#Yoruichi saves the day

[holyhadesimweird]

domestic life

masterlist

pairing : kisuke urahara x fem!pregnant!reader

summary : kisuke comes home to his pregnant wife talking with ichigo's group (this is part 1 of my domestic life series, part 2 here!)

༶┈⋇⊶⊰❣⊱⊷⋇┈⋇⊶⊰❣⊱⊷⋇┈୨♡୧┈⋇⊶⊰❣⊱⊷⋇┈⋇⊶⊰❣⊱⊷⋇┈༶

after spending a long day on his feet in the shop, all kisuke wanted to do was lie down. he wanted to relax and lie down next to you, his wife of many years. recently you both had decided you wanted to try for kids, and happily for both of you, you were expecting.

he thought back to when you had announced to him that you both were expecting.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

it was a quiet night in the shop and kisuke had decided to close up early so he could spend more time with you. you hadn’t been feeling well recently and went into town earlier today for some things that would help with your sickness. when you returned, kisuke had ordered you to take some time to yourself to rest and try to get better while he worked.

making his way to your shared bedroom, kisuke hummed to himself lightly. opening the door to the bedroom, he could see your figure resting in bed and made his way over to join you.

"hey babe, i have something i want to show you." he heard you say when he got into the bed.

"of course my dear, what do you want to show me? it better not be a tissue full of snot..." kisuke's sentence trailed off when you rolled over in the bed with a pregnancy test in hand and a smile on your face.

"i think we did it kisuke. i think we're expecting a baby." you whispered.

"oh my god... WE DID IT!" he exclaimed, grabbing you and hugging you.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

laughing to himself at the memory, kisuke knew you were upstairs talking with the kids about your time as a soul reaper. when his sentence of being banished was announced, you fled with yoruichi to be with kisuke. when ichigo started training with kisuke, you thought it would be a good opportunity to tell the kids about your experiences and anything that could help them in the soul society. and now that they were back and the most you could do was sit since you were so far along, the kids wanted to keep you company so you weren't alone.

"and this one time, i managed to surprise kisuke and land a super nice punch, straight to his nose! of course i felt really bad when his nose started bleeding, but i think it was that moment that made him like me." you laughed while telling the story.

ichigo, rukia, chad, orihime and uryu all sat with you at the table while you all drank tea.

"oh! anyone wanna feel the baby kick? i feel her." you said.

"...can i?" ichigo asked timidly.

"of course you can big lug, i offered." you took ichigo's hand and placed it on your belly.

"you guys know the gender? i thought you were saving that for when they're born?" rukia asked.

"we don't know yet but my lovely wife here thinks its a girl. i think it's a boy, just to go against her." kisuke spoke up, alerting the others of his presence.

"well i think they're going to be a beautiful baby!" orihime said.

"thank you orihime, i tried real hard." kisuke laughed, making the teens groan.

"i'm the one cooking the baby here kisuke, i think i'm the one who's trying hard." you said, crossing your arms.

walking over to you and placing a kiss on your lips before making his way to the kitchen, kisuke laughed again.

"of course darling." he smiled. "now, who wants dinner?"

you living room broke out into exclamations as the teens were apparently hungry.

both you and kisuke thought that if this is what life would be like with multiple children, you'd be fine. you both loved these teens and wanted to keep them safe, and knew that once your baby was born, the teens would do anything to protect your baby.

[stormsthatrage]

We need more fic (or like... any...) where Ichigo travels back in time, does his whole angsty thing where he tries to save the universe while grappling with the fact that none of his loved ones know him, BUT THEN KISUKE FIGURES IT OUT.

Give me a fresh-from-the-onmi Captain Urahara who realizes that this strange Shiba is from the future, is trying to prevent an apocalypse by assassinating a threat, and has a fascinating amount of himself and Yoruichi in his fighting style.

Give me a Kisuke who realizes that, at one point, Ichigo meant the world to him. That he himself still means the world to Ichigo. That Ichigo will never tell him this of his own volition, because Ichigo is trying to protect him.

Give me Kisuke and Tessai and Yoruichi slowly becoming super protective of Ichigo as they try to pin down who, exactly, Ichigo is to them.

Give me a broken-hearted Ichigo, who one day turns around and finds support where he thought he had permanently lost it.

[scremogirl]

★♑︎☆彡𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎✪𝐍!☆♏︎★

How the Captains and Lieutenants (+) would react to PDA

I’m obsessed with this anime you don’t even understand. Imma do a spin off of this but with the arrancar and sterneitter and Yhwach… yes I like Yhwach. Suck my dick. All the captains are the ones in the picture aka pre attack TYBW captains. Ikkaku and Kaien are the only changed lieutenants. This took to long to write so I barley proof read it, it just gets a little reparative at times. Read the note at the end plz. Enjoy my loves.

Chōjirō Sasakibe

W/ others: Young Chojiro would find it sweet. He has a very strong heart and will acknowledge the love of the couple but do nothing more. Older Chojiro would probably scoff and tell them to be a little more prideful about when and where they show their affection.

W S/O: I think no matter what age he’s pretty much the same. Wouldn’t do too much or too little. Younger him wouldn’t be as affectionate because he might have other priorities. Older him though, even tho he has more responsibilities, he’s laid back and will rest with you on a bench as you talk about your day. Would probably like feeding the ducks at a local park with you.

Suì-Fēng

W/ other people: *Side eye*. She ignores it for the most part but wishes they would do it in private. As long as it’s not anything tooo intimate then she doesn’t mind really.

W/ S/O: She doesn’t like it. Again, she doesn’t mind anything very subtle. Intentional but discreet brushing of the hands, holding eachother pinkies under the table, or sitting close together, is all alright. Hugging and Kissing on the other hand? No. Maybe if she’s feeling a little soft or has a good day, a kiss on the cheek would be exceptional, maybe a pet name. Other than that, absolutely not. She does have a reputation to uphold after all. (*cough* and she doesn’t want Yoruichi to see *cough*)

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi

W/ others: He finds it endearing that people can express their love for eachother so openly. He won’t comment on it and keep going on with his day. If it gets a little to handsy between the two he’ll probably strum his guitar a little harder to block it out or just get up and walk away.

W/ S/O: He enjoys it. He likes the feeling of his hands in yours and arms wrapped around each other. He’s a little more open about it in private but that doesn’t mean he’ll completely stop in public. He’s more of a words or affrimation kinda guy, I mean he puts so much emotion into his lyrics, how could he not be? He’ll whisper sweet nothings in your ear, and if he’s in the mood, a couple filthy promises.

Izuru Kira

W/ others: Izuru is a naturally introverted and quiet person. Seeing people so open and confident in their love for eachother makes him a little jealous. He wishes that sometimes he could put himself out there just a little more, but he’s comfortable in his little bubble so the thought alone kinda scares him.

W/ S/O: As I said before, he’s a shy lil boy. Not to much in public or you’ll kill him. In private tho, 🤭. He’s literally all over you, begging and whimpering for just a little bit of attention (he’s def a sub imo). He likes having someone to hold every night he goes to bed and every morning he wakes up. Tbh, I think he goes for the extroverts; he’d appreciate it if you make the moves most of the time. But when he’s in a mood, best believe he’s not letting you go anywhere, for someone so slim he can be exceptionally strong; aka his status as a lieutenant. He loves words of affirmation, giving or receiving.

Retsu Unohana

W/ others: She thinks it’s sweet, at least Retsu does. As long as they aren’t doing too much she just goes on about her day. Yachiru on the other hand would have scoffed a little, shaming them for their openness, thinking that those moments between two lovers should be saved for the more private and intimate moments. (*She a reformed crip*)

W/ S/O: Im a little indifferent on this one. I don’t really have an opinion on her when it comes to this. I think before the main story and tybw she wouldn’t even be interested in anything but battle. Main story Unohana (+) pre-attack tybw, wouldn’t mind hand holding. She’ll call you cute/endearing names like ���dear or hun” but other than that, I don’t think she’ll be that mindful or care about it.

Isanae Kotetsu

W/ others/: She’s shy and reserved just like izuru. More prone to blushing at seeing other people cuddle up to each other . If she makes contact with either of the two she’ll put her head down and scurry away. She’s so cuteeeee☺️.

W/ S/O: FLUSTERED AF. Will blush, stutter, and whimper at any sign of affection; especially in public. Y’know when in anime the two love interests are walking home together and one grabs the other's hand and turns away blushing? That’s her. She rarely makes the first move but will silently ask you too.

Shinji Hirako

W/ others: Fuckin Hypocrite. He'll scoff and get in his “I wish that was me so imma be a hater,” moods. Seeing people canoodling with each other in public kinda makes his dick hard ngl. He imagines it’s him with his s/o. niggas a pervert on bro.

W S/O: Touchy grabby touchy grabby. Won’t keep his hands to himself. Loves the fact others can see how shy he makes you. Will whisper the filthiest, diabolical things in your ear. Scratch that, if he feels like it he’ll say it out loud. Depending on who you are though, he won't actually say anything, he’s truly a respectful person; just likes to tease. Besides anything sexual, he loves holding your hands and looking deep into your eyes. It’s not hard to make him blush either but he’ll do so with a big smile and soft gaze. He just wants everyone to know how in love he is.

Byakuya Kuchini

W/ others: He doesn’t really care. Little displays of affection are okay in front of him but for the most part, because of who he is, people tend to not take it too far when he’s around.

W S/O: Like Soi Fong, he has a reputation to maintain. He’s a very private and uptight person. Most would say he has a stick up his ass (*kenny*). Another person who prefers to show affection in private. He’ll let you lay your head on his shoulder or vice versa; hands intertwined while you observe the koi fish in his private pond. In meetings with the other nobles, he’ll grab and squeeze your hand from under the table to reassure you. Who knew he could be a lil softie.

Renji Abarai

W/ others: Doesn’t matter to him. Don’t try and bang in front of him and you're cool. Renjis a very laid back guy even if he can be a hot head. He prefers if people would do it in private but if it starts to get to much for him he’ll just get up and walk away.

W/ S/O: I can only imagine him w/ Rukia I’m so sorry. Butttt, if I had to give a take on it I’d say he can get really flustered.

Sajin Komomaru

W/ others: Slightest bit jealous. Because of what he looks like, afraid that nobody would wanna do those things with him. He doesn’t have an opinion on PDA, as long as they’re respectful of the others around.

W S/O: It’s a pretty known fact that Sajin is insecure about himself. However, after he takes his face covering off he does become a little more confident. He’s another private one. Loves cuddling next to the fireplace. In his human form tho, he feels like he has an opportunity to finally show how much he loves you in public without fear of getting judged. He’ll hold you hand and call you a little pet name but for the most part he’s “meh” about it. Afraid to get fur in your mouth.

Shunsui Kyōraku

W/ others: Also another pervert. Have you read his books? Is the cheesy romantic type who says shit like “they just love eachother so much”. That one guy in meet cute romance novels who sits in the back of the cafe or park benches and writes a story based on couples he sees walking by. On some “her big blue eyes started into his narrow darker ones 🥺,” type shit.

Would probably write smut about it ng hold you. Lisa peer edits 4sure.

W/ S/O: Shameless bastard. Like shinji, he does not care who he’s around. Gets a pass because the head captian thinks of him as a son. Will do it infront it him even, making you give him a slap to the head. He’ll just wink at you and give you the biggest, wettest kiss on your cheek ever (*que Yamamoto leaving the room mumbling about how the younger generation has no shame*). Physical touch and words of affirmation are his strong suit. Will tell you your beautiful no matter when or where. Loves taking naps with you under the many beautiful trees located in *byakuyas’ home* the seireitei.

Nanao Ise

W/ others: Unprofessional. She thinks things like that should be indoor activities in their own space. Would probably speak up about it if it was getting too much. Wouldn’t be bitchy about it but would definitely have a very stern tone.

W/ S/O: Again, save it for inside. Would be flustered at any type of affection but more so in public. Would have the brightest cheeks and tell you off for doing things like that in public. She kinda gives me veryyy subtle tsundere vibes, like you gotta squint to see it. In private however, she’ll come up to you with redden cheeks and an embarrassed/ little irritated expression and hold her arms out for a hug.

Kensei Mugurama

W/ others: Get it outta his face. Doesn’t like it with other people, but he won’t have any strong reaction to it. Probably just gives a roll of his eyes and a head shake. Just seeing other people be lovey dovey makes him cringe.

W S/O: Just like his flat skulled friend, very much a hypocrite. Will have a firm grip on your hand every time you two go out, arm around your waist, hand on your lower back. Even though he has this tough persona attached to him, he doesn’t mind showing just how much he cares about you. Will let you sit in his lap with his arms around you or hands on your hips with his face buried in your neck. He does this the most in public, especially if he doesn’t feel like socializing. Would be a little cheeky and start peppering kisses along your neck.

Shūhei Hisagi

W others: Tbh I’m a bit indifferent to him too. He’ll either glance at them and walk the other way. Or, B, become flustered and dip. He just doesn’t know how to react. Kinda just stares for a couple seconds, blushes, huffs, and walks away.

W S/O: Just like his best friend (insert Izuru), he’s a bit bashful about it, but just like his captain he can be a little slick. After a couple of drinks the boldness comes out. He loves wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you towards him with a kiss on your cheek. Will also pull you into his lap and would most likely fall asleep. When he’s a bit more in control of his actions, he’ll grab your hand as you stroll through the town. Still a fan of kissing you on the cheek and will throw in a babe here or there, the works.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya

W/ others: Another one who finds it inappropriate in public. He’s but a child, spare him please,

W S/O: Lil boy.

Rangiku Matsumoto

W/ others- Yet another one who finds it cute. Would comment on how adorable the couple is, will even say it to their face. She can tune it out if she wants too but finds it funny to tease them. Especially if it’s one of her friends (Izuru abuse).

W S/O- Loves, loves, LOVES PDA. Cute nicknames, hugs and kisses, holding hands, going on dates. Loves to feel wanted and appreciated. Probably loves PDA the most out of everyone on this list.*Gin can’t do anything about it cause he dead*

Kenpachi Zaraki

W others: Finds it disgusting but doesn’t care. Slighttttttttly a perverted about it. As long as you're not jumping each other's bones, you’re safe.

W/ S/O: Kinda like Kensei. Very protective of you and a little saucy. Does not care who's watching because he knows they won’t do anything about it. Won’t say it but he loves when you’re perched on his shoulders (your weight/height does not matter this niggas almost seven feet and beefy). Loves for you to sit in his lap too, another one who likes napping with you outside. Lowkey likes it when you, yachiru, and himself go out and do whatever, kinda like his own little family. (has a breeding kink btw)

Ikkaku Madarame

W/ others: Would straight up tell them to knock it off if it’s getting too much. He finds all that cheesy, coupley, romance stuff disgusting. (Would headbutt someone).

W/ S/O: Doesn’t give a damn just like his captain. Very brash and straight forward. Will come up and kiss you in the middle of training if he thinks he did something particularly good in which he deserves a reward. Would sling an arm around your shoulder and kiss the top of your head while sitting in a bar drinking and laughing. Plot twist! If YOU were the one showing PDA he’ll become bashful and scold you about doing things like that in public. Calls you babe 24/7 and does not care who's around when he makes naughty jokes.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi

W/ others: Will stare at them until they stop or throw up in each other's mouths. Finds it absolutely repulsive. Why are you doing that in public, let alone in front of him? Will comment on it, telling them that wherever they are is no place for such nonsense. Will walk away and mutter how nasty it is under his breath.

W/ S/O: No.

Nemu

W/ others: Does not care.

W/ others: Wouldn’t initiate it but would reciprocate if you did. She basically a robot ion know what you want from me.

(+ Akon)

W/ others: Why though? Might get flustered if they start making out but for the most part he gets second hand embarrassment.

W/ other: Again would get flustered by kissing, but wouldn’t necessarily push you away or tell you to stop.

Jūshirō Ukitake

W/ others- Thinks it’s so cute. Would smile and wave at the couple. If they started to get a bit more handsy with eachother his pale face would turn the brightest of pink as he excuses himself.

W S/O- In terms of the top three PDA lovers I’d say Rangiku, Shunsui/Rose tied for 2nd, then him. He’s literally the sweetest person in all the seireitei. Loves sitting out in the open with you, on a cute little picnic date. Pet names thrown around the room, hugges and kisses are open anytime. Would blush and rub the back of his head with a soft laugh and even softer smile if you ever catch him off guard in public. Would say he loves you no matter who’s around.

Kaien Shiba

W/ others: Won’t pay attention to it. They love each other, so what?

W S/O: Woule give you big bears hugs whenever he sees you. Timid smiles with a heart of gold. Around you 24/7 so everyone has gotten used to it. Your own personal shadow.

꧁༺!𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒!༺꧂

Sōsuke Aizen

W/ others. Pre betrayal Aizen would say he finds it charming in a way. Would softly smile at the two and keep going on about his day. Post betrayal Aizen would give them the side eye. Thinks it’s disrespectful to do things like that in his presence. Might rock your shit tbh.

W/ S/O- Pre betrayal Aizen would encourage it. He wants to show everyone how sweet and gentle of a boyfriend he can be. Will grab your hands, waist, hips, or arms at random times to catch you off guard. Post betrayal Aizen could not give 2 fucks.. Would come up behind you snaking his hand around your neck and kiss behind your ear, while you’re mid convo with someone might I add. Will have you sit on his throne with him, might force you too if you’ve been acting up, especially if he knows you hate attention (sinister af).

Gin Ichimaru

W/ others: Would observe them from afar. If they're getting annoying with it he’ll come up to them and purposely make them uncomfortable. Deep down though, he’ll find it cute and long for someone to connect to like that

W/ S/O: Similar to Aizen in the way he just does not care. Even after the betrayal of the Gotei 13, he stays the same. Would grab your hips and kiss along the column of your neck staring straight into the eyes of the person you're talking to. Would whisper teasing words to you no matter where you are. But as I said earlier, the real Gin would just want you to feel like you are always an attachment of him. He really does love you

Kaname Tōsen

W others: Can’t see them.

NAH IM JUST PLAYIN 😭. He thinks it’s a bit unsavory to be doin things in public. He does think, however, that if they’re that secure in the relationship and in their love they have the right to express it.

W/ S/O: Pre betrayal Kaname would hold your hands most of the time. Would possibly give you a quick peck on the cheek or forehead when he knows nobody is paying attention. Most of that stuff is in the privacy of your home. Defo gets more confident and will subtly grope you while whispering sweet nothings. Post betrayal Kaname may or may not be as strict about it. It’s 50/50 he wants you to know he loves you but he also wants to be professional. Maybe if you catch him in a less populated area. Who knows 🤷🏽‍♀️.

Kisuke Urahara

W/ others: Would watch them from behind his fan and bucket hat. Doesn’t mind it at all, he’ll just laugh about it and say that they’re just doing what most couples do.

W/ S/O: Run. Will not leave you aloneeeeeee. Will grab at any part of you. Will grab or slap your ass in public too he dgaf: But when you whip around he’s already out of sight. Now you and the other people around you are left speechless as you stomp around to find him. He loves pet names and will let them spew out whenever. Likes to tease you a lot and does it even more in public. He just like seeing you so shy (* was gonna say blush but uh…👋🏾*). He’s way more on you in private though. Laying in bed cuddled up with you is his favorite. Likes having his face smushed in your chest no matter the size. Arms around your waist and breathing softly as you play with his hair. That won’t last long though, Defo sleeps in the starfish position and will slap or kick you in the face. Good luck tho cause he sleeps like he’s dead. You’ll either push him on the floor or sleep on the couch.

Yoruichi Shihōin

W/ others: She’ll just tune it out. If it’s getting too much she’ll ask them to stop. Just don’t do it when she’s around.

W S/O: Does what she wants. Totally think she’ll love to cuddle up to you in her cat form. Lives for head and belly rubs as well as scratches to her ears. Human form Yoruichi is way more devious. Would lay her head in your lap, arms crossed as she sleeps. Would kiss your cheek, say her 2 cents and walk away. She doesn't care who's around or what you're doing. If she wants to love on you she will.

Just as another psa I don’t write for Toshiro romantically or the lieutenants from squad 2, 5, or 7.

[lostinthesoulsociety]

Setsuko Okada – Bleach Oc.

