Hello beautifully patient people! So it's very, very delayed but as promised I officially announced that I am on break from the other story so I am all yours (and school and work) for the rest of the year! I will be aiming for getting at least two more chapters out by January but writing isn't a science so the chapters can take longer or shorter to write. Alright! I've delayed you enough so let's go!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its character. They are the creation of Tite Kubo

Chapter 6: Questions in the Cold

Grimmjow slowly started to wake up despite not really wanting to. Gotta pee. He thought lazily. Silently pushing his legs out as far as they could go and spreading his toes out from there, the cat stood with a yawn. Unfortunately when he looked up at the window to go outside he saw that it was still closed due to the previous rain, which had finally stopped.

Jumping up to the windowsill, he did his best to examine it and figure out how to open it. It seemed simple enough, just push it to the side. So he put his paw on the frame for the piece of glass that should slide and pushed at it. Yet nothing happened. Grimmjow felt himself growl slightly at the resistance and pushed with both paws. Using more and more force and he even heard a groan coming from the plastic frame but when it suddenly moved he lost his balance and fell off of his perch and landed feet first onto Yukiko's chest and neck. When he hit her the impact woke her up and she, accordingly, shot upright throwing him down onto her lap.

After about a second of scanning her surroundings Yukiko looked down at Grimmjow who was glaring hatefully at the window. It had moved, but only slightly and only the bottom, making it crooked. How the hell am I going to open it now?

He was too busy planning his next attack on the window to notice that the woman's attention was on him but when Yukiko grabbed him and set him down next to her, it was hard not to notice. She stood up and closed the window, then using both hand to grip the top and bottom of the frame it slid open easily for her. {"Sorry to say, but it gets stuck unless you push on the top and bottom of it."}

Terrific. The Arrancar though sarcastically. Jumping up easily, he looked over at her from the now open window then jumped down onto the wet grass. There was a point to him needing to go outside after all.

()

Now that Grimmjow was out of the apartment Yukiko was free to snuggle into her blankets as much as she wanted. Once comfortable she hummed silently in her contentment. She took a quick peek up to the window to look at the sky and decide whether or not she should leave it open or wait a little and see if Grimmjow will come back. It was still too cloudy to see any stars or the moon from her view point; it looked like it could start raining again but she also kind of doubted that it would. Turning her gaze over to the clock on the microwave sitting on the refrigerator it read 1:42. No wonder it's so dark. Where would Grimmjow have to go at almost 2 in the morning?

Yukiko sighed, already knowing that she isn't going to go back to sleep just yet. After giving herself one more second of comfortable warmth she got up and waved her arm around the air as she walked forward until she found a string and pulled it, filling the room with light. The instant brightness hurt her eyes but she gave it about a minute and she could see again. She pulled a pair of jean shorts and a grey t-shirt from her dresser, and changed into them then grabbed her rain boots. Yukiko then turned off the light and put them on out in the hallway. She locked her door and then left the building.

The moment she stepped outside the chilled air hit her, reminding her that it was already the start of autumn despite the intense storm that made every that much more humid. And colder. I won't be long, no point in changing. She told herself and proceeded to the find the park. The one in the painting looked like it was the park not that far from her building so she should be able to get there around the time that the Hollow will appear, and Shinigami seem to typically be quick to respond so she doesn't think it will be too dangerous. Nui said to always know what the local Shinigami looks like every time I relocate. Better to find out now than later, right?

As she walked she hear a cat mew. Looking around she saw that it was Grimmjow sitting in her open window, looking inside. She whistled to get his attention. He heard her and jumped down from the windowsill to stand, glaring, in front of her. Seriously? He's a cat, how can he glare?

{"Since you woke me up I decided that I wanted to go and see this town's Shinigami."}

She heard Grimmjow growl slightly but didn't think anything of it. He seems to always be grumpy.

{"You can come or not. I really don't care. If you do stay do me a favor and actually leave me some room on the futon for when I come back though."}

With nothing else to say to the cat, Yukiko proceeded to the park and was slightly surprised that Grimmjow followed behind. I thought for sure he wouldn't want to bother with coming.

It was a bit of a long walk but the activity helped keep her from feeling too cold from her severely underdressed state. The woman kept her mind occupied with questions of what this Shinigami might look like, or how strong he or she is. In the constant moving she had done Yukiko had come across many Shinigami, not that any ever saw her as any different than any other human, and they were all so different. It was almost a game to her at this point: how strange is this Shinigami? It's childish, she knows, but she had to make it interesting somehow or else she wouldn't be able to motivate herself to check them out at each new town, every six months, otherwise.

The pair made it to the park at, according to the clock standing at its center, 2:02. Yukiko stared at the clock confused. {"That can't be right. I left the apartment at about 1:45 and it's at least a thirty minute walk.}

She looked down at the cat at her feet who was looking around the area. Just then a breeze blew around her. It was weak but it was enough to remind her that she was not dressed properly and this little walk having just been extended made her greatly regret not taking the extra few minutes to change into warmer clothes. Shivering and rubbing her hands up and down her arms to try and warm herself up, she search for something to hide in, both from the wind and the Hollow once it arrives.

