#[ dynamic: gin and aizen ] know this; either i devour you or you devour me

[godkilller]

sometimes I look at your aigin verse and think how different this relationship looked for each of them. It's more like for Aizen, Gin was something like a ray of light in his world, someone who was finally able to see the real him and gradually relieved him of his isolation. but for the gin everything was the opposite

out of character. Thank you for the ask! I appreciate hearing feedback on the way I navigate dynamics with Gin, and this one is certainly a tangled up mess. Your observation is right; the way Gin views Aizen in most scenarios, especially post-Winter War, involves likening him to a black hole. I've also had Gin, I believe when younger, describe the intensity of Aizen's focus on him as the same sensation one would get when wading in dark ocean waters and seeing a shark's black eye looking back at them whilst being circled. Gin has acknowledged Aizen's brighter forms of intensity (he still will mention the heat and forcefulness like the power of the sun/etc.) but ultimately his most used descriptor of Aizen is that he's like a black hole.

A black hole is nothingness, it consumes everything, even light, and in some ways a black hole is daunting and inevitable the same way it's sad and a terrible thing. A sun's collapse inward. Aizen is a black hole in the way that he can appear empty, yet be all-encompassing. Aizen has 'weight' yet is untouchable, Aizen is enormous and imposing yet equally so he is incredibly far away. He has a pull to him, an inescapable one that Gin feels trapped in. Gin feels isolated, yet Aizen feels like he's no longer alone. While others may liken Aizen to the sun, and while he may still share many of those symbolic points, Gin knows that the sun Aizen could've been has long since soured, tainted by the Hogyoku and his power-seeking manipulations and experiments -- everyone thinks Aizen is the sun, still, while not knowing the truth; people are basking in a dead, flat light. It's no wonder Aizen effortlessly created that fake sun in Las Noches, he's good with that sort of falsehood.

In many ways Gin's opinion of Aizen is always shifting based on the context of the thread, but he's overall always influenced by his hatred. Simultaneously, Gin respects Aizen, so it's a strange duality to have bundled up in there -- and the harder part comes with Aizen's view of Gin sometimes bordering on obsessive and idolizing, but don't tell Lu I said that. Aizen's view of Gin as someone who can do no wrong because he harbors such biased and strong feelings for him makes it so even in his most dedicated moments, Aizen is not genuinely ever going to understand Gin properly. Not until some serious corrective work is done. He'll see him as the moon, as his light in the dark, and maybe that has some truth to it in terms of Gin being used as Aizen's sounding board and giving Aizen bold feedback he couldn't get from Tousen due to Tousen being too loyal and quick to not question what Aizen does.

But in a deceptive way, Aizen's own view of Gin in that light makes it so he himself can't see past that self-written poetry and symbolic view of Gin, and he is left neglecting the clues and hints of hurt and hate Gin holds within. If Aizen does happen to notice those things, he's more inclined to look the other way or push it under the rug due to those feelings and almost downright clinginess to Gin. He cannot claim to love Gin while not able to see the whole of him, and in that way there's an imbalance between them that spans beyond mere reiatsu; Aizen at last found someone who can see him, and yet Gin will never let Aizen see him in the same way because he won't ever forgive him for what was done to Rangiku in the Rukongai. It's not healthy on either end.

But that's why I do enjoy writing the dynamic and exploring the whys and hows of it all. So thank you again for sending this!

[godkilller]

GIN KNEW HE WAS UP AGAINST THE TICKING CLOCK OF AIZEN'S IMPATIENCE AND HUNGER -- though luckily Aizen was a rather patient man, so he had some time left before that inevitable lunge occurred. Aizen could very well change his mind at any moment, however, based solely on whether or not he thought Gin was pulling his leg. Yet how Gin remained close, lurking forward as Aizen sat himself down -- but still he remained out of reach, just nearly. ❝ Lie on your back'n put your arms out near th' bedposts. ❞

The hidden object(s) remained as such behind Gin's back, just the smallest and most subtle hint of something clacking together, metallic, happening when Gin had stepped forward -- but no further clues announced themselves. That is unless Aizen extended his neck like a giraffe to peer behind Gin's back.

❝ You'll find out in a second, Sousuke~ Jus' do as I say, mhm? Be a good boy. ❞

AH, NOW THIS was indeed a familiar setting and Aizen was very much left to trail after him. It was true that he could have lunged and slammed Gin against the nearest wall, but he wasn't in the mood to do so --- not yet. ❝ Get on the bed, hm? How interesting. ❞ Gin needn't have tossed in the flash of those eyes, yet it did leave Aizen glancing down towards the bed they shared before rising once more to his partner. There was a silent cocking of an eyebrow when there was that statement, of how he needed to fetch something and that meant, of course, that this could go in a multitude of outcomes.

