The less one thinks on their actions the more detached they become. Detached from such simple emotions and the pain they cause. No one mastered such a feet as Ichimaru Gin. A master of deception; a master at fooling himself. A man that could make anyone believe anything. Playing a game for so long, falling into a role so deeply it became who he was. No matter how much he fooled himself to believe the whole time he was in control. Everything fell where he wanted it to, as far as he could see, up until the last moments. Only then did the snake in fox clothing see his own fatal flaw. He was still that same child that saw such horrific acts that vowed to fix the world all on his own. To bring down God himself and protect her. And failed.

If you were to turn into a snake tomorrow

In the final fleeting moments everything passed before him. The only thing he saw was her. He couldn't ask for anything better and she was more then he deserved. So many times he lost his way and almost forgot why he was on this path. Then just the thought of her brought him back. Even when they were young she was always the brightness of the day. Nothing compared to her beauty. From the moment he saw what that vile man did to her he swore to protect her. And make the world into an image where they could be together and she would never have to cry.

In just moments that was taken away. He failed. And here she was crying over him. He was no better then that man. He made Rangiku cry. Leaving her alone. He changed nothing.

and began devouring humans, and from the same mouth you devoured humans,

Gin couldn't utter a word. There was nothing he could do or say. Only grateful he was able to say he was sorry. All he could do was trust that boy to do what he couldn't. One look exchanged he passed the torch. His final moments were in the arms of the woman he loved. He could only hope she knew.

Matsumoto Rangiku. He almost wished he could do it over again. Spend more time with her. Show her and tell her everything he couldn't now. Gin would sweep her up and carry her off to a world that was all theirs. It was all he wanted. To never see those beautiful, perfect blue eyes shed a tear. The limb now laying away from where it belongs longed to rub a thumb under those eyes, brush away those tears he caused. It ached to touch the warm, sweet cheek and tuck the golden locks behind her ear.

you cried out to me, "I Love You!"

A tear fell from his own face. Gin could only think of that he failed. She was crying over him. He made her cry. A snake indeed he was. To not think what such actions would do to her. As much as he wanted to protect her. The sweet voice that sang him to sleep all those years ago in that little shack was now breaking. It was painful to listen to. If only he could stop such a thing. To tell her it would be alright. He wouldn't die in vain. Everything he did was for her.

No. He couldn't say such a heartless thing. To say it was for her? It would be cruel to put such a burden on her. He caused enough. But at least his last moments where in her arms. Ichimaru Gin managed a small, true smile. A thing he all but forget how to do. A smile only for this woman who mourned him. Words were unneeded.

Would I still be able to say "I Love You," the same way I do today?

Ichimaru Gin's death was not in vain. Matsumoto Rangiku was not alone. When this day was over he would be gone but she would still be safe. He could leave her knowing she would never need to cry again. He was leaving her in good hands.

—-

Companion Songs:

Beautiful Disaster - Kelly Clarkson

Almost Lover - A Fine Frenzy