GOGGLE
It started with a compliment.
"I like your goggles."
Tousen was immediately on his guard. This was Gin so the reaction came as easy as breathing.
"Thank you," he said stiffly. Tone curt and final and discouraging further discourse.
"You must tell me where you got 'em," Gin persisted.
Tousen sighed. What harm could there be in small talk? "They're custom made."
"Must 'ave cost a bundle."
"Indeed. But they have practical application."
"Oh?"
"Yes. They protect my eyes from dust."
"You sure it's not just t' make yer look cool."
Tousen almost reacted. Almost. He was well used to the goading at this point in their association. "I refuse to be baited."
"Just my opinion is all."
A pause as Gin waited for him to say more. Tousen said nothing.
"But why," Gin ventured humbly at last, "don't ya just close 'em instead. A lot less expensive."
"Because—"
"It's what I do. Works a treat. You should try it."
"Ichimaru," Tousen warned, anger edging his words. "Would you like me to enlighten you to your folly in pursuing this?"
"No. No. I see," Gin conceded, hands held up in placation.
"Do you?" Tousen challenged, sufficiently riled to execute just punishment for the disparagement.
"Yes. I see just fine. I just choose not to. It's a real effort sometimes. We can't all have it as easy as you, ya know."
"I can always help you to that end," Tousen threatened, hand moving to rest by his scabbard.
"You could," Gin said reasonably, "...if I let you."
"What makes you think you have a choice?"
Gin's smile fractionally widened. "Lighten up. They say ignorance is bliss, so you must be doubly happy, being both blind and unenlightened."
Suzumushi was already unsheathed, but it simply cut through the dust of Gin's passing, as the fox wisely scarpered from justice.