Hi everyone! I have been a long-time fanfiction reader, in the midst of this quarantine I have decided to try my hand at writing! This is my first fic so I am welcoming any and all constructive criticism. Toshiro is by far my favorite bleach character so I will be my very best to ensure he stays in character. Let me know what y'all think of the first Chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach

"Akiyama, congratulations! You've been promoted to 3rd seat of division 10."

I looked down at my assignment sheet that had been handed to me by a fellow officer. 'What? Third seat… Wow. I did not see that coming.' I have been seated 10th in this squad for many years now. Why the sudden promotion? And such a big jump too, this has to be a prank.

"Yua-channnnn! Congratulations! I am so excited for you! How wonderful that Captain put me in charge of filling his third seat, I know the other officers are mad at me because you jumped from 10 to 3 but really, you should have been appointed a much higher seat to begin with! It's so annoying that Noble families can pull so many strings in order to hold you back and out of harm's way."

I looked up at the busty blonde coming my way, quite quickly I might add. I side stepped just in time to miss her death grip strangles that she calls hugs. "Rangiku-san, this was your doing?"

"Yes ma'am! Captain has so much going on right now, dealing with a comatose Momo, he is STILL filing reports from the battle in Karakura town, so when his third seat suddenly took indefinite family leave, he handed me the forms and told me to fill it as soon as possible. He wasn't interested in adding more things to his plate. Poor guy, you know he's swamped when he puts me in charge of something like this!" Rangiku smiled at me.

"Wow.. I don't know what to say, Rangiku-san. I'm shocked that you got Oto-sama to give his blessing. Nobles cannot be promoted in the Gotei 13 without permission form the Head of the Clan. He still treats me like I'm his 13-year-old girl and I would break if you threw a rock at me." I smiled at the thought. As frustrating as it is being the only child of a Noble Clan member, it still makes me feel loved and protected when I see how much my father tries to protect me. A perplexed expression ran across my face as my insecurities sank in. 'Am I really qualified for this? Is Rangiku just playing favorites?' I thought to myself before voicing my skepticism. "And Captain Hitsugaya didn't have any input? He just let you pick any of his seated officers for this promotion?"

Rangiku smiled at me with that big cheeky smile that is so contagious, making my insecurities disappear, "He mentioned a couple of his preferences, and trust me, Yua-chan, you were one of them." She winked at me. "And don't worry about Akiyama-sama, once I mentioned your promotion to the Captain, he was so in favor that he wrote a letter to your father asking for his blessing to promote you."

My jaw hit the floor.

"C-Captian Hitsugaya? Did what?" I was shocked. For a couple reasons: first being that I have maybe exchanges 8 sentences with Captain Hitsugaya in my entire life, so why on earth did he think he could just write my father a letter like they go way back? Second, is that Captain Hitsugaya seemingly wanted me to be promoted enough to take time to address a Noble Leader and request his blessing. Third, my father approved?!

"Stop looking so shocked Yua-chan!" She chucked. "You are an incredible Shinigami! Like I said before, the ONLY reason you weren't appointed a higher seat upon graduation is because your father did not approve the request. I guess after 8 years of seeing you excel, proving that you're obviously overqualified for your seat, and a handwritten letter from Captain HItsugaya himself, he finally came around to it!"

Wow. Literally the only word I can form in my head right now is wow. This isn't a joke or a prank. This is actually real.

Rangiku laughed again, much louder this time. "Yua-chan! Close your mouth! You look like a fish, opening and closing your mouth like that!" She reached out her hands and grabbed mine, she looked at my hands thoughtfully before saying in a much softer tone "You earned this."

I felt tears gather in my eyes. I blinked them away and smiled. "I suppose I owe Oto-sama a visit. And a thank you."

Releasing my hands, she said, "Before you run off to celebrate, Captain did request to see you in his office."

I gulped.

