Chapter One:
Betrayal was something that didn't bother Ichigo in the slightest, since meeting and becoming privy to Aizen's true identity, betrayal was something he had merely come to accept and understand. Whole heartedly.
He disliked Tōsen's ideals about justice, the man was as corrupt as the God he swore fealty to and was twice as cold-hearted. He was, however, a fantastic teacher and Ichigo did respect how the man tutored his prodigy, Hisagi, although it was painfully obvious that the Fukutaichou would never betray Soul Society, even for the sake of making his Taichou proud.
Curiously, he found Gin's company far more welcoming and enjoyable. The silver haired male was as sly as a fox and as deadly as a snake, but he had an excellent sense of humour. It had taken a while for Ichigo to adjust and understand when the man was making a joke, his humour was dark and sarcastic, witty but misunderstood most of the time. He knew how to push the boundaries while never quite stepping out of line.
Ichigo had been encompassed into this fellowship of traitors during his years at Shino Academy. Aizen had poached him, and he had been proving his loyalty ever since. Ichigo had even been brought into the fold concerning certain elements of Aizen's plans, including the plans concerning a particular artefact created by Kisuke Urahara.
Fascinating and terrible as they were, he was surprised by the risks involved in Aizen's plans; while everything was plotted perfectly and to the letter, the man seemed to leave an awful lot down to chance. Ichigo couldn't quite decide if that was because of the excitement and thrill, or simply because Aizen liked the challenge.
One such chance, was the idea that Gin and Tōsen wouldn't kill each other before his plans were completed.
"Why go to the trouble of bein' all proper in a fight, when ya can just stab 'em in the back?" Gin whined, slumping in his seat as he appraised the other Taichou from under those ever closed eyelids.
"It is dishonourable to attack your opponent from behind," Tōsen stated, dreadlocks barely moving as he turned his head, "Not that a man like you has any honour to defend."
"Aww Tōsen! Why do ya have to be so mean to me?"
Ichigo rolled his eyes as the two bickered like children, leaning against one of the many bookshelves in Aizen's office, awaiting the arrival of their leader so the meeting could begin.
Aizen's message had been urgent, requesting the immediate presence of all his subordinates to discuss their next move. And being the loyal subordinate he was, Ichigo had arrived early. He had learned early on that Aizen was a man of impeccable punctuation and insanely high standards. He expected the best, he expected perfection. Ichigo was determined to provide that.
He glanced around as the door opened to reveal the cinnamon haired male, his eyes were wide and warm behind square glasses – the best article of his facade. As soon as the door slid shut and was locked, the falsities were dropped, eyes growing narrow and dark, cold and detached; full of calculation and menace. It drove a shudder down the strawberry's spine, though the case was exhilaration rather than the fear he should have felt at the sight.
"Ah, I see you have already arrived. Excellent." Taking a seat behind his desk, the man poured himself a cup of tea, allowing the beverage to stew as they fell into a stiff silence, awaiting the next words from the man's mouth.
Ichigo folded his arms, shaggy locks framing his face as he hoped for positive news, a new mission, a new task. Anything to break away from the mediocrity of maintaining his own pretence of friendship with the others in the Division.
"How is your Bankai coming along, Ichigo?" Those brown eyes were fixed on him suddenly, over the brim of his cup.
"Progressing slowly," he answered with a grumble, "I have reached a point of calling Zangetsu into a fully manifested form but... Beyond that things have been difficult. Even with your teaching, the Old Man just isn't willing to give me what I need."
"I see," the brunet sighed softly, "It is a pity, it would be a great help if you were able to use Bankai... But it will simply take a little more time. If you are already able to manifest, I am certain it will not be too much longer."
"I hope not, it is frustrating to have it so close, but for it to be just beyond my grasp." The younger man clenched a fist.
There was a long, stagnant pause while Aizen sipped his drink again, chocolate eyes flicking between his three accomplices in a scheming manner, seemingly considering his next words carefully. None of them dared break the silence, even Gin who was usually playfully poking at their leader by now was still.
Standing slowly, Aizen removed his glasses and held them aloft in thought, "I have discovered, quite by chance, that Byakuya Kuchiki suspects me of being somewhat less than trustworthy. I am unsure how he has managed to reach this conclusion however it is likely he will begin to investigate my actions soon, if he has not already begun to do so. That woman, Yoruichi, taught him well after all."
"Ne, Byakuya-san is a clever one, he sees more than he lets on." Gin commented, "What do ya plan to do, Aizen Taichou?"
"It seems a wise choice to place a mole in the Division, to monitor his investigations and suspicions, someone I can trust." He replied, eyes instantly flicking to Ichigo's face, "Are you ready for such a task? It will be dangerous, you will have to guard yourself and your actions carefully."
