…
…
Ichimaru Gin was a rather keen gent.
This was the main reason the Emperor of Japan had hired him over twenty years ago to help govern the country. It had been an easy task for the silver-haired young man – after all he was very interested in politics. After working for more than four years, the Emperor was considering promoting him to something even better, maybe his secretary, and resource, but then the Empress became pregnant unexpectedly.
When the news traveled to Gin, the man had smiled, as usual, and said, "Well, ain't that dandy?"
It seemed over the next nine months, Gin left the Kingdom more than the Emperor enjoyed. After all, he had a job to take care of. When the Emperor had asked where he always vanished to, Gin would continue to grin coyly. "Sorry, Yer Majesty, ya gotta do what ya gotta do…"
Of course, no one understood what he meant until Inoue Orihime was born. As Ichimaru peered into the angelic face of the redhead, he leered. Later that night, as everyone slept, he crept quietly into the newborn's room, and watched as the large hazel eyes stared up at him innocently.
"Perfect, ain't it?" Gin drawled and a slender hand crept in to touch the silky head of hair before brushing against the small, soft cheek, "Orihime-chan, ya don't even know what yer gettin' yerself into…"
The next day, Ichimaru Gin was gone.
…
…
"Ichimaru…san," Orihime whispered, her plush lips trembling.
"Aw~ You remember me, Orihime-chan?" He took a step closer and Orihime was frozen. Of course she remembered. There were still the memories of her childhood, flashes of when she was an infant, the white robes she remembered, and the way Sora-nii's face would tense whenever her father asked about Ichimaru. And though he was dull in her mind, she could still recall his menacing disposition.
He's dangerous, her subconscious was telling her. As though he could read her mind, his light smile widened.
"What is it, Orihime-chan?" He asked slyly, "Is somethin' wrong?"
Quickly, she scrambled to her feet. Ichimaru smirked as he watched her whirl around and hurry in the other direction.
"Tousen-kun," he called gently.
Before Orihime could even get five feet away, there was suddenly a dark figure in front of her. A shriek of surprise bubbled from her throat and she staggered back. Her heart felt like it would burst from her chest at any given moment, and it wasn't getting difficult to breathe. Raggedly, she sucked in as much air as she could, and stared at the man in front of her as he stepped from the shadows.
"Tousen…san…" Unlike Gin, he'd left the Calvary of the Kingdom when she was just a child. She wasn't sure when or why, but her father had also been very upset when he left. She could still remember when she would walk past the man in the Palace and she couldn't help but feel a shudder move up her spine when she felt his blank gaze on her.
"Good evening, Orihime," he spoke quietly, his voice deep in the cool night.
"P-Please…" She murmured, glancing back towards Ichimaru to see he was continuing to grin impishly.
"Surprise, surprise, Orihime-chan. Ya still have that nicey-nicey nature." She could hear his steps, walking closer to her. Closer. Closer. Closer. When he was arms' length away from her, he said, "Ya haven't been da most proper Princess, now have ya, Orihime-chan?"
A shiver wracked up her body, "I…I…"
"What's wrong?" He feigned a concerned look, "Somethin' got'cha tongue…," She watched as his smile grew until it appeared as though his face would break in half, "…Kitten?"
She gasped so sharply, she nearly choked. Ice ran through her veins and her heart jumped into her throat.
When the air changed suddenly and something drifted through the wind, Ichimaru's expression changed – he frowned curiously. Orihime blinked her wet eyelashes when an arrow whizzed past Gin's cheek, an inch away, and landed in the thick tree behind the tree.
Gin's frown deepened and he glanced from Orihime to see a shadow step from the trees. "Next time, I will not miss."
Orihime whirled around, ignoring Tousen-san. "Ishida-kun!" Her eyes were not lying. He was there, the bow and arrow in his nimble fingers, and his eyes were narrowed dangerously behind his glasses. Relief swirled in her belly fiercely, but also dread. He shouldn't join her affairs, shouldn't be here at all.
"Step away from her," Ishida's voice was hard, and giving no point to argue.
