a/n: Sesh's bedtime story chapter :) for real. She got the handwritten draft of this before bedtime. Which was like 4am her time when I was just starting my day.

Oh guys, also you can find me on ko-fi now! So if you like what I do you can go buy me a coffee! I'm real easy to find and under the same username there. Coffees are much appreciated. So go go, I need coffee! :D seriously though, funds will be used to keep me in caffeine, pens, paper, and supporting my illustrator [so I can stop freeloading off her fanart as lovely as it is] and also support my series Contributors.

Notes on chapter: Happfluffyshippy. Cherry! Photography. Ran being Ran. And one very lame innuendo.

Enjoy.


Chapter 24: Could it be Love?

Sousuke woke slowly, blinking his eyes open gradually as the natural light from outside gently tugged him into wakefulness. He shifted and stretched in the bed, bare feet brushing against the soft cotton bedsheets. There was a vague feeling of being in a bed that wasn't his own that he couldn't quite put his finger on... but that feeling passed as he recollected the events of last night. And took note of Gin sound asleep in dreamland next to him, mumbling in his sleep. Limbs wrapped around him like an octopus. As if I were going to even try to escape...

And Cherry too, squished between them.

He smiled softly. He could get used to this.

Beside him, Gin sighed contentedly, and Sousuke was struck with an urge to reach out and touch him. To let his hands and fingertips memorise every detail of his darling's face. But that might wake Gin up and shatter the fragile peace that had settled over him, so he closed his eyes again and quietly drifted off to sleep again. It was still quite early. He had a few more hours yet.

. . .

When he woke again, several hours later, he found that Cherry had squished herself right up against him. Face and paws pressed against his chest, snoring loudly. It was all he could do to not burst out laughing. Although a little snicker did escape him.

You are a funny thing, he thought. Gently stroking her fur, watching her ears flatten against her head at his touch. Clearly enjoying it. He smiled at her.

Gin moaned quietly in his sleep and slung an arm possessively over the both of them, and Sousuke couldn't help but feel happy. He could really get used to this.

He smiled at the two lovely creatures sharing the bed with him and watched Gin's eyes blink open and his face soften into an affectionate smile.

"Hey," Gin greeted him, voice softened with sleep. He returned the smile easily. Funny how I smile for you like never before...

"Hey."

Gin's smile grew more tender, and he knew that Gin could get used to waking up next to him, too.

"Sleep well?" Gin asked warmly, and Sousuke knew he really could get used to this, if this was what it was going to feel like.

I want you to be with me.

And I want to be yours. Every day like this.

"Perfectly." Sousuke answered. "You?"

"Same 'ere." Gin smiled. "'m still kinda tired, though."

"That's alright," Sousuke said softly, returning the smile. "We don't have to get up just yet. If you really wanted we could stay in bed all day."

He watched his lovely Gin blush at the suggestion, doubtlessly imagining all sorts of dirty things. He laughed softly.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Gin," he teased softly. "It wasn't meant like that. It was a perfectly innocent suggestion." For once. "I meant we could stay in bed and we could cuddle all day."

Gin frowned, not believing it for a minute. No doubt furious with himself for being so easily flustered around him.

"Ha, like you could be innocent." Gin sassed.

Sousuke's smile gentled. "When I want to be. The offer of staying in bed all day still stands. Though I may want to wrap my arms around you... and kiss you."

Gin's expression melted into a softer, surprised little smile. Poor Gin, still so adorably shy when it came to affection despite his earlier sass. So different from his usual type. Of course, he knew his Gin still had venomous fangs hidden underneath it all – he had to if he was going to grow into the role of a strong, confident shinigami, and his second in command – but for the moment, his darling Gin was all warmth and softness.

"Oh..." Gin gasped, as if he still couldn't believe it. "Y-you wanna kiss me?"

Sousuke smiled indulgently at him. Who wouldn't want to kiss you? "I've wanted to kiss you since you woke up.

Gin's smile widened, brightening up his whole face. No wonder you're my only light. "You can kiss me."

"Well come here then," Sousuke said playfully, "You're too far away."

Gin scooted closer to him and quietly pressed their lips together, moaning softly. Tongue pushing into his mouth for a deep, slow kiss.

"Ya know," Gin said, when he had to break away for breath. "I could get used ta this."

Gin's smile was so soft and dreamlike, and mirroring his own, he was sure.

"You know," he said gently, "I could, too."

