Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.
You're Easy To Play
Prompt: Step forward...
A/N: For LJ.
The constant tugging on his sleeve was turning into a nuisance. One could only ignore such a thing for a set amount of time, and it had finally expired. Looking down, it was impossible not to notice the big green eyes looking up, pleading. Tiny hands were tightly holding the dreaded object, lifting it up as high as a child's arms possibly could. Even if she weren't tall enough to make him take it, she showed no sign of quitting.
"This one," she said, placing it on his lap. "This one."
He shook his head, returning his attention back to the text in his hand. "No."
It was laughable, the way she responded to this, stomping her foot as hard as she could against the floor. That face of hers easily betrayed her fiesty nature. But, even with that card on the table, it was still too easy to ignore her. All he had to do was look away.
Again, the book was pushed towards him, set on top of the page he'd been reading. He looked at her, ignoring the way she was scowling. She was looking very much like a little dog, milk teeth bared, ready to snap. Still, it wasn't anything to be concerned about. Being bitten wouldn't even draw blood.
"Read it," came the girl's demand. "Read it."
He shook his head, taking the picture book and placing it on the table.
A sigh came from the other room, Retsu's head peering around the corner with that sweet smile. "It'll only take a minute," she said, siding with the child. "She'll be asleep before you even finish."
"Doesn't matter," Mayuri retorted, leveling his gaze at her. "I'm not doing it."
She crossed the room, snatching the book away before backing out of reach. "Then you'll need something else to do."
"I have more," he said pointedly, pointing to the shelf. "I don't need that one." He didn't need her stupid games, either.
As he moved to stand, Retsu pushed him back into the chair, picking up the child and setting her on his lap. "Just read the book," she repeated, smiling again. With silence as an answer, she pushed the toddler closer, whispering, "It'll be worth your while."
Oh, gods... Mayuri hated playing this game, as it was one he never seemed to win. Maybe it was because she always managed to up the ante?
"Fine," he muttered, trying to sound annoyed. It wouldn't do if she were able to hold interest over his head, too.
Retsu smiled, dropping the book on the table before heading back into the other room before saying, "I knew you'd lose the game. Again."