This chapter is for Cass on ao3. And of course, for my girls Lull, Sesh and Time. Let's ship these idiots forever :)

a/n: I am back. Real life got crazy. There'll be So many big changes for me soon. Moving home. New city, new job. But I'll be writing and updating when I can.

Just wanna say again this is part of a series so go check the other stories too! I will be moving Heir itself over to ao3 soon as well, which will give me a chance to fix some inconsistencies. When I have 82 done, I'll move everything over and then "update" it proper.

Special thanks to Sesh for letting me feed the stew to the kraken that is this series :) Even though I did write this before reading that chapter in Healing the Moon [that everyone needs to go and read right after this] and waaaaaay before we wrote Sun&Monkey chs2 and 3.

Notes: happyfluffy/sappyshippy because it's getting far too real elsewhere in the storyverse. Iceburgs of Realness in the Falsehood Sea. Gin being insecure and self-conscious. Aizen fooling absolutely no-one. My two idiots sharing things in common. Mentions of Gin and his pet. Shameless tarty WAFF. Romantic gestures. Fluff. Sly callforwards to the sappiest endearments known to mankind I abuse later in the series.

business: Cherry is mine please contact me if you wanna borrow her for your own stuff beforehand. Usually I'm cool with it, I just like to know so I can throw love at whatever people use her in :)

Alright! Storytime! This one took forever, and stands at 6034 words. So get a drink and get comfy to read this. Enjoy my lovelies.


Chapter 21: Your Roots are Showing

They held hands as they walked down the street, and it filled Gin with an odd mixture of giddiness, excitement, and pride at this outward show of unity. Of affection. Okay, there wasn't anyone else around to see it – at least not anyone who mattered, or even cared – but still. Just the fact that Gin was saying, without any words, Aizen Sousuke belonged to him, made him feel electric. Powerful. And for the first time since it all began, Gin felt as if he actually deserved all the compliments the man had given him. He felt Aizen's attention shift onto him, and risked a glance up at the older man, catching sight of one of the most tender, heartwarming smiles he'd ever seen. Even Ran's beautiful motherly smiles when she watched his pet fox Cherry sleep in his arms couldn't compare.

He wondered then what Sousuke would make of his baby Cherry, whom everyone couldn't help but love, and had to smile at the possibilities. If Sousuke would try to act indifferent towards her, and cuddle the fox in his arms like a teddy bear when he thought nobody was watching. Gin smiled at the thought. Yes, it definitely seemed like something he'd do.

"What are you thinking about?" Aizen's calm voice interrupted his thinking, gently pulling Gin's mind back to the present moment.

"Huh?" Gin blinked.

"You had the dreamiest smile on your face just now." Aizen smirked at him, and heat rushed up into Gin's face again. "What were you thinking about?"

"Oh." Gin began, certain his cheeks were still a bright pink. "I was just thinkin' 'bout wha' one a me friends migh' make a ya." he explained, "Ya know, if ya'd get on or not. If... ya know, this goes anywhere..."

Gin glanced away in a vain attempt to hide his pink cheeks, but he wasn't able to disguise the hesitancy or shyness in his voice. But if Aizen picked up on it, he gave it no mention.

"It seems you want me to meet this friend of yours." Sousuke smiled at him, and Gin caught the warmth of it in his chocolate eyes. Caught the hints of excitement there. Was it possible Sousuke wanted to meet his Che-Che?

"Well, she's more like me fam'ly really." Gin admitted, still somewhat shy. A part of him wasn't really sure if he should be talking about this; it might be used against him later down the line. But a bigger part of him, the one that wanted everyone important to him to get along, the part that loved Cherry, wanted to gush about her to Sousuke forever. Yet he still couldn't forget the game they were playing, either. It was a tough thing to try and balance the need for his little pack to be harmonious and the need for subtlety in this game of chess he was playing with Aizen. Both had to be kept in check. And then there was his love for Cherry, whom he'd raised from a pup himself. That might be the toughest thing of all to keep in check.

Gin studied Aizen's face for answers. Reasoning with himself that the older man did seem genuinely excited at the prospect of meeting one of his friends.

Gin shrugged. What the hell? Why not? There was really no harm in at least mentioning Cherry to him and gauging his reaction to her.

"Ah," Sousuke smiled, "So like Rangiku-san."

