Iron Snow

Rukia Kuchiki and the Loving Family

Rukia sniffed the creampuff, it was warm. She wasn't a picky eater, but the mushroom head took it out of somewhere and he didn't have any pockets. So she was just making sure it was clean to eat.

One doesn't say no to free food after all.

Taking a bite, she suddenly understood why the boy was so enraged when the Hollow swiped one away. These balls were delicious!

The batter, light and fluffy. Soft enough to break with a little bite. The cream itself was sweet and filling, but not enough to overblow her taste buds. Making her want to take more bites.

Is this the start of an addiction? Now she understands…

As she readied herself for the next bite, instead of her teeth crunching down on golden perfection, her teeth almost took off a chunk of her hand.

Recoiling, she looked at her hand. Empty of creampuffs and now sporting a bite mark. She blushed in embarrassment, what would her brother think of her now?

"A confectionery caused you to lose control? How sad. They can't be that go-BY THE SPIRIT KING!"

Hmm, maybe not like that.

Rukia licked her fingers clean, content despite her almost self-cannibalization. She wanted to thank the boy for enlightening her to these delectable confectionaries but he was gone by the time she lifted her head.

Craning her neck around the green opening, she found him kneeling before a tree? No… the tree had a golden stain.

Oh. Understandable.

Approaching the somber scene carefully, Rukia got on her knees next to him. "I'm sorry," She felt reminding him of the tragedy in front of him was a bad idea. "I never introduced myself, Rukia Kuchiki." She offered a small, but polite smile.

The boy turned to face her with a sad, yet somehow deadpan look. "Mash Burnedead. Nice to meet you." He lowered his head in greeting before mourning the loss of his creampuff once again.

Mash Burnedead? A strange name to be sure, not very fitting for the power she saw him use. I actually passed out from it but that's not important. She supposed she was more used to names from the Soul Society rather than the living worlds.

"Goodbye lil' puff, I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you fulfill your destiny."

She watched him mentally construct an impromptu funeral for a dessert, offering nothing but her silent support. Don't I have a job to do?

Ah, right! The note!

She didn't have time for nonsense such as this, an important meeting might start without her! It would bring shame to the Gotei 13 if she was late because she was goofing off in the woods. She can imagine her brother's disappointment already.

Sniff sniff, "I trusted you my dearest sister! How could you betray me like this!?"

Why were her fantasies so weird?

Anyway, she gave the mushr- Burnedead a solemn pat on the shoulder and rose up from her kneeling position. Pausing to wipe the dirt off her Shihakusho before realizing she was a spirit in a world of the living.

Mentally slapping herself in the face, Rukia determinedly made to march off in the direction of her urgent mission. Nothing could stop her from completing her objective! Absolutely noth-!

Growl

Bringing her sword up in a split second, Rukia assessed where the hostile noise came from. The trees were silent, the grass was still, and the birds were singing no more. Also, why was her stomach feeling strange?

Growl

Oh… that's why. Sigh, This is so very embarrassing.

Refusing to blush, Rukia just covered her stomach in shame, absentmindedly sheathing her Zanpakuto. She smelled a wondrous scent behind her. Turning around she was greeted by the sight of Burnedead holding a creampuff towards her. "It's my last one, take it."

Oh damn, she didn't want to feel guilty about this. "Oh no, I couldn't."

He stepped closer, "It's fine, trust me."

She gently pushed his hand away. She could see the apathy on his face but this time it was poorly concealing his obvious hunger. "Look, I told you I don't want it."

"Then why are you drooling?"

Was she? Feeling around her mouth found out that yes, she really was drooling. Am I allowed to still be embarrassed? At this point, I'm out of it. Wiping her mouth clean she tried yet again to reject his very tempting offer when her eyes caught the creampuff corpse on the side of the tree.

I'm a genius. Rukia walked around Burnedead and wiped the smushed treat off of the bark.

He was, by a large margin, confused. "Wha?"

Beggars can't be choosers, she supposed. Rukia quickly swallowed the somehow not cold treat and shivered as her mind caught up with what she had just done. This place was getting to her.

"Wha wha wha?" Ah, it seems Burnedead was still confused. Looks like it is now her turn to enlighten him. "Food is food, can't complain about its condition when you're hungry."

He looked down at the creampuff still in his hand" "Oh… but you had a choice."