A prank? Something sensual? A weapon? Something from the world of the living? Any and all possibilities were endless when it came to the young man and the mischievous streak he exuded with such open grace. So he finally sighed and then shrugged a shoulder before taking a seat, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back on one hand, leaving the spare in readiness to grab or deflect if needbe.

❝ ... and what do you have there? ❞ came the inquiry when Gin returned to view, obviously hiding something. But Aizen waited, anticipatory, patient.

[godkilller]

going thru my edited meme folder for gin and finding gems (by @illmoure !)

[godkilller]

i am juST SAYING HERE---- 🛑

send 🛑 to clean blood off of my muse after they protected yours. add + to reverse so receiver is the one cleaning blood off sender.

AIZEN WAS STILL SLUGGISH FROM THE TOLLING EFFECTS OF AT LAST WIELDING HIS BANKAI, it seemed. It didn't help that their enemy was capable of likely unmaking Gin in the same blip of minimal thought that had gone into sealing his slit throat prior ---- Yhwach was something of a horror beyond anything Gin could properly comprehend. Intimidating, yet approachable in the sense that... he was some dreadful, unavoidable thing. A black hole sucking them inward, threatening to turn all to the swallowing dark that sought to cloak the world. Could Shinso even mark him, could it even pierce his skin? Going in, Gin hadn't fell prey to any delusion that he'd be more helpful than a mere decoy, a thing to dangle in front of Yhwach to make him strike so that Aizen could take advantage.

The Quincy King's Blut Vene seemed impenetrable, enough so that Yhwach already successfully flung the rogue Shinigami through a handful of structures in a sort of recoiling response to his armored aura being attacked. Gin could handle brushing off rubble from his midst, though it did still hurt, he was not so breakable now with the restoration of his peak health and the return of his right arm. Yhwach's defenses were formidable nonetheless, though Kamishini No Yari's bite could possibly be fast enough that the steeled skin or shielding aura couldn't manifest in time to protect its host.

It was worth a shot, especially after Yhwach went and blasted a hole into Aizen's chest.

❝ — hey! ❞ An unnecessary outcry, Gin knew, but anything to gain even half a second's worth of time ---- he aimed, he made sure that Aizen wasn't in the crossfire this time. A little backwards to then slash his sword out in defense of the man who he had once attempted -- no, succeeded to kill in a very similar fashion. Realistically, Gin knew that Aizen could regenerate the wound fairly fast. He also knew Yhwach was possibly the only remaining thing in existence that could wipe Aizen off the face of the universe. He didn't want to risk giving the Quincy King a chance to test that theory.

Yhwach moved in for another blow against the bloodied Aizen and thus Gin struck in tandem to intercept. When his blade swept across the great expanse of the invaded Royal Palace, Gin paid no mind to the collateral damages that Kamishini No Yari caused in the background. Pale towers collapsed, but it was Yhwach he sought to rend in two. For a brief blip he saw that black caped figure indeed separate with the wedging cut of his Zanpakuto. Yet, in the instant following, a blinked snap erased the deed and Gin was subsequently overshadowed by a volley of arrows zipping his way.

The crack of forceful gusts of power and wind that his blade caused when it retracted back to defend its wielder was deafening, a delayed roar of sound akin to the way thunder lurked through the sky following the swift dart of lightning. He swept the blade back out in another snapping shot in a wide arch to cut through the incoming volley, shattered light and shards of arrows came raining down in a sweep in the weapon's stead.

Another blip, and those arrows snapped into repair (or were they ever truly cut to begin with...?) a frustratingly sharp spark of panic ignited in Gin when he rushed to Shunpo out from the line of fire instead, dashing to narrowly avoid becoming skewered through the chest by the seemingly inevitable barrage. He hadn't attempted 'blocking' the blow for kicks, it was expansive, blanketing the entirety of the area Gin stood at -- those fast-traveling beams of blue were relentless and quick to overwhelm.

He was struck ---- ran through, to be exact, how an arrow glided in and out of skin and muscle alike like butter yielding to a hot knife. Struck, but Gin didn't have time to assess where, or how badly, just that the bite was akin to the jab of a needle, different from how Kyoka Suigetsu had run him through two years ago. This was cleaner. Perfect. It seemed Gin worked as a fine enough distraction whilst that telltale blur of orange hair proceeded to strike out against Yhwach, a grand slash that landed true, leading to a terribly stiff silence thereafter. He didn't remember falling down, didn't even stop to touch at the wound he sustained. And only with the grip that still slightly tinged and itched at his skin firmly holding onto his regenerated right arm did Gin realize he was being guided back onto his feet.

The entirety of Soul Society proceeded to celebrate, to collapse with relief, to mourn, to move toward recovery and rebuilding and all sorts of wondrous things whilst the two traitors vanished. Best to not linger and give the crippled Gotei 13 a chance to remember they needed to shove Aizen Sousuke back into Muken.

