~Rangiku~

Oh my god, oh my god. Oh. My. God. It's all I can think as I drift around my room, picking out and discarding clothes. I finally get frustrated and decide to just wear my shihakusho. As I brush my hair and apply my makeup, I notice a box lying on the pile of blankets on my bed. I walk over and, curious, open it. Inside is a beautiful shihakusho with a white sash tied round in a bow with pick accents draped down either side.

Excitedly, I dig out the tag. It has a short, simple note that reads:

Since you drooled all over yours, I bought you this one.

~Gin

I smile fondly. Gin always came through for me, even when I didn't know I needed him to. Without pause, I strip off my normal wear and put on the new outfit. I blush slightly as I catch sight of myself in the mirror, seeing how perfect the fabric fit me. I jump as I hear someone banging on my door.

"Rangiku, hurry up or I'm not going!" I open the door to see an impatient Gin glaring at me.

"Okay, okay. I'm ready. No need to get your panties in a bunch." I walk out, striding down the hall. "Aren't you coming?"

Gin just stares at me, mouth agape.

"What is it? Is there food in my face or something?" I tilt my head, one hand roaming my chin and the other my cleavage.

He shakes his head, moving to catch up with me. "Nothing, I just have considerable taste is all."

I joke with him the rest of the way to Shino Academy's large lecture room where the party was being held. The first stop I make is the refreshment table, loading a plate with tsurume and pocky. I notice the soul reaper guarding the sake table holding a clipboard and gourds filled with sake. Recognizing the man as Captain Kenpachi Kiganjo, I swish my hips and saunter over. He seems unimpressed at my approach.

"Hey there, Captain. What do ya got for me?" I wink jokingly.

Captain Kenpachi sighs. "You again! You're the reason I have to stay sober! Here's your sake; that's all you get, so don't go guzzling it like last time."

I widen my gaze and pout. "Captain, you must be mistaken. That wasn't me."

Kenpachi's eyes sink down. "Uhuh, tell it to your boobs. Now, get outta here; Captain Kuchiki just walked in." He cracks his knuckles as I hurry away.

After almost a half hour of chatting and joking, I find Gin again. He's never been one for parties, so I'm no surprised when I find him tucked away in a corner. As I begin to scold him, I let my eyes wander around the room. As I look to the door, it opens and in steps Aizen, dark hair curling around his collar and glasses perched on his nose. I don't even realize that I've blocked out Gin's words and am focused on watching Aizen until Gin sighs, agitated.

"Don't just stare at him. If you're going to talk to him, go do it already."

I turn to reply to my friend, but he's no where to be seen. I stand there, fidgeting and ringing my hands. Taking my final gulp of sake, I gain my courage and make my way over to where he is talking with some fellow Captains. Just as I get within hearing range, I see a flash of black robes fly into the Captain's arms. The dark-haired, skinny girl nuzzles into his chest, speaking in quick, excited bursts. Momo!

Clenching my fists, I turn away, tears pricking my eyes. Whenever I was at lunch I'd always hear Momo bragging to Soi Fon and her friends about how much she admired Aizen and how she was bond to earn a seat in his squad. She also happens to be the best student in our calligraphy class. I let my hair fall into my face, hiding the tell-tale shine of tears making a trail down my cheeks. How could I have ever believed I could compete with Momo?

As I go to leave, I notice Kenpachi has left his post and is arguing with a grey-haired Captain. On a snap decision I refill my gourd and take another, draining it in three swift gulps. I set it back on the table and begin to retrace my path. I don't get halfway through the room when my vision goes fuzzy. Then I see Momo, still hanging on Captain Aizen's arm, and anger flares up in me. I drink down more sake and stride over.

What am I doing? Growling like an animal and ignoring the group's greeting, I smack Momo across the face. I smile in pleasure as the girl's eyes widen and she whimpers, her face crumbling as she begins to sob pathetically. It was just a slap! I fist my hand in her hair, dragging her to the floor and repeatedly cuffing her. I feel hands on my arms, yanking me away from the now bleeding girl, and I kick and scream in protest.

Suddenly, I feel a strong spiritual pressure weaken me and am forced off. I look up to see Captain Kenpachi's large form restraining me, his beady eyes glaring at me. You're the one who left the sake unguarded, I want to say, but can't find out how to make my mouth move. The room begins to spin as I look from one face to another, all showing signs of shock and disappointment. Then, there is one face, calm and collected, looking at me. Before sleep overcomes me, I smile weakly and raise a shaky hand in greeting.

"Hello, my Captain."

~Aizen~

I step into the lecture room, which is decorated very nicely for this evening's mixer. I look around at all the people there. It's a much bigger turn-out than I anticipated. I sigh slightly, putting on a smile as I walk towards Captains Kyoraku and Ukitake, who are obviously enjoying the party.

"Hello, Captains," I say, waving slightly. "I hope you're both having a fine evening. Have I missed much?"

Captain Kyoraku laughs, clapping a hand on my shoulder cordially.

"Well, well! Look who decided to show up!" He hands me a glass of sake. "Drink up! How've those classes of yours been? I hear it's rather popular with the student body."

"It's going well," I say, sweeping my eyes over the crowd again as I take a sip from my glass. "I was actually recommended to come here by a student of mine."

Not having caught sight of Rangiku yet, I turn my attention fully to my fellow Captains. Ukitake, after another sip, sets his glass down on a nearby table. He looks at me and smiles. After a brief cough, he starts.

"Well, I'm actually glad you decided to show up. The only time we see you anymore is at the Captain meetings."

I chuckle slightly, setting my glass down as well. "It's been busy around the barracks lately, so I've not been able to—"

I suddenly feel something crash into my arm. I look down and see that it's Momo Hinamari, another student of mine. Despite my slight annoyance at the interruption, I put on a smile.

"Hello, Momo," I say to her, resisting the urge to push her off.

"Good evening, Captain Aizen!" She says excitedly. "Your lecture today was incredible as always! How do you know so much about such interesting topics?"

She continues to prattle on as I do my best to block her out and speak with Ukitake. Suddenly, I hear the laughter around me cut off with gasps as Momo is ripped away from my arm. My eyes widen, seeing that Rangiku had yanked her away, slapping her full in the face. Momo stumbles back into me, eyes filled with tears. I watch as Rangiku drags her to the floor and continues to beat on the smaller girl. I am too stunned to do or say anything, as seem to be my fellow group members. After the initial shock of Rangiku's outburst, Captain Kenpachi, acting as the designated bouncer, steps forward to pick a kicking and screaming Rangiku off of Momo.

This is getting nowhere, I think, beginning to increase my reiatsu. My strength dazes her long enough for Kenpachi to pull her free of the other girl. After staring around the room drunkenly, her eyes fall on me and she greets me before passing out in Kenpachi's grasp. I immediately volunteer to take her back to her room.

"Well, I'm off to take care of this," I say to the other Captains, as I pick up the now unconscious Rangiku. "Have a good night."

I proceed to carry Rangiku to her room. Thank God I was a teacher; otherwise I'd be totally lost. I look down at her sleeping form, and allow a slight blush to develop on my face. I slip off my sandals and use my foot to open the door upon reaching her room. I walk over to the bed, gently laying her down. I then exert a bit more Spiritual Pressure, waking her from her drunken stupor.

"Rangiku?" I say quietly, yet sternly. "What happened out there?"