Gin smirked, Well, ain't this interestin'…
He crooned condescendingly, reaching out a hand towards her, "Looks like ya made a few nakama, ne, Orihime-chan?"
Uryu tightened his grip around his bow, "Don't touch her."
"Aw~ he's worried abou'cha," Gin drawled, wrapping a sinewy arm around her shoulders now. Orihime could only stare anxiously at the archer just a yard away. Without warning, he changed his direction and aimed the arrow straight towards Tousen's head.
"Ishida-kun, don't—" A hand crushed her mouth, muffling her words of warning thoroughly. Gin grinned, holding the wiggling woman against his chest.
"Mou, don' put up such'a fuss, Orihime-chan, I jus' wanna speak wit ya," he whispered in her ear.
"Let her go," Ishida's voice was deadly, "Or I'll kill your subordinate." True to his word, he was aiming the arrow directly to Tousen's head, but the dark-skinned man remained still.
"Go right ahead," Gin said, casually draping over the frightened Orihime, "I'm sure he would enjoy it."
Uryu's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"
"Ya see, Tousen-kun's in a bit of a pickle. When he was jus'a wee lad, some meanie-meanie men came and snatched his eyesight right away from him," Releasing her mouth, Gin wrapped a hand around Orihime jaw, using his long, thin fingers to push her cheeks together, "Ain't dat sad, Orihime-chan?"
She shoved at his chest, struggling even harder in his unwelcome embrace. "L-Let go!"
"It's a shame, Orihime-chan," Gin continued, as though she wasn't speaking or moving, "I'm sure yer Onii-chan would be turnin' ova in his grave if he knew what ya were doin'."
Instantly, Orihime froze. Smile widening, Gin released her face, watching the horror splay across her features, "What? Ain't dat the entire reas'n yer here? Sora-kun, ne, ne?"
She lowered her head as Gin quirked up an eyebrow. "Let me go…" Her teeth were clenched tightly, as though she was trying to hold something in. Uryu watched carefully.
"What was that? Ya have ta speak louder."
"Let me go!" She shouted, surprising Ishida. He'd never heard such ferocity in Orihime's tone before. Gin, though, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying this. Her gaze was teary now, little droplets on the edges of eyes. Her honey pools were angry, furious even as she glared up at him.
"Eh? Still tender about it?" He asked, crooking his brow upwards.
"Y-You…monster!" She hissed venomously, pushing away from the silver-haired finally and whirling around to face him. "You betrayed my family! You betrayed my Father's trust!"
"Hm?" Gin continued to smile coyly, "What nonsense are ya spewing, Orihime-chan? I would never do such a thing—"
"Sora-nii saw it!" She interrupted passionately, "He saw it…and no one believed him." She glanced back towards Tousen, "And you…you…" She swallowed, "You murdered him, didn't you?"
There was silence.
Ishida, slowly, lowered his bow. Orihime-san, what is going on? He watched closely as Orihime panted raggedly, her small shoulders moving up and down from the force. And then Gin smiled widely, leering down at her, his slit eyes somehow making Uryu uncomfortable. As though not to startle the girl, Gin slowly lifted his thin palm and pressed it against her soft, hot cheek.
"Ya got any proof," he leaned in close and Uryu tensed, "Yer Majesty?"
Orihime jerked.
With that, Tousen finally moved. Ishida nearly jumped in shock when the dark-skinned man was suddenly gone from his original spot. Ishida cursed, dropping his bow, and yanked out his sword just in time. Ducking under the swing of Tousen's blade, he rose again, and clashed his sword against his.
Orihime pulled back her balled, shaking hand, prepared to strike the grinning man in front of her, but he caught her wrist smoothly, "Haven't ya ever wonder why the Prince really died, Orihime-chan?"
She did not reply.
"Let's all remember dat fine night, shall we? Wasn't a pretty sight, now was it?"
"You…You…!" Orihime attempted to yank away from him, but he held tight.
"Is somethin' eatin' at ya, Orihime-chan? Do ya, maybe, feel responsible?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.
