Well, I didn't train today. They just put me staight onto the floors. It was a bit intimidating, plus I felt really sick at one point. I work tomorrow too, but my sister's the top waitress tomorrow, so I can bug her allllll I want. She's a good kid.

Thanks to: MissTeak, Sensei7, and Bankai Betty. You guys are all awesomesauce. Also, Happy Valentines Day, my lovely readers!

Disclaimer: I can't remember if I put one anywhere in here yet. I don't own Bleach, Kubo Tite does. No moneys in this for me, (though I do accept reviewer love!) just doing it for the fun of it all.


8. Death

One day, Gin and Rangiku were walking down the street towards home; it was a hot, hazy day in summer when most tasks seemed nearly unbearable. Rangiku understood now why Gin had insisted they buy the ratty old fan in the middle of winter; now the prices were much higher. He was always thinking ahead, something she could not help but admire.

It was also the kind of day that made trouble. Hot, cranky people with too much time to do nothing but laze in the shade flew to shouting too easily. Gin had stayed by Rangiku's side all day.

They heard the shouts first. "Yeah, kick it again!"

"Serves it right for stealing my food."

"Yeah!" was repeated several times.

Gin walked in front of Rangiku, changing from companion to protector in a heartbeat. She wanted to tell him she could take care of herself, but he would just give her a look, and go on doing exactly as he had before.

Three boys about their age came into view. Piteous moans from some small animal filled the silence between the boys' shouts. Gin went up to them. Rangiku could see that his smile was more like a grisly grimace now. "Ya should stop tha' now."

One boy paused. "What? Or are you going to make me stop? Three to one?" He laughed, and kicked the animal again. Rangiku drew closer and cried out softly. It was a little orange tabby cat, though she could not be sure of the markings for blood.

Rangiku caught a glimpse of his eyes as he flew at the boy, tackling him to the ground. Immediately, a second boy tried to help the first, but the third went after her. The thing of it was, though, Gin had taught her how to fight, an offer of protection when he was not there. Rangiku may have been smaller than the boy, but she was smart, and deceptively strong. She used every trick she remembered, and then the boy was running, and the other two boys, looking worse for the wear, went running as well, stumbling, clutching at arms for noses.

Rangiku looked at Gin, panting. He had a few scratches on him, a few bruises, but Rangiku knew he was scary when he fought.

"Tha' was'n right," Gin said.

"Yeah."

The little cat made a low, pained cry.

Rangiku teared up. "Maybe we can help him."

Gin nodded slowly and carefully gathered the kitten into his arms, walking carefully to avoid jarring the cat. Rangiku gathered up the food they had dropped in the fight and followed him.

At home, Gin made a little nest out of a blanket so threadbare they no longer used it even as an extra cover. Rangiku heated water, and washed bandages. With gentle hands, she washed the wounds, and bound them when she could. The little cat made such piteous noises and never struggled against her. Rangiku knew that was not a good sign.

The pair sat vigil, dinner forgotten, beside him. They took turns stroking the cat's head, trying to comfort him without hurting him anymore, and they cleaned each other's marks of battle; even when they wanted to forget everything else except the little cat, they still knew the dangers of infections.

The little cat grew quieter as the hours passed. The occasional blink was the only movement the cat made, eventually even his cries fell silent.

Not long after dawn broke, Gin and Rangiku saw the change; how the soul left those pained eyes. Rangiku's breath shuddered, and tears filled her vision, but she closed the little cat's eyes with every bit of gentleness she could.

Gin was mute beside her, unmoving. Rangiku touched his arm lightly. He turned towards her abruptly, flinging himself into her arms. Sobs wracked his body, he shook all over. Rangiku wrapped her arms around him, crying, and surprised at his reaction too; always he had been the reserved one. He held onto Rangiku so tightly it nearly hurt, but he could not stop the tears.

Eventually, they buried the little cat, both quiet and subdued. They said no words, offering the wishes in their hearts, and marked the site with the prettiest rocks they could find.

Much later, Gin said, "Someday, that'll happen to us."

"Yeah," she said softly.

Now she understood his overwhelming reaction; he had been sad about the little cat, but Gin had realized his mortality, and to someday take the little cat's place terrified him. That night, they slept side-by-side, as close as they would in the depths of winter, seeking solace in each other's presence.


Well, this wasn't the greatest one for Valentine's Day, but the theme fell when it did. I actually like this one pretty well. It was inspired by a comment in the anime about how Gin is afraid of death.

Reviews are my chocolate!