Author's Note:
Wow, it's been six years since I've last been on this account.
But moreso SIX years since the 3 shots was put on hold.
Although a lot has happened over the years that I put this story on hiatus, the thought of 'How will this end' never left my mind.
&& after much anticipation, I am finally glad to say that this is the end that you've all been waiting for.
I hope that I did the end of this long journey justice.
I cried knowing that I have completed this story once and for all.
My deepest apologies for leaving a story on the longest cliffhanger (longer than this show ever has done)
Final time to say, this is a Muguruma Kensei x OC Story (So if OC isn't your thing, please don't hate cause everyone has their own preference)
This does feature a one-sided Shuuhei Hisagi x OC
Anywho, this three shot is AJ Rafael inspired (each shot titled after a song of his)
This one being "We Could Happen" where you can find the video here: watch?v=zgselUm89YA
** Note anything that is Italicized are the lyrics from AJ's song**
Hope you enjoy this 6.3K worded story & leave a review :)
- Stay safe out there everyone!
AMAYA'S POINT OF VIEW
"Do you remember who I am?"
I spoke softly, slowly entering unconsciousness.
"Who are you?"
"Kensei…"
I moaned as my eyes slowly crept open; Feeling the ray of light shining onto me, I reached my left hand out to shade my view.
I could feel a thick fabric on my face as I moved my hand out to get a better look.
Seeing my left hand bandaged perfectly up to my arm, the memories of Aizen-taicho, the Arrancars, Izuru, Mashiro,…
My heart started to race faster as I quickly stood my body up hastily looking around my surroundings for everyone.
'Beep! Beep! Beep!'
The monitors beside me went off as I noticed all the wires attached to my torso.
Footsteps could be heard outside the room as I turned over to see a member from the 4th division looking distraught until she noticed I just woken up.
"N-Natsuki-sempai you need to rest."
She panicked, approaching me from the door.
The only thought going through my mind was wondering if everyone was okay.
threw the sheets off me as I hastily got off the bed, only to lose balance.
The squad member luckily gotten to my side as she held me by right arm.
"Natsuki-sempai you need to lie down! You shouldn't be standing up right now!"
"I need to find everyone else. I need to know they're okay."
I panted, suddenly feeling fatigue all over my body.
Placing a hand over my chest to catch my breathe I felt relived feeling my necklace still on.
The soreness of my body evident of the amount of reiatsu I had to use during the fight.
With the squad member still speaking to me, I moved my left hand to my stomach and felt layers of bandage underneath the gown.
Probably where that Arrancar punched me…
/I'll hold the door, please come in.
And just sit here for a while, this is my way of telling you I need you in my life./
"They're all fine Amaya, now get back to bed and stop worrying too much."
A new voice entered the room.
I looked over to the door to see Shuuhei leaning against the frame staring at the perplex scene that is me.
I quickly apologized to the shinigami as she placed me back upright on the bed and began to look over my heart rate and left arm.
Shuuhei grabbed a seat by the chair near the window and sat quietly.
The shinigami then finished writing on my portfolio before excusing herself.
I glanced at Shuuhei as he was in his usual clothing with a couple of scratches and bandages on him.
Doesn't look too beaten up as myself, I thought.
"What happened Shuuhei?"
Watching his face scrunch up as he recalled all the events that took place.
The Vizards as they called themselves, who were the taichos and fuku-taichos that were 'exiled', came to support in battle.
How each of them had something called a Hallow mask which enhanced their powers and Shikais.
So I wasn't dreaming when I saw all of them again…
Shuuhei continued to explain the battle against his former taicho, Tosen, alongside Komamura-taicho and the result of Tosen turning into a Hallow as well before being slained by said lieutenant.
My heart ached for Shuuhei knowing how difficult that fight must've been for him mentally; the man he looked up to and the values he followed were all from Tosen.
"Above all that, it's great to see that you're recovering well Amaya."
Shuuhei smiled, his grey eyes looked into mine.
"I can say the same here Shuuhei."
