Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Comparisons ❯ Memories and Mistakes ( Chapter 2 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

 

Before you read this chapter, answer this simple question: Do you like Momo Hinamori? If the answer is yes, then read no further. You'll really hate this chapter.

 

Memories and Mayhem

 

Stalking down the hall way, Grimmjow felt his rage increase. Ask Tosen? The only thing he wanted to ask Tosen was if he wanted to die quickly or slowly as he pushed a blunt knife into his guts, but that wasn't what was on his mind now.

 

That scum sucking creep ex Shinigami had inferred that he, Grimmjow, was less than large and then refused to prove it the easiest way possible. Ever since Grimmjow had become an Espada, Ichimaru had tried to needle him, to get a reaction and until now nothing had worked because he knew he was superior. Those lying words had stuck him into needing some reassurance but no one here would provide that. There was no point in trying to compare with anyone else because most of the ones he could bully into letting him measure them had reacted strangely to his request last time. Some of them had even tried to hug him and other stuff he didn't want to think about because it was just too freaky. What did they think he was? Human? They didn't seem to understand he was just checking, nothing more.

 

That loser, Ichimaru, had hidden that photo of the woman well. It had taken him a week to find it, because it was carefully concealed. If he hid the picture with such thoughtfulness there must be a reason, and he hadn't denied the woman was his girlfriend. That was interesting. She must be desperate if she was prepared to accept the guy, or maybe he had something that attracted woman. Next time he went to fight in the human world, he'd try to fight that woman, not the orange haired coward who talked big, but didn't deliver.

 

Grimmjow was sure there was something going on. He would keep a close watch on Ichimaru, just to make sure the former Captain didn't have any other interesting secrets.

 

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Relieved that Grimmjow had finally left, Gin remained on the bed, hearing the angry footsteps stomp down the hallway as he contemplated his situation. No matter how many times he thought about it, his mind frequently rehashed all the facts. He hated Las Noches and his mind hated it also and punished him by habitually recalling the events that brought him here.

 

Aizen thought he controlled Gin with the powers of his zanpaku-to, but he'd never really paid attention to why Gin's eyes rarely opened. It was a useful quirk as it meant he had, on occasions, been able to sleep through lessons at the Academy and through the more tedious parts of the regular Captain's meetings. Some physical irregularities were useful and this one served Gin well. No one could tell when his eyes were actually shut. He had to be always on his guard to make sure that when Aizen unsheathed his blade he was not subjected to its influence.

 

From early on the Captain-General had been watching Aizen, alerted by something no one else had noticed. As Gin was Aizen's Assistant Captain at the time, the old man had approached him, wanting him to observe his captain. Gin had refused, not wishing to get involved in the internal wrangling and hated the thought of being used as a tool by yet another powerful man, but he still felt uneasy. Being near his Captain made him uncomfortable and from a few conversations he knew that something was seriously wrong with him. He faked complete allegiance to him, but there were some areas he was not prepared to compromise.

 

When Aizen had finally gained enough confidence that his zanpaku-to had power over Gin, and he believed he supported him fully, he outlined his scheme and enlisted him, but then insisted that Gin discard Ran, as he saw her as an unnecessary distraction. The rejection of the woman would prove his loyalty.

 

“The woman is of no use to us. Drop her, Gin. Once we have the power in our hands you can have any woman you want, as many women as you want. It's a small sacrifice. You don't claim you love her, do you?” Aizen was angry, but trying to hide it behind a façade of pleasant incredulity.

 

“Of course I don't love her. We've had this conversation before. I don't want to dump her because of the sex. Damn it, Aizen, you don't expect me to go without sex while we put this plan in place do you? You won't do without. Ran suits me, she knows what I like and she doesn't play games with me. I'll be discreet; we'll pretend we're not involved. I'll chide her in public if you want; she might find that fun and the make up sex will be hot. Don't make me choose Aizen, I'm warning you, because I might not choose you.”

 

Aizen seemed shocked by his absolute refusal to give up Ran. “What are you saying? How can you refuse this simple demand? Is sex is more important than power?”

 

“I'm saying I'm not giving up sex for the promise of power. Ran provides the sex. No one needs to know and if I get the sex I can concentrate on helping you put the idea in motion. You know you can make me do what you want, but this would be the easy way of keeping me happy.”

