The first thing out of Kyoraku's mouth when Nanao called to ask for permission to go to the living world was that they could easily get permission from Hitsugaya Taicho which led to the woman chewing him out over the phone about how she wouldn't be asking him if they could ask the small taicho. He finally gave permission and they headed to the living world.

When they got to Karakura Town the two of them headed to the down town shopping district. Rangiku found herself suddenly smiling when she saw the decorations. "I've always wanted to celebrate Christmas with Taicho. I know it is a bit late to get a tree this year, but maybe next year we can have a tree that the two of us can decorate together."

"Let's stop at the bakery first and see if we can get him a birthday cake as well as other goodies for Christmas. One of the advantages of him having his birthday when he does is that whatever goodies we get today will still be good come Christmas." The two headed over to the bakery and began looking over the treats.

Rangiku glanced at the various cakes. "I'm not sure what kind of cake he would like."

"Chocolate is always a good option as everyone likes chocolate." Nanao leane forward. "There is one over here with icy blue flowers and your division flower."

"Oh... I think that one will do."

"Anything that you want to written on the cake? I'll take it to the back as soon as you finish your purchases."

"Happy Birthday of course." Rangiku moved over to the Christmas cookies.

"So whose birthday is it?"

"My child." The busty female brushed her hair away from her ear as she continued to look at the various treats.

"She'll like this cake," the man behind the counter said.

Rangiku suddenly started. "She is a he."

The man blinked a couple of times. "Most of..."

"My son isn't a normal child. He is mature for his age and you could say the flowers have special meaning for the two of us." She then looked at the various cookies. "I would like to also get some gingerbread cookies, some of those sugar cookie wreathes and the peppermint biscotti."

"How about some of these chocolate cookies as well." Nanao pointed at some of the other cookies. Once they had gotten a bigger variety of the cookies they headed towards the candy shop and picked up various candies including Toshiro's favorite.

They then headed over to a bookstore to pick out the boy's gifts. Rangiku found herself frowning at the various books. "This would be so much easier if he was a normal child and interested in toys and games. Though next year I think I'll get him a game system and a few games so he can be more normal."

"And how are you going to figure out what games he likes?" Nanao shook her head at the other woman before picking up a few books. "He'll likely like some of the classics. Have you ever gotten him to read Manga?"

"I've given him a few in the past, but I almost never see him reading them."

"You actually see him reading them?" The other woman's head titled up in surprise.

"I guess him actually reading them would be a surprise, but I never thought of it being unusual due to the fact he is a child and should be doing some things."

"Why not get him the next in the series then?"

"I think I'll stick to the classical novels. I think getting him a game system is wishful thinking on my part, but then he did enjoy the CD player that Gin got him."

"Listening to music isn't exactly a childish thing to do you know." Nanao picked out the books for her and they headed out. "Why don't we get some crepes? There is a stand over there."

The two moved over and each got a treat for themselves before going and sitting down. The two remained quite for a few bites and then Rangiku spoke up. "I wasn't able to put my finger on it, but I have to admit that I'm jealous of Gin right now."

"Why? Because he's gotten on your son's good side right now? I honestly think Toshiro prefers you for a parent."

"That isn't what I mean. I missed out on seeing taicho... Toshiro's first steps and many of those other little things, but Gin happened to be there for those moments. He also knows what taicho likes and doesn't like way better then I do. I mean, I bet he could pick out games for taicho without much thought and he would get it right. I struggle to get stuff that taicho likes."

"You tried calling him by his first name, but you slipped into calling him taicho Rangiku." Nanao let out a deep sigh. "Gin's missed out some stuff as well you know."

"Like what?"

"Well, myself along with my taicho and Ukitake have noticed how he has matured since the Winter War. He's grown up and matured quite a bit." The woman took a bit of her crepe. "You also told me how you think he has a crush on Kurosaki Ichigo's little sister."

"Yeah, but I'm not sure how I like that idea," the female folded her arms across her chest. "I mean, I was and still am excited about him finally hitting puberty and crushing on a girl, but I hadn't put much mind to him wanting to date someone as I knew I wouldn't have any say. I guess I should be happy that his focus is on Karin and that he's not tempted to get into a relationship that is way over his head."

"He may still try to get into a relationship that is over his head and he may not be crushing on her like you think she is."

"Yeah... he could honestly be telling me the truth when he says they are just friends." Rangiku took another bite of her treat. "But you know, that's another thing Gin's missed out on while he was gone."

"You know what? I may not like the man, but I think the reason he took the pictures was because he knew you were missing out on those moments and wanted to share them with out." Nanao frowned. "Good grief... thinking about him as a caring person feels weird."

"I'm used to it." The busty female brushed some of her hair aside. "So I don't think I'm going to be able to stay mad at him due to the fact I now know he is the person I thought he was despite the fact he hid stuff from me."