#rangiku matsumoto mentioned

[gauchestardust]

Lipstick - a RenRuki fanficfion.

In the Kuchiki manor, Rukia sits on the floor, Renji, who got invited by the girl, does the same, as the only thing separating them is the kotatsu. The manor's ambient is silent and solitary. The duo doesn't share a single word – they've been together since they were kids, Renji always talked to Rukia about literally anything. A mutual trust. The two shinigami know very well they can tell anything to each other. But this time: something's off. Both shinigami avoid each other's stares. Their faces are pink, red even, and hot too. It's like they were in a hot summer, although it's actually a very cold winter in Soul Society.

After what feels to be an eternity of silence, the red-haired shinigami finally speaks up. "So, Rukia...what have you been up to these days? I've been too busy working with Kuchiki-taicho– your brother. And...yeah, we didn't see each other a lot." He asks. In the same moment, the black-haired girl replies. "Ah, I think I've been okay. Matsumoto-san from the 10th division asked me to go shopping with her. I tried to tell her i needed to finish my duties with Ukitake-taichou, but well, it's Matsumoto Rangiku...she obviously haven't heard me." She replies.

"Ehh? And what have you two bought?"

"Well- a lot of clothes for Matsumoto-san, and she also offered herself to buy some dresses for me. And that's what she did." Sigh. "And also...a lipstick."

"Lipstick?? Really, Rukia? I don't think I remember ever seeing you wearing those."

"She told me it would be a great idea! For a..." At the moment Rukia formulates this phrase, her face slowly turns pinker than it already was. "...a certain reason."

"Oh really? And what would THAT reason be?" Renji comes closer to Rukia's face, with a smirk, as the girl tells him to shut up. "Mhm? Come on!"

"Ngh...!" She groans, pulling the redhead away. She gets up, walking to the closest dressing table. She approaches the small mirror and slowly applies the pink lipstick. Rukia does it in a slow pace, trying to seduce Renji (jokingly www). And surprisingly, it worked...! When the black-haired girl put the piece of makeup down, she saw him blushing even more.

"She looks so...h-hot..." Thinks Renji Abarai to himself, and quickly notices Rukia doing a gesture with her hand – a sign of 「come closer ♡」 – an opportunity he surely doesn't want to lose. The red-haired shinigami looks at his surroundings. "...well...Byakuya-taichou isn't here. Which means YOUR BROTHER isn't here. S-so..."

Renji gets up and walks to Rukia. Their huge size difference is noticeable. The male red-haired shinigami is so tall, being impressively 188cm (6'2 ft.), while the female black-haired shinigami is so petite, being just 144cm (4'9 ft.) – and he LOVES IT in her. He easily lifts her up, squeezing her small waist. She's just like a goddess in all ways! But that doesn't matter. At least not for now. It's time for Renji Abarai to feast the main course: her lips. This make him feel like fainting...!

They want to lose control. Renji wants to play with Rukia's lips, coated by that pink lipstick – it even has a scent, cherries...probably has a taste too.

"Ready?" The star asks.

"You bet I am." The stray dog replies.

But in the moment their lips are almost touching, both just pull away, blushing. "A-agh...! I don't know if I can do this...! I've never done this before..." The short shinigami groans, holding on her hairlocks. As for the tall shinigami, letting out a small sigh, gently holds her by the cheeks. Oh god...she's so soft, like a little bunny...

"Yo, Rukia. Don't worry, okay? Y-you know it's also my first kiss." He grins. "I gotta be honest. Since we've begun to get closer to each other...even before training to be shinigami...I have always dreamed of having you on m-my arms...you know, kissing you...–"

"..." Rukia doesn't know what to say. She just keeps listening.

"And y'know...knowing my first kiss will actually be with you...i-it's so— m-mhm...?!?!"

Renji looks down, only to see he got interrupted by Rukia, pulling him by the yukata's collar, on the tip of her toes. Her lips finally touches his. A kiss that starts kindly, but slowly turns into a hot kiss, as Renji holds Rukia on his arms, sharing the pinnacle of passion for a silly duo of teen lieutenants.

He responds to this, pinning her on the floor, with her arms open, as the kiss keeps going. Not only their lips touch, but their tongues too. Rukia lets out soft moans, squirming in pleasure. "Renji~...o-oh my god...~" She says, breaking the kiss. "T-that was...wonderful...magical..."

"Ehehe...y-yeah...that was awesome, Rukia. Look, thank you so much. Thanks for being my first one." Renji speaks up, thanking her. He have always known, but now it's definitive: he wants to be with Rukia Kuchiki forever. He wants to marry, have a life with her.

But before he could even finish the phrase, this time he gets pinned in the floor. He looks at Rukia pinning him, seeing a smirk on her face. He's going to get rewarded.

.

.

.

Now, the only things heard inside the Kuchiki manor were kissing, smooching noises and the male shinigami moaning. And after that, Rukia picked up the small mirror from the dresser and showed it to Renji. The redhead had the best vision he'd ever seen on his entire life, his reflection, his loose hair, as Rukia untied it during their moment; his face full of her lipstick marks, not only face, but neck too. And it's obvious that the shorter shinigami wouldn't stop right there.

"Well~ since my brother isn't here...we can make the most of our little fun time. Let's just hope no one comes at us now~" Rukia says, trying to act seductively. Turns out she's not the absolute best at this, but Renji loves it anyway.

"Oh god. Why not? We're lieutenants, we gotta have a break sometime." Renji gets up, picking up Rukia and carrying her to her room. It's so...so adorable. He puts her down on the bed and decides to take a look at the room.

It's full of bunny related things, especially related to chappy. There's some dresses scattered in the closet, the dresses Rangiku bought to Rukia, and also that dress Uryu made for her. And also...he notices something on the counter, he looks closer and picks it up.

It's that Chappy keychain he gave her while she was hurt, resting on that futon. He bought to her but turns out at the time, Ukitake-taichou gave her a HUGE Chappy, bigger than Soul Society as a whole. He got very envious and jealous at the time. He looks at the Chappy keychain, seeing she took great care of it, she actually loved it...it's a dear gift for her. Despite not being very used to affection, those gifts were the embodiment of heaven to Rukia. Gifts that comforted her.

The two lieutenants look at each other as Renji walks to Rukia and hugs her. "I love you." That's what they say at the same time, descending into their little heavenly moment of kissing — with love, a small temporary paradise for them.

.

.

.

Some days after their act, Rukia encounters Rangiku walking on the snowy streets, wearing a charming, pink scarf. "Ah, Matsumoto-san...!" The shorter girl calls her attention. The busty woman turns to her, examining Rukia with her blue eyes.

"Oh? Oh, hey, Kuchiki-chan!" She grins, leaning at her. "Why are you speaking to me all of sudden? I thought you'd be busy." Rangiku says, chuckling. Rukia just rolls her eyes.

"I just wanted to thank you..." She says, looking at Rangiku's grin turning into a confused face. She then explains. "You know...thank you for giving me that lipstick. It was because of it I could...a-agh..." She pulls the taller woman closer and whispers in her ear. "I-I filled Renji with kisses...and he loved it."

"Y-you what?!?! My my...! I'm so happy for you, Rukia...how was it? Did you two enjoy the moment?" The busty lady asks gently, seeming genuinely happy for Rukia. "You deserve it! You two are so close to each other...it was already expected."

Rukia blushes, looking away. "Y-yeah. But anyways...thank you so much, Matsumoto-san...I could finally kiss him...well, we can...go shopping later in the human world if you want to." The black-haired girl smiles and then walks away.

Rangiku Matsumoto waves to Rukia as she walks away. Then, she turns to walk back to the 10th division. "She's so happy, it's adorable. It surely worked. I'm so glad I could help her in love~"

Additional notes: look, this was my first...long fanfiction? since the others i have made were too short, though that ive never submitted them. i will post this one on AO3...when i have the motivation to.

i'm not used to writing these, but i hope you all like it. i'm a fan of renruki (i want to find more merch of them but it's so hard to find in aliexpress...), and to satisfy my renruki needs, i wrote this. hope you like it.

[starcatcher144]

Storm Brewing (Part 2)

Another request! I apologize for the wait! Cang Du Lives Au request granted and continued!

Character(s):

Bazz B

Cang Du

Giselle Gewelle

Candice Catnipp

Liltotto Lamperd

Meninas Mcallon

Mention of Bambietta Basterbine

Toshiro Hitsugaya

Rangiku Matsumoto

Gremmy Thoumeaux

Kenpachi

Mention of As Nodt

Tag(s):

Mention of Character Death(s)

Character Death

Uncomfortable Character Dialogue "

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Bazz B stared at Cang Du, who seemed to stare at the dead captain and lieutenant. He felt confused as to why he let him fight against the captain. He knew Cang Du was a loyal soldier towards Yhwach, so why?

Cang Du seemed to have read his mind and turned to stare at him. Cang Du blinked at him before resuming staring at their kill. Their... What a funny word. He scowled, expecting for Cang Du to answer. To his surprise, he did.

"He was suppose to be my target. Why did you take my kill. His majesty had orders for us to kill the captains with their stolen Bankai," Cang Du said. "At least you could have gone for his lieutenant."

"Seem like I care!? I could have stolen anyone's kill but you stole an interesting kill! So I had to take it!"

Cang Du looked at him and gave him a hard glare. "You had no right but to follow his orders."

"Oh! So why didn't you interfer!? Is it because of your damn belief?! Philosophy!?" Bazz B spat, his voice rising as well as his annoyance.

"His Majesty's orders. Follow what you are told. It is very simple. As for my philosophy, I reenforce it when necessary."

Bazz B grit his death and glared at him, wanting to burn a hole on his neck or pick up a fight with him. For him, the battle was just a breeze against the captain. He had enough energy to fight him.

Cang Du must have sensed him because he gave him a stern glare. "This battle is not against each other but the captains."

It pissed Bazz B that Cang Du had not snapped at him back and keeping his temper down, if he had any.

"W-Well your welcome!! I don't give a damn if you live or not!" Bazz B snapped and turned around, ready to departure and join battle.

Cang Du turned his attention towards the opposite direction, though he was guessing he was going to fight other captains. Bazz B clicked his tongue in annoyance and left Cang Du alone with the captain and lieutenant, both of them resting, together. He rolled his eyes at the cold thinking of Cang Du yet began to question why he believed it. He shook his head and continued to venture off to another battle.

He stopped to rest a bit and began to scout, killing enemies in sight, after killing soul reapers (sadly, those that crossed him) he felt everything shake. He stopped and stared at Gremmy fighting. He scowled as he saw him fighting the strongest of the captains, Kenpachi.

That is what you get for stealing someone's prey instead of waiting patiently... he thought, scowling to himself.

He stopped his train of thoughts when he noticed a fireball, large enough to crush what used to be Seireitei. His eyes widened and gritted his teeth.

"THE HELL THOSE THAT IDIOT GREMMY THINK HE'S DOING!?"

He watched as the fireball grew closer and closer, until the small figure of Kenpachi jumped and sliced it in half. He watched as the battle continued, seeing that Kenpachi was truly a monster. He felt his annoyance growing inside of him like the flames he creates.

Finally, he watched as Gremmy somehow got the opportunity to suffocate Kenpachi, killing him. He huffed, turned around and continued his journey. He stopped abruptly when he was the Female Sternritters. He frowned slightly when he noticed that one of them was missing.

Bambietta... Must have died in battle... he thought to himself.

He appeared behind them, watching them stand where Kenpachi's body was. He frowned slightly.

"The hell are you guys doing?! Aren't you all supposed to go hunting for Soul Reapers!? If you "

"Shut up Bazz B! We are deciding if Gigi should use her ability on him. He could be an advantage!" Candice snapped.

"Though I think I should get the credit and decide if you should do so," a voice said from behind.

They all turned around and saw Gremmy, smiling at them. He knew that smile was not sincere and was only send chills down your spine.

"Gremmy! You idiot! We could have all died!!" Bazz B snapped, a vein popping.

"But did you die, I see you more than alive," he said coolly, unaffected by their expressions.

Bazz B clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"When this war is over, I will have time to relieve all the stress that I feel. For example, Candice, would you?"

Candice gave him a look of disgust, not wanting to know what he was referring to. Bazz B shook his head.

"Getting the ladies riled up, aren't you?!" Bazz B snapped.

