Chapter Eleven:
Ichigo stood stiffly in front of Aizen's desk, watching the man cautiously as he sifted through some papers still lingering on the woodwork. Not a word had been spoken between them since he had been led away from his current Taichou; the silence made him slightly unsettled but nothing he couldn't control and conceal.
"Where have you been?" Aizen broke the silence first, not looking up from what he was doing.
"The World of the Living." He replied plainly.
"With Kuchiki?" The disapproval was audible, "What was it this time?"
He was eternally grateful for the pills Urahara had given him, he was certain that without them he would currently be breaking into a sweat, "We had an urgent mission, a Hollow appeared and we went to clear the area. Kuchiki Taichou was injured in the fight and we were forced to seek shelter so I could attend to the wounds."
"This is the second time you have gone on a mission with him, without first informing me." The brunet finally lifted his gaze, there was no warmth in those eyes, just calculation and coldness.
"It wasn't planned on either occasion." He was telling the truth technically, "I apologise that I wasn't able to relay some message to you, but honestly, I didn't have a say in the matter."
"Hm." Was the only response.
Ichigo swallowed, watching as Aizen slowly rose to his feet, stepping around the desk towards him; a hand came up and rested on the top of his head, ruffling his soft orange locks, it threw him, that sudden tenderness. It wasn't something he was used to from Aizen.
There was something in his eyes that was deeply uncomfortable, Ichigo recognised it to be akin to the kind of looks the man gave Hinamori. With a jolt, his hands shot out to deflect the blow aimed for his gut, wincing as a strong hand wrapped around his wrists and twisted him, pushing backwards over the desk.
"I'm impressed, there would have been a time when you'd never have seen that coming." The brunet murmured, breath gently rolling over the shell of the younger man's ear, "Apparently, Kuchiki has had something of a positive effect on you, at least as far as your training is concerned."
Gasping slightly, Ichigo twisted, trying to free himself despite knowing it was useless, "You didn't think I had been sat around doing nothing, did you?"
"I had wondered, after all, you've not delivered any new information for some time..." The man trailed off, feeling him wriggling beneath him.
"It's been difficult, he's become very cautious of what he says... I have to be careful or he will shut me out completely." He grunted, swallowing as he felt a hand sliding up the inside of his leg.
"I see." Aizen watched his reactions carefully, "And, what happened yesterday? I sensed the pair of you in Rukongai, shortly before your reiatsu became somewhat... Temperamental."
Ichigo swallowed, peering up at him from the corner of his eyes, he could see the genuinely curious expression on his face and quickly considered what would be safe to respond with, if Aizen had gone to the trouble of sensing them that far away from the city, he would undoubtedly know exactly where they had been, "He took me to Fugai."
The older man's eyes narrowed at the response, "Why there?"
"It is the place I have the earliest memories of, you know that... I've told you my story before." He licked his lips, "I'd mentioned it in passing to him and he took me back there to... Talk."
"About?"
"He suspected me of killing his Third Seat." The strawberry said calmly, before continuing swiftly, "I was able to convince him of my innocent in the matter, but we clashed."
"There was panic in your reiatsu." It was a simple comment, but an observant one.
The Third Seat hesitated, closing his eyes and letting out a breath, "I had a... Very brief moment of panic, that is true... But I quashed it. It will not be happening again. I am still fit to do my duty."
Aizen tilted his head slightly, hand still grazing his thigh thoughtfully before he released him and stepped back, "I didn't believe you were even equipped to feel panic... How did a man like Kuchiki rouse that from you?"
These questions were getting too in depth; he straightened and looked around at him, rubbing his wrists carefully, "Well, he was close to the truth for a while, it took a lot of persuasion to convince him otherwise."
"I see." There was something in the other man's expression which spoke volumes, and Ichigo felt himself quiver inwardly, but the moment passed and Aizen gripped his chin firmly, "It is getting close to the time when we will make our move, Ichigo, but we can't risk it until I am aware of everything Kuchiki knows so far..."
"I know, I'll try harder." He whispered, swallowing at how close the other man's face was to his own.
Thumb brushing the bottom lip of the younger man, the brunet smirked softly, "I know you will. Things are growing urgent, and because of that... I am going to give you permission to do whatever it takes to get the information out of him."
"Whatever... It takes?" He repeated uncertainly.
"Indeed," Aizen closed the distance between them and pressed a lingering kiss against those lips, "You are an attractive man, Ichigo, I am certain Kuchiki is aware of that as well. Use it to your advantage."
The bottom nearly dropped out of his stomach, along side the desire to flinch at that kiss, Aizen was giving him permission to break the rules, to seduce Byakuya for information. He would have jumped at the opportunity not long ago, he'd never been oblivious about the attraction the noble held, but now... It was complicated. He found himself in the position of respecting the man, of believing in him, of trusting in him.
Not that he had any plans of giving Aizen information anymore, but the mere idea that the man was willing for him to go to such lengths was... Surprising.
"I will do whatever it takes, Aizen Taichou." He breathed.
"Good." The brunet smirked a little wider, his thumb dancing across Ichigo's lips again, "But before you do so, I think I should make the point of ensuring you know who you truly belong to."
