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Chapter 1: You Owe Me This
Gin sighed happily as he sat on the grass, tilting his head back to soak up the sunshine. The real sunshine, not the artificial sunlight Sousuke had so painstakingly made for him. Not that he didn't appreciate the sun, or what his lover had done for him. He did. Very much so. He showed his appreciation every day for that man and all the things he'd done for him. But it was still nice to soak up some of the genuine warmth the real sun gave off.So here they were. In a park somewhere in the north of England – as far away from anyone they might know as they could get – relaxing under a blossom tree together. Surrounded by daffodils and red tulips, which in the language of flowers – their language – meant 'new beginnings' and 'declarations of love' respectively. Gin thought it was appropriate. Sousuke had agreed with him.He smiled and wiggled his toes, warming his bare feet and calves, exposed to the sun by rolling up his jeans as far as they'd go. Just like he'd done with the sleeves of Aizen-sama's light blue shirt he wore, for maximum sun exposure. Sousuke was likewise, similarly dressed, in casual jeans and a white short sleeved shirt.He had Cherry's tennis ball in hand and he threw it for her, smiling as she shot off after it. Her mate, Tsuku, Aizen's pet fox, white like Cherry apart from his black tuft of head fur, black paws, and tail tip, dozed beside his master, who currently lay on his back with his head in Gin's lap.Gin smiled down at his lover, made lazy and sleepy by the heat, and gently stroked the hair from his Sousuke's eyes. Enjoying the happy sighs and noises he emitted at the tenderness. Gin didn't want to move or disturb him. Real peace, quiet and happiness was such a rare thing for his lover, and Gin wanted him to to enjoy every single second of it he could get. Every second Gin could give him. He smiled again as Cherry returned with her red tennis ball and let him take it from her. He chuckled softly at her, standing ready, body poised, ears alert, waiting for when he threw it again. Which he did.He let his shoulders relax for the first time since defecting. Not realising just how much tension he'd been carrying around. The last decade of their lives together had been one of the worst. With the affair with Momo, the revelation about the monster lurking inside his Sousuke's skull - the hellish voice – Sousuke faking his own death, seeing his lover's corpse, having to cope with Sousuke's self-imposed yet very necessary solitary confinement and everyone acting as if Sousuke never existed, and then seeing the betrayed look on Ran's face when he left her for good...And then adjusting to a new life in a barren, foreign, sunless land... it had all taken its toll on both of them. Though Sousuke was far less inclined to admit this than he was.That was why he'd suggested this little holiday. So they could get a break from their goals, their plans, their chessplay, if only for a few days. Well, to be fair it didn't matter about him, but he knew Sousuke needed a break and a chance to recharge his batteries. The man had been so tired lately, run down almost with the demands of ruling Las Noches and by extension, Huecco Mundo. Gin felt he needed a rest.He watched Cherry scamper up to him again, and nudge him with the ball. He took it and threw it for her. He heard Sousuke sigh contently again, and he gazed down at the man he loved. Smiling to himself because he thought that this was perfect, they were perfect."I love you," he murmured softly, and even in sleep, Sousuke smiled."You too," he murmured back. And Gin's gaze grew tender. If he could, he would have frozen this moment so they could live in it forever. No doubt Sousuke felt the same. Right now, they had no cares, no responsibilities, no empires to rule, no wars to fight. They were just two lovers, happily enjoying each others company. It was nice. Really nice. Maybe after the war he could convince Sousuke to live here with him. Hell, he could live here now. If not for the war, and the hellish voice, they could really live here. Gin could write and sell the stories he wanted to write, and Sousuke could start up his own company, which of course would be a hugely successful one, and the two of them could buy a house and live out their days in peace. Maybe they'd even have children...Gin sighed, lifting his gaze up so he could scan the people in their lovely surroundings. Unable to help feeling like something was missing in their lives. Of course, he was still a little bitter about the unfairness of Sousuke's situation – couldn't that damn Hollow have