"Don't worry, I can make anything happen and soon enough, you shall understand," Gremmy said eerily.

Meninas shuttered, now feeling fear, now wondering where As Nodt was. They heard an explosion, bringing their attention to it. Their eyes widened when they saw who it was.

Ichigo Kurosaki.

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A/N: Sorry for taking too long but here it is! Enjoy! :3

Also, sorry for the long list of tags...

[gallusrostromegalus]

You’ve mentioned several times that Matsumoto is deeply weird, could you explain how?

I think Matsumoto is Autistic and EXTREMELY good at masking, somewhat to her detriment, to be honest.

Point the first: Matsumoto drinks a lot- or at least, is SEEN to be "drinking" but she's rarely actually drunk. She's practically sober relative to her companions the few times we see her drinking in a group. I think that she's not drinking that much- She's getting *just* tipsy enough to: 1. Take the edge of some of her sensory issues and 2. To give her plausible deniability if she blurts out the wrong thing or says something that comes out way more rude than she intended. 3. Surround herself with people whose social inhibitions are lowered and whose skills are a bit clumsy- like how she feels all the time.

Point the Second: Matsumoto is Constantly fucking tired. I think the midday naps are the result of constantly overclocking herself to stay socially likeable and ignore how much that 'silly' thing is bothering her and probably also a sensitivity to barometric pressure changes that lots of Autistic people have.

Point The Third: What evidence do we actually have that Matsumoto is a Bimbo vs this is an act she puts on? IIRC, we don't have canon proof she sleeps with anyone in the series except MAYBE Gin, before they became shinigami. It's been 15 years since I read the series but for someone who certainly dresses and talks and plays up her reputation as a Bimbo, Matsumoto doesn't seem to have much sex. I think the Bimbo persona is just that- an act. It's an act she's learned gets her the kind of attention she wants- In the Rukongai, it was probably a great way to earn hella tips while working service jobs before she became a shinigami, in the academy nerds would be falling all over her to help her study, and as a seated officer, the carefully cultivated Bimbo persona means she can sort of excuse herself from any project she doesn't want to work on.

I'm basing that last point, and a lot of Matsumoto's characterization in AEIWAM on my aunt, who is an attractive big-chested blonde who didn't get diagnosed with Autism until her Mid-fifties. But SO MUCH of Matsumoto's mannerisms and behavior from the Manga remind me of Aunt Sophie- she has a doctorate in Theater Science now, but while she was working undergrad, she was a bartender who cultivated a persona she called "Bartend Barbie" who was a silly, slightly drunk and giggly bimbo with an impressive collection of blonde jokes at her disposal, and "Barbie" got about five times in tips what she was being paid hourly, and that's how Aunt Sophie graduated without student debt in the 80's. She's also recently made the connection between how her severe masking is and her profoundly deep understanding of how theatrical roles are played.

I think Matsumoto Rangiku is very autistic but has had a long time and a lot of practice masking to the point where she has an intensely convincing and extremely likeable persona that she uses almost constantly, and that prior to his betrayal, Gin might have been the only person that knew Matsumoto from before her "Barbie" days.

I don't know what Matsumoto's special interests are. Kubo wasn't great at giving his female characters interiority. I'm tempted to give her Aunt Sophie's understanding of theater, but I'm open to suggestions.

[brittscafe]

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚

Pairing: Rangiku matsumoto x fem! reader

Summary: Rangiku worships insecure fem! reader.

Request: Heyyy. Pls can I get a Rangiku x Fem! Insecure! Reader body worship where Rangiku just keeps praising reader but reader is sad gorl but she comforts and tells her how lucky she is to have her. As always remember to take care of yourself

A/n: Heyyyy!! Ughh, this is so cute and soft. I was gushing when I was writing thisss 😩

Content: Pure fluff, mentions of being insecure, sad girl moments.

Ko-fi link (anything is appreciated <3)

"Aw, come on now, my darling. You know how much I adore you," Rangiku's voice is like butter, soft and the words slip out so easily. She's almost speaking in a teasing tone, giving you goosebumps along your arms. A soft, comforting, teasing tone that makes your heart skip a beat.

You're both sat on your shared bed. Her hands are on your face, thumbs caressing your cheeks and eyes locked onto yours. She presses a soft kiss on your lips and runs her hands down your waist, feeling the soft, warm flesh.

"I love your curves and the way your body looks. Your body looks so amazing, y/n," Rangiku gushes, her voice going up a pitch as she's excited to gush about your body.

No matter what she says, the thoughts still linger in your head about your body.

"Whatever," you mumble out, drifting your eyes away from her. You wrap your arms around your body and shift away from her. Rangiku frowns for a minute and places her finger underneath your chin, bringing your face back and lifting it up, so that your eyes meet hers.

"y/n, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I am so lucky that you are mine," Rangiku speaks firmly and truthfully, eyes never leaving yours as she does speak.

For just a moment, a slight smile starts to form on your face and Rangiku's eyes light up. Her hands travel up and down your waist, squeezing you lightly. She bows her head down and starts placing kisses on your shoulder through your shift.

"So so so pretty," she mumbles in between kisses, moving onto your other shoulder. Her hands slide down your waist and onto your tummy where she massages it.

Her hand is so warm and feels so good. She slides her hands down onto your thighs and her thumbs does circles on your inner thigh.

"Such a gorgeous waist and thighs I would love to be suffocated in," Rangiku comments, glancing up at you with mischief in her eyes.

"Rangiku!" you scoff out, mouth gaping out with shock. She giggles and shrugs her shoulders.

"You're like a supernova, y/n. So stunning. I love your hands too. They're soft and they hold mine when I need it," Rangiku comments and you huff out, rolling your eyes with amusement.

She grabs onto your hand and gazes into your eyes as she brings your hand to her lips, kissing it ever so gently. She does the same with your other hand, making sure you know just how much she loves them.

"I love you so much." she whispers, leaning her head up and catching your lips in a soft kiss that makes you melt on the inside.

[dreaming-about-seireitei]

Re: the 'talk about for hours meme' -- "2. Certain fictional characters : from books or anime, I can give you full essays on them"

Could I have your full essays on Matsumoto and Shinji!! (Feel free to split into two posts if it's weird/too long to do them both in one, haha.)

OUH. MYGOD. This is what I have been waiting for. Yesssss I CAN. Also, I think I will split it into two separate posts, because I want to cover more aspects. So this will only be about Matsumoto Rangiku. But beware, you brought this upon yourself. It will be long af (roughly about 1900 words). I hope it all makes sense!

Also, everything I say is totally my opinion, the way I see them, and the "analysis" (nothing too formal) I made is based on anime only and/or maybe some spoilers (because I don't own any Bleach manga yet😭)

In the beginning, I need to mention that in my opinion (and as I mentioned in a previous post), she is actually a very humane, relatable and complex character. And this is why I like her so much. However, she is, most of the times, underappreciated.

So usually when people are talking about her, they get to mention her her physical appearance, which is normal and is what you do with everyone, but then something interesting happens.

When it comes to her personality, she is often viewed and portrayed as a shallow, superficial and unbothered woman. Kind of the standard beautiful but ignorant woman trope portrayed in most media.

But she is not just a plain character made to fill in some gaps and have a few lines. And while I agree she has a few flaws (that I'll talk about later), I feel like this portrayal of her couldn't be more wrong.

In actuality, she is a very well constructed character, that we subjectively misjudge, because we have certain expectations when we see an architype of fictional universes and forget to look past certain traits. And you might ask "Okay, dude, but what do you mean by that?" Well, let me explain.

But to get even deeper with how much of a complex character she is, as we go further along with the anime, we know that Gin leaves with Aizen. Even since then, we knew something was going on with those two, when he apologized to her. But as it was revealed later, Gin was her childhood friend, the one she even lived with for a while. The first person she ever loved from what I know (not sure if romantically or platonically, but love, none the less). Now, imagine how destroyed she must feel about him leaving with a man that betrayed, used and lied to everyone in their community without any explanation whatsoever. More so, imagine how worried she must be everyday for him, not ever knowing if he'll come back. Imagine how she has to live with this constantly in the back of her mind, and still be a good shinigami and fight with the fear that one day, she might have to fight him. The strength one has to have to be able to continue life with these realizations in mind, every day, without breaking once, is colossal. How mature you have to be adapt to this kind of situation so fast, even if you hate the reality this is bringing you in, is the proof of being not only very emotionally intelligent, but also intelligent overall. And not to mention how she carries this burden seemingly alone, because nobody seems to ever ask her if she's alright or care whatsoever for her problems, probably because of her optimistic, cheery personality.

Firstly, when we initially get to meet her, in the episode of Aizen's "death", we see her restraining Hinamori and getting her to jail, as a good lieutenant would do at the orders of her captain, right? But after that, we witness a conversation those two have, in which we can clearly see that Matsumoto does empathize with Hinamori, telling her she understands how frustrated she is, but she needs to think about her squad and priorities and to not make any allegations (when Hinamori was about to say she knew who "killed" Aizen).

In that small dialogue, we get to understand that not only, is Rangiku very levelheaded, but also she cares about Hinamori enough to tell her it is not her place to make those accusations and she lets to be understood that she will regret saying anything more, and tries to guide her to better priorities. She does everything in a serious, yet not necessarily harsh manner. She feels as many emotions as everyone about what just happened, and yet she thinks about what is best to be done and how to be efficient, while still empathizing with and not blaming Hinamori for anything. And she keeps that attitude towards her even later, in the fake Karakura Town arc, when Hinamori clearly calls Aizen "captain", but Rangiku still has an understanding, yet compassionate and worried attitude towards her (and to be honest, that is more than I would've had for her at that point). That already says so much about her character and moral compass.

Which brings me to the next point. We always see her as being this bright, obnoxious ray of sunshine. Party girl who likes to drink, sometimes a little too much (but I would too in her situation), who's everyone's friend. From hanging out, getting drunk with the boys, or being there for Hitsugaya (she was even the one who told him to be a shinigami in the first place, and made sure to make him understand it would be best for him to do so), to even having a heartfelt conversation with Orihime when she gets jealous and depressed. Rangiku is an optimistic, reliable person who you can have fun with and trust with your heart. But who's there for her the way she is there for others? Because I don't see her talking about any of her personal issues, besides this one exception with Hitsugaya once. So not only is she strong to keep herself composed and with the mind clear, ready to battle anytime, but she is also succeeding in doing so alone, with no support system (that I know of). So she has the power of continuing to battle for what is right and be there for everyone in a very enthusiastic way, with a broken heart that still has room for hope, and with an intelligent mind that still makes room for fun.

Now, everything I have mentioned so far are her positive traits. Of course, she wouldn't have been a very good constructed character if she didn't have any flaws. That's also what makes her even more relatable and humane. But what is again very interesting here, is that her flaws seem to be very much in contrast with her positive traits.

Also, talking about being ready for battle, there is one more point I need to add. Considering everything I mentioned earlier, we also need to talk about how good of a fighter and strategist (not to mention how strong willed) she is.

Remember: she had a portion of her soul stolen (at least that's what I understood) by Aizen! And if we are to recall the encounters she had with arrancars (and fights overall), we can surely say she had some interesting strategic moves, as well as some decent, interesting decisions in battle. So we can only imagine what kind of a fighter she would have become if she had her soul intact. All though I will not dive deeper into this (because I will have to rewatch all of her fights, and even then get into a subject that I'm really not good at), I can definitely say she is not a lieutenant for nothing. She is definitely a capable, devoted and loyal lieutenant, fighter and ally.

We can also see a similar circumstance with her shallow and vain demeanor whenever she talks about shopping and getting nice things. Because we need to remember she grew up poor! And not only that, but she was dying of starvation. When Gin found her, she was on the verge of death. And as she grew, like most kids in Rukongai, she had mostly nothing. So to one extend, I can really understand why, as an adult, she would prefer to spend her money as she likes without any reservations. I think it helps healing her inner child and can also be a coping mechanism that she developed along the years, to help cope with everything she goes through by herself.

When we think about her flaws, we picture in our minds her laziness and how conceited and vain she can be sometimes. We can also talk about how unbothered or easygoing she seems to be in many situations. And her drinking problem (which I am not going to talk about, because in my own balkan view, it doesn't really look like a problem, just that when she parties, she goes hard, and I would too and I get it).

