Updated 30th December 2021: (bigger cosmetic changes, more Grimmjow's shenanigans, a small Rukia's action scene added, and more Grimmjow's shenanigans in a new omake)
Ya! (・ω・)/
Without any boring rambling, I'd like to thank all who reviewed the last chapter!
Rhyjle (!my 300th reviewer!), wynn12, Tsunayoshi, Prince cl0ud9, Kita of Nature, yume girl 91, L Lexuran, SweetestChick, kluxces, ASUKA, 1blackcat, Byakuya Sama, Red Princess, Sweet Scrifice, SoraXNamine, rukia-neesan, Star Garden, JeanMac01, scarlet white cross, NinjaBunnyOverlord, hellgirl07, sadbird, Anjiska, Paper Bullet, missjewels, Yaruki, Kara, Carriis, VioletCherry, Verene, ViperineVampire, whittney, whitefeatherduster, Nyrababe
Thank you! You always make my day (*⌒∇⌒*)
And Tsunayoshi made an Ulquiorra x Rukia wallpaper! ﾍ(ﾟ∀ﾟ*)ﾉ Link on my profile!
As for this chapter, it has a few quite random moments, but the ending is teh pure drama in my opinion, fufu～ ( ´艸｀)
Enjoy!
朝霧 -Asagiri-
The Frozen Whisper
by Asagiri
Chapter 13
Unravelling
Rukia's slumber that night was surprisingly peaceful, with no dreams to linger in her memories, and no green eyes to haunt her. And once awake, she felt oddly content and light-hearted. Apart from being happy while drawing, this was the first time during her captivity that she was filled with positive feelings, unmixed with fear nor dread, nor even homesickness.
Then she remembered – too vividly for her liking – that yesterday not only it had looked like Ulquiorra was about to kiss her, but she had found herself wanting him to kiss her!
Groaning, she grabbed a pillow and used it to cover her face in shame.
How had that even happened? She had just wanted to check out those curious marks on his face… then, before she knew it, she had got caught up in a moment, lost in his eyes and unable to move away, trapped in his almost non-existent hold. It had been a lapse of reason, surely.
After all, she didn't like him. Granted, she didn't hate him, either; in fact, she couldn't find in herself any ill feelings towards him. She accepted and respected him… and yesterday had almost melted when their fingers brushed against each other. Or when he had spoken her name… His voice – deep and soft – resounded throughout her, making her go weak at the knees.
A dreamy smile started creeping up on her face, but she mentally kicked herself. Pushing aside any preposterous fancies like this, she jumped out of the bed to get ready for the day. A servant would be coming soon with her breakfast.
After Rukia ate, she sat down to work on her Las Noches Diary. She drew the horrid scene of Nnoitra crashing their first meal together, and then the dramatised scene of Ulquiorra protecting her, and getting hurt in the process. It was kind of chivalrous of him, and the idea was rather appealing, though she would rather he had come out of it unscathed.
Later, as it was becoming her routine, she did some physical workout. There was only so much she could do in this confined space, but it was better than nothing. And it also kept her from thinking too much about him, so there was that, too.
However, when she got into the bathtub to take a quick shower to wash off the sweat, Ulquiorra was again on her mind.
Today, too, she would see him only in the evening, and she couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed because of it. It also made her realise that he was sort of a distraction from the monotony of the day. Without him it would have been Senzaikyū all over again – just she and her gloomy thoughts.
His absence made her appreciate his 'custody'. And as long as she was in Las Noches, she wouldn't mind seeing him three times a day, and have an occasional chat with him or even a light squabble.
Back in her room she again sat by the desk, and took out the two drawings from yesterday evening. Ulquiorra for all the world, she mused, half-smile, half-smirk appearing on her face. On the bunny version she traced her finger down the tear-like mark on his cheek, just like she had done yesterday on the very him, but this time got all the way down to his jawline, undisturbed.
She should tear this one into pieces. He was her enemy, after all. She should hate him, despise him, want him dead… If she did, everything would be simple and straightforward.
But she didn't.
Still, for someone who was supposed to be just a distraction from the monotony of the days he was occupying her mind far too often. She should really get her act together and stop thinking about him needlessly. Because with the way it was going, soon she would no longer see him as her enemy.
And he was that. He was her enemy, she shouldn't forget it. He was an Arrancar who wouldn't hesitate before destroying Soul Society. He wouldn't have qualms about killing any of the Shinigamis, including her friends; including her. She shouldn't delude herself that he would feel anything close to remorse, even if he had shown her glimpses of kindness. One order from Aizen and he would be merciless.
The battle between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo would be bitter and gruelling. There was no way to predict who would win, but she wholeheartedly hoped it would be them. In that case, though, it would mean Ulquiorra—
A sharp knock on the door startled her, and she quickly hid the drawings inside the desk's drawer. She didn't notice it was already time for dinner, so composing herself, she turned around to greet the servant.
"Yo!"
And she almost fell from the chair. Because by no means was it the servant.
"You're… You're Grimmjow!" she cried, startled. What is he doing here? On her guard, she slowly stood up, eyeing him warily, and wondering what the hell he was up to in Ulquiorra's absence.
・
Grimmjow smirked widely at her comical reaction, already mentally patting himself on the back for having come up with this brilliant idea. This was going to be fun. "Oh, you remembered my name, I'm honoured."
"You almost killed me twice, how could I not remember you?" the Shinigami returned incredulously.
"Take it easy, girl, I've no intention of hurting you this time," he told her, though there was a part of him that wanted to do so in order to see Ulquiorra's reaction. And as difficult as it was to fathom, he was sure he would get a reaction out of that ice cube of a dipshit. The only question was – how violent would it be? Still, stifling that temptation, he added, "Besides, back then we weren't exactly pals, were we? So, no hard feelings?"
She only narrowed her eyes at him, prudent not to trust him. Eventually, she questioned, "Why are you here anyway?"
"Ulquiorra asked me to check up on you…" Grimmjow replied. To be more precise, it wasn't exactly that the git had asked him, it was rather him who had offered his, well, assistance, the good associate he was. "Or rather to keep an eye on you."
"Did he now?" she asked sceptically, arching her eyebrows in a perfect expression of 'do you take me for an idiot?'.
"That surprising?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. Very." The girl kept her eyes trained on him, almost unblinking, looking for signs of threat. She had pretty good instincts, even though she had nothing to fear from him, at least not this time.
