Venomously Attractive
C H A P T E R S E V E N
Confessions
Ren had come to terms with the civil side of hers, which ultimately warned her about being too uptight. Given the past few days, she had spent wasting her precious time aiding her captain in his stupid experiments, made her wonder if all her scandals were worth it. In truth, two complete days, approximately forty-eight hours plus the three they were already wasting of the next day, without a wink of sleep wasn't very worth it.
Ichimaru Gin, captain and source of her resentment, spent two hours from around seven in the morning vomiting out his insides from the excess amount of alcohol consumed the previous night. Ren was forced to stand outside the door, waiting for him to get out so she could shove him back into his office. Lieutenant Kira found out about his captain's ailments began to worry; ignoring the fact, that Gin had initiated that result when he decided binged. Kira made sure to worry excessively during that final hour that his frown doubled in meaning and he began to embody a sorrowful disposition. The gloom eventually transcended onto the entire division, throwing everything into chaos.
Kira now sits against the wall with his mouth shut, quietly with not one fidget out of place. Ren had been forced to slap him across the face to get him to calm down and ignore Gin's dramatics inside the room. That was only one reason, the other being the fact that she simply felt like slapping Gin for his idiocies, instead, taking it out on Kira. However, the Third Division Captain continued with his disturbances, "its blood! It's blood." While Ren's curt reply remained, "Sure it is."
Ren had left the building at least twice and returned with a novel one of those times. Though the fact that Ren could read came as a shock to many, Kira believed Ren was too much of a spoiled concubine to consider…reading. Apparently, she was fond of it, though she admitted to only reading Adult Literature because everything else was a bore. Every novel owned by Ren was written by a person under the penname Ayano and the script was delicately written, causing all the readers to feel on edge after every page. All except Ren, who laughed during every sensually enticing scene, openly calling it bogus.
Ren leaned against the railing in front of the bathroom, holding her book open with one hand at eyelevel, while having no intention of reading.
With another flush of the toilet, Kira was alerted. Ren turned towards the division. If Gin was done dying inside the W.C., he'd be surprised to see his post-apocalyptic division. Since both captain and lieutenant were indisposed, and Ren was the current holder of the lowest rank in their division, everyone took the day off. Most of them were fraternizing and drinking, gambling, and possibly fornicating somewhere out in the open. Ren didn't bother speaking out to stop them, so she might have been to blame for allowing it all to happen right under her nose.
She was fighting off sleep as well. They couldn't blame her that much, right? Well, she hoped not. The last thing she needed was to receive a letter saying the Sakamoto clan permanently disowned her. She needed a footrest; she couldn't let them go that easily.
Gin walked out of the bathroom, looking paler than usual. Kira got to his feet. "Are you okay, captain?"
"Whoo—that was tough," he commented.
Ren shut her book and tucked it inside her shihakusho. She glared at him. "If you haven't washed your mouth, turn around and do so," she ordered.
Gin chuckled, walking back inside the room and sliding the door shut behind him. Ren turned to Kira. "Lieutenant Kira, remember, there's a whole lot of wild officers down there, just waiting for leadership," she said. "I'm sure they've already enjoyed their morning off."
Kira nodded, seemingly serious and shunpo'd out of her sight. At instances, Ren couldn't help but feel like Gin's useless bodyguard. Ren sighed, aggravated.
Gin walked out and looked at Ren.
"I'm taking the day off," Ren stated bluntly. She crossed her armed over her chest.
"No yer not," Gin replied.
"I am," she said. "I've got to pay a visit to a noble home. It's better than dealing with your lazy division."
"Then, I'll go with you," he decided.
Ren glared uneasily at him. "Why do I need you there?" she asked.
"Ya don't," he admitted. "But, ya never know, ya might get drowsy along the way."
"Whatever but keep your mouth shut."
"I'll try."
Ren, being as snotty as she was, figured visiting a noble home in a shihakusho would be ghastly. In turn, she pulled out a black kimono with a white chrysanthemum print with a midnight blue obi. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun without brushing it, which would have been more of a hassle. She stared at herself in the mirror for longer than the usual healthy glance making sure the red lips weren't too overused by noblewomen.
She also found time to drink a cup of tea with Gin that morning as he ate sweet bread with jelly. Gin took another sweet bread out the door when the time pressed them to leave. He left Kira in charge of the division and asked him kindly to take care of the paperwork.
Both of them left the division without a heavy conscious, having light conversation that usually ended in a harsh insult exchange between the two.
The Mitsutani manor sat in tranquility a few miles away from where her old home was. The path they took brought bittersweet memories to her, so instead of dwelling within them, instilling pity in those around her, she decided to bother Gin for a Popsicle. Gin complied, buying her the Popsicle of her choice. With the bubblegum-flavored ice cream, Ren forgot what she had been thinking about and ate.
By the time they had gotten to the Mitsutani home, they had wasted around two more hours walking around aimlessly, eating more sugar to make sure they would stay awake. But, sugar had never given them that security.
They knocked loudly against the door, not bothering to admire the civil structures of their tall gate.
Ren stifled a yawn as the gate opened, holding her sleeve over her mouth. A dark-haired woman answered the door, staring at both of them with large brown eyes.
"Good morning," she greeted softly, as if trying to disguise her squeaky, high-pitched voice.
"'Morning," Gin replied, smiling.
"I'm looking for Mitsutani Kohana," Ren stated. "Is she present?"
"Kohana-sama is tending to one of her suitors," the young woman squeaked.
"Tell her Takudaiji Ren is here," she stated, frowning. She felt a light shove. She turned to glare at Gin before looking back at the girl. "And, Captain Ichimaru Gin as well."
"I'll go inform my lady, please come inside," she said, pulling the door open further to let them enter.
