"Oh—hey, can I help you?"
Hunter turned to see a voluptuous strawberry-blonde looking down at her from the office doorway.
"Hiya!" she chirped, beaming up at the older woman. "I'm Hunter Atchison."
"Oh! Hunter! Hi! I'm Rangiku Matsumoto. Lieutenant, 10th Division."
"10th Division…. Toshiro's lieutenant," Hunter said softly, looking down, her long, choppy bangs covering her eyes.
"That's right."
Hunter looked up, brushing her bangs out of her face.
"I've been looking for Shiro, but I can't find him. Could you tell me where—"
"Matsumoto, what are you—"
Toshiro stepped past Rangiku and froze halfway into the room. He and Hunter stared at each other, wide-eyed and silent, for several awkward moments, while Rangiku watched in curious amusement.
"Hunter," he finally choked out, breaking the silence.
Hunter squealed and tackled him, throwing her arms around his neck. He wrapped his around her waist and pulled her to him, holding her tight.
"I missed you, Shiro," she whispered.
"I missed you, too. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I wanted to surprise you."
"You did."
"I know! I could tell!" she giggled, stepping back slightly.
He sighed and shook his head exasperatedly, but there was a slight smile on his face.
"What are you staring at?" he snapped suddenly, glaring at Rangiku.
"She shorter than you," Rangiku stated simply, shrugging, suppressing a grin.
He blinked and glanced back at Hunter. Hunter blinked as well and tilted her head, studying Toshiro. She frowned; Rangiku was right. It wasn't by much—only about an inch—but he was taller than her.
"No fair!" she whined, stomping her high-topped foot on the ground. "You were the one person who was shorter than me! Now I'm shorter than everybody!"
She threw herself on the ground dramatically, thankful she'd chosen to wear jeans and a full-length shirt (so that only her stomach was revealed when it slid up). Toshiro was just thankful she didn't kick and scream—she could be pretty childish, but at least she had limits.
A tall man with spiky purple-black hair and blue eyes burst into the room.
"Hey, 'Lil Shiro!" he laughed, ruffling Toshiro's hair. "What's up? Hey, why is Hunter on the floor?"
"Shiro's taller than me, Hayden!" Hunter cried, sitting up. She pouted, looking up at the man.
"Aw, poor Hunter," he picked her up and set her on her feet. "But don't you remember how he used to get picked on for being small? Girls don't get picked on like that—small girls are cute."
"But some girls get picked on for being small," Hunter argued.
"Those are girls with small breasts," Rangiku corrected. She cupped Hunter's breasts and squeezed a few times. "Yours aren't huge, but they're not small."
"Matsumoto! Don't do that!" Toshiro scolded, pushing her away from Hunter.
"It's ok, Toshiro, she was just helping," Hunter said, giggling.
Toshiro frowned; Rangiku's antics didn't seem very helpful to him.
"Don't worry about it, 'Lil Shiro, girls are just weird like that. They talk about their boobs and stuff all the time. I live with them, remember?" Hayden laughed.
"Will you stop calling me that?!" Toshiro growled, glaring, abandoning the awkward topic.
"Nope! Never ever! Oh, by the way," he turned to Rangiku, "I'm Hayden Atchison. I'm Hunter's oldest brother."
"Rangiku Matsumoto, Lieutenant, 10th Division."
"Rangiku…. You know, I think I remember you—you used to hang out with Gin and my sister, Jaedelyn, back when we were kids."
"Yeah, I did. I thought you seemed familiar. Is Jaedelyn back, too?"
"Yeah, she's around somewhere."
"Hey, Hayden! Hayden!" Hunter tugged on Hayden's sleeve.
"What's up, Hun?"
"Can we get some ice cream?" She asked, grinning up at him.
"Why are you even asking? You know I'd never turn down something like that."
"Yeah, I know," she giggled, then latched onto Toshiro's arm. "T—"
"Fine."
She blinked, and Rangiku and Hayden cracked up laughing.
"He's always been a softie when it comes to Hunter," Hayden told Rangiku.
"Really? He's a total hardass to, well, everyone else!"
