Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Daydreams Come True ❯ Gin Ichimaru ( Chapter 10 )

 

 

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

 

Gin Ichimaru

 

Gin wandered through Seireitei alone, overhearing the idle chatter, pausing here where some particularly interesting rumour was being embellished, or stopping there where malicious words were destroying another shinigami's character. Gin's smile widened as he heard an interesting fabrication about Shunshi.

 

He especially enjoyed the rumours about Captain Sixes sister; little Rukia. He loved the look of fear that spread across her face each time she saw him. At first he had been hurt by the look of dread in her eyes whenever they met. Later he welcomed it. It meant she was not completely indifferent to him. He liked to watch the perspiration form on her brow as he talked to her brother, his hidden eyes darting from brother to sister.

 

So far the stories he had heard about her were only mildly interesting. What was his favourite one? Oh, yes. She'd begged her brother to intercede to try to save her, no matter what cost. That amused him so much. Rukia would never beg for her life. Nor would her brother countenance such behaviour. He would probably be feeling shame for bringing such an unworthy person into his noble family.

 

Gin knew about Renji's visit to Rukia. He made it his business to know these things. Unfortunately, the details about the visit were sadly lacking. Renji had been in a bad temper when he arrived to talk to Rukia and a worse one when he had left. One of the guards had complained bitterly about Renji, but no-one really cared. If you were stupid enough to backtalk Renji when he was in a foul mood, you should expect pain.

 

Rukia had appeared unaffected to the guards, but she kept her back to them most of the time, so that didn't mean much. It peeved Gin that Renji had made certain the conversation was private. If only he knew the details of that particular discussion, it might have been amusing.

 

A few overheard words drew his attention to another group of people talking. One word in particular made him move slowly in that direction and pause. This gossip was a little more interesting. Not one, but two humans had tried to protect Rukia from the shinigami sent to return her to Seireitei. What could command such stupidity? Love? Friendship? Gin was not surprised by the stupidity of humans, but to go to this level amazed him. Prepared to die for someone they had known a scant 2 months? Could they both have been enjoying the favours of Captain Six's sister? That made Rukia even more intriguing. He had always found her to be so moral, boringly so. Maybe she had hidden depths.

 

Gin would have enjoyed visiting Rukia, teasing her a little, especially about the dead lovers in the human world, but held back. It might disrupt Aizen's plans. It was not a good idea to interfere with those plans. He did not want to wake up dead anytime soon.

 

The main problem that Gin could see was that Aizen knew most of his weaknesses; had made it a priority to learn each weakness that Gin possessed in order they be exploited. A quality Gin admired, but despised as well. He had tried to train himself to overcome any vulnerability, but Aizen had proved how futile his efforts were. Pleasing Aizen, helping him and trying to disguise any new flaws he found in his character was an effort that he resented.

 

Remembering back to when he had been appointed as Aizen's lieutenant, Gin remembered his pride at being second to a man who was so universally admired within Seireitei. The gentle man who seemed to be intent on justice and making certain that disputes were settled quickly.

 

Gin had his own reasons for joining the Gotei 13 squads. They weren't important now. As soon as he had come under the sway of Aizen, his plans and hopes had been overtaken by Aizens' over weaning ambition. Gin's plans for power at least might be met by Aizen's schemes, but it would be power that was not his alone. The type of power a king would allow a vassal. Gin's smile dimmed. A vassal was nothing. His daydreams did not allow for vassal status.

 

Occasionally, very occasionally now, Gin would break from the control and act as he felt, but did not like the consequences. It was tolerated, if it did not interfere with the master plan. If only he knew the whole of the master plan, then it would be easier to make certain that he did not overstep those very strict boundaries.

 

`Captain Ichimaru. May I speak with you?'

 

Gin slowly turned. He'd been found. So much for wandering at whim through the streets without interference. His time alone had become so limited. He felt like he was always under observation.

 

`Captain Ichimaru, Captain Aizen has requested a meeting with you. An urgent meeting,' Vice-Captain Hinamori said, shyly.

 

`An urgent meeting, eh? Just how urgent. Should I go straight away, or should I buy a present of sweet buns and then go? Or maybe he would prefer some ripe melon,' Gin asked.

