Chapter 19- Golden Slumbers- Zaraki&Yachru.
Note: this is probably one of my favorite songs. Like, ever. Boy, you're gonna carry that weight; carry that weight, a long time! Serious, love it. Listen to it or death. I recommend before reading the chapter, I suggest iTunes or Limewire.

Yachiru was growing up. She'd turn one hundred soon, she was getting to that age where she didn't want to have other people do things for her, she wanted her own independence and to do things herself, have her own room, sleep in her own bed, and she was getting more mature.

Zaraki almost missed when she'd ride on his back, now she ran beside him, keeping pace easily.

His little girl was growing up.

Zaraki scowled at his own sappy thought as he watched the girl sleep, tossing a little in the throes of a nightmare. His scowl slowly turned to a frown and he looked both ways down the hallway to make sure there'd be no witnesses before stepping into her room and kneeling at her bedside. He stroked a hand down her face, pushing the hair from tickling her nose, and smiled at the nuzzle he got in response. She was still his girl, but soon she'd be growing boobs and dating and getting married and having children and…

No, he'd kill any guy to try…

Zaraki grinned evilly and chuckled a little before stifling the noise and looking down at her. She had somehow gripped his hand and was hugging it to her, soft little tears standing in her eyes and he brushed them away with his free hand. He knew what her nightmares were about, and maybe he was the only one who did. The rigors of Rukongai touched all those who lived in them; even Yumichika broke down sometimes, usually when drunk, despite his aversion to tears as he finds his state while crying to be supremely unbeautiful.

The priss…

Yachiru's eyes opened just a little and she smiled.

"'ey Ken-chan." she mumbled and Zaraki pulled his hand back and covered her up with her blanket more snugly.

"Shh, go back to sleep." he whispered to her and kissed her forehead lightly, humming a soft tune to her and she smiled a little and turned onto her side, kissing his cheek back.

"okay." she mumbled and shifted a little but fell back to sleep easily. Zaraki kept humming a little after, rubbing small circles onto her back until he was sure she was asleep, patted her hair, stood and turned to see Ikkaku, Yumichika, Aramaki, Renji, and Ichigo standing in the doorway looking teary-eyed.

"That-that was heart-warming Taichou." Ikkaku choked out, the entourage nodding in unison, and Zaraki simmered.

"Tell anyone and die." he growled and patted his hakkama off.

"That was the most beautiful display of fatherly love I've ever seen." Yumichika wiped an eye and Zaraki stomped from the room.

"Shut your trap, or I'll shove my sword down it!" Zaraki hissed at them, trying to threaten in a low tone of voice.

"Right, right. Cause Yachiru-chan is still sleeping, quietly, quietly…" Aramaki nodded and Zaraki punched him, knocking the man out with one hit even though the man had said the comment with no malice. He dropped and Renji chuckled, pulling the door closed.

"Shh, he was right." Renji stated and Zaraki glared at all of them then turned and started down the hallway.

"You guys suck." he muttered to himself and there was an outburst of laughter before Ichigo stifled his and shoved them away from the sleeping Yachiru.

They left Aramaki unconscious on the floor.

That morning Yachiru came down to breakfast, Zaraki rubbing his temples as Ikkaku and Yumichika occasionally snorted.

"Ken-chan! Ken-chaaaaan! I had the best dream!"

End. Yeah, really short, but it was probably one of the sweetest things ever. And my spell check wanted to change chan to cabana… weird…