"Yeah, like Ran." Gin agreed. So it's important ta me you two get along. "An' like Ran, she can be a bit..." Gin paused, thinking of all the mischievous things his Cherry-chan could get up to if left to her own devices. Destroying things, chewing things to pieces, rifling through bins, stealing things... Kuchiki's koi, mostly. "Troublesome."

Sousuke laughed then, light and amused. "Gin, I think if I can handle Rangiku and her antics, I'll be able to handle whatever trouble your friend throws at me."

Gin averted his gaze again, just to avoid the intensity of Sousuke's eyes. It was true, he realised, unable to help the smile spreading across his face. Sousuke had dealt with Rangiku and her gatecrashing their first date remarkably well. Maybe he'd be just as open to Cherry.

"Yeah, I'm sure ya can." Gin agreed softly, keenly aware that Aizen's eyes were on him, watching quietly. Studying him and all his little reactions. Storing them for future reference.

"You really care about her, don't you?" Sousuke asked, voice quiet and curious. "This friend."

Gin blink at the question, surprised. Almost brought to a stop mid-stride because of it. Almost.

"O' course!" he blurted out. "Wasn't that obvious? She's me family." She's me family an' I love her a lot.

He winced at the sound of his own voice. How argumentative and indignant he sounded. But Aizen's soft gaze never faltered. Not for a second.

"If that's the case," Aizen ventured gently, "Then I'd love to meet her."

Heat rushed up into Gin's entire face at that declaration. Something else so important that the man said so casually. Gin couldn't quite believe it. Had Sousuke just outright said he wanted to meet Cherry? Did he hear that right?

"You would?" he asked. A stupid, giddy grin plastered on his face.

"Yes," Sousuke answered. "I would. She seems very important to you, and I want to meet all the important people in your life."

Gin could hear Shinsou snickering quietly at his childish levels of excitement over such a little thing, but he was far too happy to care.

"Really?" he asked again. Still incredulous. Still not quite believing his ears.

"Of course." Sousuke smiled softly, warmly, at him, and he felt himself melting. And finally, before his knees could go weak at the sight of that smile, Gin let himself believe it. His thoughts immediately filling with visions of Sousuke meeting his Cherry, both getting along famously. 'Like a house on fire', as Ran would say.

. . .

Sousuke watched, with equal parts fascination and giddiness, as Gin's smile widened. He'd never seen a smile so wide! Whoever this friend of his was, she clearly meant an awful lot to his Gin. He had to give a smile of his own, too, when his darling's cheeks flushed that lovely shade of pink he liked again. He was certainly curious now as to who on earth could make his Gin turn that delightful colour apart from him.

"What's her name?" he asked.

Gin's smile softened. "Cherry."

He nodded. And Gin blushed again. Indeed, this Cherry must be someone special. Though a small part of him did hope very fervently she wouldn't become a rival for his Gin's heart and replace him.

"Oh, now I really want to meet her," he teased, "if she makes you turn that lovely shade of pink I like and makes you smile so much."

Gin's gorgeous red eyes glanced up at him, as if he were realising Sousuke was still there, still watching him, and he got to see that lovely blush deepen and creep further down Gin's neck. He smirked, deciding to turn on the charm offensive and initiate a little teasing. Because his Gin was most bewitching when he was stumbling all over himself for words with his face flushed pink like that.

"I hope I won't have her as a rival for your affections." Sousuke teased, smirking. Although after a beat of silence passed, instead of the reaction he'd anticipated – Gin stumbling over himself to reassure him that wouldn't be the case – his darling Gin just burst into a fit of laughter.

He frowned. This was... not what he'd been hoping for.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Oh, gods," He raised a hand to his forehead brushing his silver hair out of his eyes. "Oh gods, yer... yer too much... ya..." Gin broke into another peal of laughter. Sounding like someone were tickling him.

"What?" Okay. Now he was irritated. This wasn't funny.

"I's just..." Gin tried to stifle his laughter, without much success. It actually took him quite a few attempts before he even remotely calmed down. "It aint nothin' like that." he said, gasping for breath as his laughter quieted. "Ya migh' 'ave her as a rival, bu' no' th' way yer expectin'." Gin explained.

"So... explain."

He waited as Gin took another breath and recomposed himself. "Cherry..." he began, searching for the right words. Probably trying to think of the least offensive way he could phrase it. "Ya see, Cherry-chan's me pet fox."

That gave Aizen pause. He hadn't been expecting that answer.

