Aizen carefully examined the property deeds before her, her gaze slowly moving over the details of each address, amenities, and surrounding environment.
"This one should do." After a while, Aizen pulled out one specific deed and handed it to Kensei. "The environment is quiet, minimal interference. The distance to the Research and Development Institute and the First Division is acceptable."
"You've already decided, so what's left for me to see?"
Kensei waved a hand. For such minor matters, Aizen could decide.
"But," Kensei looked at Aizen suspiciously, "how are you so familiar with the Seireitei's building layout?"
Aizen lowered her eyes, taking a sip of tea, her tone flat. "I simply conducted some basic information gathering in my spare time before."
Alright, typical Aizen.
Kensei had nothing more to say.
Moving went smoother than expected. No moving trucks, but they had Kidō and the abilities of Kensei's Zanpakutō. Besides, neither had many belongings.
The new place was indeed nice. Spacious, good lighting. The Kuchiki family's aesthetic taste was naturally impeccable; the entire building had an artistic air. There were also several habitable rooms, so even uninvited guests wouldn't have to worry about where to sleep.
"This is living!"
Kensei stood with hands on hips in the center of the spacious living room, envisioning a future of revelry and indulgence. Just then, a familiar, energetic voice came from near the window.
"Yo! Little Brother Kenzuru! Nice new place!"
Yoruichi, as if returning to her own home, unceremoniously flipped in through the window. Her eyes swept over the interior furnishings with interest, and she offered running commentary. "Furniture's not bad. Didn't think that old fossil Kuchiki had decent taste. At least he didn't plaster cherry blossoms everywhere."
"Come on, Yoruichi-nee. You're a noble clan head. Couldn't you enter in a slightly more normal way?"
The corner of Kensei's mouth twitched. Though used to Yoruichi's comings and goings, seeing her come through the window always tested his composure.
"Since I'm the head, this is the most authentic noble style."
Yoruichi slung an arm casually over Kensei's shoulder, stating something utterly unarguable.
Hearing the noise, Aizen, who had been organizing the next room, walked over. Seeing the uninvited Yoruichi, her expression remained as calm as ever. "I didn't expect Yoruichi-san's intelligence to be so swift."
"Heh, it's only right for me to be concerned about Kenzuru." Yoruichi turned her gaze to Aizen. "I'm more surprised that Aizen personally handles something like moving."
"Part of the responsibility, since I suggested moving here." Aizen adjusted her glasses. "Kenzuru is more casual about such trivial matters. Since we live together, it's only right I handle more of the work."
The words "live together" were spoken with a slightly heavier emphasis, making Yoruichi's eyes narrow.
The air in the room briefly solidified.
Kensei felt his scalp prickle and quickly changed the subject. "Yoruichi-nee, you didn't come all this way just to check out my new digs, did you?"
"Of course not. I'm not some boring person who only does experiments." Yoruichi patted Kensei's chest. "Today, I'm taking you to that hot spring we visited last time. Perfect for relaxing."
As she spoke, Yoruichi winked at Kensei, the implication unmistakable.
Before Kensei could nod in agreement, Aizen's calm voice interjected. "In that case, I assume Yoruichi-san won't mind if I join."
She paused, her eyes looking meaningfully at Yoruichi. "One more person means one more to watch out for each other."
"Let's all go, all go."
Unable to take it anymore, Kensei grabbed one with each hand. If they kept this up, they'd get nowhere.
Back at the top-tier hot spring in Yoruichi's secret villa, though they hadn't visited in a while, it was still immaculate. The open-air spring steamed with warmth, surrounded by bamboo groves that ensured privacy while adding a natural charm.
"Sigh, I was hoping to soak alone for a bit. Pity there's only this one pool."
Kensei shook his head and sighed. It was unclear if he genuinely regretted not having the pool to himself or lamented the heavens forcing him to abandon his gentlemanly image.
"You're putting on airs again."
Yoruichi unceremoniously rolled her eyes at Kensei, then smoothly slipped into the hot spring, letting out a contented sigh. She beckoned Kensei with a finger.
The hot spring water caressed her healthy complexion, her figure faintly visible through the mist.
