3. On Pets
When Gin was nothing but a ragged child hovering aimlessly in the Rukongai, he once came across a puppy, deserted and left to die by an owner who could no longer manage the expense of its care. His arms were full of stolen bread and his body ached from the scorching heat, but still he stopped mid-stride and stared, unable to tear his eyes away from the helpless little creature that sat obediently by the side of dirty, dusty road.
The puppy raised its head and he watched, transfixed, as a spark of hope lit and died almost instantaneously in its wide, limpid eyes.
Its tail wagged in a slow, sorrowful rhythm as it patiently waited for its owner's return, adamant in its refusal to believe that the one who was charged with its care, the one who had its complete loyalty, trust and love, would simply turn his back and walk away without so much as a backward glance.
Gin knew better. Even when Gin was nothing but a street urchin with open eyes and a lighter heart, he knew that one could not subsist on hope alone.
When the passage of time finally brought his predictions to bear, the other children cried and the adults shook their heads at how cruel the owner was, to betray something so sweet and loving - the adorable little puppy who never did anything wrong to anyone to deserve such a terrible fate.
Gin stood stock still with neither tears in his eyes or words of censure on his lips, because he understood in its harsh entirety the necessary demise of the innocent, guileless creature that everyone, including its owner, adored but could not save.
Now, when Gin is everything as a powerful captain of the Gotei 13, he observes with interest the stark familiarity of the situation before him. He watches every expression and action from the little girl who has taken his place by Aizen's side - and though he has things to do, places to be, he is unable to tear his eyes away from the eager young Shinigami who follows his captain around Seireitei, this cute young thing with irresistable liquid brown eyes that speak of an innocence pleading to be shattered.
Gin stands in the distance as she smiles brightly and says something to her captain, and from across the courtyard he hears Aizen laugh - a genuine, clear ringing sound that he has never heard in all their years together, not even when they discuss the plans that have been entrusted to him alone.
Gin knows that Aizen trusts him implicitly, but suspects that Aizen's affection for Hinamori is far superior to any emotion that his captain has ever and will ever hold for him. The older man's ambition knows no bounds, but not even Aizen can deny how endearing the pretty little vice-captain can be, with her shining eyes a window to an unblemished soul.
Gin watches from the rooftops as she falls asleep at her desk, watches Aizen carry her back to her room, her head lolling on his shoulder and her arms wrapped lightly around his neck as he walks slowly through the corridors. His subordinates exchange amused glances as they approach but say nothing, respectfully making way for sweet, hardworking little Hinamori-fukutaichou and their kind, caring captain.
Aizen's pet, they all call her - not out of derision, never that with Hinamori - but rather it is the perfect analogy, how Aizen dotes on her, how she follows with undying loyalty and devotion and stars in her eyes.
Aizen sees all this and loves every second of it, Gin's sure - relishes the attention and savors the power, the tantalizing hold that he has over the undeniably attractive and almost unfairly talented young woman that would do anything for him. But the more he watches, the more Gin is convinced that Aizen genuinely adores her. Gin stands in the distance and watches his successor's every move, watches his captain come alive, and does not envy one bit the girl who has accomplished what he never could.
Gin sees more than he lets on, and is not surprised in the least when she meets a kinder fate than the little puppy that she so resembles.
The Shinigami will wail and sniff, Gin's sure, because for all their years of collective experience, the minds of the Gotei 13 are no different than thoseof the children Gin left behind in the Rukongai so many years ago.
Gin watches his captain stare down at the fallen Hinamori and recognizes the disappointment his captain feels for being unable to save her, appreciates the mercy that his captain has shown by killing her in one swift stroke as he held her in his arms, understands that this is the reward bestowed upon the only one who has ever touched the heart of he who will one day rule the world.
It is a dangerous thing to be loved by Aizen, he muses, as he casually strides past the remains of she who could never understand.
Characters: Gin, Aizen, Hinamori