Gin just widened his smile and kissed him again.

. . .

"You know," Sousuke said, after they'd curled up together again, Gin resting his head on his chest. "I think we should just stay in bed all day."

"Psh, you jus' don' wanna leave my comfy bed." Gin answered, his smile softening and tone playful.

"Well, Sousuke said, gently stroking Gin's hair. "There's a pretty good reason for that."

Gin tried to stifle a laugh. "Oh? An' wha's that?" he asked, playing adorably dumb.

Sousuke's smile morphed into a Cheshire cat like grin. "How about I show you?"

And with that he rolled over, pushed Gin onto his back and kissed him deeply. Carefully avoiding squishing Cherry.

"Let's just stay in bed," he purred. "Besides, I like cuddling you."

And of course at that, Gin turned the loveliest shade of pink.

Beautiful, he thought.

If we could stay together... I'll be happy.

. . .

Some time and much snuggling later, the pair of them ventured into the kitchen in search of food. Only to find Rangiku was frying up some breakfast for the three of them. The table was already set, and Gin gestured for Sousuke to sit down as he trudged over to the cupboard for the mugs. Cherry pranced in after them, digging into her own bowl of food hungrily.

"Mornin' Ran,"

"Good morning," she chirped. "Breakfast will be ready soon. I didn't think you two were ever going to leave that bed."

Gin couldn't help but flush pink at that comment and all it suggested, though he was grateful he had his back to Sousuke. But the smug grin Sousuke gave him when he turned around after calming down told him he knew.

"I... I don't know how you take your tea," Gin said. Something, anything to distract him from the colour of his cheeks.

"Milk with two sugars."

"Jeez, anyone'd think ya weren't sweet 'nough." Gin said.

Sousuke just laughed. "Well, no-one's ever said that to me before."

Gin turned back around, cheeks burning. Why did he say that? Was his brain not functioning today or something? Had this morning, last night and all those kisses eroded away his brain to mouth filter so much that he'd just start blurting things out without thinking? Damn it, even Ran was giggling at him. He poured the kettle and made their mugs of tea, just for something to focus on.

"'Kay, you can stop laughin' a' me now, I'm 'barrassed enough now." he said, setting the mugs on the table, leaving Sousuke's for last. He set it down carefully in front of him and took a seat beside him. Feeling very stupid. Why did they all have to laugh at him? It was bad enough everyone else mocked him... for his looks, how he acted, how he spoke... he didn't need Sousuke joining in.

He was interrupted in his brooding by the gentle touch of Sousuke's hand on his, the warmth of it thawing him through.

"Okay, I'll stop laughing." Sousuke said. "I'm sorry."

Gin glanced at him quietly. The man was smiling warmly at him again, but Gin didn't want to relent just yet. Sousuke sighed, as if searching for the right words to say to him.

"It's just..." Sousuke began, "You make me laugh with some of the things you say."

"Cuz they're stupid and I'mma fool?"

"No," Sousuke smiled reassuringly. "Because you make me laugh with some of the things you say."

Oh. Gin thought. He's laughing at my joke. Not at me.

"But if it makes you feel better, I won't laugh."

Gin at once felt small and terrible. Well damn. He hadn't meant it like that. He didn't want the man to stop laughing entirely. That smile and laugh was what he loved most about him. He'd only wanted Sousuke to stop laughing in what he thought was a mocking fashion. He didn't want this. And now the man felt bad for laughing... something he wanted Sousuke to be able to do freely. To express himself freely. Because Gin got the feeling Sousuke hadn't genuinely laughed in a very long time.

"Uh, no, I didn't want... I didn' mean it like... I don't..." Gin groaned in frustration at his ineptitude. "I don' wan' ya ta not laugh. I just..." he sighed, "Don't want ya laughin' at me. Like ever'body else does."

Gin glanced up from the table and found Sousuke looking at him softly. Like he understood what he was saying. Where he was coming from.

"I would never laugh at you," Sousuke said softly, gently. "I'll laugh at your jokes, but never at you."

Gin gasped quietly. "Oh."

"Why would you think I'd laugh at you?" Sousuke asked. And Gin struggled to find an answer for him.

"I dunno." he said. Because he really didn't know why he was like this. Jus' too used to it maybe? "Dunno why I'm like this."

But Sousuke just squeezed his hand, and he felt a little better. He even managed a small smile.

"I guess because you're just... you." Sousuke smiled.

