puncture a lung.
Stretching languidly on my bed slightly, I bought a dainty hand up to cup my mouth as I yawned. Slowly, without jostling my side, I sat up, my hands placed on the bed firmly either side of me. Now, usually, I am not one to lay around all day doing nothing, but day, that's how I felt. Quite frankly, I could see nothing good coming out of today. However, regardless of how I feel, there is work to be done and I will do it. I could not bear to accomplish nothing today.
Besides, I have my reiatsu-shield to construct.
Finally, I find the energy to move, scooting to the side of my bed and standing slowly, despite my tired, aching body's protests. I mentally shook it off. I did not need something as trivial as a lack of sleep to stop me from working. That being said of course, meant that I would have to find Lumina and Verona. Joy. As if I hadn't seen enough of their bouncing, bubbly, good-for-nothing hides.
Oh well. Someone has to do the heavy lifting, and it's not going to be me.
Sighing, I decide to unbutton my shirt, allowing the silken material to slip off of my form, but, before it slips away completely, my left hand catches the collar with ease and I turn, tossing the shirt onto the bed. I'll put it away later.
Then, moving slowly towards the bathroom, I run my fingers through my hair. I needed to tend to my injuries, and the closest gauze I have is in my bathroom. It's there strictly for emergencies, of course. I push open the door to my bathroom with ease, as if it were virtually weightless, and an involuntary shiver runs up my body as I step onto the cool floor tiles, but I ignore it as best I can. Closing the door behind me swiftly, I turn to the cabinet drawers and tug one open, to find the utmost basic of my medical supplies and fish out the gauze, unravelling it quickly, so I can set my ribs.
Sighing I glance up at the mirror to check my appearance and gasp, my mouth hanging open slightly in a dumb expression. I have bruises. I look down at my stomach, frowning slightly. These must have developed from when Grimmjow hit me. How could I have missed something so large? And it was true, the bruising spread across my stomach, in all directions, and in some places what an unpleasant purple colour, whilst the edges of said bruise were a dull grey. I poke the bruise tentatively, wondering why it hadn't been hurting. I wince slightly. Ah, perhaps it only responds to a pressure that equalled that of it's maker. Perhaps. How odd...
Taking a breath, and wincing slightly, I began to wrap the the gauze around my midsection. It was a simply procedure and one that I had done many times...perhaps not always on myself, but, it's the same thing in principle. I could of course use Lumina or Verona, or perhaps one of my other Fraccion to heal my injuries, but, recreating them would just be a waste of my time and resources. After all. Soon, I'll have very little time for anything. I intend to spend the next week or so, most likely less then that, working on the reiatsu shield.
It took mere minutes for me to bandage myself, and, once I secured the cloth correctly, I once again left my bathroom only to walk into my wardrobe. Picking the outfit was a simple task. I decided, due to my...ribs to go for a full-length hakama, and one of my old favourite lab coats, which hugged my slight figure rather flatteringly, and a simple white pair of gloves. I donned the outfit quickly, quite aware that dilly-dallying was not something I had the luxury of entertaining at the moment.
Swiftly, I left my wardrobe, for once not bothering to close the doors – if any of my Fraccion decide to pry through my personal effects then I suppose it won't be too tiresome to administer the appropriate punishment. I made my way, purpose evident in my stride, through my tower, it did not take me long to get to the elevator which would take me to the lower levels of my tower.
I stopped, once I stepped into the elevator, putting a delicate finger to my ear and activated a small ear-piece, which connected my voice to various speakers throughout my laboratory. I do this because I have no way of knowing and more to the point, not really caring, where Lumina and Verona were. I spoke, my tone reflecting the seriousness of my next instructions "Lumina, Verona~" I said softly, for I knew something like that would scare them to attention "I need you both to prepare the materials listed on the file known as RS-1, you will find said file on my computer - the computer I let you touch, just so you are aware, Verona. Bring them to me at the location specified on the file, by tomorrow." With that I deactivated the device set at my ear and sighed, running a tired hand through my hair.
The elevator came to a screeching halt and I winced, glancing up at the ceiling, where I knew the mechanics of my invention to reside. I would have to take a look at that. But for now, I had more important things to worry about. The door flew open cleanly and I stepped out, walking once again, towards the exit of my tower, I was quite aware that I had a challenge ahead of me. I smirked.
That's just how I like it.
Aizen-sama requested that the shield's mainframe be set up in the epicentre of Las Noches. Which...I suppose is a sensible request but, doesn't Aizen-sama love me enough to trust me? Hn. Never mind. I just don't see what's so wrong about me keeping it in my laboratory. Oh well, what God wants, God gets.
