Disclaimer applies.

A/N: another shorter one, but I'm lucky I got it written out at all, I swear sleep is a daydream and energy is on hiatus *sigh*

Headline: Rescue Mission

"Shun~suuui," Rangiku whined as he joined them where they were waiting.

"Beautiful Rangiku," Shunsui smiled as he held out his arms and received a greeting kiss from the charming actress. "Whatever are you doing here?"

"This is a rescue mission," Rangiku grinned, looping her arm through his and pulling. "Nanao-chan and I are prison breaking your charming arse."

"Why are you calling me Nanao-chan now too?" Nanao pouted crossly.

""It's catchy," Rangiku shrugged.

"Prison break?" Shunsui's eyes sparkled. "That sounds like fun, let's go," he headed for the exit and Nanao didn't fail to notice the way he seemed to be rushing them out the door…he hadn't even greeted her.

Her gave caught his and those adorable grey eyes of his begged her to help him.

She didn't know what had happened while he'd been in that cell, but if he wanted out, she was more than happy to oblige.

They were in the crowd of flashing cameras and shouted questions in seconds.

"Oi!"

The shout got Shunsui's attention and he glared.

"Rangiku, get in the car," he nudged her gently.

"What's wrong?" Renagiku seemed surprised.

Nanao frowned and followed Shunsui's eyes to see Gin Ichimaru exiting the police station.

"That's who you were fighting?" Nanao astutely observed.

Shunsui shrugged and kept moving.

"Wait, what's going on?" Rangiku twisted and caught sight of Gin.

She froze and Shunsui muttered a curse.

With great effort, Nanao and helped Shunsui get Rangiku into the waiting car, but they weren't fast enough.

Shunsui turned to confront Gin.

"I need ta speak ta her," Gin's eyes slit open ever so slightly.

"Too bad Ichimaru, I told you she didn't want to see you," Shunsui crossed his arms casually, but he sure could cast an imposing figure when he wanted to.

"Now you should leave before we cause anymore trouble, I seriously doubt they'll look too kindly on you if you cause another fight," Shunsui's voice was friendly.

Gin stared at him for a moment and Shunsui stared back.

As cameras flashed, Gin sighed reluctantly and turned away.

"I'll find a way to see her," he hissed quietly and walked off.

Shunsui got into the car and was surprised by the slap he received from Rangiku.

"You got into a fight with Gin," she hissed. "Are you insane or suicidal?"

"Hmmm," Shunsui murmured calmly. "I'd have to go with the first."

There was silence in the car as Rangiku glared and Shunsui stared calmly back.

During this time, Nanao noticed the dried blood and beginnings of bruises scattered on his face.

When they reached his hotel, Rangiku slammed out of the car and up to the room, Shunsui and Nanao following.

"Rangiku," Shunsui sighed heavily as he watched her down a drink. "I don't regret being goaded into that fight. After how he betrayed you–"

"That isn't for you to decide," Rangiku snapped, interrupting him.

Shunsui shrugged. "I guess not," he agreed and moved to the bedroom.

Rangiku watched him go, her shoulders slumping. "I'm such a bitch sometimes."

"He'll forgive you," Nanao tried a smile.

Rangiku watched as Nanao followed Shunsui into his room.

He blinked at her in surprise when she entered the bathroom.

Nanao's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him…shirtless.

She shook herself and studied the bruises that were forming down the right side of his ribcage.

"Do you need ice?"

He shrugged and cringed, drawing her attention in the mirror to the bruise on his left shoulder.

"It must have been one hell of a fight," she commented, moving to take the washcloth from his hand and pulling his face down so she could clean the dried blood off.

"I give as good as I get," Shunsui grinned innocently.

Nanao couldn't help but smile back.

There was silence for a moment.

"You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now," Shunsui murmured, watching her.

She blinked in surprise, pausing in her attentions.

"But I need a shower and a toothbrush before I could ever hope to seduce you," he winked and his stomach growled.

Nanao couldn't hide the laugh that irrupted from her.

"You shower," she spoke as she calmed. "I'll get you some food."

Shunsui grinned fondly as he watched her go.

She was slowly opening up to him…

A/N: you know the drill.