"Oh." he said. Only able to stare stupidly at Gin and listen to Kyouka giggling at him inside his mind.

Boy. Don't you feel silly? She teased him, snickering quietly through her fingers as if she'd already known this information the whole time.

Shut up. He snapped back. True, he hadn't been expecting Gin to say that, of all things. But what was he supposed to expect?

How was I supposed to know he had a pet?

She sighed. You should really start paying more attention, Sousuke. Kyouka chimed. Most times, that fox is all he talks about.

Sousuke shrugged her comment off. Because of course he'd been paying attention. When hadn't he been paying attention? He wanted to counter her, say something to argue his case – but his curiosity won out and he turned his attention back to Gin again.

"What kind of fox is she?" he asked, making Gin's expression morph from one of amusement at his expense into a more thoughtful one.

"Ya know, I dun really know." Gin admitted. "I've never really thought 'bout it. All's I know is, she's white, she's got bright blue eyes, an 'er fur's real soft. An' she likes cuddles."

Gin's cheeks coloured a light pink again at the addition of that last one on his list. And Sousuke couldn't help but smile at the image of his Gin snuggling a cute, white, fluffy fox that sprang to his mind. He closed his eyes for just a moment, to try and hold onto the image.

"What're ya doin'?" Gin's voice asked. He opened his eyes, back in reality once again, and allowed himself a gentler smile.

"Just trying to get a picture." he told Gin, who just smiled shyly back at him.

"Ya can meet 'er later, if ya want." Gin offered softly. "After we have dinner an'... go wherever we're goin'. If she aint already 'sleep. She gets real grouchy if I wake 'er up."

Sousuke fought the urge to laugh at this. Hm, I wonder where she might have got that from... he wanted to tease. But something told him now wasn't the time. That he'd already teased Gin enough for now, so he simply looked at Gin and smiled again.

"I'd like that." he answered softly. "I'd like that very much."

Gin didn't say anything to that, choosing only to gently squeeze his hand a little tighter and run a soft thumb over the back of his hand affectionately. Aizen was so happy at this new progress, he didn't once make any mention of the pink colour of Gin's face. Much to his zanpaktou's approval. He heard her sigh dreamily, asking him softly, happily, why can't you be like this all the time, Sousuke?

A question which, of course, he ignored. Because there were much more interesting things he could focus on. And he didn't have nearly enough alcohol in his system for that level of introspection. And because Kyouka of all beings knew his answer already.

"Come on," he said, shaking the question from his mind, gently pulling Gin alone. "The place we're going closes soon, and we need to get dinner before we get there."

Gin smirked up at him. "What? Still no hints?"

"No, still no hints." he smirked back. "But you're clever," he added, a hint of mischief in his voice. "I'm sure you'll work it out. Now, where do you want to eat?"

Gin looked thoughtful again, but shrugged. "Dunno. Can we jus' troll around til we find somewhere we like?"

Sousuke had to smile at the hopefulness in the question. Suspecting Gin just wanted to keep walking about holding his hand. Not that he was complaining. "I don't see why not." he answered, looking down at his Gin again. "Shall we?"

Gin nodded and dutifully followed his lead into town. A ridiculous grin on his face.

. . .

By the time they'd arrived in town, it was well into the early evening, and as usual the town centre was bustling with people.

"Uhm... Sou..." Gin's uncertain voice drifted into his ears, sounding shaky and anxious. It was then that Aizen noticed Gin looking nervous and generally uncomfortable, with one hand on his neck as if he were rubbing it. He was confused for a moment, until he realised.

"Ah, yes. The hickeys." My marks of possession.

Gin nodded. Sousuke just smiled. You don't want anyone to see them, do you? You want it to be our little secret.

Interesting you aren't like any of the others, who like to broadcast that I've pleasured their bodies.

Thankfully he knew just the solution.

"Come with me." he said, and led Gin by the hand through the street to a shop he knew well. "I know a place."

. . .

The shop door opened with the tinkling of a little bell, and Gin followed Sousuke inside.

"Alright," Sousuke asked him, now in the silence of the shop. "First of all, what's your favourite colour."

"Blue." Gin answered shyly. And certain now that everyone was staring at him. Staring at the marks on his neck and collarbones and judging him. Stop looking at me! He'd wanted to scream. I know I'm an eyesore! I know!

"Oh," Sousuke smiled at him. "Blue's my favourite, too."