He left not too long after mentioning about grabbing lunch for the both of us, as the sun started to cast over.
/It's so cold without your touch, I've been dreaming way too much.
Can we just turn this into reality?/
Reflecting at everything that had happen over the course of the battle, my mind continues to linger back to him.
My hand squeezed the heart locket, a tear on my face.
After 120 years, he was here all along; Alive.
Although his appearance may have altered, the way he presented himself was still the same stubborn ex-captain I've remembered.
"Then again, I may have looked too different for him to remember me."
I said out loud, holding strands of my newly coloured hair.
After stepping down from Soul Society, I went looking for answers to find closure.
Those endless nights visiting the locations where they were last seen. Searching for clues for their whereabouts from dusk 'til dawn.
Wasn't until Kaien-san came to see me one day asking for my return to Seireitei and that was what Kensei would have wanted.
Coming back to the academy I changed my hair and grew it out; A new Natsuki Amaya.
Flashback – Shin'o Academy (Pre-Ichigo)
Standing in front of the Shinigami Academy once more.
It's been decades since my departure from Seireitei and rather than enlisting myself back into Squad 13, I decided to reapply and hone all aspects of being a Shinigami.
A pang can be felt in my heart as the memories of being with him flooded my mind.
Unbeknownst to me, tears started to fall as images of Kensei flashed in front of me.
I know he wouldn't have want me to just give up on my dream as a Shinigami.
He knew I wanted to do everything in my power to help others.
/'Cause I've been thinking 'bout you lately,
Maybe you could save me from this crazy world we live in./
"I'm doing this for your dream Kensei: For our dream."
Entering the building I can see a flood of new students standing around waiting for the opening ceremony.
"Gomen."
Bumped a female, shorter than me, wearing the standard red and white shinigami robe with her hair tied up in pigtails.
She looked up at me with her brown eyes, smiling.
"It's okay. I'm Natsuki Amaya!"
"Momo Hinamori!"
We exchanged handshakes and began sharing a bit about our life and the districts we came from.
A feeling of relief washed over me as I made my first friend here.
Soon after we met Abarai Renji and Izuru Kira, both men who excelled their admission into the academy.
I wouldn't be alone for the next six years here.
Soon we were instructed to line up and were greeted with a few of the seniors here on their final year in the academy.
One by one they stood in front of us, explaining what to expect during our time.
Then came another senior shinigami who stood in front of us to explain about a field test that will be done during the end of term.
Staring at the sixth year before me he had short spikey black hair, zanpakuto carried over his right shoulder, a choker around his neck and wearing the standard male uniform.
But what caught my attention about him more than anything was the number tattooed on his cheek.
The number that I thought I wouldn't see on another person.
69….
"…I am Shuuhei Hisagi."
Back to the Present
Shuuhei returned with lunch moments after and continued on with the fight.
How Ichigo, the substitute Shinigami, defeated Aizen and now is being taken back to be imprisoned.
I couldn't believe that the substitute Shinigami who Rukia-san gave reiatsu to;
The same substitute Shinigami that broke into Soul Society to save said female and damaged a good amount of the barracks, with help from Zaraki-taicho, took down the soul-less monster on his own.
I need to remember to thank Ichigo-san for everything he has done for us.
"Amaya-chan, I spoke to Unohana-taicho and she said after tonight's rest you will be able to leave the hospital."
Shuuhei looked over to me, cleaning up the empty wrappers of our lunch.
"Can't I leave now. I feel better already."
I rolled my eyes knowing that I had to spend another night here.
Hospital wings always made me uncomfortable.
"Well it would've been in sooner if Kurotsuchi-taicho activated the Transfer Pillars."
He scratched the nape of his neck as I tilt my head in confusion.
He went on to tell me how 12th Division Kurotsuchi-taicho had a button that would bring back Karakura Town and all the inhabitants.
But a handful of his squad members had to stop him since there will still a lot of us within the area recovering.
In true Kurotsuchi-taicho manner, he started counting backwards from ten which scared the members even more and even went above and beyond to replace said Human World Transfer with a fake one that had a bunny on it.
