News: For everyone following this kraken of a series, Heir is getting a total rewrite for the sake of series consistency and to bridge the disconnect/gap between Game&Heir. And I will die of old age writing the Heirverse. The revised Ch1 is done and up already :) go and see the fucking improvement! *is proud of self* Chs will be swapped here and crossposted to ao3 as they get reworked. If it comes out half as good as this story, I shall be happy.
Business/gushing: Okay it's come up a fair bit, so I gotta say it. If stuff I write inspires you, run with it. I embrace fanwork wholly. Timewaster123456789 wrote me a lovely thing called "Cherry Flavoured Chess" [because Foxes Fix Everything] and if ya like my stuff definitely give it a read. My illustrator Moonshield [moon- -shield . deviantart . com] has also drawn me lovely sketches based off this series too [I can provide linkage to these] and the covers, oh god, the covers are beautiful. Ganymede Lullaby has also contributed to this and wrote a lovely poem "Stunning Cunning Fox" that I will be assimilating into Game soon. SesshomaruFreak - everybody just needs to read her RenBya fic Healing the Moon that I... kinda hijacked with Sun&Monkey out of love for the story. So yeah. Go read these ladies once you're done here :) [also these girls are dealing with my whiny salty Wolf butt and my threats of arson against my old chs during the rewrite – [I swear cwst 6 is far less painful to go through by far] - and are just the best cheerleaders/betas/packmates/Co-writers a girl can ask for - so they deserve all the lovely gushy reviews you can give them. My illustrator is also lovely and deserves all the love for her pretty pictures and general enthusiasm for all my work]
a/n: So I had a lazy saturday in to rest, and decided to get this one typed up before I return to the crazy detective evidence board that is the [revised] Heir story plan and resume the pacing and [Reciting magic incantations and] making plot calculations and fleshing the skellies that are older chs – instead of putting my feet up. I think I reheated my cup of tea into oblivion before I drank it typing this, which took all day. Note to self: learn how to relax and drink tea while it is hot.
notes: Happyfluffy, sappyshippy. Kissing. Fun. Nakedness. Sensuality near the end [alluded to in Heir 81 that should escape the revision unaltered]. Icebergs of Realness in the Falsehood Sea. First emotions of love. Sly happy "I Love" echoes if you know what to look for. Written while listening to Kira's songs 'magical night', 'piece of art', 'games', and remix of Kim Petras 'heart to break'.
Phew. Okay. That's me. Enjoy the update. Love you all and will reply to comments soon. -Wolfy.
Chapter 22: First emotions of love
"So how'd ya meet Yuki?" Gin asked, his voice soft and full of curiosity, and without a hint of jealousy. Which took Sousuke by surprise.
He had sat down to enjoy both his stew and present company, expecting Gin to be feeling some level of jealousy over his closeness to Yuki. It wouldn't have been abnormal, or the first time one of his lovers expressed displeasure when he showed interest – even purely platonic interest – in someone else. Probably because to all of them, he was easy to get, and therefore too easy to lose. He'd expected Gin to be the same; fighting tooth and nail to cling to what tenuous connection they had. So when Gin only smiled and slid his bowl of stew across the table to him, needless to say he was a little surprised. Pleasantly so. And then when Gin had guarded his stew and kept it safe for him, that warmth had spread through his body again, originating from his chest, filling up his heartspace. Because he knew what it meant to have someone guard your food for you. He understood the trust and loyalty of such an action. Ever since he'd met Yuki, growing up in the outer Rukongai districts, he'd come to appreciate having trust in someone and having them trust you in return.
To have Gin give such a deep level of trust and loyalty so freely... well, he hadn't any words for that, apart from 'thankyou'. But even that felt like too inadequate a word. Particularly since he of all people knew how rare it was to find genuine trust and affection, being surrounded his whole life by liars and self serving rats masquerading as people. Present company and Yuki excluded, of course.
So instead he just took his spoon and ate his stew, quietly working out some way he could repay this. After all, Gin hardly knew him. They were just starting to get to know each other. They were still working on establishing trust – or at least he was, he couldn't speak for Gin. And what did they really know about each other anyway? He reasoned. Gin would've been excused from guarding his stew, for those reasons alone. Gin didn't have to guard his food...
But just the fact that Gin had, as if he were always an integral part of his life... well, that was something to hold onto. Gin was someone to hold onto. He smiled to himself as he dug into his stew.
