Chapter 21: Forever

Desiree's POV

Forever is a long time, but I wouldn't mind spending it by Aizen's side. I know that things moved too fast… but I can't help but feel this way about him. Like we were meant to be together. With him, I feel safe. Although, he always said that it's dangerous being with him, when I'm wrapped in his arms, all I could feel is warmth and safety. Still, I can't help but wonder why they always insisted that this was dangerous. Facing threats is normal for wealthy and powerful families, right? Why do they paint it out to be worse than it actually is? Why does it feel like something was missing in the puzzle, or that the wrong piece was forced to fit in order to complete the picture? 

I pushed my thoughts aside as I nestled closer to Aizen. We haven't exactly shared a bed since Father's announcement. I'd like to savor this moment a little longer. 

"Good morning, Princess," he yawned, enfolding me in his embrace. He bestowed kisses upon my head with tender affection. 

I reciprocated, embracing him tightly. "Can we stay here a little longer?" I murmured, placing a delicate kiss on his chest. "I've missed this."

"You miss having a hot man sleep next to you?" he teased, his laughter filling the air. I responded with a playful pinch, eliciting even more laughter from him. "I was just teasing," he reassured me, his tone softening. "I missed this too. I missed your warmth."

"I'm glad we talked last night," I said, locking eyes with him. "We should've talked sooner."

He shook his head gently, his hand tenderly stroking my hair. "God has his timing," he said with conviction. 

"You believe in God?"I inquired curiously. "You never go to church with me… I don't ever see you praying either."

"My prayers were answered the moment I saw you in Takashimaya that day," he confessed, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. Shifting closer, he hovered over me, planting kisses all over my face. "I believe in God, Des," he affirmed, his gaze sincere. "But to be honest, the reason why I don't go to church is…" He hesitated, his eyes revealing his inner turmoil. 

"You're Catholic and I'm a Born Again Christian?" I offered, encouraging him to share his thoughts. 

"Yes and no," he mused, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin. Nestling into the warmth of my embrace, he buried his face against my chest. "I've done some terrible things," he confessed solemnly, his voice heavy with regret. "I don't think God would welcome me after all the sins I've committed to get to where I am."

"Aizen," I murmured, my hand tenderly caressing his head. "God is forgiving, you know? He's a just God. He sees the repentance in your heart, and he'll forgive you." 

He lifted his head, meeting my gaze with searching eyes. "How do you know?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"It's in the Bible," I explained, my fingers gently caressing his cheeks. "I was twelve when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. They say that salvation is through him." 

"Heaven has no room for people like me," he reasoned, his gaze averted. 

I tilted his face to meet mine. "They said that Jeffrey Dahmer accepted Jesus Christ in his heart before he was killed in prison. Chances are, if it's true that he did, then we'll see him up there." I pointed up at the ceiling before continuing, "So if God could forgive a serial killer, I'm sure he can forgive you, Aizen Nara." I pushed him gently, shifting our positions. Hovering over him, I planted a soft kiss on his forehead. 

Aizen hugged me tight as I buried my face in his shoulder. "Do you want me to go to heaven with you?" he asked, his voice muffled against my hair. 

I laughed at his question. "I don't want us to part even after death, so yeah," I said, showering him with kisses. "But in the end, it's your choice. You can't accept Him because of me or because of anyone. It has to be your decision." Pausing, I asked, "What did you do to think that God wouldn't forgive you? I'm sure it's nothing serious. You're not a serial killer, nor are you a criminal."

His silence spoke volumes, conveying a depth of shame and pain that words struggled to express. 

"I reassured him gently, "It's okay. You don't have to tell me if you're not ready." Sitting up, I drew him close, enveloping him in my embrace. "I love you," I whispered softly, "and I understand if you're not ready."

His voice was heavy with uncertainty as he posed his question. "What if I'm never ready?" he asked, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. "What if I can't tell you ever?" Pausing, he held me tighter, seeking solace in my embrace. "Would you still trust me?"

Aizen, I swear, sometimes, you're like a little kid. 

His words caught me off guard, sinking into my thoughts like an unexpected stone dropped into a pond. "You promise to stay with me forever, right?" he asked, his voice carrying a weight of vulnerability. "You said that you don't want us to part even after death… When we were kids, you promised to stay by my side no matter what happens."

"Did I?" I questioned, the memory eluding me. Despite the foggy recollection, I couldn't deny the possibility of making such a promise in our youth.

Aizen nodded solemnly, his gaze searching mine. "So, you can imagine how it felt to find out you left the country," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of hurt and longing. 

"I'm sorry," I murmured, drawing him into a tight embrace. "I promise to stay this time."

"No matter what?" No matter what?" he asked, his gaze piercing through me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. There was a coldness in his eyes, a darkness that seemed to overshadow his usual warmth. "Even if you find out horrible things about me?"

