Disclaimer: Bleach and its characters belong to the one and only, Kubo Tite-sensei (grovels in adoration). I'm just your average fanfic writer who slashes her way through as she sees fit (giggles)

Notes: No spoilers or anything. Just a lil' ficlet on one of my fave Bleach pairings. Yeah well, I have weird tastes. (sweatdrop)

: A Play Everyday :

Every day, it was a play they were living. The polite exchanges of smile, the careful conversations and the wishes of luck and safety in missions... it was all an act, part of the grand façade that they presented to those in seireitei.

Just as the smile never faltered from his face, so was the other's paternal charm. Playing the concern, gentle captain of the 5th division, he had everyone moving to his will. A skillful puppeteer as well as a brilliant schemer. Sad really, that not many understood the real Aizen Sousuke.

"Something wrong?"

His smile grew wider. "Nothing really."

Aizen assessed him thoughtfully. "You should know lies don't work with me, Gin."

Ichimaru Gin ruffled his hair, tilting his head to one side in an almost child-like manner. "Ah, it's really nothing, Aizen-taichou. Just having some private thoughts."

Aizen-taichou pushed down his glasses slightly, amusement flashing across those warm brown eyes that held him quietly. "About me, perchance?"

Ichimaru chuckled. "Aizen-taichou is such a tease. But supposing your guess is correct, what would you do then?"

A soft breeze whispered their way then, a brief interlude that seemed appropriate as they held each other's gaze. It was not the right time, they both knew. But the corridor was deserted for now, and Ichimaru hoped for something small that could appease the gnawing hunger somewhat.

Aizen-taichou stepped closer, long fingers reaching to cup his chin. Ichimaru widened his smile, letting his eyes peeked beneath the lids slightly to savor the other's face more fully. The tender look in those brown eyes was something of a spell, an illusion that everything would be fine. Humans and Hollows alike should count themselves fortunate if they had this shinigami guiding the way.

Cool, deft lips claimed his then, the sensation akin to getting that sip of iced water after being out in the hot sun for hours. It lasted only seconds though, for Aizen-taichou pulled back then and stepped away, creating an auspicious distance between them.

Faint steps were heard coming round the corner, the spiritual presence familiar to them both. Lids lowered and lips forming their usual curve again, Ichimaru let out a little sigh. "I guess I should be going back now. Good day, Aizen-taichou."

An affectionate smile glossed the other's lips. "Ah, good day to you too, Ichimaru."

Aizen-taichou gave a nod as a final bid before brushing past Ichimaru, a silent secret passing between them. Ichimaru waited for a few seconds before making his move, and he had barely taken a couple of steps when two figures appeared from around the corner.

"Ah, rokubantai taichou, good morning," he greeted warmly. His gaze shifted to the other. "Good day to you too, Rukia-chan."

Unblinking, sweating dotting her forehead, the adopted child of the Kuchiki clan nodded slightly. He knew she sensed danger in him, and just for the fun of it, he raised his spiritual pressure slightly. She stiffened, not daring even to breathe. He calmly looked back at the rokubantai taichou who was watching him blankly, expression remote as ever.

"Morning, Ichimaru. Excuse us, but we are urgently needed at another place."

Ichimaru nodded then. "I shan't hold the two of you back then. Good day again."

Kuchiki Byakuya walked off, his little sister tagging along obediently. Ichimaru slid a glance to her, and though he knew she felt his eyes on her, she pretended not to notice but her tightening grip on her zanpakutou was telling enough.

Whistling a happy tune, Ichimaru continued on his way. Act Two for the day was over.

: - : owari : - :

Glossary:
seireitei - where the shinigami and noble families reside
rokubantai taichou - 6th Division Captain
zanpakutou - the term for the sword a shinigami uses

Thanks for reading. And much love to those who reviewed 'Questioning the Affair' - neie, laila and Elusia. You guys are far too kind with your words. (blushes)