Ladies and Gentlemen- Chapter 22
Ladies and Gentlemen 22
***I had a firm belief that relationships were never worth the trouble, but since fate likes to watch me suffer, it put him on the same train. Bleach fic, Hichi-Ichi, Yaoi
**Bleach is Kubo's, You're Going Down is by the Sick Puppies
Grimmjow Loves Flowers
Shunsui,
First off, let me apologize for the late notice, but know it was unavoidable. While shopping for new set outfits downtown, Grimmjow and I were jumped by a large group of guys looking for some cash. While we are obviously still breathing, the beating was harsh and we were both admitted to the hospital shortly after. Simply put, neither of us are able to work until we get a doctor's release. I will contact you as soon as that happens. Any message you have for us can be sent back through Ulquiorra, as both of our cell phones were crushed in the fray.
-Tensa Shirosaki
Signing the letter laced with a little white lie to keep both the Kitty and myself from getting fired, I glance over it quickly to make sure nothing was missed. Knowing Kyouraku, I probably didn't even need the explanation, but better safe than sorry. On that thought, I should probably add...
P.S. For the love of God, please don't send me flowers.
The last thing I need is for my room to be overcrowded with the painfully bright, pollen wafting, petaled nuisances. Then a delightfully evil thought occurs and I simply can't help myself...
P.S.S. Grimmjow loves flowers, the brighter the better.
Folding up the letter, I seal it in an envelope and write 'Kyouraku' on the front. Ulquiorra has already agreed (begrudgingly) to deliver it after dropping us off at the hospital. Leaning back in my desk chair, I grab my phone and flip to the message that spurred all this careful planning.
From: Grimmjow
Shirosaki, I'm at my limit. Prove to me that you love him like I do. Over our friendship, over our blood, prove it and I'll leave him to you.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out what he meant. Fighting is Grimmjow's method of settling just about anything. You want the last breakfast biscuit? You fight for it. You can't decide who gets stuck as designated driver? You fight to get out of it. You fell in love with the same man? Well you get the idea.
The timing wasn't necessarily the best, but then again, what time would be good to hear that one of your good friends is falling apart? With as long as it took for him to get to this point, I was really beginning to think he was just toying with us. Apparently, I have thoroughly misjudged his patience.
Well, now that he is finally ready to ask for resolution, I will not be one to deny him or prolong his suffering unnecessarily. So, after drying the last of my loves tears and watching him fall asleep, I gave a light kiss to his forehead and rolled out of bed to begin planning. That was two days ago.
The first line of business was to make sure we don't end up killing each other by accident, so I enlisted the help of Ulquiorra. That was a real bitch and a full five hours I will never get back. I also picked a semi-secluded ally not far from the hospital, knowing that we will both most likely need medical attention afterward. Not that I am doubting my abilities, I know I will win, but Grimmjow is a big guy. A big guy that knows how to fight. I am under no illusion that I will come out of this one unscathed.
I still haven't told Ichigo, and I don't think I will. He will undoubtedly throw himself in the middle, yelling at both of us for 'fighting over him like some girl.' Oh yes, I know my berry quite well, but that reaction will not help anything and he would only be getting in the way of Grimmjow's fastest path to recovery. Try as he might, my little Strawberry will never quite understand the hot-headed Cookie Monster like I do. So, with the decision to keep Ichigo in the dark and deal with the repercussions later, the last line of business was taking care of the work excuse.
With my planning completed, the last thing to do is make the call. Pressing speed dial #6, I place the phone at my ear and await the inevitable...
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"...It's been a long time coming,
And the tables turned around,
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down!
I'm not running,
It's a little different now,
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down!
This is all..."
Recognizing the ringer, I sneer down at the phone, Shirosaki.
"About damn time you decide to answer me." Fucker.
"I suppose I should thank you for not breaking down my door yet." He sounds tired, good. It might be selfish, but I'll be fuckin' ecstatic to find out if he's lost just as much sleep over this as I have over that scene in the coffee shop.
"Don't think the thought didn't cross my mind. Ulquiorra convinced me to wait, said you had something to take care of first. Told me you'd be calling today." I decide to leave out the fact that he had to simultaneously kick me in the shin and backhand me in the face before I would listen.