Name: Setsuko Okada;

Height: 5’9”;

Occupation: formerly, third seat of the Fifth Division; later, she became the co-lieutenant of the Eleventh Division; currently, Captain of the Ninth Division;

Age: her appearence is that of a girl in her early twenties, albeit her soul age is something more than 125-years-old;

Affiliation: as a Captain, she is loyal to the Gotei 13; however, unbeknown to her fellow Captains, she was sent by the Captain Commander to spy on Sosuke Aizen and worked by his side to be able to pass on informations to the Soul Society: to prove her loyalty to him, she was forced to fight along his army during the fake Karakura battle;

Species: soul, born from two inhabitants of the Rukongai;

Sexuality: straight;

Partner(s): formerly, undefined relationship with Shuhei Hisagi (actually, still going on); currently, married to Sosuke Aizen (although she visits Muken every single day asking for a divorce). Nobody knows if they really had and have genuine feelings for each other. Considering he helped her escape Rukongai, they did;

Eye color: Setsuko has heterochromia, making her left eye pale blue and her right one forest green;

Hair color: chestnut brown, fading into purple when she unleashes her bankai;

Zanpakuto: Shitsuren (失恋), unrequited love;

Personality: short-tempered, but she is still working on it. Setsuko is actually a polite and, deep down, caring person, who barely judges people’s choices. Morally grey, she rarely takes a side. She is brilliant and cunning and, sometimes, she could give off the vibes of a standoffish and punctilious woman when it comes down to work. In battle, she is unforgiving and sadistic, thus making her Captain Zaraki’s favorite companion for sparring. She is definitely a party person, though, and she gets quite flirty when drunk.

𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑲𝑺 𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑶𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑺.

BYAKUYA KUCHIKI: Too serious and uptight to strike up a conversation with. He’s too full of himself and would rather save his clan’s reputation than admit the laws are too retrograde to still exist. Ugh, stupid spoiled brat… Still, I like to prank him.

UNOHANA RETSU: Something’s off about her. No one is that terrifying and loving at the same time. I smell the blood of a pretty little liar. Overall, we get along, though… Mostly because Zaraki and I need her assistance after our training sessions.

JUSHIRO UKITAKE: He’s like the brother I never had. He doesn’t hesitate to scold me in front of the others, when I mess up. Yet, he can’t stay mad at me for too long. He’s such a sweetheart!

SHUNSUI KYORAKU: a partner in crime. He is pretty much my favorite person to share a drink with. We may have got in troubles together more than once and, maybe, our way of playfully flirting has gone too far once or twice. Nobody is going to know, right?

ZARAKI KENPACHI: My former Captain is a force of the nature. I admire that man so much! Sometimes I miss hanging around the Eleventh Division’s barracks. We still train together, though! We match scars on our eyes.

TOSHIRO HITSUGAYA: Arrogant kid. I don’t like him at all, but I guess he still needs time to mature. I pity Rangiku for keeping up with him every single day. Our relationship probably deteriorated because of his friendship with Hinamori Momo. To be honest, I don��t care.

GIN ICHIMARU: Too sneaky for my likings, but I am not easy to fool. He better watch his back around me. Not too bad to have a chit-chat with, but I can’t bring myself to trust him fully. Great shikai, though. When we were younger, he used to tug at my hair. I threw worms in his tub to get back at him.

SAJIN KOMAMURA: He’s a pure soul. Sometimes, we go to take strolls together in the Rukongai. He helps me to take care of orphan kids and never questions why my haori is stained in blood after I come back from ‘talking’ to the bastards causing problems in the districts.

SOIFON: Oh, right, Yoruichi’s dog. She’s a pain in the ass. If I catch her meddling into my business, I will tear her apart limb from limb. She’s not smarter than Omaeda, you know? Ugh, I hate her.

SOSUKE AIZEN: This man gives me migraines, but I owe him my life. He saved me from a life of misery. I love him, okay, I do. Yet, he is a bastard. Can you believe I married him? He’s a supportive partner to some extent and he’s great in be—. Uhm, he better rot in Muken.

MAYURI KUROTSUCHI: I heard a song in the World of the livings. It went like “Psycho killer. Qu'est-ce que c'est?”. Yep, that describes this freak. I mean, he’s a meanie and I don’t get along with him, but it can be interesting listening to him talking about his researches. Also, our zanpakutos are both based on poison.

YAMAMOTO GENRYUSAI: Respectable, but too keen to take matters in his own hands. All he does is giving orders and he doesn’t listen to anyone’s opinion. Still, he is the Captain Commander. I follows his orders, that’s all I have to do.

KANAME TOSEN: Justice here, justice there. Come on, has anybody ever told him to shut up? The world doesn’t revolve around justice. The world is unfair, so wake up to reality. There’s not such a thing as suprume justice. It’s all in his head, for God’s sake. Boring.

𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑹𝒀.

Setsuko Okada is a soul born in a disreputable district of the Rukongai. She has no memory of her parents, supposedly murdered by a local gang for some trivial dispute. Growing up in the streets, fed by an old woman who realized she had a great spiritual pressure, she played around the district with the local orphans. Shuhei Hisagi, albeit a little younger than her, was among her best friends and she always stood up for him during fights.

The hunger among the kids who possessed spiritual energy was too big to be satisfied by some rice and bread and some of her friends decided to blow a fetch at the head of a dangerous clan who controlled the food distribution in the district. When they did not come back, Setsuko sensed something was off and left the old woman’s house to search for them.

Finding out her friends were dead, she got blinded by rage and stabbed the man responsible of their deaths right in his eye. Too little and fragile to properly fight back and escape, she was captured and, as a payback for her aggression, the man scarred her face. Hungered and enslaved by the clan, she spent nearly two years alone in a cell, until someone pulled her out of her confinement to sell her out in the streets. It was in that occasion that she met Sosuke Aizen, a young Lieutenant of the Fifth Division.

Sensing her Spiritual pressure, he bought her and took her into the safe walls of the Seireitei. Stitched up, she spent a few nights in the barracks of the Fifth Division until she enrolled to the Academy and studied there until her graduation. During the night, Sosuke offered her the chance to train harder and learn some other fighting techniques not taught to the new recruits.

In her mind there was only the thirst for revenge that consumed her. As soon as the graduation party ended, she paid a visit to the Rukongai district where she came from and killed the members of the gang who had hurt her one by one.

𝑻𝑹𝑰𝑽𝑰𝑨 — 𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑺𝑯Ō 𝑺𝑬𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑻𝑺

• During a mission in the World of the livings with Shunsui, they ended up getting drunk and got arrested while in their gigai form. The shinigami sent to their rescue was Jushiro Ukitake, who signed a petition to ask Captain Yamamoto not to pair Captain Kyoraku and Captain Okada together in a mission ever again.

• During her time in Las Noches, she taught Ulquiorra some basics about human feelings and interactions. The Espada seemed to enjoy her company, however he never expressed his thoughts about their ‘friendship’, but gifted her a green hairpin, upon learning presents were a way to show gratitude among humans.

• She is kind with children and often visits the Rukongai to bring them food and gifts. If some kids have troubles with adults, she makes sure to keep them safe and handles the situation on her own. Most of the time, said people mysteriously disappear. Literally.

• When she left the Gotei temporary to follow Sosuke in Las Noches, Shuhei was the only one who did not believe that farce. To convince him she had made up her mind, she tossed him a necklace he had gifted her when they were kids and told him his own existance was a mistake. Those words hurt her more than they affected him.

• She is kind of a nerd and reads a lot of novels and manga from the World of the livings.

• The only two people who know she actually has feelings for Sosuke are Rangiku and Gin. Albeit they only married to establish a stronger hierarchy in Hueco Mundo, she actually did it for love. On the other hand, Sosuke cared for her and admired her a lot. He grew affectionate of her throughout the years, causing some feelings he despised to seep into his mind and heart. He denied them, but at the same time he refuses to set her free by agreeing on a divorce.

• When it comes down to food, she dislikes a few things, some of them being sushi, broccoli, savoy cabbage and strawberries. She has been addressed a picky eater by Shuhei more than once and he went to the extent to force feed her broccoli to shut her up during an argument. He was headbutted.

• Setsuko’s habit of picking scanty dresses irks Byakuya to no end and he constantly throws cloaks at her to cover up. Everyone knows about it and she got once dared to sneak into Byakuya’s chambers naked. His shouts could be heard in the entire Soul Society.

“You are shameless!”.

“Virgin boy”.

• She sold pictures of Ikkaku with the wig he had purchased in the World of the livings to earn money for the Shinigami Women’s Association. He never forgave her.

• Setsuko was and is the only one who doesn’t fear testing Sosuke’s patience with sassy and sarcastic comebacks.

“We haven’t discussed the chance to give the reign an heir”.

“That’s out of discussion. Fuck yourself and see if you get pregnant”.

• She loves going to concerts in the World of the livings and often asks Kisuke to buy her tickets for the events for when she visits Karakura. She makes sure not to tell Sosuke about it, or he would truly get free from Muken out of irritation.

• She is scared of millepedes and fainted in Jushiro’s arms, during a picnic.

• Ready to throw hands at any times, she loved wrestling with Grimmjow. Sosuke forbid them to indulge into such savages activities ever again, after spotting her straddling the Espada’s waist to tackle him down. Someone has jealousy problems. Naturally, he denied it all.

AUTHOR NOTE.

Our beloved Setsuko is ready and by that I mean ready to fight. Is there something more you wish to know about her? Ask right away through my inbox✨

Credits for the art: me;

Credits for the banners: @cafekitsune

[rainisawriter]

One Day, You’ll Be Mine – Hitsugaya (PSF #12)

Ficography

Genre: Fluff, comedy

Prompt: Fire&Ice (@flufftober)

Word Count: 5,879

Pairing: Reader x Hitsugaya

World: Bleach

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

You never believed in love at first sight until you met Hitsugaya Toushirou. The second those beautiful teal eyes met yours, you were hooked, willing to give him whatever he wanted. Hell, if Yoruichi hadn’t been there to stop you, you would have willingly surrendered to him.

The thing is, he didn’t feel the same way. It was quite the opposite, actually.

You had been with Ichigo’s group when they broke into the Soul Society to save Rukia and you had the bad luck of running into Hitsugaya not once, but twice. The first time was purely by accident. 

You had been trying to find your way, completely lost within the maze of pathways, and you ran right into him. Or perhaps he had stumbled upon you and seized the opportunity before him.

The second your eyes met, you felt a swarm of butterflies inside your gut. Your heart raced within your chest, but it wasn’t fear at facing down a captain. It wasn’t excitement at getting to fight a captain, either. What was it, then? You had this strong urge to protect him despite him needing no such thing.

Hitsugaya Toushirou was a captain with an incredible zanpakuto. He was not someone that needed to be protected, but that didn’t stop you from wanting to.

“I don’t want to fight you,” you told him, holding your hands up in surrender.

His teal eyes narrowed at you suspiciously. You had broken into the Soul Society, taken out many soul reapers and caused a lot of damage, yet you didn’t want to fight? He wasn’t buying it. “Then surrender.”

“Okay,” you breathed out, stepping closer to him. “I surrender.”

His brow furrowed in confusion. You had come all this way, caused all this trouble, just to surrender? He wasn’t buying that, either. He believed it had to be a trick.

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“None of your business.” He replied, lifting his hand. “Bakudo number 4, Hainawa!” A rope of yellow energy shot from his hand, rushing toward you with the intention of restraining your arms.

“What are you doing, idiot?!”

You grunted when Yoruichi, still in cat form, barreled into you, knocking you out of the way before the spell could reach you. You scowled at her, rubbing your side where she had headbutted you. “What the hell, Yoru? That hurt!”

“Good!” She hissed, yellow eyes focused on the captain that was watching the two of you closely. “I specifically told you not to fight with the captains. You’re too reckless, you and Ichigo both!”

“I wasn’t even fighting him! I was surrendering.”

“That’s worse!” She hissed again, fur raised as she raised her paw, swiping her claws across your face.

“Motherfu -” you winced, covering your cheek with your hand. “That was uncalled for!”

Her eyes snapped to the male seconds before he appeared in front of you, unsheathing his zanpakuto. Your body reacted on instinct, pulling your zanpakuto from your hip to block the blow, the sound of metal hitting metal echoing through the open area.

“We need to go,” growled Yoruichi as she jumped onto your shoulder. “Now!”

“I’m sorry,” you muttered, focusing your power. Flames erupted across the blade, extending toward him. He reacted quickly, using shunpo to put distance between the two of you. Within that short span of time, you had disappeared.

The second time you ran into him was during his battle with Ichimaru Gin. 

Rather than running into him by accident, you had felt his reiatsu flaring and rushed toward him without a second thought. As soon as you saw the two exchanging blows, anger coursed through you, your reiatsu fluctuating in reaction to it. This caught the attention of both men.

Despite Yoruichi yelling at you not to, you charged at Gin, eyes flaring red as flames engulfed your zanpakuto. 

“Get the fuck away from him, you bastard!” You growled, slamming your sword against his. The flames shot from the sword as if they had a mind of their own, attacking him relentlessly but he dodged each time, a smirk on his lips.

“How curious. Why is the enemy protecting you, captain Hitsugaya?” questioned Gin, an amused tilt to his voice.

Hitsugaya couldn’t answer that, he could only watch you in confusion as you continued to attack Gin, your power steadily rising with each attack. He was toying with you, you knew, and that pissed you off more.

“Bakudo number one, Sai!”

Against your will, your body twisted, arms locking behind your back. Your zanpakuto hit the ground and you cursed in frustration.

“Thank you for the assist.” Gin’s smirk widened. “This will be easier now. Shoot to kill, Shinso.”

Your eyes widened as the blade of his zanpakuto extended rapidly toward you, giving you no time to react. Hitsugaya appeared behind you, grabbing you by the back of your shirt before using shunpo to dodge. The blade broke through the concrete where you had been just seconds ago.

“The enemy is restrained,” snapped Hitsugaya, glaring at the silverette. “Murder is uncalled for.”

He hummed, tilting his head to the side. “We were given the okay to kill on sight. Have you forgotten? Or perhaps… you’re working with the enemy.”

You scoffed. “He ain’t working with me. I work alone!”

“Oh? So you didn’t arrive with five others?”

Your eye twitched at being caught in a lie. “It’s cheaper to travel in a group!”

Gin laughed at the absurdity of the statement. 

“Stop talking,” Hitsugaya muttered to you, clutching your shirt tighter.

Despite the insults you wanted to throw at Gin, you did as you were told, pursing your lips. Without a word, Gin turned on his heel and started to walk away.

“Hopefully, you don’t let the enemy escape a second time, captain Hitsugaya.”

When he was finally gone, Hitsugaya released the breath he had been holding. It was cold against the back of your neck, bringing goosebumps to your skin.

“Thank you for saving me, Hitsugaya,” you told him softly, tilting your head back so you could see him.

“Captain Hitsugaya,” he corrected you with a scowl, making you grin.

“Like captain Jack Sparrow!”

“Who?” His brow furrowed in confusion, having never heard the name before. 

“When we finally start dating, I’ll show the movies to you. I bet you’ll love them.”

His pale cheeks turned red at your declaration. “W-What are you talking about?! We will never date!”

You pouted at him. “Don’t be like that, Hitsu.”

“My name is Hitsugaya Toushirou! Not Hitsu!”

Your eyes lit up and you quickly turned around to face him. “Rou-chan! How cute~!”

His blush darkened, a scowl on his lips. “Captain Hitsugaya!”

“Yes, yes,” you nodded. “It’s a very beautiful name.”

“S-Shut up!” He stuttered, turning his back to you in an attempt to hide how flustered he had become. He wasn’t used to anyone flirting with him or complimenting him and he wasn’t sure how to feel.

You didn’t fight him when he escorted you to the prison, you were just happy to be so close to him. He smelled like mint and vanilla, his body cooler than most people’s were. On the way, you kept stepping closer to him because you enjoyed the cold that his body offered, but he continually pushed you away, sending empty threats your way.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

You poked your head into Hitsugaya’s room, checking for any guards before you slipped inside. His upper body was covered by bandages. You had heard that he was seriously injured, but you weren’t sure to what degree and no one would answer you when you asked.

You approached his bed slowly, feeling butterflies in your stomach. He was already a beautiful man, but when he was sleeping? He was absolutely stunning. He looked so peaceful and relaxed, a welcome change from the calculating expression he usually wore.

You reached out, the tips of your fingers just barely brushing against his pale skin when his hand shot out, fingers curling around your wrist. His eyes slowly opened and he glared at you, though it was half-hearted as if he didn’t have the energy to glare at you properly.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” he grunted, voice husky from a mix of sleep and pain.

“Are you okay?” You frowned, eyeing the bandages across his chest. “What happened?”

He exhaled sharply, releasing your wrist. “None of your business.”

You clicked your tongue, folding your arms over your chest. “Still so cold, Rou-chan.”

Teal eyes narrowed at you, a scowl on his lips. “How many times do I have to tell you not to -” His words died when he clenched his teeth, wincing in pain.

“Calm down,” you scolded, resting your hand against his shoulder. “You’re gonna reopen your wounds.”

“I’m fine.”

“I definitely believe you, babe.”

Whatever retort he had died in his throat with that one word, cheeks burning bright red. He sputtered, eyes wide as his brain tried to process this. Before he could, though, there was a sudden murderous aura behind you.

Your body tensed up and you swallowed hard, feeling a heavy hand land on your shoulder. 

Unohana was smiling despite the dark aura surrounding her. “You were told that captain Hitsugaya needs his rest, were you not?”

“Yes…”

“And you were repeatedly told not to bother him, were you not?”

You winced when her grip tightened. “Yes…”

“Yet here you are, bothering captain Hitsugaya and preventing him from resting.”

“I just wanted to see him,” you scowled. “If you had just told me – ow!”

“I don’t have to tell you anything, dear.” She tilted her head to the side, offering you a closed-eye smile as she nearly broke your shoulder. “Now, you’re going to do as you’re told and return to your friends, correct?”

“Yes…”

“Great.”

“Can I at least say goodbye fir -“

“No.” She tugged you roughly toward the door, forcing you out of the room.

You looked over your shoulder, meeting Hitsugaya’s teal eyes before the door shut in your face.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

You sighed heavily, slumping over your desk with a frown.

Ichigo, sitting at the desk in front of you, felt his eye twitch in annoyance. “If you sigh one more time, I’m going to throw you out the window.”

“I miss him,” you muttered. “I want to go back.”

It was his turn to sigh now, shifting in his seat so he could look at you. “You know you can’t. He’s a soul reapers, the relationship would never work.”

You groaned, smacking your head against the desk repeatedly. “Life isn’t fair~”

“Will you stop that, idiot?” He scowled, grabbing the back of your shirt and forcing you to sit up. “You don’t even know him, how can you be so in love with him?”

“I don’t know,” you frowned, feeling your heart ache, longing to be near him again. “It’s like he put a spell on me or something. I love him so much that it hurts, Ichigo.”

The orange-haired teen frowned at the pain in your eyes, not sure how he could help you. “You gotta move on. We’ll probably never even see them aga-“

The door of the classroom was shoved open before Ikkaku, Yumichika, Rangiku, Renji and, finally, Hitsugaya entered the room, wearing the school’s uniform. As soon as you saw him, it felt as if everything else disappeared. It was just the two of you in the universe.

Your heart raced with excitement, the breath leaving your lungs as you rushed forward, nearly tripping in your haste. “Rou-chan!” You threw your arms around him, holding him protectively against your body despite his protests. 

The use of the nickname, the fact that his feet were dangling above the ground because of the height difference, and the hug itself was overwhelming to him, especially since everyone was staring in surprise. His cheeks were burning, brain failing to form words.

“I missed you so much,” you whispered into his ear, fingers curling around his shirt. “I thought I would never see you again, I…”

His brow furrowed at the raw emotion in your voice and he didn’t miss the slight tremble it held at the end. He had given it a lot of thought since your first meeting and yet, he was no closer to finding an answer to the questions in his mind. He simply could not understand why you were so attached to him.

If he was being honest, a part of him liked it. It filled his belly with warmth and removed the tension from his shoulders. He knew you were an ally he could count on one hundred percent and that was comforting to him. 

The more rational part of his brain, however, screamed at him to push you away. You were human, he was a soul reaper. You would grow old and eventually die, he would not. Not to mention the fact that it was against the law of the Soul Society for a soul reaper to fall in love with a human.

Despite how badly you desired him, he knew he had to be the rational one. Putting on an annoyed scowl, he pushed you away, teal eyes darkening. “Do not touch me again and stop calling me that ridiculous name!” His fists clenched at his sides, preparing himself for what he was about to do. “You are the single most annoying person I’ve ever met and I can’t stand you.”