"You're scaring me, Aizen," I admitted, averting my gaze. The fear in my heart grew as his words echoed in my mind. 

What could he possibly have done then? 

Despite my apprehensions, I summoned the courage to offer him the reassurance he sought. "Aizen," I began, my voice steady with determination. "Aizen," I said, "I promise to stay by your side no matter what."Bridging the space between us, I tenderly pressed my lips to his, conveying the depth of my commitment through the sweet intimacy of our kiss. As I drew back, enfolding him in a tight embrace, I poured out my heart. "I don't know if this is because we're high in love, but I want to say it…" I confessed, " I love you, Aizen… and I don't think you could do anything to make me leave. You scare me sometimes, but I feel most safe when I'm with you."

"Des," he muttered. 

"Maybe I'd leave for a while to clear my head, but I'll always return," I continued, "People need time for themselves, after all." I pulled away slightly to meet his sad eyes, a smile of assurance on my face. "So please believe me when I say that I'll always be here. Even when I'm far away or if we decide to take some time apart after an argument, please know that I'll always come back to you."

My breath hitched as I beheld the tears cascading down his cheeks. 

"I really don't deserve you," he murmured, brushing away the tears with a tender touch. Pulling me close, his lips met mine in a soft, lingering kiss that spoke of longing and a pledge to cherish each moment together, as if time itself stood still in that embrace. 

"Can you promise me something?" I inquired, searching his eyes for assurance. 

Aizen nodded. 

"Promise not to break my heart," I asked, the words tinged with the weight of our shared emotions, each syllable a testament to the depth of our connection and the fragility of my trust in him. 

"I would never do anything to hurt you," he said, his touch gentle as he cradled my face, his eyes filled with sincerity and devotion. "I promise you that."

A smile graced my lips, a soft glow of reassurance dancing in my eyes. "I know," I whispered, "I just wanted to hear you say it."

His smile widened, a warmth radiating from him as he spoke. "So that's it then," he said, the air between us imbued with a sense of unwavering commitment. "You promise to stay with me forever, and I promise never to break your heart."

"Yes," I affirmed, the gravity of our exchange hanging in the air, "So let's do our best, okay?"

"I love you," he murmured, his voice a tender melody that wrapped around my heart.

"Forever and always," I vowed, sealing our promise with a whisper of eternity. 

Aizen grinned mischievously. "So," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes, "Are you ready to start a family now? Since this love is real, does that mean the contract is void?"

I shot him a playful glare and pinched his side. "You really know how to ruin a good moment," I said, removing myself from his embrace.

Aw, come on, Des!" he pleaded, reaching out for me with puppy-dog eyes. "I was just kidding!"

"Bye!" I waved, slipping into my robe with a smirk, enjoying the moment of playful banter. 

As his mischievous words sank in, a flicker of doubt danced in my mind. Was the contract really void, as he playfully suggested? This is forever, after all… 

"Got you," Aizen's devilish whisper jolted me out of my thoughts. Suddenly, his arms enveloped me from behind, causing me to flinch. 

How did he get here so fast? 

"Let me go," I protested. 

"No," he refused, planting kisses down my neck. 

"Aizen," I protested, feigning seriousness as I tried to wriggle free. 

But Aizen remained steadfast, planting soft kisses along my neck, his laughter mingling with my protests. "No," he refused, his voice filled with playful defiance, "That's what you get for trying to escape me after promising to stay by my side."

I couldn't help but laugh at his antics, even as I tried to push him away. "That's not even what our vows meant!" As I shifted to face him, his mischievous grin greeted me, and I couldn't help but shake my head in mock exasperation. "You're impossible, Aizen," I sighed, though the fondness in my tone was unmistakable.

With a twinkle in his eyes, Aizen leaned in, pinching my cheeks affectionately. "And you're irresistibly cute when you're annoyed," he teased, his playful demeanor melting any semblance of irritation I may have harbored.

I couldn't help but pout at his words, though a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "This isn't cute, Aizen," I insisted, though the affection in my gaze betrayed my true feelings. 

"When we have kids someday," he murmured, his arms encircling me tightly, "I want a daughter who looks just like you." His touch was gentle yet firm, and I couldn't help but smile at his playful gesture. With a playful pinch to my cheeks, he continued, his words dripping with adoration, "She'd have your beautiful eyes and your heart. She'd be a perfect blessing just like you are to me." His kiss upon my forehead was a sweet caress, filling me with warmth and love. He continued, pressing his face against mine, "You're the light to my dark world."

Feeling his breath against my skin, I couldn't suppress a giggle at his affectionate words. "That's corny," I teased, though the love in my voice was undeniable. 

"It's the truth," he insisted, his arms lifting me effortlessly into the air, his touch sending shivers down my spine. 

