The Awakening [Book 2] (Bleach: Ichiruki)

V

Asami Sōsuke

Dammit.

"My love, what have you done?"

Why out of all the times, did he have to show up now?

"You should as Clotho that." I said, averting my eyes from his hard gaze.

"Aizen Sōsuke our almighty Soul King! My my. Look how strong you've become." Clotho glued her eyes onto him, an amused grin crossing her face.

"What have you done?" Aizen asked her. I watched as his eyes scanned the mess around him, his eyes landing on Ichigo and Rukia.

His eyebrows rose up in amusement.

"And what do we have here?" He asked, his tone filled with amusement.

"They were just having a little fun. Isn't that right, Rukia?" Clotho said.

"Yes, my lady." She replied, still pinned down by Ichigo. As if he finally realized the situation they were in, he released his hold on Rukia, climbing off of her. She quickly stood up, brushing the dirt off of her torn silver dress, before walking over to where Clotho and Tatsuo stood.

"You still didn't answer the question." Aizen directed at Clotho.

"I didn't do anything. It was your beautiful wife who summoned me in the first place, before attacking me, trying to force me to agree to the terms of her trade."

"Trade?"

If only you hadn't mentioned that, Clotho.

I watched as Aizen slowly turned around, his eyes burning into mine.

"What trade is she talking about, Asami?" He demanded, his tone harsh and eyes narrowed.

He only ever called me Asami when he was mad.

"I was just trying to do the right thing." I said, narrowing my eyes up at him.

He sighed, shutting his eyes in disappointment.

"By trading your life for another's?"

"I can't just sit back and let someone take the fall for me. This is my fault. I should be in Rukia's place, not standing back helpless. A Queen isn't supposed to let her people die." I told him.

"You're right."

My eyes widened, surprised.

I am?

Aizen took a step forward so now we were mere inches apart.

He opened his eyes, the color swirling from brown, to blue, to gold, to black.

"But I will not let you give yourself up." He said, reaching his arms out. Aizen grabbed my arms, pulling me into his chest. He wrapped his arms around my body, pulling me close.

I sighed, releasing the tension in my body as I relaxed in his embrace, hugging him back. I had thought he would react even worse to this.

"Don't ever leave again without telling me where you're going." He warned, his voice barely a whisper as he only said it loud enough for me to hear.

"As for you, Clotho," Aizen started as he pulled away from me, turning back around to face her, "I suggest you hand over Rukia Kuchiki."

My eyes widened. Usually the Soul King, even Aizen himself, wouldn't get himself into undesirable situations (unless it includes me) like this one. This was definitely a surprise; a new side of Aizen I had never seen.