"Ahaha! Typical Kurotsuchi-taicho, wouldn't expect any less from the taicho of the 12th division."
Laughing as I wiped a tear from my eye.
It was nice having Shuuhei accompany me here.
He informed me of Izuru-kun, Rangi-kun and Hinamori-kan's recovery and that they too would be well enough to leave for home tomorrow.
As the sun slowly began to set, the noises from the hallway began to quiet down.
Though, I thought I heard the door creek when…
"Amaya-chan, I was meaning to tell you something."
My fuku-taicho said above a whisper as I stared from the door then back to him.
It wasn't common for him to say my name as such, except for the times we hung out together with our friends.
"During the battle with Aizen, when I saw you getting impaled by that arrancar, I couldn't wipe that image off my mind.
I kept thinking you were going to die there and then…
And well, when I found out that you were alive I knew I had to see you."
Slowly he engulfed my hands into his.
"If this situation were to happen again and I were to lose you, I'll hate myself."
A look of sorrow on his face.
I couldn't understand where this was coming from.
"What are you saying Shuuhei?"
The reoccurring fear of losing someone close to me again came back to mind.
That moment during our field test where it almost happened again.
Flashback – First Year Field Test
"Okay, everyone's in groups?
Now we'll give a summary of today's field training."
In front stood three sixth years students: Aoga, Kanisawa, and Hisagi.
"Sixth round students awaiting us in the living world have created a barrier surrounding an appropriately sized area."
Kanisawa-sama instructed, as she stood with arms folded.
"We will have you conduct combat training therein with dummy Hallows."
Aoga-sama nodded.
"While we sixth round students will prepare an easy location to fight in,
We won't assist in the combat itself. Got that?
Okay, let's go!"
Finished Hisagi-sama.
All three leaders turned and started exiting into the door that led to the world of living.
My group consisting of Hinamori, Kira, and Renji.
"Hai!"
It was night-fall when we arrived. Near the ocean you can see the stars glistening on the body of water.
We were told to keep a close eye in case of real Hallows, although we were in a safe zone.
Our team had just finished eliminating a small practice Hallow with Kira giving it the final blow to the mask.
Deciding to call in it, we starting making our way back to the rally point.
"I can't wait to head back to wash up after a long day of training."
I stretched as we were walking back to the group.
"Yeah, you smell for someone who didn't do much!"
Teased Renji as he pinched his nose.
I shot him back a glare as Hinamori and Kira laughed.
It was great spending time with friends without a care in the…
"AHHHHHH!"
We all froze and heard the scream coming from the rally point.
"What's that?"
Renji asked.
"What could it be?"
Hinamori looked over to me, with fear on my face.
"Let's hurry!"
Kira said.
All four of us ran as fast as we could to the group.
Once we got to the center, my eyes shot up wide.
"Wh-What is that?!"
Renji's eyes also wide looking up at the horror in front of us.
There stood a large Hallow with two long claws on either hand, behind it had wings and just the sound of it's cry was petrifying.
Looking closer I gasped as a body of a student laid lifeless on its claws.
"Kanisawa-sama!"
As the Hallow threw the body off its claws, we all stared in horror as we saw closer who that body was.
Everybody stood frozen, as both Aoga-sempai and Hisagi-sempai drew out their zanpakuto preparing to confront the beast.
"Bastard, how dare you kill Kanisawa!"
Aoga cried out before charging towards the beast.
"Aoga!"
Hisagi yelled out as the Hallow, in one swift motion swung its claw and got Aoga.
"Run away, freshmen!"
Hisagi-sempai turned to us, as everyone started to flee.
I stood frozen watching the scene before me.
It's been years since I encountered a Hallow again.
Years since the feeling of life and death overwhelmed me.
I pulled out my zanpakuto, remembering that once I was a fuku-taicho of Gotei 13 and maybe I could assist Hisagi-sempai.
I looked over to see both Renji and Kira running away.
Looking back to the Hallow to see it send a Cero straight to Hisagi, just managing to dodge.