"Yeah, it's done. I'm guessin' that waiting for nightfall is not an option?"
"Fuck no. You already made me wait two god damned days!"
"Aww, what's the matter Cookie? Afraid you'll lose yer nerve?" Ah, there's that cocky bastard, gotta admit that I was starting to get a little worried.
"I should be asking if you've already lost yours. No, we do this now. Your place or mine?"
"The last time someone asked me that, they had a hand down my pants."
"Couldn't resist could ya? Shut-up and answer the damn question."
"Neither. Ulquiorra knows where we're meeting, he'll drive you there."
"Fine. And Snowflake..."
"Yeah, Cookie."
"I'm not playin' with your ass this time, better bring your fuckin' A game."
"Meaning all those other times you willingly ate dirt?"
"You really make wanting to beat the shit out of you easy." I hung up smirking, knowing it was the only way to get the last word in.
"Hey Ulquiorra!" I know he hates it when I shout in the house, but what the fuck does he want me to do? Go find his ass? Not likely. Pulling on an old track suit and a pair of worn tennis shoes, I hear my brother clear his throat at the door of my room.
"Is it really so difficult to just walk into the living room and speak normally."
"How was I supposed to know yer ass was in the living room? No, I don't want a fuckin' answer. Get whatever shit you want to bring, Shirosaki said you'd take me to him."
"Impatient as ever I see. Alright give me a minute to change into something I don't mind ruining."
Huh? Why the hell would be ruining anything? I shrug, deciding not to pursue the thought. The only thing I should be focused on right now is envisioning my fist connect with that cocky smirk. My body thrums with excitement for the upcoming match. It's been a long time since I've gone all out. Definitely a long time coming.
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After parking in the hospital lot, I slip the keys in my sweater pocket and start a slow jog to the alley. I feel my muscles start to warm up as the two surrounding buildings of my destination come into view. Ulquiorra's green Jetta is parked on the curb outside one of the rundown brick structures, meaning they beat me here. Not surprising given Grimmjow's level of patience.
Rounding the corner of the first building, I slow to a walk and watch the other two. Ulquiorra looks uninterested as ever, leaning against the brick wall, and Grimmjow looks like a kid on Christmas morning, hopping foot to foot with a menacing grin that almost rivals my own.
Getting closer, I pull my black zip up sweater off, leaving me in a simple wife-beater tank and black button up the side track pants. I learned in the past to fight in clothes that you either can remove easily, or one's you don't mind getting cut off. Yeah, I've had my fare share of broken bones. Grimmjow's old, worn out, gray tracksuit tells me that he went with the 'don't mind getting cut off' option.
When he finally notices me, the grin grew impossibly larger, "Gotta say, I'm surprised ya showed. Figured Ichigo woulda' talked ya out of it by now."
"Ichigo doesn't know. I know he'd try to stop us, just like I know that you need this to move on."
The smile drops and he levels a glare my way, the change so quick that it reminds me of someone switching masks, "Quit talkin' shit like ya already won asshole! You got any idea what it's like watching the person you want more than anything get seduced by and fall for one of your friends? I love that damn Strawberry and after I take you down today, I am gonna try even harder to win him back!" The determination in his voice almost completely shadowed the pain. Almost. There was a rawness there that determination alone just doesn't cover.
Do I feel guilty for being a source of that pain? Yes. Do I feel guilty about letting myself fall for Ichigo? No. Guilt implies regret, and I definitely do not regret any second spent on or with my Strawberry.
Locking my golden eyes with his piercing blue, I find the words that convey my thoughts. "I won't lie and say I'm sorry that I fell in love with Ichigo, but as your friend, I will apologize for the pain we have put you through. I know I speak for both of us when I say that it was never our intention to hurt you. If this fight will do anything to ease that hurt, then for you, for Ichigo, I will give it my all."
The glare falters just before he drops his head, shaking it slowly, "Hmph, sounds just like something he would say. Doesn't change the fact that he's gonna be pissed when he finds out about this."
"Aww Cookie, yer not gettin' cold feet now are ya?"
He raises his head again, grin back in place, "Not on yer life Snowflake!"
