For the absolutely lovely timewaster123456789. For her birthday :) [June 26th]. For an endless list of reasons she knows about already. Love you, Time! keep being amazing and infected! Happy birthday you wonderful packmate you *hugs*
Everyone who isn't Time: go and throw this amazing lady some love by way of reviews [ ahem-CF/Sanc, Underbelly]. Lovely person. Awesome Co. Talented writer.
You'll see us working together again soon. So get ready for feelings and shots fired. [because my idiots have been a bit too happy]
Notes: happyfluffy/sappyshippy [because i need it after that spoilertastic scene in LW&T 6, so many gunshots]. The Subtlest echoes to Lie. Idiots in love being idiots in love. Mentions of hellish voice. Cherry! [Uh, potential diabetes risk?] Icebergs on the Falseood Sea.
Chapter 23: Sweet like Cherry pie
They spent the rest of that night in the hot spring together, kissing languorously, enjoying being in each other's arms, and talking.
After that first kiss, Gin pulled away for breath, laughing softly. Sousuke smiled back at him, and in that moment, Gin felt like he could do anything. So he smiled and leant up to kiss Sousuke again, slowly and deeply, completely melting into the older man and his kiss. His touch. Quietly enjoying the feel of those hands on his skin as they slid down his back and playfully squeezed his buttocks, pulling a soft moan out of him. Sousuke started laughing gently, and had to break the kiss because of his chuckling.
"What?" Gin asked. "Wha'so funny?"
Sousuke just smiled at him. "You make the cutest noises."
"Eh?" Gin gaped, heat rushing not just through his face but through his entire body. "What?! No! I do not!"
"You do." Sousuke told him. Still smiling softly, almost tenderly, down at him. "You definitely do."
"I don' make noises." Gin protested.
"Oh, you do." Sousuke repeated, a teasing smirk on his lips. "Shall I show you?"
"You dun need ta do that." Gin told him. "I told ya I don-"
His words were cut short however when Sousuke's hands grabbed his ass and pulled him closer – quite abruptly – at which Gin gave a little involuntary squeal at the unexpectedness of it. Sousuke just grinned because his point had been proved and kissed him passionately again. Making Gin moan and lean into his body again, closing his eyes slowly. Letting his hands rest against Sousuke's firm, muscular chest. He could feel the man's heart beating directly under his palms. As if it were within touching distance, if not for the thin wall of skin, muscle, and bone between his hands and that heart. If only he could pry apart the cage of bone and reach in and grab it... so at least he could say he held Aizen Sousuke's heart. Even for just a moment.
He enjoyed the kiss for a few moments more thoroughly lost in it, until Sousuke pulled away again. Eaving him flushed and breathless. And without speech. It really was a talent of Sousuke's, leaving him speechless.
"See?" he said, when he broke the kiss. Smirking in that way he did when he knew he was right. Gin tried to look indignant. "You do." Sousuke murmured softly. "You really, really do."
Gin opened his mouth to protest this, but those lips gently captured his again, that tongue pushing into his welcoming mouth, and nothing else seemed to matter anymore.
. . .
When they emerged into the night again, pink skinned and fully dressed with towel dried hair, all the tension eased out of their muscles by the hot water, Sousuke walked Gin home.
They walked as they had all evening; hand in hand, grinning and laughing together like giddy loved-up idiots. The conversation still flowing easily between then. Effortlessly, even. Sousuke listened with quiet fascination, as Gin pointed out all the different constellations above them. Which only delayed their arrival at Gin's place, but he reasoned it would be worth suffering tomorrow if it meant seeing Gin smile tonight. Gin stopped them and pointed out another constellation, and he smiled indulgently and listened, interested in hearing Gin talk about the stars.
Most of the things Gin told him he already knew, of course. But it was still refreshing to see it all through Gin's lens, and listen to Gin describing and explaining it all with great enthusiasm. He'd even go so far as to say it was infectious. And okay, it was really cute to see his Gin all excited about his stars. Sirius, the 'dog star' was his favourite, he said. For its name. And it warmed that cold dark space in his heart that Gin wanted to share that with him. He made mental notes and smiled warmly at Gin as he pointed out another star in the sky, another constellation, and happily began pointing out the focal points of it. With Sousuke again pretending ignorance on the subject just so he could enjoy Gin's enthusiasm. After all, who knew how long this would last? He needed to make the most of seeing that smile and Gin's bubbly, infectious enthusiasm now, while he still could. Before he found some way to fuck this up.