 

It took considerable time, but he finally managed to convince Aizen to allow him to continue his liaison with Ran, albeit reluctantly, and he had to promise that it would be secret. After he became Captain he became even more discreet.

 

He'd lied to Aizen. He loved Ran, he always had. Sex was part of the allure, but there was more to it than that. When this was all over he planned to ask her to marry him, but as yet he hadn't dared because of the uncertainty of the future. Talking to her often helped him sort out issues in his mind and she provided good advice. When the Captain-General made the original request that he spy on Aizen, he had not told Ran, concerned that she would urge him to reconsider. His feeling of ambivalence did not seem right for this situation.

 

But Aizen had not left it there. Late on the night when they had killed the Council of 46, Gin had answered an unexpected knock at his door, hoping it was Ran. He had been unable to sleep, unsettled by the indiscriminate slaughter and wanted to talk to her. Opening the door he felt a momentary pang of distaste; Momo was standing there, dishevelled and clad only in her nightgown. She appeared dazed and after he invited her in, she had thrown herself at him and tried to kiss him. She pressed her underdeveloped body close to his and struggled to get her tongue into his mouth .but he was too swift and jerked his head away within seconds. Pushing her away he tried to talk to her, “Hi Assistant Captain Five. Do you want something?”

 

“Take me, Captain Ichimaru,” she said, desperately trying to close the gap between them.

 

“Take you? Take you where? Do you want me to take you home?” Gin knew what she meant but he wanted to gauge what was happening. He held her off with one hand, wondering what he should do and was grateful this was one night Ran had other plans and could not be with him.

 

“Take me, as a man takes a woman,” Momo said, moving as near as his resisting arm would let her.

 

“I'm still having trouble understanding you, Assistant Captain. Could you spell it out? I'm a little tired and it's late.” Gin hoped she would get the hint and leave.

 

“You've been alone too long, Captain Ichimaru,” Momo said as she tried to touch his face.

 

Gin grinned and batted her hand away. Too long? Ran had been with him last night, but Momo wouldn't know that. “I'm fine, really. Not alone at all. I've got my Division to take care of. How alone can a Captain be? Do you want to sit and talk; is that what's this is about?”

 

“Why are you making this so challenging? I've come to be with you,” Momo was beginning to sound frustrated.

 

This situation was amusing Gin more with each word she uttered. He knew Aizen had sent her, and he would refuse her offer, but how had he convinced her to do this? “Be with me? I'm beginning the think I need some lessons in communication because I'm having trouble getting your meaning. Assistant Captain, could you explain in plain words? I need my sleep.”

 

Momo nodded. “Sleep with me.” She again tried to embrace him and he held her off once more, this time using both hands.

 

“No.” One word, but that should be enough.

 

“Yes, sleep with me. Captain Aizen told me to sleep with you. He said you were lonely and he could spare me for one night. I'm only here because he ordered me to be with you. If I do this, then I can be with my Captain again, he promised.”

 

Gin was shaking his head. This was going too far. This girl, this child, did not even compare with Ran. She was boyish, short and was already servicing Aizen's sick demands. He didn't even want to touch her but was forced to hold her off. “I'm sorry Assistant Captain, but this is a mistake. Return to you Captain and tell him thanks, but no thanks. No comparison. He should understand.”

 

Her bottom lip appeared as she pouted. “You mean you don't want to sleep with me?” She seemed astounded by the suggestion that he did not want her body.

 

“Yeah, I mean that.”

 

“Do you prefer men? Are those rumours about you and Kira true?” Her eyes had acquired a feverish glitter and she stopped struggling to get near him.

 

Breathing a sigh of relief at the end of the tussle he didn't like the tone of her comments, “No. I'm sure a lot of people find you attractive, Assistant Captain, but I don't. I also don't like men or boys, or small furry animals. Or large furry animals, either.” He wondered how much Aizen had corrupted the girl and the things he might have told and done to her.

 

“I'm sure you'd like me if you gave me a chance,” at least she sounded a little uncertain.

 

“Flattered as I am by your offer, I decline. It was nice of you to visit,” he walked to the door and held it open. “Bye bye.”

