Fireworks

Chapter 4: Alone

The Fireworks Show ended around 10:00 in the evening and as they got down, Aizen helped Rangiku get off the roof. "Perhaps you'd like to stay for some tea and cookies. I failed to offer you some food while we were watching the show, and I know you haven't had your dinner yet." he told her.

She thought for a while and then smiled. "Actually, I was thinking of going out for some late night drinks, but okay, I'll take your offer." she said.

He nodded and led the way inside the second floor of his barracks. Rangiku followed after him. "That show was awesome! I can't wait for the next one! And I hope by then, I'd be rich so I could afford passes." she said. "Hey, maybe we could go and watch the show together again!"

"Sure," he responded simply with that ever-charming smile on his face. Rangiku began to wonder if he was the type of man charm his way to someone's heart with his geeky charm and handsome smile. Maybe those are the reasons why he is well-liked by his subordinates as well as his students at Shinou Academy. As for her, she could not help but feel charmed by his actions as well, but she decided to keep those things to herself.

The two of them shared a late snack together in silence and at times, they would be interrupted when some of Aizen's subordinates would pass by the dining area and would be surprised with Rangiku's presence there. Those witnesses would eventually end up gossiping about the two of them.

Or maybe not. "It's her birthday and we're having a small party here. You could join if you want to." Aizen said. His tone seemed to make a silent threat that if they gossiped or had malicious thoughts about them, he would take immediate action by punishing or firing those concerned. The subordinates immediately understood what he meant but they refused his offer to join him. After all, part of his tone indicated that they should just go away and pretend they did not see anything.

As soon as the subordinates left, Rangiku turned to Aizen, "Captain Aizen, I couldn't thank you enough for this. I don't know how to properly express gratitude, but perhaps I could just pay you back on your birthday?"

"No need to, Rangiku." he said.

"I insist. I'll treat you to lunch or something... or maybe a few drinks? Next year?" she asked.

He thought for a few moments in silence and then he shrugged. He smiled that charming smile of his again. "Why not? Next year, then. The two of us. Just like this."

But there were no celebrations next year because of the sudden spur of events that happened. Sosuke Aizen had betrayed Soul Society together with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tousen, and their small group left for Hueco Mundo.

Fast forward several years later when the next Fireworks Show would take place. Soul Society was not exactly in peace but Sosuke Aizen was captured and imprisoned, Gin is presumed dead and Kaname Tousen died during the battle at Karakura Town.

When Rangiku saw the announcement for the Fireworks Show that was posted on the bulletin board outside her Captain's office, she just stared blankly at it. Her gaze drifted to the date: May 29.

Sosuke Aizen's birthday.

She remembered that it was May 29 already but nobody seemed to have remembered his birthday. Then again, who would want to remember or celebrate the birthday of someone like him?

That night, she watched the fireworks alone on the rooftop of the Fifth Squad's barracks on the spot where she Aizen sat several years ago and after the show, she went back to Tenth Squad's barracks and ate a few cookies with a cup of tea.

-End-

Author's Note: This is supposed to be a one-shot but I decided to divide it into chapters so it would not be long and grueling to read. I guess AizenxRangiku is my favorite crack pairing. There is just something about those two.