#anyways I find out her and Ichigo get together and have a kid in the end and me thinks she tops

[lavenderr-starrs]

Me thinks Orihime tops

[recurring-polynya]

Man, I really do not care about the Quincy and I have spent a lot of time avoiding thinking too deeply about the Quincy, but we're getting onto that part of the new anime and also @troius has been posting about them a lot lately and I have been forced to think about them and they really just don't make any damn sense.

For starters: confession time! The weird, pseudo-medieval place where the Bazz - Jugram flashbacks took place? I always assumed that took place inside the Schatten Bereich. It was never clear to me whether the Quincy lived mortal life spans (why shouldn't they? aren't Quincy just humans with powers?) or whether they were, like, ghosts of Quincy. (The shinigami slaughtering the Quincy and then they just show up in Soul Society one-by-one and have to evade the ghost cops and find each other again and create a secret empire would actually have been pretty cool imo) I guess the real answer is that by staying inside Soul Society, they become like souls and never age? That if, for example, the Karakura Kids had stuck around in Soul Society after the Soul Society arc, the same thing would have happened to them?

Anyway, I guess I had assumed that the Quincy just lived this parallel existence inside a place that was very much like Soul Society, complete with bizarro mismatches of time period and fashion and technology. I thought this all took place, like 15 years ago? Or, possibly, if the Schatten Bereich does have similar properties to Soul Society, it could have taken place something on the order of 50-100 years ago, giving their story a similar timeline to most of our "main" shinigami characters (Rukia and Renji, Hinamori and Hitsugaya, Gin and Matsumoto, for ex)

Apparently, I was wrong, and all that took place 1000 years ago. Where, exactly? Why are there no historical records of this? Or are there, and Ichigo just slept through it in history class?

This implies that all the Sternritter characters have been living together in this Quincy pocket dimension for 1000 years (putting them on the same age paradigm as Kyouraku and Ukitake), which just rings really dumb to me. They're so intense. I feel like Bazz and Jugram should have either made up or killed each other long before this. I can't believe that Bambi has been sex-murdering dudes for 1,000 and everyone still lets her do it. Don't get me wrong! Problematic people living together for 1,000 can definitely happen! This was the entire plot of Harrow the Ninth! But the Lyctors in Harrow act like people who have lived together for an impossible amount of time: they have an unspeakable weight to their relationships that the Sternritter completely lack. (Also, why is their clothing so modern??? Ishida's been harping on Quincy Style since we met him, but where did it come from if most of the Quincy have been off-plane since before the Crusades???)

Furthermore, what about the Quincy in the World of the Living? Did the Schatten Bereich? This morning, I was reading this troius post, which points out that maybe the Wandenreich should have wanted revenge on Mayuri for what he did to them, and to Ishida Souken in particular. But maybe they didn't give a shit about Living World Quincy? They certainly didn't seem upset (or possibly even aware) of the Auswählen that killed Masaki and Katagiri. There are a couple times that some of the Sternritter make reference to some of them being younger, and not knowing things that happened the first time around. Were more of them recruited from the World of the Living?

It seems like this was the case with Äs Nödt. I wonder if he even knew he was a Quincy before Yhwach showed up in his hospital room. Is it possible that the reason he's in the hospital is because of the Auswählen? (this feels very That's So Yhwach! to me, if this is the case)

I read a fanfic once (I think it might have been this one, but it's 400k words and I read it years ago so I could be wrong) where Souken had been a prominent Quincy intellectual within the Schatten Bereich and he left to go back to the World of the Living, which caused a bunch of bad blood. That would go kind of a long was in explaining why the Sternritter wouldn't give a shit about Mayuri, and also why no one really cares about Ryuuken, either. This was also the source of the tension in the Ishida family between Souken and his wife and between Souken and Ryuuken.

I don't really have any grand conclusion I'm driving towards, just that the entire Quincy backstory could have been really good and meaty, but instead, it's just stage scenery that falls over if you actually try to put any weight on it.

[kennydvault]

Renji Fight (BLEACH Chapters 95-98)

Chapter 95

Renji said he's going to kill Ichigo because he took Rukia's powers, implying some sort of friendship between them at some point. I'm assuming that him and Rukia worked together or grew up together? I really like this fight between them though where they're both fighting for Rukia in their own way. There's also these pages that make me think he's probably not really going to go all out and will end up being yet another enemy that has their own reasons to help Ichigo save Rukia:

Renji has a few cool panels at the end of the chapter where he explains his power is 5x stronger than it was last time they fought, and he changes his Zanpakuto to it's true form and strikes Ichigo through a wall. Renji's Zabimaru reminds me of those collapsible lightsabers you'd get from the store for like $10, just a really cool sword version lmao.

Chapter 96

After the single blow from Renji's Zabimaru Ichigo can barely stand, swaying in place and his head is bleeding quite a bit. I'm ngl I started feeling bad for my boy right here because as he tries to dodge Renji's next attack he gets slashed across his back and is leaking even more blood. And every attack Renji makes here is leveling whole buildings, this dude is not weak by any means.

While this fight is happening we cut to Renji's squad discussing him leaving his assistant captain's badge behind. I'm feeling pretty confident that he's trying to save Rukia as well here because immediately after this page Renji is asking Ichigo again about his intentions to save her. Ichigo remembers his training with Kisuke (I need to know who this man is, and why is he so strong that 5 days of training with him has Ichigo nearly at assistant captain level) and finds an opening to attack because of it, but Renji outspeeds him and cuts Ichigo deep in his chest.

Chapter 97

We start 97 off with a shonen classic, the Omae wa mou shindeiru. Flashback to Kisuke training Ichigo and it's nice to see how our mc got stronger instead of me just having to fill in the gaps. It starts with Kisuke attacking and Ichigo running from the attack. Kisuke tries to explain he won't get stronger by living in fear, and that he needs the resolve to win and push past his fear into having full faith in his abilities. But more than anything I was just blown away at these two panels. The first was the reveal of the aftermath from the attack Ichigo was dodging at the beginning of the chapter. Absolutely insane, just so so cool to see the earth split asunder from an attack especially when we can assume Kisuke is pulling his punches somewhat. And the second panel being the attacks they send at each other at the end when Ichigo finds his resolve.

We cut back to Ichigo fighting Renji, and Ichigo after finding his resolve decides to conquer his fear and is determined to beat Renji. He attacks Renji breaking his Zabimaru (and cutting his hairband? lmao), and finishes the fight there, landing his final blow.

Chapter 98 (End of Volume 11)

This was such a beautiful chapter and such a good ending to the fight between these two. So Renji and Rukia grew up as orphans in essentially the ghetto of Rukongai, stealing food and water for themselves and their friends to get by. The way that Renji talks about Rukia in this chapter is really sweet. He clearly admires her and looks up to her, and you can tell since he was a kid he's been trying to be good enough to equal her. What I just noticed this chapter is that Rukia probably was a human at some point, died and was in the Rukongai alone (like Yuichi is) and chose to become a Soul Reaper. I guess I just assumed for the most part that Soul Reapers have existed as Soul Reapers since birth.

Anyway Rukia decides to become Soul Reapers with Renji, and when Rukia becomes adopted into the Kuchiki family, Renji spends all of his time training to be good enough to beat Captain Kuchiki (and assumedly take his place? or possibly run away with Rukia, I'm not really sure). I really like the forced expression drawn by Kubo here, where Renji is telling Rukia how happy is for her while trying to hide that he's hurting, chasing her and trying to save her. He just isn't strong enough to do so, and so he stays quiet at a time when Rukia wanted him to help her. She moves his hand off of him and thanks him as she rushes past, hiding her emotions from him as well. And the chapter ends here, when Renji asks Ichigo if he can beat Captain Kuchuki for him, and Ichigo of course tells him he will.

[jiggedsaw]

Heartstrings

Chapter Eight: Here, There

For Mature Audiences

CW: Suggestive language, teasing about sexual acts, Gin being Gin.

Back in Karakura town, evening was starting to turn to night. Inside of the Karakura clinic, a stocky black-haired fellow sat on the table while the local doc bandaged him. The guy was surprisingly quiet this time around, having unfortunately become a regular in the past few years. Isshin knew this path too well, though normally this kid didn’t come in alone… It was often someone else who dragged him there.

”Kibo? What the hell happened to you?” Ichigo has rounded the corner, seeing the kid beaten to hell and back.

”Some kids saw the opportunity and took it.” Kibo shrugged at this, not looking up from the floor. Something had him sulking. “Thought I should get patched up before going home, at least then Mom won’t worry.”

”I’m sure your sister will find them and take care of it.” Isshin said, “They didn’t call her ‘the Jackrabbit from Hell’ for nothing…” He was still wrapping when he saw Kibo start to shake. Looking up showed that the young man was fighting back tears.

”… What happened to Chisei?” Ichigo pressed.

”We don’t know… A few nights ago, things were fine, but then we woke up one morning to a note.” The boy explained. “She said something about coming back in a year or two, and she wanted to start living her own life… Saved up a ton of money to make sure we’d be okay until she came back.”

”That doesn’t sound like her…” Isshin noted. “Didn’t she turn down opportunities to take care of you guys?”

”None of us think she wrote it, but it’s her handwriting… We haven’t heard anything since. Mom thinks she finally had enough and ran off with a guy.” He wiped his eyes. “You haven’t seen her, right?”

”In the past couple days? Not that I’ve seen… Ichigo?” The man turned to his son. “Have you seen Chisei? She uses the track at your school sometimes.”

”No… I think I know someone who does though.” The strawberry blonde turned and started toward the door, grabbing his shoe and jacket. “I’m heading out!”

It was no secret to the group in Karakura town that Chisei was involved with someone. If there was a guy she ‘ran off with’ then there was only one guy he could think of who might convince her to leave. Ichigo started running towards the old warehouse, not sure how to feel. Angry, frustrated, but there was still the possibility that he knew nothing… At this point he was pretty convinced. Though that didn’t explain why she hadn’t been seen in days…

”Shinji!!!” Ichigo shouted, opening the door. He was sweating and panting, the panic written all over his face.

”What’s the big idea, dumbass!?” Hiyori snapped, “It’s late, why the hell are you screaming!?”

”Not now Hiyori… Where is he!?” He looked around, as the tall lanky blonde turned around. “Hey!”

”Do you have to be so loud, Ichigo. What’s the problem?” Shinji rubbed the side of his head, groggy and confused.

”Is Chisei here?”

”That’s an odd question…” He lowered his hand. “You know, she’s not into high schoolers… Proclaiming your love at this hour won’t change that.”

”She’s missing.” Ichigo said quickly, “Her brother showed up at my house and he said she took off. They think she found a guy and left. Last I heard, you two were together…”

”Oh yeah. That.” Shinji sighed and put his hands in his pockets. “Guess it’ll be news to you then, but we stopped seeing each other a few weeks back. Sucks, don’t it?”

”Yeah right, she dumped you Baldy!” Hiyori added, groaning. “Don’t give him that mutual bullshit!”

”Not the point right now!” He groaned, glaring at her before turning back to Ichigo. “Things weren’t going to work out anyway. We’re from two different worlds. Last I heard, she was still under Sosuke’s thumb…”

”Hold on… As in Aizen?” Ichigo looked shocked, “What does she have to do with Aizen?? She doesn’t know about…?”

”As far as I know, she refused to believe he was a bad person. I told her about what happened to us and it wasn’t clicking. Personally I don’t know how he’s been contactin’ her, or what they talked about…” Shinji clicked his tongue, “If you want more information about that, I’d go and ask Kisuke. He knows more about how she and Sosuke met. Though, I’d warn you… If she’s with him right now, we got a bigger problem than a runaway Quincy…”

”Right… If she comes back, send her back home. Her family’s worried sick…” Ichigo paused for a bit before turning to run back out. Now that he had something to go off of, he planned on figuring out exactly where she was.

Left alone, Hiyori was more quiet when she asked Shinji. “You don’t think..?”

Shinji thought about it, dread in his eyes. “I’m thinkin’ it… Though I’m hopin’ I’m wrong…” He muttered under his breath. “Chisei what did you get yourself into…”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Hueco Mundo, having finished breakfast, Chisei sat on the couch with one of the books Aizen recommended. She started to read through some of the history of her race, distracting herself from the tender marks littering her skin. The soft material of the bathrobe helped to soothe it, yes, but the ones that were still bare had a twinge of pain to them. It was taking a lot of strength to not rub at them, knowing that would make them more angry and sore. The woman rolled her neck a bit, and winced at the pain.

”Wow, he really did a number on you!” Gin’s voice behind her, and the lifting of her hair made the woman yelp and jump to another part of the couch, clutching the book to her chest. “Oops. Guess you didn’t hear us come in. You should be more careful.”

”What the hell- Ichimaru why are you in here!?” Chisei snapped, still scared half to death, but then she noted how he said ‘us’. She turned to see Kaname Tosen also in the room, but at least he was being respectful.

”Lord Aizen requested we send someone to keep you company.” Kaname said, “Though Gin took that as someone being himself.”

”You’re not at all curious about her? That seems cruel, doesn’t it?” Gin teased, “Besiiides, how can we be sure who to send in the future if we don’t get to know her?”

“Personally I’d rather not…” Chisei grumbled, then turned her head to Kaname. “No offense of course, Tosen. Maybe another time.” She went to look back at Gin, only to squeak and jump from how close he was yet again.

”Well until your husband comes to save you, guess you’ll have to deal with it.” The silver-haired man grinned and shrugged. “Speaking of which… He was late to his meeting after the announcement. What happened there, I wonder?”

”Huh?” Her face flushed, throwing up her hands. “Okay, we are not talking about that! What happens between us is our business!!”

”I knew it, you two were getting handsy! Never thought I would hear that Aizen cared for that sorta thing.” He chuckled, “Though these do make sense..” As Gin reached to pull the collar of her bathrobe to get a better look, Chisei’s hand snapped to grab it. His other hand came around to grab her wrist, stopping them both in their tracks. “Calm down, I’m only trying to look! He must’ve really wanted to make sure people knew you were his.”

”Gin, that’s enough.” Kaname spoke, “Do you wish to have Lord Aizen punish you for putting your hands on her?”

”I didn’t know seeing the damage was such a problem… Oh well.” The man released her, putting his hands up. “I’m more curious about what he left with her.”

”She already told you no.” The blind man gestured to the large couch corner, “Lady Chisei, may I?”

”Y-Yeah, that’s fine.” Chisei righted herself and fixed her hair, still down from the night before. She picked up her book to set it on the coffee table while Kaname sat. Gin, knowing better than to push her personal bubble more, decided to simply lean over the back of the couch.

”What were you reading when we came in?” Kaname asked. “Is it something you brought with you?”

