Hey guys!

Awww, I can’t believe it’s already over!

Like always, I just want to thank everyone who’s taken the time to review and just give me general feeback on my writing; I luff you all!

NamineNasha, jiyongie, Asian Psycho, Mira of Azure Sky, Myrna13, Twilight Countess, staryskies75, Tobi-luvs-itachi, aclaff1002, anna, animelover68, staryskies75, unfunny, EilidhRose9, Flawless Imperfection, Iluvluvluvluvurficvrymch, Koi No Mega Lover, Stesuna the Dragon, Saiyukigallie, CeriseGothicLime, Gwenny-Dear, Liana, PlumBlossoms-Victory, Alucard's-Master, Maybellefic, GothicCinnamon, Sandragon, , dokuki, sun-sun kat, Meikajo, Penny, Himeno24.

&&& big big thankyous to those who have reviewed like every chapter && have just been lovely:

Thy Bird of Hermes , I'llxBexUrxEnigma2010, cheeky half-demon, ThierryMyst &FlexRhysode1

Wowowow, I remember the first few fanfics I did that got practically no readers, & to compare it to my more recent fanfics...well, it’s amazing to see how much support I’ve gotten over the last few months. As well as my lovely reviewers, thank you to all of my lovely readers who have loyally read through this all.

I hope you all enjoy the final chapter, and I hope I see some of you reading Candy Kisses; up this Wednesday!

Lots and lots of love,

Vee

xxx

Twenty-four

A year later.

The village of Kumiko

It was a cool, autumn day.

A soothing wind brushed past the beautiful trees of burgundy and gold, and the only sound that could be heard was the rustling of the dead leaves against each other.

The grass was lush and fresh; Aiko smiled softly as the blades of grass tickled her bare toes. She walked lightly, with a pair of sandals hanging loosely from her fingertips as she walked to the edge of a small stream which passed through the area. And silently, she sat down cross-legged on the bunk, and watched the bubbling water as it passed.

It had been so long; a year in fact, since what could only be described as the worst experience of her life. The day she had been sure, that she would lose the one thing she loved, in her arms.

Yet no matter how long it had been, the vivid memories in her eyes had never faded, not once has she forgotten the stench of blood which pinched her nostrils, or the uncontrollable quiver of her fingertips as she tried and failed to hold Grimmjow with confidence and reassurance. And the fear that she had felt, had never faded.

Yet, in some sad, odd way, she treasured that fear. Because it made her stronger; she only had to remember what she had faced, to become a stronger person now. In the present.

And it was important to her, to never forget; and that was why every now and again, Aiko would force herself to remember.

She closed her eyes, and let the memories wash over her.

“Grimmjow!”

A sob, only worse; because a sob meant that you had the strength to cry; and yet Aiko’s voice was so dry; so tight, that her sobs sounded like torn cries from the very soul.

She didn't dare to look up; to move, because chaos surrounded her; battle cries and the sound of dirt...shifting, loud crashes erupted; the sound of thunder tearing through the sky.

Nnoitra’s fraccion had taken hold of Orihime at some point; and even though Aiko had wanted to help her...she dared not move from her position. Terrified that the moment she left Grimmjow alone; he would die.

Blood.

Why was he still bleeding? Why wouldn’t it stop? Why?

Aiko whimpered as she pulled away and looked at Grimmjow chest; it was a horrific sight. Fresh; brighter blood, trickled over the dried, maroon liquid which seemed to engulf them both. No matter how hard Aiko pressed her fingers over his wound, it wouldn’t stop. It just wouldn’t.

Aiko felt herself shiver even though it was midday and the sun was beating down on them; during the day, Las Noches baked under the strength of such light. She buried her face against his collar bone and clamped her eyes shut. She refused to hear or see anything that didn't revolve around Grimmjow. Beneath her closed eyelids she could feel his ragged breath as his chest convulsed beneath her. At that very moment, she didn't care how vulnerable she was she wouldn’t move. She wouldn’t move.

