#fiestyreader

"Fight me!"

"No!

"Please!"

"No!"

"Just one battle, I won't even use my zanpakuto."

His vein popped.

"ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME!! I SAID NO SO QUIT IT!!" Everyone on that street certainly heard that yell, and you sulked to the side.

"I didn't realize humans were so mean."

A few passers by sent Ichigo dirty looks, and he could feel his annoyance rising.

"Let's go!" He grabbed your hand, pulling you away from the public eye, and you followed with a snicker. Maybe if you pissed him off enough he'd give in. After a few minutes of walking, your eyes drift to your linked hands. His hold had lessened considerably. In some strange way, it felt kind of nice.

"Where are you taking me?"

"To get a snack." you smile at that, tighten your hold on his hand. Ichigo's cheeks flushed at the action and you move closer, walking in step with him. "What kind of snack?" He stopped at one of the buildings, and you were too busy admiring it all to ask anymore questions. He bought something, walking out. Once you were outside he released your hand, opening the small packet he purchased.

"They're called gummy bears, try one." He passed the snack to you, and you stared at the packet, placing your hand inside as you popped one into your mouth. Your eyes light up as you continue to chow down the gummy bears. "This is delicious!!" Ichigo smiles. He'd found your weakness apparently.

"You know this world has a lot more to offer than people for you to fight." You're a bit distracted by the fruit snack, so he figures you didn't hear that last comment. "Why do you like fighting so much anyway?" That you seem to register. You stop eating, looking over at him. Ichigo is a bit taken by the look in your eyes. He was so used to your excitement. That vulnerability you display is foreign.

"I just do, you got a problem with that." He can feel the hostility.

"Hey, no need to get worked up, I was just curious."

You don't speak, dropping the remainder of your snack on the floor. You look away from him. "Call me when hollows start to show up." you jump onto a building nearby and Ichigo yells. "Hey where the hell are you going!!" you don't offer a reply, just vanish. He sighs scratching his head.

"Damn it."

~~~~

"Where's (Y/N)." Ichigo shakes his head. "No idea, she just took off. " Renji's brows furrowed.

"What'd you say to her you idiot."

"Who are you calling an idiot, idiot!!" They both glared, and Ichigo huffs, folding his arms. "All I did was ask her why she likes to fight so much. Then she got weird and took off." He was glad you were no longer chasing him for a battle, but something about that look in your eyes just felt so...lonely.

"You dumbass, you really don't know a thing about girls huh."

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not psychic, she just took off!!" Talking to Renji was just making him more annoyed. Renji smacked him over the head. "Find her and apologize." He sprung up, kicking Renji in the face. "What the hell, I didn't do anything!!" A fist came hurtling in his direction, and the minute it connected his body hit the floor of Kisuke's shop.

"It doesn't matter, just apologize!" Renji screamed after his vicious punch.

"That doesn't make any sense!!"

~~~~

With a deep sigh, you stare at the night sky.

"I shouldn't have run off."

It was a childish move. He did nothing wrong, just asked a question. One you couldn't truly answer. Growing up in the Rukongai, it was a kill or be killed situation. Everyday was a battle. For food and survival. You couldn't count how many times you'd almost been devoured by a hollow, or attacked by another soul who was desperate for food or shelter. Survival of the fittest they say. As a child, you had no choice. You had to fight. You needed to survive. Your clench your fists, and the sword on your back shifts in it's hold.

"I need to be strong."

"You don't always have to be strong. " you flinch at the voice. Turning, you stare at the reaper. Ichigo is in his black robes, and he sends you a grin. "Gotcha." your eyes widened. Those were the exact words you'd said to him when you met.

"I figure you'd be on some building scoping out the city. " You are perched on a tower, looking down at the many lights.

"I'm sorry." you mutter. You're a bit embarrassed. You usually never get worked up for such silly things.

"Don't worry about it. " Ichigo takes a seat next to you. "I get it, you don't have to explain anything to me. Next time don't go running off. I was worried. "

"You were worried..about me?" He nods. "Course I was, we're friends now. It's normal."

"Friends." you look over at him, and his gaze shifts to you. There's that look again. He's not sure why, but he feels like he has to protect you, so you never have to look so sad ever again. He knows in the soul society it's more about loyalty and subordination, so a lot of the concepts that applied in his world don't truly exist in yours. He's unable to fight the urge, he reaches out, and your eyes shake the minute his hand touches your cheek. It's so soft and warm.