And with that he charges, body moving fluidly, speed increasing with every step. Automatically, I fall into a fighting stance, ready to defend. Ground rules are unnecessary as we have trained, sparred and fought together for years. Thus, certain things go without saying, such as despite having been trained to use them, we would not dilute our own physical abilities by picking up weapons, and the only parts of the body that are off limits are the chicken shit and kill zone. AKA the groin and the throat.
When he reaches my strike zone, I drop low, swiping my foot around and catching his left. His momentum works against him and he stumbles passed me, but stays on his feet. I jump back into my original stance as he whirls back around.
I smirk at the familiar and ineffective move, "Since when has the tackle maneuver ever worked for you?"
"First time for everything asshole. And it'd work just fine if you didn't pussy out at the last second."
With that he went on the offensive again, closing the much shorter distance between us and throwing well aimed punches and the occasional kick where ever he thought there might be, or leave me with, an opening. Eventually he found one, faking a side kick and instead delivering a right hook to my unprotected left cheek. However the hit lacked full force as his balance was slightly off from the false kick, leaving him open in more places than one.
Kicking at his instep, the right arm he was retracting flew out to maintain his waning balance, and I brought the arm I had used to protect the false hit to my side up with all the force I could manage in the limited time I had, connecting the heel of my hand with his nose.
His head flew back, and I was about to continue my assault when he gave an unsuspecting thrust kick to my stomach, catching my lower rib and throwing me back a few feet.
The kick gave him enough time to reposition himself, but I need to rush him while my previous hit is still affecting his senses. I attempt to roundhouse him in the side of the head, but he miraculously dodges and just before my foot touches back down, he delivers a sharp punch to my left eye. Quickly regaining my balance, I ignore the various pains and block the next hit, simultaneously bringing my knee up and thrusting it into his side, hearing a sickening crack upon impact. He shouts and uppercuts me in the solar plexus before jumping back and grabbing his side.
We eye each other carefully, me gasping for stolen breath and him hissing every time his hand prods at his side.
The brief intermission doesn't last long and soon he is rushing me again. I can tell the pain is affecting him though when he all but advertises his next move. Arm raised, his eyes are locked on the juncture between my neck and shoulder and his mistake gives me the second I need to plan not only the avoidance of the knife hand, but the move I will make to counter it.
I twist to the side as his arm descends, the momentum taking him with it. Missing the target completely, his hand is about to come in contact with my thigh when I grab the arm and yank forward, the strength of the pull catching Grimmjow by surprise as his body follows through. As his head comes down, I pivot my body and thrust my elbow at an upward side angle catching him right between the eyes. His head snaps up and he stumbles backward.
I don't bother advancing on him. Successfully executed, that move should be enough to end just about any match.
When he finally looks back up, his words tell me what I needed to know, "Why the fuck 'er there two of ya?"
I smirk at him, "You've got a concussion, meaning we're done."
He growls, unfocused eyes narrowing, "Like hell we are! We're not done until one of us isn't standing."
He then comes at me again, astonishingly able to move quickly in a straight path. I sigh and mumble a quick, "Have it your way" before moving out of the way and giving a quick roundhouse to the outside of his knee. Normally, I would avoid knee blows because there is a high potential for permanent damage, but we can't let him run around like an idiot with a concussion. As expected, the strike brings him down. He lands on his hands and knees, head dropped between his arms while trying to manage the pain that I know is there.
After a few seconds of nothing but heavy breathing, Ulquiorra speaks up, "I'm calling this fight now, as neither one of you are in any condition to continue." I don't bother correcting him by saying that I could continue, even I know better than to fuel that fire.
I nod but don't take my gaze off Grimmjow who still hasn't moved, "Cookie?"
His breathing is labored and he has yet to raise his head, "Yeah, I saw what I needed to...Hey Snowflake?"
"Yes dear?"
"Ya really love him?"
"Didn't I just spend the last 15 minutes and better portion of my health proving it?"
He raises his head then, "You wanna keep going?"
I snort, he is more likely to pass out than make any move toward me, "Yes I love him, stupid. Wouldn't give 'im up fer anythin'."
"Alright, but if you ever hurt him Shirosaki, we will do this again with a different outcome."
"Of course, Grimm. Wouldn' have it any other way."
"If you two are quite finished, avoiding the situation where one of you falls unconscious and has to be carried is my top priority."
"Alright Spunky, help me get the gimp to the car, we can check the damages at the hospital."
