The Art of Moving On

Summary: It all started when Rangiku's love for Gin was questioned in a public interview. It made her rethink what she really felt about him. Rangiku then asks Shuuhei to join her in going the distance to find the answers to the questions of love, hate, and even life itself.

Disclaimer: Bleach, along with its characters, is owned by Kubo Tite and his team.

The Interview

Everybody loved talking about her. Well, she was the only person to be ever talked about by majority of the shinigami population. Contrary to popular belief, it was not only men who talked about her, but also the women. Aside from her eye-catching features, provocative fashion and happy go lucky lifestyle, there was something of greater interest when it comes to Rangiku Matsumoto's life. It was her love interest. Everyone knew that she was the closest person to Gin Ichimaru, traitor to Soul Society. Although it was rarely seen, she was the only person Gin really hanged out with. Whenever they crossed paths in the streets of Seireitei, one could really observe the change in Gin's smile. Rangiku on the other hand would bow to him and Gin would chuckle and tell her there was no need for formality whatsoever. Rangiku always drank alcohol, but never with Gin. It was peculiar, though, that she would never have a drink with her childhood friend. She would always spend the night drinking in Rokungai with her drinking squad. On some occasions, she'd drink with one person only. Most of the time, it would be Shuuhei Hisagi from the 9th division. Some people even thought that Rangiku was into Shuuhei. But of course, selected people knew otherwise. But seeing through the facade of drinking away the night, everyone knew that Rangiku and Gin shared something that most people even call as a romantic relationship. Rangiku's close friends must believe that there must be some truth to it. But everyone calls Gin as Rangiku's best friend. None of the two ever told anyone that they were lovers. None of the two denied allegations as well. They never talked about it. But everyone knew Rangiku was off limits. No one would dare make a move on Rangiku, except perhaps her drinking buddy Shuuhei. The fear men had of Gin Ichimaru was far greater than their lust for Rangiku. There were stories about Gin going to the bar Rangiku always stayed in. According to word of mouth, Gin went there and threatened some men who were stalking the busty blonde. Just by looking at them with his usual face, he drove them away with ease. It was strange though, that Gin never threatened Shuuhei Hisagi. Rangiku was so close to him and most of the shinigami knew Shuuhei liked Rangiku in extreme levels. There must be a reason for that.

Aside from the two men, Rangiku was very much close to her captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya. He was the only boy, or man, that Rangiku hugged with her full sized breasts. The two are very tight even though both complained about each other's work ethics. A lot also noticed how the captain of the tenth division resembled Rangiku's childhood friend. There were even speculations about the captain being the son of the two. No one could really answer that but them. And again, they never confirmed nor denied it. The captain of the tenth however feels disgust towards the topic. He didn't really like the captain of the third. And the dislike grew into hate when Gin Ichimaru was confirmed to be an ally of Aizen Sousuke.

After Gin left soul society, everyone observed the drastic change in Rangiku's drinking lifestyle. The times she got drunk doubled. She was always missing, probably going off to shopping districts in the world of the living. But somehow, her cheerful personality never left her, except of course during hangovers. Some people even questioned if Rangiku was really affected by Gin leaving her. She never talked about it as well, openly. One could ask her friends and drinking buddies about it but they wouldn't talk about it as well.

After the war against Aizen, after the sweet victory, everyone knew Gin died. Everyone talked about Gin and Rangiku, still. It was reported that Gin turned against Aizen for an unknown reason. "Rangiku knows it," people gossiped. Gin died of course because who would be a match for Aizen? After the war, it was a time of recovery and training for everyone, especially the seated officers. Everyone trained hard. And Rangiku was no exception. She haven't had Bankai yet. It was a shame since she had a powerful zanpakuto. It would be a waste if she wouldn't be able to maximize it. Rangiku still drank alcohol. Actually, she drank everyday now. Since most of the people were very busy, she usually drank alone. Her captain stopped complaining about her behaviour. He knew her too well.

But on some days, she'd be with Shuuhei. Since some of the vizards have been reinstated as seated officers, the 3rd, the 5th and the 9th divisions had captains again. Shuuhei had more time now. But of course he was still a busy man. His liking for Rangiku never faded. Actually, it had been growing. He always had Rangiku's back and knew most of Rangiku's secrets as much as the captain of the tenth knew. People even gossiped that Shuuhei and Rangiku were screwing. Well, the truth is unknown about this.

Rangiku didn't really give a shit about people talking about her. She knew long ago that she has always been the talk of the town. She'd long accepted that these shinigamis are much like people from the world of the living. They just loved talking about people and judging them, much to her disgust. She didn't really care about the gossip but she knew all sorts of things about other shinigami as well. But she didn't really condemn people.

