Straitjacket Feeling

A/N: What? Another update? I figured I would go ahead and finish this chapter off while I had the chance to. This upcoming month of classes is definitely going to be hell for me and seeing as we're forced to do the assignments with a team (which never works out for me) I'll either not have the time or be too stressed to do much for this story. Now, that's not to say I won't find the sliver of time somewhere, I'm just saying that if it doesn't update anytime soon,  it's because of that; well either that or I'm in prison for murdering one of my partners. Not gonna rule out any of those possibilities.

"What was that all about?"

He glanced up at the question as he slowly made his way back into the bathroom; watching the way she traced her fingertips back and forth across the curved edge of the bathtub, moving them in a manner of habit almost. "It wasn't much of any importance."

She watched as he walked back towards her at his usual pace before he slowly moved to sit down next to her, just outside of the tub; propping one arm next to her own. She turned just slightly to rest on the curve of her hip as she brought her other arm tuck in next to his now. It was just a small note that he wasn't entirely meeting her eyes that said otherwise of his words. "Let me guess, a report came back and said that... some of the subjects came back positive, right?"

"You overheard it."

"It was hard not to." she remarked; watching as he seemed to give a minute before he broke out into a soft chuckle. "What do you find so humorous?"

He shook his head lightly and leaned in against the obstacle piece behind him. "I'm going to look into it a bit more in-depth and speak with the women to get a few more things answered; it's just a little... hypothesis of mine that's still in work."

"So was your first one but that one doesn't seem to be working out all too correctly." Nemu started; listening as it only seemed to provoke another chuckle from him. "What are you hiding exactly?"

"I wasn't going to say anything just yet because... well it could lead to a whole lot of trouble but make itself worth it in the end regardless." he answered. "But, I just find it interesting that one of the women who came back positive... I didn't actually have sex with."

"What do you mean? You were expected to-"

"I made my displeasure of this whole experiment known from the start, if anything they should've known better than to take my word for it- let alone hers as well when I end up treating her better than they did, and gained more of her trust. That woman and I... well I convinced her to make a deal with me; she reports back that the whole exercise was successful while I make a lie of that." he commented with a light shrug. "She seemed the least enthusiastic about the whole thing out of all of them, so I thought it would've been best to throw her out of the matter. The fact that she's been dragged back into this whole thing... well that just gives me the one thing I was looking for."

"Which is?"

"You see, everyone seems to now be enjoying the fact that, I was wrong and that reproduction between any given Hollow and any given Shinigami can occur. Well... this matter right now between this other woman and I, that gives me the opening I was expecting. It proves to me the one fact that will bring this whole experiment down to its knees."

She continued to watch him and took note that throughout all of his words, there wasn't the least sense of tension; his expressions were relaxed and sometimes almost cheerful as a light chuckle escaped every now and again. He was confident in whatever was going on in that head of his; he was confident in this second hypothesis that he wasn't going to share with her just yet- which made her all the more curious. Fingertips reached out and lightly brushed through his pink strands before they fell along the curve of his jawline just the same. "It wouldn't matter to me if the others did successfully become positive."

"I know but it would matter to me." he started before he leaned in towards her just enough to brush his forehead against her own. "Besides, you just say that because you know well that you're at the top of my list; you're my only mate for now."

"Oh? For now?" she questioned.

"Don't use my words against me."

She leaned in and closed the space between them just long enough for a soft kiss before she pushed back; glancing over him to take note of the silver-haired woman peeking in through the bedroom doorway. "I think Isane's looking for you; she's probably set up a schedule for you to meet with those women."

"You mean, the idiot in charge has set up a schedule." he corrected as he slowly moved to push himself up and back to his feet. "Don't do anything until I get back."

"I'll try not to."

As much as he'd prefer to not leave her side at a time like this... what was sure to follow was going to be just as intriguing; perhaps he was more excited to meet with this woman than he should've been. However, he kept himself from showing all too much of the emotion and kept a fairly structured expression when he went out to meet the woman. "That was quick, I barely had the chance to sit down."

"Yeah well... I just got a note from one of the lackeys around here; apparently Akon said that everything was set up and ready to go and that I... should drop by again and pick you up."

"Well, let's go then; I wouldn't want to keep her waiting."

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He supposed the sight of the dark-haired, female Captain and the other Division male he didn't really care for were a hint that they had finally arrived at the given destination. He didn't really want to bother speaking with them right now- there were more urgent matters that called for his attention and they were just going to slow him down.

