#Ichigo feels like everyone is a threat

[black--sun]

Ichigo’s gaze snaps over at the word meal like maybe he needs to hit him again. If he’s a meal, he’s the sort people choke on. He huffs. Sometimes it’s hard to remember he feels sorry for this guy and his weird obsessive attachment issues to Aizen. “Good luck trying it.” 

He’s never going to understand what makes him a target. What makes seemingly every lunatic and sicko in a ten mile radius pinpoint him out of a crowd, and he pulls his attention off Grimmjow. Ichigo should probably be uncomfortable walking beside him, but he’s not. He doesn't see a lot of people these days. He doesn't see anyone else that might actually understand the situation he's in. Unless he's counting Ulquiorra, and he doesn't. Ever.

Ichigo blinks. Grimmjow isn’t wrong, but he always seems to think Ichigo’s on lockdown. “Then I guess he isn’t worried about it or I wouldn't make it out of the building. You make it sound like I spend my day tied to a bed.” Which… to be fair, he has often enough, but not every day like Grimmjow’s implying. But he sighs. He’s not sure what kind of details Aizen shares with Grimmjow, but Ichigo is tired of Grimmjow assuming he’s some kind of sex slave. “I stay there because I want to. And when I don’t want to, I take a walk. He won’t miss me.” That isn’t the same as saying he won’t notice. But Aizen works long hours anyway. If Ichigo needed constant attention, he’d be a bad fit. 

It’s more than he’s ever said to anyone about it. Being that forthcoming makes his guts twist, but it’s done, he’s already said it, so he ignores the feeling.

Grimmjow also asked where they’re headed, and Ichigo finally responds. “Back to my side of town. Just checking on things. If you’re bored with that, I’m sure someone’ll be happy to entertain you.” 

He says his side of town like it’s not still crawling with Aizen’s people. Though they’re so far down the chain of command, they’re as much a threat as any other thugs on the street. 

Ichigo takes the next turn and all the roads from here slope at an angle toward the waterfront. It’s a constant descent into the darker parts of the city. There are no beach front houses where they’re headed, just shipping docks and factories too old to be renovated, most of them turned into low budget storage, crack houses, whore houses, or places to keep things people don’t want found. 

As they get closer to Renji's, the sound of someone fucking in the alley ahead doesn’t even give him pause until they come around the corner. The old brick buildings have alcoves and alleys where dumpsters are tucked to keep the narrow streets clear. They’re good places to hide or hide bodies or sleep if you’re desperate enough to lay in someone’s piss or shit. But the sounds echo off the walls, too familiar not to catch his attention. 

Ichigo freezes up. 

He isn’t sure how the sight still sets him off. He’s seen it so many times. He’s seen worse. He’s seen men leave bodies that don’t even look like people anymore. But the girl is young. Maybe as young as his sisters. As young as Orihime when they found her. And for just a second, that hair looks like Yuzu’s.

There’s a cooler and duffle at the man’s feet, but he barely registers it. The girl’s legs aren’t even long enough to reach the ground. Her hands scramble over the top of the dumpster she’s pressed against, nails clawing cracked plastic. 

It’s not enough for the man to cut her open. There are always the guys that want the tears, the crying, the screaming. 

It’s not a choice to move. It just happens. Ichigo is quiet, shoes barely making a sound for the few steps it takes to reach them. When he was younger, he might’ve yelled or snarled or pulled the man around to face him. Acting on some idea of fair play. Now he latches onto the man’s head from behind, whipping it around with the full force of his upper body to crack against the dumpster, hearing bone hit steel with a satisfying, hollow snap. 

The man’s legs buckle, but Ichigo doesn’t want him on the ground. He wants him level enough to hit until he doesn’t feel like hitting him anymore, so he hauls him up and into the wall. 

Freed, the girl falls beside them, stumbles, clutching her stomach, but she runs as soon as she’s loose. Good. She’s smart. She’s not sticking around to be someone else’s victim. She’s up before Ichigo takes his first real swing. 

"Oh no," his hands settle into his jacket pockets and he tilts his head to the side till the joints pop. Then the other side. "You're interesting all right, and fun. A two for one sorta meal." The kind of mystery that Grimmjow loves to sink his teeth into.

Not that he goes out of his way to unravel interesting things; people rarely interest him. Aizen interests him though, and so anything that can hold his employers attention is worth the interest. Ichigo is unusual and there's something about him that Grimmjow wants to know.

Plus, bizarrely, he likes Ichigo. Kid has something funny to him. Sharp and mean. Unhoned, but not talentless. Grimmjow wants to see him with a knife in his hands and blood on his lips. The color would compliment him.

Absently, his fingers trace over the handle of one of his many concealed weapons, and his eyes shift from the concrete in front of them to the side of Ichigo's head. One brow quirks imperiously, amused and unimpressed in equal parts with Ichigo's quest.

"I am 'out and walking around' cuz I couldn't do my job if I wasn't, genius. You aren't following the same logic. A whore who's unreachable cuz they went for a little stroll isn't very useful."

Its a flight risk.

Ichigo knows a great deal more than the average person would about Aizen - if Grimmjow were Aizen, he wouldn't let the guy out of his sight. Not where anyone could just grab him.

Which... Raises a good point. There's probably a babysitter somewhere. He'll keep an eye out.

"Where are you even going? Pets don't have friends?"

[shiroxichigo]

Ichigo gets a lot of shit (typically from outside of the Bleach fandom) for being a character whose wants/goals never change from beginning to end of his series. He always wants to protect people (and even though I could argue that he went from only wanting to protect those close to him to wanting to protect everyone he can, that's not the point I'm making with this post).

I think a lot of people who only give Bleach a passing glance fail to see Ichigo's true character growth. It's not about what his goals are or who he's trying to protect, but rather, it's about how he achieves it.

Ichigo is very self-sacrificing in the first third of Bleach. He believes that if the mission is successful, then it doesn't matter how broken or close to death he gets. The mission, saving Rukia (and hurting/killing as few people in the process), is all that matters.

Then, when a part of himself (his inner hollow) emerges, and says "hey yeah no, I'm not letting you get yourself killed and I'm also not letting you hold back against your enemy", Ichigo immediately rejects it.

It's not until he defeats his inner Hollow that we see Ichigo really dive into a fight with the intent to kill. The problem is, once his Hollow is defeated, he thinks that's it. He's freed himself of that part of him and he can go back to being self-sacrificing.

We see this throughout the Hueco Mundo arc. It's why saving Orihime parallels saving Rukia. Ichigo naively thinks he can suppress a part of himself. He bottles it up until it explodes, coming back to haunt him in his fight with Ulquiorra, etc. He learns that side of himself isn't so easily tucked away, and if he recklessly endangers himself, he could end up endangering his friends too. At his own hand, no less.

Then Ichigo discovers he can commit the ultimate sacrifice. Final Getsuga Tenshou. He can throw away these powers and the parts of himself that he doesn't like, and he can get rid of Aizen all in one go. He's lucky that it worked, but only because Kisuke was there.

Then, once Ichigo is powerless, he learns that's not what he really wants. Life doesn't "go back to normal". The can is open, and there's danger out there beyond just Aizen. And Ichigo can't do anything to stop it unless he gets his powers back.

So he does. Then he cuts down the threat to his friends and family. And he doesn't hesitate this time. Yes, he still has compassion for his enemies (he even goes to the Soul Society to ask for Ginjo's body so he can give him a proper burial), but he's learned not to hold back and he's learned that new threats will appear and he'd rather have the power to face them head on.

So then comes TYBW, and Ichigo is facing battles head-on without hesitation. He goes straight to the "bad guys" with the intention of cutting them down. He learns the truth about who his Inner Hollow is, and he accepts it. He's even willing to accept whatever consequences may come from training in the Royal Palace and becoming stronger. He accepts his power and potential fully, and learns that he has what it takes to protect his loved ones with his strength, and not with a sacrifice.