Their subsequent return to the vast outskirts, a safehouse tucked away, was near-immediate. Aizen's Sentan Hakuja was as empowered as the rest of his Kido, seemingly, and the massive leap between realms (albeit the Royal Palace was cracking through the fabric of realities at the time...) led them to the Rukongai. Effortless, despite their mutual bloodied states. Aizen's arm was already reformed, though his chest still suffered a slower rebound. Gin almost laughed out loud when the man gingerly touched against his bleeding side. Ah, that's where he got hit, then -- a bit difficult to discern amongst the chaos.

It was funny, getting fussed over whilst the man had a hole in his chest. But at this rate that was a state of normalcy between them, wasn't it? That wound was closing before Gin's eyes, anyway. Durable bastard.

❝ Gonna whip out your Bankai to fix this one, too, Sousuke? I'll be covered in gold at this rate. ❞ More of a tease than an actual ask; he wasn't dying from this, though he needed to stop the bleeding. Aizen seemed on top of that, a hovered hand emitting a low hot glow. Golden light as opposed to the standard green -- likely a token of his released powers prior.

❝ You didn't have to do that, Gin. ❞ Aizen spoke, healing away the residual ache as well. He was thorough, a glint of something in that one visible eye.

❝ I'm aware. ❞ A pause, and Gin swallowed down something in favor of electing for more sass. A grin, a playful tip upwards of his chin, and oh how they fell back into such trivial little bickers and snarks. Aizen's hand ceased its hovering, instead pressing to the Shinigami's mended side. Gin did not draw back, no matter the heat that subtly burned with that contact. If Aizen kept his touch intact perhaps Gin would become branded over the course of, say, ten or fifteen minutes? Another handprint to join the array of jagged scars and golden lines of repair that scattered across his body. The possession was mutual; ❝ But he crossed a line. Only I'm allowed to blast a hole'n your chest. ❞

[godkilller]

❝ Happy birthday, Gin. ❞

The words accompanied the placement of three boxes - which had been an unintentional thing initially - upon the low table in his own quarters, knowing how well Gin seemed to prefer his rooms at the Fifth over his own at the Third. It was early enough before dinner (and oh, how Aizen had plans for said dinner) that he felt no shame in providing the gifts now. He had wrapped all three boxes in furoshiki, all three with distinct patterns printed on the soft, light silk that the captain favored when distributing gifts from his own hands. A rare enough thing, those gifts, and presented to specific individuals. But never had he forgotten Gin's birthday since they'd first met; every year on the mental calender he kept, he ticked the days down and waited with firm patience to present the gifts unto his partner.

The smallest box, of a long and rectangular shape, was wrapped in paper patterned with a pale motif of white flowers against a lavender background, the edges of the petals outlined with violet, a simple twine string keeping it neatly shut. The second one was larger, a square wrapped with dark green fabric that could make a lovely scarf if Gin ever desired it, with paler greens and yellows manifesting in the shape of koi. It was, despite its size, nearly as light as the smallest of the boxes. The third box was heavier, however, and wrapped in a cloth that rippled with patterns of silver and blue; both of which seemed somehow to match Gin's own coloration.

❝ I hope you'll enjoy them. ❞

The first box, the rectangular one, was a box with brass hinges on one edge, along with a tiny clasp on the shorter end to help ensure it remained shut. Within laid a kiseru in a bed of dark silk, long and elegant; something that would look at home within that hand bestowed with lengthy fingers. The mouthpiece was the traditional silver as was the bowl, but both had been decorated. There was a depiction of a serpent's tail entwining itself around the mouthpiece, the craftsmanship professing of dozens - perhaps even more - hours of dedicated work with tiny goldsmith's tools used to etch the scales into place; they were even beveled, catching and reflecting the light depending on angle, shadowed where they were not level with the metallic surface. The bowl and its portion of the stem held the rest of the snake, it left to circle up the stem and over it with its head nearly touching upon its own body, the scales here no less detailed but level with the surface so as not to have tobacco ash caught within and thus have to be cleaned out on a regular basis.

It was truly proof of handmade beauty, and the long lacquered section of the pipe was no less impressive for where the bowl and mouthpiece were but parts of the snake, the rest of the body was to be found there, where a brush fine as a few hairs had carefully defined the scales in gold that stood out against the sable field of the pipe itself, cunningly matching where the segments of the snake upon mouthpiece and bowl were set into place. Three pouches of already shredded tobacco were to be found tucked into the box as well, along with cleaning implements for Gin's sake, with four more stems, all painted as well with the same care and diligence set for later use tucked into bands of dark velvet against the lid of the box which was equally meant to be a case for it. The second box, the square one, held another yukata for Gin; where the last one had been an array of purples, this one featured an ombre of white darkening into indigo. Contrary to how the last one had been short enough to be named indecent if Gin were to bend over ( and how Aizen loved to see him bending over in it ), this one was longer, promising to end just above his calves. But it, too, was oversized ever enough to permit the younger captain to maintain his formlessness if he so desired. The white began along the neckline of the yukata and careful application with dyes saw the color starting to change as the fabric flowed downwards and would wrap around his body.