Opposite of the cage-like climbing dome was another dome shaped jungle-gym, this one was solid with holes for children to climb in and out of. It looked like her best option so she approached it. Lucky for her the hole were actually large enough for an adult to go through, probably in case a child became hurt inside, so she jumped in. Picking a spot that gave her a good view to the climbing cage she sat down on the mulch beneath and tried to make herself comfortable, pulling her legs in close and rubbing her hands together to create some warmth. From where she sat, Yukiko could see Grimmjow trot around the park, apparently checking it out. He doesn't seem all that grumpy right now. Or perhaps it was because she was looking at him from a distance.

It didn't take all that long for the cat to abandon his curiosity and make his way over to dome that Yukiko was taking shelter in. He sat down in front of her and yawned.

{"I told you, you didn't have to come."} Yukiko told him.

He just continued to stare at her since he can't exactly retort.

{"Are you curious about the Shinigami too?"}

Grimmjow shook his head no.

But as a Hollow wouldn't he want to know his enemy? It didn't take long for Yukiko to come up with a new question. {"Have you been to this town for long?"}

Another shake of no.

{"Was there any reason you came to Karakura?"}

This time he nodded yes. Oh. She understood now.

{"Have you been here before?"}

Another nod yes.

{"Do you already know who the Shinigami is?"}

Yes again.

With how cooperative Grimmjow is being Yukiko was starting to grow a bit excited. It was amazing how much she missed having someone to talk to. Too bad he can't talk back. {"I'm sorry for only asking such simple questions. I'm just not sure what else I could say that will let you be able to reply."}

At this Grimmjow swiped the back of head a couple of times with a front paw and looked off to the side for a moment before looking back.

Yukiko chuckled. {"Are scratching your head? Does that mean you don't mind then?"}

He looked away, not answering. She sighed and checked the time on the clock. 2:10. Almost there. She told herself, pulling her legs in tighter and rubbing her arms at a bit of a quick pace. Cold… She thought miserably.

She unexpectedly felt something soft and fuzzy push its way in between her chest and legs. Grimmjow leaned against her bare legs and appeared to make himself comfortable with is back to her face. Yukiko curled in closer to the cat, trying to get as close as she can to him without moving or putting pressure on him, fearful that he might leave his spot if she did something he didn't want to tolerate. She curled herself so that arms were hugging her legs and her face rested lightly against him. So warm. So soft. She thought with a smile. I wonder. Is he this warm because he's in a cat body? Or is he always like this? Then again, maybe it's just that I'm cold.

Honestly, no matter the answer, Yukiko was grateful for the creature in her lap and felt like she was starting to doze off. She slowly came to realize that she was putting more weight on Grimmjow with her head and chest but he didn't seem to mind much seeing as he didn't move. Whatever made him decide to come along, I'm happy.

Time passed slowly but she didn't mind so much now. This was the first time Grimmjow came into contact with her on his own and she wanted to enjoy it. His fur really was soft. It wasn't until she felt the familiar sensation of a rift opening that she was pulled out of her musings. Though it isn't so much as a feeling of something opening as is tearing. In fact it used to be a bit painful but she's grown used to the sensation so it doesn't bother her anymore.

She pulled her head off of her Grimmjow pillow and looked towards the swing set placed at the far end of the playground. She watched as the air seemed to turn into a set of jaws that opened wide for the World of the Living's new guest to come through. Grimmjow shifted in her lap and she looked down to see him looking on as well. The Hollow that came out reminded Yukiko of an ogre and its' mask had a human nose, ears and what looked like lips outlined the teeth. It didn't seem to be powerful either. She felt safe in the dome but if it does notice her before the Shinigami comes she was confident that she could outrun it. It's not like it would be her first Hollow encounter after all. Hell, it wouldn't be her hundredth Hollow encounter.

The Hollow roared and stomped around but seemed utterly unaware of Yukiko and Grimmjow watching from the cover of the play dome. {"What a stupid Hollow."}

She should be afraid of it. She has no means of protecting herself after all, but she wasn't. The cat on laying on her legs seemed to be equally calm despite the fact that he was even more vulnerable than her. Yukiko expanded her extra sense carefully so as to not alert the clueless creature stomping around brainlessly. It took a minute but she eventually felt a spike of spiritual pressure from a bit of a distance and then it started moving in at an incredible speed. Faster than any Shinigami she's ever encountered. The presence would be at the park within seconds. {"Finally. Let's get this show on the road."}

()

Grimmjow looked on as the pathetic excuse of a Hollow thrashed around like a toddler. Any real predator would have noticed that he and Yukiko were so close, but not this one. Come on Kurosaki. Come here and kill this trash. Grimmjow was getting impatient despite the fact that it hadn't even been a minute.

Not soon enough for the Arrancar's taste, the orange-haired Shinigami appeared, and the stupid Hollow gave him its full focus. "Honestly. It's the middle of the night. Can't you things come when I'm awake?" Ichigo complained.

