Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.

Chapter 5: You Have To Look Hard

Prompt: A big X...

A/N: You're awesome, Nab. Happy Birthday.

From her perch in the tree, Yachiru could see it all. The people walking about the white streets of the Seireitei, the bright green lawns and the river, even Koma-Koma's doggie, Goro, who looked very happy as she waved to him. She could stay holed up here for days, as she'd brought plenty of cookies, candy, and juice to tide her over. Of course, Kenny hadn't given her any of the treats. As they were crucial to her biggest mission, Yachiru had taken the liberty of raiding the snack cabinet at the Kuchiki Mansion, the headquarters of her beloved Women's Association.

They wouldn't mind, she'd decided. After all, she was the president, and Nana would end up replacing all the food anyway.

It was a bright summer day, and, like every morning, she had been in the mood for a game. So, she'd slipped a bright pink sheet of paper under Kenny's door, setting off to prepare everything so that it would all be perfect. Now, she was sucking a juice box dry, staring out the window of her fort with her binoculars glued to her eyes. He was like to be awake by now, but Yachiru hadn't seen so much as a bell.

Maybe, to be mean, Baldy had thrown the note away, thus leaving her stranded. If that were the case, she'd be sure to get back at him with another beating from her potato gun. Only, this time, she'd use acorns from her beloved tree.

"Yachiru!"

Her eyes lit up, turning the binoculars down to the ground. She giggled, noting how close Kenny looked with them pressed to her face. But they were quickly tossed aside as she hopped out the window, landing in his arms.

"Kenny, did ya find it?" she asked cheerily. "Did ya find the surprise?"

He shook his head, giving her a quizzical glance. "Hell no. Ya made it so damn complicated, tellin' me to find some damned X." His eyes darted to the paper in his hand. "The fuck is 'the big X?'"

Yachiru giggled, seating herself on his shoulder, her back turned to him. "Right here, silly!" she shouted, pointing to the black mark on his back. She grabbed the paper, stabbing one sentence on the page. "'The big black X is what's most important to me.' How could you not get that, Kenny! Don't ya know I love you?"

He laughed, pulling a small bag of konpeito candy out of his sleeve. "Yeah, 'Chiru," he laughed, patting her head. "Now, get that tape offa my back."

She giggled, leaning over his shoulder to grab the edges of the tape. "Ya gotta say it first," she pouted. "And ya gotta mean it."

A pause. "I love ya too, brat."