Ultimately, he heals the part of himself that thinks his life is worth less than other people's. He heals the part of himself that blames himself for not protecting his mother (when he was 9!! Like come on Isshin, put the kid in therapy!! Anyway...) He grows into someone who knows his self worth. And I think, for me at least, that makes him one of my favourite protagonists of all time. Because can't most of us relate to feeling worthless at times? And don't we also wanna overcome that?

Thanks for reading my ramble lmao, I'm sure this could have been more elegantly written but I'm very sleepy and just wanted to get my thoughts out there.

[greyskyflowers]

Ichigo has horrible nightmares, because I refuse to believe that he doesn't, and insomnia.

Most of the time he just gets up for the rest of the night, goes to train or on runs to try to burn off the anxious energy.

If they're bad enough, or he's at the point where if he doesn't sleep then he going to pass out, he develops a habit of goes finding certain people.

The nightmares leave him a little frazzled, mind messy from lack of sleep and fear. They leave him a little more vulnerable, a little less self conscious of getting comfort because he may shake out of his skin if he doesn't settle down. Sometimes he does things without realizing it, fight or flight kicking in along side unsettled hollow instincts, and he's off to find somewhere he feels safe and can sleep.

In the human world, he'll sneak in to find Kisuke. Right, sneak, like anyone in that building doesn't know he's there.

Sometimes Kisuke's in his labs so Ichigo just sits down outside the door, just enough out of the way to not trip anyone, back to the wall and arms crossed over them to rest his head on.

It soothes the vulnerable feeling, the sharp edge of terror in his chest. He trusts Kisuke to sense a threat and respond to it. He also likes the feeling of his reiatsu, cool like river stones and soothing like summer rain.

If Kisuke is busy or out, then he'll find a spot where he feels close enough to Tessai or Yoruichi to grasp at them for comfort.

They're all great about it.

Yoruichi will come and curl up next to him, her reiatsu brushing against his skin like fur, soft and warm. She purrs until the panic doesn't itch under his skin so badly. He's woken up to blankets pulled over him and sometimes a pillow between him and the wall.

The true problems arise whenever he stays in soul society.

No one says anything but he knows they can all tell when he has a nightmare, his reiatsu reacting to his fear and discomfort. Between the nightmares and the fear of waking everyone up, he's too anxious to sleep.

It's the 4th night with no sleep and he's restless, eyes burning and head reeling. It's familiarity that has him walking mindlessly until he finds Shinji's office. He slips in and ignores the sharp gaze immediately on him. This isn't new, he did this a few times while training with them.

He sits down in the far corner, back to the wall and facing the door. He draws his legs and rests his head on them. He already feels better, sleep creeping up on him fast.

All the visored have a eerie quality to their reiatsu but Ichigo likes it, especially like this. The sun warmed and soft sandy feeling of Shinji's reiatsu covering him is enough for him to sleep.

Shinji might be the only one beside Kisuke that Ichigo breaks his distance rule for. It's easier for everyone if they keep acknowledgement to a minimum when Ichigo seeks them out in the night. They've had years, centuries some of them, to make their peace with what they've seen and done. Ichigo has not. It's a topic they all avoid, pretending that not talking about it makes it go away.

He's a little touch starved, he'll admit it. He doesn't get much contact that isn't fighting, or that isn't meant to hurt or teach.

The clawing urge to be safe eats at him, especially at night. It won't let him rest, keeps him awake with anxious thoughts or wakes him up with fear.

Very, very few things would willing take on Kisuke Urahara or Shinji Hirako, even if the prize was Ichigo.

So getting a little more personal is common with them. He sits a little closer, holds on a little tighter, visits them a little more. The pressure of their reiatsu feels like a weighted blanket.

He also find others he trusts for those nights.

He's goes to Kensei and ignores Shuhei's questioning and semi concerned look.

Kensei complains about having too many people in his office, Mashiro sticks her tongue out at him and Shuhei looks genuinely ruffled at the comment, but he doesn't turn Ichigo away.

He won't, wouldn't.

Kensei's reiatsu reminds him of swaying bamboo leaves and splotches of sunlight through tree branches, Mashiro's is tall grass and wildflowers, and Shuhei's is heavy but comforting.

Ichigo wakes up to Mashiro snoring on one shoulder, the side between him and the door, Shuhei is asleep on the other.

He also goes to Rose, who doesn't seem surprised to see him either.

Kira usually sits in the office too, a familiar restlessness and unease to him that Ichigo recognized in himself. They sit next to each other and it's nice to have the warmth of someone next to him.

He relaxes and can almost hear Rose's reiatsu humming, Kira's a gentle rain storm at his side.

There's a simmering fury that burns hot in the Visored everytime Ichigo comes to them, exhausted and anxious, and joins lieutenants already there for the same reasons.

Aizen left a mark on the younger ones, dark circles under their eyes and nightmares a constant battle.

Ichigo does well with them though. He sits quietly with Kira, sometimes they talk in low voice until they end up slumped against each other. He usually ends up between Mashiro and Shuhei, all of them falling asleep in a mess of limbs. He's unsure with Momo, a lot of people are, but she's growing to like him and it won't be long before they start talking. It doesn't hurt that Tōshirō thinks highly of Ichigo.

Tōshirō just waves him to the corner, in the middle of arguing with Rangiku and eventually kicking her out for the night. He's quiet as he goes back to work and the room is almost chilly, but it feels good against Ichigo's flushed skin. Tōshirō pauses a few times like he wants to say something, the words almost spilling out of his mouth, but he doesn't. He resumes working and Ichigo falls asleep to a snowstorm. Rangiku wakes him up in the morning with a smile and the smell of smoke and embers.

The 11th is... unexpected. It's the worst nightmare he's had in a while and stumbling out in a panic had brought him here. Maybe because nothing was stupid enough to come looking for a fight with Kenpachi and his men. That longing for safe eventually made the decision for him and he sat on the far edges of the division, hidden by the shadows. He knows that anyone awake would know he was there and sure enough, Yumichika comes around the corner and raises an eyebrow at him while Ikkaku looks over his shoulder. Ichigo just curls in a little tighter and watches them, waiting for them to kick him out or laugh. They don't do either. Yumichika just sighs and says something to Ikkaku and they sit down further down the walkway. They don't look at him, looking away or even closing their eyes. The tension slowly leaves, and it's hard to stay awake as he relaxes. The reiatsu that rolls over him smells like iron and he can vaguely tell where Kenpachi is, his reiatsu twisting and cracking like lightning.

He wakes up with just enough time to sneak out, hovering in front of Yumichika and Ikkaku hesitantly, only taking off when Kenpachi start howling about a fight.

They're laughing as he runs off.

Byakuya almost doesn't allow it, but Ichigo must look as bad as he feels because he only gets observed for a minute before he's ignored again. It's the only sign he gets that he won't get kicked out and it makes him hesitant at the door before slinking into the far corner and getting comfortable. He falls asleep to flowers and the cool warmth of spring cautiously grazing his skin. He wakes up to the smell of cold steel and the feel of scale and furs. Renji and Rukia sit beside him, waiting for him to wake up.

--------------------------

Do I go back and forth between Ichigo being everyone's secret crush or their collectively adopted, traumatized human? Yes, and everything/anything in between.