She bit her bottom, trembling lip, "S…Stop…"
"It's all a part of da plan. Ya see, wit Sora-kun outta da way, that makes ya…" He trailed off, crooking an eyebrow.
Her lips parted, her eyes widening, "…I'm the next in command." She squeezed her eyes shut, "I-I already knew that!"
"Exactly, Orihime-chan. Ya can't even comprehend how much dat helps us. Ulquiorra-kun saved us by steppin' in, ya know~? Da marryin' an' all dat."
Her eyes flew back open in shock, "U-Ulquiorra…sama…?"
"Ya played the game well, Orihime-chan," he continued, as though she hadn't spoken. Casually, he pulled the thin sword from his waist and she stiffened, her heart going in a frenzy. "Don'cha think so?"
"…g-game…" She breathed silently. The shock wouldn't leave. She trembled underneath the undeniable weight. Her knees buckled. The tears were overflowing now, dripping from her chin and onto the ground and her clothes. "No…No…No…"
"Oh, don't cry, Orihime-chan~ There'll be better days," he teased her mercilessly. Pinching her soft cheek, he grinned again before releasing her completely, "It's not da end'a world."
"No…No…"
"Yer responsible fer yer own Onii-chan's death. Heh. Or maybe, I'm jus bluffin'. Ya never know, Orihime-chan." Orihime's eyes widened, somehow a slither of hope weaseling into her chest.
He's lying. Liar. I could never hurt Onii-chan. Never, never, never—
Placing a hand on her head, he leaned in close, that sickening smile right in front of her blank gaze, "Jus' kiddin'."
Orihime gasped sharply.
Yanking his sword forward, Gin released the girl and passed right by her, casually striding away.
…No…No!
And with that, Orihime let loose a scream.
…
…
Ishida moved, quick as lightening, when he heard Orihime scream. It terrified him, his heart went into a frenzy. He hadn't heard a scream like that for as long as he lived. It was full of despair, so strident that it could break anyone's heart. Shoving with all his strength against Tousen's blade, he watched the silent man stagger and catch himself a moment later.
Ishida glowered at him before allowing his eyes to avert to the redhead just a few feet away. She was on the ground, trembling, and her slim arms were wrapped around body, as if to keep herself together. His eyebrows furrowed, Orihime-san, what're you—
"Oops!" Gin suddenly chirped and slowly turned back towards Orihime, "Da real reason I'm here, would be da…," he trailed off, eyebrows cocking upwards as he thought about it. His fingers snapped, obviously catching the idea, "Dat's right! Ne, ne, Orihime-chan, does the Heart of Japan tell ya anythin'?"
Orihime froze. Heart of…
"I'm sure it rings some bells," Gin continued, stepping closer to her, "After all, the Prince did leave somethin' behind for ya, didn't he?"
"I…" Orihime swallowed, trying to pick up the pieces of her broken world as well as to answer him, "I-I-I haven't seen the Hogyoku since…"
"I know, I know. Since ya were tiny, but…" He stepped closer, "Do ya have any idea where it may be?"
Her teary eyes hardened a bit, "You act as though I would tell you."
"Hm?" He cocked his head to the side, "That's ta bad. For a second dere, I thought I'd broken ya," he smiled lightly, "Too bad, huh?"
"Why a-are you doing this?" Orihime asked, shivering under his sapphire-slit gaze, "Why?"
He grinned mischievously, "Wouldn't ya like ta know?"
When there was suddenly a sharp gasp, Ichimaru casually glanced over his shoulder. Tousen was standing completely still, his sword a few feet away from him, and Uryu held his blade to his throat, panting raggedly. His sharp blue eyes snapped to the grinning man in white.
"Leave her alone," he grounded out between clenched teeth, "Go now and I might reconsider killing you."
"A strong one ya got there, Orihime-chan," Gin commented, almost happily. Raising his slender hand once again, he called, "Yammy-kuuun~!"
