Kira put down his brush when told to do so. He sighed and let his head roll back as the examiner collected his papers. Once they were released from the exam hall, Renji and Momo ran up to the blond.

"How did you do?" asked Momo urgently. "I'm sure I should have put in more on team disposition and-"

"-Momo, you make me nauseous when you go over the papers again," Kira cut in. "We're done with it, let it be. If you know your stuff, I'm sure there won't be a problem."

Renji stretched and twisted his torso from side to side. "Ow. I hate these three-hour papers. Anyone for a hot spring trip at the end of exams?"

"And where do you think you're gonna find a hot spring?" asked Kira acidly.

"Fine. A hot bath as soon as we get back?"

"I'm for it," said Momo.

Both guys leered at her. "With us?"

Momo slapped at their shoulders. "Dirtbags. With Kira, maybe. I know he isn't interested. Renji...? Nah."

"Hey, I enjoy a good ogle as much as any guy," protested the blond.

Renji laughed. "Shouldn't I be the one protesting?"

"Kira Izuru!"

The trio paused at the sound of the shout. Asou rushed up at them and leveled a punch at Kira, except it never connected. Renji's meaty palm had grabbed the bespectacled male's wrist and twisted. Asou grimaced with pain but, to his credit, he didn't utter a sound.

Kira shook his head at his tall friend. Renji frowned but released Asou's hand. The pale blond stared fixedly at his classmate. "What do you want, Asou?"

"I've just been expelled," he spat. "I've been expelled because of you and your whorish ways!"

Kira narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"

"Watch your mouth, ya slimy prick," warned Renji at the same time as Kira.

"He's a fucking whore who sells his ass to get ahead," Asou accused angrily. "And his pimp got to the dean and I'm thrown out, all because I challenged this blond gigolo!"

Momo almost started forward but restrained herself. Her large eyes were hard and furious though, and her fingers curled as if ready to strike. "Kira's is in this class based on his own merit!"

"If it weren't for him running and crying to Ichimaru Gin, would I be thrown out?" Asou yelled, heedless of the small crowd that was beginning to gather about the quartet.

"I said nothing to anyone," said Kira coldly. "Perhaps someone else noticed you attacking me and reported it?"

"You were the one who drew a sword on me!"

A ripple of interest spread through the watching audience. Renji whistled in a low tone, but made no contribution to the argument otherwise.

Kira scoffed. "You were the one taunting me about not having a zanpakuto. You also bragged about your own. Asou-san, I suggest you stop making a scene and leave immediately before the teachers have any more reason to sack you."

The crowd tittered further. There was an air of anticipation now. Enraged, Asou lashed out, "Why should I be sacked? Just because you're willing to spread your legs and suck cock you get to stay? Where's the justice?"

"The justice is in the mere fact of you insulting a compatriot," a cool female voice interjected. The crowd parted, awed into silence as Unohana Retsu walked towards the four young students. "And that you also dared to impugn the character of a Gotei captain."

"Unohana-taichou," gasped Momo.

Renji and Kira bowed politely, if awkwardly, still keeping an eye on Asou who seemed to be petrified by the senior captain's appearance. Unohana-taichou moved with her usual measured steps and halted just as she reached the four.

"I heard most of it," she said. "Congratulations, firstly, on attaining shikai."

"Thank you," replied Kira. Asou couldn't speak.

Unohana-taichou smiled her motherly smile. "Secondly, I am placing Asou-san under arrest for maligning a captain."

"But Unohana-taichou, I was speaking the truth-"

"-you were not," she interrupted him coolly. Her liquid gaze fell on Kira and Asou. "I was the one who recommended that you be removed from this Academy when I heard the report from my third seat. Asou-san, in my professional opinion, you do not belong in an organization where cohesion and teamwork are paramount. You also bear unwarranted grudges against those you deem superior. In addition, you provoked Kira-san into an attack just so you could humiliate him with your zanpakuto. Someone as small-minded as you will not be an asset to any division." Her usual beatific, calm demeanor was forbidding now. There was absolute silence as her words struck against Asou, but she didn't appear to notice. "I suggest now that you stop making a fool of yourself and leave the academy with as much good grace as you can muster. If you can learn to overcome that flaw in your character, you can try for the Academy again in ten years' time." She smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "After all, what is time to a soul?"