[evilkitten3]

i have a theory about shinji, gin, and aizen, but i'm not really sure how to word it.

we never really see shinji and gin interact all that much, which makes sense bc both of them have significantly more important relationships with aizen, but at the same time it's a little odd how much there isn't.

like. gin cut hiyori in half. shinji is understandably pissed about that, but he aims that anger at aizen - and this seems to be one of the very few things in the bleach world that honestly isn't on him bc he never told gin to do that, he never even implied it. hiyori was never a threat to him. hell, we don't even know if she was charging in the right direction; if anything, attacking her implies that she was which is a really stupid thing to do when you're surrounded by a bunch of people who super want you dead and would kill you if they could be sure you weren't tricking them into stabbing each other (ofc it could also be a fakeout but still)

but i don't remember shinji's beef ever really being with gin, even tho he didn't seem to anticipate that gin was working with aizen the whole time during tbtp. so like does he feel responsibility there? cuz gin went straight from academy to 3rd seat and shinji could plausibly feel like that sent him right to aizen bc he doesn't know that gin was always aiming for that. did he blame himself? does he feel like he should've seen it coming? does he still see him as some weird genius kid? does he just view gin as an extension of aizen, which is both dehumanizing to an extent but also entirely fair bc gin did that to himself?

the thing is, since we never really see them interact much, it's kind of only interesting on shinji's side of things, bc gin doesn't really care about much outside of whatever the fuck he thought he was doing and the version of rangiku that he has in his head who needs back something that the real one doesn't ever seem to have realized she lost to begin with. gin's so disconnected with basically everybody that most of the time you can usually assume his thoughts are just "lol. lmao" and there's no reason to think that doesn't extend to shinji as well (gin has deep thoughts on: aizen, ichigo, and matsumoto (massive asterisk on that one ofc) and i think everyone else is kinda set dressing to him lmao the guy is Fucked Up)

anyway i think it's interesting to toy around with that relationship as it was in reality as well as how it might've been perceived, but also in the sense of both of them being sort of opposite ends of the manchild spectrum - shinji leans into his childish side but still has a fairly adult worldview, and gin is able to pull off maturity to an extent but was never able to escape a deeply childish mindset

[jackattack20writes]

So this might’ve been mentioned before or someone else might’ve realised years ago but since I’ve never seen it mentioned in regards to WDKALY I’m gonna pretend it’s my own original idea. But uh Rukia’s wedding is the third time Ichigo has one of his depressive separations from his friends when Rukia leaves it’s just this time it’s more metaphorical.

So the first time is of course Rukia’s kidnapping at the end of the Substitute Shinigami arc where Ichigo feels off because he’s the only one who remembers and by extension cares about Rukia’s disappearance. This also sets the scene for how Kubo portrays Ichigo’s depressive episodes as it’s the first time he’s beaten so ruthlessly and fails to protect someone.

The next time is after the loss of his powers and battle with Aizen. Again Ichigo feels separated from his classmates they are all making plans for the future while Ichigo is just trudging along with lower grades than he had before. Again in this situation a large part of Ichigo’s struggle is his inability to protect the people he cares about anymore as well as the loss of Rukia. However the loss of Rukia aspect is something that gets disputed with some claiming that he is actually missing Zangetsu and the loss is just another facet of his protectiveness. However that is where the third example in WDKALY comes into the picture.

The rule of three is a common thing in writing and used as a baseline here allows for interpretation to fall more favourably that the seperation in WDKALY while more metaphorical is still intentional. In regards to Rukia’s wedding in WDKALY Ichigo has two main acts, first he sews the strawberry flower pattern onto Rukia’s veil (which is a whole other thing since Rukia specifically has a western veil rather than a Japanese wataboshi which each have their own associated meanings to them) then his second act is to be the photographer after Orihime can’t anymore. And this is the third depressive episode I was talking about.

So being a photographer separates someone from everyone else, it’s why normally people are hired. Because the photographer is outside the celebration, rather than participating they are instead documenting. Now it could be argued that this isn’t Kubo and Matsubara’s intent with this but there isn’t any reason for Ichigo specifically to be the photographer. Any other side character could’ve been given the camera or the camera could’ve just not been there to begin with, and Ichigo explicitly spends large parts of the ceremony not experiencing it but seeing through the viewfinder of a camera.

Just like Rukia’s disappearance and the loss of his powers Ichigo is physically present but mentally and spiritually seperate from his friends. But this time there isn’t his powers disappearing nor is he failing to save someone from a physical threat. All that’s happening is Rukia is marrying Renji. Now this is where the rule of three comes into again. Because the three events not only repeat but act as a triangulation of what affects Ichigo to this extent and while the failing to protect people is present in the first two the loss of Rukia is in all three and the only thing present in the last occasion. Meaning that by itself the loss of Rukia can send Ichigo into a depressive spiral. Meaning that any argument that his spiral pre fullbring arc is actually just because of zangetsu is wrong.

Because of this WDKALY is not actually set up for why the end result of bleach works and makes sense but is actually the reverse and is external content to hammer home how the ending is a tragedy. (which like people bring up and say a lot but as I said before I’ve never seen mention of the photography stuff)

So yeah basically WDKALY is actually the ultimate propaganda for why IchiRuki is the main ship in bleach and why the endings a tragedy.

[dreadsuitsamus]

Ichigo Kurosaki x Reader Blurb 1

author's note: not entirely in line with the canon as far as timelines go, ichigo is around 22, reader is a soul reaper, angst, not entirely orihime friendly

"So what will it be, Ichigo?" Like ice frosting over grass, your voice is calm. Too calm, too quiet, too unlike what he's used to.

And he doesn't need this right now.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo feigns ignorance as bad as ever now, not even meeting your gaze, missing the way your infuriated eyes stare him down but he surely feels the hatred you're spewing.

"It's very simple." Jaw tightened so much it might just crack, your words only barely slip past your lips. "Orihime? Or me?"

His heart is doused in flames by the question. It's not a fair one, to start off, and his mind says one thing while his selfish heart yearns for your own selfishness. But his integrity as a man with morals, integrity as a friend is stronger, beating against his skull like a caged animal and roaring at the troublesome road ahead. Orihime is in immediate danger.

You, not so immediate.

"Why would I choose?" Anger begins flaring in Ichigo himself; are you really so crass? Is life not sacred to you?

He knows it is.

Your fist curls at your side, fingers itching to reach for your zanpakutō and force some sense into him, should it come to blows. Time is of the essence, Soul Society has required everyone to come back and prepare for battle! The Arrancar threat, Aizen is looming and the girl that's never defended herself once isn't at the top of your list of priorities. And on a bad day, you'd feel she's not on that list at all.

"Your life may turn out quite differently depending on this choice."

"Will it?" Ichigo's brown eyes cut sharply to finally look at you, staring you down with the heat of a thousand suns behind it.

"It will certainly depend on if I remain in it." Your heart leaps at the look in his eye. Would he really choose her? "Do you trust me?"

"I want to." Ichigo shoots back.

"We will save her when we can. You can lead the charge, if you want. But she's not-"

"If you say she's not important, then you can just go." The blood in his veins burn at how nonchalant you are, at how uncaring Soul Society is for Orihime. She's been on this journey too, right by everyone's side!

"Your choice."

"I won't let you make me choose, like this is about what I want for dinner! Orihime is our friend! She needs us! What don't you understand about that?! You'd let her suffer? Over what? For what?!"

Ichigo steps toward you, leering over you and taking your shoulder in a strong grip. "You are the one I love. But Orihime is my friend, and she needs me. And if you won't choose me, then tell me how to get to Hueco Mundo before you go."

The answer dances on your tongue, an internal ticking racing in your mind. Go against your direct orders and personal beliefs, or follow Ichigo's heart and save a girl in need of it? Keep your status in Seireitei but lose Ichigo? You don't even know if the girl is alive!

Ichigo's chocolate eyes silently plead with you, his grip like an iron vise. This wouldn't be the first time you've stuck your neck out for him, no. He's fully aware what it could cost you— but it isn't like he wouldn't come for you too. If there's anyone in this world or any other he'd protect, it's you.

"Come on." He whispers, ignoring the way his vision starts to blur. You won't look at him, and his heart sinks. "Do what's right!"

Do what's right in whose point of view, Ichigo?!

The light of a Senkaimon gate lights up behind you and panic floods Ichigo down to his very bones as the door slides open. Just as you were starting to waver! Byakuya, stern and cold as ever, though he speaks quietly, his voice cuts through the room like a bullet.

"Leave him."

The hand on your shoulder means nothing, as Ichigo feels like he's free falling now. You turn away from him, breaking free of the grip easily and walking towards your captain's order without even a second glance behind you. So easily, you'll follow this command?! He means nothing to you?

He's not so sure anymore.

The room goes dark as the door closes and vanishes, leaving Ichigo to fall to his knees. How could you do this to him?

