Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN BLEACH OKAY, STOP HOUNDING ME!

Hello all of my readers! I love you all for reading this much, so thank you very much! Okay, here's the news: Dani213 and I are buddies now, so let's all be friends okay! No more mad faces, okay? Toshi doesn't like it! Now on to the story, so go on and read!

P.S. This chapter is bad; I didn't do a good job. Got lazy…

Toshiro's Outer Child

Chapter 11: Public Splashes

The whole group (Toshiro, Renji, Ichigo, Rukia, Rangiku, Ukitake, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Hisagi, Kempachi, and Yachiru) walked up to the public bathhouse. Their feet making little taps against the concrete. The little taps were the only noises surrounding them, but it was peaceful. The setting sun shined brightly against everyone's skin, making them glow a light gold color. The color in the sky was a breathtaking pink, and the clouds seemed to glow gold. The exposing heavens could not be described in words other than pure beauty.

Toshiro had taken a quick, peaceful, nap in Renji's arms and was starting to come around when the bath house was in view. His aquamarine eyes were opening, but closed quickly. The sun was shining brightly in his eyes, so he had to blink a few times before he could see with his beautiful eyes. His big orbs scanned the area around him; his eyes shinned in the sun light. His white hair sparkled from the water, but it looked like freshly fallen snow, shining in the morning sun. Toshiro suddenly became awake and sat up in Renji's arms, looking around more. He was a curious being in this state, no one could deny that.

All eyes seemed to be glued on the small captain. He blinked a few times and smiled at the people around him. Ichigo was the first to break the peaceful silence, "Hello, Toshi," Ichigo spoke in a sweet voice that fluttered through the sir around them," did you have a good nap?" Ichigo's words were sweet and welcoming, everyone was still trying to get used to this kind Ichigo. Rukia's camera zoomed in on the three. Renji was still carrying Toshiro, Toshiro's hands were holding on to Renji's right shoulder looking back at Ichigo with curious, innocent eyes, and Ichigo was walking behind Renji looking at Toshiro with a smile and a peaceful expression. Rukia noted how young Ichigo looked when he wasn't scowling.

His smile was welcoming and fit perfectly upon his soft lips. His eyes were carefully holding the gaze of Toshiro's eyes. Ichigo's eyes were a deep, caring brown and made his eyes look slightly bigger. His brow was smoothed out in a peaceful manner, and he seemed to look the part of an angel. He also had to bend his back a little bit to look Toshiro strait on.

Toshiro's hyper head gave a quick nod as he chirped out," Yep! Hey, Ichi, wanna know what I dweamed 'bout?" Ichigo chuckled at the fact that Toshiro was talking like a baby. But, his sweet words flowed like the breeze around them, sending a good feeling into everyone's spirit. Renji was also laughing as they walked in front of the bath house. Toshiro noticed this and whispered in the sweetest voice," I'll tell you guys later."

It was closed today, but the hostess was still sitting there, waiting for costumers. The girl's hair was a light brown and tied up in a high ponytail that reached the top of her neck. Ichigo assumed that it was still opened for captains and lieutenants. Renji walked up to the woman, who was wearing a smile that seemed to be painted on and not true. She seemed to glow of happiness. Everyone waited behind Renji as he told the women how many people they had. Everyone giggled because Renji had to turn around and count everyone, but Toshiro was faster and didn't forget to count himself and Renji. He had to hold down his childish laugh because Renji had actually done that.

"We have three girls and eight boys!" Toshiro chirped before Renji was done counting. Renji's finger hanged in the air as if he didn't know what to do. The hostess started to giggle, and this caused a blush to rise up in his cheeks. He whipped around to the hostess and hung his head with an embarrassed shame. He let out a sigh as everyone had a good laugh, but Toshiro patted his head. Renji nodded his head, too embarrassed to speak. The young girl held down her giggles and spoke.

"Girls on your left, and boys on your right," she said with a true smile. She looked much better with a true smile. Everyone thanked the young girl and went there separate ways. The girls gave Toshiro a quick hug, to Toshiro's enjoyment, before the left. Toshiro gave them a smile and wave before them too, disappeared into the bath house.

