Hello and Merry Christmas. I wrote this short story as a present for all the readers who followed my other story STLO and are still following along with STWOY which is my current work in progress. This little story is to say a big Thank you for your continued support and encouragement through out this year. This story I suppose is set after the events of STWOY. I realise that story is far from done and I've left quite a few elements of its planned ending out of this little story because I would hate to reveal any major spoilers before they've even been written. My lips remain firmly sealed. To my regular readers, Kotaro Hitsugaya requires no explanations. To anyone else who reads this and isn't familiar with my other stories - Kotaro Hitsugaya is my OC who is Toushiro's and Rangiku's tiny little son.

I do not own Bleach, just the cutie goodness that is Kotaro Hitsugaya.

Read and Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas ^_^

Hitsugaya's Nightmare Before Christmas Chapter 1

It was Christmas Eve in the Seireitei and Toushiro Hitsugaya, Captain of the Tenth Division was busy in his office signing off yet another report. It was a bitterly cold day and glancing out the snowed up windows he noticed that the thick fog from earlier was still lingering. It hadn't been light all day and it felt as though it were much later in the day. Sighing he placed his brush down and stretched his arms high above his head working out the kinks in his shoulders.

That was it. He'd made a deal with Rangiku that he wouldn't work any later then lunchtime today. It was Christmas Eve after all, a time that should be spent amongst family and friends. And that were exactly what he was planning to do this year, to spend his time with family.

If anyone had told him ten years ago that he would one day be married to Rangiku Matsumoto, his Lieutenant and that they would also have a son, he would have laughed and said 'Never in a million years.' Yet fate had a very funny way of bringing too people together and now here he was, ten years later, a devoted husband and father.

After locking the office up he stepped out into the chilly air and began a steady walk home, the deep snow crunched pleasantly beneath his feet and a few stray snowflakes fluttered down from sky. He tilted his head to the sky and breathed in deeply, he guessed in about two hours time the heavens would open and the Seireitei would resemble a snow globe. He could thank Hyourimaru for his ability to detect when it would snow.

Toushiro took a left turn which took him through into a small courtyard that acted as a short cut between the office and his home. The whole place was blanketed with undisturbed snow except for a set of footprints that he'd left earlier when he'd headed to the office. He'd only taken a few steps when he heard an odd chuckle and a childish giggle. He paused in his tracks to listen but everything remained still and quiet.

Shaking it off he carried on until he heard movement from his left, while from his right he could have sworn he heard someone making a distinctive shushing sound. He stopped once again and rotated slowly on the spot, taking in all the different angles of the courtyard looking for the source of the sounds. He even did a quick scan to see if he could pick up on anyone's spiritual pressure, but he felt nothing.

When he was halfway across the courtyard, something cold, wet and solid collided with his ear that temporarily took his breath away. He whipped around to face the direction from where he'd been hit and he lifted his hand to his ear to brush away the crumpled remains of a snowball.

Toushiro heard poorly disguised chuckles coming from behind a small clump of bushes and he glanced over to see a familiar green hat poking up from behind the snow covered bush. While keeping his eyes on the bush, he slowly crouched down and scooped up a small amount of snow and compacted it into a small ball. He stood back up and raised his arm, poised and ready to hurl it once his mischievous son popped back up again.

So it came as a surprise when he felt another cold impact, this time on the back of his neck. The snowball exploded on contact and trickled unpleasantly down his back. He spun on his heel and received two more hits to his back.

Growling he turned back around to face his son just in time to receive another snowball, this time straight in his face. He heard his son laughing his head off along with two other people. One person was next to his son and the other he could hear from behind. He reckoned he knew who the two other culprits were.

"Kotaro Hitsugaya," He called out, "I'll give you ten seconds to come on out.. Or else!"

Kotaro's head poked up from behind the bush, his teal eyes sparkling with mischief and his cheeks glowing red from the cold, "Or else what? Daddy!"

"Or else you're going to sorely regret starting a snow ball fight with me little man."