Ren stepped inside first and Gin followed as the younger girl scurried down a path that lead through small archways that exposed greenery. Ren and Gin looked at each other awkwardly and turned away. Ren looked over the structures of the manor the Mitsutani inhabited. It was a classic structure for noble families, coming with large accommodations, but with a flamboyant flair.
"What kinda visit are ya planning ta pay?" he asked, curious.
"The type where I walk in, ask for my money back, and someone dies at the end," Ren replied, serious.
"What did this poor family do to ya?"
"It was a joke," she clarified, shrugging her shoulders.
Gin laughed, noticing the workers in the manor scurrying around the halls, turning the ambience a bit hectic.
Ren also took not of the disasters starting up because of her arrival. After a few minutes, an older male and woman walked outside the manor, wearing pricey fabrics. They walked up to Ren, eyes glistening with joy and immediately bowed down respectively low to show their appreciation for the woman.
"Takudaiji-dono," the man recited. "You bring us greet pleasure by gracing us with your presence."
"We are delighted to have you here," his wife said, looking at Ren then at Gin. "And…your husband?"
"You're gravely—"
Gin grabbed her hand a squeeze it hard. "We're quite glad ya gave us such a warm welcome," he interrupted.
The woman smiled, gleefully, though taken aback by his strange accent.
"Kohana is currently tending to her suitor, a young man from the Atsushi House," the man said. "We'll be your hosts until she bids farewell. Please, follow us."
"It's quite fine, we can wait," Ren said.
Kohana's father and mother led them both inside the manor, showing them through a well-furnished hallway, and into an extravagant room. They were seated on one side of the table and Kohana's father sat on the other side, while his wife stood beside him waiting to take some direction to accommodate those of higher nobility.
Ren was waiting for them to introduce themselves, so she wouldn't have to give them vulgar nicknames, as she is one to do. She was well aware of whom they were, but Gin wasn't.
"Can we get you anything to eat? Or, something to drink?" the man offered.
"Wine and steak," Gin answered.
"Gin!" Ren cursed.
"A man's gotta eat, y'know," he replied.
"What about you, Takudaiji-dono?" his wife asked.
"Oolong tea," Ren replied.
His wife walked out of the room and began directing the servants. The man continued grinning at them both. Ren was silently steaming, while Gin was enjoying himself.
"You look very much like your mother," the man commented. "But you have your father's eyes and grace."
"I don't remember my parents," Ren replied curtly.
"They were fine people, so kind and proud," he continued. "And Kazuya-sama, he was everything a man would want in a son."
Gin glanced over at Ren, who had smiled and nodded slowly.
"Yes," she said. "Kazuya was a wonder." She allowed her guard to drop for a second, but quickly retracted allowing a frown to set in.
"He'd be a grown man—"
"—were he still alive," Ren interrupted. "He isn't so whether he would be grown or not, it wouldn't matter."
"Forgive me, Takudaiji-dono." He bowed low.
It was a misguided incident when both Ren and Gin were forced to stay in the vanity of the Mitsutani manor. After they were both fed, Ren was indulged with too much hypocrisy to remember the real reason as to why she had ended up at their home. She was continuously compared to her father in the manner she spoke, the way they walked, even in the way they ate. Kohana's parents, Genkichi and Sakura droned on and on about the same thing. Sakura mentioned that she looked just like her mother.
Ren didn't remember her parents because they were inane and worthless. Everyone had sent their condolences because Naoya and Misaki were great, but two-faced. They were often described as good, kindhearted people, but as far as Ren recalls them, they were demons while forcing her and her brother into their lessons to do their part for the clan. Misaki tried to teach Ren to sow, but she ran to Nyoko and asked her to do it.
Nyoko was one of the lucky ones that didn't end up dying in the fire. Well, good for her, Ren decided.
Kohana arrived to meet with Ren and her supposed husband. She was shocked at first when the news got to her until Ren clarified that she wasn't married and if she were it wouldn't be to him.
Boredom caused the two companions to swindle Kohana into a game of poker and had won every round, winning more than enough money to make the a bit more greedy.
Even after the swindling process, Kohana was still in their room. This time they had more company, Kohana's older sister, Tsukiko, and her younger brother, Haku. The small blond-haired child took an odd liking to the estranged couple and said child was sitting on Ren's lap, while holding Gin's hand.
"Haku, you shouldn't climb our guests," Tsukiko stated, eyeing her younger brother carefully.
Haku pouted in disapproval of his sister's vigilant gaze.
"Its fine, he likes it there," Gin replied. "Besides, it gives Ren-chan some practice."
"Don't be stupid!" Ren rebuked, glaring at Gin.
"Takudaiji-sama, do you plan on having children anytime soon?" Tsukiko asked, curious.
"I don't want to deal with children," she said.
"Don't be such a prude, a little Ren might loosen you up," Gin said with a laugh.
"Shut up, you no-name man!" she stated.
"Yer such a sweet woman," Gin remarked, trying not to sound sardonic.
"Ren-sama would make a lovely mother," Kohana commented with a sweet smile.
Ren tried to ignore her, but the idea continued playing in her mind and it was repulsive. She tried to pull it off with a smile, even though the disgust was beginning to show on her face. Gin found it more than amusing and expected her to attack him.
"Only time will tell," Gin said, rubbing Ren's back. "But let's make sure we get to it before the end of this year."
Ren turned to face him, running her hand over Haku's curly hair. She glared. "I'll end you before you lay an indecent hand on me," she muttered angrily.
"You'd be entitled ta try," he replied.
His words were taken seriously and she was definitely trying after they were allowed to rest. Haku had been reluctant to leave Ren since her enjoyed the three hours he spent on her lap. He was dragged out of the room by Genkichi while Sakura begged for forgiveness. Once the shogi screen shut, Ren attacked Gin, knocking him on his back. She tried to choke him, surprised she managed to wrap her hands around his neck. He let her do her worst and found himself laughing.