The centre of Las Noches is not a largely populated place. Las Noches, being the size that it is, means that not every nook and cranny can be filled, so, it would make sense for Aizen-sama to want to fill it. From my tower, it takes little more then one and a half days to reach the centre of Las Noches, which, distressingly, is nothing more then barren waste-land. I'd say I'd miss the company of fellow Arrancar, but for some reason...none of them are particularly fond of me.
I'd decided, before I left to take a quick detour into the community centre. Now, I realize that I may have referred to this place as the centre of Las Noches, but what I truly meant that this place was the centre of life in Las Noches. Where I'm going really is the very centre of Aizen-sama's kingdom. Well, at least Aizen-sama took in our need for space from each other. If he hadn't, then I'm sure we would have slaughtered each other by now. We Arrancar are quite aware that gathering in one place like this – and in such large numbers - is highly unnatural. Hollows are traditionally extremely solitary creatures. It's almost laughable how we seem to be going against every natural primal instinct we that. Then again, we aren't beasts.
I wandered throughout the corridors of Las Noches, duly ignoring any low ranking Arrancar that passed by me. I had no interest in them. But honestly, you can never find someone when you need them. I'm just a little unlucky that who I'm looking for, yet again, finds being confined to his four-walled chambers boring. But, on the other hand, he's likely to be here, picking a fight or two, most likely. Huffing mentally, I glanced around, peering into doorways as I passed, luckily the Quinta Espada is quite tall, so he shouldn't be too hard to spot. Yes, once again I find myself looking for Nnoitra, but this time...I have a purpose.
I walk for roughly five more minutes, after taking a left turn at random. I have no plan for finding Nnoitra, I just know that he's here, and I'll find him eventually. Although...If I can't find him within the next ten or fifteen minutes, then I'll have to abort my little mission and start heading for the the centre of Las Noches. Although, as I walk with my hand hands clasped behind my back I can't help when my eyes widen in slight surprise at the sound of laughter – I smirk – Nnoitra's laughter. Obviously he's in a good mood today which...will my things a lot easier for me. Sometimes he can be so mean to me.
Continuing on my path, I locate the room he's in, by the time I reach the doorway, with lead to one of many of Las Noches recreation rooms, this particular one filled with beanbags, foot-stools and cushions, most of which are, from what I can see, embroided with simple white or clear material, with the occasional dash of colour. Las Noches be damned if our minds are over stimulated with colour. Colour, or lack of it, being one of the many issues some Arrancar have with this place – but anyway, I digress. I stood in the doorway now, quite aware that Nnoitra had noticed my presence even before I knew of his. I may have already said this; but Nnoitra has become quite good at masking his reiatsu. It's just a shame looking for him often becomes some sort of sick game of hide and seek, because if he doesn't want to be found, it's almost impossible.
That is, if you're not Tesla or myself.
Quite frankly, the two of us are the most familiar with Nnoitra. Regardless of whether he realizes it or not. We could all be considered "Friends". That is, if I had need for such things. Well. Perhaps Tesla and myself don't get on quite as well, but we're civil.
I leant casually against the door frame, waiting patiently for Nnoitra to stop ignoring me as he kept two other quite familiar Arrancar company, or rather, they him. Tesla was stood off to the side, a small shyly amused smile on his face, blushing slightly in what I assume to be embarrassment. The other was Grimmjow (almost regrettably), the blue-haired individual was smirking somewhat cruelly, chuckling with Nnoitra at, what I now gather must have been a small joke at Tesla-kun's expense. Ah, well, at least i know Tesla can laugh at himself in situations like these. I'm quite surprised he even has a sense of humour.
"Oi" I heard Nnoitra say, "You gonna' stand there all day or what, Scientist?" Nnoitra lay back on the bean bag he had situated himself on so he could look at my without having to turn around. I'm sure I looked quite pleasant upside down to him. Obviously the three of them had been drinking. I could see Nnoitra's cheeks had reddened, Grimmjow's too, through drinking the sake that I saw which had been placed between the two Espada. I frowned mentally, wishing that Nnoitra had moved sooner, so I could've grasped the situation better.
"Don't call me 'Scientist', it is my occupation, but you're quite familiar with my name, Nnoitra. You should perhaps use it." In response, Nnoitra grunted unintelligibly and gestured for me to come into the room. Grimmjow's eyes were narrowed upon me, I would have laughed, but he looked about ready to rip my throat out. He's obviously still quite furious with me. Ignoring that fact, I sauntered in slowly, to stand behind Nnoitra, my hands placed on his shoulders almost soothingly when he sat up as I moved closer.
From the corner of my eye, I watched Tesla's one eye flick between Nnoitra's face and my own briefly before he bowed his head in greeting to me "Szayel Aporro-sama" he stated. I ignored him however, choosing to start slowly massaging Nnoitra's shoulders.