“Oh, no… Sosuke has a few Quincy books here so I can do some research.” The woman said. “Finding anything without giving myself away has been… Difficult.”

”I see. In your case, having family involved wouldn’t benefit you.” He spoke, then put a hand to his chin. “Though with that in mind, it led to you finding you own way to fight without the strict training others of your kind go through.”

Chisei nodded, “Right... Some basics came with it, but the rest was learning as I went. Depended on who I needed to fight, and… Who I was protecting at the time.”

”Ya know, that fight with Grimmjow in the human world.. What I wouldn’t give to see that again.” Gin joked. “Then again, I can’t say I’ve ever seen him beaten up by a girl!”

”What’s that supposed to mean?”

”Wellll, when it comes to some of the Espada only like to challenge other men.” He said, starting to count on his fingers. “Grimmjow for example, Nnoitra rarely fights women. Crushing a lower-rank Arrancar, that’s not uncommon, but challenging a woman on the opposing side? It’s yet to be seen…”

”So they’re sexists who throw a fit if a woman can beat them in battle… Got it.” Chisei said matter of factly, and turned when Kaname added to that comment.

”Grimmjow only desires to kill and end up on top. He’s a brute.”

”I would’ve said ‘pompous prick who lets his muscles do the talking’ but that’s just me…” She sighed. The laughter from Gin made her realize she said that out loud.

”Glad to see you’re loosening up. You were so tense when you first got here…” Gin frowned. “It sounded like you didn’t know what you got yourself into…”

At that point Chisei froze. It took her a bit to process what he said, and why it was bothering her so much. “I… Didn’t. To be honest I had no idea he changed so much…” She said, fiddling with her nails. “For some reason I had it in my head that we’d be taking things slower than this, but… Everything hit all at once when I got here.”

”How are you feeling now?” Kaname questioned.

”Better, but… Homesick.” She admitted, sighing. “Still questioning certain things, hoping they’ll be answered in time…”

”Hey at least he promised your family would be okay, right?” Gin asked, smiling again. “Now that you’re here?”

”Ichimaru, don’t go there.”

“Why not? Surely it’s in his plan to keep them safe, right?”

”Gin, that’s enough.” Aizen’s voice came from the doorway, making Chisei turn her head in surprise. “I asked you to find someone to spend time with her. That did not include upsetting her.”

”I wasn’t aware asking questions could be that upsetting, but if that’s what you want.” Gin shunpo’d away suddenly, leaving Kaname there to take some of the blame. Or at least he would’ve, if Chisei hadn’t spoken up.

”Tosen, I’m sorry you got dragged into this… We’ll have to find another time to talk.” She offered him a smile, despite knowing he couldn’t see it.

”Thank you for accompanying Gin, Kaname. I imagine the conversation could’ve been worse without your presence.”

”Of course, Lord Aizen. Lady Chisei, thank you. Should you find yourself in my corridor, you are always welcome.” Kaname stood, giving a small bow to Aizen, then flash stepped to leave the two alone.

Chisei still looked uncomfortable, now she really was thinking about her family and what could happen to them with her so far away like this… Never mind the school bullies or whoever else her siblings pissed off, what about the war coming to their doorstep?? Was she really here acting as a newlywed when they could be in danger?

The next thing she knew, Aizen had sat on the couch next to her and bridal lifted her into his lap. The arm under her knees moved so he could get the hair out of her face, and brush his knuckle against her cheek. “You had no need to worry.” He said, tilting her chin up so she had to look at him. “Ignore him. I’ll take care of it.”

”I’m sorry… I didn’t pull you from anything important, right?” Chisei asked, she didn’t move an inch as he cupped her cheek.

”Actually, I was preparing to visit you for lunch together.” He said, giving her a chaste kiss. “When I heard you shout but your spiritual pressure stayed the same, I figured it was safe to assume it wasn’t a threat…Instead I didn’t account for Gin’s persistence.”

”I don’t understand why he’s so interested in our relationship…” The woman said, with a small huff she rested her head on his shoulder. “Out of everything he could be doing, he’s bothering me over a few marks??”

It was subtle, but there was a second where Aizen’s breathing paused. So Gin is meddling into their intimacy… He made a note of that before he started to rub her upper arm, keeping her close to him. “From now on I’d like you to make sure you are not alone with Gin. One of the Espada will accompany you, or you will accompany them on their duties. If after this he continues, then I will have you join me throughout the day.” He said, smiling. “As enjoyable as it sounds, I’d like to use that as a last resort… Working efficiently may be more difficult with such a distraction.”

Chisei blushed at this, letting him move the robe’s collar and her hair to inspect his handiwork. Unlike earlier, this time Chisei stretched out her neck to let him view more. His smile widened while the back of his finger trailed down the side of her neck. “I can.. See how it would be distracting…”

”I’m sure you can.” Aizen leaned down and kissed around the bruised skin, and his grip on her tightened.

“S-Sosuke-?”

”Lunch won’t be here for a while, but I’m quite hungry… Don’t you agree, my Queen?” He stared down at her intensely when he pulled away from her neck, eyes already burning with desire. She had yet to realize, but for Aizen nothing turned him on more than his subordinates knowing who belonged to him. The only thing second to that, though not by much, was the possibility of taking his wife in any space whenever he pleased. Who cared if anyone else saw or heard, said anything, it only fed his ego.

For Chisei, now that their first time was over, she was soon to realize that her husband’s sexual appetite is much stronger than she thought.

[deathssubstitute]

"Since when I'm I allowed a moment to relax? I'm shocked my phone hasn't gotten off while we've talked cause a hollow was sighted." Truth be told they relied on him plenty these days to either help out new recruits or just to be on stand by incase he was needed to help take down any particular enemy. "It's a nice thought though. Being able to isolate myself away from people, just to get away." Ichigo sighs at the idea and then laughs again. "It's alright. If you scratch or mark me up that won't be the end of the world. If anything I've been banged up enough it's almost expected at this point."

Ichigo feels an almost--blush, dare he say attempt to flush his features at his response. "I mean---yeah, in some ways." He coughed pretending to clear his throat. "With you know---stares and stuff. I mean, I wouldn't wanna do that to you---it's um, you know considered rude and all that." He feels himself shift awkwardly for a moment. "You are a handsome guy you know. Just gonna say that is all." He had striking features and a build that most would probably consider attractive anyway. Ichigo was just blabbering off at this point, sheepishly rubbing at the back of his head.

"Of course you're friends." Ichigo would chuckle grateful for the change in subject. "I mean I would assume so. Nelliel doesn't seem like the type to not consider you like a friend." She was a kind person for the most part. It was something that Ichigo loved about Nel, and the continued friendship that they shared. "Then of course they'd continue to suspect her. She was trying to survive and not displease Aizen. She didn't know if I was coming to get her or not at that point." He really would have to thank Orihime more at some point. The things that she endured so he could make it through? Were too much to count at this point.

Ichigo would chuckle and nod his head. "Then I look forward to it, Grimmjow. Really. I know you probably have plenty of new strength to show off for sure." He was glad to see Grimmjow rising up and continuing to grow stronger in a post Aizen Hueco Mundo. He was strong, even he could sense it. "You'd do that Grimmjow? Now you're just spoiling me. Really. But yeah I'll have to upgrade my phone so I can keep in touch with you. And also see what I've been missing out on as well. I'm told that these newer phones have apps and stuff that are pretty fun you know. Maybe you and I can discover some of those together."

He briefly notices the confusion that Grimmjow displays at the touch to his arm. "Oh, I'm sorry Grimmjow. I didn't meant to throw you off there. I um, tend to be a little casually physical with friends." He finds him explaining before he continues talking about his dad, the infamous Isshin Kurosaki. " Yeah he does. He would kick and punch the crap out of me to keep me on my toes. Granted at some point that stuff got annoying so I eventually developed my skills a bit more and got him back. Though some of those skills got me into more fights but you know." Other kids shouldn't have tried looking and labeling him like they did. "Damn, well I guess--I'm even more glad that you're around then. You're able to keep those others safe and around to keep peace in Hueco Mundo. It's already a chaotic place as is."

"I dunno, maybe they'll think ya went to the desert for some relaxation," Grimmjow's tone was sarcastic but all the same, the Arrancar was enjoying their conversation, clearly. "Well, I certainly won't try to hurt ya too much, I know ya probably have obligations and the like, and I doubt yer gonna wanna have to explain more than a few scratches." He'd shrug then, not too worried about how his words were coming off, he wasn't trying to sugarcoat anything, but he was being honest. That was a good thing. He knew honesty was a good thing, at least, so there was that.

He'd loft a brow for a few moments before grinning widely at the shorter man. "Is it possible to quietly objectify someone?" He wasn't sure, he knew that some people were loud about what they liked or didn't like, he didn't think Ichigo's words came off as the other hitting on him or anything like that, at least. The shirt was zipped just a little less than halfway, his Hollow hole was hidden beneath the black cloth, but some of the scar on his chest was visible. The one he'd been given by Nnoitra was hidden partially. As Ichigo spoke more about friends he'd let out a quiet hum.

"So, Nel and I are like friends then, that's interestin'." He had a feeling she was aware of that and thought he was, too, but he wasn't. Not really. He never had friends, not even his Fracción had really been his friends. They'd followed him and called him their king but he wasn't their friend. Not that he was aware of, at least. He could understand the Soul Society's reasoning for wanting to believe the worst. Orihime's powers were something else. She'd given him his arm back, after it'd been cut off and incinerated, she'd also given his number back to him. Making him the Sexta again. "The Princesa actually healed the people I got rid of who were beatin' her up because of the preferential treatment she was gettin' from Aizen back then." He knew those two were still alive, too, one of them kept coming onto him but he wasn't interested in being the new obsession. Whenever he saw them he just used Sonído to get as far away as quickly as possible before tearing open a Descorrer and leaving.

He'd simply nod at the other asking him about being relied upon as the strongest. At least he knew that there were some non Hollow or Arrancar in Hueco Mundo but they were no threat. He'd deal with them if they became threats though. Without hesitation to keep his people safe. There were so few of them left now. He'd snort at Ichigo's comment about loving to see him go all out on an unsuspecting idiot. "Who knows, Kurosaki, maybe yer gonna get that wish someday." He'd go all out if it was needed but there weren't any enemies that had that much strength. He could probably handle most with less power than he used on his last fight with Ichigo. The comment about his charms made him chuckle.

"The panther is what I looked like as a Hollow at one point. The 6 is obvious, as is the one on the cover on my phone." It was mostly to show the phone was his, but he was also the only Arrancar who had one right now. He'd tried to get one for Nel but she wasn't interested yet. He'd probably ask her again in a few weeks. Hearing Ichigo say he would get some skull and strawberry themed charms made him laugh and shake his head. "I could make ya a charm that looks similar to how yer Zanpakutō looked when we fought in the past, the big ass kitchen knife." Yes, he said he could make him one, though whether Ichigo heard that or not would remain to be seen for now. The Arrancar didn't keep his various hobbies secret but most people had no idea that he made things, or painted, drew, nothing like that. Mostly because he was good at destroying things.

He'd listen as Ichigo mentioned more about the upcoming festival and how it was typically timed for when the trees were in full bloom. "Well, if we go and get ya a smartphone we can exchange number or whatever, it'd make it easier to get into contact with me. That way ya can tell me whenever to get my ass back here if I ain't been back for a while." Hearing the reassurance that they'd have a good time was nice, though the nudge made his brows furrow, he'd sort of look at his arm for a bit, very obviously confused. As Ichigo went on to explain more about his father, he'd snap out of his own thoughts, so he could listen.

"Yer old man kicks ya through the wall?" He might have been an Arrancar but that didn't even sound normal for Hollows. Usually they'd want as many 'children' to survive as possible but beating them up might not be the best way to go about that. He'd nod with a quiet hum before figuring out how to talk about the small number they had now. "So, obviously ya know I was an Espada, and Halibel was an Espada, Nelliel was an Espada, then there's Peche and Dondochakka, Nelliel's Fracción, plus we have Sung-Sun, Mila Rose, and Apacci, Halibel's Fracción. Aside from those ones, there's the two who were beatin' the Princesa up, and very few others left." Three former Espada, five former Fracción, two low level Arrancar, and less than a handful of any others that he'd found so far. Most of them had been killed when they wouldn't bow to someone else who showed up in Hueco Mundo.

[greatwyrmgold]

I've been reading Bleach recently, after a certain professional shitbag recommended it. I'm only a dozen chapters in, but I have some thoughts.

First: If you've been reading my posts talking about new Shonen Jump series, I am sorry. But also, the thing I keep talking about is pacing. Shonen Jump titles are under a lot of pressure to perform well out of the gate; this means most of them cram as much of their premise and ideas into chapter 1, getting to "the good part" ASAP without having time to lay any groundwork for it.

Bleach isn't like that. Basic story facts are scattered throughout the first volume or so, giving more room for the characters and such to breathe. I dunno if Jump worked differently twenty years ago, or if Tite Kubo was more confident in his writing speaking for itself, or what, but I appreciate it.

Second: Maybe it's just that I binged Mieruko-chan earlier this week, but it feels like Ichigo seeing (normal) ghosts should come up more than it does. There aren't anywhere near as many ghosts around in Ichigo's world as Miko's, and they're a lot nicer (except the Hollows), but still.

Third: I was expecting the fact that Ichigo's physical body stays behind, unconscious, when he astrally projects or whatever to fight Hollows was just a handy plot excuse. A reason for Ichigo's broad-daylight swordfights to not be noticed, that would come up for the occasional gag or when it's convenient to the plot, but mostly be forgotten.

But nope! Characters have reacted to Ichigo going unconscious both times (so far) he's projected while outside his house—nothing plot-altering, but enough to make the characters feel like they notice the weird things he's doing and react to them.

Fourth: When Ichigo finds out Hollows used to be human (um, spoilers for chapter 3/episode 2 of Bleach I guess?), he's mad at Rukia for not telling him this, but doesn't really angst about having to kill ex-humans. He talks at them a normal shonen manga amount, but that's about all he does differently when he learns that his enemies used to be human. That feels like something that most series would give more focus (and angst) than it really deserves.

Fifth: There are a lot of nice little moments. Rukia stealing Ichigo's sisters clothes because she didn't pack anything for her not-so-brief trip to the mortal world. Orihime talking with her ex-brother. Rukia not knowing how juice boxes work. Some random guy getting mad at Ichigo for "copying his look," but nothing really comes of it; it's just a school Ichigo's been going to and has a history at. Rukia failing to comfort the dead kid in a parakeet, this makes sense in context.

Maybe this is just reiterating the pacing thing I started with, but...it's nice that there's space for things that don't really do anything except establish characters and tone. Also, I think Rukia's my favorite character.

