Your local maso-kiss ram

And in a way, she didn't, or at least not at a deep level. In the Espada troops they were closer to relationship of comradery and friendship between the sexes, rather than viewing one another as potential partners. Not that Aizen would have ever allowed any romantic feelings to develop amongst his troops and distract them from their goals and duties. So, the former Tres hadn't really been able to explore any relationships exceeding that of siblings, rivals or platonic friends. Romance was something still foreign to her.

But since Hayden didn't dwell too much on the matter, she didn't either and simply shrugged her shoulders. "I guess you could put it that way. For now, maybe we could even pass you off as a new fraccione of mine, just so that we don't raise any suspicions." It was just as he'd said, when in Rome, do as the Romans. And it would really save them the bothersome of a conflict if someone found out she sheltered a random reaper (the political relationships were still running on thin ice between Hueco Mundo and Seireitei). "If that's okay with you, of course. I just dunno how my friends and siblings would react to another Shinigami infiltrating our HQ after all that happened with Aizen and his men..."

Either way, Nelliel was happy that Hayden seemed to like the room and the bathroom. It would make things easier accommodating him for the time being. So while the man went to wash himself and make full use of the luxurious facilities, the Arrancar woman saw about her things and went to procure them the necessary items she'd spoken to him about, as well as the food. She grabbed some new clothes for him, the fresh reishi rich food, a razor, scissors, a comb and towels. When she got back, it was even a miracle she could carry al of it.

Hayden will only see her again once she'd enter the bathroom sometime later, and to his surprise, wearing nothing but a small white towel wrapped around her torso and lower region. Since she'd be helping him shave and cut his hair in the bathroom, Nelliel figured it might've been better this way as not to get her armor wet.

"Hey, I am back with the shaving razor and some scissors, want me to help you wash your hair and back too?" She chimed joyfully, still having that innocent aura around her, contrasting with the less than innocent setting of them all alone, nearly naked, in her bathroom.

As he finished becoming nude he'd gaze into the mirror for a moment, looking at his sweat and grime covered body. Scars from this life, and his past one, present. A hand moves to trace one of the scars on his collar bone, a wound which he recalls to this day. The pain of a sliced bone, that he recovered at all was a miracle. The hand drops down as he takes a deep breath.

That life was still apart of him, he could still feel war on his breath. But at least here he might recover some part of him that was lost, something that was once noble. His life has become too many hues of grey. He moves to the bathtub, lifting a leg into it as he used both his hands to lower him into the steaming bubble bath. Immediately, tense muscles begin to unwind and unknit themselves. A wave of relief washes of him as he leans back in the large tub.

He'll give Aizen this, the man knew how to furnish this place.

His eyes search the tub for soap or something to use to lather his body, and he finds a precious rag folded neatly nearby. No doubt one of her's, she'll have to forgive him for using it.

By the time Nel enters he's washed a majority of his body, and is mostly soaking in the water with his eyes closed. The man looks far more peaceful than when the first met. His arms rested on either side of the lid of the tub, a low rumble leaves his throat as he replies without opening his eyes.

"There used to be hotels, in America, where one paid a lady to do those things. I never visited one." His eyes opened slowly as he turned his head to look at her, and his demeanor immediately changed. He sat up blinking sharply as he noticed her in the towel, which was to say the least a strong image for him. The beautiful Arrancar was certainly attractive, feminine surely, but to see her wrapped in nothing more than a towel perhaps proved too much for him.

His face flushed, something that could be hidden by the steamy water or at least blamed on it.

The bathroom was really fully equipped with everything you'd need to enjoy a good and relaxing experience. On the adjacent wall to the big indoor pool that comprised the bathtub, there was a giant shelf displaying all sorts of products, from cleaning, to skin care and hair care. Hayden would not only find there a soap and shampoo, but he even had a variety of scents and aroma he could pick from. Of the manlier types, there were pine, sandalwood and cologne, so if he didn't feel comfortable with the fruiter scents or those that were more on the floral variety, he could choose one of those.

And of course, the water was perfect! It was just the right temperature: not too cold and neither too hot. The perfect body temperature water akin to that of a thermal natural bath! It would probably remind Hayden of the onsen and bathhouse he probably had went to during his military service back in the day. If he were able to recall memories of his part life, this detail could maybe feel nostalgic. A somewhat nice contrast to the bitterness recalled upon by his many scars garnered in battle. Of these scars, Nelliel was probably going to notice and want to look at in closer detail once she'd lay her eyes onto his bare skin.

The Arrancar woman had scars of her own, some obtain during mighty battles, which spoke of her strength and determination, while others spoke of a painful past, similar to the repear's own. He couldn't have known it yet, but her broken mask hadn't always been this way and the scar grazing her skin from the top of her forehead, going diagonally down across her nose, was the woman's own reminder of a near encounter with Lady Death. Nelliel usually covered her scar with the big tuft of hair forming her bangs in the front, but on closer inspection it would be hard for him to miss the mark.

Hollow and Arrancar really didn't have the sense of shame, given their many years spent in a form akin to an animal, devoid of any clothing, so when she entered the bathroom like that, Nelliel was relaxed and had no business walking around in something that barely covered her important bits. At first she didn't even notice the sudden shift in Hayden's demeanor and expression upon seeing her, too focused on the jolly little tune she was humming and the grooming products she was carrying in her arms.

"Oh, is that so? Then I am glad if I can bring you at least a little semblance of familiarity." The green-haired beauty exclaimed in a cheery tone, stopping near the man to place the products onto a little tray she laid on the ground next to the bathtub. "I will try my very best to level up to the expectations set by those workers." She then continued and looked at the reaper with a big sweet smile on her lips.

It was only then that she could notice the shift in his mood, the way his eyes had widened when looking at her and just how red his cheeks had become. Luckily for Hayden, the bubbles were covering all his manly bits, concealing whatever excitement might've been showcased down there.

The reaction was cute, if not a bit silly, but Nelliel decided not to torment him about it, even if in all truth, she could've teased him quite a bit. Instead, the Arrancar woman chuckled and proceeded to start entering the bathtub, to join him in the water against Hayden's vehement protests. Well, at least she was still wearing her towel.

"What are you saying? Don't be silly! This is a towel like any other! I am sure this is like standard size for what you humans wear in your world when going to public bathhouses." Nelliel gave herself a brief look, deciding there was nothing wrong with her towel. "And besides, how would I be supposed to help you wash and shave while wearing my armor? The water would make it so heavy and uncomfortable!"

Hayden wouldn't be wrong in his assessments over the palace. With its fortified structure and strategically designed architecture, Las Noches was actually closer in design to a fortress, than a display of monarchic plenitude and luxury. All it needed right now would've been a smart and skilled military mind to resurrect and bring it back to its former glory. Of course, there were also aesthetically placed designs, like the ionic and doric styled pillars holding up the impressive arcade and arch of the giant ceiling, or the furniture that still maintained its integrity and spoke of someone who took pride in all appearances.

The aesthetic qualities of the building would then become even more apparent once they entered the former Espada's bedroom. By the looks of it, the room really evoked the image of the boudoir of a lady: silky rich drapes hanging around the massive windows leading to the nigh sky, intricately designed furniture in soft pastel colors and white, with golden accents, a huge baldachin bed throning in the middle of the room, made of sturdy wood and covered in soft sheets and fluffy pillows, flanked by two nightstands with decorative lamps on it. There were also some bookshelves, a table and a vanity stand, with various miscellaneous things scattered around and about, as well as another door leading to the adjacent bathroom. And the overall atmosphere was an orderly and clean one, with a soft floral scent added into the mix.

