#protectivereader

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Kenpachi Zaraki (Bleach) Chapter 1

There always seems to be a price that comes with getting involved in matters that have nothing to do with you.

Being a reaper was a task you'd decided to do for the free meals and perks. Nothing more.

Before you were here you were a lowly soul in the Rukongai and the reapers that you'd met over the hundred years of living there all seemed to have their own aspirations. You could care less. Your philosophy was nothing more than ensuring your own survival.

That's why you didn't understand it.

Everyone was panicking about hollows getting close to the squad barracks, but you weren't worried. This is literally what they trained you for. As long as you steered clear, you could probably lay low and catch a nap somewhere without engaging in useless battles. That was the plan at least.

The yell of a reaper ahead stopped you.

Your expectation was that it could have been a minor hollow just running around breaking stuff. But the sound of heavy steps crashing down drew your attention as you looked up.

"Great, a menos. No way am I getting in a fight with that. "

One of the captains could handle it.

You wanted a nap.

"Someone please help!"

The cries continued, and you turned your back, walking away. You recognized that voice. It was a medical reaper.

Hanataro Yamada.

The guy was a weakling, so you weren't even shocked that he was crying for help.

"Don't you worry Fuka-chan I-I'll protect you!!"

It didn't even sound like he believed his own words. For some reason, the statement made you stop. You glanced at them. Sure enough, Hanataro stood protectively in front of the girl at his side. She was clearly terrified, but his eyes looked resolute as he held out his blade.

"I won't let anything happen to you."

The determination displayed made your eyes widened, and when you saw the red charge of his blade, the blast he struck was impressive. It hit the menos right in its neck. Enough to cause a minor bruise. Hanataro stood his ground, and when you saw the menos about to charge a cero, your feet moved on their own.

"Bankai."

It was said so calmly.