It began as a nearly subtle darkening of shade, white becoming a nearly translucent blue, before it was a powdery shade and advancing through the spectrum to a shade that'd match the bright summer skies. From there, it started to darken to twilight blues, reminiscent of fall evenings when the air was crisp and the leaves fiery shades or orange and gold against reds and brighter yellows, when the leaves would be changing hues. The sleeves, long enough to cover Gin's hands, were rich indigo blue, nearly black around the cuffs, as was the portion running from just above Gin's knees and down to the hemline. There was a cloud pattern picked out upon it, darker threads of silver grays standing out with a shine of their own, with accompanying waves about the lower edge of the yukata's form forming high cresting peaks. And there, in the dark indigo, a sickle moon was set to rest neatly over one thigh where it would stand out the most. It was accompanied by a sash the shade of Gin's own eyes,

When Gin's hands found that third box, though, Aizen's eyes seemed to sharpen all the more behind those glasses as he watched with anticipation, taking in the vision of those hands moving across the lid. This one was much more akin to a small box. Within were copies of some of Aizen's favorite English books, but if Gin were to pick one up and flick through the pages? He would find there were several notes and sheets of paper to be found in the pages, all carefully annotated by his own hand, his writing still distinct as ever; precise and utterly neat. There were guides on how to pronounce the words, phonetically, as well as translations that captured the spirit of what was being said on those exterior notes. Beneath those books? A far more special prize; jars of dried persimmons were to be found, at least four, sealed up and promising a sweet snack for the younger man to indulge in if he ever so wished to do so.

Finally, Aizen smiled and moved, shifting to lean closer to Gin before seeking a kiss and a soft murmur against his mouth. ❝ Happy birthday; I was thinking I'll take you out to dinner wherever you like. And afterwards, I would love to start off with a massage. I would like to spoil you, Gin, as much as I can. ❞

A pause, before Aizen's lips twitched into a faint smirk. ❝ Though, if you can't decide? ... we could always go back to the yakiniku restaurant. ❞

gin's birthday asks! open from sept. 9 - 16th.

AIZEN SOUSUKE WAS A THOROUGH MAN, GIn often teased him about never leaving a stone unturned -- and that sentiment carried on here, now, with this array of neatly packaged presents left in waiting. Gin lowered down to kneel and sit, fanning his haori out behind him and matching Aizen's own posture (he needn't be chided for slouching) at the table. Hidden gaze briefly surveyed the three gifts before turning back to stay honed on Aizen, as though curious to see what intent laid behind the gleam of those glasses. Difficult as Aizen was to read, this endeavor felt genuine -- not overly sweet akin to a honeytrap, as though the moment he went to reach for an offered box his wrist could be snagged.

No, this seemed... good. Aizen's presence felt warm, and any lingering undertones of expectation didn't feel so insidious as to taint the gesture being made.

❝ Lookit you, bein' all proper 'n nice. What've I done to deserve this? ❞ A languid reply to Aizen's well-wishes, initially, and Gin couldn't help but tilt his head at the matter -- a subtle tease inbound; here I thought I'd been misbehaving as of late, an unspoken murmur that prodded at Aizen's nape akin to scaled coils draped around that proud neck. They had their skirmishes, particularly given Aizen's more forceful desires and Gin's subsequent stubborn evasions.

Nevertheless, slender hands reached to delicately tug upon the first gift's wrappings, undoing the neatly tied twine with a single gesture. The paper crinkled gently aside, Gin wasn't childishly overeager and tearing across the pristine wrapping, no, he was slow and soft with his motions. The small box was a dead giveaway for what the gift within was before he even opened it with a flip of that clasp. Yes, kiseru-length in nature, he wasn't surprised by the gift -- but the craftsmanship and customization certainly brought Gin to a pausing halt.

❝ H'oh, tired of me stealin' yours, huh? ❞ A playful quip, smile wide, whilst fingers traced the texture of the serpent imprinted onto the pipe's bowl and mouthpiece. ❝ Where'd you have this made? It's awfully pretty. ❞ He knew of no craftsmen that did such work, at least in the Seireitei. There was no use for such a skill to craft a luxurious item in the Rukongai, either. So perhaps Aizen did it himself, which wouldn't surprise Gin if it turned out he had -- the man was a perfectionist and overachiever, of course he'd go and learn a new skill and master said skill on a mere whim.