The boys went into the locker room to change. Everyone got a locker, but Toshiro shared one with Ichigo. The boys started to undress themselves, but Toshiro seemed to be having some problems. He tried to pull his shirt above his head, but it got stuck. He started to run around the room, bumping into all the people around him. Ichigo laughed and started to help the small boy undress. He got Toshiro's shirt off and Toshiro started to pout.

"Ichi," Toshiro protested," I can do it me self. I don't need hewlp!" Ichigo chuckled at his language and finished getting undressing himself. Once everyone was in a towel they started to watch Toshiro. All eyes were glued to the small boy as he was having trouble getting his socks off. No one helped him, they just watched with big grins. Toshiro was literally hopping all over the place. He was about to get the first sock off when he fell to the floor with a soft thump. It didn't hurt him but he was having trouble getting up. The only reason for that was that he didn't let go of his small sock. He was wriggling around and struggling to stand up until he just sat down on the floor. Suddenly, everyone was aware of the growing silence around them.

Toshiro looked up at Ichigo with innocent, whining aqua eyes. He stuck his foot up in the air as he lay on the ground and piped," Ichi, help!" Ichigo had laughed at how the small boy had given up and walked over to the small boy. Ichigo had helped Toshiro undress, and got him to put is towel on. With that they finally headed to the baths.

Toshiro had picked an area next to Ichigo and Hisagi stating he could clean himself. Everyone smiled at the small boy, and they all went to go wash themselves off. Toshiro had started to shampoo his hair. He put a drop of the shampoo in his hand the size of a quarter and started to scrub his hair. He was scrubbing very fast and hadn't realized the soap that was slipping down his face. The little line of white bubbles had made its way into Toshiro's left eye, earning a squeak from the small boy. Ichigo had stopped washing his own hair and looked at Toshiro. He looked so small.

Toshiro was sitting on a stool that was a bit too big for him, and when he tried to rub the soap out of his eyes it gave him a look of innocence. Ichigo made a low chuckle that disappeared into the conversations of the people around him. No one had really paid attention to Toshiro's squeak and kept talking. They were talking about work, about their divisions, and about Toshiro. Ichigo looked at Toshiro with a smile that could be compared to a big brother smiling at his younger brother. Actually, that's exactly what it was.

Ichigo spoke in a tone that was sweet and friendly," Toshiro?" Toshiro jumped lightly and looked at Ichigo. He closed his left eye to get rid of the light sting. Toshiro smiled a little nervously and tried to cover his little mistake.

"Y-yeah, Ichi? What is it?" Toshiro asked stumbling a bit. Toshiro blushed a little from the fact that Ichigo had seen what had happened. He looked at Ichigo with a fake look of curiousness. Ichigo saw this and noted what a good actor Toshiro was. Ichigo smiled, Toshiro was just too innocent.

"Toshiro, do you want me to help you wash off?" Ichigo asked with a slight hint of mockery. Toshiro didn't catch this though and just looked at the ground, hanging his head. Toshiro nodded slightly and Ichigo got up to more his stool behind Toshiro. Toshiro turned his small head a bit to face Ichigo, a small blush on his cheeks. It was from slight embarrassment, but mostly from the heat.

"Sworry for makin' you do this Ichi," Toshiro apologized. That sweet voice hit Ichigo pretty hard and he smiled in return. So, Ichigo thought, Toshiro is the type to apologize for even little things like this. Ichigo smiled and raffled Toshiro's hair, it still had soap and was very damp, but Ichigo didn't mind. He had to wash his hair anyway. Ichigo flashed Toshiro a big grin. His grin seemed to shin, brightening his whole face.

"Don't worry about it Toshi," Ichigo smiled. He liked the nickname "Toshi" better than "Lil' Shiro". He thought that Toshi sounded a bit tougher, which earned a smile from Toshiro every time. Toshiro turned to face the mirror in front of him as Ichigo finished washing him off. It didn't take Ichigo long at all, considering how small Toshiro was. Ichigo got Toshiro completely clean and Toshiro ended up smelling like soup and water.

Ichigo raffled Toshiro's hair, causing his white hair to stick up a bit, "Okay little man, you're all done." Toshiro nodded and walked over to the tubs and sat down, Ukitake, Kempachi, Renji, Ikkaku, and Hisagi were already done. Yumichika was still washing himself, insisting that he had to be perfectly clean, and Ichigo was washing Toshiro so he wasn't done yet either.