Gin smiled. Grateful Sousuke was continuing as normal, so he didn't feel so self conscious. Yeah, I know it is.

"Alright, you wait here," Sousuke told him, "I'll be right back."

Gin wanted to grab onto his sleeve and plead with him. No, no don't leave. If you go they'll just stare at me! But instead he just nodded. Whatever Aizen wanted to do he supposed it was to help him. And with that Aizen left to venture further into the shop and left Gin to wait for him.

. . .

Aizen walked along the rack in search of what he sought. "Hm, let's see... blue... blue..."

You're going through an awful amount of effort for him. Kyouka said simply. Are you quite sure you're still playing, now?

Aizen snorted as he stood and searched the rack for a suitable choice. Of course I am. I want him to trust me. How can he trust me if I leave him feeling self-conscious? Besides, I want him to feel comfortable.

Liar, she hissed. You want to look after him and love the boy forever.

Sousuke sighed. She was stubborn as ever. If you say so. But saying such a thing on only the second date is a bit creepy, yes?

He took a great amount of satisfaction at her answering pout and sigh. I suppose, she said, begrudgingly admitting he was right. He intended to savour this moment. She did not often cede defeat to him in these petty arguments.

Ah, this one looks perfect. He mused, holding up the fabric to the light. What do you think?

He felt her study it, assessing it with her critical eye. He considered letting her feel it in her fingers, knowing she was a fine seamstress and had a feel for quality. But it wasn't necessary.

It's perfect. She told him. And the moons and stars on it are quite apt as a gift for the moon of your lif-

Ah, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, shall we? He cut her off, taking much joy out of her indignant silence as he smiled and took his intended purchase to the counter, where his Gin was waiting for him. It's not like I love him or anything.

He heard her bark out a harsh laugh. You know you're not fooling anyone, right? Kyouka asked him. Again, he ignored her. Not wanting to rise to her bait.

He had better things to do.

. . .

Gin watched curiously as the man paid for the item. Being careful to keep it out of his view as much as possible. Which only inflamed his curiosity. Once the thing was paid for and they exited the shop, Aizen stood with him outside in a quieter street without any people. Aizen turned to face him.

"Close your eyes."

Gin sighed and obeyed him, and soon after felt the weight of a light, soft cotton being gently wrapped around his neck. And for just a moment he was rendered wordless by the man's thoughtfulness.

The scarf itself was Midnight blue, with a moon and stars on it, with lines depicting the various constellations. And Gin lifted up a hand to touch it, stunned. Grateful. Touched. The man had such wonderful taste, though he couldn't have known Gin enjoyed looking up at the stars and studying the constellations.

It was beautiful.

It was from him.

And couldn't have been more perfect.

I am wearing a nighttime sky, he thought.

"Is this better?" Sousuke asked him, and Gin had to swallow to find his voice. A wondrous gasp escaping him. You have given me the stars. "Yes." he breathed. He knew he was blushing furiously now, but he didn't care. For once, he didn't care. "Th-tha-thankya."

Sousuke smiled and took his hand, slowly lifting it up and pressing a soft kiss to the back of his hand. Gin was grateful Aizen ignored his stammer, the heat in his face, just... everything really.

"It's my pleasure, I want you to be comfortable." Aizen told him. And then, after a second, asked somewhat nervous and hopeful, "Do you like it?"

Gin paused, smiling, eventually finding his voice. "I love it."

I'll treasure it forever.

And then Sousuke smiled at him and Gin thought he might truly melt into a puddle on the floor.

. . .

After leaving the street and heading back into the crowds again, with Gin feeling a hell of a lot more comfortable now his marks were well covered, the two of them ventured further into town in search of food. Apparently a sort of food market had sprung up overnight, with people selling all sorts of cooked foods. For a moment, Aizen wasn't sure what was going on. But thankfully Gin was quicker on the uptake and knew instantly what this all was.

"Oh," Gin gasped, surprised. "This must be tha' food festival thing Ran was tellin' me 'bout. I didn' know this was today." he paused only to deeply inhale the smells of various foods being cooked. Sniffing the air like a dog... or a fox.

Oh my dear, he smirked. Your roots are showing so adorably now.

"Oh, this takes me back..." Gin sighed, overcome with a wave of nostalgia. "'course I couldn' 'ford anythin' then, but..."