 

Gin let his eyes survey her body, wondering exactly how much Aizen had her under his thrall. Hinamori was no ripe melon. Not even a ripe plum. Too green and adoring. Not to his taste at all. But then, Aizen might find Hinamori pleased his sexual palate.

 

`I, I don't think he expects you to bring him anything, Captain. He did say he would like to see you right away,' Hinamori answered quietly.

 

`Oh, what a shame. I was about to buy a few things. I like to choose my own fruit. It always seems to taste better if you've chosen it, so much sweeter. I will indulge in a little shopping before I visit your captain. Tell him I will be with him shortly,' Gin demurred.

 

Vice-Captain Hinamori did not seem to know what to do. She stood there as if she wanted to urge him to accompany her, but how could an Vice-Captain urge a captain to do anything?

 

Gin laughed inwardly. Dog like devotion palled when it was directed to him so quickly. It amused him to thwart the desires of the dog and her master. He enjoyed Vice-Captain Hinamori's hesitation and fear. She was not scared of Aizen, he knew that. Did that mean she feared disappointing Aizen, or did she fear Gin? That was possible and amused him even more. If only she knew the true nature of her captain. Gin would delight in telling her, listening to her denials, watching her eyes widen, and the tears spill down her cheeks. Maybe in the future he would have the chance to destroy her dreams.

 

Gin wandered over to the closest shop and pretended to examine the melons. Some were nice and ripe, but he was not interested in the melons. He was watching Vice-Captain Hinamori. She seemed to still be having trouble deciding what to do next.

 

`Do you think your captain would like this melon?' Gin called to her.

 

As he expected she obediently trotted over to examine the melon he was holding.

 

`It seems nice and ripe,' she said hesitantly.

 

`Suddenly I'm not so sure I like it,' said Gin.

 

He took his time choosing another and bought it.

 

He wandered to the next shop which sold a variety of sweet and savoury buns. Taking his time and observing Vice-Captain Hinamori's increasing agitation, Gin chose a selection of buns.

 

`Some for me, some for your captain,' he said quietly to the agitated Vice-Captain. `You know, I think you should have followed my advice and told him I wouldn't be long. Then he wouldn't be worrying about you,' he teased slyly.

 

Vice-Captain Hinamori's face flushed.

 

Gin's smile widened slightly. `Bullseye,' he thought.

 

He'd wasted a good twenty minutes by now. Maybe he would go and see what this `urgent' meeting was about.

 

`Let's go then, Vice-Captain Hinamori. I hope your captain likes the melon I'm bringing him,' he said innocently. handing her the melon to carry.

 

Almost running, Vice-Captain Hinamori led the short way to 5th Divisions office. Gin ambled slowly behind, enjoying the anxious look her could see on her face.

 

Vice-Captain Hinamori knocked hurriedly and then burst through the door into Aizen's office.

 

`Captain Ichimaru is here, Captain Aizen. He brought you this melon,' she said as she placed the melon carefully on the desk.

 

Aizen rose from his chair at the entrance of Gin.

 

`Thank you for conveying my message so quickly, Momo. You may leave now. We need to discuss matters which you would find tedious,' Aizen said politely.

 

`Why don't you go and have a nap,' he urged as he saw her hesitate again. `You've been working hard.'

 

`If you're sure you don't need anything, Captain,' she said.

 

`I'm sure. Off you go.'

 

Vice-Captain Hinamori left, shutting the door.

 

Gin placed the buns on the desk. There was silence in the room as the two captains surveyed each other.

 

`You made me wait,' Aizen said harshly.

 

`It wasn't so much that I made you wait as I made her wait. I was wandering around admiring the produce when she interrupted. I thought you might like a ripe melon for a change,' Gin said indicating the fruit.

 

`What do you mean by that?' Aizen asked.

 

`You know what I mean. A full ripe melon, instead of an underdeveloped little plum,' Gin said slyly.

 

`Implying dirty little activities again, Gin,' Aizen smiled nastily. `I know a ripe melon I would much prefer to the one you have given me.'

 

Too late, Gin realised his error.

 

`What is the urgent matter you wished to see me about?' he said hoping to distract Aizen from progressing further down that path.