Your eyes widened, filled with so much hurt that he had to look away.

“I will never love you,” he hissed before leaving the room. He could feel the pain rolling off you in waves as he walked away and he’d be lying if he said it didn’t hurt. He regretted it as soon as the words passed his lips, but he knew this was the right thing to do. 

He was the rational one, the one who thought about the consequences before diving in, so he had to be the one to put a stop to this before it went any farther. Before he fell harder for you.

“Shit,” he cursed, leaning his hand on the wall and closing his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. He wasn’t sure when it happened, but he believed you had taken his heart with you when you returned to the world of the living. He feared it was too late to take it back.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

“Get the hell up!” The door to your bedroom was slammed open by a scowling Ichigo.

“Let me die,” you muttered, the words muffled by the pillow your face was stuffed against. It had been almost a week since you stopped going to school. Hell, you hadn’t even left your room and he was sure you hadn’t been eating, either, which was very concerning because he knew how much you loved food.

He scoffed, stepping farther into the room with his arms folded over his chest. “What the hell is that going to solve?”

You shifted your head to look at him, dark bags under your eyes. “If I’m dead, I can’t feel the pain anymore.”

“Dumbass!” He snapped, smacking you hard upside the head.

“What the hell?!” You scowled, sitting up and holding your head. “Who goes and hits a depressed person?! Are you dumb?”

“You’re the dumb one! Your pain may end, but what about the people you leave behind, huh? Think about their pain!”

You winced at the pain in his voice, knowing he was thinking about his mom who had sacrificed herself to save his life. “I’m sorry, Ichigo…”

He swallowed, running a hand through his short hair. “It’s fine. I’m used to you saying dumb shit.”

“Rude,” you scoffed, playfully shoving his shoulder. “Have you heard some of the shit you’ve said? You’re no better than me, man.”

“At least I have moments where I say something smart,” he teased, making you laugh. 

Once you started, you couldn’t stop, clutching your stomach. It was contagious, apparently, because he started to laugh, too. 

Out in the hall, Hitsugaya leaned against the wall with his arms folded over his chest. When he heard what you said, dread and fear filled him. He felt guilty because he knew he was the cause of your pain, his resolve beginning to falter. Why did he long to be the one comforting you? Why did he feel jealous of Ichigo making you laugh?

He swallowed hard, leaning his head back against the wall. He was losing control of his emotions and he hated it.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

You and Hitsugaya were complete opposites in every conceivable way.

He was the type to take a step back, calculating the risks of whatever lay in front of him. He preferred having a plan, knowing something about the enemy before rushing blindly forward. His zanpakuto was an ice type and his personality reflected this, often appearing cold to others.

He was also a genius and there were few things he couldn’t solve. He remained calm and collected under most circumstances.

You were the type to rush forward without thinking, relying on your power and instincts to tackle whatever situation you found yourself in. You didn’t give a damn about who the enemy was or what power they had, you would still face them head-on. Your zanpakuto was a fire type and your personality reflected this, quick to anger and always heated.

You were far from a genius, often misreading queues and unable to solve a puzzle to save your damn life. Calm was not a word that existed in your vocabulary.

He often felt frustrated by your actions and your constant simping over him. He just wanted you to leave him alone, but you were completely infatuated by him. 

You didn’t like believing in fate or destiny, but he changed all that. You were convinced that fate had led you into his arms, that you were meant to be. He was your soulmate.

Hitsugaya refused to believe in such things. He preferred to forge his own path, make his own choices. The thought that someone or something had charted the course of his life already was annoying and he refused to accept it.

He was not going to give in to you, no matter what happened. That’s what he repeated like a mantra inside his head every time he saw you. 

And then fate intervened in the form of one Urahara Kisuke. Yoruichi had informed him about what had taken place between you and the snow-haired captain and, since he was quite fond of you, he chose to lend you a helping hand. He insisted that Hitsugaya stay at your apartment while he remained in the world of the living.

The captain adamantly declined, but no one else was willing to house him after Urahara had told them not to. He could have easily survived on his own, but he chose to use this as an excuse, acting as if he really had no choice but to stay with you.

He had expected you to be over the moon at this, clinging to him like mold on cheese. You surprised him by not doing this. You gave him space and when you spoke to him, you did so cautiously, not wanting to upset him again.

You realized you had been coming on way too strong which made him uncomfortable. Despite how badly your heart longed for him, you didn’t want to make him feel negative emotions so you did your best to control yourself. To your credit, you did well, slipping up only when you were excited or super worried about something.

Hitsugaya didn’t know how to feel. This is what he wanted, wasn’t it? Why, then, did he long for you to hug him? To engulf his smaller body with your own? To see your lips form that nickname, to hear your voice speak it? It was driving him insane because he couldn’t get it out of his mind.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

You stifled a yawn as you climbed the stairs, stepping out onto the roof of your apartment building. The night sky was filled with stars, twinkling like tiny diamonds against black velvet. The autumn air was cold, the wind harsher up here than it was on the ground. You should have grabbed a coat.

Hitsugaya sat on the edge, his back against a metal air duct that ran across the length of the roof. His eyes were trained on the cell phone in his hand, keeping watch for any sign of hollow activity. He sensed you the moment you appeared.

“You should be asleep,” he scolded, not bothering to look up at you as you approached.

“How can I sleep if you’re not by my side?” You gave him a tired smile before settling down across from him.

He scoffed, a light dusting of pink crossing his cheeks.

You peered out at the city below. “It’s so peaceful up here. Hard to imagine a war is on the way.”

“Yeah.” His teal eyes fell on you when the wind picked up, feeling like ice against his skin. It didn’t bother him, of course, but he worried about you. “Go to sleep.”

“Don’t wanna,” you hummed, closing your eyes as goosebumps rose across your exposed skin. “I like the cold. It’s comforting.”

The words went straight to his heart, knowing the underlying meaning of those words. He tried to sound firm, but he knew his tone was softer than he intended. “It wasn’t a request, it was an order.”

You pouted at him. “Ordering me around like one of your subordinates, how mean, Hitsugaya.”

He winced at the use of his last name. He hated it coming from your lips and wished you would return to calling him Rou or even just Toushirou. “What are you doing?”

You stretched out your body across the roof, feet nearly touching his own. Using your arms behind your head like a pillow, you closed your eyes. “You told me to go to sleep, so I’m going to sleep.”

“I meant inside!”

“You didn’t say that, though.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was everyone in his life so damn complicated? “I’ll make you a deal.”

You opened one eye, peering at him curiously. “I’m listening.”

“Go inside and sleep in your bed,” he stressed, eyes narrowed at you. “And I’ll let you call me Rou.”

You shot up, wide eyes practically sparkling under the light of the moon above. “Really?”

Seeing how excited you were made him feel happy and he had to force back his smile. Honestly, the deal was just as much for himself as it was for you. “Yes.”

“No takebacks?” 

Hitsugaya nodded.

“Pinky promise!” You held out your pinky, sending him a serious look.

“What?” His brow furrowed in confusion, blinking at your outstretched pinky. 

“A pinky promise is a binding contract. You can’t break it, no matter what,” you grinned, wagging your pinky at him. “Come on, Rou-chan~”

He sucked in a breath, heart fluttering at the nickname. It felt childish, but he leaned forward and locked his pinky around your own. “Pinky promise. Now go to bed.”

“Fine. Good night, Rou-chan.”

“Good night.” He watched you disappear back inside, finally letting his smile free. His hand rested over his heart, racing within his ribcage. “What the hell have you done to me?”

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

Two years passed by and the two of you only grew closer, much to the amusement of everyone around you who were all taking bets on how long it would be before the snow-haired captain finally broke. He was stubborn as all hell, but even he had his limits.

You had managed to bribe Urahara into sneaking you into the Soul Society so you could see Hitsugaya. The problem with this was that stealth was far from a strength you had and many soul reapers spotted you as you ran atop the buildings. The lower ranked ran to their superiors who just laughed it off, knowing full well why you had appeared.

You really didn’t mean to startle him when you threw open the door to his office, screaming his name. Perhaps it wasn’t the best approach because he jumped in surprise, papers flying everywhere.

“Oops, sorry,” you offered him a sheepish smile before beginning to gather the papers.

“What the hell are you doing here?!” He snapped, teal eyes narrowed at you. “How did you get here?”

“Urahara helped me,” you replied simply, setting the stack back onto his desk. “As for the why, well, I missed you.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. What didn’t you understand about how dangerous this was? Humans are not supposed to have feelings for a soul reaper. Though the feelings themself were not a crime, if anyone thought you were dating each other, you would probably be killed. He couldn’t bear the thought but you didn’t seem to care so long as you got to see him.

“Captain, is something – oh,” Matsumoto appeared in the doorway, smiling warmly when she saw you. She rushed over, wrapping her arms around you and squishing your face against her large boobs. “I’m so happy to see you again! How are you?!”

“Can’t… breathe…” you muttered, patting her arm repeatedly to try and get her to let you go.

“Oops,” she giggled, finally releasing you. “Sorry about that. I forget how powerful my girls can be sometimes!”

You snorted at the comment.

“Matsumoto,” called Hitsugaya, his voice stern.

“Yes, captain?”

“Take her home.”

“But I just got here,” you complained, frowning at the short male. “Rou-chan, I just want to -“

“I don’t care.” He closed his eyes, folding his arms over his chest. He had to put his foot down before you ended up getting both of you killed. “You are not allowed to come back here. That’s an order.”

Your gaze fell to the floor, shoulders slumping. You wouldn’t fight back, though. Without another word, you turned and left the room. Matsumoto sent her captain a frown before rushing to catch up to you.

“Are you okay, hun?” She asked softly, resting her hand on your shoulder.

You shrugged, stuffing your hands into the pocket of your hoodie. “I thought he was finally starting to like me, ya know? I thought…” you shook your head, forcing a smile. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want to see me, I get it.”

“I’m sure he has his reasons.”

“Yeah…”

Hitsugaya wasn’t sure what he had been expecting when you didn’t show up again. In all the time he’s known you, you’ve always followed his orders even if you didn’t agree with them. You were completely loyal to him, after all.

He regretted the decision to send you away. A part of him longed to hold you, to have you run your fingers through his hair until he fell asleep. He longed to be engulfed by your scent, your warmth. 

“Damn it,” he muttered, setting the paper down and rubbing his eyes. He had been trying to read the damned thing for over an hour but he hadn’t retained any of the information, his mind too wrapped up with thoughts of you.

It was then that he decided he would come to you instead. There was always work to be done in the world of the living, though captains were rarely ever the ones to be sent to deal with it. He had leeway, though, and could find a plethora of excuses as to why his presence was needed there.

For someone as straight-laced as him, no one questioned the request.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

“Please be careful!”

You looked down at the small child standing at the base of the tree, tears filling her eyes as she looked up at you. You offered her a reassuring smile and a thumbs up. “Don’t worry, I got this!”

The this in question was climbing a large tree in order to save the girl’s cat that had been scared up there by a few rude boys in her class. The branches were completely bare, their leaves lying in piles of orange and brown at the base of the tree. The farther up you climbed, the thinner the branches became, threatening to break under your weight.

“Here, kitty, kitty,” you called softly. The small feline was trembling near the top of the tree, its claws dug deep into the wood and its eyes wide. “I’m here to help you, don’t worry.”

Its frightened meow only spurred you on.

You huffed out, pushing yourself up onto your tiptoes as you extended your arm upward. You carefully grabbed the scruff of its neck with one hand, using the other to dislodge its claws from the wood. 

“I’ve got you, you’re safe,” you breathed out, bringing the kitten to your chest. It was breathing heavily, claws digging into your skin through the t-shirt you wore. You winced in pain, biting your lip. It hurt like a bitch but you didn’t want to scold him knowing he was just scared.

There was a cracking sound beneath you and your heart dropped into your stomach when the branch gave way. The young girl cried out, tears falling from her eyes as she watched helplessly. You held the kitten as tight as you could without hurting him, prepared to take any amount of damage as long as he was unharmed.

You felt something hit you from the side, arms under your back and knees. You felt the familiar feeling of shunpo, nostrils filled with the calming scent of mint and vanilla. “Rou-chan,” you breathed out, looking up at him.

“Are you okay?” He questioned with worry, eyes scanning your body for any sign of injury. As soon as his feet hit the ground, the kitten leaped from your arms, rushing over to the child.

You winced, tugging down your shirt to see the damage. Your chest was littered with scratches, tiny beads of blood rising to the surface. They weren’t even that bad but there was just something about cat scratches that burned like a mother fucker.

The little girl picked up her kitten before rushing over to you, tears flowing down her red cheeks. “A-Are you okay?!”

You slid out of Hitsugaya’s arms, much to both of your displeasure, before kneeling in front of her. “Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine!”

“A-Are you s-sure?”

“Positive,” you smiled, ruffling her hair. 

“Thank you so much for rescuing Bob!”

“B-Bob?” you replied in surprise. “You named the kitten Bob?”

“Yeah!” she giggled, cuddling him to her chest. “Bye!”

You could only blink as she ran away, leaving you with many questions. When you stood up and turned toward Hitsugaya, he was scowling at you.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Pretty sure you can’t lose what you never had.”

“Why didn’t you use shunpo?”

You blinked dumbly, having completely forgotten about its existence. “Oh…”

“You’re hopeless,” he sighed, bringing his hand over his face.

“Hopelessly in love with you,” you grinned, loving the way his pale cheeks darkened.

“More like hopelessly an idiot!”

“What are you doing here, anyway? Has something happened?”

He had prepared the perfect excuse before arriving in the world of the living but, as he stood before you now, it was gone from his brain. He wasn’t sure what came over him, but he found himself speaking from the heart rather than from the mind. “I came to see you.”

You looked at him in surprise, feeling warmth flood your body. 

Hitsugaya was tired of running from his feelings. He was tired of pushing you away and pretending as if you meant nothing to him. He was tired of not being able to call you his, to hold you and shower you with the love he deserved. Rules, be damned.

He closed the distance between you, hand resting against the side of your neck.

“Rou-chan,” you breathed out, fingers gripping the front of his shihakusho to pull him closer.

“Do you really love me?” he questioned softly.

“More than anything else in this world.”

The sincerity in your eyes stole the breath from his lungs. “Then prove it. Kiss me.”

The corner of your lips twitched upward as you leaned closer, lips ghosting over his own. “Is that an order, captain?”

“Ye -”

Before he could finish the word, you claimed his lips with your own, hands on his hips to bring him snug against your own body. His lips danced against your own, cheeks dusted pink as his arms found their place around your neck. Neither of you wanted to pull away but the need to breathe consumed you and you had no choice.

Your forehead rested against his as you tried to catch your breath. “Wow…”

Hitsugaya pressed a soft kiss to your jaw, his words soft. “Are you sure you want this? I can’t promise I’ll be able to let you go if you change your mind.”

You chuckled, rubbing circles against his hip with your thumb. “Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing.”

He hummed happily, closing his eyes as his lips ghosted over yours once more. “I suppose we both have our answer, then.”

“Took you long enough,” you complained, making him chuckle.

“I’m sorry. I just… wanted to keep you safe.”

“I know. I love you, Hitsugaya Toushirou. I’ll love you until the day I die and then I’ll keep loving you from beyond the grave.”

His brow furrowed at the mention of your death. That’s the last thing he wanted to think about. “I won’t ever let anything happen to you. I… I love you.”

“Finally!”

Your eyes widened at the sound of a familiar voice and you turned. Standing up from a large bush was a grinning Matsumoto. Beside her was a scowling Ikkaku, an amused Renji and a smirking Urahara.

“You owe me, Ikkaku! You lost the bet.”

Ikkaku scoffed, folding his arms over his chest before addressing the captain. “Ya couldn’t have held out a bit longer?”

“I’m just glad they finally confessed,” admitted Renji, giving the two of you a thumbs up.

Hitsugaya’s body tensed up, his reiatsu fluctuating as his anger rose.

“Rou-chan,” you sweatdropped, wondering if you should attempt to calm him down.

He pressed his hand against your stomach, gently pushing you back and out of the way. “I am going to kill all of you!”

You couldn’t help but laugh as the small captain started to chase the three around, yelling at them about how they were disrespectful little shits who should mind their own business.

Urahara smiled at you, a silent congratulations for finally winning the heart of the man you loved most. You offered him a smile in return, feeling as if everything had finally fallen into place.

You and Hitsugaya were complete opposites in every conceivable way. Perhaps, though… that was the reason your relationship was so strong. He was everything you were not and vice versa, so you were able to make up for each other’s flaws in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you were similar in nature.

To you, that was a beautiful thing.

───── ⋆⋅🍂⋅⋆ ─────

-> General Taglist: @asterhaze, @mrskenpachizaraki

[yoditopascal]

Bleach Masterlist

*= smut minors DNI

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

Coming Soon!

Matsumoto Rangiku

Coming Soon!

Shuhei Hisagi

Coming Soon!

Kensei Muguruma

Coming Soon!

Hirako Shinji

Everything I Lost But Found In You

Shinji reflects over everything he’s lost and gained following Aizen’s betrayal

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled

Two years after the war Shinji struggles with asking Urahara to marry his daughter

Shinji Hirako x OC

Love Death and Vinyls

Sen struggles with wanting to do something for Shinji for Valentine’s Day and tries to enlist the help of friends.

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled

Shinji sees Sen cry for the first time

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled

It’s Rangiku’s birthday and she and friends go out clubbing. Sen gets dragged along too but is clearly uncomfortable until Shinji steps in and saves the day

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled

Shinji goes through the trials and tribulations of fatherhood

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled

Sen has a study date as she prepares for college entrance exams with an old classmate. Shinji gets jealous and drags some friends along to stake out the date

Shinji Hirako x OC

The Beach Episode

Ichigo and friends are invited to the Soul Society’s annual beach vacation! Sen is forced to go swimsuit shopping by Rangiku and Shinji gets jealous because Shuhei and Kira can’t take their eyes off of her.

Shinji Hirako x OC

Untitled*

Sen has always struggled with her body image but it gets even worse for her after the birth of her children. Shinji does everything in his power to prove she’s never been more attractive to him

Shinji Hirako x OC

EILBFIY OC Sen Urahara

Sen sketches!

Atsushi and Asahi Hirako

Setsuko

Kisuke Urahara

Untitled

A drunken night with his best friend leads to a journey through fatherhood for Kisuke Urahara (EILBFIY tie in)

Urahara x Yoruichi, Platonic! Urahara x OC

Untitled

Sen, forced to deal with the obligations of being part of the Shihoin clan, starts to crumble under the pressure of being a noble in less than a week until her dad comes along to save the day. (EILBFIY tie in)

Platonic! Urahara x OC

Byakuya Kuchiki

Coming soon!

[kimberly-spirits13]

Oh my god!!! you're alive I would really like a batfamily headcanon with a reader like Yoruichi from Bleach in case you don't know the anime or have never heard of it or are not an anime fan that's fine (it could be a reader with cat-turning ability who is a super fighter with super incredible skills and reflexes with a relaxed and laid-back personality but in fighting is a totally serious person

I'll save this for a rainy day, thanks!

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Urahara Kisuke - Short Story: Chapter 4

The following day, you’d dropped by your home and offered drinks and snacks to the workers present before you made your way back to the shop. 

Urahara’s head lifted when he saw you, and he gave a smile at the content expression on your face.

“Someone’s in a good mood. Did something happen?”

He was casually sitting in the main room, legs folded.

His position wasn’t what drew your attention, it was the small animal sitting comfortably in his lap.

He blinked, flinching when you seemed to appear at his side in an instant. A bead of sweat ran down the side of his head when he saw the way you were intently watching the cat. It became clear what you wanted.

“Would you like to hold Yoruichi?”

He lifted her up and from the warm energy emitting off your body, it’s clear that you wanted to.

He laughed under his breath, handing her over. There were practically flowers blooming around you as you held Yoruichi who leaned into your touch. Urahara could just smile.

“I guess she can show those expressions after all.”

He was used to the serious expression you constantly wore. Watching you happily pat Yoruichi brought him ease. He understood that your upbringing had a lot to do with your slightly stoic personality. His eyes drifted to the star shaped bracelet you wore, recalling the conversation he had with Ryuken and Isshin.

He’d called them to discuss you. While he heard that Ichigo had saved you from Yhwach, there was not much more he knew aside from that, and he more than anyone knew that it paid to be careful.

“When I found her in the world of the living, I was surprised. I know she assumed I was there to kill her.” Ryuken explained.

Isshin turned at the statement, and Urahara seemed just as curious.

