Secrets Behind Masks - A Bleach one shot
Right back again with another one-shot, this time Bleach. this was yet another challenge from vulpes_demonica , this time in a fandom I have never attempted and while not a rare pairing, definitely an unusual dynamic. Making this believable as well as sticking to the japanese from the manga and anime has been a huge challenge. However I have learned a hell of a lot and thanks to vulpes_demonica and her wicked constructive criticism I have this ready to read.
Hon, you will see I have not taken every suggestion over, but thank you so much, through this challenge and your advice I have learned so much.
So... the important stuff.
Title: Secrets Behind Masks
Anime: Bleach
Pairing: KiraxIchicmaru/IzuruxGin (yes you read that right)
Rating: NC-17 - graphic sex between two men, domination... otherwise quite clean
Warnings: Lots of japanese terminology
Summary: Everyone assumes they know Kira, but what secrets lie behind the mask of being a shinigami, who is he really? There are many secrets within Seireitei, but what is the truth behind the dynamic between Kira and his captain.
Okay a few points before we start. Firstly be prepared for the Japanese I have stated this a few times but I mean it. Bleach fans should survive though. If people want me to post a glossary of terms leave a comment and I will add one in. Secondly there is a switch in the way this is written partway through. Everything past tense and in Kira's thoughts has him referring to his captain as Ichimaru-taichou. Once we hit present tense he is referred to solely as Ichimaru. This is deliberate and meant to demarcate the switch. That said I think that should avoid any confusion. Have fun guys!!!
what secrets lie behind the masks?
Kira made his way through the Sanbantai barracks in near silence, stepping out into the darkness as he trod the familiar path between buildings thinking to himself. He was thinking particularly on the visit he was making, one he made regularly and had done for a while now, one to his taichou’s quarters. He was thinking on how these visits had started. He knew that others watched him and Ichimaru-taichou. Everyone watched Ichimaru-taichou; there was something about him that drew their gazes, something in his demeanour that frightened and disturbed others, yet they could not keep their eyes off him. But prey is always apt to be watchful when it senses a predator on the prowl. And as Kira was rarely from his captain’s side unless ordered to be elsewhere, by extension he was watched too. Though of late he was more and more out of Ichimaru-taichou’s presence, but that had been a mutual agreement. It was never said, wasn’t even a rumour amongst the Gotei 13, but it was in their eyes. They suspected that the two were involved in an intimate relationship as well as a professional one.
And they of course would be right, if they ever voiced the thought. And if any of them were to ever muse on the nature of their relationship, they would assume that, because of how they were with each other day to day, Ichimaru-taichou was the one in control of their relationship. Kira was no fool, he could read their looks, and he knew that in some eyes he was being taken advantage of. But there were a lot of things that may surprise them should they ever become privy to what was actually going on. It was Ichimaru-taichou who made the first move, something which in all probability was quite predictable. He remembered it clearly, the moment that had set them down this path. A day like any other in Seireitei, it had been coming to an end and his taichou had been commenting on the fact that he was opting to stay on at the office to finish paperwork when he was leaving for the day. It was something he would do now and again when for whatever reason the amount of paperwork was higher than normal as it saved him and his captain both effort later on.
“Kira-kun, you need to relax more. You really work too hard.” He’d said in that slightly amused tone that was synonymous with the man.
“I really do not mind taichou.” He had replied mildly.
His eyes had been on the papers before him, because like so many others he found it difficult to be the object of Ichimaru-taichou’s scrutiny, or had then. So he had been aware of the other’s approach because his reiatsu drew closer, but he had not been expecting to find his chin grasped in long, elegant but bony fingers, and be turned to meet the silver haired man’s gaze, his face suddenly close enough to his own that he could feel Ichimaru-taichou’s breath against his lips.
“I know you do this to make my life easy,” his taichou murmured softly. “You really are too kind to me, Izuru.”
And then Ichimaru-taichou had kissed him, and it had been a surprisingly soft and tender moment which had taken him utterly by surprise. As he had gasped his superior had only taken the opportunity of parted lips to lightly caress Kira’s tongue with his own, making his fukutaichou shiver with delight and then it was over, Ichimaru-taichou walking away to his own quarters and leaving Kira to carry on as he had been doing. He had been so shocked that he had sat there for another half hour, not moving, too stunned to do anything, trying to work out what had just happened. And that was only the start of things. But that is where what others suspected and reality separated. None of them would suspect that after a week of him agonising over that kiss, torn between his duty and his aching need to get another taste of his taichou, that he had suddenly risen to his feet and crossed the office to the other man’s side. Ichimaru-taichou had looked up at him questioningly but he had not given him the time to actually say anything before he was the one kissing his taichou firmly. He had half been expecting to be thrown away, impaled by Shinsou or even killed for doing this, but instead when he had stood, heart pounding a wild tattoo in his chest, Ichimaru-taichou smiled at him.
“Well now this certainly makes things more interesting.”
And that had been the beginning. That had been the day he’d received that first summons to his taichou’s quarters. Well not summons per se…
“Come to my quarters tonight, Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had murmured to him softly as they left the administration office for the day.
“Yes taichou.”
He remembered oh so clearly the tension in the pit of his stomach at the order, voiced more like a request, or as close to it as Ichimaru-taichou ever came. The anticipation, the way his heart had skipped a beat. It was a feeling that did not leave him as he went to his own quarters to eat and bathe. He knew what was going to happen, knew what it meant, and he also knew he shouldn’t be doing this. The part of him that was a slave to duty was screaming that he should not overstep the bounds of their relationship as taichou and fukutaichou, that a personal relationship would cloud their professional one, would make working together impossible. But the rest of him, the part that was a man, that had been burning with need and want ever since that first tender kiss, wanting to feel the way he had when he’d shivered and longed for more, couldn’t wait for it. It was a delicious agony being torn between the two. The choice was before him, he could not go and never again would anything be said, both kisses would be forgotten, or he could step outside the boundaries, take the risk, and enjoy the pleasure of a relationship that was illicit. He knew this might only be a one time thing, that it could be one night, and then never again. But even if it was one night he had craved to feel something more.