Toshiro glared at them.
"Why did you give in so quickly, Shiro?" Hunter asked curiously. "It usually takes at least a few 'pretty pleases' and sometimes I even have to pout. I don't think ice cream's ever necessitated tears, though…."
"You just got here. I think it's worthy of ice cream," he smiled slightly.
She giggled.
"Plus my defenses are down from all the years apart," he added.
She pushed him into a wall, startling Rangiku and making Hayden laugh more. Even Toshiro had to choke back a laugh; it was such a reminder of their childhood.
"Tag! You're it!" She smacked Hayden's arm and grabbed Toshiro's hand, dashing away, dragging the young captain behind.
Jaedelyn sighed as she walked through the Seireitei. She'd just returned from Rukongai; that place was so depressing! Her parents were both nobles (on her maternal side, her mother was the last; on her paternal side, her grandmother had been the last—she married a non-noble shinigami, and as the last of the family, the noble family name changed); they were one of the Four Noble Families. As such, she'd grown up in the Seireitei. The first districts were nice, but the deeper you went, the worse they got. She'd been as far as the 64th District in the North Region. Each time she went to the Rukongai, she was reminded of how lucky she was. She was incredibly grateful for her wonderful home. The barracks, where most of the shinigami lived, organized by division, weren't bad—they were palaces compared to Rukongai—but they were nothing compared to the Atchison estate.
She sat at the edge of a fountain and dipped her fingers in the cool water. She tipped her head back, the breeze blowing through her long hair, recalling the day she'd wandered into the 64th District of North Rukongai.
She couldn't believe people could live like this. The streets were filled with people—dirty, disheveled people, dressed in rags. Of course, most of these people didn't have the spiritual power to require food; that's how they were able to survive. But how could they stand it?
She looked down at her outfit. She'd worn a plain black yukata and black sandals. It was the simplest clothing she owned, but she still stood out—she was clean, her hair was brushed (although she'd left it down), and she had shoes; she hadn't seen a single person with shoes of any kind since the 59th District. They'd been rare in all districts past the 49th.
This was her first time past the 5th District in any region.
Suddenly, she was slammed into a wall. She cried out, looking up to see a boy about her age, with dirty black hair and tattered clothing.
"What're ya doin', here, princess?" he sneered.
"I-I'm not doing anything!"
"Gimme your shoes!" he demanded.
"M-my sh-shoes?" she stuttered, frightened beyond belief.
"Yeah, ya heard me! Gimme your shoes!" he grabbed her by her yukata and shook her, knocking her head against the wall.
She cried out again, tears springing to her eye as she brought her hands up to her head.
"C'mon!" he screamed, shaking her again. "Gimme your—oof!"
He suddenly let go of her, and she sank to the ground.
"Leave her alone."
She opened her eyes to see a boy with silver hair standing in front of her, his back to her. Her attacker was sprawled out on the ground, although he quickly rose to his feet and lunged at the silver-haired boy, only to be shoved back down.
A girl with orange hair knelt down beside her.
"Are you all right?" the girl asked.
"My head's all warm and sticky," she whimpered. "It hurts."
"Let me see," the girl said.
She gently pulled Jaedelyn's hands from her head. Jaedelyn glanced up at her defender while the girl examined her head. The mean boy kept running at him and trying to hit him. He was trying to beat her defender up, but he wasn't very good at it; he couldn't land a hit, and every time he would lunge he would be shoved back. He was panting and sweating, whereas her protector hardly seemed fazed in the least; he just stood there, making small movements to dodge and block, but otherwise remaining still.
"You're bleeding quite a bit," the girl murmured.
"I know," Jaedelyn mumbled, watching the 'fight.'
The jerk growled, staggering back.
"You'll get yours, Ichimaru!" he yelled, running away.
Her protector—'Ichimaru'—didn't respond. He just turned around to look at Jaedelyn.
He was surprisingly well kempt for someone in Rukongai, especially this far in—he was hardly immaculate, but he was certainly cleaner than most of the people in the area, and his clothes were intact. There was even a design down his left side. He smiled down at her, his eyes closed—no, not closed, squinted. Odd, but who was she to complain?
