Moonbathing, by Marisa Serise

Arc: Green-Jeweled Snake Dance, Part One

Labels: control/mind games, yaoi, suspense

Author's Note: Well, I've had this written out but it's time to get it published! As the title suggests, we're in a whole new arc... Green-Jeweled Snake Dance. This one was tough to write but I'm starting to near the final chapters of Moonbathing. We're definitely doing a sequel, because I like the universe that Moonbathing sits in. Hueco Mundo arc best arc. ;) As per tradition, we'll "chat" more after this installment. Enjoy!

As always, italics are flashbacks/thoughts/zan spirits, bold italics are responses to inner world stuff.

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The waking period was so odd to Hollows. Hueco Mundo was endless night, so what was a morning? Ulquiorra tried to make sense of everything that was happening, his logical mind coming to a stop in several places.

A fever. He had read about them as part of the basic training Szayel created for the Arrancar who called Las Noches home. The scientist wanted to make sure the soldiers were prepared for the changes in their bodies.

A fever is an abnormally high body temperature, usually accompanied by shivering, headaches, and ...

He didn't remember everything the science-focused Espada taught, but the idea of his internal temperature rising made sense. Was he in a state of fever, with nothing to stop him from going off the edge? What did Gin mean about moving things forward? More to the point, what was happening to him?

This was turning into something that really puzzled him. He wanted to push it away, but also wanted more.

The way he reacts to me, like he can't get enough...

Goodness.

Ultimately, Ulquiorra knew that Aizen-sama was the priority. Yet if Gin was offering something to break up the monotony of Las Noches, that was certainly fine with him. He felt his parent's confident arms circling around him, rumping his coat. He would eventually go back to his room and change clothes. "So, what do you want to do today, Ulqui?"

The Espada shrugged. "What is there to do?"

For a moment, Gin didn't move. Then he felt the flexible shinigami lean forward to lick his ear. "Oh, I don't know," he purred, "But I'm sure I can get...creative."

Ulquiorra let out a soft moan in the new safe space between them. Oh yes, Gin could be creative indeed. The day would be quite interesting...

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Orihime paced her room, trying to figure out what to do with herself. Oh, she couldn't say that she was hurt physically; the agony was all mental. She had dreamlike expectations of her first time. What was wrong with romance? Intimacy? She wanted those intimate moments with Ichigo, not this wicked man who only gave her illusions. She dreamed of Ichigo truly coming to save her, his orange hair flapping in the wind. It really was so windy here, and barren besides. She wished so hard that things were different. That she was stronger. That she had the chance to tell Ichigo how she felt. Even if they did save her, would Ichigo want to be with her? There was no reference Orihime had to compare this with.

I knew I shouldn't have...but he was there to save me... it felt so real...

I'm such a fool.

A tap at the door was the perfect interruption. When she opened the door, she sighed in relief. It was just a staff member with curly brown hair. The woman looked slightly out of breath, but otherwise very composed, bowing slightly in the doorway. "Inoue-san, please enjoy tonight's meal." The assistant moved her hand and a tray of hot food floated through the air, landing close by Orihime. She clutched the tray, shocked that it wasn't warm. The assistant bowed again. "Is there anything else I can do?" Orihime shook her head. The woman thanked her and left, giving Orihime back to her thoughts.

The way she was it, she was going to have to figure out how to survive. That's what Tatsuki-chan always lectured about, anyway.

Sometimes we have to do whatever it takes to survive.

Is that all my life is then...survival?

I want to live.

The facts were obvious. On her own, she could not escape Las Noches. Even if someone helped her out of the palace, she would still have to face the wildlands of Hueco Mundo. Any Hollow would try to eat her, and not in a good way.

I wonder if I taste like spicy red bean paste.

Whoa, get it together, girl!

She laughed at her runaway brain. What would Ishida-kun think? She missed him and Sado-kun so much. Who knew she would miss doing homework? It was time to get through this captured period, one day at a time. She would not give up on being rescued, not for a second. She would try to think of this as her temporary home, getting to everyone and everything. Given that she couldn't escape, Aizen-sama had given her permission to explore the palace. She figured he would want to show it off. Just thinking about the Lord of Las Noches made her queasy. She thought it was Ichigo...but obviously she was dead wrong. Then again, was it truly bad all the way around? Not at all. She recalled his touch and tried to make peace with the deception. He was certainly handsome, but she couldn't go back...yet that didn't rule out finding something here.

Maybe, just maybe, Las Noches would give her something new.