“Was she a rogue?” Urahara asked.

Ryuken shook his head.

“Far from it. She was one of the few that hated the senseless killing. A few of them enjoyed it, seeing all that death. She was different. Every time she fought it was as if a bit of her will died. Losing her grandparents the way she did might have been a mercy, because if circumstances were different, they would have killed them.”

Hearing such words was disheartening.

If he could give just a small piece of happiness, then he would.

His hand lifted, and for a second he was going to reach out, but he stopped himself, lowering his hand back into his lap.

“Better to keep that distance..”

He mentally scolded himself. After what you’d been through, the last thing you needed was any complicated situations.

He needed to thread carefully.

So he did and before he knew it, four months had passed.

Everything was coming along. Your home was halfway done, and each day, the idea of being there again brought you happiness.

Ichigo came by a few times to check in, and some weekends you would spend them with Jinta and Ururu, making sales and restocking. The topic of your new house came up, and you didn’t expect it when Urahara made the suggestion.

“Photos?”

He nodded.

“You probably don’t have anything to put in that brand new house. We should take a few group photos so you can hang them everywhere!”

He looked pretty excited, and you couldn’t really argue with the logic. Your house would be pretty vacant when you move in.

You turned to Ururu who nodded shly. Jinta just folded his arms.

“I guess a few pictures of me are fine. After all, who wouldn’t want that.” He looked pretty cocky, and you wore a small smile. Ichigo stepped over to you.

“I can call Orihime, Sado and Uryuu if you want.”

“Yes, I would like that very much.”

So you all choose a day that would work, and you’d end up in front of Urahara’s shop with his camera propped on the stand.

He clicked the button.

“Everyone says cheese!”

He was rushing by to your side, and everyone smiled as it flashed. By the time the pictures were done, you were all having a meal inside.

They were all talking so happily as they gave updates of life and everything in between. For a moment, all you could do was observe. The small space was so lively, and the smiles they wore, it gave you a sense of warmth. You’d almost forgotten what it was like. The last time you’d felt this way was when your grandparents were alive.

The joy of having friends, a family..

Your head lowered, and in all the conversations, you’d expertly excused yourself. Making your way outside, you’d jump right onto the roof. There was always something relaxing about watching the town from above.

“Not one for gatherings.”

Urahara’s statement made you look down. He was on the ground, and in an instant, he was right there up on the roof with you.

“It’s strange, being around so many people that only want happiness for the other. I suppose in a way I forgot what it felt like.”

Urahara nods, watching your seated form.

“Being around them, it helps. All of us, we understand that the world isn’t as carefree as so many people believe. Regardless of what they’ve endured, somehow they always managed to get through it with a smile."

He chuckled, tipping his hat down.

“I guess even an old shopkeeper can learn a thing or two from them.”

So could you.

With a soft breath, you stood, and Urahara raised his head, not expecting the tears that were running down your cheeks. Despite it, you were wearing the biggest smile. The first one that you’d truly offered to him.

“Arigatou, Urahara-san.”

Your expression had caught him completely off guard, and his eyes softened. You looked so unapologetically happy, and at that very moment he realized he wanted to ensure that you never lost that smile.

He reached out, and you blinked when you felt his palm on your cheek. You stared, and he said nothing, merely brushing the tear from your cheeks. The fondness is his eyes, they made your cheeks heat up.

“Oiii!! What are you doing you pervert!! I said don’t do anything weird to (Y/N)!”

Urahara wasn’t offered a chance to defend himself, because Ichigo had delivered a swift kick to his chin that sent him barelling into the sky. You just watched, a bead of sweat running down the side of your head.

It’s obvious Ichigo is nothing if not diligent. 

[obsessedwhim]

Office Time

You were ecstatic to hear that Ichigo would soon be spending some quality time in the Seireitei with his dear friends and probably training, which was always an inevitable option.

Though his arrival was in a few days you were bursting with glowing nervous energy, not that he was aware of your lowly sixth-seat self but man! You sure were aware of him!

Not only was he the courageous Hero who saved your home more times than you have fingers, but he was also kind, interesting and.. and... soooooOOOOOoooooo a t t r a c t i v e !

So tall and cool, you could barely look at him whenever Ichigo had somehow made it near your vicinity. Not to mention his intimidating Zanpakuto, shaped unlike any sword you had ever seen!

The first time you saw him in person was... admittedly- seeing Yoruichi pick up the youngster after his defeating of The One and Only Kenpachi Zaraki, Capitan to Squad Eleven.

She watched for a moment as you and your squad mates rushed to the scene of the crime and after that, it's like the bright burn of his hair scorched itself into the very wrinkles of your brain. Burning brighter with every thought that passed through your simple little scull.

There was this one time when you had to make a house call to a Lieutenant and the ginger just happened to be there. You kept quiet and tried so hard to keep your eyes on the bandages before you, but then a shadow covered the sunlight you needed and so, you glanced up with a question in your throat only to swallow said question like a cold rock once you saw it was the legendary Kurosaki, leaning over you with a curious stare. Sunlight glowing from behind him as if he were some sort of stunning.. glowy.. person- thing...

"Oh, hey there" he flickered his eyelids in blissful innocents, as if not sure if you were a person or not. Not that you've been acting like a normal person since noticing his spiritual energy which surrounded you like water, as though you had somehow sunk to the very bottom of the deepest lake- oddly, very much like a suffocating hug. You wondered what pressure Ichigo would use on you with his bare hands, not that he would, but say he would...

Before any more lude thoughts were able to flush the blood to your cheeks you blinked and began packing your things away quickly "Welp, that's all the help I can give ya Renji, stay well- be safe! Byyeeeee!"

With a medical box underarm, the smallest of the three ran out of a nearby door and hoofed it over the first garden wall you came across. Leaving both males blinking in your wake.

Though the memory itself was keeping you awake at bedtime with wave after wave of cringe, seeing his eyes up close- the way you could recall the different layers of brown in his almond-shaped gaze and still feel his room temp breath fanning on you from above- it was all worth it. The strange smell he emitted clung to your nostrils, but you being you enjoyed the odd scent coming from him, which you learned later on was a human realm aftershave.

Would it be weird if you bought it? That's weird, right? No... is it?

Whatever, because now was the time to completely indulge yourself in your work, with Hanataro off sick for the next couple of days you were chomping at the bit to get rid of this mountain of paperwork. You couldn't take all these tumultuous emotions and so it was time to forget all about 'em and focus on the perfect piles you had created, both alphabetically and essentiality wise.

It was perfect! Just you, this warm cup of tea and a wonderful breeze that drifted through the window. Nothing would take you away from your office space on this day!

Letting out a slow breath you sat at your desk, flickering through a handful sheets until a few squad mates ran by your open window, glancing at the outside world while black uniforms blurred past the square opening. The stampede pulled the forms you held to your chest in a strong rush of air and the white reports danced across the moving flashmob of rushing Reapers.

"No!" You reached after the vanishing articles, going limp and accepting your fate for now with a wince "Those were the forms to confirm public bathrooms..."

"Here" a hand held out a crumpled pile "I dunno if I got 'em all, but.. This is what I was able to get"

You felt it as soon as he held out those crumpled papers, his pouring energy washing over your skin as if the very sun itself took a moment out of its day to shower you with that good ol' fashioned Vitamin C, trying to ignore your burning flesh you held out shaky hands with a bowed skull "T-thank you, you.. didn't have too"

Though you couldn't see it, Ichigo's shining eyes widened and he near dropped the pile into your little hands before clearing his throat "Naaah, it's.. no problem" he scratched the side of his head before realising you weren't moving.

"Yooou uh, you okay there?" the local Hero quirked a brow as you took a moment to quietly whimper to yourself "I... can't move"

Ichigo bent his knees and squatted before you, glancing up through his lashes and the strands of your hair it was becoming increasingly harder to breathe normally, he was absolutely breathtaking, even more so than you thought from all the distances you'd seen the wonderful Kurosaki form, from all angles. Which was rather annoying at this point in time, but oh well.

Your lungs squeezed at the window corner internally slicing you in half and Ichigo chuckled as blood filled your cheeks "You want some help?" he questioned, grinning widely and you couldn't help but hold what little breath you were getting.

Keeping his eyes matched with yours the male grabbed the scruff of your uniform and lifted you back into your office window all while your fingers shredded the at sheets mercilessly as you imagined his strong hand wrapped around your throat instead.

"Well.." Ichigo turned with a salute, not letting you see his blush rise at how light you were, he could just pick you up and take you away from here "See you 'round"

And there he left you, before anything could register through your shocked being but still that strange aftershave drifted through you and proceeded to stay with you for the rest of your office time.

[sir--crow]

Will of the Heart

Chapter 2

Word Count: 8.7k

Content: Gender neutral Reader, Angst, Injury, Memory loss, swearing, canon-typical violence, trauma, anxiety

Note: Hi!!! I'm sorry that this took me so long! I got writer's block:( but it's here now!:D This is pretty long, just to warn y'all. Maybe grab a snack or something. Also, I promise that it's gonna get really fluffy here soon, okay? Just hang in there, we gotta get through the angst to get to the fluff>:) I'm so excited to write Chapter 3! I hope you all enjoy though, thanks for waiting! -Nico

After over 20 years of misery and torment, you had the idea that fate wasn’t too kind to you. That you weren’t lucky. 

But surprisingly, that changed. 

As life did.

You let out a sigh, head craned up to look at the motionless blue sky. Rocks and boulders surrounded you as a still heat brushed your skin. Something buzzed ahead of you. 

Your heart raced as a nervous bead of sweat trailed down your neck. You gripped the cane in your hand tighter, feeling the comforting presence of your zanpakuto within. 

Everything was different now. You could laugh, a smile of disbelief twisting your lips. 

After everything that happened for the past 20 years, you now had the audacity to think that you were pretty lucky. 

Insanely lucky, in fact. 

Maybe the universe decided to give you a break. 

You welcomed it. 

Since, a few months ago when you woke up after escaping Hueco Mundo, you weren’t left to face the World of the Living by yourself. After passing out, you thought that you would wake up starved and by yourself. Maybe Aizen would find you and bring you back. Maybe you wouldn’t wake up at all. 

But instead you found yourself in a bed, with two old friends sitting ahead of you. 

They saved you.

Urahara Kisuke and Shihoin Yoruichi.

You couldn’t believe it, but even so they continued to help you without question. 

They couldn’t believe it either, they told you many times. 

So instead of the neverending solitude you thought you were confined to, you were broken free. 

Your physical health was still abysmal, but your spirits were turning around for the better. Connecting with Kisuke and Yoruichi was a dream.

And meeting an unlikely friend.

He was only a human soul– a young one.

Yet he wasn’t immune to the Soul Society’s grasp. 

Just a day after you woke up in Kisuke’s home, Kisuke and Yoruichi left suddenly– only to bring back Kurosaki Ichigo. He was injured from battle, and you learned the overall situation pretty quickly after Tessai brought you up to speed. 

Tessai was also a great surprise to see again. 

He told you about Kuchiki Rukia and how Ichigo became a Substitute Soul Reaper. An odd situation for sure. 

But what caught you by surprise was the fact that the Soul Society brought a Captain and Lieutenant to take care of the human boy. 

It was overkill, barbaric– and smelled of Aizen. 

You didn’t tell Ichigo that though. 

And you could tell that Kisuke and Yoruichi thought the same, but they too, didn’t say anything. Ichigo wouldn’t get it. 

Kurosaki Ichigo did get you though. When Kisuke was training him, you tried to stay out of the way, watching from afar. But you couldn’t help but feel inspired and intrigued by him. So you did something that surprised even yourself. You helped train him with Kisuke.

For the first time in 20 years, fighting was… fun again. It reminded you of why you were a Soul Reaper in the first place. Your Zanpakuto burned in your grasp, a fire sparked again. 

You could live again. You could fight again. 

Even though you and Ichigo didn’t talk too much, you didn’t have to. Training was enough. Sure, he would talk to you about his family and friends during the breaks, but you didn’t talk too much. 

He did teach you about the modern world though.

You snickered at a fond memory.

“That’s an apple? How the hell are you supposed to eat that?” You cocked an eyebrow, leaning down to see the odd device in his hands. 

Ichigo looked taken aback, “What… this is an iphone, an “apple” product. Have you never seen a phone before?” 

You blinked, “I gotta say kid, half of that flew right over my head.” But you hummed as the word “phone” brought back a dusty memory, “The phones I remember are big, have those curly wires, and… well they aren’t that tiny.”

“When was the last time you saw a phone?”

“The 1970s.”

“Well that explains a lot.”

After that, Ichigo showed you the wonders of technology. Who knew that a tiny little brick could hold so much? It wasn’t at all the phones you remembered. Sure, they could still place calls, but there was music too. 

Even now, you stood with headphones around your neck and a wire connecting to a phone in your backpocket. You were exploring the different genres. Everything was amazing. 

The World of the Living changed for the better. 

The music brought a sense of calm into you… but a bittersweet taste in your mouth. 

Your head fell, glaring at the rocky ground as your mind ran amok. 

What music did Shinji listen to now? Maybe you were listening to music constantly just to… feel connected to him. 

You could barely bring yourself to listen to jazz, all it did was bring tears down your face. It brought you back to the nights where you and Shinji would sit on a random rooftop with the sound of jazz below. He always thought that some of the best jazz shows were best experienced above, on the roof, so that you could watch the stars  (and not pay the money to get in, since the Vizards were broke for awhile)

He would sit close, his shoulder brushing yours. His shorter hair fell to his shoulders, but his bangs still hung above his eyes. He was always pretty, but you didn’t say that. 

“We otta’ dance.” He would break the silence, smiling over his shoulder as he stood up. 

“I don’t feel like breaking my neck tonight by falling off the roof, Shinji.” You said, teasing.

“Oh please,” He rolled his eyes, suddenly grabbing your hand and tugging you up against his chest. Your eyes widened as you met his gaze. His eyes softened against yours, “You know I’d catch ya.”

You closed your eyes, shutting off the memory as your heart twisted. Your knuckles turned white as you lifted your head, staring at two adjacent pillars ahead. For the past months, you were building yourself back up so that you could see Shinji again. 

A month ago Yoruichi approached you, and asked if you wanted to see them. She wasn’t one to hold her tongue, and that day you flinched at her question. You wanted to see them all, the Vizards, but at that moment you couldn’t. 

You were still a mess back then, healing and trying to learn how to live again. So you shook your head, not wanting to know anything, because you knew that the moment you knew their location, you would take off in a heartbeat. 

But now? You breathed in the warm air and shook off any nerves. You stood strong as someone flashed nearby. Kisuke stood atop one of the pillars. 

“Thanks for waiting,” He mumbled, “Got everything ready, how about you?” His eyes peered at you below his hat, “You sure you’re ready for this? To see them all again?”

You met his gaze and nodded, no hesitation. You didn’t have the time for that anymore. You were ready for what laid ahead, and you were ready to move forward.

“I am.”

He smiled, and turned his focus to the pillars. Kisuke brought his hands together and spoke the incantation needed, and seconds later the buzzing ahead of you sparked as a portal cut through the sky in Kisuke’s basement. 

“Good luck.”

You nodded once more before flashing into the portal.

You were taking life by the reins now. 

You would bring the change that needed to come.

The Soul Society was just as bright as always, you thought as you pulled your hood up to shield your eyes.

It was also really big too, and you were still getting lost after centuries of your life being spent there.

But your skin prickled as waves of spiritual pressure crashed through the air. Different souls were fighting all over the Gotei 13, and many were familiar. 

A few almost choked you up as the familiarity was almost too much. 

Even so, you flashed up onto the next roof, running atop the many walls within the maze that is the Gotei 13. Soon you were under the shadow of Sokyoku Hill. The air twisted as the battle ahead brought dozens of powerful souls into one place.

The Sokyoku.

You grinned, truly you were going in head first back into the fray. 

But maybe that was for the best. 

Giving your legs a quick stretch as you squatted down, you closed your eyes, focusing on where you wanted to go. Picturing the Sokyoku, you suddenly flashed up leaving a cloud of dust whirling around you. The air ripped around you as the pressure grew tighter. You shot out of the shadow and looked at the situation ahead of you. 

Menos Grande clouded the skies above as they sent down three beacons of light, which surrounded Aizen, Gin, and Tosen. They were nearly at the Garganta above. 

“Goodbye, Soul Reapers.” Aizen said, looking at Ichigo, who laid on the ground, “And goodbye, Ryoka Boy. For a human, you were quite amusing.” Just as the Garganta began to close, his eyes fell on you. His gaze darkened with a venomous glare, and not a second later, the Garganta closed.

You glared up at the now blue sky, feeling chills rake across your skin. Memories ran through your mind at the sight of Aizen. Memories of when… when you considered the man your friend. Memories of when he betrayed you. Memories of when he tortured you. 

But you smiled. He had no power over you now. Previously you thought that seeing him again would break you, and yet, here you were. 

Aizen was the least of your concerns now. You had a reason to be here, a reason to reunite with those who once abandoned you, and a reason to help your new allies. 

You averted your gaze and found Ichigo. He was still laying on the ground. Only seconds had passed since Aizen left, and Ichigo looked to be a mess, so you flashed over to him and gave him a smile.

“Ichigo, long time no see.” A presence flashed next to you as you stopped walking. A captain charged her hand at you, a pointed claw aiming for your heart. You caught it in time, cocking your eyebrow.

“Soi Fon!” Yoruichi shouted, “Stop!”

With your free hand, you took your hood off, “Sad to think that I’m an intruder here now.”

You gripped her hand tightly and shoved her back, her eyes widening. You looked back towards Ichigo and shoved your hands in your pockets. “I see that you attained Bankai, Ichigo. You just keep surprising me, kid.”

He stared up at you, but smiled, “I should say the same thing to you… you did just shove a Captain.” 

“Not my first time,” You shrugged, looking back to see the other Captains looking at you. You could feel the questions burning on your tongue. Some were new, but many were familiar. “Listen kid, you did a good job. I gotta deal with some things now, but I just wanted to check in.” You looked over to Orihime, who seemed to be okay, “You’re in good hands.”

You turned around and started to walk towards Head Captain Yamamoto, Captain Jushiro, and Captain Kyoraku. Your skin burned as Kyoraku stared you down as if he’d seen a ghost. It was hard to keep your cool during that moment, since Kyoraku was a dear friend and mentor to you in the past. But that had to wait. The air stilled as you stood ahead of them, their hands on the hilts of their zanpakutos’. You mirrored them, expression guarded. 

The Head Captain cut to the chase, “Are you an enemy as well?”

An almost cynical smile lifted your lips as you cocked an eyebrow, “I guess I have to paint everything out to you all. It’s why I came here though.” You sighed, your smile bleeding away, “After the betrayal of Aizen, Gin, and Tosen, you all should be thinking about the reports they’ve made, the missions they’ve gone on and interactions they’ve had with Central 46. Think about whether or not their work is now legitimate. That’s including the work that all three of them did over 100 years ago when they declared that myself and my friends were traitors to the Soul Society— as we’ve just seen, it’s quite the opposite. Unlike those traitors, I’m here to help Ichigo who just saved the Soul Society, and if you accept this, then I can help you too.” 

The Head Captain never broke your gaze, but you saw as his hand fell from his hilt. He nodded. “I see. There’s still much explaining that needs to be done.” His voice raised as he suddenly addressed those around, “All available Captains that aren’t injured or aiding with the injured, report to a Captain’s Meeting in 10 minutes.” 

Your eyes widened, but you remained composed. The beating in your chest almost made you dizzy, but this was good. Looking back, Yoruichi gave you a nod before flash stepping away. You joined her and the others until you all stood at Squad 1. 

The large doors were already open, and the Head Captain was already walking towards his chair. Yoruichi leaned against a far wall, her glare pinning down the other Captains present. 

Captain Kyoraku, Ukitake, and the one named Soifon were there. It was quite empty. 

But it was enough. 

Yoruichi’s presence seemed to calm you as your shoulders relaxed. You walked towards the center of the line and crossed your arms. After everything, the Captain’s Meetings that used to be intimidating, were now a piece of cake. 

So you whistled, “Looks like those Ryoka did a number on y’all.” You couldn't help it. 

“Get on with it.” The Head Captain said.

So you did.

You explained everything. You started at the beginning and explained the night from over 100 years ago. How Aizen experimented with Hollowfication and made Kisuke take the downfall for it, even though it was Kisuke who saved you all that night.

