Story Title: Second Chance

Pairing: Gin Ichimaru X Rangiku Matsumoto

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, only this story. Fufu.

A/N: Since, I don't like a sad ending for Gin and Rangiku, I decided to write a fanfic for them. I believe these two deserve their own happy ending, don't you agree?

By the way, the first two chapters are written in the first person perspective to set up the mood. After that, the alternate ending will be revealed. So stick around, okay? :D

His Sacrifice

(Gin's POV)

"I'm Sorry."

I'm glad I said those words to you before the Negative Aster took me up in the sky together with my fellow conspirators.

From that moment, I left my past self behind.

I am no longer the boy you met in the snow laden village. Nor am I the 3rd Division Captain.

I am now Gin Ichimaru, the fox-faced traitor.

I've become one of the sworn enemies of Soul Society.

Too bad, you're not like me who can always smile at any time.

That day, I would've liked to see your smiling face- even if it's only a fake one.

It might have been my small consolation because I can never return to your side.

But I guess it's for the best. If you had smiled for me, I would've wavered.

I can't afford such feelings.

I have made my choice.

There's no turning back anymore.

"I'll kill him."

That is my life's goal.

Not for something noble like saving Soul Society but for my own selfishness.

I'm not the type to meddle in other people's affairs but Aizen made a dreadful mistake.

He hurt the most precious to me and that I can't forgive.

Hate was all I have within me.

Hate for the person who stole the essence of your beautiful soul.

No matter what it takes I will kill him, even if I had to join him in his scheme and become evil myself.

I'm fine with being hated, even by you.

It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

I am a snake after all.

My skin is cold, I have no heart and Aizen is my prey.

For decades, I persevered to be the closest to him.

So when the time comes, I'll be the one to land a fatal blow.

I'll constrict him and engulf him whole.

Only vengeance by my hand can satisfy me.

Yes, that's the sort of creature I've become.

"I'm going to become a Soul Reaper and change things."

These are the words I've said to you before I set out and left you behind.

I thought I was protecting you then. You are safer in Rukongai than being with me.

But I never imagined you'd become a Soul Reaper yourself.

I wish you stayed put and waited for my return.

Now I have no choice but to change in front of your eyes.

I have to be cruel and heartless.

So that I can fix everything just like I promised.

I'll make it so you never have to cry again.

"Why did you come here?"

I asked you when you suddenly appeared before me in Karakura Town.

I almost let my mask slip when Aizen wanted to deal with you personally.

It's too dangerous for you to be here, can't you see that?

Here I am wanting to keep you safe yet you always run head on towards danger.

I tried vainly to push you away yet you still try to follow me.

You kept on trusting me despite my coldness and my evil ways.

Even when I left you and betrayed all, you still want to know the truth.

Tell me, how could you see through me so easily?

I never really understood you and perhaps, I'll never get the chance.

"Ah."

I can't move my body without the pain piercing through me.

As I try to breathe, memories of our past flash through my mind in fast forward.

So this is what it's like before dying.

My lies have finally caught up with me and I paid the price.

I guess I deserve this for all the blood I've shed.

"Gin!"

You shout for my name with a hint of desperation in your voice.

Just like that time when I was leaving you.

I really am in a bad shape huh?

But for some reason, your spirit force is warming me up like a flame.

It's comforting you're here during my last moments but too cruel for you.

You shouldn't have come here. You should just let me die alone.

But I know even if I have the power to say that, you wouldn't do as I say. You are too soft hearted for that.

Ah, now you're crying. I can feel your tears in my face.

I want to see you one last time but my eyelids refuse to open for me.

My life is ebbing away and I can't even comfort you.

Pathetic. I swore to never let anyone make you cry again but I'm the one causing you pain.

If I could, I'll never make you cry again. I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life.

This time I'll never leave you behind.

If only I'll live through this.

Hah. But it's such a vain hope. Someone like me is unworthy of a miracle.

Death, for me, is inevitable. I thought I was prepared but somehow, I still have regrets.

I failed to kill him. I failed to bring back what you lost. I failed you.

I'm sorry, Rangiku.