Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, or any of the characters mentioned herein.
A/N: This one's on time. Sorry for the delay on the Christmas fic. Enjoy, and Happy New Year's, minna-san!
Glossary
Taichou - Captain
Fukutaichou - Vice Captain/Lieutenant
"Matsumoto," the voice echoed quietly in the empty room.
"Taichou! Wh-what is it, sir?" The Fukutaichou stumbled over her words for a moment, in a haste to dry her eyes.
"You should be at the party," he responded casually, crossing his arms over his chest. "Care to tell me why are you aren't?"
The taller woman sighed as she thought about what to say.
"Why do we celebrate the New Year? Are we celebrating the fact that more battles will come? More of our own will turn on us, and there will be more death. Why do we celebrate that?" She spouted out suddenly, a mix of anger and sorrow in her words. The next thing she said was so quiet, her Taichou almost didn't hear her.
"Why did he leave?" Hitsugaya sighed at this, walking over to the woman seated at the desk.
"Why do you dwell on what happened in this past year? Look ahead of you, Matsumoto. We celebrate the possibilities, the hope, and the chances of the coming year. We don't worry about what could happen until it does. Do you understand?"
The woman sniffed back a sob, nodding slowly. As the minutes ticked away in silence, they could hear faint sounds of the party coming from the other room. As the countdown began, Hitsugaya sighed and turned towards the still-sniffling woman.
"Cheer up, Matsumoto. I will not have my Fukutaichou looking depressed for the entrance of the New Year." The woman nodded numbly in response, wiping at her face.
"Oh, and..."
5...4...3...
In one fluid motion, the captain leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.
2...1...
"Happy New Year, Rangiku-chan."