picked on someone else and left his beloved Sousuke alone? - but he'd made his peace with that. He loved Sousuke. Had promised wholeheartedly to stay with him for better or worse, and he intended to keep that promise until the day he died. Maybe even after that. But still, he felt something was missing.Gin knew he'd always desired something resembling a normal life. A domestic life. House. Marriage. Children. Of course, he would never trade his adventure with Aizen-sama for anything. But he often wondered if Sousuke had similar desires for a simpler life free of complications. Gin had always, always wanted a family... children... he'd often dreamed of him and Sousuke raising a couple of kids together – because they couldn't have just one, that'd be boring. Maybe it was possible Sousuke wanted the same?He hadn't asked Sousuke though, or rather the subject had never come up, but... if he asked, would Sousuke agree? Would his lover, his partner, his husband, even consider bringing children into their lives? Because it was a big step. Even for a man like Aizen Sousuke, it was a big step.And yet... yet he felt they were in a happy and secure enough place now that they could entertain the idea of children. Though he wasn't exactly sure how to bring the subject up. But something told him that to not take advantage of this short-lived peace and tranquility in what had otherwise been the story sea of their lives would be stupid. And Sousuke was highly suggestible when the heat got to him. Perhaps it was best to ask now. Of course, if the man turned around and said outright that he didn't want children, he'd be devastated, because he'd always imagined children in his future along with Aizen Sousuke. But he supposed it was a risk worth taking.He glanced around him again and saw two women, one pushing a toddler in a pushchair and the other cooing over the child told him it was worth asking his lover.When he woke up of course. Aizen-sama did need his rest.. . .Sousuke inhaled deeply and let out a long, soft, contented sigh. This truly was a perfect day. Fresh air, sunshine... and Gin. He smiled to himself, still marvelling at the fact he still had Gin in his life. Even after everything. Even after he'd been so goddamn stupid and almost wrecked everything. Gods, he wanted to punch his past self, though he suspected he'd have to get in a rather long line to do that. Honestly, when had he become prone to such idiocy? He sighed again and brushed the thoughts away. He was with Gin now. They were happy now. It didn't matter what happened before. They couldnt go back and change it anyway, so he just vowed to make the most of the time they would have. Like he was doing right now. Head laying on Gin's lap as he dozed in the lovely, warm sun.He felt his darling Gin's hand stroking his hair tenderly, and his face relaxed into one of his softer smiles. The likes of which he only ever gave to Gin. His Gin, his darling, his lovely Lolita, the moon of his life...His smile widened. And he had a thought drift into his head then, that when the war was over, when he completed his part of the pact, he wanted their lives to be just like this. Because after all the shit he'd put Gin through, Sousuke felt the man deserved something of a normal life. A normal, quiet, happy life where they'd grow old and grey together.Yes, he smiled, that'll be perfect. We'll be perfect, just like this."I love you," he heard Gin murmur quietly, and he smiled at that, too. The words sending warmth spreading through his chest and all the way to his extremeties, even after eight decades."You too," he answered softly, and he didn't even have to open his eyes to know Gin was smiling. He sighed again, perfectly happy, and let his body completely relax. His mind drifting off into sleep. For just a little while longer, he wanted to enjoy this day. Perhaps they'd even enjoy some ice cream when he woke up.. . .He slowly blinked his eyes open some time later. He wasn't sure how long he'd been out, but it couldn't have been that long as the sun was still high in the sky. His best guess made it about one or two o' clock, based on the sun's position. It was sometime in the afternoon, anyway.He opened his eyes fully when he heard Gin's light snickering."What?""You snore." Gin told him. Voice light and playful."I do not.""Yes, ya do." Gin insisted. Sousuke just sighed. He knew he wouldn't win this one so there was no point trying to."Alright, I snore." he smiled, and he enjoyed Gin's smug little grin at his 'victory'. He reached up with his hand to gently caress Gin's cheek, and warmth rushed through him again when Gin laid a hand over his, pressing it gently