"No Way in Hell! I Ain't Goin' to the Fuckin' Hospital!" And here I was hoping the 'gimp' comment would distract him...Damn. Looks like Ulquiorra and I have a whole 'nother fight on our hands. I hope my body holds out.
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Replaying the surgery in my head, I lean back in one of the rather uncomfortable break room chairs, spoon still hanging from my mouth.
"I don't understand how you can eat after assisting with a surgery."
I smirk, always up for irritating my navy haired rival, "What's wrong Ishida? Surely a little blood wouldn't make you queasy."
"Not at all Kurosaki. I am just trying to imagine what kind of barbarian still has an appetite after digging around in someone's gut."
Before I get the chance to reply, Hanataro rushes into the room looking pale, "Ichigo-san, now don't get worried or anything, they seem to be alright, and lively, and one of them doesn't even want to be here-"
He already isn't making any sense, "Hey, just calm down and tell me what you want to say."
"Shiro-san and a big loud guy with bright blue hair came in while you were working with Doctor Urahara...They are beaten up pretty bad."
I sit there for a second, letting the information sink in. They fight all the time, but never needed to be hospitalized. Hell, I'd have more luck convincing Grimmjow to jump off the roof of a hospital than to step foot in one. But Hanataro said they seemed alright?
Abandoning that confusing train of thought, I decide to go straight to the source. Looking back up I fix my gaze on Hanataro, who seems to shrink under it's intensity, "What room is Shiro in?"
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Jogging down the hall, I catch sight of Ulquiorra outside of my boyfriends room. What the fuck is he doing here?
He acknowledges me, nodding when I get close, "Kurosaki."
I don't bother returning the nicety, "Were you there?"
"They asked me to oversee the match, yes."
His nonchalant voice doesn't help calm me in the least. "You just watched this happen!"
He doesn't seem defensive in the least, "This would have occurred regardless of my presence. The method was simply the most understandable means for the two of them to be content with the outcome."
Did he really just say what I think he said? "So for them to be content over something that is ultimately a decision neither one of them have the right to make, they had to beat the ever living shit out of each other?"
He looked contemplative for a minute, almost as if trying to decide whether or not to walk away, but eventually he sat down in the chair outside the room and attempted to justify the reasoning.
"Before cursing them for their idiocy, you should know that Shirosaki did not accept this fight just for you. Despite knowing further pursuit would be useless, my idiot brothers pride would not let him give up without a fight. He issued the match because he cannot stand to lose something with the knowledge that he did not try his hardest to keep it. Shirosaki accepted because he knew that it was the only way Grimmjow could move on."
So they had this planned? The way he is speaking makes the fight seem final. Is that what they decided on? Even so, it doesn't justify hospitalization.
"No matter the reason, was it really necessary to go so far? How can someone justify hospitalizing one of their friends?"
"Wounds will heal. Would you have preferred their friendship be ruined? Permanently strained at best? Nothing would have been resolved if the method didn't have meaning. To them, an honorable fight to the finish holds a meaning that both of their simple minds can comprehend."
I really wish that explanation didn't make any sense to me. Unfortunately it does and I can't help but feel a little guilty about my obvious role in not trying harder to avoid the situation. Would it have gotten this far if I had tried harder to dissuade Grimmjow. Hm, probably. He is an unbelievably stubborn and irritating individual.
Despite still being irritated with them for the barbaric battle, the little insight I have gained has stopped me from ripping into both beaten men.
"...Thank you."
"I did not do it for you."
"No, but you stopped me from doing something stupid. I still don't agree with the method, but seeing the other perspective, helps me understand a little better. I am surprised though, you had to know that my reaction would have led to a fight with Shiro. I would think that would have made you happy."
"Do not assume that the thought didn't cross my mind, and before today I would have gladly watched you strain your relationship with Shirosaki. However, after having witnessed his devotion and hearing words that I would have never expected spill from his mouth, I can not honestly bring myself to take advantage of the situation. Therefore, unlike my idiot brother, I gracefully withdraw for now."
"I see. Well, I won't bother wasting thanks on you then."
"Now you are learning."
Leaving the conversation there, he gets up and walks in the direction of Grimmjow's room. I shake my head at the retreating back and turn to face the door. Time to see how much damage has actually been done...
