So I have decided on writing a longer fanfiction… This will be my first try at writing a chaptered story. For now I have rated it at K+ but depending on how it goes that may change. I'm planning to update this at least once every week, so hopefully I can fit it around my school work and such. I really hope you enjoy reading this!

Anyways here's the first installment, happy reading!

Shadows of torchlight licked the long passages of the barracks; the crackling of the orange dancing flames was all that could be heard. It was either very late, or in the early hours of the morning. Those that inhabited the tenth division were blissful in sleep, unaware of the Shinigami still in the office.

Rangiku Matsumoto's short, golden blonde hair fluttered in the cool breeze that flooded through open window. "Where on earth is he already? So much for just needing the bathroom" she muttered through parted, cupid bow lips, releasing a long flat sigh shortly afterwards.

The Fukutaichō stretched her long ample body across the length of the sofa, her head falling over the cushioned arm. "Ne, what a pain, it's just like him to vanish like this…" Mascara applied lashes scanned over the room, stopping as her gaze met the other that was there.

The newly appointed third seat sat alone nearby, his child-like frame resting against the wall. The inky black material of his Shihakushō hugged his thin, little body. Striking stark locks spilt messily over tired, teal pools.

Rolling on her stomach so that her view of him was no longer upside down, she slowly sat up. Her well-shaped brows furrowed, sky blue eyes directing towards the exhausted subordinate. "Hey Tōshirō, why don't you get yourself to bed, it's important that you get your sleep. Especially with you training for your Bankai"

Hitsugaya mumbled supressing a yawn "Fukutaichō?" Attempting to delay his heavy eyes from closing, he lifted a dainty hand, rubbing his orbs gently. The curvy vice pursed her lips
"N'awh, come on Tōshirō, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Rangiku? Now off to bed, don't make me scold you!" she warned, wagging a finger.

"But…" he frowned, halting his protest, knowing that if he was to continue he would most likely be suffocated by the woman's legendary breasts. He shrunk back under her stern stare, looking away in defiance.

Rangiku's features softened, catching the concerned look that flashed across the boys expression. "Hey don't worry, the Taichō will be back when you least expect it. Now remember what your O bāchan said. You need sleep to grow" she chuckled; having become quite fond of the prodigy since finding him.

The young ice wielder sighed in defeat, his eyes becoming downcast. Aware he had lost this battle with his superior, he slowly got to his feet. "Alright Rangiku, see you tomorrow" he mumbled drowsily.

Matsumoto watched as Tōshirō wandered to the door, feeble-like hands hanging by his sides. His ultramarine sheath was strapped clumsily onto his back, holding his Zanpakutō. "Hey Tōshirō, don't worry alright, sleep well"

The miniature third seat nodded in response, sliding open the thin, rice-paper door and stepping out into the ascending darkness. She understood why he wanted to stay up, but he was still only a child compared to her and needed sleep to function properly.

A resigned sigh tumbled from the second in commands lips, resting her hand over her forehead as she once more laid back. "What's taking him so long..." she breathed, closing her eyes for a moment. Their Taichō had left at the break of dawn without a word said. Leaving both her and Tōshirō to wonder where he could have possibly gone.

She groaned pushing herself off of the sofa, stretching out her slender arms as she approached the desk. "I suppose a little drink wouldn't hurt" she murmured to herself, dropping to the floor.

Now in a crouching position, her eyes brightened. Splayed out fingertips reaching out to grasp the neck of her favourite saké and the tray she often kept it on. Settling herself comfortably on the desk, she positioned the beverage in front of her. Snatching up a cup she had left there earlier, she was quick to fill the contents.

With a well-practiced flick of the wrist, she drained the liquid in one quick swig, slamming the cup down against the tray. Soon she became immersed in her thoughts. What if that oath vanished? Just like Gin always did when she was a child, everyone always left her. And Tōshirō would most likely do the same when he was a little older, due to her lazy antics.

She shook her head, bronze locks flitting around her face. She was just being paranoid because it was getting late. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the partially open window burst open with a harsh clatter.

Finding herself on high alert, she leapt silently to her feet. Marble spheres keenly scanning her surroundings. "Who's there?!" she demanded, her usual care free tone now stern and authoritative. Only the invading wind responded, reluctantly she manoeuvred her hand away from the hilt of Haineko.

"Tōshirō?" she called uncertainly, tucking her hair behind her ear. Once again silence followed, and she slowly lowered her guard. With a scowl present on her pretty features, she marched to the offending window and slammed the shutters closed.

Certain the sudden disturbance was down to the harsh wind, she plopped back down onto the desk. Put out by the night's events, she grasped the bottle once more. Rather than using her cup she brought it to her lips, tilting her head back.