"Rukongai," he answered, smiling at the thought of his friend and because Gin just seemed to keep on surprising him. "It's a funny story, actually."
"Tell me?" Gin smiled.
"We were both kids at the time. Hiding, waiting to steal some stew from a stall owner. Anyway, we both hid in the same spot and as Rukon kids do, we squabbled over who had first rights to the hiding spot."
He paused to let Gin snicker a bit, no doubt imagining him as a younger, much more mouthy version of himself. "Can we steal some stew sometime?" Gin asked sweetly.
"It can be arranged," he smiled indulgently. "But let me finish the story. So, we squabbled, and after a bit of arguing, we decided we'd work better together. Of course, we reached that decision after we'd been spotted, and nearly arrested by a couple of passing shinigami. So we made a quick dash, grabbed what stew we could before the irate stall owner chased us away."
He had to laugh at the memory, and was pleased Gin laughed along with him.
"And well," he continued, "We've been close ever since. Of course we didn't have much time together when I became a shinigami, but... we spoke when we could."
He paused, looked up, waited for the inevitable question of 'were you two ever together?'. For the implication that more happened between him and Yuki than it did – but it never came. Instead, Gin's smile was soft and gentle.
"Ya care 'bout 'er a lot, don'tchya?" Gin asked. And he nodded in answer.
"The way you do about Rangiku."
Gin nodded at that and Sousuke hoped inwardly it would negate any doubts Gin had nagging at him about his friendship with Yuki being more than just a friendship. Because he still had to gain Gin's trust and he couldn't do that if there were any doubts inside Gin's mind. But Gin seemed to take the hint when he'd made the comparison of himself and Yuki to Gin and Rangiku, so it seemed he was safe there. It was also a weight off his shoulders. This game would be difficult enough as it was, without all these issues complicating matters.
It was a relief when Gin's smile brightened again, his darling eager to hear more.
"Tell me about her." Gin said to him. To which he just grinned somewhat boyishly and obliged. Launching into a series of anecdotes about him and Yuki surviving the perils of living in the Rukongai. Stealing, eating, living together. Looking out for each other. Guarding each other from the night. Telling the stories he thought would make Gin laugh, which they did. With Gin interjecting every so often with a similar story involving himself and Rangiku. The two of them enjoying a steady stream of easy conversation. Punctuated by smiles and laughter that came easily to both of them.
. . .
Gin watched him eat the stew with equal parts affection and fascination as they conversed. He had to smile at his companion in between spoonfuls. He'd never seen the man so happy. And a part of him began wondering how he could keep that smile on Sousuke's face, because it was just so genuinely charming when the light and warmth of feeling actually reached his eyes and for a few brief moments Aizen Sousuke shone brighter than the sun and all the stars in the galaxy combined as he chatted and laughed. It truly warmed his heart to see it. Moreso because it really felt like catching sight of a brilliantly white iceberg floating on what Gin could only describe as a sea of falsehood he'd been swimming in so far.
Yeh, tha's what I want. Gin thought. Keep smilin' like that, cuz it warms me heart right up.
His gaze flitted up to meet those gorgeous eyes again, and he felt that familiar warmth spread through his chest again, steadily working its way outwards until it reached his extremities. And when Sousuke smiled at him, all warmth and softness, and something akin to love, Gin thought his heart might just burst. His face hurt from all his smiling, too. This, he decided. This was what he wanted. To just spend eternity inside moments like this. Talking, laughing, smiling together over mundane things like the stew. Telling jokes, sharing stories. Gin wanted every day to be like this. Wanted to share every day with this man. Even though it was a bit of a pipe dream at this point.
He was so happy, so caught up in the moment, the lighthearted conversation, in hearing about Sousuke's past escapades with Yuki growing up on the Rukongai streets the way he had grown up with Ran – that when he reached across the table and settled his hand on Sousuke's, he was struck by just how natural and right the gesture felt.
He felt Sousuke's gaze shift away and land on their connected hands before returning to his face again. As if he were surprised by the gentle contact. Gin smiled at him again, softly. Warmly. Curling his fingers around the older man's hand and watching his smile return at the gentle squeeze.
Yeah, Gin thought again. Keep smilin' like that. You're like the sun when ya smile like that.
"So?" Gin prompted, when he'd lapsed into silence. "What happened next?"