***I had a firm belief that relationships were never worth the trouble, but since fate likes to watch me suffer, it put him on the same train. Bleach fic, Hichi-Ichi, Yaoi
**Bleach is Kubo's, You're Going Down is by the Sick Puppies
Grimmjow Loves Flowers
Shunsui,
First off, let me apologize for the late notice, but know it was unavoidable. While shopping for new set outfits downtown, Grimmjow and I were jumped by a large group of guys looking for some cash. While we are obviously still breathing, the beating was harsh and we were both admitted to the hospital shortly after. Simply put, neither of us are able to work until we get a doctor's release. I will contact you as soon as that happens. Any message you have for us can be sent back through Ulquiorra, as both of our cell phones were crushed in the fray.
-Tensa Shirosaki
Signing the letter laced with a little white lie to keep both the Kitty and myself from getting fired, I glance over it quickly to make sure nothing was missed. Knowing Kyouraku, I probably didn't even need the explanation, but better safe than sorry. On that thought, I should probably add...
P.S. For the love of God, please don't send me flowers.
The last thing I need is for my room to be overcrowded with the painfully bright, pollen wafting, petaled nuisances. Then a delightfully evil thought occurs and I simply can't help myself...
P.S.S. Grimmjow loves flowers, the brighter the better.
Folding up the letter, I seal it in an envelope and write 'Kyouraku' on the front. Ulquiorra has already agreed (begrudgingly) to deliver it after dropping us off at the hospital. Leaning back in my desk chair, I grab my phone and flip to the message that spurred all this careful planning.
From: Grimmjow
Shirosaki, I'm at my limit. Prove to me that you love him like I do. Over our friendship, over our blood, prove it and I'll leave him to you.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out what he meant. Fighting is Grimmjow's method of settling just about anything. You want the last breakfast biscuit? You fight for it. You can't decide who gets stuck as designated driver? You fight to get out of it. You fell in love with the same man? Well you get the idea.
The timing wasn't necessarily the best, but then again, what time would be good to hear that one of your good friends is falling apart? With as long as it took for him to get to this point, I was really beginning to think he was just toying with us. Apparently, I have thoroughly misjudged his patience.
Well, now that he is finally ready to ask for resolution, I will not be one to deny him or prolong his suffering unnecessarily. So, after drying the last of my loves tears and watching him fall asleep, I gave a light kiss to his forehead and rolled out of bed to begin planning. That was two days ago.
The first line of business was to make sure we don't end up killing each other by accident, so I enlisted the help of Ulquiorra. That was a real bitch and a full five hours I will never get back. I also picked a semi-secluded ally not far from the hospital, knowing that we will both most likely need medical attention afterward. Not that I am doubting my abilities, I know I will win, but Grimmjow is a big guy. A big guy that knows how to fight. I am under no illusion that I will come out of this one unscathed.
I still haven't told Ichigo, and I don't think I will. He will undoubtedly throw himself in the middle, yelling at both of us for 'fighting over him like some girl.' Oh yes, I know my berry quite well, but that reaction will not help anything and he would only be getting in the way of Grimmjow's fastest path to recovery. Try as he might, my little Strawberry will never quite understand the hot-headed Cookie Monster like I do. So, with the decision to keep Ichigo in the dark and deal with the repercussions later, the last line of business was taking care of the work excuse.
With my planning completed, the last thing to do is make the call. Pressing speed dial #6, I place the phone at my ear and await the inevitable...
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"...It's been a long time coming,
And the tables turned around,
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down!
I'm not running,
It's a little different now,
'Cause one of us is going
One of us is going down!
This is all..."
Recognizing the ringer, I sneer down at the phone, Shirosaki.
"About damn time you decide to answer me." Fucker.
"I suppose I should thank you for not breaking down my door yet." He sounds tired, good. It might be selfish, but I'll be fuckin' ecstatic to find out if he's lost just as much sleep over this as I have over that scene in the coffee shop.
"Don't think the thought didn't cross my mind. Ulquiorra convinced me to wait, said you had something to take care of first. Told me you'd be calling today." I decide to leave out the fact that he had to simultaneously kick me in the shin and backhand me in the face before I would listen.
"Yeah, it's done. I'm guessin' that waiting for nightfall is not an option?"
