A/N: Hi, it's been ages since I updated this fanfic. I had the whole outline written already, but I just never got around to writing. I had a beta reader, who was great and I feel super sorry, but life kept me busy and I just couldn't get motivated to writing anymore. That and various things happened. Honestly, I haven't touched this in so long that I don't even remember if I made changes to earlier chapters or not. Hopefully I did not and am not leaving any plot holes as a result. But here it is. I finished Chapter 6.

Chapter Six

"So what's going t' happen to Rukia now?" Rangiku whispered to the person next to her.

Being suddenly asked, Ulquiorra did not quite catch the question and gave a delayed answer.

"The Captain's going to meet someone who might be able to send the lass home," he told her.

Rangiku kept looking at Ulquiorra, waiting for a further explanation, but the man beside her did not elaborate. Therefore she gave up and decided to go with the flow for now, but still stayed vigilant of Rukia's situation.

According to the captain's advice, Rangiku had dressed up Rukia a little. She wasn't sure what exactly Gin had meant by telling them that, but hoped, that it wasn't what she was thinking. Namely, Rukia "entertaining" the mysterious man they were about to meet, in order to get back home earlier. Rangiku shuddered at the thought. She would not let Rukia go through that. Rangiku had become oddly attached to the younger girl.

[Is it because she reminds me of Momo? Nah... Is it because she seems like a doll? Nah... I don't know.]

What Rangiku had chosen for Rukia to wear was the last outfit that they had not tried on yet before Gin came barging in.

It was a knee length dress similar to the first outfit except that it did not emphasize the angelic atmosphere but the elegance she had. With long flowing sleeves and off-shoulders, her exposed smooth white skin was visible to the eye. The purple dress was more simple than extravagant, but enough to show off the young woman's charms of her petite body. Accompanying the outfit were matching purple high-heels fitting for the young lady.

Warm wind blew over the town's streets keeping the temperature outside at a comfortable level, so there was no need for a jacket or the like, but it meant that Rukia could not wear anything over her dress.

The wind tugged slightly at Rukia's hair, which had been pulled back into a bun. A hair clip shaped like a Camellia japonica loosely held it together.

Leaving the ship dressed up was a stark contrast to the others who were not too much differently dressed from their usual garb. Although Rukia was used to dressing finely, within a crowd of people, where none dressed like her, she felt a little unsettled.

Rangiku watched the teen in front of her walk with a determined aura. She knew that Rukia felt rather insecure right now, but however much Rangiku wanted to encourage the petite girl, she had no choice but to remain silent and could only stay nearby, because it wasn't the appropriate time for it.

In front of them was Gin, leading the way to their current destination until they stopped at the inn from earlier today. Many of the group recognized it, but only a few knew that their captain had been already here once that day.

As the large rowdy group entered the inn, Rangiku went through the information she had gather earlier.

[Apparently the people we're going to meet reserved the whole place because of us. Nevertheless, they are fellow pirates like us... right? Such strange behavior – why would they specifically do that? What was their captain's name again? If I remember it was –]

"Captain Kurosaki! How goes it?" Gin greeted the man sitting in the middle of the room at a large round table.

Assessing the person called Captain Kurosaki; Rangiku got the impression that he wasn't too delighted in seeing Gin. With a frown etched on his face, he stiffly smiled as he stood up and grabbed Gin's outstretched hand. He was as young as Gin in appearance – maybe younger than Gin even – and had a unique hair color. It was a bright orange but that wasn't strange as unusual hair colors were not that rare to them.

[Another young captain… Birds of a feather flock together, eh?] Rangiku assumed.

Behind her, Rukia's eyes narrowed for a moment, but no one noticed.

Captain Kurosaki was dressed half-casual and half formal with a shirt, vest, pants and short boots. His coat hung on his chair together with his hat, as it was warm enough without the need for it.

"Greetings Captain Ichimaru. Fine and well I believe, how is't with you?" The young man greeted Gin in return.

"Very much the same," Gin answered and glanced behind him.

Captain Kurosaki followed Gin's eyes and saw Rangiku standing near Gin. Behind Rangiku he could see another woman who seemed to be hiding behind the first. New members who he couldn't recognize.

"Evenin' to you miladies. Ichigo Kurosaki is the name. How are you called?" Ichigo asked Rangiku first as he took her hand and shook it.