Gin gently lowered the pipe down back into its nest of silk and clasped the box shut once more, knowing he'd soon revisit it once the other presents were unveiled properly, too. The second box beckoned, and once that, too, was tugged open -- well, Gin couldn't help but coo as he dipped his hands down both to tug the yukata out of its neatly folded state, lifting it about halfway upwards to admire the fabric and design.

❝ Ahhh, this one's so elegant. Gonna haveta bump th' kiseru down a notch on th' prettiness scale. Thank you. ❞ A light commentary whilst Gin immersed himself in inspection and subsequent admiration, enjoying those vibrant and beautiful gradients of color, the mountains, the clouds, that sickle moon -- a gorgeous design. ❝ I'll put it on after dinner, wouldn't wanna risk spillin' somethin' on this one. ❞

That said, Gin gently folded the garment back down, neatly smoothing the fabric to settle into its box once more. Set aside, he moved onward to the third and final gift.

❝ Oh, for a second I thought it was gonna contain a buncha your horny poetry. ❞ Flirting quips aside, Gin lifted up the books and their accompanying notes, translations, and aids in pronouncing the words inscribed in Aizen's neat and orderly handwriting. The task at hand seemed rather obvious, then. ❝ You'll haveta endure me tryin' to read these out loud to ya later, hm? ❞ Flashing a more cheeky grin at that, Gin proceeded to let out a little noise of surprise and excitement, setting aside the books in favor of reaching for those persimmon jars. ❝ Fuck yeah -- ❞

Was he already opening one up to snatch a snack for himself prior to dinner? Why yes, yes he was. A few chews in and the glorious sweetness savored, Gin beamed a brighter, less teasing smile the other man's way. ❝ These're great gifts, cap'n Aizen -- Thank you. ❞ The subsequent kiss that followed was soft, short, and Gin couldn't help but grin against those lips. He freshly tasted of persimmons, something he was sure Aizen wouldn't mind.

They lingered close afterwards as Gin let Aizen murmur his plans, another soft coo of intrigue at the mentions of a massage caused Gin to peek one eye open, peering through silver strands. How luxurious indeed, these birthday gifts.

But the mentions of a particular restaurant brought Gin to shift, as though wanting to squirm out from under the abrupt intensity of that gaze, retreating back a scoot or two. He proceeded to lightly smack Aizen in the face with the dark green fabric meant to work as a fourth gift; a scarf, thrown swiftly. Nothing terribly damaging, he doubted he'd even move those black-framed glasses a centimeter askew. ❝ -- you were doin' so well, too, before ya jus' had to get all smug. ❞

A huff, then a grin stretched back out as Gin moved to straighten up into a stand, swaying, hands delving to hide into the lengthy black sleeves of his uniform -- ❝ As good as yakiniku sounds, I got somethin' else in mind. C'mon, don't let up now, Sousuke... y'still gotta spoil me a lil more to get whatcha want. ❞

[godkilller]

(x)

[godkilller]

🖤 my turn. c:

send 🖤 and my character will answer about yours.

attractiveness:

repulsive / hideous / ugly / not attractive / unappealing / not unattractive / meh / no preference / ok / mildly attractive / nice looking / cute / adorable / attractive / pleasant on the eyes / good looking / hot / sexy / beautiful / gorgeous / hot damn / would tap that / perfect / godlike we don't use that word here it's triggerin' / holy fuck there are no words.

personality:

grating / irritating / frustrating / boring / confusing at best / awkward / unreasonable / psychotic / disturbing / interesting / engaging / affectionate / aggressive / ambitious / anxious / artistic / bad tempered / bossy / charismatic / appealing / unappealing / creative / courageous / dependable / unreliable / unpredictable / predictable / devious / dim / extroverted / introverted / egotistical / gregarious / fabulous / impulsive / intelligent / sympathetic / talkative / up beat / peaceful / calming / badass / flexible.

how likely they would have sex with them:

not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending / fuck no! / never / no way / not likely / not sure / indifferent / I’m asexual / maybe / probably / it depends / fairly likely / likely / yeah sure / yes / would tap that / hell yes / fuck yes! / wishing that could happen right now / as many times as possible / hatefuck / we are already having sex.

level of friendship:

never in a million years / worst of enemies / enemies / rivals / indifferent / neutral / acquaintance / friendly toward each other / casual friends / friends / good friends / best friends / fuck buddies / bosom buddies / practically the same person / would die for them / true friends / my only friend.

first impression of them:

i hate them so much / i don’t like them / i don’t trust them / they annoy me / they’re weird / I’m indifferent / meh / they seem alright / they’re growing on me / truce / I think I like them / I like them / I’m not sure if I trust them / I trust them / they’re cool / they’re genuine / I think we’re going to get along / I really like them / I think I’m in love / oh fuck they’re hot / I love them.

current impression of them:

i hate them so much / i don’t like them / i don’t trust them / they annoy me / they’re weird / I’m indifferent / meh / they seem alright / they’re growing on me / truce / I think I like them / I like them / conflicted feelings / I’m not sure if I trust them / I trust them / they’re cool / it's complicated / they’re genuine / we're both keeping secrets from each other / we get along / I really like them / I think I’m in love / we tried to kill each other / oh fuck they’re hot / i don't think i'll ever forgive them / I love them / i miss what we once had / but we can't ever go back.

