Moonbathing, an AizenxGin fanfic

Disclaimer: Bleach is not mine. Needs moar chessboard.

Author's Notes: Trying to get updates out to all my fics, but I seem to be stuck in the MB-verse for the moment. Mmph, must be the impending lemons coming. ;) Did I say that out loud?

Since I don't know where/when you're coming into this story, let me just quick-warn you:

Warning: yaoi, het, extreme mind/control games, implied and/or explicit mentions of BDSM as a whole, definite lemon, angst

Anyway. We'll cut around a few scenes, as usual - jumping from here to there.

Storytime in the place to be.


There was no real reason why Grimmjow needed to be prowling the endless white sands of Hueco Mundo. The hollows that remained here in the shadow of Las Noches were no match for the Sexta Espada, but Grimmjow didn't care. He wanted — no, needed — to find something to keep his mind away from certain topics.

Like the topic of having a certain silver haired shinigami underneath him moaning in ecstasy.

The panther king wasn't feeling very king like. He could deal with anything — he lost five Fraccion without really breaking a sweat. The only other Espada he knew of that could handle such a loss without panic was Szayel, and only because that freaky bastard was able to just roll up his sleeves and create another one.

He wasn't sure he liked the idea that he was slowly being tamed, day by day. Sure, Aizen had promised him more power and he couldn't say that the shinigami had lied to him. He was more powerful. He was stronger. He was better than before...or was he?

There was an edge in Grimmjow that could never fully be smoothed out, could never truly be removed from him unless the person wanted to lose Grimmjow completely. It was the animal instincts, the drive that had carried him all the way up to being an adjuchas Hollow.

He heard a Hollow's roar off in the distance and grinned. One of those flying types had wandered too close to Las Noches, and that only meant one thing: death.

Well, for the other guy at least.

After all, Grimmjow was the king.


Gin-san, you should go. Take your little friend and go.

I can't. I can't. I ...just can't.

Gin sighed, leaning against Ulquiorra like his life depended on it. They had been locked into place around the little crack of the door, watching that human girl put the moves on their beloved Aizen-sama.

I could just kill her. Shoot to kill, be done with it.

Is that an order, Gin-san?

No. No. Aizen-sama wouldn't forgive me. I can't.

Gin heard Shinsou sigh and go silent, leaving him to watch the scene play out right in front of him. He hated himself for not being able to leave, and hated himself even more for the way the scene got to him. Logically, he couldn't speak against Aizen-sama taking another lover other than himself. While Gin was always mindful of whom he spent time with when Aizen-sama was out of reach, he couldn't expect the older man to return the sentiment.

Sentiment is kinda like guilt to Aizen-sama — it just don' exist in his world. Ever.

He curled up closer to Ulquiorra, surprised that the Espada was not pushing him away like before. "Ya gettin' used ta me?"

"There is no reason to fight a useless and wasteful battle against you, Gin."

"Oh."

Gin paused for a moment, whispering. "I know it was you that sent the food the other day..."

"You did not respond or find me, so I assumed that it was not to your liking as I had heard."

"Ah. I was on my way to find ya, but I got a little ah, derailed."

"Derailed?"

"Ran into Grimmjow."

Gin left out the part about Grimmjow running into him. Several times. While being bent over a desk that was completely not designed for the purpose and loving every moment of it. Those weren't details Ulquiorra needed to know.

"I see."

That guy never smiles and his tone goes so flat that I can't tell what he's feeling.

Ain't that ironic: I always smile and he never does.

We're a perfect pair, really.

Gin was about to say something else until he heard a loud pair of moans. It was a combination of both their Aizen-sama and that human girl.

Ulquiorra moved to pull Gin closer to him, distracting himself from the scene by using it as a cover to get closer to the goal he really wanted. He felt a match in Gin that failed all of his logical tests. Sure, there were similarities: their devotion to Aizen-sama, their power, their pale skin. Yet there were so many differences as well. Gin walked through life with a sense of having everything at his fingertips — yet wanting nothing but Aizen-sama. Ulquiorra wondered if he would have the same mentality.

Why am I holding him so protectively against me?

His automatic answer to himself was duty — in the grand sense of hierarchy, Gin was still above him. While they were both in service to Aizen-sama, Ulquiorra had realized long ago that Gin came to Aizen-sama by choice — something that Ulquiorra could not say that he had done. Aizen-sama was his Lord and Creator, truly the God of Hueco Mundo in his eyes. To serve him was natural, expected, and sensible.

They watched the scene unfolding around them, holding back a sigh. They did not want to look at the woman that was pleasing their lord. They did not want to look at the look of desire in Aizen-sama's eyes, or the slight flush of heat dancing over their leader's exposed flesh.