"I be called Scarlet, Captain Kurosaki," Rangiku replied and said no further.

Ichigo waited for the other lady to be introduced but no answer came.

Following, he amiably asked, "... and the young lady behind ye?"

Rangiku gave Rukia a small push and she finally stepped forward and stood still.

"Evenin' to you milady," the captain greeted her again.

"Good evening, sir," Rukia replied and with a natural gesture, held out her right hand, backside facing upwards.

Slightly surprised but complying with it nevertheless, Ichigo took the hand and gave it a kiss as was expected like a gentleman.

Beside him, Gin noted Rukia's actions and he seemed to realize something.

[Is she trying to tell him that she is of higher status or is she doing it out of habit? She's not done it before though?] Rangiku wondered about Rukia's actions. [Maybe cleaning herself and dressing up has brought out her normal habits again?]

"My name is Rukia Kuchiki," Rukia answered with a gentle tone.

Captain Kurosaki seemed to be slightly surprised upon hearing her name, but he did not say anything as he held onto her hand. With a loud voice he spoke to everyone, "Heave ahead and take a seat!"

Gin sat down at the table where Captain Kurosaki sat and motioned for Rukia and Rangiku to do the same. Rangiku naturally pulled out the chair and sat down. Noticing that Rukia hadn't moved, Rangiku was about to tell her to sit down before she embarrassed herself when Captain Kurosaki, who still held Rukia's hand, led her to a chair and pulled it out for Rukia to her seat herself. Rangiku raised an eyebrow at this but kept quiet concerning Rukia's actions.

Captain Kurosaki immediately ordered food and drinks for his table after they chose their orders. Finished with what needed to be done, he returned to his seat.

As they waited for the food and drinks, he finally asked the main question, "Why d'you seek me?"

"He told ya, did he? Why ask?" Gin brushed off the question with his usual smile.

Ichigo sighed and delayed his response as a waitress arrived, bringing a tablet full of drinks and handed them out to the guests.

Once the waitress left, he continued, "It's true that we are sailing towards there, but have ye thought about how much trouble it'll bring me t'get your hostage there?"

The frown on Ichigo's face deepened and Gin kept on smiling.

"So to who is it that I should bring her?" Ichigo asked.

"He didn't tell ya?" Gin was surprised but answered nevertheless, "T'Byakuya Kuchiki."

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"Byakuya Kuchiki?! He would like my head as much as any of yous," Ichigo groaned.

He drew his hand through his hair in annoyance. He knew he had just gotten pulled into some very troublesome matters.

"Ya still owe me and ya know that he won't harm you if ya go alone. He's just a merchant now," Gin answered lightly.

"Just because of that incident won't mean that it'll be a piece of cake, ye know?" Ichigo replied with sarcasm.

"He doesn't know that ya is a pirate. He thinks ya help ya father," Gin countered.

"My father has retired already and is making an ordinary living, but I am not!" Ichigo growled.

His mood worsened with the flow of the conversation, frustration apparent in his eyes.

"He's quite tha respected doctor already and ya call that ordinary?" Gin chuckled.

[Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop! What's going on here? What are they talking about? Some incident between Captain Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki? How am I supposed to follow this?!] Rangiku thought about the back and forth between her captain and the other.

Her mind was racing to connect all the dots together.

"Excuse me but," taking the chance, Rukia spoke up, "Captain Kurosaki, are you acquainted my brother-in-law?"

Ichigo looked at the one who just asked and muttered, "You are… Rukia Kuchiki…"

Suddenly his frown deepened and eyes filled with anger.

"And ye fucking brought the hostage here!" He exploded as his head whipped around to the perpetrator.

Ichigo slammed his fist in anger on the table at Gin's direction. His actions garnered attention from the tables around them and lowered the loud chatter from them somewhat. Ichigo had been so caught up with the destination being Byakuya Kuchiki that he forgot about the name of the girl he just met.

"I should've known the moment I heard her name," Ichigo carried on, "Kuchiki may not be a rare name, but it isn't that common either! If I bring her back now, me cover's gonna be blown! By no manner o' means whatsoever would I be certain if she stayed quiet an' if Byakuya finds out, my pop's gonna be roast beef next I hear from him!"