Speaking of which, sixth: I kinda wish Rukia kept a bit more of her power. At the moment, it feels like she's basically only useful for spiritual cleanup and occasionally not dying long enough for Ichigo to show up. When she said she could only use a few Kidō spells, I thought that meant she'd use them to back up Ichigo in combat. But no, she's limited to a pretty normal level of physical abilities and some spells that don't do much.

Now, it could be a lot worse. Rukia refuses to be damseled, and the fight scene where she and one of Ichigo's mundane classmates work together to stall the Hollow proves that just because a character isn't as strong as Ichigo doesn't mean they won't get awesome moments. But it's still kinda disappointing.

I'm not saying Rukia should be as strong as Ichigo, mind. Rukia losing almost all her reaper power to Ichigo is the inciting incident, that's fine. I just wish she kept, like, 5% instead of 1%. Enough to keep some cool fight powers.

She's probably getting some power-up sooner or later, probably shouldn't complain too much. Anyways, that's six things I thought about in Bleach that I felt like sharing.

[cooliogirl101]

If Sayuri was transported to Bleach canon alone (assuming the same premise of the lightning mist au, where Sousuke is dead so she doesn’t seek to find a way back), what would she do?

Well in the lightning mist AU, she basically went into a deep, deep depression and didn’t come out of it until she found Sakumo and Kakashi. I don’t think she would bother seeking out canon!Aizen-- she wouldn’t be able to bear having him look at her without any of the warmth, love, and recognition her Sousuke looked at her with. She’d wander the world lost, grieving, not wanting to live but not having the energy to die either. 

Ichigo first meets the woman in white when he is nine years old. He sees her standing by the river as he’s walking to karate practice, staring blankly into the distance. 

She’s not the first person Ichigo’s found wandering around Karakura Town looking a little lost. The others, they’d mainly looked confused, unsure of who they were or what they were supposed to be doing. This one, though...this one just looked sad. 

“Hey!” He calls out. She doesn’t respond and so he runs up to her. “Hey, are you alright? Do you need help?”

Close up, Ichigo can’t help but notice that the woman looks...really, really thin. He swallows, looking up at her sunken eyes, the dark bruise-like shadows underlining them, her hollowed-out cheeks...

“Are-- are you hungry?” He asks the stranger hesitantly. “Do you want to come home with me? Mom would be okay with it, she loves having guests over! And she’s a really good cook, everyone says so. You should come! I think we’re having curry tonight.”

Her eyes flicker down towards him, gaze sharpening for the briefest moment as she takes in his face. Then she turns away, walking off. Ichigo watches her go, expression thoughtful. When he gets home that night, he makes sure to sneak some extra snacks into his backpack for tomorrow.

Ichigo seeks out the woman in white every day for the next three weeks. It isn’t always easy to find her but something about the water seems to calm her, and so more often than not Ichigo can find her standing by the river. He still hasn’t managed to convince her to take any food but on the bright side, she seems to be tolerating his presence more. She hasn’t walked away from him since that first day and although she still hasn’t spoken, she’s starting to listen more-- her focus on him rather than the water’s depths. 

One day in mid-June, it starts raining really hard and so Ichigo sneaks an extra umbrella into his backpack in addition to the multitude of untouched snacks. He doesn’t get a chance to look for her after school-- the rain had started really coming down and Isshin had showed up to take him straight to karate-- and so once karate practice ends, he hardly even waits for Masaki before sprinting out the door.

“Hey, hey, slow down!” Masaki laughs, chasing after him. “What’s the rush?”

“I’m looking for a friend,” Ichigo replies, scanning the riverside for a hint of white. “She’s got brown hair and she always wears white. Do you see her?”

Masaki pauses, pulling Ichigo under her umbrella. 

“I don’t think so,” she says after a moment, peering into the rain. “With it raining this much, your friend is probably inside, Ichigo.”

“Maybe,” Ichigo says dubiously, cupping his eyes with his hands in an attempt to see better. Masaki looks at him, a fond smile on her lips.

“Tell you what. We’ll come back and look for her together tomorrow, okay?” She says warmly. “For now though, let’s go home. I don’t want you to get a cold.”

“Fine,” Ichigo says begrudgingly. “But tomorrow, I definitely wanna-- wait, I think I see her!” Before Masaki can stop him, he runs towards the faint figure he sees in the distance, where the rising water is especially turbulent. 

As he gets closer, he can tell that the figure isn’t the woman in white-- instead it’s a kid, a little girl probably around Yuzu and Karin’s age. She’s crying, clutching onto a stuffed bear, eyes swollen shut with tears.  

“Hey,” Ichigo says softly, so as not to scare her. Behind him, Ichigo can hear Masaki shouting his name. “Hey, are you alright? Do you need help?”

At the sound of his voice, the girl stops crying for a moment. She blinks, looking up at him with large, teary eyes. 

“The water is especially high today,” she whispers, so quietly Ichigo can barely hear her. She smiles, squeezing her teddy bear with both arms. “I love to swim. Will you swim with me, nii-san?”

The girl turns back towards the river, bending her legs as if preparing to jump. His heart leaping into his throat, Ichigo lunges towards her with one arm outstretched. 

“Don’t--!”

He never makes it. Instead, he feels a pair of arms encircle him from behind, pulling him into a secure embrace.

“Look away, Ichigo-kun,” an unfamiliar voice murmurs, even as a strange tiredness spreads through his entire body, causing his eyelids to droop. “This is not for you to see.” 

The last thing Ichigo hears before his vision goes dark is a sickening squelch, not unlike the sound of a butcher knife slicing through a fresh cut of meat. 

~~

“Forgive me, I don’t think I introduced myself last night.” Sayuri opens her eyes to find the same red-haired woman from last night in front of her, a kind smile on her face. “I’m Kurosaki Masaki, Ichigo’s mother.” 

“...Sayuri,” Sayuri answers, after a sluggish pause. She blinks, gathering her thoughts-- she remembers the weight of Ichigo’s body in her arms, handing him over to his frantic mother, the scent of blood in the rain. “How...how is he doing?” 

She has a general idea of Ichigo’s wellbeing-- his spiritual energy is bright enough to sense clear across town, even at this age-- but it’s always better to confirm. 

“Asking for you,” Masaki replies, her lips quirking up. “It was all I could do to keep him from following me here-- but then, I wanted to speak with you first.”

Her smile fades, expression sobering.

“You know, I spent hours rehearsing what I was going to say to you this morning?” Masaki asks. “I don’t even know where to start. You saved my son’s life.” She exhales shakily. “I mean, how do I even begin to thank you for something like that?”

There’s another pause before Sayuri figures out she’s expecting an answer. She rewinds the last minute of their conversation and comes up blank.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” She asks after a moment. Masaki’s expression softens. 

“I said, I would very much like to thank you,” she says gently. 

“Oh.” Sayuri thinks about that for a moment. There was a time where she would have held on to the favor. It’s what Sousuke would have done, collecting debts and loyalties until-- 

She shakes her head.

“That’s not necessary.”

It isn’t like those debts had done much good in the end, anyway.

“Then at the very least, come over for lunch,” Masaki implores. “Allow me to do that much. Please.”

Sayuri closes her eyes for a brief moment, focusing on the other woman’s spiritual energy. Even that is a struggle, and the fact that she has to think about it at all...there was a time when she would have scanned it automatically, when the act would have come as naturally as breathing to her.

But then, it is so very hard to concentrate these days.

“I can’t eat,” she says finally, a statement that should have seemed obvious to her in retrospect.

“You leave that to me,” Masaki says, eyes warm. “I’ll figure something out. All I need is for you to come with me.” She extends her hand to Sayuri. “Shall we?”

There was a time when Sayuri would have analyzed every possible meaning and connotation behind such a gesture before accepting. Now, though...now it’s difficult to think, hurts to remember, and Sayuri is oh so tired. 

And well, it was just lunch. What could it hurt?

(What could possibly cause her more pain at this point?)

She reaches up and takes Masaki’s hand. 

~~

Sayuri, six months later, wearing a Kurosaki family sweater, sitting on the bleachers squished between Masaki and Yuzu at one of Karin’s soccer matches: ...I feel like I’ve been tricked, somehow

(idk I just like the thought of Sayuri getting aggressively adopted into the Kurosaki family. No, she did not have any say in the matter)

[solar-bean]

 Grimmjow Headcanons Plus a Few x S/O ones 

( pretty sure I read some of these somewhere but I forgot so here's a self indulgent list :)

He died in his early twenties so he's still pretty young mentally but physically as a hollow he's old as hell

He's European

He takes a lot of naps in random places such as the roof of Las Noches

In fact he does a lot of cat like stuff and doesn’t realize it

He can purr but rarely and it’s mostly in his sleep 

When he became an arrancar he had long hair similar to his release form. It kept getting in the way so he cut it

he doesn’t like wearing clothes

Him and his fraccion use to sleep close together in case they were ambushed by other adjuchas and still did even after they became arrancars

They didn’t think much of it. Except Di Roy. He’d say it was weird and ‘un-masculine’ to which Grim would tell him to shut up and go to sleep after laying an arm or a leg over his face. 

Di Roy would also occasionally guilt trip him

Grimmjow: You’re too weak to fight with us.

Di Roy: I wouldn’t be if someone didn’t bite my face off. 

Grimm:..........fine! do whatever you want. See if I care. 

He was actually much closer to them than he let on

Most of the epsada knew it. Especially after Syazel threatened to experiment on them since they were ‘expendable.’ He did his best to avoid Grimmjow after that.

He only really got to grieve of their deaths when the war against Aizen ended

As much as he genuinely enjoyed fighting Ichigo it was also a distraction from all the pain he tried to burry

Harribel and Nelliel helped him with his grief

They became sort of friends afterwards tho he still tries to fight them both on a weekly basis 

Refers to Pantera with female pronouns 

One perk of most of Los Noches’ inhabitants being defeated is the nearly infant amount of space. So he was able to choose his own room

He keeps it surprisingly tidy aside from the nicknacks he’s hoarded from wandering around Hueco Mundo

His bed is full of pillows as a substitute of having a pack to sleep with

When asked he’ll say its for comfort

Nelliel: Have you seen my pillow? 

Grimmjow: * sitting on it in his pillow pile* No.

He steals everyone’s stuff now and then but mostly Nel’s cuz he likes to mess with her ( insert low key sibling energy )

He talks to animals like people

Grimmjow: I told you to stop crossing the street at the red light idiot!

Cat: Meow

Grimm: Don’t talk back to me you little shit!!

Hangs out at Urahara’s place when he’s in the living world and not trying to fight Ichigo

Likes human food. Especially meat.

Grimmjow: *eating bacon for the first time* hmm tastes like hollows but better

Ichigo:.....I’m sorry what??!!

Was dared that he couldn’t beat Yoruichi at twister. He won five crates of snacks to bring back to Hueco Mundo ( may or may not have shared them cuz “ they gave me too much so take it or I’ll throw it out” )

Says things around the characters in the living world about his terrible experience under Aizen’s rule like it’s normal

Grimmjow: *having another rematch with Ichigo* Damn that almost hurt as much as Tousen slicing my arm off

Ichigo: *pauses the fight* Tousen did WHAT?!!

Becomes friends with Ichigo but won’t admit it.

Somewhat apologizes to Orihime and Rukia for what he did. But not Ichigo cuz he’ll do it all again but with less deadly intent.

Learns how to cook

Likes just about any kind of movie/show. He isn’t picky 

Would get his 6 tattoo edited to something else if it bothered him

Would freakin die for Kazui!!! 

Here are the S/O ones:

Is pansexual so gender isn’t an issue

Prefers someone who can beat him up but is ok with a human if he feels a very strong connection to them

Doesn’t really have a physical type honestly 

Will admire things about their appearance cuz he likes it on them and not in general

Will be in complete denial about his feelings at first 

Like “hollows aren’t meant to love” and all that ish 

Makes up excuses to hangout with them but it’s mostly for his own benefit

“ I don’t like them. They just have a nice movie collection.” “ I don’t like them. They’re just nice to spar with.” “ I don’t like them. They’re just nice to talk to.” “I don’t like them. They just make me feel safe when I sleep next to them.” 

Gives them random things he’s found when wondering around Hueco Undo’s desserts like gems and cool sharp bones

Let's them hold and even use Pantera

Starts to unconsciously turn off his hierro when he’s with them. It causes a lot of fliching and embarrassing gasps when they touch him since he’s not use to feeling so much

Did I mention he’s touch starved?

Like a lot.

Holding his hand for too long would literally kill him

Once he’s gotten use to feeling something other than pain from another person he starts to let them touch him more. Like hugs. Lots of hugs. 

He even lets them rub his release form’s cat ears

Then here come the purrs. Louder than they’ve ever been before! It startles them both. He denied it but the blush gave him away.

He’ll do his best to purr more often since his s/o likes it so much. Such as when they’re cuddled up for a nap. Though he doesn’t really have to try.

Is confused as to why they like to squish his toe beans but lets them do it anyway

Wraps his tail around them in his release form

Will let them braid his long hair

Will also let them paint his claws as well as put makeup on him

He’s a total pushover ( insert the ‘please for me’ meme )

Is very protective of them

“ Why are you sad? Do I need to kill someone?”

If asked will follow his s/o when they’re out at night so they feel safe. Potential muggers? Thrown by an unknown force. Stalker? Punched by an unknown force. Cat callers in a car? Car gets flipped over by an unknown force.

Eventually no one bothers them at all cuz word goes around that they’re protected by a ghost or something else supernatural.

They’re of the few that can call him by a nickname and survive. Grimm, Grimmy, Grimmykins, Grimmy-kun, Kitty, Kitten, Catboy, Stinky cat, Baby boy, Baby boi, Big guy, Tough guy, My Arancar, My love, My one and only, Handsome, Blueberry. Literally anything is fine with him.

But call him My King and he’s done for. Dead. A second time. Deceased all over again. His heart will reform just to burst out of existence. 

Takes them to Hueco Mundo a few times 

Makes a pillow fort with them with his hoard of pillows 

Will be skeptical as to why they like him and won’t be surprised if they get tired of him and break up

But oh no! They’re in it for the long run! You’re stuck with them Grimmykins:)

Would most likely say I love you without even realizing it till later

Grimm: *blushes* F*CK!!

Harribel: *pauses the meeting* Is there something wrong?

Grimm: I told Y/n that I love them before I left without realizing it! *puts his face in his hands and groans* I’m so screwed.

Nel: Well it’s about damn time!

Harribel: Congrats Grimmjow

Grimm: *groans and blushes some more*

If he really loves them he’ll find a way to weaken his immortality so they can grow old together ( yes it’ sappy but he figures he’ll get bored after they long gone )

Might go to Mayuri for help and becomes his lab rat in return. Won’t tell his s/o till it’s done so they won’t try to stop him.