Not until it was all over.

Aiko sighed and opened her eyes, she bit her lip and stared at the water for a moment with indecision, before finally deciding to brave it. Gently dipping her big toe into the frosty water, Aiko laughed childishly as it sent a shiver through her spine. It was little pleasures, such as that, which Aiko lived for.

“Aiko-Chan?”

“Aiko?”

“Aiko...?”

Aiko stubbornly didn’t move, she refused to accept that she was still alive whereas Grimmjow was dying, his breathing weakening every second.

“Aiko...Please!”

Orihime pleaded, and this time Aiko felt obligated to respond to her frantic voice, she looked up meekly at the large grey eyes staring down at her.

“Look! Kenpachi-San killed that Espada...we can go now...we can really go.”

Weakly, Aiko turned to look at where Nnoitra had fallen; his body lay face down in the earth. Aiko couldn't gather enough strength to smile as she gently cupped Grimmjow’s cut cheek.

“I won’t go with you.”
She whispered; after all, now could she? When everything she had was right there; outside of Las Noches she would have nothing at all.

Orihime’s eyes wavered nervously; she knew that Aiko would be stubborn; she knew that it would be hard...but she knew that she couldn't let her stay. If she stayed; somebody would come, and kill her. Whether it was an arrancar or a Shinigami didn’t matter.

“You have too Aiko-Chan! Please...Please come...”

She was begging now, Aiko had made her life there in Las Noches bearable, the idea of leaving her behind...of her certainly dying...both terrified and saddened her.

“He’ll die alone. I could never let that happen.”

Aiko responded in a whisper, until that point Grimmjow fingers had been holding hers tightly, but now they were weakening, loosening.

Another shadow fell across Grimmjow’s, and Aiko recognized the casual stance with a large Zanpaktou slung over one shoulder to be Ichigo’s.

“He’s still alive?”

He asked nodding at Grimmjow’s almost still body, Aiko swallowed and Orihime knelt down beside her and felt Grimmjow’s wrist for a pulse.

“Aiko...even if you stay...it won’t save him...”

She whispered and a low moan left Aiko’s throat; in truth Orihime was only saying what she already knew, but hearing it out loud made every trace of hope she felt...vanquish.

“I can’t save him...” Aiko whispered, a spark, an idea inside of her jolted through her like electricity; she looked right at Orihime.

“But you can. You can heal him, can’t you? Like you did with his arm before, right?”

It was Aiko’s turn to beg; and everything about her screamed desperation, Orihime swallowed nervously and looked up to Ichigo for a decision, he frowned.

“He’ll want to fight again, and we don’t have the time.”

He stated firmly, Aiko’s shoulders slumpt and Orihime bit her lip; indecision filled her eyes.

“Kurosaki-Kun...Aiko will die if she stays.”

She whispered and Ichigo frowned again, this time he was trying not to look guilty; his gaze was gentle as it focused on Orihime.

“Is she that important to you?”

He asked; inwardly wondering why the two girls had such a strong bond; an answer burst out of Orihime immediately.

“Of course! She was my only friend here. The only one to renew my faith in you.”

Ichigo’s stern face loosened slightly at that, his gaze flickered from Orihime’s face, to Aiko’s and then finally to Grimmjow. His hesitance was easy to read.

Aiko swallowed, she knew that it was her turn to speak.

“We won’t case you any trouble; I promise you, we’ll leave you to finish whatever it is you came here to do.”

Ichigo didn't respond but Orihime did; her eyes were the colour of dark slate, full of concern.

“You won’t come with us? Then where will you go? You can’t stay here; not even with Grimmjow.”

Aiko sighed, her grip on Grimmjow’s hand tightened as she breathed in and out gently.

“The human world; until things die down. And then, if there’s anything left; I guess we’ll come back here.”