 

`Don't want to talk about fruit any more?' Aizen said raising an eyebrow. `We may return to that topic later.'

 

He opened the box of buns Gin had brought. `Buns too. Poor Momo must have been very agitated. You take your time when choosing buns. Did you get any that I like?'

 

`Have a look. I can't remember what I chose. It was too much fun watching her worry about you,' Gin said indolently.

 

He seated himself comfortably watching Aizen take his time selecting a bun. As he expected he chose the coconut bun that Gin had specifically selected for him.

 

`Why should I always tell him the truth if I'm not forced to?' Gin reasoned. `I can sometimes find ways around the power of his zanpaku-to. I don't want him to control me down to my choice of buns.'

 

Aizen ate the bun greedily, crumbs falling over his clothes. When anyone but Gin was around Aizen was circumspect, polite and so bland. A man who seemed to emanate genial warmth and convince people that he was caring and kind.

 

Gin knew the truth. The guy was a complete bastard. How many shinigami had Aizen used under the influence of his zanpaku-to? None of them remembered. Gin didn't want to know the details. He only wanted to protect one person. Himself.

 

Even as the thought crossed his mind, Gin knew he was lying, but the lie was necessary. If he acknowledged who he truly wanted to protect that would be so easily discovered. Aizen knew, of course he knew. It was yet another way to control Gin. Aizen loved control.

 

Gin pretended indifference. His dealings with his one time friend were now on a businesslike basis only. He hoped that if he could convince her that he cared for her no longer, Aizen might also believe the lie. That would make her safe and give Aizen one less method of controlling Gin.

 

`So Captain. What's the urgent matter? Something fun; or something you don't want to do yourself?' Gin almost bit his tongue.

 

`Stupid. Never bait Aizen,' he reminded himself.

 

Aizen shot a sharp look at Gin and to Gin's surprise, a smirk crossed his face.

 

`I want you to stir up Byakuya. He's already off balance, though he doesn't show it. Just a little nudge to remind him of the loss of honour to his noble family,' Aizen's smirk grew larger. `If he's concentrating on family honour, he might be a little less astute. Stop short of challenging the captain, but make him hurt.'

 

Gin sucked his top lip and thought for a moment.

 

`It would be better if I did this with someone else. Some one who also takes honour seriously,' Gin thought aloud. `It better not be Tosen.' He paused as he considered his choices. `I know just the Captain. He has felt affronted by Captain Six for some time.'

 

`Byakuya will be delivering the decision about her fate to his little sister later today direct from Central Room 46,' Aizen smiled confidently. `The sentence should come as no surprise to anyone. It's just the formal announcement of execution and the date. It's interesting how these rumours spread. I think even the girl knows she's going to die. Good work on spreading those rumours. I think it might be the ideal time to encounter him. I'll leave it up to you, Gin. I know you don't dare disappoint me', Aizen said choosing another bun. `You can leave these here. So polite of you to bring a gift when you come to visit.'

 

Gin left the office, relieved that the meeting was over. As least it had been short. The buns had been a good idea. Food could distract Aizen where other things would not.

 

He wandered back to the market, making plans and listening for more gossip. Nothing interesting or new was being said, but maybe later, once the sentence was delivered. People knew what the sentence would be, of course. Gin had been very careful starting these whispers. He loved to hear how the rumour would spread and swell. A small matter could become a scandal if delivered in the right way.

 

For a moment Gin was tempted to start a rumour about Captain Sixes little sister and Renji. That would be a sweet little piece of gossip. It was something he would think about later. He really should start working on the pawn to the plan suggested by Aizen.

 

Leaving the area reluctantly, he walked quickly toward Division 11. It was not certain he would find Zaraki in his office, and if he did, it was certain that Zaraki would not be doing paperwork. Sleeping, maybe.

 

Walking past the training area he felt the reiatsu of Zaraki.

 

Gin quietly entered the training area wondering what he would see, anticipating bloodshed of some kind.

 

Zaraki was haranguing some shinigami about not wanting to fight to the death.

