Disclaimer: If I owned BLEACH Ichigo would have grown up in Soul Society but then Soul Society wouldn't be the Soul Society we love and hate but rather…and uber tastic out of this world planet with half naked males running around every where. Smirks. But as it stands fact is fact and my name is not Kubo-sensei.
Warnings: AiIchi, dialogue, language, spelling, punctuation, run-ons, characterization flips, etc etc…
Dedication: The uber talented BonneNuit!
Shades of Orange Part 7
Tell me About Your Self
Last time…
"We're going to a winter garden. Renji is already waiting at the entrance gate."
"Winter garden?"
"Oh it's so pretty Kurosaki-kun, reminds me of a snow fairy world."
Right so they had woken him up bright and early to go to a winter garden with fairies.
Yippee!
()()()()()()()
And why oh why did they have to dress up in bunny costumes in order to enter this oh so magical garden?
And why oh why did they have to scale the walls and climb the gates?
'Bunny Ninjas' Rukia had called it.
()()()()()
(Aizen)
Deep brown eyes followed the 4 bunny figures climbing the Victorian cast iron gates.
"We seem ta have some intruders."
"Should I let the dogs out Aizen-sama?"
"No. Let's just wait and see what they plan to do."
And now…
(Rukia)
Rukia liked to do things her way.
When she had agreed to go along with Renji's plan on confronting Aizen the two-timing jackass—she felt that they should go in with a sort of certain flair. Let the man know just how serious they were.
Nii-sama had really had gone over the top this time. Insuring both her and her friends immediate safety by supplying them with built in suction cups in the soles of the uber-tastic-too-cute-to-almost-be-bunny- sandals designed by the one and only Ishida.
He had also supplied Rukia and her team with standard gear typically used for swat teams.
Nii-sama knew a lot of people including a real life swat commander.
And even though she highly doubted that Aizen's security team would start shooting at them, one could never be too careful.
Still in the end she wound up leaving all of the real weapons in the trunk of the car.
Besides the hot pink water guns were way more fun to play with.
And matched perfectly with her bunny ears.
()()()()()()()
(Ichigo)
He was happy that the worst of it seemed to be over.
But seriously who the hell came up with the idea to have guests nearly break their backs among other things in order to enter the uber magical fairy garden?
Even with the suction cups, he had slid and nearly lost his balance a few times.
Why do I let her talk me into these things?
Finally that final leap and his feet met solid ground.
But now Rukia was signaling for him to crouch down.
So he did and then crawled towards her, "Psst Rukia!"
"What?"
"Why are we sneaking into this place? Didn't you say it was kind of like a theme park of sorts?"
"Well not exactly."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well it's not exactly open to the public I mean—
"What! You mean to tell me that you woke me up so we could break in to someone's garden? Why?"
Rukia eyes danced with mirth "Oh Ichigo you poor naïve little boy, it should be obvious where we are and why we have come here."
What did she mean by that?
And why was Inoue giving him that look?
"Everything will be alright Kurosaki-kun. We're just here to ask Aizen-san a few questions."
"Questions?"
Just what the hell was going on?
"You mean you really haven't figured it out?" Renji's hand fell on his shoulder "Ichigo, man we're here because of that bastard Aizen, the guy totally scrambled yer brains and we're here to put a stop to it."
Oh not this again!
"Scrambled my—look Renji this is getting ridiculous. Let it go already. It happened to me, not you and besides its not like the guy raped me or something."
"Might as well have, in a sense he raped your mind."
"Ugh oh please would you just—look let's get out of here before we—
"Greetings Peter Cotton Tail and friends."
That smooth baritone. There was no way Ichigo could mistake that voice.
It could only belong to one man. Aizen. Well of course it was Aizen. Inoue, Rukia and Renji had just told him that they were here on Aizen's property in order to well—lecture him? Threaten him? What exactly did they plan to do to the man?
Inoue wasn't a violent person. And although Rukia had a slight temper at times she would never get physically violent unless given a legitimate reason but Renji on the other hand—
"Look guys even if Aizen did to something to me that night, its not like I was seriously damaged or anything. Besides you know me, how I was raised, if I really need to I can defend myself a—
"No offense Ichigo but you don't understand a damn thing about obsessive and controllin' men."
What the hell? Did Renji think he was suddenly some sort of expert just because he got fucked a few times?