"Fuck no. You already made me wait two god damned days!"
"Aww, what's the matter Cookie? Afraid you'll lose yer nerve?" Ah, there's that cocky bastard, gotta admit that I was starting to get a little worried.
"I should be asking if you've already lost yours. No, we do this now. Your place or mine?"
"The last time someone asked me that, they had a hand down my pants."
"Couldn't resist could ya? Shut-up and answer the damn question."
"Neither. Ulquiorra knows where we're meeting, he'll drive you there."
"Fine. And Snowflake..."
"Yeah, Cookie."
"I'm not playin' with your ass this time, better bring your fuckin' A game."
"Meaning all those other times you willingly ate dirt?"
"You really make wanting to beat the shit out of you easy." I hung up smirking, knowing it was the only way to get the last word in.
"Hey Ulquiorra!" I know he hates it when I shout in the house, but what the fuck does he want me to do? Go find his ass? Not likely. Pulling on an old track suit and a pair of worn tennis shoes, I hear my brother clear his throat at the door of my room.
"Is it really so difficult to just walk into the living room and speak normally."
"How was I supposed to know yer ass was in the living room? No, I don't want a fuckin' answer. Get whatever shit you want to bring, Shirosaki said you'd take me to him."
"Impatient as ever I see. Alright give me a minute to change into something I don't mind ruining."
Huh? Why the hell would be ruining anything? I shrug, deciding not to pursue the thought. The only thing I should be focused on right now is envisioning my fist connect with that cocky smirk. My body thrums with excitement for the upcoming match. It's been a long time since I've gone all out. Definitely a long time coming.
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After parking in the hospital lot, I slip the keys in my sweater pocket and start a slow jog to the alley. I feel my muscles start to warm up as the two surrounding buildings of my destination come into view. Ulquiorra's green Jetta is parked on the curb outside one of the rundown brick structures, meaning they beat me here. Not surprising given Grimmjow's level of patience.
Rounding the corner of the first building, I slow to a walk and watch the other two. Ulquiorra looks uninterested as ever, leaning against the brick wall, and Grimmjow looks like a kid on Christmas morning, hopping foot to foot with a menacing grin that almost rivals my own.
Getting closer, I pull my black zip up sweater off, leaving me in a simple wife-beater tank and black button up the side track pants. I learned in the past to fight in clothes that you either can remove easily, or one's you don't mind getting cut off. Yeah, I've had my fare share of broken bones. Grimmjow's old, worn out, gray tracksuit tells me that he went with the 'don't mind getting cut off' option.
When he finally notices me, the grin grew impossibly larger, "Gotta say, I'm surprised ya showed. Figured Ichigo woulda' talked ya out of it by now."
"Ichigo doesn't know. I know he'd try to stop us, just like I know that you need this to move on."
The smile drops and he levels a glare my way, the change so quick that it reminds me of someone switching masks, "Quit talkin' shit like ya already won asshole! You got any idea what it's like watching the person you want more than anything get seduced by and fall for one of your friends? I love that damn Strawberry and after I take you down today, I am gonna try even harder to win him back!" The determination in his voice almost completely shadowed the pain. Almost. There was a rawness there that determination alone just doesn't cover.
Do I feel guilty for being a source of that pain? Yes. Do I feel guilty about letting myself fall for Ichigo? No. Guilt implies regret, and I definitely do not regret any second spent on or with my Strawberry.
Locking my golden eyes with his piercing blue, I find the words that convey my thoughts. "I won't lie and say I'm sorry that I fell in love with Ichigo, but as your friend, I will apologize for the pain we have put you through. I know I speak for both of us when I say that it was never our intention to hurt you. If this fight will do anything to ease that hurt, then for you, for Ichigo, I will give it my all."
The glare falters just before he drops his head, shaking it slowly, "Hmph, sounds just like something he would say. Doesn't change the fact that he's gonna be pissed when he finds out about this."
"Aww Cookie, yer not gettin' cold feet now are ya?"
He raises his head again, grin back in place, "Not on yer life Snowflake!"