Their lips clashed in a heated flurry of movement, Ichigo winced as he felt the clutch of Aizen's fingers around his face holding him tightly, so much so that he couldn't move. His back struck the bookshelf as he was pressed against it, the length of Aizen's body coming to rest against his. He felt fingers tugging at the sash around his waist.
There was a heart thundering moment when Ichigo realised exactly what was happening, he'd never imagined having to deal with Aizen sexually so soon after deciding it was necessary to maintain appearances. He closed his eyes, sucking in a breath. He had to rely on the modified Gikon, he had to believe Urahara knew what he was doing.
He hated the fact that his length hardened in response to the brunet's touch, his back arching despite his heart screaming in protest. A moan was sucked from his lips as Aizen's hand slipped within his hakama and circled the growing ache between his legs. It was tormenting, his body wanted but his mind didn't. His mind was submitting though. Protests silencing themselves in the wake of throbbing arousal.
But just as soon as the interaction had begun, it stopped and Aizen pulled away with a mild look of annoyance crossing his face. A second later, there was a knock on the office door. Ichigo took the opportunity to correct his clothing.
"Forgive the intrusion, Aizen Taichou!" The familiar voice of Ukitake left Ichigo feeling unbelievably relieved, watching the door open to reveal the white haired Taichou, "Oh! Ichigo-kun, I thought I sensed your reiatsu."
"Ukitake Taichou, it's always a pleasure." The strawberry inclined his head respectfully before glancing at Aizen, "Should I..."
"Yes." Was the blunt reply, buffered only by the warm smile it was presented with.
Ichigo said his farewells to the two men and fled Aizen's office, sliding the door shut behind him and allowing a small breath to escape. It stuck in his throat as he realised just how close he'd come to having to face Aizen's insatiable sexual appetite. His body was still aching from the arousal, but it had dulled enough that he could concentrate again. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve, the feeling of disgust now roused by the man's touch was almost too much to contain.
Now that he was out of sight of his former Taichou, he felt his shoulders sag somewhat, head falling forward as he began a slow walk out of his former Division, eager more than ever to return to his new home, though reluctant in the same breath.
The moment he crossed that threshold he would have to go and speak to Byakuya and tell him what had occurred, he wondered if he could omit the part where Aizen had tried to instigate something, considering everything he knew now the idea was embarrassing, even more so when he considered how he used to look forward to their... Intimacy.
He shivered, and was grateful to the control given to him by the medicine Urahara had synthesised for his use.
It was strange really, when he had been naturally devoid of emotions he had never believed he was missing out on anything; he had been content with where and what he was; content as Aizen's subordinate, content as Aizen's stress reliever, content as a traitor.
Everything was different now, he kind of missed the freedom of show fear and panic, as well as the warmth he'd experienced when Byakuya and he had stayed up talking the night before, repressing those feelings, no matter how terrifying they were when they hit him, made him feel like he was lacking something. He knew he'd never settle for being Aizen's underling again, nor his favoured method of relaxation, nor as a traitor. He wanted more.
Ichigo stopped outside of Division Six, glancing up towards where he could see his Taichou's office, even over the walls it was visible thanks to the hill it was situated on, he let out a small sigh as a gentle breeze fluttered through his hair.
"I wonder if you know how much of a difference you've made to me." He breathed, he was smiling on the inside, even if his face currently couldn't show it.
With a sudden spring in his step, he decided to hunt Renji down and ask if he wanted to go for that drink in Rukongai, maybe they could invite Rukia if she was up to it, as well as some of their other friends, Kira; Hisagi; Hinamori and Matsumoto. He was sure they would wake up tomorrow with raging hang overs and get scolded by their superiors, but it would be worth it to spend some time with them, now he finally understood what it was like to feel like he had friends. Even if he couldn't show them yet, he wanted to make the effort.
Later that evening, Gin watched from the shadows as the abstract group of Shinigami pottered their way out of Seireitei and towards Rukongai, his own Fukutaichou among them, though his eyes were trained mostly on the berry haired man in the middle of the group.
Outwardly, Ichigo seemed no different to normal, but the mere fact that he was joining the group was out of the ordinary. He couldn't recall the last time the young man had accepted the offer of joining his 'friends' for drinks, and even more interestingly, Izuru had mentioned it had been Ichigo's idea.
With a crack of Shunpo, he arrived in Division Five, knocking on the office door of his former Taichou and letting himself in with a silent wicked grin.
"Gin." The brunet said from behind the desk, writing up various reports which had been neglected through the day.
"Aizen Taichou." The silver haired fox responded, leaning against the wall as he watched him, not saying anything for several long minutes.
Sighing, Aizen lowered his pen and looked up, "Are you here to annoy me or is there something you wish to say?"
"Eh..." He seemed to think about it before speaking again, "Did ya notice anything strange about Ichi-Berry?"
"What do you mean?" There was another sigh as he rested his chin on the heel of his hand, mildly agitated by the other man's unexpected presence.
Tipping his head curiously, Gin moved closer, "I mean... I know he was here earlier, did he seem his normal self to ya, Aizen Taichou?"