As Ichigo was washing himself he sighed in relief. Not only did Toshiro behave himself while being washed, but the grass and mud had come out of his hair quite easily. Once Ichigo was done he slipped into one of the tubs with a sigh. He had noticed that Toshiro would jump from tub to tub, as he played some water game. Yumichika had finally finished and slipped in too. Everyone sighed at the feeling of the warm water brushing against their skin. It felt warm like a summer day at the beach. It was quiet and peaceful, until Toshiro got bored with the tub he was in.

The water made small splashing noises as he pushed himself out of the tub and walked over to Ichigo's tub. "Hi, Ichi!" he chirped. Toshiro stood outside the tub behind Ichigo. Ichigo turned around, making small splashing noises, to see Toshiro's eyes about an inch away from his face. Toshiro was wearing the biggest smile he had, he was clearly enjoying himself. Then, Ichigo noticed something. Toshiro was standing. Ichigo was sitting down in the tub, face to face with a standing Toshiro. Was he really the short? Wait, Toshiro was standing on a stool. Yep, Toshiro really was that short.

"Hey, Toshi, what are you doing?" Ichigo asked with that big brother smile on his face. Toshiro responded with the biggest, mischievous grin Ichigo had ever seen. Ichigo paled, Toshiro wouldn't dare. Toshiro stood on the edge of the tub. This earned curious glances from everyone. Ichigo tried to grab Toshiro but was too slow.

"Cannonball!" Toshiro yelled as he jumped into the water. He was small so he only splashed the people in that one tub. Toshiro's small head popped up out of the water with his hair glued to his face and neck from the water. His aqua eyes were bright and cheerful. His smile was big and happy, and it was a face you just couldn't get mad at. Everyone started laughing. The sweet laughter boomed through the room and seemed to lift any bad mood away.

Toshiro doggy paddled over to Ichigo, it wasn't a surprise seeing as he was so small. Ichigo regained control of his laughter and looked at Toshiro. Ichigo spook in a voice that couldn't be taken any other way than pure happiness and care. "Are you having fun Toshi?" Ichigo asked using Toshiro's nickname. Ichigo was glad that he didn't have to worry about calling him Captain Hitsugaya anymore.

Toshiro's hyper head gave a quick nod, sending water everywhere," Yep!" Toshiro's big aqua eyes burned through Ichigo's soul as he stared at him. Toshiro's soft lips were in a straight thin line, and his face showed no emotion at all. To be honest, it was creeping everyone out. Toshiro hasn't shown an emotion like that since way before the accident. Ichigo tensed up, not knowing what to do under that gaze. He moved around a bit, fidgeting, but it didn't help.

"Toshiro," Ichigo asked," You okay there buddy?" Right as Ichigo finished his question, Toshiro got the biggest grin on his face. The smile fit the child so well, as his eyes seemed to be laughing ocean. Toshiro raised his hands high in the air, and brought them down in one big splash. Toshiro giggled as he looked at Ichigo. Ichigo looked as if he was in shock and restraint. Ichigo knew he had to be an adult around this kid, but he gave into the temptation anyway. He cupped his right hand and hit the water diagonally, getting Toshiro with a lot of the water.

Suddenly, a splash fight arose between Ichigo and Toshiro. Toshiro observed Ichigo and quickly learned his trick, but his hands were small so it wasn't that bad for Ichigo. Everyone stared wide eyed at Ichigo, even though he had been a softy since Toshiro's transformation; they had never seen him jump into the fun first. They all just sat there letting the shock take over them. Hisagi was the first to come around.

"Guys, shouldn't we be getting out now?" Hisagi asked the two playing around. Instead of splashing Hisagi like everyone expected, Toshi jumped out of the tub and started to shout with a smile on his face.

"Last one to the locker room is a rotten egg!" Toshi cried as he darted for the locker room. Before anyone was able to step out of the tub Toshiro was laughing from the locker room. "I win!" He giggled. His sweet giggles made everyone smile. Why, oh why, couldn't Toshiro act like this at his normal age?

