He'd picked up the half-naked idiot and tossed him out of her bedroom.

Were she another woman he might have hated her for betraying his memory so quickly. But she wasn't. And she had promised him nothing.

Ichimaru Gin grinned sheepishly.

How could she have promised anything to him when he had always taken care to evade all sentimental moments? In fact he had fled several times.

He brushed her silky hair away from her eyes. She really was beautiful. When she sighed and pressed her face closer into his touch he hesitated. A small pang of regret made itself known to him. He shook his head to free himself of it. He had no need for feelings like this one. Like her he had chosen his path, hadn't he?

He smiled. She still was the only one able to intrude on his decisions and intentions. She was the only part of his life he'd ever withheld - and still did - from Aizen. And he'd never tell.

The soft skin beneath his hand was alluring him to stay close or get even closer.

I'm such a…

"Fool…"

Her facial expression changed and she looked much less carefree. Her hands twitched slightly. He sighed. Even with him taking pains to not enhance any development of romance she'd still put him into an exclusive position.

"Why do you always care so much?"

Her answer was barely audible, hadn't he been this close he'd heard but an indiscernible whisper.

"You're gone again. Forever this time..."

Rangiku…

She was right. He should leave soon. What had made him return at all?

I wanted to see if you're alright. Downright foolish, but I couldn't resist.

Ichimaru pulled his hand back and turned to leave.

He froze when she opened her eyes. When she caught Ichimaru's face with her hand he took a deep breath.

The look in her half opened eyes was full of longing. Unobscured longing.

Unsettling. Why was it that much of a shock to him? He knew her feelings for him after all. So why did he close his eyes when she started exploring his face with the tip of a naked finger, stroking his guilty flesh? He stopped himself from kissing the soft spot of skin when it slid over his lips. It was difficult to keep from trembling.

Never before had she touched him.

Or the other way round.

Never crossed the line.