The bespectacled young man stumbled back and headed out of the crowd. Kira watched him leave, an indefinable feeling suffusing his being.

Unohana-taichou shook her head. "Such potential wasted on such meager character," she muttered under her breath. Then she regarded the audience. "I have to speak with them. Please feel free to go."

The watching young students dispersed immediately, some resorting to shunpo to get away as fast as possible. Renji watched their exit with interest; possibly he wanted to go too.

"I shan't keep you long," said the captain. "Kira-san, I heard from Ichimaru-taichou that you're considering the fourth division. Since he seldom mentions non-shinigami folk, I thought I should get to know you. May I know why he recommended you for the Healers?"

"Um." Kira flushed. "He said that I was lacking in the art of healing, and should brush up on it."

"I see," said the captain thoughtfully. "I am considering the recommendation, but I should be clear: if you do join, I will put you in the greenhouses as part of the research team."

Kira was perplexed. "Why?"

"You are easily agitated, young man. Some time spent cultivating herbs will teach you patience."

Renji chuckled but smothered the sound behind his hand. Kira elbowed his friend in the stomach and then bowed to thank the captain. She nodded at all of them before walking away in a stately manner.

The redhead burst out laughing. "She's got your number, Izuru. She actually caught your impatient nature!"

"Yeah yeah." Kira puffed out a breath. It was flattering that the captain had noticed him and, in addition, saved him – all thanks to Ichimaru-taichou mentioning him to Unohana-taichou.

Momo smacked Kira on his chest. "You moron, why didn't you tell us about your shikai?"

"Eh?"

"Oh, yeah!" Renji smacked Kira on the back. "You idiot! What's to hide from us, huh?"

"Um, I forgot," said Kira lamely. "I'd been too focused on the exams, y'know?"

"How long have you had it?" Momo inquired, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Kira frowned as he calculated. "Uh, three, four weeks?"

"And you didn't mention it once? You freak of nature," growled Renji.

"I forgot! Really!"

The other two rolled their eyes and then pulled Kira towards the cafeteria, demanding that he treat them to extra desserts.

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"Didja hear? Hisagi-san is Aizen-taichou's new boyfriend," whispered Sarutobi when the three sat down at the table. "Latest gossip from the ninth division."

Renji made a face. "You sure of your facts? I thought Hisagi-sempai was more focused on his career."

"Anyone who has a close relationship with Aizen-taichou rise up the ranks real fast," retorted Sarutobi. He tapped his nose. "Kai-fukutaichou, for one. Tousen-taichou and Ichimaru-taichou, for two others. Man, he must be real good for the career path."

Kira remained silent as he ate. Shuuhei can sleep with whomever he wants. Stop thinking about him scolding you for approaching Gin.

Still, that thought felt a little sour. Kira forced it down with a mouthful of rice and a lot of willpower. It grated that he was still concerned, still jealous, that Hisagi Shuuhei could move on. Had moved on. To a captain, no less.

Shuuhei has nothing to do with me now. He can sleep with whomever he wants.

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Outside the third division captain's quarters, the view was spectacularly mundane. Kira kicked his heels against the wall as he waited, not having even a nice sunset to view. If it wasn't for the fact that it was a short one week break for the Academy teachers to complete grading, Kira would have headed back to the student dorms. As it were, he decided to wait around and thank Ichimaru-taichou in person.

Eventually, when the moon was well up to its apex, the silver-haired shinigami staggered in from the street. He was weaving on his feet, almost stumbling over them, and Kira hurried up to catch the captain before he fell face first onto the path.

"...'zru? That you?" Ichimaru-taichou slurred. "Nice t' see ya... better if it ain't when I'm about to hurl sick..." There was a short gulp of air, a violent shudder, and the captain landed on his knees. Before Kira could help him up again, Ichimaru-taichou threw up on the grass just outside his dwelling.

The blond made a face but supported the older male before he could topple in his own vomit. With some effort he hauled one lean arm over his own shoulder and then opened the door. It wasn't locked – Kira groused a little under his breath, but even if he did know earlier that it was unlocked he wouldn't have dared to step inside without an invitation anyway.