"What's your name?" he asked.
"J-Jaedelyn," she said softly. "Jaedelyn Atchison."
"Heya, Jaedelyn," his grin widened. "I'm Gin, an' this is Rangiku."
"Rangiku Matsumoto," the girl said, giving Jaedelyn a kind smile.
"It's nice to meet you," Jaedelyn said politely, smiling tentatively at them.
"You ain't from around here, are ya?" Gin asked, chuckling.
"Oh, um, no, I-I'm not."
"Well, where are ya from?" he prodded.
She bit her lip, looking away.
"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to," Rangiku said.
Jaedelyn smiled gratefully at her.
"But, we do need to get your head taken care of," she added, turning to Gin. "She's bleeding a lot. I don't think it's too serious, but we should get her inside and cleaned up."
Gin nodded.
"Can ya walk?" he asked.
"Of course," Jaedelyn said, standing up.
She wobbled, swaying back and forth. Gin caught her just before she fell.
"Or not," she said, smiling sheepishly.
"That's all right, we'll get'cha there—I'll just carry ya!" he swung her onto his back, making her squeal.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, startled by the sudden swing.
"Don't scare her, Gin," Rangiku scolded.
"Ah, I didn't scare her!" he grinned, glancing back at the girl on his back. "Did I?"
"N-no!" Jaedelyn said, blushing slightly.
"See?" he stuck his tongue out at Rangiku, who rolled her eyes.
"Gin and I live close by," Rangiku told Jaedelyn. "We'll get you fixed up there."
"Ok," Jaedelyn smiled. "Thank you."
"It's no big deal," Rangiku said cheerily. "That guy's a jerk. He and Gin don't get along at all—Gin'll jump at any opportunity to fight him, and he's not smart enough to stay away or back down!"
"Boys," Jaedelyn giggled.
"Uh-huh," Rangiku nodded, laughing. "Boys!"
"Girls," Gin said, making the girls laugh harder.
They came to a small wooden building. Rangiku led the way in, holding the makeshift door open for Gin.
"Set her down on my bed, Gin," Rangiku said.
Gin walked through a curtain and set Jaedelyn down on one of two futons. Rangiku came in a minute later with a bucket of water and a rag. She dipped the rag into the water and dabbed it on Jaedelyn's wound, making her hiss.
"I'm sorry," Rangiku said softly.
"It's ok," Jaedelyn said, flinching as the rag touched the wound again.
Gin left, returning a few minutes later with a handful of bandages. He sat on the other futon, setting the bandages beside him. Rangiku finished cleaning the blood away and took the bandages from him, wrapping them around Jaedelyn's head.
"I feel like a mummy," Jaedelyn giggled when Rangiku was done.
"A mummy in the making," Rangiku nodded. "You're not quite a mummy yet!"
"Yet?" Jaedelyn asked, grinning.
"We're waiting until you fall asleep to finish the transformation," Rangiku giggled. "Speaking of which, you should stay here for the night—I don't know where you live, but it's obviously not particularly close, and it'll be dark soon."
"I'm gonna go find us somethin' ta eat before it does get dark," Gin said, standing.
"Do you have money?" Rangiku asked, frowning.
"I have a little," he nodded. "A few coins—it won't buy much, but I'll get what I can."
He started to leave.
"Oh—w-wait!" Jaedelyn shouted.
He stopped in the doorway, looking back at her curiously. She reached into her yukata at the waist, pulling a purple pouch from it. She pulled out a handful of Kan coins.
"Here," she said, holding them out to Gin.
He just stared at the coins, dumbfounded.
"What?" she asked, looking worried. "What's wrong? Is it not enough? I didn't count it, but I have more if you need—"
"I can't take that," he finally said softly.
"Huh? Why not?" she asked.
"That's a lotta money, Jaedelyn," he murmured.
"It is?" she glanced at Rangiku, who looked like she was about to cry. "I don't think it's that much…."
"Are you kidding?" Rangiku gaped. "You're holding a fortune in your hand!"
"A fortune?" she looked down at the coins in her hand.