She's always been invited to interviews conducted by the Seireitei Communication. The ninth division can be very desperate at times. And of course it was what the general public wanted. She's always turned down these interview offers but to Shuuhei's surprise, she accepted the latest offer. To add thrill to it, it was a live show. Shinigamis also would have the privilege to send questions to Rangiku via the internet-like technology the twelfth division popularized in Seireitei. Rangiku agreed that she would answer the questions as honestly as possible and that she would keep herself together. She was sure as hell that people would throw sensitive question at her. The interview was also going to be aired live via the Seireitei network as well. It was Shuuhei who was going to interview her. Of course, who else would? He wanted this. She trusted him so much anyway.

Rangiku smiled as she greeted Shuuhei. She entered the room with no feelings aside from calmness. She knew she was going to be grilled but she didn't really give a fuck, did she? Shuuhei stood up from his seat and approached her. She noticed no one else was in the small room. They didn't really have much funds, what a pity. "Rangiku-san, you ready?" He closed the door behind them and led Rangiku to her seat. She noticed the camera directed towards them and she smiled at the camera. They both sat down and Shuuhei started with his spiel. "So folks, tonight, tenth division vice captain Rangiku Matsumoto is here with me to answer questions of the public. We'll finally know the truth about the speculations going around for a while now," He awkwardly smiled at the camera. "Rangiku-san, we want to know more about you," He leaned towards her. "Oh Shuuhei, you know everything about me!" Rangiku laughed. "Well, not everything. But enough with the small talk. See the screen behind us? The selected questions will flash there and you'll have to answer them, okay?" he asked. "Yes, of course." The first question popped on the screen and Rangiku almost rolled her eyes out of annoyance. People didn't know how to ask questions, did they?

What's your cup size?

Really universe? Really? Rangiku wanted to complain but it was way too early to have a scandalous act. "Oh, simple, It's an E."She was sure it was a perverted psycho who asked this typical question. Shuuhei blushed slightly and shook his head. "Come on Shuuhei! Next question!" she pessured him. The next questions were given monotonous answers.

Do you know the people who literally drool because of you?

"What the fuck? No."

But do you know the ones who like you?

Shuuhei coughed so hard before Rangiku laughed at the question. Of course she knew. "Yeah I do know. I think Shuuhei here knows as well." "No comment on that folks."

Does Captain Hitsugaya wear pyjamas at night?

Rangiku laughed hysterically as she shook her head giving a no. Shuuhei laughed as well. Who even wants to know about the bedroom attire of the little captain of the tenth?

Do you already have a bankai?

No. One big no.

Do you have a drinking disorder? Why?

Maybe...i have no idea why.

There were a lot of other silly questions and the two were both getting impatient. Somehow they wanted to have a more serious type of interview. The public wanted that as well. They were both laughing at the questions when a serious one popped on the screen.

Are you a virgin?

Rangiku knew she would be judged whether she answered yes or no so might as well get it done. "What do you think, Shuuhei," she looked at him. Shuuhei blushed again and shook his head. Memories came flashing through his head and he didn't want to think about them at the moment. "Oh goodness," Rangiku sighed. "Of course I'm not a virgin." Shuuhei's eyes widened. She was really going to be honest about everything. "Come on guys, what's wrong with making love?" she laughed.

What do you look for in a sex partner?

"Just because I'm not a virgin doesn't mean I've had different sex partners. I don't really care about the sex. I don't screw with a person I don't care about, okay?" she sighed. Shuuhei nodded and blushed again. Damn he does love blushing.

I presume the person who screwed you first was Gin Ichimaru?

Of course it was Gin. Who else? Rangiku chuckled. "Guilty"

You were childhood friends with Gin Ichimaru, right?

"Yeah i was. We lived together in Rokungai."

But why weren't you together once you two were already shinigamis?

"He wasn't the clingy type of best friend. And he was way too busy."

How did you feel when you found out he was a traitor?

Rangiku sighed heavily at the sight of the question. This was heavy. The questions have been becoming heavier by the last moments. Shuuhei wanted to skip the question and looked at Rangiku in a worried way. Rangiku looked at Shuuhei and nodded. She assured him she was fine. "I felt so bad. He was my best friend. He left me. Do you think I'd be happy?"

Did you know what he was up to?

She shook her head.

You didn't know him well, then?

She nodded then shook her head. It was a hard question. "I know him. I do. But he just kept things to himself for some sort of reason."

Do you think he's a bad person?

"Fuck that question! How rude!"

Everyone watching noticed Rangiku started using swear words. It was a serious matter.

"I think you folks should stop asking Rangiku-san about Gin. Let's focus on other stuff for now," Shuuhei looked at the camera then to Rangiku. He reached for her hand and caressed it for a while. The next question wasn't about Gin but it shocked the both of them none the less.

Are you two dating? You and Shuuhei? I know he likes you, everyone does. But do you like him as well?

Rangiku snatched her hand away from Shuuhei's grasp and smiled weakly. "No, we're not dating. We're just hanging out. This person has too many question but I'll answer them all anyway," she breathed. Shuuhei held his breath. What was the blonde lieutenant going to say? "Yes, I've always known that Shuuhei over here liked me. Well, I think liking is an understatement. Most of you would compare him to other male shinigami who lust for me. I couldn't care less about his thoughts. I know some people call him a pervert just like other male shinigami but I just want to defend him. He my best friend. People have also told me that he loves me. And I know that," she looked at him and smiled. Shuuhei sheepishly scratched his head. "And yeah I have a liking for him too, and abundance of fondness as a matter of fact," she giggled.