As my mind switched back to the crowd, I found Hinamori frozen in her spot, eyes wide with horror.
Without a second thought I quickly ran to her and shook her out of the trance.
"Hinamori-chan, you have to go."
"Why…What is everyone running for?"
Shit! Can Hinamori-kun not see the Hallow. I looked over my shoulder and there it stood.
"What are you doing, Hinamori-kun?! Amaya-kun?!"
I turn to see Kira yell over and Renji not far behind him.
Crash! I look over to see Hisagi being thrown to a wall, blood dripping from his face.
His right eye covered in blood from the attack.
Glancing back at my friends then quickly sprinted off to support our leader.
"Take care of Hinamori-chan!"
"Amaya-kun!"
My mind raced as I continued to run, dodging other first years.
I need to protect those close to me. I can't lose someone again.
I made it in time as Hisagi tried to slash the Hallow by the mask, without prevail.
"Hisagi-sempai!"
His gaze scan towards me, also garnering the attention of the Hallow.
"Baka! What are you doing, I said run!"
I ignored the call as I held my zanpakuto and began running towards it.
The Hallow blocked my attack with its claw as I jumped back in case of a surprise attack.
Hisagi and I continued to attack from different directions, each being unsuccessful.
I felt a sting on my arm and looked over to see a stain of blood. The Hallow must've gotten me from the last hit.
I watched as its claw went from two long ones to multiples.
Preparing for the counter, Hisagi and I held our swords up ready with my body positioned in front of him.
As the claws descended towards us, I see three figures quickly jumping into view.
"Renji-kun! Kira-kun! Hinamori-chan!"
I looked at them in awe.
"Our deepest apologies!
We are disobeying orders!"
Kira was pushing against the claws of the beast.
"We came to save you, so overlook it, alright senpai?"
Renji too pushing against the other set of claws.
The three began their chant for Way of Destruction, #31 Red Flame Cannon which blinded the Hallow allowing us to getaway.
We were soon trapped as multiple Hallows began to appear from fabrics of the world.
Backs against each other, preparing for any one of them to attack.
Back to the Present
That night after the field test was when Shuuhei and I became friends.
How scared I was to lose someone again and not being able to do anything to prevent it.
"For the past years that you've came back and joined my division, I've fallen for you Amaya.
I love you."
/And I know we could happen 'cause you know that I've been feeling you./
Only the heart monitor could be heard in the room.
My eyes fixed on the man in front of me.
I wasn't sure if I heard it right.
Shuuhei Hisagi; my fuku-taicho said he loves me?
I feel his hands squeeze mine.
Image of Kensei protecting me from the arrancar came to mind.
And after seeing him again, with no recollection of who I was even at the slightest.
Has too much time past between us that even if I saw him now and confessed my longing feelings: Would it be too late?
Banned from Soul Society, living in the human realm.
Would it even work?
Would we work?
/Storms, they will come,
But I know that the sun will shine again./
Or could I learn to love him? Shuuhei Hisagi, the man before me.
The one who welcomed me when I rejoined Gotei 13 as the 3rd seat for his squad.
The one who shares the same determination as Kensei when he was saved as a child.
Similar in some ways yet Shuuhei was a man of his own.
Before I could answer, I sensed whatever was behind the door vanished.
Must've been another squad member I brushed it off.
I had enough time before he disappeared to confess my feelings, Kaien-san even told me to do so sooner.
But no matter how much I could tell myself to love Shuuhei, it wouldn't be fair for him.
I've spent years yearning for one love and I wouldn't want to hurt someone I cared for.
Later that Evening
Shuuhei left a few hours ago as Unohana-taicho dropped by to tell him I needed to rest.
I was restless.
I couldn't stop thinking back at what happened a while ago.
Moving my body over to face outside the window, I sighed as I wondered how he was doing.
I would've thought that if Mashiro remembered me maybe he'd come visit?
A sigh escaped my lips, pulling my locket out from my robe I stared as it glowed a tint of green.
