Authors note: 99.99% sure 28 will be the last chapter for the story now :) Think I'll upload at least the last 2 at the same time…

Also slight disclaimer in ref. to some speech in this chapter: Jin is a bit of an emotional lady, but that doesn't mean women are all like that…or that men can't be :3

Chapter 24. The Snake.

"OH! You're a naughty kid too!?" Jin beamed.

It was afternoon at the training barracks and a new transfer had joined. Not long after Iba's promotion to Lieutenant of Squad 7, Renji Abarai from Squad 5 came to join as sixth seat (Jin took Iba's place as fourth).

Jin turned around to yell enthusiastically at her fellow members, "Hey guys! We got another naughty kid!"

The announcement got a comedic loud cheer from the squad, much to Renji's embarrassment.

"I got kicked out too, from Squad 2! What did you do?" Jin interrogated.

Renji blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "I err...got a little rowdy I guess...what did you do?"

"Me? Oooh…what didn't I do." She said, smirking suggestively.

"Alright, let's not scare him away now." Ikkaku commented, "How 'bout a drink to celebrate Renji?"

—

The three (and Yumichika too of course) went to one of their usual drinking haunts to give Renji a proper welcome. It made Jin a little nostalgic for when she first joined the squad. She hoped Renji would feel just as welcome as she did, and find his own place here too. They all conversed for a while, the sake loosening their tongues as they did so. There was a certain question itching in Renji's mind…

"Pardon me for asking but…is it true? Are you and Captain Zaraki a couple?"

Jin almost choked on her drink, "Oh…well-"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to-" Renji backtracked.

"Oh nono, it's ok! Don't worry about it!" She reassured, "But no…we're not."

The question took her a little by surprise, but then again it didn't – she knew about the rumours going around. How could there not be any? After Yachiru, the Captain spent the most time with Jin. That is until she asked for some space…it had been around a week since she asked Kenpachi for some time alone. Her heart was aching, but it felt good to have a chance to clear and gather her thoughts without lust getting involved.

It was obvious to both Ikkaku and Yumichika now, that something was going on between them. And it was obvious to them that their Captain had been a little more moody than usual lately. They didn't know exactly what was happening, but they did know it had something to do with the fact Jin wasn't hanging around him much these days. Ikkaku was getting a little tired of all the pointless drama.

"Honestly, Jin." He nagged, "When you gonna put the Captain out his misery anyway?"

Jin spoke defensively, "What do you mean?"

"I mean it's been over a year of you two making goo-goo eyes at each other." He continued, "Don't you think it's about time you talked to him or something?"

"You listen to too much gossip Ikkaku." Jin replied casually.

"Oh come on! Even a simpleton can tell he has feelings for you!" Ikkaku snapped.

"Feelings for me? Zaraki? How would you know?" She remarked in disbelief.

"It's a little obvious Jin, he's always looking for you…not to mention at you." Yumichika chimed in.

Jin started to get flustered, "That doesn't mean anything! Most of the guys here do in case you hadn't noticed. It's not like he's said anything to me."

"Let's be honest, talking about feelings isn't exactly the Captain's strong point." Yumichika cooed.

"He clearly cares about you, Jin. Aren't you gonna stop messing around?" Ikkaku moaned.

"Messing around? What do you mean by that, Ikkaku?" She challenged.

Jin's eyes began to flare with anger. Renji shuffled awkwardly in his seat, regretting to even ask such a question. If he hadn't asked, maybe he wouldn't be stuck between their bickering now…

Ikkaku held his hands up, "I just mean...I...you know..."

"No, I don't know. And it's none of your business anyway." Jin seethed as she stood up to leave, "If I was a guy you wouldn't say that!"

Jin gave Renji some money for the sake and a smile before quickly leaving, making sure to pettily ignore Ikkaku on her way out. The truth is he really did only want them to get what they desired. He didn't mean to cause offence.

"Well done, Ikkaku. You handled that beautifully." Yumichika sneered.

"I didn't even say anything!" He threw his hands in the air, "Women! Nothing but trouble…right Renji?!"

"Um…well." He hesitated.

—

Jeez…who doesn't know about us?

Jin hated gossip, or at least be the subject of it. She was a very private person, she really didn't like being 'the talk of the Seretei'.

Everyone knows. Everyone. Not to mention they all think I'm some kind of floozy…

She felt herself choke back on her tears. Lost in her thoughts, she bumped into a large figure. He didn't sound too pleased about it.

"Hey! Watch where-" Kenpachi spoke irritated before noticing it was her, "Jin? You ok?"

Jin's heart leaped, she really didn't need this now.

She struggled to keep her tears in, as she spoke brokenly, "I just...I need to be alone."