Hanataro almost thought he imagined it. But the spikes that were now protruding from every part of the hollow's body alerted him that he was not hallucinating. It was real. When he caught your figure, you were striking the menos clean in half. Hanataro could only gape. He heard one finally cry from the monster, right as it dissipated in the air, and so did your body.

~~~

"We've managed to subdue all the hollows. Reinforcements will be sent to the Rukongai to conduct a patrol to protect the souls." Shinji informs.

Your captain was giving a brief, and you stood rarely listening to a word. When it was over, everyone seemed to disperse. As you're walking out you can hear some of them commending each other for their accomplishments in battle. You're walking down a path that connects with some other reapers from different squads.

"I bet you (L/N)-san just ran away again."

"Be quiet, she might be able to hear you."

"What, it's true. That's all she's good at!"

You didn't respond to the allegations. It made very little sense to try and defend your actions. They were just young and naive. Still believing that what they did would make some kind of cosmic difference.

"Ken-chan, I found her!!"

Everyone recognized that voice. You could practically see a path form. Even the jerks that were insulting you looked scared.

You clicked your tongue, about to step out of the way. Whioever they were chasing you knew it wouldn't end well. Just as you take a step to the right, you flinch. Your jaw clenched, and you caught the blade that appeared in front of you with your bare hands. The wind from the intended attack sent your hair tossing around. You could hear the gasps of astonishment in the space and you sent a glare directly at the man before you.

His grin was wide.

"Found you."

You released his blade, jumping backwards. You were pissed.

"He's picking a fight with coward (L/N)! He's gonna kill her."

You could hear the murmurs. Then it hit you, maybe you could save face. Everyone present still thought you were a coward. You could maintain your cover.

"Zaraki-taicho that's enough. " Jushiro was trying to de-escalate the situation, and Shinji just shook his head.

"Damn it, he's gonna ruin her day if this keeps up." Shinji spoke.

Kyouraku turned to the blond in question.

"What do you mean? Doesn't she run from battles, you should be there protecting your subordinate." Shinji shook his head.

"She's not as docile as you all seem to think."

"I give up, there's no way I can beat you Zaraki-taicho."

They all sweatdropped.

"More than meets the eye you said?" Toshiro asked. Jushiro rubbed his head awkwardly.

"Look at their faces, they completely lack faith in me, this could actually work!"

Kenpachi disappeared, and you tilted your head.

"All I have to do is not fight back, that's all. I'll be fine."

You expected him to appear right next to you. All you had to do was just barely defend and take the hit. Then you could actually salvage a nap. You don't expect him to go off course. Because his eyes are fixated on an unsuspecting victim.

"H-Hanataro watch out!!" 

The scream from his friend startles you. Kenpachi is a distance away with his sword aimed in the medical reaper's direction.

"E-EH!! WHY ME!!"

Hanataro's yelp echoes and now you're pissed.

"Damn it!!"

Your feet leave the ground, you're in front of Hanataro in seconds. The crowd is stunned and Shinji merely girns when you draw your blade. The very second your blades connect, an onslaught of lightning that's generating has a gust of wind beating over the entire area.

A few of the reapers shield their faces. Kenpachi's clothing is getting wrecked by the bolts. Some of them connect to his skin, and you can see the slices that draw blood, but he merely laughs.

When it finally calms down, the audience can only stare. You straighten from your position, sheathing your blade.

Hanataro drops to the floor expressing his gratitude.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

You sigh heavily.

This entire day has gone to shit.

All because of that insufferable man.

[miezemuis]

Hop x reader - One shot

“I’m not some helpless little boy, you know… I can take care of myself” Hop said as he rubbed a spot on his upper arm where he had been struck. He stumbled towards a nearby bench and plopped down with a groan.

You sighed. “I don’t doubt that,” you reassured him, “but they were ganging up on you. I don't want you to get hurt.”

Silence overtook you two as Hop looked at the ground, seemingly ashamed and troubled. You were picking up the items that had fallen out of Hop’s bag during the commotion, putting them back inside it, the last item being his water bottle. You picked it up, walked over to the bench your friend had been sitting on and handed it to him. Hop accepted the bottle, unscrewed it and took a sip. He still avoided your gaze as you sat down next to him. You placed his bag on the ground. You felt sad, even scolded in a way. This hadn’t been the first time he told you he wasn’t a little kid. You knew he was capable of handling himself, but you couldn’t help but stand up for him. You rubbed the back of your hand under your nose and leaned your elbows on your knees, searching for his eyes.

