Pairing Contest: A Drink to Warm the Heart

   Matsumoto Rangiku shuffled a pile of papers around on the desk, trying to find one she could move to the outbox without actually doing any work. It was chilly outside, winter was coming in Soul Society and her captain had taken a rare break to enjoy the brisk weather.
   Rangiku didn't like the cold. It brought back painful memories.
   She slumped on her arms, groaning loudly. Hitsugaya Taichou hadn't even let her keep the company of her once-secret sake stash. Miserable little thief...
   There was a rap at the door, and Rangiku lifted her head just in time to see a familiar narrow face poke into the room.
   "Good morning, Rangiku," Ichimaru Gin sang teasingly. "Getting some work done?"
   Rangiku scowled. "If only Hitsugaya Taichou would actually help," she griped. "But he's out playing in the leaves and left all this paperwork for me!"
   Gin's usually smiling lips curved into a false frown. "My, my, how mean of him. But with him absent, I suppose you would have to obey if another captain had a favor to ask?" The smile returned, his squinty eyes taking on that hint of genuine friendliness only Rangiku could detect.
   Instantly, her mood improved. "What manner of favor could I possibly do for the Third Division Captain?" she asked, matching his tone, and her childhood friend slipped one hand into his voluminous robes.
   "Keep me company while I enjoy a drink?" he replied, dangling a bottle of sake from two fingers. Rangiku smiled, standing.
   "Gin, you are my savior."
   Gin's smile widened as he opened the door for her. "I know."