Toushiro saw Kotaro gulp and bob back down behind the bush, he heard some hushed whispers as Kotaro conferred with the person who was hiding behind the bush with him. He then popped back up again with a snowball clutched in his tiny hand, "But Daddy you said Hitsugaya's never surrender!" Kotaro then threw the snowball at him with all of his might, unfortunately though it stopped short by a few metres.

"What was that?" Toushiro questioned as he glanced down at the snowball and chuckled, "That was pathetic little man."

"I'll show you pathetic Daddy!" Kotaro shouted back stubbornly, he then raised his fist in the air and yelled "FIRE!"

"What the..?" Toushiro felt three snowballs collide with his back in quick succession, he glanced over his shoulder and received another in his face. His vision blurred and he wiped frantically at his eyes, while at the same time he was being pelted from both sides of the courtyard. Damn it, how had he managed to step so easily into an ambush.

Toushiro doubled over and used his arms to shield his head and to make himself less of a target, he was literally a sitting duck out here. Glancing to his left he saw a flash of pink before his vision went white again. Cursing he wiped the snow out of his eye and peered over to his right where he briefly saw long white hair and a huge grin.

It seemed his earlier assumptions were correct, he should have known Ukitake and Kyouraku would've been behind this little ambush. He felt another snowball smash painfully into his cheek, that'd been thrown full force by Kyouraku. Shunsui's loud barking laugh echoed all around the little courtyard.

Toushiro gritted his teeth, it was time to even up the odds. Three against one just wasn't fair. 'Ready for some pay back Hyourimaru?' He could hear Hyourimaru snickering in the back of his mind.

'I'm rather enjoying watching you getting your ass whooped to be honest Master,' Hyourimaru rumbled in amusement, 'Especially by a five year old.'

'Traitor' Toushiro thought back.

'Are you suggesting that I use my vast amounts of power, against a cute little button like Kotaro?' Hyourimaru rumbled seriously, 'Shame on you Master, he's just a little child.'

'Yeah well in case you haven't noticed,' Toushiro growled back as he received five more snowballs in his sides, 'That cute little button has got two overgrown babies fighting his corner.'

'Sucks to be you right now,' Hyourimaru snorted before retreating into the back of his mind.

Damn it. Losing his patience Toushiro raised his pressure slightly and kicked up a curtain of snow which swirled around him like a protective barrier. Silence fell in the courtyard, the only sound came from the snow storm swirling and gusting around him. He was enjoying being cocooned inside his little haven he'd created, however there were more pressing matters at hand. Revenge. Sweet sweet revenge.

"Now now Toushiro," Ukitake's voice cut through his swirling cloud of snow, "Don't get carried away, it was just a bit of fun," he tried to reason.

"Yeah kiddo knock it off!" Kyouraku yelled across the courtyard.

Toushiro allowed his spiritual pressure to rise a bit more, he then pushed it outwards in a single blast. The force of his pressure caused his protective wall of snow to fan out across the courtyard creating an avalanche of snow, which crashed over everything until it came to an abrupt halt once it smashed into the surrounding walls.

Toushiro glanced all around him. The entire courtyard was now cleared of snow, with it having been picked up and deposited around the edges in four large mounds. He heard several coughs and splutters coming from within the mounds of snow and he couldn't help but grin at his victory.

He heard a rustle and Kotaro's head emerged from one of the mounds of snow, "Kotaro are you okay?"

"Whoa! That was so cool," Kotaro shouted in excitement. After a bit of wiggling and squirming he managed to free himself from the snow.

Toushiro chuckled and continued on his walk across the courtyard, heading for home.

"I'm being on Daddy's team!" Kotaro shouted as he ran after him, his little legs going ten to the dozen trying to catch up with him.

"Pleeeease Nanao!" Rangiku pleaded, "Trust me it will be a great idea!"

"Absolutely not Rangiku!" Nanao replied sharply as she adjusted her glasses, "I refuse to print pictures of Shunsui in the calender wearing that thing," she pointed her finger at the offending item, "How is that even a good idea?"