"How dare you, you insolent fool!" she cursed, as her hands were being pried off.
"Ya gotta admit, its kinda fun," he replied, smirking.
"This isn't fun, you blundering fool!" she cried. "Why the hell would I want a child?"
"It might loosen you up." He snorted.
"Shut up!" she cried. "You know nothing!"
Gin pulled her forward by the wrists, causing her to fall on top of him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled her under him, switching their positions. He pinned her hands securely at her sides. She stared at him, shocked.
"I thought ya weren't too easy ta overpower," he commented, his grin widening.
Ren bit her lip angrily. "Burn in hell," she muttered, turning away.
"We can go both ways at this point," he whispered, leaning closer to her.
Ren scoffed. "Both ways aren't pleasing," she retorted. "If I wanted I could have anyone."
"But, not anyone would like to deal with yer nasty attitude," he commented.
"What makes you think you can?"
"I'm free ta try, aren't I?"
Ren shrugged, trying to ignore his advances. Her face had already gone from the normal creamy white to a slight pink. She felt a chill run up her spine when she felt his lips against her cheek. She turned to him quickly about to protest when she felt his lips near hers. Her eyes widened in astonishment, waiting the kill as her heart beat quickened and her breath was cut short. Gin's grip loosened and his hands found their way to her face, holding her head in place.
The shogi screen slid open, hitting hard against the other side, saving her by a wink. Both of them turned their attention towards the door and saw Haku standing there, staring at both of them with large innocent eyes. He smiled sheepishly and jumped on Gin's back without warning, knocking him on the ground.
"You shouldn't wrestle with Ren-nee-sama, she's quite frail!" Haku stated frowning. His basis was the time he took Ren's hand and she told him she was too frail, that her hand would break if he held it. In other words, a lie to get Haku to hold Gin's hand instead, but to that innocent child…it was truth.
"I'll take care of her," Gin said.
"What are you doing here?" Ren asked, pulling herself up to a seat.
Haku moved off Gin and made his way towards Ren, sitting down between her legs. Ren let out a sigh and ran her fingers through his curls.
"I wanted to spend more time with Ren-nee-sama and Gin-chan," he stated. "But mama and Tsuki-chan had me tied up so I wouldn't escape."
"Did Kohana-chan let you out?" Ren asked, disregarding the tying the child had mentioned.
"Nope, I bit through the ropes," he replied, laughing. He turned to face Ren, smiling widely. "So, our family used to serve nee-sama's family?"
Ren nodded.
"Why didn't I get to meet you?" he asked.
"Because you hadn't been born yet," Ren said.
"Did you have brothers or sisters?"
"Not anymore."
"Aww, that's no good."
Gin had watched the two speak, hoping to see a change in Ren's expression. She seemed bothered by Haku's question, but she didn't let it get to her. Gin got off the ground. "I'll be goin' ta take a quick shower," he said. "Have fun you two."
"We will!" Haku confirmed, waving at Gin as he entered further into the room. Once the shogi screen shut, Haku hopped to his feet and began bouncing around the room.
Ren pulled her body off the ground, feeling some pain in her lower back from the fall and pressure of the obi. She looked around the luxurious room.
"Haku, sit still while I change," Ren said, getting up to her feet. She walked into the next room, as if tracing Gin's steps. She slid the door shut. The bedroom was larger, the corner holding a stack of futons. The furnishings were too flamboyant for her taste, aligning the walls around them in the form of small seats and tables. The tables had candles on them in a bright pink. On top of a small dresser, there had been robes laid out for them.
Ren tugged at her obi, undoing the knot and removing it. She dropped it on the ground and pulled off her robes. She walked over to the sleeker apparel and slipped it on, tying the sash sloppily. Since she arrived into the room, she was able to hear the hum of Gin's voice as he sang in the bathroom.
Ren pulled off her socks, leaving them on her clothes, and kicking it aside. She walked over to the other door, opening it and walking into the smaller hallway. At the end of it, she could see the steam accumulating and the further down she walked, the louder his voice was carried. She slid the bathroom door open, the cloud of steam practically exploding in her. She waved her hands around to clear her vision and realized the bath was much larger than she expected. Gin was leaning against the wall, his legs in the water. He had a towel wrapped around his waist as he poured another bucket of water over his head. He stopped singing by the time she had opened the door and shook his head, letting the droplets of water fall over his broad shoulders, trailing down his sleek neck, and onto his toned torso.
"Came ta join me?" he asked, his voice echoing through the room.
"No, I came to tell you to shut up," Ren stated. "I don't think anyone would be able to sleep with your awful singing."
"Yer jus' jealous 'cause you can't do any better."
"Singing is a waste of breath," Ren replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'll leave you be, Haku is still waiting outside."
"I think you've taken quite a likin' to that boy," he commented. "Is that a telltale sign that ya want one?"
"The boy is attached to me," Ren said.
"I think yer getting attached to him."
"Don't be ridiculous," she replied. "Even if they once served my family, that doesn't mean they'll do the same for me again. I must be the embodiment of serenity to allow them to climb onto my web. Then I can ravish them."
"Why don't ya bring all that figurative language an' impose it on me?"
"You're stupid," she stated. "I don't deal with idiots."
"Ya had to deal with yer uncle Kyozo and that rambunctious cousin of yers."
"You forgot everyone else that's in the Sakamoto clan." Ren shrugged. "In any case, I ignored them, so they hardly were a bother."
"You were their precious treasure," he said. "Shouldn't ya appreciate all they've done for you?"
"No, they've done nothing but try to marry me off so I could remake my family."
"Why don't ya try?"
"Why should I tell you?" Ren stepped out, shutting the door before he could give her an answer.
Life was simple. Live only for yourself because others will never matter. At the end of the road, life was only a simple game. Ren shook her head as she headed back to the first room.
"Ren-nee-sama!" Haku called when Ren opened the door. He grabbed a hold of her robes and looked up at her, expectantly. "Let's play a game!"