Aizen watched Gin as his voice trailed off, watched him grow aware he was being observed and try to cover his embarrassment at his Rukongai roots showing themselves. Watched his Gin's face flame pink again as he cleared his throat and tried to force his cute blush away.

"I mean," Gin corrected himself, "We can get somethin' from here. It's cheap, it's good food and we can eat it fast or on the move."

Gin smiled, seemingly pleased with both his suggestion and how he'd covered his embarrassment. "What do you think, Sou?"

Aizen stood, taking him in for a moment. Pretending to think the suggestion over. Though really he was just using it as a cover so he could enjoy looking at Gin some more. Smiling all happy like that, Rukon through and through, though he tried not to show it. It was a sight he wanted to savour. Though he was trying to ignore Kyouka snickering at Gin's use of 'Sou' to address him and going on about how cute it was.

He's cute when he's trying to impress you, Sousuke. She sighed softly, once her snickering had died down. Aizen only smiled indulgently.

He is, isn't he?

"I think that's a marvellous idea." he agreed finally. "Let's start walking and see if anything catches our eyes." he paused for a moment, before playfully adding, "Or more realistically, our noses."

Gin blushed prettily again for him, no doubt remembering the way he's sniffed the air and all that delicious food cooking. But Sousuke decided he wouldn't make any mention of it. Not this time, anyway. Plenty of time for that later. Instead, he just chuckled at Gin's hesitance to move.

"Come on," he said, gently coaxing Gin onwards and into the crowded marketplace. "Let me know if you see anything you want to try."

With that encouragement, Gin grinned and walked with him, full of excitement at the prospect of so much food. And, Aizen assumed, finally being able to afford some of it instead of having it dangled in front of him, always just out of reach unless he stole it. Gin turned to him and grabbed his wrist.

"I wanna taste everythin'." he said eagerly. Looking so much like an excited child in a sweet shop.

"Everything?" Aizen asked, smiling down at him, amused.

"Everythin'." Gin echoed. And Aizen had to chuckle at him.

"You best pace yourself then. There's a lot of food here." he said teasingly. Though Gin paid him no notice, far too captivated by the sight and smell of cooking food around them.

"C'mon, Sousuke," Gin called out, dragging him by the wrist into the market, lured in by all the wonderful smells and foods. Pulling his wrist when he didn't move as fast as he would like. "Let's go! C'mon!"

Sousuke chuckled again and let himself be led among the stalls, keeping a keen eye on Gin, who was drooling as he stared at all that food.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming, Gin." he answered, a smile still on his lips at Gin's eagerness to taste all the food the market had to offer. "You don't have to drag me."

. . .

Gin pulled Sousuke on through the stalls, sniffing the air. Oh, there was so much food! He didn't know where to start. Should he have the stir fry first, or the stew? What about the dumplings? Or the fried chicken? or- or-

Gin was just aimlessly wandering through the stalls, trying to decide what to eat first when he heard his stomach growl. Loudly. A sound immediately followed by Aizen's chuckling.

Again, heat rushed to his face and his cheeks coloured.

"I guess you really must be hungry." Aizen teased, and Gin could feel his face grow even hotter.

"A bit..." Gin answered, turning his face away so he didn't look at the older man directly. "Jus' dunno what kinda food ta start with."

Aizen chuckled again, a little more kindly this time. "Ah, I guess the choice is a little overwhelming." he said gently.

Gin nodded his agreement. "Just a bit."

He looked up then to see Aizen smiling gently at him, and for just a moment Gin thought his traitorous body would make its knees go weak at the sight of that smile.

"I think I can help," Aizen said, softly, gently prising Gins hand off his wrist and holding it in his own. Making Gin's face dangerously hot and red and in true fear of his knees giving out under him. The moths in his belly going absolutely crazy at the simple action.

"Come with me, I come to this thing every year. Let me show you my favourite food."

"Oh," Gin replied quietly. Not trusting himself to say much else. "Okay."

He curled his fingers around Aizen's and saw the man's smile reach his chocolate eyes. And Gin was struck with an intense desire to follow that smile to the ends of the earth. Wherever the man led him, if only he could see that smile one more time.

Gin smiled gratefully and let himself be led, thankful he'd be spared the difficult choice of what to taste first. Suddenly curious about what Sousuke's favourite food was.

"Lead the way."

. . .

Sousuke had to keep glancing over at Gin, just to see the look of fascinated curiosity he wore. "You're not going to ask about it?" he asked Gin teasingly.