onto his skin and leaning into his touch. And he was struck with an urge to freeze the picture and save this moment from the funny tricks of time. Capture this moment and live in it forever. Because true happiness like this was so, so rare, and he wanted to make it last.It was made even better by the complete and utter silence of the hellish voice in his head."I'm going to get some ice cream," he said, slowly sitting up. "What flavour do you want?"Gin thought for a moment and smiled brightly. "Can I get chocolate?"Sousuke chuckled, kissed Gin's cheek, "You can have whatever you want," he said, and rose to his feet. "I'll be back."Gin nodded, "'kay."And with that he began strolling over to the edge of the park where he'd spied the ice cream van.. . .On his walk through the park, Sousuke took a deep breath, enjoying the feeling of being a free man, even though it was only temporary. Once they returned to Huecco Mundo, the illusion would shatter and life would resume as before. Which was why he needed to make the most of this. Carefree quality time with Gin was hard to come by in Las Noches, now the place was up and running. And with all the responsibilities of ruling the place – not to mention the guillotine above them, ready to sever their heads from their bodies should he ever screw up the hellish voice's plans. The monster's designs for blood and vengeance. So Sousuke was determined to enjoy this day with Gin to the fullest. Carpe diem. Seize the day. Because who knew when their time would be up?He debated walking into town. There was a jewellers... a small family run place that sold matching sets... and he'd been saving...He smiled at the thought and shrugged. Why not? Because Gin deserved a ring on his finger after all these years. And there was a lovely set of matching silver sun and moon ones he liked the look of that would make a perfect anniversary gift.He changed directions and headed into the town. He'd get the ice cream on the way back.. . .Gin was dozing when he returned with the two ice cream cones in hand. He smiled down at his lover, who was on his back, hands clasped over his belly, seemingly dead to the world. The two foxes were curled up beside him, half asleep."Gin," he called gently, softly nudging Gin with his foot to wake him. "I'm back."Gin blinked his eyes open and smiled tenderly up at him. Sousuke sat back down on the warm grass beside him."Hey," Gin said softly. "Musta dozed off."Sousuke just smiled at his lover and waited as he sat up."Here," he said, holding out one of the ice cream cones, which Gin took gently from him. It still made him smile, even now, that Gin trusted him enough with food to be gentle. Being from the Rukongai himself, he knew how strong the urge to snatch at any food offered was."How long was I out?" Gin asked him, oblivious to the things the gentle touch of beautiful fingers stirred inside his lover."Not long." Sousuke told him. Just long enough for me to dawdle making my selection at the jewellers for your anniversary gift. "There was just a bit of a queue for the ice cream.""Oh." Gin said, licking the ice cream and biting into the chocolate flake sticking out of it. "Jus' asked cuz it feels like I been out ages."Sousuke chuckled. "Yes, the heat does that." he said. I can't wait for March 14th this year. I think I've outdone myself.Kyouka snickered in the back of his mind. What'd I tell you? You're like a teenager with a crush. Nevermind you're married already...He tried not to roll his eyes at her. If you are going to be snarky...Oh hush, Sousuke, you know I just think it's cute. she countered. Besides, I can't wait to see his face when he sees what you got him.Me neither. He smiled. Time needs to move faster.It does, she agreed. And they left it at that.. . .Gin happily devoured his ice cream well before Sousuke did, which was surprising given his knowledge of the fact Sousuke had a weakness for sweet things. He had to wonder at what was going on inside the man's head to distract him from the lure of delicious chocolate ice cream. Usually he worried about such thoughtfulness, particularly when his expression turned dark. But today his Helios shone brighter than ever, so Gin reasoned it couldn't be a bad thing and recommenced his devouring of the ice cream.
It's prob'ly just him plannin' fer our weddin' anniversary er somethin'.
I'll say. Shinsou added. Cuz ya know how that fool gets when he wants to impress you. No wonder he's excited. And Kyouka told me he got you 'the best thing', so...Well don' fuckin' ruin it then! Gin chided his zanpaktou. I wanna be surprised!Shinsou grumbled at that, but obeyed.
I just hope he likes my present.