It was not a new fire that Ichimaru-taichou had ignited in him. He had been drawn to his taichou from the very beginning, from the very first time he had served under him, when he had been but a member of the Gobantai straight out of the academy, and in those days Ichimaru had been fukutaichou under Aizen-taichou. A member of the Gotei 13 should find their loyalty lay directly with their taichou, but his very first mission had turned out a lot nastier than had been anticipated, and despite his skill Kira had found himself overwhelmed. He had thought his end had come, when the huge hollow’s attack was diverted at the last second, and a devastating blow had the creature disintegrating, the purified soul passing on to Soul Society. He had looked up to see a blade hovering above him, quickly sheathed, and then the smiling face of his future taichou.
“That was careless, Kira-kun. You had better take more care next time.”
And that had been it, his loyalty had belonged to Ichimaru and Ichimaru alone. The man who would become his taichou did not have to save him, the mistake had been his, and had he died for it that would have only been right of course. Over time that devotion to his superior had allowed him to become less intimidated by the aura he emitted and he found himself drawn to the enigmatic man in other ways. He recognised the attraction for what it was, how could he not when he found himself thinking on how effortless the elder made things seem when in training, how in sparring he never seemed to break a sweat, and no matter how hard he was pressed moved with a grace and fluidity to his movements that entranced him. And when Ichimaru-taichou was promoted he had felt elated for him, yet in so much pain because they were to be separated. So when Ichimaru-taichou had requested for him to be his fukutaichou personally, and there had been no objections from the rest of command, he had gladly taken the post the moment he was offered it, just to be near to him again.
And so he had made the choice to go to his taichou’s quarters, letting himself in after hearing the permission to do so that followed his knock. Ichimaru-taichou was waiting for him in a kosode of midnight blue, smiling broadly at the slightly hesitant Kira. But it wasn’t fear that held him back, more the war that raged inside of him, the battle between the man everyone else saw, the subservient, loyal and obedient to a fault shinigami, that followed procedure and law as he had been raised to do so by his parents and later the academy, and the man inside him who had wanted this for so long and stringently been denied by himself. The attitude that he was known for was only one side to his character, proper behaviour something he had ingrained into him at a young age. But inside him was a burning fire, that had fuelled his ambition, to get noticed, to rise through the ranks, to finally get him where he wanted to be at Ichimaru-taichou's side. It was the man that held the strength not the shinigami who obeyed, it was the man that struck the blows, fought hollows, that had the skills and the desires. It was just that no-one saw that. And even in this moment, when he felt so bare before his taichou’s gaze, so utterly exposed, Ichimaru did not see the man behind the shinigami before him.
“Don’t be afraid, Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had said, smiling that smile that could unnerve so many and stepping up close to him, reaching out to stroke his cheek.
That action was enough to tip the scales of the battle, and his gaze had locked onto the man before him, utterly certain in his desire.
“I’m not afraid.” He’d responded with utter sincerity.
And then it had begun. He let go of all the bonds fettering who he was inside, that kept him the very model of who he should be in other’s eyes according to his station in society and in the Gotei 13. He had reached out, closed the gap between them, and with utter confidence pulled his slender taichou to him and kissed him with all the want and desire in his heart. Ichimaru-taichou had been far more taken aback by this than he had been in the office earlier, surprised that Kira would be so forward. And when lips that were softer than he had ever imagined had parted he had plundered that mouth with his eager tongue, wanting to taste his prize, using the shock in the other to dominate the kiss, which was being returned eagerly regardless of the shock. He had tangled his fingers in soft silver hair and never let up his dominance of Ichimaru-taichou’s mouth, the elder man seemingly content in having control taken from him. But as they parted, Kira needing time to breathe, what happened next surprised them both.
“Aaah Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had smiled that smile everyone knew so well, the one that could be read only in its subtleties. “So… So quiet and yet, beneath all that you hide this… You remind me of Aizen-taichou.”
Ichimaru must not have been expecting it, or it must have been utterly the last thing to cross his mind otherwise he would have stopped it, Kira was sure of that. He wasn’t sure what surprised him most, that the slap had connected, or that he had tried to slap the older man at all. It had been jealousy that had forced the reflex action, utter jealousy. He knew how Ichimaru-taichou looked at his former taichou, followed in his footsteps. And damn it, that was how he wanted his taichou to look at him, to be his and only his. Just as no one would suspect this stronger side of him - despite the fact that he had earned his position by skill and merit, being both a strong swordsman and kidou user, with leadership qualities, no one would suspect that he was extremely possessive and extremely jealous.
Ichimaru-taichou was looking at him wide eyed, and really looking at him, the customary smirk gone from his face. His eyes were truly open for once, revealing that they were as blue as the ocean: eyes that were usually narrowed into slits that combined with the smile, the hidden eyes that intimidated others around him. The elder had put his hand to his face where he had been struck, his expression one of shock. Kira could do one of two things, follow this through or leave.
“While we are together Gin.” He had stressed the elder man’s first name without any honorific to establish authority in the situation. “You will not mention his name.”
His voice had been firm, steady. He could only await the stronger man’s reaction. A few moments passed, before he bowed his head in respect.
“Yes, Izuru.”
And that had been that. The foundations of their relationship had been laid, and over the next few months, on top of that foundation the rules had been built. Their private and professional lives were completely separate, and utter opposites of each other. And no-one knew, it was their secret. Ichimaru-taichou was the only one who knew the side to Kira that he hid from the world. Only his taichou knew that in private he could be as manipulative as the man who commanded the Sanbantai. He had discovered what had driven the seemingly mild mannered fukutaichou to get to where he was today, and he liked it. And so tonight was happening as these nights always did. Ichimaru-taichou in his last act as his superior for the day had made the request that he visit his quarters come evening. The two had gone their separate ways, and now he was crossing the barracks, feeling the exquisite thrum of anticipation running through him.