But I found that her laziness is in strong contrast with her strong will to fight and how ready she is for battle anytime. Which is not something a lazy person will do. We have plenty of great characters that can be very intelligent and impressively created, but who are very lazy and find many things (such as fighting) as a "drag" or "nuisance". She could do the same, but she doesn't. Which leads me to believe that it's not laziness per se, it's most likely the boredom and uninteresting facade of doing chores like paperwork. And I see that as fitting to her, because she probably needs strong and intense sensations to fixate on something and not be distracted by her own mind (my opinion).

And even that, I think it really depends on how important her role would be as the responsible person in said situations. Because if you remember the flashbacks of her being a lieutenant under Kurosaki Isshin, she was the one who scolded him for not doing work. Of course, it wasn't like she was working anywhere near the amount Hitsugaya would, in any day, but still more than now. And I think that was exactly because someone had to. It was important for the captain to have someone who would nag him from time to time, so that's what she did. Just like how it is important for Hitsugaya to have a ray of sunshine to cheer him up and get him out of his sometimes-too-serious way.

And sure, she doesn't like being called "old", like most women, and she cares about her looks a lot, but I think that also comes from a place of not knowing or having the privilege of getting to care about those things as child. Which she finally has now, as an adult, and of course she takes advantage of that now and thinks about those things.

With all of this being said, I think the only conclusion here is that Matsumoto Rangiku is a strong, very reliable, smart woman with the emotional intelligence above many other characters (and people) that we get to see usually in fictional universes (or even real life). She is the kind of person I would love to have as a friend, and I wish I could have the honor of being there for her, because she deserves it. With a heart of gold and a personality brighter than the sun, Matsumoto Rangiku is the glue that holds so many things together and is one of the many needed pieces of our Bleach puzzle. And yes, she is also very hot and I would tap that.

And concomitantly, we see her seemingly self-absorbed personality that shows up from that to time and the contrast that makes with how much empathy and devotion she demonstrates.

This made me think of just the way we perceive people sometimes without having the full story on them. Because I think that it may be a misunderstanding of her character.

What I mean by this is that, maybe, we misunderstood those traits, and in reality is just her confidence. A lot of self confidence and care for one's self can be missinterpreted as shallowness if we either don't have the full story, or if that person is not slightly modest in admitting the good things about themselves. Which is an interesting way to see her, that would further demonstrate how cool she is (but considering this hypothesis is only that, a hypothesis, it might just be two contrasting traits she has, which either way, make her an interesting person).

Bonus: this is the song that always reminds me of her for some reason -

[milky-fixx]

otome/dating sim headcanons: gin ichimaru

what’s he like as a character in a dating sim?

tw/cw: suggestive content, mild 18+ content at end, modern AU, manipulative behavior, Gin. Gin himself is a tw. word count: 2.6k

- Gin is clearly that trickster character that's hard to pin down or get a read on. His route is one of the side routes that you can play only after playing one of the main character’s routes at least once. He works with Aizen in a corporate setting, but on the side, he’s definitely involved in some sketchy business. It’s either drug-dealing, or yakuza stuff, or both. Something that aligns with his scant morals. He does all of Aizen’s dirty work while he gets to maintain his clean image, but even Gin’s loyalties to him seem a bit tenuous.

- You can't tell if he actually likes you, or if he’s just bored. He never loses that sly smile of his, and he doesn't offer up much of himself. While playing his route, you get the feeling that you’re much like a mouse being toyed with by a hungry snake. He likes to alternate between call you his little mouse, if you choose dialogue options that veer towards shyness, or his little rabbit, if you end up showing some sass. Either way, it’s a patronizing nickname.

- The main way to earn his affection is: indulging in his banter, not snooping around in his business, and not revealing too much about yourself. Gin likes to play with his food before eating it, but a quick meal is never satisfying. He likes someone who’s a bit hard to get to know; it makes him appreciate the chase and the cornering, and the inevitable moment when he breaks someone’s guard down, only to break them. That being said, he doesn’t being ignored entirely, so if you play it cool too much, he loses interest. He is also incredibly secretive, so there’s not much he’ll reveal to you. It’s a tight rope to walk, so it might best to look up a guide for his route.

- His gorgeous childhood friend Rangiku Matsumoto appears several times throughout his route, and you wonder if they’re something more. If you’re on track for his good end, she reveals to you that she’s often worried about Gin’s behavior and the things he involves himself in, and asks you to keep an eye on him when she can’t. You two become close friends.

- Dates? What are those? He’s not the kind of guy to bring you on dates. He’ll show up at your work or other places you frequent. He has the uncanny ability of showing up wherever you are. Sometimes it’s just to say hi, and other times it’s to start a quick conversation.

- Do you like persimmons? Nope? Well now you do. :) It’s his favorite fruit, and he brings you one every time he sees you. If you’re not a fan of them, he responds with a coy, “I’ll make ya like em.” You get the feeling he’s not just talking about the fruit...

- He goes long periods of time with no contact, or disappears suddenly. While it does make you worry if you’re on the right track, you quickly realize it’s just his personality. It does gives you time to snoop in secret. Definitely do not try to get close to Aizen; you’ll lose points if you do. Not to mention it’s near impossible. Even if you find him attractive and are hoping for some kind of side fling. Their third work associate, Kaname Tousen, is not particularly friendly to you once you mention Gin’s name, but there’s no points lost by talking with him. Rangiku is your best bet, but trying to befriend his assistant Izuru Kira sheds more light on Gin’s less desirable qualities, and also yields the option for an alternate ending...

- Gin kisses you pretty early on in the route. He is most likely to initiate physical contact first, but at the expense of a lack of emotional intimacy. You’re asking him too many questions about himself, and he’s always been curious about what his lovely little mouse/rabbit looks like when flustered. He kisses you to distract you, but also to satiate his own greed. When it’s over, all you see a flash of his icy blue eyes before he closes them, and comments on how you’re exactly what he expected you to taste like. But after that, he disappears for a few days LOL.

- There’s a steamy scene you can unlock for a night at Gin’s place, right before the end scene, but you have to be careful about how it’s triggered. If it culminates from you constantly asking him about his side work, trying to cling to him, and reaching out when he disappears, well... he’ll show his fangs. He uses you, and the next morning he cruelly kicks you out, and you find he’s removed himself entirely from your life. On the other hand, if you give him enough space, he’ll come to you naturally, driven by his own insatiable curiosity. While you still wake up alone in his bed, there’s a scene where he emerges freshly-showered from the bathroom and well, if you choose the right dialogue options, the last scene you see before the screen fades to black is him pinning you to the bed, his towel discarded on the floor, a coy smile on his face as he asks if his little mouse/rabbit is hungry...

- If you ask him how he feels about you, he’ll respond with that unwavering eerie smile, probably some simpering comment about how you entertain him, but that’s it. Most of the time, he’ll evade the topic. Don’t expect a straightforward confession from him. You get the sense that even he doesn’t know how he feels about you, or at least want to admit it. If you really want his facade to crack, even for a second, it’ll have to be triggered by you in danger.

- Between all the options, he’s most likely to have some crazy shit happen in his route. You have to be careful about just who you interact with, especially when they find out you’re associated with Gin. He has quite a few enemies, or at the very least, loose allies who intensely dislike him. You’re most likely to get kidnapped, or held at gunpoint. If the cards play right, he saves you. If not... well...

BAD END 1

Conditions: Asking him too many questions about himself and what he does, seeking him out, clinging to him.

You get kidnapped by a notorious crime syndicate that goes by the Arrancar. You wake up tied to a chair, and a terrifyingly tall man with a huge smile and a white eyepatch is interrogating you on how much you know, when Gin appears. You expect him to save you, but he smiles cruelly. He didn’t come here to rescue you. The last thing you hear is a gunshot.

BAD END 2

Conditions: Asking him too many questions about himself and what he does, seeking him out, telling him that you’d put up with any and all of his tactics to be with him.

Same scenario as above, but Gin gets you out of it this time. The thing is, he’s very distant afterwards. You try to call him only to hear his line has been disconnected. Weeks pass and it seems like the memory of a silver-haired, grinning snake are just a dream... There’s a basket of persimmons rotting on your desk when you get back to work.

NEUTRAL END 1

Conditions: Demanding him to be honest and quit playing mind games with you, admitting that you can’t be with someone who you can’t trust, ignoring his messages.

Gin never contacts you after the night at his place. You see him one day strolling the shopping district with Rangiku. You approach him and he comments that rather than helpless prey, you’re much like a bird, and he can’t swallow you whole without clipping your wings first. You’re puzzled and as you stare at his retreating back, you wonder what kind of guy expects you to wait around for him, to be satisfied with half-truths and unread messages.

You figure you’re much better off single. 

NEUTRAL END 2

Conditions: Demanding him to be honest and quit playing mind games with you, admitting that you can’t be with someone who you can’t trust, befriending Izuru

Gin never contacts you after the night at his place. You run into Kira while browsing books at a local bookstore. He’s surprised you even remember a guy as nondescript as him. You learn he writes poetry, and you ask if you can read his some time. He recommends you a book by his favorite poet. You exchange numbers, and a few months down the line, you’re reclining on him, listening to the lines he’s written. He stumbles over his words a few times; he hopes you don’t notice the poem he’s written is about you. (Of course you notice.) You reach for his hand, and he entwines his with yours. It’s nice to know where his heart lies—between your clasped hands, in his trembling, adoring voice.

GOOD END 1

Conditions: Asking Gin to be more honest with you, but not forcing him to change (he won’t), telling him that despite his shortcomings, you still want to be with him (maybe you’re a masochist?), ignoring his messages after he reappears into your life, while telling him that two can play the ghosting game (he does like his games)

You’re having lunch with Gin, or rather, he’s playing with a persimmon while you eat your lunch. He steals a few of your gyoza while pretending he’s not aware you’re watching. You ask him why he can’t just buy his own lunch, when you know he has money, and he responds that it’s much more fun to annoy you this way. (Maybe he also wanted to try your cooking but he doesn’t want to ask nicely. It’s much easier to steal and then charm his way into obtaining forgiveness.) He still disappears every once in awhile, but at least now, he knows he has to put in the effort to get you to warm up to him again. It’s fine though—the way he sees it, what’s life without a little challenge? You don’t question his life choices more than you need to, but you do ask him not to make you worry. He throws his persimmon into the air, before catching it, then cocks his head to the side.

“What’ve ya got to worry for?”

“Oh, I dunno. Maybe your exceptional talent at pissing everyone off.”

He grins wider. “You’re not wrong.” His smile fades a bit, and then, he says in a low voice, “Just for ya,’ I’ll try. Since ya’ asked so nicely.”

And maybe that’s all you can ask for.

GOOD END 2

Conditions: Not forcing Gin to change, but warning him that even snakes get hunted for their skins, telling him that even prey have to trust their predators to want to stay close to them, admitting that maybe he’s bad for you, but maybe you like it, ignoring his messages after he ignores you

“You’ll get hurt,” you tell him softly. You know the signs by now. Whatever kind of illicit business he’s involved in, that has people with strange tattooed numbers on their faces coming in and out of his place, that had him frowning when you mentioned seeing a tall man with a white eyepatch trail you at work—whatever it is, it’s reaching an inevitable crescendo. And you know he has to play a pivotal role in it.

He waves it off, as always.

Gin once told you that you were like a rabbit. He was wrong. You stand between him and the door, defiance in your countenance.

“If you leave again, I’m not letting you back in.”

His smile drops. “Ya’ don’t mean that.”

“And if I do?” His eyes peel open, his icy gaze pinning you to the door.

It’s silent for several beats.

“Well, I’ll just have to slither my way back in, huh?”

It’s not a promise, but it’s the closest thing to one he offers you.

He reaches past you, for the door handle, but as you look away, disappointment churning heavy in your gut, his hand grasps your shoulder. He leans down, his lips brushing against your ear.

“‘Sides, I can’t up and disappear now. I got ya’ waiting for me here.”

He nips at the junction between your collarbone and your throat, his hand sliding beneath your shirt, to your back, pressing you closer to him. You let out a gasp, tangling your hands in his silvery hair, and a low sound rumbles in his chest. He grips you tighter, his teeth biting down harder at the sensitive skin of your neck. His hands are cool against your waist, as if leaching the heat from your body.

He pulls away suddenly, and for once Gin is looking something short of sure. His brow creased, he’s seemingly engaged in his own mental debate.

“Fine.” You sigh, stepping aside. “Go. I can’t stop you.” 