Gin just shook his head. "Nah. Wanna be surprised."

He had to smile at that. Ah, so you like surprises, he mused to himself. That's good to know.

"Well," he grinned over at Gin again as they waded through the crowds of people. "I hope you'll like it. It's one of my favourite things in the world. And they only make it here."

Now it was Gin's turn to grin over at him. "That why ya keep comin' back every year?" he asked, a little mischief creeping into his smile, and his voice. He was certainly pleased; Gin was definitely learning ways to intrigue him.

"It's one of the reasons," Sousuke admitted. Eyes leaving Gin's momentarily to scan the stalls around them for the one he was looking for. It didn't help that they all changed locations in the market every year. He suspected it was a ploy to make people walk around more in search of their favourites, and thus tempt them into buying other things.

"Ya found it yet?" Gin asked him, when they'd been searching a while.

"I'm looking for it." he answered, still walking and scanning the stalls, ignoring the people around them. Until, at last, his eyes landed on his target.

"Aha!" he grinned, unable to hide his excitement. "Found it!"

He heard Kyouka snort at his childish excitement. But he ignored her, too entranced by the lure of his favourite food.

"Ya have?" Gin blinked up at him. Aizen's smile just beamed brighter. He knew he should probably be a little more reserved, particularly in front of Gin – he didn't want to come across as too eager, after all. And such a simple little thing like food should not cause these levels of excitement. But tasting this particular dish was something he looked forward to all year. Particularly as it was a dish he couldn't replicate, even with all his intelligence. He just couldn't get the right balance of flavour no matter how hard he tried. He'd even tried to pry the recipe out of the woman who owned the stall, had used all his tricks and methods of flattery and seduction, and been rebuffed at every turn. So in the end he had to concede to the fact that the recipe was a secret she'd take to her grave. Telling himself a bowl of stew just wasn't worth the effort.

It was a shame, too. It was one of the things about his past he quite enjoyed.

"Yes, it's here." Sousuke answered, "Come on, it's good. I think you'll like it."

And with that he practically dragged Gin towards the stall, practically bouncing with enthusiasm while Gin ran just to keep up with his long legs.

Kyouka just giggled at him. Now whose roots are showing so adorably? she teased playfully.

Shut up. He answered back.

. . .

Gin was nearly pulled off his feet when the man moved again, making a beeline for one of the stalls nearby. Wow, he's certainly excited! Must be some damn good food to get him this excited.

But Gin was even more surprised when the familiar smell hit his nostrils. Oh, he grinned, just as excited as Sousuke now. Oh, is that what I think I smell?

Shinsou snickered at their shared excitement. I don't know, he teased. Best go and find out.

So that's exactly what Gin did. He trotted obediently after Aizen and towards that very delightful, nostalgic smell. His grin widening enough it might split his face apart as Aizen led him straight to the source of the smell.

Oh my gods, it is! It really is! Gin wanted so badly to squeal out his excitement, he was so happy. But he restrained himself. He didn't want Aizen to think him weird, getting too ridiculously excited over it. For crying out loud, it was only food. Food shouldn't warrant this much excitement. Even if he were Rukon.

Aizen manoeuvred them through the people to the front of the stall, and much to Gin's sheer delight, he saw a big batch of stew and dumplings sitting in a giant cooking pot on top of a portable stove.

"Well, here we are." Aizen's voice broke through his giddiness, and he looked up to see the man smiling brightly. "This is my favourite food in all the world. They sold it on the streets where I grew up."

Gin took note of his face and his words, and quickly returned his attention to the thick stew and dumplings. Eyes trained on the thick gravy all the meat and vegetables were mixed up in. the dumplings floating on the top. And though he knew they were playing a game still, Gin didn't lie when he spoke next after a breathless sigh, grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh, it's mine, too."

. . .

Aizen's interest piqued. Well, this was certainly news. "Oh. It is?" he asked stupidly.

Kyouka just snorted in his mind again. Oh, don't act so surprised. It's really not news at all. You know where he grew up with his friend. It's not that much of a coincidence you two came from the same place. Albeit some decades apart...

He caught Gin's dreamlike smile as he deeply inhaled the scent of the wonderful stew.

"Oh, yes... it is." Gin sighed. "Oh, I aint 'ad this in years! I didn' think anyone here made it. Didn' think you'd be familiar with it though."

"I told you, there's a lot you don't know about me." he said. Gin grinned up at him.