"Why wouldn't it be proper?" The man's question puzzles her for a moment, as she turns to look at Hayden. Being closer in nature to animals rather than their formal human past lives, Arrancar are creatures of little to no shame. Having wandered the deserts in a bare state for hundred of years, in their Hollow and Adjuchas forms, most of them don't even feel weird about being naked in the presence of others. Clothing to them is more a means of keeping their soft human skin protected, rather than that of covering their shame. "You are now my friend and guest, so it's only natural that you'd be staying in my room. There's no reason why this wouldn't be proper or right." Nelliel shrugs, then moves to tidy up a bit some areas where there are books or clothes laying randomly.

She seems happy upon hearing his acceptance on the offer to take a bath. "Wonderful! Then it's settled. The bathroom in right behind this door, with a giant indoor pool for you to enjoy to your heart's content. There's also hygiene and sanitary products for you to use and some fluffy towels. Feel free to start washing while I am away." Nelliel claps her hands together, all smiles, then opens the door leading into said bathroom as she speaks.

Then, as if reading his thoughts, she follows right up. "If you need, after I return with the clothes, I could as well assist you in shaving and maybe cutting your hair. I feel like that might help in making you feel better."

As he moves into it, his hand would idly touch a table that happened to be nearby. Callous fingertips slide across the smooth wood, he wonders if it was imported from the human world. If this was the doings of Aizen or if Nelliel had personally saw fit to decorate her room. But those thoughts are soon forgotten as she speaks.

"I am a man, and you are a woman. Some level of discretion should be seen in the opposing sexes." The words come with very little shame to them, these are notions which had been drilled into him from a long ago age. And while the circumstances have battle have often caused him to forgo such sensibilities, this felt more… intimate. He lets an easy smile on his lips as he would remove his hand from the table. "But I shall not offend you by denying you. I'm sure your people have different notions on such things. Besides, when in Rome do as the Romans…"

He wonders if she'll understand that phrase.

His feet take him towards the bathroom peering inside of it, and by God does it look tantalizing. He can feel sand and grim in places that would be letter not said. As he began to move inside the bathroom, her comment on the haircut and shave causes his head to turn to look at her silently. His hand rests on the door, his jaw shift as in thought, before finally the tension left his jaw.

"I'd like that, a lot. I think."

And in a way, she didn't, or at least not at a deep level. In the Espada troops they were closer to relationship of comradery and friendship between the sexes, rather than viewing one another as potential partners. Not that Aizen would have ever allowed any romantic feelings to develop amongst his troops and distract them from their goals and duties. So, the former Tres hadn't really been able to explore any relationships exceeding that of siblings, rivals or platonic friends. Romance was something still foreign to her.

But since Hayden didn't dwell too much on the matter, she didn't either and simply shrugged her shoulders. "I guess you could put it that way. For now, maybe we could even pass you off as a new fraccione of mine, just so that we don't raise any suspicions." It was just as he'd said, when in Rome, do as the Romans. And it would really save them the bothersome of a conflict if someone found out she sheltered a random reaper (the political relationships were still running on thin ice between Hueco Mundo and Seireitei). "If that's okay with you, of course. I just dunno how my friends and siblings would react to another Shinigami infiltrating our HQ after all that happened with Aizen and his men..."

Either way, Nelliel was happy that Hayden seemed to like the room and the bathroom. It would make things easier accommodating him for the time being. So while the man went to wash himself and make full use of the luxurious facilities, the Arrancar woman saw about her things and went to procure them the necessary items she'd spoken to him about, as well as the food. She grabbed some new clothes for him, the fresh reishi rich food, a razor, scissors, a comb and towels. When she got back, it was even a miracle she could carry al of it.

Hayden will only see her again once she'd enter the bathroom sometime later, and to his surprise, wearing nothing but a small white towel wrapped around her torso and lower region. Since she'd be helping him shave and cut his hair in the bathroom, Nelliel figured it might've been better this way as not to get her armor wet.

"Hey, I am back with the shaving razor and some scissors, want me to help you wash your hair and back too?" She chimed joyfully, still having that innocent aura around her, contrasting with the less than innocent setting of them all alone, nearly naked, in her bathroom.

Nelliel then nodded and motioned for the reaper to follow her, leading the way back to the grounds of the Hueco Mundo palace. With how similar the landscapes were around here, it was actually impressive how confident the Arrancar woman was leading the way.

And sure enough, the Las Noches palace would peak through in the distance, its grandiose tall walls standing defiant against the otherwise scarce and dire environment. Normally, there would've been soldiers keeping watch over the tall iron gates leading into the entrance hall, but with the recent events and damage left behind by Aizen, the palace had become more of a derelict building rather than the headquarter bustling of life it'd used to be.

In a way, this little detail, which would've normally made her frown, would make the female Arrancar a tad bit relieved, given that she had no clue how the rest of her friends would've even reacted upon learning about her new 'friend' (or 'pet', as they would've probably called Hayden). It was best that no one knew of him, at least for now.

"This way." Nelliel motioned for Hayden again and, by reflex, she reached for his hand to pull him along, heading now towards her chambers. There, they'd be fully safe, cause no one ever dared enter her rooms without direct permission. "I'll get you some food and new clothes after we get to my room. Then, while you wait, you can either rest on the bed, or go into the bathroom to wash. We still have a direct connection to the human world water supply, so we can take as many baths as our heart desires." She added the last part as an explanation, in case Hayden would wonder how in the world did they have running water in a dry desert like Hueco Mundo.

As he followed behind her his mind seemed to gather itself once more, returning to a state which was more perceptive and alert. Try as he might he cannot release a soldier's virtue, how his mind commits little things to memory or every so often he sees some building or natural geography the notes would be a good defensive position. Even as they enter the derelict Los Noches, his mind is drawn towards it's impressive architecture. He doubts Aizen ever intended for this place to hold against a conventional siege, by a conventional army, yet Hayden sees potential.

A pair of artillery guns position on that tower, a cross section of mortars within the courtyard, able reinforcements could hold this place indefinitely with the right-

His hand is seized by the woman, pulling him along. He doesn't resist, the silk glove she wears feels pleasant against his calloused and scarred skin. She breaks his mind for the military virtues which surround it, she explains they are heading to her room. This illicit a small clearing of his throat. "Is that truly proper-" The question is habit. Even being more modern in this day and age, he still holds some antiquated views on the relationship between men and women. Then again, he is barely wearing clothes as is.

His self-propriety would certainly have his mother raking him across the ears long ago. But this is Hueco Mundo and he is in the presence of a kind soul, whom can easily hold their own in battle.

Hayden wouldn't be wrong in his assessments over the palace. With its fortified structure and strategically designed architecture, Las Noches was actually closer in design to a fortress, than a display of monarchic plenitude and luxury. All it needed right now would've been a smart and skilled military mind to resurrect and bring it back to its former glory. Of course, there were also aesthetically placed designs, like the ionic and doric styled pillars holding up the impressive arcade and arch of the giant ceiling, or the furniture that still maintained its integrity and spoke of someone who took pride in all appearances.

The aesthetic qualities of the building would then become even more apparent once they entered the former Espada's bedroom. By the looks of it, the room really evoked the image of the boudoir of a lady: silky rich drapes hanging around the massive windows leading to the nigh sky, intricately designed furniture in soft pastel colors and white, with golden accents, a huge baldachin bed throning in the middle of the room, made of sturdy wood and covered in soft sheets and fluffy pillows, flanked by two nightstands with decorative lamps on it. There were also some bookshelves, a table and a vanity stand, with various miscellaneous things scattered around and about, as well as another door leading to the adjacent bathroom. And the overall atmosphere was an orderly and clean one, with a soft floral scent added into the mix.

"Why wouldn't it be proper?" The man's question puzzles her for a moment, as she turns to look at Hayden. Being closer in nature to animals rather than their formal human past lives, Arrancar are creatures of little to no shame. Having wandered the deserts in a bare state for hundred of years, in their Hollow and Adjuchas forms, most of them don't even feel weird about being naked in the presence of others. Clothing to them is more a means of keeping their soft human skin protected, rather than that of covering their shame. "You are now my friend and guest, so it's only natural that you'd be staying in my room. There's no reason why this wouldn't be proper or right." Nelliel shrugs, then moves to tidy up a bit some areas where there are books or clothes laying randomly.