It’s not fun. Like at all ( insert angsty fit energy here ). But it works and as an added bonus him and his s/o can have kids if they’d like

A great dad. Incredibly supportive and loving. Mess with them and you’re dead. Or at least scarred for life. No one messes with his cubs.  

Grimm: Isn’t it weird that our kids are best friends?

Ichigo: No. We’re friends.

Grimm: I tried to kill you.

Ichigo: Who hasn’t?

Grimm: I’ll drink to that.

Ichigo: That’s a juice box.

Grimm: Have you seen my kids? The last time I wasn’t sober they ceroed the roof off and beat up a hollow. There’s no way I’m missing that again.

[odelschwanky]

A Good Friend (Ichigo Kurosaki x Female Reader)

Word Count: 2372

______________________________________________________

"Hey, guys!"

His voice was unmistakable. The carrot top made his way through the crowd of people to where you and Orihime stood in the hallway.  The two of you were close together by the vending machine outside of the classrooms. Her hands were clasped in eager anticipation of Ichigo's arrival and you... well. You leaned against the machine nonchalantly, arms crossed.

"Kurosaki-Kun," Orihime twittered as he came within the vicinity of you two. He greeted her happily and then looked at you.

"Hey Ichigo," you say, glancing at his tie. You never quite could look him in the eye. He always had such an intentional look. When he locked eyes with you, even by accident, his gaze would make you... bashful? You didn't know and didn't feel like sorting that out. Besides, you knew Orihime was in love with him. What kind of friend would you be to try and ruin that for her?

"Hey, (y/n)." He bent down to peek at you, meeting your eyes on purpose. "Why do you have a band-aid on your nose?" You were taken aback by his comment and remembered that you had gotten hit in the face today during gym. You touched your nose and promptly tried to hide it from him, even though he had already seen it. "Don't look," you muttered. "It's dumb."

"It's too late for that. It's okay. It makes you look tough. I like it."

You scoffed and looked over your shoulder, trying to hide your blush. You notice Orihime's demeanor change a bit, her shoulder slumping just a tad. This made you sad. You wish Ichigo would take her hints.

You waited for Ishida and Sado too and the five of you started walking home.

"There's a festival tonight, did anyone want to go?"

Everybody's faces lit up with excitement at the mention of something fun. Internally, you cringed. You hated social outings and the only reason why you had so many friends is that they came as a package deal. You thought Sado was pretty cool because he was sort of like you in the fact that you both didn't talk very much, you two became friends and then boom you had a gang of pals. You weren't expecting Ichigo to be one of those pals, but...

It was almost unanimous, the positive reaction to Ishida's suggestion. Everybody looked at you. I guess I was the only one who didn't say anything, you thought in a panic.

"(y/n), are you coming? It'll be fun!"

Orihime grinned and took your hand and looked at you with her puppy dog eyes. Sado clamped a hand down on your shoulder. "Come with us," he says, rather persuasively.

You looked at Ichigo. He confidently strode with his school bag slung over his shoulder. He glanced back at you and smiled. "Come on, you don't want to miss out on all the fun do you?"

A heat bubbled up in your core. You swear your whole face turned a bright shade of red, just by how hot you could feel yourself getting. You sighed. "I don't know," you mumbled hesitantly. "I don't think the festival is my scene." You weren't one for gatherings. You felt like people didn't want to be around you.

Ichigo rubbed the back of his head, sighing in exasperation. "Of course a festival is your scene. It's everybody's scene! It's fun." He rolled his eyes and punched you in the arm. "And you never know about these kinds of things. You say that and then you never show up. It's honestly kind of annoying."

You pouted. "No more annoying than you pressuring me to come," you fire back, still holding Orihime's hand. You look at her and her eyes were cast down, directly at her shoes.

"But okay fine, I'll come."

Everyone laughed and the five of you made plans to meet up at the top of the hill come the evening. As tough as you acted, watching fireworks and playing games with your friends sound like something out of a movie, something you were excited for.

***

You cinched your obi around the waist of your yukata and tied your hair up loosely. You frowned at the scratch and bruise on your nose, deciding you weren't going to wear the band-aid to the festival.

You were a bit of a hurry because your bath had taken longer than you expected... because you fell asleep. It wasn't that you weren't excited about the festival, you were just really tired.

Trudging up the hill, you could see everyone gathered there... except for Orihime. You gathered the hem of your yukata so it wouldn't drag in the tall grass. You could see down by the river below the different booths set up for games and food and the station for the fireworks. You approach your friends with a curious look on your face. "Hey, glad you could make it!" Ichigo looked at you deeply. You waved, trying to avoid his gaze. "Your yukata is really nice," he added.

Ishida agreed, commenting on the stitchwork. You had actually made it with your mom a few years back. It was dark blue with dolphins on it.

"Oh, thank you. My mom and I made it...Orihime's not here?" You say, looking around for the sweet girl.

"No, she ended up feeling sick and decided not to come," Ishida said, sounding disappointed. They'd make a dashing couple, you thought. You instantly felt guilty. You were only saying that because you didn't want to accept that she had a better chance than you with Ichigo.

"Well, then we have to have enough fun for her too," Ichigo chimed, corralling the group down the hill toward the games.

"We should bring her something to eat on the way home," you said to Ishida. He nodded. "She'd appreciate that. You're a good friend to her, (y/n)."

You almost threw up. You were definitely not.

***

"Kingyo Sukui!" You yell, running over to the red tent. It wasn't that crowded, much to your surprise. You peered into the pond they had set up, fascinated by all the goldfish swimming around. Their scales shimmered in the lantern light, and you admired them in reverence.

"Hey! Wait up," Ichigo said running up to you. Ishida wanted to go look at something else so Sado went with him. It left you and Ichigo alone, along with your nervousness. "What're you so excited about anyway? You never act like that."

Your tough girl facade quickly melted away, and you were kind of embarrassed at how Ichigo saw you just then.

"Oh," you cleared your throat, deepening your voice to its normal pitch. "I just really want to play this game. Look." You point at the goldfish dancing in the pond.

"Okay, then let's play." Ichigo looked at you with a goofy smile that made you swell with happiness and gave a few tickets to the director of the game. You were each handed a Poi scoop and a bowl and you went to work, a determined look on your face.

"Wow, you're good at this!" Ichigo praised you as you scooped your third goldfish into your bowl. "I'm not all that good," you counter back, noticing a little tear in your washi paper.

"You always do that," he says a little more quietly, scooting closer to you. "You're always discrediting yourself. I don't get it." Your stomach dropped and your mouth went dry.

"There's nothing to get, Ichigo," you reply, plopping the last goldfish, a black one, into your bowl before your poi broke. Ichigo's scoop had broken a long time ago and he didn't get any fish. You turn to him and smile, holding up your fish. "Look." He couldn't help but smile too.

The two of you walk down the crowded row of booths and stalls, the grass muffling your footsteps. The smells of fried foods wafted in the air and lantern light danced on everyone's face. Ichigo's hand brushed your own and you could feel his finger linger a little on your own. It electrified you, sending tingles up and down through your body. You quickly use both of your hands to clutch your plastic bag of fish. "Where's Ishida and Sado?" You quickly say something to distract yourself from what you were feeling.

"Uh, let's go find them. I think I know where they would be."

More and more people filled up the walkway almost separating you and Ichigo from each other. Even though you were pretty tall for a girl, you still couldn't see him over the mass of people. He reached back and felt around for you. You had to hold him now. The warmth from his touch radiated through your whole body, and he squeezed your hand inside his. "Still there?"

"Yes," you gulped.

"Good."

****

"Amazing! I know Inoue would love this!"

Ishida's voice could be heard over everything within a five-mile radius. It did make sense that Ichigo would lead you to a Shateki booth. That's probably the only thing he would be good at. You heard he did archery as a kid or something? You overheard everyone talking about his bow at lunch one day.

"Hey, Ichigo. (Y/n)," Sado greeted the both of you. You give Sado a nod. "Hey, Chad. Are you guys ready to go watch the fireworks?"

Everyone agreed... except for you.

"I think I should go ahead and get home."

Sado and Ishida nodded. I think they could notice how worn out you were already were. It wasn't just the fact that you were outside with a lot of people, but being around Ichigo, as much as it made you happy, stressed you out. There was always a nervous pull in your stomach and that horrible feeling that you were going to break Orihime's heart.

"Bye, you guys. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

Reluctantly, they let you go and you made your way to a stand to buy some takoyaki for your friend. You were halfway down the hill before you heard loud footsteps on the stone path back to where you and Orihime stayed. You lived in the building across from her.

"(Y/n)! Hey!"

You turn around, taking care to keep your goldfish and Orihime's takoyaki upright in the plastic bag you were carrying.

You could see it, that obnoxious orange hair shining in the late evening light. Ichigo was running toward you, growing closer. It made you smile and sulk at the same time.

"What's the matter?" You ask this skeptically. Why would he try to catch up to you?

"Listen, I-" Ichigo licks his lips and looks away from you. He placed his hands on his hips and shifted from foot to foot catching his breath.

"I like you."

As if on cue, the firework show began, some small scale sparklers flying up into the dimming sky. Your heart skipped a beat and you couldn't believe your ears.

"And by the looks of it, you like me too. But something is holding you back. Is that true?"

You were speechless. Why did he have you read so well? That irked you, how easily he could see through you.

"Ichigo... I don't want to talk about-"

"Come on! You're always blowing me off! What's so wrong about me that you can't let this," he motioned between the two of you with his hand, "happen?"

You deflated. The tone of his voice was so hurt. You didn't want to hurt him. You didn't want to hurt anybody.

"There's nothing wrong about you, Ichigo... I just..."

"Well? You just what?"

You thought of Orihime, and how she confided in you about how much she loved Ichigo. She talked about him in such a beautiful way, like he was the knight in shining armour of her life. You wanted her to be happy. Not only that, but you wanted Ichigo to be happy. You knew deep down he wouldn't be happy with you.

"I can't be with you because we wouldn't be good together." You couldn't believe the words coming out of your mouth right then. You wanted nothing more than to be with that stupid red-headed boy.

"You don't believe that."

His hand was on your shoulder in less than a moment and he was pulling you toward him. When your lips touched, a crack of thunder erupted and the sky lit up with colorful light. He took the bag out of your hand and pulled you closer, deeper into the kiss with his other arm. The taste of watame was sweet on his lips, and you couldn't help but melt into his touch. Your arms snaked up and around his neck, and Ichigo hugged you tightly.

"You're so oblivious," you say angrily, gently pushing him away.

"What are you talking about? I knew that you've liked me this entire time!"

You shook your head in dismay. Not everything was about him and he needed to understand that.

"No! It's not about me. Somebody loved you before you even met me. And you ignore her every day!"

Ichigo's eyes grew wide. "What?"

"Don't be so stupid," you growl. "You know who she is! You've always known."

You turn on your foot after grabbing your bag from Ichigo. He spoke to you quietly, his voice completely changed. It was no longer confident... just disappointed. "And you're going to take that food to her aren't you?"

You nod sadly, though he couldn't see it because your back was to him. "I am. Because I'm her friend. We're all good friends. And a good friend doesn't kiss the boy her friend is in love with...So this never happened, Ichigo."

He grabbed your hand again to keep you from going. "Please."

"No, Ichigo. You need to talk to Orihime. Because I know deep down you love her."

Ichigo gave your hand a reassuring bittersweet squeeze. "Who says that you're right?"

You shrug. "I don't know. Just leave it be, Ichigo."

You turn and hug him, knowing that you'll miss the feeling of safety and love that you had only felt from him one time. "Goodnight."

He sighed and watched you walk away, not knowing if he could ever have you.

[aerialflight]

Fic Rec (where i'm into too many fandoms rn and ships which is weird of me)

[Bleach] (been a while amiright?)

Oxytocin by Asuka Kureru (Askerian)

Ship: Grimmjow/Ichigo/Orihime

Complete trust and physical affection are great!

They're a bit less great when they were caused by weird hollow drugs.

They're even less great when the guy who was drugged up into loving the hell out of you is the same guy who tried to murder you a couple times a couple years ago.

(listen i just stumbled upon this and I have no regrets. i don't usually go for ships, let alone poly, but like, GOD, i love how everyone is characterized here, especially orihime and i just want to SCREAM OK? OK. the vibe i get from this fic reminds me of @murderlight (big fan) and if that doesn't say anything, i don't know what will.)

-

[Gintama] (i don't know how i spiralled into this fandom either, been literal years since i've even thought about this fandom, i have no regrets)

Grab Your Dreams With Your Fists While You Can Still Remember It by yatagarasu (leelhiette)

Ship: Hijikata Toshirou/Sakata Gintoki

Toshirou should learn to look both ways before crossing the road.

(Or he learns more about the people around him and about himself.)

(amnesia fic, and i know it's a common trope but they did it BEAUTIFULLY here. love this so much. and it's post-canon.)

I feel you by arashian155 for machinecuisine

Ship: Hijikata Toshirou/Sakata Gintoki

“I’m so done with this,” Gintoki muttered angrily. Zura sighed while Tatsuma laughed loudly. “Your soulmate’s getting roughed up again?” Gintoki groaned. “Worst timing ever! There was this one Amanto swinging his gigantic sword at me and I was just about to dodge it when, out of fucking nowhere, I feel something stabbing my shoulder! It threw me off and if it weren’t for that, I would have been perfectly healthy right now instead of getting nursed for this stupid wound!” he pointed at the ugly slash across his torso. “Fuck soulmates!”

A story about Sakata Gintoki's journey into embracing his soulbond, falling in love, and learning the cons of selflessness.

(THE SLOW BUILD-UP OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND THE PLOT FOLLOWS CANON AND I CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS STUPID FIC I'M SO STUPID FOR THIS STUPID SHIP FEIWNFOPA)

-

[One Piece] (of course)

Undone by pkmntrainer_alex

After the entire family almost dies at WCI, Judge Vinsmoke orders the removal of his sons' emotional modifications in a bid to save his own skin in future endeavors. He doesn't stop to consider the ramifications of his 21-year-old sons finally, suddenly, being able to feel their human emotions in full - and their newfound ability to judge both themselves and him by their past actions.

(the vinsmoke family dynamics and the brothers trying to deal with 21 years of pent up emotions? they're trying?? so freaking hard to be functional people and they realize just how freaking amazing sanji is and that HE wasn't the failure in this family??? god, i've reread this fic so many times like an addict please read and suffer the feels with me. this is the one fic where i'm trying to patiently wait for an update. i'm just happy that this exists.)

Song of the Swords by authenticaussie

Wado is tiny when she first appears before him; her tears are as silver as her hair and the moonlight, and they gleam from within with golden fire as they pour down her cheeks.

