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Soul King's Dimension
He doesn’t know how long it’s been since his rebirth (resurrection sounds a little too presumptuous) and Ichigo is way too busy trying to understand the mechanics of what’s actually going on to try to figure it out.
In between trying to keep a tangible form because SOMEONE got rid of his body with MURDER — of course he is still pissed off, duh, despite accepting their feelings, he thinks he is justified in his anger— managing the flow of souls — which is more like whenever he closes his eyes, he comes back hours later with no idea of what happened but a vague sense of sorting and categorizing — and avoiding losing his sense of self into the infinite dark abyss at the back of his head, well, he did not have time to think about concrete plans for dealing with Aizen and their supposed revolution of Soul Society.
Mind you, he knows the man is nearby, always lurking close, but not in his direct vicinity. His reiatsu sensing is not an issue anymore; he has transcended that necessity. It did not take long to realize that he’s aware of anyone with a soul. He can focus and pinpoint where everybody is with just a tough. (The closer, the more precise) It took him several days of practice to be able to function and not be overwhelmed with all the trends he can perceive. He also thanks his lucky star that there is minimal living presence in this dimension.... Makes it much easier. Now, he only thinks it's going to be funny when Urahara is going to try to sneak on him.
However, he must admit he got a little selfish when he realized what he could do. His first reflex was to check on Yuzu and Karin, worried that they would be victim of some form of reprisals after their coup d’état. It did not seem to be the case, as they were still in the world of the livings somewhere in Japan near Ishida. All his friends were okay too. That was a relief. The impulse to check on his father came much later, but he was somewhat reassured that the man had the decency to remain alive. It would have bothered him if he had committed patricide....
Nonetheless, with their penchant for secrecy, he doubts it’s a known fact among the Gotei that there was a change in management. Even if Shinji has opened his big mouth or, even less likely, Kuukaku; Central is useless and Kyoraku would have a wait and see approach. They have no way to know if their unlikely team has succeeded anyways. He also doubts that the Zero division has spread the news either. Hueco Mundo doesn’t care as long as they are not directly involved. Ichigo is confident that Nel relayed the message to her queen that Aizen doesn’t have any ambitions toward retaking his previous position.
Therefore, for everyone but him, it’s business as usual. Let them continue to look around for their renowned fugitive and the ex-hero turned traitor. There is too much rebuilding to do anyways in Seireitei to start poking around.
Today is the day that he is going to get out of his chosen room. After the EVENT, they moved out of the ruined Citadel and took over a part of Ichibei’s palace. He trusts Aizen’s paranoia to ensure there is no stabbing in the back while he gets used to his new responsibilities.
He’s glad the man is keeping his distance and did not insist on sharing a room or something else. After the adrenaline rush had gone down, only a vague sense of betrayal remained, and, despite knowing how the other feel, he doesn’t think he is ready to go back to their previous level of intimacy as if nothing is wrong. Patience and overconfidence are definitely character traits of his lover, so the ex-captain is probably bidding his time until his wrath eventually abates. Didn’t he say they had centuries anyways and he could wait?
Whatever, regardless of the state of their personal relationship, they have to put a united front. He thinks he could manage strategizing in the same room for a couple of hours, especially since they have the same objectives and there are many topics to discuss. He stands by his previous proclamation; there is no way he is going to let Aizen decide, the ex-overlord’s moral compass is out of whack, and he doesn’t trust his judgement to distinguish between right and wrong.
The schemer per excellence wanted to make him King, well, he is not going to be passive in the role. Too bad for him and his ambitions. However, to be honest, and the more he thinks about it, Ichigo is less and less sure about the last part. The handsome brunet seems quite satisfied with their current arrangement. Didn’t he explain somewhere in their adventures that Ichigo is a lot more charismatic and easier to accept for the masses, and it made logical sense that he was the one under the light. He had no problem staying in the shadows at his side. Overthrowing that malevolent zombie presence and the noble’s theocracy were the only worthwhile objectives.
