Protecting the Oblivious - Bleach (hinted Yaoi)

Title: Protecting the Oblivious

Summary: Who knew fending off perverts from an oblivious Ukitake in the World of the Living would be more strenuous than fighting a group of Hollows? Ichigo had his work cut out for him; however, Ukitake was worth the stress, right?

Pairings: None, really. Maybe a smidgen of IchiUki if you tilt your head just right...

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Bleach series, so you can't sue me. Not that you'd get much, anyway...

Warnings: Ah, nothing much. Shounen Ai, perhaps? Oh, and Ukitake completely naive and oblivious? Would that be a warning? Also obnoxious pick-up lines that should never, ever be uttered with an air of seriousness. Never...

AN: Don't take this seriously. No, don't, your head will hurt if you do. I swear! It was meant to be a drabble, but it kinda...grew. Yeah, not much else to say, so, um, enjoy?

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"And this is my school," Ichigo stated as they stopped just outside the front entrance, giving Ukitake a moment to take in the scenery. "Not as impressive as the Soul Academy, I'm sure."

"Oh, no, it's wonderful," Ukitake said warmly as he allowed his gaze to study the building in front of them, his eyes taking in every detail as if it was highly significant.

It was nice showing Ukitake around his home city, Ichigo decided. The much older male's company was a joy to have. He would listen intently at the stories the locations they come across bring to him, laughing softly at the funnier ones and offering a sympathetic ear and an occasional warm hug at the no-so good memories.

And he really did listen well, taking in every piece of information like it was very important and significant, asking questions at the right time or not saying anything at all, and refusing to press on those memories that brought him pain.

Ichigo really liked spending time with Ukitake.

Ukitake's presence was light, loving and carefree when he was happy, a presence that you could not help but feel when you're with him. His joy was contagious and if you didn't find yourself laughing and enjoying life with him, then there was something seriously wrong with you.

Like, seriously wrong.

It was Rukia's idea that he'd take Ukitake out and away from his Division for a while, claiming that a nice, leisurely walk would do him a world of good. But, as he entered the Seireitei, he was pulled into a rather hasty talk with Kyouraku just before escorting Ukitake into the World of the Living with him. The other male, Ukitake's longest and bestest friend in the entire Soul Society, had told him rather bluntly not to let Ukitake out of his sight, don't let any strangers near him and most certainly, do not, under any circumstances leave him alone.

And for God's sake, don't let him question your actions.

During that conversation, he had no idea what he was so worried about. Everyone knew Ukitake was a captain and he could very well take care of himself, but Ichigo soon learned that Kyouraku wasn't worried about threats from Hollows, but rather the human themselves.

Spending time with Ukitake was nice, but it was hard to relax when you're constantly trying to ward off potential threats in the form of sleazy guys and lame pick-up lines.

Case in point when Ichigo spied a group of males talking amongst themselves, all of them blatantly staring at Ukitake like he was a piece of meat. The clothes that he was wearing; a pair of jeans that sat on his hips that seemed to be made just for him and a top that was a little bit too baggy for him as it kept slipping off his shoulder didn't help much at all.