 

Momo seemed unable to move, stunned by his rejection. “My Captain told me you liked me. He said this was what you wanted.”

 

“He was wrong. Sorry that you had to trouble yourself. Good night.”

 

Momo's face flushed angrily. “I can't go back to my Captain and tell him I've failed to do what he expected.”

 

Gin just shrugged not wishing to encourage her to stay. Finally taking the hint, Momo left, flashing a scathing look at the Captain as she passed.

 

“Dear me, it appears I've upset Aizen's little doll. I hope she won't be too mad with me. I better tell Ran, everything, as soon as possible.” Stealthily he followed the well worn route to her door.

 

The events of that day and night had changed him. He was used to killing and he had participated in the `executions', as Aizen had called them, because it would have been noticed if he'd protested, but he had felt sickened by the needless bloodshed and the joy with which Aizen and Tosen had murdered the unsuspecting council members. He'd tried to rationalise his actions, told himself it didn't matter, but the visit from Momo had impelled Gin to go to Ran, seeking comfort.

 

She had been home and as they lay together, his arms firmly wrapped around her shoulders, his face buried in her hair he'd told her everything, about the slaughter, Momo, the offer from the Captain-General, how much he loved her, everything he had kept from her.

 

“I love you too, Gin. I always have. I didn't tell you because it never seemed the right time,” Ran said, forcing him to look at her. She had been shocked at the news of the murders, but had not interrupted, letting him talk, allowing him the chance to confess.

 

Gin felt his spirits lift finally and after kissing her he made love to her, watching her face as she cried his name in orgasmic fervour. When his passion for her had been slightly sated she spoke seriously. Aizen had to be stopped, or at least watched; he was dangerous. Gin finally agreed.

 

Their meetings became even more furtive and less frequent as he tried to convince the 5th Division Captain that his relationship with Ran was cooling. She had made the suggestion, arguing that it would please Aizen and possibly make him less vigilant in monitoring Gin's movements. Grudgingly, he had agreed, aware of how he would miss her. With his consent, Ran had approached the Captain-General, advising him that Gin was prepared to pass on anything he learnt about Aizen's schemes. She conveyed all the messages, gave the reports and worked with her Captain to make certain that nothing was overlooked.

 

It was fortunate that Aizen underestimated Ran; everyone underestimated Matsumoto Rangiku except her Captain, the Captain-General and Gin. She had been advising Gin all the time on how to act. The other Shinigami didn't pay much attention to her, dismissing her as a drunken, lecherous and lazy Assistant Captain. Her act was perfect. Sometimes she almost convinced Gin, but he knew her better and lazy was not how he would describe her, especially in bed. Lecherous, certainly, but faithful to him.

 

Not everything had gone to plan; many mistakes had been made. It was obvious, very early on, that Aizen would not provide specifics, preferring to keep Gin ignorant of many of the details. It had frustrated all who were aware of Gin's role and were keen to find out the facts.

 

Aizen would occasionally provide some tit-bit, outline the basic strategy, but the details were constantly lacking. Gin and Tosen had been kept ignorant of the timing of their removal to Hueco Mundo, only being told it would be soon after Rukia Kuchiki's execution. Foolishly, Gin had hoped to avoid his departure from the Seireitei and was forced to recognise his gullibility when he found himself being taken away from Ran in the negacion.

 

His reflections over, Gin got to his feet and retrieved Ran's picture from the drawer. Tomorrow was the date set to make contact with her and pass on the sparse particulars he'd been collecting for the Captain-General about Aizen's schemes. They'd meet in the hotel in the human world, as arranged back in the Seireitei, the last time they were alone. Noting the focus the man had shown in Ichigo and Orihime he decided to alert Ran to this new development.

 

Getting to the human world unobserved would be difficult and he'd just have to make sure no one followed him.

 

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Author's Note:

 

Don't talk to me about Momo. I did warn you.

 

My muse is still disturbing me. She's singing some obscure song from the musical Hair and I'm pretending I don't understand. Again she urged me to try something different. This time I tried to lose the last fight in the game Baiten Kaitos, instead of trying to win. The result was the same as always, I lost. XD

 

Please review.

 

MS