Disclaimer: Don't own Bleach. Need I say more?

Three Steps Forward

He's missing her. Terribly. But it was something he does now want to admit to himself; much less to another soul.

There was nothing much to see in this barren place. Except for the seemingly endless expanse of desert sand. And no other life save for the occasional hollow. And the two other captains and the Arrancars, of course. How could he forget their existence?

It can sure get cold to the extremes out here, he thought. The wind was howling. The sound it produced was chilling. It was as if it shares his inner agony and was lamenting with him.

He shivered. He knew that it was not because of the cold. But he would rather pretend that it was than acknowledge the real reason. It would be like saying that he was weak.

The preparations for the fruition of their plans were nearing completion. One more sacrifice…

He stifled a sigh. He did not want to dwell on the repercussions of their rash and callous actions. When Aizen first presented the proposed plan of actions, they sounded agreeable to his ears and so he agreed.

To rule over the world of the hollows as kings, as a triumvirate, with no one to direct their actions, to just give orders and do nothing much themselves. They have achieved it. He has achieved it. However, to gain is to lose and to lose is to gain. It was the rule of the universe. In order to get hold of something you desire, one must pay an equal price.

The next time they meet. What would happen? He shook his head. He could easily answer that question himself? Did he need ask? There was no doubt about it. He knew it would be what would happen. Their next meeting would not be of warm and loving greetings. It will be of disappointment, of betrayal and of hate. Because their next meeting would be in the battlefield.

Admonishing himself, he said quietly under his breath, "I'm already here. I must give the past and regrets no more room."

In his silently bleeding heart, "Sayonara, Rangiku."

Footsteps approached from behind him. He did not need to turn to know who it was Tousen.

"Aizen-sama wishes to meet with us together with the Arrancars."

"After you," Gin said in reply.

Tousen turned and walked away. Ichimaru followed him to the throne room where they hold meetings, with or without their minions. All of the Arrancars were already there, gathered according to the numbers emblazoned on various parts of their bodies. His eyes immediately sought the figure of their mastermind, resting on the mammoth stone throne. He was lazily lounging there, a mocking smile on his lips. Their eyes met for a brief moment. There was something in Aizen's eyes. Like a message.

He cursed silently, turning his attention unto the gathered Arrancars. There were some things he'd rather not thing about. Things he would like to bury in the deepest recess of his brain, where they'd stay put and never see the light of his conscious mind ever again.

He seems hot and bothered. "Trying to forget all about it, eh? I won't allow it." He chuckled to himself. "No, I won't. I will certainly make sure you remember it with every single breath you take."

Seeing that everybody was seated and comfortable, Aizen asked, "Shall we start?"

Msg: I know that this story is rated M+. But so far there has only been one chapter with lemon. You must be wondering.

Next chapter coming soon. Be forwarned of lemony yaoi.

Comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Ja!