Gin spoke first, softly breaking the silence. "It's not the fact...that he sees others. We've played that game for so long that I'd be foolish to be upset about that."

"So it's the fact that it is the human girl, then?"

Gin sighed. I forget that for all his human features, he's so very Hollow.

"Yah, Ulqui. Why her? Why?"

This isn't one of your games, that much I know. You did this to punish me? What did I do, Aizen-sama? Tell me.

He noticed Ulquiorra moving to touch his hair, something that was definitely unexpected. The cool fingers felt nice against his scalp, and he leaned closer to Ulquiorra.

They just might survive this show after all...


Orihime smiled happily, looking at her new hero.

Ichigo, you saved me. I knew you would. The prince I always dreamed about...

She felt a little embarrassed that Ichigo kissed her, but that didn't matter right now. He's come here to save me, to make all of this go away. I couldn't refuse any request, even if ...if...

Even if it led her to her current situation, lying back on a bed that was too soft and warm to give up.

Am I ready for this?

Those kisses had led them both here, with Ichigo on top of her. There was a look in his eyes that was foreign to Orihime, but she noticed his smile.

Oh gosh, he really wants me! Oh Ichigo...

"Take off those bad clothes, Orihime. I can't stand you wearing them any longer."

"But Ichigo..."

Orihime swallowed back the rest of her reply, remembering the silent promise. She would do anything for her Ichigo.

She watched him roll off of her and stand up, his eyes never leaving her at all. She moved to pull the top piece of her uniform slowly over her head, exposing her body inch by inch.

"Go on..."

Orihime blushed. This was harder than she imagined.

Kurosaki-kun, is this really you? I guess it is...

The uniform hit the floor, the only noticeable noise in the room for several moments.

"Orihime..."


Szayel enjoyed the bright lights of his laboratory. In a land of eternal night, you had to make do with what you had, and a master scientist such as the Octava Espada had a great deal to choose from.

It was not the lighting that had captured his attention so deeply, but the surveillance system. Verona, his Fraccion, had been assigned to watch the boring events that usually played out on the screen while he indulged in a nice long soak.

After all, even a genius scientist needed to make sure his skin was as bright and vibrant as a cero.

"Szayel-sama! Szayel-sama!"

He looked up, irritated at the intercom system that was right outside the bathroom. He spoke once to activate the intercom, and then waited for the system to activate on his end before snapping, "There better be a really important reason why you're interrupting the cleansing of my perfect body!"

"There's some unusual activity on the secondary surveillance system you asked me to turn on after you returned to the meeting, master!"

Szayel raised a perfect eyebrow and smiled. That surveillance system was not noticeable when set next to the rest of the surveillance system that ran along the entirety of Las Noches. It had several hidden cameras, but there was one hidden camera he enjoyed most: the one that was placed in Aizen-sama's main entertainment room. It was merely curiosity, since he assumed that room didn't get a lot of use anyway.

After a few minutes he was approaching Verona with a sigh. "This better be good, or I really am going to eat you today."

He looked at the screen to see what had Verona so flustered and smirked, golden eyes glued to the screen.

Mm, Aizen-sama, you're being extra-naughty today, it seems.

He sent Verona away and moved to find his headphones. Some things truly had to be savored with headphones instead of letting the whole world hear it.

Once he was comfortably seated, he remembered why the scene caught his attention, aside from the two people on screen.

"I wonder what Ichimaru Gin thinks about all of this?"


As much as they hated the woman, they couldn't help but have a deep admiration for the man that was behind her.

"He's beautiful. I know he knows it, but ...this your first time seein' him like this?"

"No, it is not."

Gin grinned, realizing that the sharp reply was punctuated by an interesting blush that was slowly spreading on Ulquiorra's cheeks.

He's lying, but he's so adorable while doing it.

Gin found himself being quietly pulled closer, and he chuckled softly. "Like having me close?"

"You are troubled. I am merely offering a distraction."

"Always the faithful Espada, are we?"

"Take it how you will."

Ulquiorra sighed to himself. He realized that the trouble with these emotions is that they certainly got in the way. After all, he was an Espada, and completely devoted to fulfilling Aizen-sama's agenda. Yet here he was, eavesdropping of all things, and holding Ichimaru Gin closer than what would be appropriate for both of them.

Not that he was going to let go. It was exciting, to drift just on the edge between breaking the rules and slightly bending them to best advantage.

As he observed Aizen-sama openly touching the human girl, he caught a glimpse of the dark curls partially covering his lord's most private area. He admired the way those tight curls matched the color of Aizen-sama's hair perfectly. And as much as he hated to admit it, he also idly wondered if such a pattern would apply to Ichimaru Gin as well.

Are you silver from head to toe, under those loose clothes?