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Aizen hummed a tune, turning over the information Ulquiorra revealed to him, tactical and...otherwise. Oh, he understood games, far better than his dear Espada. He was under no illusions that this was completely Gin's idea, of course. Then again, the idea of Gin pulling Ulquiorra deeper into the inner machinations of Las Noches was a truly arousing idea. This could be an interesting game indeed. It wasn't like anything kept him from enjoying both of them. He would stand at the top of the world, with Gin at his side. The feeling of being so close to another game, another stage, another chessboard made him feel flushed.

Somehow, I believe quitting time is around the corner...

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Gin let himself enjoy a hot shower alone. His new lover was off enjoying some time away. While Gin did savor this little game, he learned a long time ago not to get too dependent on others to make a plan work. How many times had Aizen-sama reminded him?

The accent didn't please Aizen-taichou. He reminded Gin of this. At times, the man was cruel, sharp, and unforgiving. It came out in the way he would pin Gin down, hot reiatsu chaining the student to the bed better than the best folded steel...

And yet...he could be surprisingly gentle, healing the damage from their play thoroughly each time. The older man would cradle him as those skilled hands massaged even the tightest joints. The same phrase always floated in the air after Gin would ask the captain why he was so gentle, so careful. "I am an excellent gardener, Gin. I know how to take care of you. In every way."

Gin sucked in a breath, the memory throwing him off for a moment. It was hard to remember the end goal. He wanted Aizen-sama to truly see him, something that wasn't easy for him to directly state. He ached for that cruel, gorgeous mouth, those hands, that clever, dangerous mind engulfing his own...

It's under his skin, a fever he can't escape. It doesn't matter if Aizen-sama is a winter sun; Gin will take any warmth he can get. He knows that if he stayed, Izuru would have loved him. Did love him. Sweetly. Deeply. Truly. Yet it was not an electric love, and Gin needed to be stimulated. Transformed. Undone and then built higher and higher...

He dried himself off after having reached his limit with the hot water. A quick moment to towel his hair and body, then he was ready to get dressed. As he worked through the steps, he thought of what to do next. In his mind, he saw it as a dance. Those long hours in the great libraries in Sereitei were about to pay off. He recalled stories of faraway lands, where mystics bent the known laws of nature and charmed snakes. The beautiful, deadly creatures would simply move, a counter rhythm to the charmer's flute, yet oddly in sync when looked at from a different perspective. This strange contrast appealed to Gin, giving him inspiration for the next stage of his plan.

Who knew all he needed for a different rhythm? In his mind, he saw himself as a green-jeweled snake, undulating slowly to a beat designed to delight the senses. It would become a grand display, something Aizen-sama could not discount or ignore.

He reached out for an idea of where Aizen-sama was, then smiled. Ah, the relaxation room. He must be restless. After making a few quiet mental notes, he turned and headed towards the hospitality area. He would require some help to get things off the ground.

It's time.

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Ulquiorra watched the stocky arrancar shuffle around. "Ulquiorra-sama! How can we help you today?" At first, the hushed welcome bothered the Espada. Yet for these low level arrancar, it was rare to actually get this close to someone as powerful as himself. His normal reiatsu levels had to be lowered just to take the fear out of them. it was still a bit odd to admit he craved another person. In Las Noches, it did not matter that he was male and seeking the attention of another male. You had to do something to take what you could get, and enjoy it while it lasted. How many times had he seen other Hollow be eaten out in the wildlands, just so someone could get a little stronger? It was the way of Hueco Mundo, not just Las Noches.

For the most part, the Espada lived separately from the other residents. A normal arrancar did not dare to upset an Espada, nor their Fraccíon. He did not want any subordinates. it was easier to just run solo...until now. Gin fit in a way that was starting to make sense. yet he also knew that it was important to keep things lively. That sentiment brought him to the palace housing hub, where new arrangements were made. As an Espada, his presence was a bit unexpected. Aizen-sama already had suites for all of the Espada, based on their own desires. Additional space wasn't the problem; it was more about that if Ulquiorra was making the request, it had to be important.

Thankfully, the sturdy builder did not inquire further about the rationale behind this decision. "What type of space are you looking for?"

For a moment, Ulquiorra did not reply. But he had been thinking about this ever since Gin stayed in his room, seeking refuge from the strange scene they had both witnessed. "Something where I could host at least two people, letting in the real light of Hueco Mundo. A large bed, four-poster. And...leave it unpainted. I wish to do it myself. White walls are fine for the time being. Ensure all of the furniture is...sturdy. All windows must be able to block all of the light at any time. There must be a bathtub large enough for four people. Separate shower area. How long do I need to wait for you to build it?"