"You haven't greeted me yet, 'zru," drawled the captain.

"Good evening Ichimaru-taichou," answered Kira obediently.

Ichimaru-taichou shoved Kira away. "No! No no no no. Me'm Gin. You – call me Gin. Just Gin. Cause I call you Zru. You call me – Gin."

"Gin-san-"

"Gin!"

"... Gin," Kira said obediently, "come with me and let's get you cleaned up."

Gin nodded and allowed Kira to navigate him to the bathroom. Once there, the captain flopped bonelessly to the floor. The blond youth hesitated, but looking at the disgusting patches on the captain's uniform, Kira threw all hesitation to the wind and disrobed Gin. It wasn't the first time Kira saw Gin naked anyway.

The slender, pale man didn't struggle nor did he help in the removal of his clothes. Kira wasn't even sure that the captain was awake. He could not help the wince when he had to haul Gin to the side of the bath where a low stool was placed and he could smell the stench of vomit mingled with stale alcohol, nor could he help his wandering eyes and hands as he cleaned the captain. The water was tepid, but other than a slight tremble Gin appeared not to have noticed. When Kira soaped him down, Gin's lips curved faintly and then there was a soft sigh of relaxed contentment.

Kira had to shake his head. Carefully he lathered up Gin's hair, loving how the older male lolled his head back and nuzzled into Kira's massage.

"Izuru, ya so nice to me," he murmured. "Why are ya s' nice ta me, 'zuru?"

"I don't know," said Kira honestly, now laving water and rinsing away shampoo foam. "I just want to."

Some soapy water got into Gin's mouth, apparently; he sputtered a little, but didn't react otherwise. Kira continued to rinse away the soap left on Gin's body. There was a tattoo on Gin's lower back, a sinuous form composed of leaves and vines. Kira daringly ran his fingers over it, marveling that such an intricate pattern existed on the slender captain's body.

"Izuru, I'm getting cold," complained Gin softly.

"Oh, sorry." Kira scooted out to grab a nearby towel to wrap about the captain. Belatedly he realized his own clothes were wet too.

Gin seemed to be marginally more alert than earlier. "Take off your clothes, Izuru."

Have we progressed that fast? "Uh..."

"I can lend you a kimono until it dries," Gin went on.

Kira's cheeks burned with embarrassment. Mind, out of the gutter. NOW.

"Or you can stay naked until your clothes dry," said the pale, silver-haired man with a lazy and suggestive smirk. "I certainly wouldn't mind."

He's not helping at all.

No he isn't, since he only has a towel draped about him and he's all drunk and available and practically screaming for you to take advantage of his drunken state and OH MY GOD THE TOWEL JUST FELL TO THE FLOOR.

Heedless of his nudity, Gin sauntered shakily over to his bed and promptly fell on it, face down, his smooth back and pert ass on full display.

Oh dear gods, Kira's mind raced wildly. If I do take this chance to... but I'll be taking advantage... but that ass, and those legs, and he's totally out of it-

"You might wanna drool on a non-absorbent surface," Gin drawled, turning his face to look at Kira beneath half-opened eyes. Blue-green orbs fixed Kira in place, a snake capturing its prey with its hypnotic gaze. He rolled over languidly, providing a free show for the younger male. "You still have your clothes on, Izuru."

"Uh..." Kira's mind was short-circuiting, but something cut into his fantasies. "I should leave. Kitamura-san might get angry if he finds-"

"He's GONE!" yelled Gin suddenly. He sat up and hurled his pillow against the wall. "Fuyuki's fucking gone! Don't ever mention his name in my presence again!" The rage ebbed as abruptly as it came. Gin starting weeping, much to Kira's horror. "He's gone, he's gone forever..."

Kira moved forward slowly. His wet clothes stuck to his skin and he was aware of the discomfort, but the sight of Gin crying was more than he could bear. "Gin-san, what happened?"

"He's gone," sobbed Gin. "I made him go away, Izuru, I thought I was doing the right thing and it wasn't... it wasn't. I trusted him, I trusted him so much... he betrayed me. He played me, Izuru, he played me and my feelin's like they weren't worth nothin' ta him..." Gin's sobs were heart-wrenching now. Kira folded the older male into a comforting hug. "I thought he loved me, thought I meant more t' him than summun t' warm a bed wit'... he dint care nothin' fer me, nothin', and I fell fer it... such a stupid foo'..."