"What would you like to play?"
"Let's play…" He paused. He placed his finger over his mouth. "…hide 'n' seek!"
Ren placed her hand on his head, ruffling his messy curls. "You're it."
The small boy pouted. "Not fair."
"Yes it is, so go count."
"To ten!" he stated.
"Nope, you have to give me thirty seconds," Ren said.
"Fine, but I count very, very fast!"
"You better not skip any numbers!" she warned.
Haku stuck his tongue out in disapproval.
"Turn around and start counting."
Haku turned around reluctantly and stood against the nearest wall, his arms held up over his face, while he lifted an impatient foot, waving it back and forth.
"Okay, one…two…three…four…" he began loudly.
Ren headed towards the door, sliding it open carefully. She walked through quietly, not making a sound. She looked around the larger room for a place to hide. The closet was the obvious place, but it might exhaust Haku faster. She would have to clarify that they were only allowed to hide in that particular room.
Ren opened the closer, looking inside. There was nothing but futons inside. A door opened and Gin walked inside staring at Ren awkwardly as she climbed into the closet.
"What're ya doin'?" he asked, drying his hair with a towel.
"I'm playing hide 'n' seek with Haku…and if you're too stupid to notice, I'm trying to hide," she retorted.
"Haku-chan, I'm playin' too, count to a hundred!" Gin called, amused by the idea.
Haku groaned loudly. "I'll only count to twenty 'cause I lost my place!" he shouted back.
Ren shut the closet door after Gin confirmed he would play too. She moved over to the other corner of the closet, crawling over the stacks and nuzzling into the corner, beneath the bundles of futons. The closet door slid open and Gin climbed inside.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, whispering.
"Hidin'," he remarked, making his way towards her.
Ren tried to scurry out of the closet, but Gin was in the way. She attempted to shove him out of the way when Haku finished counting to twenty. Ren smacked Gin angrily and he knocked her into place.
"Cheater!" she cursed, whispering.
"Shhhh." He put his finger over his lips.
He moved closer to her, their bodies too close to one another. Ren hit her head against the wall, lightly. Gin grabbed her face and pulled it upward so she looked at him. He bent forward, tilting his head to the side as he neared her mouth.
"What the hell are you doing?" she demanded. She pushed her hands against his chest, trying to push him away when she realized she wasn't trying very hard.
She began to question herself at that point, wondering why she was allowing herself to feel that way with a man. There had only been one other that made her feel that way, but she swore to never allow it again. Yet, Ichimaru Gin, the man who had always caused her stomach to churn disdainfully and had chills running up and down her spine, caused her to feel…warmth. What a nasty coincidence.
Ren shook her head.
"No?"
"Never." She frowned.
"Why not?"
"You're not my type." She turned away, huffing.
The closet door slid open. "I caught you, Gin-chan!" Haku clamored. "You're it now!"
"Darn, he said, opening the closet door on the other side. He got out first.
"Where's nee-sama?"
Ren crawled out of the closet, her hair falling out of its bun. "I'm right here," she breathed.
"Why were you two in the closet?"
"Because Gin is too slow to find his own hiding spot," Ren stated, glaring at Gin.
Gin laughed. "My turn now."
"No sensing!"
"But it comes naturally."
"I don't care! I forbid it!"
"Fine, fine," he said, leaving the room.
"Count to fifty!" Haku ordered.
"Ten, twenty, thirty—"
"Cheater, count right!" the boy shouted.
Gin laughed and began counting while Ren and Haku scurried around the room. Haku ran into the other empty room, hiding inside the large vase besides the open window. Ren walked into the same room, shutting the door slowly. She rushed towards the window, jumping out, and sitting down against the wall in the hall. A gust of wind brushed against her calves, causing her to tremble slightly.
Gin had already stopped counting, which meant he was on the prowl. Ren was shivering from the cold, unaware that the door to the garden had been left open that night. She didn't think it'd be freezing outside, but there she was trembling as she tried to keep teeth from clattering. Her hands were gathered over her chest as she tried to keep them warm.
"Found ya, Ren-chan." Ren looked up to see Gin, leaning against the window, eyeing her carefully.
"Help me up," she said, holding her hand up.
"I'd do more than help ya up," he commented, taking her hand and pulling her up.
"Shut up," Ren answered, disgusted. She climbed over the window, knocking against the vase, alerting Haku.
The small boy bolted out of the vase. "Your turn, nee-sama," he said.
"I'll get to it," Ren said, walking towards the entrance of their large suite.
"Count to fifty!" Haku shouted.
Ren shut the door to the entrance and began to count, hearing the loud shuffle around the other room. Halfway through her counting, the door opened and Sakura stepped inside, flabbergasted. She looked around, bowing low. "Forgive my intrusion, Takudaiji-sama," she said, apologetically.
"It's quite all right," she remarked, pulling her arms from the wall. She turned her body towards her.
"Is Haku-chan here?" Sakura asked. "I've been looking everywhere for him."
"Haku!" Ren called. "Your mother's here!"
There was some noise in the other room for a few short minutes, the Haku and Gin walked out.
"Haku, get over here!" she ordered. "Stop being such a pest to our guests!"
"But we're playing!" Haku pouted, holding onto Gin.
"It's past midnight; you have your classes early in the morning!"
"It's quite all right Sakura-san," Ren cut in. "Haku isn't bothering us at all. We've been enjoying his company."
"Ah." Sakura was at a loss of words. "Well, if he isn't a bother, then it is fine."
"Well make sure ta put him ta bed early," Gin mentioned, placing both hands on Haku's small shoulders.
"Thank you." Sakura smiled. "Haku, don't be a bother and get to sleep right now."
Haku nodded. "Sure will, mama."
"I'm sorry for being so imposing." She bowed low once more. "Could we off you anything to eat or drink?"