"I'll show you everything I can. Don't force yourself to be strong alone, I'll help you. You can lean on others for your strength, you can lean on me. " You don't have any words. None. When he'd told you there was more to life than fighting, you wanted to laugh in his face. But now, you can see that. There is apparently a whole lot more that you never even considered. It takes you a few moments to realize he's gotten closer to you. It's only when his eyelids lower, and he leans in that you blush and panic. You shoved him back, and Ichigo faceplants.

"W-WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!!

"N-nothing!!"

"Liar! Y-You were trying to kiss me!"

"NO!! T-THERE WAS A BUG IN YOUR HAIR, I WAS GETTING IT OUT! "

"THE HELL YOU WERE!!" With a smack to his face, you flash step, cheeks still blazing. Your heart was hammering as you made a stealthy escape.

"W-What the hell was that?"

"Do you have to pace around like that." you watched from your spot leaned on the wall, waiting for him to take a seat and relax. Barba was dealing with another tough case, and apparently it wasn't coming together as well as he hoped. "Must you stand there like a statue." he retorted. Somehow Olivia convinced him that you being there was actually beneficial. 

So for the past week you were working diligently at making sure he didn't catch a bullet. He didn't make it easy though. Every order you gave he felt the need to question. When you informed him that you would be driving him to and from work, that apparently infuriated him. You contemplated knocking him unconscious just to get him into the car the first day. One thing you were sure of, Rafael Barba was a difficult man to put up with.

"I can see why someone would want to kill you. I feel sorry for your mother, if you're this bull headed as an adult, I could only imagine what you were like as a teenager."

"Is this your attempt at conversation, if so it's quite tiring." you grinned from your corner.

This was probably one of your more fun cases if you were being honest with yourself. The jobs in your career usually left you with either sleezy or just plain stupid clients. You never had a major problem. You could take care of yourself. Barba though, he challenged you. It was refreshing. His intelligence was another plus. He wasn't too bad looking either. The last thought made you frown. 

"Unprofessional." 

The reason this job worked so well was because there were certain lines you never crossed. For good reason to. It's not like he was the first attractive guy you had to protect. So you had no idea why the ridiculous thought kept circling in your head.

"I'm going to check the area, don't go anywhere." you inform. Barba just huffs with a nod. You needed to get some air. Clear your thoughts for a bit. Maybe if you had been more observant, you would have picked up on the look Barba sent your way as you exited the room.

You took a breath when you got into the hallway, walking down the hall. It didn't help that he lived on the top floor. You weren't really looking forward to walking down five flights of stairs. So you just settled for a window nearby, looking out at the view. 

You were in the room right opposite his. Until the culprit behind his attack was caught, it was a necessary countermeasure that needed to be taken. You nodded at the delivery guy that walked passed. He smiled kindly, sending a wink and you just chuckled under your breath, eyes moving back to the many lights that graced New York City. You couldn't understand how something so beautiful can be so tainted by hate and crime.

You flinched when you heard a single gunshot, and on instinct you sprinted back to Rafael's room. The door was ajar and you pulled out your gun. Taking slow steps you inched inside. As you got there you could spot Rafael on the other side of the room. The moment he saw you his eyes widened and he yelled out. 

"WATCH OUT!!" The door slammed into your arm, knocking you to the ground. You tumbled with a grunt, gun flying out of your grasp. When you looked to the side, the red and white striped shirt made you frown.

"Well hello there cutie, when I saw you in the hall I knew you were a firecracker." The supposed pizza delivery guy was smirking as he kicked your gun further, stepping over your body. He had two guns in his hand, one pointed in Rafael's direction and the other aimed at you. "See my intention here was just to take out our little ADA here. Dumbass can't seem to keep his mouth shut." he gritted his teeth, glaring in Barba's direction. You were still on the ground groaning.

"But maybe I should have a treat after all my hard work. " he kneeled down, passing the tip of his gun along your shoulder, over to your collarbone and down the middle of your chest.

"You have me, just let her walk away from this. No more people have to die!" Rafael took a step forward which just irritated your captor more. "SHUT UP! " he screamed. While he was distracted with his anger you raised both your legs, wrapping them around his neck. Clutching your thighs you squeezed, watching the way he gasped, dropping his weapons in a weak attempt to regain his breath. 