She seems happy upon hearing his acceptance on the offer to take a bath. "Wonderful! Then it's settled. The bathroom in right behind this door, with a giant indoor pool for you to enjoy to your heart's content. There's also hygiene and sanitary products for you to use and some fluffy towels. Feel free to start washing while I am away." Nelliel claps her hands together, all smiles, then opens the door leading into said bathroom as she speaks.

Then, as if reading his thoughts, she follows right up. "If you need, after I return with the clothes, I could as well assist you in shaving and maybe cutting your hair. I feel like that might help in making you feel better."

Grimmjow couldn’t anymore——couldn’t hold his weight that is. He had pushed his body past his limits, his muscles fatigued and achy, too weak even for something as simple as parting his lips. Against even his own stubborn wants, his weight shifted onto Nelliel. She was strong and steady and he was but a tumble weed, incapable of mirroring her physical stability. Even the stale air was enough to tip him over.

Fortunately, his vulnerability made it so that she could guide him to somewhere grounded, his languid, heavy steps doing little to propel him anywhere. Ahead was a rock for him, on which he nearly collapsed, but he caught himself. Some of his vigor returned with the anchor below his feet doing the most of the heavy lifting. Although, that was more of his own delusion than anything. There was no motivation for anything, even if he desperately convinced himself otherwise.

Nelliel continued to watch him with her watchful gaze as the male could barely hold himself upright on the rock. Even sitting down looked like a gargantuan task for the former Sexta Espada in his current fatigued state, which only served to solidify her belief that the male was in desperate need of rest. Yet, Grimmjow would continue contradicting her words and claiming he was alright and good on his own, negating the obvious truth that he was in such a rough state that he could barely even function.

In other circumstances, Nelliel would have crossed her arms at her chest in a stern manner, shooting him a serious look before launching herself into another speech, scolding the other for his recklessness. Just look at yourself! You're fine on your own? Then how come you can barely hold your own weight even when doing the simplest of acts like that of sitting down? You aren't fooling anyone but yourself if you think anyone with two good eyes and of sane mind would believe that you're okay right now! She probably would have told him, her irritation fueled by the worry she held for him, but the female refrained. Nell was upset, but she wanted to help her comrade, not push him away. So instead, the former Tres took a deep breath and bent down to help pick up Pantera from the coarse white sands.

Grimmjow hadn't given away to his exhaustion just yet. His thoughts were but a faint humming when the former Tres caught him. When she expressed her worry, his ability to reply—to confess—no, to fight against her despite his admission died. He was limp, against her shoulder. Face overtaken by a mossy-green sea. Her voice a muddle mess. Under normal circumstances, he would never have been so weak and cowardly as to admit needing help. The jaguar would have dragged himself behind some rubble and rest until his body grouped up enough strength to head back home—back to the palace.

Somehow, his brain had been awake enough, not to capture her words, but to register her scent. He normally sat slicked with the odor of a warrior—sweat laden swirled with musk, but she carried regality in her aroma. Clean. Floral in its quality. It was peace and it contrasted his turbulence, subduing him into a profound, well-needed slumber.

Like a ragdoll, Grimmjow crashed into the plushness of his bed. Or hers. He didn't know. It was all the same to him in his condition. However, there was an innate knowing that his body had been whisked to safety. In his slumber, his parted lips let out a deep breath. His eternally furrowed brows had relaxed, a faint crease sitting between them. The flowery cloud in his midst keeping his senses tame.

Waking moments were far and few between. Lucidity flickered like a dream, which Grimmjow convinced himself it had to be. He'd cracked one dulled blue eye of his open, instinctively squeezed the hand holding his before falling back into his mind's dark repose. Other times he was greeted by the rare treat of wakefulness, his condition earned his onlookers a once in a lifetime glimpse into vulnerability. He grunted. Groaned. Incapable of concealing his physical hurt.

By the time he had finally woken up in full, solitude was there keeping the room cold. No longer burdened by his tiredness, Grimmjow hauled himself upright in bed. The weak were afforded the privilege in continuing to sit in luxuries such as this. He was, in his own generous self-consideration, too strong to sit idle. Made to be clawing his way through the world. Pinged by what he thought to be the illusory memory of support, he examined his palm. Just what the hell was that? Logic forged a lousy excuse, calling that "dream" a sign he needed more training to eradicate whatever his mind was thinking up.

Not until he learned Nelliel had, in fact, been faithful to his side, only leaving for a brief moment. Long enough for him to wake and get out of bed.

"She's stupid," he said, only to himself, on the other hand, reminding himself that now, he had debt that required being repaid in full. Nelliel had seen him in total depravity and rather than taking advantage of his inferiority, she kept him well accompanied. That alone merited he do something—anything of equal value. Stupid was just the easy word. The one that would help him maintain an emotional distance as he preferred for the sake of survival.

Still bogged by injury, Grimmjow retreated to the solitary top of the palace, thinking he'd be able to shake off those green tresses his face had slumped over days prior. His scent wasn't that of the battlefield. It was her. All her. That damned cleanly aroma. Yet, he didn't fight to cleanse himself.

Just as Grimmjow straightened himself, a furious grumble in his core warned that his idleness required he work to sate his appetite. In the same wind, Nelliel's plea that he go spend time at the palace resurfaced. She was right. He was seldom present for their attempts to play human. Almost swayed by his hunger, he shook his head in total repulsion.

"King's don't play house," he muttered under his breath.

. . . but his debt loomed over him . . . .

If he was still conscious enough to feel her soft floral scent and feel the brush of her long locks of hair on his cheek and the soft breeze blowing through his hair, then Grimmjow might've been able to also hear the click of her tongue, a gesture that Nelliel only did when her patience was at its end meet. She was an understanding woman, very balanced and rational in her thinking, having always been then one to advocate for morality and the right thing to do. But at the same time, she wasn't one to stand by and allow her fellow teammate destroy themselves either. So, weather Grimmjow liked it or not, he was coming back with her and he was going to take a well deserved break, one long enough to make sure his body would be back to its prime. And all under her watchful eye, cause Nelliel was determined not to leave his side by any chance.

"Yer staying here until ya get well again and I ain't gonna take no for an answer!" Was the last thing he'd hear her say before she plopped his rad doll like body down onto the bed, then went to procure the necessary tools to tend to his battered and beaten body. Arrancar and Hollow were capable of healing themselves on their own, but the weaker one's body was, the longer it took for the healing to be effective, so there was no harm in speeding up the process with some medicinal ointments and such.

They had been lucky enough to have managed to establish somewhat of a peace treaty with Seireitei and Gotei 13 so that their transit between the human world and Hueco Mundo for resupplying wouldn't be viewed as a crime. With Aizen now defeated and the balance between the three realms reinstated, it was into everyone's best interest that each population would be able to thrive and maintain itself afloat. With the recent events that cost them many of the Espada numbers and their fracciones, Hueco Mundo was at the risk of heading into demographic collapse, which would've put the other two realms in danger too (each realm had its own purpose and so, even if Shinigami didn't appreciate the Hollows and their misdeeds in the human realm, they knew too that their existance served its own purpose), so it was best that there wouldn't be any more casualties for the Hollows.

That allowed the new leadership consisting of Hallibel, her fracciones and Nelliel to make occasional journeys between the realms and buy supplies from Urahara. The former Reaper had some really handy items in stock, with which they could rebuild some of Las Noches' broken systems and save as many of their people with his medicine. Urahara was also the one who built the little device helping Nelliel maintain her adult form for an indefinite amount of time, so she had more than one reason to be grateful for his existence and collaboration. And now his medical supplies were going to help her friend get back onto his feet.