[godkilller]

lu wanted a graphic involving this tweet and who am i to say no?

[godkilller]

( it does & it doesn’t & you kill it instead )

happy fuckin’ birthday @keikakudori.

[godkilller]

via flatsoundsecretsite.

[godkilller]

❝ i didn’t…i didn’t mean to hit you so hard. i’m sorry. ❞

          ARGUMENTS WERE BOUND TO HAPPEN, especially between them, and especially now ---- Gin struck first, quick, a left hook because Aizen ran his fucking mouth on something he had only begun to scratch at the surface of. And Gin had, of course, let him have it by means of fist to jaw as well as words. Bites, those, the way Gin specifically sought to hurt with a choice topic; you’ve ruined so many lives all ‘cause your boyfriend wouldn’t hold your hand in public. It’d be silly of him if Gin admitted he never expected Aizen to strike back, hard, for that audacious and bold claim -- this wouldn’t be the first time Gin’s words brought strong enough ire from the depths of Aizen Sousuke’s cool composure that he struck him. But that didn’t mean the sensation didn’t surprise him still ---- and a sensation it was at that, a snap, a crackle in the air, and boy did Gin briefly forget in all of the chaos that Aizen was strong enough to melt skin from a mere brushing touch. Luckily he hadn’t lost his control there, not fully, no, otherwise Gin might’ve lost his cheek. Or whole face.

          But ---- it still sent him backwards, that punch. Still plenty enough power behind it, likely not due to any loss of control but because this was it, this was Aizen’s new baseline of power, this was him holding back, and it still had Gin smacking his back against the nearest surface. Whatever it was, a wall, a tree, the side of that forsaken shack in the woods, the next Rukongai district over, maybe he went zipping pretty far because everything spun. So he didn’t even fucking know anymore ---- where they were, what they were doing beforehand, how the conversation even got to this. All Gin knew was that he probably blacked out for a brief second, a wobbly faltering. At least long enough to sag downwards in a slumped heap and for the ever-composed Aizen Sousuke to react in shock of his own self, his actions, his strength. Both of them left reeling for differing reasons. Blinking away the dotting blots of light from his eyes, Gin’s cheek burned, ached, stung... but it didn’t feel bloodied by a searing dissipation of his skin and muscle and bone -- no, Aizen was better about that now, it seemed. Ever since his Bankai, his reiatsu felt different. Still a storm, of course, he’d never not be one ---- but... different.

          As it turned out, different still hurt pretty fucking bad. And he managed to bite fairly hard into his own inner cheek, leaving a potent taste of blood in his mouth. How strange that relationship between two powerful beings; Gin could handle getting smacked through some buildings so long as the reiatsu throwing him through steel and stone alike wasn’t immensely stronger than his own. Like his fight with Ichigo, barely a scratch -- despite the destruction around him, brought on by him, and so forth... ---- but Aizen’s power had Gin feeling like a fly who just got swatted, slapped against some hard surface. Completely negated. Ouch.

          Made for a wonderful reminder. A realigned perspective. It didn’t matter if Gin could still manage to make Aizen bleed, the gap remained between them now; easily so, too, by no effort on Aizen’s end of the imbalance. So fucking effortless, so utterly effortless. And what made matters worse was that now Aizen clearly felt immediately bad, ashamed, guilty, appalled at his own strength as though it snuck up on him. So shocked. Self-acceptance wasn’t enough, no, it was merely the beginning of the road for Aizen Sousuke. Good thing Gin was practiced in the art of not flinching away from him, even after struck down. Even with good reason, trauma, involving the man standing before him.

          ❝ It’s alright, ❞ came a sharp, albeit delayed reply. He was still dazed, still seeing stars, but Gin pushed himself back upright regardless. Restored right hand pressed against the roughened, cracked surface at his back, steadying himself by a push and propping motion. It was certainly not alright, but Gin knew that Aizen would know the difference between Gin genuinely reassuring the man, and Gin replying with a bite that intended to leave the man aching, hollow as the words which fell from upturned, bloodied lips. He reached to wipe absently across his mouth with the back of his left wrist, then offered a dismissive shrug. ❝ ---- if ya accidentally almost kill me again y’can jus’ Bankai me back, right? ❞

[godkilller]

--- Perhaps it is not even his own anger that lingers. It is a real possibility, since his soul is patched together with the lives of so many others that knew Gin, too, once upon a time. Perhaps that resentment burning at his fingertips is not solely his own, though he supposes he has the most cause to be angry, bested only, perhaps, by Rangiku.