You slammed his body into the ground with all the force you could muster. You could see his face begin to turn red as he fought to reach for his fallen guns. In a matter of seconds he lost consciousness. When you were positive he was out, you released, jumping to your feet and kicking both guns as far as you could. You turned to Rafael who rushed in your direction. "Are you alright?" you brushed off his concern, still breathing a bit heavily.

"I'm fine, this is what I'm trained for. Call the police Counselor. " you were a little pissed. If you hadn't been distracted you probably would have noticed the pizza guy was a fake. Rafael didn't react immediately, he was still looking your way. Reluctantly, he stepped away to get his cell phone.

Your eyes moved back to the man lying on the ground. You rubbed your arm in annoyance. "That hurt you stupid bastard. " He was lucky the lash didn't leave a bruise, you would have done far worse than just knock him out.

Rafael was back at your side with an ice pack. "The police are on their way, here put this on your head. You took a pretty bad fall." you took it gratefully, pressing it to the back of your head with a wince. It was then that you finally scanned his body. 

"I heard a gunshot, how did you block it." you couldn't make out a single defensive wound on his body. "I knew the minute he stepped in he was a fraud, I never get pepperoni." The comment made you laugh, and you noticed the hole in the wall next to where he had been standing.

"You really are something else."

“KENPACHI!!!"

You struck with all your might, and the captain grinned, bracing his sword with one arm. You mirror his little smirk, jumping back. It was unclear how many hours you'd been out there sparring with the fight crazed captain. Yachiru was perched on a tree nearby, and Ikkaku was laying face down in the dirt.

The three of you had been at it for a while. You were covered in bruises, yet all Kenpachi had was a vertical rip going down the side of his cloak. Ikkaku was probably unconscious. Despite all the obvious signs to stop, you kept going. So you kept at it, for who knows how many more hours. It only became apparent that you really couldn't go on when you fell back on the floor with a thud. Your chest was heaving, the grin still firmly planted on your face.

"You almost had him that time (Y/N)-chan!" Yachiru cheered. Kenpachi hoisted both you and Ikkaku on either side of his shoulder, and you sent him thumbs up. "Good fight taicho!" with that, you passed out.

~Five Hours Later~

"I'm beginning to get a bit worried about you (Y/N)-san." Jushiro watched your bandaged body with a sigh. Being a part of the eleventh squad was a dream come true. You'd always been a skilled fighter, and much like your captain, you loved the thrill of battle. You craved it. Maybe sometimes a little too much. When you joined his squad, a lot of the members laughed. You had a pretty small stature, and just looking, no one would really be able to tell that you were a fighter.

You weren't built like the rest of them, but your skill was far greater than any of those morons. You proved it too. During the first two months of joining, you'd fought nearly two thirds of the squad. After a while they realized just how much they underestimated your abilities and even started running whenever they saw you strolling around. By the course of four months you'd beaten every last one of them, excluding Ikkaku, Yachiru and Kenpachi. That's why you made it your mission to challenge him whenever you could. They used to joke that you and Kenpachi had to be siblings, because you emitted the same love for fighting.

"I'm fine Ukitake-taicho, I almost beat him this time!" you said with a smile.

"You sure are driven, I'm surprised you haven't challenged Ichigo yet. Zaraki-san has been trying to battle him for years. " Rukia who was sitting by your side face palmed. She could see the sparkle in your eyes, and she knew exactly what that meant.

"Ichigo.." If Kenpachi was trying to battle this person, then he must have been strong. His name sounded familiar. You'd often heard Ikkaku and some of the others talk about him, but you'd never actually met. You'd joined the squads after the Ryoka incident.