More than anything, Ichigo felt irritated.
'I should've just taken Grimmjow up on his offer and gone camping—or called up Kenpachi and crashed at his place. Why the hell did I go to Rukia's? Ugh I am the King of dumb asses!'
"Look Renji, Rukia, Inoue I appreciate your concern, really I do but I think we're blowing things way out of proportion here. I mean with the exception of that one dream Aizen hasn't contacted me once."
"Yeah as far as you know. No offense Ichigo but you're like an idiot when it comes to matters of hard core lust, you only think that night was spur of the moment when in actuality it was prob'ly orchestrated."
"Oh come on now you're just—
"As amusing as it is to watch all of you cluck like hens in a pen I'm going to have to ask you to drop the weapons and remove your rabbit masks.
"Damn it! See I told you we should've worn the heads."
"The heads are not as cute and besides I look cute in a mask."
"What should we do Kuchiki-san? Aizen-san sounds kind of angry."
"Calm down Inoue, despite being a lying bastard, Aizen is not some wild ruffian. I'm sure he will simply ask us to reveal ourselves and then have one of his underpaid servants escort us off his property."
Inoue bit her bottom lip but removed her mask when the raven-haired female offered her a reassuring smile.
"Fuck that shit! We're not leaving until that bastard unwraps himself from Ichigo's mind!"
"Shh! What the hell is the matter with you? You can't just go shouting out accusations like that!"
"But Rukia you're the one who—
"I said Aizen had a secret lover. I never said anything about him taking control over Ichigo's mind. If anything he's taken control over Ichigo's heart and that I cannot and will not allow. But take off the damn mask already. I won't have you botching up the plan."
"Secret lover? Taking over my heart? What the hell—
"Please don't cry Kurosaki-kun," Inoue wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close "I'm sure all of this is a big misunderstanding, you'll see how wonderful a man Aizen-san truly is and then—
"Wonderful? No offense Hime-chan but are those garish sea blue clips in your scalp cutting off the circulation in your brain?"
"Shut up Renji!"
Rukia smacked the red head over the head with her mask.
"Me? You're tellin' me to shut up? What about—
"I will not ask again. Remove the masks."
"Oh here Kurosaki-kun let me help you with that."
Ichigo bit back a snarl when one of Inoue's nails scraped his cheek a bit.
"I'm sorry." She lowered her eyes and then pulled away from him.
"It's fine Inou—OUCH! What the hell Rukia!"
"Stop being such a baby. I barely grazed you."
He glared at her.
Another tug and the mask came free.
"You women are so damn violent, I swear you'd lead a guy to his grave at the rate you're going."
"We can't speak of funerals until after the wedding Abarai-kun."
"Wedding? What the hell are you talking about Hime-chan?"
"Well if Aizen plays his cards right and dumps the trash then I will give him my blessing to marry Ichigo."
"What? What the hell is wrong with you? Ichigo is not gettin' hitched to that bastard!"
"Well not for awhile. He has to work his way back up to that point but I see no problem w—
"Have you two lost it? Ichigo doesn't want to be wed to a guy like that a—
"Well at the moment, no but once Aizen-san comes to his senses and gets rid of that platinum slut we can all celebrate."
"Platinum slut?"
"Ah Kuchiki-san I don't think it's fair to call one of Aizen-san's companions a slut I—
"The man was giggling like a school girl Inoue, of course he's a slut!"
Ichigo honestly didn't know what was going on anymore.
Nor did he really care.
He cleared his throat "Look I'm sorry about breaking onto your property like this but we can just leave and you can forget any of this ever happened and mph!"
Damn it why did Renji have to be such a—
"Listen up asshole I've never seen your slimy face but when I do I'll beat y—OW!"
"Idiot!" Rukia rolled her eyes at the stupid redhead and then focused her attention on her orange haired friend "Look Ichigo we just want to talk to the man. Find out what his true intentions are."
"Rukia if the guy has a lover, then he has a lover. It has nothing to do with us. So I think we better leave before we wind up in jail or something."
"Don't be ridiculous. Now follow me."
()()()()()()
The raven-haired beauty was all set to ring the door bell when..
Much like an uber creepy and over the top cheesy haunted house, the door opened on it's own…
Well not exactly but there was a young blond boy on the other end
One of his hands reached out and pulled Rukia inside right before slamming it shut.