His counterpart, on the other hand, continued to drink his wine calmly. That calm and carefree behavior irritated the young captain greatly but instead of saying anything, he heaved a heavy sigh after a while, as if breathing out his emotions and returned to a composed state. He retracted his arm and crossed them while he pulled his thoughts together. Ichigo knew that Gin was messing with him, but the favor he owed the man before him was even larger than the one he was requested of. His eyes wandered from Gin to Rukia first before he fully turned towards her.

Rukia's face showed no reaction to his earlier outburst. Her emotionless expression reminded him greatly of Byakuya.

"Young lady," he spoke, "Do you wish to return to your family?"

Somewhat startled at the sudden question which had a rather obvious answer, Rukia's response came delayed, "...Was there really a need to ask this question? Of course I wish to return."

"Would cooperate with a pirate to achieve that goal?"

The second question confused Rukia even more but her will on the matter was set.

"If there is a need for it – yes," she answered.

"Even if you have lie and deceive in return?" The young man continued.

"As I've said, if there's a need for it then I shall," Rukia responded.

"Including your own family and friends?"

"..."

Rukia didn't immediately answer. It was an unexpected question for her. She thought about the conversation Captain Kurosaki had with Captain Ichimaru previously and understood the meaning behind the question.

After thinking it through, she came to a decision and answered, "Yes."

Ichigo nodded at the answer and asked, "Will you do anything you can to achieve that goal?"

Rukia was getting fed up with the questions, which were asked as if interrogating her, but she knew she had to convince him.

"Yes," she answered firmly.

"I see."

The curt response baffled the young woman and left her slightly irritated but she did not say anything. Instead, she glared at her questioner while smiling and dug her nails into her own hands, which were clasped together. Ichigo took no notice of this and turned back to Gin again.

"Mark me words; with this it'll be done," Ichigo announced, "You've ne'er asked to return this favor from me before and I be doing this in remembrance of times past."

Gin's smile seemed to widen for a split second, but vanished as fast as it came so that Ichigo wasn't even sure if the silver haired guy smiled differently at all. He shook off any distracting thoughts as the food finally arrived.

#####

"I'll send some men to get a room for her ready so when d'ye want me to take her?" Ichigo asked as he sipped at his beer.

"Tonight after she's packed her stuffs. Scarlet seems to've bought some stuff fer her and I dun think she want it going ta waste," Gin replied and gulped down the contents of his own cup before ordering another.

The crew was enjoying the evening while their captains worked out the finer details between them. Rangiku and Rukia had gone to sit somewhere else and had their own conversation going.

"I never thought I would be returning home like this," Rukia sighed and drowned her wine glass.

"Neither did I," Rangiku did the same and suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, this 'Sake' is really good stuff! Haven't had this before."

"Scarlet…" Rukia reminded.

"Sorry, you were sayin'?" Rangiku turned her attention back to Rukia.

"I can't believe that I'll have to lie to my sister and brother about how I was returned!" she groaned.

"Well, I'm a pirate as well, ye know?" Rangiku shrugged.

"I know, I know…" Rukia sighed, "It's just… Ah! I don't know~!"

Her face was slightly flushed as she whined about her uncertainties.

[Is she getting drunk?] Rangiku wondered as she saw how Rukia was behaving.

The exasperated young lady got another glass and was about to drink it when Rangiku swiped the glass from her.

"Dear, I don't think you could handle another one," Rangiku told her and chugged down the glass she took from Rukia herself.

As a response, Rukia pouted which reminded Rangiku of a small and cute animal.

"Oh, come on. Don't be like that," Rangiku said and gave her a glass of water instead.

Taking the offered glass, Rukia obediently finished it.

"I'm going to miss you," Rukia said softly after a while.

It made Rangiku smile gently and hug Rukia, "I'll miss you too~"

It was a very sweet atmosphere but it didn't last for long. A minute later, Rukia was struggling to get away from Rangiku's chest while trying to say something, but only muffled sounds came out. Rangiku blissfully continued to hug the petite girl who felt like a very cute doll to her at the moment, until Rukia's movements finally came to her notice.

She let go of the young lady and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Were you trying to kill me with those huge pillows?!" Rukia exclaimed with eyes wide and face flushed red.

"I almost suffocated in there! Why do you have to remind me that I am so unfortunate~~!" she wailed.

Rangiku was stunned and just watched the teen in front of her break out in tears.

[Yeah, drunk. Definitely drunk.]