Zoro’s heart fairly stops in his chest for a very, very long moment.

(personified swords au! introspective and fascinating and a character study of zoro and his relationship with his swords! really liked this!)

where the rims have ridges by Civillain

Everything everyone does is in their own self-interest.

"I like your hat," she calls out quietly.

And the change is instantaneous. He stops where he stands, a hand on his head and his knees still bent to take another step, and turns to look over his shoulder.

There's a moment of silence where he says nothing, just peering at her with squinted eyes, before: "Thanks!" he beams.

His smile is wide and unchecked, so wide that it might make his cheeks ache. He doesn't have laugh lines, but the way he smiles makes her imagine that he's spent his whole life grinning like that, warmly and brightly, so sincere and upfront that the breath gets punched right out her lungs.

Sometimes, there are people close to exceptions. But not quite.

20 years apart, and two people that don't make any sense.

(god, such a good outside pov look on luffy! luffy is such an unreadable character lots of times and it's so hard to pin down his characterization but this fic got it so right! made me fall for luffy all over again and realize just how incredible he is, as both a not-hero figure and main character! definitely recommend!)

those things beyond us by Civillain

There's something different about Luffy on nights like this, nights where there's soft rain and half-moons, and when the streets are quiet; no cars or trucks, only midnight joggers or early risers taking walks to the beach.

(Where Luffy and his friends have a relationship Sabo doesn't think he'll ever be able to understand.)

(honestly, i just love all of this author's one piece works. its a modern au where the straw hats are reincarnated and find each other all in sabo's pov. it's beautiful and this is how i would picture how the straw hats would fit in a modern au. nakamaship is the best ship, no questions needed. so so good!)

Magic Paint by 8ball

Luffy sticks his hands out.

“Paint mine!”

Usopp watches the expressions on Sanji’s face. He likes watching the obvious emotions go through him like a slideshow, and it's somehow comforting that he can see the exact moment Sanji decides that going along with Luffy will be the easiest choice. So Usopp waits for Sanji to test his own nails, deem them dry enough, unscrew the tiny brush top again, and then he asks if Sanji will do his, too. And because Sanji already has the brush ready, and they’re both right there anyways, Usopp knows he’s going to get what he wants.

or the au that came from nowhere where Sanji paints his nails and everyone elses and thats really it

(*screams* the pureness, the fluff, the nakamaship!! fneiwoapfe!! the best, sweetest headcanon ever! had the biggest grin on my face the whole time i was reading this! please please read!!!)

-

[Percy Jackson & the Olympians]

Stealing Shells by the Seashore by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle

Ship: Sally Jackson/Posiedon

Sally's eyes flicked between Poseidon and then the sea below. He could feel the understanding click.

"Oh, absolutely not-"

"It isn't that high!"

"Poseidon, I am not jumping off of this cliff! I'm not doing it. I won't, you can't make me, it's very high, I am not going to-"

"If my brother sees you here, he's going to assume that you're carrying my child."

"Ridiculous. I have much higher standards."

"I also have higher standards, but he isn't going to listen to us," Poseidon reasoned. The wind blew a bit harder, and Poseidon felt the sea rise with his anxiety. "I would use my powers to hide you, but he'll sense I've used them. You'll be fine," he tried, and Sally gave something of a skeptical laugh.

"Not happening."

The lightning grew closer. For the love of-

"In that case… I'm sorry," he said. Sally tilted her head suspiciously.

"Why are you-" she began but was cut off by Poseidon shoving her off the cliff's edge. He could hear a scream. It started loud and high before getting smaller and smaller. Finally, a splash followed.

Or

Sally and Poseidon spent one summer together… and most of it was them being on the run for a godly crime they didn't commit.

(THIS is the ONLY backstory i will ever accept regarding this ship for the REST OF MY LIFE. i binged this so freaking fast and i am in love with sally as much as posiedon is. percy jackson got his Everything from his mom you can't change my fucking mind. THIS FIC NEEDS MORE ATTENTION AND KUDOS! READ!!!)

Son of Sea Foam by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle

“She’ll never claim me,” he whispered. Silena shook her head, eyes wild as she looked around for anyone who could be watching.

“My mother doesn’t remember half of her children as it is,” she said with a note of bitterness. “If you do something to impress her, it won’t matter. Return the bolt in her name. She’ll claim you if you act the part. If you stay unclaimed then they'll figure out what you really are," she said, squeezing his hands tightly. Percy's heart sped up.

"I - I don't know the first thing about Aphrodite-"

"My mother was born of sea foam," Silena cut him off. "And if you're really who I think you are... you are the sea. You can pull this off," she said and touched his cheek. "Get the bolt. Survive," she said. Percy swallowed.

"What if I can't act the part?" He asked. Silena's expression went blank for a moment. Slowly, she slipped off her bracelet and placed it in his hands.

"If you're going to be one of us... you better learn."

Or

AU where Percy has to hide the fact he's a Big Three kid otherwise he'll be killed on the spot. Unfortunately for him, unclaimed kids tend to raise the most suspicion... but he might have found a loophole in the form Aphrodite.

(one of my current obsessions rn. my eyes are constantly glued on the screen because i want to devour more of this galaxy brained fic. this author just keeps on giving and i love them for it. also, SILENA IS AMAZING AND SHE'S GETTING THE ATTENTION SHE DESERVES HELL YEAH!)

-

[Haikyuu!!]

He Waits For a Miracle by ich_bin_ein_stern

Ship: Hinata/Kageyama

A minute ago, he was on the ground after he and the others were tackled by their happily weeping senpai.

They had just beat Shiratorizawa.

And now - "Kageyama-kun? Are you paying attention?" - he's trying not to freak out because he's surrounded by distantly familiar faces while wearing a school uniform he hasn't worn in almost a year.

(TIME TRAVEL TIME TRAVEL TIME TRAVEL *screams*)

-

[The Witcher] (seriously, all my rare fandoms somehow popped up this month)

the way fire holds by theundiagnosable

Ship: Geralt/Yennefer/Jaskier

“There’s a song there, somewhere, don’t you think?” Jaskier says. “‘A witcher, a sorcerer, and a human walk into a bar’…”

(ROLE REVERSAL FIC HECK YES!! Witcher!Yennefer, Mage!Jaskier, Human!Geralt is amazing omg. It all works out so damn well and the relationship between yennefer and jaskier makes me want to cry so much. Geralt is at peak himbo greatness and it's fantastic haha! Their dynamics are just *chefs kiss* so damn good.)

The Shape of You by lirulin

Ship: Geralt/Jaskier

Some people say it's old elven magic, a remnant from before the conjunction of the spheres. Other's will say it's the last fading vestiges of chaos as the modern era slowly drives all magic and wonder out of the world. Those people are, naturally, real killjoys whom Jaskier cannot envision loving anything, but that's fine. To each their own.

Soulmate Spiritual Animal AU

(you have no idea how much i laughed when reading this fic. no idea. jaskier makes me want to scream with how much of a himbo he is and geralt, for once, is not the complete idiot between these two though it's a close call, not gonna lie.)

to grow in adversity by Soulykins

Ship: Geralt/Jaskier, Renfri & Jaskier

“For you!” Julian cried, shoving a fistful of weeds in Renfri’s direction, his smile wide and carefree. Renfri carefully took them in her hands that were only shaking a little bit now, smearing red onto green stems and yellow petals.

Julian clambered into the bed beside her and crawled halfway onto her lap. “I got you flowers, ‘cause you’re so pretty like them!”

“These aren’t flowers, they’re weeds.” Renfri told him, rolling her eyes but allowing the contact with ease. Somedays it seemed like Julian was the only person in the entire castle who wasn’t afraid of her.

“They look like flowers.” He said, crinkling his nose.

“They’re dandelions,” Renfri informed her brother with a tiny smile, “They grow everywhere, even places they perhaps shouldn’t. That’s why they’re a weed.”

“Perhaps they’re a little like you,” She teased, “Growing in even the scariest of places with no fear.” Like a monster’s heart, she doesn’t say.

“Like a superpower!” Julian gasped.

Renfri separated one dandelion from the little clutch and reached out to tuck it behind a little ear. “For the stubborn hero, Jaskier.”

(this is THE fic that got me into the witcher fandom and i can't believe i never reced this before. renfri & jaskier's siblingship is so damn good and just, the amount of effort put into their backstory and relationship makes me want to cry sometimes. and yennefer, ohoho, yennefer is at her Best here, i love her in this fic and her relationship with these siblings! geralt both makes me want to punch him and hug him, which is the norm and totally understandable hahaha! seriously, one of the best witcher fics i've ever read, please please read!)

-

[Boku no Hero Academia]

Where your love has always been enough (for me) by classicequinox

Ship: Todorki Enji/Todorki Rei

It's a dark coil of anger deep in the pit of his stomach, reminding him that he was the root, the catalyst, the trigger for their family's downward spiral. It did happen - he reminds himself harshly. He can't forget that, even if time has actually reset itself.

Todoroki Enji gets a second chance. It's up to him to see what he can do with it.

(genuinely the most believable enji i've seen regarding how he deals with his past actions and trying to be better and rei being a complicated, good person who i can see matches well with enji. really well done characterization and slow building relationship that is believable to me. enji trying to change things in a meaningful, careful manner makes me want to root for him!)

Katsuki Bakugou Makes A Friend (And Also Almost Dies, But Whatever) by Sif (Rosae)

Katsuki Bakugou is eight years old, he has no idea how he got here, where he is, or who this other kid is with him, but that's not gonna stop him from being brave and tough, just like the hero he's gonna be when he's older!

The universe has other ideas, but Katsuki Bakugou is a child made of spite, hubris, determination, and way too much nitroglycerin, so the universe can take it's ideas and shove 'em. After all, nobody out-stubborns Katsuki. Nobody.

(KID BAKUGOU & KID SHIGARAKI FRIENDSHIP! BAKUGOU STOLE MY HEART! SO SMART, SUCH A HERO! I LAUGHED AND CRIED THROUGHOUT THIS FIC, MY HEART CAN'T TAKE THIS! LITTLE SHIGARAKI MAKES A FRIEND AND IT'S TOO CUTE!!! so freaking adorable, oh lord. fneiwofpweafe)

Play The Field by lalazee for Banna_Banana

Ship: Bakugou/Midoriya

Baseball and feelings, feelings and baseball. Turns out, Bakugou and Deku are both good and bad at the same things. They try to work on it.

(look, i don't even know man. i stumbled upon this baseball au fic and the characterization is so top notch!! the backstories and feelings you get from this matches bakugou and deku's canon relationship perfectly and i flew past this so fast, god. please give this a chance, it's fantastic!)

-

[Marvel]

Blips on the Record by ambivalentangst for Bean_reads_fanfic

Flash, let it be known, doesn’t like Peter. He’s too good at everything—infuriatingly so—and nobody ever calls him on his bullshit, like with AcaDec nationals. Flash has to put his all into everything he does for a fraction of the attention Peter gets for his bare minimum, and it pisses him off, to say the least, so sue him for looking for chances here and there to knock him down a peg.

However, when he notices, he shuts his entire operation down.

Maybe Peter has a decade on his age when he was in the thick of it, but Flash remembers what it was like. He gets having school be a safe place, and nobody, not even himself, is going to jeopardize that for Peter.

//

Flash Thompson’s story is not simple, Peter Parker can always use someone else in his corner, and secrets are had and protected by all.

(flash is fleshed out! flash is getting some Good Rep! flash doing his best and being grumpy but ultimately trying to help peter in what ways he could! flash being a complex character and making me love him all over again! flash! getting some actual freaking attention fewnifoapew! THANK YOU! seriously, if you're looking for an actual good flash fic that doesn't feel disingenuous, read this!)

people were mean to you, but I always thought you were cool by suzukiblu for beckyh2112

Fandoms: Avengers & X-men

“What are your feelings on the mutant threat?!” one of the reporters shouts, and Steve just looks at him.

“I think anyone threatening mutants should be stopped,” he says calmly, and the swarm of reporters explodes, a dozen camera flashes going off at once.

(not exaggerating when i say i've reread this fic so many times that it's honestly concerning. steve & cyclop's friendship here makes me so soft?? they're both leaders of their teams and steve not being what everyone expects of him is always a soft spot for me. will forever be addicted to this fic, please enjoy!)

#notmycap by missgoalie75

Fandom: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

In which Bucky fully embraces the 21st century and is a salty bitch on Twitter.

(nonono, you don't understand. you don't understand how much i howled and screamed in public while reading this, oh my GOD. honestly the funniest shit i've read in a VERY long time, bucky is Perfect here. fucking drag that guy you beautiful cranky soul. X'D)

[godkilller]

I'm not sure how to go about this, but after reading the interaction between Aizen (KEIKAKUDORI) and Rangiku (DOKUHAI). I had to wonder what the interactions would be if Aizen met Keiko. I don't know if this is an idea any of you would be interested in and I don't know if asking all 4 (3) of you would be appropriate, just a thought - and sorry if I ask you too much.

          out of character. ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT !! THE GIN IN ME FOUGHT ANSWERING THIS FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT I MUST RELENT. At last. Gin fought the good fight.

          So, if @keikoh ever met @keikakudori, Gin would absolutely lose his shit first and foremost. Keep his daughter away from Aizen, please. @dokuhai’s Rangiku is going to have to hold Gin back from physically sending Aizen into space with the power of his punch for so much as looking at his daughter. Overprotective father? Overprotective father. But in fairness, it’s Aizen, is Gin truly being ‘overprotective’ or simply protective? One should never assume it’s utterly harmless to even merely chat with the man. Aizen has an insidious way of uprooting or entangling people with a few choice words alone, don’t give him a conversation’s chance less you believe yourself immune to his sly ways. And chances are you’re not immune. Even Gin, at the end of the day, for all of his silver-tongued ways and manipulation mastery, fell prey to what Aizen wanted from him.

          Gin wants his daughter to live a life freed from that stain, even if it means ignoring her questions / a self-fulfilling prophecy of avoiding Aizen as a topic so much so that she seeks out answers on her own. Which is exactly the scenario that would have to happen, albeit still incredibly rare to actually unfold in Keiko’s favor considering Aizen’s locked in Muken and she’d have to be granted permission to visit. Gin being a reinstated captain lifted of all his restrictions post-Blood War means he would sense, know, and be able to act upon feeling Keiko heading towards Muken. You know he’d show up in a fucking blink if he felt that. You just know. Carts her back home by her ear. Tells her something about how “making stupid life decisions surroundin’ that man must run in my blood” -- and she’d have to be sneakier about it.

          But what is an Ichimaru if not a lil sneaky gremlin, right?

