He would always remember the frigid winter breeze as it filtered into their tiny home, sweeping up his silver strands of air and leaving goose bumps all over his skin. Creamy pale limbs tangled under sheets, pulling them upwards in an attempt to shield his body from the cold. He had always been unsuccessful in keeping himself warm.

Often times the air was so cold, his fingers would turn a light shade of blue. He’d shiver as he’d continue to feed their little fire with sticks and pieces of wood he had collected before the long winter months had arrived. Though he sometimes felt he would freeze to death, he hardly ever complained.

Gin had always gone out of his way to make sure that the little girl who shared his home remained as warm as possible, putting his own needs on the backburner in order to keep her feeling safe. He had grown to care for her more than his own life, though he wouldn’t ever admit that aloud. It was too scary for him at that age, the idea of love. The feelings that overwhelmed him as he watched her body shake left his heart feeling heavy, wanting desperately to make everything better.

He had only ever wanted to make everything better…

…To set right everything that had gone wrong in her life. He was a snake, a boy capable of sneaking his way through any situation unscathed. His soul had lost its innocence years ago, using any means necessary to protect his life. But Rangiku… the innocent little girl that he had found one day by chance… he would protect her at the cost of his own life, never asking for anything in return.

His only exception.

He would always remember giving her his only blanket, and cuddling up to her tiny body only so that he could keep her warm with his body heat, hoping it would help her to sleep. Always selfless, always ready to help. Always there for her, even if it was only in spirit. And he always would be, whether it was holding her close on nights such as these, or watching over her after he sacrificed his entire life for her.

Soft kisses to her eyelids and forehead helped comfort him before he fell asleep, pulling her close and grabbing her hand as he finally began to rest. He’d feel her body relax and then nuzzle up to him, and a genuine smile would fall upon his lips before he fell unconscious.

No matter how cold it grew to be in that tiny little shack, the warmth emitted from his body wrapped around her and kept her safe. His love poured out through him in these moments, holding her tightly to him.

He would always remember moments like these, when it was only the two of them. When there was no one else… no lies, no heartache, no pain. No tears.