Have you two kissed?

Shuuhei pulled out a tissue from his pocket. Any time now. He was expecting himself to drown in a pool of blood. "If we would count those drunken nights, maybe we've kissed five times or so," she laughed. "Rangiku!" Shuuhei chuckled.

I think you're screwing with Shuuhei

Rangiku laughed at the statement as she saw Shuuhei shed some sweat. "No we're not screwing. We just make out," she reassured the public.

Rangiku was getting comfortable in her seat. She wasn't really ashamed about Shuuhei. He was a modest man. And he was of great respect. Shuuhei on the other hand felt embarrassed but deep inside he was so proud.

How nice of you to make out with your best friend. Is that your way of getting over the death of Ichimaru?

Rangiku lifted her eyebrow in annoyance. This shinigami is a judger. "I don't think there's a correlation, excuse me?"

Gin Ichimaru just died five months ago. You claimed you loved him. And you're moving on with another man too quickly.

"You have no concern with how I move on with Gin. And you have no concern with what I do with my life."

Shuuhei was feeling uneasy. This set of questions were attacking Rangiku as a lover. It was too much

It was reported that Gin Ichimaru died because he tried to kill Aizen, how is this so? What do you know about his intentions? Is he a good man then? Why did he want to kill Aizen.

Rangiku fixed her bangs and said, "He did try to kill Aizen and he got killed in the process. For goodness sake, I honestly do not know what his intentions were as well. He's stupid and he's rash. All I know is that he became a shinigami because he said he wanted to change things," she whimpered. "so that i would never have to cry." Rangiku wanted to stop the tears but they fell. "I know many of you think Gin is a monster. Maybe he is. But i did love him. I still do. But i know he wants me to move forward so please respect me and my actions. Please don't have negative thoughts about Shuuhei as well. He's an amazing person and he has helped me ever since we have met."

Do you hate Gin? In any way?

Rangiku stopped for a moment. She wasn't sure as well. She knew she loved him so much but what was this fire inside of her? "I don't know," she looked away from the camera.

Shuuhei knew that this segment was too much and he better end it. "Folks, I think that's just about the end of the interview. I hope you got your answers. It's time to say goodnight!"

Last question, this is for Shuuhei. Do you think Gin deserved Ran?

Shuuhei cleared his throat and looked up. Rangiku was now staring at him, waiting for an answer. Shuuhei was about to answer but Rangiku said quietly, "Shuuhei is the interviewer here. Goodnight."

She stood up and turned the camera off. She looked at Shuuhei who was equally shocked by the turnout of events. She tilted her head and smiled at him. "Shuuhei, those people were savage," she chuckled. "I'm so sorry Rangiku-san." Rangiku walked to wards Shuuhei and pulled him up from his seat. "R-rangiku...you were really brave tonight," he stood up and hugged her suddenly. "It drained me though," she sighed.

Rangiku said goodbye to him and went straight home. He went to his as well and crashed onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about Rangiku's answers. She really loved Gin. Who was he to fight for a place in her heart?

Rangiku tossed and turned on her own bed and she couldn't sleep. The questions of the people, rude as they may sound, made sense. She didn't know Gin too well. And she needed answers. And that last question for her...about hating Gin? Why did she not know? Was she unsure of her feelings towards Gin? And what about Shuuhei? She couldn't sort out her thoughts and feelings. She needed some sake and some assistance.

Shuuhei heard a knock on his door and wondered who it was. He didn't want any visitors at such an ungodly hour. If this was about the interview, he would blow up. A lot went through and it was too much for him to digest. To his surprise, it was Rangiku on the door. Before he could speak she entered the room, pacing. She smelled like sake and he wasn't surprised. "Shuuhei, I need to know," she continued pacing. "What?" he cocked his head.

"What I really feel," she said as she kissed him. Shuuhei was caught off guard. This wasn't just a make out session. She was confused and in tears. She was troubled. As much as he wanted to deepen the kiss, he pulled away. "R-rangiku, I don't think we should."

"I don't care."

The sun rose hours later and Rangiku was still hugging Shuuhei's bare torso. No, nothing happened. He just comforted her and put her to sleep. She was in a vulnerable state. She squinted her eyes and looked up at Shuuhei. "Shuuhei, i'd like to ask a favour." He looked at her in wonder. "May you go with me, secretly? I really need to find the answers to my questions." He sat up and looked back at her, "Where?"

"To Las Noches. I need to find the answers."

A/N: It's both a GinRan and a ShuRan fic. But mostly, it's a story about Rangiku and her quest in finding what she lost.

and oh, all hail Grimmjow. Bleach manga has been saved. I hope so.