"(Y/N)-san!!"
"It's fine I got it."
The hollow behind you looked pretty accomplished. You could see the fear on Kiyone's face. It was a fast one. It moved in to attack, but you already drew your sword. It froze in place, because you hadn't even turned around. You slid the blade in from under your arm. It struck right in its stomach. You spun around midair, locking your legs around its waist. It didn't have a chance to react, because you pushed your sword upwards, slicing it in half. It faded in a matter of seconds, and Kiyone watched in awe.
"You really are amazing (Y/N)-san!!"
She'd looked pretty happy, and you couldn't help but smile. It was weird, you never really cared for praise in the past. Now that you were being placed on more missions, especially in the world of the living, you felt like you were responsible. You weren't even the superior assigned to this mission. Shinji appeared.
"Guess you guys dealt with the problem on this side. I think I got all of them."
"We did too. What would you like us to do Taicho?"
"You guys can take a break. Kiyone-san volunteered to assist so I think she deserves a break. Especially with all the hollows she took down. " She suddenly looks bashful.
"I-I only got two of them Hirako-taicho."
"Still, good job. We're not expected to leave until tomorrow. We can head over to Kisuke's."
"Hai Hirako-taicho!" Kiyone agreed happily.
"Actually Taicho, is it okay if I explore a little?"
"Of course, don't stay out too late." He gave a little wave, and they took off.
Your gaze moved to the cloudy sky. This wasn't the first time that you came to Karakura Town. It just felt nostalgic today. It's possible that the snow was giving you those feelings of longing. You couldn't help but wonder what Kenpachi and Yachiru were doing at the moment.
You could almost hear Yachiru's cheery voice as she called you.
"Spikey-chan!!"
It was so clear. Almost like she was right there.
"SPIKEY-CHAN!!"
"Eh?"
You were tackled midi air and you jest back when she dives into your chest.
"Y-Yachiru?! How are you here?"
"Ken-chan got us a mission. We got done super fast so we came looking for you but we got lost. We missed you."
She's laughing, and when you look up there he is. Maybe it's the snow that's dampening his hair, but it's laying down on his shoulders a bit more than usual. The lights of the town cast a bit of a delicate light on his figure. For a moment, you do lose your breath.
"It's boring back there, we needed something to fight."
His eyes have that casual look to them as if he's unbothered. But it sort of warms your heart to think they came all the way here just for you.
"Let's go and look at the big wheel!!" Yachiru points off in a direction, and before you can say much she's pulling you along.
"W-Wait!"
She's going pretty fast with a smile on her face, and Kenpcahi follows at your side. You can't help but take a glimpse at it all.
"I almost forgot what it felt like..to care about someone.."
You'd been alone for such a long time that it's strange that you've so easily made these two unlikely friends. Given how your first meeting went, you can't help but wonder if this was some kind of faith. The smile on Yachiru's face gives you hope.
Something you've hadn't felt in centuries.
