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.

Dusk

Everything was going to change tonight. Gin had known it was coming. Once Kyoraku had been back on the scene it was only a matter of time before the Crown Princess put an end to Aizen's attempts to marry her off. Even if Rangiku hadn't warned him about the princess' affection for her champion, Gin would have seen this outcome. Shunsui Kyoraku was actually the most logical candidate for the princess' husband in the first place. Aizen wasn't happy it, but there was nothing he could do to stop the match other than killing the princess or the Kyoraku (not easy tasks). His only choice would be to cause as much disruption as he could and flee the country ahead of his plans.

And that meant this was most likely Gin's last night here. It wasn't an idea he liked, but he knew it was necessary. Aizen wasn't going to be stopped without the inside information Gin could provide, and if the man wasn't stopped, the consequences would not be good for Seireitei. And they wouldn't be good for Rangiku. Gin was all too aware of what could happen to a woman like Rangiku if Aizen took over. Aizen didn't care about what happened to the people of Seireitei save for how it effected his plans. Gin was all too aware if Aizen knew just how important Rangiku was to him, the man wouldn't hesitate to use her against him.

Gin slipped into position. He had already informed Rangiku of Aizen's plans, and she would be spread the warning. There were times when it was exhausting playing two roles. Tonight he would have to be all over the place, and there would be very little time to say goodbye to Ran. He didn't want to leave her without saying goodbye. He didn't know when he would be able to come home, and there were a few things that she needed to know. He sighed. It was going to be a long night.

When the opportunity to speak to Ran finally occurred, he took it. It wasn't as private as he would have liked, but he didn't really have a choice at this point. Her face stay calm as he explained, but her hand tightened around her wrist.

"I'll come back to you as soon as I can, Ran-chan. I promise."

Rangiku nodded silently before pulling him down for a searing kiss. As he left to rejoin Aizen, Gin took her parting words with him.

"I love you, Gin."