"If I fight with Ichigo then beating Kenpachi will be a piece of cake! Arigatou Ukitake-taicho!" you disappeared before he could do much, and Ukitake rubbed his head awkwardly. "Maybe I should have kept that bit of information to myself. " Rukia just chuckled. You were relentless, so it was really only a matter of time before you found out anyway.

~~~

You waited eagerly for the substitute soul reaper. Honestly it was getting tedious battling the same idiots everyday. You knew it was only a matter of when he'd show up. His alliance with the soul society was surprisingly strong. Everyone you talked to about him had something remarkable to say. Currently you were on your many visits to the fourth squad. Hanataro was healing your wounds, and bandaging your arm. "You want to fight Kurosaki-san?" you nod.

"Yep, I heard he's pretty strong. Kenpachi said he beat him once, and that's when they first invaded the soul society. Just imagine how much stronger he must have gotten." Hanataro laughs at your excitement.

"He is pretty strong, and a really good friend." Your head turned at the look Hanataro wore.

"I think the first time I ever felt brave was when I met Ichigo. "

This guy was really something. You'd known Hanataro since the academy days. Even though he'd graduated before you, it was given that he'd be a healer. He'd long accepted the fact that he wasn't a fighter.

"You're amazing too Hanataro, you fixed me right up!" you stood flexing your arm.

"I'd feel much better if you got injured a lot less (Y/N)-chan."

"No promises!!" you were already out the door.

"I'll be seeing her again soon." He knew you too well not to expect it at this point.

~~~~~

"Zaraki-taicho!!" Your call made Kenpachi turn.

"The human is coming today!!" Kenpachi's grin grew just as wide as yours. "You're joking, I'll finally get to fight him again. " He was just as excited as you at the revelation.

"What are we waiting for, let's go!" He didn't have to tell you twice. Yachiru was giggling.

"Ichi sure is going to be surprised when he sees the both of you."

Hell, you were counting on it.

~~~~

You weren't sure how it was possible, you specifically told Kenpachi to follow your lead.Yachiru was the last person he should have taken directions from. They both had no sense of direction. You stopped to track them, sighing when you felt the familiar wave of energy. They were all the way on the other side of the barracks. A spark makes your eyes dart up.

"Hmmm?" You didn't recognize this spiritual pattern.

"It must be him." racing down the pathway, you smile, jumping into the air.

"Gotcha!" Ichigo flinched, watching the female that jumped over the building, landing right in front of him.

"What the..." He'd been so focused on avoiding Kenpachi, that he really didn't expect anyone else. Your sword was already drawn, and your smile was wide. 

"Ichigo Kurosaki, I challenge you to a fight. The winner will be declared the strongest." 

He sweatdropped.

"Listen, I ain't got time for your-" you charged and Ichigo braced himself with a yell.

"H-Hey!!" with his sword now drawn, he pressed against your blade, and you just continued to smile.

"Knepachi was right, you are quick."

"K-Kenpachi!!"

"Damn it, how did I manage to get stuck with one of his crazy fight loving members."

He was so sure he masked his reiatsu this time. Ichigo studied you. He really didn't expect such an attack from someone like you. He doesn't recall ever meeting you either, but you were obviously a part of Kenpachi's squad. If your determination to fight him wasn't enough to go on. He also took notice of the bandages on both your arms.

"You're injured. " He muttered. Your brows furrowed, and he flash stepped, now standing on one of the buildings above. "You shouldn't be fighting, you need to recover. "

"Keh, I thought you were supposed to be some strong reaper. Or maybe they exaggerated your abilities. You are a human after all.

An irk mark appeared on his forehead.

"LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE BRAT!" He was getting riled up, exactly what you wanted. Sheathing your blade, you disappeared, and Ichigo looked around, eyes hardening.

"Too slow." you whispered from behind. He barely had a moment to defend, you swung your leg, kicking him in his side, and his body pitched off, hitting the ground with a force. Ichigo grunted, barely gathering himself long enough to prepare for your next attack.

"Come on, you're no fun!!" you cheered, grabbing him by the collar of his robe as you flung him into the air. He gritted his teeth, making it about a few hundred feet before he was able to regain some control. Standing in the sky, he rubbed his forehead. You were a lot faster than he anticipated.

"This is fun!!" you pitched off after him, and this time he was a little more prepared. He was gone at the last second, and that just added to the thrill.

"Finally taking me seriously huh." you wait for a sign, or more so a flick of his reiatsu. He was above, and as he moved to grab you, you took a hold of his leg. Letting out a startled yell, he was thrown back into the ground. His body hit the dirt harshly. Ichigo coughed, eyes clouded by the dust that had risen.

"How did she sense me so quickly.."

You weren't just strong, but fast too.

He fully prepared to fire back an attack of his own this time, but the smile on your face dropped. You were still a few feet in the air, and he noticed the pained expression as you clenched your eyes shut. All at once your features evened out, and your eyes closed, body now falling from the sky.

"Crap!"

He jumped, grabbing you midair and landing easily. When he was steady, he looked down at you.

"She was fighting that way even with these injuries."

Now that he was holding you he could see the full extent of those bandages, it wasn't just your arms, but the gauze travelled all the way under your robes, up to your neck.

"Crazy chick."