Gin shrugged, still smiling despite himself. "I wish I were better, though." Wish I weren't me.

"Don't," Sousuke said, whispering into his ear almost. "You're perfect the way you are."

Gin had to smile then – really smile – heart filling up with fresh affection for the man. Though he had to wonder if Aizen Sousuke possessed some psychic mind reading ability. Because it certainly felt like he did. In answer to the man, he returned the hand squeeze and whispered, "Thankyou."

Shortly after that, Ran appeared and set a plate of pancakes before each of them.

"Well dig in boys, get em while they're hot."

In response they disengaged their hands on the table and picked up their cutlery, with Ran gently elbowing Gin as she walked past him to take her seat. "He's right you know," she whispered.

Gin just frowned and shoved the piece of pancake on his fork into his mouth. He was not going to give her the satisfaction of agreeing and admitting it. Even though she was always so infuriatingly right when it came to this sort of thing.

At least Sousuke was pretending not to notice though.

. . .

After they'd finished breakfast and the dishes had been cleared away, the three of them sat in the living room chatting away. Mostly it was Sousuke telling Rangiku what they'd gotten up to last night, tastefully leaving out certain parts that would doubtlessly embarrass his Gin too much. After which, the conversation turned to Cherry.

At the sound of her name, the little fox trotted into the room, tail in the air like the Lady of the Manor, and made a beeline straight for the sofa Sousuke and Gin were sitting on.

Gin smiled brightly at her. "Hey Che-Che, come sit!" he called to her, patting the empty seat beside him. But Cherry just looked at him and then at Sousuke, and then leapt up and settled herself by Sousuke instead.

Rangiku giggled. "I think you've got a new best friend," she teased him playfully as he sat looking and feeling awkward and amused as Cherry curled up on his lap again.

Gin just eyed the pair of them up and down in a way Sousuke hoped was approving.

"I think I've been dissed." Gin said, playfulness in his tone. Sousuke had to smile at that grin.

"It would seem so," he replied, softly stroking the fox's head.

Gin's gaze softened. "S'good, though."

"Indeed."

"Never seen 'er take ta someone so fast," Gin mused softly, as he was stroking the fox's soft fur. Sousuke pondered this for a moment as Cherry let out a heavy, contented sigh. Feeling a small smile tug the corners of his lips upwards. He didn't know what it was about her that made him feel so at ease, or Gin even. But he wasn't about to question it. Not when he really felt like he could sit with them forever.

The peace of the moment, however, was broken by Gin.

"Ran, what're you doing with that?"

Silence. Now this had him intrigued. Gin had said he couldn't get Rangiku to shut up. So the reason for this quiet was something he had to see. He lifted his gaze to see her, standing frozen like a deer caught in headlights, holding a large mechanical contraption. A camera, he recognised, having spent more than enough time in the world of the humans to be familiar with their technology.

"I wanted to take a picture..." she answered, somewhat sheepish as she lowered the thing. Her smile shy.

"Coulda jus' asked." Gin told her warmly. To which she smiled even more sheepishly.

"Oh, but I wanted to get the perfect snapshot of you two gazing lovingly at Cherry," she whined, "but you spotted me."

Gin shook his head at her, still smiling, and Cherry blinked her eyes open, alerted by the commotion. Wondering, Sousuke knew, why all their attention wasn't focused on her anymore. Sousuke smiled and settled his hand on her fluffy head.

"No reason you can't take another one," Sousuke told her, smile still stuck on his face. Because here was a perfect opportunity to have his time with Gin captured forever on film. "come here Gin, get closer, you need to be in the photo."

Obediently, and with a light pink tinge to his cheeks, Gin scooted closer so they were sitting right next to each other. Thigh pressed against thigh.

"This good?" Gin asked.

"Perfect!" Rangiku smiled.

"Wonderful," Sousuke grinned, turning his attention to Cherry, still sitting – well, laying – in his lap. "Do you want to be in the photograph, Cherry-chan?" he asked. At which the little fox perked up her ears and sat up ready to be a part of what was happening.

Gin laughed. "I'mma take that as a 'yes'."

"Alright," Sousuke said, lifting the little white fox up so her face would be in the frame with them. "As long as you sit still and be good." he told her, doing his best to sound stern.

Cherry just answered him with a nice big lick on the cheek. Which Gin openly snickered at. He tried to hide his own answering smile at the both of them and focused on just getting a good photo taken. He didn't pose for photographs very often, after all. Not willingly at least. So he needed to make this a good one.

