Little Red Riding Hood
I don't think little big girls should
Go walking in these spooky old woods alone
Her Grandmother lived outside the village, something she did since she always enjoyed her privacy. Some said she did strange things out in the woods, the only person brave enough to live there with the dangers that lurked in the shadows. When Akane first came to the village they were unsure of the young girl, having found out whom her Grandmother was. Some said she was a witch, some said she made up the rumor of the danger of the woods to keep some secret protected like gold, even that she was the real monster that inhabited the woods.
But those that knew the woman knew the real reason; the house had been in her family for generations and all the memories held in it were too much for her to depart with. Her late husband, having been aware of the dangers of the woods since he was a child, had reinforced the doors and windows, and built a small shelter under the floorboards incase anything ever happened. It never bothered the young girl to wander the woods, she felt more comfortable amongst the trees and animals than she did people.
As she approached the house, a smile lit up her face. The house was old, the wood twisted and covered in vines. It was a large home, built by the hands of her ancestors and large enough to hold all the children that lived before her. Her Grandmother had only had one child, who in turn only had Akane, something that saddened the woman years ago. All around the house were gardens of flowers and vegetables, assuring the old woman always had food readily available. Whatever she couldn't produce, like meats and breads, Akane always brought for her; Renji and Ichigo hunting a little extra to help provide when they could.
"Grandmother? Are you here?" Akane called, walking into the old home.
The house was warm, worn in, and always welcoming. Memorabilia decorated the walls and shelves, things from her families past and things uniquely her grandmother.
"Yes, my dear! Just in here!" Her grandmother called from her bedroom.
Seconds later the old woman emerged from the room, her white hair catching the light from the fire. Smiling, she took the basket from Akane with a weathered hand before embracing the redhead with a tight hug. The two sat and spoke, her grandmother dishing out some stew she had been cooking and Akane telling her of everyone who sent their best wishes.
"Before you leave my dear, I have something for you." Her grandmother declared, reaching into an old wicker chest.
A red hooded cloak was draped over Akane's lap, the fabric rich in color and soft against her skin. The hood was lined in the white fur of the rabbits Ichigo had caught and skinned for her a few weeks prior and silky to the touch.
"What is this for, Grandmother?" Akane questioned, stroking the thick fabric of the cloak.
"It's getting cold my child, winter is upon us. And if you're going to be making these trips to see me, I want to make sure you're safe from the cold." Grandmother stated, a smile on her soft face.
Smiling, Akane slipped the cloak over her blue dress, spinning in a circle for her grandmother to admire the work she did. The cloak was long, just reaching her ankles and stitched to the inside were two small pockets. The fur lined hood was wide and long, the end of the hood reaching between her shoulders.
"You look beautiful my child, just beautiful."
"Thank you Grandmother, but I must be off. The sun is starting to set." Akane stated, giving her grandmother a quick kiss and hurried out the door, basket in hand.
"Grandmother was right, it is getting cold." Akane thought as the wind nipped against her face.
Suddenly the girl stopped, her eyes looking around her. The hair on the neck began to stand up, as if someone was watching her in the shadows, just outside of view. Biting her lip Akane continued on, ignoring the feeling she was being followed. The village was coming into sight and soon she would be in the safety of it's walls. The closer she got, the feeling of someone watching her seemed to disappear and for that, she was grateful. Upon entering the village she noticed the feeling disappeared completely and let out a sigh of relief, her body visibly relaxing.
Turning to head home, Akane prayed she wouldn't run into Sosuke again; once was enough for one day. Staring up at the sky she got lost in the colors of the setting sun, purples and pinks running into each other and didn't notice Ukitake Jushiro coming out of Unohana's until it was too late. She bumped right into him and fell to the ground, scraping her hand.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" She apologized quickly, looking up, not realizing who it was.
She was instantly met with warm green eyes and a large smile surrounded by white hair. Ukitake Jushiro was a tall, slender man. His muscles lay beneath the skin, despite being the head woodsman, and was always kind to everyone.
"Are you alright?" He questioned, reaching a large but slim hand out to help her out.
As he grasped her small hand in his larger one, it was her slight wince he noticed before she let out a small hiss of pain. Turning her hand over in his once she was stable on her feet he noticed the angry scrapes running along her palm from when she fell.
"Oh Akane, I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed, regret painting his features.
"It's okay Jushiro, it's nothing." She tried to console, but the man still looked at it regretfully.
"At least let me clean and bandage it, it's the least I can do." He pleaded stroking her knuckles.
Nodding her head, Akane let the older man lead her towards his home. Jushiro was always kind to Akane from the day he met her, always gifting her with smiles and offering to help her whenever she may need it. He was older, by a few years, but never belittled her and treated her as an equal. But he was always sick with exhaustion and would sometimes faint from it, putting him on the receiving end of Retsu's fretting and medical aide.
"Are you feeling better, Jushiro? Ichigo and Renji said you had another fainting spell." Akane asked, turning to look at the taller man.
Sighing, Jushiro rubbed his head before looking at Akane in embarrassment.
"Retsu said it was just exhaustion. We've been trying to get enough wood chopped before the cold weather sets in and makes it impossible, but I guess I overdid it by working through lunch and not drinking enough water."
His cheeks were tinted pink at his own embarrassment, though barely noticeable in the fading light, and he gave her a sheepish smile. Smiling she shook her head, her hood falling off and her red curls tumbling out. They walked up to a small but strong looking house, made from dark wood that Jushiro had cut himself. Holding open the door he let Akane in first before following, not noticing the eyes watching from the shadows.