Orihime blinked and when she heard the loud footsteps, she watched in shock as burly fellow, over seven feet tall, pushed a large oak tree out of the way, as though it were a twig. His dark brown orbs found Ichimaru almost instantly, "Ah! There ya guys are!" Dragging his gaze to Ishida and Orihime, he scoffed, "Ya should've called me sooner. Such bugs."
Gin shrugged, "My bad, Yammy-kun." Placing his eyes back on the tense Uryu, he smiled, "Would ya mind helpin' out'a bit?"
When a fist came sailing towards Uryu, the black-haired was lucky to dodge back. Cursing, her used his lithe legs to hop backwards, withdrawing his sword from Tousen's neck. He landed a couple feet away, crouched, and glowering up at the large man.
"He's a real pest, isn't he?" Yammy complained, already stalking towards Uryu.
"No! Stop it!" Orihime shrieked, already on her feet. When she was close enough, she grasped onto the back of Yammy's clothing, wrenching with all her strength.
"Huh?" Yammy seemed agitated. Turning to see the small, redheaded woman, he glared down at her, "What're you doing, damn bitch?" His massive hand wrapped around her upper arm, and Orihime whimpered at the pain, attempting to wrench herself away from him.
"Ah, ah, Yammy-kun," Gin wiggled his finger and Yammy glanced up at him curiously, "No killin' Orihime-chan. Stay focused on the main topic."
Without warning, an arrow sailed forward in amazing speeds and caught Yammy in the arm. The blood instantly seeped from the room and he released Orihime just as soon. Stumbling backwards, she landed on her bottom, giving a soft squeal.
"You bastard!" Yammy hollered angrily, yanking the arrow from his flesh. Blood stained his clothing and he gnashed his teeth together, "I'll kill you!" Skillfully, Ishida ducked under the crashing blow of Yammy's fist, and it smashed into another tree.
"Ishida-kun!" A next second, he threw his arms around Orihime, throwing them both back as Yammy attempted to squash the two beneath his feet.
"My, my," Gin sighed, a gleeful expression on his pale face. Tousen stood next to him, quiet and stoic, "Tis may go on long'a than I expected. Yammy-kun, finish up, will ya? We wouldn't want Captain mad 'bout any extras hearin' our secrets, now would we?"
"SHUT UP!" Yammy roared, "I know, dammit!" Wrenching his sword from his waist, he glowered down at Ishida, who stood in front of Orihime protectively. Orihime gripped the back of his shirt anxiously. His right legs was bloody and one of his wrist seemed to be fractured. She felt tears sting her eyes.
"Ishida…kun, please, don't—"
"DIE!" Yammy roared and brought his sword down with amazing strength.
Dammit, Ishida's eyes narrowed.
"N-No!" Orihime cried. Her eyes squeezed shut, awaiting her fate.
And then there was a flash of black.
Silence.
Tousen paused, frowning.
Yammy grimaced along with him, staring down at the unfamiliar face in front of him, "Huh? What the hell?!"
Gin tilted his head to the side, crooking an eyebrow, "Hm?"
"What's wrong, Ishida?"
Orihime's eyes snapped open. That voice…Her gaze rose from the ground, to Ishida's back, and finally to the black figure standing above both of them, his dark sword drawn and clashing viciously with Yammy's.
"Is this guy too much for ya?" he drawled casually.
Uryu glared up at him, "Be quiet, Kurosaki!"
"I…chigo…" Orihime breathed. Her worry seemed to disappear entirely. She could no longer feel the pain of her brother's death, she could no longer even think about the two traitors behind her. Ichigo was here and that was all that mattered. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest and she wondered if it was from her adrenaline rush or just because of Ichigo.
Slowly, Ichigo's head turned. Orihime gasped sharply, jerking at his intense gaze. His eyes locked with hers automatically. It felt as though he was trying to tell her something. She wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but it made her feel as though her heart would burst from her chest at any moment.
"You alright?" He asked quietly, continuing to gaze at her.
She swallowed thickly and wiped away the remainder of her tears. Giving a small, delicate smile, she said, "Y-Yes."