“I can’t stand people who mistreat others. You know this…” you stated, letting your eyes trail from the side of his face to the landscape around you. The air between Hop and you had been a little tense lately. You knew you were being overprotective, but could you help it? Most of the times you couldn’t. You didn’t want to make him feel like he couldn’t handle himself or whatever life decided to throw at him. You knew he could, but if you could prevent most of the bad things…

After a silence Hop looked at you, his expression sympathetic, but still stern.

“I get that you try to help me. I do, really. It just feels like I have a babysitter instead of a friend, to be honest.” His hands laced together and fell in his lap. “I think I just need a little space, just to become more independent.” His gaze left yours and went to his bag that had been sitting next to his right leg. Meanwhile, you stared at your now dusty shoes.

“Just try to tone it down a notch, okay mate?” He asked softly, his curious and innocent golden eyes scanning your face, awaiting your response.

You glanced at him from the corner of your eye for a second before you sighed. “… I will promise I’ll try.” You couldn’t make promises you weren’t certain you could hold. Hop smiled and nodded, putting his water bottle in his bag. “I’ll take what I can get!” He snickered. Abruptly he stood up, hauling his bag over his shoulder and grabbed you by your wrist. “Let’s get some ice cream to forget this.” You chuckled as you were pulled along. Ice cream sounds great about now.

Hop was right, he could handle himself perfectly. Now, that didn’t mean you weren’t on edge whenever you two were going places, but you managed to hold to your promise. Over time you became more and more convinced that he was capable and you let him go. When you two started your journeys and went your own ways, it dawned on you that time had past by swifter than you realized. He is a fighter, and if there’s one person who knows how to bounce back from being brought down, it’s Hop.

[twilighcreed]

“Imagine... Figuring out Ser Jorah was a spy against Daenerys — you’re lover — ,and you confront him.”

“Jorah!” 

The man turned around from his spot by the warm fire, his attention pulled away and to your stalking figure. He immediately became alert when he noticed the anger in your eyes, the hatred that was boiling. 

“Lord Y/N —” before the older man could get much of a word out, your solid hands grasp onto his tunic, lifting him up with your powerful strength, you slammed the knights body down onto a nearby make-shift table, the wood cracked under the sudden stress. 

You pulled out your dagger, pressing the sharp metal against his throat. You pressed it hard against his flesh, enough to break skin, but not enough to kill him — but you so oh badly wanted to. 

“You son of a bitch! You traitor!” you growled, pressing weight onto the man trapping him between your hard gaze and the breaking wood underneath him.

He gulped, his eyes wide, but he keep his posture calm. You were not to be wrecked with, especial since you were a dragon and skilled warrior. 

“Y/N —”

“Do not speak, traitor!” you boomed, pulling away for just a moment your first collided with the mans jaw.

“Y/N! What is the meaning of this?!” you heard your lovers voice. Glancing back, you noticed how she had a few of the unsoiled soldiers by her side. She stood tall, looking at you for answers. 

You looked down at Ser Jorah, your eyes hard and narrow. “He can not be trsuted.” you growled. “He betrayed you, Daenerys.”

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Jushiro Ukitake (Bleach) Extra

"Ukitake-taicho."

"Hai." He sends a smile your way, and you hold the cup out with flushed cheeks.

"May I have some more tea?"

"Of course!" He pours it happily, and Rukia is smiling at the atmosphere.

"I suppose she figured it out." You'd been denying it, but now looking at the both of you, it was adorable. You sip at your tea as Rukia and Ukitake converse. Your eyes trail over his body.

"Long white hair, slender frame, broad shoulders."

You were making a mental note in your head. You hadn't even realized. He was just so beautiful. It still surprised you that he actually returned your feelings. It was just so unexpected.

"I should get going, Ichigo will show up any minute. " Rukia stands, and you look up.

"Kurosaki Ichigo?" You question curiously. She nods.

"I have to make sure he actually gets to the head captain this time. Zaraki-taicho is always very eager to challenge him. "