Grimmjow easily understood her disbelief, still he asked, "Why?"
"The two of you don't appear to be good pals," the Shinigami said, her choice of a word deliberate, though she kept mocking undertones back from her voice.
She got some spunk, he had to give her that. This and the knowledge that Ulquiorra didn't have it easy with her were enough to make him rather partial to her. Not to mention, she seemed to somewhat affect that apathetic son of a bitch – something he never thought possible.
So, snorting, he confirmed, "We ain't." Then, he made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs, putting his hands behind his head. This made her glare become even more miffed.
Her distrust knew no bounds. "And you expect me to believe Ulquiorra asked you a favour?"
"It ain't exactly a favour, but it's up to you to believe me or not," Grimmjow told her, waving his hand in a nonchalant way. "I don't give a fuck."
・
Rukia glared at him, but said nothing. So far it seemed he meant her no harm. Not unlike Ichigo, he struck her as a straightforward type, who didn't engage in intricate schemes – if he wanted to attack her, he would have done so already. Still, she kept her guard up. He did also seem like an impulsive type, after all.
"Now eat," Grimmjow said in that exasperating high-and-mighty tone.
"Don't you tell me what to do!" she hissed indignantly before she could bite her tongue. Were all Arrancars such overbearing jerks or was it just her luck to meet only this type?
"Or what?"
What an insufferable bastard! she fumed. If only look could kill… Oh, how she wanted to throw that chair at him… the temptation… hard to resist very much indeed. Counting to ten, she clenched and unclenched her fingers on the chair's back, trying to calm herself down.
Grimmjow, on the other hand, seemed to be having the time of his life. He mocked, his words dripping with smugness, "Sorry, I'm not as kind as that arsehole."
"I can see that," Rukia scoffed. In a huff she grabbed her meal, and went back to her desk to eat it. No matter how he annoyed her, she was hungry. Not to mention, the quicker she ate, the sooner he would leave.
"Oh, so he's kind to you?"
When she looked back at him, his eyes were oddly lit up and his smirk wider. Gingerly she replied, "Ulquiorra can be that… in a way… I mean sort of… I guess." She frowned. "Why?"
"Nothing," he said and gave out a hyena-like cackle.
Ignoring him, she dug into her dinner, hoping he would leave as soon as she finished.
・
Grimmjow stifled his laughter. This was rich. Just the thought that someone found Ulquiorra kind was laughable. All he ever cared about was himself and his precious Aizen-sama. If he ever did anything for anyone it was only with his own gain in mind. He didn't care. He calculated and scrutinised, and assessed. Kindness fit him like a daisy an iceberg.
He wondered what she would think of Ulquiorra later, once he returned from his mission. Oh, he would love to see her disappointment with the bastard. The expression on her face would be priceless.
Yet…
Grimmjow's smirk changed into a frown, though, when he remembered the emotionless dickhead from this morning. At first he had been unable to quite put his finger on what it was, and even now he felt a huge dissonance between what he knew about Ulquiorra and what he had noticed about him briefly today…
Grimmjow was casually strolling towards the dining hall to have his breakfast, when he heard Ulquiorra's voice carried by empty corridors. It appeared he was speaking with someone – a woman. He shrugged it off at first, but then he overheard they were talking about someone named Rukia. Frowning, he wondered who that was. Definitely not an Espada, and he also couldn't recall anyone's fracción called like this… Not that he cared about anyone's fracción…
Then it hit him. It was that friend of Ichigo, the new Pet-sama!
His frown deepened. Since when had that bastard referred to anyone like her by their first name? What had happened with a simple 'woman' or 'Shinigami' or good ol' 'trash'?
Curiosity getting the better of him, he finally turned a corner and saw that dickhead with Nelliel. That was another weird thing. Why her?
Her reappearance was by many considered suspicious, especially since she seemed to have been tangled up with Ichigo when he had come for that Human woman, guiding and helping him, but she had also saved Grimmjow and Nnoitra from certain death. She had somehow managed to explain it all with memory loss and confusion. Since Aizen-sama had accepted her back and reinstated as an Espada, nobody dared to voice their doubts, but still…
Grimmjow personally couldn't care less. Besides, she had saved his life – he owed her one.
But Ulquiorra? Even though he was Aizen-sama's arse-kisser, he should have known better…
He casually approached the two. "Yo, Nelliel," he greeted her, and then grudgingly snarled at his rival, "Ulquiorra."
She raised her eyebrows at him in slight puzzlement, but nevertheless replied with one of her melancholic smiles, "Hello, Grimmjow."
The breathing pain in the arse stared in his direction, acknowledging his presence in a way, only to flatly ignore him and continue his conversation with Nelliel, "So, will you keep an eye on her?"
"Sure, no problem," she agreed.
"On who?" Grimmjow asked, trying to look as uninterested as possible, even though he was curious to know more about what was going on. It wasn't often one Espada asked another a favour, after all. And Ulquiorra never asked anyone a favour… He should be too resourceful and cunning to need it in the first place. Yet, here he was… Maybe Grimmjow would also find something new to taunt the bastard with.
"Rukia," Nelliel replied. "Ulquiorra is occupied with his duties today, so he asked me to look after her, as she might cause some problems later."
Understanding dawned on him immediately. Even he had heard the reports from the Human World. So today was the day… An idea started budding in his brain. It could be interesting, and he had time on his hands, so why not use it for his own amusement? The girl could be quite a decent entertainment, from what he could tell. Not to mention, he wanted to meet her – after all she had to be something. She was friends with Ichigo – how one could put up with that self-righteous idiot was beyond him… But what more – she seemed to somehow affect that stuck-up embodiment of an ice cube! To the point he was calling her by her first name! Either she had patience of an angel mixed with vigour of the devil or there was something wrong with her too. Whichever it was, he wanted to meet her properly and now was the perfect opportunity for that, and also to meddle in Ulquiorra's affairs.
Cogs in his brain started to turn, trying to come up with a plan. He wasn't very good at things like this, so when first rudiments of something resembling a plan emerged, he immediately turned them into action.
"Aren't you too soft for that?" Grimmjow blurted out. "You women tend to be quite sentimental."
"Sentimental?" Nelliel echoed dryly, arching her eyebrows.
Shit. He didn't mean to offend her, so he quickly added, looking at her pointedly, so she would catch his drift, "You'll let her go, won't you?"
"So you think you're better suited for this?" she returned. A small quirk of her lips told him she saw through his act.