With that, he turned back towards Yammy, who was glaring down at him with clear frustration and disdain. "Who the hell are you?!" He bellowed, his eyes tight.
Ichigo stared up at him, his eyes ferocious through thick locks of orange hair, "What does it matter?" He demanded sharply, "I'm your fuckin' murderer."
"Oh, my," Gin said, fingering the sword in his hand. "Tis is not how I expected everythin' ta go."
"Indeed," Tousen murmured in agreement, his fists clenched by his sides.
Yammy retracted his blade and scratched his head with confusion, "OI! Gin! Can I kill him too?"
Gin frowned, "I don't think—"
Before anyone could react, there was a swipe of black. Blood splattered against the ground the next second and Ichigo stepped back, placing his sword on his shoulder nonchalantly. Yammy's eyes bugged and he clutched at his stomach, where Ichigo had slashed. The blood flowed profusely and Yammy sneered up his lips.
"Y-You damn…" He hissed venomously.
Ichigo scowled up at him, "I'm not sure who the hell ya are, but I won't allow random ass guys to talk shit in my face."
"Kurosaki, what the hell do you think you are doing?" Ishida stood, glowering at the man. Instantly, Ichigo sharpened his own glare.
"Huh?"
"This is my opponent. I do not need your assistance, Kurosaki."
"WHAT'D YOU SAY, YOU BASTARD! You were the one just lying there!"
"Pardon me?"
"YOU HEARD ME!"
"Revolting manners, you have, Kurosaki."
"Bastard."
"Dunce."
"Prick."
"Imbecile."
"You motherfucker—"
"Kurosaki-san, Ishida-kun! Please, you mustn't fight." Orihime pleaded with the both of them. The electricity buzzed between the two and Orihime took a conscious step back. When she heard the lithe steps coming closer to her, she was quick to whirl around, finding Gin walking towards them.
"Such familiarity between all ya too," Gin mused, grinning. As he walked towards them, Orihime felt herself shudder. He locked eyes onto her, and his grin widened even more. Orihime stumbled back as he stopped in front of her, and reached out a thin hand, his finger finding a thick lock of auburn. "What's wrong, Orihime-chan? Won't ya introduce me ta ya friend?"
Suddenly, there was another flash of black. Orihime squeaked and Ishida clenched his teeth. Two blades met fiercely, sparks flying, and Orihime's mind caught up with her, "Don't!"
Ichigo shoved himself backwards. The silver-haired man stared back at him from a few feet away. There was a sharp breeze, the whistle breaking the silence.
Setting his blade in front of him angrily, Ichigo glared at him, "What the hell're ya doing, you sonuvabitch?!"
Gin crooked an eyebrow, but kept a tight grip on his sword, "Eh? What a funny kid. Ain't ya scared o' me?"
Lazily, Ichigo replied, "Not one bit, you fox-faced bastard."
Expression darkening, Gin smirked, "Are you Kurosaki Ichigo?"
His scowl deepened, "Ya know about me?"
Straightening, Gin grinned, "So it is ya, after all." He strapped his sword on his waist and sighed, "Well'p I guess we should go report 'bout tis ta Captain," he turned towards his comrade, "C'mon, Tousen-kun, let's go. Yammy-kun, ya should hurry ta~!" And he strode away.
Ichigo shouted after them, "Hey! What the fuck?! Where're ya goin'?"
With a heavy grunt, Yammy stood, a hand against his stomach, Yammy sneered up his lip at Ichigo, "I'll fuckin' kill ya—"
"Yammy," Gin's voice was as sharp as his blade, "Now." Yammy glowered hatefully at his back, but then back to Ichigo. After considering it for a second, he lurched after the two.
"What the fuck!" Ichigo hollered in indignation, "There's no fuckin' way I'm lettin' ya get away!" He rushed after them, only for Yammy to growl angrily. He grabbed onto a few large trees and yanked them down.
"Kurosaki-san!" Orihime cried worriedly. Just in time, Ichigo jerked to a stop just as the tree landed, blocking their path from going in further.
