It's been a few days since the incident with the Arrancar's Yami and Uluqiorra. Since that day, Captain Hitsugaya, Rangiku-san, Renji, Rukia and others had come into the human world. I had finished my training for the day, and I was exhausted. I honestly couldn't wait to climb into my futon and just go to sleep. I climbed up the ladder, and up to the shop. I stretched out my limbs as I made my way to my provided room.

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When I woke back up, it was late at night. I sat up in my futon and rubbed my eyes. I stretched and stood up, looking for some food. I went out in my gigai to one of those 24 hour stores around the block. I bought a few snacks, a drink and a sandwich. I went back to the shop, and climbed up onto the roof. I took my late night dinner out of the bag, throwing the trash back into the bag, and began eating.

I looked up at the night sky, seeing the twinkling stars. "You're out late." I jumped and turned seeing it was Captain Hitsugaya.

"I could say the same to you." I smiled and patted the space next to me. "I have some chips, want to share?" I asked. He said nothing, but sat next to me.

I brought out some chips and a couple of drinks, and passed them to him. "Were you unable to sleep?" he asked me.

"No, my bankai training messes up my sleep schedule. Sometimes I sleep through the whole day." I said.

"How is your training?" he asked me.

"Urahara says I'm doing well. After the run in with Yammy and Uluqiorra, he's been more strict." I said, "Which is understandable. Even Kyln was lecturing me today of how reckless I was." I smiled a bit.

"I'd have to agree with them." he said and I looked at him.

"Will I be getting another lecture?" I asked him.

"What you did, was brave but in the end it was reckless." he said.

"I wanted to help. I had the power to help, but I didn't do anything. When I noticed the sero, I don't know, I wanted to prove I could take care of it." I said looking at the ground below me.

"You don't have to prove anything to anybody." he said to me.

".. Not many people know, but I was supposed to die when I was 7. Kyln saved me. Then, I was sent to the human world, for my own safety and for the others in Soul Society. Then Urahara and Yoruichi saved me from living on my own. They became my friends, teachers.. and parents. They sent me to school, and I made friends. Then I met Ichigo. We became friends, and he was always there for me. My whole life, I've relied on others to save me." I explained. "I more or less wanted to prove to myself I could take care of myself." I said softly. "I don't usually think about these kinds of things, but after that fight, and the event with Aizen, I don't know. It's all I can think about."

I felt a hand on my head. "I believe you are strong enough to take care of yourself. I can tell since your training, you have gotten stronger." he said to me. "You don't have to prove anything to me, or any of the others. We all know you're strong and capable." he said and I looked at him.

I smiled and slowly leaned against him. "Thanks.." I mumbled.

"Don't mention it." he said, not bothering to move away from me, or trying to push me away.

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Thoughts?