To declare; I do not own Bleach. Had I, things would be much smoother and Aizen would be six feet under.

Also, quick note, this story will be developmental. And a little AU, as earlier stated. I don't honestly know if it'll be good or not, and I can't promise perfect grammar, but try to give me a chance. And if I don't deserve that chance, let me know why, please. Either way, enough distractions. Please enjoy!

"Gin, you dummy! What'd you do this time? You're a mess!"

"Nah, Ran, it ain't tha' bad. Jus' some cuts an' bru-"

"We can't afford to buy anymore clothes, and now you're gonna stand out way too much! I'm gonna have to do all the work tonight..." The young girl hurried about the room, fixing what the pair pitifully called a bed. Her blue eyes were troubled, and deftly avoided contact with the perpetually grinning face staring in from the doorway. The boy, too lanky and thin to be a proper one, was decorated with a series of wounds and was wearing one of the most devious expressions to be displayed on the human persona. His appearance held the innocent guile of a fox, with seemingly permanent squinted eyes and a grin fit to split his face.

"S'all right, Ran. It ain't nothin' I can' take care of. Then, 'fore ya know it, Ah'll be out 'earning' us a livin'. No need ta worry, ya hear me?" His easy-going manner seemed to finally break through to her, and she heaved a deep sigh and looked away.

"Gin... You fool..." She had slumped, looking almost dejected. Gin, seizing the opportunity, approached. Her anger had died down spectacularly, and he was rather hoping that touching her wouldn't cause a temper flare-up. She had a rather terrifying side when livid. But, it was a chance he would have to take. With a brief hesitation, he crouched down to her level and wrapped his arms around her.

"Ran, I promise ya, Ah'll help ya, an' Ah'll keep us safe. I ain't gonna let ya go. I worked way too hard jus' ta save ya. Now, I wan' ya to rest, an' Ah'm gonna go get us some food." Briskly he stood and, with a casual glance over his retreating form, gave her a quick wave. "Bye-bye Ran. Be back in a few."

Rangiku scoffed the moment Gin dropped out of earshot, her eyes watering slightly. Yes, he would no doubt be back. The age-old question was, when?

With a sigh, she pulled herself to her feet, tying to ignore her body's cry for food. It was stupid, to need food after being dead. She had always hoped, no, assumed, that death brought solace. Isn't that what they were taught in the world of the Living? Be good, and you will be provided? It was one of the only things she remembered from her previous life. The actual reality of life-after-death was far more brutal that that. Food was too scarce, water near-impossible to find, and thievery usually the only resort for two young children lost in the Rukongai.

At least Gin was good at stealing. Creepy kid.

Her brow furrowed as she looked at the near-barren 'kitchen'. Really, it was just a box holding a few choice pieces of food, but it gave her an immense comfort to use such a sophisticated word. It was precisely the reason why she had dubbed this corner a bedroom, and that corner a living room. It was relaxing to see their hovel become a home in her mind. Even if the place was covered in dirt and ivy, it was perfect. And that was all that truly mattered.

A quick review produced some old potatoes, a carrot, and a few pieces of beef jerky. She was rather excited at the prospect of eating meat for a change. It was hard to come by such a treat. Digging a bit more, she even managed to find a small onion. Stew it was. A good thing, she supposed, what with the nights getting colder. A warm meal would keep them more comfortable when the sun finally set. As she started preparing the meagre dinner, she moaned aloud in frustration. The only knife they had was currently in Gin's possession, no doubt being used to separate change-purses from unlucky owners. She would have to use what she could find. With a last sigh of resignation, she picked up a sharpened rock. Gin definitely owed her. Maybe he could bring some bread back... A girl could hope.

As predicted, a frigid air seeped into the room when the sun sunk behind the distant hills. In a sad attempt to stay warm, Gin had lit a stub of a candle. It had barely lasted ten minutes, and even the small amount of heat it threw did little to abolish the chill. Now, they relied on each other for warmth, huddling under a thinned and holed blanket. Under the oppressive darkness, Rangiku's hand found her companion's.

"Gin... Promise me... Promise you won't leave me. Please?" Her voice was thick with sleep, and her small frame shook beside him.

He remained silent, waiting for her breathing to deepen and even out before he responded in a whisper. "I promise ya, Ran. I migh' go 'way for a li'l bit, but I ain't gonna leave ya. Ya'd have ta kill me firs'."

A.N. So, this is my first story, and I plan for it to be a long one. I'll be doing a full coupling list once I figure out who I can throw in without there being any awkward moments. We'll see.

Just to let you guys know, the story will NOT be in their childhood. And the chapters are usually going to be considerably longer. Please give it a chance!

Anyways, reviews are much appreciated, criticism loved, and flames used on small children. Remember, dear reviewers, flame responsibly.

Also, a quick coupling list, as promised by the summary;
GinxRan
UlquiorraxOrihime
These are the ones I'll be focusing on FOR NOW, and the rest will be a treat. I'm sorry if you disagree with either couple, but don't message me to point out the sin in my ways. Just hitting the back button will be much more effective, and save you a deal of time.