Gin and Ren looked at each other for a minute and back at Sakura. "Sake."
"I want orange juice," Haku called.
"I'll get Tana to serve you." Sakura walked out the door, bowing once more.
"Mama respects nee-sama a lot," Haku said, looking at Ren.
"She has her reasons, it was her kindness that kept Kazuya, and I indulged," she recalled. "And when the accusations began, we both defended her."
"You're really nice, nee-sama."
She scoffed. "Why don't you get to preparing your futon?" she suggested, and then turned to Gin. "You should prepare your seat."
Gin reached towards her, grabbing her by the chin and pulling her close, planting a kiss on her cheek. "I'll move the larger table into the bedroom."
Ren wiped her cheek, her face twisting in disgust. "Come Haku, I'll help you," she said, pushing Haku into the bedroom and closing the shogi screen.
"Don't be mean, Ren-chan." Gin laughed.
"So, you two aren't really married, right?" Haku questioned.
"God forbid," Ren stated.
"But, you like each other, right?" he asked.
"Not at all."
"Oh, right. Tsuki-nee-chan said you didn't have to like each other to do naughty things," he said, nodding.
Ren stopped walking, her mouth agape. Haku was only a child but he knew things of that sort. He seemed around seven, but he might have been older.
"Haku, who tells you these things?" she asked.
The door slid open wide and Gin walked inside, carrying the table in one hand.
Haku turned around, a goofy grin on his face. "Tsuki-nee-chan brings a lot of strange men into her quarters and they do naughty things together," he stated.
"I knew Tsuki-chan seemed familiar," Gin commented, catching the conversation.
"Did you…?" Ren asked, looking at him.
He shook his head. "She's not my type, but I know a few who already met with her."
"Yeah, Tsuki-chan is popular with men!" Haku said proudly.
"Haku, Tsukiko's popularity with men isn't something you should be telling others," Ren said.
"But, doing naughty things with others isn't bad," Haku commented, "right?"
"Well…Gin, tell him," Ren said, moving away from the boy.
Gin put the table down and laughed. "It aint bad, ya jus' gotta keep yer mouth shut about that kinda encounters," he replied, "especially for an unmarried lady like yer sister."
"Tsuki-nee-chan is married," the boy confirmed, bemused.
"Damn," Gin responded. "You've dealt with married men before, haven't ya Ren-chan?"
"My past is currently ten feet underground, would it come out, I'd gladly murder it," she replied. "I feel for Tsukiko and hope she's a good liar."
"You should be her mentor, and then she won't get her family in trouble," Gin said, watching Ren take a seat in front of the table he had brought in. She had a deck of cards in her hand and she began setting them in front of herself.
"I like keeping my methods a secret unless I wanted to create a scandal," Ren mentioned. "Haku, if your sister tells you not to tell your parents, don't."
Haku nodded. "On one condition," he proposed.
"What is it?" she asked, keeping her eyes fixed on her cards.
"Only if nee-sama says she'll marry me when I'm big and strong!" he stated, grinning.
Gin looked at Ren. She let out a sigh. "If that's the only condition," she said, placing another card over another. "Grow up really tall and strong."
"Yer so generous to the boy," Gin said. "Why can't ya be that nice ta me?"
"Because I've already seen you grown and Haku-chan is a cute child," she commented. "He'd be a nice man to have on my arm."
Haku stuck his tongue out at him.
"Yer still a little boy," Gin reminded him. "I've got around twenty years ta make her conquest."
"Hmph."
"Well, I'll steak her away if you even get her!" Haku stated.
"You tell him, Haku-chan." Ren messed up the order of her cards and clicked her tongue.
The door slid open and a dark-haired woman entered. She was holding a small tray with two tall bottles of sake and a small can of orange juice.
"Forgive the intrusion, but I've brought your drinks," she said, setting the drinks down on the table. "Would you like anything else?"
"Could you bring us more drinks," Ren ordered. "Three fresh bottle every hour, if you will."
"Yes, Takudaiji-dono," she said, bowing. She turned around and made her way out of the room.
Haku bounced over to Ren and wrapped his small arms around her neck.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Gin began, grabbing a hold of Haku and pulling him off Ren. "Little children shouldn't be awake at this hour."
"No fair, not until you're sleeping!" he stated. "I'll take care of nee-sama."
"He's right," Ren said. "We've still got a few things to settle. I'll sit by you until you fall asleep, if that's okay."
"Fine," Haku said, as Gin let him go.
"Gin, lay out his futon for him, please."
Gin went over to the stack reluctantly and laid it out on the floor. He threw a pillow on top of it. Ren was putting her deck of cards away with some frustration.
"There ya go," Gin said, turning to Haku.
"Okay, Gin-chan," he said, bouncing onto the futon and lying on it.
Ren got out of her seat and made her way towards Gin, her hand slid up his back slowly. She moved it over his shoulder and down his chest to his abdomen as she sank down on her knees besides Haku. She smiled at the boy sweetly, running her fingers through his hair, making it a habit.
Gin hadn't moved an inch as he thought over her lingering touch. He smiled widely and turned to face the two in front of him. Ren and Haku were talking to each other, whispering. She continued running her hands through his hair and he was smiling like a fool. He probably had a good reason as well, Ren, who had been asked to marry countless other men of different levels of nobility, had settled for a small child. Nobles would probably ridicule her, but she'd do the same back.
Gin went to the table and sat down in front of it.
Haku's eyelids were heavy at that point. Gin stared at the full can orange juice that the child never got a chance to drink, but how would they tell the boy they had no intention of sleeping?
Ren stood up after a few minutes to join Gin. She made note to sit next to him. She let her head fall over his shoulder. "Seems like a difficult time being two-faced," she commented, looking over Haku's sleeping form.
"Then ya didn't mean yer marriage acceptance?" Gin asked, looking at her.
