Prince
Sado & Yachiru

Sado walked into the shadowy confines of Zaraki's private quarters. The gentle giant looked around, not really surprised at the things he saw littering the outer rooms. There were Mercenary magazines, bits of weapons, a couple of articles of clothing that are too small to be any other than Yachiru's. And an alarming amount of toys. With a tiny recoil, Sado realized that not all the toys were whole. There's nothing quite as disquieting more than broken dolls.

"You're here, that's great," Madarame smiled his face splitting grin, "We haven't had a night out in forever!"

Yumichika tossed his hair in a pretty gesture, "We haven't been clubbing with the captain in a very long time."

He looked closer at the two men, noticing that they were indeed dressed to go to the real world. And they were literally dressed to kill. Idly, he wondered if they were going with anyone else; Ichigo had said he was too busy to watch Yachiru with him tonight. "You look good," he said, his deep rumble filling the room.

Zaraki came out of the hallway, a small pink haired body on his shoulder. The body was dressed, not in her usual shihakusho, but green footie pajamas printed with tiny pink ducks. He didn't bother hiding his smile.

"You remember Yasutora," Zaraki pulled the struggling girl off his shoulder, "don't kill him, okay?"

"How likely is that?" Sado watched the scowl on her tiny face grow.

Ikkaku and Yumichika traded glances, "Not very," Ikkaku answered in a less than upbeat way.

Sado's brows raised, but he managed a smile, "Well then, muchacha, what do you want to do?"

"I wanna go with Ken-chan, Cue-ball, and Feathers to the dance!"

The men all turned at the door way, and Kenpachi sighed, "Ya cain't come, munchkin. It's already yer bed time." With a frown for the tall boy, he added, "She can have a snack, a glass of water, and a story." His eyes fell lower to the girl, "Then, lights out. See ya in th' mornin'." They filed out, and Sado was left alone with the fury that is Yachiru.

"Ok, then, Tiger…"

He interrupted, "How about el tigre?"

"Huh?"

"For my nickname," he smiled as he knelt down to her level.

Her slow smile replaced the grumpy face, "Ok, el tigre," he nodded, "Can I have ice cream as a snack?"

"No, I don't think that's very conducive to sleep. Pick something else."

She rolled her dark garnet eyes, "Fine! I'll have a banana." She ran from the room; as he straitened, she reappeared, banana in hand and half peeled. In a matter of seconds she had shed the banana's skin, and offered him half the fruit. He gladly accepted, and they finished quickly. To his surprise, she yawned.

"Did you want your water now, or after the story?"

"After I brush my teeth. That's when Yumi gives it."

"You'd better get to it then, muchacha."

She led the way deeper into her home, "What does that mean?"

"Muchacha? It means 'girl'."

She laughed, "It's not very descriptive, but I like it." She touched the plate beside the door that operated the light, flooding the bath with luminescence. Sado stood, and as he watched the young-seeming girl brush her teeth, he felt at peace. He didn't think that many people would associate that feeling with Yachiru. He wondered if she was really sweet natured, or was she sweet with him only? Shortly, she finished, and hopped down off the stool. With child-like zest, she slapped off the light, and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward her bedroom.

He helped her into bed, and tucked her comforter up to her chin, "Now where do you keep your books?"

"Can you tell me a story? I've read all my books."

He grinned again, "Sure muchacha. What do you want the story to be about?"

Her sleepy eyes gazed up at him, "A wonderful prince."

"And the beautiful young princess?"

She quietly nodded. With another slow smile he started, "Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince…"

"Of tigers."


AN/ Hasty's brainchild, thanks! Poor Yachiru, I'm always so torn at making her seem young, or growing her up. Isn't she like a hundred years old? LOL Jeeze. I'd hate to be a kid that long. My readers are very important to me, and I appreciate you guys! It wouldn't hurt to drop a line, now, would it?