He doesn’t make a move to leave.

Finally, his hand reaches for the doorknob, pausing before he turns it.

“Yer still gonna be here, right?” he asks.

You look up in confusion. “Um—y-yeah.”

He smiles at you, and it’s not like his usual, sinister curl to his lips. It’s softer. It’s the first time you’ve seen Gin smile with a hint of genuineness. 

“Good. ‘Cause I never finished my meal,” he says. Your cheeks warm at the way his gaze darts down to your neck, where his lips just were, before leaving.

When you check in the mirror, you see why.

He left a dark purple bruise on your neck.

SECRET EPILOGUE

Conditions: Triggered after Good End 1 or 2. Must have chosen flirty/suggestive dialogue options during night at Gin’s place.

You’re neck-deep in the hot water of your bath, stressed as you are by work, by not hearing from Gin in weeks. You don’t hear your phone go off with a text message. One second you’re reclining against the tub, eyes closed and head tilted back, and the next, the door clicks open. You scramble for cover, only to be surprised once you see Gin standing before you.

He’s in a full suit and tie, and something about him looks terribly haggard. At your wide-eyed stare, however, he laughs.

“Ya left an extra key under the mat,” he says off-handedly. You furrow your brow, attempting to recall if that’s the truth, or if, like all things Gin does, he did it in secret. His eyes trail with keen interest over your body, barely covered, as he yanks his tie off. “Can’t believe ya started without me, my lil’ rabbit~”

“What are you—” He gets in the bath with you, not even bothering to take off his clothes. Your brow furrows as you watch the water seep into his dress shirt. 

“Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

He shrugs. “‘S fine. Not like I paid for it.”

You’re about to tell him that’s not what you meant, but you’re distracted by his clothed leg nudging yours underwater. Taking your eyes off him proves to be a mistake. He springs forward, kissing you suddenly, his mouth hard against yours. He cages you in place with his body, using one of his hands to balance himself on the tubs’ edges.

“Lil’ mouse, I wonder...” he mutters once he’s pulled away, his hand cradling your chin between his thumb and index finger. Like you’re game he’s caught, and is about to devour. “How long can ya hold yer breath underwater?”

[rose-riot-johnson]

My Tumblr Peeps... Today, I have a treat for you, fanfic wise... Since I'm using an image of Toshiro Hitsugaya (from Bleach) for the header image (newest header image so far), I decided to write about him for the first time ever🧊🥶❄️🌨️😁👍

*This fanfic contains 1 or more long paragraphs😅

🧊❄️Spending Time In The Cabin With Toshiro❄️🧊 (Toshiro Hitsugaya x Any Gender Reader)

Genres: Angst and Comfort (Warning⚠️: Some Language, Mentions of being bullied, and Possible Trigger Warning(s))

The day you met Toshiro Hitsugaya, for the first time ever, was also the day you were assigned to squad 10 of the Gotei 13, which you found out he's the captain of squad 10. You were surprised he looked a little different (and actually different), than you expected... You were trying your hardest to not upset your captain in anyway, especially with thinking on how to word things the right way, since you liked him, already. Toshiro wasn't thrilled with you taking long on figuring out on how to introduce yourself, however he decided to gladly introduce himself first, because he feels that it might help you with your self confidence, especially when it comes to conversations, as he said, "I will start, since I noticed you're a little nervous. By the way, my name is Toshiro Hitsugaya... Since I'm your squad 10 captain, I rather you call me Captain Hitsugaya or Captain! What's your name?".

You have noticed how Toshiro was approaching you on how long you were trying to introduce yourself "properly" without upsetting him, the fact he seems easier on things than his other subordinates (including his squad 10 lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto), and he seemed more pleasant, than most people (if not everyone), you had ever known. You then shook hands with him, as you replied, "Nice to meet you... Captain Hitsugaya... My name is, (Any Gender Reader Name)... You seem nicer, than I expected... I know you didn't have to be nice, considering you're the captain of the same squad I'm in, however I'm thankful that you seem, like your more pleasant than most people I knew... If not every person I knew, anyways...". Toshiro was a little confused about you calling him pleasant, as if he thought you were joking or something, however he let that slide, as he lightly, smiled, then replied back, "Well (Any Gender Reader Name), it's nice meeting you, too. And if there's anything you need to talk about and/or someone to talk to, I will do my best to be there for you.". You then agreed, sheepishly, "Okay, Captain...".

As time went by, you somehow grew comfortable with Toshiro, as the both of you were starting to know eachother, little by little. You basically told him more about yourself, however you just haven't told him about the very personal stuff that happened in your life before you went in the academy to become a soul reaper of the Gotei 13. Despite of everything, Toshiro told you about talking to him about stuff you need to talk to, you still are afraid of telling him very personal stuff and being yourself, because of everything that happened with you, before you became a soul reaper.

For your entire life, everytime you tried opening up about your personal problems, being yourself, and opening up about your likes (and hobbies), you were either judged, or pushed away, or bullied, or other horrible things get done, regardless if it was by family, or friends, or people you used to try dating (or had a crush on), or etc... You just felt like all you could think of doing is holding everything inside, ignoring your baggage, invalidating your feelings, pretending that you're constantly okay, and pretending that you're never stressed once in your life. Your life revolved around being used to having to keep everything inside to the point where you never had sight of your true self to begin with, no matter how much it hurts.

One day, Toshiro and Rangiku both noticed that you have been bothered by the things that are on your mind (and heart), that you're keeping to yourself. He suggested to Rangiku to let him handle talking to you, while coming up with plans to get you out of your shell, even if he has to makesure you don't know about the plan of having you open up to him. So, he went up to you and asked you to go on a camping trip with him, as he told you that he knows an empty cabin both you and him can spend, atleast a couple nights in, which you accepted his invite, pertaining the camping trip.

Once both you and Toshiro are set to go on a camping trip, you followed him on a hiking trail (in the woods) that leads to the very cabin he mentioned to you about. You noticed that since you started your walk on that hiking trail with him, you began to feel peace and calmness for the first time ever. It's like, as if you never wanted this moment to end.

"We're here now, (Any Gender Reader Name).", Toshiro happily shouted, as the both you finally made it to the cabin, he mentioned to you about. Toshiro then continued, "And since we will be spending atleast couple nights there, we might as well get ourselves set up for supper and maybe later wear something comfortable for tonight...". You were surprised that he said this to you, considering that everyone else you knew would complain about anything you wear, before you became a soul reaper. Even your supposed to be friends in your past had bullied you about bundling up during the winter months calling you an "Eskimo", a "Sasquatch" and "Big Foot", however when you wear cooler clothing for hot weather, they had went, "Eeeewww! Put some clothes on!", even though you weren't wearing any revealing clothing. It was just how your life was and you can never win, even with your clothing choices. "I think I will cook supper tonight, (Any Gender Reader Name). My treat!", he whispered in your ear. The both of you then went inside the cabin.

Once Toshiro finished cooking supper, he notices that you dressed up in pajama short and a t-shirt, which he enjoyed the sight of and since it's a warm summer night, he was fine with what you're wearing. He pretty much secretly has a crush on you, after he met you. Considering your low self-esteem, you on the other hand thought he was thinking about poking fun at you as you sadly asked, "Do you think I need to cover myself more, captain? Please, tell me? Am I exposing, too much of myself?", as a tear rolled down your face. With a low frown on your face, you then continued, "I just would like to know. I feel like I should cover up...".

As Toshiro notices tears rolling down your face, he replied, "No, (Any Gender Reader Name). If you feel comfortable, then don't cover or uncover more than you feel you need to. I've seen much worse. I assure you, that what you're wearing is fine... I promise you're not exposing anything.", as he then touches your left hand with his right hand. "You really mean it, Captain Hitsugaya?", you asked. He then looked into your eyes, as he answered, "Ofcourse. I meant every word that I said. I would never poke fun at you. I promise what you're wearing is fine...".

Toshiro then continued, "Anyways, (Any Gender Reader Name)... Since we're in the cabin, I figured we can get to know eachother better and in private, as well... So, you're allowed to be yourself and if you in anyway need to talk to me about anything, I may get upset, however I will try to be there for you... And there's something I would like to con...". Before he can even make his confession to you, you basically cut him off, as you sobbed, "I never knew how to be myself properly to begin with nor have I ever had sight of my true self... Everyone I tried being myself with, open up about how I feel about certain things to, get comfortable with clothing I feel fit wearing around, open up about my likes and hobbies to, and my damn opinions to, I either get judged, mocked, bullied, pushed away, and everything else bad that happened to me! It doesn't matter, if it's family, those who were supposed to be my friends, those who were my crushes, those who I used to date, even my neighbors or anyone else... All these horrible things always happen to me... As my life has been going like it was, my whole life and the older I get, I had to learn to do what everyone else wanted me to, even if it's always something I'm uncomfortable doing... I had to learn to pretend to be okay and never stressed... I needed to learn to not to have negative emotions, no matter how painful it is... You name it, Captain Hitsugaya! My baggage doesn't matter! I was once told that the less I tell, the better off I am! As long as I'm not getting shunned nor bullied nor anything else bad happens to me and as long as everyone else is happy, then everything will be fine. So, why should I bother opening up to anyone, if I'm going to feel weak from it! Everyone else is always right over me, while no matter what I do, if someone says their opinion that's not mine or gives me a dirty look, or even laugh at my expense, then I'm always in the wrong. I have to hold everything in, so I don't keep being a burden for anyone else!". Toshiro was shocked about what you just said being the reason why you hold everything deep inside of yourself and is wondering, if this has been on your mind (and heart) prior to him inviting you for your camping trip with him.

Toshiro then calmly replied, "So, if I'm right, everything you just said is why you've been timid about talking about anything pertaining yourself. And anything negative you said about yourself due to the pressure others had put on you before you became a soul reaper, that's not true... You're better than what others say, think, or even feel about you, your opinions, your feelings, and other things... You're never a burden and you're never weak for opening up and talking about what's bothering you. Those who open up about how they feel are strong for it, not weak...". You then shouted, "How would you know, Captain Hitsugaya?! It's not like you went through any of it! Not even keeping things to yourself!". Toshiro then was starting to get annoyed, as he shouted back, "Ofcourse I know what it's like holding my problems and keeping them to myself! You actually think you're the only one who is or ever has been in any part of your situation, you certainly are incorrect!", then he realized that this was his first he had ever yelled at you, while he felt he needed to calm himself down, as he continued in a calmer tone, "Look... With keeping things to yourself... It doesn't make you strong... Not like you believe you had to learn... Keeping everything to yourself and fighting things alone will only make things worse... There's always someone who cares about you atleast somewhere... They will worry about you... Talking about less as you possibly can doesn't mean you're better off... It's good to keep your guard up, however holding everything in will hurt others who care about you, too... I care about you..."

You looked at him, as if you thought he was only saying this to make you feel better, then you asked, "You... Really... Care... About... Me?". Toshiro then replied, "Ofcourse, I truly care about you. If I didn't I wouldn't have invited you to come with me nor have a talk with you nor encourage to talk about how you feel and being yourself... You obviously can't hide everything and fight everything all alone... Not only you hurt yourself, however you also hurt others, such as myself... I'm not sure, if you met the substitute soul reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki... He is someone who taught me that it's important to open up about your problems, instead of fighting everything alone... So, what I'm telling you now is, we're in this together and I don't usually say anything romantic nor lovey dovey stuff, however my confession for you is... I... Love... You..., (Any Gender Reader Name)...". You then walked up to hug him, as you continued to sobbed, as he then hugged with you, while petting your head.

Toshiro then calmly whispered, "It's okay now, (Any Gender Reader Name)... Let it out as much as you need to... Anyways would you like to... You know... Have these kind of hugs of when you lay down...". You stopped sobbing, as you replied, "You mean cuddles, Captain Hitsugaya? Ofcourse, I'm up to cuddling tonight... We both need it.". Toshiro was surprised that you knew what the word "cuddles" is. He was actually actually happy about it and your answer with cuddling. After that night your relationship with Toshiro has become official.

After these couple of nights you spent in the cabin with Toshiro, all of the other soul reapers, even Rangiku noticed a big difference in you. You became more open about your hobbies, how you feel, etc... You're even able to be your true self and finally have sight of your true self. And it's all thanks to Toshiro Hitsugaya. And he's so proud of you, that he even introduced you to Ichigo Kurosaki.