Ulquiorra watched the builder's eyes light up. "I had a concept suite I just finished, and I think you'll like it." The stocky man grabbed a large key and smiled. "Ulquiorra-sama, please follow me." He dashed off so quickly that Ulquiorra had to extend his stride.

Gin, I hope this qualifies as ...excitement.

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"So, can you do it?"

Misoka set down her rolling pin. "Indeed. Each cake is...interesting, Ichimaru-sama."

The man grinned widely and ruffled her hair. "Curly-chan, you never disappoint." She blushed, noticing how soft his voice shifted during their conversation. The excitement made her day.

He looks tired, Misoka thought to herself, putting away her baking instruments as the co-commander of Lash Noches watched on with amusement. His eyes were a mystery to her, but his reiatsu wasn't. She knew he could hurt her, but also that he wouldn't. For some reason, they had an understanding.

She bowed slightly. "Would you like something to eat?" A step or two to the right revealed plenty of food combinations, but she noticed Gin still standing where he was. A slight frown brushed his face; Misoka hated that expression on him. "Something wrong?"

"Do ... do ya think I could learn to make some stuff? I mean, I know survival food but..."

Misoka risked reaching out to touch his arm gently. "Ichimaru-sama, it'd be my pleasure, truly."

She felt him draw closer, wrapping around her in a friendly hug. "You remind me of someone very dear to me...thanks, Curly-chan. Call me Gin, though."

"Gin-sama, thank you so much. Just stop by and ask for me." He tipped his head to her, letting her stand alone again. Then he waved and vanished, leaving her to wonder where he went.

How does he DO that?

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This will suit us well.

The builder went on and on in the background about the materials and the hours of planning, but Ulquiorra preferred to let his eyes feast instead. The walls were a soft white, and covered by large curved windows that let in the artificial light of Las Noches. He took in the solid steel shutters that could shut out all the light. The ceiling had stylized cut outs, revealing the real moonlight of Hueco Mundo as the ceiling vaulted upward. The curious slope of the ceiling held recessed lights over a grand four-poster bed with soft red and green blankets. A fireplace made from blue Hueco Mundo rock set off the colors in the room. Ulquiorra liked the way the bathroom was set back, with a generous space devoted to twin sinks, a separate shower and bathtub, along with a room to house a hot tub. Lighted stones marked the path to the hot tub, along with a frosted sliding door for privacy. Two chutes were on opposites sides of the generous space. "The blue chute allows for the kitchen to send food and other deliveries, and the orange chute is for refuse. Very convenient."

Ulquiorra agreed, pleased with the details. "This is exactly what I was thinking of. Well done." The builder looked relieved. "Please take this suite and enjoy it. I am on to the next masterpiece!" As the builder left, Ulquiorra had time to think. This was semi-secluded and a great space for entertaining.

Maybe I'll be fortunate enough to entertain two...someday.

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Gin found himself in another one of Aizen-sama's private rooms. His lover and leader was perched on a gorgeous oak chair, decorated with flowers and crescent moons.

I like that chair, it's so ...accessible.

Gin's flexible, dangerous mind began to consider the particulars. If he wanted to seduce his lover, the path ahead would need to curve away from the previous roads and valleys. That's why he found himself in Aizen-sama's study, ready to explore. His lover was in an indulgent, restless mood, dark blue reiatsu curling around him almost visibly. "Gin. What would you like to discuss?" That deep voice was in full effect.

Mmm. Time to go for it.

"Oh, I just figured I'd stop by, see how you're doing, ya know...entertain you."

He paused for effect, opening his eyes just slightly. HIs beloved Aizen-sama seemed to feel like taking the bait. "And how do you plan on...entertaining me?"

Gin grinned. "By telling you a story, Aizen-sama. You said once that feeding the mind will always be a higher pursuit than soothing the flesh. Right?"

The slight shift in attention was overwhelming, but exactly what Gin was looking for. Aizen-sama was giving him the leader's full attention. "Go on, then. What story could I possibly be interested in right now?" Gin moved closer, taking time to run his fingertips over the covered length of Aizen-sama's arm. "Why, the story of the flower that stood alone, of course."

After a brief stretch of silence, the story began, with Gin remaining in a standing position. "Everything follows an order. We learn that in Sereitei because without order, we have a functional crisis on our hands. The reverse side of order is function. Some functions are innate. Means that we know from th3e beginning how it should be. Now, with you, your genius comes from taking the inner and making it evolve. This goes back to the story of the flower that stood alone."