. . .
He hadn't seen it coming.
He'd just launched into a new story, about the time he and Yuki foolishly challenged a bear over the rights to the honey in a beehive in the woods at the edge of their district. He'd laughed, giddy with the memory of it. Yuki shouting at the great lump of a bear, him having to drag her away running from the charging, snarling beast when she decided to throw rocks at it. He was so involved in the story and the stew and the moment and Gin's rapt attention being focused solely on him and not who he pretended to be for the whole damn world, he'd quite forgotten he was a lieutenant, a shinigami, and that left unchecked, his thoughts tended to wander to dark places. He was simply Aizen Sousuke, enjoying some quality time with his new interest. His new partner. He let his mind taste the word. Partner, yes, partner, that seemed to fit Gin best. He was just listening to Kyouka softly agreeing with this line of thinking – ah so, now you're getting it, Sousuke – when he felt the warmth of Gin's hand on his. And the whole world seemed to stop spinning.
He hadn't seen it coming.
The shock and suddenness of Gin's hand on his. The rush of warmth filling his heartspace and headspace and every other space in between.
It took a moment for his brain to register it, but after that, he was grinning like an idiot.
"So?" Gin said, and he realised then that he must have been quiet for some time. "What happened next?"
And slowly the world resumed spinning at its usual pace.
Sousuke shook his head and forced his mind back into the present moment again, trying to ignore his zanpaktou's snickering.
"Ah, right," he said, and finished telling the rest of the story. All the while being keenly aware of Gin's eyes on him, and having his full attention. And almost hyperaware that Gin's beautiful, soft hand was holding his. Gin's thumb stroking the back of his hand as they continued chatting away, completely forgetting the rest of the world existed.
. . .
The two of them talked long after their stew bowls were empty. Both so involved in spending time together they didn't realise just how late it was until Yuki gave them a shout.
"Hey, you lovebirds!" she called over to them. "I'm gonna close up soon so I'mma need those bowls back!"
Aizen looked up and looked around. Indeed, everyone else that had been sitting at the tables around them was gone. But that couldn't be right, surely?
"What are you talking about?" he said, reaching into his yukata to retrieve an elegant silver pocketwatch, flicking it open carelessly as Gin watched, fascinated. "It's only been five min..." he looked down at the watch face and his voice died off. "Ah."
Gin leaned over and peered at the watch, curious as to what the time was. He couldn't help but laugh. "Five hours." Gin supplied.
Aizen frowned. "That long?"
"Yep. Cuz we arrived at six, remember?"
"I remember."
"Guess time flies when ya have fun." Gin smiled brightly. "Let's go," he said, standing and picking up the empty bowls and the spoons. "I'll take these back, you wait here."
Aizen nodded and watched him move, and Gin could feel the older man's gaze on him all the way to the stall where Yuki stood waiting for her last two stew bowls.
. . .
Gin walked steadily as he took the bowls over to Yuki, with a smile still plastered on his face. And not just because he'd had good stew, but because it seemed like Sousuke was finally opening up to him. Even going so far as to share some of his past with him. Trading both stories and confidences with him. Just the thought that Sousuke trusted him enough to share that part of his life – a part of his life Gin was certain nobody else knew about – made him lightheaded and flushed with excitement. Because like Yuki had said earlier, Sousuke didn't bring anyone to share his stew. So Gin had to rationally conclude that this fact alone meant so much. And hell, if he were honest, it made him feel pretty damn special. He still couldn't believe Aizen had shared such an important part of his life with him. Though he understood it was something he shouldn't go blabbing to people about. Sousuke might not want people to know. And besides that, he didn't want people to start looking down on or start belittling Sousuke just because of where he came from the way people did to him.
And if they did... well, he'd put Shinsou to good use and anyone who talked shit about the man would never speak again. Gin smiled at the thought of it.
"What're you smilin' about?" Yuki drawled, a smug grin spread across her face. And Gin was reminded of Aizen's own smug 'I know everything' grin.
Gin shot her a smirk of his own. "Whaddya think I'm smilin' 'bout?"
She laughed. "Ya know kid, I like you." she beamed, and Gin handed her the bowls.
"Then ya got excellent taste." Gin shot back, and she chuckled.
"It's Gin, right?" she asked, "I heard him call you Gin."