She nodded, "I did, but I could see how much you also wanted it. Why take yours when another was available?"

Burnedead slowly nodded, "I see," He looked deep into her eyes with his intense amber, almost glistening with tears. "I see now the way I was treating my babies was wrong, I will never take them for granted ever again!" Still, without emotion, he raised a fist into the air. Staring resolutely at the sky.

I'd give it a 6/10 for the theatrics, next time give it more emotion.

She blinked as he grasped her shoulders in the split second it took for her to grade his performance. Wow, he really is fast. "Thank you so much, Sadako."

"What?"

"Ah, sorry. Just a character from a book I read."

She frowned, "I told you my name."

"I know."

Iron Snow

Despite her gobbling up the smushed and nature-flavored creampuff, Rukia was still hungry.

"My pop's making dinner, want some?"

Oh great, now he can read minds. What can't he do at this point?

"I'm not, you just think really loud."

"What… how does that work?"

"You know how you hear your own thoughts?"

"Yes."

"Well, so can I, if I listen really closely."

She raised a delicate eyebrow, full of skepticism. "Are you saying you can read minds?"

Burnedead raised one eyebrow in return, an inch higher than normal. "No. I can just hear your loud thoughts, not all of them."

Like this?

"Yup, just like that."

Rukia closed her eyes, willing her next thought to be behind all of her mental defenses. Like a bastion protecting a fluttering piece of paper.

How about now?

Burnedead concentrated, the most thoughtful and expressive expression Rukia has ever seen on him. "I think you thought of the word 'ow'? Could be wrong."

Rukia preened, "It seems you only caught the tail end of my sentence, it's amazing how much reinforcement I needed to keep you out!"

Burnedead nodded, "Looks like I need to keep practicing," He then looked at her seriously. "If you don't eat for free, wanna trade?"

Actually, Rukia could eat for free. Preferred it even. Still, she was curious. "Oh?"

"After we eat, wanna help me with my workout?"

"Why would you need my help? All you know about me is that I'm the weird girl with a sword who eats off of trees."

"Exactly!"

He pointed a long finger in front of her, shaking resolutely. "Only a visionary such as yourself would have the strength and forethought to eat a creampuff no matter what!"

"I just ate it because I was hungry."

Burnedead ignored her, "Besides, one can never pump enough iron. There's nothing I cannot deadlift, but I still have much to lift with my brain."

Rukia nodded, "Your brain is a muscle."

"So you understand," He clenched his fist, "I cannot call myself strong if a single part of me is weak." Turning around, Burnedead bowed deeply to Rukia. Reminding her of the times other Shinigami would bow in reverence or subtly ask for a favor.

She despised those sycophants, they were nothing but leeches hoping to gain goodwill with her family. Only this time, the bow was met with a simple, genuine intention. He wants her help and is offering free food to gain it. Blunt and straight to the point, Rukia could get behind this boy and his antics if this was going to be standard.

Besides, this boy was powerful. Teaching powerful future souls is a requirement for someone like her, it was like being back at the academy. This time, in reverse.

Rukia held out a hand, never breaking eye contact with Burnedead. "I'm honored to accept your invitation to your humble abode, please allow me to pay back your kindness by coordinating with you on how to best strengthen your mental abilities."

"Uh… blub blub blub?"

"A-Are you alright?"

"Too… many… big words…"

Ah, it seems he really does need training. Better rephrase it then, hmm. Ah! I'll just speak to him like Renji! "Let's eat, then we'll train okay?"

She feared that her outstretched hand would be crushed by the sheer strength of the dumb boy in front of her, grasping her palm and shaking it with enough force to almost lift her into the sky. "Gotcha." But, to her surprise, his grip was quite gentle even though he effortlessly lifted her.

They shook on it and made their way to his home.

Rukia did her best to not think about the fact that she was of smaller stature than most. She was just naturally lithe! She was not that light, it was just Burnedead and his insane strength!

Iron Snow

Arriving at Burnedead's home was a short affair, apparently, he didn't live far. The house itself was a rather tiny log cabin made by hand. Either Burnedead or his father built the little shack.

Better than the Rukongai, in any way.

Still, it was better to ask. "Who built this, your father?"

Burnedead nodded with the tiniest smile, "Uh-huh! Pop's made it to keep me safe."