Grimmjow tensed at the sight of his favorite opponent, his muscles coiled and his claws flexed repeatedly. He was so focused on watching as Ichigo effortlessly destroyed the Hollow with one swing that he forgot that he was laying on Yukiko. Which means he was actually clawing her legs. She pulled him off of her lap and instead held him tightly to her chest to restrain him. He didn't mind though. What probably hadn't occurred to her was the fact that she was practically squishing him against her boobs, something that he doesn't think he'd ever have a problem with. Does she even realize that I've been able to see her nipples this whole time? He couldn't help but look frequently on the walk there. Appearance aside, he was still a man.

Ah! No, focus! Grimmjow pushed aside all thoughts related to the woman and brought his full attention to Kurosaki. The Shinigami was looking around now and then looked straight at the dome they were sitting in. Shit! If he sees me like this I'll never hear the end of it!

Needing to do something quick but with no way to out run Ichigo, Grimmjow pushed out of Yukiko's arms and burrowed himself between her back and the plastic structure just in time to hear the familiar whoosh of a flash-step. Grimmjow could see him appear before Yukiko with his sword raised and then stop abruptly when he saw the woman, and a stupid and embarrassed look come over his face. Quickly putting the oversized sword behind his back as if it would hide it, the young man smiled and laughed awkwardly, "Ah, haha. Sorry miss, I thought you were someone else."

Grimmjow couldn't see her face but he doubted that Yukiko would say anything to him since it could only cause him to stick around longer for an explanation. What he could see was that Kurosaki tried to look at her with a calm face but then quickly looked away slightly blushing as if he saw something embarrassing.

"You don't seem surprised. Do you understand what just happened then?"

Grimmjow guessed she nodded yes.

"Anyways, it's safe now so you should probably hurry home. Do you need any help?" He asked awkwardly.

Grimmjow heard the soft swishing of Yukiko's long hair as it moved side to side from her shaking her head no.

"Alright. If you're sure. Be careful." He took a step back and disappeared from view with a flash-step.

After a second, Grimmjow moved from his hiding spot and jumped up through a hole and outside the dome. Yukiko followed a few seconds later. He was starting to get the hang of navigating from so low to the ground so he began back-tracking to the apartment building though he could feel her eyes on him as he did. He gave it about half of the walk back before giving up on her dropping whatever she was thinking and turned to look at her expectantly. It wasn't much of a wait before she ask her question. {"Do you have some kind of history with that guy?"}

He nodded yes, and mentally added, I fuckin hate him.

{"He clearly was about to try and cut you in half. Did you come to Karakura to kill him?"}

That strike of his was completely half-assed. There was no way he did it expecting to actually hurt me. Of course, there was no way for him to convey this so instead Grimmjow settled to answer her question and nodded yes.

Yukiko took his answer and rather than ramble off a dozen more questions like he was expecting, she resumed walking which was good by Grimmjow. Once they reached the building he opted to jump in through the window since it was faster as she walked around and in through the door. He noticed that she said {"I'm home."} before locking her door and removing her boots.

She grabbed her discarded pajamas from the floor and, sadly, went into the bathroom to change. So she is aware that I'm a guy and not a cat. The Arrancar thought, a bit disappointed. Though changed, Yukiko was still shivering slightly since the open window made the room just as cold as outside. She looked at Grimmjow and then the window. {"I'm closing it. It's too frickin cold in here."}

Grimmjow won't complain. He liked it better when the apartment room was toasty warm too, but how was that going to happen now? After closing the window she surprised him by scooping him up off the top of the blanket. Just as her was about to complain in a way that always worked, claws and hissing, she held him in front of her face and said very clearly. {"I don't care what you hate. You are the only warm thing here right now so you are sleeping under the blanket and close to me."}

He flattened his ear and groaned but didn't growl or complain. He may not get cold as easily as her since he has his fur, but he does still get cold and curling up on her benefits them both. That was why he did it at the park. Plus, he does owe her for everything she's done for him and he figures he should try and pay her back here and there. Whatever. He internally declared as she laid down and placed him against her upper stomach, just beneath the curves of her bust. He felt a slight irregularity in her breathing and figured she was saying something but he didn't care enough to find out. Instead he went to sleep.

Wahoo, Ichigo has made an appearance! And we got kitty-Grimmjow being a slight perv ;)

Alrighty folks, I know the story is going pretty slow plot-wise but the pace will pick up quickly so if you're cringing at the amount of time it seems like it's going to take for the story to move along don't worry it will leave this snail's pace soon. And I will get started on the next chapter ASAP but just a fair warning I have some major assignments to work on at the moment so ASAP might not be until late next week. Until then, bye!

Yay Comments! (´｡• ω •｡`) : Also warning. If your name doesn't show up in the comment shoutouts but you see my reply for some reason the website erases the occasional name when I'm loading the document and no matter how many times I edit it, the name won't stay.

Midnight-Knighmare: Thank you for the sweet words.

Insanity294: Thank you :)

: It took a while but I finally have more for you :)

cynicalpink130: Thank you, I love this story too, even if it doesn't seem like it. I will never abandon it. I'll leave the series only when it's finished.