After Rukia finally calmed down, she told Rangiku, "You know, I'm getting a little sleepy."

A small yawn escaped her lips, which she covered with her delicate hands. Her eyelids dropped slowly and she finally fell asleep. Rangiku only watched her the whole time and did not stop her. She pulled the cup Rukia still held from her hands and put it away with her own glass. Then she carried Rukia over to the still talking captains and asked them if she could return ahead because of Rukia.

"So Miss Kuchiki fell asleep. I think we'll have ta cut our conversation short fer today," Gin told Ichigo.

"And looks like I be picking her up tomorrow instead," Ichigo added.

"I'll leave my crew here fer a while if that doesn't bother ya," Gin asked Ichigo and stood up.

"No troubles, I've been lookin' forward to meeting me sisters anyway," Ichigo answered.

"Ye comin' with us?" Rangiku was surprised.

"Me needs to bring our lovely ladies personally back," Gin replied and chuckled.

Rangiku felt a faint heat rise up her head, and shook her head to calm down, and shifted her attention elsewhere. Seeing that he was ignored, although avoided might be more accurate, he turned back to his fellow captain.

Gin's cup was not empty yet, so he gave a parting toast to Ichigo, "Here's luck and a fair wind to you."

Ichigo held up his glass in agreement and both men emptied them. Afterwards, Gin told Ulquiorra to relay his order to the crew and left with Rangiku who insisted on carrying Rukia back to the ship.

#####

The next morning the crew of the Ashen Spear had a late start in the morning as quite a number of them had hangovers. Nevertheless, they had to get their work done and went about their various jobs. They loaded and unloaded various crates and baggage; cleaned the deck and checked the sails and various other things. It was a busy day for them.

In the meanwhile, Rangiku was helping Rukia with her headache and packing the few things she had. The dark haired girl continuously glanced over to Rangiku every now and then. She appeared undecided on whatever thoughts she had.

Rangiku noticed her companion's fleeting gazes, but ignored it and continued working. She didn't want to pressure Rukia.

Finally, it seemed that Rukia had come to a decision as she turned to Rangiku.

"Scarlet," she spoke.

"What's it?" Rangiku answered.

Rukia looked nervous.

"Did you read the letter already?" She asked.

Rangiku paused.

"I did. This morn'," she stated, "Ruby may write you. She says that she has a few things to tell you."

"What things?" Rukia couldn't help but ask.

Rangiku shook her head.

"She'll tell you when the time s'ere," she replied.

Rukia looked a little despondent.

"I understand," was all she said.

Rangiku felt a little pained to see the young woman that way, but she knew that Momo would want to divulge her secrets herself and not through her.

Her thoughts went back to the letter.

Momo had told her to be careful as she felt that Captain Ichimaru was acting suspiciously. He definitely had some hidden agenda that he wasn't letting anyone know. Somehow, she had the feeling as if he could see right through her at times, as if he knew their real identities already. She mentioned her conversation with him and how his choice of words perturbed her.

Rangiku shuddered at the thought of their identities being known. It would not only hinder their movements; it might even lead to being hunted. Especially Momo. Rangiku herself did not have much value anymore. She had no power or backing to speak off except for her skills, but being former nobility might cause her to be shunned.

"Scarlet…?" Rukia's question brought Rangiku back to the present.

"I was just thinking 'bout how I'll miss you, dear," Rangiku replied without missing a beat.

Rukia smiled at that and hugged the other.

"Do not worry, I shall write you lots of letters!" She laughed aloud after speaking.

Rangiku returned the hug.

"I believe we are done 'ere," she said.

Rukia nodded and they set off for the docks. The clock showed that it was almost time for Captain Kurosaki to pick her up.

There was only a brief exchange of words when they met and soon Rukia had been whisked away to the other ship to return home.

Gin had an inkling that some very interesting events would occur during their journey, but he would have to wait until the next time they met to find out.

Rangiku had similar thoughts of the pair. Thinking back to Rukia's odd actions the other day, Rangiku would not be surprised if the girl had some hidden purposes. She would not believe Rukia to be as sheltered as she seemed. Why else would she not break down over the past few days? However, Rangiku smiled at the thought. She approved of women with a will.

A small tap to her shoulder brought her back.

Rangiku turned around to see Gin standing behind her.

"Captain?" She asked.