As he reached the door to Ichimaru’s private quarters he dutifully kneeled as he knocked, waiting for the call to enter to come before he slid the screen across, stepping inside, kneeling and sliding it closed again as any dutiful subordinate would for his superior. But once the screen was closed Kira transformed. He rose to his feet, all subservience disappearing from his manner as he turned to Ichimaru who was waiting for him, kneeling with his head bowed. Kira smiled, pleased. He quickly dropped to his knees before his lover, reaching out to raise his chin, and stroke his face gently as he smiled. Ichimaru’s eyes shone in pleasure as he saw that smile.
“You are so beautiful, Gin,” he murmured, before leaning forward to claim those soft lips with his own.
This was how it always was. Kira did not want to waste a moment with unnecessary words, they both knew why he was here. Kira took firm control of the kiss, Ichimaru willingly bending to his will. Of course this was with Ichimaru’s consent. If not Kira would have long been dead by now. He found the silver haired man was like an addiction. His scent, his taste, the feel of his skin, of him surrounding him… It was like a drug he could never get enough of. He broke the kiss solely so he could move them into the other room, where Ichimaru’s futon lay. He knew the layout of this room intimately by now, but closed the door anyway, the room had been treated to be soundproof, so no sign or sound from their exploits would reach beyond the door. This was a good thing, and extremely important to them both.
Now they had utter privacy he kissed the silver-haired man possessively, Ichimaru giving Kira exactly what he wanted, the control. Fingers closed round a good handful of soft silver hair, tugging and pulling, not enough to hurt… yet, but enough to give Kira the control he desired. Yes, he was utterly intoxicated with his lover, but not just that, the power rush that came with having control over the stronger man. So what that Ichimaru gave it to him, that he could take it back at any time? In these moments he couldn’t care less. Slender hands with long fingers were hungrily plucking at his clothing, entwining in his hair; demanding, but always a step away from being controlling. With a harsh yank at silver locks he bared the slender throat, kissing at the sensitive spot he knew from experience lay there before sinking his teeth in. Ichimaru groaned softly at the pleasured pain, making Kira smile.
This was why Ichimaru gave up control, because he liked being out of it, he got off on Kira’s domination of him during their trysts. It was their secret, the hidden sides to their characters, perfectly complimenting each other. A moment later Ichimaru was on his back on the futon, Kira above him, swiftly unfastening the kosode he wore. This one was steel grey, a colour that really suited the man beneath him. As flesh was bared it was all Kira could do to not bite every single inch of him. As it was Ichimaru wore the fading bruises from the last time they did this, only two days ago. Those marks made with teeth made Kira smile. Knowing that beneath his shinigami attire, his taichou was walking around with marks that claimed him as his and his alone pleased them both, and as his fingers ghosted over them Ichimaru smiled.
“They fade so fast Izuru.” He purred, blue eyes flashing with hunger as he looked up at his lover.
Oh that purr went straight to his groin, had his growing erection throbbing. He swiftly divested the elder man of his kosode entirely, the soft fabric lost in a pool on the floor as with a firm grip on his arms, he pinned Ichimaru down, the action drawing a contented sigh from the silver haired man.
“Then I will have to mark you again shan’t I?”
“Yes Izuru,” was Ichimaru’s happy reply.
And mark him he did, loving the flinch from his lover every time his teeth latched onto his body, hard enough to bruise, but never to bleed, that was not Kira’s thing. But with every bite Ichimaru moaned, tossing his head from side to side, loving it as Kira played to his masochistic side. The blond loved the way his lover writhed beneath him, muscles taught, shifting under silken skin as they moved, running his tongue over them as he bit and worked. As he released Ichimaru to claim his lips in a hungry kiss, those elegant hands eagerly reaching to undress him, he saw that he’d gripped so hard that his lover would be wearing bruises that betrayed where his fingers had been. But now they were both naked and wanting, the aroused smirk on Ichimaru’s face perfectly matching the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Kira loved those eyes, and was probably the only one who ever got to see them properly. But now was not the time for looking at them. He sat back and with firm hands urged his lover to kneel over him. Ichimaru grinned, knowing just what he wanted, and sure enough there came a firm grip in his hair as he was presented with Kira’s erection. He didn’t need to be told, didn’t need the insistent hand at the back of his head to encourage him, though he liked it and liked it a lot. Kira moaned as a long and slender tongue slid up his length, and there was nothing like watching his lover work. Ichimaru had one hell of a talented mouth, and by now knew just where his sensitive spots were and how to drive him crazy. He watched hungrily as that tongue flickered over him, teasing the sensitive fraenulum, dipping to taste the essence leaking from him. He shivered as those long fingers ghosted over him, barely touching him, yet igniting his need further.
This was a game, how long could he hold out under the teasing before he forced his lover to take him in his mouth. He could do that from the outset, but this only served to increase his pleasure, draw out their encounters and one thing was for sure, nothing in this world was hotter to watch than Ichimaru teasing him. The maipulative man loved it, it showed in his eyes, the building tension in his body. As long and gentle fingers gently played with his testicles, tongue swirling round the head of his erection Kira could wait no longer, and with a rough shove he pushed himself into the expectant and welcoming heat of his lover’s mouth. He groaned as Ichimaru eagerly sucked, his eyes closing, breathing becoming ragged as he indulged in this pleasure. With a firm grip on his lover’s hair he controlled the pace of his now bobbing head, watching in fascination as soft lips slid up and down his length.
“Gin…” He breathed out his lover’s name on the back of a pleasured groan as long fingers grasped at his hips for balance and purchase.
But as his pleasure quickly built in his belly under Ichimaru’s skilled attentions he knew he had to stop this or he would release too soon. So with a hard yank on that silver hair, drawing a groan from his masochistic lover at the pain, he had his lover kneeling over him on all fours, as he took a moment to collect himself.
