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

[Edit:] The next chapter will be a full story so look forward to it!

Her Resolve

(Rangiku'S POV)

"Farewell Rangiku. I'm sorry."

These are the words you said to me before you disappeared before my eyes towards the light that threw Soul Society into chaos.

I didn't understand what you meant back then.

It was different from the time you left me behind.

Your farewell felt so final as if I'll never see you again.

It scared me.

Everyone else felt hate towards you, especially Captain Hitsugaya.

You helped Captain Aizen fake his death, endangered Hinamori, fooled your Lieutenant Izuru and betrayed me, your childhood friend.

Despite that, I can't bring myself to hate you.

I can't erase the painful look on your face from my mind.

It kept haunting me, like the sight of your retreating back.

That's why I'll keep on chasing after you.

I want to hear the truth from your own lips.

I won't let you go until the cloud of doubt in my heart lifts.

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

You said it with a lot of conviction.

For a second, I thought you were cool.

But surprise turned to concern when I noticed the blood smear on your face.

Without a word of explanation or saying goodbye, you left.

You moved forward confidently, your gaze set on the path before you.

You didn't even invite me to come with you.

I chased after you despite the biting cold but not once did you glance at me.

Why are you leaving me behind?

Am I a burden to you?

Am I that unreliable?

Or is it because I'm powerless?

These thoughts swirled in my head and made my steps grow heavy until I fell on my knees and watched you go through my tears.

I cried out your name over and over until my throat hurt.

The idea of not seeing you again broke my heart.

You are my best friend, my hero.

I can't let you go to a faraway place where I can't reach you.

I can't let you out of my sight.

I'll be with you even if it meant I have to become a Soul Reaper myself.

"Why?"

Why did you decide to work under Aizen?

Why did you betray Soul Society?

Why did you betray me?

But no matter how much I want to know,

You answer my question with another question and I end up not knowing anything.

It's frustrating!

I don't know what's what anymore.

Where is the "Gin" I know who saved me back then?

Where is the boy who gave me my own birthday and treated me kindly?

When it comes to you, I am always at a loss.

Sometimes, I feel like I don't know you.

Why can't you open your heart to me?

Why can't you share with me your pain?

I'm here now because of you.

So trust me when I say, I'll be there by your side.

"You're a nuisance."

Your words stopped me cold.

The cold edge of your Shinsou pressed against my throat.

No! I can't die here without hearing your reasons.

I tried to clutch my zanpakutou but it was too late.

I lost consciousness.

I lost the chance to save you from the darkness.

"Gin!"

I woke up with a start. Everything whirled around me as I struggled to breathe.

I'm not dead.

This sensation is… Hakufuku.

There is only one reason for you to take me out yourself.

And as if waking up from a dream, your farewell suddenly made sense.

Cold sweat prickled down my spine as I sensed your spiritual force near Aizen's.

No, it can't be.

The pain in my abdomen is forgotten as I struggled to get to you.

Don't do anything stupid, Gin!

I thought over and over, wishing with all my heart that my hunch is wrong.

Gin… Gin… Gin…

I flash stepped my way from one rooftop to the next like a madwoman.

I have to reach you in time.

Suddenly, your spiritual force became faint.

My heart thudded with dread.

I jumped down from the last building and as if by slow motion, I saw you laying there against an inclined piece of wall with blood gushing from the deep diagonal cut on your chest and your severed arm a meter away.

Gin!

I touched your face and felt little warmth.

No! Please, it can't be true.

You're alive just a few minutes ago.

I let out a scream as tears rolled down my face.

This is my fault.

I shouldn't have wavered.

I should have trusted you more.

I should have chased after you relentlessly and tied you down.

Don't you dare die on me!

I haven't told you my feelings yet.

Don't let this end with me not being able to catch you.

Wake up! Please, open your eyes!

Don't leave me like this, Gin!