"Well, of course," he replied gruffly as if it was the most obvious fact in the world. "I wouldn't cave in to her pleas and begging to let her go to her friend, for starters."
"That is one thing I want to avoid," Ulquiorra said, his eyes closely studying Grimmjow, weighing his options.
That was another thing the 6th Espada despised about the bastard – his scrutinising and analysing gaze that dissected and assessed everything and everyone. Under that gaze he always felt as if he was worth as little as dirt, just some idiot that deserved nothing but contempt. He would love to gouge those eyes out…
Ignoring the urge to mutilate Ulquiorra's face, he smirked widely. "You got it. She'll stay in her room like a well-behaved pet."
To Grimmjow's surprise, those loathsome, emotionless eyes narrowed at him. He had seen him do that before, once or twice, but it felt a bit different this time. His gut told him this glare wasn't directed at him as such, as it was for the Shinigami girl's sake… This was getting more and more interesting.
"Also, she mustn't be harmed," the 4th Espada added firmly.
"Still thinking you're better for this than I?" Nelliel asked, an innocent smirk playing on her lips.
Grimmjow raised his hands in front of his chest. "I wouldn't harm a hair on her pretty little head."
"What do you think, Ulquiorra?"
The dickhead fixed his stare on him in a silent warning. "I don't mind, as long as she stays safe in her room."
"Then it's settled." Nelliel clasped her hands in a cheerful manner. "I can check up on you later, Grimmjow?"
"Nah. You think I won't be able to handle one girl? Have you seen her? She's a skinny runt. How difficult can she be?" He guffawed at the idea of the Shinigami girl trying to oppose him.
Ulquiorra, unamused, said, "Just don't tell Rukia anything, and she might not even notice. But if she does and starts acting up, don't hurt her. Don't even touch her, unless absolutely necessary." After a last warning look, he swiftly left.
Grimmjow stared after him, puzzled. If he didn't see with his own eyes that it was Ulquiorra or heard his voice with his own ears, he would think that just now he had interacted with a different man. Because Ulquiorra didn't know what concern was, he didn't feel it, and especially – he didn't show it. But this man… he was concerned about a girl – not Aizen! – but a Shinigami girl.
What the fuck is going on? Had Hell frozen over and the news hadn't reached him?
In anyone else other than this walking ice cube it would be indiscernible, but in Ulquiorra it was almost glaring. He gave a damn about that girl!
Grimmjow pinched himself on the arm. Nope, it wasn't a dream. He looked at Nelliel.
"Say, didn't it just feel like Ulquiorra wasn't himself?"
A mysterious smile adorned her face, but she only replied with a question, "What do you mean?"
Now that he was about to voice his thoughts, he found them ludicrous… So as to not come off as a fool, he only shrugged nonchalantly.
"So, what are you up to really, Grimmjow?" Nelliel asked.
He flashed his teeth in a grin. "Nothing much, just bored. And what are you up to, Nelliel?"
"Nothing much." Her melancholy smile betrayed nothing. She then quickly explained what he should do to arrange everything (as if he didn't know… Hell… Whatever Ulquiorra did, he could do, too, and better… Still, he appreciated her input).
"Good luck with Rukia," Nelliel said, and with a short wave of her hand she was gone.
When Rukia finished her dinner, she put away her plates and waited for Grimmjow to leave, but to her greatest disappointment and displeasure he didn't move an inch. Sighing exasperatedly, she asked, "So, you're going to be here for a while?"
An annoying simper appeared on his face. "Already tired of me?"
She decided that silence would be the best answer.
"Until Ulquiorra comes," he told her after a moment.
"Where's he anyway?" Rukia focused and felt for his reiatsu, but he was nowhere to be found in Las Noches. It made her feel lonely… and apprehensive as to what the reason behind his absence was.
"Who knows?" Grimmjow asked cryptically. "I don't want to spoil the fun. Not yet, at least."
Fun? Apprehension washed over her again. Something was going on and she was in the dark about it. But if this guy considered it fun, undoubtedly it didn't bode anything good. Undoubtedly it was connected to the war at hand. Undoubtedly it would bring her pain. Ulquiorra…
"So how are you standing that cold son of a bitch?" he asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.
"I tolerate him, just as he seems to tolerate me," Rukia replied nonchalantly, repeating what she had once told Ichimaru. How easier it would have been if it was the truth! If with each day she wasn't drawn to him with a stronger and stronger force! If—
She shook her head, cutting short this train of thought. It would do her no good dwelling on it now… or ever, really.
・
Grimmjow smirked, instinctively knowing she lied. There was more between the two than just tolerating each other – consciously or not, they were on the verge of infringing a taboo. Luckily for the girl things were about to change, and so her sentiments for the bastard.
"I take it you don't like Ulquiorra, do you?" the girl suddenly asked.
He stared at her as if she sprouted another head and both her mouths just insulted him. He bristled, "Fuck, of course not! Just looking at him makes me feel sick!"
The Shinigami arched her eyebrows at his small outburst. "Why?"
"Sorry, girl, but I don't think I've enough time to list all the reasons," he told her sourly. And it was the truth – he could go on and on about what royally pissed him off about Ulquiorra. Days and nights would have passed and he still wouldn't end his tirade. Okay, maybe he was exaggerating, but that bastard really got on his nerves.
"Then why did you agree to come here in the first place?"
"Curiosity."
The girl tilted her head to the side quizzically. He gave her an indifferent shrug of his shoulders. It apparently wasn't enough for her, because she asked another question, "Why did Ulquiorra ask you of all people? Not Nel, for example?"
Well, he did… Grimmjow smirked. "You'd like it to be her, wouldn't you? She did help your lot once…" The Shinigami's gaze shifted in dismay, making his smirk grow wider. "That's one of the reasons why I'm here and not Nelliel. Even if there wasn't a history between you, she's too soft, anyway."
She frowned sceptically. "Too soft for what? What does it have to do with – as you have put – keeping an eye on me?"
"She'd probably let you go," Grimmjow replied after a pause. Now that he reflected on it… he wouldn't be surprised if she had let her go. Something about Nelliel gave him such impression… Her eyes… When he had suggested it, her eyes had widened. Back then he had thought it was because she had been offended, but now… he was inclined to think it was because she had been alarmed that he had seen her through.