I watched, a vindictively amused smirk on my face, as Grimmjow's eyes narrowed some and he lent forwards unconsciously as if about to pounce. He watched me in turn as Nnoitra, who most likely had noticed the sudden thickness of the air, but more likely then not thought it were funny, lent into me. Relaxing into me. Trusting me. Grimmjow said nothing, but it was obvious his good mood had evaporated as soon as he'd noticed my body language.
...Perhaps I should be the one to tell Grimmjow that green is an ugly colour for him. It's odd, how Grimmjow has become so much more aggressive so quickly. Perhaps Ilforte really was quite the good stress-reliever. I chuckled some, suddenly, unable to help myself as the cold sound broke past my lips. I suppose I can safely assume, with this particular assessment, that Grimmjow has a libido like none I have ever experienced. Even more so then Nnoitra, it may even rival my own...although, I must admit I prefer Nnoitra, he has a tendency to stick to my schedule.
"What're you after huh, Szayel?" Nnoitra said pointedly, obviously annoyed with the tension. He probably got bored of it. I frowned, breaking my gaze from Grimmjow's only to huff softly and lean over Nnoitra's shoulder, slowly sliding my arms down his front and wrap my arms loosely around the other male.
I glanced at Grimmjow again only to see him sneering at me, eyeing my arm's new positioning. Although, there was something off about his stare, something I can't pinpoint. Tesla, who hadn't said a word since his greeting had wisely decided to back up a little, obviously uncomfortable with the number of Espada in the room. He also probably didn't want to be in the line of fire. Cute. I whined softly in Nnoitra's ear, as if I had expected him to know what I wanted all along "I'm leaving for a few days" I said softly, turning my head to the side slightly to flick my tongue suggestively over Nnoitra's earlobe, "Maybe even a week. Or two..."
Without a word Nnoitra stood, and my arms slide from him, only to rest on my hips as the taller male turned to me. "Tesla, don't bother me. Not matter fuckin' what."
"H-hai, Nnoitra-sama" Tesla replied diligently, bowing his head in compliance. Grimmjow stood too, shoving fisted hands into the pockets of his hakama. It was obvious that the two of them knew that myself and Nnoitra intended to have more...intimate relations, rather soon, might I add. Then again, we made no secret of it.
Reaching out, Nnoitra grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me closer, even lacing his fingers through my hair lightly. It's one thing I enjoyed about Nnoitra - his foreplay was always so...deceptively sweet. I hummed softly, pleased with the treatment, leaning up at Nnoitra lent down to meet me, both of us had one destination in mind – the other's lips. Nnoitra, wrapped his other arm around me, to support me as I stood on the very tips of my toes, making it more comfortable for himself, as he didn't want to have to bend down so much. My fingers held firmly to Nnoitra's shirt as we came ever closer to our goal.
A clearing on the throat stopped us in our tracks and we turned to the source – Grimmjow. He looked, how do I put this...angry. "Do you two mind." he said, the question in the words had moulded to form a statement. My eyes narrowed slightly at a sudden thought, falling out of they're slightly indignant stupor. He wasn't asking us to stop – he was telling us. I felt Nnoitra's grip on me tighten slightly in defiance.
"No" the Quinta said, a slow grin suddenly working it's way across his features "we don't."
Chuckling softly, I allowed my hands to slide over Nnoitra's front, and I licked my lips a little, all the while eyeing Grimmjow. I saw his jaw clench and I smirked in amusement. This could become quite the dangerous new hobby I have; irritating Grimmjow. "Well I fuckin' do" Grimmjow growled out at Nnoitra, and in alarm, Tesla placed his hands on his sword, poised to draw his sword, should the need arise.
I scoffed quietly, glaring at Grimmjow for a moment, before I tilted my head to the side, quickly forming an expression of mild surprise "Oh?" I began, seeming genuinely confused "Why would you, Grimmjow?" my eyes narrowed pointedly and my town was far from clueless. I made sure to allow neither myself or Nnoitra to move from our places, entwined together. At this particular moment, I wanted nothing more then to anger Grimmjow. Make him green. Jealous. If he thinks he has the right to toy with me when he so pleases, I just want to let him know...two can play that game.
In response, Grimmjow's glare simply intensified, it was obvious he wanted to speak, but he knew to do so would most likely end badly for him. "You're actin' like a whore" Grimmjow said suddenly and my eyes widened. My breath hitched in surprise at the accusation, in all honesty, I had no idea where Grimmjow could have-
Oh...oh I see. Pointedly I pushed away from Nnoitra, and noticed, that Grimmjow's expression lightened somewhat, but not enough. Nnoitra seemed indignant, as did Tesla, but never mind them. I felt the corners of my lips twisting downward wanting desperately to form a scowl. Instead I forced myself to simply frown and nod obligingly at Grimmjow as I moved slowly closer to the Sexta. My shoulders were hunched as I manipulated my body into looking as meek as possible. "...you're right." I said softly, coming to stand in front of Grimmjow, watching my feet. "I...I don't know what I was thinking, I should have come to you..."