"Alright," he said, putting an arm around Gin and pulling him close. "I think we're ready."

Rangiku grinned at him and readied her camera, pointing it at them and peering through the viewfinder to frame the perfect shot. Making sure to get Cherry's face in as requested. The little fox sitting on Sousuke's lap nicely.

"Okay boys, ready and... smile!"

They grinned at the camera, and she pressed the shutter, capturing them forever on polaroid film. She let the first photo print out of the camera and set it on the coffee table to dry before insisting on taking another one. Needless to say, several shots later, they were finally allowed to go. Not that Sousuke was complaining. He could have sat with Gin all day like this. But Gin was beginning to grow irritable, so it was probably best they stop.

"So did we get any good ones?" Sousuke asked, in an effort to distract Rangiku from taking enough photos to fill up a scrapbook. Which from what Gin had told him, she probably would do. Actually he wouldn't be at all surprised if she had one already just to document their 'romance'. Good god, he hoped not.

"Oh, I think we got a few good ones!" Rangiku grinned. Meanwhile Gin rolled eyes and muttered.

"More'n a few lookin' a that pile."

But Sousuke quietly shushed him. "Now Gin, be nice."

Gin frowned, still grouchy. But Sousuke turned his attention to Rangiku again. "May I see them?"

"Oh, sure!" Rangiku smiled, handing him the small pile of polaroids to look through. Sousuke smiled as he took them. Though he couldn't help but grin a little as Gin shifted closer so he could take a look, too.

"I like that one." Gin said softly as they looked through them. Stopping him as he was looking at a particularly lovely shot of him, Gin and Cherry-chan.

"That one?"

"That one." Gin echoed.

Sousuke smiled at the photograph. It really was nice. Not his favourite – his favourite was the one where Cherry licked his face and Gin had started laughing – but still, it was a lovely photo of the three of them. They looked almost like a family in it.

"Rangiku-san," Sousuke began, "May we have these?"

Rangiku smiled proudly. "Of course," she told them. "I took them for you, after all."

Sousuke smiled and nodded, selected his favourites from the pile to keep, and then handed Gin the photo he'd just said he liked. "Here, you can have this one."

. . .

Gin took the photograph off him, blinking in surprise.

"I... are you sure?" he asked, a little unsure. Why was Sousuke giving him this? Surely he'd want to keep the perfect photo of them for himself. Put it on his desk maybe. Gin could tell he wanted to do that. So it was a surprise to hear Sousuke offer it to him instead. A pleasant surprise, but still a surprise nonetheless. Ya think ya know a person...

"Of course I'm sure." Sousuke told him. "You did say you liked it, so you should have it."

Gin felt a gentle heat rush to his cheeks. "Oh." he said, finding it a little absurd that such a small gesture should touch him so much and send the moths that had taken up residence in his belly into a frenzy. "Thankyou."

He looked up to see the man's soft smile again and quickly glanced back down at the photograph in his hand. Unable to meet the intensity of his gaze. It was too much like staring into the sun.

"Don't mention it," Sousuke said softly, kissing him on the temple. "I just like seeing you smile like that."

This, of course, prompted a wider smile and more heat to rush to Gin's face. But for once, he didn't mind. In fact, he was already thinking of what kind of frame to put his new photograph in, so he could keep it beside his red tulip.

"So what do you want to do today?" Sousuke's voice interrupted his thoughts. Bringing him back to reality again.

"Oh," Gin gasped, forcing his mind to focus. Feeling suddenly awkward and shy again. Honestly, this was ridiculous. He'd already seen the man naked, there was no reason to be feeling this awkward. "Um, I guess we could take Che-Che for a walk," he said. "Be nice t'walk you home fer a change."

He heard Rangiku snicker quietly and felt like his whole face was on fire. God, this was not how he imagined things would go at all. But if Sousuke noticed his awkwardness, he didn't mention it.

"That sounds perfect," he smiled. "What do you think, Che-Che? Should we go for a walk?"

Cherry just answered by leaping off Sousuke's lap and running in a circle making happy little yips at them. And Gin felt all warm inside because the man had used her little nickname.

"I think we're going for a walk." Sousuke said, shooting Gin a happy grin. Gin just smiled, grateful the attention wasn't on him anymore.

"I'll get our shoes," he said.

. . .