He hated himself for letting his mind wander, for letting the scene that was playing before him change his thoughts away from service and duty. He wanted desperately to chalk up everything to just being another duty, another time that he needed to put aside hsi personal feelings and serve his lord and master.

Yet this had nothing to do with Aizen-sama, and everything to do with what he wanted, which was part of the problem. Ulquiorra was never asked about what he wanted or didn't want, with most people just taking whatever they needed from him. It wasn't something he really had a problem with, since he was created to serve the needs of his Lord to the fullest, no matter what.

I can think about myself for a moment, can I not?

He watched Gin watch the scene in front of him, watching the way the human girl was being directly used for Aizen-sama's pleasure. While he was aware that it was a consensual act, his mind automatically edited everything in a way that made it clear that only Aizen-sama's pleasure and satisfaction mattered.

It is not often that you ...touch me so gently, Aizen-sama.

The way Gin settled into his arms so easily felt nice, a shapr contrast from the interactions he had with the others when Aizen-sama wanted him to "play".

He ran his hands over Gin's chest, experimenting with the action before going any further.

I will touch you gently, if you want me to...Gin.


Aizen realized that all things considered, the girl rolling her hips underneath him was simply boring. She lacked the fire of his Gin or the fragile yet tough nature of his Ulquiorra. There was nothing interesting about her except for her place on the chessboard. While he enjoyed rolling such a beautiful piece between his fingers, it was time to move the piece firmly into place.

He debated whether or not to seek his release now or simply wait — he had plenty of time either way.

Every garden needs seed, Aizen-sama.

My, so dirty, my dear mirror princess. You must have been listening to Shinsou far too much again.

But he tells the best stories, you know.

I suppose. Back to the matter at hand, Kyouka?

You're the gardener, Aizen-sama. I am merely here to watch the flowers.

He pinched a soft pink nipple, enjoying the soft cry of its owner before he decided to let him go. The effect once the curtain was opened would be far more chilling than if he had simply held back for another day.

He studied the girl's climax with a slightly bored look on his face. He hadn't expected sexual prowess from a virgin, but this was not the most satisfying sexual experience of his life.

Oh well. Every flower deserves a gardener's touch, after all.

He would wait just a few more moments. In a land where he dwelled as a living god, what were a few more moments before showing what he desired to show?


"Ulqui..."

For once, Gin hadn't meant to cut off the Espada's name, but as those hands wandered lower down his chest, he suddenly couldn't remember how to talk. He was thankful he still remembered how to breathe, but even that knowledge was beginning to fade away.

The moans of his lover and the human girl were no longer important — if he could have remembered how to moan, he would have. All he could do was let go of the pain for a moment and embrace this path that opened up to lead him away from it.

Aizen's deep voice cut across his thoughts, the loud moan and grunts that followed signaling to Gin that his lover had finally reached his climax.

He came.

Inside of her.

I ...I can't even. I can't even.

Shinsou's voice hummed softly in his ear. Of course you can, Gin-san! You can do anything! Everything! But you have to stop waiting for Aizen! Let go...please let go.

It was a different sound from the earlier mocking tones, which prompted Gin to ask the obvious.

Why do you care?

Because ... this is too much. This isn't blood or war or any trickery that actually gets us anywhere. Why don't you let him take care of you?

Gin conceded that the question was indeed valid — not that he wanted to actually answer it. It was something that he wasn't quite sure of himself.

I'll go with him...wherever that leads me ...for the moment.

He turned his head to look at Ulquiorra, and smiled. "Looks like that means the show's over. Can...can we continue this somewhere else?"

Ulquiorra nodded, trying to think logically of where to go from here. He hadn't expected anything to come from his silent interest in Gin, but he wouldn't pass up an opportunity.

"My room's a bit dark..."

"Right now, nothing could be darker than where we are now. Let's go, Ulqui."

Ulquiorra smiled. For once, he didn't mind that irritating nickname. If it allowed him to get closer to a silver-haired shinigami, then he would let it go for the moment.


Aizen watched the classic pattern unfold in front of his eyes, as he stepped away from Orihime.

She looks completely debauched like that — naked, sweating, dripping.

A gardener couldn't be more pleased with such an exposed flower.

He admired the slow rise of Orihime's back as she lifted herself up, blinking slowly.

"Oh Ichigo...that was so wonderful...I love you, Ichigo."

Is it time, Aizen-sama?

Of course, my dear. Although the audience has left, the actors are still obligated to perform to the fullest...even at the end.

As you wish, Aizen-sama.

There was a sharp flash of light and a shattering sound as Aizen pulled the illusion away. He watched Orihime rub her eyes for a moment.

"My, my, Orihime...is not bad manners to say the wrong man's name in bed?"