Which, as the hellish voice inside his skull loved to remind him, he would eventually.
He shoved the thought away with great effort, before his mind ventured into darker places, and refocused on the lovely creature standing with, talking about the stars.
A smile passed his lips as he looked at Gin looking so beautiful illuminated by the moonlight.
Gin must have sensed him staring because he turned to look at him nervously.
"What?" Gin asked. "Do I still got stew on me face?"
Sousuke smiled softly at him. "No," he said. "I was just thinking of how beautiful you look in the moonlight."
Gin flushed pink again. "Oh." he gasped quietly. His shy smile brightening considerably. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
Gin's broad, happy smile at that lit up all the dark spaces inside him, and it made him want to spend every single day of his life making his lovely Gin smile like that.
"You're beautiful," he added. "I think you're really beautiful."
Gin's smile turned shy again as he tried to meet his intense gaze, and Sousuke couldn't help but think how adorable he was. But he knew better than to tease him about it. At least right now.
"Come on," he smiled at Gin again. "Let's get moving. I'm sure Rangiku-san will be waiting up for you to return and tell her all about tonight."
Gin bit his lip and glanced away, no doubt remembering just how nosy his friend could be when it came to their relationship.
"Yeah... I guess we better go home." Gin said slowly, apparently not wanting this magical night to end either. If his reluctance to go back was anything to go by. He hoped it was.
"Can we walk the scenic route though?" Gin asked quickly, and Sousuke, appropriately heartwarmed, smiled affectionately at Gin. His Gin. His for however long they had together. Though a part of him hoped that would be forever. But that was the hopeless, stupid part of him. Because such a hope was futile and foolish.
"For you," he said gently, "anything."
Gin smiled brightly, no, affectionately at him and took the arm that was offered. And together they walked back.
. . .
When they arrived at the little apartment he shared with Rangiku, Gin stood, nervous and anxious, in front of the door with Sousuke.
"Well, here tis," he said. "Home sweet home."
Sousuke smiled gently at him and Gin took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. He was being ridiculous. He knew he was being ridiculous. Sousuke wasn't going to judge him on where he lived or how small his flat was. But damn it, he wanted to make a good impression on the man.
"I know s'not much compared to yer nice house, but it's home."
"I'm sure it's lovely," Sousuke smiled, and Gin felt a rush of warmth surge through him at the older man's reassurance.
"Anyway, are we going inside?" Sousuke asked, a teasing smile on his face. "I'd love to meet this Cherry you've been telling me about."
Gin's whole face lit up, and his smile was so bright at just the mention of his beloved pet. "Ah, yeah!" he beamed, fumbling for his keys, quietly praying that Rangiku had at least tidied the place up a bit like he'd asked. The hell butterfly he'd sent while waiting for Sousuke to finish his business in the toilets, telling her quite frantically that Sousuke was coming over later and to make the place presentable should have arrived in plenty of time... but you never knew with Rangiku.
Gin found his key and unlocked the door. Pushing it open. "After you," he said to Sousuke, who just seemed to be ridiculously over excited to be walking into his home and meeting his pet as he stepped over the threshold.
Gin followed him in and breathed a quiet sigh of relief as he caught the smell of pine. Ran had cleaned the place from top to bottom.
. . .
Rangiku sat with Cherry on the sofa. Both of whom, unknown to Gin and Sousuke, had been waiting all evening for Gin to return so he could tell them what happened on his date. Cherry just waited up so she could get in some snuggles before bedtime. Well, Ran did clean the place while she waited too, upon getting her message. With Cherry 'assisting'.