"Guess we got somethin' in common."

Aizen had to smile at his Gin, getting so excited over such little things like this. "I guess we do."

Oh please, Kyouka snarked again. Like you were any better when you found the Rukongai stew again.

Aizen tried not to cringe at her comment and refocused his attention onto Gin, who was still ridiculously giddy about the stew, and the fact they now shared something in common. He'd let Gin enjoy it. After all, he had been the same, and he didn't want to detract from his darling's joy. He did so love to see that smile.

"Oh, I haven't had this since me Rukon days," Gin sighed. "It were one a the better things about that place. If ya could get it, that was. Though I always made sure Ran got some first."

He had to smile at his darling Gin, being all cute and excited like that, and with a smile so large it spread ear to ear as he asked with a small, hopeful voice, "Can I really have some, Sousuke?"

His own smile softened, melted into something gentler at the disbelief of the once-chronically-hungry he understood all too well. "You can have as much as you like."

Gin laughed, then. Light and amused and musical to his ears. "I dun think ya got enough dough on ya ta pay fer the whole damn cookin' pot!" he grinned. "But thanks."

He smirked at that and leant down, speaking quietly into Gin's ear. Two conspirators sharing a secret. "Or we could steal it."

Gin gave him an impish smile that promised mischief. Sharing the feeling. Because oh, what fun it would be to get back to their shared roots, if just for an evening...

"We could..." he said, "Best not, though."

"Yes," Sousuke agreed, "Best not." Not today anyway. "Come on," he laughed, "Let's get a bowl before everyone else eats it all."

He grinned again and manoeuvred them to the front of the queue, where they could see the stall owner was a woman around his age, with dark hair and bright eyes.

"Yuki!" he called out. Immediately she frowned.

"For the last time, Sousuke, you aint getting the recipe for the stew so stop trying already."

He laughed again, a little louder. "Actually I'm here with someone, so I don't have time to try and wheedle it out of you today."

"Oh, good." she retorted, "I get a break, then."

He smiled at her. "Just this once." he told her. "I'll just get two bowls today, please."

Yuki nodded and started filling bowls for both him and Gin. "So, you with someone special today?" she asked. And despite himself, his smile softened again.

"You could say that." he said, smiling down at Gin, who was flushing that wonderful shade of pink at his comment.

Yuki nodded in agreement, looking at Gin standing beside him. "He must be special." she said, "You don't bring just anyone here for your favourite stew. Actually you don't bring anyone here for your favourite stew. Here you go."

She handed him the bowls of stew, which he then passed to Gin. "Go find us a table while I pay for these." he ordered Gin. Watching as his future lover and second in command nodded.

"'Kay." Gin said, and weaved his way through the cluster of wooden benches nearby to find a vacant one for them to sit and eat together.

"He's cute." Yuki smiled at him, once Gin had disappeared.

He had to smile. He just couldn't help himself. "He is, isn't he?"

"You better not mess him up, Sousuke." his smile just widened into a half-smirk, despite the warning in her tone.

"My dear," he drawled, handing her the money for the stew. "I wouldn't dream of it."

. . .

Gin sat at one of the benches, waiting for Sousuke to come and join him. Impatient to dig into the stew. But he knew he should wait so they could eat together, so he fought his urge. It was difficult, though. The stew smelled so good. Where was Sousuke anyway?

He best hurry up, it'll get cold. And eaten.

He kept scanning the crowd, keeping a careful watch over their bowls of stew, that had not once left his hands even when he set them down on the bench. It was silly; he knew nobody here would try and take it from him, but habits developed in the Rukongai districts were hard to break. And besides, one couldn't be too careful. Even here, there were miscreants. Himself and Sousuke not included, of course. Though they were miscreants. Well, former miscreants... supposedly.

Thankfully he didn't have to wait long for Sousuke to show up and sit opposite him. Gin smiled and gently pushed one of the bowls of stew across the table to him.

"Here. I guarded it for you." he said. Trying not to wince at his roots showing again. But Sousuke made no mention of it. He understood what it was like. How long it took for old habits to die. Instead, Sousuke just smiled at him like he were the best thing that'd come into his long, dull life.

"Thankyou, Gin." he said softly. At which Gin gave him a shy smile and slid a spoon across the table to him, too.

"Yer welcome. Now eat it 'fore it gets cold."

Sousuke laughed, and the both of them dug in.