"Come with me," he said and left.

Confused, Rangiku still followed his order.

They were going back to his quarter. Inside he pulled something out of the largely filled shelves.

"We'll be stayin' 'ere for a few days and then leaving again," he started.

Then he handed over a small box to Rangiku.

"Do ya know something 'bout this?" He asked.

Rangiku took the box into her hands. It appeared somewhat familiar. As she turned it around, she saw a familiar crest engraved on the bottom.

It was her family's crest.

Rangiku's breath hitched. She gulped and kept a straight face but her miniscule actions did not go by unnoticed, but Gin did not show it.

"This…" She began, "Tis the Haineko family crest, but as I've known, they are no more."

Rangiku went silent. Inside, she was trembling. She wanted to know where and how he got his box from. It was left in a very good condition, so she could still recognize it as her old jewelry box. It was a birthday present from her parents. The rough yet delicate design had been one of her ideas and her parents had asked an artisan to create it.

Nervousness swept through her. She could feel her hands become sweaty.

Opposite her, Gin nodded.

"Tis them," he confirmed.

The strawberry blonde woman hesitated but decided to ask.

"May I ask Captain… Where did you get it from?" Rangiku inquired.

Gin did not answer the question and answered instead, "Was told it ta be a treasured chest which shan't have been left behind by its owner. Had not found someone to give it ta but thought ya might like it. Tis seemed ta fit ya more than any other."

A small but genuine happiness filled her at the words, yet uneasiness nagged at her. Rangiku forced herself to smile as natural as possible, but she felt like her smile was very stiff and feared being found out.

"Why thank ye Captain! Tis is a lovely box!" Rangiku laughed with fake delight.

Of course, Gin caught onto her performance but pretended not to see. He could see but not understand the emotion in her eyes. It was a strange feeling. Instead, he continued with a request of his own.

"Why dontcha accompany me fer a drink tomorrow, Scarlet?" He suddenly asked her.

Rangiku was startled.

"Of course, of course Captain! I would not refuse yer request," she answered, trying to show an earnest expression.

#####

Back in her room, Rangiku was very agitated.

[What is going on? Could it be–? Does he actually know? Why does he have this box – no – why did he give it to me? To me of all people?! I… What am I supposed to think of this?]

Rangiku slumped down on her bed. A sigh escaped her lips and she closed her eyes to calm herself. Taking deep breaths, her body finally settled down and she didn't feel like a rock was pressing on her chest anymore.

[Should I just simply ask him?]

On the inside, she hoped for her search to come to an end, for Gin to be the one. She could feel her fondness of this man growing.

[But what if he isn't the one after all?]

The thought left her in disarray. Fear bubbled up.

Rangiku felt conflicted. Her uncertainty was keeping her indecisive but all the evidence she had gathered pointed towards him. No, she would have to settle this eventually. She pressed her insecurities down. Tomorrow they would go drinking and it would be a good chance for her. She could ask him when his guard was down.

Determination shone in her eyes.

#####

The next day after work was done and evening arrived, the crew of the Ashen Spear spread out to do their own business, whether it involved gambling, drinking or other things.

Meanwhile, Gin and Rangiku sat at a bar and were having an amiable exchange of anecdotes and the like. They had much to talk about and both were feeling more relaxed as the night went on. However, in the corner of Rangiku's mind she was always being reminded of her real purpose. It nagged at her, no matter how comfortable Gin was making her.

The young man opposite her was even more sociable than usual, as if he was indulging her. Rangiku couldn't really understand it or maybe she did, but didn't want to admit it.

"Captain–" Rangiku began.

"Please, call me Gin," Gin interrupted her.

Rangiku felt her face flush as she changed her address.

"Gin, you stories are very entertaining," she told him.

"Anything fer ya, milady," he chuckled as he answered.

Gin was trying his very best to make Rangiku fall for him. He felt that their encounter was a miracle, perhaps even destined to be. He didn't know how she ended up becoming a pirate. He didn't know what had happened to her family to result in being ruined. He didn't know how she had survived until now, but he really wanted to know. He wanted to know what had actually happened that year and why she never tried to find him or ask for his help, because he would have protected and sheltered her, no matter the consequences.

He didn't know if telling her about his circumstances would be a good idea. It had been very hard to hold back and keep pretending that he didn't know when all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and tell her the truth.