Ichigo blinked
WTF?
He banged his fist against the door and shouted out
"Rukia!"
"Kuchiki-chan is perfectly safe I can assure you. Even though you are the ones who have crashed into my home unannounced, no harm will come to you or any of your friends, my sweet apricot."
"Apricot? What the hell is that like some kind of pet name he gave you Ichigo?"
He concluded that Aizen was near by because the man's voice came out of the loud speakers crystal clear.
Ichigo chose to ignore Renji in favor of addressing the man. It would be so much easier if the man were standing before him because at least then he wouldn't have to constantly clear his throat and shout.
"Look I'll say it again, I'm sorry for trespassing but if you'd just let Rukia go, we can forget it ever happened. Hell we'll take it one step further and forget that night ever happened."
There was a silent pause and then…
"Are you absolutely positive that this is what you want Kurosaki Ichigo?"
Why did it sound like the man was toying with him? Why did it sound like—?
"Come inside and have a cup of tea and Wonderweiss will release Kuchiki-chan."
"You bastard!" He pounded harder on the door "RUKIA!"
"Shut up you idiot! I'm fine. Just watching Wonderweiss-kun's little magic show. He's really quite talented. Inoue come inside and see."
"Ooh I do love a magic show but wait are you going to be alright Kurosaki-kun?"
Ichigo didn't know what to think.
Rukia's voice reached his ears once again but it was not him she was addressing.
"Renji go around to the back of the house. I told the chefs how much you enjoy food and they decided to make you something extra special."
The redhead looked ready to jump at the mention of food but then came to his senses "Hell no! They probably poisoned it. Now it's all becoming perfectly clear. That bastard is gong to kill all of us off and then turn Ichigo into some mindless sex-slave!"
"Um Abarai-kun I don't think—I mean we just heard Kuchiki-san's voice. She seems perfectly fine."
"That's what they want you to think Hime-chan."
"No I really don't think—
"Inoue don't listen to that stupid ape standing beside you, come inside and join me."
"Um alright Kuchiki-san I'll um come inside."
Inoue stepped up to the door in the exact same way Rukia had done. A split second later it opened and a hand reached out and pulled her inside before slamming it shut.
"Ichigo, man what are we gonna do now?"
"Renji if you don't move your ass right now I'll tell you know who about what you did to his you know what."
"Ah but Rukia I—
"Just go."
"But Ichigo man I mean are you going to be alright?"
"Do I look like a delicate little girl to you?"
"Well sometimes but t—OW! FUCK! What the hell man?"
"Just go eat or something. I'll handle Aizen."
()()()()()()()
"One cup of tea and then you are free to go."
()()()()()()
Of course there had to be a catch. There was always a catch.
It would almost be comical except Ichigo really wasn't in the mood to laugh.
On the plus side Aizen was looking well—kind of cute in his plush white morning robe and matching slippers. His hair wasn't coifed like it had been on the night when he met the man. It was messier, wavy bangs brushing along his forehead. The large square glasses the man was wearing gave him a less intimidating, more approachable look. His eyes were warm and—
"Are you not enjoying your tea Ichigo-kun?"
Ah the tea. Yes well there was nothing wrong with the tea—except for the fact that it had been poured into a cup that was large enough to be a soup bowl.
What did the man expect him to do? Ask for a straw?
He wasn't an expert in etiquette or fine dining but he was pretty sure drinking tea with a straw was better suited for a—
"Yer seem ta be a bit lost there Ichi-chan, are ya not familiar with drinkin from such a large tea cup?"
The silver haired man with a fox like face. Ichigo wondered if this was Aizen's 'platinum lover' Rukia had mentioned earlier.
If this was Aizen's secret lover then shouldn't the man be irritated instead of friendly with him?
"Yer have ta speak up if you want something Ichi-chan."
Ichigo scowled. "My name is Ichigo."
"Ichigo as in number one guardian?"
It seemed that the dark skinned man sitting at the other end of the long table was the most normal one in Aizen's household—he'd only said a few words but something about him seemed almost father like and Ichigo decided that he liked the guy.
The orange haired youth lifted the cup to his lips and sipped the tea slowly, careful not to spill.
It worked out pretty well.