          Keiko is fearless, or even when fearful is determined to appear and act bravely. Internally, if she ever was to meet Aizen? Keiko would be understandably nervous, if not afraid, knowing from stories that this man almost destroyed Karakura Town and nearly killed her dad. But she’d want answers, namely ‘why’ questions as to what Aizen wanted, why he did what he did, why her father joined him, what Aizen and Gin did. Things Gin hasn’t told her, hasn’t elaborated on, out of his own fear and lack of communication that he’s still working on to this day. She’s generally going into this meeting wholly uninformed, save for rumors and whispers from the Shinigami population who were present during the Winter War, and even then? What happened between Aizen and Gin that day’s almost completely undisclosed. She’ll ask what happened, why, how, and what Aizen thinks now. Things that would make for a very interesting discussion if Aizen dared to humor her.

         There aren’t very many others, if any, who know what went down that day. Even Rangiku only came in at the tail end. Tatsuki and friends perhaps know an important slice of the picture, a notable moment in which they exclaim ‘hopefully they kill each other!’ whilst escaping Aizen’s focus because Gin intervened. From outsiders perspectives, Gin shows up, the kids run off, Aizen’s reiatsu drops dead, and then comes slamming back down a few minutes later. Gin’s cut down. Ichigo arrives. It’s easy to fill in the blanks with rumors as to why the two had a ‘falling out’ as Tatsuki and co. observed after Aizen defeated Gin.

          That’s as much as Keiko knows, and it frustrates her, because if anyone asks her about it, all hushed like gossip, all uninformed as she is, shouldn’t she know more about her own father? When people bad-mouth her dad, or bring up that he’s a war criminal, wouldn’t it be nice to know more than them? Gin’s betrayal of Soul Society and then his subsequent betrayal of Aizen aren’t just small moments to not know about. The traitorous trio’s rebellion against Soul Society’s one for the history books, and then one of the main reasons Aizen was both unable to destroy Karakura Town, as well as why he’s now immortal, is tied directly to Gin. Keiko may even seek out @njnth’s Tousen, who survived and became an outcast after the events of the Winter War, for answers. Gin wouldn’t keep her from him, either, because he knows that Tousen wouldn’t be malicious in his retellings, nor would he really want to linger on the past during his own healing. They’re both, for lack of better wording, recovering victims of abuse and trauma -- the topic won’t be carried along lightly. Gin knows and respects Tousen for keeping his answers to Keiko’s questions short and not... harsh.

          And Keiko would respect Tousen enough to know not to overstep. She wouldn’t hound the man. He’d be like an uncle to her. She’d be gentle. She’ll bring him snacks and sit out with him by his humble abode and I’m sure Tousen’ll get some deja vu with the days in which he sat with a young newly made Third Seat Gin, though as he’s said in canon about children, unlike her father, Keiko would be a pure soul.

          Speaking of souls and purity, I also have a headcanon that since Rangiku was canonly a Soul King piece host, and Tokinada's clan was all about finding those hosts and 'breeding' them etc. etc.  ( that’s a very rough description and I’m still a newbie at this other Bleach content )  in CFYOW ... -- anyways, with all of that said, it's implied that bearing a piece of the Soul King is a genetic-driven “gift” of some sort. Bearing a piece isn't promised, but it's heightened for people with higher reiatsu. So Rangiku's child would have a higher chance of housing a piece of the Soul King due to her genetics and Gin’s combined reiatsu with hers, etc. which is also what's within Aizen's hogyoku -- and it'd make for an interesting moment of, for lack of better wording, 'soul recognition' between her and Aizen and the Soul King / soul piece within the Hogyoku that Aizen harvested from Rangiku. The piece of Rangiku which is within the Hogyoku which Aizen became one with.

          It’d be a very interesting meeting with that subtle factor of understanding linking them together, indeed. If Aizen noticed such a pull, perhaps, then Keiko best be prepared for answering some of his questions, too, and we all know how much of a slippery slope that can become.

          TL;DR ... Keiko has the potential to open a huge can of worms, and she’s going to be grounded for a whole year once Gin finds out.

[recurring-polynya]

please do them all

I got this early on, but I figured that if I did them all, the quality of the answers would suffer. Anyway, I think this has basically run it’s course, so here’s a speedrun through all the ones I didn’t get to.

2. Who wants to stay in bed just a little longer?

Usually Rukia, although Renji has a number of Secret Techniques for prying her out of bed when necessary. HOWEVER, if, for some reason, Rukia has to get up and Renji doesn’t have to, he is a gelatinous ooze of trying to make her stay in bed with him.

5. Who falls asleep while watching a movie?

If one of them does, odds are the other isn’t far behind.

6. Who falls asleep last, watching the other with a small affectionate smile?

Rukia, actually.

7. Who comes up with the cheesy pick-up lines?

This is a competitive sport for them and the loser is everyone who has to be around them.

11. Who rearranges the bookshelf/DVD shelf in alphabetical order?

Byakuya.

12. Who does the hands-over-the-eyes “Guess Who” thing?

This is not a thing they do

13. Who points out a dog when they see one?

Whoever sees it first, dogs are very exciting.

14. Who’s prone to road rage?

Renji will shout about it and wave his hands, but get over it quickly. Rukia prefers road revenge.

15. Who’s prone to wearing socks indoor (or to sleep)?

They’re both barefooters, generally, but Renji likes socks in the winter.

16. Who reminds the other to put on sunscreen before going to the beach (or pool)?

With that much ink, Renji is definitely a sunscreen-rememberer.

17. Who carries all the important documents while traveling? 

Rukia.

18. Who gets the window seat?

Rukia, generally, unless they’re going somewhere she’s been before and Renji hasn’t.

21. Who’s clumsier?

Renji

23. Who is better with kids?

Renji

24. Who’s the better cook?

Renji

25. Who mistakes salt for sugar?

Rukia would do this and then drink an entire cup of coffee with a stone face just to prove she didn’t

26. Who puts the fork in the microwave?

Like, for fun? I feel like they have destroyed at least one microwave together in this manner. It would be Rukia’s idea, but Renji would go along with it. It was Ichigo’s microwave.

27. Who cooks at 2 in the morning?

Rukia will heat things up in the middle of the night, but it’s not proper cooking. Renji will stress bake in the wee hours if Rukia’s out late on a mission.

29. Who licks the spoon when they’re baking brownies? 

It gets gross and flirty real fast is all I’ll say.

30. Who likes doing the dishes? 

Renji

32. Who remembers what the other one always orders at a restaurant?

You would think it would be Renji (and he does), but Rukia likes to quietly file away information about his likes and dislikes and reveal her Deep Knowledge of his Preferences as a romantic flex. It’s super effective.

34. Do they go on dates? What are they like? 

Mostly their dates are lunch at the terrible ramen joint, or Friday nights at the izakaya with the usual suspects. Sometimes, they have to make Appearances for Kuchiki reasons. Rukia used to find these things to be a drag, but Renji really likes to Turn Up for Noble Shit, and has given Rukia a renewed appreciation for it.

36. Which one is the secret snuggler?

Rukia. Renji is the obvious snuggler.

37. Which one offers their jacket to the other when they complain they feel cold?

My stance on this is on record

38. Who reaches for the other one’s hand while driving?

If Renji is driving, Rukia will reach over to hold hands. If Rukia is driving, everyone involved would prefer Rukia to keep two hands on the wheel.

40. Who is the most affectionate?

Renji is affectionate in the traditional sense of the word. Rukia is affectionate in the manner of a mother wolverine. I have often considered a storyline where someone kidnapped Renji, and I cannot emphasize how sorry they would be.

41. Who is the big spoon/little spoon? 

Come on.

45. Who worries the most? Over what? 

Renji works extremely hard to never show any signs of worrying over Rukia, but of course he does, she makes terrible decisions. Prior to them getting together, he worries a lot that he will never be good enough for her, which manifests itself as hesitation more than worry. Rukia does have an ongoing fear that Renji is going to get himself hurt/killed over her, so she frequently makes him promise not interfere in her fights. She also worries a bit that he’s too cool for her, and that one of these days, he’s going to come to his senses and fall in love with someone on his level. She’s kind of an idiot in that regard.

46. Who initiates kisses?

They are equal-opportunity kiss initiators.

47. Who says I love you first? How did it happen?

Renji. He formulates an entire long-range plan for love declaring, with schedule and pre-requisites and then he goofs it up and it slips it out at the worst possible moment.

[chrismho]

Lakmé

Summary: Is this not the closest I’ve ever been to living?  The Kurosaki Family invites Rukia along with them to the Opera. Ichiruki/Rukia-centric one-shot inspired by the opera scene in Moonstruck. Set a little bit after FB arc.

PS: It’s a pretty famous song but if you haven’t heard Flower Duet  before, I highly rec you give this rendition a listen, it’s breathtaking! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9NK-EbUAao

“ICHIGOOOOOOO! RUKI-CHAAAAAN!” 

SMACK!

A day in the Kurosaki household was not complete without at least one collision between Isshin’s face and either Ichigo’s foot or fist. 

“I don't know how many times I have to tell you, old man: QUIT DOING THAT!” Ichigo roared, swiftly kicking his father back to the other side of the living room.

Rukia waited patiently for Isshin to complete this strange ritual, a fond smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Oh, Masaki!” Isshin sobbed, throwing himself upon his poster. “H-how cruel, how unloving our son has become! And Rukia at his side, so pure and lovely! W-we truly have here a beauty and the beast!”

“SHUT IT!”

 The dark-haired shinigami watched them butt heads and felt a vague sense of nostalgia swirl inside her. I didn’t realize how much I…missed this, she silently admitted to herself. Seventeen months had passed and Rukia kept herself busy with work--very busy. Too busy to stop and realize just how much she missed life in Karakura. But now that she was back, the realization was sudden and overwhelming; she missed late night hollow-hunting, the bustling hallways at Karakura High, she missed Keigo, Mizuiro, Tatsuki, she missed indulging in her schoolgirl act, pretending that she was human and truly one of them. But most of all, she missed him. That was a realization that had set Rukia very much on edge. Ichigo was a comrade, a partner, a friend. A friend she found herself pining for in those seventeen months. She recalled a saying she learned in the human world, something along the lines of “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. 

Absence had only made Rukia’s heart confused as hell. 

Though almost two years had passed, her relationship with Ichigo picked up almost right where they left off. They bickered, laughed, they understood each other without need for words. But…now there was something new. No, not new; it had always been there. But now....now it was loud. And hard to ignore. It was something that Rukia couldn’t quite name, but its presence was undeniable. It wasn’t uncomfortable...but… but it was there. 

“What do you say, Rukia-chan? Oh, please say you’ll be joining us?”

Isshin’s question snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Eh? I-I’m sorry?” she asked, startled. 

“THE OPERA! An old buddy and colleague of mine has season tickets to the opera house here in Karakura. He’s away on a business trip so he gave me tickets to tomorrow’s show. We haven’t seen you in so long, the girls would just love if you came! SAY YOU’LL JOIN US!” 

“Don’t push her, Dad!” Ichigo said irritably. He turned to Rukia but didn’t meet her gaze. “Seriously, y-you don’t have to go. It’s really boring, the last time I went I wanted to die-”

“OH, BUT THAT’S NOT TRUE,” Isshin cut off gleefully, shoving Ichigo out of the way and putting an arm around Rukia. “The last time we went, Ichigo was but a boy. Though only eight at the time, he was so moved by the performance that he wept and blubbered all night long--” 

“HEY! N-NO I DIDN’T!”

“Yes, you did!” Karin called boredly from the kitchen. 

Ichigo hunched up his shoulders and scowled, his ears and cheeks an angry shade of red. 

“I’d be delighted to attend this...this ‘op-ohr-a’, Mr. Kurosaki!” Rukia declared, a cheerful and sparkly smile on her face. “Excellent! Come tomorrow evening at 7, and dress your very best, my dear! The opera is a most formal event,” Isshin beamed. 

“Whatever. And get your arm off her!” Ichigo grumbled, yanking Rukia away from his father and up the stairs to his room. 

“Ah, young love,” Isshin sighed after them.  “Eager to get her to your bedroom, I see? Yes, yes, I’m sure you have a lot of catching up to do, if you catch my drift--” 

“SHUT UP!” Ichigo screamed over his shoulder. He hurried Rukia inside his room and slammed the door shut. 

“Nice to see the family dynamic hasn’t changed,” Rukia said, a sly smile on her face. She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall alongside his bed. 

“1000 Yen says my dad’s got an ear pressed up to the door right now,” Ichigo replied. He sounded annoyed but there was a humorous glint in his eye. He looked up and met her gaze. They both dissolved into a quiet, gentle chuckle. 

“Feel free to sit, you know,” Ichigo said, gesturing towards the bed. “I know it’s been a while but time’s never stopped you from acting like you own this place.”

“No, that’s okay. I’m fine here,” Rukia responded, cursing herself for answering him a little too vehemently. Ichigo looked at her questioningly, and Rukia could have sworn she saw a very, very faint blush creep on his cheeks. A moment of silence passed. 

Tension. That’s what it was. 

“So what is this opera thing, anyway? I just realized I agreed to something I know nothing about,” Rukia asked, eager to change the subject and genuinely curious about this “most formal event” that moved a young Ichigo to tears. 

“It’s, uh, like a play. But with only singing. Really loud, annoying singing. And fancy costumes. And they usually end in tragedy.” Ichigo said, scratching the back of his head. 

Her amusement at his fumbling explanation made Rukia forget her discomfort earlier. She smirked and flopped onto his bed. “Sounds like fun. So this loud, annoying play moved you to tears, eh?”

“IT DID NOT-Hmph, *ahem*, It did not move me to tears, I told you already that I found it boring. And I SAID YOU COULD SIT ON MY BED, NOT LIE ON IT!” 

“Oh, Daddy, th-they’re on his bed already! They certainly are fast, aren’t they?” a muffled voice that sounded suspiciously like Yuzu’s could be heard saying from the other side of the door. 

Ichigo’s left eye twitched. 

He swung the door open and Isshin and Yuzu tumbled onto the floor. “SCRAM!” He roared, shaking his fist as they hurriedly fled the scene. 

_____

Giant, crystal chandeliers hung over the U-shaped hall, twinkling prettily in the warm, golden light. The house was packed with many well-dressed and well-to-do people. The euphony of various conversations and chatter rang pleasantly in the air. If Ichigo had been moved to tears by the place alone, Rukia would understand; it was truly, truly beautiful. She tilted her head back, taking in the glittering chandeliers and intricate paintings of flowers and stars on the ceiling. She must have looked visibly awestruck, for she turned to her side to find Ichigo looking back at her, an odd, almost tender smile on his face. She gave him a sharp elbow in the ribs. “What? What’s with that dumb look?” She snapped. 