Rangiku could feel his gaze on her. It seemed more intense than ever. He was a gentleman tonight. His words and actions signified to her that he had an interest in her. She could tell.

"Would ya like another drink, milady?" He asked her.

Rangiku was swept away by the flow as she agreed.

They kept drinking and talking and drinking and talking. They were getting drunk, quite heavy at that. Gin didn't even notice when he started calling Rangiku by her old nickname and the young woman did not seem to notice it either.

"Ya can really hold yer drink Ran. Ta think that I might lose t'ya. Tis kinda funny," he laughed as his head drooped a little to the side.

Rangiku drowned another cup before replying with a smile upon her lips.

"Ye, me's always had a high tolerance for this. Tis one of the few things I can indulge in."

Gin felt that Rangiku was radiant. Her skin seemed to glow in the dim lighting of the room. Her smile had a sublime feel to it.

"Ah, me thinks am seeing an angel," he couldn't help but say.

The alcohol was definitely getting to his head. He just felt like spilling everything and stopping this mess of a situation he was in.

"Gin, yer such a charmer," Rangiku replied and giggled.

His hand reached out to her face and caressed her cheek. Rangiku leaned into his touch. A serene expression on her face.

Abruptly Gin retracted his hand, surprising Rangiku and they seemed to realize something.

"Shall we return?" Gin asked.

Rangiku simply agreed.

As they left the bar, they walked in silence. It wasn't a comfortable silence. The fresh air seemed to bring some sensibility back into their minds. They were both deep in their own thoughts.

When they arrived at the ship, Rangiku spoke up.

"Gin–," Rangiku started but stopped and switched her address, "Captain, I hafta talk to you."

"Yes, we need ta have a talk," Gin replied, "Come."

She follow him to him quarters and they sat around the table next to each other.

Silence reigned for a while as neither of them spoke, unsure of who should start or who wanted to start.

Rangiku took a deep breath.

"Scarlet–" Gin said but Rangiku interrupted.

She felt like she needed to go first.

"You called me 'Ran'," she replied.

Gin's usual smile was absent.

"Please," she continued, "I need to know… Are you him?"

She hesitated.

"Are you–?"

"Yes, I am," Gin cut her off.

His eyes opened properly for once. His sharp gaze was powerful and filled with emotions she couldn't make out. It shot through her like lightning. She closed her eyes.

"Why– No, when did you find out?" Rangiku asked.

"I overheard ya when ya were talking with Momo," he answered.

His voice held a slight quiver to it.

"Then why… Why did you not tell me?!" Rangiku shouted.

Gin head dropped as he looked at the floor.

"Because I didn't know how ya would react if ya knew twas me," Gin told her with bitterness in his voice.

"Ya ne'er contacted me. Everything I heard about ya I had to find out myself. No clues as to where ya had gone. No letters. No hints. Nothing."

His head dropped into his hands.

Rangiku emotions were in turmoil. Deep down she knew that this wasn't what she wanted to do. She didn't want to shout at Gin. She didn't want to argue. All she wanted was to hug him and tell him how much she had missed him. How much she loved him that she became a pirate to find his whereabouts after his family told gave her this hint. How she had to find him singlehandedly so that they would approve of her.

Tears fell from her eyes. It shocked Gin.

Swiftly he pulled her onto his lap and embrace.

"Please, don't cry Ran. I didn't mean ta make ya cry," he spoke to her panicking.

However, Rangiku didn't stop. Her tears continued to fall as she gripped his clothes, as if letting go would mean that she would never meet him again.

"I missed you," she said through her sobs.

Gin's hand rubbed her back, trying to give her some comfort. He pressed a soft kiss onto her head.

"I missed ya too," he murmured, "And I'll never let ya go again."

Her soft cries echoed in the room for a long time.

#####

Gin looked at the woman in his bed. Rangiku had fallen asleep after exhausting herself crying. He was feeling just as emotionally exhausted. His eyes drooped as he watched the woman he loved.

Something glittered from underneath her neck. Drawn to it, he pulled it out. It was a necklace with a ring on it.

His eyes widened. It was something he would never forget. It was his birthday present to her. A promise he gave her from years ago.

"So ya still have this," he chuckled as he whispered, "Don't worry, mah promise to marry ya will ne'er change."

Soon he fell into a deep slumber.