As you walk alongside your captain, your face is stony and unbreaking even against the torment of your breaking heart.

How could he do this to me?

[brittscafe]

Hiii can you do headcanons for Mayuri falling in love with a childhood friend

ahhh yesss! I think Mayuri is such a complex and interesting character which is why I love writing about him :)

You both were friends at a young age as you lived outside the walls of soul society.

Once Mayuri and you became very close, he disappeared one day leaving you.

It comes to Mayuri as a shock when you come into the soul society as one of Ichigo's friends trying to rescue Rukia from her execution decades later.

Of course, he's got a watchful eye on you as you run throughout the maze of the soul society.

He sits in his lab and watches you day by day.

Unknown to you, he's been coming to your aide as you go through obstacles and unfriendly soul reapers.

You end up in the 12th division barracks and you're surrounded by the members of the Research and Development Institute.

Mayuri easily senses your presence and rushes his way to the front.

Once Mayuri steps inside the room and you lock eyes, your heart drops.

You instantly recognize the boy behind all the face paint and makeup caked onto his face.

The members of the 12th squad seem to disappear as they realize that you're not a threat.

Mayuri and you stand perfectly still, hearts ramming as you gaze into each other's eyes.

"I like the new look. Mad scientist?" you speak up, gulping and swallowing your anxiety.

"Yeah. That's what I was going for," Mayuri replies shyly.

"I remember. That's what you wanted to be...a scientist. I guess you got your dream, huh?" you comment, stepping forward.

Although, you were curious. What happened to him? What happened to the electric blue hair and golden hues of his eyes?

What happened to the innocent little boy you used to know?

You immediately throw your arms around him and squeeze him tightly.

"W-what are you doing?" Mayuri stutters out, unsure what to do with his hands.

His emotions come flooding in, emotions that he hasn't felt since he last saw you.

"I never thought I would see you again," you comment, a smile tugging on your face.

Mayuri's mouth gapes open and he nods his head.

"I'm sorry," he mumbles out, lowering his head with shame.

You furrow your eyebrows as you're confused with his words until he reaches out.

You gasp loudly as his fingernail strikes you in the chest and your body rattles.

You glance down at the long fingernail extending into your chest and your eyelids start to become heavy.

Mayuri didn't know what to do, but he knew that you couldn't be here.

Once you wake up, you find yourself in a jail cell with Mayuri standing outside and watching you.

This time, he looks like himself. No makeup or face paint on him.

He spends hour apologizing to you about how much he's changed as a person and you couldn't even recognize him anymore.

Tears are gleaming in your eyes and you shake your head.

"I still recognize the same boy I knew all those years ago," you speak softly and his eyes widen.

Mayuri goes against his morals and decides to let you out and even helps you save Rukia.

After Aizen betrays the soul society, Yamamoto decides to let you stay and help the soul reapers.

As you and Mayuri grow closer and closer as you work together in his lab, you consume Mayuri's days.

Soft touches are shared and laughter lingers in the air.

It becomes very obvious to everyone in the soul society that Mayuri is head over heels in love with you.

Mayuri isn't very good at expressing his feelings so he decides to use his actions.

You're both working a late night in the lab and Mayuri pulls your chair over to his, pressing his lips against yours.

A soft 'I love you' was said between you two as you pull way from the kiss.

[rayshippouuchiha]

shinsou tries brainwashing ichigo. once

Shinsou's quirk works like a fishing line and his question is both bait and hook.

He snags Ichigo with it once, feels the line go taut, and then he's the one being tugged. The one being drawn in.

He comes out the other end, grey-faced and shaking, to Ichigo's hand rubbing up and down his spine and everyone huddled around him in concern.

There was a city and an Ichigo that was and was not Ichigo at all and everything was sideways and Hitoshi never wants to do that ever again.

Even without the threat he'd been given.

[takosan]

Spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach.

The other day I saw someone post that Jujutsu Kaisen was a better manga before it became mainstream and Gege felt pressured by fans to write in a certain way and the story went awry after becoming mainstream. (Can’t find the post now so paraphrasing here but it was basically about the ending which has left many people disappointed.) I’ve been thinking over the post and I don’t know if I agree. For one, most artists want their work to reach more people. Not only does that mean commercial success, more income, future opportunities, etc but also it means you created something which resonates with so many people. If you become mainstream and then feel pressured by your fan base, that is something you have to resolve as an artist internally, by holding true to your vision. This is not to say that fans are always right or kind or generous (I mean here we are reading leaks…) but to blame fans for the writing in the manga doesn’t seem right. So where did it go wrong?

This is my take on it and of course feel free to disagree.

Personally I think Gege kind of set up his own problems and they were foundational and early in the manga. This right here:

In Gogo, we had a character who was canonically the strongest in the world. Undefeated. Yes, his students have potential but Gojo’s techniques were unrivaled. This by itself was not the issue. There are lots of manga with overpowered teachers/leaders. I just watched Bleach, and the head captain Genryusai Yamamoto is the OP character. In Hunter x Hunter, it is the chairman, Netero. Both of them are defeated and killed by a foe who is introduced as the gravest threat, etc etc. The issue is the suspension of disbelief that fans are expected to perform. How is this little tot of a protagonist going to defeat an antagonist who could defeat the strongest good guy in that world? This is also why I will always get on my soapbox for Hunter x Hunter and Togashi’s writing. Gon never fights Meruem (because he would be swatted aside like a fly) and his fight with catperson (whose name I have forgotten) has horrific consequences. Togashi’s solution was not to give his protagonist a training regimen at Planet Fitness for three weeks. The ant king’s death is so much more realistic. Netero’s means of killing the ant king are underhanded because he acknowledges that they were NOT on the same power level and even his technique was no match at the end of the day. Also other powerful characters who could have taken on the ant king are not introduced until later. The writing and plot development was brilliant, believable, and had us weeping for EVERYONE. Togashi wrote an ethical dilemma about whether the ant king’s murder was justified into that fight.

Bleach is probably a better comparison to JJK because it is also setting up Ichigo to fight Yhwach who has defeated all the canonically strong characters (the head caption, royal guards). No doubt he is going to get new forms, new swords, and fifty chapters where he nearly dies three times. (At the end of it, we will want the fight to end and Ichigo to win because we can’t bear to read another chapter 😂) The difference between the two though, and this is where Gege compounds his mistake, is writing Gojo as a fully fledged character in his own right with plenty of screentime. You end up with people rooting for the supposedly secondary character rather than your protagonist. We might overlook Kubo killing the head captain - he barely appeared in the story, didn’t have much of a personality when he did appear, and was not written as an attractive, interesting, compelling character. He was just a placeholder for what Soul Society represented. It might not be the best writing but we can forgive it. Because the manga focuses us on Ichigo and other characters who we are invested in. Kenpachi v Unohana was rich. Kyoraku inviting Haschwalth to tea was comedy. Mayuri as some mad scientist perversion of a sunflower was dazzling …and puzzling. The same is not true for JJK. Gege wrote BOTH Gojo and Yuji into the spotlight, AND routinely disappeared characters (Nobara?) until they randomly showed up again. As the reader you end up asking where characters are offscreen because there isn’t a satisfactory answer. I don’t think I understood the culling games. The pacing in the ending chapters has been very off. I don’t know if fans can be blamed for this. Personally speaking, the last stroke of brilliance in the plot for me was Gege boxing Gojo (because it makes Gojo so heartrendingly human, to pause at the sight of the one he cares, whom he killed). After that it felt like the plot didn’t know what to do with Gojo.

Also just want to say that I do feel for Gege. I can’t imagine carrying the burden of such high expectations. I am sure the pressure was high, and I think we already know that mangaka are so overworked. It’s something Togashi has talked about when he explains why HxH has been so slow. It can’t be easy to keep churning out issues. And I do wonder about editorial oversight because Gege couldn’t be solely responsible for some of these problems. I don’t support writers being hated on. We can feel disappointed and not like how a story played out, but at the end of the day the writers are human too and also have feelings. At the end of the day we have to give credit to Gege for creating this interesting story world and for giving us characters who entertained us and drew us in.