/He's my friend and he says that we belong together./
Odd, that's never happened before.
The times I've done missions here in the human world, not once has my locket acted in a way.
I turned back to face the door and decided to find him.
Maybe this means something…
Carefully getting up, I held the edge of the bed this time to stretch my limbs.
I removed all the wires and made my way towards the counter with my folded clothing.
After getting dressed, I turned and place my hand on the handle and pressed my ear against the door.
Hearing a few footsteps and voices on the other side I decided best to leave out the window.
Better than having squad members chase me to get me back in bed.
The night cool breeze tickled my skin as I scan the area for a starting point.
I then remembered the conversation with Shuuhei about a place he went during his last mission here.
Jumping out the window I quickly headed to the direction of the store.
I know he's there and he could assist me.
/And I'll sing a song to break the ice,
Just a smile from you would suffice./
Knock. Knock.
This is where I was told I could find him, I looked up at the sign.
The door creaked open and the head of a small girl popped out.
"Gomen, but is Urahara-sama in, I wish to speak to him?"
I asked the girl as she nodded and disappeared into the darkness of the shop.
Not too long after did a tired looking, blonde hair man stepped out.
Without giving him a second chance I wrapped my hand around his waist and hugged him.
"Oi, Amaya-chan. It's been forever since I've last seen you."
The cheerful ex-taicho said as he returned the gesture.
"It's been too long Urahara-sama.
I thought I lost you all forever."
I cried into the shirt of the former captain.
120 years that we would never get back.
120 years that I struggled to look forward because questions were left unsolved and no one wanted to discuss about it to me.
"I hope you understood why we couldn't tell you Amaya-chan.
We couldn't jeopardize anyone's well-being.
If Aizen found out that someone knew about our whereabouts, they could've been hurt.
You included.
I apologize for pain and loneliness you went through."
We released from the hug and I looked up at him before nodding in understanding.
Even with them being exiled, they still thought about those close to them.
Typical captains.
"So, what can I do for you Amaya-chan?
It is rather late for you to be wandering around.
Shouldn't you be resting up before leaving tomorrow?"
Urahara-sama yawned, rubbing some sleep from his eyes.
"Urahara-sama, can you tell me where I can find them?"
His eyes widen at my request before softening again.
The directions to the warehouse wasn't a far distance here.
After bidding farewell, I continued my way towards the warehouse.
"Kensei, wait for me…"
Jumping from roof to roof before landing in front of the warehouse were the Vizards were staying.
I looked back down at my locket to see it glow more vibrantly than it was back at the hospital.
Taking a step forward towards the building I could sense a barrier surrounding it.
Must be Hacchi-sempai's work.
Knowing that if I just walked right through the barrier it would tip off everyone inside, I performed a barrier Kido around myself.
Walking one step at a time, it wasn't long until I was standing in front of the door.
I waited and scan to see if I have been detected.
After moments of nothing but the cool evening breeze, I released my Kido before I shumpo-ed onto the roof.
/It's not me being nice,
But this is real tonight./
My feet quietly landing on the roof, I exhaled the breath I wasn't aware of holding.
As I prepared to continue my search I turn to be caught off guard by…
"Shinji-kun?!"
"Ohiyo, Amaya-kun."
He whispered which frightened me, resulting in my balance being thrown off.
My best friend caught me by the waist and centered me back onto the roof.
I hugged my best friend tightly, remembering the absence in my heart.
"I miss you Shinji-kun.
I miss all of you.
I wish I spoke to you all after this ordeal."
I cried into his chest.
That aching feeling in my heart slowly repairing itself.
I felt his grip around me as he placed his head on mine.
"Oh Amaya-kun, it's been way too long.
I hope we didn't trouble you too much."
"Too late for that baka."
He chuckled as I could feel him shaking his head at me.
"Gomen, gomen.
I wish we all could've met under happier circumstances, but I'm glad you're alright.
We all missed you, even Hiyori believe it or not."
I laughed knowing how much Shinji-kun and Hiyori-kun have a complicated friendship.