"Yes!" Rangiku exclaimed. "A fortune!"
"This isn't a fortune," Jaedelyn argued. "It's only a handful of coins."
"What world do you live in?" Rangiku asked softly.
Jaedelyn looked down at her lap. She was silent for a moment.
"Please take it," she whispered. "Please."
"Why?" Gin asked.
"You saved me," she said, looking up at him. "You two were my guardian angels. I want to pay you back. I want to help. The least I can do is give you some money to help buy food."
He studied her for a moment, then smiled. He nodded and held his hand out. She smiled and gave him the money.
"Gin!" Rangiku gasped. "You can't just take her money—!"
"She wants to help, Rangiku," he replied.
"But it's so much money," Rangiku frowned.
"It's not a big deal, Rangiku!" Jaedelyn chirped. "I have plenty more."
"See?" Gin grinned. "She has more!"
Rangiku sighed, waving him away.
"I'll bring back a treat!" he laughed as he ran out.
He returned with a loaf of bread, some apples, meat, dried persimmons, and even a small cake. He also had a bottle of milk. Rangiku looked like she was about to pass out.
"This is amazing," she sighed happily, chewing slowly, savoring the tastes of fresh delicacies. "I've never eaten like this before!"
"Neither have I," Gin nodded, tearing into his meal.
Jaedelyn was silent as she nibbled at her food.
"Hey, ya ok?" Gin asked, suddenly realizing she hadn't said a word.
"I'm fine," she said, smiling. It wasn't a very convincing smile, but he didn't press.
She was happy that they were so happy, but she felt guilty. She felt guilty just for being who she was and living the life she lived—she had so much. She ate whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. She had her own room, all kinds of clothes and shoes—everything she could ever want. And they had practically nothing.
"Cake time!" Rangiku cheered, snapping Jaedelyn from her thoughts.
The cake did wonders for Jaedelyn's mood. She still felt a bit bad for how much she had compared to how little they had, but the sweet dessert helped her push those thoughts to the back of her head.
"Mm, so good!" Rangiku sighed happily.
Gin and Jaedelyn nodded in agreement.
"Are you ready for bed, Jaedelyn?" Rangiku asked, seeing Jaedelyn yawn.
"Oh—um, yes, I am getting a bit tired."
"You can sleep with me," Rangiku grinned.
"Yay! Slumber party!" Jaedelyn giggled, scampering after Rangiku.
The next morning, Jaedelyn headed home. Before she left, she hid her purse under Rangiku's bed, along with a note telling them that they had no choice but to accept the money.
A few days later, they came home to find her sitting inside. She'd brought a backpack with her this time. After excitedly greeting her friends, she pulled out a silk yukata, black with pink flowers. She handed it to Rangiku.
"Jaedelyn," Rangiku gasped, holding it up to examine.
"Do you like it?" Jaedelyn asked, beaming.
"It's beautiful! But, Jaedelyn—"
"No arguments!" Jaedelyn cut her off, grinning. "I picked it out just for you, and if you don't accept it, I'll cry!"
"Thank you, Jaedelyn," Rangiku threw her arms around her.
"You're welcome!" she chirped. "That's not all I brought, though!"
"There's more?" Rangiku pulled back, gaping.
"Uh-huh!" Jaedelyn giggled.
She pulled several more outfits from her bag. She handed some of them to Rangiku and some to Gin.
Rangiku squealed, holding up each one to her body. They were all made of fine materials and beautiful colors.
"Thank ya, Jaedelyn," Gin murmured. He was sitting on the floor, looking through his own gifts.
"You're welcome, Gin," she smiled down at him. "Oh—! I almost forgot!"
"Huh?" Rangiku stopped in the middle of a twirl, looking at her friend.
"I brought shoes!" Jaedelyn pulled out four pair of shoes—two for Gin, and two for Rangiku.
"Shoes…." Rangiku gasped, picking one up. She examined it, holding it like it was the most precious thing in the world. Gin was just as awestruck, though less verbal.
"Jaedelyn, you really do live in a fairy tale," Rangiku said, smiling up at her.
"I suppose it might seem that way," Jaedelyn shrugged.