Anyway this post has become long. I haven’t watched Naruto (which I’ve heard praised for its writing too) so curious how that show handles OP characters who are not the protagonist.

PS - Mayuri. What even is this 😂😂😂😂

[randomreadingtimewithtsuki]

Please may I have some Bleach Headcanons of how Ichigo dealt with an aggressive cat called Thorns who hates his guts for some reason and Ichigo couldn't cuddle or anything like that with his S/O (S/O is a literal goddess with Elizabeth's personality from the seven deadly sins and you know the rest about S/O including that S/O knew Ichigo since childhood and Ichigo's family knew S/O because S/O is Ichigo's girlfriend and S/O knows that Ichigo is a soul reaper and she joins him on adventures and everything.) when Thorns tries to find every single opportunity to try and scratch his face off when S/O isn't looking or wasn't in the room..Thorns for some reason thinks that Ichigo is going to break his owners heart or something (Ichigo will never do that..especially not to his girlfriend) and it is ridiculous really..Ichigo arguing with a literal cat who yowls/hisses right back at him..S/O has three cats actually..Biscuits and Sage were the only ones who actually loved him but Thorns is an absolute demon/meance towards Ichigo yet he was sweet as sugar to everyone else.

How would Ichigo feel and behave to that Thorns possibly has a personal vendetta against him or something..

Hello!

Thank you for requesting!

I am terribly sorry for the delay! My arm took a long ass time to heal properly.

Anyway! I hope this is of your liking. Please let me know what you think!

-----------------------------------------------

You had three cute kittens. Maybe not actually kittens, but for you they will always be kittens.

You have them since you were young and that means they know Ichigo and his sisters for a long time.

Especially because his sisters loved playing with the cats! So Ichigo brought them over to play with them - or so he said.

You noticed that one of your cats tended to hide away and stare at Ichigo, but you gave no thought to it.

When you started dating the boy, he swore up and down the cat, called Thorns hated him.

You thought it was ridiculous, Thorns was lovely, affectionate and smart.

But little did you know that when as soon as you turned your head, the cat would hiss and be ready to pounce at Ichigo.

Your boyfriend decided to cuddle you? There goes the cat in between you.

Trying to brush your hair? There was Thorns moving his butt ready to grab Ichigo's hand.

But at this moment you thought Thorns just wanted the brush, because you know, it's an object that moves?

Sometimes you could hear your boyfriend arguing with the cat. You found that kinda cute and concerning at the same time.

Meanwhile whenever that happened it meant Ichigo was at his wits end. What was he suppose to do with this kitty?

Obviously he won't harm him, but he tried to befriend the pet in all ways!

Tried snacks, play time, pats, catnip and Thorns still treated him like the worst enemy ever.

Even the arrancars weren't this bad.

Why? Because the cat knew you were looking and he would quit the aggressive behavior. But as soon as he noticed your attention was elsewhere, boom! Scratches and bites everywhere.

So Ichigo tried his best to avoid dates at your house and when they did happen, he tried to either stick close to you or keep the cats out of the room.

He was pretty sure Thorns had something personal, maybe it was his orange hair? Because the other kittens - Biscuits and Sage - loved him.

The poor boy even started to wonder if the cats could talk it out among themselves. Maybe Thorns would understand Ichigo means not threat.

He even thought that maybe Yorichii could help?

Ichigo did ask her if she could understand cats - but he gave no context, just... an odd curious question.

But that didn't help at all. The woman just laughed and gave no definite answer.

If she could chat with cats, she definitely knew why Thorns hated him so much.

After a really long time Ichigo finally made friend with the cat when after a rough a battle, he was in tatters and you carried him home.

The cats saw how sad and desperate you were to save Ichigo.

Sensing your panic, they cuddle near you, except for Thorns.

The cat curled up near Ichigo.

As the boy was showing slow, but steady improvement of his health, the cat started to lay on his chest.

Cute? For you, yes. For Ichigo not so much.

They were closer, yes, but Thorns would jump with all strength he could muster on his little paws on the boy belly.

Sometimes laying near his mouth or neck - Ichigo swore the cat would try to murder him anytime.

Well, that did not happen.

After this event, Thorns became kinder, but at every opportunity shown to bounce or claw Ichigo he took.

Most of the times at unexpected times like when the poor boy would be chilling on the couch.

But hey, it's a work in progress!

Ichigo had faith that eventually Thorns would accept him enough. They didn't need to become best buddies, just to tolerate.

It would be good enough yeah...

Until then, he still argued with the cat and still got scratched, but! He no longer got bitten. A win is a win right?

---------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading!

I feel like this got a bit short... sorry!

[greyskyflowers]

I'm always on a Visored/Ichigo kick but it's been especially bad lately. Sooo have some little hollow instinct AU?? plot bunnies that won't get bigger than this but still wanted to hop around.

Is it trauma, power dynamics, or hollow instincts? The world may never know.

The world does actually know and it's all three.

⚠️ Some strange relationship and/or combination of Visored/Ichigo/Kisuke because that's my jam and I'm partying alone. ⚠️

💀💀💀💀

Ichigo doesn't know what he looks like when he's like this. No one else knows either, which is a good thing because people have destroyed and conquered worlds for less.

Long limbs sprawled, belly down and back exposed. There's a blanket drapped over his hips more for the comforting weight than any warmth. His tan skin glows in the low lighting and his hair looks like soft embers.

He smells like them. He looks like theirs. He's sleeping in their space. It hits a lot of things they knew would appeal to them but not to this extent.

He's taken their advice to heart, about getting familiar with the new hollow instincts and just do what feels right. At least until he's able to separate the things that are more him and more hollow.

It's driving them nuts. He's shameless and he doesn't even know it.

He presses his face against their faces and throats, the bridge of his nose pressing against the underside of their jaws and nuzzling real quick before darting off. The scent of him clinging to them and the submissive gesture, ducking to press under their jaw, is addicting.

It's a intimate greeting, one they don't even really give to each other but Ichigo uses it multiple times a day. A happy, warm and loving gesture that says hihelloimhereandyourehereandimveryhappy each time he does it. They kind of dread him figuring out how personal it is because he'll stop.

He makes himself small when he's anxious or scared, when he lets himself act his age for once. He holds himself well, they'll give him that. It's hard to tell unless he wants you to know but there are signs they pick up on, along with Kisuke's hints.

It's easier to be vulnerable at night, when it's dark and it doesn't seem so bad to seek out warmth and comfort.

They're particular about sleeping arrangements. They don't like others in the same area as them while they sleep. They puppy pile, as Mashiro happily calls it, not able to fully relax unless they're tangled up with at least 3 other people. The only people in the world they trust completely, with every part of their souls, and Kisuke.

And apparently Ichigo because he slips right in, and not only does he sneak in without kicking off their instincts but gets up against their throats without so much as a twitch from them. He stays above the blankets and avoids the mess of limbs, which is both smart and makes them frown. Desperate for comfort but still holding himself back, he probably would have tried to leave without them noticing if they hadn't woken up

The jackrabbit heartbeat and shaky breathing is what actually wakes them up.

There's a brief moment where everyone kind of freezes as they process what's happening, and then wait to see which one of them will kick him out, which of them will crack first at having a stranger in their space.

But it doesn't happen.

Everything stays silent and still except for the shaky breathing still coming from Ichigo, they swear they can hear feel his heart pounding, and a little keening noise that's so faint they miss it at first. It zips up their spines as soon as they notice, it's like a straight shot of adrenaline and a protective awareness surges in their chests.

They know there's no actual threat, they would have felt it, and they know that the kid just had a nightmare or was thinking too hard and worked himself up. But it doesn't seem like their instincts understand that.

They've never made that sound, not a single one of them ever, and they've made some weird noises. It's a terrible sad, lonely, scared noise and they don't ever want to hear it again.

