Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach...But I do in my dreams

AN: hn, been a long time, no? lol. This is short, like all the other chapters.. but I just had to update because to my utter disgust there is a rise in HitsuHina fanfics and I don't like it. At all. So I did the only thing I can do, and thats update! anyways, this isn't the chapter I promised, but I hope its decent...and three cheers for 1,548 hits so far!! Thanks.
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"What's your name?" his voice was smooth yet it seemed to echo in her head.

"M-Matsumoto. Matsumoto Rangiku" she answered timidly, it had been a long time since someone has asked her that. A long time.

"How old are you, Matsumoto?"

She hung her head, ashamed.

"You don't know?" he replied for her, "then when's your birthday?"

She shrugged again, unable to find her voice.

"Then let today be your birthday, the day you are no longer alone."

Her silent silver eyes followed after him as he walked away. And her voice was found.

Matsumoto crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. She knew she was missing an important meeting, but at this point she didn't care. She couldn't handle another meeting about the betrayal, only because she would hear his name too many times. The name that pounded in her head whenever it was spoken, the name that was screamed in her ears every time it was whispered and the name that reopened wounds.

Ichimaru Gin.

She had been in denial for some time now. Lying to herself about his betrayal, telling herself that he would come back. But on this day of all days, everything became clear. He was gone. He had stepped out of her life as fast as he came in, leaving nothing but footprints on her heart.

His smooth and calming voice replayed in her head. Memories became clearer and everything was coming back to her, painfully.

Then let today be your birthday, the day you are no longer alone.

She had believed him, and she felt utterly foolish for doing so. He had told her she would never be lonely again. He told her so much, so many words of promise, and she believed him. Not only did he betray Soul Society, he betrayed her.

Reality came crashing in on her in that moment. It felt like everything was slowly fading away. Everything vanished and she was surrounded by nothingness. She was alone.

She couldn't deny it, She couldn't lie because he was gone and he wasn't coming back. She couldn't pretend like everything was alright because she had no one to pretend in front of. She had no one and she was alone.

"Matsumoto fuku-taichou."

The voice was serene, strong and familiar. Her captain's voice was so different then the one that played with her mind.

"You weren't at the meeting."

She didn't face him, "I know. Gomen, taichou."

An understanding silence passed between the two.

"I'll come back later," His voice was delicately laced with worry.

She was surprised by what he said, "Thank you, Taichou."

He looked back at her, "By the way… Happy Birthday, Matsumoto."

She smiled one of her priceless smiles and her eyes were glittered with happiness.

"Thank you, Taichou"

Because I am no longer alone.