Kira held Gin in his arms as the silver-haired man cried his heart out. The pale blond sighed and stroked silky tresses. A traitorous thought wormed its way into his mind as Gin wept. As he looked at the slender man curled into his shoulder, Kira wondered if this would be the perfect time to take Kitamura Fuyuki's place in Gin's bed.

Slowly the older male regained his composure. He shifted and his warm, if still alcoholic, breath brushed over Kira's cheek. "D'you think I am stupid, Izuru?"

"No, of course not," Kira answered rapidly.

Gin shifted back to regard the young blond. He put a finger to Kira's lips. "I'm gonna ask ya sumpin', Zuru. Ya gotta listen and think 'fore ya answer me, 'kay?"

"Okay," said Kira, uncertain of what Gin was intending.

The silver-haired man moved close and cupped Kira's face in his hot hands. "You said... that ya love me. Just nod if yes."

Kira nodded.

"Good. And because... you love me, you'll trus' me, right?"

Nodding again.

Gin smiled and leaned so close his lips touched, feather-light, against Kira's mouth. "An' because ya trust me, you'll assume tha' everythin' I say t'ya... is the truth, right?"

Kira blinked, afraid to move, but when Gin's grip tightened the younger male nodded quickly.

The captain chuckled. "So if one day... one day, fer some inexplicable purpose, I lie t' ya. All yer trust, all yer respec'... imagine that I throw 'em all away." He pulled away a little and cocked his head. "Will ya still love me?"

There was a moment in which Kira could hear his heart beat. Then he raised his hands and took Gin's from his face. Holding the warm fingers, Kira bent forward and kissed Gin.

"I will love you no matter what you do, Gin-san," whispered Kira. He gazed into red-rimmed eyes. "I already promised you: I am completely yours."

With a speed that frightened Kira, Gin had him pinned to the floor. Slitted eyes stared down at Kira hungrily. "You did promise, didn't you?"

Kira gulped. "Yes, I did."

"I'm gonna take ya hard, Izuru," murmured Gin harshly. "I'm gonna hurt you. D'you still wanna be here? Here, where I will hurt you as much as you can take?"

This isn't right, Kira's inner voice screamed. Get out, get out!

Wabisuke cackled. :You know you want to stay.:

You'll be hurt-

:-and you'll like it.:

Gin gripped Kira's wrists more firmly. "Are you gonna stay, Izuru? Are you gonna let me hurt ya?"

No. :Yes.: No. :YES.:

"Yes," breathed Kira. "Oh gods yes."

Thin white hands ripped Kira's clothes apart and Gin locked his lips over Kira's. He forced the younger man's mouth open and their tongues fought. Kira was reeling from the assault on his mouth when he was unceremoniously hauled to a sitting position so that the sleeves could be yanked off.

"Last chance," Gin snarled in Kira's face. "I will not be gentle, Izuru. I can't, not with you. Not with you."

Kira swallowed and undid his belt. "You won't need to be."

:You're mad. You're mad, insane, crazy.: The voice inside was soft and sorrowful. :You're mad...:

Gin's naked body slid over Kira's, devouring each arched line and startled whimper with something close to bloodlust. Kira clawed at the perfect back that writhed with his touch. When Gin parted the blond's legs, Kira had to brace himself mentally. This was not the gentle lovemaking he had fantasized about, longed for, desired. There was no hint of recognition in the captain's eyes when their gazes locked together; the agony in the blond's shoulder was real, inflicted by Gin's teeth that broke skin so hard Kira could scent blood; there would be bruises where Gin was holding him, beneath his thighs slippery with perspiration. Their coupling was harsh and brutal, as Gin promised. There was no preparation beyond the most cursory; Gin was too far gone to care for tenderness.

Yet, just as Gin breached Kira's body, the young man heard a muttered apology from the pale captain. As the younger man screamed until his voice broke, a low mutter echoed in the far reaches of his mind. :I'm sorry for what I will make you endure.:

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