This all happens in the span of a few minutes, enough for Ichigo to start calming down a little. He's not as tense and his breathing has gotten slower. Not enough to indicate he's asleep yet but he's on his way.

They all squish in closer and Ichigo falls right asleep, his cold nose and wet cheeks pressed into warm skin.

Hollows do not purr like cats, at least in their experience, but they swear to god they all woke up to purring at different times during the night.

💀💀💀💀

Ichigo starts sitting between their legs, most often when he's injured. Not kneeling, although that's a pretty picture, just sitting down so he's bracketed on both sides by their legs, back to them. Safe.

Lisa and Mashiro play with his hair, Lisa mindlessly as she flips through her magazine and Mashiro makes tiny braids before taking them out and starting over.

Kensei doesn't do much, usually puts his elbows on his knees so he's curved protectively over Ichigo. Occasionally rubbing his knuckles on Ichigo's jaw and petting at his throat.

Shinji tries to always keep a hand on him, tangled in his hair, resting on the side of his throat, or brushing against his cheek.

Ichigo doesn't do it often or around other people and they all try to respect that. He has to be Ichigo, strong, stubborn, impossible, and the one people look to.

💀💀💀💀

The thing people forget is that while wounds heal, the body and soul remember.

It can be a lot of strain, going in and out of his human body so frequently, especially when both soul and body are so familiar with stress, bruises and breaks.

Ichigo may heal quicker than most with his hollow and access to good healers but the echoes linger longer than most others. Especially when injuries are made with intention. Wounds from hollows hurt of course, but there's usually not a lot of thought behind it. So the wounds are more random, varying depths and severity.

Wounds by people shinigami, bounts, quincy, etc are more precise. They know where to aim to make it devastating, agonizing, and life changing.

Ichigo has fought a lot of people and it shows.

He bares his burdens and more in front of people like he's fine. He smiles and laughs, meets all the demands for fights with his own wild grin, moves like he's never had a injury in his life and people don't question it.

There's an area of his chest, and his back, that burn. A few spots of a constant and deep heat that make breathing feel hard.

His shoulders itch and ache, the kind that feels like it's down under the muscle. Nothing helps and lifting his arms is difficult.

A long, dragging catch following the lines of his lower ribcage. Breathing too deeply makes it burn and crackle in sharp pain, short and shallow breaths aren't satisfying but it keeps the pain manageable.

Headaches from countless concussions, a sore jaw from all the times it's been broke, fingers and toes that don't feel right anymore and ache terribly in the cold.

It's not all the time, just occasionally. Things like going back and forth too many times from his body, extreme temperatures, new wounds over the old, etc all cause flare ups.

He's too young to have so many aches.

They're protective over those spots. They can't and won't interfere with his fights unless it's critical but they keep an eye on wounds in those areas. They frown and scare off people when Ichigo starts to flinch from heavy arms being thrown around his shoulders or careless jabs in his side.

Sometimes their old wounds flare up and Ichigo scowls and bares teeth at everyone until the aches goes away.

[novella-november]

I don’t know why but I feel like if I don’t make my characters flawed enough, people won’t accept them. They already have flaws, but I see people like ‘messy’ characters and I don’t feel like my characters are them.

Do you have any tips?

It really depends on the characters, circumstances, plot, and genre, honestly! No character can be perfect, so as long as your character isn't a perfect pure unfailing demigod who succeeds in every single thing they ever do (because where is the tension, then?) , you are going to have readers who love and them, and no matter how well crafted, there will always be people that certain characters just don't resonate with or who people will dislike for their own personal reasons.

There's no exact forumla for character design, so a lot of it will depend on the writing, plot and genre.

Know how I mentioned the unfailing demigod who succeeds in everything they do above? That kind of character can work in certain genres, if the "unfailing" is an end goal, and not the whole journey. There's a pretty big difference between

"This character literally never ever struggles to do anything and succeeds at everything so there's never any tension, because we never see them fail or struggle at all; any injuries they might get are glossed over or healed immediately, and any 'setbacks' are set dressing for a few minutes and then they get handwaved away"

and

"This character struggles to survive and continue the plot against foes that repeatedly get the best of them and are a genuine threat with real consequences, but as the story goes on, our character learns and grows and is slowly able to hold their own and, eventually, manages to succeed against what at seemed like insurmountable odds, thanks to their emotional/physical journey over the course of the story"

One example off the top of my head is Ichigo Kurosaki from the Bleach anime/manga; he is overpowered as all get out, but his character to me is still deeply enjoyable to watch, because while he does eventually prevail against god-like beings, he gets his ass kicked to hell and back, and its his determination to save his friends and family that keeps him stubbornly clinging onto life when he would otherwise be dead a hundred times over, and we get to see him at his lowest, repeatedly, as he battles with himself internally over his self worth, if he's capable of doing these things that everyone expects of him, discovering himself and his mixed heritage, etc.

It's part of the genre he is in that Ichigo is a fighting machine capable of killing monsters and gods, but Ichigo himself works for me where other similar protagonists fail, because while he does eventually grow to enjoy the thrill of fighting, his main driving motivation is the need to protect his loved ones, and for the most part, his loved ones also get to fight at his side, developing their own powers and strengths and refusing to let him go it alone on a physical or emotional level.

Is the anime particularly well-written or paced? After its first arc, No, not particularly, because we've got filler arc after filler arc and fight scenes drawn out to the span of five or 6 episodes, a million side episodes following side characters, etc, but even in the big old mess of filler, there is some genuinely interesting characters who all have unique and memorable designs and personalities; the full cast of Bleach is absolutely mind-boggling, but it is an example of how even simple characters can be interesting and varied!

To come back to the main point: you should be writing the kinds of characters that you would like to read in the genre you are writing for, instead of getting caught up in what is the most popular trope or trend right now; "messy characters" has a million variations and no true set meaning, and your characters will end up being *someones* favorite and someone's most loathed, which is the nature of writing and reading, everyone brings a different experience to the table.

If the above hasn't helped reassure you that characters don't need to be the most flawed possible thing to be interesting, some more details could help, such as what is the genre you're writing for, what is the gist of the plot, how do your characters flaws impact the plot and the characters around them, etc?

One easy thing when judging your characters flaws is, do they feel natural to them and their personality, and does it have any kind of negative impact on them as a consequence of their actions?

Character *flaws* typically tend to deal with a characters personality, habits and actions, such as the above example of Ichigo--

-- He's very informal and rude, and is very impulsive in the heat of the moment, which lands him in trouble more than once; he's quick to anger and is very willing to immediately jump into a physical fight against anyone who insults him, and this causes problems for him quite a few times, not to mention he absolutely refuses to back down from a fight once it's started, leaving not only himself gravely injured, but also endangers his friends on a few occasions.

So, do your character's existing flaws effect them negatively?

Do their flaws effect the plot?

Do their flaws fit in well with the rest of their personality and actions?

Do their flaws stop them from achieving their goals smoothly and effectively?

What are your goals with your story?

Is there a specific message you want to send with your characters?

Do your characters acknowledge and learn from their flaws to try to overcome them?

and most importantly:

Do they struggle to "win" the plot, or do they simply coast along without any problems to take the gold ribbon?

[finishwhatyoustarted-event]

Finished It Friday - November 3

The final Finished it Friday! Congratulations on making it through this event! Here are the works completed in this last week (and a few that were finished earlier in the event that I only just caught).

Twitter thread here

Fiber Crafts

This friendship bracelet by LetoLeGaosaure on pillowfort

Writing

Beware The Boes! by Ginneke

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - Link & Tatl (Legend of Zelda) - Mild Horror, Canon-Typical Violence, Zinefic, Tatl POV, Playing with monster lore - Rated T "The only scary thing about Boes is not knowing when they're there. Right? Right. Tatl would like to think so… -- Written for the Faces of Evil zine, vol. 7: The Small."

To Catch the Wind by ForestWren

tumblr post - The Silmarillion and other histories of Middle-Earth - J. R. R. Tolkien - Background Fëanor Curufinwë/Nerdanel - Character Study - Rated G "In which Fëanáro begins to invent the Tengwar."