Sensing his lover's amusement, he continued. "See, the one thing that every flower innately knows...is how to bloom. The sun comes out, the flower finds the right time, and nature takes its course." Gin stretched again, nothing how his lover continued to follow every move. "Yet this flower didn't know how to bloom. He had never been round other flowers of his type before. How could this little cluster of flowers bloom like all of the others? Oh, they tried to help. A very nice woman even tried to shine sunlight right on him, hoping it would force him to open up. Yet for everyone's efforts, this cluster just didn't know what to do. So, he withdrew even more, finding peace in the shadows."

Aizen-sama's eyes looked heavy, slightly half-lidded. The king's attention was still completely upon him.

Excellent, this is working quite well. I better keep going.

"One day, a man saw the solitary flower in the harsh sun. The flower was prepared by now for rejection. After all, there were so many other flowers already in full bloom. Yet the man was determined. He spoke to the flower, giving clues of origin and ancestry. The flower learned he was not coming into season for a reason."

As Gin paused, he sauntered over to his amused lover, who clearly understood the underlying mechanics of this story. "And why didn't the flower bloom, Gin?" On the lips of Aizen Sousuke, the question turned sensual, alluring, and seductive. Gin indulged his primary lover by pressing his body close, letting their bodies share heat and understanding. He moved so his lips brushed the delectable shell of his Aizen-sama's ear.

"Because the flower was in the wrong environment. The others thrived in the bright sun...but this flower was special, blooming in full only under the cover of night. So, the man carefully took the flower to a land of endless night, and ..." Gin trailed off, licking that ear a few times before continuing. "The flower learned it was not sun, but shadow that he craved. The darkness covered him, the great void cradling him in a world of possibilities...but he never forgot the gardener's touch...that steady hand. What was seen as a cruelty by others was secretly a life-changing strength."

The final pause led to soft moans as Gin attached his lover's ear in stages, moving his tongue in lazy diagonal strokes. He kissed that ear, silently praising the aural chamber for its innate power to hear every word. His former captain seemed entranced, those dark brown eyes smoldering with hunger and need. The fire between them burned brightly, as if they had never parted. "Gin, you've become so..."

The speech trailed off, but Gin was in full form now. "Mmm, I've become so comfortable in who I am. You know, don't ya?" He nibbled on that delicate earlobe, pulling it into his mouth. The motion was like setting off fireworks. The Lord of Hueco Mundo was shifting around, breaths becoming ragged. "Say the words, Gin..."

"I am your night gladiolus, your legacy in motion, and your muse." Gin punctuated the words with his wandering, shameless tongue, thin fingers trailing down his lover's chest. They seemed to linger frozen in the moment for what felt like hours. After a few real-time minutes, Gin pulled back. "This is just...a taste of what is to come. You said anticipation is the finest spice in the world, decades before I would fully understand. Will you let the real show continue?" He moved slightly in his choice of targets, departing from the lush earlobe to the vast expanse of his lover's neck. He nibbled quietly, knowing he had to resist making further advances. After a long silence, the dark-haired man rewarded him with the most seductive grin he had ever seen in his life. "Of course. I'd never miss such a carefully prepared presentation. So this is good night, then?"

Oh, he knows. And he's loving what this is doing to me. I gotta go. Not that I don't want to turn over and let him...but I need to stick to the plan.

Gin's smile widened. "You'll know when it's time." He stood up and bowed low, mirroring the exact angle he performed when he was just a seated officer. As he turned to leave, his Aizen-sama lowered his voice to a low rumble. "Gin...remember that the flower is not the only subject that transformed by the gardener's touch. Good night."

Gin shivered as he stepped out of the private space. The heat was almost unbearable. But somehow, he succeeded.

I need to find Ulqui...before the fire consumes me ahead of schedule!

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Author's Note: Yes, I'm stopping right here. It's Christmas Day (2016) and I figured y'all could use an update. I have Part Three written out; I'll type it up tomorrow.

Whew. This arc is a minefield. I did want to finish the obvious with Aizen/Gin here but I figured its final conclusion would be far hotter if I let it build a bit.

Ulquiorra's suite will be important now and in the future sequel. I'm expanding Las Noches piece by piece.

I do love the small Misoka / Gin moments. I felt like adding in his homesickness here and there, but in a subtler way. This is not necessarily a sign Gin will try to go home; he knows that's not an option. But it's Misoka's kindness that reminds him of Ran, and I think that's okay.

I'm so looking forward to the sequel. I've loved MB, but updating after 6 years of ignoring it is pretty tough.

Let me know what you think. Sorry ahead of time if there's errors I didn't catch. I tried to pick it pretty clean but I know how pesky errors can get. Thanks, y'all!