Author's Note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.
You've Heard He Has a Temper
Gin would say that his first official date with Rangiku was a success. They were currently lingering over dessert. After the movie (which had actually been pretty good; there had been at least a dozen explosions), he and Ran had debated and then settled on a little place that was kitty corner from the city's central library. It had been the right choice. The food had been delicious, and Ran's eyes had lit up when she saw the dessert menu. His nervousness had melted away once Rangiku had opened her front door, and Gin could honestly say that this was one of the best nights he'd had in a while.
With a satisfied sigh, Rangiku finished the last bite of her chocolate raspberry cheesecake. "That was great."
He paid the bill, and arm in arm, they began a leisurely walk back to Rangiku's apartment. It had stopped raining which was nice, and the downtown area was rather pretty at night. Rangiku seemed perfectly content to meander the way home in silence. Gin had never really expected to get to have this with her. As long as Aizen had been a threat, Gin hadn't been about to make a target over Rangiku. It had been bad enough that Aizen had ties that could cut his research funding to hold over him without giving the man a personal target to go after. However, now with Aizen in disgrace, Gin's funding should be safe enough.
And he would have sacrificed it anyway if that was what it took to protect Ran. She was too important to him to risk. Rangiku snuggled a little closer to him and rest her head on his shoulder, shaking him out of his thoughts. He smiled down at her; she was falling asleep.
"Come on, Ran-chan. Let's get you home before you nod off completely."
She was a little more awake by the time they reached her apartment, and she invited him in for some tea. Gin accepted. He listened as Rangiku puttered around her kitchen. Her apartment reflected her personality: warm colors with all sorts of interesting items laying around. There was clutter, but he had no doubt that Ran had all of the various piles organized, and if he moved anything she'd be annoyed with him. Rangiku appeared bearing two steaming mugs. She settled beside him on the couch, and for a few minutes they just sat together sipping their tea.
"Ne, Gin, I have a question." Rangiku sounded a little hesitant.
"Yes?"
She sighed. "You don't have to answer this. I'm just being curious and nosey. I wanted to know how you knew about Aizen's plans. And why you turned him in."