However, you spared them the details of the past 100 years. You didn’t explain what the Head Captain didn’t need to hear. So you skipped ahead to the important information: Aizen’s army. 

Weeks ago you decided to return to the Soul Society for this exact reason, to give the Soul Reapers the strongest weapon that could help them win this war: information. Knowledge is power. So you told them everything about Aizen’s Army in Los Noches. They needed to know about the Arrancars, their rankings, and the extent of their powers. However you didn’t specify the individual Espada’s and their numbers, since their rankings change often. It was guaranteed that the Espada you remembered from a year ago were quite different now. So in order to lessen future confusion, you only warned the Captains about the Espada. 

“Don’t even bother sending an Officer to deal with an Espada, or even a Numeros. Anyone less than a Captain, Lieutenant, or a highly ranked Seated Officer will die.” 

The meeting went on for over an hour as the Captains asked you questions about the Kingdom, Los Noches, and Aizen himself. You were able to answer most of them, you were even able to give them an accurate layout of Los Noches. 

But there was one question that made you fall silent.

“How do you know all of this?” It was Soifon. She looked confused, and you understood. You were waiting for this question. 

You opened your mouth, trying to figure out how to explain. How could you? Your eyes flickered over to Yoruichi. She raised her chin, her face impenetrable. But it sparked a fire in you. She remained strong, so would you. 

“I’ll keep it short, but I do owe you all an explanation, since I understand that me knowing this might look suspicious.” Looking at the Head Captain you explained, “Aizen kidnapped me from the others over 20 years ago, wiped me of my memories, and kept me in his Kingdom. It’s why I know so much. I was there, among their ranks, walking in the corridors. At least it’s paying off now because I can give this information to you all. So don’t waste it. Use it. Going into this war on strength alone will get you all killed, and Aizen will succeed. Knowledge will be your greatest weapon.” The Head Captain nodded, but looking at the other Captains, you could see the questions behind their eyes, so you added quickly, “A year ago I regained my memories and escaped. I’m here now to help. Not even for a second was I ever on his side. Never.” A reaping glare painted your face as venom pooled in your mouth, “I promise I’m going to do whatever it takes to stop him.”

The meeting ended shortly thereafter, and the Captains all went their own ways. Dealing with the aftermath after the battle in the Soul Society was their current priority, so you let them be. Even Yoruichi had to leave to take care of her own matters. 

You served your purpose though.

Now it was up to them, but that was for the near future. Now, walking around the many corridors of the Gotei-13, everything was a mess. Rubble littered the streets, and buildings crumbled on the ground. You grinned. 

The human kids kept surprising you. 

There was one place, however, that wasn’t touched, and it didn’t surprise you. Afterall, Aizen plans for everything.

With the sun sinking below the horizon, your face was painted in a golden light as you stared at the Squad 5 barracks. Your heart twisted. After walking with no place in mind for over an hour, you ended up taking the same route you always used to take back home. The same route from over 100 years ago, it was muscle memory. So it shouldn’t come as a shock that you now walked along the Squad 5 corridors. The walls, the floors, everything brought you back to the endless chasm of your memories. 

You shoved your hands in your pockets, looking around at the place with a frown. Even though it wasn’t harmed from the battle, it still looked different. Aizen. It always came back to him. Knowing him, he probably planned the whole battle ahead of time, and made sure that his Squad would be spared. Afterall, he was already so busy with his plans of deception that he had no time to deal with a Ryoka. You bit your cheek, trying to remove him from your mind. 

It was hard to though, because everywhere you looked you saw him. You saw the way he changed the Squad 5 barracks. How he removed the art from the walls, and changed the management. Your eyes followed the young Soul Reapers who ran with their Seated Officer. They were thin, each carrying a book of Kido on their belts. 

Passing by the training grounds, your stomach dropped as you saw the lines of targets and dummies spread about the stage. It was different. You could already see why. 

Back when Aizen was a Lieutenant, you remembered how he spoke to Shinji about changing the Training grounds to focus on Kido instead of sparring sessions. You disagreed. You thought that there should be a good balance between Kido skills and physical strength. When you were a 5th Seat, you trained your squad in physical spars, focusing on hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship. Sure, Kido was also something you found important and excelled at too. But if an opponent could easily evade and slip by your Kido, then you needed to be able to protect yourself. So you focused on both. It was something you and Aizen would bicker about for hours on end. Shinji never cared for Aizen’s opinion though, so nothing happened. 

At least, not until Aizen betrayed you both. 

You let out a breath, trying to calm down. A repeated thump echoed in your ears as you heard your heart race. Your footsteps grew quicker as you walked down the hallway, trying to get away from the memory. 

Yet you walked right into another one. 

A deeply painful one. 

Your eyes widened as your heart nearly stopped as you walked in front of the Captain’s Barracks. 

The old one, you should say. 

Shinji’s old Barracks. 

Your hand clenched your chest as you stared at the large white doors, now closed off with a tiny sign on it that said “Storage”. 

Of course Aizen made Shinji’s old room Storage, the ungrateful prick. 

Slowly walking forward, you sucked in a breath when you realized the old railing was gone. The deck was open, facing the green yard that looked the same as before. Your eyes burned. 

You came to a stop, letting out a long breath. Closing your eyes, you calmed yourself. Walking forward, you slowly let yourself sit down, legs dangling off the deck. Your head fell. 

It was this spot, you thought, this exact spot that you and Shinji would sit at. He would sometimes sit atop the railing, his long hair draping down. Sometimes you would join him. 

Most times you two would sit on the deck, legs poking out the railing as your heads leaned against the bars. His hair would pool on the floor, and you would laugh whenever someone got close to walking on it. He would yelp as you cried with laughter. He was a mess. 

He truly was. 

It was why, for the first 70 years of you being his 5th Seat, that you didn’t get along. 

Not at all. 

But that all changed when you were sent on a mission. 

Your hands balled into fists at the thought of it. That mission… 

“Thought I would find you here.” You jumped as someone sat down beside you, your head twisting to your left only to find Kyoraku Shunsui smiling at you. “Long time no see.” 

You smiled, “I know, an hour is quite a while.”

“You know what I mean.” He laughed, but his smile fell as his eyes grew serious, “110 years.” He shook his head, your name falling from his lips, “I couldn’t believe it, still can’t.”

Your lips tightened into a straight line, your chest aching, “I know.” A palpable silence fell between you two. You both looked forward to the grass, the sky above now dark. Clouds blanketed the sky. Yet you felt warm with his eyes on your face. 

“Nanao, my Lieutenant, won’t be happy with me, but I had to find you. I couldn’t just see you leave again without saying anything.” Your eyes widened. 

“How did you know I’m leaving again?”

He smiled, “I know you. It’s why I knew to come here, you’re going back to him, right?” 

Your eyes fell to your lap, “I have to find him first.”

Kyoraku raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean? I thought you would’ve stuck together.” 

You looked at him, frowning, “We did. For decades we stuck together, learning how to control our hollows together, but 20 years ago was the last time I saw them.”

“When Aizen…” 

“Yeah.”

“Then,” Kyoraku mumbled, “Why isn’t Kisuke with them?”

Your eyes screwed up in thought, “I don’t know. Kisuke would sometimes go off somewhere else during our travels, since we could never stay at one place for too long. But this time is different.” Since it was just the two of you, you let your guard down and explained more, “When I got back into the World of the Living a few months ago, Kisuke and Yoruichi found me. It was just them, and Tessai-”

“-Tessai! I hope he’s doing okay.” 

You smiled, “He is! But the others weren’t there. Yoruichi offered to tell me where they were, so it seems like they’re still in contact, but I declined.”

“Why?”

You stayed silent for a moment, trying to find the right words, “I wasn’t ready. When I didn’t have my memories, it was like… I was a different person. Getting them back, I had to acquaint myself with… myself? Combining those two individuals, those two worlds, it took time.” You looked at the palm of your hand, stretching your fingers, “I was angry, confused, and… lost. Meeting Ichigo and his friends honestly helped a lot. Seeing someone outside of that darkness helped me see the light again. He reminded me of myself, and finally I feel like me again. And I feel ready to see the others.”

Kyoraku was silent, his gaze falling to the grass. His eyes darkened with a glare, “For years I couldn’t accept the fact that you were a part of that incident. That you and my Lieutenant, and my friends, were experimenting with hollowfication. I couldn’t.” He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath, “And I can’t believe that the one responsible for all of this was Aizen this whole time. That bastard.” 

You hummed with a nod, “Yeah, we couldn’t either.”

Kyoraku shook his head, “To think that he had you trapped for 20 years too… I’m glad you’re back now. Even if it’s just for a little while.”

You gave him a smile, “I’m not going away forever. I’m not even going away for a century again. I’m fighting alongside you guys in this battle, so you’re not getting rid of me anytime soon.” 

He smiled, “Good, I know we’ll need your strength. I’m sure you’re 10 times as strong as you were when I first found you… how long ago was that now?”

You let out a sigh, thinking back with a smile, “I think over 300 years ago? I can’t believe it. You know, I’m so happy that I met you all those years ago. When I was lost in Hueco Mundo, before Aizen took me, I thought a lot about what I would say to everyone. Including you.” You swallowed a lump in your throat as you said, “If I hadn’t met you, I never would’ve become a Soul Reaper. I never would’ve met all of the amazing people in my life right now. I never would’ve… I never would’ve met Shinji– and the others.” You smiled, “I learned so much from you, and I’m so happy that you were my first Captain. Thank you for sticking with me, Kyoraku.”

Looking over to him, your eyes widened when you saw his eyes glossed over. Your mouth opened as you were about to apologize, but only a gasp left your throat as he pulled you into a big hug. His arms wrapped tightly around you. 

He mumbled, “Makin’ me cry, you’re something else.” 

You were shocked, so you did what you usually do when you were shocked or nervous, you joked, “I’m amazing, that’s what.” 

He laughed, pulling back from the hug with a smile, “You know, all of those years ago when I sent you over to Squad 5, I was nervous, but I shouldn’t have been. I’m happy you and Shinji became close, you even sound like him.” 

Your face grew warm, but you couldn’t help but ask, “What were you nervous about?”

He cocked an eyebrow, looking at you as if you were dumb, “You two hated each other! For years! Decades! I thought I screwed up, but then that changed and boy I was relieved. In fact, you two got started to get along so well that… well I’m shocked that you haven’t found him already.” 

“I…” You were left speechless. Your face flushed over as you stumbled over your words. “I never hated him. He was just– frustrating.”

Kyoraku must’ve decided to punish you more, because he pushed your shoulder lightly as he teased, “I mean, you two at the Soul Ball? Come on.”

“Ah!” You glared at him, “You come on!” You felt on fire as you turned away, biting your cheek. “We’re best friends.” You said, but for whatever reason, you felt pretty stupid. Your heart raced as you thought of him, and you knew deep down that what you had just said was a lie. 

Shinji was so much more than that. 

Your smile fell. He was so much more, and yet you haven't seen him in over 20 years. You forgot him. You couldn’t say what his life was like right now, you couldn’t say what his feelings were, and you had no right assuming things would be like they were decades ago. 

Time had passed. 

So you ignored the burning ache in your heart and said, “We’re best friends, and I’m going to find him and the others again.”

Kyoraku sighed, but still smiled, “I know you will. Just remember to pay me a visit, okay?” 

“Okay.” You smiled back. 

Once again, you were standing before two grand pillars, waiting for the door ahead of you to be opened. Your mind was running amok as usual. You were thinking about Kyoraku and the conversation you just had just a few hours ago. He had walked you over to the Senkaimon before saying goodbye. The sky was pitch black with the darkened clouds, but you knew that morning was just around the corner. The others would be waking up soon, and would realize you left early. Ichigo wouldn’t be happy, but you couldn’t wait around. 

Especially after that talk. 

All you could think about was how Kyoraku thought you hated Shinji in the beginning. 

You didn’t. 

He was frustrating. 

That’s what you thought almost 200 years ago when you first joined his Squad. 

When you first met him, Shinji had long hair that fell well below his shoulders. He had a constant frown that showed his large teeth, yet a face that was almost unreadable. Maybe that’s what irked you in the first place, the fact that you couldn’t predict him. 

Everything that you thought he would do, he would do the opposite. With a smile he’d say something so rude that you were rendered speechless, yet in the same day, he would frown and look away, looking like he wanted to kill someone, but instead you would be left speechless again as he’d say the nicest words. 

You couldn’t read him. 

And that really bothered you, especially during one of your first missions with him. 

Shinji, Aizen, and several others in your Squad were sent on a mission to escort an important figure to their home after a meeting in the Gotei-13. It was supposed to be a simple mission, one that you were used to, especially since you used to be a guard before a Soul Reaper. 

However, you should’ve expected the opposite. 

A large hollow appeared, strong enough to take out several officers. Immediately you jumped into action. Flash stepping forward, you unsheathed your Zanpakuto and aimed it towards the Hollow’s mask. Yet the air was ripped out of your lungs as an arm wrapped around your waist, tugging you back. You gasped, looking back only to see blonde hair falling around you. You were met with Shinji’s frown, his arm letting go of you. 

“Arentcha’ a fast one? Nearly sliced my hair tryin’ t’catch ya.” He brought his hair back behind his shoulders, “Don’t ya worry about that. Sosuke will handle it. You just look over your Officers, my fast 5th Seat.” He grinned at you before walking back towards Aizen, jutting his thumb back towards the Hollow. That next second, Aizen killed it. 

You didn’t understand. 

Maybe it was your previous Squad, or maybe it was before that from when you were a guard. But you were always under the idea that those of a higher rank let their subordinates do the work. That you would handle everything before they so much as touch their sword. 

When you became Lisa’s assistant in Squad 8, you always did everything. She didn’t care too much about it, but she never said otherwise. 

But this? 

This was different. 

The thought of it all unfolding in front of you, and you just standing there– watching. Your mouth curled into a frown. You didn’t like it. You felt useless. Why didn’t he tell you beforehand? Questions ran through your head, and that night you found yourself in his barracks, ready to voice your concerns. 

“Captain, I was more than capable of handling the situation, you didn’t have to send Lieutenant Aizen.” 

Shinji looked up at you from his paperwork, frowning. He stood up with a sigh, looking as if he could hardly care about anything. It pissed you off. 

“I haven’t seen ya’ fight yet, I don’t know that.” He was blunt. Your heart dropped to your stomach as you glared at him. 

“I can promise you that I’m strong enough to defeat a hollow like that. If you don’t believe in me, then why did you accept me as your 5th Seat?” You said, your heart hammering in your chest as he looked at you, indifferent. He tilted his head slightly, a long strand of his hair falling from his shoulder and swaying against his chest. 

“Because I believe in Captain Kyoraku.” He stepped closer to you, placing his hand on his desk right beside you, “And let’s say thatcha’ do fight that Hollow. Ya’ have your officers t’look after, can’t have ya all tired after a fight. Aizen just has himself to look after. It would’ve been more of a burden on ya to defeat that thing, so I let Aizen handle it. That’s all.”

Your mouth opened as you tried to find something to say. Anything. Your chest burned with anger as his eyes looked down into yours. It was unnerving. He was looking after you? What the hell. 

You didn’t understand him. 

“It would’ve been a burden? I would’ve been fine. You don’t have to worry about that.” You said, furrowing your eyebrows in frustration. 

Shinji sighed again and leaned down closer, “I’m your Captain. I’ll decide who I worry about. Got that?” 

You left that night confused and angry. It was like that for years, but it slowly bled into annoyance rather than anger. Shinji mirrored you. There were missions where you would go out of your way to help your team, and Shinji would get on your case. Your Officers even joked about how there was never a moment where the two of you weren’t at odds. 

“I told ya to let Squad 10 handle it!” Shinji once snapped, throwing his report of the mission on his desk as he stood up, “Look at ya!” You glared at him, sitting in the desk across his desk, bandaged with your arm in a cast. 

“I’m fine!” You tried to get up to prove your point but cringed in pain and fell back into the chair with a huff. “Just ignore that!”

Shinji glared at you, “Ya really aren’t making this easy, arentcha’?” 

You scoffed, “As if you are.”

That was just one incident. There were many. Many arguments. Many weeks when the two of you wouldn’t talk. Times where Shinji would call you into his office begrudgingly only for the two of you to bicker the whole time. 

“Enough.” Aizen once interrupted, “Captain, this is getting old.”

“Like him.” You snickered. 

Shinji glared at you, “We’re the same age, idiot.”

“Oh please.” You scoffed, looking at Aizen, “See what I have to deal with? I’m sure you get it”

“I’m right here.”

“He can be testy.” Aizen nodded, “But we’re here to talk about the report.”

“Testy?!” 

“I put it on your desk yesterday.” You said.

“Oh!” Aizen brightened up, “Thank you Officer.” Shinji was sitting at his desk across from you, still grumbling to himself about being testy, when Aizen kicked his chair. Shinji looked at Aizen before letting out a sigh. 

“Thank you.” 

“Oh wow!” You clapped your hands together, “Did I hear that right? Was that a thank you?” 

“Don’tcha get used to it. You're dismissed.” Shinji waved you away while you laughed, nearly skipping out of the room. 

Most of your fights were harmless though. There was just always… something. A tension whenever you walked into the room. For many decades, he was just your pesky Captain. That was it. 

But around 70 years in, the two of you had your first full blown fight that left the both in a fit of anger. True anger. Not just annoyance. 

It was all because of that mission. 

The mission that you, Shinji, Captain of Squad 12 Urahara Kisuke, and Lieutenant of Squad 12 Sarugaki Hiyori, were assigned to. 

But it was that fight that changed everything. 

Because you nearly died right after it. 

The Senkaimon was opened as you dwelled in your own thoughts, and just as soon as it opened, you shot forward and walked towards the World of the Living. Kyoraku’s words were stuck in your head. They made you think about the past, and how so much changed.

How you and Shinji became best friends. 

How the two of you became Vizards together. 

How you were separated before you could say anything about your new feelings. 

And how you now needed to find him.

So you shot forward until you saw a bright light. You felt a warm air brush your face as you fell down, the city lights dotting your vision. They grew closer as you let yourself fall into Karakuta town. Landing on top of a building, you centered yourself and looked ahead. 

Flash stepping immediately, you headed towards Kisuke’s candy shack. In your agreement to go to the Soul Society, you told him that you would come back early, so that he would know everything that happened before everyone came back. 

But he probably already knew, since he was just like Aizen. Always guessing everything beforehand. 

Kisuke wasn’t shocked when you told him everything that happened. The two of you sat in his room, sipping some tea as Tessai leaned against the wall listening. 

Kisuke was actually pleased. Though he did look worried when you told him about Aizen and Ichigo. How Aizen got the Hogyoku and how he told Ichigo about Kisuke. You were a bit ticked off about that too, honestly, but you always gave Kisuke a chance to explain himself. Because for his crazy actions, he usually had a good reason behind them. 

You were used to his antics. 

He explained himself, but you didn’t want him to explain himself to you– no, he needed to explain that to Rukia. You knew that he would though. 

Ichigo told him the same thing. Days had passed, and once Ichigo finally returned, he told Kisuke the same thing when Kisuke tried to apologize. You smiled. You had a few hundred years under your belt, but the kid only had 15 and yet was a wise dude. 

You were happy to support him in the upcoming war, because he truly didn’t need to fight in it, yet he was roped in like the rest of you. 

You felt bad. He was just a kid. He didn’t deserve to have his whole life uprooted because of Aizen and the Soul Society. He was alive. He deserved to live and be a kid. Along with his friends. They all deserved that. 

But life was taking Ichigo down a different path. One that concerned you. 

Just a few days after Ichigo’s arrival, and just a few days into your search for Shinji and the others, you dropped everything once you felt a new change in Ichigo’s spiritual pressure. 

Ichigo’s hollow. 

It struck you in the heart like poison. You felt it across town, its strength. Its anger. Chills raked down your spine as you immediately flash stepped in his direction. You felt it before, way before Ichigo even went to the Soul Society. You could feel something deep down, something sinister. It reminded you of your own hollow. 

But now?

You knew this feeling. It was out of control. 

So in the middle of the night in Karakuta, you ran along the streets towards Ichigo. Something akin to fear gripped your soul as the feeling brought you back to your hollowfication. The loss of control. The overwhelming thoughts. The pain. 

He was just a kid. 

You swallowed your fear and ran closer, feeling his energy buzzing through the air. Looking around, you felt it swell as something else clashed with him. 

You were in a dark neighborhood, and Ichigo wasn’t in your sight. Not until you looked up. 