 

`11th Division live only to fight. It is an honour to die while fighting. Do you want to die in your bed like some half alive wimp from 4th Division? Don't you know that while you live you can fight and that is the only worthwhile thing,' Zaraki said harshly to the cowering shinigami. `Don't friggin' cower. Stand up straight when I talk to you. If you're scared of me, what will you do when you see a hollow? Call for your mummy? Pee in your pants? Run away? Arghhhh,' Zaraki yelled. `Get out of my sight. Go and join another division. I don't want you here.'

 

`But, but my only dream was to join 11th Division, Captain. Please don't send me away,' said the shivering youth.

 

`You said please! What sort of bloody Division do you think I run? A place where we have manicures and drink tea with lemon? Please is not a word I want to hear from my people. Get out of my sight. Train and train hard. I give you one week. If there's no improvement you're either out, or dead? Understand?' Zaraki said.

 

`I think you're being too kind Ken-chan,' Yachiru said bobbing up behind him as the youth ran off.

 

`Yeah, I'm just haemorrhaging kindness today.' Zaraki slid his eyes toward where Gin was standing. `What do you want Ichimaru? Want to come and train, or you here for a challenge? I'll take you on. Always been interested to see your moves close up.'

 

`No, not to train, or for a challenge. I have a suggestion, but I need to talk to you about it alone,' Gin said politely.

 

`Ken-chan, why doesn't he want me around when he talks to you? I don't think it's a good idea. Why don't we go and snack instead?' Yachiru suggested.

 

Zaraki looked at Gin. They had not spoken often, nor had he ever been asked for a private conversation by the captain.

 

`You go and snack, Yachiru. I'll be along later. Save me some meat,' he said dismissing his vice-captain and her fears.

 

Yachiru left reluctantly, constantly stopping and turning around as if to make Zaraki change his mind and follow her. Zaraki ignored her, his full attention focused on Gin.

 

`Let's go to my office. It should be quiet,' Zaraki said and led the way without waiting for agreement.

 

Gin followed. `At least he is direct,' he thought as he followed. `I don't have to tell him the whole truth. Just enough to whet his interest. But how do I do that easily?'

 

Soon they arrived. Waiting for his guest to seat himself, Zaraki remarked, `I should have kicked that guy out of 11th Division without a second thought. If you hadn't been there, he'd be history by now. These bloody idiots think just because they can fight a little they can join 11th Division. Most of them make me feel like wearing two eye patches when I fight them just to make it a little more interesting. He'll fail. Do you want him? He'd probably fit right into 3rd Division.'

 

`I don't think so Captain. I prefer to be the first preference, not the choice of a reject,' Gin replied.

 

`Yeah. I know. No rejects in 11th Division. You have to fight to get in and survive to remain,' Zaraki commented and then fell silent.

 

Gin watched Zaraki. He was fascinated by the man who was so hated by Tosen. He could not see anything about Zaraki that made him any more of a monster than other people. The way he wore his hair looked strange, but no stranger than some of the other shinigami. It didn't really matter what Tosen thought. As long as he did what was expected of him.

 

Zaraki shifted in his seat, waiting for Gin to speak.

 

`Captain 11. You know sentence is being announced on the criminal today,' Gin said.

 

`Yeah, I've heard the rumours. A death sentence. I was surprised, but it might be entertaining. I'd prefer it if it was a fight to the death,' Zaraki commented.

 

Gin's smile widened marginally.

 

`You know the criminal's brother is delivering the formal announcement,' Gin said carefully.

 

Zaraki studied Gin a few moments before he spoke; his hand rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

 

`Well? I don't see anything strange in that,' he replied.

 

`Imagine what it would feel like to be the head of a noble house and have one of your members branded a traitor and then sentenced to be executed in full view of Seireitei. The shame would be great,' Gin said smoothly.

 

Zaraki snorted. `Can't imagine being the head of a noble house. The criminal's brother is always quick to remind me how common I am. Not always by words. Be good to see him reminded that even a noble is not above the law. Shame, ha!'

 

`But maybe we could help him,' Gin persisted.

 

`Help him? Why would I want to help that cold fish?' Zaraki asked, surprise in his voice.

 

`As brother captains we should support each other,' Gin said his smile stretching a little further.

 

`Go on Ichimaru. Tell me directly. Stop hedging. It bores me,' Zaraki said with a yawn.