Him? The living black hole? Capable of ripping apart Hollows with his bare hands, and with enough reiatsu to knock her out. This is someone who should be protected?

This brings up two distinct possibilities; his father doesn't realize the full strength of his son, which is always a possibility, or the significantly more terrifying option, which is the possibility of Burnedead being considered weak in this world. If his strength was comparatively below-average, then the higher-ups of this realm must be true monsters.

She shook herself, these thoughts were not useful. She'll find out soon enough about this world's standards for power. As soon as she finishes paying off her debt.

No sooner, however! Rukia Kuchiki is a diligent officer of the Thirteenth Division! Hunger and a friendly spar will not stop me from fulfilling my duties!

"Duties? What duties?"

Ah crap, forgot he could read minds.

"Not read, just listen really hard."

"Nevermind." She turns to face him, "I may have an errand to run after this, nothing to worry yourself about."

"Like a job?"

"Yes, precisely."

"Wonder what kind of job I should get?"

She huffed out a laugh, "Perhaps a bakery owner? Sounds right up your alley."

"Hmm," Rubbing his chin, he seemed deep in thought. "A bakery that only sells creampuffs? Sounds like heaven."

By the Soul King, was he drooling?

"Huh? Oh sorry. I tend to pass out when thinking too hard."

"You really do need help with your brain, huh?"

Like a wilting flower or mushroom, in this case, his head drooped in shame. "Yeah, sorry for bothering you…"

Oh no, he's adorable! "No no! I'm perfectly okay with helping you out! It's the least I can do for a hot meal."

Turning to her, still drooping his mushroom head, he asked. "Really?"

She nodded frantically, no one as muscular as this boy in front of her should be this squeezable! "Y-Yeah! I really don't mind at all."

Slowly, his pinchable face straightened out as he rose to his full height. "Thanks…?"

Sigh "Rukia."

"Thanks, Rukia, you're a real pal."

Heh? Pals, already?

They've barely known each other, and the difference between each other's life experiences is evident given how awkward Burnedead seems to be around her.

To be honest, Rukia wouldn't mind being friends with the silly boy, but she's probably not going to stay in this world for long. She didn't want to get his hopes up. Maybe in the future when he eventually joins Soul Society and gets recognized for his immense strength.

She could see it now, a powerful soul making his way throughout the Rukongai. Making a name for himself and attracting the Gotei 13. Rukia would do her best to make the Thirteenth Division seem like the best option and then they could be friends all they like. When they weren't busy, she could introduce Burnedead to Renji! Hopefully, her brother would approve of her friendship…

"A bit quick to call us friends isn't it?"

The boy shrugged, "I wouldn't really know, you're my first friend."

...curses. He's just too cute. Like a lost puppy wanting scratches.

Rukia sighs, admitting defeat just this once. "I guess we could be friends." Turning around, she had to cover her eyes at the sheer amount of happiness radiating off of Burnedead's deadpan face.

"Really!"

"Yes, really." Her stomach rumbled once again, reminding her of the reason they were walking. "Not to sound rude but are we there yet?"

"Yup, this is me." He stopped abruptly.

Looking confused, Rukia stopped all of a sudden as well when she noticed the wooden door right in her face. How did she not notice that?

Oh right, wasn't she asking Burnedead about his little house before? She should've expected to literally run into it.

"Thank you for having me." She gave a polite bow of gratitude as Burnedead opened the door. Or, he would've opened the door had he not spent that time just staring, looking absolutely dumbfounded at the little doorknob. "Is there something wrong?"

"I always forget, is it push or pull?"

"The.. door?" When he nodded Rukia continued her line of questioning, "Haven't you lived here your entire life?"

"Yup, I always have trouble with this part."

Rukia dropped her ghostly jaw, before hastily picking it back up as such behavior is unbecoming of a Kuchiki! Still, what has she gotten herself into? Burnedead was almost braindead at this very moment, it was almost like he's never even had an education!

Hold on… oh no.

"Burnedead?" He turned towards her with a hopeless look. Oh by the Spirit King, she can't help but take pity on him. "Would you like me to… teach you how to open doors?" Is this her life now?

Burnedead noticeably perked up, reminding her of an excited puppy. "Really!"