"Which female is this?" he questioned.

"This would be the second one-"

"I didn't care much for numbers, give me a name or some kind of image." Szayel interrupted. "A body mark might work as well, I'm not all too picky."

"Why don't you just walk in there and speak with her." Akon answered. "It would be easier for everyone if a simple solution as that was made. Unless you have some kind of problem with it."

He shook his head faintly and moved to pinch at the empty space between his eyes. "Regardless, I wish to interact with both of them eventually, but seeing as you're the one pulling the ropes around here, I'd imagine that you're not going to allow for that to happen; it'd be safer to interact individually anyways- there's a different personality to take with both of them and I'd prefer not to upset the other. While it doesn't matter to me which one comes first, I'd just like to stop wasting my time standing out in the hallway speaking with the likes of you."

The slightly tense expression on the other man only proved that he had gained the reaction he wanted and that alone was satisfying enough for him. Still, the man didn't respond, which was a little disappointing and only pulled the door in front of them open. He had forgotten to ask if the conversation was going to be monitored but doing so now would've just been suspicious. He would just have to keep things on the down low and keep their voices quiet.

Stepping through the door, he waited for that usual squeaking noise that signaled it finally closing; giving him the chance to give the room a brief look over, although it didn't really hold all too much for him. It kind of looked like the holding cell he was in, only smaller and used to just be a mere waiting room perhaps. The woman who was currently occupying it had her back to him and although it seemed like she would've at least acknowledged his presence, she purposely ignored him instead. That, he was expecting though.

And he couldn't really blame her for it either.

He kept his steps quiet and light as he moved across the room to where she was partly seated in a chair that had been oddly arranged to the center of the room- yeah, it seemed like some kind of interrogation setting or something. Because that's really what they were going to do to each other. Did anyone around here ever use common sense? Or rational thinking for that matter?

"You're probably wondering why I'm even here in the first place."

A light chuckle escaped him as he carefully closed the space between them, yet minding to keep a comfort foot or two between them. "I already know why and that doesn't really worry me; what worries me is the fact that you're here in the first place anyways. You're trapped in a place where you don't need to be... and I want you to be some place safer. You don't deserve to be in this... breeding center." he remembered to keep his tone calm and reassuring while he spoke as he slowly closed the small space between them; his hands moved to lightly tease the loose strands of hair that dangled down the back of her neck. "If anything, you should at least be with the real person responsible for this."

She seemed to draw in a deep breath before it collapsed inside of her chest. "I wanted to explain the situation when the tests came back positive but... then I remembered that deal of ours; I remembered that we weren't supposed to say anything, right? So... I didn't. As much as I would've liked to explain to my Captain why this was happening... I couldn't; so I just let them take me away."

The way she spoke only made the conversation worse as he slowly moved around her; moving around to face her, he watched as she was busy with the back of her hand pressed against her eyes- as though to hide something that was obviously there. He gently touched at her hand and coaxed her to her feet just before he pulled her against him. It felt as though she fell too easily into him but then again, knowing how this Division treated its 'guest', he was probably the only one who offered this kind of assurance, this kind of comfort; he understood what was going on and what she was having to put herself through. In all honesty, he was surprised she didn't decide to spill the whole thing out but... that wasn't like her; from what he could tell from her personality, that just wasn't it; she wasn't one to go back on her word. "I'll admit one thing, I'm surprised you did not choose to save yourself from this. You had the given option and you could've easily stayed with the real man... and yet you're here."

The feel of her warm fingertips as they partly dug into his back showed a sense of confliction and yet acceptance as well. "I thought about it and then I realized that... they would do more harm to you than me; if any one of them had thought to confront me over it, my Captain wouldn't let them twenty feet close. But there's no one here to protect you. It's not in my character to go back on my word, you knew you faced a greater deal of danger when you proposed that proposition in the first place and yet you still went through with it. I couldn't go back on that. Even now, I'm still safer because should I choose to show a sign of distress... Captain Shunsui won't be pleased and he'll make it known."

"Is he the man responsible?"

"... Yes."

"Then he sounds like a charming fellow." he remarked; loosening his grip on her for a moment as he leaned back. Fingertips brushed aside her dark bangs and tucked them away before he just very lightly kissed at her forehead; taking in the soft scent of lavender that seemed to drift from her skin. "I'd hate to get on his bad side with this."

