Christmas Nightmare (Bleach Fanfic)

Christmas Wishes

In Soul Society, the winter that was supposed to bring forth the war finally came, and Christmas was creeping around slowly. While it wasn't a tradition that those in Japan traditionally celebrated, it had seeped into the culture, and eventually that of a few of the Seireitei came to celebrate it year to year. For some reason, after having to deal with Aizen, it seemed as if this was a good way to celebrate, to attempt to take away the pain.

The small taicho of the tenth division though, never really thought about the matter, but didn't mind the subject when it was broached by those around him, nor did he mind getting Hinamori and Matsumoto something every year, as they were in truth like family. He also got his grandmother something, even though she really never knew what the reason for him giving her a gift was, as she had no recollection of having Christmas in her youth, it was rather that new of a tradition.

While there had not come to be any replacements for the captains that had betrayed Soul Society, there was the fact that none of the other captains had been lost, due to Inoue Orihime's ability to heal, and restore to the original state of things. This had meant that things in truth had also come to calm down somewhat, even though there was still a lot of pain to get through, and to get over. And that was why he was in truth in the office today.

It used to be that he would complain to Matsumoto about her getting her job done, and getting her share of the paperwork finished. However, there was the fact that now that the war was finished, there was also less of an influx of the work that had been there before. And there was also the fact that Rangiku was in truth one of the few still dealing with the problems with her relationship with the traitors. He thus choose to give her a little bit of leeway.

He was taking a small break, going off into his dream world and actually relaxing for once, when Matsumoto came into the room, full of cheer for once, which seemed to be less frequent then it used to be, but he really couldn't blame her, as forgiving Gin was going to possibly be a hard one. He glanced up from his work as he suddenly felt himself embraced in one of her hugs. "Matsumoto…"

"Nee… taicho… all I did was hug you! You looked so cute there, staring out the window, and so nice and relaxed. There aren't many times people get to see you in such a mood where you're not giving off a cold aura, but a warm one," she whispered into her ear.

Trying not to mention a certain someone, or bring him to mind, he choose to sidestep the whole matter, and bring up something else. "It is actually snowing outside… you'll be sure to wear something warm?"

"You really shouldn't worry taicho!" Matsumoto grinned and headed over to her desk to sit down. "I know I tend to be down in the dumps lately, but truth of the matter is, I can still take care of myself. It is cute though when…"

"Matsumoto!" the small boy turned and glared at her, his cheeks flushing a little with embarrassment.

"Oh… I forgot… cute is one of those taboo words…" Matsumoto sighed.

"No… forget it Matsumoto… I shouldn't have reacted the way that I did." The small taicho picked up his brush and began to write some more on the paper work.

"Is taicho actually procrastinating?" His lieutenant couldn't help but smile.

"Well… it is nice out today, and the work load isn't as heavy as it was a few months ago," the small boy commented. "So… why are you in a good mood today? Did you enjoy drinking with your drinking buddies last night?"

"Ehh…" Matsumoto became quite, and then glanced out the window.

This caused two teal eyes to suddenly turn and stare at her, watching as her mood darkened, much like he had found her when Gin had disappeared on them. "Did I say something wrong Matsumoto?"