"Oh come on Nanao its Christmas, think how many calenders we'll sell next year with Shunsui posing as Mr December, wearing this!" Rangiku twirled the novelty Santa thong around her fingers.

"I was thinking of going for a slightly different theme this time Rangiku," Nanao took a sip from her cup, "Something that will appeal to a much broader range of people."

"Hmm," Rangiku thought about that as she began decorating the gingerbread men she'd started baking earlier. She'd been busy bustling around the kitchen while Nanao was sat at the table pouring through a stack of pictures for the next calender, "I suppose if we do cater to a broader range of people, the more calenders we are likely to sell."

"Exactly Rangiku," Nanao was pleased she were starting to see her point of view, "I mean you're idea of printing the hunks of the Seireitei is a good idea, but it only caters to half of the Shinigami population."

"How about we do His and Hers calenders!" Rangiku's eyes sparkled, "I'm sure you wouldn't mind Shunsui posing in this then," she then tossed the Santa's thong over to Nanao, "Then in the Hers calender you can be Miss December wearing the accompanying Miss Santa Claus outfit! Nanao you're a genius!"

"Thats not what I meant and you know it!" Nanao's face went pink.

Rangiku grinned like a Cheshire cat, it was always fun to fluster Nanao, "Okay I'll drop it, although I know you're secretly dying to see Shun-kun in that," she pointed at the Santa thong that Nanao was absent-mindedly running through her fingers, "So why don't you hang on to that."

Nanao dropped the thong instantly, her pink face turned scarlet and a scowl formed on her face, "You're impossible Rangiku."

"Relax Nanao, I'm just teasing you," Rangiku grinned and returned to decorating the gingerbread men, "I'm curious though, what theme were you aiming for this year?"

"I was thinking maybe more of a family themed calender," Nanao paused as she considered something, "Maybe featuring you, Captain Hitsugaya and little Kotaro."

"Nanao that's a fabulous idea!" Rangiku's eyes lit up, "I'd love to do that and I know Kotaro would enjoy it too."

"The point is though Rangiku, would Captain Hitsugaya go along with it too?"

"Hmm, normally he would say no," Rangiku rested a finger against her chin, "But he may feel differently about it once we explain the theme. I'll ask him when he gets home."

"Excellent," Nanao took another sip from her cup, "I was thinking for each month we could print a seasonal photo of you all."

"I've got loads of photos we can use," Rangiku squealed in excitement, "Oh and I've got this really cute photo of Toshi and Kotaro, I took it back in the summer when we were having that heatwave. Its so adorable. Oh Nanao you come up with all the best ideas," Rangiku rushed over to the table and pulled Nanao into a bone crunching hug.

The sound of the front door opening and closing again, had Rangiku pulling away from Nanao which saved her from near suffocation. There was a maelstrom of noise and movement as Kotaro came crashing into the kitchen, "Mummy we're home! Daddy was so cool he beat Grandad and Uncle Shun-shun with an avalanche!" He charged over to Rangiku and threw his arms around her legs.

Rangiku felt her legs grow damp, "Eww Kotaro you're soaking wet," she reached down and plucked his green hat off his head which was dripping wet, his unruly white hair stuck out in all directions.

"But I had fun," Kotaro smiled back innocently, he wiped his gloved hand across his nose and sniffed.

"Oh sweetie you're going to catch a cold in those wet clothes," Rangiku began peeling off his scarf and coat, "Lets get you changed and I'll make you a nice hot chocolate to warm you up okay."

"Are the gingerbread men ready yet?" Kotaro asked glancing at the tray Rangiku had been working on.

"They will be soon," Rangiku ruffled his hair, "You can help me finish decorating them if you like."

Toushiro came strolling into the kitchen with two towels in his hands, he tossed one across the kitchen which hit Kotaro in his face and buried him. The second he was using to dab at his neck and face, "Little monster ambushed me in the courtyard."