❄️🧊The End🧊❄️

I did write a somewhat unusual ending... Anyways I was recently rewatching the Bleach movies and there's a particular Bleach movie that is part of why I felt inspired to write this fanfic the way I did, which was "The DiamondDust Rebellion". It did took me a while to write this fanfic down, however for possibly a week or so, I did have alot going on where I couldn't mentally focus on completing any fanfics until hours earlier with the previous fanfic I have posted😅 Anyways my Tumblr Peeps, I did have fun writing this fanfic and I hope this fanfic helps make your day and/or night❄️🧊🥶🌨️☀️🌕

[bleach-smashorpass]

At this point, who is the most smashed gal and guy of each category and who is the most passed?

Rangiku Matsumoto (93.1%) and Renji Abarai (90.6%) are currently leading for most smashed gal and guy, whilst Saizo Sakahone (98.1%) and Misato Ochi (66.3%) are the most passed guy and gal respectively.

Worth noting there are still several polls still open, and four or so manga polls left to post, so all the results won't be available until some time next week, and then we'll compile and release various stats. As previously mentioned, after the manga polls, the anime-only characters will be polled, but I suspect these will generally be less popular for folks.

[moonbeam-writing]

— Baby Me, Please

๑ Characters: Rangiku Matsumoto (Bleach)

๑ Contains: Mention of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder); AFAB Reader, Use of/Allusion to They/Them pronouns; Can be read as romantic or platonic; Mention(s) of PMS and Period symptoms; Mention of food; SFW

๑ Quick Note: This is entirely self-indulgent, haha. I have been... Unwell these last few days.

—

"Sweetheart..." Rangiku cooed, looking at the lump on the couch, obscured by a blanket. She knew what was underneath and knowing practically broke her heart. The only thing that seemed to keep her from entirely shattering was that she was here and able to help.

Rangiku knelt down next to the couch next to where she assumed (Y/N)'s head was. "Hey, baby." Rangiku placed a gently hand on top of the blanket, softly moving her thumb back and forth.

"Hi." Rangiku sympathetically smiled at the ball on the couch, hearing their small response.

"How long have you been like this, hun?" (Y/N) took a deep breath at Rangiku's soft voice, barely feeling the path of her thumb, but taking in the comfort anyways. Despite not wanting to move their body even slightly, (Y/N) pushed the blanket just enough to uncover their face. Even though (Y/N) was in immense pain and absolutely hating themselves and the world, the sight of Rangiku when their eyes adjusted to the light made them feel better. It didn't quite solve or fix anything, but Rangiku Matsumoto was always comforting.

"A few hours." (Y/N) mumbled, sniffling, trying to keep their nose from running. The arm that moved to push the blanket out of view moved back to the bottom of their stomach as they felt their body tense. "Why–" (Y/N) exhaled, slightly moving against Rangiku's hand which was now soothingly carding through their hair. "Why are you here?"

The Lieutenant shrugged. "Things were quiet, thought I'd drop in." It was quiet between the two for a moment before Rangiku spoke up again. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Can you maybe get me some medicine?" She gave a hushed 'of course,' pushing herself up from the floor. Seconds later, Rangiku came back with medicine, a few crackers, and a water bottle. She knew (Y/N) well enough to assume they hadn't gotten food since they curled up into the fetal position. "Anything else?"

Shakily, (Y/N) pushed themselves into a sitting position, their weight against their left arm. "Baby me, please?"

Rangiku laughed softly, looking down at them with their slight pout and doe eyes. "Anything for you."

[withloveoptimus]

Request info and Rules <3

i've been meaning to do this for a while and thanks to an anon asking if i take requests, i shall be doing it now !

(note: stuff will be added as i go along !)

What I will write;

romantic scenarios

platonic and familial scenarios.

female, male, and gender-neutral reader. (i beg that you are specific when requestion x reader !)

hcs, scenarios, and short stories.

character x character (depends on the ship).

smut, angst, fluff.

mildly triggering content (with trigger warnings ofc).

poly relationships.

What I won't write;

anything offensive in ANY way (racism, transphobia, etc.)

extremely triggering content (SA, abuse, etc.)

sexual content involving minors (not even aged up).

What to include when requesting;

character(s) you want me to write for (a limit of like 4-5 characters).

the general scenario, plot, and hc

anything you want to be specifically mentioned/included

pronouns for x reader requests (i will do gn!reader if there aren't pronouns mentioned)

don't be vague, if you have a clear idea of what you want to request, please tell me ALL OF IT. even if you feel like it's too much bc i really don't mind <3

Fandoms I write for;

Transformers (Bayverse, Knightverse, Prime, and G1) Characters: Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Jazz, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Arcee, Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Mirage, Prowl, Megatron, Starscream, Knockout, Breakdown (yk what i write for all of them basically LMAO) Genshin Impact Characters: Zhongli, Venti, Ei (Raiden Shogun), Diluc, Kaeya, Hu Tao, Xiao, Ganyu, Keqing, Jean. Reincarnated As a Slime Characters: Rimuru Tempest, Veldora, Shion, Benimaru, Souei. Inuyasha Characters: Kagome Higurashi, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Sesshomaru, Rin, Kouga. Bleach Characters: Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, Uruyu Ishida, Sado, Rangiku Matsumoto, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Grimmjow jaegerjaquez.

if you aren't sure if i write for a character or fandom that's listed, please still feel free to request and i'll try my best to deliver ! <3 thank you so much for taking the time to read this, i really appreciate it !!

[n3on-graveston3s-calling]

Redemption

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You know Kurotsuchi-taichou was killed.”

“Yes.”

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

“Nemu could act as defacto Captain.”

“She can’t. She’s a child again.”

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

“Doesn’t have a Bankai. Or a Shikai.”

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

“You know what I’m asking, Kisuke.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Days Later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She was already gone.

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

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

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

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

One Month Later

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

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

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

“What are you suggesting?”

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

“URAHARA KISUKE? DESERTER.”

“LIAR, A DANGER TO SOUL SOCIETY.”

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

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

“THEY’RE TRAITORS TO THE SOUL SOCIETY-”

“THEY ABANDONED US YEARS AGO-”

“THEY SHOULD BE KILLED-”

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

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

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

Two Weeks Later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’d be more alarmed if nothing had changed. It has been over a century, after all!” His head tilts back, studying the sky. “It feels strange to be here again.”

“It does.” The sound of a little voice calling had both men pausing, glancing behind them, only to watch as a little black haired girl came bouncing over, nearly stumbling over her sandals. Nemu. Akon knelt down, arms open, allowing the girl to climb up into his arms. “Nemu, meet Urahara Kisuke. He’s taking over as Captain.”

“I remember him. Where’s your hat?” She asked, big dark eyes gazing up at Kisuke.

“Decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear at a meeting,” he winked, and with a wave of his hand, it was as if the hat appeared out of thin air. Nemu’s eyes widened in surprise, mouth dropping open into a little ‘o’. “But I never wander too far without it.” Gaze turning, he took in the sight of the Division, how much it had changed, how large it had become. “Well…”

“Wherever you want to begin, I’ll guide you to it.” A grimace. “Notes? Or did he burn them all again?”

“Surprisingly, he didn’t.” A shrug as Akon began to walk once more, carrying Nemu as if she were his own. Members of the Twelfth stopped where they stood and bowed low, murmurs of welcome echoing through the air. “I don’t think he had the foresight to do that.”

“Good,” Kisuke nodded, clapping his hands together. “Then let's get to work.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

That Night

The night air was cool here compared to the warm autumn air of Karakura Town. Geta clopped along the top of the wall idly with no true direction. That is, until the sound of a snicker drew the attention of the shoe’s owner. Head tilting, Kisuke glanced behind himself to find Hirako Shinji standing behind him. “Can’t sleep?”

“Haunted by the past.” Kisuke replied, settling down on the wall. Was he in Shinji’s Division? He hadn’t realized he’d walked that far. “You?”

“Insomnia’s a bitch.” Shinji settled down on the wall, kicking his heels against the sturdy structure idly. “... It feels good to have you back.”

“Does it?” He mused, stepping closer before settling down, shoulder bumping Shinji’s before leaning against the other. “Never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Fuck off,” Shinji teased, leaning his weight back against Kisuke’s shoulder. Together they sat, silence falling across them like a light dew in the early morning hours. Without speaking, Shinji reached over, taking hold of Kisuke’s hand. Calloused fingers drifted over stitched scars. “She did a number on you.”

“Benihime is a benevolent woman. I respect that,” Kisuke replied softly, watching Shinji’s fingers. “What about you? How’s your head?”

“I’ve had worse.”

“Touche.” A chuckle slipped free from both men. Kisuke sighed, leaning over to rest his head atop Shinji’s own. “This is what you missed?”

“This and more.”

“It doesn’t feel right without Hiyori yelling at us. Or Love laughing. Or Hachi worrying…” Brows furrowing, he sighed. “But they like it in the World of the Living.”

“They’ll never come back.” Shinji’s voice was soft, regretful, full of anger pushed down beneath the surface. “It’ll never be the same.”

“No, it won’t,” his eyes closed, memories of days long passed flashing within his mind. “... But at least some of it will be.”

A smile curled Shinji’s lips as he pulled Kisuke’s hand up to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to his knuckles. “Some of it will be, Captain.”

“Captain, eh?”

“Shaddup.”

Laughter filled the night air, so light and joyful, it was as if nothing had ever changed.

[grimmichi-ao3-feed]

[New AO3 Fic!] Something We Can Dance To

by henryhoorray

It's always Renji who drags Ichigo along to concerts he didn't mean to go to, and it always ends with the ginger's world being turned upside down one way or another by a set of strikingly blue eyes.

Words: 26034, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Bleach (Anime & Manga)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, Kurosaki Ichigo, Kurosaki Family - Character, Abarai Renji, Nelliel Tu Oderschvank, Tia Harribel, Matsumoto Rangiku

Relationships: Grimmjow Jaegerjaques/Kurosaki Ichigo

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Getting Back Together, Metal Music, Amputee Grimmjow, Ichigo is a bookworm, Song fic, OC mentioned - Freeform, idk what I'm doing wheeee

Read it now on AO3!

[rinusagitora]

I've turned like sour milk.

Fandom: Bleach Characters; Karin Kurosaki, Toushirou Hitsugaya, Momo Hinamori, Shunsui Kyouraku, Shinji Hirako, Lisa Yadomaru, Roujuurou Outoribashi, Rangiku Matsumoto, Izuru Kira, Shuuhei Hisagi, Renji Abarai Pairings: HitsuKarin-centric, mentions of RenShuuKiraHina, Rannao, ShinRose, & ShunUki Words: 4.2k Summary: Karin's dead now like she's always wanted. She's lucky enough to be housed by Momo and her spouses, but her troubles are far from over. Warnings: References of suicide & self-injury AO3: works/54973525 A/N: Written for HitsuKarin Week 2024.

Karin left the World of the Living wearing shorts and a tank top, barefoot having left her shoes on the bridge. Now she wears a white kimono, folded over like she's a corpse. She can't stop fiddling with the sleeves. She isn't used to their bell-shape. She isn't used to the fabric.

They trek through Ichibantai. The division is, more or less, what Karin expected it to be: antiquated. The floorboards squeal while Momo and Toushirou guide her towards the soutaichou's office. The building is a labyrinth, almost dreamlike. Evergreens cast shadows on the walls no matter where they are or how deep they venture. It's unnerving.

She knows this plane is but a graveyard. The overwhelming majority of the people here have died and carry that horror with them and it shows. Toushirou is now a century old. He still remembers the Russo-Japanese War and cholera. He got misty-eyed when she cracked a joke that he died on the can, and she's never felt as much of an awful person since, even after they made up. Naturally, the plane in which these people reside reflects the dawning of mortality, especially at night when the veil is thinnest. The knowledge of this doesn't keep the most primal parts of her from bristling.

They pause in front of a massive, carved door. Momo repacks her tobacco pipe, lights it with a spark from her snapping fingers. She takes a deep breath and knocks.

Shunsui is not what Karin expected. He opens the door, fixing a lively kimono over his shoulders.

"Hello. Thank you for meeting me at this time," he says. She smells sake on his breath. Her heart pounds. There's an odd emittance from him. Everyone has an aura. Toushirou's aura provokes the image of a dragon coiled around a snow-capped mountain. An icy exterior with a longing for stability found in authority. Momo's is a balefire in a meadow, or pushing around chicken in search of divination. Shunsui's aura is harder to peg. It's like a jack-in-the-box, if the puppet on the spring was a live snake. He is not the facade he dons.