He nodded, and she smiled again. "I can see you'll be good for him." she said, and Gin couldn't help but flush a light pink at the compliment. He could see why Sousuke liked her.
"Ya think so?" he asked, quietly reaching a hand up into his hair in his nervousness. Feeling both flattered and sheepish at once, and unsure what to make of the praise. "I mean, Ran says he's good fer me, but, I dunno 'bout the reverse..."
Gin wanted to go on, to say more. To ask if she really thought he'd be good for Sousuke. But all of his questions, worries and doubts died when she smiled and nodded at him.
"Yeah," she said softly. "I know so." And Gin blushed at the words and felt a smile as bright as the full moon above them tug at his lips.
"You'll balance him out." Yuki continued, taking the bowls to stack them with the others for washing. "Keep him on his toes." She winked at him and Gin had to chuckle. "But most of all you'll make him smile."
Gin smiled softly at the comment, and Yuki sighed wistfully. "I've never seen him smile so much." she said, gazing warmly across at Sousuke, sitting waiting for Gin to return. "I think you make him really happy."
Gin was genuinely touched by the comment. Completely at a loss for words, though he could feel the warmth spread through him again, and the moths inside his stomach all take wing at once. Unconsciously, he raised a hand to his chest, letting his fingertips press hard into the space below his collarbones through the fabric of his scarf. Feeling his heartspace well up with the warmth of this new feeling. Love, maybe? Were these the first emotions of love?
He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of Sousuke and what Yuki had said. And a soft, tender smile spread slowly across his face as he sighed at the thoughts. His next words coming from somewhere real and true inside him.
"He makes me happy, too."
He opened his eyes and caught Yuki beaming at him, and he suddenly checked himself. "What?" he asked defensively.
She just smiled knowingly and shook her head. "You're just like him," she muttered under her breath. "But if he makes you happy, then you hold onto him, kiddo." she told him, a wise old sage passing on advice. "You hold onto him, and you never let him go. No matter what he does to push you away."
Gin was a little surprised by her words, how adamant she was about this, though he shouldn't have been. She knew Sousuke well, and Gin knew she just wanted Sousuke to be happy the way Ran wanted him to be happy.
"Because I know him." she continued, "I know he'll think he won't deserve you, won't deserve to be happy. But he'll be wrong. He's an idiot. So you hang on tight to him, kid, and don't let go for anything or anyone."
Gin digested her words and then nodded firmly. "I know." he said. "I will."
Because he had absolutely no intention of letting Aizen Sousuke go. Not without a fight.
"I just..." Gin began again, a little hesitant. "I want him to smile like that every day."
Yuki just nodded. "Yes, I can see that." she said warmly, and then cast a quick glance around to see if anyone was listening to them. "Tell ya what, I'll share a secret with you."
Gin blinked in surprise. "Oh. A secret?"
"Yeah," Yuki smiled conspiratorially, reaching inside her kimono and pulling out a folded sheet of paper. "C'mere," she said, and Gin leant over the counter and felt her press the paper into his hand.
"What is it?" he asked quietly, and she leant closer.
"My stew recipe," she whispered. "Sou's been trying to pry it outta me for decades, but I always refused. It was my grandmother's recipe, and when she died she made me promise to keep it secret, even from Sou. But Sousuke's my closest friend, and I want him to be as happy as you've made him tonight. And if I can help you do that with something so small as a stew recipe, I feel like I should. So here, take a copy of it."
She smiled then, bright and hopeful, and so much like Ran it warmed his heart. He was glad Sousuke had someone like her in his life.
"Now you go make him happy." Yuki finished. "Just don't tell him where ya got the recipe from."
Gin stood there, feeling young and small and so very, very touched by all of this. This woman barely knew him, and yet she'd given him something that meant so much...
He struggled to find the right words.
"I... I dunno what ta say," Gin started, all the words he wanted to say, could say, dying in his throat. "Thankyou, Yuki."
Yuki smiled back at him. "You're welcome, Gin."
The two of them stood smiling at each other, and Gin was so caught up in marvelling at their new understanding and mutual affection for Sousuke – albeit in two vastly different contexts – that he didn't notice Sousuke approach them until Yuki panicked.
"Hide it, quickly! He's coming over!" she hissed, and Gin promptly shoved the paper with the young woman's scribbled writing on it into his yukata into a hidden pocket sewn into it so it was out of Sousuke's sight. The both of them quickly acting nonchalant when the man himself strolled over and wrapped his arm around Gin's waist.