"I meant it," Ren said. "But, you never know, he might find someone else when he's older. So, even if I mean it, it wouldn't matter."
"An' if he don't?"
"I'll marry the lad and give him one child."
"One?"
"If I feel like it even," she added quickly.
"Well not before ya give another man a dozen." He laughed.
"Don't be stupid. What importance does my reproduction have?" she inquired, without seeking an answer. "I've lost my value years ago when I was still a child."
"But ya still got all that influence of yers," Gin recalled. "That an' ya have the Mitsutani house to leech off from."
Ren laughed. "I wouldn't use the Mitsutani house for anything."
"Then who would ya use since ya have every intention of reestablishing the Takudaiji among the Noble Houses?"
Ren looked at Gin, staring at him from an odd angle. "If I were in fact trying to reinstate the Takudaiji back into place, I'd use you and every resource you have to offer."
Gin laughed mockingly. "Ya really think, I'd let ya use me?"
"I'd let you use me."
"Now you've gone an' made things a bit hard to resist," he admitted.
"Then why would you try?" she asked, playfully running her fingertips along his jawline.
"Then allow me," he said, taking her hand and pushing her on the ground, climbing on top of her.
She tried to keep herself composed, ignoring her own rapid heartbeat. He loosened his grip, drawing his hands over her cheeks, pulling her face closer to his.
"Have you no shame?" she asked. "You've only known me personally for around a month, to begin such advances—"
"None whatsoever when it comes to ya," he said. "Besides, a month's enough for me ta know if I can stand ya or not."
"And?"
"Well, if ya shut up, I'll tell ya." He leaned closer, tilting his head to the side, exciting every nerve in her body with his proximity.
"Don't touch my Ren!" Haku shouted and rolled onto his side.
The scare was enough to cause Ren removing his hands from her face and push his face back. Both of them looked at Haku, but the child was sleeping soundly, even snoring a bit.
Ren let herself fall to the ground, arms over her face. "I think a change of pace is called for," she suggested, sighing.
"Let's just leave the brat here and go into the other room."
"And do what?" she asked, glaring at him as she pulled her arms off her face.
"Talk."
Ren let out a yawn, covering her mouth with her open hand. "I don't think talking will help me stay awake very long," she admitted.
"Maybe if it's interesting you'll contribute," he replied.
"Maybe," she answered. "But, I'm not the best conversationalist."
"We'll jus' have ta play an adult's game," he suggested.
"Please, nothing that involves touching."
"But those are the best ones."
"Stop being such a pervert," Ren stated, pushing him off. "How long are you planning to stay on me?"
"Jus' getting used to it," he commented. She shoved his face further away from her and attempted to get up, but he pinned her back down. "This is fun."
"That's great, good for you," Ren said sarcastically. "I'm not feeling comfortable here."
"Yer no fun," he said, letting her go. Ren sat up, rubbing her pained wrists and turned towards Gin. "Would ya like some sake?"
"Yes."
Gin poured the liquid onto a small cup and handed it to Ren. She took it from his hands and began to drink it slowly. "I think this is probably one of the best sake I've have," she admitted.
"Well, they pamper ya pretty well here."
"The only faithful one."
Gin's interest was piqued. "So, how was it that yer family died?"
"It was arson."
"And, where were you while it all happened?"
"I was running around the Seireitei dressed as my brother," she said. "Kazuya had been with me and we were causing trouble…but he remembered leaving something behind."
"Why would they start a fire ta kill yer family if ya weren't there?"
"Technically I was," she replied. "I was sick and stuck at home. Kazuya was the one who came up with the idea of putting a bunch of pillows under my covers."
"In the end yer the one that got away?" he concluded, taking a sip of his drink.
"I suppose." Ren shrugged. "If my family was killed it was for a reason. I don't see why I should care anymore since they're dead."
"But, ya want revenge, no?"
"Nope."
"For yer brother Kazuya, right?"
"I don't plan to waste my time getting revenge," she stated.
Gin nodded slowly, pouring more sake into his own cup. Ren took the other bottle and drank from it.
"But you've lived a good life," he said.
"Yes. After my aunt took me in I was given everything."
"Yer still quite snobbish," he remarked. "Now I know who to thank."
Ren rolled her eyes.
"Imagine who would have taken ya in if it wasn't for yer aunt."
"I wonder."
"Hardly matters now, it seems," he replied.
"So, what kind of conversation were you striving for?" Ren asked, setting her bottle on the table.
"Since we're on better terms, why don't we have a more intimate conversation?"
"Four more bottles and I'm set," she replied.
"Then I'll start," he began. "I once…well; nothin' that's ever happened to me has been a good conversation starter."
"Are we talking embarrassing moments?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
Gin nodded. "Got any good ones?"
"Well," Ren began slowly. "There was a social gathering once, it was being held for that idiot Hisoka, for his engagement to Ozaki Yumiko. I was ordered to escort Hisoka but my aunt, also to show my own presence among the noble circle. So, as we were entering, I stepped on the hem of my kimono and tripped flat on my face."
"That's not that bad," he commented.
"It was horrible!" Ren pressed, taking a gulp of her sake. "I fell right in front of Kuchiki Ginrei! The old fart only looked at me and shook his head."
"Why would that cause embarrassment?"
"I was engaged to his grandson at the time."
"No I did." Ren laughed. "When I did, you should have seen the look on my uncle's face! He didn't talk to me for a month! Kuchiki Ginrei also attempted to make me reconsider; saying that marrying into the Kuchiki house would be the only way to redeem myself."
"Why didn't ya want ta marry?"
"I never wanted to marry in the first place and Byakuya was in love with a commoner from Rukongai," she said. "I wasn't as imposing as to try to foil his plans of marriage to that woman…because I had my head elsewhere. If they were different circumstances, like my family still being alive, we would have been forced into marriage. Personally, I enjoy my scandals more than proper living."