Ha! Shinsou barked. Please. He loves anything if it's from you! Remember the cat mug?Gin had to smile at the memory of Sousuke's reaction to that mug. At his excitement. At how he'd used that mug every day. Of course, it'd been glued back together and you could still see the cracks from where it got smashed, but even after that, he still used it every day. Gin just hoped the chessboard he'd got to replace the one that got smashed as well would receive the same reception. The one it was meant to before... before things went down the toilet.Yeh, I remember. Gin answered him. Though I wonder if he'll give me what I really want.Shinsou fell into a thoughtful silence for a moment. Why don't you find out?Gin thought about it for a few moments. And decided to wait until Sousuke had finished his ice cream to speak."Aizen-sama?" Gin said softly."Hmm?""How'd ya feel 'bout... kids?""Kids?" Sousuke echoed, his face an expression of curiosity and something Gin couldn't quite decipher as he glanced around at the children playing nearby."Yeah, kids." Gin repeated."Indifferent." Sousuke answered. "But as long as other people keep theirs away from us, it'll be fine."Gin just sighed. "No, that isn't... tha' aint what I meant.""Oh?" Sousuke said, shooting him a look that displayed his intrigue. "Then what did you mean?"Gin sighed and turned to face him, hands fidgeting in his lap now they had nothing to busy them. "I meant... how'd ya feel 'bout... us having kids?". . .Sousuke just sat looking at Gin for a moment before inhaling deeply and sighing slowly."Gin..." he began, "No. Just no... I mean... for one, it's just not practical.""Jus-" Gin argued, but cut himself off. "Bu' what if we could?""If we could I'd think differently." Sousuke admitted. "But as it stands, we can't. I can't. It's too dangerous, it's not practical, and then there's the voi-" he stopped there, cutting himself off from what both he and Gin already knew would just be a long tirade of reasons of why their lives were unfair because of that damn voice. He took another breath and recomposed himself. Closing his eyes. "No." he repeated again. "Just no."
Because it's hard enough for me to just keep you safe from it without adding someone else into the mix, too. And the more people I love, the weaker I am.
And I've relived enough memories of Jac... the monster's son being killed. I don't want that to be my reality.
He watched Gin's smile die, and his heart twisted violently. He loathed disappointing his Gin. Hated it. Hated it because up until now the day had been lovely. But they had to be realistic. They had to be practical. And children just weren't practical."Oh." Gin said softly, and Sousuke felt like he'd been shot in the chest. But it was necessary to cull such dreams now."But if..." Gin began again. Pleading. Hopeful. "What if we could?"Sosuke sucked in a very deep breath, and for just one moment, allowed himself to entertain the pipe dream of actually settling down with Gin and starting a family. Adopting a couple of children, living in a world where the monster inside his skull didn't exist. A world where things were perfect.And it stung, because it was just that; a dream. An unattainable fantasy of a simpler life.He took his lovely Gin's hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "If we could, I would." he said. "If we lived in a world where the damn voice didn't exist, I'd arrange for it today."He was keenly aware of the desperation in his voice, but he didn't care. It didn't matter. Nobody knew them here, and they'd probably never return, anyway. "But we don't. And we can't. You understand why."Gin nodded slowly, looking so disappointed it hurt."So you do want...""Of course I want," he said, perhaps a little too aggressively. So he cleared his throat and softened his tone. "It's just... right now, we have to be practical, love. We have a war to fight. And how can we raise a child amid such chaos? In Huecco Mundo, even?" He forced a smile, and wondered idly if Gin could see the dead dreams in his eyes. "And what normal child could withstand just being around us, with our tremendous power?" With my tremendous power. Yuki couldn't... he swallowed, thinking of his friend from the Rukongai growing up. Remembering introducing Gin to her and eating her stew. Remembered her slowly dying just from being within range of his high spiritual energy.
She couldn't, and she was strong.