Suddenly everyone tensed up, and they all made eye contact with each other. Everyone started to give a nervous laugh, and then they all sprinted to the locker room. Toshiro somehow managed to crawl onto of the entire locker column and was watching all of the boys with a grin. He was clearly having fun. Ukitake ended up losing, but Toshiro gave him a big, warming smile. That smile came from the coldest captain alive, but it seemed to melt everyone's heart. Even, Kempachi gave a small smile.

Ichigo suddenly realized how high Toshiro was, and got a bit worried. He looked at Toshiro a serious face, confusing the small boy. Toshiro tilted his head to the right with a confused frown. His brow was furrowed in confusion, and his white locks fell a bit to the right. He looked quiet cute. Ichigo noted that he somehow got his pants on, but he didn't have his shirt or socks. His knees were up too his chest, as he held onto his knees. Toshiro was well-balanced on his feet.

"Toshiro, come on, get down," Ichigo said as he reached out for the small boy. Toshiro leaned forward a bit to Ichigo, but ended up slipping on the small puddle of water he had made. Toshiro made a light squeak as his light body fell into Ichigo's out stretched arms. Ichigo closed his arms around Toshiro's small frame, and sighed in relief, along with everyone else. Toshiro was safe.

Ichigo walked over to his locker as everyone started to get dressed. Ichigo put his clothes on as Toshiro dried off and drank a bottle of milk. Toshiro was sitting on a small bench in only his pants in a big towel on his head. The towel exposed his face, but hid his sides and back by its large size. Toshiro was kicking his small legs off the edge of the bench. One leg would go up, and then back down, and then he'd do the same with the other. He held the glass bottle with both hands, and tilted it slightly so the cool milk could rush down his throat. His aqua eyes watched the milk in the bottle as it disappeared. Ichigo smiled at his innocence. Ichigo grabbed the small water proof camera and took a quick picture of Toshiro. But that small picture couldn't compare to the innocence that constantly surrounded the small boy.

Ichigo finished getting dressed along with everyone else. "Hey, Toshiro, come over here will you?" Ichigo called for the small boy, "I have to get you dressed." Toshiro looked at Ichigo holding the bottle in his lap with a smile on his face. Toshiro jumped off the bench and bounced over to Ichigo. The towel somehow stayed on his head, and he held the glass bottle held in his left hand. The towel dragged against the floor because of Toshiro's height. Toshiro hooked onto Ichigo's left leg, causing the older to chuckle. Ikkaku walked over to the two laughing boys, and sat down on the bench connected to the bottom of the locker column.

"Will you two hurry up?" Ikkaku ordered. He looked like he was getting impatient. He looked angry and it almost looked like he was pouting. Was Toshiro rubbing off on him?

"Hey, unlike you I have to help Toshiro get dressed," Ichigo huffed," so hold your horses and stop acting like a child." Ichigo continued with getting Toshiro's hair completely dry as he put the towel all the way over his head and rubbed the top of Toshiro's head. You could barely hear he's muffled giggles, but they were there. Ikkaku looked at Toshiro and then away. I am not getting involved, Ikkaku thought with a blush rising on his cheeks. He quickly left that small area. Ichigo chuckled and went back to dressing Toshiro.

Ichigo got his small frame dried off and started to put Toshiro's shirt on. Because it was a soul reaper outfit Ichigo was having difficulties putting it on his small frame, and that earned a giggle from the younger. Toshiro's sweet giggles filled Ichigo's ears and made its way into his mind. This way Ichigo would never forget the sweet sound. Ichigo blushed a bit from the troubles he had; Toshiro was soon dressed. Except for his socks, Ichigo laid Toshiro down on the bench and slipped Toshiro's socks on. They went on quiet easily, thanks to Toshiro helping Ichigo out. Toshiro flashed a bright smile at Ichigo and all the soul reapers headed out of the bathhouse.

"What took you guys so long?" Rukia huffed. She had a pouting face, but it vanished as soon as she saw the grinning Toshiro. She hopped over to him and took him out of Ichigo's arms. Rukia's face seemed to be so much happier with the small boy in her arms. She held the small boy to her chest, which allowed his white locks to tickle her chin. Rukia smiled down at the small boy, "So Toshiro, did you have a nice bath?" Rukia's smile was very caring as her luminous dark blue eyes gazed into the light blue eyes of Toshiro.