He watched as her dark eyes slowly slid closed at the soft gesture; the corner of her lips just very faintly turning up. As long as he could keep her happy...

"I don't understand how you can seem so casual about all of this."

"I have my own ways of dealing with immense pressure." he started as his hands moved to lightly cradling her face while he leaned down to press his forehead against her own. "This whole matter? Well... I'm only really looking forward to one ending, however that doesn't mean I have to carry myself with tunnel vision. You're wrongfully here because of me, so I hold that duty to care for you when I can. You can't be alone during this; I won't allow for it."

Slowly, those near black eyes of hers opened once more and looked up to him; allowing for several long moments to pass on by as she studied both his words and expression. "You sound almost genuine..."

"Because I am." he replied. "Given the chance, if I could, I'd make the request for you to stay with me instead of out here."

"If it would get rid of all the testing." she remarked with a quiet, almost nervous chuckle.

"I'll see what I can do about it, but no promises." he commented.

The irritating squeak from the door on the other end of the room seemed destined to ruin their small moment as he just barely glanced up at the noise.

"Your time's up." someone called.

An irritated sigh escaped him as he only moved to pull her in closer. Must everyone from this Division be so pushy. "I didn't really think interactions such as this were needing of a time limit."

"It's probably to give time to Hinamori." Nanao remarked as she allowed for space to eventually drift between them.

"Well it's not like time will be running out all too soon." he sighed; forcing himself to let his hands drop away from her. "If you'll excuse me, it seems as though the asshole here beckons for me."

She nodded briefly and watched as he started back towards the other side of the room; reaching out at the last minute to grab at his hand, which stopped him almost instantly. "I... thank you."

"If you need me, just call for a request."

He supposed he should've been expecting the small trio just outside the door to be looking at him for answers to unasked questions; like he was going to give them the pleasure of knowing their conversation. What did they expect of him? To be some person of lower intelligence? "Now where is the other one you wanted me to speak to?"

"Is there anything you wanted to say about your conversation?" Akon questioned.

"Hmm... not to you." he made as a quick reply. "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to speak to the second female you're holding hostage- I mean, holding as a subject here."

The quick correction didn't go unnoticed and he watched as the man's facial expression tensed once more; excellent.

Still, he refused to give in to his antics and only turned to lead the new way. "She's just down the corridor; the first door on the left. You'll have ten or so minutes to speak with her next."

"Why with the time limit? I figured you were just itching for a reaction, right? I don't think I could masterfully pull one off under such a short amount of time." he continued to jab. "Regardless, I suppose that would be a request to make, wouldn't it? Which reminds me of yet another, the woman back there complained about the excessive testing you were performing; it would be far more smoother if you cut back on that, there's really no need for constant testing anyways."

"That's not really your call to make, now is it?"

"Oh? Playing the power game now, are we?"

He watched as the man stopped in mid step and turned around; he was half-expecting a response only to see him reach over and pull open the door next to them. It was to admit that he hadn't even noticed the small distance they had traveled and wasn't entirely expecting to be here so quick either. Well regardless, he knew what was needed to be done. "She's right inside, just remember, ten minutes."

He didn't bother to give the man the pride of getting a response and only moved forward on into the room in front of him. That kind of conversation was going to have to wait until another time. Until then, he had more important matters to care to. Just like before, he waited for the door to be closed behind him before he went further on into the room; this time, the much smaller woman was partly curled up in the middle of the temporary bed with a pillow practically wrapped around her head. "Now, I'm not entirely certified as a doctor or really have any kind of medical training but I'm almost certain that you're not supposed to do that."

A long, muffled groan escaped the woman as she only seemed to press the pillow tighter to her; apparently giving him some kind of answer that was spoken into the rough material.

Frowning slightly, he continued his way towards her and was careful to announce his closer presence as he took a seat on the edge of the bed; listening to the brief squeak from the mattress that resulted from the extra pressure. "You're going to have to repeat that for me."

Her fingers seemed to tighten their hold on the pillow before she eventually peeled it away from her face. "I ate something bad for lunch and I think I'm gonna hurl; I shouldn't have had that second sandwich."

"Yeah, that'll tend to happen more often now." he replied as he moved to find a more comfortable position; eventually moving himself to press his back against the headboard behind him as he sat just a foot or so from her side. "If you need to 'hurl' though, just go ahead and go for it."

"I really shouldn't have let Chojiro talk me into getting two of them." Hinamori continued to groan as she pulled the pillow back against her face.