"Didn't mean ta offend yer pride Ichi-chan. Just tryin' ta be friendly. We don't have company over fer breakfast very often."
Ichigo took a few more careful sips from his ridiculously large tea cup and the looked up to find three sets of eyes trained on him.
Rich chocolate brown, blood red rose and milky violet.
The milky violet eyes were a little unsettling. When Ichigo had first spotted the dark haired man he had thought the man to be blind but when the man's' eyes had narrowed directly at him he concluded that he was quite wrong.
And quickly averted his gaze and bowed his head,
"Yer seem ta bee a bit wary of us Ichi-chan. Why?"
Why did Aizen's silver haired lover keep talking to him? It just didn't make any sense.
"It's smart of you to be wise, Ichigo. For one can never be too careful especially around 3 strangers he just met."
Yes he was definitely liking the dark-skinned man—didn't sound right calling him that—he must find out the man's name.
"I didn't catch you name."
"This is Tousen-san he has a son of his own which is probably why he has taken quite a liking ta ya Ichi-chan."
He felt a little annoyed but at the same time the silver-haired man was kinda growing on him.
"And you are?"
"Gin but you can call me Oji if yer want ta."
Erm what?
"Well Tousen-san, Gin-san I was taught to always be on guard."
"I bet that's not all yer were taught eh Ichi-chan?"
Ichigo nearly chocked on his tea,
"My, my yer seem ta have swallowed a but too much tea. Would yer like me ta come over there and give ya the Heimlich?"
"No," cough cough cough "I'm fine."
Gin cocked his head to the side "Yer certain? Because yer lookin awfully red around the cheeks and—
"I said I'm fine!"
He hadn't meant to get upset but—
"What a temper, yer have given me reason ta spank ya Ichi-chan."
Ichigo's face flushed.
"Yer'd like that though wouldn't ya?"
"You-you—" he trailed off and just concentrated on sipping his tea. The quicker he sipped the sooner he could leave.
"Right now you're thinking 'what have I gotten myself into?' Who are these men and what do they really want? Are my friends really okay?"
At last at last Aizen decided to speak again.
Ichigo looked up meeting those familiar pools of dark brown—oh it might have been a couple of weeks or so but he had not forgotten—
"I am the same man you met that night in the taxi, the two men sitting at the other end of the table are my loyal companions/business partners, Ichimaru Gin and Tousen Kaname. They insisted upon meeting you when I invited you in for tea. I can assure you that despite his comments Gin will not lay a hand on you and Kaname, as I am sure you have already concluded views you in the way a father views a son."
"But you don't even know me—none of you do!" Ichigo stood up and continued "For all you know I might just be some punk who is distracting you while my friends knock out your servants and run away with all of your riches."
It sounded stupid even to his own years but—
Aizen chuckled in amusement.
"Finish your tea. And then you can continue telling us about your big bad friends."
The man was mocking him.
Bastard!
/Well course he's mockin' ya King. Ya come in here shouting out threats and demanding that ya friends be released and then ya turn around 10 minutes later and act like ya came here as part of some big elaborate scheme to rob the man./
/Oh just—it's your fault! You confus—
/I confused ya? Ya are so full o shit King!'/
/Shirosaki y—
/Shut up and drink ya tea idiot! If these guys really wanted to harm ya, you'd already be tied up and whipped.'/
/'Must you be so /
/Don't go gettin' all snappy at me just cause ya are feelin like a total dumbass now.'/
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
()()()()()
"Look I'm sorry I just—I normally don't act that way. I just—it's been a long week, long month really but I guess I'm just kinda cranky."
/Shit! Why am I apologizing to these guys?/
/It's the right thing to do King now finish it off by offerin' each of em' a blow job before ya officially depart/
/Where the hell do—Damn it Shirosaki, you're my inner conscience but I swear I must be partially possessed by some perverted demon or something because every five minutes you-/
/I'm not ya conscience King. I'm ya split personality, the side that ya hide.'/
/Why can't you be of some use to me? Help me think of a way to rescue Rukia and the others./
/If ya really were all that concerned about Rukia and the others, ya wouldn't be sittin' here sippin tea and blushing like a virgin bride. Just take some of my advice for once King. Forget about ya insecurities and enjoy!/
/Ugh! You are of no help to me at all. You're just a—
"Apology accepted Ichigo-kun. Now how about some breakfast?"
