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.

Innocence

Prompt: Lights in a jar...

A/N: Written for LJ. For St. Harridan.


Everything was so simple in her little world. There were no cares, no worries, no vicious nightmares to keep her awake through the night. War was just as simple as a board game in her mind. A chance to watch him at his best, living the dream. The fears that plagued the core of the Soul Society meant nothing to her, for she always had some smartass remark or a joke to combat it. It was all a big game to her; a game to see who could enjoy all the world offered; a game where she was the only player, and proud of it. And, in that instance, she had him vastly outmatched.

In truth, she was one of the few things that made his life worthwhile; the one thing that meant everything to him. He shook his head, realizing that that wasn't entirely true. Her namesake had meant nearly as much, but those days, of unknowingly wading through blood to find her, were long-since gone. Now, he was left with this child, perky and perfect in every sense of the word. Even on the most dour of mornings, she would pop in, pleading with him to take her to the pool or some such nonsense. And, every time, he caved. His strength was just no match for her sweet little face.

This night was a perfect example. As he sat in the grass, swatting at the glowing bugs, he found himself wishing that he'd forced Yumichika or Ikkaku to take Yachiru out to play. But as he watched her, running and cheering through the early glow of the moon, it wasn't quite so bad. She darted about with a jar that she had brought along, giggling as she clamped the lid down, catching the creatures by the handful. Holding the jar up to her face, she stared through the glass, smiling wide at her accomplishment.

He leaned into his hand, grinning as Yachiru threw the jar to him, climbing onto his shoulder before retrieving it. She began chattering about the bugs she'd seen in her picture books, the ones that "glow like bright paper lanterns on New Year's." She'd always called them "glowbugs," oblivious to the fact that they had another name. It was this sweet innocence that made him smile in contrast to all the hellish events that had taken place as of late.

"Kenny," she whispered, round little face hovering by his ear. "Look at 'em! I caught all of 'em by myself!"

His grin widened, hand reaching up to rest on her little head. She was nothing like himself, cruel and bloodthirsty, but she was still his. The pride and joy that he never could have imagined whilst in the Rukongai.