"You should hurl on him then."

A light chuckle escaped her this time at the remark before she loosened her grip on the pillow just enough to allow for a little bit more breathing room. "Have you already spoken to Nanao?"

"Yeah, I just finished speaking with her a few moments before, until they informed me of an unnecessary time limit they seemingly put on these conversations."

"I just find it odd that she's here... she told me about what happened between you two."

Shit. No one else was supposed to know about that... alright, well actually that wasn't all too bad; she probably just said it out of fear and needed to share the secret with someone; he couldn't blame her for that. "We were just discussing that ourselves; I would actually most appreciate it if you didn't mention that bit of information to anyone else... for now anyways."

"I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble."

That was a breath of relief. He watched as she eventually moved herself onto her back, keeping the pillow over her as she tried to use the sense of darkness to settle out her upset stomach. This gave him just the small opportunity to lightly trace his fingers through her dark hair. "So, tell me more about this 'Chojiro' you mentioned. This should be a bonding moment for us and I'm curious to hear more about him."

"It's nothing, he's just... he's a good friend of mine." she started; not wanting to offer all to much of an answer. "I mean, after the whole Winter Wars and the rough aftermath... he was really the only person who was still there. He offered to keep me company if I wanted it and- I don't know why I'm telling you this, it's just me rambling on.

"Nonsense, I just want to know a little more about you and all the people you interact with." he offered. "It helps me to understand you a little more and it helps to nurture that connection we're supposed to have."

"Well... that's all that's really to say about him." she quickly replied.

He chuckled lightly and watched as she moved to push the pillow to her stomach now; a brief frown dressed her slightly pale lips. "That's quite alright, I'm not going to pressure you for more answers, I just wanted to make conversation. You'll be here for awhile and I just want to make sure you're kept entertained."

"This whole situation is enough to keep me entertained."

"Yeah, I find it all just as ridiculous." he nodded.

"I thought you said this wasn't possible..."

He continued to stroke through her hair in a soothing pattern, that seemed to be slowly working on her. "I said it wasn't possible between you and I; I didn't say it wasn't impossible for you overall."

Another squeaked from the doorway announced yet another leave that seemed to call far too soon; he was almost certain that hadn't even been ten minutes this time. The asshole was just trying to fool him now.

We'll see who comes out on top of this...

"You'll have to excuse me, it appears our short amount of time together has been cut down even more, how terribly unfortunate and immature of some people in control around here." he remarked as she slowly started to push himself to his feet. "I'll be back when I can but I'll make sure someone checks in on you about that stomach ache; I'm sure it's not too serious but I don't want you suffering through it right now."

She only nodded and rolled back onto her other side; returning the pillow to around her head.

He didn't feel like really anything came out of the brief encounter and that alone was disappointing on his part; next time, hopefully, would be more successful between them. But until then, whenever it may be, he should return back to Lady Kurotsuchi while he still had the opportunity to do so.

"Let me guess-"

"Nothing to say." he replied; interrupting the other man as soon as he exited the room. "Actually, she is experiencing abdominal pains, I think someone should look into it."

"I will." Isane volunteered as she carried on down the hallway towards them. "I mean... I just want to make sure it's nothing serious."

Akon nodded towards the silver-haired woman and allowed for her to slip into the still, slightly opened room before he turned back to the heartless form; something about the man's almost... pleased looking expression didn't sit all too well with him. "I suppose I'll have to escort you back to Lieutenant Kurotsuchi's room."

"If you want."

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The sight of the black-haired woman lightly snuggled into the thin covers of her bed was enough to fill that empty space in his chest with something as he slowly entered the room; listening as the door was pulled tightly closed behind him. Like he really needed an escort to get back here but it would be a cold day in hell before that other man would even let him out of his sight in this place. Then again, he probably would do something to completely screw with him. But for now, he had important matters to take care of.

Her green eyes slowly opened at his approaching footsteps but she didn't bother to get up from where she was still lying; the bare flesh of her revealed shoulders proved that she was more than likely wearing nothing but that same cover. "You've got that look in your eye." she remarked; watching as he slowly drew himself in closer to her. "So what does it mean?"

He only lightly shook his head and placed his hands on the edge of the mattress; just lightly leaning over to her as he brushed his lips against the curve of her naked shoulder. "Nothing. It's just me silently proving why I'm still right. Even from the beginning of this, I've never been wrong."