Breakfast? The last time Ichigo had breakfast Kenpachi had forcefully shoved pancakes down his mouth and—
"You really should say yes Ichigo. It is not wise to turn down an offer from Aizen-sama."
On second though maybe Tousen wasn't such a likable man after all.
The way those pale eyes narrowed—well Ichigo nearly pissed himself this time.
"Course Ichi-chan will join us fer breakfast, we're having strawberry blintzes."
()()()()()()()
(Aizen)
He couldn't have wished for much more. The way both Gin and Kaname had quickly warmed up to the boy—Aizen was above and beyond pleased.
He certainly hadn't expected to see the boy and his friends drop in this morning—but he wasn't going to complain about it.
Au contraire
It was a pleasant surprise. He had originally intended to let another week pass and let the boy continue on with his life as normal, before moving in to make his move but—
Well now that was no longer necessary because just as he had known all along—the boy had come to him.
And before the boy had agreed to come into the house for a cup of tea he had a little chat with Kuchiki Rukia.
The young woman had witnessed his little outing with Gin and immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion. But once he had assured her that he and Gin were not romantically involved just close companions she let it drop. And almost instantly changed her tune.
Ichigo has been looking forward to seeing you again Aizen-san. He's just shy and couldn't come out and say it. But I, being one of his best friends understand what he wants and needs.
I take it you dragged him here today then?
Dragged is such a strong word, more like I made him believe we were going somewhere else.
Ah.
Yes so um I just have one more thing to add
Yes?
The other night when he ran off well it seems he met someone
And?
And well I think he enjoyed himself. Ishida didn't give out too many details but—
You needn't go any further Kuchiki-chan, I understand and I thank you for telling me
Please don't be angry with Ichigo. He's new to this whole scene
Is he?
Yes but he's not an idiot or a delicate flower so you better not even think for one second that you can manipulate his feelings
While it is true that I have only met the boy once I like what I saw and I don't intend to change it
Good. It may not be easy but out of all of Ichigo's suitors, you've got my vote!
I'm glad to hear it. I will expect your help when the time comes to pick out the bridal gown
The young raven haired woman giggled
I look forward to it
And the rest of your friends?
Inoue already adores you and as for the others? They'll come around.
When you say other suitors just how many?
The young woman's eyes danced with mischief
Ah see I can't tell you that, it would be cheating
Would it now?
Mm hmm but I will tell you one thing Aizen san: In order to catch the berry, you must be ready for anything.
He smirked
I do love a challenge
Mm and I love it when a man is determined to win!
Careful Kuchiki-chan, I might misinterpret your flirty eyes and compliments to be something else
Hmm it is I who am flattered Aizen-san but alas I am also quite smitten with some one else. If things do not turn out well with Ichigo, hit me up in 10 years or so
Things will work out better than well
Will they now?
A pause
And then a shift, eyes growing hard
If you break his heart I will break your jaw and everything else you hold dear
I do not set my sights on just any one Kuchiki-chan
I know. I realized that from the moment we met but what kind of friend would I be if I didn't interrogate the man who intends to sweep the berry off his feet?
Point well made.
Exactly. Now go to your berry.
I shall
Her voice was teasing now
Do not disappoint me Aizen-san
Please there is no need for such formality Kuchiki-chan, you can call me Sousuke.
No I am afraid I cannot for you see it would be too weird to call you by your first name. I feel that it is far too intimate and only Ichigo should be the one to call you that.
Perhaps you are right Kuchiki-chan but let's keep this between us.
Of course.
"Tell me Ichigo-kun have you ever been to a ballet?"
"Once when I was 6, a friend of mine was in the Nut Cracker."
"Did you like it?"
"It was alright I guess. All the twirling was bit much for me but," the boy shrugged "Whatever floats your boat."
"Did you perform on stage Ichi-chan?"
It was quite clear that Gin was enjoying himself. Making the boy blush several lovely shades.
This breakfast couldn't have been any better if Aizen had planned it.
()()()()()()()
(Ichigo)
Was he doomed to be teased for the rest of eternity?
Apparently so.
"My old man wanted me too, said it would teach me balance and grace," Ichigo ate a few bites of food and then continued, "Thankfully my mother hadn't permitted it."
"From the sound of things it seems like your mother makes all of the final decisions."
