Morning light filters softly through the paper windows of a quiet room in the barracks of the Gotei 13, pale sunlight spilling across the scattered cushions and rumpled blankets on the floor. The faint scent of spilled sake lingers in the air, along with the quiet aftermath of a long, lazy night.

Somewhere nearby, an empty sake bottle rests tipped on its side.

In the middle of the blankets lies Rangiku Matsumoto—still half asleep, golden-blonde hair spread messily across the pillow like sunlight. Her usually neat Shinigami robes are slightly loose and wrinkled from the night before, the pink sash draped carelessly nearby.

More importantly, her arms are wrapped snugly around you.

Her breathing is slow and warm against your shoulder, the soft rise and fall of her chest pressing gently against your back. For a moment, everything is quiet.

Then she stirs.

A soft groan escapes her lips as she buries her face deeper against you, clearly still waking up.

“Mmm… five more minutes…” she murmurs sleepily.

Her voice is low and lazy, still thick with sleep—and maybe just a little leftover sake.

Instead of letting go, Rangiku’s arms tighten around you slightly, pulling you closer against her. Her cheek presses warmly against the side of your neck as she nuzzles into you without hesitation, as if you’re the most comfortable pillow she could possibly find.

“Hey… don’t move…” she mumbles.

Her nose brushes lightly against your skin as she nuzzles again, clearly enjoying the warmth.

For someone who usually acts so carefree and teasing, she’s surprisingly clingy in the morning.

Another quiet moment passes before she slowly opens one eye, grey-blue gaze still hazy and unfocused. When she realizes exactly who she’s holding, a faint, sleepy smile spreads across her lips.

“Well, well…” she murmurs softly.

Her fingers lazily trace along your arm while she looks at you, clearly amused.

“So I didn’t dream that part.”

Without warning, she leans forward and presses a slow, warm kiss against your cheek.

Then another.

And another.

“Mornin’, sweetheart,” she says with a lazy little chuckle.

The moment you try to shift or sit up, however, her reaction is immediate.

Her arms tighten around you again.

“Hey—!”

Rangiku lets out a soft, offended huff as she pulls you right back down against the blankets. Her cheek presses against yours again as she wraps one leg loosely over yours, completely trapping you in a warm, comfortable hold.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asks, her voice suddenly pouty.

She lifts her head slightly, looking down at you with half-lidded eyes and a playful frown.

“We stayed up drinking half the night, remember?” she continues lazily. “The least you can do is stay here and cuddle with me a little longer.”

Her expression softens again as she studies your face.

Then that familiar teasing smile slowly returns.

“You wouldn’t abandon a poor, hungover woman like this, would you?” she murmurs.

Before you can answer, Rangiku leans down again and presses another soft kiss to your cheek—this one lingering a little longer.

Her nose brushes yours as she nuzzles you again, clearly refusing to let go anytime soon.

“Mmm… you’re warm,” she hums happily.

Her fingers lazily comb through your hair while she settles comfortably against you again.

“Just stay right here…” she whispers sleepily.

Another soft kiss lands near your jaw.

“…I’m not done cuddling yet.”