So, what to wear? He is not going to parade naked. No need to provoke some sort of lustful flashbacks that is going to devolve into sex at first sight. For heaven’s sake, just thinking about it is giving him butterflies. Yeah, he knows it’s pathetic, but his hormones are what started this mess in the first place. Hence, there was little hope that he was going to be cured of his affliction.... He doubts his volunteered period of abstinence is going to last very long, but he has his pride. Aizen was in the wrong, let him beg for his favor... (well, begging might be a little too much for his arrogant personality, but he could settle for a nice verbal demand with an admittance that the man desires him as much as he does). He has chosen to materialize into a comfortable black kimono with the Shiba’s emblem the same tone as his hair on the sleeves and matching hakama. He guesses he got used to the style while living at the Shiba’s Manor. He hopes that, wherever she is, Kuukaku is proud of him. His aunt and Tessai seem to be the only ones that are willing to make allowance for his willing association with the former prisoner.
The time has come to confront the world... He is nervous... that angers him. Fuck, shouldn’t he feel super confident and above these worthless feelings. Soul King... he never wanted the role.... If anyone dares to call him Majesty or something, he thinks he is going to blow his gasket and disappear without a trace for a month at least.
As soon as he opens the door, Aizen appears out of shunpo at his side, as if he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. He keeps a reasonable distance, about one meter, and they both take the time to observe one another. Even if they both have a neutral face, they do not have to pretend that they don’t care anymore. They both need the reassurance that the other one is in good health. Aizen has cleaned up from all the blood and, somehow, has found a perfectly tailored white kimono and hakama with purple highlights.... At his questioning eyebrow, his partner immediately replies that Sutara had offered to make him clothes and, considering the state of his previous set, he could not refuse. He is confident that they are not bugged, because he double checked. To be sure, however, they should still be cautious about what they say until he can find something more suitable.
Talking about discussion, however, raises the point on how he should address the man in front of him. Aizen sounds a little hypocritical after all they have shared and the link that unites them.... Nicknames are out of the question; he doesn’t want to project that all is well between them either... Full first name it is then.... Hopefully, he is not going to slip......
“ Sousuke, how long has it been since we last seen each other? I have lost all notion of time. What happened, any news from anyone? Did the Zero division try something or inquire about their future?”
The reply comes instantaneously, “ Sixteen days, nine hours and fifty-five minutes.... It’s been quiet. I have been by myself, waiting for you, for most of it.“
Manipulative dork, always trying to subtly emphasize how much he cares without saying it. Why couldn’t he just say he misses him or that he was worried... One day, he is going to catch him admitting to his face.... but with how constipated the other is with emotions, it’s going to take a while before he gets a repeat of the heartfelt confession he witnessed when he thought he was gone for real. Well, he is not holding his breath...It is not as if he is ready to say the words either....
Meanwhile, he is still surprised by the length of time.... “No fucking way, that long!!! I thought it was more like three or four days max... Damn... We should tell key people that I wasn’t sacrificed for one of your twisted projects and I am still me. I’m surprised no one has shown up yet to investigate.”
“Well, as a safety precaution, since you disappeared for most of it and was not in a state to defend yourself, I surrounded these apartments with very strong barriers. There are very few people that could pass through; thus, it is possible that I might have closed us off from the rest of the world until you recovered. I knew your soul was somewhere in this dimension because Mugen Kagami remained active, but when I came to investigate the first time, you were gone from your bed, impossible to find. “
Displeased tone evident, glaring, he replies. “Probably because someone got rid of my material form.... Anyways, better not delve on that too much, right? We don’t want to reopen that can of worms...right, Sousuke.” and forcing a mood change before he restarts on his list of insults. “I have better control now; this should not be as much of an issue. So, from what you just mention, you can track me as well, not that I mind, but is there limitation to how much energy your bankai can reflect and/or how far apart we have to be?”