"She does but that's only because goat face is too busy being an idiot."
"You shouldn't speak ill of your father Ichigo."
"Don't get me wrong Tousen-san, I love the idiot but-
"But?"
"Oh stop getting so defensive Tousen-san, Ichi-chan is not callin' you a bad father."
"I am well aware of this Gin but I still don't think it is right for a child to speak about the man who raised him in such a disrespectful way."
"Yer a good father Tousen-san but not every one has a good father. My pops spent most of his time drinkin 'stead of payin' attention ta me and I still turned out fine."
"What does that have to do with anything? Look all I'm saying is—
"Ichigo-kun they are going to be at this for awhile, why don't you and I continue our conversation in the upstairs library?"
"There's no need to do that Aizen-sama, I need to be going anyway."
"So soon Tousen-san but we're bondin'"
Milky eyes narrowed to slits "If you wish to continue recounting the days of our youth Gin, then you are free to accompany me."
"Where?"
"I am grabbing a few things from the office and then I am continuing on to my intended destination."
"And what destination might this be?"
"You are free to come along and find out." Tousen rose from his chair "It was nice to meet you Ichigo. I hope that you will visit us again."
"Oh he will in fact before this day ends I betcha Ichi-chan will never want ta leave us."
"Uh well I—
"Yer cute when you stumble ov'r yer words Ichi-chan. Tousen-san and I will be back shortly."
"Gin, Kaname?"
Both men turned their attention to Aizen.
"In the top right hand drawer inside my desk you will find a package. See to it that it is delivered today."
"Yes Aizen-sama."
()()()()()()()()
Ichigo didn't get it. He just didn't understand—
"Something on your mind Ichigo-kun?"
"Those two, they—
"Gin and Kaname are polar opposites but their relationship is more like an older and younger brother. They bicker and irritate one another but when the time to defend one another comes, they do so with out even thinking about it. As for why they address me as Aizen-sama? Well the answer is quite simple: Everyone living under my roof is by default under my command and therefore they are to address me as Aizen-sama, Aizen-san or Otousan."
"You have a kid then?"
"I have many children but only one of them is under the roof at this time. It is her winter vacation, she will return to boarding school at the start of January."
"Oh right well I guess I'll be going then."
"That is not an option."
"The hell it isn't! Look I said my apologizes, drank your stupid tea and ate your damn breakfast and now I am taking my friends and we getting ou—
"What are you so nervous about Ichigo-kun? Are you afraid that just by being in my presence you will lose control over yourself again?" A smirk "I'm flattered."
"Y—you stop doing that!"
"Doing what exactly?"
"That smirk thing."
"Does my smirk thing as you call it really bother you that much?"
Oh Ichigo was bothered all right. Hot and bothered,
And the damn bunny costume damn sure wasn't helping.
"It's just—" He adjusted the fabric a bit "I can't think when you're looking at me like that."
"You're the most appealing thing in this dining hall right now. Why would I want to look else where?"
The hell was wrong with him. He'd dealt with this man once before surely he should have built up some type of immunity to that smirk, to those eyes—
He was such a fool!
What the hell had he been thinking?
Did he honestly believe that the man was different just because his appearance was slightly altered?
"I'm not a thing!"
"Oh?"
"Asshole."
"I'm sure you have a lovely one."
Ichigo felt the red rising to his cheeks.
He wondered was it possible for one to die from humiliation?
"Don't say things like that! Why is it that every time I come across some one it has to be a pervert? Where the hell are all the normal people."
"You have a lot of admirers then?"
A snort. "Stalkers, admirers, perverts you name it, hell even my best friend who is in a relationship expected me join him in a threesome the other day."
Why was he telling the man this?
It was none of Aizen's business.
"Oh and did you enjoy it?"
"I didn't do anything you sick perverted old fucker!"
Okay perhaps that last out burst was a bit over the top but—
"Such language. I am not old but I certainly do like to fuck."