“On your front.” He barked the order.
Ichimaru grinned, and moved with catlike grace to exactly where he knew Kira wanted him. He knew Kira’s eyes were on him, watching the fluid motion of his body, and he lay down, spreading his legs to perfectly display himself for his lover, eyes shining as he looked back over his shoulder at the blonde. It was a well practised move, one he knew had Kira coming undone, even if he deliberately sat and just ravaged him with his eyes for a moment. But he wanted so much more than that searing gaze. And so he uttered the words that he knew would undo his lover.
“Please, Izuru.”
The breathy whisper had Kira groaning in utter want and he was soon on his lover. Lubricant was swiftly found, as it was always close to hand, but Kira was not exactly gentle in his preparation of his lover. A hand at the back of Ichimaru’s neck firmly pinned him down as two lubricated fingers roughly breached him. Ichimaru groaned, knowing this was why he did this, loving Kira’s indulgence of his needs, the pleasure pain spearing him as he was stretched. But Kira was soon done with preparation, and grabbed one bony wrist, twisting the arm behind Ichimaru and pinning his wrist in the small of his back. He wasted no time pressing his erection against his lover’s eager entrance, before shoving in with a single hard thrust that forced a yelp from the man beneath him.
The pair lay still, joined, Kira taking a moment to savour the feeling of his lover, restrained beneath him, surrounding him, breathing hard and moaning. He laid himself over his lover, the pinned arm between them, his grip on the wrist never faltering, his other hand finding the one that was clawing at the bedding beneath them. He interlaced his fingers with Ichimaru’s, further pinning him down, and further cementing his control. Yes, in this moment, he was utterly in control of the strong and powerful man beneath him, a feeling he wasn’t sure he would ever get enough of. But with a wanting cant of his hips, his lover silently voiced his impatience, and he too was eager for more.
It wasn’t gentle, their couplings never were. His thrusting into the body below him was rough, just as they both enjoyed it most. Kira drank down every pleasured and pained sound that he forced from his lover’s throat, even as his lover pushed back within his limited leverage to meet the pounding he was being given. As every thrust pushed them both closer to the edge Kira grunted with exertion, shifting the angle of his thrusts to reach his lover’s prostate as sweat began to run down his back. He was rewarded with his name being moaned breathlessly from Ichimaru’s lips, and he knew how close he had his lover to release. But his own control was slipping and he knew at this rate he was going to climax first, and needed to bring his lover with him. As the impossibly tight coil in his gut sprang loose he sank his teeth into the taught flesh of Ichimaru’s shoulder, the sudden bolt of pain adding to the merciless pounding of his prostate and forced the restrained man over the edge, crying out his lover’s name.
And now the madness was over, as they lay still joined, Kira not yet having released his grip, both breathing hard, coming down from the heights of their climax, all pretence of power and control was ripped away. Kira finally found the strength to move, gently releasing the man beneath him, and shifting to lie beside him. And if anyone in Seireitei knew of their relationship, or even knew the reality of it and thought it unexpected, then surely the tenderness between them that followed their couplings would surprise them further. Kira lay on his back, eyes closed, catching his breath, and smiled as an elegant hand found his stomach, stroking him gently.
“You were wound up tonight, Izuru.”
Kira knew he shouldn’t be surprised that his lover could read him so well, they worked together during the day, as well as exposing their hidden natures to each other come evening. He supposed he had been fiercer than usual tonight.
“You were relaxed when I left the office.” It was a statement, but the question wasn’t entirely hidden.
Kira smiled to himself and turned to his lover, reaching out to stroke his cheek.
“Abarai-kun tried to drag me out drinking to celebrate his promotion. I had a hard time getting rid of him.”
Yes, that was how far his addiction to the man before him ran, that he would come to him rather than be with old friends celebrating. Ichimaru smiled broadly.
“I’m honoured, Izuru. You and Abarai-kun have been friends a long time ne?”
Kira nodded absently, right now Renji was not important, he would deal with his disappointment later. “You know you are my world Gin.” He murmured.
“Yes, Izuru.”
Tired as he was, he didn’t notice the slight edge in Ichimaru’s tone as he agreed. If he had he might have begun to wonder just how illusory the control his lover gave him at night truly was. But having missed it he simply reached to kiss the soft lips, entangling his tongue gently and languorously with Ichimaru’s.
The silver haired man smiled at him, Kira not noticing that his attention was not solely on him right now. “Go bathe, there is time left yet for you to celebrate with him. I am sure Abarai-fukutaichou would be glad to see you.”
Kira nodded, grateful that his lover understood, that he came first, but that there were others in his life that were important. With a last kiss he rose to do just that, not noticing that Ichimaru’s eyes were resting on a shadow at the window.
******************************************************************************
Ichimaru smiled to himself as Kira once more fell seamlessly into doing what he wanted. The blond had no idea at just how little control of the situation he really had. But this relationship of theirs was twofold. It gave him control over Kira, blinded him to what was going on in secrecy in the times they were apart, and it allowed him to indulge in his tastes for pleasure. And the manipulation of his subordinate was so much fun.
He watched as Kira left, now turning to the window, opening it once Kira was far enough out of sight. To have a jigokuchou come to him at this time of night and be waiting for him to be alone was unusual, and while he couldn’t be sure, he was certain it had something to do with the secret machinations that he, Tousen-taichou and Aizen-taichou were inextricably entwined in. As the fragile insect fluttered in he held out his hand so it could land delicately there. He sighed softly as the report came in, that the hougyoku had been found, that it was hidden inside the missing Kuchiki Rukia and that she had been found in the world of the living. He was completely unsurprised at the news that Aizen-taichou had slaughtered those of Central 46 as there would be no other way that he could be sending this report and summons by jigokuchou otherwise.