You looked up and saw him. 

Your heart froze. Your mouth fell open as your heart twisted, tears burning in your eyes. Trembling, you cupped your mouth as your knees buckled. 

Ichigo was there, but across from him was someone you didn’t expect nor sense. 

Hirako Shinji.

You were frozen in time. The moon shined against his now short blonde hair. He was smiling. 

That smile. 

Tears flowed down your cheeks as you begged your legs to move. You tried to summon your strength to get up. Just get up! 

But you couldn’t. 

The weight of everything chained you to the ground. You saw as they spoke, his sword sparkling under the moonlight. They were arguing. 

Your ears rang. 

He was thinner. His eyes were darker… Shinji he was– you hadn’t seen him since–

You bit your lip, body trembling as you fell into a memory you tried so hard to repress.

You were on a street like this, in a suburban town in the World of the Living. It was at the height of the day, the summer sun beaming down on your skin. Sweat pooled on your forehead as you smiled. Lisa laughed beside you as the other Vizards walked ahead. 

“I think I might go for it, it couldn’t hurt to get some more money for us.” She scratched her neck, her braid swaying behind her. You nodded along. 

“I think you just wanna shove your nose in magazines without us shouting at you, and get paid for it.” You snickered. 

“Hey!” She pointed a finger at you, “Magazines are really becoming popular right now. Selling them will be a breeze! I won’t be reading… that much.” 

“No judgment here.” You raised your hands in defense, “Those women are pretty, I get it.” You didn’t have a preference when it comes to people, though you found that at that moment you preferred blonde dudes. 

Specifically the blonde up ahead who leaned his head back and smiled at you, “Lisa, dontcha’ go ropin’ them into your addiction.” 

“Shinji! You!--” Lisa was cut off when a massive spiritual pressure appeared. You all froze, skin trembling as something roared in the distance. With no hesitation, most of the Vizards shot towards it. Usually you all ignored hollows because there was always a Soul Reaper nearby– but this was different. You were right behind them, until you felt another pressure. 

It was smaller, but looking back, you saw that it was near the park you all walked by just a few minutes ago. 

A park that had the ghost of a small girl playing in it. 

You spun around and shot towards that pressure, leaving the other hollow to them. You swallowed a tiny pill, and shot out of your Gigai. Grabbing your Zanpakuto, you flashed into the park. Surrounded by trees now, you saw the girl trembling in the center as a skinnier hollow with a bug-like mask and wings towered over her. It had claws like a praying mantis, and one was coming down for the girl’s head. You dashed forward, and blocked it with your Zanpakuto right before it hit her. She screamed. 

“Get back! Run! You’ll be okay!” You panted, shoving the hollow back. It roared in pain as a cut appeared on its arm. But something turned in your gut– something was wrong. Its glowing red eyes burned in hatred at you. 

Opening its mouth, a red beam started to form. Your eyes opened in shock. 

 A cero? At this range? 

Hollows couldn’t produce ceros! Only Menos could! 

You braced yourself in front of the girl as the red beam shot towards you. Closing your eyes, you sucked in a breath. 

Nothing came. 

Your eyes opened, but you were only met with a green robe. Kisuke stood ahead of you, his Zanpakuto released and a red barrier protecting you. 

“Kisuke! How– that doesn’t matter, thank you!” You smiled. 

“Where are the others?” 

“They went towards the other hollow!” You explained, guarding yourself as the hollow roared again. “Why is this hollow able to use a cero?”

“I don’t know.” Kisuke muttered, glaring at the hollow, “It looks like it's been strengthened. That would need outside interference though, from a Soul Reaper.” 

Your stomach dropped at the connotation. You had no time to think about it though, because the hollow flew forward, buzzing with its powerful spiritual pressure. Kisuke blocked its attack as you dashed forward, but suddenly two more arms came from its back and sliced your arm. You gritted your teeth as it flew back. Kisuke rushed forward and cut one of its arms off, you tore your shirt and wrapped your arm before joining in again. You ran forward, Zanpakuto screeching as you were ready to cut off its head. But just as you were, the Hollow opened its mouth and its tongue shot out. It wrapped around Kisuke, moving Kisuke in front of it. Its eyes glimmered, almost pleased. 

You heard Kisuke’s statement from before echoing in your head. Outside interference. Soul Reaper interference. 

Your stomach lurched as you clenched your teeth. You shot forward and slashed the tongue from around Kisuke within a second. Kisuke’s eyes widened as you kicked him out of the way. You didn’t know what was happening, but you knew that this hollow was dangerous. 

And you couldn’t lose Kisuke. 

If what you thought was true, if Aizen was involved, then it would make sense that he would target Kisuke. 

The Vizards couldn’t lose Kisuke. Kisuke had his research and his brilliance. You couldn’t let anything happen to him. 

So you stabbed the hollow in the chest, glaring at it. Its eyes flickered in panic. 

Your eyes widened when something crashed around you, dust whirling in the air. Looking up, you saw a yellow film surrounding you. Your heart froze as you saw a black hole torn in the sky above you. 

It was a Negacion. 

You learned about it in the academy. It was a rare method that Gillians use to retrieve their own and send them to Hueco Mundo. 

It’s impossible to break. 

Your mouth trembled as you slowly looked back down at the hollow, glaring at you. Your body quivered as the realization dawned– you were captured. 

They wanted Kisuke, but got you. 

You heard your name screamed from behind you. Clenching your teeth, you sliced the hollow in half with a frustrated yell. Whipping your head back, you saw Kisuke stare at you, his eyes widened. The ground below you started to rumble as it was pulled from the ground. It was hard to breathe. You looked around the small space, desperate for anything. It was hard to breathe. Your trembling hand came up to your aching chest as the ground started to float up. 

It was hard to breathe. 

“Kisuke!” You screamed in a panic. You heard him muttering something below until suddenly he yelled out a Hado. A brilliant light crashed against the Negacion. Your eyes closed as you braced yourself again, your arms covering your face.

But nothing came again. 

Opening your glossed over eyes, you still saw the yellow film. You felt your throat close as you looked over and saw the ground retreating below you. Kisuke looked up, his eyes widened in a panic as well. 

Tears began to pool in your eyes, until you felt a presence. Many. 

The vizards suddenly flashed around Kisuke, staring up at you. You felt your heart freeze as your eyes met Shinji’s. 

Your hand pressed against the yellow film as you fell to your knees. It burned against your hand, but it didn’t compare at all to the pain of seeing his face. 

Dread. Panic. Fear. 

Horror. 

Shinji screamed your name as he shot up towards you. The Negacion sparked as Shinji tried slashing it. Nothing happened. He banged his fist on it, but he only yelled out in pain. When he finally made it up to you, tears flowed down your face. He was breathing heavily, his eyes darting around as he mumbled your name. You knew that he was trying to figure out how to get you out. 

You knew Shinji. You knew that he would do anything. You learned that a long time ago. That was Shinji. 

He would put himself in front of his Squad as a Captain, and it drove you insane for years since you were so used to the opposite being done. He would do anything for those he cared for. 

And you would do the same thing. 

“Shinji.” You said, trying to calm your breathing, “Look at me.” Shinji was in a daze, still flying up with you as he tried to figure something out. Your heart twisted in a panic, “Look at me!” You yelled. 

Shinji snapped out of it, his eyes finally finding yours. 

“There you are.” You gave him a quivering smile, “Listen to me, I’ll be okay. I’ll find my way back to you all, okay? Just promise me that you’ll stay here. Stay here and stay safe, okay?”

His mouth opened as his eyes glossed over. Your heart twisted painfully as you saw him break, his lip quivering. 

“Shinji, I need to hear you. Please.” You choked out. 

He blinked, a tear rolling down his cheek as he brought a hand up. He placed it against the Negacion, where your hand was. “I promise.” He whispered. 

The Negacion sparked between your hands, and a blast sent Shinji flying back. 

“Shinji!” You screamed. He fell back, to where the others were, but got back up right away to look up at you. You saw the others also looking up. Their faces were hardly recognizable now as you flew into the sky. You didn’t look up. You didn’t know how much time you had. Heart racing, you yelled out, “I promise I’ll find you all again!”

Then it all went dark. 

Now you kneeled in the darkness of the night, a flickering lamp post bringing you back to your senses. You were panting, sweat dripping down your face. You felt like you were going to be sick. 

You swallowed your emotions and looked up again to see Shinji alone now, talking on his phone. He looked different from 20 years ago, his hair was shorter, and he was leaner. 

But he was still– he was still Shinji. He was beautiful against the moonlight, and his smile captured your soul again. 

You could only stare, frozen against time, as Shinji started to move away from you once again. Just like before, you couldn’t do anything but watch his retreating figure. 

You wanted to move, to run after him, to do anything! 

“Pathetic.” You heard a familiar voice murmur in your ear. Your hollow glared down at you, “Chaining yourself again?”

You bit your lip, glaring back up at them, “Fuck off.” 

Yet another voice entered your mind, a deeper one from years ago. Your Zanpakuto. They repeated something they once said to you, “Can you become strong enough to break the chains binding you?”

This question rang in your mind as you glared at your hollow. You bit your cheek, the taste of iron pooling in your mouth, as you stood up. Your hollow’s smile fell as it faded away. 

“Fine then.” It muttered before retreating back into your mind. You were left alone again, on the street with nobody in sight. 

Shinji was gone. 

But you smiled. 

With the moon shining against your face you walked forward. Shinji was alive. You saw him, and that was enough to light that fire in you again. 

Because you knew that come tomorrow, you would face him with nothing holding you back. 

You have a promise to keep afterall. 

Author's note: I know I know! lots of angst! and i've possibly added in some enemies to friends to lovers>:) also sorry if the later part of the chapter is a bit off or something, i'm pretty tired so I'll look at it in the morning to see if I missed any mistakes:) thanks for reading! <333

[neesieiumz]

narcissus ⸻ ⭃ b. kuchiki

synopsis ⸻ ⭃ clumsy little thing, aren’t you. captain kuchiki won’t stand for that, you know?

warnings ⸻ ⭃ 18+ minors do not interact. sm*t. spanking. punishment. established relationship. dom/sub relationship. black-coded reader. afab reader. female anatomy. honestly i see him as a brat tamer but my skill level isn’t there yet so we’ll settle for this. fingering. reader is byakuya’s assistant in this as well. reader is a clumsy person as well. he’s a man that demands for perfection so here we go!

writers notes ⸻ ⭃ sobs. please don't put that fuckass l*bel on my shit anymore. it's so discouraging knowing the reach this is supposed to have to get dismissed. anyways... also thank you so much to @retroanimeandotherthigs for beta-reading!! I also literally wrote this in one day, as most should know. I'm only on episode 103 of bleach and he, shinsui, and kisuke have been HEAVY on the mind. I am currently planning a threesome fic with kisuke and yoruichi

word count ⸻ ⭃ 2.2k

Clumsy little thing, that’s what everyone thinks whenever they see you. Constantly trailing after their leader, holding a bunch of papers that end up on the floor two minutes after holding them. As everyone watched the two of you, everyone wondered why exactly the stoic-like captain kept you around. Not only did you constantly drop paperwork, but it was also a common routine for you to bump into someone, especially while holding important paperwork. It caused you to constantly apologize, gathering the papers before continuing your journey to your captain’s office. 

“You’re late,” was all he said, squeaking as you slid the door open slowly. 

You silently cursed to yourself as you stepped inside the office, holding the jumbled papers you were tasked to deliver to his office. 

You had thought he would still be in his meeting with the other Captains, leaving you with just enough time to rearrange everything before he could see it. 

“My… apologies, I ran into someone…” you trailed off, not knowing what to say to the idea of you running into someone again, and messing up the papers once again.

He glanced up from what he was looking at before, the familiar impassiveness evident in his eyes. 

“You ran into someone…?” His voice took on dull sarcasm before his eyes glazed down at the obviously ruffled papers in your hands.  

You stumbled for a bit, nodding your head, and pressing the papers close to you. He sighed, before gesturing for you to come closer, not before telling you to lock the sliding door. At first, you almost didn’t move, but you knew he meant business each and every time he spoke, and he didn’t like to waste his breath. Slowly, you took a few steps towards him, soon ending up in front of his desk. With no words exchanged, he motioned with his finger for you to come around the desk. Nothing but the sounds of your soft footsteps and the rumples of paper echoed through the spacious office. His eyes stayed right on you as you walked around the wooden desk, his body turning as you stood right in front of him. 

Once you stood there, he held out his hand, expecting the papers he told you to bring. Accepting your fate, you slowly pulled them away from your chest before placing them right in his hands. As he shuffled through them, his long fingers grazed the creased, crumpled folds of the files. 

“This is the fifth time you’ve done something like this.”

You squeaked, closing your eyes, “my apologies, Captain Ku—”

“Save it.”

You closed your eyes, immediately shutting your mouth, and looking away from the man as he placed the papers on his desk. Your fingers fumbled with the hems of your robes as you glanced down, looking at the hard wooden floors, not wanting to see the indignation in his eyes. 

“Look at me.”

As much as you didn’t want to, you slowly lifted up your head, looking at him as he leaned back into his chair, his arms coming up against the armrests, his hands clasping together. His eyes were closed, as he pondered upon what to do when it comes to you. 

“My patience has worn thin with you, and the very fact I have patience for you is extraordinary.”

You had nothing to say, heart, beating in between your ears as you looked upon him. He kept his eyes closed for a moment, before slowly opening them, looking right into you. 

“Come closer,” is all he said, removing his hands from in front of his face. 

Blinking, uneasiness steadily flows through your veins as you approach the daunting man sitting in his chair. He said nothing as you got closer and closer to him, and soon you were nearly toe-toe with him, your robes grazing each other. He could hear your unsteady breath, your braids hanging down, framing your face as you lowered your head. 

“Disrobe.”

Eyes wide, looking at him, as his eyes narrowed at your stunned look. 

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

With that, shaky hands slowly reach for the white ribbon holding up your black robes, pulling it out of the intricate ribbon you had done that morning. Sometimes, people don’t wear anything under them, but luckily you do. You stood there in silk shorts, tan in color, reflecting against your brown skin, with a matching thin-strapped top. 

“Kneel.”

With that, your knees shook as you descended to the wooden floor. They hit the floor with a soft “thud” as you rested back against your ankles, hands neatly tucked in your lap. It was quiet, nothing but the sounds of your breathing in the air. The light beamed into the large window, shining down on the two of you. The feeling of cold fingertips pressing up against your cheek, your body jerking in reaction. However, his hand came up, grabbing your chin and cheeks, keeping you right in place as it guided your head up. Making you look back at him. The two of you locked eyes, your own glossy gaze into his hardened one, built by years and years of rigor. His dark long black hair shone and reflected against the sunlight. His grandeur echoed through the court. When you had graduated and had been put into squad six, you never thought you’d see his face so closely. Soon after that, you were made to be his assistant, a decision you would never regret no matter what. 

He said nothing as you felt his hand pull you forward, causing you to gasp, as you stumbled right back on your feet only to land on something soft again. You were laying on your stomach, looking around before noticing you were laying right on his lap. 

“Capt—” you were suddenly cut off with a sharp gasp as a stinging pain erupted against you.

“Did I say you could speak?”

Immediately you shut your mouth, breathing heavily as you felt his soft hands brushing up and down against both your bare and covered skin. His hand soon slid underneath your shorts, before slowly peeling away your shorts, revealing A familiar warm feeling that began to build up within you as he began to speak.

“Let’s see… five times huh…?” you heard trail off, right before another strike came, silently gasping as it echoed through the office. 

“That’s two… what do you say to me?”

Whimpering, “thank you, Sir.”

Another smack… 6

“Thank you sir.”

Another smack… 9

“Thank you sir.”

You could hear the smirk in his hum, in his tone as he sent down another strike. You wiggled in his tight hold, yearning for some type of friction as you could feel yourself seep against your shorts. He continued to lay down your punishment, with no remorse and mercy within his tone or his movements. Eyes rolled to the back of your head, as your body jerked with every strike. 

Another smack. 19…

“Thank you sir.”

Another smack. 20…

“Thank you sir.”

Tears welled in your eyes, as you felt his stinging palm strike over and over again. At the same time, you could feel yourself dripping, cunt pulsing as he continued to deliver his punishment. Byukuya was controlled, every strike just as blistering as the last one. Your hands reached out, grabbing at his robes for some kind of stability. 

Another smack… 26…

“Thank you, Sir.”

Another smack… 27…

“Thank you, sir.”

You slurred your words, drool dripping from your plump lips. His other hand put pressure against your back, causing you to arch it more, your knees bending more and more against him, raising your ass into the air. Your hot tears streaked down your face, head throwing back as you clenched around nothing, the wet sounds of your pussy resounding through the air. He smelled of vetiver and gardenias, permeating his skin and robes. His actions were mind-numbing, nothing but the words, “Thank you,” and “sir” echoing through your otherwise empty mind. 

His final three strikes came in consecutive, overwhelming you completely, and causing you to choke on your spit. 

“Thank you sir.. Thank you sir, thank you sir!”

30 strikes. 

Your body slumped, melting into his hold, no longer having the energy to hold yourself up. His hand continued to stroke up and down your body, slowly massaging your aching body. You let off low moans as you relish in his now tender touch. 

“What have we learned?” His voice cut through the daze you were once in. 

Shivering, you slowly turned your head to look at him, “to be… to be more careful.”

He said nothing, continuing to massage your ass, providing some temporary relief. His hand soon changed its position, and abruptly you could feel one of his fingers sink deep into your sopping cunt, letting out a gasping moan as he did so. 

“Sir—” you were suddenly cut off by another finger sliding into you.

Body rocking, try your best to grind against his fingers as he slowly fucked you against them. You were soaked, dripping all over his fingers, your thighs, and his robes. Luckily, he didn’t seem to care, he usually does not in moments like this. You squirmed, moving your head to muffle your moans as they got louder and louder, the rush from the earlier punishment pushing you further and further over the line. That warm feeling you had felt earlier now skyrockets into immense pressure as if it was a dam ready to burst and break. He toyed with you, pressing the pads of his fingers against your spot, causing you to squeal, and thrash against him

“Clenching around my fingers like that, huh?” His voice was low and tense, savoring every movement you made against him. 

You trembled against him, writhing as you yearned for more, something to push you over the edge. He purposely avoided that spot once again, knowing exactly what you craved. He leaned down towards you, his ear coming right next to your ears. 

“You know what to do if you want to come.” He whispered before sitting up straight, continuing his ministrations against you. 

You let out a loud cry, muffled by his robes, before lifting your head to speak, “can I come sir? Please, please can I come sir?”

He hummed, not saying a word but his actions all spoke for him as you felt his fingers press up against your walls, right up against your spot. You thrashed, convulsing as he kept up his speed, clinging onto him as your legs began to shake, your orgasms spilling over you. 

“Come for me.”

With those final words, you let off a high-pitched moan, moving your head just enough to muffle it as you came. Clear slick spilled from you, dripping and drenching your thighs, making even more of a mess than your arousal once did. He let off a low hiss as you came all over him, taking a deep breath and slightly closing his eyes. As you let off heavy breaths, your body fully slumping against him, his fingers slowly sliding out of you, a wet squelching sound soon following after it. His body soon shifted, his single clean hand guiding you as slowly to the floor. Your head laid across his lap as you caught your breath, before his hand came up to you once more, making you look right at him. 

Just as you locked eyes, his other hand came up, pressing the wet digits against your lips.

“Suck.” was the single command he gave. 

With no hesitation, your lips and tongue came up and around his long fingers, the taste of your arousal revealing against your tongue. After a few moments, he slowly removed his fingers from your mouth before looking back down at you. He reached down, slowly caressing your face in an almost tender way, before pulling you right back, placing a deep yet slow kiss on your wet lips. Legs shaking, unable to hold your own weight as he pressed himself against you. 

Just as his hand began to slide down, reaching to unwrap his robes, a flutter resounded in the room, interrupting the both of you. The two of you stopped, glancing back as a dark butterfly with red wings flew towards the both of you. You turned around, holding your hand out as the butterfly soon landed on your index finger. You closed your eyes as it relayed information to you, before turning around to look at your captain. 

“Lady Unohana is asking for you.” You relayed, defaulting at the thought of your previous actions being discontinued. 

Byakuya closed his eyes, letting out a sharp breath through his nose, “get dressed, you're coming with me.”