Caught off guard by his sudden movement, I protested with mock indignation, "H-hey! Put me down!"

But Aizen only chuckled in response, his arms refusing to release their hold. "No," he declared playfully, carrying me back to the bed with ease. As he gently laid me down, his weight pressing me into the soft mattress, I couldn't help but laugh at his playful determination. "You're the one who wanted to stay in bed longer," he teased, his fingers tracing patterns on my cheek.

With a mischievous grin, I replied, "I changed my mind, remember?" My fingers found their way to his hair, tugging at it playfully. 

He shook his head, his weight gently pinning me down. "We'll cuddle for the rest of the day," he declared, showering my face with kisses, leaving my lips untouched. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

Aizen, you annoying and cute bastard! 

I sighed, admitting defeat. What else can I do when my husband is much stronger than me? For someone people constantly fear, he sure is a child. 

"You're blushing," he teased, his lips brushing against my ear. 

"A-Aizen," I moaned involuntarily, his playful antics getting the better of me. He laughed, his grin widening as he teased further. But I mustered my strength and retaliated, pinching his ear firmly. "Annoying bastard! Don't do that!" I scolded, though the playful tone in my voice was evident.

He only grinned wider, pinning my hand back down onto the bed. "But you liked it," he teased, sticking his tongue out mischievously. 

I did, but I'm never admitting that. 

Just then, his phone rang, signaling a call from Kenji. He let out a groan, finally releasing my hand. He reached for his phone, his body still pinning me down. "What?" he asked, rolling his eyes. 

"Good morning to you too," I heard Kenji say. 

"Just tell me what you want!" Aizen whined, "I'm busy at the moment!"

"You're needed in the headquarters," Kenji replied. "It's something you have to personally take care of."

Aizen sighed, nodding in understanding. "Got it," he replied, closing his eyes. "See you there." He ended the call, his expression shifting from loving to determined, his eyes taking on a steely resolve. 

"A-are you okay?" I stuttered, a little shocked at his immediate change of facial expression. I sat up, reaching out to touch his cheek. 

Aizen pouted, looking away momentarily before letting out a sigh. Then, he pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around me securely. "I don't want to go," he said, shaking me playfully in his embrace. He pulled away softly, kissing my cheek. "I'll see you tonight, alright?"

"I thought you were off today," I said. 

He shrugged. "Duty calls," he said with a resigned smile. 

I nodded, kissing him softly. "Tonight," I whispered in his ear, feeling him shudder slightly. "Let's try to have a baby, alright?"

"Really?" he beamed, his spirits lifting. 

"No!" I said with a laugh, enjoying his reaction. 

Aizen's intense gaze bore into me, his hands firm on my shoulders. The weight of his stare sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't shake off the hint of fear that crept into my mind. "Should I put a baby in you tonight?" he whispered into my ear, his teeth gently grazing its edge. The unexpectedness of his words and the way he delivered them left me stunned, a mix of confusion and trepidation swirling within me.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" I hurriedly apologized, my arms wrapping around his neck in an attempt to defuse the tension. "I won't tease you about it anymore, okay?" I offered a sheepish smile, hoping to lighten the mood. "So... we don't need to do that, alright?" My heart raced, his intense gaze making it hard to think straight. 

"We're married, aren't we?" he continued, pressing me down once more. His touch was firm yet strangely comforting, one hand pinning my wrists above my head while the other trailed a gentle path from my cheek to my belly. "And this is real," he added, his voice softening. "So, we can do it, right?"

Blushing furiously, I found myself frozen in place, unable to move under his penetrating gaze. I don't know if it's because of the shock or the disgust I felt with myself for feeling turned on right now. 

Amidst his laughter, Aizen's cold demeanor melted away, replaced by a teasing grin. "You should see the look on your face right now," he chuckled, pulling me back up to sit beside him. His fingers pinched my cheeks affectionately as I shot him a glare, feeling like a scolded kitten. "You're so cute, Des!"

As I pointed towards the door, urging him to leave, my heart raced with a mixture of frustration and longing. "Whatever," I said. "Go!" I insisted, unable to meet his gaze as I turned away. "Kenji needs you."

Aizen's laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls as he pulled me closer, his warm breath brushing against my skin. "Are you actually disappointed that I'm not gonna touch you?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement. 

"Just go!" I tried to push him away, my hands weak against his strong embrace, but before I could protest further, his lips met mine in a sudden, electrifying kiss. It was soft yet fervent, igniting a fire within me that I couldn't deny. 

As we pulled away, both of us breathless, he spoke with a tenderness that melted my defenses. "When you're ready," he promised, his voice filled with love, "I'll love you right, alright?" With those words, he bounded off the bed, leaving me alone in the quiet embrace of our shared bedroom, my thoughts swirling with the intensity of his touch and the depth of his affection.