"But you know, there is a certain baka inside that has never stopped caring about you.
No matter how many times he wanted to break the rules to make you know he was alive."
/'Cause I've been thinking 'bout you lately,
Maybe you could save me from this crazy world we live in./
I looked up at Shinji-kun as his soft smile played on his face.
Looking back down at my locket the green tint was slowly fading away.
"C'mon Amaya-kun, haven't you found it odd that it's just starting to glow now, years later?
He would beg me every day since we got here if he could send even a bit of his reiatsu in hopes that the locket would glow and you would understand that he was thinking about you.
It was creepy for him to even be begging to begin with.
As much of a pain in the ass he is, he never stopped thinking about you.
He is after all your best friend."
/And I know we could happen,
'Cause you know that I've been feeling you.
I know you want me./
I giggled at the same old relationship between the two men. Some things will just not change.
Made me think back to the Gotei days and how even after this battle, nothing has changed about them.
"You think, you can bring me to him? I need to talk to him."
"No need."
Shinji-kun pointed behind me.
I turned and there standing a few feet away way him.
My best friend: Muguruma Kensei.
"Kensei…"
/There's no other, there's no other love
That I'd rather have, you know./
His name escaped my lips as I stared at what I could believe to be a ghost.
My arms dropped from Shinji as I found myself speechless that the man before me.
"I decided to come out and grab some fresh air until I heard an annoying voice out my window.
Thought this dumbass was trying to rile me up about not…"
Kensei paused as our eyes met.
Brown eyes met blue.
I could feel time stopping for us and just the last few years playing in reverse.
The years we could've had together.
The years I could've just told him.
I didn't even notice Shinji excusing himself as the two of us just stood there in silence.
"Is this real?"
I whispered, frozen to move.
I watched carefully as Kensei was slowly approaching me.
I held my breathe, in fear that this moment may end sooner than I'd want.
Eventually, we were mere meters apart.
He stared down at me, eyes a bit swollen. Almost as if he was crying.
But why would he be crying?
"Amaya…"
/There ain't no one,
There ain't no one else. I want you for myself./
I reached out for him and in seconds I felt a pair of strong arms snuggled around my waist.
My hands went around his neck and hugged him tighter.
I could feel his breathe on my neck, his 5"10 stature hovering over my 5"4 petite body.
It's been forever since I felt his embrace. A feeling I cherished as he was never one for affection.
Tears fell onto his shirt as I held onto hopes of seeing him again after I lost him.
"I'm sorry I didn't come back.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday.
We were marked as traitors who inherited Hallow powers.
I was told under strict orders not to contact you whatsoever, knowing that you would come searching.
He sighed, upset and sad.
I shook my head into his chest.
"You scared me Kensei-baka.
To find out that you disappeared too and than being exiled.
I thought I lost my best friend forever and no one wanted to tell me anything."
He hugged tighter as stood in the embrace.
We let go of each other and sat by the ledge of the roof.
Feeling the nostalgic of being back at the 9th barracks.
"Reminding you of something?"
I asked him as I looked up at the sky.
The clear canvas with stars and moon emitting the source of the light above.
"Back home after training with you Natsuki."
"Yeah…I miss you, Mugu-baka."
His laughed sounded musically in my ears.
The sound haven't heard in forever.
I looked over at my best friend sitting beside me and moved closer, placing my head on his shoulder.
His arm wrapping over my shoulder, leaning closer.
/'Cause I've been thinking 'bout you lately,
Maybe you could save me from this crazy world we live in./
In the dark crisp night, both Kensei and I decided to catch up on our life.
He explained how him and the rest of the Vizards trained using their Hallows and vowed to fight Aizen.
The training regimen with Ichigo-san.
And even the change of lifestyle in the human world where he watched on a television which projected smaller forms of humans.
Need to remember to look into that the next time I come here, I thought to myself.
"So you're in the 9th division, 3rd seat now?"
Kensei asked, mouth open.
I lifted myself off his shoulder grinning.
"Heh, yeah.
I decided to take your suggestion for once and took training more seriously."