"Of course." He straightened instantly, hands falling to his sides, "I'd be honoured."
"Excellent, I will fill in the necessary paperwork, you can deliver them later today." Aizen announced, smirking widely.
Gin tilted his head, "How will we conceal the true purpose of the transferral? Everyone knows, Ichi-Berry is a good boy who loves workin' under ya, Taichou."
"Easily," the brunet waved a hand dismissively as he sat back down, "Only this morning Kuchiki put out an application for a new squad member with seated officer experience. It is most unfortunate, however, I believe their Third Seat was viciously killed yesterday morning."
"Such a coincidence." Ichigo murmured, fingers twitching as he recalled the adrenaline of fulfilling that particular order.
"Indeed." Aizen stared at the strawberry for several moments, "Of course, as Gin so rightly suggested, everyone knows you are a loyal subordinate who loves working for me-"
"I said 'under' ya, Taichou." The silver haired fox said in a sing-song tone.
The brunet sighed, "I am aware, I was simply trying to avoid embarrassing Ichigo with your crude innuendos."
"I wouldn't bother... They're mostly on point anyway." Ichigo said bluntly as he raised an eyebrow suggestively at his superior.
"Indeed they are." Aizen smirked at him knowingly, clearing his throat after a brief pause, "As I was saying, you shall have to make this believable, the last thing I want is for you to come under scrutiny as well. You will have to play the role of a lifetime."
"Don't worry, Aizen Taichou, I can be very convincing, when I have to be."
"Oh I am aware of it." He breathed.
Gin's gaze moved sightlessly between the two men, chuckling behind his sleeve, "Shall Tōsen 'nd I leave ya to say your goodbyes in a more... Horizontal position?"
"No, there will be no need for that, Gin." The man responded, his expression heated as he looked at Ichigo, a silent statement that there would be a time for such activities later.
It was just an hour later, after listening to the rest of Aizen's most recent plans and ploys, that Ichigo found himself stood outside the gates into Division Six. His gaze searching the vast walls surrounding the grounds, which were littered with elegant and old cherry blossom trees, a statement of the Kuchiki household's presence.
Upon giving the guards his reason for being there, he was admitted entrance and began a slow walk through the barracks, searching for the Taichou's office.
Division Six wasn't very different to Division Five, the layout; the buildings; the Shinigami. Everything was pristine, tidy and organised within an inch of its' life. Similarly to his home Division, there were no loitering subordinates to be seen, no one was anywhere without a strict purpose.
He passed the training grounds on his travels, there were two areas for fighting, both fenced off to contain the conflict within. One was significantly larger than the other and currently packed with people, which somewhat explained the lack of Shinigami wandering around the Division. He had heard that Kuchiki was something of a slave driver; now he was seeing it first hand.
Ascending the small hill at the centre of the beehive like area, he passed the office that would usually belong to the Divison's Third Seat, smirking to himself once again as he recalled the reason for it being so dark and empty in there currently. He continued higher, passing the Fukutaichou's office, sensing the abundantly familiar reiatsu of his childhood friend, Renji Abarai.
Sighing at the idea of having to maintain his facade for more extended periods of time, thanks to his so called best friend being the Division's second in command, he trudged the final few steps up to the Taichou's office, hearing voices coming from inside. Undoubtedly, Kuchiki and Renji himself.
"After yesterday's shocking discovery, I am more certain than ever that Aizen is more than he appears to be, I am positive that the person who applies to fill the post will be from Division Five. So depending on who it actually is... We may need to watch our backs, Abarai." Byakuya's stoic voice carried through the wooden door, making Ichigo's lips twitch.
Renji's baritone followed, "I agree completely, Taichou, but I'd still like to bring Ichigo in on this... He should know what sort of man he is working-"
"I know he is your friend, but we cannot risk it. If even a drop of information reaches Aizen, my investigations will be over before they have even begun. The needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the few." The Kuchiki heir's interruption wasn't rough, it was seemingly more filled with concern than annoyance.
Amused by just how strongly the Taichou felt about the situation, he resolved himself to begin his own part in things as swiftly as possible, it was paramount he be able to given Aizen as much information as possible. He knocked curtly on the door and waited to be admitted, flashing a recognisable smirk at Renji as it turned out to be he who opened up.
"Kuchiki Taichou, Abarai Fukutaichou, I'm sorry to intrude." He bowed his head curtly before pulling his application form from inside his shihakusho, "Aizen Taichou sent me to deliver this, I am to apply for the position of your Third Seat."
He approached the raven haired man unwaveringly, holding eye contact as he passed over the rolled sheet of paper, stepping back as he awaited the noble's verdict. His eyes never strayed, even as he sensed Renji trying to get his attention, frankly, he wasn't interested.