Instead of answering, she grasped the wooden doorknob and slowly pulled it towards her. Ignoring the implications of how she can interact with this mortal realm, (and her death on the inside as she's reduced to a doorstop), she explained to the awed mushroom head. "Most of the time doors and entrances are supposed to be pulled. Try that first next time, it'll usually work."

"Thank you Sensei!" Expressing his absolute joy at learning how to open doors, Burnedead gave a perfect 90-degree bow.

10/10? His bow is more disciplined than my own, rivaling even my brother! How? This buffoon is the embodiment of constant contradictions!

She swallowed her indignation at the prospect of being uprooted in noble discipline by the strange, strange human boy and instead gave a smile. No matter her feelings on the matter, his simply joyous face was a sight to behold. Infecting her with his cheer.

"My boy? Is that you, Mash?" An elderly voice came from the inside of the humble shack. Forcing them to snap out of their reverie.

"Hey pops. You'll never guess what I did today." Burnedead walked through the open entrance, giving one last look of reverence to Rukia before facing his father. "Go on, guess."

"Hmm?" Rukia peeked into the cabin, seeing the inside for the very first time. This was the place that helped raise the impossible boy that she became spontaneous friends with, apparently. The walls were plain except for a couple of bookshelves and a singular window. The room was almost the entirety of his home with a fireplace and lounge chair next to it. Rukia didn't know what she was expected, but as she thought about it she realized. Yeah, this fits with the mushroom head.

On the chair itself, was Burnedead's father. A bald and clearly aging man, while his son looked to be in his late 10s. Strangely enough, on the side of his face, he sported a curved black line going all the way from his right eye down to his chin. He wore a comfortable-looking black robe with slippers. Currently sipping tea from a floating teapot.

A floating teapot… at this point Rukia doesn't care.

"You made friends with all of the neighboring forest creatures and became the princess you were meant to be?"

Burnedead shook his head, bowl-cut swishing with the motion but always keeping its shape. "No, even more unbelievable."

His father gasped, "You gave up creampuffs?!"

"Never." It was Burnedead's turn to be completely horrified. While Rukia was watching this amusing debacle. Normal family matters were still new to her.

"Could you please take pity on your dear father and give him a hint?" Burnedead's father leaned forward with his hands clamped together in front of his chest. Giving his son a hopeful face.

"Nope."

Like a puppet cut from his strings, his father slumped over bonelessly. Muffled groaning could be heard from the lying lump of a man. If Burnedead felt any pity at the sight he gave no outside reaction as to indicate such.

At this point, Rukia felt like she should intervene, she was indirectly responsible for such a state of her host. "Are you alright?"

Confused, the father sharply shot up from his chair to look for the unfamiliar voice. Eyes narrowing at the mysterious stranger in his abode. Rukia noticed his eyes staying firmly planted on her face as if searching for something.

When he didn't find whatever he was looking for, he blinked, before almost bowling over in his shock. Eyes wide, Rukia could only watch as the man quickly righted himself before he fell off the cushiony chair. "It can't be!"

Rukia ignored his proclamation and instead asked the important question, "I'll ask again, are you okay?"

The father coughed into his hand, getting up from his chair and gingerly approaching Rukia. Rubbing the back of his bald head sheepishly with an apologetic smile. "Ah yes, forgive me for my rude behavior." He finally reached her and outstretched his hand for her to shake. She did so after some deliberation, and just like his son, he could easily grasp her spirit hand. "I never got to introduce myself, I'm Regro Burnedead. Who would you be Miss…?" Regro trailed off with an inquisitive look at her.

Meanwhile, Burnedead was sulking as his pops never guessed what.

Rukia gave a small but noticeable smile, "Rukia Kuchiki, a pleasure to meet you. Your son has told me all about you."

Regro's eyes widened, "Really? Did he make me sound cool?"

Raising her eyebrow, something she's been doing a lot today, Rukia gave her best diplomatic answer. "He said that you were a very hard-working man and that your cooking is simply scrumptious."

Oh no, now he was tearful. "He really said that, oh I'm so happy that my son is praising me!"

"Does he not praise you often?"

"Oh no, he does it all the time. It never fails to make me smile, no matter what!" He finished with a boisterous laugh, flashing a grandfatherly smile.

This stunned Rukia, as the father and son duo started doing some weird dance together, pumping their fists in unison to some unheard beat. Is this what a normal family is like?

Rukia didn't want to know.