It's Just Like Falling Snow (I am Above You, and I Love You) by ForestWren

tumblr post - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Andor (TV) - Cassian Andor/Jyn Erso, Maarva Andor & Cassian Andor, Cassian Andor & His Various Friends and Family - Major Character Death (tagged as a warning), Found Family, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Post-Canon, Canon Compliant, Fix-It of Sorts, Fluff, Afterlife - Rated G "Cassian dies. What comes next is far less lonely than he expects."

Let's be called 'Romeo and Juliet' by sasuhina_gal

Naruto - Hyuuga Hinata/Uchiha Sasuke - Modern Royalty, Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Real Feelings - Rated T "It's the story that shook the country of Konoha. It stunned, it amazed, it made the king so incredibly happy. The Heiress of the Hyuuga Family and Second son of the Uchiha family had fallen in love! But it was just a trick to annoy their families. Isn't it?"

Who wouldn't want Hollows and Shinigami living in harmony? Right? by Mysticalbeingwithuntoldpowers

Bleach (Anime & Manga) - Roka Paramia/Tessai Tsukabishi, Aizen Sousuke/Kurosaki Ichigo - Soul King Kurosaki Ichigo, Mystery, Established Relationship Ichigo/Sousuke, Politics - Rated G "Roka Paramia, ambassador for Queen Harribel, was determined to make her speech in front of Central a successful one, a lot depended on her. Unfortunately, even the best laid plan can't predict everything. How dare someone interrupted the most crucial moment of the peace talks with an anonymous laser beam to her face. And why did the King saddled her with an overprotective seven foot giant that was way too perceptive for her own good?"

Flowers from your Beloathed by Ginneke

tumblr post - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Link/Revali - Pre-Calamity, Cultural Differences, Flower Language, Misunderstandings, Crack Treated Seriously, Very Mild Innuendo, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Injuries - Rated T "Revali starts finding flowers from an unwanted admirer — or the country’s most inept assassin. With Urbosa’s help, he’ll never figure out what’s going on. Meanwhile, Link is put in charge of figuring out exactly where the tokens | threats keep coming from…"

Hypotenuse by LetoLeGaosaure

NSFW - Lobotomy Corporation (Video Game) - Benjamin/Carmen (Lobotomy Corporation), Ayin/Benjamin/Carmen (Lobotomy Corporation) (two thirds of this are one-sided) - Friends With Benefits, Pining, One-Sided Relationship, Fluff, Platonic Cuddling, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Sexual Roleplay, Roleplayed Polyamory, Anal Fingering, Penis In Vagina Sex - Rated E "Benjamin never thought he'd get close to Carmen like this. Well, of course everyone was friends with Carmen. But… this was… something else. And the most ironic part in all of this was that it was entirely Ayin's fault, and he was totally clueless. Of course."

Run to you by sasuhina_gal

NSFW, CW: sibling incest - 僕のヒーローアカ���ミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga) - Dabi | Todoroki Touya/Todoroki Shouto, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Shinsou Hitoshi, Mentioned Enji/Keigo - Mutual Pining, One-Sided Attraction, suggested voyeurism, Aizawa and Shinso are brothers, Alternate Universe - College/University - Rated M "Touya and Shouta, roommates in college, share something in common, their love for their little brothers. They know they'll live in self-disgust, never expecting it to go anywhere, but they'll realise there's a reason their their brother's safe space."

In ictu oculi by heysaintjude (86V50_vc)

Ristorante Paradiso - Gabriella/Santo Claudio Paradiso - Free Verse, Coffee, Canon - Anime, Poetry - Rated T ““Time only stops for the dead, Claudio.””

Cooking with Liu-shishu by Ilthit

Dreamwidth post - NSFW - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù - Liǔ Qīnggē/Luò Bīnghé - Smut, Dom/sub, Object Penetration, Food Kink, pain play, Sadomasochism, Bondage, Consent Play - Rated E “Binghe really cannot have people coming into his kitchen and interrupting his cooking. A lesson will have to be given from shizhi to shishu in both politeness and in--relaxation.”

Fix Your Collar by Ilthit

Dreamwidth post - NSFW - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù - Bites & Bruises, Daydreaming, Post-Canon, background Bingqiu - Rated E “Shang Qinghua's imagination runs away with him a little at a meeting of the peak lords.”

One Basket by Ilthit

Dreamwidth post - NSFW - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Mòběi-jūn/Shàng Qīnghuá - Oviposition, Smut, Temperature Play, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Size Difference - Rated E “Mobei-jun needs to lay his eggs. Airplane wrote this porny plot device himself, so he will take responsibility.”

Shizun and Shizun and Their Little Kitten Bingmei by Ilthit

Dreamwidth post - NSFW - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Luò Bīnghé/Shěn Jiǔ | Original Shěn Qīngqiū, Luò Bīnghé/Shěn Yuán | Shěn Qīngqiū - Gags, Crossdressing Kink, Cock & Ball Torture, Master/Disciple Relationship, Established Relationship, Face Slapping, Feminization, foreground Bingjiu, Background Bingqiu - Rated E “There is no context or explanation, only giving Binghe everything his heart desires.”

Escape Clause by Ilthit

Dreamwidth post - NSFW - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Shàng Qīnghuá/Shěn Yuán | Shěn Qīngqiū - Alternate Universe, No transmigration, Drunk Sex, Internalized Homophobia, Casual Sex, Lingerie, Denial - Rated M “Just bros being bros, gunning shots and going down.”

[black--sun]

He couldn’t stop his eyes going to Shiro if he tried. Shiro would let him do it, he’s sure. And if that spanking turned into fucking Shiro face first into the counter until Shiro’s legs gave out, he’s pretty sure Shiro would be great with that too. Ichigo huffs a soft sound. “If you got spanked for every bad thing you do, you’d always be bent over something.” Ichigo wouldn’t be sorry for that at all. His eyes go to Shiro's mouth. “You would. I’d make sure.” But he said he wouldn’t try anything with him when he was messed up, and he won’t. Shiro’s had a lot to drink, so Ichigo pulls his eyes off him and tries to exhale some of the building heat thrumming under his skin. 

“I know what you gave me. I know what it cost you.” He also knows that Shiro liked that intimacy and wanted it. He still wants it. So does Ichigo. Ichigo’s brow ruffles, but only briefly. It suddenly takes more energy than he has for facial expressions, and he feels blank and drained. He’s not even blindsided by that suggestion, but it still feels like his stomach is slow falling over the edge of a cliff. “In other words, we could have a relationship like you and your cop friend.” They’d never be like Shiro and his cop. Because instead of pretending they had something real, they’d be trying to pretend they didn’t. 

He looks over again, but he doesn’t know how to respond. He can’t help Shiro with his boyfriend. Or non-boyfriend. He can’t help Shiro with the guy he keeps around just so he’s not so alone. He wonders if Shiro really thinks Ichigo isn't just as alone.

Ichigo throws a narrow eyed look over his shoulder. He knows that’s partially serious though— even if he doesn’t like Shiro’s well-being being held hostage to ensure he doesn’t dawdle. “I’m definitely coming back.” Which is a promise and maybe even a threat depending on what he comes back to. “I’m still more than prepared for discipline.” Which he probably shouldn’t yell over his shoulder if he doesn’t want to announce his presence to everyone in the mansion.

He scoffs. "I'm not into uniforms, but I am into well fitted clothes on good lookin' people." Actually. Anything could be a uniform if it's worn right, so maybe Ichigo's onto something. This whole conversation is sliding so fast, so hard into the gutter. Or maybe a water park slide that ends in his bed. He can't not think about what Ichigo's saying, right down to the spanking. Fucking hell. "I've been real bad, scary secret agent. You're gonna have to bend me over this counter and spank me." He's trying to tease, but as he says it he realizes he'd 100% enjoy it. "I'd be very loud for you."