"I apologise for Shunsui, Captain Hitsugaya," Nanao began when she caught sight of Toushiro, "I told him it were a bad idea."

"Don't worry about it," Toushiro waved off her apology, "Those two came off a lot worst then what I did," the smirk that formed on his face had Nanao raising an eyebrow.

"Daddy made an avalanche and buried them in snow!" Kotaro perked up from under his towel, "Can we do it again!"

Toushiro stepped over to Kotaro and plucked him off the floor and tossed him over his shoulder, "No little man, I need to go out and run a quick errand," Toushiro replied as he crossed over the kitchen towards Rangiku and gave her a quick kiss.

"Where you going Daddy? Can I come too?" Kotaro asked as he wiggled and squirmed to get free.

"I'm sorry Kotaro but I need you to stay here with Mummy."

"Toshi its Christmas Eve," Rangiku frowned, "This had better not be a work thing."

"Its not," Toushiro replied as he walked back out the kitchen door, "I promise."

"Well if you're going to get changed can you grab some dry clothes for Kotaro too," Rangiku called after him.

"Already on it," Toushiro's voice floated back down the hallway along with Kotaro's frustrated growls as he tried to break free from Toushiro's hold.

"Its Christmas Eve, where can he possibly be going?" Rangiku suddenly blurted out aloud.

"Maybe he just has a last minute gift he needs to buy," Nanao surmised as she held up two pictures she were comparing.

"Hmm maybe," Rangiku sighed, "I'm pretty sure he said he'd finished all his gift shopping two weeks ago though."

"He probably decided to leave getting your present till the last minute Rangiku," Nanao placed one of the pictures down and picked up another, "So you couldn't snoop around and ruin the surprise again."

"You could be right," Rangiku agreed before her eyes narrowed at Nanao, "Hey! I don't snoop around!"

"Yes you do," Nanao replied only half listening, "Every year without fail you always manage to guess what I've brought you before you've even unwrapped it."

"No I don't!" Rangiku cried out in mock indignation.

"The same can be said for anyone else whose bought you a gift too," Nanao pushed her glasses back up her nose."

"I do NOT snoop Nanao," Rangiku pouted playfully, "I'm just that-"

"Talented?" Nanao finished for her, "You say that every year."

"Fine, maybe I do snoop around a little bit," Rangiku admitted, "But its good sense to know what someone's getting you, so you can give them an equally good gift in return."

"That takes all the mystery out of it," Nanao shook her head and went back to her stack of photographs, "Christmas lacks the sparkle once the element of surprise as been removed."

Rangiku sighed and returned to her gingerbread men, she hated not knowing.

When Toushiro emerged from the bedroom wearing fresh robes, he heard laughter and childish giggles and squeals coming from the living room. As he headed down the hallway he also heard Rangiku and Nanao chatting away, along with a third voice he knew very well.

As he stepped into the living room a cry of "Shiro-Chan," reached his ears and he had to try very hard not to grimace.

"Hi Momo," A small smile formed on his face, it'd been awhile since he'd properly seen her, "How are yo-"

Momo bounded over to him and threw her arms around his neck, cutting off his sentence, "I haven't seen you for ages, how are you?"

"I'm good Momo," Toushiro disentangled himself from her, "Are you still joining us for Christmas dinner tomorrow?" He then began walking towards the couch.

"I sure am Toushiro," Momo beamed, following him over.

"Auntie Momo," Kotaro called as he came bounding over stretching his arms out, "Hug!"

Momo bent down and scooped Kotaro up into her arms and cuddled him, "Are you looking forward to Santa Claus coming tonight Kotaro?"

"Yeah, I've been a good boy too," Kotaro grinned, "And I'm leaving Santa some cookies too, so he doesn't get hungry."

"Aww that's thoughtful of you Kotaro," Momo kissed him on the forehead, "Have you wrote your letter to Santa so he knows what to bring you this year?" She sat herself down on the couch and perched Kotaro on her knee.