She avoided his gaze, moving hurriedly past him to go back to her room. Kenpachi barely understood what was going on, but he noticed something had obviously rattled her.

He called out to her as she ran straight past him, "You cryin'? Jin?! Hey!"

Tch. When doesn't she cry? That woman needs to get a hold of her self…

...Still, something's bothered her.

Kenpachi thought idly to himself.

Yachiru peeped out from his haori a little concerned, "Oh. She looked so sad Ken-chan."

"Yeah."

"Shouldn't we go cheer her up or something?"

"She said she wanted to be alone so...best do that." He concluded.

Yachiru frowned, "Still, I can't help but feel bad Ken-chan."

Kenpachi only grunted in response, wandering into the bar just round the corner. He was thirsty and on his way there anyway, but assumed it was probably where Jin had come from too. His suspicion was pretty much confirmed when he saw his top squad members drinking.

Ikkaku piped up loudly at his sudden arrival, "Captain!"

"What did you say to her?" Kenpachi barked.

"Ah! Nothing really Captain-" Ikkaku replied nervously.

"What's nothing really?" The Captain interrogated.

"It's just a misunderstanding Captain."

"About what?"

"I don't even know…" Ikkaku attempted to shrug it off casually, "You know what women are like! Right Captain…?"

Kenpachi narrowed his eye at his third seat before turning back towards the door.

"Oh! Aren't you gonna join us Cap-?" Ikkaku started before seeing him exit.

The Captain gave a heavy sigh, wondering what the hell was going on. He wasn't even sure why it bothered him so much, seeing her upset like that…

Urgh. What even makes her happy- He paused a moment in thought then turned to his Lieutenant.

"You fancy going to that candy store again, Yachiru?"

Yachiru's eyes lit up excitedly, "Ooooohh yaaaay!~"

"I'll take that as a yes." He said simply.

—

Jin was curled up on her bed feeling sorry for herself. Stewing away in her thoughts as she often did…until she heard a small knock on her door. Lifting herself up from her comforting pile of pillows, she went to slide open the front door to a small package on the ground. It was a simple white box tied with string. She picked up the item curiously inspecting it for a message, finding instead that it was left blank. Her porcelain hands gently tugged at the brown string to open the box-

Caramels.

Could it be-

…

Kenpachi? Would he even remember that?

Jin stood in confusion, observing the box of piled up chocolates. She didn't tell Yachiru about it…or anyone else that they were her favourite. Jin smiled to herself softly at the thought.

Only a guy like him would leave it blank…he's too embarrassed.

—

Little to anyone's knowledge, Captain Gin Ichimaru of Squad 3, had been silently observing the little spat in the bar between Jin and Ikkaku. He did love to people watch…only to use his knowledge to cause trouble later of course, his favourite past time. Gin slithered along by the Squad 11 barracks, finding him self 'bumping into' Captain Zaraki.

"Good evening Captain Zaraki."

"Gin? The hell do you want?" Zaraki hissed.

He smiled unsettlingly, "I haven't seen you for quite some time…thought we'd catch up."

Kenpachi wasn't all that fond of Gin, sure it was amusing seeing him rattle the other Captains…but not so much when it was him self. He couldn't help but wonder what he was even really doing here.

"Che, you saying you miss me or somethin'? Sorry, I don't swing that way." Kenpachi bit back at him.

"Oh, you are amusing." He replied, "Of course you don't."

Kenpachi gave out a low growl in suspicion, he was obviously here for a reason-

"That girl…"

Captain Zaraki looked towards him in disbelief. The hell is he-

"Your fourth seat right? Has no idea what she wants does she? So troubled, the poor thing..." Gin continued perturbingly, "There are rumours around saying you two have a bit of a thing-"

Zaraki interrupted agitatedly, "Nothing's going on."

"Oh naturally! After all what would a soft, pretty thing like her see in a beast like you?" He smirked knowingly, "Then again, she throws herself at just about anyone or so I hear…I shouldn't listen to such gossip."

Kenpachi pinned him with his gaze, "You looking for a fight Gin?"

Captain Ichimaru's smirk only grew from sensing his prey's unease.

"Against you? Oh no, I'd probably die." He said mockingly, "Well, it's been nice to chat but I really must be going…see you."

And after a casual wave, he was gone. Leaving Zaraki alone with his thoughts.

—

It was Monday night, which meant paperwork. Kenpachi supposed Jin wouldn't come that evening, but decided to hang about near the office anyway just in case. He lay lazily with his back against the wall, in their usual drinking spot on the veranda. He stared down at himself, taking note of his rough calloused hands and how they were so different to hers. Big, scarred and unrefined…she was so small, soft and perfect-

His head then turned to the sound of the door sliding open.