Just as the last tree fell, Gin leaned down at the waist at the gap so he was visible and waved a hand, smiling coyly, "Bye-bye~!" He sang, just as the last tree fell, blocking them all thoroughly.
"Fuckers!" Ichigo growled furiously.
Orihime stood a few feet away, her eyes wide and glossy. They were gone – that was good. She shuddered as she thought of Gin's touch, his blue eyes, and his drawn sword. His actions had said a lot, but his words spoke volumes. She broke her, if only for a moment, and he could do it as many times as he enjoyed.
And…I…
Suddenly, Ichigo breathed out unevenly before falling to his knees.
Orihime jerked and then cried, "Ichigo!" She was by his side before Ishida could even decipher it. She dropped down beside him, "You reopened your wounds, d-didn't you?"
He did not reply, but continued to pant. His lengthy, orange spikes fell over his eyes, blocking them from her hungry gaze. Slowly, her head lowered. She reached for his hand carefully, but stopped herself on the last second. Pulling back, she tried to hold herself in, but it spilled out without her consent.
"I-I'm sorry."
There was something between them, something pushing them together. It hurt, because she knew it wasn't going to work, it was going to end at some point, they would be yanked away from each other, and that hurt more than anything else.
Ichigo did not move.
"This…" She swallowed, "This is my fault." She hunched her shoulders inward, balling her hands against her thighs. The tears came before she could even think straight and dripped down her cheeks, and hit the ground. Her breath caught – the night's events taking over her being.
Ichigo's gaze rose. "Orihime…"
Her eyes met his and she hiccupped lightly, "I…I won't…bother you…," She gasped in sharp breaths, "…anymore…"
I have to leave.
More tears followed, stubborn, trailing down her pink cheeks and dripping off her chin.
After everything…
She tightened her hands against her thighs until the knuckles turned white.
Ichigo…I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so, so sorr—
A hand wrapped around the back of her head firmly. Orihime gasped sharply, but it was quickly swallowed by Ichigo's lips. She tensed and watched as the sparks exploded behind her wide eyes. Just as every time, pure Ichigo burst around her, sending her into a shattered oblivion. Her lids fluttered closed at the feeling.
This was not like their last kiss. He was gentle, but still tight in holding her. His fingers buried deep in her thick hair, and his palm touched the back of her neck. His heat was contagious – she burned under him, trying to catch something that was farther away than she'd ever presumed it would be.
And then he pulled back. Her teary, hazy eyes opened, heavily lidded, and he dragged his thumb across her well-kissed bottom lip.
"Don't leave," he brought her closer and their lips brushed once again, "Don't fuckin' leave me, Orihime."
Her heart jumped.
"K-Kuro…Ichigo…" she breathed and he smothered her with another kiss. She inhaled sharply, his scent overriding her senses. He created sparks through her mouth and heat scorched straight through her.
Ichigo grunted, wrapping his free arm behind her, and pressed his palm against her back, bringing her even closer. His kiss was hungry, even hopeful in his passion, and it sent shivers down her spine. She tried to kiss back, but he delved right in, his tongue finding hers, and she whimpered against his lips as he slanted his lips over her again and again.
When he broke the kiss, she was yearning for more. Her thoughts, her worries, her fear vanished completely. With Ichigo there, she could find herself actually melting into relief.
"Stay," he said.
She could feel the tears gathering again. They spilled over again, but somehow she smiled softly, tenderly at him.
"Okay."
Ishida scoffed lowly under his breath, but did not bother saying anything. As long as she's happy…It doesn't particularly matter to me.
…
…
Yay! Another chapter finished and right on time too! Does anyone else LOVE Gin, or is it just me? Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter. I tried really hard, but I couldn't explain exactly how I wanted to. I'll probably explain it better later. But I hope most of you got the gist of the betrayal and secrets. Maybe just a little. And yes, we had to throw in the Ichihimeness or it wouldn't be complete.
Thanks for reading! Please review, it makes me happy.
-Star