・
"What? Let me go where?" Rukia was liking this less and less. Something was definitely going on, something she was unaware of. And Ulquiorra kept it secret from her. Why? Was it what he was busy with? He had told her not to concern herself with it, but apparently it was something that did concern her personally.
Grimmjow's predator-like smirk didn't ease her nerves in the slightest. His reply even less so. "You'll know soon enough."
"Tell me what you know!" she demanded.
"Don't be impatient, girl. Everything in its right time," he said with an exasperating calm.
Rukia clenched her fists, feeling more forlorn with each passing moment as nauseating dread bore deeper and deeper into her gut.
※
Grimmjow was slowly getting bored, so he got up and started strolling around the room to kill some time. All the while he felt her eyes on himself prudently watching him, presumably in case he decided to change his attitude and attack her or something dull like that. Eventually his attention got caught by a series of drawings adhered to the wall above the bed. Curious, he went to take a look at them. And, oh man, did he find some gold!
"Shit. What the fuck is this?" Grimmjow asked with a jeering cackle. "Ichigo?"
"Bastard," the girl hissed, clearly offended.
"I think you perfectly portrayed him. Especially that retarded face of his," he told her, mocking mirth resounding in his voice.
"Are you making fun of me?" Her voice carried a threat.
"Absolutely," Grimmjow replied offhandedly, smirking widely at her.
Suddenly the room became very cold.
Briefly he wondered if he would be able to provoke her enough to attack him. Her indignant scowl, however, only amused him, and he couldn't find it in himself to hurt her. Maybe later his mood would change…
Stopping himself from further agitating her, he pointed at the drawings. "I heard you don't believe they abandoned you."
"Should I?" the girl growled, silently daring him to contradict her faith in her friends.
Her loyalty was remarkable, but flaunting it like this was simply stupid. How could she not realise that it might be used against her? Not many in Las Noches bothered with or even knew what fair play was. Definitely not Aizen. Neither Ulquiorra. He wasn't one to give advices, though, so he kept his mouth shut on the matter.
Still, Grimmjow didn't deem it necessary to lie to her, especially since his lies would fall on deaf ears, so why bother? Truth could also mess up Ulquiorra's custodial duties, so there was that little bonus, too.
"No, they didn't abandon you," he said after a pause. "They left Hueco Mundo convinced there was nothing left of you to even bury."
The girl looked at him with surprised eyes. "Why are you telling me this?"
He shrugged. "No reason." Besides, it'll all become clear soon enough.
She hummed an inarticulate monosyllable and fell silent. His words seemed to hearten her, but also – oddly enough – sadden her.
Not a long time later their supper arrived.
※
Rukia, even though she knew it deep in her soul, was glad to hear that her friends didn't abandon her. Finally that dark, slimy doubt that stuck to the back of her mind in spite of her Heart dispersed, and buoyant feeling of relief took its place. She was also more upset with Ulquiorra's lie than she would have expected. Why did she care that her enemy lied to her in the first place? She should know better…
Still, she was going to give him a piece of her mind for this.
She finished her meal that for the first time had no taste, and put away her plates on the trolley. She looked over at Grimmjow, who again was sitting in Ulquiorra's armchair. Despite his unruly and provoking character, he surprisingly had a decent side to him.
Rukia hesitated for a moment, but eventually spoke, feeling awkward as hell, "Grimmjow, it might not mean much to you, but still, I'm grateful for your honesty. Also, I only remembered it now, but thanks for your regards the other day."
He stared at her weirdly for a moment. "That son of a bitch actually passed them to you?"
"Yeah," she replied, a small question lingering in her voice at his surprise.
"Didn't think he'd do that," he said rather to himself than her.
Something about his expression juxtaposed with her memory of Ulquiorra telling her that Grimmjow was saying hello to her made Rukia smile a little and shake her head at the absurdity. A tiny island of amusement on the sea of dread.
※
Grimmjow was getting more and more bored. Where is that bastard? What's taking him so fucking long?
He looked over at the girl and it appeared that she was scribbling something by the desk. Or drawing… Suddenly a brilliant idea popped up in his brain and he knew he just had to annoy the fuck out of her for it. No matter the outcome, it was going to be the perfect time killer.
"Oy, girl, draw me."
She slowly raised her head and turned to look at him as if he just said something outrageous. "No."
"C'mon, do it," he continued to pester her.
"No."
"You can later stick it to the wall, too." Grimmjow pointed to the pictures above her bed, and had to fight back another burst of laughter. He was so glad he came here, or he would have missed out on this hilarious gem. He couldn't remember the last time he was in such a great mood.
The girl scrunched up her face, clearly resenting his suggestion. "That's reserved for my friends and family only."
He brandished a huge, sly grin. "Why's Ulquiorra not included, then?"
"Hm, I don't know, maybe because he's neither of those?" she retorted dryly.
"Good for you, then. But you've drawn the bastard."
"No," she denied flatly. Either she was telling the truth or she was a very good liar. He suspected the latter.
"You're lying," Grimmjow said out loud what his gut was telling him. "Show me. I wanna see if you did him the same justice you did Ichigo."
・
Rukia felt panic rising inside her, when he stood up and started walking towards her. She knew it wouldn't be below him to shove her aside and rummage through the desk… And in the drawer was not only one, but two portraits of Ulquiorra! Not to mention he also appeared in Las Noches Diaries… and there were some sketches, too! If Grimmjow saw all that, she wouldn't live it down. And if he told about them Ulquiorra…
Keeping a poker face, she grumbled, "Fine, I'll draw you. And just for the record, I haven't drawn Ulquiorra. Just like normally I wouldn't draw you. I'm doing it now only because you won't leave me be."
"Sure, sure."
She glared at his triumphant teasing. "Now sit back in the armchair," she told him, and surprisingly he complied. Wanting to be away from the risk-holding desk, she grabbed a fresh sheet of paper, a board for support and a pencil, and went to sit in the other armchair.
"Should I pose or what?" Grimmjow asked, sitting as if he was king of the hill. He rested his chin on his hand, and an elated smirk shone on his face.
Rukia sighed. "Whatever you find comfortable, just don't move too much."
She wanted to draw him as quickly as possible to get it over and done with, but her pride as an artist wouldn't allow it. She just couldn't cut corners, even though she had a feeling that no matter how hard she worked on the picture, he would laugh at it anyway. At least she herself would be happy with it, and with that sentiment she drew the annoying bastard to the best of her abilities.
Gritting her teeth, she gave him the finished drawing. "Here."