 

`You could offer to execute the criminal privately. I mean with your abilities it should be easy,' Gin said after a prolonged pause.

 

`Just execute, not fight?' Zaraki questioned.

 

`It would be wrong for a man of your skills to fight a criminal to the death. What you should offer is a quick, clean, private execution,' Gin suggested silkily.

 

`Interesting idea. Why not take on the job yourself, Ichimaru?' Zaraki asked suddenly suspicious.

 

`Oh, I know my skills do not match yours, Zaraki,' Gin dissembled. `You would do the job without any fear. As I am acquainted with the criminal, my better nature might try to persuade me against the execution.'

 

Zaraki stared at Gin as he thought over the last comments. He laughed.

 

`Implying I don't have a better nature. Subtle, Ichimaru. Okay, let's do this. When?'

 

`Why not now? My sources indicate that Captain Six should be delivering the formal announcement at this moment. We can talk to him after he's finished. He might be more receptive then, or not.' The last two words were muttered under Gin's breath.

 

Zaraki and Gin left the office and loitered outside the prison when Rukia was being held.

 

As Gin expected, Captain Six did not accept the offer and insulted Zaraki. Zaraki immediately wanted to fight him. It was so easy to manipulate Zaraki's violent tendencies, and so much fun. But a fight between these two was against Aizen's instructions. He had to intercede.

 

Gin quickly restrained Zaraki and removed him while delivering the final cutting words to the noble captain who was standing there, betraying no emotion. Gin had detected a change in his reiatsu. He was definitely off-balance.

 

Two objectives met by one plan. Byakuya off balance and at odds with Zaraki. That might please Aizen.

 

As Gin bore the protesting Zaraki away, he quickly honed the reasons he would give to Zaraki for his actions.

 

He took Zaraki all the way back to the 11th Division, deaf to his complaints and demands. After entering the office he closed the door and freed Zaraki.

 

`What the hell were you up to back there, Ichimaru? I wanted to fight that supercilious jerk. It would have been fun. I wanted to cut him,' Zaraki complained angrily

 

`You have to remember that Captain Six may have been upset. It would be better if you could fight him when he was not so distracted,' Ichimaru smiled.

 

Zaraki shook himself. `I should fight you for that handling. How about it? Let me pay you back for what you did.'

 

`As much as that might be fun, Captain, I decline,' Ichimaru began.

 

There was a knock on the door. Both Zaraki and Ichimaru turned to look.

 

`Do you want me to answer that for you,' Ichimaru asked.

 

`Yeah, may as well, but don't think this is over. I want you to make amends. You owe me Ichimaru. I won't forget. I don't let people treat me like that. You restrained me. You stopped me fighting Byakuya and then you refused to fight me. Are you a coward like the rest of Seireitei? Scared of me?' Zaraki spoke harshly.

 

Gin ignored him and opened the door.

 

`I heard you might be here, Captain Ichimaru,' Vice-Captain Rangiku said. `Captain Hitsugaya has requested that you see him.'

 

`Sorry Captain 11. Got to go,' Gin said as he left the office without turning around.

 

`Don't forget Ichimaru. This isn't over,' Zaraki called after him.

 

`I heard you've been teasing Captain Kuchiki. Now Captain Zaraki is threatening you. What was that all about, Gin?' Matsumoto asked.

 

`Do I need to remind you to call me Captain Ichimaru? I thought you understood the difference in our positions,' Gin responded coldly.

 

Matsumoto bit her lip. She glanced toward Gin as if preparing to say something but saw that his face no longer wore its habitual smile.

 

`Sorry, Captain Ichimaru. I forgot.'

 

`Don't forget in future. We need to remember who we are now, not who we once were,' Gin answered her in a kinder tone, but the chill remained.

 

They walked in silence to the office of the 10th Division.

 

After ushering him into the office, Matsumoto left.

 

`Thank you for coming Captain Ichimaru. I've heard a rumour that I want substantiated,' Toshirou said.

 

`And which particular rumour would that be, and why do you think I would know the answer?' Ichimaru asked politely for all the rudeness the words implied.

 

Gin was tired of captains. He wanted some peace. If he had to see or speak to another captain today he might be forced to do something that would cause Aizen to be annoyed. To cover his feelings Gin smiled wider.

