It was surprisingly comfortable.

Walking down the long corridors of Las Noches Gin smiled to himself as he heard the softer footsteps behind him.

Like old times again. I missed him. No one here other than Aizen-sama talks to me.

Gin stopped at a single unmarked door before turning with a triumphant smile on his face.

"An' this one is yours. Yer clothes are on the bed. We can't have ya walkin' round in those anymore, can we?"

Kira stood in shock a moment before lowering his head to look at his garments.

"N...no. I guess not."

"Altho'. Ya might wanna hold onto 'em."

Looking up again, he watched as Gin moved past him.

So…this is life on the other side. But why am I here?

"Gin-taichou."

Gin stopped, turning to him. "Ya need somethin'?"

"Um…no."

"Well then, I'll just leave ya alone then."

As he watched his captain walk away Izuru felt something between relief and anxiety. A weird mixed feeling that tore him in two different directions.

Maybe once I'm settled it'll go away. I don't have time for indecision now!

In his quarters Gin took a moment to sit on his own bed a moment. His plan had worked – and it was all thanks to Soul Society. Their suspicions had been the real weight in Izuru's mind. Without their accusations and baseless discrimination his law abiding Lieutenant would never have defected – not even if he had asked him to.

I almost feel sorry for him. But at least he's not as unfortunate as little Momo. Aizen sure was rough on her.

Thinking about the young woman made him remember his exodus from that closed cage of a world. Aizen had said that it would be a mercy to kill Momo, and had instructed Gin to use Kira to get rid of her.

I only agreed because what he said was true…'an that Izuru would beat her if it came down to it. He really is strong if he wants to be.

Staring at the ceiling Gin let a grin cross his face.

"Well well…it seems I'm just as bad as Aizen-sama. I turned Izuru into my perfect puppet as well. But it looks like my puppet was a little more durable then his."

Rising from the bed he took a moment to glance out of the windows at the light of the artificial sun.

"I guess this is just a renter's house huh? You have no intention of livin' here forever."

As he watched the motionless city he felt his thoughts slip back to his subordinate.

I'm glad he's done well for himself. If only Soul Society knew what they missed out on. It's their loss.

Removing a small pocketwatch from his sleeve he checked the time.

"Never can tell in this place wit the sun not movin'." Gin grumbled. It had been ten minutes, enough time for someone to change. Leaving his room Gin retraced his steps down the hall and found the befuddled lieutenant standing outside the door of his new room, clad in the white garb that all in Aizens service wore.

"Lookin' good Izuru." Gin called, adding a whistle to it. Kira blushed, lowering his head.

"T-Thanks Captain."

Placing a hand on the blonds head Gin chuckled.

"We ain't in the Seireitei anymore, Izuru. Here you call me Gin-sama. Our leader is Aizen-sama. Got it?"

Kira nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good, then follow me. We've got some work to do."

"Work?"

Gin laughed. "We don't just sit around all day!"

As he led the way he glanced back at his faithful follower and smiled a rare genuine smile to himself where Kira couldn't see.

"Ya know, I'm glad you're here."

He heard a surprised sound from behind him and stopped to throw a smile in Kira's direction.

"Ya know, I was just thinkin' 'Won't someone play with me?' I guess I have a playmate now, since no one else wants to."

Kira gave him a startled look, as if he were unsure of how to answer. At length he asked why. Gin simply smiled.

I'm glad I got you back from them. I'd be a waste with all the trainin' I did on you. Now the trainin's gonna be rougher from here on in. Good Luck, Izuru.

He began to walk again.

"That's simple. Because I never get tired of playing bad jokes."