"Soutaichou," Momo says. The three bow in unison. "Thank you for your accommodations. I understand it's after hours, but I presume you understand why I'd like to get this finished sooner rather than later."

Shunsui steps aside and they enter the office. The rice paper doors are open to a manicured stone garden. It's warm, despite it being late spring now, and she sees a kotatsu and a fire going in the pit. 

They take a seat around the kotatsu. Karin's legs ache the second she assumes seiza. The way Shunsui lounges makes her think they're being too formal, or that he loves seeing others prostrate.

"I'm sure you all understand these are most unusual circumstances," Shunsui says.

Momo smiles. "Is anything to do with the Kurosaki usual?"

Shunsui hums. He pours four glasses of sake. "Neither of you were present for Kuchiki's execution, but Kurosaki gave us the opportunity to save her from the execution and bring light to Sousuke's crimes. I can appreciate disruption."

He slides sake glasses over to them. Karin gingerly takes her cup and sips. It burns. This is far from her first taste of liquor, but it's strong shit. She's fuzzy the second it hits her belly. 

"Kurosaki-chan," Shunsui says. His cup touches his lips. "What were the circumstances of your death?"

Toushirou chimes, "She--"

Shunsui's hand lifts to stop him. "I want to hear it from her."

She's staring into the eyes of a nasty spirit while they drink. Her throat will be slit if her gaze averts. 

There's a dozen reasons why she drowned herself, each worse than the last, and increasingly private. She's never been good at politics. Even with the Gotei's multiple life debts to Ichigo, she's certain whatever she says will be held against her.

Karin gnaws on her lip and says, "This is all I've wanted."

"To die?" Shunsui says.

"No. To become a shinigami."

He chuckles. "But a short eighty years, and I'm sure you would've accomplished it."

"Eighty years of bumping into things isn't a life," she argues. "I'm sure you've seen my work, Soutaichou. It's all I want."

"Being a shinigami isn't all about exorcism," he says.

"I know. Toushi-- Hitsugaya-taichou is secretive, but he tells me there's a lot of paperwork no matter where you go."

"You've wanted this for a short... what? Five? Six years?" You understand we live forever unless we're killed or starve, right? Eons of fighting. Of dreary paperwork. Of the world ending. Over and over again."

Karin's heart pounds. She wishes it was dread. Instead, it's the thrill of a roller coaster. Of a promise. Of fresh love.

"May I ask a question, Soutaichou?" Karin says. He waves as permission. "In your years as a shinigami, have you been unfulfilled?" Shunsui is quiet. "My issue isn't as simple as disliking school. Even when my grades were okay, I'd look around what I could do with those skills, and all of it just seemed like a chore. Nursing was fulfilling, but I never had the bedside manner for it. The times I've battled hollows, and the times I've worked with your officers, have been the only times my skin has fit right.

Karin slides her cup onto the tabletop. "You ask why I killed myself. I couldn't go on, day after day, in skin that fit wrong."

"You're so much like your brother." Shunsui sips. "You've always done what's right for you."

Karin frowns. "Is that--"

Toushirou interrupts with, "That isn't an inherently bad quality, Soutaichou. Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions took out over half of our biggest threats for the Winter War during their excursion to Hueco Mundo. I'm confident our losses would've significantly increased if we faced the full force of Aizen's Court." He sips. "She has just as much to offer, and without Kurosaki's shortcomings."

Shunsui's gaze drinks her in. "Then what are your shortcomings, dear?"

Karin swallows. She isn't sure what else to do other than tell the truth. "I'm not always good at listening to authority. I have a temper as well," she replies.

"A temper?" Shunsui reiterates.

Momo scoffs. A cloud of tobacco billows around her face, and she says, while ashing her pipe into a ceramic tray, "All due respect, Soutaichou, our own have far more dangerous tempers. Is it not Mayuri Kurotsuchi-taichou who beat his lieutenant and daughter up until her demise during the Wandenreich invasion?"

"Kurotsuchi-taichou's usefulness is undisputed."

"That's exactly what I mean. Whatever shortcomings Karin has are a fraction of what we have in our uppermost echelon presently. You yourself acknowledge that acting against authority isn't inherently bad. Was it not you and the late Ukitake-taichou who rebelled against Central Forty-Six and your predecessor's orders for Rukia's execution? Do our present captains not have destructive tempers? Were we not founded on slaughter?"

Shunsui taps his cup with his finger. "I see now why you are so special to Nanao."

"I was given lucidity once Sousuke's influence was erased. She values that."

Shunsui leans back on his palm. "My niece has lived a thousand years and accrued wisdom of the ages for it. You have been the only one to share that, and at an infinitesimal age. Your input is one of the few I can take at face value."

There's a wave of indignity from Toushirou that Karin chooses to ignore for now. He's always butthurt when people aren't falling over his prodigal skills.

Shunsui stands and they stand with him. He circles the kotatsu and meets Karin. "It would be an honor to have you as our own, Kurosaki-chan. Once the exams open, you'll take an aptitude test, and your education at Shin'oureijutsuin will begin.

Karin smiles and bows. She can't believe this shit worked. "Karin is fine, Soutaichou. Thank you."

Shunsui bows, and they bow afterward. "Best of luck to you all. Good night."

Karin follows Momo and Toushirou into the night. He grabs her hand. She's fuzzy from booze, but optimistic.

"Well, that went spectacularly," Momo sighs. She takes a moment to puff from her pipe. "Now that that's done, let's go make merriment. Supper should be ready, don't you think?"

Toushirou sighs. "I'm just glad Muguruma's cooking skills are rubbing off on Hisagi."

"He's always been a good cook, you're just spoiled by Obaa-san's cooking."

"Yeah, yeah..."

Karin's heard a fair amount of Momo's husbands from Toushirou. He doesn't seem to get along with them, but tells her their relationship was more strained a few years ago, before the wedding. She's having trouble recalling any of their names, but knows one of them is a close friend of both Ichigo and Rukia, which is bad news for Karin. Ichigo's friends always seem to take his side. They always seem content squashing her under his heel.

Where else can she go, though? She isn't ready to move in with Toushirou so soon. As much as she loves him, she's filled with foulness. She isn't sure he can survive much more of her insanity. Of her self-destruction. God knows killing herself isn't the end of it. Wounds still fester within her.

Momo and her husbands reside in a classical double-decker with a garden and a spacious engawa. She hears ducks nearby and there are potent, joyous waves from within, wafting over her with the sound of laughter. It makes her chest ache.

Momo opens the door to a long entryway where their sandals are shed. "Toushirou, go ahead and meet the party. I'm going to get Karin out of those clothes."

"Alright. See you in a minute," Toushirou says to Momo. He turns to Karin and kisses her cheek. Karin smiles while fiddling with her sleeves. "You too."

Momo takes her past a remarkably open and modern living area, up a set of stairs, through a hallway lit by magical lights, and into a bedroom. She opens a closet brimming with bedding and boxes, and pries one from the neat pile, briefly opening it, and frowns. "Ugh, I might have to loan you something of Shuuhei's. You're much... flesh-ier than I am."

That's one way of putting it. Karin isn't tall. Taller than Momo, but it isn't terribly uncommon for anyone to be taller than Momo. The issue is she's as endowed as an hourglass. Her breasts are large, her hips are wide, and her arms and legs are as thick as the haunches of a horse. This has been a deliberate effort, of course. Karin loves nothing more than to be the image of power. But it does spell difficulty when she needs to borrow clothes from others. When Jinta and Ururu would take her home, each of them covered in the blood of hollows, the only one she could dream of fitting into was Tessai's drawstring pajamas while her clothes were in the wash.

Momo does find a suitable kimono. It's sleeveless and slate blue. Momo removes it from the box in search of an obi, and scoffs when she doesn't find one. "Ugh, I'm sorry. My husband wears... unique accessories at home. Let me grab an obi from my uniform to affix it, dear."

Karin pulls apart the obi holding the kyoukatabira she wears, sheds the rest she wears, and dresses in a loin cloth and the yukata. Momo finds a belt to shut it. It's clear these clothes were made for someone with a much flatter chest than her own. In order to keep the hem even, Karin keeps the collar open. She wishes she had tape to prevent a wardrobe malfunction. But ultimately it is workable.

Momo smooths the fabric over Karin's shoulders. "We'll get you some clothes soon, dear. This will have to do tonight, though," Momo says. "Are you okay to go downstairs now?"

"Better now than never."

They descend the stairs and Karin is taken to a large dining area brimming with jovial atmosphere. She hears laughter and smells hot food. The rice doors are open to a garden with a pond and something like four ducks. There are so many people here. At least a dozen. Karin recognizes Rangiku, and there's a redhead built like a brickhouse that Karin is certain she's seen around Karakura. He's likely Ichigo's friend.

Upon seeing Momo and Karin, the attendees lift their glasses and shout, "Banzai!"

Momo smiles and they take their seats. "This is a spectacular turnout for a last minute gathering," Momo says. Karin crosses her legs on the floor. "Thank you all for coming. You're our dearest friends, and I hope that our ward will find friendship among you all."

Karin bows from her seated position. "Thank you all for having me."

Rangiku laughs and waves her hand dismissively. "Oh, you're too formal! This is a party, isn't it?" 

Toushirou reaches over with a cigarette. She takes one in her lips and takes a drag once he lights it. A scrawny blond man, simply swimming in a shinigami uniform, shovels various dishes and two drumsticks from a fat turkey onto her plate. Karin thanks him, noting the gold wedding band against his gray skin. His reiatsu is a weird piecemeal of misery and something like four others. It's weird. Karin is curious, but doesn't have the opportunity to ask about it when Rangiku asks, 

"Well, Karin-chan, how are you feeling? Death treating you well?"

Karin isn't sure whether or not Rangiku knows that Karin committed suicide. She chooses not to broach the subject. "In truth, it's a lot to take in all at once. I'm fortunate to have Toushirou and Momo as guides."

"That you are," another blond man chimes. He walks over, shooing Toushirou to sit behind her, and sticks his hand out. "Shinji Hirako, captain of gobantai. Pleasure to meet you."

Karin delicately shakes his hand. "Likewise."

"So, we got a Kurosaki here permanently. What plans do you have?" Shinji asks.

"I imagine similar goals you had as a cadet. I'm here to become a shinigami."

"Yes, but why? What are you looking to get out of this?"

"Mah, Shinji, leave the poor thing alone," a bespectacled woman says. "It's her first night here. At least let her eat."

Karin picks up a drumstick as Momo giggles. Shinji sticks out his tongue at her. "Ever an ally, Yadomaru-taichou."

"You live with him long enough and learn to to equip some balls." The woman slides over. "I'm Lisa Yadomaru, captain of hachibantai... ignore Shinji's curiosity, he's always looking to get something."

Karin hums while she chews chicken. It's practically melting in her mouth. "It's a reasonable question. Soutaichou wanted to know the same."

"A reasonable question with more appropriate timing," Lisa says. Karin sees Toushirou and Shinji wrestling for the seat next to Karin in her peripheral. "Why don't you tell us about yourself first?"

She shrugs. "There isn't much to know about me. I hunt hollows. I used to play soccer. Toushirou and I have been dating awhile." The rest of it is too painful to talk about right now. Later. If ever.

Lisa chuckles. "Yeah, there's nothing quite like the field. It's a pity I must spend most of my time behind a desk."

"Oh, I understand my time will likely be spent the same way."

"Well, thankfully, this place is... a bit of a behavioral sink. There's a lot of us, there isn't always a lot to do, and so you'll have plenty of debauchery to engage in." Lisa sips sake. "Are you queer, Karin?"

Karin blinks. "That's quite a segueway."

"I promise it's related," Lisa says while Momo giggles.

"Well... yes. I'm a woman. I'm not particularly picky about my partners, so long as, um... well, so long as I'm topping if that makes sense." Karin smiles bashfully. She hasn't really talked about her sexuality with anyone but Jinta, Toushirou, and Ururu. It feels different. "I like more effeminate people, though."

Lisa says, "Ugh, yeah, those femmes have me by the belt at all times. Anyway: conservatism is prominent here, but most of us here are queer in some facet."