And so, Nelliel tried her best to mend his wounds and sprained muscles, before taking a seat down onto the floor and taking his hand into hers, squeezing it in an affectionate manner which the female hoped would send across to him that he wasn't alone and she was there for him. Who knows for how long she'd then stayed like that, gazing over his sleeping figure, admiring the serenity of his now relaxed features, before laying her head down too for some sleep of her own. It was only much much later that the former Tres woke up and after making sure that Grimmjow was still safe, she made a short departure from the room to grab something to eat and drink some water.

If only she would've known that he'd be waking up in that fraction of a minute she was away, maybe Nelliel would've refrained her own needs a bit longer to be there and assist him when the Jaguar would come back to his senses. But all she could do now, when she'd returned to the room to find it empty, was to curse under her breath and try her best not to blame herself for her own stupidity.

"Grimmjow!" She called out into the vast empty hallways, pace quickened as the green-haired woman began her search for the male. She had a slight hunch where Grimmjow might've gone, but at the same time she couldn't help but worry again. Heh... Funny how lately she'd been experiencing this particular feeling way more often than she normally would've, and all because a very thick skulled feline who couldn't understand his own physical body's limits. The thought made her lips curl into a faint smile, bemused by it, before returning to that somber seriosity so characteristic to her.

Luckily, the former Sexta was feline based, which meant that, like any cat out there, he would be seeking the safety of the highest spot in the whole place. So it didn't take long before Nelliel headed for the most logical place: the rooftops of Las Noches. And there he was, shooting the wind while being seated down, his expression marked by his deep toughts.

"Ah, here ye were... For a moment I thought ya'd left again for that damned dunes..." Nelliel heaved a sigh of relief, but maintained her position at the top of the stairs, as if afraid that if she made any step closer, the male would run away again.

"Everything okay, Grimm?"

When Nelliel caught him, his eyes sat unfixed, one of his legs hanging off the building. The other bent, providing space for his elbow to rest and his face to meet his hand. His brows tensed. His frown deepened. The impressive height he sat on didn't seem so tall and secluded anymore, yet he didn't move to reclaim what she robbed from him by showing up. He, like many enemies he killed in his day, sat defenseless, in an act of self-penance, expecting some kind of lecture as she was accustomed to handing out as though it were a party favor of sorts.

As Arrancar, they were proud creatures who didn't surrender or showed their vulnerabilities to anyone, so for him to maintain that defenseless stance as she walked in on him meant that he trusted and accepted her enough to not make a fuss about it. She wasn't going to lecture him about disappearing like that, nor was she going to complain. Nelliel was simply relieved that he didn't push him away and that he didn't leave when she followed him to his safe place.

The female Arrancar would simply nod at his reply and slowly approach him, takin a seat next to Grimmjow to admire the view granted by the height they were at. "I see. I'm glad to know that yer feeling better." Just by glancing at him one would've been able to tell that the Jaguar was far from being fully healed, but at least he was in good enough of a shape to hold himself upright and walk around freely.

"What happened back in the desert... I was worried." Was all she was going to comment on the topic. Pouring salt on his wounded pride wouldn't have served either one of them, so all Nelliel wanted to send with this one line was that she cared about him and that seeing him in such a broken state hurt her as much as he had hurt his own body. She could only hope that her feelings would reach the male and that he would see too what he meant to her, that she truly cared and wasn't expecting anything in return for helping him nor did she draw some sick twisted pleasure in showing some kind of superiority by playing 'the hero'.

Nelliel was a complicated Arrancar, even more so as she seemed to still posses a large range of her former human feelings, such as empathy and compassion towards another. She might've been rusty in displaying those emotions or even understanding them herself, but something deep within her told her that she should protect and keep safe those she cared about deeply. So was the case back with Nnoitra, but unfortunately unlike Grimmjow, the 8th Espada at the time did not understand her reasons and took her help and compassion as some sort of insult to his own shortcomings as a warrior. She didn't want to lose him, just like she didn't want to lose Grimmjow now, while she couldn't save the other male from meeting his doom, she at least wanted to make sure that history wouldn't repeat itself and lose another comrade dear to her.

After a while of silent contemplation of the wastelands below, the former Tres would return her hazel gaze back onto her friend, having felt the short movement of his body. Just as stoically, she then watched him flex his arm, the muscles tensing and stretching under his skin as he did so. Part of her would've wanted to warm him not to push his body too far too soon and that he should take it easy, but who was she kidding? This was Grimmjow were talking about, the very avatar and patron of Destruction. Telling him to take it easy and not scratch that itch of always being on the move would've been pointless and obviously foolish.

If the Sexta wanted something, he would get or do that something no matter what her or anybody else would've told him. So for now, Nelliel considered herself lucky that at least he had been wise enough as to listen to her plea for him to give his body some rest.

"I'm sure of it that at the end of the day, ye would've eventually managed to gather yourself up from the sand and limp back to Las Noches." She granted him the pleasure that she didn't doubt his capabilities, however she still wanted to accentuate how reckless he could've been in thinking he could still fend for himself in that battered state. "I just didn't like the thought of yer body laying unconscious in the desert, at the mercy of whatever wild Adjuchas or unknown threats might be lurking around."

"Yer strong Grimmjow, I don't contradict ya on that, but even ya would be smart enough to know that yer powers are useless if yer body and mind are shut down and unable to use them." Nelliel frowned in response to his prideful grin, but her expression would soon soften, unable to stay upset at the male. "On another note, I'm actually glad to have ya finally back here, even if not in the best of shapes." A warm smile would then replace the furrow of her brows.

"Las Noches feels so big and empty nowadays... The loneliness makes it feel no different from the wasteland outside its gates." Being vulnerable around someone wasn't something she'd often do either, but since Grimmjow had let his guard down for once, it was only right she'd do the same, opening her heart to him. "Truth be told, I've been missing yer presence around here. As boring and shitty as Aizen's meeting were, at least they kept us all united and together in a way. It filled that void left by the solitude of this otherwise empty place. So now, with even fewer of us remaining, it almost feels abandoned when ye and Halli are away."

There's no attempt at stopping him from pulling away or getting back up on his feet. The Arrancar woman just watches and when his comment finally graces her ears, breaking the heavy silence, she lets out a soft snort. Not sardonic in any shape or form, nor mocking, but a mere reaction of amusement. "I doubt that I could be called a soul in my current state, but sure. I'll accept that coming from one of the most interesting Shinigami I've seen in a while." Not like she'd seen any since she'd last spoken with Ichigo, as a matter of fact.

She nods again and instead of giving any direct replies to his words that follow, Nelliel opts for three rather surprising words instead.

"I like you..." Then, as if to clarify any misunderstandings, she quickly follows up. "Your way of thinking intrigues me and there's a certain something about you that fascinates me. I can't say what it is exactly, but it kinda makes me wanna get to know you better."

Nelliel finally raises back onto her feet and unbothered by his sudden self consciousness at his own ragged state, she approaches him again. "How about you come back with me? I could give you food, new clothes and a warm roof over your head. All I ask for in exchange is to share more philosophical conversations like the one we'd just had and for you to tell me more about yourself."

A rather tempting bargain indeed, if only he could trust the words of a Hollow and believe that she isn't trying to trick him.

"It's an awful thing, to get to know me. I'm a poor man." He'd tease through dry lips, a long inhale being taken before he offers a slow nod of his head. "…Alright. Lead the way."

What more does he have to say to her, other than his agreement. Despite such few words spoken, they themselves are important. The foundation of a strange companionship. A man who is struggling with himself, and an Arrancar whom seems to possess empathy far exceeding her race. He is unsure where this path can take him.

Nelliel then nodded and motioned for the reaper to follow her, leading the way back to the grounds of the Hueco Mundo palace. With how similar the landscapes were around here, it was actually impressive how confident the Arrancar woman was leading the way.