"Finally, Natsuki. Took you long enough to take what I say seriously."
"Shut up baka.
Just take the credit I'm giving you for once."
I playfully punched him on the shoulder earning a chuckle.
"Still the same old Amaya."
"Same old Mugu-baka just with tackier clothing taste and piercings."
I laughed as he shook his fist at me.
"At least it beat changing hair color.
No one would know it was you in the first place!"
"Mashiro knew the second she saw me baka!
You're just slow."
I pointed an accused finger.
He grabbed my outstretched hand into his and we sat in silence.
A question tugged into mind that I wanted to ask him and decided to finally ask.
/And I know we could happen
'Cause you know that I've been feeling you.
I know you want me too./
"Kensei, why didn't you visit me when I was recovering when you knew it was me?"
I turned to see him struggling to find an answer.
Fighting with himself internally.
I shook my head smiling.
"I mean it's fine if you couldn't.
I could underst-"
"It's not that I couldn't Amaya.
I did, it's just that…"
He trailed off, scratching the back of his neck and staring out into the town.
I reached for Kensei's hand which got his attention back towards me.
"Then why didn't you Kensei?"
He sighed.
"I did come by earlier today.
I was walking to your door when I heard you weren't alone.
You were with the fuku-taicho that I saved back in the day.
So, I just decided to head back home."
It was him I sensed behind the door I said to myself.
Which meant, that he heard what Shuuhei said to me!
I stared shock at my best friend to know that he overheard Shuuhei confess his feelings to me.
I looked away as a blush crept on my face, the embarrassment that the one I have feelings for heard someone else.
"…You and him?"
He hesitated.
Finally gathering my composure, I faced him before me.
"Shuuhei is a great lieutenant and a wonderful friend, but I told him no.
I couldn't fake it even if I tried."
Kensei let a sigh of relief escape his lips.
I tilted my head at him in confusion.
"Well, there's someone else that's why…"
His hands squeezing mine as he tensed up.
/'Cause I've been thinking 'bout you lately,
Maybe you could save me from this crazy world we live in./
This was now or never.
Tomorrow I'm leaving and I may never see him for a while.
Regardless of him returning the same feelings for me, I had to do it.
"Since you disappeared, I spent years hurting and recovering.
Stepping down as a lieutenant and then coming back I didn't regret that time.
But there was one thing that I regretted more in my entire life.
And that's me not telling my best friend before he left that I've loved him for so long.
Even after he disappeared, to see the birthday gift by my bed that day I knew I missed my chance.
I've always loved you Kensei, whether you feel the same or not."
I was caught off guard as he place his hands on my cheeks.
Without warning I could feel his warm lips on mine.
Closing my eyes as my hands wrapping around his neck deepen the kiss, not wanting this moment to ever end.
We let go gasping for air, staring at each other once more.
Brown eyes meeting blue.
"Natsuki Amaya, the night I left knowing I wouldn't be able to come back to you hurt me greatly.
Although you could be a pain and as stubborn as you could be, it was something I've fallen for."
He carefully held the locket around my neck.
"I had this made with my reiatsu implanted in it.
That way I could tap it to glow no matter how far I was from you, you would know I was thinking about you.
I never stopped thinking about you Amaya, and I regret not telling you about my feelings sooner."
"Well, you were never the type to do so, Mugu-baka."
I stuck my tongue at him as I could see a faint vein form on his head.
Preparing for his usual hit on the head, I was met with another one of his hugs.
"Baka! Can't you at least enjoy a moment for once."
I feel him chuckle against me.
Shaking my head with a smile on my face; this was all I ever wanted.
As we continued to enjoy each other's company, the dreadful question came to mind.
"A-Are you coming back to Seireitei now that this is over?"
Sadness and tears forming from my face as he shook his head.
To know that after all this time, we still couldn't be together.
He was still viewed as a traitor; I was a 3rd seat to protect Soul Society.
After tonight, I would may never see him for a while.
/And I know we could happen
'Cause you know that I've been feeling you./
"Just stay here until you have to leave."