As soon as they'd heard the soft chatter outside and the key turning in the door, Cherry's fluffy white ears perked up and she sat poised on the sofa cushions ready to rush and greet Gin. Rangiku was similarly on high alert, keeping her eyes and ears open for any new developments on the Aizen-Gin relationship. Particularly things Gin might be hesitant to tell her. He was still so damn shy, bless him. But she reasoned Aizen must like that about him, or else why agree to go out with Gin in the first place? Then again, Aizen might secretly be just as awkward as Gin when it came to love and feelings... now that was a thought that made her smile.
Honestly, you and your shipping... Haineko shook her head. Rangiku shushed her.
Cherry whined softly in anticipation of her master coming home, but Rangiku shushed her too, just in case she missed something. But Cherry just licked her lips and wagged her tail as the voices grew louder. Closer. She was almost unable to keep herself from leaping off the sofa and rushing to greet them.
"Wait Cherry-chan," Rangiku told her. "Waaait."
Cherry whined again with excitement as the pair of them heard Gin's voice as the pair of them approached. Oh, she hoped this would go well. Cherry could be... a bit much sometimes.
"Ran!" Gin called out to her. "We're back!"
Showtime, she smiled to herself. Picking up a magazine and sitting more comfortably.
. . .
Sousuke strode happily into Gin's apartment, followed by Gin, who directed him into the living room where immediately the white fox rushed over to Gin and began jumping up his leg, all excitement, happy yips and tail wags. Gin grinned down at her and lifted her into his arms, giving her a big cuddle.
"Hey, didya miss me?"
The fox nuzzled close to Gin, tail thumping him in her excitement. Sousuke could have watched the two of them all night.
Rangiku grinned at the three of them.
"Well this is a nice surprise," she said cheerily, smiling and setting down the gossip magazine in her hands. "I wasn't expecting you! You're such a gentleman, walking Gin home like that. Though you did have me thinking he wouldn't be coming home tonight."
She smirked at the pair of them, Sousuke in particular, and Gin flushed a light pink at her words and what they implied. A fact he didn't miss.
"Ran!" Gin hissed, embarrassed. But Sousuke just chuckled good naturedly.
"I admit it is quite late," he said, slyly glancing at the clock on the wall. One in the morning already! How did it get so late?! "But we got talking and just completely lost track of the time. Didn't we Gin? How long were we talking for? Five hours was it?"
When he didn't get an immediate answer, he turned his head to look at Gin standing beside him, "Gin?"
He had to laugh a little at what he saw.
Cherry was in Gin's arms still, licking his face in joyous exuberance at his return – no doubt she envisioned him never coming home, as pets often did when their owners left the house – her tail bashing against him as it wagged violently. Gin was laughing and trying to calm her down enough to get her to stop licking him five seconds so he could speak without getting a mouthful of fox tongue.
"And this must be the lovely Cherry I've heard so much about." Sousuke said, smiling affectionately at the happy pair.
"Sh- shuhhhmmh-" Gin began, deciding in the end to clamp a hand down on Cherry's muzzle to keep her still and stop her licking. "Kay, enough ya crazy thing. Lemme breathe fer five minutes." he chided her, then turning his attention to Sousuke again. "She sure is." he beamed.
Rangiku just giggled. "Hey, you can't blame her, she was waiting all night for you to come home and play." she teased. "Maybe next time you should take her with you. Go for a nice romantic walk in the park, just the three of you."
Sousuke smiled again, softly this time. Yes, now there was an idea. "I think it's a great idea. Shall we say next saturday in the park? Or a walk in the woods perhaps?"
He watched Gin's smile soften and turn affectionate as his darling looked down at his pet first and then him again. That smile... damn that adorable, heart-thawing smile. If his defences hadn't been melted down already, they certainly were now. Just looking at that smile, and knowing it was there because of him, his body felt warm for the first time in... a long time. It was a nice change from the bonechillling cold thrust upon him by... outside forces.
"Th' park soun's perfect." Gin answered softly. "Here, hold Cherry fer a bit. " he said, handing his fox over to him, which Sousuke received somewhat awkwardly. But he supposed it was to be expected. He'd never held onto such a small, fragile creature before. Particularly one so beloved.