~~~~

Ichigo fully intended to carry you to Hanataro, but he'd ran into Rukia on his way over and she'd just told him that you needed rest. Apparently they were used to this. Ukitake laughed upon seeing your sleeping form in the hands of Ichigo.

"Just lay her down inside, she'll be awake in a few hours ready for another battle. " So he did as instructed. His gaze lingered over your form. So caught up in it all, he never even got to ask your name. There was an inkling feeling that this wouldn't be the last time he saw you.

Rukia observed the thoughtful look on Ichigo's face.

"I take it you had a hard time keeping up with her." She noted the visible scratches on his body. He took a seat, a scowl on his face.

"She just caught me by surprise." Rukia smiles.

"She may act like a careless fighter, but her tracking skills are amazing. " Ichigo straightened at Rukia's explanation. He glimpsed back at your unconscious form laying in the other room. With the door slightly ajar he could see the steady rise and fall of your chest.

"Every time I flashstepped she caught me." He recalled that one time he'd battled Byakuya, and just barely managed to match his speed. With you the task felt similar, except he did most of the running. You'd anticipated every move he made.

"She's not going to stop until she wins." Ichigo sighed. 

"Great, just what I need. A female Kenpachi." Ukitake chuckled at the description. 

"She's been assigned a mission in the world of the living. Why don't you show her some of your town's attractions. If she's distracted she may forget about battling. " Ichigo contemplated.

"That's actually a good idea." 

"I refuse." 

You rolled your eyes at the famous ADA Rafael Barba. Olivia had always been a close friend of yours, so when she asked for your help, of course you agreed. You were a security detail, one of the best in New York. You'd spend time with politicians, diplomats, even assisted in witness protection. You'd met people like Barba before. Thought he didn't need the help. When Olivia heard about the attempt on his life after a very shaky case, you had a feeling this was coming. It was all over the news. You were now standing at the door watching Olivia try to convince Barba that this was best for him.

"Absolutely not. I already told you I don't need protection. They were just trying to make a point. No one is actually going to kill me. "

"You're wrong. " His steely gaze turned to you. "You assumed it was a warning shot because of the angle, but you're wrong. Whoever was yielding that weapon tried to kill you. The only reason it missed is because they were an amateur. The aim was miscalculated because of the change in winds that day. When you're scoping an area especially as a sniper, you have to account for everything. " 

Stepping inside, you walked over to the window. You glanced at where he stood, and the position of his chair. He was sitting in it, watching you keenly. You raised your hand, pointing your index right where his heart was.

"The wind was 11 miles per hour that day. They missed the shot by a very small current of wind. If not, you'd be dead." He obviously didn't like the statement. His face contorted in anger and he stood, marching over, getting into your face.

"Get out of my office." The both of your were at a stand still, he must have thought you would have been intimidated by his stare. But you've dealt with far worse to get deterred by his little act of testosterone. Taking a step back, you walked to the side. 

"You can let your foolish pride get in the way Counselor but just so you know, if I had taken the shot.." you turn, watching him dead in the eye. 

"I wouldn't have missed. " you spoke calmly. With that, you were heading out of the building. Olivia is chasing after you, and you're wearing a big smile. "Don't worry I was just joking in there, maybe." She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "(Y/N), I brought you here to help him, not make him more paranoid."

"He's the one who's acting all high and mighty. I heard the guy was a piece of work, just never thought I'd have the pleasure of experiencing it first hand. He should be lucky I even had time for a consultation. I have a business you know. Whenever I take jobs like this it's usually more serious. The guys that did this are sloppy. It shouldn't be hard to get them. You don't need me."

Olivia grabbed your arm, stopping you. "Please (Y/N), he's my friend. Practically family. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to him and I know I could have done something." Olivia would never stop being a caretaker for everyone else. It was crazy sometimes, she completely ignored her own needs, just to look after others. It's that same stubbornness that even saved you in the past. Turning, you took her hand. "Okay, okay I'll take the job." Her face brightened almost instantly.

"Thank you." you shook your head with a laugh.