It was with almost regret that he cleaned up and dressed, strapping Shinsou to his side. He looked back at the disarray of his futon, the evidence of his earlier passion with his subordinate plain to the eye. Now that things were moving there may no longer be time for such diversions.
“I shall miss you, Izuru.”
Hon, you will see I have not taken every suggestion over, but thank you so much, through this challenge and your advice I have learned so much.
So... the important stuff.
Title: Secrets Behind Masks
Anime: Bleach
Pairing: KiraxIchicmaru/IzuruxGin (yes you read that right)
Rating: NC-17 - graphic sex between two men, domination... otherwise quite clean
Warnings: Lots of japanese terminology
Summary: Everyone assumes they know Kira, but what secrets lie behind the mask of being a shinigami, who is he really? There are many secrets within Seireitei, but what is the truth behind the dynamic between Kira and his captain.
Okay a few points before we start. Firstly be prepared for the Japanese I have stated this a few times but I mean it. Bleach fans should survive though. If people want me to post a glossary of terms leave a comment and I will add one in. Secondly there is a switch in the way this is written partway through. Everything past tense and in Kira's thoughts has him referring to his captain as Ichimaru-taichou. Once we hit present tense he is referred to solely as Ichimaru. This is deliberate and meant to demarcate the switch. That said I think that should avoid any confusion. Have fun guys!!!
what secrets lie behind the masks?
Kira made his way through the Sanbantai barracks in near silence, stepping out into the darkness as he trod the familiar path between buildings thinking to himself. He was thinking particularly on the visit he was making, one he made regularly and had done for a while now, one to his taichou’s quarters. He was thinking on how these visits had started. He knew that others watched him and Ichimaru-taichou. Everyone watched Ichimaru-taichou; there was something about him that drew their gazes, something in his demeanour that frightened and disturbed others, yet they could not keep their eyes off him. But prey is always apt to be watchful when it senses a predator on the prowl. And as Kira was rarely from his captain’s side unless ordered to be elsewhere, by extension he was watched too. Though of late he was more and more out of Ichimaru-taichou’s presence, but that had been a mutual agreement. It was never said, wasn’t even a rumour amongst the Gotei 13, but it was in their eyes. They suspected that the two were involved in an intimate relationship as well as a professional one.
And they of course would be right, if they ever voiced the thought. And if any of them were to ever muse on the nature of their relationship, they would assume that, because of how they were with each other day to day, Ichimaru-taichou was the one in control of their relationship. Kira was no fool, he could read their looks, and he knew that in some eyes he was being taken advantage of. But there were a lot of things that may surprise them should they ever become privy to what was actually going on. It was Ichimaru-taichou who made the first move, something which in all probability was quite predictable. He remembered it clearly, the moment that had set them down this path. A day like any other in Seireitei, it had been coming to an end and his taichou had been commenting on the fact that he was opting to stay on at the office to finish paperwork when he was leaving for the day. It was something he would do now and again when for whatever reason the amount of paperwork was higher than normal as it saved him and his captain both effort later on.
“Kira-kun, you need to relax more. You really work too hard.” He’d said in that slightly amused tone that was synonymous with the man.
“I really do not mind taichou.” He had replied mildly.
His eyes had been on the papers before him, because like so many others he found it difficult to be the object of Ichimaru-taichou’s scrutiny, or had then. So he had been aware of the other’s approach because his reiatsu drew closer, but he had not been expecting to find his chin grasped in long, elegant but bony fingers, and be turned to meet the silver haired man’s gaze, his face suddenly close enough to his own that he could feel Ichimaru-taichou’s breath against his lips.
“I know you do this to make my life easy,” his taichou murmured softly. “You really are too kind to me, Izuru.”
And then Ichimaru-taichou had kissed him, and it had been a surprisingly soft and tender moment which had taken him utterly by surprise. As he had gasped his superior had only taken the opportunity of parted lips to lightly caress Kira’s tongue with his own, making his fukutaichou shiver with delight and then it was over, Ichimaru-taichou walking away to his own quarters and leaving Kira to carry on as he had been doing. He had been so shocked that he had sat there for another half hour, not moving, too stunned to do anything, trying to work out what had just happened. And that was only the start of things. But that is where what others suspected and reality separated. None of them would suspect that after a week of him agonising over that kiss, torn between his duty and his aching need to get another taste of his taichou, that he had suddenly risen to his feet and crossed the office to the other man’s side. Ichimaru-taichou had looked up at him questioningly but he had not given him the time to actually say anything before he was the one kissing his taichou firmly. He had half been expecting to be thrown away, impaled by Shinsou or even killed for doing this, but instead when he had stood, heart pounding a wild tattoo in his chest, Ichimaru-taichou smiled at him.
“Well now this certainly makes things more interesting.”
And that had been the beginning. That had been the day he’d received that first summons to his taichou’s quarters. Well not summons per se…
“Come to my quarters tonight, Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had murmured to him softly as they left the administration office for the day.
“Yes taichou.”
He remembered oh so clearly the tension in the pit of his stomach at the order, voiced more like a request, or as close to it as Ichimaru-taichou ever came. The anticipation, the way his heart had skipped a beat. It was a feeling that did not leave him as he went to his own quarters to eat and bathe. He knew what was going to happen, knew what it meant, and he also knew he shouldn’t be doing this. The part of him that was a slave to duty was screaming that he should not overstep the bounds of their relationship as taichou and fukutaichou, that a personal relationship would cloud their professional one, would make working together impossible. But the rest of him, the part that was a man, that had been burning with need and want ever since that first tender kiss, wanting to feel the way he had when he’d shivered and longed for more, couldn’t wait for it. It was a delicious agony being torn between the two. The choice was before him, he could not go and never again would anything be said, both kisses would be forgotten, or he could step outside the boundaries, take the risk, and enjoy the pleasure of a relationship that was illicit. He knew this might only be a one time thing, that it could be one night, and then never again. But even if it was one night he had craved to feel something more.