And with that he charges, body moving fluidly, speed increasing with every step. Automatically, I fall into a fighting stance, ready to defend. Ground rules are unnecessary as we have trained, sparred and fought together for years. Thus, certain things go without saying, such as despite having been trained to use them, we would not dilute our own physical abilities by picking up weapons, and the only parts of the body that are off limits are the chicken shit and kill zone. AKA the groin and the throat.
When he reaches my strike zone, I drop low, swiping my foot around and catching his left. His momentum works against him and he stumbles passed me, but stays on his feet. I jump back into my original stance as he whirls back around.
I smirk at the familiar and ineffective move, "Since when has the tackle maneuver ever worked for you?"
"First time for everything asshole. And it'd work just fine if you didn't pussy out at the last second."
With that he went on the offensive again, closing the much shorter distance between us and throwing well aimed punches and the occasional kick where ever he thought there might be, or leave me with, an opening. Eventually he found one, faking a side kick and instead delivering a right hook to my unprotected left cheek. However the hit lacked full force as his balance was slightly off from the false kick, leaving him open in more places than one.
Kicking at his instep, the right arm he was retracting flew out to maintain his waning balance, and I brought the arm I had used to protect the false hit to my side up with all the force I could manage in the limited time I had, connecting the heel of my hand with his nose.
His head flew back, and I was about to continue my assault when he gave an unsuspecting thrust kick to my stomach, catching my lower rib and throwing me back a few feet.
The kick gave him enough time to reposition himself, but I need to rush him while my previous hit is still affecting his senses. I attempt to roundhouse him in the side of the head, but he miraculously dodges and just before my foot touches back down, he delivers a sharp punch to my left eye. Quickly regaining my balance, I ignore the various pains and block the next hit, simultaneously bringing my knee up and thrusting it into his side, hearing a sickening crack upon impact. He shouts and uppercuts me in the solar plexus before jumping back and grabbing his side.
We eye each other carefully, me gasping for stolen breath and him hissing every time his hand prods at his side.
The brief intermission doesn't last long and soon he is rushing me again. I can tell the pain is affecting him though when he all but advertises his next move. Arm raised, his eyes are locked on the juncture between my neck and shoulder and his mistake gives me the second I need to plan not only the avoidance of the knife hand, but the move I will make to counter it.
I twist to the side as his arm descends, the momentum taking him with it. Missing the target completely, his hand is about to come in contact with my thigh when I grab the arm and yank forward, the strength of the pull catching Grimmjow by surprise as his body follows through. As his head comes down, I pivot my body and thrust my elbow at an upward side angle catching him right between the eyes. His head snaps up and he stumbles backward.
I don't bother advancing on him. Successfully executed, that move should be enough to end just about any match.
When he finally looks back up, his words tell me what I needed to know, "Why the fuck 'er there two of ya?"
I smirk at him, "You've got a concussion, meaning we're done."
He growls, unfocused eyes narrowing, "Like hell we are! We're not done until one of us isn't standing."
He then comes at me again, astonishingly able to move quickly in a straight path. I sigh and mumble a quick, "Have it your way" before moving out of the way and giving a quick roundhouse to the outside of his knee. Normally, I would avoid knee blows because there is a high potential for permanent damage, but we can't let him run around like an idiot with a concussion. As expected, the strike brings him down. He lands on his hands and knees, head dropped between his arms while trying to manage the pain that I know is there.
After a few seconds of nothing but heavy breathing, Ulquiorra speaks up, "I'm calling this fight now, as neither one of you are in any condition to continue." I don't bother correcting him by saying that I could continue, even I know better than to fuel that fire.
I nod but don't take my gaze off Grimmjow who still hasn't moved, "Cookie?"
His breathing is labored and he has yet to raise his head, "Yeah, I saw what I needed to...Hey Snowflake?"
"Yes dear?"
"Ya really love him?"
"Didn't I just spend the last 15 minutes and better portion of my health proving it?"
He raises his head then, "You wanna keep going?"
I snort, he is more likely to pass out than make any move toward me, "Yes I love him, stupid. Wouldn't give 'im up fer anythin'."
"Alright, but if you ever hurt him Shirosaki, we will do this again with a different outcome."
"Of course, Grimm. Wouldn' have it any other way."
"If you two are quite finished, avoiding the situation where one of you falls unconscious and has to be carried is my top priority."
"Alright Spunky, help me get the gimp to the car, we can check the damages at the hospital."
