ᴍᴀᴛꜱᴜᴍᴏᴛᴏ

As soon as Hitsugaya heard her say that, he carefully entered so as not to drop the gift he had brought for the lieutenant. In a few steps, he was inside. — I haven't forgotten how important today is to you. That's why I brought you this. — Cont.

+(Birthday starter for @LieutenantMatsu.)+ Hitsugaya stood a few meters from Rangiku's room, carrying a gift enclosed in a black box with subtle silver details. It was simply a collection of goblets and a sake jug that he had purchased in the world of the living. Cont.

The hug left the captain a little unprepared, but even with a blush on his face, Hitsugaya embraced Rangiku with the same affection that the lieutenant has for her captain. Hitsugaya seemed unable to find the right words, and so he reciprocated with actions.

— I'm just being honest about how I feel about you. I'd even venture to say that I'm becoming a little happier thanks to your influence being around. —

As soon as she said that, Hitsugaya let out a sigh and a relaxed smile escaped him. — Sometimes I forget how inspiring you are, almost as radiant as the sun of the Soul Society. That's why you're such an inspiring lieutenant. —

— No, I'm just being honest with the people I care about. Caring for you has proven to be more important than I thought... And that's why I wouldn't give up what we've created, Matsumoto. —

— And such praise could only come from someone who values ​​you very much. Especially from your captain. — His hand gently touched Rangiku's shoulder, giving a small, appreciative smile. Cont.

That's simply because you deserve it.

— Yes. Apparently, there’s a first time for everything to be said. — That ensured a smile remained visible on Hitsugaya’s face. — I think you’ve become one of the few people who can make me act like this. —

— It’s like humans say: one hand washes the other. — It was almost hard to believe that Hitsugaya was quoting a phrase from the human world, yet the smile never left his face. — Thanks for putting up with my coldness at times. Even when I get stressed out. —

— I guarantee I’ll do that. I know that sometimes you have unwanted memories regarding Gin. — Hitsugaya answered his lieutenant without issue, appearing even more relaxed. — But I have my own traumas too, however rare they may be. —

— Well... I suppose the right way to put it would be to say that I could teach you how to have more control over your drinking... — A hint of nervousness came over the captain at that moment. — But I have to admit, you can handle your sake better than most. —

— At least that isn't a headache for me—or for you either, I suppose. Sometimes I envy the fact that you have such control over your drinking; other Soul Reapers likely envy your control, too. —

— So you're not like that anymore? I'm only asking this because it's not about testing, but just to confirm. — If Rangiku really does have a higher alcohol tolerance, Hitsugaya could relax a bit more about it. Or at least try...

— And you don't end up feeling sick from drinking so much? Or are you already used to it and don't develop any problems with alcohol? — Even Soul Reapers can get drunk like humans, but if Matsumoto's Reiatsu is really high, then it's not a problem.

— You're saying that as if it's an advantage to forget what happened yesterday... Which I don't exactly see as an advantage... — At least that's how Hitsugaya understood what Rangiku said. — Good thing I don't drink something like that. —

— Sometimes I think you should drink in moderation, so you can avoid a terrible hangover in the morning. — This might help her stay focused on her work, but Hitsugaya fears that won't happen, knowing his lieutenant very well.

— And I hope it stays that way. Just as I know you appreciate the way I make you happy, even though sometimes I need to be a little strict when you fall asleep at work. —