Grimmjow eagerly grabbed it and stared at it for a moment. Then he busted out laughing. "It's. Fucking. Perfect," he wheezed between hyena-like howls of laughter. If he wasn't sitting, he most surely would have fallen over. "I love it!" The corners of his eyes glistened with tears.
If Rukia wasn't rather proud of her work, she would have snatched the drawing from his hands, crumpled it and shoved it down his throat.
"Give it back," she hissed, offended. With such blatant disrespect for art he didn't deserve it.
"Nope, I'm keeping it," he said and quickly folded it, hiding it in an inner pocket of his jacket. His body started to shake with another fit of laughter.
All she could do was send him a glare, which was met with another hyena-like cackle.
※
Grimmjow was still sniggering at the girl, who now sat on her bed with arms crossed in front of her chest and a scowl of resentment on her face. He was about to mock her some more, when he felt a sudden burst of reiatsu. It diminished as fast as it appeared, and the girl didn't seem to have noticed it. He, however, anticipated it and had no problem recognising who it was. Bastard's back. Finally.
A wicked smirk made its way to his face, a mischief on his mind. He was supposed to look after the girl, to keep her safe in her room. But there had been no specific mention he couldn't tell her anything… Or maybe there had been? Whatever… Grimmjow would do whatever he pleased, anyway. Fuck that bastard!
For half a day the girl kept him entertained. It was only fair to pay back for it with truth, even if she was oblivious to this deal. And there was that little bonus of being pain in Ulquiorra's arse. Once she learned of his schemes, she would not leave it alone. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, eh?
Oh man, this is gonna be fucking great!
"So, girl, do you want to know where Ulquiorra is? Or what's he doing?"
Her scowl turned into a frown and then an indifferent mask. She shrugged. "Not really. I lost my interest."
Grimmjow's smirk grew. Despite no discernible signs, somehow he could tell she was lying, again.
・
Rukia didn't want to give him the satisfaction, yet curiosity – and with it fear – was eating at her. After all, what was Ulquiorra doing that he couldn't have sent a servant like before and instead sent this jerk? Not only he aggravated her and hurt her pride by mocking her art, his sole presence here whispered doubts and apprehensions to her mind. Oh, how she wished Ulquiorra would come soon and got rid of this nuisance and eased her fears!
Yet, she couldn't not have noticed the shift in Grimmjow just a moment ago. Something had just happened, something that was about to bring a conclusion of some sort. At the tips of her senses she felt Ulquiorra was back in Las Noches, but she denied the instinctive urge to check for his reiatsu. Out of spite to Grimmjow's taunting. And out of fear of what she might learn.
Yet, the 6th Espada wasn't about to give up, and kept baiting her. "Have you ever wondered why you're here? Why has that dickhead even bothered to keep you alive? When he normally considers people like you a mere trash?"
Rukia looked at him sharply, masking her hurt and disquiet. She didn't miss the malice in his voice – though surprisingly it was directed not at her but at Ulquiorra. His words were cruel, but to him they were a fact. Was that really what Ulquiorra thought of her? If so, then why did he act like this with her? Was it all but a ruse? An act? Would he go to the trouble of such contrivances just to keep her subdued?
"Well? Aren't you curious?" Grimmjow insisted.
She swallowed. "Why do you want to tell me anything? What's in it for you?"
"Nothing, really, I'm just in a good mood today." He shrugged his arms, but his smirk didn't waver a single bit.
He was toying with her, but Rukia could feel no deceit in him. She would allow him to drag her into his little game. As apprehensive as she was, she needed to know. And whatever he said, at least firstly she would have the luxury to call him a liar, to deny his words, to laugh them off… before she was forced to face the facts and accept them.
Faking a sigh of exasperation, she scoffed, "Fine. If you really want to tell me, there's no way I can stop you, anyway. Go ahead, enlighten me."
Grimmjow chuckled at her. Yet his eyes were fixed on her, closely observing her, as he told her, "Aizen wants her in Las Noches again."
"Who?" Rukia asked with furrowed brows, but her heart started beating faster with an escalating sense of foreboding. She was terrified by the growing understanding of what his next words would be.
"That Human friend of yours, Inoue, or whatever her name is."
Rukia's heart, which just seconds ago was hammering in her chest, abruptly froze. She choked out, "What? What are you talking about?"
"You are, or rather were, kept here to lure her back to Aizen," Grimmjow explained.
"What?" Her mind was still filled with disbelief.
"That bastard has just brought her back."
"No…" Rukia was shaking her head while looking at him with earnest plea in her eyes for him to start laughing at her, to tell her he was joking and she fell for it. But he did no such thing. "It can't be…"
"If you think I'm lying, check it for yourself."
Rukia focused and indeed next to Ulquiorra's reiatsu she sensed Inoue's. Aizen was there, too. So this is the truth…
Sighing heavily, she closed her eyes and rested her head in her hands. Cold bitterness spread throughout her, numbing her. It also cleared her mind. She knew there was only one thing she could do in this situation.
Determined, she looked at Grimmjow, and with a flick of her hand she calmly said, "Bakudō #61, Rikujōkōrō." Then she dashed. Without the incantation the Spell wouldn't last long on someone like he, so she had to hurry. First, she would get Sode no Shirayuki. Then, she would find Inoue and somehow get them out from here.
・
Grimmjow felt his muscles go numb, paralysed by some weird Shinigami magic. Only his eyes could move, and when he looked back at the girl, she was already gone from the bed and he heard the door slam open. She ran out.
If he was able to, he would laugh at it. Crafty little witch! She still kept amusing him. But at the same time he was annoyed she got him so easily. He underestimated her.
Focusing his reiatsu and blasting it off around himself, he shattered the beams of light that closed around his midsection, freeing himself from their hold. With no delay he used Sonido and went after the girl. She was still in Ulquiorra's wing of the castle. He had to find her quickly before she caused him any more trouble.
There she was! Grimmjow saw her flash a few yards ahead of him. So he sped up his Sonido to overtake her and soon he was blocking her way.
"Sorry, girl, but I can't let you go any farther," he stated coolly, standing in front of her.
She jumped backwards and – to his surprise – unsheathed a zanpakutō at him. Where the fuck did she get it from?!
"Move out of my way," she told him, trying to sound calm, but her eyes betrayed her anxiety, fear and most of all – her rage. She wasn't thinking rationally, all that mattered to her was to get to her friend at any cost.