"I had, of course, been expecting some forms to return from the other Divisions, however yours is the first and only so far." The Taichou allowed himself to read through the impressive recommendation from Aizen, "Everything seems in good order. I do have one question however."
"What is that, Kuchiki Taichou?" The strawberry feigned curiosity.
The raven haired man glanced up at him, eyes narrowing slightly, "Currently, you are only a Fifth Seat, in Division Five. This will be quite a leap, both in terms of the responsibilities you will be expected to adhere to, and your personal power. Why were you put forward as the most suitable candidate for this position?"
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, he'd expected several questions but this wasn't one of them; momentarily taken aback he considered a careful reply, something believable, "In truth, I also questioned Aizen Taichou's choice at first. However, he has always shown a lot of belief in me and my abilities, even back when I was in Shino. I'm diligent, loyal and willing to work hard. I also have one thing that my Fourth and Third Seats do not..."
"And that is?"
"Well..." He hesitated and finally allowed himself a peek at Renji, the redhead looked interested as well as slightly nervous, he wondered if that was to do with the conversation he had overheard previously, Ichigo then let out a small breath and returned his attention to the man in front of him, "The ability to fully manifest my Zanpakutō."
"No way!" The redhead immediately exclaimed, "You've only been working on that for a matter of months, you can't be that close already!"
"Enough, Abarai." Byakuya said firmly, shooting a glare at him, "That is impressive to say the least, Kurosaki, I notice it says in your notes that Aizen has been teaching you personally. He must indeed see something great in you."
Ichigo could smell the displeasure in the other man's voice, keeping him from becoming suspicious was going to be a harder task than he originally anticipated. But he hadn't failed Aizen yet, now wasn't going to be the start of that slippery slope.
There was a stagnant silence through the office, Byakuya clearly assessing the situation like the tactician he was; his eyes glanced over the application in his hands once again before he seemed to make a decision, and stamped the bottom corner of the form with his Division's insignia.
"Welcome to Division Six, Ichigo Kurosaki. The former Third Seat's room will be prepared for you by tomorrow, some of his possessions still need to be taken away before you can move in. Everything will be ready for you to begin your new duties in the morning, if that is convenient?"
"Absolutely." Ichigo bowed to the man but took the time to look him straight in the eye, "I will look forward to working under you, Kuchiki Taichou."
The raven's eyes twitched momentarily, as if detecting the subtle innuendo in his words. Any surprise was swiftly hidden behind his facade of dispassionate coldness, "Likewise. Dismissed, Kurosaki."
With a curt nod, he left the office, taking a deep breath as he kept the smug smirk from smearing its way across his lips like it wanted to, walking eagerly back through the Division. Now that he had successfully begun his task, it was time for that goodbye with Aizen.
"Yo, Ichigo wait up!"
He groaned inwardly and looked over his shoulder, seeing a bundle of scarlet hair heading his way, Renji had followed him, "Did you need something, Renji?" He asked as warmly as he could manage.
"I just wanted to catch up, we haven't spoken much since graduation... I've barely seen you in fact." The man trailed off momentarily before grinning, "So, how are you?"
"I'm fine." Ichigo replied simply, before backtracking as he remembered he had to be believable, "Things have been... Busy. Bankai training takes a lot of time. How about you? How's life been since becoming Division Six's Fukutaichou?"
"I still can't believe you're at full manifestation already... You've always been a fast learner but Bankai is meant to take years and years of study..." Shaking his head, his friend fell into a comfortable stroll beside him, "I've been good. There is a hell of a lot of responsibility, and the paper work is a nightmare. But... It's nice to be respected. I enjoy working with Kuchiki Taichou."
"Even though he took Rukia from you once?" The strawberry snorted.
"Well, things were tense for a while, no joke. But we worked through it. Things are better now, he sees me as a person and not as a-"
"Dog from Rukongai?" He interrupted, raising his eyebrows, "You do remember when he called you that right? I don't think I'd forgive him..."
Renji tensed and his jaw tightened, "Like I said, we worked through it. He's nicer to Rukia now as well."
Ichigo had to refrain from snorting, unable to process the idea of Kuchiki being nice to anyone, barring his own reflection, "Well, I guess that's something."
"Besides, Rukia isn't well at the moment, she's got some kind of flu... Really low reiatsu and stuff. We're taking it in turns to look after her." The redhead murmured thoughtfully.
"Well, I guess it's a good excuse to spend time with her again." The strawberry mused, sighing inwardly, "I'll see if I can pop in and see her sometime this week."
They fell into a comfortable and unstrained silence. Renji couldn't help but watch Ichigo, noting how much he had changed from the kid he'd grown up with. The way he moved and held himself. He was almost like a different person entirely.