Gin seemed to think about this. Good. Maybe he'll understand and stop fighting me on this, he thought. Though he knew all too well just how persistent Gin could be when he really wanted something."What if there were a way?" Gin offered softly. "What if ya could find a way? I mean, yer clever. You could find a way. If ya really wanted. Yer strong, ya could protect us..."He inhaled deeply again and blew out a deep sigh. "Gin...""But ya could," Gin pleaded. And gods damn it all, it was hard to resist it when Gin begged him. "Ya could... ya could fer me."He dragged air kicking and screaming into his lungs. Gods, this was hard. "Gin," he warned again, his voice trailing off into silence."Please, my Helios," Gin begged. And he cursed inwardly. If ever there was a word to make his resolve dust, it was that.
Fuck.
. . .
Gin held onto his lover's hand with both of his, staring deeply into those chocolate eyes. "Please, my Helios," he breathed, "My sun and stars.""Gin..." Sousuke protested again, and his voice sounded pained."Please, Sousuke," he pleaded gently. Opening his eyes just enough to give his lover a glimpse of his red eyes the man adored so much. Letting his voice turn sensual as he slid closer and wrapped his arms around Sousuke's neck. Because he wanted Sousuke to see just how much he wanted this. To know how long he'd wanted this for. "Please? For me?"Sousuke let out a trembling breath, and Gin watched the silent war wage inside his lover. He was close. So close to giving in. Gin just needed to push a bit more. Just a little bit more..."Think of how happy we'd be." he offered, sweetly."Gin..." his lover groaned, the firm tone from before softening further with each intonation of his name."And you said," Gin murmured into his ear now, body pressing close to him, coiling around him like a snake. "Ya said after Momo, I could have one thing, anything I wanted..." Gin paused, both for breath and for effect, before he continued. "I want this.""Gin..."Shinsou stirred in the back of his mind and murmured what Sousuke could not. This will end badly. But Gin ignored him."You owe me, Sousuke," Gin continued. "Fer everythin' you put us through, you owe me this.". . .Sousuke fought back a groan. Fuck. He really wished Gin hadn't played that card. Hadn't reminded him of that promise made in the wake of the earth shattering sex that had reunited their bodies seven years after the affair.But he had.And there was no taking it back.Guilt and inadequacy clawed at his organs like ravenous insects as he thought again of that debt, that forgiveness, he could never truly repay. Of course, he'd given Gin a sun, but that wasn't enough. Wasn't nearly enough to square that debt away.And then there was his desire to make Gin happy. To see Gin smile, make him laugh. Because as ridiculous as it sounded, when Gin was happy, he was happy. And it was so hard to resist when Gin begged so much, pleaded so hard for something that would make him happy. Even harder still when it allowed him to make another payment on the huge debt he owed.He reached out for Kyouka Suigetsu with his mind, but found her silent. And he knew she couldn't advise him on this. Because it was an affair of the heart, and all zanpaktou were forbidden to interfere in such matters directly.He sighed softly. He supposed he didn't have much choice."Alright." he agreed, gently detangling himself from Gin's embrace. "But we'll do it my way.". . .Gin gasped, and his face broke out into a massive grin. "Really?""Yes." his lover assured him, smiling. And Gin could have burst, he was so overjoyed. And the only way his brain could think of how to express that was by launching his body at the man and claiming his lips with a deep kiss. Plundering his lover's mouth with his tongue for all it was worth – even as he sent Sousuke falling onto his back on the grass with Gin landing on top of him. Sousuke moaned into him, and the two of them were so caught up in each other, so in the moment, they were totally oblivious to the couple of mothers hurriedly averting their children's eyes from the sight of the two men kissing passionately in the park.Gin just moaned with him into the kiss, catatonic with joy, though Shinsou murmured in the back of his mind still about the wiseness of such a decision.As always, Gin ignored him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When they got up, laughing, to leave the park, they were frowned at. Not that Gin cared. They walked onto the path and Gin swung his lover's hand, still giddy with excitement. One lady told