"It's too late, girl. There's nothing you can do now," Grimmjow tried to reason with her for the last time. If that failed, she left him no choice, but to get her under control with force.
In response he received a ferociously cold glare. Goosebumps appeared on his skin, and he wondered if it was that stare or sudden drop in temperature around him. The girl was serious, ready to lay down her life on the line just to save her friend from Aizen's clutches. He respected that resolve. And so, he wasn't going to hold back.
Her muscles tensed before launching an attack, but he was quicker with his Cero. She had to jump aside to avoid it, and he used this opening to swiftly charge in, punching her in the pit of her stomach.
The girl grunted in pain and bent in half, for a moment hanging on his fist. Then she slid down to the floor with a heavy thud. She wrapped her left arm protectively around her abdomen. She had problems catching breath, and what air she could inhale, soon she expelled in a fit of coughs. Tears were welling up in her eyes.
"You bastard," she uttered through gritted teeth, a bit dazed.
"You forced me," Grimmjow retorted with a grim smirk.
Once her breathing evened out, she started mumbling something under her nose, words that made no sense to him. Her reiatsu started to concentrate, too. He wasn't about to fall for another of her Shinigami tricks, so without any hesitation he kicked her, again aiming for her stomach. She bounced off the wall with a yelp.
"I'm not supposed to hurt you, but I fucking will if you don't behave," he told her.
Then, still lying on the floor, she lunged, grazing his leg with her zanpakutō. A scratch, but she actually managed to draw his blood!
Grimmjow quickly stepped on her right wrist and pried her zanpakutō out from her fingers, and sheathed it in the scabbard he also took from her. All the while she kept staring at him with vehemence, and he couldn't help but regard her with even more respect mixed with annoyance. Such tenacity! She indeed was difficult.
Securing her weapon behind his sash next to Pantera, with one hand he grabbed her ankles and with other – her wrists, and hoisted her up on his shoulders like a defenceless lamb.
"Let me go, I have to see Inoue!" she choked out. "I have to save her!"
"No," he barked gruffly.
"Please."
Grimmjow shook his head. Then, after a pause he said, "They won't hurt her. You should rather worry about yourself."
She remained still for the whole trip back to her room.
Once there, he threw her on her bed, not even bothering to be gentle. She wanted to sit up, but he pushed her down by her throat.
That unyielding glare and unbent pride, against all odds and even in the face of defeat… Perhaps that was what caught Ulquiorra's eye. Something so unfathomable to him that he was drawn to it, wanting to dissect and analyse it. It was his first and last nice thing he could tell about the bastard – he had a good taste in women, even if it was for the wrong reasons.
"Better save your strength for that son of a bitch. I don't know what his orders will be next," Grimmjow warned her, holding back the pity from his voice.
For a second she looked hurt and sad, but quickly her face hardened and her eyes shined with cold determination. If she ever harboured any fond feelings towards Ulquiorra, they were gone. Good, she was better off without them. There was no point wasting them on that bastard.
Grimmjow let go of her and went to sit in the armchair. Waiting for the 4th Espada, he wondered how Nelliel would have handled her. But then again, she wouldn't have riled up the girl like he had… She might have not told her anything, too, hiding Ulquiorra's scheme from her. But he did think the girl deserved the truth.
From the moment Ulquiorra returned to Las Noches with Orihime Inoue, he was aware of Rukia's reiatsu. Actually, he consciously searched for it, so he could check up on her. He wasn't surprised when it flared up in icy rage. He also wasn't surprised when it was suppressed by Grimmjow, yet he felt anger at the possible means he took to achieve it.
So once the meeting with Aizen-sama was over, he took the Human woman to her room, and quickly made his way to Rukia and the cold hell she would surely subject him to.
Ulquiorra hesitated by the door, seeing the frost on the doorknob. Her reiatsu seeping from out of the room in biting waves was foreboding like silence before the avalanche.
With a sigh he let himself in.
Oddly enough, Rukia didn't charge at him the moment he walked into her room. She just sat on her bed, looking at him coldly, almost in contempt. So different from yesterday's warm and welcoming gaze. He had known he would lose it, but it came to him as a surprise when he realised just how he regretted losing it.
His eyes travelled to Grimmjow, who made himself comfortable in his armchair, and who looked indecently pleased with himself.
"So you've told her," Ulquiorra remarked.
The 6th Espada smirked. "Of course. She's too funny to lie to."
Ulquiorra nodded, acknowledging his words, though he took a small issue with them – she was so much more than just that. Yet, he had lied to her and hid things from her… He was ready to face the consequences, even though an abject part of him was glad she had learned the truth from someone else. This way he hadn't had to witness with his own eyes the very moment when her view of him and their peculiar relation crumbled; it hadn't got recorded in his Solita Vista.
Wanting to be alone with Rukia, he said, "Leave."
Grimmjow stood up, but instead towards and out of the door he walked up to him. "What are you going to do with her?"
"None of your business."
"True, that," he agreed, a disdain tugging at his upper lip. He then took out a zanpakutō from behind his sash and roughly shoved it into Ulquiorra's chest. He growled lowly with an odd edge to his voice that made the casual words sound like a warning, "But I quite like her."
After flashing a grin at Rukia and a cheeky, "I'll see you around, girl," Grimmjow snarled at Ulquiorra for the last time and finally left.
Ulquiorra didn't have to look down at the zanpakutō in his hands – the familiar coldness told him she belonged to Rukia. Why was she here? Had Grimmjow gone to his chambers and taken her?! … No. He wouldn't have thought of that; he had no need for this sword. It must have been Rukia. She wanted to do everything in her might to flee with her friend. Somehow she had outwitted Grimmjow (which he easily could see her doing), ran to his chambers and retrieved her. Grimmjow merely had disarmed her.
The zanpakutō in his hands was a proof she was determined; desperate, even. He had to subdue her before she hurt herself.
With a sigh he slid the zanpakutō behind his sash next to Murciélago and gave Rukia his full attention.
Her icy glare, unrelenting in its vehemence, kept boring into him mercilessly with no signs of spring in its violet glow. He didn't think she had ever looked at him as coldly as now. Was there any warmth left in her for him he could salvage?
・
Rukia summoned up all her anger to mask the hurt and betrayal she felt. How could she have been so stupid? He was her enemy, after all. This act was the final proof, and she hated her naïvety that had let her think more of him than he deserved. She should have expected worse of him, never better! The… the Hollow he is! Aizen's lackey! she cursed him silently.