"Don't worry Yua-chan! I will be with you; it'll just be like an orientation or a briefing! He asked to see you at 4 o'clock, so run to the barracks, freshen up, and I will meet you there in 15 minutes to escort you!" Rangiku smiled. I nodded and she flash stepped away.

I stood there. Not sure how long I stood there looking like an idiot. I looked at the sun, 'Crap, it's really close to 4, I need to wash my face and calm myself down before I see the Captain'.

I flash stepped to my barracks, walking into the bathroom I approached the sink. I turned on the sink and splashed water on my face.

Looking into the mirror I was greeted with my ruby eyes staring back at me. Curse those things. I never get taken seriously in battle because of my appearance. My eyes always attract a lot of attention. They're ruby red with flickers of dull magenta to lighten them up, that helps me not look like a compete psychopath with red eyes. Tan skin helps offset the vampire look. I chucked dryly at memories of being accused of being a vampire when I was a child because of my eyes. My blonde, wavy hair falls just past my shoulders, it is always in my face, so I keep the top half pulled back with a red hair clip that gives away my heritage and nobility with its engraved designs. It frustrates me that the Akiyama clan brands their members by making them wear a distinguishing accessory. I guess we're not the only one, take Captain Kuchiki for example.

A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my trance. "Yua-chan! You ready?" The familiar voice chimed.

I opened the door to be greeted by Rangiku, she smiled "Lets go, kid!"

Another thing that gets at me, I am, always have been, and seemingly always will be, younger than all of my subordinates. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a Shinigami, I wasted no time enrolling into the Academy as soon as Oto-sama allowed. I graduated very early from the academy and was immediately appointed as the 10th seat of Division 10 (Oto-sama would not let me accept the higher seats that I was offered by many divisions). So not only did I start the academy young, I graduated much earlier, putting me where I am now. Twenty-four years old, which is outrageously young in the scheme of the afterlife where everyone is centuries old, having already served the Gotei 13 for eight years, approaching my prodigy of a Captain to be briefed on my new promotion.

"Captainnn!"~ Rangiku sang at the door after knocking.

I didn't even realize we were in the 10th division headquarters, didn't we leave the barracks two seconds ago?

"Enter." A cool voice sounded behind the closed door. The voice sent shivers down my spine.

I wasn't easily intimidated, but Toshiro Hitsugaya was VERY intimidating to me. He is a prodigy, the youngest Captain to every be appointed, he was highly intelligent, and lets not forget, he's is drop dead gorgeous. Every female I have met is in love with him from a far. His eyes are so captivating, he can immobilize you just by looking at you.

Upon entering, ruby met turquoise. Our eyes met and I froze. I lost my breath and my mind went blank. 'Oh my god, the universe hates me, there's no way I can be around this guy on a regular basis and not freeze up like a moron every time our eyes meet. Okay Yua, you can do this. You're a big girl, he's just a guy. Don't be so intimidated. You can-'

"Akiyama." His voice brought me out of my trance and my thoughts.

I bowed, "Captain Hitsugaya, I want to give you my deepest gratitude for this opportunity. I will not let you down."

He continued to hold my gaze. He set down the brush that was in his hand, breaking eye contact he opened one of his desk drawers and pulled out a thick stack of papers.

"This is the orientation for your new position. I want you to read over this tonight, think of any questions or concerns you may have, and report to my office at 7 am tomorrow. You will be working very closely with Matsumoto this upcoming week to get the feel of how this division works from the point of view of a high seated officer. I am relieved that you have already served our division for 8 years as a low seated officer, so you already have a devotion to our squad. Do you have any immediate questions for me, Akiyama?"

My eyes bulged at the orientation book; it was HUGE. I will have to spend the rest of the day and most of the night reading through it to be prepared to discuss it with so early tomorrow morning. I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to find a voice to address him, 'God, he's so intimidating..'

"No, sir. I do not have any immediate questions." I curtly responded with a nod.