You've seen on many occasions what happened to reapers who made the mistake of training with the fight crazed reaper.

"He is very determined."

"If there is time, maybe you can stop by. I don't believe (Y/N)-san has ever met Ichigo."

"I haven't." You confirm. You were a bit curious.

"I will." She bows, taking off and you watch as she leaves.

"I believe it's time for us to make our rounds to the Rukongai."

"Hai Taicho."

Placing your cup down you rise. When you do, Ukitake is looking at you.

"Is something wrong?"

He shook his head.

"I just like looking at you." Your cheeks are once again glowing.

"He sure is good at charming me." You loved the attention. It was nice.

"Arigatou Taicho. I..also like looking at you." you admit softly.

"That's good to know, although you should be more careful about it. I could feel your eyes on me the entire time Rukia and I were talking. "

You were sure it was possible for your face to get any redder.

"My apologies. " Ukitake laughs, patting your head.

"There's no need to apologize. I like the fact that you can't take your eyes off me."

He's way too good at this.

"We should get going." You lower your head, walk fast and Ukitake just follows with a proud smile.

The trip to Rukongai is fairly quiet. Just Ukitake's presence gives you joy.

"We need to keep a lookout. The head captain has been concerned about the number of hollows that have been popping up in this area. " You nod. The outer part of this area was where most of the hollows seemed to target. It could have been due to the reiatsu of the kids. Most of the ones that came from here usually grow up to become reapers. You were once in their shows. Energy like that, raw, untamed, it was dangerous. Especially when they were teaching themselves kido spells they'd seen other reapers demonstrate.

You pause, and Ukitake's gaze shifts to the side.

"(Y/N)."

"Hai." The both of you jump out of the way, just as a hollow strikes into the ground.

"Reapers."

"It appears you underestimate our abilities." Ukitake spoke. He was hovering in the air, and you were doing the same from the other side, watching the hollow keenly.

"Why isn't it attacking?"

 It looked like it was waiting for something. The light that shines behind Ukitake makes your eyes grow wide.

"Taicho!!"

He flinched at your tone, spinning around just in time to swipe the hollow that had tried to attack him. He'd been positive he got it, but it was gone before it even connected. He stared down at his hands, noticing the blue liquid on his wrist. You rush to his side, checking him for injuries.

"What is this?" You stare at the goo, and when you see his body stagger, it becomes clear. He spits out a mouthful of blood, and you panic slightly.

"T-Taicho!!"

"Damn it, I let my guard down." He was hunched over, but still in the air. He straightened slowly, but you could see the clear pain on his face.

"I'm alright. We have to be more careful. That hollow before, it was just a distraction. It appears this liquid has depleted some of my spiritual pressure."

"Clever reaper." You turn at the energy you now feel emitted from the hollow you're facing.

"(Y/N)-san, such an attack would only be good for a certain amount of time. That means for the time being, all it can do is attack. " He raises his sword.

"I believe I can hold it off long enough for you to get reinforcements."

He couldn't be serious.

"I know this situation isn't ideal, but I'm not at full strength. I can't risk you getting hurt because of my mistake."

So that was it. He was just trying to get you out of harm's way. It's apparent to you that maybe he's overselling well enough to even hold it off. It's possible that he's going to sacrifice himself so you can get away.

You look down at your feet, and Ukitake takes chances to look back.

"Get going (Y/N)-san."

Your grip tightens on your zanpakuto.

"I won't." Your words make him tense.

"(Y/N)-san listen to me-" The hollow disappears and Ukitake grits his teeth.

"Get back!" He barely senses it, and by the time he does, it's too late. It'a already in front of him.

"Die!"

He braces himself for the attack, but is stunned at the sight before him. In a blink, you're there. -Ukitake stares as your sword swipes the hollow straight across it's chest. It's pained screams echo. He expects to see a superficial wound, but the light that is emitted from your blade glows with the mark on the hollows chest. The one that had previously appeared has also fallen from what appears to be thin air. Both hollows wear similar wounds. It's apparent that the attack wasn't just a duo strategy. The smaller one is an extension of the original.

Both bodies hit the ground, disintegrating on impact.

"Your only mistake was laying a hand on the man I love." Your tone is so serious as you sheath your blade.

"(Y/N)-san you-"