Gin smiled at him, seemingly satisfied that his pet was in safe hands. "I gotta go wash me face cuz somebody-" he said pointedly, looking at his pet, "-licked it."
Cherry just licked her lips again, looking smug as Gin gave her a quick scratch on the chin.
"I'll be right back," he said to Sousuke. "You sit down an' make yerself at home."
Sousuke nodded and did as instructed, with Rangiku scooting across the sofa so he had space to sit. Gin meanwhile went to quickly wash his face from all the fox slobber.
He sat on the sofa next to Rangiku, limbs stiff and wooden, and more than a little awkward as Cherry sniffed him curiously, as if sussing out his intentions towards her master. He sat for a moment, perfectly still as she sniffed, and as she looked up at him with her bright blue eyes, he wondered if she could see through him. Because it certainly felt like she could.
"Don't worry," Rangiku called, catching his attention. She sat smiling as she watched him. "She won't bite. She knows you're Gin's friend."
Sousuke looked back down at the little fox on his lap, still thoroughly sniffing him with great curiosity, and reassured by Rangiku's words, he hesitantly reached to stroke Cherry's head as she set to sniffing his chest. Smiling to himself when she didn't immediately growl or move away from his touch. In fact she seemed to relish it, closing her eyes in a squint and flattening her ears against her head. Tail wagging ten to the dozen.
His smile brightened. Her fur was so soft under his hand, and she was just so warm and friendly, even to one such as him... it was simply astounding.
"Hello, Cherry," he said softly, losing some of his awkwardness as his body relaxed, knowing she was no threat to him. Was accepting him, even. He supposed it was true, then. That pets were indeed like their owners.
He'd not been sure what to expect with the little fox. Even though Gin had already told him so much about her, and assured him she'd love him. Gin shared little stories with him about her antics and their adventures together. And he had to admit – to himself if not aloud – he'd been a little apprehensive. Though he'd hidden it well from Gin. But now he'd met her, he understood why Gin loved her so much.
He was so lost in the moment, quietly enjoying his few moments with the fox, that he didn't even realise Gin had been watching until he heard that lovely voice calling to him.
"She's cute, huh?"
He fought the urge to jump out of his skin and turned in the direction of the voice, catching sight of his lovely Gin watching them from the doorway, bringing him back into the real world again. Popping the little bubble he'd been inside with Cherry. He also remembered Rangiku had been watching them, too, and tried to recompose himself by clearing his throat.
He addressed Gin first.
"How long were you standing there?" he asked. How long were you looking? How much did you see?
Gin shrugged, innocent and nonchalant. Or at least pretending to be. "Long enough."
Translation: I saw everything.
Sousuke gave gin a somewhat exasperated look and Gin moved to sit on the sofa between him and Rangiku, smiling tenderly at Sousuke and Cherry. Who had realised Sousuke had stopped fussing her and began climbing up him, nudging him with her nose and standing up on her hind legs to lick his face.
Gin snickered at her and Rangiku giggled quietly.
"I think she likes you," Gin said, voice light and teasing, though the undercurrent of tenderness in it was obvious to all present.
"Yes," Sousuke answered, resuming stroking the fox's head and quieting her down again. "It would appear so."
"And do you like her?" Gin pried sweetly, watching the two of them together. Full of anticipation like a single parent hoping his baby would get along well with his new partner and all would be well with them.
He debated drawing out the moment, just to keep Gin on his toes a bit longer. But decided that would be cruel.
"Yes," Sousuke said finally. And Gin gave a little sigh of relief. "I like her very much."
Gin smiled tenderly at the both of them, and he was sure Rangiku was melting beside him.
"I'm glad," Gin said softly, just as Cherry rolled over onto her back so Sousuke could rub her fluffy belly, making them all laugh.
"I see what you mean," Sousuke said gently, giving the fox's belly a good rub as she bashed his legs with her bushy tail as it wagged. "It's hard not to love her."
Gin smirked at him, a little smug. "Well duh. Course it is. Everybody loves Cherry. I mean who doesn't love that face? Gotta be made a stone not to. Aint that right, Che-Che?"
Cherry yipped in answer and wagged her tail harder in agreement.