Black fingers flex and curl, catching the light of the setting sun with a slight, orange flicker. If he had used his flesh and blood hand, perhaps it would have hurt. He may have cracked a knuckle. But the vastness of the artificial parts of him seemed more fitting, and they hit harder, too. He cannot remember ever having been able to make his captain take steps back like that. Then again.. He also cannot remember ever coming at his captain with intent to hurt the way he had now. He'd been so devoted then.

But to the question he cannot truly answer affirmatively. He stares at him, and though the anger is still there, it feels.. Distant from him. Like it is dimming. Perhaps he is slowly returning to his unfeeling self. Death did that, really. It gave perspective, in a way. Izuru has been having trouble feeing much of anything. On that score, the rage had been a nice change of pace..

He clucks his tongue, watching as Gin slinks a few steps around, the same way he remembers him to have done, way back when. That seemed ages ago now, yet his ex-captain seemed not to have changed a bit. Though Izuru had never had that ire turned towards him in this way; oppressing, like Wabisuke's chains yanking you down. "You owed me one." He countered, equally cold, though possibly for vastly different reasons. It is an evening of the score, though how exactly Gin might pay back the damage done to the Third, the Gotei at large, and to Rangiku.. Izuru personally.. Izuru cannot even begin to count how many punches that would take.

Gin, of course, is not to be underestimated, but Izuru, being beyond caring, does not retreat, nor attack. "What are you going to do, kill me?" He smiled. "In case you hadn't noticed, I'm already dead."

          RANGIKU'S ANGER WAS HER OWN, Gin would admonish Izuru in a heartbeat if the dead man made it known that this behavior was in some way an attempt to white-knight his way through Gin and Rangiku's entire ordeal. She could speak for herself, he'd have Izuru know, and she was more than welcome to come punch him too. But Gin wasn't a mind reader, so Izuru's thoughts were safe from Gin's scrutiny... and thus far he and Rangiku were on terms that didn't immediately call for violence to cope. Last he checked, at least.

          His and Rangiku's relationship was not something they ever advertised, nor did it ever go beyond childhood friends who fell apart as they hit adulthood -- as Aizen eclipsed Gin's life. Their past was in the past, and Gin was not some lurking monster that she needed rescuing from in the form of a friend seemingly standing up for her when the words had already been spoken, the farewell already cast, their ways separated; HE WASN'T EVEN IN HER LIFE ANYMORE. Hadn't been for some time now. Being a war criminal didn't exactly earn him the visitor's pass to the Seireitei. She was moving on, something Gin himself had wanted her to do from the start, so that was that.

          But Izuru's pain was his own, and Gin would face it. Face it, yes, but never bow to it, he'd not grovel because what good would that do? Izuru's unhappiness was, at this rate, buried deep -- no words or actions Gin performed would lessen it. And he honestly didn't care enough to try, not anymore. If this was more than two years ago, if Izuru had approached then? Then Gin wouldn't've been so closed off. In fact, he could have seen himself bowing down for forgiveness then. Forehead to the ground, awaiting either punishment or rejection or a mixture of indifference and dismissal. Not acceptance. Gin wouldn't ever be delusional enough to expect that. He wasn't a fucking idiot. Nor nearly as self-absorbed as others believed him to be.

          They were both numb in their own ways. And thus Gin smiled and swayed, continuing his slow circling steps. Letting that power still seethe down against Izuru's shoulders. Gin's own were slumped, a billowing of that emptied right sleeve contrasting to Izuru's artificial limb. Both mangled, dead men still walking, weren't they? Ruined and rotting.

          ❝ Y'misunderstand. If I wanted ya dead I would've killed ya instantly. Besides, y'want it too much -- despite, as you said yerself, bein' dead already. ❞

CONTINUED FROM HERE.

[godkilller]

gone girl - gillian flynn // doom days - bastille // fine line - harry styles // dark water - doctor who

[godkilller]

          out of character.  Given the amount of depth and experience @keikakudori​ and I have poured into these two over the literal decade+ of us writing with / knowing each other, I reckon it’s about time I mention that this blog intends to explore, in depth, the toxic and twisted relationship between Aizen and Gin. This is not going to be a pleasant thing, and as such if the topics of grooming, mental and emotional forms of manipulation, mentions of / relations back to Stockholm syndrome-esque feelings, power and authority imbalance (initially), Gin literally wanting to slit Aizen’s throat in his sleep, unrequited and conflicted emotions turned toxic, Gin using Aizen’s feelings for him to get closer but also being disgusted with himself, and other dark themes upset you, please either BLACKLIST:  #[ dynamic: gin and aizen ] know this; either i devour you or you devour me  -- or unfollow. I seek no romanticization of such things listed above, this is not a simplistic romance, this is not being written to be shippy or sexual, and this blog first and foremost ships Gin and Rangiku. Nevertheless, this dynamic is integral to Gin’s character the same as his ship with Rangiku is.