“I rather not answer while people might be listening... “and, amused, “unless you want me to get naked? You know I would not mind.... “
Blushing like an idiot, (fucking hell, he really believed that he was passed that stupid reaction), Ichigo sputters a firm no, he could ask later. His predicable reaction has the merit to delight even further his interlocutor and, for a second, the younger man is stopped in his track by the radiant happy aura the other is emanating. He is so doomed... Kami, isn’t the man the most gorgeous ever...
Changing subject before his good ‘no-kissing’ resolution disappeared like Matsumoto in front of paperwork, “We should decide what to do with this dimension. What’s the point of having guards if we can’t trust them? And I just want to bring that horrible Citadel and everything it represents down, burn and raze it to the ground. It’s already half destroyed anyways. And I want people to have limited access to me like audiences or something. And we have to move from this place, make our own, I won’t live in someone else’s territory. And...” but he is stopped in his tirade by a hand on his forearm. Staring at him in disbelief; Aizen’s deep cocoa eyes widened in astonishment.
“Ichigo , do you realize what you just declared?”
“Huh, no? “ As if he really doesn’t, nothing to generate that kind of reaction from the usual impassible man...
“Then I won’t point it out...I thought it would take months or years before... Never mind, it would be my utmost pleasure to help you with all those tasks.“
“Seriously, I think we are passed this point, what did I say? You’re being weird. “
Reluctantly, as if he was asking for the secret of the universe, Aizen murmurs under his breath: “ You’re fortunate I swore to myself that, from now on, I would disclose as much as possible if I am asked a direct question from you... “Sighing deeply. “If I did not know better, I swear you thrive on manipulating me into complimenting you.... Ichigo, trésor, I was again surprised at your forgiven nature; I did not expect you to want to share a habitation with me so soon. That is all. Of course, I am delighted by this pleasant turn of event. I do not think I told you directly before, but now seems a good time. “Taking his hands and staring intently in his eyes, trying to impart truthfulness, “I care about you deeply, despite the necessity of your role in the fulfillment of my plan. You must have realized by now that I did not have to go to the lengths I did to turn you to my side. If you had not, all of this would not have worked. I remain firmly convinced that we are meant to be, and I believe you know it too. This needs to be said and I won’t repeat it, but you have already given me more than I was expecting. Therefore, I will remain passively at your side and will not push for anything until you give me a sign. “
Raising a doubtful eyebrow, it’s going to take more than pretty flatteries and pleasantries to make him fully forgive or believe that. Already the manipulation is starting... “As if.... Don’t try the meek, amiable persona on me that’s insulting. I know you Sousuke, everything you say has a purpose and there is no way you’re not going to actively try to make me change my mind or push your agenda and your vision. I like the real you and your drive toward your goals, I can respect that, but please do the same with me. There is a long road ahead of us, and I am willing to build on our compatible ideas. We need each other, in more ways than just our shared reiatsu. I am realistic enough to know that you probably had long reflections on how this is going to work, and I did not, because I was taken by surprise. Your advice on how to manage, administer and enforce is going to be precious. There are very few people I trust as much as you for this. I can admit that, especially since, for now, I am quasi certain I am stuck in this dimension... Living together for convenience and my protection is reasonable, and unproductive bitterness and resentment are not. Try the direct method for a change, I would value what you say more. Think about that, there is more chance that it is going to work.’’ and grabbing his hand to make him follow. “Come, I’m tired of sitting around, I have some excess energy to burn. I would like to test the extent of my powers on some unsuspecting buildings.... “
And probably still not used on being called on his bullshit, the taller man does not protest and willingly follow along, probably rethinking his approach on how to make him succumb yet again. Well, Aizen is his, that won’t change... Let him sip in his doubts for a while.... Ichigo thinks it’s the less he deserves after all; it’s going to be fun watching him squirm in the near future....