"Won't you tell us where you live?" Rangiku asked.
"Not now, Rangiku," she shook her head. "Someday, though—I promise."
"I'll hold ya to that," Gin grinned.
Jaedelyn giggled.
She continued to visit her friends at least a few times a week. Her parents had been worried sick the first time she went to Rukongai—when she didn't come home until the next day, and she came home with a bandaged head. They hadn't pressed the issue, though, when she avoided their questions of where she'd been. They didn't question her when they saw her put boys' and girls' clothing in her bag, or a bag full of Kan. They didn't follow her when she left, either—aside from the first incident, she never came home any worse off than when she had left. No wounds, maybe a bit of dirt, but nothing a bath wouldn't fix.
After a few months, she finally decided to come clean to her friends—and her parents.
"T-the Seireitei?" Rangiku gasped when she told them where she lived.
"That's right," she nodded. "My family has an estate there—"
"Makes sense," Gin murmured thoughtfully. "Why didn't ya tell us before?"
"I-I don't know," she sighed. "I guess because I didn't want you to think I was some rich, spoilt brat."
"Even though you are?" he grinned.
"Hey! I am not! Well, ok, maybe a little," she admitted, giggling. "Anyway, um, I-I want you two to come over and meet my family."
"Your family? I-in the Seireitei?" Rangiku paled slightly.
"Yeah," she nodded. "You guys are my best friends. You're part of my family, too, so I think you should meet the rest of my family."
"Sounds good ta me," Gin smirked.
"Yay!" Jaedelyn squealed. "C'mon, c'mon!"
She bounded out of their home excitedly, leading them through Rukongai. She got them through the gates to the Seireitei and practically dragged them into her house.
Gin and Rangiku had grown continuously more and more awed as they'd progressed through the lower Districts of Rukongai and into the Seireitei. When they finally reached the Atchison estate, their eyes were the size of saucers.
"So that's where you've been running off to all the time," her dad chuckled when she'd introduced her parents to her friends and told them where and how she'd met them. "I was wondering why you kept leaving with overstuffed backpacks and half your allowance!"
"Y-you knew about that?!"
"Of course!" he laughed. "It's nice to finally meet the cause."
"Thank you for taking care of our daughter," her mother smiled softly at them from her bed. She'd been bedridden for a week.
"She's been takin' care of us," Gin grinned. "We jus' helped her that once."
"That's not true," Jaedelyn argued. "I didn't really have any friends before I met you guys. Just my brothers and sisters."
"She's been happier these past few months," her dad nodded.
"So much happier," her mom agreed. "We're not so worried now."
"You kids've helped us out, too," her dad added. "You're always welcome here."
"Thank you, sir," Rangiku bowed. After she elbowed him in the side, Gin followed suit.
It soon became the norm for Gin and Rangiku to be at the Atchison Estate. They felt a bit out of place at first, but they soon adapted.
The last time Jaedelyn had set foot past the Fifth Division of Rukongai was the day Rangiku decided to enter the academy with her friends.
Jaedelyn opened her eyes and gasped. Her gaze locked on a tall, skinny man with silver hair, narrowed eyes, and a wide, mischievous smile.
Gin?
She stood and walked toward him, then stopped.
What if it wasn't him?
No.
It was definitely him; no one else was wacko enough to walk around with an expression like that.
She slowly, silently walked up behind him.
"Gin."
He turned around; his eyes snapped opened in surprise.
She felt herself blush, as she always did when she saw his cerulean eyes; they were such a pretty color, and it was so rare to be able to see them….
"Jaedelyn."
The sound of her name jolted her from her daze.
"Hello, Gin," she smiled. "It's been awhile."
"What're ya doin' here?" He sounded wary, and her smile faded.
"Long story short, my sister's best friend wrote her, she decided she wanted to come home, there was a chain reaction and we all ended up deciding to move back."
"You're… back for good?"
"That's right—" she squeaked as he suddenly pulled her to his chest. "Gin—air—"
He released her abruptly, eyes cast down. She looked at him, smiling softly.
"I missed ya," he said.
