A/N: Well here it is - the story that inspired the previous chapter. Seasonal of course, because the combination of Hitsugaya, Matsumoto and Christmas is just too good to pass up. I was actually hoping to get this out by Christmas day - but better late than never!

I also just wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to review - I really appreciate your support and kind words - Thank You :).

Anyway, let the fluff commence.

Disclaimer: I wrote a letter to Santa but Bleach still doesn't belong to me.


All I Want For Christmas

Hitsugaya resisted the urge to throw the inkwell at his lieutenant as she made her way around the office humming happily and occasionally stopping to hang up another decoration.

"Matsumoto, you're putting up more than last year."

She turned to him, a well practiced expression of innocence on her face.

"But Taicho, don't you think the office looks pretty?"

"I don't know," he said grumpily, "I can't see it."

Smiling at his irritation she stepped back to admire her handiwork, crossing her arms under her chest. Every surface, with the exception of Hitsugaya's desk, had been covered in an assortment of tinsel, paper chains, and other christmas paraphernalia. Even the sofa had been treated to a holiday makeover; silver trimming wrapped around the arms and bright festive cushions replacing the usual plain ones. A modest christmas tree completed the festive theme, its branches adorned with an assortment of blue and green trinkets and topped with a glittering star.

"Well I think it's beautiful."

Hitsugaya grunted noncommittally as he leant forward over his paperwork.

Matsumoto was an enthusiastic observer of every holiday and, despite his protests, always bought her captain along for the ride. Over a dozen times a year their office was transformed into a decorative wonderland as Matsumoto passionately prepared for another excuse to be merry. Christmas was, by far, her favourite event and each year she would delight in buying gifts for everyone she knew, a reluctant Hitsugaya in tow, whether she was shopping in Soul Society or in the living world. This time she had even persuaded the Captain Commander to let her throw a large party for all divisions on Christmas eve and she had talked of almost nothing else for weeks. Hitsugaya had rejected her invitations to attend on a daily basis, which, of course, meant that later that evening he would find himself in the midst of his peers a cheerful Matsumoto by his side, hand firmly wrapped around his arm to stop him from escaping.

A shadow fell over him as he neatly signed the final report of the day. He looked up to see his lieutenant standing in front of his desk, hands behind her back as she smiled down at him. Night had fallen outside and rather than lighting the main lantern, Matsumoto had lit a few well placed candles giving the office a warm glow. Rolling his eyes at her barely repressed excitement he opened the draw to his right and pulled out rectangular shaped present, wrapped in wine coloured paper. Instead of handing it to her he got up from his chair, walking around the table so that he was facing her. In an almost ritualistic manner Matsumoto slowly bought her hands forward revealing a slightly smaller parcel, the paper covering it featuring little white dragons in Santa hats. They placed their respective gifts on the wooden surface of the desk.

"You go first," Hitsugaya said, lips twitching at the way she immediately snatched up his gift to her.

A wooden box lay under the dark red paper and Matsumoto let out a small gasp as she raised the lid. Inside lay a beautiful set of four sake cups that seemed to shimmer in the light ranging in colour from dark grey to blue green. Almost hesitantly, she took one in her hands holding it gently.

"But Taicho," she said, a little breathlessly, "you hate it when I drink."

"I don't hate it," he said, looking down at his feet, "I just wish you were more selective about where and when you do it. Besides isn't christmas about getting people the things they want."

He looked up at her almost shyly.

"If you don't like it I can get you something else."

"No, I love them, honestly, after my scarf its probably the most thoughtful and beautiful present I have ever been given. I was just surprised, that's all."

Hitsugaya tried, and failed, to suppress a pleased smile at the mention of the first gift he had given her. After carefully setting her cups down on the desk Matsumoto pushed the remaining parcel toward her captain.

"If presents really are about the other person's wants I guess I only got it half right," she said.

He took hold of the gift hesitantly, wary of the mischievous glint in her eyes. Shaking his head slightly at the festively dressed dragons he peeled back the paper, revealing a collection of exquisitely crafted spinning tops. They had been carved from oak, and the flat side of each one was inlaid with blue green opal in the shape of a dragon.

"For your secret collection," Matsumoto said with a wink.

"They're amazing," he said, abandoning any embarrassment over his hobby in favour of the gratitude he felt, "Thank you."

He was about to throw the paper away when he noticed a small plant clipping. Curious, he held it up.

"What's this?"

Matsumoto gave him the kind of smile that made most men weak at the knees.

"That's my half of your present," she said, moving a little closer.

"What do you mean?" He said, holding his ground despite his better judgement.

"Well, I've been saving this particular christmas tradition for someone special."

She was now so close that their noses were almost touching, blue eyes staring deeply into green.

"You see, Taicho," she continued, raising a hand to touch the small plant that hung between them, "this is called mistletoe and when two people meet underneath it they have to kiss."

Then, before he had time to fully comprehend what she was saying, she leant forward and softly pressed her lips to his.

"Merry Christmas, Taicho," she whispered as she pulled away a moment later, her cheeks slightly pink.

He stared at her, eyes wide and mouth slightly open, unable to articulate any of his unruly thoughts. Matsumoto smiled sweetly at his surprise, her face seeming to glow in the ambient light of the office.

"I'll meet you at your place in an hour Taicho, so we can go to the party together."

She turned to pick up her gift before leaving. Hitsugaya wasn't quite sure if he managed to nod in response, his mind still on the brief kiss they had shared. Hearing the door close he raised one hand to his lips, his eyes on the mistletoe which was still in his hand.

Placing the small plant on top of his presents he looked around at the extravagantly decorated room. He smiled, his heart beating oddly in his chest as he wondered what other traditions Matsumoto might have 'saved up' over the years.


Wishing Everyone

A MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!