"I hope you're not talking about me," Sousuke drawled.
Yuki smirked. "What if we were?" she sassed. Then, softer, "Don't worry Sousuke, we were just talking about how wonderful you are. Right, Gin?"
Gin nodded and smiled brightly. Playing along. "Right."
Sousuke just laughed and kissed Gin on the temple. "That's good to know."
Gin kept on smiling and caught another flash of Yuki's knowing grin and turned his gaze up to Sousuke's face.
"I guess we should get going now, Sou?" he prompted, though he had a feeling the place Sousuke wanted to take him would be closed now.
"Yes, we should." Sousuke nodded, and turned his attention to Yuki again. "It was nice to see you again, Yuki."
Yuki crossed her arms and nodded, grinning. "Likewise, she said. "Just don't leave it so long next time!"
Sousuke laughed softly. "I won't. I promise."
"Maybe your new loverboy can remind you to pay me a visit," she teased, and Gin grinned because Sousuke cleared his throat uncomfortably, finally getting a taste of his own medicine. But he recovered all too quickly and the man turned his head to look down at him again he just gave him that smile again, and Gin felt heat rush into his face. Again. If Gin had any doubts left about how Sousuke could be friends with this woman, they'd just been wiped off the map.
"Perhaps he can," Sousuke said, and Gin felt his face grow hotter. "Another time though. We really should get going. Goodnight, Yuki."
She smiled at the two of them and nodded. "Goodnight, Sousuke. Gin."
Gin returned her smile, some of the heat leaving his face for the moment. "It was nice to meet ya, Yuki." he said warmly. "G'night."
. . .
Aizen couldn't help but grin stupidly as Gin took his hand again while they walked off. Happy Yuki approved of his choice.
They walked slowly, keeping a leisurely pace as the two of them quietly enjoyed the beautiful star filled night together. He knew he should probably walk Gin home about now, simply because it was late and his friend was probably wondering where he'd got to. But the night was just so peaceful and calm, and Gin's beautiful hand was in his, and he didn't really want the night to end just yet. And okay, he had to admit it to himself if nobody else, he really couldn't remember a time when he'd had this much fun. Or a time where he'd been legitimately happy before tonight. No, he didn't want this to end just yet. In fact he felt so giddy, didn't even mind if it didn't end with Gin in his bed. It was enough just spending time together.
No, he didn't want this to end. Even if this wasn't love, he didn't want it to end.
Is this what it's like for other people? He wondered. I've seen things in black and white for so long, it's hard to remember what seeing in colour feels like. But I guess it feels something like this.
I remember reading a story about people living in a black and white world, and then upon meeting their soulmates, they suddenly see the world in vivid colour.
This feels like that.
I'll have to tell him the story someday.
He smiled to himself again, and then again at Gin walking beside him. He had a vague feeling that if he were to die, he'd like it to be in his sleep tonight, because things couldn't possibly get any more perfect. Not even Kyouka had anything snarky to say the whole evening.
"So where to now, Aizen-sama?" Gin asked him. "I don' think the place ya wanted ta take me's open no more.. it probably closed a while ago. 'Less ya jus' wanted ta walk 'round some more?"
Aizen smiled softly. "I'd like that," he said gently. "But I think I have a better idea."
He watched Gin raise his eyebrows, clearly amused and intrigued. "Oh?" Gin grinned. "And wha's yer big idea?"
Aizen just smirked and pulled Gin along. "Come with me," he said, mischief in his tone and excitement in his smile. "I'll show you."
. . .
Some time later, they were both standing outside the entrance to the building that housed the hot springs, with Gin standing watching Sousuke pick the lock with a set of tools he carried.
"Aint this breakin' an' enterin'?" Gin asked, frowning.
"You just keep watch in case somebody comes," Sousuke told him, fiddling with the lock until it clicked open. "Ha. There we go, we're in."
He looked up at Gin, who was wearing a smirk of satisfaction, despite his earlier protests. "Criminal." Gin teased.
"Accomplice." he shot back, smirking. "Come on, Gin, live a little. Walk on the wild side for a change."
Gin frowned at that. "Hey, I'm wild. Wilder than you anyway."
Aizen's smirk widened. He didn't know where this boldness, this defiance had come from – and apparently neither did Gin judging by his expression – but he liked it.