He nodded in response, "Thank you for accepting the offer and promotion, I will see you at 7 tomorrow. Do not be late, your record as my 10th seat was spotless, I expect your record as my 3rd seat to be equally so." He slid the stack of papers closer to the edge of his desk for me to grab.

"Yes, sir." I approached his desk with a veil of confidence that I definitely did not have.

He picked up his brush and resumed his paperwork, only for his eyes to briefly meet mine when I placed my hand on the stack of papers. After grabbing the papers, I bowed once more before turning my heel and heading for the door.

"Wait! Yua-chan," Rangiku flash stepped into the doorway, effectively blocking my exit, "Lets go grab a drink and celebrate! This a hell of a promotion!" She chimed.

"I-"

"Matsumoto! You are still on duty! You have a mountain of paperwork left from this morning that you have yet to complete and I REFUSE to pick up any more of your slack today!" Hitsugaya yelled while slamming his brush down.

"But Captainnnn!"

"MATSUMOTO! Enough, I am not in the mood today."

The room was getting cooler by the second, 'Oh god, this is so awkward.'

"It's okay, Rangiku-san!" I chimed in with a smile to help cut through the tense atmosphere. "I need to start reading through the orientation book now so that I can visit Oto-sama for dinner. Thank you for the offer though, rain check?"

Rangiku smiled and I heard Captain Hitsugaya sigh behind me, he is probably thankful that I shot down Rangiku's excuse for avoiding paperwork.

"Yes! Rain check for sure! I will see you in the morning, Yua-chan, enjoy your dinner with Akiyama-sama." Rangiku reluctantly made her way to her desk with Captain Hitsugaya glaring at her the entire time. She did say he has been really stressed and busy lately, I can never understand why she continues to push him knowing that he is over worked.

I smiled at each other them and exited the room.

After flash stepping to my barracks, I cracked open the enormous orientation guide that Captain Hitsugaya gave me. Thirty pages in, a hell butterfly landed on my shoulder, Oto-sama is requesting my presence for dinner and the Akiyama Clan mansion today, I saw that coming. I sighed as I sent a response affirming my presence for tonight and continued reading through.

Seven o'clock rolled around and I sighed, thankful for a reason to take a break from that dreadful orientation book. I did a quick check in the mirror to ensure my hair is still in place after almost pulling it all out from the torture of reading for the past 3 hours. I grabbed Homura, my beloved Zanpakuto, placing her back on my hip before heading to the Akiyama mansion.

"I am so happy for you, Yua-sama!"

I smiled to myself, 'Homura-chan, I have you to thank for everything. I am nothing without you.'

Homura smiled and purred, "That statement goes both ways, Yua-sama. You have deserved this seat for years now. I am so proud to see you finally attaining some recognition for your abilities."

'Our abilities, Homura-chan, not mine, ours.'

A sense of peace filled my body, Homura is so dear to me. Her words uplift me and give me fuel for my soul. She is feisty, endearing, confident, and my best friend. Homura is a fire-based Zanpakuto. She yields two forms in my spiritual realm, she often approaches me as a Bengal tiger, but every now and then she will grace me with her human form. Much like Captain Hitsugaya's Zanpakuto, Hyorinmaru, who also yields two forms.

"How exciting, Yua-sama. You will be able to see your handsome Captain on a much more regular basis now" Homura purred.

I scoffed. 'Homura-chan, get a grip! Everyone is in love with Captain Hitsugaya and I do not want to become one of the thousands of girls who falls head over heels for a man simply because of his looks. It's unrealistic to ever expect something other than a professional relationship with that man. He is so serious and mature.'

"You don't give yourself enough credit, Yua-sama. Once he gets to know you, he will be the one head over heels for you"

I laughed out loud 'Homura-chan, I appreciate the confidence boost, but I am being realistic. I also just got this promotion and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize it, like flirting with my Captain!' Homura simply purred in response.

I looked up at the familiar gates, I nodded at the guard and he opened the gate for me. Upon entering the Akiyama mansion, I was greeted by a familiar voice, "Yua-chan, is that you?"

