Kensei Muguruma (Bleach) - Oneshot: Extra
“(L/N)-san!!”
The familiar call of the peppy red head draws your attention.
“Orihime-san.”
You turned and she smiled.
“It’s really good to see you again, how are you? Have you been enjoying the nice weather? It sure is pretty today isn’t it?”
She continued to go on a tangent and you just walked in step with her, listening to each word of excitement. Things have calmed down significantly since the war.
You’d stayed a few weeks as promised, keeping an eye on any potential threats and you’d even helped with a bit of reconstruction. When it became clear that there was no longer a threat, you’d left with Hiyori and a few others.
Ichigo practically raced home to see his sisters, his father not far behind, Orihime at his side.
You’d given your farewells to Kisuke and a few others.
You hadn’t really seen them for a few months. Everyone was just living life. Enjoying the peace.
“It sure is nice to see you. Have you seen Muguruma-san recently?”
The name made you think back to your meeting a few weeks ago.
“I’ll be coming here often to keep an eye out. Hiyori and Shinji can be a pain, I need to make sure they don’t tear Karakura apart.”
That’s what he said when he dropped by last. You should not have been that surprised. He had ties to this world. It’s where Kisuke fled to protect them all.
“It’s been a few weeks.”
Orihime nods.
“He is a captain, they must be really busy. I heard they’ve made a lot of progress in the Seireitei. Pretty soon it’ll be just like it was before.”
That was actually nice to hear.
“I’m glad.”
She was smiling again.
“Me too!!”
For the remainder of the walk, she went over a few things that happened in her life. By the time you made it to the intersection, she was waving as she ran down the street.
For a moment you stood at the side with a thoughtful expression. You were pretty distracted, until you felt that familiar stream of spiritual pressure. You turn to the right, and Kensei lands right before you.
“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you can sense me.”
“It’s not hard to track, you’re a captain. I’d be useless if I couldn’t do that much.”
Once again your expression is somewhat unreadable.
“Are you coming to report an enemy?”
You’re wearing that look again, indifference.
A part of him wonders what you must have survived to be so detached. Another part feels obligated to look out for you, even though it’s clear you can take care of yourself. He’s faced his fair share of trials, maybe that’s why he has a need to help.
The way that Kisuke helped all of them.
“There’s no enemy. I just got tired of listening to Hiyori and Shinji’s bickering. Mashiro is also a pain.”
“I see.”
Kensei’s eyes settle on you. In a strange way he prefers the look you wear when you shamelessly hit on him. The emptiness you show in battle is almost painful to watch.
Internally, he sighs, because he knows he’s going to regret this.
He looks away.
“Let’s go on a date.”
It’s a bit of a mutter.
“Come again?”
He frowns, now looking right at you.
“Let’s go on a date.” He speaks much clearer.
Silence stretches in the space and the longer it goes on, the redder his cheeks become.
He’s about to take it back, but you lift your fist and punch yourself in your stomach. Kensei gapes, and you spit out some blood, looking back up at him.
“I’m not dreaming, that’s good.”
“There’s better ways to test that out you moron!!”
You wipe the remnants of blood from the corner of your lip, flash stepping. In a blink you’re standing right in front of him and he jests back, a bead of sweat running down the side of his head at the attentive look on your face.
“I’m definitely going to regret this.”
Since he’d already made the proposal, he had no choice but to commit. He dropped by to grab his gigai. The second he stepped out with it, he was stretching his shoulders.
“It’s been a while. It feels strange. I spent so long in this thing.”
You were right next to him, just watching.
One thing was apparent.
“You enjoy it, being a reaper?”
Kensei straightened, looking down at you. Your personality seems to change so sporadically that he’s always mentally preparing for something crazy.
“I do.”
A simple answer.
You nod, looking down the street.
“I don’t remember much of what I enjoy. Maybe if I’d been a reaper I would have enjoyed it too.”
You started walking and Kensei’s brows furrowed.
“What do you mean?”
He assumed you were a reaper, at the very least a vizard like him. You have a zanpakuto.
“I have no memories of my time before. Kisuke has tried, but he was unable to restore them. Wherever my powers came from, they were possibly due to an experiment. Maybe my soul was reborn, cleansed. Whatever the reason, there are things even I don’t know.”
Kensei gritted his teeth.
“That bastard Aizen.”
Another life that he’d most likely ruined.
“There’s no need to get angry. I’m content with the way my life is now. I have a home, and I fight with a purpose and for peace, no different than any other reaper. Isn’t that enough reason to live?”
Your perspective is strangely refreshing. For a long time he was angry. He wasn’t sure how else to be and he knew the others were somewhat the same. Aizen took away their lives, made them outcasts. Now he is back in his previous position and it seems like there is no more war, no pain. Life was as good as it was going to get he supposed.
“I guess you’re right.”
He can’t argue with the logic.
The both of you continue on, and as you move through the streets of Karakura, you both exchange words on a few topics.
Kensei spends some time complaining about Kisuke’s idiocy, which you’re fully aware of. It’s still funny to hear. Sometimes he talks about his friends, even though he always appears angry, you can feel the love in each word.
It’s possible that he isn’t even aware of it. How much life is displayed on his face when he mentions Love, or Lisa, even Shinji and of course Mashiro.
He cares for all of them, and would give his life for them. You saw as much in battle.
He’s honorable, loyal, and you feel fortunate. You understand how you come off to others. Unfortunately it isn’t something you can really control. Neither can you control your reactions to the reaper beside you.
“You’re really handsome Muguruma-san.”
He stiffens, but continues walking, his lips in a tight line.
“Your piercings are also very cool.”
That makes his eyebrow twitch.
“And your shoulders are quite broad. Your muscles are really defined. The way you wear your soul reaper robes is also very attractive.”
“W-Would you stop it with the compliments!”
The tips of his ears are red, and you hold back a smile.
You didn’t think you would get much of a reaction. It’s nice to see that he can make such cute expressions.
“My apologies. I’m done.”
You’re satisfied, and he just glares in your direction as he grumbles under his breath.
By the time the sun goes down, you explain that you need to get home and he agrees to walk you home. As the lights begin to flicker on, you enjoy the calmness of the night that begins to draw near.
The walk to your home is silent, and you relish in it. The comfortable quiet. When you get to your door, you stop in front of him, turning in his direction. His arms are folded across his chest, taking in the small house. When his gaze moves back to you, you’re ready to express your gratitude.
“I appreciate you humoring me.”
You’re not an idiot.
Your story has obviously made him a bit empathetic, so he must have done what he thought would appeal to you to keep your thoughts away from your unknown past.
“Thank you, Kensei.”
Regardless of his reasons, you’re grateful.
You bow, and when you straighten, he seems to be glaring again.
“Be my girlfriend.”
You blink, just staring at him.
“Come again?”
“I said be my girlfri-”
You punch yourself again, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“It’s real.”
“S-STOP DOING THAT!!”
Kensei is still glaring, and you’re still trying to make sense of his words.
“R-Really! You want to be my boyfriend!”
He just unfolds his arms, closing his eyes.
“Forget about it.”
He flashsteps, and you stumble, right before you take off, following behind him eagerly.
“W-Wait! Come back!!”
He knew this whole thing would be a hassle.