I do not own Bleach, but please do not use my original characters. Thanks.

Chapter 3

Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto knew she'd never understand Captain Isshin Shiba's decisions. Even decades later there were still thinks she just didn't understand.

Like why he took such a liking to Kei Saito.

She didn't mind that decision though.

"Rangiku, did you start without me?"

Rangiku looked up and found Kei standing over her with a smile plastered on her face. There were bags under Kei's hazel eye, but she stood taller than she had in long time.

"Kei," cheered Rangiku. "I thought you weren't coming, so I started."

"I'm early, Rangiku," sighed Kei. "You're a real handful sometimes."

"That's so inappropriate," mocked Rangiku. Kei didn't give a response. "Now come here and drink with me. You're too busy anymore."

Kei just rolled her eyes before ordering more sake and food from the waitress and sitting at the table across from Rangiku. The bar had just started to grow a crowd for the night.

"You look happy, Kei."

Kei just shrugged and watched the people in the bar. There were plenty of Soul Reapers wandering around, enjoying themselves.

"How do you like training with a Division 11 member," questioned Rangiku. "Is he good looking?"

"It's pretty good. He's a nice guy. Not my type though."

Rangiku just hummed before enjoying her own cup. She knew very well who was Kei's type, but didn't dare bring it up. Kei would refuse to answer if Rangiku brought it up until she got annoyed enough to list the dozens of reasons it was stupid.

"Why do you have to spend time with them anyways," pouted Rangiku. "I get to spend less time with you. Are they that fun?"

"Ginjirō sent me there for Shikai. He claims that if I can achieve it, I'll be the next Lieutenant of Division 6."

Kei didn't need to say much else. Rangiku could hear how bitter she sounded. Rangiku wanted to say something to comfort her, but knew there was nothing to say and didn't want to ruin the mood.

"How's Toshiro? Sick of you yet."

Rangiku smiled as Kei watched her. A signal to not talk about Shikai, but that Kei wasn't upset enough to leave.

"He's so grumpy," whined Rangiku. "I don't remember him being like this. The two of you were so cute and small before and now he's mean and you left."

"Poor Rangiku," teased Kei. "So upset with us you dump all your paperwork on Toshiro."

"It's the least he can do since he let you transfer."

Kei laughed at that comment. It was nice to see her laughing and happy.

The two women spent the rest of their evening chatting and drinking. Rangiku did most of the drinking though, since Kei couldn't hold her liquor all that well.

"Why can't you come back," whined Rangiku as Kei settled the bill. Rangiku would try to remember to pay her back tomorrow. "You know you miss Division 10. You miss me. I mean who wouldn't."

"I like Division 6, Rangiku."

"No. You like Captain Kuchiki."

Rangiku smiled as Kei glared at her slightly.

"He's an excellent Captain, Rangiku."

"Not what I mean. You think he's handsome."

"You're drunk," chirped Kei. Rangiku noted that it wasn't a no. "Let's get you home before you start any rumors."

"I don't want to stop tonight. We can still have more fun."

"I have plenty to do tomorrow, so no. But I am free on Sunday."

"Perfect," cheered Rangiku. "I'll leave the paperwork to Toshiro then."

Rangiku watched as Kei paused before laughing with a shake of her head. Paperwork would still be around, but time with Kei was becoming less and less frequent.

It wasn't long before the two women were making their way to Division 10, Kei not wanting to leave Rangiku wandering around by herself. Rangiku leaned on Kei to keep herself from swaying as the continued to talk and laugh, mostly at Toshiro's expense.

"My, my. What are you two doing wandering around so late at night?"

Rangiku felt Kei tense as she found herself getting excited. Standing in front of them was Gin Ichimaru, Captain of the Third Division and Rangiku's long time friend. He smiled as usual with closed eyes.

"Gin," said Rangiku, letting go of Kei and waking towards the Captain. She stumbled, but he was quick to catch her and help her stand. His hands were like ice.

"Rangiku, you really should be careful," he chided. "Hello, Kei."

"Captain," replied Kei. Rangiku pouted as Kei watched Ichimaru carefully. "I was just escorting Rangiku back to Division 10, if you don't mind."

"Always so serious," he mocked. "You and your Captain really should relax a bit. That much tension can't be good for you."

"I think we manage just fine."

Rangiku glared up as Gin as he glanced down at her.

"Why don't you let me take Rangiku back to the Division," he offered. "I heard you've been burning the candle at both ends. Training with Division 11. Does your Captain know?"

"Rangiku-"

"It's fine, Kei," interrupted Rangiku. "You can head back."

Kei didn't move for a few seconds, still watching Gin.

"Kei, it's fine. You can head back home."

Rangiku relaxed a little as Kei let out a sigh and crossed her arms. Rangiku pouted a little and watched Kei's stern expression crack a bit.

"Rangiku, I don't mind."

"I know, but you should get back to Division 6. I'll be fine. I'll see you on Sunday, okay?"

"Fine," sighed Kei. "Just stay safe, Rangiku. Captain."

"Bye, bye," teased Gin, waving as Kei began to walk away. He waited until she was out of sight to say much more. "Such a serious little friend you have Rangiku."

"You shouldn't tease her. She's a sweetheart."

"Really, because she seems to despise me. Did you tell her yet about me knowing her little secret?"

Rangiku tensed as a lump formed in her throat.

"Rangiku, you really should tell her."

"I know, but just keep it between us for now, Gin. Kei needs someone else on her side and you're the only person I could tell. Just give me some time."

"Alright, Rangiku. If you insist, but I do hope you two are careful about this."

"Thank you, Gin."

"Now, let's you get back to your Division."