~Pocketful of sunshine~
It was an act of prodigious misfortune that led Rukia into the path of the Arrancar. And it was that same streak of ill luck that it was the strongest of them all who she fought for freedom-and her life.
La Primera.
Damn.
Dragged into Las Noches by the scruff of her robes, her silent humiliation witnessed by a goodly amount of the Hollow denizens of the bleak world, she felt it could hardly get any worse.
Fat chance.
"What is…ah…" Aizen looked over the cup of relaxation time tea, a newspaper from the day before at hand. "I was just about to get angry because…" he smiled benevolently at Rukia, "my daily paper wasn't here. But I see you brought something else, Stark?"
The Arrancar yawned open mouthed, then shoved Rukia forward, "I was going to, when this Shinigami showed up."
Liar.
It was a boldfaced lie and they both knew it.
He was asleep in a tree in the world of the living, not buying a paper at the corner store.
"That's alright. A little distraction won't hurt," he leaned back into the confines of the white sofa, "watch over her, will you, Stark? Good." Aizen answered for him before the chestnut haired Arrancar had a chance to process what was being ordered of him.
"Now leave, you're both dismissed."
"Huh?" still a little slow on the uptake, droopy gray eyes blinked slowly. Aizen reached for his tea waving with the same hand, "shoo." Rukia though she hated to, glanced up at Stark, "I think he wants us to go."
"Oh. Okay." Instantly he pivoted on his sandaled feet, steering her out as well, only a softly spoken question from behind, deigned him to stay: "But you did bring my newspaper, distraction or not, didn't you, Stark?"
"Lilinette has it," he answered tonelessly.
~~~*~~~
AN: third rewrite but there you have it! Don't own Bleach. And yeah it's meant to have light moments when everyone isn't exactly in character. :) Reviews are appreciated.