#day 21

Linktober 2025 Day 21: Instrument 🌱

Warm light filters through the open window as the sun sinks past its prime, glinting prettily off the tiny bells that litter the coffee table. Kenpachi's long legs stretch out across the floor, shoulders slotted between your knees as you run a brush through his hair. Half of it is still teased straight — jingling softly with each movement, no matter how slight — while the rest now cascades over his shoulders, relaxed and smooth.

"What's this I hear about Rukia Kuchiki?" you mumble, nimble fingers undoing another bell and rolling it onto the table to join the others. "Arrested?"

Kenpachi snorts, clasping a large hand around your ankle, rubbing it with the calloused pad of his thumb. "None'a my concern," he grumbles.

"You're a Captain. Surely know know more than us regular Shinigami."

"I care about keepin' you safe, keepin' the brat safe, and keepin' The Eleventh strong …. so they can keep you n' the brat safe." His gaze flits lazily toward Yachiru, who's curled up on a nearby chair, snoring softly. "Kuchiki's not important."

You pout despite his sweet words. Another bell joins its friends.

"And I care about keeping you safe, Kenny. Things are … changing. I can feel it."

"I'll be safe, woman."

"So you're telling me you won't go picking any unnecessary fights?"

His neck cranes backward so he can stare up at you: one brow cocked, both lips curled. "Y'know I won't promise that."

You sigh, murmuring a reluctant "I know" before planting a firm kiss on his forehead and resuming your task.

dew yaps: i'm so downbad for kenpachi argh i just want to give him little smooches all over his face.

divider by @pixopix

Day 21!