Chapter 4
Aizen walked ahead, his carefree stride and wide grin a stark contrast to the stern expression on Byakuya's face. "-and that, Byakuya-kun, is why those kids were chasing us earlier!" Aizen exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Byakuya's arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowing. "No, Aizen-san, they chased you. You took food from them. That is wrong." His tone was firm, his words enunciated with precision.
Aizen's grin faltered, his face dropping dramatically as he crouched to Byakuya's level. "Now, now, Byakuya-kun. You think those kids would have left you alone just because you weren't involved in me 'borrowing' some food from them?" His voice took on a persuasive tone, his eyes wide with feigned innocence.
Byakuya's expression remained stern. "It's called 'stealing', Aizen-san. You took. I did nothing." His words were laced with a hint of disapproval, his eyes never leaving Aizen's face. Aizen cast a sidelong glance at the younger boy, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he led them out of the alleyway. "Awww, aren't you so cute, Byakuya-kun?" he cooed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He lounged into a relaxed stride, his arms draped behind his head as they walked in an even pace.
Byakuya's steel gray eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Aizen with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "What are you insinuating?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Aizen's smirk grew cockier as he scratched his ear, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Hm? Oh... I'm just saying those guys wouldn't have left you alone as you think, that's why I pulled you along with me. I did you a favor, you should thank me." His voice was laced with a hint of superiority, his expression daring Byakuya to refute him. Byakuya's brow furrowed, his eyes clouding with confusion as he gazed at Aizen. "Why would they not leave me alone? You stole, I did not. And we are strangers to them." His words were laced with a hint of innocence, his tone formal yet simple.
Aizen burst out laughing, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Ah, Byakuya-kun, this is the Rukongai! Different rules apply here!" He chuckled, shaking his head.
Byakuya's frown deepened. "But...what could they want from me? I have nothing to offer." His words were laced with a hint of uncertainty, his eyes never leaving Aizen's face.
Aizen's gaze turned thoughtful, a dreamy look clouding his eyes. "Have you looked in a mirror, Byakuya-kun? You're a gem! I could make a fortune off you in a brothel. Enough to leave this place behind!" His voice was laced with a hint of excitement, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Byakuya's eyes widened, his face pale. "What...what are you saying?"
Aizen's grin returned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just saying, Byakuya-kun, you'd be a great asset to those boys. Good thing I snatched you first, eh?" His tone was casual, his words laced with a hint of possessiveness. Byakuya's heart raced as Aizen's words sent a shiver down his spine. The older boy's obliviousness to his fear only made it worse. "And that kimono you're wearing?" Aizen whistled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I could buy any food I wanted, that's for sure."
Byakuya's discomfort grew, his eyes fixed on Aizen with a mix of fear and wariness. He took a step back, creating a safe distance between them. Aizen's smile faltered, his eyes turning sheepish as he dropped his hands from his head. "Hey, hey, relax. I didn't mean it like that. Don't worry, I won't sell you off."
Aizen's expression turned serious for the first time since they met, his eyes darting away from Byakuya and into the sky with a sad sigh. "I'm not a monster like those people." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Byakuya's fear began to dissipate, replaced by a hint of defiance. "I do not need your protection," he said, his voice firm. "I can protect myself. I know a few Kido spells." His eyes narrowed, his pout evident.Aizen's face contorted in puzzlement, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Kido spells? What's that?" Byakuya's eyes widened in surprise, his smirk evident. "You are unfamiliar with Kido?" Aizen shook his head, his expression sheepish.
Byakuya's smirk grew, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "I shall demonstrate it later. Shall we not inquire with that elderly woman regarding my residence?" His gaze drifted to the old woman selling sweets, her eyes fixed on them with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
Aizen scowled, his eyes fixed on the old woman. "Sure, we can ask that hag, but she's not fond of me, I admit." His grin returned, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he approached the old lady, Byakuya following closely behind.
"Yo, grandma!" Aizen called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The old woman turned to face them, her expression souring at the sight of Aizen before her eyes landed on Byakuya. Her gaze softened, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Who's that boy you're dragging around?" she asked, her voice gruff but gentle. Aizen chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Hehe, sorry old lady, he's off limits. Anyway, I'm looking for a place called... uh..." Aizen scratched his head, his expression dumbfounded.
Byakuya stepped forward, his poise elegant and graceful. "I am Kuchiki Byakuya. I have become lost. Could you direct us to the Kuchiki Manor?" His words were laced with a hint of formality.
The old woman's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes fixed on Byakuya. "Ah, a noble's son, I see. You're a long way from home, child." She glanced at Aizen, her eyes narrowing. "And you're with him?"