"See? Even Cherry agrees," Rangiku smiled. Sousuke supposed smugness was contagious.
"Smug lil thing," Gin said, "She knows she's real pretty an' everyone loves 'er so she uses it to 'er advantage." He smiled down at Cherry again and gently poked her, grinning playfully. "Dontcha, Che-che?"
Cherry made several soft, happy, squeaky noises as Gin tickled her belly.
"Che-Che?" Sousuke asked, eyebrow raised in amusement.
"S'er nickname."
Sousuke just smiled. "That's very cute."
Gin's smile was shy at that. And it made him feel lightheaded. Giddy almost. Honestly, how could one person be this endearing? He wondered.
Giddy fool, get a grip.
"Tis isn't it?" Gin asked.
Sousuke nodded. "Indeed."
Rangiku beamed in agreement, having sat silently, clearly not wanting to interrupt their shared moment. A thing for which Sousuke found himself feeling grateful for. He had to hand it to her, she knew when to keep her trap shut. A trait he highly valued. Most of the women around him never seemed to be able to shut up, desperate to impress him. Make him see them.
Little did they know someone else had already done that, and he was sitting right beside him now.
"Gin came up with it while they were playing one day," Rangiku explained softly. "And it just stuck. We've been calling her that ever since."
"Well, I think it's a very cute nickname." Sousuke reiterated softly. "Very endearing."
. . .
Gin smiled, and caught Rangiku beaming across at him and Sousuke. Oh no. No, no, no. He knew that look. She'd seen an opportunity to fish for more information about the two of them.
"So have you two lovebirds got any endearing nicknames for each other yet?" she asked, and Gin blushed scarlet. Even though he'd known it was coming.
But thankfully, Sousuke laughed and gently deflected the probing question. Once again saving him from the Rangiku Inquisition. "No, not yet I'm afraid." Sousuke said lightly. "It is still early days, after all."
Rangiku sighed, but relented. "You're right. I guess it's still too early for things like that..."
"Though I'm sure you'll be the first one Gin tells when we do come up with something." Sousuke added gently. "Right, Gin?"
"Yeah." Gin nodded, smiling. "Right."
The smile returned to Ran's face again, and Gin felt relief crash over him. Followed swiftly by tenderness. Sousuke had shielded him from the probing question and smoothed things over with her in a way that spared both their feelings. Now, if only he could think of some way to repay that, they'd be square.
Rukongai rats tended to despise owing people debts, after all.
And old habits died hard, slow deaths.
"Well," Sousuke said, "It's getting quite late, and I don't want to keep you both up, so I should probably head home..."
"Oh," Gin said, unable to help feeling disappointed. But then, he'd known Sousuke would have to go back home at some point. He just... he sighed. Swallowing the bitter taste in his mouth. He just didn't want him to. "Are ya sure ya don' wanna stay?" he asked. "I mean, it's real late, an' we have room..."
"Yeah, you're more than welcome to stay if you want. You wouldn't be in the way or anything. And I'm sure Gin wants you to stay." Rangiku added, and he felt a rush of love for her, too. For echoing his desires and expressing them far more eloquently than he ever could.
"You can sleep in Gin's bed," she suggested. Without a hint of teasing. And though the comment was tease-free, Gin couldn't help but flush pink again. Feeling far too awkward to say anything.
Sousuke however, seemed to think about this. And for one terrifying moment, Gin was certain he would say no, that he didn't want to stay.
"If you're sure I wouldn't be intruding," Sousuke said softly, "I'd like to stay."
. . .
Rangiku clapped her hands together and squealed quietly in excitement. But Sousuke's eyes were fixed solely on Gin, whose smile was brighter than the moon in the sky outside. Happy with the knowledge that this lovely night didn't have to end after all.
His own smile felt tired and halfhearted in comparison, though it was one of his rarer genuine ones, and expressed the same sentiments. But then, who could compete with his moon's brightness?
"Well, c'mon then," Gin said, springing to his feet, full of bounce. "I'll show ya where me bedroom is."
Sousuke just smiled warmly at him and followed. Cherry trotting at his heels.