They were walking through the park together, taking the long and scenic route to Sousuke's house when Gin broke the quiet between them. By laughing when Cherry kept running around Sousuke's legs with a big stick in her mouth.

"Yeah Che-Che, we see ya wit' yer big stick!" he called after her. Even though she paid him no notice. She never did when sticks were involved.

"Think she's tryin' ta impress ya," he nudged Sousuke, who just chuckled in answer.

"She might be," he answered, a soft smirk on his lips, "Though she must know I already love her."

Gin laughed at that. "I don' doubt it, she's clever like that," he said, with more than a touch of pride. "An' well... she knows I like ya so she prob'ly wan'ed t'make a good impress'n on ya." Gin shrugged. "So 'guess she's jus' real happy ya like her. Like I am."

Sousuke had to smile at that. In fact, he was smiling so broadly his cheeks were beginning to ache. "You like me?"

Kyouka snorted in the back of his mind. No shit, Sherlock!

Gin's response was kinder. His darling just laughed softly. "'Course I like ya," he said. "How can I not after yesterday? Ya gave me the stars fer fucks sake!"

Sousuke took a quiet moment to digest this.

Yes, Kyouka added. And because you were being yourself.

Sousuke smiled despite himself. Quite forgetting where they were when the warmth of Gin's lovely fingers in his shrank the world down to the space just around them. He returned the squeeze Gin's hand gave his.

"You were bein'... you." Gin added softly. "It was... nice."

That brought him up short.

He glanced across at Gin, who was carefully avoiding his gaze with the lightest shade of pink in his cheeks. Still so very shy around him – even after last night. Even though they'd already seen each other naked. But then, he supposed laying one's feelings bare and exposed was an altogether different kind of naked. One that Gin was still uncomfortable with. And one that he himself intended to avoid forever. After all, the name of the game was to get Gin to completely fall for him. Not get attached himself. Though Gin was doing his damn best to make it very difficult not to...

Although, if Gin was being like this with him, it meant he was making progress. If only the damn moths in his belly would settle down long enough to let him savour this little victory of getting Gin to show some warmth and affection towards him. That was, if it was genuine. It felt genuine, but with the lavender still sitting on his desk, he couldn't be sure. Did Gin have feelings for him? Did he have feelings for Gin, even?

The only way to be sure was to play the long game and hope for the best. And hope that his instincts were right.

"Yeah," he said softly. Recalling the night they'd shared together and unable to help smiling. Because it had been a nice little break from reality. And chessgame aside, he had felt happy then. He felt happy now, too.

"It was nice. I really enjoy spending time with you."

Just such a shame it has to end.

The dark whisper in his mind laughed, teasing him. But he made himself look at Gin, whose smile made it melt away.

"I'm glad ya think so," Gin said happily, beaming up at him and holding onto his hand tightly. And when Gin boldly leant up onto his tiptoes and kissed him, the whole world just stopped rotating. And Sousuke couldn't help but wonder what in the three worlds he was going to do without him. Because right now Gin was the only thing that seemed to keep the darkness away.

Yes, the voice whispered. What on earth are you going to do?

He shoved the question aside and silenced the mocking laughter by pulling Gin into his arms and kissing him deeply. Not even caring who saw. And Gin responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around him, kissing him with more passion than Sousuke thought existed.

. . .

They were brought back to reality by the sound of Cherry's barks. They broke apart to find her sitting there – giant stick chewed to pieces around her – expectantly waiting to continue their walk. Gin just laughed, undoubtedly feeling a little awkward he'd just essentially been cockblocked by his own pet.

"Alright, alright Che-Che, we're comin'." he said, sighing in exasperation. Then turned his attention to Sousuke again. "Guess we better get movin' before she drags us."

Sousuke laughed. "Has she been known to do that?"

Gin cracked a somewhat sheepish smile. "She's certainly tried." And Sousuke suddenly had an imageof the little fox holding Gin's clothes with her teeth and trying to drag him along while Gin laughed and humoured her.

What's that Che-Che? Lil Johnny fell down the well?

Arf, arf, arf!

"I can just imagine that," he said, amused to no end by the mental image.

"Well ya won't have to if we stay here." Gin told him. "But we can't spend all day in the park. C'mon, let's walk."

Sousuke let Gin lead him on, while Cherry yipped excitedly and sped around them as they walked. Laughing together at her as she chased several squirrels up trees. The voice still whsipering quietly inside his skull.

Whatever will you do? Because you know he'll leave you eventually. They all do.