Flashstepping, he yelps when you pick him up bridal style.

"Don't talk." you order.

You take off, and Ukitake can't do much but stare.

This was unexpected to say the least.

~

"I'm fine. " Your eyes haven't left since you brought him in. You fold your arms, Ukitake wears a little smile. "I know you were worried. I'm sorry (Y/N)-san. It's not that I think you're incapable." He straightens on his futon, and you turn your head away from him. He knows you're upset.

"You just thought it would be better for me to run, or rather leave you to die."

Upset is not the right word to use. It's clear that you're pissed at him.

"That was never my intention. "

"You're cruel Taicho."

"(Y/N)." He doesn't like when you wear such an emotionless expression.

"I should let you rest. Please excuse me." You move to stand, but Ukitake reaches for you. You flinch when your back hits the futon. You look up stunned. His hands cage in, and you gape. Ukitake looks angry, it's the first time you've seen him wear such a look on his face.

"You have to realize that I've just found you. I can't ever lose you (Y/N)." Your eyes shake, and soon, the tears are coming before you can stop them. They run down your cheeks, and you sniff.

"M-Me either. I love you Taicho. I don't want you to leave..." you lament. Ukitake's eyelids lower, and you brush your tears away.

"I understand. I'm sorry for frightening you. " He couldn't promise that if it came down to it he wouldn't do it again. But for now, he could offer you the comfort you needed. Your little sniffles make Ukitake smile.

"How do you manage to look beautiful even when you cry?"

You flush, smiling softly.

"You're too much sometimes Taicho."

He much prefers this happy look. His head lowers, and you gasp when he presses his lips to your own softly. Your heart has started to hammer, and all you can truly do is stare. Ukitake pulls back to gauge your reaction. He enjoys the redness that litters your face. You look so adorably flustered.

"How unfair." you grumble turning away. You're trying to save face, and it just makes Ukitake's smile widen.

"I love you too (Y/N)-san."

[animeloverskylarmoon]

Hanataro Yamada x Reader- Oneshot (Bleach)

"It's that punk again how pathetic." your eyes raised at the people gathered before you. A few of the reapers were gathered around someone. As you got closer you could see who it was.

 "Of course." you thought with a sigh. You don't know why, but somehow the blue haired healer always managed to get himself into a pickle. 

"C-Come on guys w-were all on the same side." you could hear the tremor in his voice. 

"Alright the fun is over I need him." you spoke boredly. A few of them stepped away from the reaper, and when his eyes caught you they lit up.

"(Y-Y/N)-chan!" Hanataro ran to your side and you looked over at the other annoyed reapers. One of them smirked. 

"Heh, you're always helping him, I'm starting to think you have a crush on the little guy." your face turned red. 

"Like hell I do!!" you bellowed. You raised your sword threateningly. 

"If you keep spouting such trash I'll make you regret it!" you barked. He took a step back when he felt your reiatsu start to overflow. He turned without another word, his friends following behind him. You sheath your blade with a huff. 

"Idiots." you looked back at Hanataro who was smiling at you happily. "W-What!" you demanded. Your face was getting hot by the way he was staring at you. He blinked, waving his hands around. 

"N-Nothing. Y-You're just always helping me. Thank you (Y/N)-chan." you looked away walking. "Whatever." you grumbled. Hanataro followed you and you kept your gaze low. Hoping he couldn't read the way his smile had affected you. 

"W-Why do I even like him?" You couldn't understand it. You were a fighter, he was a healer. The both of you were total opposites yet..you always found yourself helping him.

Sometimes you would go out of your way to make sure he was okay, especially since he was an easy target for some of the other reapers who apparently had nothing better to do than pick on the adorable guy. "(Y/N)-chan?" you looked up quickly in a sort of panic. 

"What's wrong are you okay!?" you asked urgently. You just assumed maybe something was wrong. Hanataro looked at you for a few moments before smiling again. 

"I'm fine, I was just asking if you were okay but you didn't respond so I thought something was wrong. " He stepped forward, taking your hands.

"If something is wrong you can tell me. I know I'm not much of a help, but I'll do what I can. You're always there for me, it's the least I can do." His blue orbs looked so determined, so generally concerned. 

"That's why...that's why I'm in love with him.." Hanataro was right, he wasn't strong, yet what had drawn you to him wasn't his brute strength, no, it was that look. The one that would do anything to help his friend even if he knew he could get hurt in the process. He was brave.