Orihime nodded reluctantly; it was clear that she didn't approve of Aiko’s decision; all eyes turned and set on Ichigo.

He scowled.

“Inoue, Can you heal him enough to...secure his life? I don’t want him fully healed; just make it so that he can walk.”

Orihime nodded immediately and with a look of determination called for her power to show itself and the little fairy like creatures appeared. Aiko was forced to let go of Grimmjow’s hand as the shield covered him; she let it fall gently and reluctantly shuffled back.

Even though her gaze never left Grimmjow’s face; when she spoke, it was too Ichigo.

“Thank you.”

Aiko’s train of thought was interrupted when two, strong and incredibly familiar arms slid around her waist and met at the front.

“It’s not summer anymore; you’re gonna catch something.”

She felt Grimmjow’s lips brush against her ear and his warm breath brought colour to her cheeks; she smiled and leant back against his chest.

“I miss summer.”

She sighed and tilted her face upwards so that she could see Grimmjow’s; his eyes twinkled with the last of the sun as he gazed down at her openly.

“It’ll come again; and we’ll still be here.”

He muttered quietly and Aiko smiled slowly; it was easier to remember things with the thud of Grimmjow’s heartbeat vibrating through her skin and down her spine.

“The passage way will open up above my town; there you need to find Urahara Kisuke; it won’t be hard, just follow the strongest reiatsu you can find. Tell him I sent you and that you don’t want to cause any hassle; he’s weird but reasonable. He’ll get you both a gigai and a place to stay for a while.”

Ichigo explained quietly to Aiko, gesturing to the air as he spoke. Aiko nodded softly and gave him a weak smile; behind her she could hear Grimmjow grumbling to Orihime.

“I don’t know what to say to you Kurosaki Ichigo; except you are just how Orihime described you.”

She lowered her eyes gracefully; and almost didn't see his red cheeks as she bit her lip and nodded to herself.

“If you find yourself head to head against Ulquiorra; please be careful.”

Ichigo frowned and opened his mouth to say that it was obvious; after all he was always careful, but Aiko cut him off with a sharp look. Her voice was low but quick as if she didn't want anyone else to hear.

“Ulquiorra isn’t like the others; he doesn’t like to show his power off to others. But it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have any. He is strong...so strong...and he lacks..”

Aiko struggled, she tried to find the right word.

“Empathy.”

She finished softly and Ichigo’s serious eyes seemed to absorb the depth of her warning as he nodded.

Once again, he opened his mouth to comment, and once again Aiko interrupted him.

“One more thing; as his fraccion...when I was built, I knew things about him. Things that no-one else knows. I was designed to serve him, and so parts of his ability were built into my knowledge. It took time for me to access them but...I know. He has a power like no other.”

Aiko frowned, her thoughts hurt her; it felt like she was betraying herself...yet she knew that she was betraying no-one.

Except Ulquiorra.

“A segunda release. More powerful than...than...than anything you would expect. Please be careful; he would only ever show it if...he meant to kill you.”

She swallowed and sighed with a mixture of relief and guilt.

Ichigo didn’t reply, but she could see him thinking over her warning. Very slowly he nodded and smiled at Aiko’s worried expression.

“Thank you. But tell me something; you’re helping me against your Espada; and you’re in love with a thug like Grimmjow... Why are you doing all of this instead of being...Like the others?”

Aiko smiled then, a proper smile; the one she used to have enough energy to share with almost anyone.

“Like you, I am not a monster. These;”

She held up her wrists, and Ichigo blinked at the chunks of bone- he hadn’t seen them before.

“Will not make me one.”

She finished bluntly and Ichigo found himself smiling back; there were a thousand things he could have said, yet none of them seemed good enough. And so he said nothing; and with a mutual understanding, the two stared at each other.

“Kurosaki-kun; is this enough?”