Toshiro smiled back at Rukia and gave his head a hyper nod," Yep! I had tons of fun!" With the last three words Toshiro shoved his hands up into the air like a child. Rukia giggled and sat Toshiro on the ground. She gazed at the sky and noticed that the sun was two-thirds under the horizon line. The sky was getting a dark blue; it looked the exact color of Rukia's glowing eyes. She turned to Ukitake and he nodded.

"Okay everybody," Ukitake called as he clasped his hands together," time for us all to go home." Toshiro looked at Ukitake with a pouting face, but he let out a big yawn as he rubbed his eyes. He nodded, too tired to argue and hooked onto Ukitake's pant legs. Ukitake let a fatherly smile escape his lips as he picked up the small boy. Everyone nodded and went their separate ways.

"Bye-bye, Toshi, maybe we can play tomorrow!" Yachiru called from Kempachi's left shoulder. Toshiro gave a small nod, which Yachiru was able to see under the street light. Yachiru gave Toshiro one last smile before turning forwards, as she disappeared into the shadows of the night.

Ukitake, Renji, Ichigo, Rukia, Rangiku, and Toshiro all headed to the house they had been staying at for the past day. Ukitake had the sleepy Toshiro wrapped up in his arms, but of course Toshiro didn't disagree. Rukia zoomed in on Toshiro's sweet face. His eyes were only half open and his mouth was in a lazy smile. Toshiro's skin was completely smooth without a care in the world. This caused the people around to smile.

They soon arrived at the house and walked into the living room. Ukitake walked into the bathroom so Toshiro could brush his teeth and go to the bathroom before bed. He brought out a small stool for Toshiro to stand on. Toshiro started to brush his teeth, and he allowed the toothpaste to lather up in his mouth. Toshiro noticed that Ukitake was still standing behind him. Toshiro gave a pouting expression, and motioned for Ukitake to leave. Ukitake gave a small nod and raffled Toshiro's hair before leaving.

Ukitake walked into the living room and saw everyone laying lazily in their futons. Ukitake smiled," Hi everyone, well don't you all look comfy." Ukitake sat in his own futon and flashed everyone his signature smile. It was full of life and happiness.

Renji smirked, "Well I sure am comfortable." With that Renji put his hands behind his head and laid down on his futon. Ukitake noticed something; everyone was already in their pajamas. How did they change so fast? Ukitake shrugged it off and decided just to sleep in his soul reaper robes. Everyone was in the same clothes they were in before, and it didn't really matter.

Soon, Toshiro came running in the room with his green pajamas on. He jumped into his futon, and proceeded to hide under the covers. This caused Rangiku to laugh at her captain's childishness. She looked under his covers and saw him in a crouching possession, as if he was a lion ready to pounce. Rukia smiled and asked in a sweet voice, "Toshiro are you tired yet?" Toshiro gave a small smile.

"Yeah, just a little," he said smiling. Then he got a look on his face that said an idea had just popped into his head. Everyone could practically see the light bulb go off above his head. He looked at Rangiku with puppy-dog eyes and allowed his bottom lip to slip out a bit. "Rangiku," Toshiro asked in a sweet, childish voice," can you tell me a bed-time story?"

Rangiku nodded with a smile and piped out, "Why don't we do a popcorn story? It's when we go from each person adding our own twist to the story." This earned a smile from Rukia, Toshiro, and Ukitake. Ichigo and Renji, however, looked a bit scared. This is either going to go really good, or really bad, Renji thought with a horrified expression.

Hey ya'll! I'm sorry it took me so long to rite this chapter. I mean, a lot of stuff has been going on. Like, I'm going to a wedding later today! NOT MINE, my cousins, and I'm just going to be there. I don't have any cool role or anything. I was a flower girl at my Aunt Kelly's wedding and a Junior Bride's Maid at my Aunt Lisa's wedding. Anyway, the next chapter is going to be a bit short maybe, I might add what happens in the morning to make it longer. I love you all and thanks for all that you do to cheer me on!

Ichigo: Why am I like the big brother?

Nikki: Because you're not sensitive enough in the actual show and you're like my second favorite character.

Ichigo: SECOND?

Nikki: Yep, Toshiro's my first favorite, otherwise you would be the baby.

Ichigo: Suddenly being second isn't that bad anymore.

Everyone: See you when Nikki/I write the twelfth chapter!