“AGH! What the hell, Rukia?” He glared, letting out a sharp exhale before putting on another smile, this one more teasing. “N-nothing, I was just thinking...the last time I was here as a kid, I remember looking up at the paintings on the ceiling and counting all the stars as a way to pass the time. I guess I was just wondering if you were doing the same.” 

Rukia blinked. It was rare for Ichigo to divulge….well, really anything about his past and his memories. To share this random little anecdote felt oddly intimate. She felt her cheeks warm slightly and turned away. “Heh, no I wasn’t counting, I was just...admiring. She looked back up and couldn’t help but laugh. “Ichigo, there are hundreds of stars, up there! Did you really count them all?” He looked up too and smiled wryly, shaking his head. “Nah, the show always started and the lights would go off before I ever finished. But...I like that I don’t know. It’s this weird, unfinished mystery that just...stays up there on the ceiling, y’know?”

His amber eyes and fiery-orange hair glowed in the warm light of the hall. He glowed. Does he even know how handsome he looks in that stupid tux? Rukia thought, torn between feeling endeared and annoyed. And spewing out weird, lovely musings like that, too. What an idiot. 

She looked down at the program in her lap. In intricate, gold cursive, the words Lakmé: Opera en 3 Actes shone smack dab in the middle. “Is...is this in French?” she asked. “Yeah, but it’s okay; you see those black screens above the curtains up there? They’ll have translations…”

The lights began to dim. 

Quickly, stealthily, Ichigo stole one last look at Rukia in full light. She was already a beautiful woman but tonight she practically glowed. With the help of Yuzu and Karin, she had parted her cropped hair to one side and teased it into elegant waves. She had reluctantly let them put makeup on her, too, and Ichigo had a hard time keeping his eyes away from her lips, soft and painted red like a pomegranate. She was wearing a dress that Ishida had surprised her with a few weeks ago, a wine-colored sleeveless piece that gently hugged her form and flowed past her knees. Yeah. She glowed. It was annoying. 

Y’know, I bet she knows exactly how good she looks and is only pretending to be oblivious. He thought. What an idiot.

The red velvet curtains pulled back to reveal what looked like a stone courtyard on stage, adorned with all sorts of plants and exotic flowers. But the set was nothing compared to the music that emanated from the pit in front of the stage. She’d never heard anything like this. Not on the streets of Rukongai, nor in the banquets and gatherings in Seireitei. What was it Ichigo had called them? An orchestra. An orchestra, an orchestra, an orchestra. She had to remember that word. How so many voices, so many different strange and wonderful-looking instruments, could come together and create a sound so unified and sweet amazed her. 

A procession of people dressed in long, unstitched garments came onto the stage, singing words Rukia could not understand. A big man, clad in a costume beard and yellow robe, opened his mouth and began to sing a solo.

Rukia froze. 

It was obvious what he was doing required much skill, but….he sounded...funny? Rukia narrowed her eyes and fought a smile, trying to reason with this deep voice that shook with such a fervent vibrato. 

She heard a snicker two chairs away from her, and turned to see Karin in the dim light, her face contorted humorously. Rukia was about to join her before Isshin turned to his daughter with a glare so scary and dangerous that any humor at all in both Karin and Rukia was effectively vanquished. 

So entranced was she by the costumes and lights and flutes and cellos that the dark-haired shinigami found herself forgetting to glance up at the translations above the stage. She looked just enough times to gather that this was set in a temple in which rites were being performed. The ritual ended, and as smoothly as they glided in, the singers drifted back off the stage, leaving behind two women. 

The women, arm in arm, walked down to the “river” on stage to gather flowers. The one dressed in red turned to her companion and began to sing:

Viens, Mallika, les lianes en fleurs

Jettent déjà leur ombre

Sur le ruisseau sacré

qui coule, calme et sombre,

Eveillé par le chant des oiseaux tapageurs.

Rukia froze once more. This time, there was no urge to laugh. Goosebumps rose on her arms. Her ears tingled. What, Rukia thought shakily. What is this?

The other, dressed in a simpler, sun-colored dress answered her friend in a voice just as haunting and sweet:

Oh! maîtresse, c'est l'heure

où je te vois sourire,

L'heure bénie où je puis lire

Dans le coeur toujours fermé

De Lakmé!

 Rukia clenched her teeth, maintaining a stone-cold Kuchiki expression while her soul inside shook and quaked. 

What is this?

                                                 Dôme épais le jasmin

                        Sous le dôme épais où le blanc jasmin

Like flowers landing on the surface of a pond, their voices floated, glided, rippled through the hall, lighter than air. 

                                                    À la rose s'assemble

                                        À la rose s'assemble

The melody seemed to follow some invisible wave that drifted down, then up, then down, and down again. It was elegantly unpredictable, like the path a feather takes on the way to the ground.

Rukia’s throat caught. The swelling in her chest bewildered and almost angered her. This...this beauty was almost cruel. Her eyes felt hot. Her face remained expressionless.

                                                 Rive en fleurs, frais matin,

                             Sur la rive en fleurs, riant au matin,

I never did get the chance to understand what it is to live, Rukia thought. She had, in fact, died when she was only a baby. 

I....could see traces of what life was in the youth and excitement of Ichigo and his friends...the sound of their laughter, their chatter about the future.

                                                 Nous appellent ensemble.

                                       Viens, descendons ensemble.

With each rise and fall of their voices, Rukia felt as though her soul was expanding. The singers’ figures became blurry behind the tears that began to well in her eyes.

But this…this swelling in my chest, and the goosebumps on my skin. My throat...feels tight. 

A tear broke free and began to trickle down her cheek. 

Is this not the closest I’ve ever been to living?

Ichigo gazed steadily at the stage, letting himself float and drift with the melody. It was no wonder the Flower Duet was such a famous song, even to those unfamiliar with opera. He cleared his throat as quietly as he could and turned to check on Rukia. His jaw clenched. 

                                               Ah! glissons en suivant

                           Doucement glissons; De son flot charmant

She stood absolutely still, upright, her small, pale hands clenched into fists on her lap. She did not look at him. He watched with well-hidden astonishment as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She stared solemnly at the women on stage, blinking slowly. Her amethyst eyes glistened with the water and salt that filled them. 

                                                         Le courant fuyant

                                  Suivons le courant fuyant

A lump began to form in Ichigo’s throat. He turned away, back to the stage. He couldn’t put into words what she was feeling, but he felt he understood it. He didn’t want to intrude on her moment, but he also wanted to let her know that she was not alone. Even when they were worlds apart, he’d find a way to reach her. Slowly, his hand moved towards hers. 

His fingertips lightly brushed her wrist, and traveled up towards the back of her hand. 

Rukia kept her eyes fixed on the singers. She gave no indication that she even noticed his hand on hers. A twinge of disappointment and embarrassment stung him. I...probably ruined her moment. I shouldn’t have-

His heart stopped. Silently, suddenly, the slender, cold hand seized his own. She intertwined her fingers with his and squeezed lightly. She did not look at him. 

                                                     Dans l'onde frémissante,

                                      Dans l’onde frémissante

To this day Ichigo couldn’t say what the hell compelled him to do what he did next. Maybe it was the nearly two years of separation, or the swelling music and stupid, glittering, chandeliers messing with his head, or the way she gripped his fingers with such a quiet and loving intensity, or a mix of all of those things. Slowly, he raised her hand up, off her lap. 

                                                   D'une main nonchalante,

                                      D’une main nonchalante,

Rukia stirred, tilting her head slightly towards him. He brought her hand up to his face and slowly, gently, firmly, pressed his lips against her knuckles. Rukia’s eyes flashed wide open, and now she turned to look at him. Another tear rolled silently down her otherwise stoic face. Ichigo opened his eyes and looked back at her. 

                                            Dôme épais, blanc jasmin,

                             Sous le dôme épais, Sous le blanc jasmin,

Nothing was said, but a thousand words were exchanged between them. Ichigo lowered her hand but did not let go. They held their gaze for a moment longer, then turned their heads back towards the stage. 

                                                      Nous appellent ensemble!

                                    Ah! descendons ensemble!

[bansept]

Ichihime Headcanon : Proposal

I was talking with a friend about the possibilities/ideas for headcanons, and this one popped in his mind. Therefore, I offer my take at how this nerve wracking day went for our lovebirds!

It had been in Ichigo's mind for quite some time, right after they celebrated their first year together actually

Because of fear that something would happen or simply because he was a bit of a chicken to actually think about it in its depts, Ichigo always pushed it back in the corners of his mind.

He can fight Hollows, Arrancar, Espadas, Quincies, weird shit like that without trembling but he is scared to do one wrong step with his girlfriend jdkskks

Anyway, he builds up a lot of courage to talk about it with his friends at first

Guess who the first he mentions it to is?

Renji. 100% yes

The dude is married and with a child already, why wouldn't he have some tips?

Renji laughs at him a lot because he can

But then really helps him

They talk about Ichigo's feelings, about what he wants and what he's ready to do for Orihime

And by the end of their discussion, Ichigo is certain that he wants to marry his girlfriend

Renji thank you so much lots of love to you

For months, it's a lot of writing what to say, of looking in random and very precise jewelry stores for the ring but then it's another hard part

Ichigo is pretty certain that any ring wouldn't do it

It's his beautiful, talented, kind, caring, funny, intelligent, dashing girlfriend we're talking about

The ring HAS to be as beautiful as her

"good luck for that"

Yes, Ichigo is very whipped for her

When his choice is downed to 2, he doesn't know. One of the ring has such a magnificent diamond on its center surrounded by thin and intricate gold and silver circles while the other ring is more simple, but the diamond in almond shape is slightly orange, like both of their hair, and has droplets of other diamonds around them, clear ones.

So he asks the other better person to ask

His dad

The orange haired young man was ready to back away at his father's tearful realization that his son was a man and blah blah blah

But it didn't happen

Isshin sat in his couch, looking at him with a knowing smile

He didn't even cry, didn't yell or didn't start a tantrum

Simply sat there and nodded before getting up and going to his room

Yup, you know what's gonna happen

He hands over Masaki's old ring, that he kept and cleaned and loved for so many years

"It's old and probably not as beautiful as the ones you saw, but it's you mother's."

"No. It's more beautiful than any I've found. And, it already has history. It's full of love. And life."

The two hug, this time both crying a little bit, because Ichigo feels his heart bursting in love, and because Isshin is so proud of his son.

Ichigo prepares everything for the proposal day, which is in the spring, because that way it won't be either too hot or too cold

He planned something they both like : just them together, doin something human and simple

Not far from Karakura, but far enough to know they won't see anyone they know

Ichigo asked for a room at an hotel near a beach that looks like the one they visited, where Orihime took the trees for giants

He knows how much she likes to dip her feet in the water

So they are a lot of floating lights in the waters tiny and bouncing with the waves, but when Orihime walks close to pick one of them, she doesn't see or hear Ichigo taking the ring out if his pocket

And so he proposes

"Inoue Orihime... We've known each other for a long time now. At first we were barely strangers that nothing could bring together, because I was a rebellious kid and you were a very imaginative young girl. Both our lives changed so much, with so many things happening. But what changed the most for me... Was you disappearing. You were there one day and the next, vanished. Many told me to give up and not look for you, but I couldn't do that. Later, when you were back with all of us, with me, I understood that it was because you meant more to me than I believed."

Orihime is crying, hands going to her mouth but the smile can't fade away

"You were scared for me, and I was so afraid of losing you again. I was so thankful to see you again when Ywach was defeated... And I know that the moment I hugged you after that war, I knew I wanted us to mean more than friends. Were no longer strangers. We're no longer sad or angry or desperate to find something to keep our lives going. Because we've find it. For me, Orihime, it's you. You're the strongest source of my power, and the only one to ever make the sun shine bright in my heart."

She is holding his face as he keeps talking, and Ichigo has to take deep breaths before asking the question

"Orihime, Hime, my love, please be my wife. Let's never be strangers again, and never feel unhappy as long as we have each other."

Orihime cried some more, shoulders shaking but still holding onto him

Ichigo waits more, anxious, but confident

He's so certain of his feelings

And when she says yes one time, repeating it several others, he swipes her in his arms and kisses her. Deeply.

While murmuring so many I love you's, Ichigo slips the ring on her finger and their universes collide to form just one.

[kurosakikai]

. xx3 . Dutiful Son

Find me on AO3 Find me on Ko-Fi Also available to yell at on Twitter

“Kitty!” Kai-kun gushes the first afternoon he’s due to learn ‘Sneaky Spy Things’ from him, and Kisuke looks up, realizes Yoruichi is sitting there, grooming herself. He approaches Yoruichi, and looks pleadingly at Kisuke. “Can I pet them? They’re so pretty!” Kai-kun gushes, and Yoruichi - ever the stage-hog - preens, meowing at the boy.

“She’d love that,” Kisuke says, and the boy beams, delighted. Gently, the boy works his fingers over her ears, to cover the base of Yoruichi’s skull, and all over her neck, much to Yoruichi’s purring pleasure.

“I’d love to have a pet, but Papa says we can’t get one yet - he says when I’m in junior high if I keep my grades up I can ask for any pet I want!” He says, beaming, before giving the cat one last fond little ear scratch.

“What kind of pet would you like?” Kisuke asks, amused, and Kai pauses, looking thoughtful.

“Something fluffy,” he decides. “Definitely not a Shiba though,” the boy says, and Kisuke raises a brow. “My school partner’s mom is a dog groomer, and he showed me videos. They’re so dramatic,” he says, grinning, and Kisuke snorts.

“Not unlike the other kind of Shibas,” Kisuke jokes, and Kai-kun giggles. “Give me just a moment, and we can start our lesson,” he promises, Kai-kun beaming happily. “Do you remember what we’re supposed to cover, Kai-kun?”

“Uh, how to act in all kinds of social situations, and high-class behavior,” the boy recites thoughtfully. “So that way I can blend in, and also how to politely insult people,” he adds. “And then, self defense only, until I get older.” He puffs his cheeks out at the last part and Yoruichi, meowing, plants her paws on his shoulders to lick his face. The boy laughs, scratches her on the top of her head.

“Thank you, pretty kitty,” he says with a smile, scratching her under her chin for good measure. “Papa’s so overprotective,” Kai-kun says with a sigh, sets Yoruichi on the ground, to which she meows and rubs against his leg affectionately. “Thanks,” he tells her, and pleased, Yoruichi putters off, tail in the air as she wanders away from them, satisfied.

“Well, now that you’ve been comforted, come, let’s get that dreaded homework done.” Kai-kun obediently follows behind him, holding his bag close. “How did the talk with your mother go?” Kisuke asks, curious. Kai-kun shrugs.

“I don’t know. Papa had me stay at Uncle Chad’s last night so that I couldn’t hear the argument.” Kisuke doesn’t wince, but it’s a near thing. “Momma isn’t happy about it, but Papa says I can attend anyways, and if Momma protests, take it up with him.” The little boy smiles when he looks back, and Kisuke gives the boy a smile in return.