Though he ignored it in favour of his pleasantly distracting companions. Because then he could pretend he was 'normal'.

. . .

"Well, this is me." Sousuke said, when they were standing outside his front door. "Do I get a kiss goodbye or would you like to come inside?" he asked, with a mischievous smirk. The meanng of which was not lost on Gin, who laughed, a little embarrassed at the unspoken suggestion.

"Well I would but, I don' think Cherry-chan will give us any 'lone time." he smiled, doing his best to stop laughing. "Maybe another time?"

Sousuke smirked again. "Well, you can come inside anytime."

Gin flushed pink and swatted him. "You behave!"

"Never." Sousuke smiled. Gin just shook his head at him.

"Well then, in that case," Sousuke said, "Do I at least get a kiss goodbye?"

Can I pretend I'm normal just a bit longer?

Gin's smile softened, although his cheeks were still very pink. He looked positively lovely. "If ya ask real nice."

Sousuke smiled back at him. "Then, may I please have a kiss?" Will you let me pretend I'm happy just a little bit longer?

Gin smiled gently at him. "Well, since ya asked so nicely, I suppose ya can have a kiss. Just one though. We now once ya start ya can't seem ta stop."

Sousuke chuckled. "I'll have you know I have excellent impulse control." he said smugly. "Though I will admit it is difficult to keep my hands off you."

The fading blush on Gin's cheeks returned with full force, and Sousuke wished he could take a photograph. But he'd settle for another kiss of those lovely soft lips and his sharp memory.

"Jus' shut up an' kiss me." Gin told him, all pink and lovely and trying not to be so embarrassed by scowling. Sousuke couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ah, now that I can most certainly do," he smirked, quietly snaking his arms around Gin and pulling him in for a mind melting kiss. Thoroughly enjoying the way his darling's lips parted for him, and the way his tongue tried to fight for dominance before giving in, and the way he moaned so softly and the way he tasted and... well, just everything about him, really. But most especially he enjoyed the way his lovely darling's arms bravely snuck around him to hold him close, too. So much so that when Gin finally had to pull away to breathe again, he felt a keen sense of disappointment. But Gin's giddy smile was worth it, though.

"Wow," Gin breathed, huffing a breathless laugh. "I'mma be thinkin' 'bout that fer a while."

Sousuke shot him a mischievous grin. "Want to try for 'all day' as opposed to 'a while'?"

Gin laughed breathlessly. "Yer hopeless."

"And whose fault is that?"

"Yours." Gin retorted. Though his face was steadily turning that lovely shade of pink again at the comment. He was just thinking about how cute Gin looked like that when Cherry started whining and barking at them.

"Ah, apparently we've been standin' still too long on walkie time." Gin elaborated, answering his question before he could even ask it.

"No' been payin' ya 'nough attention, ne?" he asked the fox, who just sat at his feet wagging her tail like butter wouldn't melt. Sousuke smiled down at her, but Gin just sighed and shook his head.

"So bossy," he said. Lifting his gaze up to Sousuke again. "Guess we better get movin' er she'll never let us hear the end of it." he sighed. "I did have a lovely time, though."

Aizen returned the smile, almost giddy at the tenderness in his darling's face. And the fact it was quite impossible to miss.

"Me too," he said. "I had the best time."

Best I've had in a long while.

Gin beamed at him, clearly pleased by this. "I'm glad," he said softly. "We should do it again sometime."

The smile absolutely refused to leave Sousuke's face. "Same time next week?" he asked. Trying not to sound too eager. And probably failing. Ah who cared? Gin was smiling at him. It didn't matter how he sounded.

"It's a date." Gin answered. And Sousuke could have burst with happiness. Not that he'd actually admit that to anyone. But still.

"Perfect!" he said. "I'll come pick you up then."

"Great!" Gin grinned. "See you then."

And with that, Gin surprised him by leaning up on his tiptoes again and kissing him softly on the lips. He was so surprised in fact, that it took him several seconds to recollect himself. Much to Kyouka's amusement.

Cherry yipped at them again, telling them to hurry up. And Sousuke couldn't help but feel a bit ridiculous at being told off by a little fluffy white fox.

"Yeah alright, we're goin." Gin told her, sternly. "Now shush."

Sousuke fought a snicker at the two of them and Gin turned to look at him again. "Byebye, Sou," he called out after he took a few steps down the path. "See ya next week!"

"Yes," Sousuke smiled. "See you then."