You suppressed a smile as you stepped away from him, sliding on your shorts before quickly walking to your robes, sliding them, and tying them back on with ease. You could feel him right behind you as you turned around, hands wiped clean of your saliva. His hands soon reached up to your face, moving around the braids that had gotten ruffed up during your play. You smiled, looking up at him as he gazed into your eyes. He then let off a rare smile, tucking one last braid behind your ear, before walking past you, telling you to follow quickly. 

taglist: @dior-fawn @thesweetestqueenofall @antiamour @idkyetwow @wntrsrchive if I strike-through your name, I couldn't tag you!!

❝ if you liked this, please like, comment and reblog! ❞

[phantomstatistician]

Saturday Status Update

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[aurvmz]

bleach by tite kubo, review, small description of characters and story, and thoughts

MASSIVE BLEACH SPOILERS!!!!! BECAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

small description : i started bleach around 7 or 6 months ago, mainly cause of my friends, the main character is this person called ichigo kurosaki, he's a high schooler who's known for being able to fight and see ghosts (this is important later), one day, he's in bed doing whatever when a girl in some black robes jumps in through hiswindow, after he thinks it's a robber, he kicks her in the back and she's suprised he can see her. she introduces herself as rukia kuchiki , a soul reaper (she is also VERY important later), and she's from this place called the soul society where they exercise lost souls and sends them to the soul society (this place is VERY VERY important later), where the souls can live a happy afterlife in the Rukon District, which is a village for exorcised lost souls to enjoy, and later, sometimes become soul reapers, similar to rukia, these ghosts are the ghosts which ichigo was able to see. rukia later explains that there are some souls that aren't exercised in time that turn into hollows. hollows are flesh seeking brainless creatures which have immense strength, soul reapers are also made to kill and exercise these creatures to stop any harm reaching lost souls and regular humans.

after this, a hollow breaks loose and grabs ichigo's sister, about to kill her, remember, most humans CANNOT see hollows and soul reapers due to not having any reiatsu or spiritual pressure. in order to keep ichigo from harm, rukia uses a kido spell. kido is a certain type of power that soul reapers can use to help them exercise hollows better. she uses a kido spell on ichigo which immobilizes him as she goes to kill the hollow and save ichigo's sister

, ichigo breaks loose from the kido spell due to his father being a retired soul reaper. ichigo's siblings and him were able to see hollows and soul reapers due to reiatsu passed down from his dad, isshin kurosaki (who is actually isshin shiba, the kurosaki comes from his mother), ichigo's mother was killed by a hollow named grand fisher ( I THINK I DON'T REMEMBER WELL ), ichigo's mother was a quincy,

a group that existed alongside soul reapers in killing hollows, before being driven to extinction by soul reapers. back to rukia and ichigo, rukia wasn't able to kill the hollow, and in a last resort, gave ichigo her soul reaper powers, which intended to be a bit of power, he ended up somehow stealing all of it

and killing the hollow in a power he didn't know the name of, called Getsuga Tenshou,

which starts his journey with soul reapers, Arrancars, and the Quincy. review : world building : 5/5 there's ALWAYS A NEW PLACE, FIRST SOUL SOCIETY, THEN HUECO MUNDO, THEN WANDENREICH, and the squad 0 palace i can go on and on, no complaints about the world building (Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and Wandenreich)

power system : 4/5 reiatsu and spiritual pressure, bankais, ressureccions, vollstandigs, all super interesting and cool but it can feel a bit eh sometimes and a bit too complicated especially with reishi with quincies and stuff (Ulquiorra's Ressureccion, Segunda Etapa, Bambietta's Vollstandig, and Unohana's Bankai)

female cast : 4/5 so many cool and strong women in bleach that aren't overly weird like yoruichi shihoin, rukia kuchiki, senjumaru shutara, retsu/yachiru unohana, nelliel tu odelschwank i can go on and on, all have powers that are really cool, and yoruichi just going left right , but there are some characters like rangiku matsumoto and orihime inoue that just have unrealistic physics... (Nelliel Tu Odelschwank's Segunda Etapa and Rukia Kuchiki's Bankai)

pacing : 3/5 pacing is a lil slow at some times but it goes well MOST of the time, not really much to say on this.

conclusion : 4/5 i love you tite kubo, so much detail and good background on characters, AMAZING plot twists and introductions, and there's never "main character plot armor" (except for ichigo vs ulquiorra , ichigo should have NOT won that tbh!!) overall, definetly an AMAZING watch

[mikansei]

from a doylist perspective i recognize why kisuke - like a lot of characters in visual media - doesn't get outfit changes often. 1: kubo and/or the animators would have to design & draw the new outfit, which would create more work for themselves for no narratively relevant reason, and 2: a single, consistent design gives a sense of continuity, helps with character recognition for the audience & helps with brand recognition for merch (hence: The Hat™).

BUT.

from a watsonian perspective i find it MUCH more fun to believe kisuke simply found one (1) outfit that he liked & bought a dozen identical copies of it b/c damn if that ain't relatable!!! when i have to replace something in my wardrobe i, too, simply wish to buy an identical version of that exact same thing forever! (which the fashion industry has decided is Fucking Illegal don't get me started lmao)

anyway i don't have a good segue but here's my (personal) headcanons:

💚 as per word of god, he's an incredibly picky eater whose favorite food is plain rice, so extrapolating a bit - maybe it's a texture thing. tight clothes BAD shirt collars BAD socks EVIL

🤍 after having his life upended by captaincy & his worldview upended by aizen's betrayal, he craves stability & is allergic to change - so he's chronically, stubbornly unadventurous in certain aspects of daily life. save the experimentation for the lab (and/or the bedroom)! stop trying to get him to wear socks!

💚 his hair covering his eyes, the hat & the fan are all ways to hide his face when he doesn't want to be Perceived - which is not the same as not being literally physically seen, so the hat & fan being so eye-catching isn't a contradiction (to him. he may or may not be aware how little sense this makes to anyone else)

🤍 he emphatically does not care to follow fashion trends - especially since they change so often in the human world. his outfit was perfectly fine & normal in the 1920s thank u very much! what do u mean that was 80 years ago? the '20s were like, last week!

💚 because he was punted out of soul society with nothing but the clothes on his back, some half-dead friends & a hougyoku, he's loath to throw anything away - so he's kept every gift he's ever been given, even if that gift is a really ugly hat. yes he WILL, in point of fact, wear it every single day for the rest of his life, yoruichi-san! (she & tessai have a betting pool. she is not winning)

🤍 the first black haori with white diamonds at the hem was a gift from shinji, hence why it looks like an inverted captain's haori - complete with insignia on the back. no kisuke does NOT realize that it looks like that, and he's bought eight more just like it since. (the visored have their own betting pool. kensei lost 40 years ago)

💚 (also he will not admit it on pain of death but he wears the haori b/c he got used to the dramatic Swoosh of the captain's haori & REALLY missed it. he can have a lil Swoosh. as a treat)

🤍 the fan was a gift from tessai which might make u think it's secretly an iron fan to be used as a backup weapon but it's not. it's literally just a mass-produced party favor made of cheap bamboo & paper. if everything's secretly a hidden weapon there's no mystique anymore! gotta keep 'em guessing sometimes~

[n3on-graveston3s-calling]

Redemption

[ A Bleach fanfiction ] Word Count: 4,774 Rating: G Characters: Urahara Kisuke, Hirako Shinji, Yoruichi Shihoin, Shunsui Kyouraku Relationships: Mentioned Kisuke/Shinji Author's Note: An older piece, but still one of my favorites. A bit of a what-if scenario, in which Mayuri gave his life during the war to save Nemu, leaving the Twelfth without a Captain. Who better to take over the mantle than the former disgraced captain himself, Urahara Kisuke?

You can’t have peace without a war, that’s how the saying goes. It spoke true; the Seireitei, while in shambles, was calm. Peaceful. The sound of hammering in the distance, of laughter and voices calling out to one another. Rebuilding, slowly but surely- with the aid of Shinigami and civilians alike- and the occasional Arrancar. The dead were still being retrieved from the various fields on which battles took place. Last time the toll had been released, they were well into the hundreds. A devastating blow to them all- on both sides.

It was difficult; so many young Shinigami had been killed, but so had many young Quincy. Too many, truthfully. Some of their own Captains had been casualties of the war: Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had been one of the first to be slaughtered before their very eyes. Aside from him, the entire first division had been killed- all one hundred and six members, in the very beginning of the war. Following this had been Fourth Division Captain, Retsu Unohana- all for the sake of getting Zaraki Kenpachi to learn the true name of his sword and release his bankai, something that had nearly killed him. Their beloved Thirteenth Division Captain, Jushiro Ukitake had been killed somehow. Very few knew the truth of the matter-

That he had become the new Soul King. That, since birth, he’d been doomed to take over when the time came. A ticking time bomb, of sorts. But to the rest of Soul Society, he’d been another casualty of war.

Many others had nearly died; Captain of the Third Division, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, Captain of the Ninth Division, Muguruma Kensei, and both the Captain and Lieutenant of the Tenth Division, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto, had all become members of the living dead due to the the Sternritter Giselle Gewelle’s ability. Captain of the Sixth Division, Byakuya Kuchiki, had nearly been slaughtered by the Sternritter Äs Nödt. For all intents and purposes, the Lieutenant of the Third Division was dead, and yet he still walked: Izuru Kira, who lost not just an arm, but a lung and portions of other organs after having a hole shot through his torso. Their new Captain Commander, Kyōraku Shunsui, had lost his left eye and part of his left ear, as well as having a hole shot through his sternum, nearly killing him.

Others had been injured just as grievously. But that was what war did. It took and it took and it took until there wasn’t anything left to take. War was greedy.

One other had been taken from their ranks. Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the Captain of the Twelfth Division, had been killed during the battle. Details were still coming in, but from what was known, he’d sacrificed himself in the final moments to save his greatest creation, Nemu Kurotsuchi, his artificially created daughter. It seems that even the coldest and most detached of people could, in the end, redeem themselves and save those who they held closest to their hearts. It was certainly interesting to hear.

After all, when Urahara Kisuke had been Captain of the Twelfth, Mayuri had been a right bastard to deal with. He could still remember that day he pulled him out of the Maggot’s Nest, and the following years. How they had worked well together, even if the bickering was nearly constant, as well outright insubordination.

Many would grieve in silence for those that had been lost. The Fourth Division was busy; Isane Kotetsu was now the defacto Captain. She was young, but strong, resilient. She would survive.

Somewhere within the Division sat Rose and Kensei, sharing a room. Izuru Kira had his own room- something that was necessary, given the extent of his injuries. Kuchiki Byakuya was being treated at the Kuchiki Mansion; Kyōraku Shunsui, at the Kyōraku Mansion. Somewhere below them, Aizen sat, chained back up.

Kisuke sat in the bed, studying the way dust danced within the sun’s rays that spilled through his window. He wasn’t injured, not really; Benihime had made sure that her master would be pieced back together completely. All that was left of her work were the thin, surgical stitches that stretched down his face, across his knuckles, over his joints. They didn’t hurt. At least, he didn’t think they did. If there was pain, he was numb to it.

He supposed he owed his thanks to Grimmjow for saving him. He’d thank him later. Right now, the Pantera was hunting for a certain Shark that sat within one of the many, many cells beneath Soul Society. He was accompanied by a Ram and a Wolf. He could thank Mayuri for saving the Wolf.

Coyote Starrk had been a savior. A sharp shooter and a hidden weapon in Hueco Mundo.

There was also Kurosaki Ichigo. That kid deserved all of their thanks, and more. Without him, they’d all be dead. He couldn’t help but wonder where he was, right now. Back home in Karakura Town? Or here, lingering with those he’d fought beside?

Slate hues closed, listening to the hammering and calling. To the sound of laughter and weeping. Of birdsong and creeping silence. He was tired. More so than he’d ever been in his life.

But now was not the time to rest, not with the figure lingering outside of his door. Five minutes, Shinji had been standing there, reaching for the door and dropping his hand, only to reach again. A sigh escaped Kisuke as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. “Come in, already!” He called, amusement shining in his words.

The door opened, and the blonde made his appearance at last. “Didn’t wanna disturb yer beauty rest, your highness,” he teased, lips quirking up in a crooked smile.

Kisuke could remember the first time he’d seen that smile. “I think I’ve had enough beauty rest to last a lifetime,” as if to prove a point, he stretched his arms up over his head, listening as various bones popped and creaked, as if singing a song of rest. “You aren’t here to give me the latest gossip, are you, Hirako-san?”

A shake of the head. “I wish I were,” Shinji sighed, closing the door behind himself as if that would give them any privacy. It wouldn’t, but it was certainly the thought that counted. “We were called in for an emergency meeting. Y’know how… Bad everything is right now.”

“You’re down three captains, and the new Captain Commander is on mandatory bed rest.” Kisuke answered with a shake of the head. “You’re fucked.”

“And not in the fun way.” Arms crossing over his chest, Shinji grimaced. He was still in pain, too, it seemed. Not surprising; he’d taken quite the beating as well, from what he’d heard. “I have a question to ask you.”

“No, the Soul Society will not get a discount on any products they purchase at the Urahara Shoten.” A joke, though it seemed to fall flat. “... What is it?”

“You know Kurotsuchi-taichou was killed.”

“Yes.”

“They’re without a Captain now.” Slate hues widened before narrowing, understanding quickly settling in. This was the one thing he had never been prepared for.

“Nemu could act as defacto Captain.”

“She can’t. She’s a child again.”

“Of course she is.” Damn Mayrui. “Akon?”

“Doesn’t have a Bankai. Or a Shikai.”

“Of course he doesn’t. Of course Mayuri would keep all of his underlings under a careful watch and not allow them to progress. Of course he would. He never did think about anyone but himself.” A bitter laugh slipped free, one full of anger and mourning. A scarred hand reached up to rub at pale blonde hair. “What are you asking, Shinji?”

“You know what I’m asking, Kisuke.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

A pause. Shinji sucked on his teeth, lips pressing taunt. “The Captain Commander wants to know if you’ll step in and take over the position of Captain of the Twelfth Division once more.”

A bark of laughter escaped Kisuke as he tossed his head back, baring his throat and chest. He knew this was coming. But to hear it spoken aloud? It made everything suddenly so real. “Central Forty-Six is going to disagree.”

“It’ll be overridden. We’re down three captains and the Soul King knows how many Shinigami.” Shinji’s lip curled into a scowl as he shook his head. “We’re fucked.”

“We’re fucked.” Kisuke agreed softly, gaze slipping from Shinji to study the floorboards. “Whose idea was it?”

“It was agreed on immediately that you were the only one who could take over the Twelfth and not accidentally kill everyone.” The humor in Shinji’s tone brought a smile to both of their faces.

“You’re not wrong there.” A pause. “... I have some conditions, then.”

Shinji waved his hands. “Save it for the official meeting. Shun’s calling it in three days time. We’re all to attend, no matter what it takes to get there.” He pushed away from the wall and turned. “I’d love t’stay and all, but I gotta make sure my Division isn’t all dead.”

“You make a good Captain, Shinji.” Kisuke murmured, watching as his back tensed, as his head raised. “You always have.”

“... Get some rest, you ogre.” The door shut, and he was alone with his thoughts once more.

Three Days Later

The meeting did not take place within the Captain Commander’s hall. The First Division was still being cleaned of bodies and blood. Instead, it took place within the halls of the Kyōraku Mansion. The grounds were lovely, sprawling, teeming with deer and birds and streams. It was easy to see the wealth and prestige that came with the name.

But it was nothing compared to the Shihōin estate that Kisuke had grown up on. Speaking of, Yoruichi had joined him. He’d requested she be allowed to attend, and lo and behold, his request had been approved. The past three days, he’d been talking with her and Tessai, deciding on their plan of action. Now, it would come to fruition.

“I know this isn’t the First Division, but it will have to make do for the time being.” Shunsui spoke, breaking the idle conversation that had been occurring and drawing all attention to him. He wore the Captain Commander’s coat, but beneath was a simple violet yukata- loose fitting to accommodate the bandages that wound around his torso. His head was still bandaged, as well.

No one looked to be in good health. Across from him sat Rose and Kensei, both of whom looked uncomfortable. Rose was bandaged around his middle; Kensei’s color was still returning to normal. Behind them stood, or in Kira’s case, sat, their lieutenants. Kira didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. He didn’t seem to be paying attention. Hisagi looked ready to pass out at any given moment.

No one else was any better, aside from perhaps Isane Kotetsu. Akon stood behind the empty chair where Mayuri should have been sitting. Rukia Kuchiki stood behind the empty chair that should have held Ukitake.

“This meeting, while formal, is occurring off the books. We are in a grievous state, and while peace may be here, there is always the chance that it could break at any moment. That is why we are here.” He cleared his throat, brows furrowing. “We are rebuilding, and we have a shaky alliance with both the Quincy and the Arrancar- for now. I do not believe that we are under an immediate threat. However, there are certain items that must be addressed.

“The first of which is the passing of four of our Captains. There will be funerals held for each of them within the coming weeks. They will be open to the public. They will be grand, as is deserving of each.” The finality in Shunsui’s voice left no room for argument. “Captains Yamomoto, Unohana, Kurotsuchi, and Ukitake will be remembered for the rest of time for laying down their lives to save Soul Society, as well as the… Hundreds of others who were lost in battle.”

Hundreds. The word is heavy within the room. Everyone had lost someone in some form, whether it be family, friend, or lover.

“Secondly, it is time to correct the errors of our past. This is the reason this meeting is occurring off the books. I plan to contest the banning of Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi personally before Central Forty-Six.” Murmurs drifted through the room. It was one thing to bring up the idea, but another to say that it will be happening. “Which is why they were both invited to attend this meeting.”

Gazes turned, landing on the pair. “Ohayo,” Kisuke hummed, leaning his weight upon Benihime, who was in her sealed form. “I have questions about that.”

“Of course you do,” Sui-Feng muttered, though she remained silent otherwise.

He pointedly ignored the angry little bee. “I was made aware that you all agreed that I should take over my former position that had been ripped from me one hundred and… What was it, twelve? Thirteen, now? Years ago. A title that I had rightly earned before I was condemned for a crime that I did not commit, which we all are aware of now, yes?” A quick, cursory glance around the room. “I know a few of you here were too young to remember what happened. But let me refresh your memory, shall I? Aizen was working on a way to create Hollows out of Shinigami and chose three of your captains and one of the lieutenants here, now, to test that on, as well as Hiyori Sarugaki, my former Lieutenant, Hachigen Ushoda, formerly of the Fourth Division, and Love Aikawa, former Captain of the Seventh Division.” The words cut like a hot knife through ice, stinging and causing a few to look down or away.

“But some of you were not too young. Some of you remember when it happened, and you did nothing to intervene. So for the last one hundred and thirteen years, I have been living in the World of the Living, aiding the Vizards. Miss Shihōin had been exiled from her own family, even if they did not want to do so. They had no choice. So!” Kisuke clapped his hands together, watching as Isane jumped. Oops. “My condition is that not only we be pardoned of this crime that we did not commit, but that Miss Yoruichi Shihōin also be allowed back within Soul Society. My shop will remain within the World of the Living in Karakura Town. Tessai Tsukabishi, the former Captain of the Kido Corps, who was also wrongly convicted, will also be pardoned. He will remain and run the shop, looking over it and the two Modified Souls whom I created and love as if they were my own children, Ururu and Jinta.

“Those are the conditions upon which I will accept the Captaincy of the Twelfth Division once more. If they are not met, you’ll just have to find someone else who is capable enough to run the Division and understand how Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s mind worked. No offense to Akon or anyone with the Twelfth currently, but I don’t think any of them could actually handle that. After all,” his voice quiets, head dipping, a shadow falling over his eyes. “I was the one who brought Mayuri out of the Maggot’s Nest. Should any of you forget, I was also the Commander of the Detention Corps, as well as a member of the Onmitsukidō.” Chin raising, slate gaze swept across the room, taking in the silence that had fallen. “I’m not asking for a compensation fund. I’m not asking for a new Division. I’m not asking for a golden parade through the Rukongai. I want an apology. And I want for Central Forty-Six to admit their mistake.”

Silence met him. It was as if no one had expected Urahara Kisuke to speak out, to give demands. As if he, too, hadn’t been wronged by the events of the past. As if he, too, did not deserve an apology. As if he, too, were not angry and bitter over the mistakes of the past.

“Lest you all forget that without me, you would not have had the Twelfth as it is today. There would be no S.R.D.I.. Mayuri would have died in his cell. And you all would be dead, now, because Kurosaki Ichigo wouldn’t have been born without Isshin Kurosaki, someone who I helped personally. And you would be down four Captains and one lieutenant.” Jaw set, he met Shunsui’s gaze with his own. “These are the requirements. And I will not settle for any less, Captain Commander.”