Kensei stepped into the water with utmost seriousness, feeling his body relax once more.
Aizen placed Kyōka Suigetsu by the poolside. Her movements into the water were unhurried, maintaining a certain composure even in this setting.
"So? Much better than other places, right?" Yoruichi flicked a bit of water, looking at Kensei. "Pity. If it were just two people, we could enjoy it better."
"What Yoruichi-san says naturally makes sense." Aizen's fingertip traced the water's surface, sending out ripples. "Pity, some things cannot be intruded upon by others. Such as the resonance of souls."
Kensei looked to his left. Yoruichi had raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, looking at him with eyes full of challenge. He looked to his right. Aizen's face still wore a serene smile, but it held an unspoken confidence.
"You two need to knock it off." Kensei sighed, draping an arm over each of their shoulders. "If this keeps up, just split me in half."
Having said that, Kensei closed his eyes, as if genuinely waiting for them to act.
Yoruichi suddenly moved. Her fingers pressed lightly against Kensei's chest as she glanced at Aizen. "Forget it. I don't want to waste time."
Kensei's body tensed slightly. He felt the warmth of Yoruichi's fingers through his skin, hotter than the spring water.
Aizen's finger lightly tapped the Zanpakutō by the poolside. The effect of Kyōka Suigetsu quietly activated.
In Yoruichi's perception, her action received a response from Kensei.
She saw Kensei's gaze turn towards her with heat. She even felt Kensei's arm encircle her waist.
The corner of Yoruichi's mouth lifted in a triumphant smile. She leaned in closer, declaring with satisfaction, "Seems I win tonight."
However, just as she thought things would progress further, Kensei suddenly sighed, speaking with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"Sōsuke... Using Kyōka Suigetsu for something like this isn't very good, is it?"
Yoruichi's body froze instantly. In the next moment, she clearly saw Kensei's hand still resting properly, the distance between them unchanged from before.
And Aizen was calmly leaning against the pool's edge, a faint, almost imperceptible curve on her lips.
"You!" Yoruichi whipped her head around to glare at Aizen, her eyes filled with anger. "Sōsuke Aizen! You'd even resort to tricks for something like this?!"
"It seems Yoruichi-san still requires further training."
Aizen responded calmly, not feeling she had overstepped at all.
"I think you two should understand one thing. There's no one else here." Kensei reached out, taking a hand from each side. "Even if I prefer being passive, that doesn't mean I can't be proactive."
Yoruichi's eyes brightened. She leaned in closer, so close Kensei could see the water droplets on her skin.
Aizen lowered her gaze, silent for a few seconds, then finally sighed. Well, I already know the deeper secrets. These trivial matters can be left to chance.
"Now you see your sister's good side, right?" Yoruichi chuckled softly, her fingertip tracing Kensei's neck. "At least I don't overthink things."
Aizen ignored Yoruichi's provocation, simply looking at Kensei before leaning forward to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.
"Tch."
Yoruichi clicked her tongue, then leaned in as well, leaving her own mark on the other side, emblematic of her particular brand of assertiveness.
"Ho-ho, you two are done for."
Kensei leaned close to Yoruichi's face and, under her surprised gaze, kissed her. Yoruichi was only stunned for an instant before responding fervently, with a hint of seizing the initiative.
When they parted, both were breathing a little heavily. Yoruichi licked her lips, as if savoring it. "That's more like it."
Kensei didn't speak, simply turning to the other side and taking similar action.
Unlike Yoruichi's passion, Sōsuke's response was more restrained. But Kensei could feel the strength in her hand gripping his arm, almost digging into his skin.
Their lips parted. Sōsuke's breathing was also slightly hurried. She looked at Kensei, saying nothing.
The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by a different atmosphere.
Yoruichi's fingers lightly scratched Kensei's palm, as if urging him to proceed.
The action was like a silent signal. Yoruichi let out a soft hum of satisfaction, gently nipping Kensei's earlobe.
The hot spring mist curled upwards, blurring vision and obscuring many details.
Some time later, the three of them leaned against the poolside, bodies relaxed.
"Wonder if Old Man Yama will try to cleave me in two..."
Looking up at the now-fading moon, Kensei muttered under his breath.
***
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