It was just too much fun to resist doing another one, so here it is!


"Is this another one of those festivals where strangers are expected to give rewards to those who dress ridiculously?"

Ichimaru tugged on his fake beard restlessly. "Well...not really." When no response was forthcoming he continued. "Y'see, since its almost Christmas in the real world, Aizen thought it would be good ter get everyone into the Christmas spirit. So he 'asked' me 'n Tousen to..." he trailed off, waving at his rather baggy red costume vaguely.

Ulquiorra blinked. "I don't see Tousen anywhere."

Ichimaru frowned briefly. In truth the dark skinned Shinigami had taken one look at the green elf costume offered to him and proclaimed that loyalty had its boundaries. Ichimaru had never seen him move so quickly. "Yeah well, he was otherwise occupied."

"So what are you?" Curiosity briefly got the better of Ulquiorra.

"What am I? I'm Father Christmas! Santa Claus!"

Ulquiorra looked at the large red sack at Ichimaru's side. It looked scuffed and dirty, as if it had been dragged around the corridors rather than carried. "I imagine that this 'Father Christmas' goes around giving things away?"

"My, aren't you a genius." Ichimaru wasn't in a good mood, and the blank expression on the Espada's face was not making things any better. "He gives presents to children who have been good. I guess Aizen thought you'd all been good little boys and girls." Evidently not me though, He added silently, since I got lumped with this.

Pulling the bag open he rooted around until his fingers touched upon the desired gift. For the first time during their exchange his smile was up to his usual standards as he handed the small wrapped box over to the reluctant Espada. "Merry Christmas!"

Ulquiorra looked at it suspiciously, holding it gingerly as if it might explode. "Are you done?"

Ichimaru's smile widened. "Yep. Enjoy your present!"

Leaving a still moderately suspicious Ulqurorra standing in the doorway Ichimaru swaggered off, the sack dragging behind him. If it had been something he did, he would have been whistling a happy little tune as he walked. The contents of the box was only a small piece of fruit cake, but Ichimaru had done something a little 'special' to Ulquiorra's piece.

He knew that the leftovers from the eleventh squad attempts to make alcohol would come in useful someday.


Reviews are loved and cherished as wonderful Christmas presents! ^_^