Sensing someone behind her, her eyes widened. Before she had the chance to move, firm hands gripped onto her shoulders, rooting her to the spot. Warm breathe contacting the shell of her ear, a large shadow loomed over her. Words greeted her ears, like a low rumble the fear that enveloped her, suddenly melting away.

"I hope you saved some of that saké for your good ol' Taichō" With a sharp change of expression and an inevitable swing. The circular tray that she rested her bottles on was now planted deep into the familiar ravens face.

Legs parted, hands clawed and her back arched, Matsumoto found herself back on her feet. A deep frown carved onto her flawless features. She watched in dark amusement as the tray fell from the familiar males face.

A metallic clang rang across the room as the makeshift weapon dropped to the floor. The muscular build of Isshin Shiba was presented in front of her. His charcoal back hair was windswept, the periwinkle lined Haori he sported tattered and torn.

Murky Onyx hues met hers as a sheepish, lopsided grin became known on his face. Wiping the crimson substance that trickled from his nostril, he dared to speak again. "You know, it's not nice to hit your Taichō with trays…" he chuckled, folding his arms casually.

Rangiku remained silent, looking to the floor. "Where were you Isshin..?" She asked, her hands clenching by her sides. The man watched his Fukutaichō closely, eyes now laden in apology, he rubbed his neck.
"Sorry about that, duty called and I guess I didn't think"

Looking up, the Vices frown deepened "Don't you trust us?" she questioned, placing a hand on her hip. "Don't you trust Tōshirō and me?" The man was taken aback by the woman's words, his back slouching as he sighed.
"Of course I do, I just don't want you or the kid to get hurt…"

His eyes widening, he was quick to dodge the incoming saké bottle that came hurtling his way at a dangerous speed. The shattering of china made him wince, Rangiku glared at him from her position near the desk.

Her stance became slouched, her arms wrapping around her body "We're supposed to be a team, we're meant to work as a unit." She looked down again as the Taichō remained silent.
"I'm sorry Rangiku." The words he spoke were soft. She peered upwards to meet his rare, sincere gaze "Listen we have a mission, first thing tomorrow. I want both you and Tōshirō to accompany me, got it?"

A bright smile curved on her lips, knowing that he meant every word. "Of course, Taichō!" she nodded confidently. Isshin chuckled, arching an eyebrow
"Where's Tōshirō, is he around?" he asked, scanning around the room.
"I told him to go to bed, he was exhausted" The Fukutaichō sighed quietly, closing her eyes for a moment.

Isshin snorted, his grin widening "You sure about that, are you Rangiku..?"
"Of course, I am!" she piped up, failing to find another object to catapult at her leader. At the sudden raise of the woman's voice, the man put a finger to his lips, cutting her short. "E-eh what is it?" she blinked, tilting her head.

The raven craned his head around the door, and gestured her to come and have a look. "What?" she groaned, approaching him.
"I don't think the kiddo went to bed" he smiled, pointing to the small frame huddled against the wall, his being hidden by shadows.

In an obvious attempt to stay up and ensure his Captain returned safely, young Tōshirō had fallen to sleep, waiting outside of the office. His knees were pulled up to his slim chest, head resting over his arms that kept his legs drawn.

A slightly amused, doting smile found itself on the fair woman's lips, her tone a mere whisper as she spoke. "That's just like him. He wanted to make sure you got back before going to bed. I think he was worried"

"Well at least he's sleeping now, let's go Rangiku. I need you both at top strength for this mission" He looked at her seriously, and for a moment it took her by surprise. His barren, unsmiling expression unfamiliar to her, she could understand the importance of the upcoming assignment.

She nodded firmly, adapting to the situation. "Yes Taichō" she stated, her eyes locking onto his for a moment. In that split second they decided that they could trust one another fully and contently. Lunging down, Isshin scooped the seemingly fragile boy into strong arms. The boys crown of alabaster hair resting comfortably against the elders shoulder

"Make the most of the rest of the night and get some sleep Rangiku, alright?" He instructed firmly. "I'm going to take the kid to his quarters and go get some rest myself, so I'll meet you in the morning…"
"Alright, goodnight Taichō" she smiled, running a hand through her wavy locks.

The need to sleep quickly began to catch up with the tired vice, and she turned to begin her journey back to her room. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder what mission they were going to go on. But judging by the grave expression her superior had worn, it was one he was very reluctant to let them attend…

TBC...

Please R&R it means a lot, I like knowing what you guys think. It motivates me to write quicker too… Hope to hear from you!

Until next time!

Hatter ^^