“Do you know the other reason why you’re taking formality lessons?” He asks, just to see if Rukia had told him. Ichigo had already discussed it with him, and had requested he ask that question to see if Rukia had ever told him about his uncle. Kai-kun shrugs a little again.

“Momma didn’t say much when I talked to her about it,” he admits shyly. “She said it had to do with Uncle Bya.” Entering the basement, Kisuke holds his tongue from the acidic quip he wants to make. Being upset would likely confuse the little one until he was old enough to understand why Kisuke was so upset.

“I see.” The little boy obediently takes a seat when he gestures, and Kisuke sits across from him. “Now, I’m going to explain why - your mother should have, but I don’t have an inkling as to why she would keep this from you.” Oh, he had several ideas, and he was not amused. “Did you know that your mother is an heiress?” Kai-kun blinks twice and then gapes.

“Like, fancy politics and arranged marriages sort of heiress?” The boy says, surprised. Kisuke gives a rueful little chuckle.

“One and the same, Kai-kun,” he says, and the boy stares at him, wide-eyed, mouth opening and closing like a little fish.

… Dammit, were the Kaien similarities really still nagging at him? Good grief.

“... But… Momma said that Uncle Bya doesn’t have any other family… doesn’t that mean that I’m supposed to inherit? Shouldn’t I have been taking lessons?” The boy says, confused. With a soft pat, Kisuke ruffles the boy’s hair.

“That’s right. You’re a little behind schedule now. Your Papa asked me to catch you up to speed.” The boy’s eyes turn round as coins, and he groans.

“This is why he wanted me to work at the clinic once a week, isn’t it,” the boy bemoans, and Kisuke chuckles fondly. “I’m going to be studying so much.” Kai-kun’s head hits the desk in his woe, and Kisuke can’t help but cackle at his dramatics.

“You’re precious,” he says, chuckling, and the boy levels a look at him that Kisuke would bet he learned off of his papa.

“You’re evil,” he says flatly, and Kisuke cackles harder. This little one certainly had inherited his Papa’s sense of dramatics.

A small part of him adds that Kaien was certainly an influence as well in his behavior, but like all other thoughts, Kisuke pushes it aside. The little one was not Kaien, even if he shared similarities, and it would be horrifically disrespectful to Kaien’s memory to keep doing this to Kai-kun.

“You’re adorable, Kai-kun,” he says when he’s calmed. “Come now, let’s get your homework done and out of the way so you can start on your lessons.” Kai-kun puffs his cheeks out, scowling, but obediently does so, shows Kisuke his homework.

“English today,” the boy says. “I got the other stuff done in class, but English is evil.” Kisuke snorts.

“Is there any subject you like?” He asks, grinning.

“I like English, most of the time, but I hate grammar.” The boy puffs his cheeks out again. “Why does English grammar have to be so complicated! Even math was easy compared to today!” Kisuke snorts, and takes the paper in hand to take a look at it. The simplest bits were already corrected, but - goodness, what were they teaching kids these days? That was a lot of grammar errors to fix in one sentence.

“Grammar is certainly difficult,” he says, amused, ruffling the little boy’s hair and stealing his pencil. “Now, how about we work together to defeat this beast?”

Kai-kun’s smile beams radiance.

It’s nearly twenty minutes later that the last of the homework is defeated, and Kai-kun is face-first on the table, Kisuke pouring him tea with a sympathetic smile.

“There there, it’s done for the day,” he soothes the boy, who grumbles irritably into his tea when it’s given to him. “No more evil English.”

Kai-kun makes a dramatic sound reminiscent of when Yoruichi hammed up her feline tendencies to get attention, and Kisuke is reminded, yet again, of why he shouldn’t drink tea around Kai-kun.

“Tea!” the boy cheers, quaffing his drink with enthusiasm. “Thank you Urahara-san,” he says happily, looking much refreshed. Kisuke chuckles at the boy, and ruffles the mop of black hair.

“You’re very welcome, Kai-kun. Now, you’re going to not like me very much soon. Learning noble graces is very difficult, you see,” he says with a grin, and the boy looks at him seriously.

“Why?”

“Oh, you’ll see.”

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

Little Kai-kun is sulking under a blanket by the time his father comes to pick him up. Ichigo takes a pointed look towards his son, and Kisuke determinedly does not let himself look sheepish.

“We got to about as far as learning about formal dinners before Kai-kun gave up on the subject for the day. The moment I started explaining forks, he decided discretion was the better part of valor.” Kisuke says, and Ichigo gives a loud, violent-sounding snort.

“Only the forks? What else did you get done?” Ichigo asks in amusement, even as Kai-kun, having heard his papa, frees himself from the blankets to find his way against Ichigo’s leg, small arms wrapping around a thigh.

“We covered greeting people, how to verbally flay idiots, and the rules of etiquette in regards to inviting and being invited to formal and informal events,” Kai-kun says dutifully, clings tighter to his papa’s leg. “Formal lessons are evil, Papa,” the boy tells him, and Ichigo chuckles, kneeling down to lift Kai-kun up to his hip.

“Poor baby,” Ichigo teases with a kiss planted to a forehead for good measure, and Kai-kun’s cheeks puff out at his papa. “Well, it’s all done for the day, cutie,” he tells his son with a smile.

“Good,” he says, snuggling against his papa. “Papa, can we have takoyaki for dinner tonight?” the boy asks him, and Ichigo pretends to think about it, bouncing his son on his hip thoughtfully.

“Hmm… I’ll have to ask Yuzu where she put our Takoyaki pan - it’s just us tonight, so I guess we can make some Takoyaki together.” The boy’s smile dims a little, and Kisuke, before even really thinking it through, offers,

“If you two would like, you can stay at my place tonight for dinner. I have a takoyaki griddle we can put on the table.” Kai-kun looks startled at the offer, and so does Ichigo, whose expression was visibly saddened at the sight of his only child’s disappointment. He gives Kisuke a suspicious look, but Kisuke smiles innocently. After a moment of scrutiny, Ichigo looks down at his son, who is practically vibrating with eager delight.

“Can we Papa?” The boy asks hopefully, and Ichigo’s smile returns, the sight of his little one smiling having cheered him up immensely.

“Only because I love you, cutie,” he tells his son, and Kai gives a delighted little noise, making Ichigo laugh and kiss his son on the cheek. “Let’s see about helping Kisuke make dinner then, hmm?”

“Yay!” Kai-kun cheers, squirming down from Ichigo’s hip to run off and pack his things. Ichigo fixes Kisuke with an arch look, and the shopkeeper raises his hands defensively.

“Maa maa, Ichigo, I saw the look on Kai-kun’s face just as easily as you did,” he points out, and Ichigo’s gaze grows distant as he watches his son happily put his things away

“I just want my son to be happy,” Ichigo says quietly. “With everything going on, I feel like he’s not getting as much affection and care as he needs.”

“It doesn’t help that Kai-kun is a very sheltered little one, either, now does it?” Kisuke adds, pointedly. Ichigo grimaces.

“I take it by the tone of your voice you’re not amused.”

“Supremely unamused,” Kisuke agrees. “I understand your worry, but what happened, Ichigo? You were never this protective with your own sisters.” Ichigo’s gaze slides away, towards his son, who is staying where he finished packing his things, obviously waiting for them to finish their conversation.

“Not now,” Ichigo says with a sigh. “Come by the clinic tomorrow, while Kai’s at school, and I’ll explain.” Kisuke raises a brow, but shrugs easily.

“Sure, sure, Ichigo,” he agrees, before waving at Kai-kun, the boy beaming and scurrying over. “Come along, Kai-kun. Do you know how to make Takoyaki batter?” He asks, and the boy nods eagerly, taking his papa’s hand.

“Yeah! Auntie Yuzu showed me how!” Kai-kun chirps happily, and Ichigo smiles fondly down at his son, brown eyes glittering with fondness. “Auntie Yuzu said I wasn’t allowed to cut stuff on my own though until I turned ten, or Papa would slow-roast her,” he says, giggling.

Kisuke, aware it was no falsehood, eyes Ichigo, who maintains a virtuous innocence that he in no way bought.

Maaaa. What troublesome people, Kurosakis.

[yume-tsuki]

Bleach -Recuerdos Mundo Find part1-5 here https://saki-sk.tumblr.com/post/649896229806997504/bleach-recuerdos-mundo-part-5-the-orb-day-zero-it  #recuerdos mundo next part https://saki-sk.tumblr.com/post/654541839264776192/bleach-recuerdos-mundo-part-7-lost-moon-previes 

Part6 Blinding Moon Finally we are back home. We split up and went to our families, Yachiru and Ichika went back to the Soul Society, Hiyoshin went back to his family and I…. I stood in front of our house imagined how everyone went back and everyone was full of joy seeing us again.  I looked to the ground, …that’s not the moment… I whispered to myself and passed by….(?) …~Kazui Kurosaki Back home I havn’t even tried to be quiet and then I ended up being overjoyed by all my siblings and mom and dad, asking where I and the others  went how it come we were still alive and all safe and sound. I told them a short story what happened and everyone looked so surprised and proud. Specially dad, that’s what he always does when one of us is doing something cool. I really like that on him. He also put out the old Futons that we all coul sleep together. Dad loves to protect all of us, mom too but she can’t show it like he does. But I love when she looks at him and smiles like no one is noticing admiring him for this attitude. Sometimes.. I guess.. dad wish himself longer arms so he can hug all of us, me,my siblings and mom at ones. … Man I hadn’t noticed how I missed this, I feel so tired and happy… ~Hirako Hiyoshin Lieutenant Yachiru was quiet nervous when we separated and she went to her old barrack, she was barely listen when I said bye. I walked off to my home at the Kuchiki Mansion, jumping over the wall and landed in the garden. Of course one of uncles  Shinigamis noticed me but with a >>shhhhh and keep quiet I want to surprise my parents!<< He shut up. So I sneaked into my parent’s bedroom…. But my dad was quiet noticing some stranger walking into the room so he stood up protectively in front of mum and was holding Zabimaru. Back then I hadn’t noticed our spiritual pressure was different from before. But that’s some other part! Now they looked at me like they saw a ghost, then tears and all that cheesy*sob*>>my baby is back home<<*sob…stuff…you know all that stupid thinks, all crying and hugging…*sob*  of course I said everything is fine! And that I was tired and talk tomorrow to calm them down but…  I was happy to be back. What a comfy feeling. ~Abarai Ichika Many years I thought I would never see all of this again… Ken-chan… as near I get as slower I walked… everything felt so wrong, I shouldn’t be here… I thought…. What when Kenpachi-san wouldn’t know me anymore what if he hated me for some nonsense reason? I was so afraid….. I stood in front of the house not knowing what to do now. I had this moment so often in my mind back in the past and now I’m standing here shaking with my heart in my hands, crying like a child. >>Ken-chan…<<   >>Yachiru it’s you<< It wasn’t me who found him, he found me this time. >>Ken-chan<< First a whisper then louder,  I run to him hugged him tidily hoping this wasn’t a dream again. I run so tired from that wrong memories I often had, waking up and everything I had was gone. >>It’s you…really you.<< I heard his voice through my sobbing and whining >>…yes…<< I answered shortly >>…I’m home…<< I finally was. together with Ken-chan I went to the first division barracks on the next morning. I was still confused where I had to go and I was so nervous. Then I stood in front of everyone, they looked at me puzzled. First Captain Isane talked  to me. >>Is that really you? Yachiru<< >>How is this even possible?! Where is she coming from?<< Mayuri wondered >>Calm down everyone she will tell us.<< When I watched at Captain Kyorakos face I was so confused why is he at the first division captains place? Where was old Yamamoto? And where was Captain Unohana? Tears were running over my face again, knowing that so much time had passed but in my live it was even more. full of tears I told them what happened: …I remember that I fought that person, I don’t even know if it was a woman or a man or what person he was anyway… I just remember that I wanted to safe Ken-chan so badly. Then there was light, everything was only light, when I woke up again the world was collapsed. I walked around but no one was to be found anymore… I walked for many days till I lost the knowing of time, but I noticed the buildings  I saw. Places from the living world mixed up with the places at Hueco Mundo and the Soul Society… First when I walked through the memory world   I saw mist like a mirage showing the past often. Sometimes I watched them, talked to them till one day when I noticed I forgot who I was and where I came from…. Near insanity I saw a memory of my past friends and I remembered my name I carved them on my body..my name..who I was and what I was…and everytime I was on forgetting I looked at me saying ..that’s my name don’t forget it…one day you need to know him you need to know you are Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi Shinigami at the 11Division…. I cried when I talked, I hadn’t noticed when the others started crying, too. Izane and the other woman were looking away sobbing while the man looked pale with a stonily look. >>where you the only one there?<< I heard Mayuri again, and some whispering about experiments like he always did. I told them about the Hollow like creatures who appeared short after the collapse. But instead of hollows who still had a will to live they were real hollow. A empty body just existing to eat reishi* and letting it go ones they dissapear… I told them about the world full of  reishi*, that I never had to eat or drink and about the amnesia of mine that I could barely remember everyone of them. Ken-chan helped me at the past night but it was still difficult.  I told them about the Seretei and I told them about the kids of Ichigo, Abarai and Hirako who saved me. Captain Kyorako told Mayuri and Isane to take care of me till they had more informations. I was just happy to be back with all of them still hoping I wouldn’t lay down at the ground having  a flashback from some kind of mist again… ~Kusajishi Yachiru (*don’t be mad at me when I wrote the wrong word xP) …. >>You are back!<< I was quiet surprised when I saw Reina Ishida holding her bow right in front of me. >>First I thought you were some kind of enemy so I walked of the house to attack you but what are you doing here? When did you  come back why aren’t  home with your family?<< We sit down on the riverside and I told her it felt wrong. As much as I walked nearer, as much I thought about my returning friends as much it felt wrong to walk to mine. Of course she gave me that ‘What kind of nonsense is that shit’ look. >>But you have to, everyone was so worried of you. You don’t know what everyone was gone through.<< I looked at the moon while listening to her and then I told her what happened to us, what we found and saw and that everything was fine but. She noticed it, my spiritual pressure was different, like it wasn’t me who returned but someone else. Back then I hadn’t known that the others had that kind of phenomena, too. Back then I thought it was because of him… So I told her from it, the thing I swallowed and the voice of the man coming from it. Maybe it was because I couldn’t hear him anymore since we went back. Reina was looking at me worried…. It felt strange I don’t like her becoming worried so I told her I was fine and I should probably go home now. … We said good bye to each other and went different ways till I was home again. I stood in front of the door, my finger at the bell. >>I’m back!<< ~Kurosaki Kazui