And sure enough, the Las Noches palace would peak through in the distance, its grandiose tall walls standing defiant against the otherwise scarce and dire environment. Normally, there would've been soldiers keeping watch over the tall iron gates leading into the entrance hall, but with the recent events and damage left behind by Aizen, the palace had become more of a derelict building rather than the headquarter bustling of life it'd used to be.

In a way, this little detail, which would've normally made her frown, would make the female Arrancar a tad bit relieved, given that she had no clue how the rest of her friends would've even reacted upon learning about her new 'friend' (or 'pet', as they would've probably called Hayden). It was best that no one knew of him, at least for now.

"This way." Nelliel motioned for Hayden again and, by reflex, she reached for his hand to pull him along, heading now towards her chambers. There, they'd be fully safe, cause no one ever dared enter her rooms without direct permission. "I'll get you some food and new clothes after we get to my room. Then, while you wait, you can either rest on the bed, or go into the bathroom to wash. We still have a direct connection to the human world water supply, so we can take as many baths as our heart desires." She added the last part as an explanation, in case Hayden would wonder how in the world did they have running water in a dry desert like Hueco Mundo.

"I won't disagree with you on that one. Someone once said that man is a wolf to man for this very reason, cause sometimes it's not the beast living in the wilderness or the direness of nature that kills the man or poses the biggest threat to him, but his very fellow human." Her tone even, the woman continued with the same calm stoicism from before. "One could even say that mankind has forgotten what it means to truly be kind and how to love another." Nelliel's eyes would burn deeply into his as she then continued her little monologue. "Maybe that's why so many of their kind end up in this place, emptied of all reason and sense of identity, mere husks of what they'd once been."

Something about the way in which the reaper spoke gave it away that he'd spoken from experience. He must've been a soldier in a past life too, someone who has seen the true horrors of war far beyond the chaos wrecked by Aizen in Soul Society. There was something deeper, a rougher past and history sheathed beneath those eyes. And for some reason, something within her, like a distant part she'd long buried within the depths of her mind and very being could resonate with the pain she saw in him.

Then, as the man covered his eyes and some tears found their way down his ashen cheeks, between his fingers, her lips would tighten into a thin line, her compassion bleeding out to this suffering soul before her. He looked so miserable and lost, as if something about him spoke of the loss of his will to move forward and a hope long forgotten.

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize to me for that. In fact, you should never have to apologize for your own feelings or for expressing them. You've got all the rights to express and show your pain and grief if need be and it's actually all the more healthier than bottling everything up deep within yourself." Reaching forward, the Arrancar woman wiped away some of his tears. Despite his current state that looked almost devoid of life, they felt so warm on her skin.

Nelliel nods and shifts her now crouching position to a seated one beside the man, giving him a moment of silence to collect himself, out of respect. The hand squeezing his would maintain its place, acting as a source of comfort in case he'd needed it.

"You've seen a lot in your many years, haven't you? So much selfishness, hatred and cruelty that it left you questioning everything you've learnt so far about your fellow comrades and maybe even home." She eventually broke the silence after a while, eyes gazing in the distance, at the empty night sky. "And that had shattered your very purpose and will to move onwards. Cause what is a man without his purpose in life if not a dead man, no?" It was only a guess at this point, maybe even grasping at straws with her assumptions. But her intuition told her this was closest to the answer. "This is why you've taken refuge here. To try and maybe rediscover yourself?"

His hand which had been holding onto her hands would release them slowly, pulling ever so much away from her. His hand, if allowed to do so, would come to be placed against the ground as he hauled himself to his feet. In some ways his pride can only handle so much, a man who has prided himself on his endurance. An endurance which spawns from a life lived harshly.

"You're… an interesting soul."

The words come after a moment of thought, his eyes look down at his body, indecent as he is, and gives pause. Her questions seem digging, as if searching for something inside of him.

"There's a certain truth that can be found in harsh circumstances, I needed, truth. You have my thanks, for your mercy. For your kindness. But… I…." The words fail him. What does he want to say, and how can he say it?

"I am tired, and hungry. And I want to sleep."

There's no attempt at stopping him from pulling away or getting back up on his feet. The Arrancar woman just watches and when his comment finally graces her ears, breaking the heavy silence, she lets out a soft snort. Not sardonic in any shape or form, nor mocking, but a mere reaction of amusement. "I doubt that I could be called a soul in my current state, but sure. I'll accept that coming from one of the most interesting Shinigami I've seen in a while." Not like she'd seen any since she'd last spoken with Ichigo, as a matter of fact.

She nods again and instead of giving any direct replies to his words that follow, Nelliel opts for three rather surprising words instead.

"I like you..." Then, as if to clarify any misunderstandings, she quickly follows up. "Your way of thinking intrigues me and there's a certain something about you that fascinates me. I can't say what it is exactly, but it kinda makes me wanna get to know you better."

Nelliel finally raises back onto her feet and unbothered by his sudden self consciousness at his own ragged state, she approaches him again. "How about you come back with me? I could give you food, new clothes and a warm roof over your head. All I ask for in exchange is to share more philosophical conversations like the one we'd just had and for you to tell me more about yourself."

A rather tempting bargain indeed, if only he could trust the words of a Hollow and believe that she isn't trying to trick him.

Nelliel would've shared the feeling with him in that regards, given that she herself could sometimes wander the white dunes for hours on end without being able to realize or quantify just how much time had passed. Either way, it was a calming activity, maybe even therapeutic to the deranged souls or minds. However, judging by the state of his disheveled clothing and the many scars resembling the claws and fangs of the Hollow roaming those places, it gave her an inkling about the fact this wasn't his first time coming here. Whatever his reasons were, it didn't matter. His appearance was enough to pull at the strings of her hollowed heart.

As the embodiment of sacrifice, one of the few aspects of death that entirely self centered, as it would head into its demise, she had been granted with the ability of understanding and empathizing with another. Sacrifice itself represented the loss of something in favor of another thing, which in death would usually symbolize another person or a cause. So Nelliel could feel the pain and maybe despair that would flow from the Reaper. To her, his fallen figure under that tree evoked the image of a fallen soldier who'd lost something important to him and whatever that something was, it must've been what brought him there in the first place.

It also made her curious, drew her in as to see what it was about this man and his burden. Reapers didn't frighten her, far from it since one of her dearest friends was one himself, so she'd be relaxed and calm in her demeanor as she approached him. She'd just watch as the man stared in confusion, inquiry visible in the depth of his empty eyes as to why an Arrancar would show such gentle kindness towards another being that wasn't of their kind.

"Does there really have to be a reason as to why someone would want to soothe and help a troubled man?" Her hazel gaze would look back at him, showing a level of understanding far superior to any beast. "Kindness doesn't need a reason or motive, it's something you just show the response to the pain of another." There was wisdom to her words too, for the female Arrancar possessed a strong value for the quality of reason in one's mind, the one thing that separated them from animals and Hollow alike who in her place would've pounced on the opportunity of hunting the fallen man.

"You're right, ya' know." The words come with easy admittance. "But that don't stop people from coming up with reasons to deny it. Ever since the days when one tribe sat on another side of a reason, people 'ave found reasons to deny kindness to another." The soldier has closed his heart to the suffering of others before. When it was him, or another, wagering their lives on battles and conflicts. He still wakes up in some nights, struggling to breathe, as he remembers flashes of a past life. Of masses of men clashing against one another, shooting and stabbing, drowning in mud.

Kindness, mercy, was a luxury one could not afford in those days.

But he is not within those days anymore, and he is not so calloused to have forgotten why he fought. The hand which is held by her own would squeeze, his head still leaning against the tree. His eyes closed themselves as for a moment, he allowed exhaustion to seep into his muscles. Physically exhausted, some part of his soul is restored by her words. The smallest bit of hope restored to him. It's an ember.

The hand which is not held by her own would come to his face, clasping over his eyes for a moment. That thin smile persists even as he feels a moisture at his eyes, emotion swells in him. Her words are like a silver bullet aimed right at his heart, as they so remind him of himself. To hear another speak those words, so clearly, and so plainly, after so long truly has shaken him.