"Oto-sama? Yes, I am in here."

"There you are, how are you sweetheart?" My father approached me and wrapped large arms around me in a comforting embrace.

"I am well, Oto-sama, yourself?" I hugged him back tighter, this man was my savior in the flesh.

"Much better after seeing you, come, lets have a seat at the table, dinner will be served shortly." He said with a soft smile as he guided me into the enormous dining area. I set Homura against the wall before taking a seat across the table from my father.

My father, Akio Akiyama, has been the head of the Akiyama clan since I can remember. He is a very powerful and intimidating man, but I can never see him like that. One the inside he is so soft and sensitive, he always showers me with his love and affections and protects me with every fiber of his being. I have always been scrutinized by the other clan members for my desire to be a Shinigami rather than being a Noble Lady, but he always stood up for me. I know he worries a lot about me, especially with me being a seated officer, which is why he restricted my promotions for so long, he was so scared something would happen to me if I was forced into the front lines of battle. I am his only child, his only heir, my mom died while giving birth to me, so it has always just been me and Oto-sama.

As food was served and we began eating, I was the first to speak up and bring up the promotion.

"Oto-sama, I want to thank you for giving the blessing for my promotion. I know that was not easy for you to do, but I know you understand how much this means to me. I am so thankful."

He smiled. "Yua-chan, I have been terrified of this day since you enrolled in the academy. I trust that you will be safe under Captain Hitsugayas watch, I made sure he understood how important you are not only to me, but to this clan. You are the only heir, and you are my only love in this world, but I trust your strength, I trust Homura, and I trust your leader."

'Oh yikes, he made sure Captain Hitsugaya knew how important I was to him?! That is super embarrassing. I can only imagine what Oto-sama said to the Captain, I love Oto-sama, but I really wish he wouldn't go around parading to my authorities that I'm his one and only "baby girl".'

"Captain Hitsugaya took the time to write me personally, requesting my blessing to offer you the position. It spoke volumes to me when I thought about how busy that man must be, but he set aside time to write out a formal, professional request that my precious girl become his third seated officer. That was pretty hard to refuse!" He chuckled.

"I am thankful that you viewed it that way, Oto-sama. I am very excited to start this new journey."

"Just be safe, Yua-chan. You will see a lot more things as a third seat than you did as a tenth. Say close to Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto. And don't forget, you need to be looking for a husband at some point so you can produce your next heir! Don't get carried away with work that you forget your Noble duties."

He winked and laughed as I choked on my tea.

'Damn it, why does he always wait until I am drinking before he says shit like that!'

"Oto- cough- Oto-sama! I have so much time to think about that stuff, not now! I am way too young!"

"Now, now, love knows no bounds, the younger you are when you find love, the more time you get to spend with that person. Trust me, once you find that person, all the time in the world isn't enough time with that person."

My eyes softened at his expression, and my thoughts went to my mother. 'I never got to meet her, but one thing I can guarantee is that Oto-sama was helplessly in love with her. And he misses her immensely every single day.'

We finished our dinner with lots of chatter, it was so nice to be able to sit down and catch up with him. The night passed quickly as I looked at the clock and saw it was 9 o'clock.

"Oh my god. I have to go!"

I hurried up and grabbed Homura and put her on my waist.

"Woah, Yua-chan, what's the rush?"

"Sorry, Oto-sama, I have a huge orientation to finish reading tonight and I have to report to Captain Hitsugaya at 7 o'clock in the morning! Love you"

I kissed him on the cheek and ran out before he could get another word in.

I reached my barracks and sighed as I opened the orientation book and began reading where I left off.

I looked at the clock, it read 9:10, I sighed as I looked to see how many pages I had left.

Three hundred. Three hundred pages left.

Well, guess I'm not getting any sleep tonight.

If you guys have any pointers send them my way! Thank you for taking the time to read chapter 1!

Xoxo,

Sh3lby