Hanatarou

"H-Hey... Kuchiki-taichou?"

The seventh seat of the fourth division, Yamada Hanatarou. In the years following the traitors departure, Hanatarou has become something more common around the Kuchiki Manor. You remember he did nothing but clean the sixth squad barracks, but since then, he's given himself new meaning. His skills have been a worthy asset and you have taken a liking to bringing him on missions where injury is imminent.

Touching you is still a long way to go, but his timid personality and his soft face attract your attention more than you perhaps want. There's something akin to understanding in his gaze, something that makes you want to seek out what hidden wisdoms may lie inside because you know he won't judge. He'll sit, listen and perhaps not have the advice you're looking for, but sometimes, you only need an understanding person who has no ties to you to let loose on.

He's still intimidated by you, even if you don't show any signs of mal-intent. It's good that he hasn't gotten to used to the special treatment that Rukia grants him and that your typical choice of him as a mission companion hasn't gone to his head, but you don't want him afraid of you. You're not looking for anything more than someone to spend perhaps a little time with, time you haven't spent with anyone for far too long.

He's just coming from his part-time job apparently, still dressed in those ridiculous clothes but he seems to be carrying something with the distinct smell of curry, only slightly different...

"I-I didn't know you were here. Are... are you lost?" He fidgets under your calculating gaze, but you have no response for him. You really have no idea what to say, you simply know that he has something oddly appealing to you right now, something that could satisfy both of your appetites. "Um... Kuchiki-taichou?"

"What is it, Yamada Hanatarou?"

He shifts and his eyes fall to the ground. Your tone isn't the least bit inviting, but you suppose you could be the kindest man in all of Soul Society and he would still fuss. "Uh, w-well..." He starts, staring intently at the ground, as if it will do it for him. "Well, I was just wondering, since you're here and all, if you'd like to come have some dinner with me?"

The invitation is hardly what you're expecting. He looks about ready to pass out when he realizes what he's said, eyes wide and focused on you, as if he's only now realizing who you are.

"I'm sorry! That was bold of me. I-I know that the World of the Living can... can be hard for shinigami who don't really know their way around--not that you don't, or anything!--and I have extra so..."