them they should be ashamed of themselves, that this was a family friendly park, and nobody wanted to see two men getting frisky in such a public space. Wagging her finger at them. Aizen as full of contrite – if false – apologies from the both of them. Gin didn't give a rats ass. This Karen or whatever the hell her name was could do one. All that mattered was that he was on cloud nine. That he was going to get the family he'd dreamed of for so long...He contemplated telling her to fuck off and mind her business. But the warning surge of Sousuke's spiritual energy told him he better at least act contrite for now so they didn't make a scene. If they made a scene their enemies would spot them. Then they'd be fucked. So Gin put on his acting hat and made false apologies, too. Because they couldn't afford to get arrested for public indecency and have their names and faces plastered over the news. Of course they had reiatsu cloaking gigai, but their foes weren't imbeciles. Urahara in particular would be scouring the international news feeds for any signs of them, just in case. So they stood and suffered through the lecture and watcher her stomp away, muttering to herself.Gin scowled and crossed his arms. "Fuckin' rude," Gin said after she was well out of earshot. "Dunno who she think she is."Sousuke just smiled softly. "Don't worry, when I'm on the throne at the end of all this, I'll kill her first."Gin smiled. It sounded like a joke, but he knew Sousuke too well to assume that. The man had killed people for him before. Forty six in fact. What was one more?"So good t'me," he squeezed Sousuke's hand gently. Quietly enjoying the little smile on his Sousuke's face that appeared as a result."I am," Sousuke answered him. "Far too good. I think I should be a little bad to even things out."Gin's breath hitched a little as he felt his lover lean closer, desire flaring up inside him and licking up his spine as Sousuke's breath hit the shell of his ear. "Remind you who's in charge," Sousuke murmured. And his voice, those words, the heavy, thick lust-filled reiatsu brushing against his skin sent fire and excitement jolting through his veins. Gin's whole bing thrummed with anticipation for what Sousuke had planned for him."Ohhh,"Gin shivered, grinning. The fires inside him spreading as the man took his hand again. "Ya know I like it when yer bad. Ya gon' teach me a lesson?"Aizen's wicked grin was hard to miss. "Oh, I'll teach you many lessons, lover," he drawled, and Gin could've melted into a puddle on the path under their feet. Could this day get any more perfect?"Sousuke..." he breathed, voice trembling."Mmm, that's my name," Aizen drawled. "But the way you say it, you can wear it out if you want to. Though I think you'll wear out your voice first since I'll be making you scream it repeatedly."Gin's smile widened exponentially. Apparently this day could get more perfect. He simply couldn't wait until they got home now, where no doubt after several rigorous rounds of lovemaking, Sousuke would explain the rules of what would likely be his next game of mental chess. But before that, they'd fill their bellies at the restaurant Sousuke had made a reservation at, and then stumble down the street drunk on wine and love and each other, before returning to Huecco Mudo again. The Place of Nightmares, as Sousuke called it. He wasn't wrong. It was a place of nightmares. But their power kept them relatively safe, and in the softness of sousuke's bed, they'd shed their clothed and screw each other into the mattress like they'd die tomorrow. Because in Huecco Mundo, any day could be their last."But first, dinner," Sousuke said, returning to his default businesslike self, while Gin still flushed beet red."Yes," Gin breathed, trying to cool himself down. Which was admittedly proving difficult. "Dinner.". . .It was well past midday when Gin drifted back into wakefulness again. The artificial sun of Las Noches was at its zenith, its light and heat coming through the windows of the bedroom and almost blinding him. He was naked, still tangled in Sousuke's arms, one arm slung about his waist. Possessive even in sleep. Gin smiled at him and quietly stretched his body out. The soreness of his muscles and lower back promising to linger for at least a week. He smiled at that, too. Sousuke was always gentle and doting when Gin was sore, as if making up for his earlier roughness with his body in the heat of passion. Maybe he'd convince Sousuke to give him a massage with those magic hands of his. That's be a nice way to