Slowly sitting back and taking in what his subordinate was asking, he came to the conclusion Gin wasn't trying to annoy him but was genuinely interested, which made him want to question why. He considered his earlier conversation with the strawberry and replayed everything over in his mind, on the face of it he wanted to say that Ichigo had been utterly normal, but upon taking a closer look a few things did stand out.
The Third Seat had seemed disinterested in his sexual advances, barely even responding to being forced over his desk; he'd been evasive when answering questions and hadn't entirely maintained eye contact like he normally would. Despite showing no emotions on his face, his body language had been reserved, like he really didn't want to be there. Not to mention the look he'd shared with Kuchiki upon exiting the Senkaimon.
"Not entirely, no." He replied finally, "Why do you ask?"
"Ne, I thought as much." Gin touched his fingers to his lips in thought, "I've been followin' him today, keepin' out of sight for the most part. 'Nd right now he's in Rukongai drinkin' with Abarai, Hinamori, and a few others, accordin' to Izuru... It was Ichi-Berry's idea to meet up."
Aizen nudged his glasses up as he listened, "What are you suggesting, Gin?"
"I'm not sure, but somethin' clearly ain't right with him at the moment... Did he tell ya what happened yesterday?"
"Partly. Apparently, there was a spat between himself and Kuchiki but... Admittedly, I struggle to believe such a thing would have had an effect on his reiatsu as he claims..." He trailed off, frowning deeply, "Keep monitoring him. If he continues to act differently I want you to report back to me straight away. Make sure to keep your distance, I don't want him realising he is under suspicion. You may leave."
"Of course, Aizen Taichou." The man bowed and turned to leave, lingering by the door for a long moment, "Ne, Taichou... What will ya do if it turns out he's turned on ya?"
"You may leave, Gin." Was his only response.
Aizen waited until his subordinate was gone and slowly got to his feet, pacing near the window for several long minutes. Gin's question had struck a nerve, and the silver haired man probably knew it as well.
If Ichigo really was turning on him it would mean years of work and dedication washed down the drain, it would be a waste of enormous potential, and more than anything else it would be a massive risk to his plans. Ichigo was aware of almost all of them, such was the level of trust he'd placed in the young man's loyalty.
Out of all his subordinates, Ichigo was the one he trusted the most, marginally due to the fact that if the young man couldn't feel he couldn't be swayed by guilt or temptation. That meagre fact left him wondering what the hell would sway the strawberry haired Shinigami away from their cause.
With a growl he came to a single conclusion, "Kuchiki."
Ichigo swayed under Renji's weight, half carrying the man back into Division Six; he turned and waved casually to Hisagi, Matsumoto and Rukia as they made their way back to their own Divisions. Kira had left them when they'd passed Division Three, and Hinamori when they'd passed Division Five.
The pleasant buzz of one too many drinks made Ichigo's head feel warm and fuzzy, his body not feeling entirely like his own as he lurched his way towards Renji's room, planning to drop the redhead off before retiring as well.
It had been a good night, and he was surprised by how happy his friends were for him to spend time with them, even if he was still as anti-social as always, they simply seemed happy to be able to meet up and let off some steam together. What surprised him more, however, was just how happy it had made him as well.
Successfully unlocking the Fukutaichou's living quarters, he hefted the practically dead weight inside, grunting as Renji seemed to grow even heavier the closer they got to his bedroom, and it was while balancing Renji one on side and trying to fight the bedroom door open with his elbow that the fiery redhead suddenly jolted in an unexpected motion, tilting Ichigo off balance.
The pair crashed to the floor in a heap, with Renji flopping very inelegantly on top of his friend, the impact seemed to rouse the redhead a little more from his drink induced doze and he blinked blearily at the strawberry beneath him.
"Whatcha doing on the floor, Ichigo?" The Fukutaichou grumbled, eyelids heavy and clearly close to sleep again.
"Oh ya know, just fancied chilling out." He replied dryly, "Get off me you lump and go to bed."
"Such a misery guts, even when you're plastered." Renji staggered to his feet, wobbling on the spot.
Rolling his eyes, he too stood back up, the room spinning very slightly, "Renji?"
"What?" The man asked, sliding his sandals off as he headed for the bedroom with renewed finesse.
He paused, smiling faintly, "Thank you."
That caught Renji's attention and he looked over at the strawberry, looking startled at the expression on his face. For the first time in his life, he could see warmth in those chestnut eyes, "I-Ichigo?"
Ichigo couldn't quite bring himself to deny the smile, instead hastening for the door, "I'll see you tomorrow!"
Hurrying out before his friend could say another word, he closed it behind him and bolted towards his own room, dashing inside and locking the entrance behind him, swiftly taking his new medication and swallowing hard. He hadn't even meant to smile, but maybe the alcohol made the pills wear off faster. Either way, he was sure Renji was drunk enough not to remember come morning.
Grabbing a glass of water on the way to the bedroom, Ichigo gulped several sips down before flopping onto the comfortable mattress of his bed, arms and legs sprawling out as he buried his face in the pillows, releasing a relaxed sigh as sleep quickly took him and he sank into fitful dreams.
