Authors note: I've been typing up some stuff for the final chapter when it comes eventually (another 6 or so chapters). I'm really going all out, so hope it won't disappoint lol.

Chapter 19. Just Friends.

They both ran drunkenly through the Seretei, passing all the Squad Barracks through into the local shopping district. Passing all the open bars and lit lanterns, winding their way between odd crowds of puzzled people. They were laughing and smiling carefree, as they played childishly.

Is that Captain Zaraki?

Was the overall gist of onlooker's thoughts.

The Captain eventually chased Jin out the main streets into some natural greenery. The stars were visible from there, twinkling and luminescent as the grass surrounding them waved softly. They walked along each other side-by-side, chatting about mostly anything that came to mind…still carrying bottles of booze each.

"Sooo...are you like into masochism sexually too or what?"

Jin had to admit, she was a little curious, specially considering the way he battled.

Kenpachi grunted, "Tch. You mean like getting whipped and shit?"

"Well, that's partly it."

"Dunno, not tried it...sounds pretty boring." He the began to smirk suggestively, "We could always give it a go."

Jin giggled, "Heehee, in your dreams."

"I have…you know, dreamt about you." He admitted.

She almost spat her drink out, "Whaaa? In what way?"

"Come on, I think you know what."

"Soooo teeeell meeee...what hap-"

Kenpachi interrupted eagerly, "You dreamt about me?"

Jin looked thoughtful for a moment. She fantasized about him, quite a lot. But not dreamed the sort of dream he had while sleeping.

"Oh, yeah!" She then laughed a little, "But in mine, you sliced me in half, cause I got 'in the way'."

Not really the answer he was hoping for. The Captain then said something that even surprised himself.

"You know I'd never hurt you...right?"

Kenpachi stopped a moment too when he saw Jin stood still. She craned her neck up to look at his face, it almost seemed a little…loving?

Jin inwardly shook her head, Nah.

"Ha. You must be drunk to tell me that..." She shrugged, as she pointed at him.

Still, part of her knew what he said was true.

"I know." She affirmed quietly.

They made their way up a large grassy hill, overlooking part of the Seretei. You could see the bustling of the streets they ran through earlier and the soft distant glows of lights. Jin sat down to admire the view, as did Kenpachi. They sat together, watching and taking comfort in each other's company, holding their last drips of alcohol. Jin looked at her Captain, he was so calm and peaceful she thought, content. She sat listening to the wind lightly jingle the bells in his hair, to her the sound was reassuring.

"So stop dodging, what happened in your dream? I wanna know!" Jin pleaded.

Kenpachi's chest rumbled with a small laugh, "Che, why do that when I can show you..."

"Nice try." She replied flatly, "Just tell me."

He hesitated a little, and then thought, Fuck it.

"You were riding me." His usual grin got wider, "Not to mention, you were loving it too."

Jin blushed, giggling out of surprise and embarrassment. It was exciting to think she invaded his dreams like that. She never thought it would happen to someone like him.

She looked at him through heavy-lidded eyes, "You're a baaaad man Zaraki."

"I get the feelin' you like that." His voice was husky.

Her skin tingled at his words, she could only imagine how much she'd like to hear it say filthy sweet-nothings in her ear. Jin stopped herself mid-thought, her voice trailed quietly.

"Kenpachi..."

He turned to see her, "Yeah?"

She spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "We're fucked aren't we?"

Kenpachi furrowed his brow, "What do ya mean?"

"I mean like...messed up."

They both stared blankly in the distance.

"…Yeah." He agreed.

He gave a large yawn as he lay back into the grass, hands behind his head. Jin then lay to rest her head on his chest, legs lying out horizontally to his vertically. Kenpachi felt a sudden spark of desire, his memory flashing back to the last time they were both drunk. He felt so close to having her…

"What do I mean to you, Jin?" He interrogated.

Jin's eyes flew open as her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't really sure what their relationship was at this point.

"We're friends…" She answered weakly.

Kenpachi grunted, "Friends, huh? You sure about that?"

"What would you call it?"

"Not sure, I was hoping you'd tell me."

Jin sighed, trying to calm her anxiety on the whole situation.

"You mean a lot to me, this squad means a lot to me. I don't want to screw it up."

Kenpachi rolled his eye, Stupid reason. He thought. "Right..."

He leaned himself up on his elbows, forcing Jin to move a little. Their eyes met.

"Come on, give me something...a kiss maybe?" Kenpachi persuaded.

His demeanor was gentle, almost polite. Jin gave in, but only a teeny bit.

"Alright...but just a peck, ok?" She warned him.

Kenpachi smirked, She's gonna crack one day, I know it.

"Alright." He confirmed.

"Promise?"

"Yeah."

Their lips were stained a bit purple thanks to the red wine. He wasted no time leaning forward to meet her face. She could smell the alcohol from his breath and see his chest moving up and down in anticipation. Kenpachi waited still patiently, he wanted her to know that she did this. It took strength to not just devour her there, and strength for Jin to not throw her self at him.

She met his lips. It was brief and chaste, pure even.

Jin pulled away before she gave in further. Kenpachi only smiled back at her. He felt happy, cause he knew now – she couldn't help herself.

Jin looked away blushing, and then turned back as she sensed his eyes staring at her.

"Stop looking at me like that." She ordered.

"Like what?" He asked.

"All soppy and lovey, it's not like you." She picked at the grass nervously, trying to distract herself, "It's actually kind of unnerving..."

Jin still felt tempted, and this softer side of his wasn't helping. She also felt a little paranoid he wasn't being genuine. It really sucked not being able to think clearly.

"Heh...you like me." Kenpachi teased, "I know you do."

"Yeah well, you're also my Captain..." She then remarked, "Not to mention, completely psychotic."

"Doesn't matter, I want you." He lowered his voice again, "Get the feelin' you want me too."

Jin remained silent, as she looked over the Seretei, unable to find the words. Kenpachi then fell fully onto his back again, satisfied enough with his latest progress. He felt a small pressure land on his chest again, and saw Jin resume her place resting on him. She really could not help herself.

Time passed for another half hour or so, and Kenpachi awoke from his small nap finding Jin still asleep on him.

"Jin?" He called faintly.

She was heavily asleep, savouring the heat of his muscular body. He looked down at her, quietly observing how at ease she looked, resting on a beast of a guy like him.

Kenpachi sighed hopelessly, "Pain in the ass."

The phrase was almost affectionate now.

—

The Captain got up slowly, trying his best not to wake her as he scooped her up smoothly in his arms. Carrying her down the hill, through the bars and various barracks back to her room. Jin was soundly sleeping still, as he lay her down tenderly on her bed and pulled the covers over to keep her warm. He then went down, to pull the muddied heels off from her small feet. Kenpachi took a generous look at her sleeping, finding himself hoping to wake up to her one day beside him, when they were both sober. He then walked back to his room alone, thinking he wouldn't mind a visit in his dreams tonight.