"Well, nice ta see you were always like this," he said.
"It's your turn to tell."
"Around the time I was still in the academy," he began, taking another drink from his liquor. "And this may not come as a surprise, but we had ta turn in oral reports on our favorite kidō spell…"
"Which was yours?"
"Bakudō 1 Sai," he answered. "So, my report was actually ten pages shorter, but when I was up there I tried ta elaborate and halfway through it I realized I had a boner—"
"Don't elaborate, please," Ren interrupted.
"But that's not the end of it," Gin said."The professor slapped me on the head with a ruler and told me, 'I don't care how smart ya are, yer not getting away with this one.'"
"That's ridiculous." She smiled.
"But, I made ya smile."
Ren drank more sake, trying to hide her smiled, but it remained.
"Come on, it's yer turn," he said. "Try ta top mine."
Ren shrugged, giving it some thought before she set her bottle back down. "On my coming of age party, the kimono that was prepared for me was a little too big," Ren said. "It was twice my size and because of it my obi was tightened more than the usual to make sure it didn't fall, but my sleeves kept sliding off my shoulders. It was stressing that I was continuously forced to correct the mistakes of the maker."
"That's hardly toppin' my confession."
"I wasn't done yet," she confirmed. "Halfway through the presentation, my mirror fell from my obi. I bent down to retrieve it, the sleeve fell over my shoulder, when I stood back up my boob was out, and everyone had taken the sight. I called the party off that instant and tried to murder the old fart who made the kimono."
"Ya had yer reasons too," he said, laughing.
"I had to go into hiding for a month and Hisoka never let me live it down," she said, holding her and shaking it. "Your turn, captain."
Gin smirked watching her smile seductively as if she intended to tempt him. "So, many years ago, Kuchiki Byakuya managed ta get a date with the prettiest girl in the academy—"
"What does Byakuya have to do with you?"
"Well, you'll see if ya lemme finish."
Ren shrugged, taking another swig from her sake.
"All right, so the problem was the girl came from a very strict noble family and wouldn't let her out unless her cousin went," he began, catching Ren's attention.
Ren stopped him with a wild gesture. "Ah, you mean Junko and Chika!" she recalled.
"Ya know them?"
"Yeah, my mother always made play dates for me and the two. I hated them! Junko was an indecent fool and Chika was the bastard child of their gardener," Ren spat with a huff.
Gin snorted, almost choking on his alcohol. "Well, I won't need ta waste any time describing them. So, Byakuya didn't know who ta ask ta take Chika so she wouldn't be a third-wheel. I, on the other half, was doin' some light training back at my division when this old man came up ta me and told me, "Kuchiki Byakuya wants a private audience with you back at his manor.'
I told Aizen that the brat wanted ta talk to me and he told our captain as I left. 'Course it didn't sit well with Captain Hirako, so he ended up kickin' me out of the division an' told everyone not ta let me in until tomorrow morning. I ended up goin' ta Kuchiki's house, feelin' a little more than awkward when the private audience began…
Kuchiki mentioned the word date and I was 'bout ta tell him that he really wasn't my type, but I'd go with him if he paid me."
Ren snorted, unable to resist. "So, not only are you creepy, you're also gay?" she said, trying not to laugh.
"I aint gay, I was jus' doin' myself a favor by gettin' my hands on more money ta spend, until he told me the story and I thought it'd be fun. So, I agreed on takin' Chika out, even after he described her to me."
"You're a brave man, Ichimaru."
"I was missin' so many screws back then I used ta like my women with a little more meat."
"Now?"
"I'd rather not say yer bound ta slap me."
"Fine, just keep going."
"So, we went on that stupid date, damn Chika started complainin' 'bout everything, how I was wearing my shihakusho, sayin' I looked like I was being starved, and that I didn't look at her once!" he stated, taking a small pause to drink from his bottle of sake. "I was in the back getting yelled at while Kuchiki and his Junko were having the time of their lives.
By the end of the night, I regretted going on that date with Chika when I remembered the method all men use ta shut up their women. So I pulled her in for the kiss when she…farted."
Ren was in the middle of drinking, when the confession caused her to spit it all out, falling back into a fit of laughter. "That's repulsive!" she cried, through her laughs.
"I'm the one who experienced it," he muttered. "Stop laughing."
"Was it a wet one, Gin?"
"Shut up," he said.
"It was, wasn't it?" Ren cried, covering her mouth.
"I aint answering that," he said, turning away.
"I—can't breathe!" she said, coughing as she held her sides.
"Yer such a bully."
"I'm not a bully that was just disturbingly ludicrous!"
"Shut up, its yer turn ta top me. So make it good."
Ren took deep breaths to calm herself down. She dried her eyes, which had spilled salty tears from all the laughter. "I've had belly-button sex," she remarked bluntly.
"You've gotta elaborate."
"It was, in general, my first failed attempt at sexual intercourse. I took the offer of another virgin (which proved to be the worse idea ever)," she began. "He had no idea what he was doing. I was in the worst kind of pain throughout the entire ordeal…it was disgusting."
"What'd ya do after?"
"What do you think I did? I beat his ass with my coin purse!"
Gin laughed. "Yer coin purse?"
Ren nodded. "And then the bastard bled all over my favorite kimono."
"Have ya always been so brusque?"
"Hmph, one's gotta keep the gossip at bay," she replied. "I didn't need him telling everyone he laid an indecent hand on me."
"Yer right."
"What was your first experience like?"
"I'll tell ya, but it'll count as a turn."
"Whatever."
"I got the wrong hole, but it went straight—"
"—no need to elaborate."
"Yer turn."