Toushirou finally wins back his seat. "Yeah, I've noticed the same. I mean, wasn't it Hirako and Outoribashi who married first of... er, for lack of a better word, the group?"

"Yes. Point being, you'll have your fill of whatever your poison may be. And if you get into my division, there's plenty to go around," Lisa says, winking.

Rangiku chuckles. "Oh, stop trying to play matchmaker for Yayahara-chan. She does just fine on her own," Momo says.

"None of you guys are any fun," Lisa whines.

Karin asks, "Who else is here?"

"Oh, dear, there's many," Momo says. "Here we go. You've met Rangiku-san, Shinji Hirako-taichou, and Lisa Yadomaru-taichou--"

"Yadomaru-san is fine," Lisa says. Karin nods.

"My spouses are Renji, Shuuhei, and Izuru," Momo says, pointing each of them out. Renji and Izuru, Izuru being the one who served her food earlier and Renji being the redhead she recognizes, are sitting with a carafe and another very large man that Karin is fairly cerain is either yakuza or bousouzoku judging by his cartoonishly large pompadour. Shuuhei is fitting over a pork bun with a lithe, green-haired woman. "The man with Renji and Izuru is Tetsuzaemon Iba-taichou. He's a dear friend of ours." Rangiku snorts and Momo glares at her. Karin's eyebrow cocks but she doesn't have further time to inquire. "Shuuhei is sitting with his co-lieutenant Mashiro Kuna. Their captain is the short, white-haired man sitting next to them, Kensei Muguruma-taichou. At the end of the table are Roujuurou Outoribashi-taichou, Izuru's captain, and Nanao Ise, my longtime friend, Rangiku's wife, and the Soutaichou's lieutenant."

The sheer amount of people here is a little overwhelming, and it's worse feeling what all of them feel. The longer she stays here, drinking in the infectious jubilation, the more she wishes she was alone. She only just suffered the grief of a couple dozen people; the ire of Ichigo and Yuzu, the confliction of her best friends. One would expect this feast would be a welcome departure from the last couple of days but it's all too much. Karin would rather have some time to process and to wallow.

The likelihood of her retreat is a different issue. Momo and her spouses were kind enough to offer their home as lodging. It would be incredibly rude to snub their efforts with her escape.

Roujuurou makes his way over, sitting behind Karin. She scoots herself around and bows to him.

"Hello and welcome to the Seireitei, Kurosaki-san," he says.

"Karin is fine," she replies. Roujuurou smiles.

"Your brother was our ally, and we, the Vizard, owe him. We owe you by extension," Roujuurou explains. Karin tries to brush off her brother's mention. "I am captain of sanbantai. Anything you need, I'll do what I can to provide. I know the same can be said for my husband Shinji."

Karin wants to say she doesn't want her brother's debts. Instead, she asks, "Vizard?"

He hums. Lisa says, "We're kind of like a hybrid of shinigami and hollow. We're not arrancar. Arrancar are... um... sourced from hollows. We were, and are, shinigami with hollows inside of us. Your brother is the same way."

"Well, it's more complicated than that according to Urahara, but yes," Roujuurou says.

"You know Urahara and Tsukabishi?" Karin asks.

"We were exiled with them after Aizen's experiment on us failed," Lisa explains.

"Well, yes, but it's more accurate to say they sacrificed their comfort to save us," Roujuurou says. "We would've been executed, or worse, if they hadn't ran with us."

Karin hums. "They are especially popular."

"More like infamous," Toushirou quips.

Roujuurou stands. "It was good meeting you, Karin. Take care. Again, my offer is indefinite. Whatever you made need."

Karin bows as he leaves. Toushirou squeezes her thigh, and she shoos him off. He leaks hurt.

"I'm going to fetch my husbands so they can introduce themselves as well," Momo says, standing. "Toushirou, could you fetch more sake?"

"Um, yeah, sure," he says.

Karin swigs a drink in her moment of privacy before standing to meet Momo's spouses Izuru, Renji, and Shuuhei. They're all much taller than she, even Izuru, who is simply swimming in his uniform.

"Karin, these are Izuru, Renji, and Shuuhei," Momo says. Renji nods to her.

"Hi," Karin says. She bow politely. "Thank you for having me."

"Welcome, Kurosaki," Renji says. He claps her on the arm and she winces. His slap doesn't sting as much as the name.

"Karin is fine," she says.

"Y'know, I didn't recognize you at first," Renji says, "you've grown up a lot."

"Yeah," she agrees.

"More importantly, what was it like living with Ichigo Kurosaki?" Shuuhei asks.

Momo says, "Let's leave those questions for a later time." Momo rubs Karin's back. "Do you have any questions for them, Karin-chan?"

Karin glances between them, opening and closing her mouth like a fish. She wants to ask why Izuru is comprised of something like four different reiatsu, ask how well Renji knows Ichigo, why Shuuhei is interested in her brother, but it all locks up in her throat. It embarrasses her. Normally, Karin is assertive and fearless, but she's tired now. Everything feels like a damn landmine.

"Naw," she says, "I think we'll get to know each other along the way."

Karin sits through another two hours of questions she doesn't have answers to, conversational topics of varying interest, and exorbitant alcohol consumption. By the point in which party-goers are peetering out, she's seeing triple and wobbling.

At least she's numb.

She does have the wherewithal to help with cleanup.

She wrings out a rag in the sink. Momo squawks, "It's your special night! It's like your birthday. Birthday girls don't do the cleaning!"

Izuru snorts. "You're always cleaning up after your birthday," he says. Momo's glare could very well have cut him, judging by how quickly he escapes the kitchen.

Karin unrolls the rag. "I's fine," she slurs, "leas' I shoul'do."

Momo sighs. "Karin-chan, I'm grateful for your help, but you need to lay down."

"Naw," she insists, brushing past Momo and tripping on her foot. She catches herself in the doorframe. Thankfully, she doesn't have the means for shame just yet. She'll leave it for the morning.

Momo sighs. "I'll have Toushirou take you to your room. Shuuhei had it made earlier today."

Karin hums. She looks at her hand and the rag's gone. Momo has it flung over her shoulder and it occurs to her just how sloshed she is. 

"Yeah, okay," Karin replies.

Momo whistles and Toushirou makes his way down the hall with an armful of dishes. Momo takes them, kisses his head, and Toushirou wraps Karin in a hug. He kisses her. It twists a knife in her chest she's only now aware of.

It's a chore getting upstairs. He has to drag her up because her feet aren't working, and it brings tears to Karin's eyes. Embarrassment, namely. 

She doesn't know if she can do this with him anymore. This isn't any different than the times he's held her in the shower while rinsing off the blood from her wrists.

She's laid on her futon, hugs his shoulders, and kisses him. His thumb pets her cheek.

Karin sniffs. "Toushirou, I know you can't... I know you can't feel others the way I do, but I'm in a lot of pain now." She wipes her tears away. "I don't know that I can do this now."

Dread washes over him. It's almost enough to make Karin hurl. "What?"

"I think a big piece of me broke when I jumped. All I feel is pain and resentment and... and I think to every time you rushed to my side when I couldn't take it anymore, when I'd gore myself, and I'd feel your pain."

"I don't know what you're trying to say." His voice is shaking.

Karin squeezes her eyes shut. Her tears roll off her temple and into her hair. "I can't do this to you anymore."

He licks his lips. "Are you breaking up with me?"

Karin sobs. She holds him and lays their heads together. "Can you wait for me?"

He sobs. "I don't understand what I did to... to prompt this."

"You're not listening," she says, "I broke, Toushirou, and you've mopped up after me for so long. I can feel when you're in pain. I can't do that to you over and over again when this is supposed to fix me."

He sits back on his legs and runs his hands down his face. Karin props herself on her elbows. There's four of him, coalescing into an image of confusion and hurt, before separating into six spinning, blurry iterations, blurry in her watery eyes. 

Toushirou sighs and says, "You've... you've been everything to me for years."

"This is supposed to fix me." She's still in pieces now.

His chest heaves while he licks his lips and pushes his fingers through his hair. "You're drunk." He stands. "Good night, Karin."

He leaves and rips her heart out with him, connective tissue and arteries and all.

Karin muffles herself as she sobs. Rolling onto the bedroll, snot blows onto her hand while she screams into her skin.

She knows better than most that shit gets worse before it gets better. The anguish of it isn't anything she'll get used to.

[dokuhai]

"How do you know when you're in love? And when you know you're in love, how do you tell the person you love that you love them? It all seems very complicated and, honestly? Pretty terrifying."

IN MANY WAYS, MATSUMOTO RANGIKU WAS AN OPEN BOOK. She was always more than happy to discuss lifestyle trends, makeup and fashion ----- not to mention boys, and how she felt about certain people in their lives. Rangiku had no issues telling it like it was, or calling someone out for poor behavior.... that is, unless the person in discussion was Ichimaru Gin. When it came to her own love life, the blonde was much more private ------ and while she thought she played off her lover's previous indiscretions quite well ( as well as their 'unofficial' relationship prior to his defection from the Soul Society ) Rangiku's body language always gave her away. She wasn't as good of a liar as she thought she was.... not when it came to something, or someone, that truly mattered to her.

So when Orihime asked such a genuine, heartfelt question, Rangiku found herself at a momentary loss for words. The ever bubbly, ever so confident mask slipped away as she considered the younger woman's words. Love... how do you know, really, when you're in love?

❝ Well... -----I suppose the best way to describe the shift from a cute little crush to full-blown love is the shift in your feelings. You think about them without even realizing it. You consider how they would feel with even the most mundane decisions, and want to include them in anything and everything. When something happens, whether good or bad, they're the first person you want to talk to... and you feel so comfortable around them, that it's almost like ----- well, it's almost like just thinking about them, or being with them, starts to feel like home for you. You feel... safe, with them. You know them for who they really are, and not just for what or who they decide to portray themselves as to the rest of the world. ❞

❝ As for telling them you love them, ❞ Rangiku began, her eyes shifting away from the floor so that they could hold Orihime's tender gaze, ❝ ----That's always the scariest part. ❞ The blonde then reached out to hold Orihime's hands within her own, and offered an encouraging squeeze. ❝ Anytime you bare your soul and allow yourself to be vulnerable in the presence of someone you love, it's terrifying. But the way I look at it, telling someone you love them isn't so much about how they might feel in return ---- it's more so about how you feel about them. How much you care about them, and adore them for who they truly are. ❞

❝ As scary as it is to be so open and honest about what you're feeling, it's also so... freeing. Love isn't something to feel nervous or ashamed of, Orihime-chan ----- it's something worth celebrating. ❞

With that, Rangiku leaned forward a bit, her voice dropping down to a mere whisper in the redhead's ear. ❝ And if you-know-who doesn't celebrate your love when you finally tell him, you have my word that I'll kick his ass into gear, ❞ she declared with confidence, and an all-too-knowing wink.

[sparkingspider]

Rangiku Matsumoto:

Drunk Smash or Pass

(Takes place in my rewrite universe in the epilogue after the TYBW)

TW: Mentions sex, sexual behaviour, alcohol, pegging

Shunsui: Smash

Good drinking buddies, plus she just thinks Shunsui is hot.

Nanao: Smash

Hot, but in a librarian sorta way, y’know?

Soi Fon: Smash

Rangiku lowkey likes girls that could beat her up.

Omeada: Pass

Still isn’t very attracted to him, even when drunk.

Rose: Pass

Would otherwise smash, but Rangiku has a suspicion that Rose is into men.

Izuru: Smash

Would dominate that depressed lad.

Unohana: Smash

(See Soifon)

Isane: Smash

Less for sex, more for the cuddles afterwards.

Shinji: Smash

A fun time that may or may not involve him getting pegged.

Momo: Pass

Would otherwise smash, but she knows that Toshiro has his eye on her, so she’ll help her Captain out.

Byakuya: Smash

Just thinks he’s hot.

Renji: Smash

Also hot, but in a gross musty sense.

Iba: Smash

Not out of any passion, mostly just for plain and simple sex.

Rindo: Pass

Sees Rindo as too innocent.

Lisa: Smash

(See Soi Fon and Unohana, but also Lisa’s massive hentai collection is also probably a turn on)

Yayahara: Smash

If only for engaging more with the Gyaru culture Yuyu is adopting.

Shuhei: Smash

Almost said pass just to grind his gears, but in all honesty, she does find him attractive.