"Ah. My apologies. I had forgotten such a truth. And now- it's revelation strangle me."

His words are concise, and controlled, even as his voice shakes slightly. It's a poor thing for a man like him, to shed tears in front of woman, he thinks. But that is the thoughts of a man raised in a different era, for a different purpose. The hand which holds onto her own, remains firm even as his body deflates. The tension which seemed ever present, simply disappears. He chokes, slightly, on words that never leave his mouth.

"I won't disagree with you on that one. Someone once said that man is a wolf to man for this very reason, cause sometimes it's not the beast living in the wilderness or the direness of nature that kills the man or poses the biggest threat to him, but his very fellow human." Her tone even, the woman continued with the same calm stoicism from before. "One could even say that mankind has forgotten what it means to truly be kind and how to love another." Nelliel's eyes would burn deeply into his as she then continued her little monologue. "Maybe that's why so many of their kind end up in this place, emptied of all reason and sense of identity, mere husks of what they'd once been."

Something about the way in which the reaper spoke gave it away that he'd spoken from experience. He must've been a soldier in a past life too, someone who has seen the true horrors of war far beyond the chaos wrecked by Aizen in Soul Society. There was something deeper, a rougher past and history sheathed beneath those eyes. And for some reason, something within her, like a distant part she'd long buried within the depths of her mind and very being could resonate with the pain she saw in him.

Then, as the man covered his eyes and some tears found their way down his ashen cheeks, between his fingers, her lips would tighten into a thin line, her compassion bleeding out to this suffering soul before her. He looked so miserable and lost, as if something about him spoke of the loss of his will to move forward and a hope long forgotten.

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize to me for that. In fact, you should never have to apologize for your own feelings or for expressing them. You've got all the rights to express and show your pain and grief if need be and it's actually all the more healthier than bottling everything up deep within yourself." Reaching forward, the Arrancar woman wiped away some of his tears. Despite his current state that looked almost devoid of life, they felt so warm on her skin.

Nelliel nods and shifts her now crouching position to a seated one beside the man, giving him a moment of silence to collect himself, out of respect. The hand squeezing his would maintain its place, acting as a source of comfort in case he'd needed it.

"You've seen a lot in your many years, haven't you? So much selfishness, hatred and cruelty that it left you questioning everything you've learnt so far about your fellow comrades and maybe even home." She eventually broke the silence after a while, eyes gazing in the distance, at the empty night sky. "And that had shattered your very purpose and will to move onwards. Cause what is a man without his purpose in life if not a dead man, no?" It was only a guess at this point, maybe even grasping at straws with her assumptions. But her intuition told her this was closest to the answer. "This is why you've taken refuge here. To try and maybe rediscover yourself?"

His robes have long since become nothing but patchworks of resewn clothing to preserve his dignity, and his skin bares scars which he only gained during his time in this realm. As he wonders the sands, his movements slow to a drag. Tonight (or is it day) he drops to a knee beneath a tree with no leaves, his back is pressed against the dry, cracked, bark.

He is a man of history, and conflict. A man of three worlds, and three souls, that cannot exist in unison. The human, the hollow, the shinigami. How he returned to Hueco Mundo, why he did, after all this time, leaves him answerless.

The approach of a figure in the distance, his eyes focus upon them. If there was hostile intent, he could fight. He would fight. But such a thing is not present, no they… she… approaches with kindness. Or is it curosity? It isn't violence, that is certain. A furrow brow on scarred features, a hand which seems about to lift up to gesture her away from him. Only for that hand to be taken, gloved hands compressing his calloused one. An act of kindness in a place without it.

A pause is given before dry lips part, slowly, to ask a singular question:

"Why?"

Nelliel would've shared the feeling with him in that regards, given that she herself could sometimes wander the white dunes for hours on end without being able to realize or quantify just how much time had passed. Either way, it was a calming activity, maybe even therapeutic to the deranged souls or minds. However, judging by the state of his disheveled clothing and the many scars resembling the claws and fangs of the Hollow roaming those places, it gave her an inkling about the fact this wasn't his first time coming here. Whatever his reasons were, it didn't matter. His appearance was enough to pull at the strings of her hollowed heart.

As the embodiment of sacrifice, one of the few aspects of death that entirely self centered, as it would head into its demise, she had been granted with the ability of understanding and empathizing with another. Sacrifice itself represented the loss of something in favor of another thing, which in death would usually symbolize another person or a cause. So Nelliel could feel the pain and maybe despair that would flow from the Reaper. To her, his fallen figure under that tree evoked the image of a fallen soldier who'd lost something important to him and whatever that something was, it must've been what brought him there in the first place.

It also made her curious, drew her in as to see what it was about this man and his burden. Reapers didn't frighten her, far from it since one of her dearest friends was one himself, so she'd be relaxed and calm in her demeanor as she approached him. She'd just watch as the man stared in confusion, inquiry visible in the depth of his empty eyes as to why an Arrancar would show such gentle kindness towards another being that wasn't of their kind.

"Does there really have to be a reason as to why someone would want to soothe and help a troubled man?" Her hazel gaze would look back at him, showing a level of understanding far superior to any beast. "Kindness doesn't need a reason or motive, it's something you just show the response to the pain of another." There was wisdom to her words too, for the female Arrancar possessed a strong value for the quality of reason in one's mind, the one thing that separated them from animals and Hollow alike who in her place would've pounced on the opportunity of hunting the fallen man.

His hands were too skilled in the way they claimed her body and lavished her with passionate caresses, gropes and pinches in all the right places, and his lips tasted so good and felt perfect locked with hers into that shared display of mutual need and yearn, to even try and resist. So despite all her foolish attempts at denying her own longing, the policewoman had to admit that ever since that first time, she'd been pinning hard onto him and secretly looking forward to this next time. Although, to be fair, she hadn't thought that it would come this soon and in a moment she'd thought him tired and beyond drained.

Yet, when her hand was met with that intense vigor of his and felt just how much Krul was craving and needing her there and then, Nelliel simply could not contain herself and gave into their shared desire, sliding her gloved hand underneath the clothing material to meet his burning desire. She wasn't disappointed, aroused and thrilled by the rock hard stiffness of his member. This man must've really been out of this world! Such vitality and strength after everything they'd just been through... It left her both stunned and with her mouth watering.

With a soft gasp of delight, she'd then grasp him between her slender elegant fingers and start rubbing with the same amount of excitement as the way the man was kissing and touching him. Her own arousal surprised Nelliel in that very moment, with how intensely she could crave and need him in such short notice, but nothing mattered anymore. Not the hunger, not their shared disheveled states, not anything but that burning need and carnal hunger demanding to be satiated.

"Shadow Man... Will you at least tell me your name?" Was all she could demand of him, between labored breaths, before surrendering completely to her own mortal weakness. Nelliel wanted to at least know the name she'd be moaning from now on and carry in her heart as a part of her.

But there was no time for such questions and wonderous thoughts, because the policewoman had one wish right now, and that was to provide him with the same amount of pleasure that he was giving her. So her hand continued to rub him with relentless energy, soon moving a step further by unleashing him from the tight constraints of his pants. Krul's cock felt so nice and perfect around her fingers, warm and firm, twitching with that virility that left her mouth watering and melting in anticipation for when he would pound into her again, stretching her tight needy walls to perfection. And as she became more and more aroused, she would rub him harder and faster, pinching and teasing the tip to rile him even further.

By the time Krul's hands slipped to her wet and needy core, her sweet nectar of passion had already began dripping down her inner thigh and onto the floor, making the penetration of his finger a very easy and sinuous one. Her walls would mold around his fingers and her greedy pussy would instantly squeeze them, with such urgency and hunger that would promise a very rewarding and satisfying round, once he would fill her up with his rock hard member and she would start milking him for everything he could offer. Nelliel was perfect, deliciously erotic and lascivious in both the sounds she made, filling the room with her angelic voice, and her perfect body. If there was such a thing as a goddess of sex, then this woman was the closest to it in her current impudent state.