Your eyes lowered, pulling your hand out of his. 

"I'm fine don't worry. " You hated the fact that you weren't as brave as he was. Yeah, you could hold your own in a fight, but internally you were a coward. You couldn't even tell the one guy you had been in love with for years that you liked him. You swallowed. "Thank you though." you muttered. Hanataro grinned. 

"Of course!" He chirped.

~~

"Rukia-san, are you sure this is all the paperwork. " You tried to stifle a laugh as Hanataro tried to balance the large pile of documents in his arms. She nodded with a smile of her own. 

"Yes, although you don't have to try and carry them in one trip, you could always come back for the rest. " he shook his head frantically. 

"T-That's not necessary!" You knew why he didn't want to make two trips. He was probably scared he would get jumped again. You stepped forward, taking the top half of the documents. He titled his head. 

"(Y/N)-chan?" you raised your head with a light blush on your face. 

"It would be a hassle if you hurt yourself just carrying papers." You didn't say anything after that, you just started walking and Hanataro stumbled trying to catch up with you. 

"W-Wait up!!" He fell in step, the both of you walking side by side. Rukia watched the scene with a knowing look.

Hanataro's eyes wandered over you. He'd known you since well, forever. Back in the academy no one really ever paid much mind to him, yet you always seemed to be looking his way. You helped him constantly and he always wondered why. 

You never demanded anything in return. Nor did you pick on him like the others. In the back of his mind he thought, he hoped maybe you felt the same way he did. It was foolish. You were a strong beautiful fighter. And he was just well..Hanataro. There wasn't anything grand, so why, why did you even give him the time of day.

Hanataro had been so caught up in his own thoughts he didn't see you come to a complete stop. You were looking ahead with hardened eyes. When he noticed he stopped too. His eyes landed on the reapers who had been pestering him for the past week. The leader of the group stepped forward with a cocky grin. 

"What do we have here, two lover birds taking a stroll." you growled at him. 

"Beat it idiots, we're not interested. " His grin got wider. "We? So I was right. You are with the pathetic excuse for a reaper." he taunted. You gritted your teeth. 

"Shut up!!" you demanded.

"Oh! It's fine the both of you make a great couple." You exploded.

"SHUT UP THERE'S NO WAY I'D LIKE A WEAKLING LIKE HIM MUCH LESS DATE HIM!!"

Hanataro stood there hoping what he had just heard was all in his head. When he saw the wide smiles of the other reapers faces he knew it was true. That's what you thought of him. You probably felt sorry for him. No wonder you were always helping. 

"Heh, who was I kidding..of course that's what she thinks of me.." He should have expected it. There was no way someone like you would go for someone like him.

As soon as the words left your mouth you regretted it. Your eyes glanced back at Hanataro. Your heart clenched at the hurt look in his eyes. 

"Hanataro.." the other reapers looked satisfied at Hanataro's broken stare. 

"Of course not, glad you realize how useless he really is." They didn't say much else, walking off with laughs. You watched as they slowly faded from your view.

"Hanataro I-"

"It's fine." he cut you off. He gave you a smile, walking off ahead. You followed, unsure of what you could say. Every step you took felt like a weight on your heart. 

"You don't have to explain. I know you don't have those feelings for me. You are right though I am a weakling. " he laughed bitterly. "You don't have to keep looking out for me you know. It's probably a bother." Your hands gripped the papers tighter. 

"T-That's not why I.." you stopped yourself from saying anymore. Hanataro didn't look back at you. Otherwise he probably would have noticed the conflict in your eyes. 

"Either way, it's not necessary. I can take care of myself." you were shocked at how cold the words he spoke came out. The both of you continued on your way, neither saying a word to each other after that.

The weeks following that incident felt like hell. You weren't sure if Hanataro was avoiding you. Although it was pretty obvious he was. Whenever there was paperwork to collect someone else came to get them. Not once did Hanataro visit your barracks. You tried going to him and maybe apologizing for the harsh words you said. 

Every time you entered, as soon as he saw you he would make any excuse to leave. At first you understood, but after a while it got to you. You had blown it with him. There was no way he would talk to you again. All because you were too scared to admit your feelings.

"I ruined everything.."

