Aizen had warned him. No, warn is too harsh a word. In their many conversations together before and after Fifth's Captain was pronounced dead; Gin couldn't recall any instance of Aizen ever issuing an order to him.

Beyond closed doors, yes.

During his tenure as Lieutenant, it was expected.

But, beyond closed doors, it was a different matter. Gin didn't mind serving the man whom he had never ceased to think of as his Captain it was as simple as that.

Yet what was not so simple nor easy to allay was the present course with Rukia-chan.

Do not interfere.

Aizen's words replayed in Gin's mind, on his lips was a quiet, jaunty tune.

On his face his smile.

In his heart...

Well, that was another matter.

Simply put, Gin found himself on the bridge where he knew he would meet up with the retinue that was to take the condemned one to Sokyoku hill. Mild pomp was exercised for this adopted child of a Noble clan.

Although Gin discovered less guards than he had previously expected.

All well. More the better for him. He lightly touched Shinso's hilt.

The first of the guards started back.

"Captain Ichi-"

Gin didn't give him time to finish the greeting.

Retracting his spear, the man melted into a lifeless heap.

There was a hole where his heart should've been. Gin tilted his head to the side; Rukia was frozen, unable to move, unable to speak as the rest of her handlers joined the first.

Idly, he watched a drop of blood roll down her cheek. The chains extending from the collar about her pretty little neck, hung slack. He saw the fear in her eyes as her sight was filled with him. Gin laid his hand upon her cheek, his thumb rubbing and smearing the red splotch into a trail.

Her whitened lips trembled.

She was afraid, poor dear. Gin clucked his tongue in disapproval. "Now, Rukia-chan, what have I taught you about politeness to Superiors?"

Bending low so that they were eye-level, her little chin cupped in his hand so she couldn't turn away. Not that she would. He had her in his grasp now and it was impossible for her to break away. Gin, grinned with this thought in mind. Even feeling so bold as to lean in and brush a chaste kiss along the rise of her high cheekbone.

Whispering quietly in her ear, "aren't you going to thank me for saving you?"

~Finis~

Note: alternate! :) I've thought about it and decided this scenario would make for an interesting line instead of them parting at Sokyoku hill. :) Thanks for reading!

No flames-haters-stupid comments!

Reviews appreciated :)