Nelliel's mind would soon go blank, the only thing still governing her thoughts being Krul and everything he did to her. She was so immersed into the ecstasy and pleasure that when the man delivered the disappointing news of having no clue about his own identity, the policewoman couldn't be mad at him. So what if Krul had no idea what his name was? He was her Shadow Man and that was all it mattered. If need be, she could give him a name, build him a new identity and maybe rehabilitate him into a new man she could live together with forever...

Suddenly, a new idea began forming into her mind, or maybe better said, a fantasy shaped under the influence and empire of the endorphins rushing through her body. What if he wasn't a monster? What if maybe she could still save him and his soul from damnation? She could love him and he could love her... Forever and ever...

"It's okay... Y-You can j-just be... M-My Shadow Man...~" She'd eventually managed to mutter between the labored breaths and many moans of pleasure and bliss, as her free hand would reach for his face, guiding him back towards her lips for another kiss, suddenly drove by this intense urge of feeling him and tasting him.

Grimmjow couldn’t anymore——couldn’t hold his weight that is. He had pushed his body past his limits, his muscles fatigued and achy, too weak even for something as simple as parting his lips. Against even his own stubborn wants, his weight shifted onto Nelliel. She was strong and steady and he was but a tumble weed, incapable of mirroring her physical stability. Even the stale air was enough to tip him over.

Fortunately, his vulnerability made it so that she could guide him to somewhere grounded, his languid, heavy steps doing little to propel him anywhere. Ahead was a rock for him, on which he nearly collapsed, but he caught himself. Some of his vigor returned with the anchor below his feet doing the most of the heavy lifting. Although, that was more of his own delusion than anything. There was no motivation for anything, even if he desperately convinced himself otherwise.

Nelliel continued to watch him with her watchful gaze as the male could barely hold himself upright on the rock. Even sitting down looked like a gargantuan task for the former Sexta Espada in his current fatigued state, which only served to solidify her belief that the male was in desperate need of rest. Yet, Grimmjow would continue contradicting her words and claiming he was alright and good on his own, negating the obvious truth that he was in such a rough state that he could barely even function.

In other circumstances, Nelliel would have crossed her arms at her chest in a stern manner, shooting him a serious look before launching herself into another speech, scolding the other for his recklessness. Just look at yourself! You're fine on your own? Then how come you can barely hold your own weight even when doing the simplest of acts like that of sitting down? You aren't fooling anyone but yourself if you think anyone with two good eyes and of sane mind would believe that you're okay right now! She probably would have told him, her irritation fueled by the worry she held for him, but the female refrained. Nell was upset, but she wanted to help her comrade, not push him away. So instead, the former Tres took a deep breath and bent down to help pick up Pantera from the coarse white sands.

Grimmjow hadn't given away to his exhaustion just yet. His thoughts were but a faint humming when the former Tres caught him. When she expressed her worry, his ability to reply—to confess—no, to fight against her despite his admission died. He was limp, against her shoulder. Face overtaken by a mossy-green sea. Her voice a muddle mess. Under normal circumstances, he would never have been so weak and cowardly as to admit needing help. The jaguar would have dragged himself behind some rubble and rest until his body grouped up enough strength to head back home—back to the palace.

Somehow, his brain had been awake enough, not to capture her words, but to register her scent. He normally sat slicked with the odor of a warrior—sweat laden swirled with musk, but she carried regality in her aroma. Clean. Floral in its quality. It was peace and it contrasted his turbulence, subduing him into a profound, well-needed slumber.

Like a ragdoll, Grimmjow crashed into the plushness of his bed. Or hers. He didn't know. It was all the same to him in his condition. However, there was an innate knowing that his body had been whisked to safety. In his slumber, his parted lips let out a deep breath. His eternally furrowed brows had relaxed, a faint crease sitting between them. The flowery cloud in his midst keeping his senses tame.

Waking moments were far and few between. Lucidity flickered like a dream, which Grimmjow convinced himself it had to be. He'd cracked one dulled blue eye of his open, instinctively squeezed the hand holding his before falling back into his mind's dark repose. Other times he was greeted by the rare treat of wakefulness, his condition earned his onlookers a once in a lifetime glimpse into vulnerability. He grunted. Groaned. Incapable of concealing his physical hurt.

By the time he had finally woken up in full, solitude was there keeping the room cold. No longer burdened by his tiredness, Grimmjow hauled himself upright in bed. The weak were afforded the privilege in continuing to sit in luxuries such as this. He was, in his own generous self-consideration, too strong to sit idle. Made to be clawing his way through the world. Pinged by what he thought to be the illusory memory of support, he examined his palm. Just what the hell was that? Logic forged a lousy excuse, calling that "dream" a sign he needed more training to eradicate whatever his mind was thinking up.

Not until he learned Nelliel had, in fact, been faithful to his side, only leaving for a brief moment. Long enough for him to wake and get out of bed.

"She's stupid," he said, only to himself, on the other hand, reminding himself that now, he had debt that required being repaid in full. Nelliel had seen him in total depravity and rather than taking advantage of his inferiority, she kept him well accompanied. That alone merited he do something—anything of equal value. Stupid was just the easy word. The one that would help him maintain an emotional distance as he preferred for the sake of survival.

Still bogged by injury, Grimmjow retreated to the solitary top of the palace, thinking he'd be able to shake off those green tresses his face had slumped over days prior. His scent wasn't that of the battlefield. It was her. All her. That damned cleanly aroma. Yet, he didn't fight to cleanse himself.

Just as Grimmjow straightened himself, a furious grumble in his core warned that his idleness required he work to sate his appetite. In the same wind, Nelliel's plea that he go spend time at the palace resurfaced. She was right. He was seldom present for their attempts to play human. Almost swayed by his hunger, he shook his head in total repulsion.

"King's don't play house," he muttered under his breath.

. . . but his debt loomed over him . . . .

If he was still conscious enough to feel her soft floral scent and feel the brush of her long locks of hair on his cheek and the soft breeze blowing through his hair, then Grimmjow might've been able to also hear the click of her tongue, a gesture that Nelliel only did when her patience was at its end meet. She was an understanding woman, very balanced and rational in her thinking, having always been then one to advocate for morality and the right thing to do. But at the same time, she wasn't one to stand by and allow her fellow teammate destroy themselves either. So, weather Grimmjow liked it or not, he was coming back with her and he was going to take a well deserved break, one long enough to make sure his body would be back to its prime. And all under her watchful eye, cause Nelliel was determined not to leave his side by any chance.

"Yer staying here until ya get well again and I ain't gonna take no for an answer!" Was the last thing he'd hear her say before she plopped his rad doll like body down onto the bed, then went to procure the necessary tools to tend to his battered and beaten body. Arrancar and Hollow were capable of healing themselves on their own, but the weaker one's body was, the longer it took for the healing to be effective, so there was no harm in speeding up the process with some medicinal ointments and such.

They had been lucky enough to have managed to establish somewhat of a peace treaty with Seireitei and Gotei 13 so that their transit between the human world and Hueco Mundo for resupplying wouldn't be viewed as a crime. With Aizen now defeated and the balance between the three realms reinstated, it was into everyone's best interest that each population would be able to thrive and maintain itself afloat. With the recent events that cost them many of the Espada numbers and their fracciones, Hueco Mundo was at the risk of heading into demographic collapse, which would've put the other two realms in danger too (each realm had its own purpose and so, even if Shinigami didn't appreciate the Hollows and their misdeeds in the human realm, they knew too that their existance served its own purpose), so it was best that there wouldn't be any more casualties for the Hollows.