 

`I heard that you might want to swap vice-captains,' Toshirou said bluntly.

 

Gin kept his smile wide to hide his shock. He had not started that particular rumour but he could guess who had. He had to be careful in what he said.

 

`Where did you hear that particular rumour, Captain 10?' he asked stalling for time while he tried to think of the best response.

 

`I can't recall exactly. I think one of the other captains. Maybe Shunsui, or was it Tosen?' Toshirou said his brow wrinkling in a frown.

 

`Tosen. Of course it was Tosen. Tosen with Aizen's prompting. Another trap to try to force my hand. Or maybe he is just trying to verify my feelings. Damn. Of course I'd want to swap vice-captain's if the situation was different, but I have to accept reality. I'm sorry Matsumoto,' were the thoughts that went through Gin's mind as he forced his face to retain its expression.

 

`Now captain, why would I want to change?' Gin demurred.

 

`Because of your friendship with my vice-captain,' Toshirou stated.

 

`I'm friends with lots of people,' Gin equivocated. `Doesn't mean I want every one to be my vice-captain.'

 

Toshirou looked at Gin sternly. `You really don't like giving direct answers do you Captain Ichimaru? Your long term friendship with Matsumoto makes people believe that you might want her as your vice-captain.'

 

`No.' Gin choked off the other words he wanted to say.

 

`Thank you for your direct answer. I appreciate you taking the time to come to see me,' Toshirou said dismissively.

 

`I'll be going then,' Gin said and quickly walked out of the room without waiting for a response.

 

Walking back to 3rd Division, Gin thought about the last conversation. Aizen was testing him again. The earlier stupid remarks about ripe melons had probably spurred him onto this action. He was testing the mettle of his best weapon against Gin.

 

The weapon of his friendship and undeclared love.

 

Gin felt the hate that he kept deep inside him well up again. Damn that scum Aizen. He had forced Gin to deny the one person who meant anything to him. It was probable that Toshirou would tell Matsumoto of their conversation. Briefly he wondered if it would hurt her, or if she would shrug off the words. Gin cursed under his breath all the while keeping the smile on his face. Aizen would not hesitate to hurt or use Matsumoto if he thought it would bring Gin back into line.

 

Gin had tried to push her away. Constantly reminding her of the difference in their ranks angered her, he knew. At the same time he wanted to hold her, to let her rest her head on his shoulder as she had done before. To feel the peace he could only capture when they were together.

 

Again he had to deny his feelings to protect the one he loved. Not that love mattered much anymore.

 

Angrily Gin forced the thoughts from him mind. If he teased someone it would distract him from these annoying feelings.

 

Who could he tease now? Maybe his own vice-captain. It would be fun to shake up Izuru again. That guy was so sincere and genuine. What could he do to him this time? Get him drunk and ask him about his love life? Accuse him of having lustful yearnings toward Soi Fong? Gin smiled at the thought.

 

He was still a Captain. The plan was still in place.

 

`May as well enjoy myself while I'm still here,' Gin thought. `Who knows who I'll be able to tease once we're out of here. I can't tease Aizen. It's not worth the pain. And Tosen is so damned serious, no fun to tease at all. Never reacts to my words unless it some stupid quote to prove me wrong.'

 

Gin arrived back in his office to find Izuru finishing the paperwork. Suddenly the idea of teasing him didn't seem appealing.

 

`Finish up, Izuru. I want to have some time alone,' Gin instructed his vice-captain pleasantly.

 

`Yes, Captain,' Izuru replied quietly. `Is there anything I can get you before I go?'

 

`Some sake and some buns would be appreciated,' Gin said again changing his mind again. `Why don't we have a drink together? Get to know each other better.'

 

There would be plenty of entertainment in teasing Izuru. It was better than drinking alone.

 

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Author's Note:

 

I know many stories about Gin explore his sexual relationship with Aizen. I'm not completely convinced. Aizen is the sort of guy who would use anything to gain power, including sex, but blackmail and threats work. I'm trying to stay away from writing yaoi. Some authors write it so well that I think my attempts would be pretty feeble.

 

By the way, if you review, it doesn't have to be long. It's nice to know if you are enjoying the story.

 

MS