I've had this bit for a while, trying to continue it. I finally figured I should just submit it and then work out the rest of it in future chapters. Enjoy!

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"Don't think this could be any more boring, eh, Kyouraku?"

Silence.

"Kyouraku," Ukitake mumbled sleepily. When no response came, he tried again, slightly louder.

"Kyouraku."

With still no sign that his friend was even alive, Ukitake felt compelled to investigate further. However, it was an uphill battle to merely keep his own eyelids from drooping. Supporting his head on his hand, Ukitake turned wearily to face his friend. He could barely contain a groan when he realized Shunsui was sound asleep. But with a glance at their sensei, Ukitake settled for dramatically rolling his eyes instead. It made less noise—and would attract far less attention to his snoozing classmate.

Ukitake sighed lightly as his sensei droned endlessly about senkai gates and "real-world" etiquette. For example, you're not supposed to stick your foot out and trip normal people just because they can't see you. Hahaha—ahem. Come on, that's common sense.

Currently, sensei's back was turned to the class in the large lecture hall. Ukitake knew that man had very sharp eyes for trouble-making students, so the next minute or so, before the shinigami turned around, might be Ukitake's only opportunity to wake his friend and keep him out of trouble.

Why is it always my responsibility to watch his back? Ukitake wondered, smiling wryly to himself. Hasn't he ever considered that I might like to fall asleep in class for once?

Ukitake glanced over at his dozing companion. Ah, but that was wishful thinking, Shunsui looked so peaceful like that, head on his desk and scruffy dark brown hair falling in his eyes. Ukitake almost hated to wake him up—until he realized with a start and a frown that his friend was snoring. Loudly and like--oh, what do the mortals call it? "Like he was sawing logs in his sleep."

Then the situation became urgent.