It was not a new fire that Ichimaru-taichou had ignited in him. He had been drawn to his taichou from the very beginning, from the very first time he had served under him, when he had been but a member of the Gobantai straight out of the academy, and in those days Ichimaru had been fukutaichou under Aizen-taichou. A member of the Gotei 13 should find their loyalty lay directly with their taichou, but his very first mission had turned out a lot nastier than had been anticipated, and despite his skill Kira had found himself overwhelmed. He had thought his end had come, when the huge hollow’s attack was diverted at the last second, and a devastating blow had the creature disintegrating, the purified soul passing on to Soul Society. He had looked up to see a blade hovering above him, quickly sheathed, and then the smiling face of his future taichou.
“That was careless, Kira-kun. You had better take more care next time.”
And that had been it, his loyalty had belonged to Ichimaru and Ichimaru alone. The man who would become his taichou did not have to save him, the mistake had been his, and had he died for it that would have only been right of course. Over time that devotion to his superior had allowed him to become less intimidated by the aura he emitted and he found himself drawn to the enigmatic man in other ways. He recognised the attraction for what it was, how could he not when he found himself thinking on how effortless the elder made things seem when in training, how in sparring he never seemed to break a sweat, and no matter how hard he was pressed moved with a grace and fluidity to his movements that entranced him. And when Ichimaru-taichou was promoted he had felt elated for him, yet in so much pain because they were to be separated. So when Ichimaru-taichou had requested for him to be his fukutaichou personally, and there had been no objections from the rest of command, he had gladly taken the post the moment he was offered it, just to be near to him again.
And so he had made the choice to go to his taichou’s quarters, letting himself in after hearing the permission to do so that followed his knock. Ichimaru-taichou was waiting for him in a kosode of midnight blue, smiling broadly at the slightly hesitant Kira. But it wasn’t fear that held him back, more the war that raged inside of him, the battle between the man everyone else saw, the subservient, loyal and obedient to a fault shinigami, that followed procedure and law as he had been raised to do so by his parents and later the academy, and the man inside him who had wanted this for so long and stringently been denied by himself. The attitude that he was known for was only one side to his character, proper behaviour something he had ingrained into him at a young age. But inside him was a burning fire, that had fuelled his ambition, to get noticed, to rise through the ranks, to finally get him where he wanted to be at Ichimaru-taichou's side. It was the man that held the strength not the shinigami who obeyed, it was the man that struck the blows, fought hollows, that had the skills and the desires. It was just that no-one saw that. And even in this moment, when he felt so bare before his taichou’s gaze, so utterly exposed, Ichimaru did not see the man behind the shinigami before him.
“Don’t be afraid, Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had said, smiling that smile that could unnerve so many and stepping up close to him, reaching out to stroke his cheek.
That action was enough to tip the scales of the battle, and his gaze had locked onto the man before him, utterly certain in his desire.
“I’m not afraid.” He’d responded with utter sincerity.
And then it had begun. He let go of all the bonds fettering who he was inside, that kept him the very model of who he should be in other’s eyes according to his station in society and in the Gotei 13. He had reached out, closed the gap between them, and with utter confidence pulled his slender taichou to him and kissed him with all the want and desire in his heart. Ichimaru-taichou had been far more taken aback by this than he had been in the office earlier, surprised that Kira would be so forward. And when lips that were softer than he had ever imagined had parted he had plundered that mouth with his eager tongue, wanting to taste his prize, using the shock in the other to dominate the kiss, which was being returned eagerly regardless of the shock. He had tangled his fingers in soft silver hair and never let up his dominance of Ichimaru-taichou’s mouth, the elder man seemingly content in having control taken from him. But as they parted, Kira needing time to breathe, what happened next surprised them both.
“Aaah Izuru.” Ichimaru-taichou had smiled that smile everyone knew so well, the one that could be read only in its subtleties. “So… So quiet and yet, beneath all that you hide this… You remind me of Aizen-taichou.”
Ichimaru must not have been expecting it, or it must have been utterly the last thing to cross his mind otherwise he would have stopped it, Kira was sure of that. He wasn’t sure what surprised him most, that the slap had connected, or that he had tried to slap the older man at all. It had been jealousy that had forced the reflex action, utter jealousy. He knew how Ichimaru-taichou looked at his former taichou, followed in his footsteps. And damn it, that was how he wanted his taichou to look at him, to be his and only his. Just as no one would suspect this stronger side of him - despite the fact that he had earned his position by skill and merit, being both a strong swordsman and kidou user, with leadership qualities, no one would suspect that he was extremely possessive and extremely jealous.
Ichimaru-taichou was looking at him wide eyed, and really looking at him, the customary smirk gone from his face. His eyes were truly open for once, revealing that they were as blue as the ocean: eyes that were usually narrowed into slits that combined with the smile, the hidden eyes that intimidated others around him. The elder had put his hand to his face where he had been struck, his expression one of shock. Kira could do one of two things, follow this through or leave.
“While we are together Gin.” He had stressed the elder man’s first name without any honorific to establish authority in the situation. “You will not mention his name.”
His voice had been firm, steady. He could only await the stronger man’s reaction. A few moments passed, before he bowed his head in respect.
“Yes, Izuru.”
And that had been that. The foundations of their relationship had been laid, and over the next few months, on top of that foundation the rules had been built. Their private and professional lives were completely separate, and utter opposites of each other. And no-one knew, it was their secret. Ichimaru-taichou was the only one who knew the side to Kira that he hid from the world. Only his taichou knew that in private he could be as manipulative as the man who commanded the Sanbantai. He had discovered what had driven the seemingly mild mannered fukutaichou to get to where he was today, and he liked it. And so tonight was happening as these nights always did. Ichimaru-taichou in his last act as his superior for the day had made the request that he visit his quarters come evening. The two had gone their separate ways, and now he was crossing the barracks, feeling the exquisite thrum of anticipation running through him.