The sweet, metallic taste of blood in her mouth and the trace of coldness in her right hand, which had just held Sode no Shirayuki only to lose her again, fuelled her anger even more.
And Ulquiorra just stood there, staring at her. His face, unreadable as always, betrayed nothing.
Rukia walked up to him, slowly, even though she knew she wouldn't be able to intimidate him. Up close she recognised tension about him, and readiness to engage her. But for now he waited and observed. First move was hers.
"Why is Inoue here? Why have you brought her back?" she finally uttered, her voice strained from the suppressed emotions.
Ulquiorra kept silent. It angered her even more. For the sake of that odd companionship they had had, he could at least say something! Anything!
"Can't you understand her suffering?!" Rukia was now yelling at him. "She blames herself for everything! That we got hurt! That I am here! Why do you have to add to her pain?!"
She threw a punch into his chest, half-heartedly. It didn't seem to make any impression on him, as he only continued to stare at her.
"Answer me, Ulquiorra!"
His silence, her loneliness and powerlessness in this situation, Inoue's calm but sad reiatsu in the distance… All that was overwhelming her, making her feel as if she was drowning, and the only lifeline she could see was him. So she threw another punch at him. And another. And another. She didn't hit him to hurt him. Even without his Arrancar thick skin, he wouldn't have felt much. It was more like kicking in the water to reach the surface and gasp for air.
And gradually her strength was fading.
"Why aren't you saying anything?!" Rukia shouted between the punches, trying to keep the flame of her anger alive. It was slowly dying, though, giving way to sorrow. She bowed her head to hide her face from him. "Why the hell is she here?!"
Her vision began to blurry.
・
Ulquiorra withstood her small assaults with ease, actually surprised it was all she had in store for him. No insults, no Shinigami Spells… She didn't even try to take her zanpakutō back.
While she was punching him, he noticed small specks of blood on her left glove. And her right one was slightly dirty. Grimmjow had done something to her, most probably in order to get her zanpakutō back from her. He knew from his own experience that such task was impossible without using force, but to make her bleed? Anger boiled inside him.
It was suspended though, when her small blows stopped suddenly. Rukia rested her fists on his chest and placed her forehead on them. It looked as if she was trying to find comfort in being close to him but at the same time trying to keep the distance.
"Tell me," she whispered, her voice cracking. Her body trembled slightly.
Rukia was so close to him, he felt like embracing her. He just needed to extend his arms a little and wrap them around her small frame. He could try giving her comfort she was seeking, but that would be hypocritical. He was the one who hurt her. What right did he have to comfort her? And what could he say to her? Admit that it was his scheme? She would only hate him more. And he didn't want to come up with some half-arsed excuses or say he was sorry, when he wasn't.
So instead, Ulquiorra gently but firmly caught her wrists. She raised her head to look up at him and he saw her angry façade crumbled, revealing sorrow. Her eyes were brimming with tears however they were yet to fall.
"Why have you brought Inoue back?" she continued her questions, but this time in a feebler tone. "Why does she have to suffer again?"
Rukia didn't protest when he made a few steps, guiding her by her wrists, and then pinned her to the wall. For now she was docile, maybe a bit hysterical, but who knew if she wouldn't start rampaging next. She could be unpredictable. This way he had better control over her movements.
Her rosy lips moved with more words, Ulquiorra even saw his name on them, but all he could hear was the mellow melody of her voice. The rest was lost in between. The chillness of her skin was soothing; the fragrant scent captivated him. His whole being longed for her, longed to possess her to fill this cursed emptiness with her.
Then he could see her no more as all his senses were suddenly engulfed in sweetness. Amongst these mind-blowing sensations he heard a whimper, and his tongue tasted honey. He wanted more.
Another whimper and a struggle lifted the spell.
Back to reality, he found himself kissing Rukia. Or worse…
Shocked, Ulquiorra pulled away. Hastily he put back on his composure, but inwardly he was shaken. What had made him do what he had just done? Had he completely lost his mind?
He scanned Rukia, trying to learn what exactly had just happened. She was not only as surprised as he, but her widened eyes spoke of fright. Her bottom lip was broken near the left corner and a thin trail of blood ran half way down to her chin. Now he knew what tasted like honey, and he cursed himself for this discovery.
His hands were still on her wrists, thankfully, and hadn't added to the damage. He slightly loosened his grip on them, in case he had unconsciously tightened it.
With her around, fearful and agitated, he was unable to think straight. He had to be alone to effectively analyse the incident. Before he went, though, he had to make sure she would stay put and no foolishness would come to her mind. He also wanted her to forget about the kiss, or whatever that was. It would be better if she thought it a distasteful deviltry than anything more. He didn't need her reflecting too much on it.
So Ulquiorra told her the only thing that came to his mind that was crueller than anything he did to her today, "You've served your purpose well, Shinigami."
・
When Ulquiorra's lips captured hers, Rukia was first stunned, only to become terrified. If that wasn't enough, then came the verbal punch to the stomach.
Initially she thought she misheard, but no. He really said that.
The realisation of being a mere tool snapped something in her and her wide eyes narrowed dangerously. She struggled against his grip around her wrists, and somehow managed to free her right hand. Having the perfect opportunity, she didn't hesitate, and she hooked him in the face as hard as she could. Pain shoot through her knuckles, but did it feel good.
Ulquiorra's sharp intake of air and the slightest distortion in his expression told her he felt it. It gave her a grim satisfaction.
Breathing heavily, Rukia looked away from him. This was her final act. She didn't think she had it in her to fight any further. With each beat of her heart she was bit by bit apprehending his falseness and her disillusionment with him. And with each of those beats she was feeling more and more miserable and disappointed with herself. Her body became slumped, and she felt she just didn't, couldn't care about anything anymore.
"I hate you," she whispered in a hollow voice. Trying to prevent the tears that threatened to flow, she focused on her throbbing knuckles.
・
Were it possible, Ulquiorra would have let the pain in his cheek linger for much longer. Unfortunately it healed too quickly. He would have preferred that pain to the one caused by her words. He did deserve them, he knew that; he even had expected he would hear them… But once it happened, he felt it more than the punch to his face. It wasn't something he could heal with his High-Speed Regeneration, too.
He released Rukia's left wrist and, bringing his hand to her face, he tried to make her look at him. She was reluctant at first, but eventually yielded. When her eyes met his, to his surprise, he found no signs of hatred in them, only remains of anger and indescribable sadness.