Yes, you're a wild fox, aren't you? A wild untameable creature. But I'm good at handling dangerous, wild things. "I think you'll have to prove that."
Gin's face flushed that lovely shade of pink again, and Aizen half expected Gin to fall back into a shy, stammering mess again. But to his credit, Ichimaru Gin, his lovely Gin, his darling Lolita, rose to his challenge. "Fine, I will!" Gin said. And Aizen watched as Gin stood up straight, pushed his shoulders back, and walked straight inside. And he felt a swell of pride because he knew he'd chosen the right person.
"Well, are ya comin' in or are ya jus' gonna stand ou' there all nigh' grinnin' like a loony?!" Gin called out to him. Sousuke couldn't help but chuckle.
"Keep your pants on," he called back, "I'm coming."
And then he marched inside after Gin, unable to resist calling after his silver fox again. "Oh, and you better keep those clothes on! I want to undress you myself!"
His only answer was Gin's laughter, as he ran away inside. "Best hurry then!"
He smiled and quickened his pace.
. . .
Gin was waiting for him at the edge of the outside bath, still dressed, standing against a backdrop of a grove of bamboo and smiling beautifully for him. The scarf was already off, and lay neatly folded on one of the benches nearby.
"Took ya long 'nough." Gin admonished. "Did ya get lost?"
Sousuke huffed out a breath and stepped closer to him, so close their bodies were almost touching. And Gin felt heat rush into his face at their close proximity, felt the moths inside his stomach go frantic as he caught the look of unbridled desire in the man's chocolate eyes. Caught sight of that confident smile.
"If I'm lost anywhere, it's in your eyes." Sousuke drawled, all sensuality and seduction. And Gin felt his knees go weak at the words. The next thing he knew, fingers were tilting his chin up and those lips, that gorgeous mouth was claiming his again. And Gin couldn't help but moan into the kiss. Couldn't help but be carried away by the sheer passion and sensuality of it. So much so that when Sousuke's strong arms encircled his waist to pull him close, he didn't fight it. Instead, he just let his body press against the older man. Let his arms wrap themselves around his body, holding him close.
It was Sousuke who broke the kiss first, and Gin who sighed in disappointment. He could have kissed the man all night.
"Come on," Sousuke prompted, "We can continue this in the water."
. . .
Gin watched as Sousuke let go of his hand and stepped towards the hot water, watched as Sousuke glanced back over his shoulder at him with a smirk. Gin watched him completely disrobe and let his yukata slide off his bare shoulders and onto the floor. Giving Gin a good view of his sculpted naked body from behind, illuminated by the moonlight. Gin just swallowed and let his eyes devour the sight before him. Aizen stood tall and confident, like anyone who was beautiful and knew it, and Gin couldn't help but stare in awe.
He looks amazing. He's so captivating.
Gin watched as Sousuke turned to face him, smirk still on his face as he gazed back at his newest admirer. Shinsou snickered and made his usual comments as Gin's gaze flowed southwards.
"Like what you see?" Aizen asked teasingly, just as Gin's eyes were wandering down his body, coming to a natural stop between his legs.
"Well? Marks out of ten?" Aizen prompted when he didn't answer. Shinsou just fell to cackling.
Yeah Gin, does his penis live up to your expectations?
Gin ignored his zanpaktou and just sucked in a breath. Keeping his focus on the god before him. "Every single incha you's a ten." he said softly. Sousuke just chuckled.
"So not a disappointment, then?"
"No," Gin breathed. "You're a piece of art."
I've never seen a person so hypnotic. I've never wanted anything so badly.
Gin watched his smirk soften into an affectionate smile as he strode back over to stand before him. And Gin's eyes looked up into his again, and he swallowed again at the desire he saw there.
And then Gin felt a gentle hand caress his cheek and Sousuke leant in to kiss him deeply again. Gin moaned softly into his mouth again, and felt those same skilled hands slowly undoing the tie at his waist, felt those calloused, hardworking fingertips brush his skin as they pushed the fabric of his yukata off his shoulders, and onto the floor so that he too, stood naked before him. He felt a sudden urge to cover himself again, but quickly realised he was being silly. Aizen had already seen all of him. Tasted him, even. So he scolded himself. His body was no secret to the man and now Sousuke's body was no secret to him. And he was surprisingly comfortable with that.