As he reached the door to Ichimaru’s private quarters he dutifully kneeled as he knocked, waiting for the call to enter to come before he slid the screen across, stepping inside, kneeling and sliding it closed again as any dutiful subordinate would for his superior. But once the screen was closed Kira transformed. He rose to his feet, all subservience disappearing from his manner as he turned to Ichimaru who was waiting for him, kneeling with his head bowed. Kira smiled, pleased. He quickly dropped to his knees before his lover, reaching out to raise his chin, and stroke his face gently as he smiled. Ichimaru’s eyes shone in pleasure as he saw that smile.
“You are so beautiful, Gin,” he murmured, before leaning forward to claim those soft lips with his own.
This was how it always was. Kira did not want to waste a moment with unnecessary words, they both knew why he was here. Kira took firm control of the kiss, Ichimaru willingly bending to his will. Of course this was with Ichimaru’s consent. If not Kira would have long been dead by now. He found the silver haired man was like an addiction. His scent, his taste, the feel of his skin, of him surrounding him… It was like a drug he could never get enough of. He broke the kiss solely so he could move them into the other room, where Ichimaru’s futon lay. He knew the layout of this room intimately by now, but closed the door anyway, the room had been treated to be soundproof, so no sign or sound from their exploits would reach beyond the door. This was a good thing, and extremely important to them both.
Now they had utter privacy he kissed the silver-haired man possessively, Ichimaru giving Kira exactly what he wanted, the control. Fingers closed round a good handful of soft silver hair, tugging and pulling, not enough to hurt… yet, but enough to give Kira the control he desired. Yes, he was utterly intoxicated with his lover, but not just that, the power rush that came with having control over the stronger man. So what that Ichimaru gave it to him, that he could take it back at any time? In these moments he couldn’t care less. Slender hands with long fingers were hungrily plucking at his clothing, entwining in his hair; demanding, but always a step away from being controlling. With a harsh yank at silver locks he bared the slender throat, kissing at the sensitive spot he knew from experience lay there before sinking his teeth in. Ichimaru groaned softly at the pleasured pain, making Kira smile.
This was why Ichimaru gave up control, because he liked being out of it, he got off on Kira’s domination of him during their trysts. It was their secret, the hidden sides to their characters, perfectly complimenting each other. A moment later Ichimaru was on his back on the futon, Kira above him, swiftly unfastening the kosode he wore. This one was steel grey, a colour that really suited the man beneath him. As flesh was bared it was all Kira could do to not bite every single inch of him. As it was Ichimaru wore the fading bruises from the last time they did this, only two days ago. Those marks made with teeth made Kira smile. Knowing that beneath his shinigami attire, his taichou was walking around with marks that claimed him as his and his alone pleased them both, and as his fingers ghosted over them Ichimaru smiled.
“They fade so fast Izuru.” He purred, blue eyes flashing with hunger as he looked up at his lover.
Oh that purr went straight to his groin, had his growing erection throbbing. He swiftly divested the elder man of his kosode entirely, the soft fabric lost in a pool on the floor as with a firm grip on his arms, he pinned Ichimaru down, the action drawing a contented sigh from the silver haired man.
“Then I will have to mark you again shan’t I?”
“Yes Izuru,” was Ichimaru’s happy reply.
And mark him he did, loving the flinch from his lover every time his teeth latched onto his body, hard enough to bruise, but never to bleed, that was not Kira’s thing. But with every bite Ichimaru moaned, tossing his head from side to side, loving it as Kira played to his masochistic side. The blond loved the way his lover writhed beneath him, muscles taught, shifting under silken skin as they moved, running his tongue over them as he bit and worked. As he released Ichimaru to claim his lips in a hungry kiss, those elegant hands eagerly reaching to undress him, he saw that he’d gripped so hard that his lover would be wearing bruises that betrayed where his fingers had been. But now they were both naked and wanting, the aroused smirk on Ichimaru’s face perfectly matching the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Kira loved those eyes, and was probably the only one who ever got to see them properly. But now was not the time for looking at them. He sat back and with firm hands urged his lover to kneel over him. Ichimaru grinned, knowing just what he wanted, and sure enough there came a firm grip in his hair as he was presented with Kira’s erection. He didn’t need to be told, didn’t need the insistent hand at the back of his head to encourage him, though he liked it and liked it a lot. Kira moaned as a long and slender tongue slid up his length, and there was nothing like watching his lover work. Ichimaru had one hell of a talented mouth, and by now knew just where his sensitive spots were and how to drive him crazy. He watched hungrily as that tongue flickered over him, teasing the sensitive fraenulum, dipping to taste the essence leaking from him. He shivered as those long fingers ghosted over him, barely touching him, yet igniting his need further.
This was a game, how long could he hold out under the teasing before he forced his lover to take him in his mouth. He could do that from the outset, but this only served to increase his pleasure, draw out their encounters and one thing was for sure, nothing in this world was hotter to watch than Ichimaru teasing him. The maipulative man loved it, it showed in his eyes, the building tension in his body. As long and gentle fingers gently played with his testicles, tongue swirling round the head of his erection Kira could wait no longer, and with a rough shove he pushed himself into the expectant and welcoming heat of his lover’s mouth. He groaned as Ichimaru eagerly sucked, his eyes closing, breathing becoming ragged as he indulged in this pleasure. With a firm grip on his lover’s hair he controlled the pace of his now bobbing head, watching in fascination as soft lips slid up and down his length.
“Gin…” He breathed out his lover’s name on the back of a pleasured groan as long fingers grasped at his hips for balance and purchase.
But as his pleasure quickly built in his belly under Ichimaru’s skilled attentions he knew he had to stop this or he would release too soon. So with a hard yank on that silver hair, drawing a groan from his masochistic lover at the pain, he had his lover kneeling over him on all fours, as he took a moment to collect himself.
“On your front.” He barked the order.