start the day.He heard Sousuke groan, dragging himself into wakefulness to join him, and Gin sighed happily as he watched those chocolate eyes open and slowly focus on him."Good morning," Souske said softly."Hey," Gin answered, finding his voice hoarse and his throat raw and parched. "S'afternoon now. Guess we really wore each other out this time."Gin studied his lover's beautiful face as his smile grew more satisfied. Gin just curled his body around him, nuzzling into his neck."Me throat's sore though," he murmured. And he felt, rater than heard, the man's light chuckle reverberate through his body."That'll be all the screaming you did," Aizen smiled. "Don't worry," he sad, gently kissing him on the forehead. "I'll make it up to you."Mmm," Gin sighed and stretched in his lover's arms languorously.Like a cat basking in the afternoon sun. "Can ya gimme a massage, too?" he asked, hopeful. "You were rough las' nigh' an' now I'm sore all over."Sousuke laughed gently. Gin knew he was laying it on a little thickly, but if it meant he'd feel those gorgeous hands on him again with his wonderful magician working his magic he didn't really care."Whatever you want," sousuke said softly, gently untangling himself from Gin. "But first, do you want tea?""Yes please.""Alright," Sousuke smiled, picking up a crumpled sleeping robe off the floor and putting it on. "I'll be right back.""'Kay," Gin smiled, watching his lover gracefully move through the room to the little kichenette in his quarters. Undoubtedly installed just so the man could continue his decade long habit of making his partner a mug of tea in the morning.Gin couldn't help but smile at that too as he hugged the duvet against him. It really was the little things that gave away just how devoted Sousuke was to him, despite the cold and ruthless image he projected to the underlings of the white palace. Not that Sousuke would ever admit that out loud, of course.. . .Aizen stood in the little kitchen still turning the ideas over in his head. Wondering exactly how he was going to do this as he made the tea. He sighed softly.
How am I going to do this?
He poured the boiling water into the mugs and decided now would be as good a time as any to brainstorm some ideas. Truthfully, he wasn't relishing the thought of taking another risk like this. They were taking enough risks as it stood. With the war and the defection and living in this Place of Nightmares. He'd actually been looking forward to a little reprieve from the risk taking. But it just wasn't in the cards. Gin was right in any case. He owed Gin. He owed Gin big time for all of the shit he'd put him through. All of it unnecessary. All of it easily avoidable with a simple discussion. But no, he'd chosen to be a complete fool and gamble with the most precious thing he had. Idiot. He was lucky he still had a husband.Which was why he had to do this for Gin. After all, Gin didn't have to forgive him. He could very easily have walked away without so much as a goodbye. Hell, any sane person would have. But Gin had stayed, and he was just so stupidly grateful for that. So he wanted to repay Gin for that somehow. Because deep down he hated owing people. Deep down he loved Gin.So he had to do this. He had to make this work. Let it cost what it might.Gin deserved to be happy, after all. And if he could make that happen, he would. The only question left was how to go about doing that, exactly. What were the steps he needed to take?
What am I going to do?
You could ask for help, maybe? Kyouka Suigetsu supplied. You know, ask Gin what he thinks? It'll be his child too, you know. And you know you don't have to try and do everything yourself.Sousuke paused, reluctant to admit she was right. She might have been cocky and arrogant – a lot like himself – but usually she did raise some valid points.
I suppose.
Ask him, she repeated. He might just susprise you. Oh, and for the record, I'm not cocky and arrogant. He had to chuckle a little at her. My dear mirror princess, I am quite certain you are the cockiest, snarkiest zanpaktou in existence.She snorted dismissively. Oh, everyone says that about their zanpaktou.
Even Gin?
Especially Gin, she told him. You know, with some of the stories I've been told, I think Shinsou might just be snarkier than me by far.Now it was Sousuke's turn to shake his head and smile in disagreement. My dear, he said sweetly, no-one is snarkier than you. You are the queen of snark.He felt as her pout and huff, and resisted the urge to laugh.Oh, you're mean, she told him.
Yes. I am.