Shunsui shifted in his seat, a peculiar little smile curling at the corners of his lips. One that read ‘I anticipated this’, or perhaps ‘All is going according to plan’. “Of course, Urahara-san. It will be done.”

“Will it?” Kisuke countered, head titling, voice low. “Just what do you have on the Central Forty-Six that would turn their vote so quickly, Shunsui-san?”

A chill crept into the air as the Captains and Lieutenants sat straighter, stood straighter, cast their gazes down. No one dared speak, no one dared to break the silence that had gripped their throats and held them captive.

“That,” Shunsui began, rising to his feet slowly. “Is for me to know, and for you to never find out. That is all that needed to be said. This meeting is dismissed.” His face was pale; it was beyond time for him to retire. Another session of healing, no doubt.

Kisuke made his way out, Yoruichi at his side. “That was ballsy,” she murmured, gaze trained ahead. “But good.”

“I figured a history lesson was overdue.” Kisuke replied with a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Go, I’m sure no one will mind if you-”

She was already gone.

“-visit your family.” Sighing, he began the slow walk back towards the Gotei Thirteen, gaze downcast. He could hear murmurings from behind him- surprise, shock, anxiety. A presence settled in at his side, shoulder gently bumping against his arm.

“Think it’ll happen?” Shinji asked after a good few minutes of walking in silence.

“He managed to convince them to let Aizen out.” He hummed, head rising to study the horizon. “I don’t know what he has up his sleeves, but… I believe there is a chance I’ll be back to torment you, Hirako-taicho.”

The grin Shinji sent him was brighter than the sun. He couldn’t help but smile, as well.

One Month Later

“I stand before you today to contest a punishment that was given over a century ago,” Shunsui began, gazing up at the blank blocks before him. Behind them sat the members of the Central Forty-Six. “I am aware that I was here merely two months prior. A lot can happen in two months.”

“Like losing hundreds of Shinigami,” one voice spoke up.

“That is the casualty of war, something that you all seem to forget exists outside of your protected lives.” Silence met Shunsui. “We lost four captains. And while there are many who could step up the plate, one of those is impossible to replace.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“That Urahara Kisuke be allowed back into the Soul Society and be allowed to take his mantle of Captain up once again.” Shunsui fell quiet as yells met him. Anger, alarm, it all spilled out.

“URAHARA KISUKE? DESERTER.”

“LIAR, A DANGER TO SOUL SOCIETY.”

“HE’S BEEN IN THE WORLD OF THE LIVING FOR TOO LONG.”

He raised his hands, listening as the voices died down. “I understand your anger. However, merely a few years ago, the Vizards were pardoned. Why should Kisuke not be pardoned, as well as Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi.”

“THEY’RE TRAITORS TO THE SOUL SOCIETY-”

“THEY ABANDONED US YEARS AGO-”

“THEY SHOULD BE KILLED-”

Shunsui raised his hands once more, his brow furrowed. “Maa, maa- please, allow me to speak.” Agitated silence met him as he cleared his throat. “I’m not Yamomoto. I haven’t been here since the beginning. I was just a child when this place was really coming together. But because of that, I have been able to witness the way everything has changed and grown. How we’ve become stronger, how more and more Shinigami join our ranks each year. I was a Captain by the time Urahara Kisuke joined our ranks, stepping out from the shadow of the Onmitsukidō. I was able to watch as he built the Twelfth up from the bottom, and watched as he created the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Without him, we wouldn’t have the Gigais that allow us to investigate further into the World of the Living, the Tenshintai. What Mayuri had to work with wouldn’t have existed without Kisuke. We wouldn’t have even had a captain to fill his place originally without Kisuke; he was the one who brought Mayuri out of the Maggot’s Nest.

“At the end of the day, you have to sit back and consider more than what those of the past did. At the time, there was no true solid proof that Urahara Kisuke, Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi were behind the hollowfication project that was, in actuality, spearheaded by Aizen. Their only crime had been being at the scene, trying to help their friends. When you consider this, along with how they have continued to aid us despite being stranded in the World of the Living for so long… Don’t we owe them this?” Murmurs began to echo through the tall chamber. Forty-six voices all talking, debating. Shunsui stood, hands folded politely before him as he waited.

He was right, and he knew it. After all, it had been his idea in the first place. Without Kisuke’s aid, they wouldn’t have ever had Kurosaki Ichigo to help them. Aizen would never have been stopped. Yhawch would still be alive, and they would all be dead or acting as prisoners. There wasn’t any real debate to be had other than stubborn old men wanting to keep history as it is. “So, I ask once more: I wish for Urahara Kisuke to be allowed back into the Soul Society and be allowed to take his mantle of Captain of the Twelfth Division and Captain of the S.R.D.I. up once again as well as pardoning Urahara Kisuke, Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi of their wrongly accused crimes.” Silence settled across the chamber. A pleased smile curled Shunsui’s lips as he relaxed.

Two Weeks Later

The First Division was peaceful, calm, filled with idle chatter as the Captains and their Lieutenants gathered within the hall of the Captain Commander. There was no surprise written upon their features; they knew what this meeting was about. Even so, they stood, chatting amongst one another, until Shunsui made his way into the hall to settle in at the head of the hall. He used a heavy, cherry wood cane to aid him; it would not be a permanent fixture. Each day he grew stronger, healing from his injuries.

“Well, then,” he murmured, rolling his shoulders before raising his voice. “Would the new Captain of the Twelfth Division enter?”

The great doors opened, and standing within the entryway was none other than Urahara Kisuke, green and white strapped hat nowhere to be seen. He no longer resembled the young, awkward Captain he had been one hundred and thirteen years ago. Now, he stood tall, still, gaze trained forward. He made his way in slowly, geta clad feet making soft ‘clacks’ with every step. Behind him, surprisingly, walked a black feline, trodding to keep up. He turned to the left, and stepped into the place where he’d once stood, where Mayuri had once stood.

“Very well. Now, since we are all here, our first manner of business…”

The meeting did not last long; many were still in frail condition, such as the Third Division. The walk to the Twelfth was quiet, calm. Yoruichi had slipped away, returning to her family for the first time in far too long. She wouldn’t be taking up the mantle of Head of the Shihōin family; that title had passed to her younger brother. Instead, she’d become an aid to him, and split her time between the Soul Society and the World of the Living. Tessai didn’t want to return; he had no desire to come back. He’d handle the shop and keep an eye on Karakura, along with Jinta and Ururu.

Kisuke was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of a throat clearing. Head snapping up, slate gaze hues widening at the sight of his new lieutenant. “The last time I saw you, you were extremely little and didn’t have a nicotine addiction!” Kisuke greeted with a grin as Akon let out a bark of laughter.

“It’s good to see you again, too, Captain,” Akon replied, shaking his head as he fell into step beside Kisuke. “A lot’s changed.”

“I’d be more alarmed if nothing had changed. It has been over a century, after all!” His head tilts back, studying the sky. “It feels strange to be here again.”

“It does.” The sound of a little voice calling had both men pausing, glancing behind them, only to watch as a little black haired girl came bouncing over, nearly stumbling over her sandals. Nemu. Akon knelt down, arms open, allowing the girl to climb up into his arms. “Nemu, meet Urahara Kisuke. He’s taking over as Captain.”

“I remember him. Where’s your hat?” She asked, big dark eyes gazing up at Kisuke.

“Decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear at a meeting,” he winked, and with a wave of his hand, it was as if the hat appeared out of thin air. Nemu’s eyes widened in surprise, mouth dropping open into a little ‘o’. “But I never wander too far without it.” Gaze turning, he took in the sight of the Division, how much it had changed, how large it had become. “Well…”

“Wherever you want to begin, I’ll guide you to it.” A grimace. “Notes? Or did he burn them all again?”

“Surprisingly, he didn’t.” A shrug as Akon began to walk once more, carrying Nemu as if she were his own. Members of the Twelfth stopped where they stood and bowed low, murmurs of welcome echoing through the air. “I don’t think he had the foresight to do that.”

“Good,” Kisuke nodded, clapping his hands together. “Then let's get to work.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

That Night

The night air was cool here compared to the warm autumn air of Karakura Town. Geta clopped along the top of the wall idly with no true direction. That is, until the sound of a snicker drew the attention of the shoe’s owner. Head tilting, Kisuke glanced behind himself to find Hirako Shinji standing behind him. “Can’t sleep?”

“Haunted by the past.” Kisuke replied, settling down on the wall. Was he in Shinji’s Division? He hadn’t realized he’d walked that far. “You?”

“Insomnia’s a bitch.” Shinji settled down on the wall, kicking his heels against the sturdy structure idly. “... It feels good to have you back.”

“Does it?” He mused, stepping closer before settling down, shoulder bumping Shinji’s before leaning against the other. “Never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Fuck off,” Shinji teased, leaning his weight back against Kisuke’s shoulder. Together they sat, silence falling across them like a light dew in the early morning hours. Without speaking, Shinji reached over, taking hold of Kisuke’s hand. Calloused fingers drifted over stitched scars. “She did a number on you.”

“Benihime is a benevolent woman. I respect that,” Kisuke replied softly, watching Shinji’s fingers. “What about you? How’s your head?”

“I’ve had worse.”

“Touche.” A chuckle slipped free from both men. Kisuke sighed, leaning over to rest his head atop Shinji’s own. “This is what you missed?”

“This and more.”

“It doesn’t feel right without Hiyori yelling at us. Or Love laughing. Or Hachi worrying…” Brows furrowing, he sighed. “But they like it in the World of the Living.”

“They’ll never come back.” Shinji’s voice was soft, regretful, full of anger pushed down beneath the surface. “It’ll never be the same.”

“No, it won’t,” his eyes closed, memories of days long passed flashing within his mind. “... But at least some of it will be.”

A smile curled Shinji’s lips as he pulled Kisuke’s hand up to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to his knuckles. “Some of it will be, Captain.”

“Captain, eh?”

“Shaddup.”

Laughter filled the night air, so light and joyful, it was as if nothing had ever changed.

[lo-55]

Beyond Dreams of Avarice Ch. 6

The first time Kisuke meets him, he’s barely a hundred years old, and Ichigo is a stranger with an ocean of power with two blades to his name. Which does not explain why he looks at Kisuke with a heart broken fondness, or why he always seems to return  when Kisuke needs him.

UraIchi Time Travel with a mild twist

Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame. 

Kisuke gazed up at the face of his bankai. Her braided hair, her half lidded eyes, and the jointed shoulders that her red dress slides from. She’s a terror. Threads twist around her body. The same threads that he had used to find the correct weapon. 

Her. 

She had been the weapon all along. 

Leave it to his own zanpakuto to be tricky. 

That didn’t stop Kisuke from grinning up at her, a breathless laugh bubbling in his chest. He felt empty and light headed, all of his energy was gone, gone, gone, and before his eyes the giant fell apart in threads of energy. 

Kisuke tipped backwards, and strong arms caught him. 

He looked up to see brown eyes watching him with such fondness it made his ribs ache. 

“You did well, Kisuke. I knew you would.” 

Ichigo’s hands are calloused and strong, but they hold Kisuke with all the care in the world while Ichigo helps him undress and slide into the warm, healing waters that he and Yoruichi had filled their cave with. 

It was starting to feel more like his and Ichigo’s space by now than his and Yoruichi. The thought tastes like treason on his tongue, and he’s glad that he has mind enough left not to voice it aloud. 

Ichigo lays himself out on the stone beside the water and closes his eyes. He looks utterly at peace. It feels like, save for few exceptions, anytime Kisuke saw Ichigo he was relaxing, or lounging on something. People stupider than he is might have mistaken it for laziness. 

Kisuke was smarter than that. 

He could recognize Ichigo for what he was. A predator. 

And didn’t most predators spend their days resting? Saving energy for the hunt? 

Once again, Kisuke thinks he should be afraid. Once again, he knows that Ichigo won’t hurt him. 

Ichigo is paradoxical, but he won’t hurt Kisuke. That was a fact as much as Kisuke’s own name was. 

That didn’t change the fact that Ichigo, spread out across the edge of the water, looked like a lion, with his mane of spiky orange hair and his lax muscles. Every inch of him spoke of power. 

Or perhaps a lion was the wrong creature. Soaking in the warmth of a hot spring and laid out on a hot rock, with power beyond anything Kisuke had ever felt simmering under his skin, he wondered if Ichigo wasn’t more like a dragon. 

A creature of immense power and tantalizing beauty. A being who could rend the heavens in his claws. Instinct told Kisuke all of this and made his skin prickle. 

Yet, what dragon was he then? 

The type to offer a staff that held the ocean in place to a being on a quest? Or the type who learned to change their skin to devour a lover that spurned them? 

Kisuke quietly floated closer. 

The dangerous, awful truth was he couldn't tell which option thrilled him more. 

The power beneath Ichigo’s skin pulled him as inexorably as a moth to a flame. 

Power, but Ichigo was more than that. He was not the nobility, steeped in influence and aura, untouchable as the sun. he was here, tangible, touchable, and when Kisuke drew close enough the his shoulders brushed Ichigo’s elbow the ginger opened those dark brown eyes to glance at him before they closed again and he settled. 

Yes, Ichigo had power to spare. But his strong, calloused hands were gentle. 

Kisuke can remember intimately the brush of them on his skin when they broke bread together. The safe cradle they’d made when he carried him in the woods. The small brush of them on his skin as he helped Kisuke into the healing waters after a rough sparring session. 

Kisuke reached back and plucked one of those calloused hands off the warm stone. 

Ichigo cracked an eye open to look at him, curious, but he didn’t object as Kisuke looked his hand over. There was a thrill under Kisuke’s skin. A man with an ocean of power, a man from the powerful clan, bastard or no, let Kisuke lay hands on him. 

He could see the telltale calloused along the fingers and palms that came of sword work. But his knuckles were scarred and hard worked, the fists of a brawler. 

His wrists were slim, but Kisuke could see the muscles that stretched from his carples up his forearm. He knew each tendon and ligament within that could be severed under a clever blade, and how limp the arm would go. Would Ichigo heal from that?

 Veins were barely visible through deceptively soft skin, but when the hand in Kisukes twitched he could see the muscles flex as well until they vanished under his  rolled up sleeve. There was a black X across his forearm and wrist, like a dark ribbon stretched across his skin. 

Kisuke could recognize it as a piece of that red-black power that Ichigo wielded so easily. 

Ichigo had offered him his arm once before to be inspected. The day Kisuke had stabbed him. The only time he had seen the man bleed, and he bled from Kisuke’s own hand. 

Ichigo didn’t interrupt his musings, but at some point Kisuke became very, very away of a single brown eye, nearly gold in the false sunlight, watching him. 

Ichigo’s power rolled against his skin, that ocean of winter-sun curling against the threads of his soul. 

When he had been young, he hadn’t understood the raw intimacy in that gesture. 

Once more he thought he should have been frightened, should have been disturbed by the seemingly docile being laid out before him. 

Once more, he found no fear for Ichigo in himself. 

A man need not fear their own blade, and Kisuke need not fear his… friend. 

Yes. His friend. 

A friend who let out a very lion-like huff and closed his eye again, to let Kisuke trace the dark markings on his arm. Through his skin, Kisuke could feel a rabbit pulse beneath Ichigo’s skin.

~ 

The threads in his soul felt strong and frayed at once. 

Strong, for his bond with his zanpakuto was more cemented than it had ever been before. Strong for he was more assured than ever with his connection with Ichigo. 

But frayed for his other connections. 

They spread around him like a spiders web, each link drawing to a person he knew. Ichigo, Yoruichi, Tessai, Kukaku, and now Yoruichi’s little shadow, Sui Feng. Small, thinner lines drew him to acquaintances, and dark threads held to people who he knew but did not… trust. No, not at all, but people whom he knew could be manipulated and played like puppets on a string. Even thinner were the threads of the underlings that Yoruichi, so fine they could snap without destroying the rest of the web should their anchors come undone. 

Which they would. No one made it long in this line of work. Kisuke had outlived his expectations by several centuries by this point himself. 

He’s talented, he’s smart. 

And he’s mean.

Yet, for all of that he still has friends who don’t mind his sand paper edges. Who laugh off his cruelties and bloodied hands and sharp smiles. 

But it’s. 

Grating. 

Sometimes. 

Or perhaps the blossoming relationship with Ichigo, with the walls he allows Kisuke to choose to build, with the liberties he allows him to take, stand in such sharp contrast to Yoruichi, who sets their boundaries and flaunts lines in sand. 

Which is not to say that Kisuke doesn’t care for her. He does. In the depths of his heart he knows that he loves her as dearly as he loves anything. But she is still a princess. 

And he is not. 

She will always have an upperhand in their relationships, even if she no longer has it in their battles.And she doesn’t even seem to realize it is the thing. 

She knows his loyalty, but more than that she expects it because it's what he owes to her. She’s never said it outright, but it hangs above him. When she took him in as her guard and companion there was never a question about it. He would do it because she was the Shihoin heir and he was a scrap of a boy who had dragged his way through basic training with blood in his teeth. 

She saw his potential and raised him high, lifted him up and gave him resources. 

But it was never a choice. 

Even his becoming onmitsukido wasn’t a choice, when the other option was starvation or worse. 

Ichigo had broken bread with him, given him something soft and filling, with no expectation of return. Ichigo had saved his life and asked Kisuke for nothing. He’d carried his damaged body to safety, and still. 

Wanted nothing. 

And Kisuke… 

Well. What the fuck was he supposed to do with that? 

“If you want me to, I'll try to visit you more often,” Ichigo offers. Firmly, he repeats, “If you want me to.” 

Of course Kisuke wants him to! Who wouldn’t? Ichigo is an ocean of power, anyone would jump at the opportunity to have him at their side, and the dark, puppet-master part of Kisuke’s brain whispers about what that power could do if he only directed it. 

The part of Kisuke that had bared Ichigo his soul and taken his arm disagreed. Wasn’t that what he was upset with Yoruichi for? For cornering him, no matter that they were friends now, no matter that he loved her, he hadn’t had a choice. 

If the day came and he needed Ichigo’s power- 

No. If he needed. 

Needed his friend's help. 

He would ask. Up front, honestly, he would ask for help and not tug and twist and play Ichigo. 

Or at least he would try. It wasn’t in his nature to be upfront. 

But for Ichigo, he could make an attempt.

And so it was their thread that was strong and firm while the one that bound him to Yoruichi was frayed. Just a bit. Enough to frighten him. 

Bitterness on his tongue when he spoke to her, deferred to her, and followed at her heels like a puppy spoke volumes. He knew he would never hesitate to throw his life on the line for her, knew it in his very bones, but in their line of work any kind of friction could grind dust in the gears and get someone killed. 

(And Kisuke didn’t want to admit it, but he didn’t like being upset with her! They were friends at the end of the day, and he hated having any kind of disagreements with her! 

He really, really hated how complicated feelings were. He wished he could draw himself away, step back and watch everything like he watched ants march across the earth. But he couldn’t. To pull away like that would be a torment worse than anything he’d ever endured and anything he had ever forced another to endure. To sever every single string-) 

It was this bitterness that was causing the fraying in his threads. A fabric of his being rubbed raw like old clothes. 

He wanted to ignore it. He tried to hide it. 

But of course the problem with friends, however fraught a relationship might be, was that they knew you. 

And Yoruichi knew Kisuke just as well as he knew her. 

So in the end he should have been surprised when one day, when he and Ichigo were lounging on huge rocks, sweaty but satisfied, a shadow flickered down the ladder and landed so silently on the ground that the dust didn’t even lift. 

But Ichigo’s head did. It snapped up, his eyes flashed, and for an instant Kisuke thought he was doing to lash out with that power of his and attack. 

Then brown eyes landed on Yoruichi, crouched on the ground, staring at the pair of them, and the tension bled out of his shoulders. 

Yoruichi looked between one man to the other. 

She squinted, golden eyes narrow as she tried to read the room. 

“Kisuke,” she said slowly. “Who’s this?” 

Ichigo tilted his head, looking relaxed. As if a noble assassin wasn’t looking at him the way a cat looked at a mouth. 

“Yo,” he waved a hand at her, the picture of laid back ease. The picture of Keian, too, and Kisuke saw Yoruichi’s jaw loosen and the connections draw in her mind. Her eyes darted to him, and Kisuke managed not to look too guilty. 

He failed.