A/N: This will be the only time I mention this. I do not own Bleach.
I've decided to do a 30 Day Writing Challenge. Each day I'll post a short fic-let about a character or a few characters inspired by a single word. Rules- One: I will use the word in the title and can either use in the story, or if I really want to try things, not use it at all. Two: I cannot go over 2,000 words. Three: I must put my iTunes on shuffle and write with the first song that is played. Would anyone else like to do this with me?
Song: Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men.
A Hero's Mission
There was a certain fondness to the way that the men of the division addressed Yumichika. Beneath all of the teasing and taunts that they had begun with decades ago, it had evened out into mutual respect. They saw him as something more than a man who cared about his appearance. A man who used words like 'elegant' and 'beautiful' on a day-to-day basis but fought better than any of them.
The hazing had originally began as nasty messages left amongst his things, from the ones who were less bold, to snide comments under their breath, to spreading rumors about Yumichika's habits outside of the public eye. Dirty, nasty rumors that I knew were false, but few men listen to the friends of their targets. It was something that we stood side by side through. He never once complained, or showed any weakness, even when I knew their words and actions must be grinding on him.
Of course he tried to deny what they said and their pranks they pulled, trying to defend himself, but the torment continued anyway, and eventually he became silent.
Even though fewer words came from his mouth, his shoulders had squared, his head held high, and he showed more of himself than before. It wasn't a hero's mission, but eventually, when they saw that they couldn't break him and that he was stronger than their combined efforts to bring him down, their respect was earned.