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.

Evening

Rangiku did her best to keep from fidgeting or playing with the sleeve of her formal kimono. She was a little nervous, but she was determined not to let it show. This was her first appointment as a full geisha. It was also her first appointment with her patron. Rangiku wasn't quite sure how she had ended up with a patron, so early in her career, but she wasn't going to complain. Not when her patron had paid all the expenses she had incurred as an apprentice and then gone on to provide her with the beginnings of her own wardrobe. Oh, she still had the resources of her okiya at her disposal, but Rangiku enjoyed having something of her own as well.

Especially since she knew that she would leave her profession at some point. Geisha did not marry, and she hoped to. Rangiku had comes to terms with the fact that she was in love with Gin. Hopefully, one day they would be able to have a life together even if right now that wasn't a possibility. She had seen very little of him since he had become a full knight last year. Rangiku knew that he was busy, but she still missed him. The last time she had seen him was nearly four months ago now, and he had just been made a division lieutenant. Rangiku was quite proud of him.

The garden was beautiful in the autumn. Rangiku's kimono reflected the reds, oranges, and yellows of the maple trees around her. She hoped her patron would hurry up and arrive. Waiting was one of the few things that tended to make her nervous.

"Ne, Ran-chan, you look a little lonely."

Only her training kept her from starting. Once again, Gin had sneaked up on her from behind. Rangiku turned around to find her friend grinning his usual grin and wearing a captain's haori. She beamed.

"You made captain!"

Gin reached out and tapped her nose. "And you're a full geisha. Not bad for a pair of uncivilized orphans."

Rangiku laughed. "I wished you had let me know sooner. I have an appointment with my patron, but we need to celebrate."

His grin morphed from the regular mask he wore to a real smile. "Not a problem, Ran-chan, or should I call you Lady Kiku from now on."

"I've always been Ran-chan to you." Rangiku's eyes widened as she caught his implication. "You're my patron?"

He nodded and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "I wasn't going to let anyone else take the position."

They began walking together through the gardens. Rangiku couldn't help remember that these were the very gardens she had so often watched when they had first arrived in the capitol.

"Ne, Ran-chan, I may need your help with a few things."

That caught her attention. "What sort of things?"

"Well you see…"