"What the fuck?" I heard Nnoitra mutter to himself, And I would wager, that if I've shocked Nnoitra, then Tesla-kun is positively scandalized. Watching Grimmjow carefully, I saw his face held and expression I so wanted to wipe off, one that quite clearly read 'you're pathetic'.
Grimmjow ignored Nnoitra and his faithful fraccion, watching me carefully, "You're still angry with me, aren't you, Grimmjow?" I asked, my head still bowed. Grimmjow scoffed and scowled slightly at me "if I had known you're objections to what I did to Ilforte-"
"Shut up, Octava," immediately I clamped my mouth shut – not out of obedience, but to stop myself from saying something terribly rude. "It's you I want, not you're brother" reaching out, Grimmjow grabbed my neck, tightly. I shuddered and closed my eyes tightly when he drew me closer to himself, careful not to make a sound. I let out a small whimper, one that could be considered terrified. I may be angry with Grimmjow, but that doesn't mean I can't play too. I waited quietly only opening my eyes out of curiosity as I heard Tesla take a few apprehensive steps forwards – I knew them to be Tesla's because Nnoitra is not one to take unnecessary risks. At least, when he classes them as such. Nnoitra is someone who likes to see how a situation pans out before he gets involved.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Nnoitra raise a hand to halt Tesla in his movement "Wait, dipshit". Grimmjow's eyes flickered to the pair briefly, before they returned to me.
"Like I was saying;" Grimmjow said after a momentary pause "You're mine, and I don't share."
My eyes widened as the words left his mouth, and in nothing sort of a seconds, my façade slipped. My posture straighten in indignation, and my hand flew at Grimmjow, only to connect to his maskless cheek sharply, his head snapped to the side and the sound of the impact muffled due to my gloves. I momentary wished that I had foregone the gloves; hearing such a sound would have pleased me so. But, from the look on Grimmjow's face, suffice it to say that he seemed pained.
I was glad when Grimmjow's grip on my neck loosened, only after tightening for a short moment, and his hand fell to his side to form yet another fist as he turned his head towards me once again, his cheek already reddening. "First whore," I said scathingly, fury, no doubt, shining through my amber eyes. "Then 'yours'." The Quinta and his fraccion had become oddly quiet, both clearly hadn't been expecting my outburst. Although, I must say; they should have given my abrupt change in mood earlier. "I am not a playing to be had, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. There will be no 'sharing'."
"You're-"
"Silence, Grimmjow!" My lips set in a thoroughly unamused thin line and, taking a deep calming breath I continued, my tone more severe then ever "I do not care how my brother behaved for you, Sexta. I am not Ilforte and I will do what-" I faulted for a thoughtful moment "or in this case, who, I like. My brother is dead and refuse to become some sort of replacement!" Pausing again I waited to see if Grimmjow had anything to say for himself. When the only reaction I received was a quiet gasp from Tesla I turned swiftly on my heels, heading straight for the door.
Suddenly I found my anger and melted into disappointment and upset. Grimmjow had ruined my perfectly benevolent mood and I was left feeling significantly unfulfilled due to it all. No-one followed after me, sensing my foul mood. Once I reached the doors, I turned, to glare at Grimmjow for the final time "And believe me Grimmjow, if I wanted you I would've sought you out, but as it stands your behaviour your - your assumptions – have been nothing but unfavourable to you." I took another breath before continuing, trying to stop myself from raising my voice too loudly "if anything, anything at all happens, it will be on my terms from now on, understood?" Grimmjow opened his mouth to reply but I didn't not wait for his answer as I turned and left the room.
Out of time, as well as patience, I started towards my priority destination, completely dissatisfied. Using Sonido, I began my trek into the centre of Las Noches and it was there I would stay for quite some time. I was glad for it, eager to get away from Grimmjow's suddenly suffocating possessiveness.
(A/N: Okay. Slightly shorter then the other chapters, but it all fairness it was quite a difficult one to write due to a simple lack of inspiration and time. Or at least three weeks I've been sat through some rather important exams. Yes, that's right, education has once again gotten in the way of my updates.
Any of you who gave suggestions – fear not! They will be added, soon enough. This chapter, although it may not seem like it, was mostly for foreshadowing a couple of events. You know.
Thank you to: ThierryMyst, Tofu-Master, SendMoreParamedics, Converted, Ms. Laciano and Anonymouse #270 for your wonderful reviews! *Gives jar of cookies each* They never fail to make me extremely happy!)