"Around the time I was twenty, I started spending a lot of time with Genji Haruko, she was this extremely wild woman who only spent her time creating scandals and flirting with all sorts of males. So, one day, we headed out to Rukongai and as we were walking, we found a nice quiet lake. Haruko suggested we took a dip. I simply agreed. We ended up stripping every article of clothing and jumped inside. We swam for around an hour when I heard the disturbing sound of a Hollow and felt it getting closer." Ren took a sip of her drink before continuing. "I was freaking out for around a minute telling Haruko that we needed to get out of the water, but she was such a nonbeliever, the Hollow had to be in front of us for her to heed my warning.
We scampered out of the water when the shinigami arrived and to get rid of it. We were standing there naked in front of dozens of shinigami males, who simply gawked at us until their captain shooed them away and asked us to get dressed and go home."
"That's what ya get for going out ta Rukongai."
"It's a miracle we weren't killed."
"That's true, and then I prolly wouldn't have met ya."
She scoffed. "The only reason you met me is because I got the nerve to take the entrance exam to the Shinigami Academy and passed."
"Well, I'm thankful for yer methods ta anger yer uncle."
Ren laughed. "Your turn."
"A little while back, around a year or so, I went ta the Human World ta check out the clothes. The new trend was wearing yer sister's pants," he commented, taking note of Ren's bottle and drinking from it. "So I went down to a store, stole a pair of jeans and got out ta try them out. I came back here ta my room ta try it out and I pulled them on, even though I wasn't wearing any underwear. I ended up zipping it up too fast and hurting myself. Then I zipped down and got stuck.
Instead of trying to get myself out of it, I ended up pulling my hakama over my pants and headed to Forth Division. I dropped my pants in front of Unohana, asking her to help me…"
"That's not embarrassing, that's just indecent," Ren commented, placing her hands over her stomach. She propped her foot up. Gin turned his body to face her, sitting cross-legged against the wall.
He laughed at her comment. "I'll spare ya the details of the extraction, but my jeans were confiscated and I was banned from wearing anything like them ever again."
"And Unohana let you get away with dropping your pants in front of her like that?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"She told me not to go to her for such things," he recalled, sniggering. "Your turn, Ren-chan."
"She had every right." Ren pouted as she tried to think up something interesting to tell, and even wondered why she let herself say such things to him.
"It left me an interesting scar, wanna see?"
Ren looked over at him and scoffed. "Nice try."
There was another light knock at the door and the shogi screen slip open. Another woman walked in holding a tray with sake inside. "I've brought more drinks."
"Leave 'em at the table."
"Thank ya, dear!" Ren replied, mocking Gin.
"Bully."
The woman set the tray down, taking the empty bottles with her. "Would you like anything else?"
Ren glanced over at Gin. "I want some sweet buns," Ren decided. "But you can bring them in the next hour."
"I'd like something sweet, anything will do."
"Yes." The woman bowed and slid the door shut.
Ren sat up. "She left Haku's OJ," she said, staring at the can. She reached for it, opening it, and took a gulp. "Well, I used to eavesdrop on my cousin's sexual encounters, trying to guess what the woman looked like by the sound of her moans," Ren admitted. "I was right eight-eight percent of the time."
"Ever been caught?"
"More than once," she said nodding.
"Any punishments?"
"My cousin is the kind of sick degenerate that'd ask me to join."
"Have ya?"
"Never. I'm not that desperate to want to sleep with Hisoka," she replied. "Besides, I'd never do something like that."
"Ta each their own, like ya always say."
"Yer turn, captain."
"Shaddup." Gin took a drink from his bottle. "Hmm, for approximately four and a half years of my life, I had incredibly unwelcomed and untidy erections—"
"That's awful."
"It really was, 'till I learned ta control it."
"Wait—what?" she said quickly, to the point that she almost spat out her sake. "To what extent can you control it?"
"As simple as turning on a light switch." He laughed.
Ren moved closer to him, running her hand against his leg. A devilish smile appeared on her face as she looked up at him. "So, how big are you?"
Gin frowned. "Stop tryin' ta cheat yerself outta yer turn," he scowled. "I already tried showing ya, but yer the one who said no."
Ren laughed. "I got one," she recalled, staying close to him. "Around five years ago, my aunt and uncle prepared a meeting with another suitor. They sent me into the other room to get dressed because I was still in my shihakusho, without any maids. As I was pulling off my hakama, I stepped back and tripped, falling straight through the shogi screen and into the room where the two families were. They saw everything."
"Yer so clumsy, Ren-chan."
"I get dressed by others and not often on my own."
"If that why ya had yer hakama on backwards last week?" he asked, curious.
"What?"
"I tried ta tell ya, but ya just called me ignorant an' left." He laughed.
"That better count as a turn!"
"Nope."
Ren pouted. "Then, it's yours."
Gin sniggered. "Here's a good one," he stated. "After the zipper incident, I was given some ointment to help with the healing process. One night while I was rubbing it on, Kira walked in and immediately left."
Ren laughed. "So, he should know how big you are? Maybe I should ask him…"
"Maybe ya shouldn't."
"You're right, poor man."
Gin nodded, taking Ren's bottle and drinking the rest of it. He looked down at his lap; her hand was still resting on his leg. "How long are ya plannin' on keeping yer hand there?" he asked.
"As long as I feel like it," she retorted.
Gin moved his leg over, her hand falling between them. He propped one of his legs up and Ren moved over between them. He relaxed, placing the bottle at his sides while she nestled between his legs. He pulled his hands over her waist and she moved them away from her.
She placed her hands on the sides of his face, pulling it closer to hers. Her body sat against him, pieces of skin rubbing over one another. She propped herself onto her knees, and leaned down towards him. She smirked, only planning to toy with him.
"Hey!"
Ren and Gin turned back to see Haku sitting on his futon, eyebrows furrowed.
"This time it was nee-chan's fault," Gin said, laughing.
Ren sighed.
Special Thanks To: Makota791, kitcat 1995, chocolatemud, WesternMistress, and ningirl97 for reviewing the previous chapter!