They had met in Inuzuri just over twenty years ago as kids, and ended up going to Shino together, Ichigo had been willowy but flexible; able to wriggle out of the tightest scenarios with his proficiency at hand to hand combat. He was shy, but refused to be bullied. Bashful, but bold when he had to defend himself. He didn't make friends easily at all, he was the kind of guy who never seemed to be really interested in the people around him, disconnected even, and it didn't make him the easiest person to be around.
But now... Ichigo stood tall and proud, his form muscular and firm; he was strong, those almond shaped chestnut eyes were one of the only things that had remained the same, never showing real warmth or empathy, they were dead. Where plainness had once resided, it was replaced by a heated attractiveness that drew interest wherever he went, long lashes and shaggy orange coloured hair, no matter what Ichigo did, his hair always drew attention.
Renji sighed, his Taichou had noticed Ichigo as well. It was impossible not to really. They had both made an impression on the Kuchiki nobleman when he had adopted Rukia. Had it not been for Ichigo's chilled determination to ensure that Rukia be allowed to finish her studies like she wanted, instead of being immediately graduated they would have lost the demure woman from their lives completely.
Ever since his own transfer to Division Six, Renji had been aware of Byakuya's silent intrigue. Their working relationship had been strained at first, but he wanted to believe he had earned some of the man's respect. During the few personal conversations they had ever shared, Renji had come to realise that his Taichou's interest in Ichigo wasn't purely professional. There was lust there too. Byakuya Kuchiki wasn't used to people standing up to him, and Ichigo had done nothing but that during Rukia's adoption. But... His Taichou was an honourable man, never one to breach the like of leader and subordinate.
Unlike what he had heard about Aizen. Hinamori had told him so many things, whispered conversations, disturbing details about Ichigo's relationship with the Division Five Taichou; they still sent chills down his spine to imagine his best friend entertaining Aizen's diabolical sexual fantasies.
Okay, so he didn't know for sure that Aizen had diabolical sexual fantasies, or if Ichigo was really entertaining them. But Hinamori had made some disturbing connections, ones that he had so far not passed on to his Taichou through fear of what he would make of them.
It was juddering really, had his own Taichou not begun to suspect something was off, Renji would never have begun to see the coldness in the eyes that so often seemed warm behind those glasses. The smiles that were just a little too wide, the offers of help that were just a little too generous.
"You have been staring at me on and off for about fifteen minutes, Renji. Should I be afraid for my own safety?" Ichigo said suddenly, looking at his friend with mock amusement.
The redhead jolted and flushed, "N-No! I was just thinking... About how much you've changed since we met in Inuzuri." He admitted.
"Huh..." He snorted, "I was a pathetic runt back then."
"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, we were all pretty weak back then." Renji sighed softly, patting his friend on the shoulder, "Tell you what, why don't we go out for a drink tonight. We can invite Rukia, I know she'll want to come even if she's feeling rough, to celebrate your promotion!"
"As nice as that sounds, Renji, I'm afraid I must decline." He replied as they reached the gates to Division Five, "I have a prior engagement. But we can go drinking anytime, and seeing as you're my superior now, I expect you to pay." He smirked.
"What was I thinking... You haven't changed at all."
"See you tomorrow, Renji." Ichigo winked and headed inside quickly.
Renji stared at the space Ichigo had occupied seconds before and sighed heavily, "A prior engagement huh?" He shook his head, pretty sure that if Hinamori's rumours were true, that prior engagement was with Aizen. He just hoped that Ichigo knew what he was doing, and wasn't otherwise embroiled in that man's darkness.
Ichigo perched on the edge of Aizen's desk, resting back on his hands as he gazed at the brunet who's hands were wandering so teasingly up and down his thighs, his lips parted slightly as he sucked in gentle pants, cheeks dusted pink with desire.
"So, Kuchiki believed the reason for your transferral, yes?" Aizen asked.
"Of course," the strawberry replied breathlessly, "Although, before I went into the office, I overheard the pair of them talking... He had already guessed you would send someone to apply, though he didn't assess that it would be me. I think Renji's belief in me, and our friendship, is masking the possibility that I would betray them."
"That's very good." He glanced up at the face of his subordinate, "Continue your friendship with Abarai at all costs, if it conceals your true purpose from Kuchiki then it will be most useful in the weeks to come."
"Yes, Taichou." He responded mechanically.
"Excellent. With that out of the way, I do believe we agreed upon a more horizontal farewell, did we not?" Aizen was on his feet and leaning over the smaller man, fingers abandoning his thighs in favour of digging into his hips, holding him tightly, keeping him still.
"Yes, I believe you did mention something of the sort." He watched unflinchingly as those glasses were removed, and as hair was pushed back out of his face, the sight making his heart thunder all the faster.
"Mm, indeed I did."