[godkilller]

          out of character.  AIZEN AND GIN SPAR TOGETHER, seeing as they spent a lot of time together and, like Tousen, knew that Aizen carries within him greater potential than the meek façade Aizen portrayed to the rest of the Gotei 13 -- Gin doesn’t frighten as easily as another Shinigami oblivious to Aizen’s potential, merely to be crushed, would. IN FACT, AIZEN’S SPARRING WITH HIM COULD BE SEEN AS HIM REFINING THAT BLADE, Gin a breathing weapon meant to challenge him, to one day potentially end him.

          Of course, this really didn’t start happening more often until Gin reached lieutenant’s rank, considering their power gap would have been too immense otherwise -- however, there were instances as a Third seat in which Gin was inevitably tested either by rogue failed experimentations of Aizen’s creation, or by Aizen himself, as Gin had to prove himself worthy to stand alongside him. If he failed, he’d die. So not really spars, in that regard, but Gin would treat these tests as such, playfully, to spite Aizen all the more as he looked on.

          It becomes all the more dangerous as Gin achieved Bankai, closed that yawning gap between them all the more, and became the one person who knew exactly how to kill him. Spars between them, albeit rare, still occurred seeing as  ( and despite Aizen’s flawless nature )  the threat of becoming “rusty” with his massive array of skillsets long hovered over Aizen’s head.

          In these exchanges, and perhaps to test those frothing waters, Gin would come at Aizen with a potent and true killing intent. Obviously, if he did not find ample openings, the aura of bloodlust could be shrugged off after the fact as Gin merely playing around with the other. But... if an opening did happen to occur, if Aizen happened to become too comfortable, too confident, lulled by this sense of playing... Gin will strike to kill. Aizen cannot become too relaxed, then, in these moments, though Gin contradicts any danger by engaging in extremely lighthearted banter. Hopping and swaying around like a child, as though in effortless fluidity whilst keeping up with his superior, hiding even the weight of his breaths, any perceivable strains buried deep. GIN PUTS UP A GREAT ACT.

          Gin reckons Aizen won’t cast an illusion to train himself, THERE’S A LOWER CHANCE OF IT BEING A FAKE, but if it’s ever revealed that he has, Gin’ll one hundred percent tease him for it; what’s th’ matter, cap’n ?  Scared of a lil spar with me ?  You’re gonna get lazy at this rate ~ !

[godkilller]

          out of character.  Just a heads up, so there's no confusion, but this blog has since been shifted from single-ship to a dual-ship arrangement exploring both Gin and Rangiku's dynamic, and Aizen and Gin's as well. These ships are not happening simultaneously or within the same universe as one another, just like how people multi-ship with the assumption that each storyline and plot is happening separately from one another. Seeing as I've always been an avid Ginran shipper, I figured it needed no saying or reassurances to confirm that I still very much do enjoy that ship and have written for it for over a decade straight. It just means that I'm also now immensely more comfortable than I was in the past with exploring other interactions. It's much more safe to explore such things with my best friend rather than a stranger, which is why I feel able to finally dig around at the unique and challenging aspects of Aizen and Gin with @keikakudori​. Plus, I'm a sucker for some spice, some roughness, love/hate, enemies to lovers, and other dynamics of that same song. They're complicated. It's fictional. I'm not hurting anyone.

          If you'd like to avoid seeing this content, I recommend blacklisting [ dynamic: gin and aizen ] know this; either i devour you or you devour me or unfollow for your own comforts. Canon Divergent threads that occur within the Redemption Verse storyline assume a Ginran endgame. Canon Divergent threads that occur within the Failure Verse storyline assume an Aigin endgame. The one Canon Divergent Verse in which Gin and Rangiku have a daughter named Keiko is, of course, also within the Redverse timeline and thus needs no further specification, yet for redundancy I'm going to say it; Ginran endgame. Aizen and Gin may have implications or outright interactions pertaining to their relationship prior to Failure Verse, just as Ginran has prior engagements before he betrays Soul Society. Ultimately, I really do not want to hear anything about Gin being a cheater. It's not hard to understand that these are two separate things happening. People multi-ship all the time and are never accused of that. I’d like for this to not be some big deal, I’m here to enjoy my hyperfixation and write as a hobby, it’s fictional and I’m old and I want to have fun. Gin go brrrrrr. Murderous vibes can be flirty if you squint. I dunno about you guys but if Gin threatened to kill me I’d thank him and catch doki dokis too.

          In either case, and this is also why I didn't bother much with announcing things, but most characters beyond a very select and close few will even know about either relationships in either universes, so please, respect the fact that Gin is innately a secretive person and it's highly unlikely that many will know specifically about his relationships. But hey, now you, the readers, know.