. . .
Gin led Sousuke into his room and waited as he inspected the space and Cherry leapt up and walked in a circle, sniffing the cotton duvet before curling up ready for sleep, covering her nose with her tail.
"Well, this is cozy," Sousuke said, watching Gin noticeably relax when he saw the smile on his face, satisfied that it was indeed a genuine compliment of his sleeping space.
"Glad ya like it." Gin smiled.
Sousuke walked further into the room, taking in the soft pastel hues of the room. The blue of the walls... the oak wardrobe and bedside cabinet on which the red tulip sat in its vase... the bookshelf, filled with textbooks and light novels...
And his flower dictionary. Sitting beside the tulip on the bedside cabinet.
The very one he'd given Gin not too long ago.
He couldn't help but smile at the sight of it right there, within easy reach, possibly being thumbed through late at night or first thing in the morning by his lovely, darling Gin. And that now familiar warmth rushed through his chest again and spread through his body, warming even his toes and fingertips.
"Well, get comfy." Gin told him, changing into a clean sleeping robe and then opening the wardrobe. Turning back around to him holding one of the yukata he'd lent Gin before. "Here," he said, offering the garment to him, "Though' ya might want somethin' clean ta sleep in. or fer t'morrow."
Sousuke had to struggle to find his voice to answer that. It seemed to have gotten lost somewhere, probably in the horde of moths inside his stomach or in the melting ice sloshing about in his chest cavity and heartspace. He swallowed and dug deep, and managed an answer.
"Thankyou."
It was satisfactory, if not as self assured as he would have liked. But Gin didn't seemed to mind, so it was fine. In fact, Gin hadn't stopped smiling. Which gave the impression that it didn't really matter if it did sound weak.
He undressed and changed into the clean garment and climbed into bed beside Gin. Trying not to think too much on or feel too giddy about being in Gin's flat. Being in Gin's room. Being in Gin's bed. And instead tried to focus on Gin. Which was made so much easier when Gin snuggled up to him and lay his head on his chest like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like he belonged there. As if they'd slept together like this for decades. With Cherry curled at the foot of the bed.
He felt Gin sigh, perfectly content, and found himself wrapping his arms around Gin's body. Letting his mind and body completely relax. Letting his guard drop.
"This's nice," Gin murmured softly. Somewhat sleepily.
"Yes. It is."
He felt Gin shift to lie more comfortably, and heard the smile in Gin's voice as he spoke. "T'night was lovely. Thankyou."
Sousuke couldn't help but return the smile, though Gin couldn't see it from his current position. "It was my pleasure." he said, pausing for thought. Eventually deciding it was safe to admit the truth, or at least a small part of it.
"You know, tonight was the most fun I've had in... a very long time." he said quietly. Afraid that speaking too loud would shatter the fragile peace they'd found with each other.
"Ya know," Gin said softly, and Sousuke could swear he heard the smile in his voice again. "Me too."
"Mmm. We should get some sleep, though. It is quite late. Or very early, depending on how you look at it."
"Dependin' on context?" Gin asked mischievously, and Sousuke chuckled softly. Gin was definitely learning.
"You could say that, yes." he said, lazily stroking Gin's hair, finding it soothing. It really was a beautiful colour, too. The colour of moonlight.
"Mmm, tha's nice," Gin murmured, half drowsy with sleep now. "Keep doin' tha' til I fall 'sleep."
Sousuke smiled again, all warmth and softness. "Alright."
Gin sighed again, sounding about as content as he felt. And Sousuke let his eyes rest for just a moment as he continued playing with his Gin's beautiful hair.
"G'night Sou," Gin murmured sleepily, closing his eyes and getting ready to drift off. Sousuke would join him soon, though he intended to stay awake for a few moments more. Just a few moments more so he could enjoy watching Gin sleep in his arms, still not wanting the night to end just yet.
"Goodnight, Gin." he said. Letting his own eyes slowly close and his hands still. The last thing he was aware of before he followed Gin into sleep was that Cherry had got up and snuggled in between them. Nudging his hand with her cold nose until he settled it down on her back.