She slid her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek; his arms wrapped around her waist.
"I missed you, too, Gin. I was worried you were still mad at me for leaving."
He pulled back slightly. Her bright purple eyes were confused as they met his icy blue ones.
Suddenly his eyes were concealed once more, and hers widened as she felt his cool lips on hers. The kiss was soft and lasted only a few seconds before he pulled away.
She lifted a hand to her lips in surprise. He opened his eyes, but didn't say anything, just looked at her.
"I guess you're not angry, then," she whispered after a few minutes of silence.
"No."
She thought for a moment.
"Did… did you ever want to do that before I left?"
"Yes."
She let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. She bit her lip, smiled, and leaned up, kissing him softly.
"Good," she whispered, pulling away.
"Why?" he asked curiously, simply because he wanted to hear it.
"Because I wanted to do that for a really, really long time!" she sighed, slightly whiney, making him chuckle.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning her head into his chest.
"I was in the middle of a walk when I saw you," she said. "If you're not busy, would you like to join me?"
"I'd love ta," he said, kissing the top of her head.
She blushed, hoping he didn't notice. She glanced up. His signature mischievous, narrow-eyed expression was back; he'd noticed.
They set off walking. He kept his arm wrapped around her, pressing her close to his side.
"Well, you look awful cozy."
Gin and Jaedelyn looked up to find Avalon grinning down at them. Avalon was close to Jaedelyn's size—5'6", compared to Jaedelyn's 5'7". She had jet-black hair with teal streaks just past her shoulders and ice-blue eyes.
"Hello, Avalon," Gin grinned his creepy grin up at her.
Avalon just grinned back, not fazed in the least by his creepiness; she was used to it. That was just Gin.
"What's up, Av?" Jaedelyn asked.
"Not much, sis. Just wandering around. Bored."
"I'm sure ya can find some trouble ta stir up," Gin chuckled. "Ya've always been good at that."
"It looks like that's what you're doing right now," another voice said from behind Avalon.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Avalon replied, turning to face her third-oldest sister.
She had pale blonde hair to her mid-back and bright blue eyes. She somehow managed to look fragile and sweet yet intimidating at the same time.
"You should leave them alone."
"She's fine, Kailyn," Jaedelyn said.
"You two look cute," Kailyn said, smiling softly. "She shouldn't interrupt you."
"Thank you," Jaedelyn giggled, "but she really is fine."
Kailyn shrugged.
"Well, I'll take her with me regardless—you know how she has a penchant for getting in trouble."
"I don' think there's anyone who could argue that," Gin said.
Avalon stuck her tongue out at him.
"On top of that, I think Cozette and Echo were looking for her—"
"I'm right here, you know!" Avalon yelled.
"Before I go though," Kailyn continued, ignoring Avalon, who groaned, "I do have a question."
"What is it, Kae?" Jaedelyn asked.
"Is this… official?" she gestured toward Jaedelyn and Gin.
"Oh, um…." Jaedelyn bit her lip and glanced at Gin, blushing.
Gin smirked and leaned down to kiss her.
"That's up ta you," he said.
"Well, don't take this too far, especially without it even being official—be responsible, Jaedelyn!" Kailyn laughed softly and started walking away. "Let's go, Avalon. I'll see you at home, Jae!"
"No glove, no love!" Avalon yelled—unnecessarily loud, of course—as she walked off with Kailyn.
"Avalon!" Jaedelyn whined, burying her head in her hands. "Not cool!"
Avalon cackled—yes, cackled. Not laughed, cackled. Maniacally.
"You're sister's… odd," Gin said.
"Yes she is. But so are you."
"But I'm sexy," he grinned.
She rolled her eyes. She reached up and pulled his eyelid up, deciding not to give a direct verbal response to his "argument".
"You have pretty eyes."
He pushed her hand away and made a face, blinking rapidly.
"Don' do that."
She giggled.
I know they got to it really quickly, but don't worry- there will be LOTS more characters and relationships!
I also realize that this was a rather long chapter. So far, this is the longest chapter I've written. Ever. So, I'm sorry if it was too long-but most of my chapters won't be this huge.