He felt her disapproving glare and couldn't resist a little snicker. It was about time she had a taste of her own medicine. But he was in an indulgent mood today, so he left it there. For now, anyway. He could always prod her a little more later. Right now though, tea was waiting, and so was his lover. A smile crossed his lips at the thought of enjoying both, and with that he picked up the mugs of tea and walked back into the bedroom.. . .Gin was still lazing in bed waiting for his lover to return. Even their pet foxes, Cherry and Tsuku settled on the bed were waiting for him to come back. They lifted their noses expectantly.Gin remembered their first cup of tea together... had it really been so long ago? He remembered how Sousuke had cooked for him the first time, too. He'd been seriously hungover after their first date, having gone a little too heavy on the wine. Which had been... eight decades ago, if his memory served.A tender smile crossed his lips. Has it really been that long? He wondered. It really doesn't feel like it. But I guess time flies when you're havin' fun, right?Shinsou snorted softly. Or just playing ridiculous, highly unnecessary chess games. Yes, Gin agreed, feeling too lazy to even argue that point. That too. Shinsou grumbled quietly because his master didn't rise to the bait, and thus missed out on an opportunity to tease Gin. But Gin ignored him. There were much better things to think about. Like the list of things they would need for his and Sousuke's child when it arrived. And the mug of tea that would soon be in his hands and soothing his raw throat. And then breakfast. Yes, definitely breakfast."Che-Che," he called to his beloved white fox, "Che-Che, c'mere."Cherry lifted her head and turned to look at him, slowly getting to her feet to walk over the bed to him. Sniffing him and licking his face and making him laugh before walking in a little circle and settling next to him with a big sigh. Tsuku, her mate, walked over too, just to be beside her. Gin smiled at them and quietly stroked their soft fur as they dozed.Unfortunately, Shinsou shattered his peace. Do you really think this is going to work?Gin paused his fussing of the foxes. Hm? Think what's going to work?
Having children.
Gin frowned. Oh. That. Of course I think it's gonna work.Really? Shinsou asked, clearly skeptical. Because I don't think so. Gin's brow furrowed. Wow. Don't like, jump out of yer skin with excitement or anything. I thought you'd be happy fer us.Shinsou sighed. I am. But I just don't think it's very wise to bring any children into the world when the war and the voice are still involved. He paused, and gin felt himself being studied. But I know it's not my call to make. Law of free will and all that. Gin snorted. Meanin' ya can't interfere.
Indeed.
But ya still don't think it's a good idea?
No.
Gin closed his eyes and suppressed all the things he wanted to say to his zanpaktou. Fair 'nough. But are you on my side or in my way?On your side, always, Shinsou assured him. I think you'll make a great parent. I just think it'd be better to wait until everything's been dealt with. Gin let out a frustrated sigh. But what if we don't have that long? I don't wanna wait. I know what I want, and I'm gonna get it. Now it was shinsou's turn to sigh softly. As it please you. I just think you should reconsider. Gin snorted, scowling. Opinion noted. Now scram an' lemme enjoy me tea in peace.Shinsou snorted. If by 'tea', you mean 'Sousuke', then yes, he smirked. It earned him a glare and the slightest of blushes, and the zanpaktou cackled and vanished. Leaving Gin alone with his thoughts, just as Sousuke walked in with their tea."Zanpaktou trouble?" Sousuke smiled, handing him his mug."How'd ya guess?""A hunch."Gin just sighed."Penny for your thoughts?" Aizen asked him.Gin huffed again. "Shinsou doesn't think us havin' kids is a good idea."Aizen studied his partner. Well, neither do I, he thought. It's always been something too risky to have for me, much as I've wanted it. Too risky for you, too. But I owe you. I owe you for all of the bullshit you've put up with from me. And I can't exactly say that. "Well," he offered gently, "Are you happy with the idea?"Gin looked at him, ready to answer the obvious. "Well... yeah.""Then nothing else matters," Aizen said firmly. "I know it's a risk, but it's our risk to take together."Gin smiled softly at his lover. "Yeah. Together."Gin sighed, more content now, leaning against his partner and drinking his tea. This was the man he loved. The man who'd killed for him and was now about to risk everything to give him what he'd always wanted. A family of his own."You're right," Gin added quietly. Holding the hot mug of tea in his hands. Trying to ignore the creeping feeling that Shinsou was right, too."Aren't I always?" Aizen smirked, making Gin laugh."Smug bastard," Gin grinned. His lingering doubts forgotten in favour of just being in this moment with the man he loved.