~~~~~

You sat outside your captain's squad, tears falling to your lap. You didn't notice Rukia standing behind you watching the scene. She stepped out of the room finally making her presence known and you wiped at your eyes hurriedly. 

"R-Rukia-san." you said a bit startled. You didn't want her to see you like this, weak and broken.

She took a seat at your side. 

"Are you alright, you've been like this for a while. Do you want me to call Hanataro. I'm sure he can-"

"NO!" you yelled. Her eyes widened and you looked down. "N-No it's fine I'm okay." Rukia's eyes narrowed. 

"I have a feeling that has something to do with him (Y/N)-chan. He hasn't been by for a while now. He usually stops by at least once a week to say hello." you didn't answer, but she knew that was the case. 

From the looks of it, you weren't going to confront the problem. And Hanataro wasn't going to either. Rukia stood up, giving you a pat on the shoulder. She walked off without a word and you were thankful. Rukia stepped into the office with a new mission.

"Since the both of them are going to avoid the problem, I guess I'll just have to give you a little nudge."

~~~~

"Is there anything else taicho?" Jushiro shook his head. "I believe that's all." he said, shooting you a smile as he gathered the remainder of documents on his desk. You walked over with a sigh of relief as you placed what you had completed on his desk. 

"You've been working really hard. Would you like some tea." you giggled with a nod. Jushiro really acted like an old man sometimes. "Sure taicho." you accepted. He looked excited as he stood to get a kettle going.

Just as he walked off you heard frantic steps coming from outside. Your eyebrow raised when you saw the door fly open. Rukia rushed in with a desperate look on her face. 

"(Y/N)!!" she sounded scared. "I-It's Hanataro.." You could see the present tears in her eyes. Her voice broke and your eyes shook, heart thumping in fear.

"W-What's wrong!!" She was holding unto your shoulders panting. You could see the sweat gathered on her forehead. 

"There was a hollow attack at the fourth squad barracks. I-I was there talking to Hanataro when it happened. T-They came out of nowhere! There were so many. H-He pushed me out of the way, b-but h-he...he got badly injured. Unohana-taicho says he still hasn't woken up yet. " your body was trembling as you took in the information. 

"N-No.." you staggered for a moment, bolting out the door. Rukia watched as you went dashing through the barracks. When you were gone she wiped the tear from the corner of her eyes with a grin.

"Success!" 

Jushiro walked back in with a kettle in his hand. "Hmm, where did (Y/N)-chan go?" Rukia brushed it off. 

"She had something to take care of. Can I have some tea?" Jushiro nodded with a smile. 

"Of course. "

~~~

You pushed your body to go as fast as you could. When you finally got to the fourth squad barracks there was a visible hole in the wall of the building at the med area where patients usually resided. You panicked, rushing up the stairs. You were sprinting down the corridors, trying to get to your destination. You skidded to a stop when you got there. 

You almost ripped the door off its hinges trying to get in. When you entered the first thing you saw was Hanataro standing with a few scratches on his face. "Hanataro!!" he turned and you dove into his arms. He stumbled back, surprised at the way your hands wrapped around his neck.

"(Y-Y/N)??" you clenched him tightly. 

"I'm sorry!" you cried. 

"I-I'm so sorry for what I said!! It was so mean. I-I only said it because I didn't want to admit the truth. " Hanataro couldn't do much but listen as you rambled on. "I-I've loved you for so long and I was too scared to say anything so I-I lied when those reapers asked me. I-I was embarrassed. " Hanataro's body went rigid.

"D-Did she just say that she.." He was dreaming, he had to be. You just kept on going.

"B-But when Rukia said you were attacked by that hollow all I could think about is never getting the chance to tell you, a-all because I was a coward." you wept. Hanataro could feel you shaking against him. 

"I love you Hanataro, I love you, I love you!" Hanataro's heart beat increased rapidly at your confession. He pulled back with wide eyes. "You..love me.." you nodded with a smile.

"I love you so much Hanataro!" you confessed. Hanataro's eyes softened. This is what he'd wanted for so long. "I love you too (Y/N)-chan." your eyes started to well up with tears again. You grabbed either side of his cheeks, pressing your lips to his own. 

Hanataro's eyes grew wide at the action. He just stood there frozen as you kept your lips pressed to his. When you pulled away his cheeks were cherry red. You didn't seem to really process what you'd done. When you did you pulled away with a heavy blush. 

"Ah! G-Gomen!!" you apologized. You lifted your hand, blocking your lips with the back of your palm. Hanataro looked down at his feet, face still flushed.

"I-It's okay.." he mumbled. The both of you just stood there awkwardly for a while. Something finally hit you though. 

"W-Wait, Rukia said you were unconscious, how did you recover so quickly from the hollow attack?"

"Hollow attack? I wasn't attacked by a hollow." you gave him a blank look. 

"E-Eh?"

"Kurotsuchi-taicho brought a new invention of his, he said it would help charge some of the machines we have here. I guess I tried to charge too many at once because it exploded. " Your eyes moved over to the piece of metal that was smoking on the ground. "Is that so.." He nodded. "Hai!" you smiled, looking at the cute expression on his face. 

"You should be more careful, it could have been far worse. " He whined. "(Y/N)-chan don't lecture me." you shook your head at his pout. 

"You're my responsibility now so how can I not." you said folding your arms. He looked at you for a few seconds, a smile slowly making its way on his face. He bowed. "Then please take care of me from now on!" you flushed. 

"H-Hey no need to bow." you advised rubbing the back of your head bashfully. He stood up straight with a boyish grin. An arrow struck you right in the heart at his expression.

"Damn it..he's definitely going to be the death of me."