When Sousuke broke the kiss gently, Gin just stared up into those eyes, feeling his heart trying to beat its way out of his chest. Feeling his lungs try to remember how to make his body breathe.
"Perfection." Sousuke murmured softly, and Gin flushed with heat all over at the word. Still somewhat incredulous it was being used to describe him.
"Come on," Sousuke said softly. "Let's get in the water."
Gin nodded and let himself be led by the hand into the hot water of the spring. He let Sousuke go in first, and then followed, albeit more slowly. Quietly grateful there was no-one else here to look at him as he slid into the hot water. Feeling its heat lap at his waist and his ribs, easing out some of his tension. He let out a soft sigh at the welcome heat, and opened his eyes to see Sousuke smiling at him.
"It's nice, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Gin agreed. "Real nice."
Sousuke's smile never faltered, and Gin felt a jolt of excitement run through him. A part of him still couldn't believe he was here, alone and naked with Aizen Sousuke. That the man had said he was perfection. He wondered idly how many people would kill to be where he stood now. How many people would be out for his blood if they knew. He shifted in place. Best not to think about that now, Shinsou murmured. Just enjoy the night.
He felt those eyes watching him intently, and he refocused on reality. On Sousuke again.
"What?" Gin asked. Sousuke's smile remained in place, but it took on a sort of amused, indulgent quality.
"You know," Sousuke told him, his voice gaining the tone of a teacher again, the way it had when he'd taught Gin about the meaning of the gladiolus and the importance of context in the flower language. "You need to grow more comfortable with being naked... with your body..."
Gin gasped softly as he moved closer, and even under the hot water, his skin tingled with anticipation. He wasn't disappointed, because those hands were on him again, slowly caressing his wet skin as the hot spring water lapped at his waist as he stood, with Sousuke standing behind him and touching him. Letting Gin feel his water softened fingertips gliding over his pale skin that people only ridiculed for being unusual, and feel the burning heat in their trails over him. Feel those fingers igniting fires inside him. Gin gasped again. Feeling desire coiling inside him at their closeness, at Aizen-sama's touch, at the way that man made him feel. How his traitor body reacted.
And yet... and yet it felt... right. Because it was his Aizen-sama, his Sousuke, his wonderful capricious magician casting yet another magic spell over him. Making his body burn and his breath catch as those fingers, those hands, caressed his neck... his shoulders... his waist... moving slowly. Ever so slowly Gin thought he might go mad. He was used to the man being hard and fast and eager to please him, so this display of sensuality, this slowness was... odd. Not unpleasant. Definitely not unpleasant. Definitely not unwelcome. Actually it was quite pleasurable indeed. It was just something he wasn't used to yet.
"Because you really are beautiful," Sousuke murmured softly. Hands still working their magic.
They were soft touches Sousuke gave him. Intimate yet non-sexual touches. At least not yet. Though the desire in them was evident. So very obvious. And Gin stood there, in the water, Sousuke behind him, letting the man work his magic. Letting the man touch and explore him openly. And when Gin was gently turned around to face him, he could see it was in those smouldering eyes, too.
It was in that voice...
That smile...
Everywhere.
"You're strong." Sousuke said. And Gin gasped softly, still under his spell, trapped like a fly in a spider's web, still thinking of nothing but those slow caresses. Steadily going insane until those hands came to rest on his hips, gripping him lightly.
"You're perfect." Sousuke told him, voice hypnotic and sensual, drawing him completely in. One hand raising from the water to caress Gin's cheek and neck again. With the other hand, still resting on Gin's slim hip, pulling him closer. And Gin felt as if Sousuke were a magnet and he a piece of metal, helpless against the magnetic force dragging him in.
"You're a piece of fucking art." Sousuke murmured softly. "I just wish you could see that."
Gin studied him for a moment, unsure what to make of this. Was he really serious, or was this just another ploy? Another move in the game? But on closer inspection, Sousuke's gaze only seemed to be full of genuine tenderness, and, if Gin didn't know any better, something akin to love.
But still under the spell of his magician, and still entranced by the magic of the evening together, still enamoured by the man and the moon and stars and constellations above them, and the fact they were completely alone, Gin decided not to read too much into it. Instead, he bravely drew closer, pressed their naked bodies together, and pulled his Sousuke in for another deep, if clumsy kiss.