Kensei reassured as he held me closer.
We stayed on that rooftop until the sun begun to rose.
With morning slowly hitting the town, I knew it was time to reset Karakura Town.
As we stood up, we hugged each other one final time.
"I'll visit every chance I can, Kensei."
I cried into his arms.
He cupped my chin to see him and planted another kiss.
"I'll be waiting for you, Amaya."
The Following Morning
It wasn't long for all Shinigamis to head back to Soul Society, allowing Kurotsuchi-taicho to activate the Transfer Pillars.
Standing in front of the doors, I turn and glanced back at the direction of the warehouse.
My hand holding onto the locket as I glowed green.
I knew he was alive and I will take any chance I can get to see him.
"You ready to go Amaya-kun?"
I turn to look at Izuru Kira and gave him a small smile.
"Hai."
I nodded.
The battle was finally over.
Four Months Later
It's been a while since the fight with Aizen.
Everyone here at Seireitei is back to their normal routine.
It was early morning with barely anyone in the barracks, mostly still resting.
I sat under three in my division after a sparring match with Ikkaku-san.
After the battle I was determine to get stronger and be more active during future battles.
Although it was more intense than the ones I've had with Kensei.
"I wonder how you're doing…"
I said out loud, staring up at the clear skies.
I've managed to visiting about five to six times since then.
It was great seeing everyone again, although Kensei was upset whenever Shinji wanted me for himself.
I giggled at the fight the two would have about who would show me around town, only to have Mashiro do it instead.
"3rd seat Natsuki Amaya."
I turn over to see a messenger land not too far from me.
"Hai?"
"Captain-Commander wants to inform you of a new Captain arriving to Division 9.
They will be arriving shortly."
A new captain already?
I nodded thanks to the messenger as they vanished out of the barracks.
I wonder who it could be with us having no captain for the past few months.
Shuuhei maybe?
Probably not, he would've mentioned it a few nights ago during out outing with the group.
Maybe a newly graduate from the academy?
Shaking my head at the thought.
"Well I guess we'll see who it is."
/I know you want me too./
"It's great to know you're still where I last left you.
But tell me, do you always talk to yourself?"
My heart stopped as I turn to look at the entrance of the barracks.
Leaning against the frame of the entrance he stood in his shihakusho attire, mettalic belt, hair standing more upright and his signature smirk on that face with his arms crossed.
"K-K-Kensei?!"
I got up and ran towards him.
He caught me as I jumped into his arms, smiling ear to ear.
"What are you doing here?!
Aren't you a traitor?!"
"Oi, don't say it like that!"
He hit me on the head, unhappy with my choice of words.
"Hehehe, gomen.
But why are you here?!"
'Well myself and a couple of us were asked by the Captain-Commander himself if we wanted to return to our original title."
"A couple of us? You mean…"
My eyes shot up wide with excitement.
"Mm Shinji, Rose and Mashiro all decided to come back."
I giggled knowing a few of them returned back.
I looked back up to Kensei as he continue to hold me in his arms.
My heart felt whole again knowing that he was back home.
"I'm so glad to have you here again Kensei."
"Me too.
So you're ready for training now?"
A smirk on his face.
I removed myself from his grasp before playfully slapping his chest.
"Heh, yeah right.
I'm going to go visit Shinji!"
Just as I decided to walk out from the barracks to 5th division I squeal feeling lifted off the floor.
Kensei carrying me back to our barracks.
"Oi, no you're not!
I come back and first thing you wanna do is see him?!"
"Let me go Mugu-baka!
This isn't the way to treat a lady!"
"Lady? Where?"
He turned, looking around the empty barracks for said 'lady'.
I smacked his back letting him release me.
Staring up at him, ready to fight I feel his lips on mine forgetting everything that just happened.
"I love you, Amaya."
He smiled at me.
I wrapped my arms around his neck before bringing him down for a kiss as well.
"I love you too Kensei."
It was all too surreal.
120 years without him.
The man I've been waiting for, finally came home.
/I know you want me too./