Orihime blinked again. "W-w-what? Aizen-sama...what did you do to Ichigo?"

"I do not know what you mean, my dear. We were having a conversation and then we engaged in another conversation, with a far more...electric language framework."

Orihime brought her hand to her mouth, her eyes looking over the state of her body, trembling at the realization she was naked in front of this man that was holding her captive.

Oh no... I...oh my gosh!

Why did I think Ichigo was here...to save me...I thought...

She watched Aizen stand up and begin putting his clothes back on. She dared not interrupt the process, but as soon as he was finished, she whispered, "Where are you going, Aizen-sama?"

His reply sent chills up her spine. "I think we are finished here. Someone will come with fresh clothes and to escort you back to your room."

His fluid steps towards the door left her ready to cry,b ut she fought the tears that were all too eager to break free and flow down her face.

The reply left her no peace, nothing to cling to — all the emotion she prided herself on was slowly draining away.

As the door closed, she was left with only one thing left to do.

So she screamed.


"You weren't kiddin' when you said this room was dark."

Ulquiorra closed the door behind them, settling a few steps behind Gin. The last thing he wanted to do with this opportunity was squander it by being too hasty. He had enjoyed exploring Gin's smooth chest and belly, and had even enjoyed the soft moan that Gin had fought so hard to hold in — and failed miserably all the same. Gin was interesting, and Ulquiorra wanted to discover other interesting things about the shinigami.

As they were alone now, Ulquiorra noticed Gin trembling.

"Gin?"

"This isn't like him. Not like him at all. How could he...I mean...I know I have no right to tell him...anything..."

"Be quiet now. There is no sense in worrying yourself now with things out of your control."

Ulquiorra slowly moved behind Gin again, holding him loosely. He was about to back away from the action when Gin sighed and settled in closer. "Ya righ', Ulqui. Plus...I'm needin' ta sleep."

The rough accent flowed over Gin's voice, but it didn't make Ulquiorra any less interested in him. On the contrary — Ulquiorra marveled at how effortlessly Gin seemed to switch back and forth.

"You can sleep here, if you like. The Gin probably isn't as big as what you're used to..."

Gin turned slowly to look at Ulquiorra, staring at him through his classic narrowed eyes. There was a slight pause before Gin kissed the green-eyed arrancar deeply, exploring the other's mouth with a hunger that made Ulquiorra's eyes widen.

After a moment, Gin broke off the kiss and smiled a smile that was far different from the one he normally tormented everyone with.

"Oh? Well I guess that means I'll get to be even closer to you, ne?"

For the first time in many years, Ulquiorra found himself smiling. While it was far from the long smile that seemed to permanently grace Gin's face, it was still a smile.

He would smile, for the moment. And if Gin was willing in the days to come, he would do a whole lot more than that.


AN: Okay... and I'm pausing it there. I didn't want to insert a lemon in the final scene — I think having them start slow is actually more realistic within the story. Gin's sad, after all :)

I had to finish up the Gardener's Touch arc — this is the end. Two more arcs coming up before the end of the story — we're getting there people, slowly but surely :)

*spins the chessboard* Yes, Aizen was very, very evil to Orihime. I didn't want to do a full AiHime lemon thing, because Orihime isn't all that interesting to me aside from being a piece on the chessboard — now now, I won't say which piece she is. That's up to y'all :)

*breathes* This chapter took me a while because there was so much to weave in — I like writing the little goofy Grimmjow moments, and there -had- to be some Szayel for the next arc to make sense... *setup setup setup*

I know it seems like Aizen isn't very visible. I'm trying to represent that even when Aizen is not present, his machinations can be felt. I'm going to try to emphasize that in the next two arcs, as well as begin tying the individual squares of the chessboard together.

I liked Ulquiorra's wandering hand...oh, Ulqui, you know you need to loosen up, don't ya? XD

This is so hard to write because there's so many different things going on. Thank you so much for riding out the Gardener's Touch arc with me!

I'm not done with the story yet, but this is like the central "conflict" of the story if you will...so I was very interested in making sure that things are as clear as they need to be (well, the things that I can reveal at this point) :D

I appreciate all of your comments, reviews, PMs, alerts, faves, and views of Moonbathing. I really couldn't do this without my beta, JT — thanks for working out the chessboard mechanics for me, bb — 3 ya!

I also couldn't do this without the help of my fangirl circle — Juno Tartini and zealot1138 have encouraged me so many times during this story's progression it's unreal. My gratitude flows stronger than any river. Thank you.

You'll probably see a few entries for Chessboard, my Chessboard now that Aizen is "free" — I couldn't well have him writing his diary while he's ... uh, "entertaining" Orihime, you know!

And yes, I will also be updating everything else — I appreciate your patience :) -vanishes-