Mashiro: Smash

Would absolutely not outlast her in bed, but Rangiku is willing to try.

Toshiro: PASS

Not only does Rangiku respect him too much as a Captain, she also sees him as a little brother.

Zaraki: Smash

Kinda similar to Renji, but somehow grosser and a little more violent.

Ikkaku: Smash

Zaraki Lite (Much to Ikkaku’s chagrin)

Yumachika: Pass

(See Rose)

Mayuri: Pass

Even if she did find him attractive, he’d probably be more likely to dissect her.

Akon: Smash

She has always thought that his little horns would make for funky love handles. After hearing this, Akon made a mission to significantly reduce the amount of alcohol Rangiku consumes.

Rukia: Smash

Wouldn’t have said so back in the War, but Rukia’s grown out hair has changed things.

Sentarou: Pass

Just not her type.

[wheresunandseameet]

Current F/O and counting:

All with multiple relationship types (romantic, platonic, Familial, or family roles) are likely with multiple alternate universes.

Comics:

Jaime Reyes aka the third blue beetle - romantic (primarily his comic runs (the first three if I remember right), young justice verse, and the couple of movies starting with TT vs JL). primarily talked about here

Khaji Da aka Scarab (DC) - platonic/Qppr

Bart Allen (DC, primarily YJ) - Platonic

Logan Howlett/Wolverine (X-Men/marvel) - Familial, Adoptive Father

Bruce Banner (Marvel) - Familial, father

Hulk - platonic

Steve Rogers - romantic

Thor - romantic

Matthew 'Matt' Murdock aka daredevil - romantic

Gamzee Makara (homestuck) - romantic (pale)

Sollux captor - romantic (flushed)

Mituna captor - platonic

Wayward Vagabond - platonic

Dave Strider - platonic

John Egbert - platonic

Anime:

Sawada Tsunayoshi (KHR) - Platonic

Hibari Kyoya (Khr) - romantic (possibly/probably as poly)

Yamamoto Takeshi (Khr) - romantic (possibly/probably as poly)

Bovino Lambo - Platonic

Fon - Platonic

I-Pin - Platonic

Kakashi Hatake - romantic, both poly and solo

Shisui Uchiha (Naruto) - romantic, both poly and solo

Tobirama Senju - romantic, both poly and solo

Izuna Uchiha - romantic, both poly and solo

Naruto Uzumaki - Familial, nephew/ adoptive son/fraternal twin brother

Kushina Uzumaki - Familial, Sister/Mother

Minato Namikaze - Familial, Brother in law/Dad

The above are typically mentioned here

Hinata Hyuuga - platonic/romantic

Hunk Garrett (voltron) - Romantic

Soul Eater Evans - romantic

Senri Shiki (vampire knight) - Romantic/Platonic

Rima Toya - Romantic/Platonic

Zero Kiryu - Platonic

Portgas D. Ace (one piece) - Romantic

Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach) - Familial, Twin brother

Karin Kurosaki (bleach) - Familial, Younger sister

Yuzu Kurosaki (bleach) - Familial, Younger sister

Yasutora Sado aka Chad (bleach) - romantic

Toushiro Hitsugaya (bleach) - Romantic and Professional as Taichou of the 10th Division.

Kaien Shiba (bleach) - familial, cousin (known in one au)

Rangiku Matsumoto (bleach) - Platonic and Professional as Fukutaichou of the 10th Division.

Hizashi Yamada aka Present Mic (MHA) Familial, Father/Twin Brother

Eri (MHA) - Familial/Platonic, my child/niece

Himiko Toga - platonic

Ochako Uraraka - Romantic/Platonic

Izuku Midoriya - Romantic/Platonic

Tenya Iida - Romantic/Platonic

Tsuyu Asui - Romantic/Platonic

Shouto Todoroki - Romantic/Platonic

Denki Kaminari - Romantic/Platonic

Eijirou Kirishima - Romantic/Platonic

Fumikage Tokoyami - Romantic/Platonic

Dark Shadow - Platonic

Hitoshi Shinsou - romantic/Platonic/Familial, adoptive brother

Tamaki Amajiki - romantic

Mirio Togata - platonic/romantic

Nejire Hado - platonic/romantic

Taishiro Toyomitsu aka Fat Gum - Romantic/Platonic

Tensei Iida - Platonic/Familial

Shota Aizawa aka Eraserhead - Platonic/Familial

Nemuri Kayama aka Midnight - Platonic/Familial

Oboro Shirakumo (past) - Platonic/Familial

Dolcetto (fma) - romantic

Greed - Familial/Platonic, Boss, found family

Martel - Familial/Platonic, found family

Roa - Familial/Platonic, found family

Bido - Familial/Platonic, found family

Ulchi - Familial/Platonic, found family

Roy Mustang - Familial, brother

Book/TV shows/movies/movies based on books:

Fili (The Hobbit movies) - Romantic

Gimli Gloinul (Lotr movies) - Familial, cousin

Samwise Gamgee - romantic

Tauriel - platonic

Kili - Familial/Platonic, brother-in-law

Gloin - Familial, uncle

Spencer Reid (Criminal Minds) - Romantic

Penelope Garcia - Familial, cousin

Derek Morgan- platonic

Rafael Barba (Law and Order SVU) - Romantic

Wen Qing (The Untamed) - romantic

Wen Ning - Familial/Platonic

Jiang Cheng - romantic

Jiang Yanli - Familial/Platonic

Wei Wuxian - Familial/Platonic

Jin Ling - Familial

Ye Zhao (Oh My General) - Romantic

Oberyn Martell (Game of Thrones/GoT) - Romantic/Familial

The Sand Snakes - Familial

Elia Martell - Romantic/Platonic/Familial

Aegon Targaryen - Familial

Rhaenys Targaryen - Familial

Ellaria Sand - Romantic

Tyrion Lannister - Romantic/Platonic

Lysa Arryn - Familial, Sister/Aunt/Mother

Robin Arryn - Familial, Brother/Cousin/Nephew

Jon Arryn - Familial, Uncle/Father/Brother-in-law

Catelyn Stark - Familial, Sister/Mother/Aunt

Eddard 'Ned' Stark - Familial, Father/Uncle/Brother-in-law

Robb Stark - Romantic/Familial, Brother/Cousin/Nephew

Jon Snow - Familial, Brother/Cousin/Nephew

Sansa Stark - Familial, Twin Sister/Cousin/Niece

Arya Stark - Familial, Sister/Cousin/Niece

Brandon 'Bran' Stark - Familial, Brother/Cousin/Nephew

Rickon Stark - Familial, Brother/Cousin/Nephew

Edmund Pevensie (chronicles of Narnia) - Romantic

Tadashi Hamada - romantic

Hiro Hamada - platonic

Baymax - platonic

Perseus "Percy" Jackson - Familial, half brother/cousin

Poseidon (percy jackson) - Familial, father/uncle

William Andrew Solace aka Will (percy jackson) - Familial, Half brother/cousin

Apollo (percy jackson) - Familial, Father/uncle

Luke Castellan - romantic

Alexander Lightwood (shadowhunters + books) - platonic

Isabelle Lightwood - platonic

Max Lightwood - platonic

Simon Lewis - Platonic

Clary Fray/Fairchild - Familial, Adoptive sister

Luke Garroway aka Lucian Graymark - Familial, Uncle/Father figure

Magnus Bane - platonic

William Herondale - romantic

Tessa Gray - romantic

James "Jem" Carstairs - romantic

Bolin (legend of Korra) - platonic/romantic

Bonnie Bennett (the vampire diaries) - Platonic

Caroline Forbes - platonic/Familial

Rebekah Mikaelson - Platonic/Familial/Romantic

Kol Mikaelson -Platonic/Familial/Romantic

Niklaus Mikaelson -Platonic/Familial

Elijah Mikaelson - Platonic/Familial

Finn Mikaelson - Platonic/Familial

Freya Mikaelson - Platonic/Familial

Hope Mikaelson - Familial

Hayley Marshall-Kenner - Platonic/Familial

Davina Claire - Platonic/Familial/Romantic

Marcel Gerard - Platonic/Familial/Romantic

Rosalie Hale (Twilight) - Platonic/Romantic/Familial

Emmett Cullen - Platonic/Romantic/Familial

Jasper Hale Whitlock - Platonic/Romantic/Familial

Embry Call - Platonic/Romantic

Leah Clearwater - Platonic/Romantic

Paul Lahote - Platonic/Romantic

Harry Potter - Familial, nephew/ adoptive son/fraternal twin brother

Lily Potter nee Evans - Familial, Sister/Mother

James Potter - Familial, Brother in law/Dad

Neville Longbottom (HP) - Platonic

Cedric Diggory (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Theodore Nott (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

William "Bill" Weasley (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Charles "Charlie" Weasley (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Percy Weasley (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Fred Weasley (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

George Weasley (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Luna Lovegood (HP) - Familial/Platonic

Susan Bones (HP) - Platonic

Blaise Zabini (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Daphne Greengrass (HP) - Platonic

Tracy Davis (HP) - Platonic

Padma Patil (HP) - Platonic

Parvati Patil (HP) - Platonic

Penelope Clearwater (HP) - Platonic

Nymphadora Tonks (HP) - Platonic

Remus Lupin (HP) - Platonic/Familial

Sirius Black (HP) - Platonic/Familial

Regulus Black (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Fleur Delcour (HP) - Romantic/Platonic

Games:

Asra Alnazar - romantic

Portia Devorak - romantic

Wyll Ravengard (bg3) - romantic

Jenevelle Hallowleaf aka Shadowheart (bg3) - romantic

Karlach Cliffgate (bg3) - romantic

Thancred Waters (FF14) - romantic

Ascilia aka Minfilia Warde - Platonic

Owyne - romantic/Platonic

Ryne Waters - Platonic/Familial

Alisaie Leveilleur (FF14) - Romantic

Alphinaud Leveilleur (FF14) - Platonic/Familial, Brother-in-law

Regis Lucis Caelum (FF15) - Familial, father

Noctis Lucis Caelum - Familial, half brother

Sylva Via Fleuret - Familial, aunt

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret - Familial, Cousin

Ravus Nox Fleuret - Familial, Cousin

Tredd Furia - Familial, Adoptive cousin/brother figure

Luche Lazarus - platonic

Axis Arra - platonic

Sonitus Bellum - platonic

Nyx Ulric - romantic

Libertus Ostium - platonic

Crowe Altius - platonic/romantic

Pelna Khara - platonic/romantic

Gladiolus 'Gladio' Amicitia - platonic

Ignis Scientia - platonic

Prompto Argentum - platonic

Link (loz) - romantic

Zelda - Familial, half Sister

Riju - Familial, distant relative

Sidon - romantic

Mipha - romantic

Gorou (Genshin Impact) - platonic/Romantic

Itto Arataki - platonic/romantic

Childe aka Tartaglia - Familial, half brother

Nilou - platonic

Kaedehara Kazuha - platonic/romantic

Kamisato Ayaka - platonic

Kamisato Ayato - platonic

Sans (undertale) - Romantic/Platonic/Familial, brother figure

Papyrus - platonic/Familial, Brother figure

Asriel Dreemurr - platonic/romantic

Napstablook - Familial/Platonic, Brother figure

Rosalina (Mario) - Familial, mother figure

Bowser - romantic

King Boo - romantic

Sun (fnaf) - romantic

Moon - romantic

Mei-Ling Zhou (overwatch) - Romantic

Snowball - platonic

Brigitte Lindholm - Romantic

Genji Shimada - Platonic/Romantic

GLaDOS - platonic

Brewster (animal crossing) - Familial

Celeste - Romantic

Blathers - Platonic

Tom Nook - platonic

Timothy 'Timmy' Nook - Familial, nephew

Thomas 'Tommy' Nook - Familial, nephew

Redd - Platonic

Fanfics (likely i haven't had the chance to read the source material but the fics are good):

Bharin Kalzik (TBDH) - Familial, father figure

Patrick Kalzik - Familial, father figure

Surajini Kalzik - Familial, mother figure

Quinten Auwren Kalzik - Romantic

Dyshoka Kalzik - Familial, sister figure

Ithycar Deveraine - Familial

Bahn Deveraine - Familial

Aracle Insen Deveraine - Familial

Greta Deveraine - Familial

Ilsa Gorgens Deveraine - Familial, mother figure

Ariki Deveraine - Romantic