Seeing the third division’s lieutenant smile was a rare treat, Rangiku knew from experience. So to have him here, smiling at her specifically as he walked across the tenth division’s office floor made her want to forget all of her problems – not that she didn’t want to before, but now she didn’t want to think of them lest it ruin the positive atmosphere he was trying to create.
She wasn’t oblivious – Rangiku could tell that Izuru wasn’t necessarily struggling in keeping up his positive demeanor, but it was certainly a bit of a strain. He also had been hurt greatly, if not even more than she had, by the betrayal. After all, she and Gin had only been childhood friends. She had never served under him the way Izuru had and they didn’t share the same kind of bond, if they shared any sort of bond at all. She had thought they had, but…
No, she couldn’t start thinking about that again. It would only lead her mind around in circles and circles about the same specifics she had been tormenting herself with since he had turned around and told her those two words, those two words she was certain she hated more than any other.
“I’ll rescue you from your work if you’re okay with rescuing me from my own work.”
Rangiku laughed. It seemed the two of them would be up to their regular shenanigans in no time at all. They both could use the distraction – after all, the only way to stop lamenting over something was to not think about it, and Rangiku was definitely a self-proclaimed master at forgetting things.
“Of course!” she replied. “Why do you even need to ask? Who do you think I am, that tyrant, Kuchiki-taichou!?”
“Have any plans for what we should do today?” he asked.
“Well,” she started, tapping her chin with her forefinger in seemingly deep thought. She was tempted to suggest they head out for a day of shopping in the world of the living, but she liked to keep that as one of her days out with the girls. While it’d be fun shopping with Izuru for a while, she couldn’t count on getting the same satisfaction in knowing she’d purchased the right clothes as she would with another girl’s eye there to help.
Rangiku knew she and Izuru often spent the majority of their time drinking, and that was always fun, especially when they were in a large group. However, today she thought maybe they ought to spend a little one-on-one time together. It would help with the healing process. “I heard about this new sweet shop in town from one of my division members. We ought to check that out!” And besides, they’d probably head off to their favorite sake joint to wind down after a day of bonding anyway.