Hearing such a dirty word coming out of this man's mouth well—
/That's right King, come out of that denial, get on ya hands and knees and beg the 'dirty ole' man' to take ya right here on the table./
/Shut up Shirosaki! Fuck—
/Is exactly what ya'd be gettin' plenty of if ya would piss ya pride out the window and climb into Aizen-sama's lap.'/
/Don't call him that! He's Aizen or the bastard, not Aizen-sama!/
/Oh come pn King just who do ya think ya are tryin' to convince. Ya ass was made for poundin'/
/Right and next thing I know you'll suggest that I contact Kenpachi and Grimmjow and invite them over-/
/Hey ya are the gang bang princess berry boy after all so-/
/Shut up! I was pissed off that nigh! I wasn't really going to bend over and-/
/Oh it's just a small cherry King, ya probably won't even feel it./
/Renji said-/
/He's an idiot and probably doesn't know the difference between a fuck and FUCK, NGH GIMME MORE!/
/You—damn you! I swear you're such a pain in my ass!/
/Once Aizen-sama is through will ya, you'll have a few more pains in ya ass!/
/Argg I—JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP!/
"And was this friend of yours and his girlfriend disappointed when you declined their offer?"
"He has a boyfriend and they were both a little disappointed but—Ichigo reached for his tea cup and took a few sips "Chado and Ishida aren't like all the other perverted idiots out there. They respect my wishes and leave it at that."
"Why exactly did you decline the offer? And are you involved with some
one else?"
"Even if I was what business is it of yours?"
"I am interested in you and I like to be well informed about the other competitors."
"Even if there were other competitors—what would you care? I'm sure one of your "business partners" could give you plenty of—
"Gin and Kaname are friends and subordinates, nothing more, nothing less."
"Are you sure about that?"
"If Gin and Kaname were anything less than what I expected them to be, they would not be in my company or under my roof."
Company?
So maybe the man was fairly normal after all.
/Gettin' bit excited are ya King? Lovin' the idea of some major corporate leader taking you over his expensive—
/Fuck off!/
"How exactly does that work anyway? I mean it's a big mansion, I get that but three men and two kids under one roof? Isn't that a bit—
"Odd?"
"Well, yeah."
"I can assure you that there are no immoral or unethical practices going on under this roof."
"Hn, well whatever I'm leaving now."
"You did not answer my question."
Ichigo shrugged and stood up "Chado is like a brother to me and Ishida well—anyway thanks for breakfast and all b—oof!"
How the hell had the bastard moved so damn fast?
The orange haired male struggled to break free from the hold the man had on him.
"Easy, easy we don't want to tear this cute little costume now do we Ichigo-kun?"
He should knee the man in the groin or elbow him in the chest—anything but continue to struggle pathetically.
"Bastard! Let Go!"
"Why?"
Lips brushed the back of his hairline.
Sending shivers through him.
"What do you mean why? I don't want you to touch me!"
"Oh but I think you do." A tongue tickled his ear "In fact I think you came here dressed in this fluffy little costume because you intended to seduce me."
"Sed—Get the fuck off of me! I was tricked into coming here—look," Ichigo twisted and snarled "Sorry to burst your bubble old man but I don't want you!"
He was lying.
Well not lying exactly.
Truthfully he wasn't really sure what he felt towards this man at the moment.
Sure Aizen was attractive. And sure that voice and those eyes were almost hypnotic. But—
/But what King?/
He ignored the voice inside his head
"So your friends dragged you here?"
"Yes."
Almost instantly the hold the man had on him was released.
But the man was still speaking.
"And do you always do what your friends tell you to do?"
Ichigo flinched.
It was his imagination. There was no way the man's hand had just brushed against his ass.
"Bit sensitive Ichigo-kun?"
Ticklish actually but there was no way in hell he was telling this bastard that!
The man was—
"Come with me to the library Ichigo-kun, I grow tiered of this dining hall scene."
Not entirely against his will (although he would certainly state other wise if asked later) Ichigo let Aizen guide him away from the table, up the stairs and into the library.
()()()()()()
A grand library. Endless rows of bookshelves. Large windows. Chandeliers. An electric fireplace. And 4 long red velvet couches.
"Have a seat Ichigo-kun, we have much to discuss."
Why did it suddenly sound like the man had changed his tune yet again?
Aizen sat down on the couch closest to the fireplace, crossed one leg over the other and then tucked one hand under his chin.
"Tell me about yourself."
"What?"
"We can not proceed to the next step until we have learned about each other. Now we'll start with the basics: Age, Birthday, Favorite Color, that sort of thing."
Okay either Aizen himself had a split personality or—
"You already know my name, it's Ichigo. I'll be 20 on July 15th and I don't have a favorite color."