Ichimaru grinned, and moved with catlike grace to exactly where he knew Kira wanted him. He knew Kira’s eyes were on him, watching the fluid motion of his body, and he lay down, spreading his legs to perfectly display himself for his lover, eyes shining as he looked back over his shoulder at the blonde. It was a well practised move, one he knew had Kira coming undone, even if he deliberately sat and just ravaged him with his eyes for a moment. But he wanted so much more than that searing gaze. And so he uttered the words that he knew would undo his lover.
“Please, Izuru.”
The breathy whisper had Kira groaning in utter want and he was soon on his lover. Lubricant was swiftly found, as it was always close to hand, but Kira was not exactly gentle in his preparation of his lover. A hand at the back of Ichimaru’s neck firmly pinned him down as two lubricated fingers roughly breached him. Ichimaru groaned, knowing this was why he did this, loving Kira’s indulgence of his needs, the pleasure pain spearing him as he was stretched. But Kira was soon done with preparation, and grabbed one bony wrist, twisting the arm behind Ichimaru and pinning his wrist in the small of his back. He wasted no time pressing his erection against his lover’s eager entrance, before shoving in with a single hard thrust that forced a yelp from the man beneath him.
The pair lay still, joined, Kira taking a moment to savour the feeling of his lover, restrained beneath him, surrounding him, breathing hard and moaning. He laid himself over his lover, the pinned arm between them, his grip on the wrist never faltering, his other hand finding the one that was clawing at the bedding beneath them. He interlaced his fingers with Ichimaru’s, further pinning him down, and further cementing his control. Yes, in this moment, he was utterly in control of the strong and powerful man beneath him, a feeling he wasn’t sure he would ever get enough of. But with a wanting cant of his hips, his lover silently voiced his impatience, and he too was eager for more.
It wasn’t gentle, their couplings never were. His thrusting into the body below him was rough, just as they both enjoyed it most. Kira drank down every pleasured and pained sound that he forced from his lover’s throat, even as his lover pushed back within his limited leverage to meet the pounding he was being given. As every thrust pushed them both closer to the edge Kira grunted with exertion, shifting the angle of his thrusts to reach his lover’s prostate as sweat began to run down his back. He was rewarded with his name being moaned breathlessly from Ichimaru’s lips, and he knew how close he had his lover to release. But his own control was slipping and he knew at this rate he was going to climax first, and needed to bring his lover with him. As the impossibly tight coil in his gut sprang loose he sank his teeth into the taught flesh of Ichimaru’s shoulder, the sudden bolt of pain adding to the merciless pounding of his prostate and forced the restrained man over the edge, crying out his lover’s name.
And now the madness was over, as they lay still joined, Kira not yet having released his grip, both breathing hard, coming down from the heights of their climax, all pretence of power and control was ripped away. Kira finally found the strength to move, gently releasing the man beneath him, and shifting to lie beside him. And if anyone in Seireitei knew of their relationship, or even knew the reality of it and thought it unexpected, then surely the tenderness between them that followed their couplings would surprise them further. Kira lay on his back, eyes closed, catching his breath, and smiled as an elegant hand found his stomach, stroking him gently.
“You were wound up tonight, Izuru.”
Kira knew he shouldn’t be surprised that his lover could read him so well, they worked together during the day, as well as exposing their hidden natures to each other come evening. He supposed he had been fiercer than usual tonight.
“You were relaxed when I left the office.” It was a statement, but the question wasn’t entirely hidden.
Kira smiled to himself and turned to his lover, reaching out to stroke his cheek.
“Abarai-kun tried to drag me out drinking to celebrate his promotion. I had a hard time getting rid of him.”
Yes, that was how far his addiction to the man before him ran, that he would come to him rather than be with old friends celebrating. Ichimaru smiled broadly.
“I’m honoured, Izuru. You and Abarai-kun have been friends a long time ne?”
Kira nodded absently, right now Renji was not important, he would deal with his disappointment later. “You know you are my world Gin.” He murmured.
“Yes, Izuru.”
Tired as he was, he didn’t notice the slight edge in Ichimaru’s tone as he agreed. If he had he might have begun to wonder just how illusory the control his lover gave him at night truly was. But having missed it he simply reached to kiss the soft lips, entangling his tongue gently and languorously with Ichimaru’s.
The silver haired man smiled at him, Kira not noticing that his attention was not solely on him right now. “Go bathe, there is time left yet for you to celebrate with him. I am sure Abarai-fukutaichou would be glad to see you.”
Kira nodded, grateful that his lover understood, that he came first, but that there were others in his life that were important. With a last kiss he rose to do just that, not noticing that Ichimaru’s eyes were resting on a shadow at the window.
******************************************************************************
Ichimaru smiled to himself as Kira once more fell seamlessly into doing what he wanted. The blond had no idea at just how little control of the situation he really had. But this relationship of theirs was twofold. It gave him control over Kira, blinded him to what was going on in secrecy in the times they were apart, and it allowed him to indulge in his tastes for pleasure. And the manipulation of his subordinate was so much fun.
He watched as Kira left, now turning to the window, opening it once Kira was far enough out of sight. To have a jigokuchou come to him at this time of night and be waiting for him to be alone was unusual, and while he couldn’t be sure, he was certain it had something to do with the secret machinations that he, Tousen-taichou and Aizen-taichou were inextricably entwined in. As the fragile insect fluttered in he held out his hand so it could land delicately there. He sighed softly as the report came in, that the hougyoku had been found, that it was hidden inside the missing Kuchiki Rukia and that she had been found in the world of the living. He was completely unsurprised at the news that Aizen-taichou had slaughtered those of Central 46 as there would be no other way that he could be sending this report and summons by jigokuchou otherwise.
It was with almost regret that he cleaned up and dressed, strapping Shinsou to his side. He looked back at the disarray of his futon, the evidence of his earlier passion with his subordinate plain to the eye. Now that things were moving there may no longer be time for such diversions.
“I shall miss you, Izuru.”