"No Way in Hell! I Ain't Goin' to the Fuckin' Hospital!" And here I was hoping the 'gimp' comment would distract him...Damn. Looks like Ulquiorra and I have a whole 'nother fight on our hands. I hope my body holds out.
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Replaying the surgery in my head, I lean back in one of the rather uncomfortable break room chairs, spoon still hanging from my mouth.
"I don't understand how you can eat after assisting with a surgery."
I smirk, always up for irritating my navy haired rival, "What's wrong Ishida? Surely a little blood wouldn't make you queasy."
"Not at all Kurosaki. I am just trying to imagine what kind of barbarian still has an appetite after digging around in someone's gut."
Before I get the chance to reply, Hanataro rushes into the room looking pale, "Ichigo-san, now don't get worried or anything, they seem to be alright, and lively, and one of them doesn't even want to be here-"
He already isn't making any sense, "Hey, just calm down and tell me what you want to say."
"Shiro-san and a big loud guy with bright blue hair came in while you were working with Doctor Urahara...They are beaten up pretty bad."
I sit there for a second, letting the information sink in. They fight all the time, but never needed to be hospitalized. Hell, I'd have more luck convincing Grimmjow to jump off the roof of a hospital than to step foot in one. But Hanataro said they seemed alright?
Abandoning that confusing train of thought, I decide to go straight to the source. Looking back up I fix my gaze on Hanataro, who seems to shrink under it's intensity, "What room is Shiro in?"
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Jogging down the hall, I catch sight of Ulquiorra outside of my boyfriends room. What the fuck is he doing here?
He acknowledges me, nodding when I get close, "Kurosaki."
I don't bother returning the nicety, "Were you there?"
"They asked me to oversee the match, yes."
His nonchalant voice doesn't help calm me in the least. "You just watched this happen!"
He doesn't seem defensive in the least, "This would have occurred regardless of my presence. The method was simply the most understandable means for the two of them to be content with the outcome."
Did he really just say what I think he said? "So for them to be content over something that is ultimately a decision neither one of them have the right to make, they had to beat the ever living shit out of each other?"
He looked contemplative for a minute, almost as if trying to decide whether or not to walk away, but eventually he sat down in the chair outside the room and attempted to justify the reasoning.
"Before cursing them for their idiocy, you should know that Shirosaki did not accept this fight just for you. Despite knowing further pursuit would be useless, my idiot brothers pride would not let him give up without a fight. He issued the match because he cannot stand to lose something with the knowledge that he did not try his hardest to keep it. Shirosaki accepted because he knew that it was the only way Grimmjow could move on."
So they had this planned? The way he is speaking makes the fight seem final. Is that what they decided on? Even so, it doesn't justify hospitalization.
"No matter the reason, was it really necessary to go so far? How can someone justify hospitalizing one of their friends?"
"Wounds will heal. Would you have preferred their friendship be ruined? Permanently strained at best? Nothing would have been resolved if the method didn't have meaning. To them, an honorable fight to the finish holds a meaning that both of their simple minds can comprehend."
I really wish that explanation didn't make any sense to me. Unfortunately it does and I can't help but feel a little guilty about my obvious role in not trying harder to avoid the situation. Would it have gotten this far if I had tried harder to dissuade Grimmjow. Hm, probably. He is an unbelievably stubborn and irritating individual.
Despite still being irritated with them for the barbaric battle, the little insight I have gained has stopped me from ripping into both beaten men.
"...Thank you."
"I did not do it for you."
"No, but you stopped me from doing something stupid. I still don't agree with the method, but seeing the other perspective, helps me understand a little better. I am surprised though, you had to know that my reaction would have led to a fight with Shiro. I would think that would have made you happy."
"Do not assume that the thought didn't cross my mind, and before today I would have gladly watched you strain your relationship with Shirosaki. However, after having witnessed his devotion and hearing words that I would have never expected spill from his mouth, I can not honestly bring myself to take advantage of the situation. Therefore, unlike my idiot brother, I gracefully withdraw for now."
"I see. Well, I won't bother wasting thanks on you then."
"Now you are learning."
Leaving the conversation there, he gets up and walks in the direction of Grimmjow's room. I shake my head at the retreating back and turn to face the door. Time to see how much damage has actually been done...