"I did," Kotaro clapped his hands together in excitement, "And I left it on the table and when I woke up the next day, it'd vanished!"

"That's because one of Santa's elves came to collect it sweetie," Rangiku smiled warmly at him.

"What did you ask for Kotaro?" Nanao asked sitting forward in her seat.

Kotaro glanced at Nanao and Momo, a massive grin formed on his face which showed off his dimples. His eyes then darted between Rangiku and Toushiro, "For a puppy!"

Nanao and Momo shared a baffled look, unsure on how to react. Rangiku turned her gaze towards Toushiro, already knowing what he were about to say.

"Kotaro," he sighed, "Little man we've already been over this. Twice in fact. You cant have a dog."

Kotaro's happy smile slipped off his face, to be replaced by a sad expression, "Why not Daddy?"

"Because having a dog is a huge responsibility," Toushiro frowned when Kotaro's eyes suddenly lit up again.

"But I'll look after it Daddy, I'll do everything I promise!" Kotaro pleaded, "Please can I have a puppy? Pleeeease!"

"Kotaro, puppies are hard work and they don't stay little for long, they grow huge. You have to feed them and groom them, clean up after them. They bark and drool, shed everywhere and then you need to play with them and take them for walks and lets not forget that they chew everything. They are messy, noisy and destructive. I'm sorry little man, but we are not getting a puppy and that's final."

Kotaro's bottom lip started to wobble and his eyes started to shine. He jumped off Momo's lap and hurried off down the hallway heading for his room, "I just want a friend," he sobbed before slamming his bedroom door closed.

Toushiro realised that he'd upset Kotaro made to go after him but Rangiku rested her hand on his shoulder, "Leave him be Toshi, I'll talk to him."

"But Rangiku-" he was cut off by Rangiku placing a finger over his lips.

"Look, its not easy for Kotaro being the only child in a place full of Shinigami. Yes he has a bunch of people who love and care for him, but that's no substitute for a real friend. Personally I think its an excellent idea to get him a pet, but seeing as you're so obviously against the idea, I'll respect your wishes on the matter."

"I'm just being practical Rangiku. We both know it'll be us two who end up cleaning up after it and all the hassle that goes with it," Toushiro frowned.

"Toushiro I don't want to have this argument again, its Christmas Eve," Rangiku puffed up her cheeks and blew the air out of her mouth, "How long are you going to be out for anyway? We have more guests arriving in about an hour."

"That's right, I best get moving," Toushiro glanced at the clock and scowled, he really needed to get moving.

"Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!" Kotaro shouted as he ran down the hallway sounding panicked.

"What is it sweetie?" Rangiku asked feeling slightly alarmed.

"Yori's sick!" He cried out as he appeared in the doorway clutching his blue stuffed dragon to his chest, which Toushiro had bought him when he'd been born. When Kotaro had been learning how to talk, he couldn't pronounce Hyourimaru, so instead he's settled for Yori and the name had stuck ever since. Kotaro held it up for all to see, "Look!"

Rangiku looked over the blue dragon that'd seen better days. Its head was hanging loosely to one side and the stuffing was beginning to spill out from its neck. She couldn't help but smile, "Don't fret sweetie, Yori just needs stitching up and he'll be right as rain again."

"Yeah don't worry little man, Its easily repaired" Toushiro smiled at him, "I'll see you when I get back okay."

Kotaro glared at Toushiro and went shuffling back to his room completely ignoring him.

"He'll come around," Rangiku sighed and kissed him on the cheek, "Now get going, I need you back here as soon as possible."

After bidding farewell to Rangiku, Nanao and Momo, he stepped back out into the chilly snow and stepped into Shunpo. Once he were satisfied that he were a good distance away from his home, he pulled Hyourimaru from over his shoulder and opened up a senkaimon. He had a last minute present to get for Rangiku and the only place he could get it from, was the World of the Living. Generally the Seireitei was a very quiet place on Christmas Eve and he figured the World of the Living would be the same too. So it should take no time at all to pick up the gifts and get back home again. Right?