He doesn't know how to feel. He already knew that it was never just sex between them, and it feels good to be reminded that, but it also hurts. He shrugs. "It doesn't usually matter." That can't be a surprise. Ichigo knew right from the very beginning that he sleeps around, it was part of their conversation when they talked about being exclusive. It only just then dawns on him that Ichigo's the only person he's ever truly been exclusive with. "I gave you other things that meant more than sex. Sex is fun, it's the spaces between sex that are important." His time, and not the kind of time a meeting gets, but real, quality time, respect, his attention without expectation of something in return. His trust and vulnerability. Things that aren't tangible, but not given easily. But going back to Ichigo's first comment, "We could- I dunno. Discuss a line. Boundaries. Figure out what we-" Not what they want, because they already know that and it's not going to happen. "What we're willing to give."

There's the answer he expected. He huffs a small laugh, but then kind of looks out across the kitchen in the opposite direction. "Well we got at least half of that." Not including the good but meaningless sex, of course.

How does he keep Ichigo from walking away without looking pathetic and needy? He can't. So he shrugs. "Fine, but don't be late. Who knows what'll happen if I have to entertain myself." He doesn't get up from his seat on the floor, though he's mostly finished his food. He snorts. "What more could you need?" But fine. He can pull together something non alcoholic.

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Byakuya Kuchiki (Bleach) - Noble Series 1: Our Love - Chapter 15

~Present~

“Why do you think the Head Captain wants us to join in on the meeting? It must be really bad if they're calling Ichigo for help.” Renji stated.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean!!” Ichigo yelled. Rukia just sighed. She expected nothing less.

“Be quiet you two.”

They both glared at each other, and you just silently walked beside them.

The second you got back to the squad barracks, the intention was to inform them of the threat that you had identified. Not even minutes later a meeting was called for all the captains while the other reapers in each division remained on standby in case of another attack. You didn’t truly see the need for too much alarm, not until you heard they’d asked for Ichigo to join.

Things hadn’t felt this chaotic since Aizen’s imprisonment. You didn’t like it, the feeling forming in the pit of your stomach. All you could do was quietly follow.

The minute you all made it to those large doors, they opened and you stepped inside.

The sight of captains lined up made you feel exposed. When the doors closed, you swallowed. Unsure of how to proceed forward.

The Head Captain was seated, and now everyone was quiet.

“I am sure everyone is aware of the very real threat. Unfortunately we have another significant issue. “

You could see the confusion on everyone’s faces, and you waited for an explanation. Yamamoto nodded at someone from the side, and all you saw were the two guards.

That was all that you needed to recognize who was sheltered behind them.

Your throat went dry, and your heart felt as though it had physically stopped beating. The face of the man was someone you prayed you would never see again. You’d run so far, for so long.

But here he was.

His cold eyes trained on you, and just like that, you felt it.

That helplessness that only ever happened in his presence. Ichigo looked over when he saw the tremble in your hands, the shock on your face.

“My name is Rei Shikimori, head of the Shikimori Clan and I am here to retrieve my daughter. “

Silence resounded in the room for a moment, until Ichigo spoke up.

“Who the hell is the Shikimori Clan and why should we care about it?”

Renji seemed startled and Rukia smacked him right over the head.

“You idiot!! You dare to talk to a noble in such a disrespectful tone!!”

His face hit the ground harshly and she just bowed.

“Forgive him, Head Captain.”

Rei clicked his tongue in disapproval as Ichigo was picking himself off the ground. He looked ready to complain, but you stepped forward, and now all eyes were trained on you. There was no way to run from this.

You had to be honest about everything.

“The Shikimori Clan is one of the very first noble families within the Sereitei. Their status is among the most elite and they are widely respected throughout the regioni.”

Everyone in the room is intrigued.

“You know quite a lot about this noble family (Y/N)-san, have you encountered them before?” Ukitake questions.

You can’t meet their eyes. Not at all, because you’ve been keeping this secret for so long.

Deceived them.

“I know because…”

You swallow.

“Because I am the eldest daughter of Rei Shikimori. The head of the clan, he is my father.”

The expressions of shock are hard to miss. You’d like to say you expected it. There was a part of you that prayed they would never know, that your family would never find you.

The whole point of leaving was to never look back. You dyed your hair, changed your last name, blended in perfectly with everyone else. You’d even managed to sell some of your hair ornaments to purchase food the first few years you spent on the streets of the Rukongai.

Now that they are here, it feels like it was all for nothing.

“Are you really saying that you are a noble?” Toshiro questions.

You finally look up, eyes trained at the Head Captain.

“I am.”

All you can do now is apologize and pray that this discovery hasn’t jeopardized your life here.

“I apologize for the deceit. It was never my intention.”

With a deep bow, all you can think of is how far and how fast you’d run to get away from the fallout this situation is sure to bring. 

[ghostkinnie]

Ichigo has been described as having a scary face if you don’t know him, so how do you think he’d deal with meeting someone who treats him normally, he develops a crush over the next month, he purposely puts on the tough guy act throughout Bleach, so he is not seen as soft or embarrassed easily, so how do you think he’d deal with hearing his crush say right in front of him to somebody else, “I’ve always thought he’s sweet and funny” and the person questions “We’re talking about Ichigo Kurosaki. that Ichigo”. ”Yea he’s rough around the edges, but really nice”?

a/n: first sorry for the delay my tumblr started to delete requests ಥ_ಥ and second i loved what you asked because several bleach characters fit that so i took the liberty of doing other than ichigo

BLEACH BOYS X READER WHO DIDN'T FIND THEM INTIMIDATING

➜ characters: Ichigo, Kenpachi, Grimmjow, Renji and Ulquiorra

➜warnings: none just fluff

ICHIGO

Ichigo is certainly a bad boy look but on the inside he is cute and kind

Having someone who from the beginning saw him for who he truly is made something warm inside of him

And seeing you saying it in front of others or "protecting" him in words makes him want to keep you even closer

He may be a little rough but all he loves most are his friends and family. And now you've joined this list

He will be so tender and gentle with you, as if you were a flower.

"You don't have to protect me, damn you're so cute I can't take it!"

RENJI

Another bad boy look that's just cute on the inside

It's very easy to see people intimidated by his explosive form and when you didn't, Renji became interested and confused

Seeing you treating him with respect and being kind made his heart soften even more

He wants to keep you close at all times and see you being affectionate more and more often

And when you protect him with words saying how cool he truly is, he will decide that you are the love of his life

"Hey Y/N, don't speak well of me let them think these things, i'm only nice for you, bunny."

GRIMMJOW

I mean this man is such a brat, everyone is always intimidated or scared by his threats and manner and he knows. He likes it.

And when you first arrive and treat him like he's someone nice, his mind stops working for a few minutes

But honestly he likes different things and you got this man's attention and interest. Get ready this brat won't let you go anytime soon

He'll tease you all the time but that's just his weird way of showing that he's totally attracted to you. Even though he's trying to deny these feelings

There will come a time when he will just decide that you are his and that's that

"Oe, stop saying those things you idiot!" He's definitely going to swear while he's blushing

ULQUIORRA

This poor man is going to be so confused, give him patience

He is not used to feelings and expects everyone to find him intimidating. So why are you being so affectionate? He doesn't understand

And that's exactly why he'll be so intrigued and curious about you

And when Ulquiorra least expects it, the feeling of curiosity over you will have become a passion

He won't understand what he is feeling but he'll just know that he wants you and protect you above all else

"I am the one who must protect you, woman. Why are you doing this for me?"

KENPACHI

Look at this man. Anyone is afraid and intimidated by him and he loves it

Zaraki has a good heart and you've known it since you saw him and Yachiru. And when you treated him differently than everyone else he was immediately intrigued about you

He will keep you around with an excuse that you are weak but honestly he loves being around you because he feels welcomed

It's like you two become a family, the two of you and little Yachiru as the daughter. And he'll like it, he'll like the feeling of having someone to love him

He is so used to hate and fear that having you to take care of him even with words is something that makes him fall to his knees for you

"What are you talking about me, little thing? You're too good for them."