"Siblings?"
"2."
"Brothers or sisters?"
Was this really necessary?
It was not like he would ever introduce the man to his family.
"Twin sisters. Look I really don't thin—
"Everything is necessary. What are your goals? Hobbies? What do you hope to accomplish before you die?"
"What the hell is this?"
"Answer the question Ichigo-kun." Aizen removed his glasses and swept his fingers through his hair "What do you want to accomplish in this lifetime?"
"I don't have any real big dreams or aspirations. My old man wants me to go into the medical profession like him and my mother keeps pushing me for law school but neither one of those sound all that appealing to me."
"What does appeal to you?"
"Well I don't really know. I mean I'm not particularly skilled in any subject and the way I see it even though I'm already 19, it's too soon to set my life in stone."
"Hobbies?"
"Well when I was 15 I was kind of the lead singer in this one garage band and I still write the occasional song every now and then but—
"But?"
"It's complicated."
"Why is it complicated?"
"It just is."
"Will you sing for me some time?"
"Uh-
"Is part of the reason you left your band due to stage fright?"
"Well not exactly but-
"But?"
"Its none of your business."
"I see." Deep brown eyes flashed. "So there is a story behind it then."
Ichigo said nothing.
"What else do you like to do?"
"I do a lot of reading. And when I was younger I played sports and spent a lot of my time at the family dojo."
"Oh? And who in your family is the martial artist?"
"My Uncle Kaien. People say I look a lot like him only with brighter hair and a smaller waist line."
"I think your waist line is lovely."
Ichigo felt that all too familiar heat rising to his cheeks.
"Don't say shit like that!"
"Why? Do you not think you are attractive Ichigo-kun?"
That was the one thing he never really understood.
Sure he wasn't ugly but there was nothing particularly outstanding about him. And yet people were obsessed with him.
And why?
Because he inherited a large portion of his mother's features?
Because behind his scowl he was—
"Not really. I'm pretty average."
"I highly doubt that."
"Look just stop okay! I'm nothing special I'm just—I was cursed with this stupid orange hair and these damn feminine hips and everyone thinks they can—it's not my damn fault. I really wish they-you—stop making me feel like a—he trailed off, cinnamon and coffee colored eyes falling to the carpeted floor.
Why was he getting so upset?
Hadn't he long since buried this self-hatred?
Hadn't he said goodbye to the old Ichigo once he'd had that final session with Unohana-sensei?
"Yes but are you happy with yourself? The opinion of others does not matter. If you are content with being the way you are then that is all that matters."
"I'm not exactly happy but well I guess I've come to accept that I'm always going to be a little different."
"Being different is not a bad thing Ichigo."
The boy scoffed.
"I'm serious."
The boy snorted. "Like there's ever been a time when you're not serious Unohana-sensei."
"You are too young to understand this right now but there will come a time when you embrace your uniqueness."
Another snort. "Say that to all your patients do you?"
"I don't have to they because already understand."
"Tch good for them."
"Why must you be so stubborn?"
"Because I know how much it pisses you off."
"I think there's more to it then that."
"So what?"
"It pains me to hear that you think so little of yourself."
A shrug "It is what it is. So long as others are happy, then that's all that truly matters to me."
"So that is your decision? To put all your focus on others and forget about yourself?"
A cocky grin, "Got it in one Unohana-sensei."
Why was he so damn weak?
What would it take to get people to stop treating him this way?
Should he write a damn autobiography and open their damn eyes?
He would not break down in front of this man.
He would fight back the tears that were forming in the corners of his eyes.
And he would move forward.
He would stand up.
And he would leave.
()()()()()()(
(Aizen)
The boy was truly upset. Truly believed those lovely exotic features to be a curse.
For all of the youth's snapping and snarling. For all of his loud outbursts and masked strength—he was really quite fragile.
But not in the ways that would make him a lesser person but rather
July. Based on Astrology that would make the boy a Cancer.
Of course!
It all made sense now.
The switching of moods, the vulnerability, the crazed obsession with friends, family and overall security.
He had to learn more but first…
"Raise your head Ichigo-kun."
Aizen kept his voice calming and gentle.
Not quite reluctantly, the boy raised his head.
"I'm going to tell you a little bit about myself since you have just shared some of your own story with me."
TBC
.