Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU and set in the same universe as Tales of the Kingdom.

Noon

Life in the capitol city wasn't quite what Rangiku had expected. Of course, she didn't really have much to basis her perceptions on. The biggest place she had ever been before this could only charitably be called a town. The capitol city really was a city, and there were all sorts of things to see. Rangiku hadn't inquired about how Gin had gotten them the little room at an inn near one of the gardens. She didn't really care. It was simply amazing to see all the different plants and flowers spread out through the garden, and there were all sorts of people who would be walking through it.

All the noise and bustle took some getting used to, but Rangiku didn't really mind. There was always something going on around here. She could watch out their window for hours and never get bored. Of course, there were some drawbacks. Gin seemed convinced that she was going to get herself lost if he let her out of his sight. Just because she didn't exactly have the best sense of direction didn't mean she couldn't navigate her way around places. She just took scenic detours more often than not. Also, despite the fact that they lived together, she saw less of Gin these days.

Rangiku didn't know what Gin spent his time doing, but that wasn't that surprising. He had often disappeared on her when they lived in the shack. He had always come back, and that was what was really important. Though Rangiku did rather wish she had something to spend her time doing. It wasn't like she had any obligations or tasks to fulfill. Mostly, she passed her time by people watching. Sometimes Rangiku wandered around the area near their inn, but she was careful not to go too far and not to let Gin know. She didn't want to worry him.

There were times when she wondered why he worried so much about her. No one else had ever bothered. With a sigh, Rangiku turned away from the window and made a face at herself in the mirror. She was going to need new clothes soon. Her yukata was pretty worn, and Gin's really wasn't that much better. They also only had one haori between them, and when winter hit, she wasn't sure that was going to be enough. She hoped Gin had some ideas about what they were going to do for money for that sort of thing. Rangiku had yet to come up with an idea that would work.

She stretched out on her futon and closed her eyes. She must have drifted off because she woke to the sight of a shock of silver hair and a familiar smile.

"Hungry, Ran-chan?"

Her stomach rumbled in answer. Gin's smile widened. He stepped back to reveal their supper set on the low table in the corner of the room. They didn't often eat downstairs in the common room. The two of them quickly set upon the meal. Neither of them engaged in conversation during their meals. They had both learned to eat what they had when they could early on in their lives. Afterwards though, Gin produced the treat of little cakes with sweet bean paste inside. When those were finally gone, he spoke.

"Ne, Ran-chan, what would you think about becoming an apprentice?"

She looked over at him. "What sort of apprentice? It might be neat. It would be nice to have something to do."

"We-ll," he drew out the word. "I've been accepted as a recruit for the Shinigami Knights, but I didn't want to accept unless you had someplace too. I can't take you with me, you see. I found a lady how should an interest in speaking to you about an apprenticeship though. It would be an interesting job."

That didn't really tell her what the job was though. It didn't exactly surprise Rangiku though. Gin was the master of keeping secrets. She had been a little startled at his interest in the Shinigami Knights, but it did make sense. Rangiku knew he would make for a good knight. Still, it would mean that she wouldn't see him as much. In that case, it would make sense for her to get some sort of job, and it would give her a way to make a living on her own. Sometimes she felt bad about depending on Gin for everything.

"All right. So when do I get to meet this lady?"