Why? Why didn't she hate him? She had every right to. She was supposed to. Then why?
Ulquiorra caressed her cheek, traced her jawbone to her chin, and as gently as he could he wiped off the blood with his thumb. The sadness in Rukia's eyes only deepened. He then slowly slid his hand down to her throat. She sighed heavily with resignation and closed her eyes, ready to meet her end. A treacherous thought appeared in his mind, wondering if perhaps it would be better to kill her, after all.
Rukia was defenceless. So uncharacteristically of her she wasn't struggling against him, not even a hint of defiance in her stance. She submitted herself to his will. At last it happened, yet it brought him no satisfaction. On the contrary – he hated it.
He slid his hand down her sternum and rested it right in the middle. Her chest heaved violently with her every breath, and under his fingertips he could feel her heart beating with all the emotions she felt.
Rukia was his. He could do anything he wanted with her…
And right now he had no reason to kill her. He had no wish to do it. He just wanted everything to go back to how it was yesterday.
To get a reaction out of her, to stir her fighting spirit, Ulquiorra gently tapped her chest and said, "I told you that heart would be your downfall."
Rukia's eyes shot open, and anger flashed in them. But as quick as the cold flame of threats, questions and accusations blazed up in her violet gaze, it died out, doused with more sorrow and disappointment. Clenching her jaw, she again lowered her head, hiding her face from him.
Something wet and warm fell on his hand. She was on the verge of breaking into tears and this was a prelude.
Regretfully, there was no consolation he could offer her.
Slowly Ulquiorra withdrew his hand and had to fight the urge to reach Rukia's face again and wipe the tears that were about to fall. It would be best to leave her alone for now; to give her space, so she could settle down and think things through. He needed that, too.
He took a step back, and then another. With a last look at her, he finally turned around and left silently.
There was no need to seal the door nor restrain her movements. He broke her enough. It would take her some time to recover her will to fight. And how long would it take him to get back into her good graces? Or were her smile and warm gaze lost to him forever?
・
The sound of closing door dully ringed in her ears, and as if on cue Rukia slid down against the wall and onto the floor. Hugging her knees, she could no longer hold it back and she broke into tears, crying her heart out.
"Why?" she wailed, repeating this question over and over again.
Why had Inoue come to Las Noches? Was she sacrificing herself for her again? She wasn't worth it!
Why had Ulquiorra brought her back? (Rukia of course knew why, it had been an order or a stratagem, but still… why?) And why did it hurt so much?
Why had he kissed her? Why had it felt all wrong and terrifying, and not only because of the circumstances? It had been far more menacing than his hand on her throat!
Despite all this, why a part of her wanted him to hold her tight, while other to push him away? Why did she even have this dilemma? She ought to want only the latter! To push him away… and off a cliff! He was her enemy! And she was but a tool to him!
Why did it all affect her this much? Why did he affect her so?
Just… why, why, why, WHY?
Heartbroken, Rukia spilled over the floor like a puddle of misery. The cool surface against her tears-swollen face was the only comfort she could find.
Grimmjow propped himself against the wall near the girl's room, waiting for Ulquiorra. Or rather he waited to see what he would do with the girl. Would he be a spineless dipshit enough to off her or hand her over to Nnoitra (the rumours were fucking vile even to him!), just because his precious Aizen-sama ordered so?
It wasn't his business, and he didn't really care, but he was ready to save her just to spite the bastard and their master. It had been too boring in Las Noches lately, anyway.
Before long, Ulquiorra came out of the room, leaving the girl inside unharmed.
"So, how did it go?" Grimmjow asked, a bit disappointed. He did want to wreak some havoc.
Something about Ulquiorra's permanent frown was more unhappy than usual, but he only shot him a blank look, ignoring him.
So, he taunted, "Did you make her cry?"
Ulquiorra's face darkened, and Grimmjow couldn't help but bare his teeth in a malicious grin. He must have touched a nerve, and it felt great. There was no way he could stop at just that.
"You should have seen her face, when she realised what a piece of shit you are. Fucking hila—"
A strong blow to his stomach cut him off in midsentence. His Hierro lessened the impact of the punch, but he still felt it. Ulquiorra didn't hold back.
"I told you not to hurt her." The bastard's voice was low and threatening.
Grimmjow smirked. So that was what this was about. It made him wonder – if he beat the girl up or killed her, would he try to kill him in return? This notion was quite thrilling and sweetened the pain in his stomach.
"I hit her, sure," he admitted. Before Ulquiorra could punch him again, he quickly added, "But I'm not the one who hurt her. At the end of the day, she'll only remember what you did." This was a rare occasion when words were more efficient than fists. He wasn't very proficient at such warfare, but this time it was too easy even for him. And was it worth it! Not even a thousand punches and kicks would get him such a face out of the bastard!
And what was most satisfying – Ulquiorra knew he was right. With no line of defence or explanation, all he could do was shove him away and go off his way with his tail between his legs.
Grimmjow couldn't remember the last time he had such a great day! Straightening his clothes, he strode to the Dining Hall to get himself some booze to celebrate. Maybe he would invite Nelliel? He had been able to experience all those wonderful moments thanks to her, after all.
OMAKE
Rukia glared at Grimmjow's triumphant teasing. "Now sit back in the armchair," she told him, and surprisingly he complied. Wanting to be away from the risk-holding desk, she grabbed a fresh sheet of paper, a board for support and a pencil, and went to sit in the other armchair.
"Should I pose or what?" he asked, sitting as if he was king of the hill. He rested his chin on his hand, and an elated smirk shone on his face.
Rukia sighed. "Whatever you find comfortable, just don't—"
"Wait! I know! It's gonna be fucking great!" Grimmjow shouted excitedly, while standing up and throwing himself on her bed. Making himself comfortable on his side, he exposed more of his torso, and said, "Draw me like one of your French girls."
A/N:
And things got a little bit complicated, mufu～
Hope you enjoyed this chapter (・ω・)
Starting from this chapter, I decided that I'll be answering the so-called anonymous reviews on my profile, so those who doesn't have an account here and nevertheless decided to drop a review won't get unanswered, so do check my profile for the reply! Although do keep in mind that sometimes I get lazy and I take my time replying… (^_^;) But I'll definitely do it!
So, until the next time!
Bye!
朝霧 -Asagiri-