Grimmjow was leaning heavily on the edge of a rocky ledge; although the bloodstains remained; and that several of the cuts and grazes were still visible, he was alive. And that was the only thing Aiko cared about.

She ran over to him and Grimmjow’s annoyed and slightly aggravated expression; which was a result of his pain and confusion- momentarily ceased as he held out and arm for Aiko. She ignored it and threw herself against his chest, he groaned with pain but didn't push her away; instead he embraced her there with his arm locking her in place.

“Aiko...?”

He muttered quietly; Aiko looked up at him and replied softly.

“Yes?”

A slow look of understanding spread across his face; he stared at Orihime; and then to Ichigo; where his gaze darkened.

“Grimmjow.”

Aiko’s voice trembled; and it was that tremble that hit Grimmjow; he looked back down at her and with an almost defeated grunt he spoke.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

Aiko kept her eyes closed, but her past faded as she eagerly stepped back into the present, where she was only too glad to have Grimmjow’s slow, warm breath on her neck as the air got chillier.

“Do you miss it?”

She asked suddenly; breaking the perfect peace they had, she felt Grimmjow stiffen; they both knew what “it” was.

“No.”

He replied with a stony voice; they also both knew that he meant “yes.”

Aiko hadn’t been the only one to give things up when they left Las Noches...in fact, in comparison to Grimmjow, she had given up very little.

What had Grimmjow ever had in his life; expect for violence and power. It had been his everything, his reason for existing.

And yet he had left all that behind, for her.

“I don’t.”

Grimmjow continued after a pause of silence, pulling Aiko closer against, his voice muffled by the layers of her hair.

It wasn't the complete truth; after all, there were some things that could never be replaced. The thrill of a good fight, was one of those things. And Grimmjow did miss it. He missed being in charge- and being feared. But most of all, he missed losing. And he had lost against himself resigning from his dream to be king...it was that which he hated and missed more than anything.

But he couldn't say that he missed everything about his old life.

It was strange; he couldn't remember ever having felt lonely; yet he couldn't picture his life without Aiko there. It was be so empty, so bare...so...unbearable.

Maybe it made him weak; but weakness and strength didn't seem to important to him anymore, his agitation; his longing for violence seemed to fade with her. She soothed him in a way nothing else ever had.

It was a comforting feeling.

He never thought that he would live anywhere expect Las Noches; it was the one place he’d expected to live...and die in.

And he’d been willing to die there too; when Orihime had healed him after his utter defeat, he had been willing to take up his sword and try it again.

He would have as well...if Aiko hadn’t been there.

When your life is spent alone, you never thought about what was and wasn't selfish. And until that very moment, Grimmjow hadn’t realized how selfish he had been; she had been forced to watch him hurt, watch him practically die...and he had been willing to put her through it again.

He couldn't do that to her; and so he forced himself to back down for the first time in his life. And retreat.

He couldn't quite tell Aiko how he felt about her; but he’d shown her.

Like always, actions were worth so much more than words.

“Do you?”

He asked gruffly and Aiko smiled ruefully.

“There wasn't anything to miss. I do regret things though...I should have said goodbye to Orihime properly...and...Ulquiorra.”

Grimmjow groaned and muttered darkly; his voice, though still full of resentment and hatred was incoherent.

Aiko laughed at his predictable reaction and smiled gently.

“I never understood him; not really. I sometimes wonder if he’ll ever reappear; when we return to Las Noches.”

Grimmjow grunted again,

“If. If we return.”

He corrected her, surprising Aiko, she reached down to one of his rough hands and covered it with her own.

“Could you be happy with a life like this? To live and die as a human?”

Her tone was only half serious, but Grimmjow’s answer was straightforward and honest.

“With you.”

Aiko blushed and felt butterflies form inside of her stomach, and with a grin Grimmjow continued.

“Let’s forget about the future; we have what we have. Now.”

And with a resigned, peaceful smile, Aiko shut her eyes and nodded.

She could live with that.

End