"Jin?" Kenpachi queried, "I thought you wanted to be left alone-"

Jin closed the door again as she made her way to kneel opposite him. She thought about Kenpachi a lot since their time apart from one another. She missed him. She missed their talks and just hanging out, she noticed they really did have a spark, a genuine connection. Enough was enough, Jin was going to accept her feelings for her Captain. Love never was without risk.

Most importantly she grew to acknowledge that actually…he cared.

"I came for you, Kenpachi."

Kenpachi watched her come nearer, she looked so submissive...it was disconcerting compared to her usual reluctance. Gin's words had snaked their way into his mind, he couldn't help but feel a little unnerved by her sudden change. Still, there was nothing more he wanted than to grab Jin from her thighs and push her up against the wall to ravage her. He swallowed nervously, as he sat still not knowing what to do. I mean he wanted to sure but...had he pushed her into it? She was so soft and pretty compared to himself. It crossed his mind before but he didn't really think about it all that much, till today.

Jin gazed at him through half lidded eyes. She crawled towards him on all fours until she began to climb up his chest, edging her face closer to his. Kenpachi held his breath, as he felt her plush pink lips kiss along his jaw tenderly. Her delicate hands playing with his bare chest tingled his scarred skin. Her small tongue darted out from her mouth to tease his ear as she pulled his robes more open, pressing her voluptuous figure against him. It felt so warm and inviting to him. He could feel the blood pulsing through his veins, reaching toward his loins. She was driving him crazy…but was he taking advantage of her? Even for a guy like him, he had some standards.

"What do you think you're doing?" Kenpachi asked, a little unsure.

She spoke through small breaths, "Isn't it obvious? I want you-"

"Jin..." He shook a little, trying to restrain him self, "No, stop it Jin."

Kenpachi grabbed her by the wrists, pushing her back gently. Jin looked at him with bewildered eyes.

"You're kidding me right?! Why...?" Her eyes flashed with anger, "I thought-"

He kept hold of her wrists, "You're not thinking straight."

Jin spoke worriedly, "What do you mean?"

"I mean...what do you even see in me anyway? You could have anyone you want, you do know that right?" He asked, a little puzzled.

Not him too.

Jin hated how people saw her…innocent and naïve. Even despite her obvious love of violence and rebellion, so many people never saw past how she appeared. She looked so sweet, almost too sweet.

"Yes, I know. I'm not oblivious. I've thought about it and now I'm here." She told him sternly.

"But me? You're so-"

Jin yanked her wrists from his grip in frustration.

"Stop patronising me!" She bellowed, "What's this about, really?"

Despite his lack of sensitivity, Kenpachi was a perceptive guy. He noticed for a while Jin was a little unhappy. He wasn't quite fully sure why. But after his 'chat' with Gin he couldn't help but wonder what the hell she'd see in him. Not only was he a barbarian, he was older and he was rude and callous. He wasn't handsome like Kuchiki. Definitely not the kind of guy you'd take home to meet your family. So why? Who could fall for him really? He was kidding himself if he thought she'd ever really accept him.

Maybe she's just desperate for love or something…hell, I can't give her that. Can I?

Kenpachi looked into her sad eyes, "You're not very happy...are you?"

"What you even talking about?" She whimpered.

"All the drinking, drugs, sex." He spoke gently, "You won't find whatever it is you're looking for."

Jin scoffed, "Jeez, it's not like I'm going at it hard every week or even month…you're really over exaggerating-"

"You sure about that?"

She looked at him in need, "For a start, I haven't seen anyone in almost a year-"

"Partly why I'm worried you being here." Kenpachi mumbled, "Is…that all I am to you? Fun?"

Jin's heart sank to her stomach. Is that what he thought of her? Is that how everyone saw her? Just some naïve girl who was out of control? She began to feel sick. She thought he understood. It made her feel suddenly very alone.

She muttered as she got up to her feet, "Forget it then."

"Wait. Jin. Don't you dare run off again." Kenpachi warned.

"Yeah, well I didn't come here to be judged as some sort of whore." She retorted.

The Captain didn't want to push her away entirely. He wanted to understand her. Their positions had switched, now he was the one uneasy about their relationship. He'd grown to care for her, a lot more than he was ready to admit. If she wanted him, he had to know it came from a good place. What did he even do to deserve her love? All he done was pressure her if anything…

"That's not what I meant and you know it." He snarled.

"And I'm not some precious doll that needs protecting either!"

Jin was by the door, about to slide it open.

Kenpachi warned her again, "Jin! I said don't run off!"

"Bye, Captain." She said coldly.
"Don't you dare run-"

Kenpachi was then left alone, grumbling to himself.

"Dammit woman."