Author's Note: Okay, so I didn't like Harry Potter very much, and I spent most of the time chucking popcorn and whoppers at my friends; and when Cho and Harry made out on screen, two of my friends and me were screaming, "NOOOO!" while everyone else was cheering. ... And we scared away this kid that my friend thought was hot even though he had ridiculously greasy hair. And yeah. XD But summer school is over, and I am a very happy child. :)

Theme #26
Breakaway

"Oi, Ichimaru, you wanna get something to eat?"

"Nah, I think I'll pass."

"Hey, Ichimaru, you wanna hang out after class?"

"I've got some stuff to do."

"A group of us are going to go training later -- you wanna come with us?"

"It's alright, I'd rather do it by myself."

Once he had made it into the Shinigami Academy, Gin always seemed to be by himself. To his peers, he was that anti-social kid who was always sitting in the corner, isolating himself from the rest of the world. He'd always flash a grin, he'd wave back if he was waved to, he greet whoever greeted him, but it was obvious he didn't intend to make friends.

To Gin, the people around him were just black shadows, all blending in with each other. They were all the same; they were fake, they had no real intentions to befriend him. They were only doing so because they felt sorry for him. And Gin would be damned before he received any pity.

Before now, it had always been 'him and Rangiku' and 'the rest of the world'. It was 'us' and 'them'. There hadn't been anybody that proved to be precious in his life but her, and when everyone around them seemed to shun him, he returned the favor. It was only natural he'd act in the same manner in this new environment.

Honestly, he was afraid of expanding his horizons, he was afraid of opening his arms. He didn't want new friends or new acquaintances -- he had one person that was backing him, and that was all he needed. He didn't need anyone else. That's what he managed to convince himself, anyways.

Everyday after class, after some training, he'd return to his dorm. He'd sit on his bed, staring at the ceiling, while lightly fingering the chrysanthemum that he constantly kept by his bedside. He'd question what Rangiku was doing, how she was fairing, if she was at all bitter that he had left. He wondered if she had made any new friends or acquaintances, if she had found someone else to share the house with... He felt his blood boil at the mere thought.

"Hey, Ichimaru." He lifted his head from the pillow to peer at the doorway, where he found his dorm partner leaning against the frame. He lifted his torso and rested on his elbows, though careful to not damage the flower. "A group of us are going out to eat; do you want to join us?"

"Nah, I think I'll..." His gaze drifted toward the chrysanthemum being twirling between his fingers. His breath hitching a bit, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "Yea, sure. I'll be out there in a sec'." Smiling, the brunette nodded and moved away into the corridor.

Gin fell to his feet and placed the flower back in its small vase. "I guess it's time I finally breakaway, eh, Rangiku? See ya later." He pivoted on his feet, and without looking back, continued until he exited through the door.

Word Count: 511

Ew, I really loathe Aizen, but he plays such an important role.