The Protector

06 - Duties

Kisuke would have never hoped for a better outcome. Even what had happened was more than what he would have dreamed. Just the day before...

Aizen was imprisoned, never to be let out again, if no one had the brilliant idea to hear his voice.

The Hougyoku had vanished into thin air, he'd seen it become dust in the wind.

The surviving Arrancar's had retreated to Las Noches, claiming their rights on it and that they would have not talked to anyone that wasn't Ookami.

Karakura town was safe and back to its place.

And, most important of all, his mate was safely sleeping in his room, in the shop.

His breath was regular, his eyes closed, his expression serene and unguarded. His mask was near the pillow, a finger brushing one of the ear. He was wearing a normal, pale blue kimono instead of that hideous uniform. This one suited him a lot more. The hole in his hand was proof of him being a Hollow, but he couldn't bring himself to care. The '0' tattoo, though... He wanted it off.

Kisuke was sitting with crossed legs near the bed in which his mate was sleeping. The hat was discarded on the floor, with his sandals and the coat. His head was on one hand, elbow on the knee. The other kept brushing the orange, soft locks. It was enticing.

His mate was right in front of him, his and until the end of time. It was driving him crazy with unexpressed happiness. He would have known how to, but his mate was sleeping, resting. He deserved it.

Plus, the Kurosaki's had decided to become his guests until he woke up and they demanded attention. Kurosaki Ichigo... He'd heard a lot of him from Isshin, he'd met the boy when the mother died... But, after years of not seeing him, he had forgotten... Kisuke had not recognized him. Isshin had, of course, as soon as he'd uncovered his face... His beautiful face...

He moved the brushing hand to the cheek and... His mate started to stretch, leaning in the contact. His chocolate eyes fluttered opened slowly and he focused on his own.

"I can get used to this..." The other smiled.

Kisuke chuckled. "Who said you won't?"

He shrugged and sat. "Where am I?"

"My shop, the Human world." The Shinigami shifted closer and hugged his waist from behind, putting his head on the other's shoulder and inhaling his scent.

He leaned back. "And what's the situation?"

"The Captain Commander of Gotei 13, the Arrancar's currently in Las Noches, the Kurosaki's in the kitchen and the Visored's in the underground training facility asked to talk to you. And Unohana-taichou threatened me into bringing you to her first." He felt jealous.

"Am I suddenly popular?"

"You defeated Aizen."

"No, you did."

"Really, you would have done it without that Kudou. I know you have a Bankai."

He frowned. "Well... The Hougyoku would have regenerated him in a loop, so..."

A knock stopped the conversation. None answered but Yoruichi opened the door. She was smirking teasingly.

"Oh, you're awake! Nice, nice, I'll tell the Visored's."

Ookami called her, though. "Uhm, wait, please." She turned, blinking. "I'd like to talk to the Kurosaki's first..."

"Wow, Kisuke, you managed to find a polite one!"