That allowed the new leadership consisting of Hallibel, her fracciones and Nelliel to make occasional journeys between the realms and buy supplies from Urahara. The former Reaper had some really handy items in stock, with which they could rebuild some of Las Noches' broken systems and save as many of their people with his medicine. Urahara was also the one who built the little device helping Nelliel maintain her adult form for an indefinite amount of time, so she had more than one reason to be grateful for his existence and collaboration. And now his medical supplies were going to help her friend get back onto his feet.

And so, Nelliel tried her best to mend his wounds and sprained muscles, before taking a seat down onto the floor and taking his hand into hers, squeezing it in an affectionate manner which the female hoped would send across to him that he wasn't alone and she was there for him. Who knows for how long she'd then stayed like that, gazing over his sleeping figure, admiring the serenity of his now relaxed features, before laying her head down too for some sleep of her own. It was only much much later that the former Tres woke up and after making sure that Grimmjow was still safe, she made a short departure from the room to grab something to eat and drink some water.

If only she would've known that he'd be waking up in that fraction of a minute she was away, maybe Nelliel would've refrained her own needs a bit longer to be there and assist him when the Jaguar would come back to his senses. But all she could do now, when she'd returned to the room to find it empty, was to curse under her breath and try her best not to blame herself for her own stupidity.

"Grimmjow!" She called out into the vast empty hallways, pace quickened as the green-haired woman began her search for the male. She had a slight hunch where Grimmjow might've gone, but at the same time she couldn't help but worry again. Heh... Funny how lately she'd been experiencing this particular feeling way more often than she normally would've, and all because a very thick skulled feline who couldn't understand his own physical body's limits. The thought made her lips curl into a faint smile, bemused by it, before returning to that somber seriosity so characteristic to her.

Luckily, the former Sexta was feline based, which meant that, like any cat out there, he would be seeking the safety of the highest spot in the whole place. So it didn't take long before Nelliel headed for the most logical place: the rooftops of Las Noches. And there he was, shooting the wind while being seated down, his expression marked by his deep toughts.

"Ah, here ye were... For a moment I thought ya'd left again for that damned dunes..." Nelliel heaved a sigh of relief, but maintained her position at the top of the stairs, as if afraid that if she made any step closer, the male would run away again.

"Everything okay, Grimm?"

There were also a few rewards showcased on the lower shelves where there weren't as many books, and some vinyl disks, telling of the policewoman's love for the musical arts. Interestingly enough however were some of the photos displayed in on those shelves: most portrayed a much younger Nelliel, probably back when she was in her late teens and some from her police Academy days. She was alone in most of them, either holding up a diploma or reward, or posing in front of an aesthetically pleasing background. But what drew the interest most were the couple photos where she wasn't alone in them (which weren't many in number, maybe just one or two), but the other person's head had been torn out of the photo. Judging by the proportions, the other person must've been a man.

Back to their dinner though, Nelliel was happy when Krul decided to finally come and join her on the sofa, despite his blank expression. The gurgling of his stomach, professing its intense need for sustenance, made her chuckle even.

"Yes, I made this for us. Given the crazy night and morning we'd just had, I thought you might be hungry." The policewoman answered with a smile on her lips, a certain gentleness palpable in her words and the way she looked at him.

Nothing had prepared her however for the unexpected sudden "attack" of the Shadow man, who as if stricken by a force of nature, had nearly thrown himself onto her and seized her lips into a passionate kiss, leaving her breathless and partly shocked by the intensity of it all. However, the woman did not push him away or show any objections to the Krul's feverish display of desire, taking a moment to register what was happening before returning the kiss.

"Mmm... S-Shadow man..." Nelliel managed to murmur against his lips, in a moment of respite, before being pulled into another deep kiss. "Maybe... We should... Eat first...?"

His hands were too skilled in the way they claimed her body and lavished her with passionate caresses, gropes and pinches in all the right places, and his lips tasted so good and felt perfect locked with hers into that shared display of mutual need and yearn, to even try and resist. So despite all her foolish attempts at denying her own longing, the policewoman had to admit that ever since that first time, she'd been pinning hard onto him and secretly looking forward to this next time. Although, to be fair, she hadn't thought that it would come this soon and in a moment she'd thought him tired and beyond drained.

Yet, when her hand was met with that intense vigor of his and felt just how much Krul was craving and needing her there and then, Nelliel simply could not contain herself and gave into their shared desire, sliding her gloved hand underneath the clothing material to meet his burning desire. She wasn't disappointed, aroused and thrilled by the rock hard stiffness of his member. This man must've really been out of this world! Such vitality and strength after everything they'd just been through... It left her both stunned and with her mouth watering.

With a soft gasp of delight, she'd then grasp him between her slender elegant fingers and start rubbing with the same amount of excitement as the way the man was kissing and touching him. Her own arousal surprised Nelliel in that very moment, with how intensely she could crave and need him in such short notice, but nothing mattered anymore. Not the hunger, not their shared disheveled states, not anything but that burning need and carnal hunger demanding to be satiated.

"Shadow Man... Will you at least tell me your name?" Was all she could demand of him, between labored breaths, before surrendering completely to her own mortal weakness. Nelliel wanted to at least know the name she'd be moaning from now on and carry in her heart as a part of her.

So for the time being, Nelliel let him do his thing, while she attempted to put together something for their brunch (by now it was closer to noon and they still hadn't had the chance to eat anything for breakfast). Truth was that, with the case having taken such an important twist in its development, she had spent a good amount of days and nights at the office, mulling over the files of Krul's murders, which in turn had prevented her from doing any groceries. That being the case, after she'd made sure to wash her hands thoroughly, Nelliel began working on some makeshift sushi with the few fresh ingredients still left in her fridge. She was lucky that she had a hefty supply of rice in her kitchen for emergencies, and the wasabi sauce she could fish out of the pantry would make for a nice side dip along with the traditional soi sauce.

Once the sushi roll was done, Nelliel cut it into even pieces to have enough for the both of them and plated it into a decent looking dish, which she then brought to the living room. "Breakfast is served" She put on a smile for him and went to put the plates onto the coffee table in front of the sofa, before taking a seat and motioning for him to follow suit and sit next to her. "Hope you like sushi. I also got use some soi sauce and wasabi in case you prefer your sushi with dips on the side."

"You made this... for us?" Krul asked.

Listening to her explanation, the shadowy man hesitated, watching her serve it, he would look at the food, then at her, then back at the food. A ringing came to his ears in a crescendo till he was not able to control his urge anymore.

He exploded outwards and jumped the policewoman, kissing her torridly as he held her by the waist.

There were also a few rewards showcased on the lower shelves where there weren't as many books, and some vinyl disks, telling of the policewoman's love for the musical arts. Interestingly enough however were some of the photos displayed in on those shelves: most portrayed a much younger Nelliel, probably back when she was in her late teens and some from her police Academy days. She was alone in most of them, either holding up a diploma or reward, or posing in front of an aesthetically pleasing background. But what drew the interest most were the couple photos where she wasn't alone in them (which weren't many in number, maybe just one or two), but the other person's head had been torn out of the photo. Judging by the proportions, the other person must've been a man.

Back to their dinner though, Nelliel was happy when Krul decided to finally come and join her on the sofa, despite his blank expression. The gurgling of his stomach, professing its intense need for sustenance, made her chuckle even.

"Yes, I made this for us. Given the crazy night and morning we'd just had, I thought you might be hungry." The policewoman answered with a smile on her lips, a certain gentleness palpable in her words and the way she looked at him.

Nothing had prepared her however for the unexpected sudden "attack" of the Shadow man, who as if stricken by a force of nature, had nearly thrown himself onto her and seized her lips into a passionate kiss, leaving her breathless and partly shocked by the intensity of it all. However, the woman did not push him away or show any objections to the Krul's feverish display of desire, taking a moment to register what was happening before returning the kiss.

"Mmm... S-Shadow man..." Nelliel managed to murmur against his lips, in a moment of respite, before being pulled into another deep kiss. "Maybe... We should... Eat first...?"