((Following the invasion of Soul Society, and Aizen's defeat, all realms were slow to return to their former peace. This opened the opportunity to fulfill a promise you once made to Nelliel to show her the Human World—given you were the one who handled her rather irritating, toddler-like form desperate to see a world of color unlike the void Hueco Mundo was.))

The rooftop overlooked Karakura Town, its twilight glow washing the streets below in gold and rose. The hum of the evening—distant cars, children’s laughter, the flutter of the cool breeze—felt almost sacred after so many months of war. Nel sat at the edge of the roof, her long turquoise hair swaying behind her, and her eyes bright with wonder.

The last rays of sun reflected off her hazel irises, giving her a warmth that felt far removed from the void Hueco Mundo was. She tilted her head slightly, smiling as a soft gust brushed her face. “It’s… so different,” She said, voice carrying a gentle awe. “The air here, it’s light. I can breathe without the taste of dust and death.”

She turned her gaze skyward, watching the clouds drift lazily by. “I never thought the Human World would feel so alive. You used to tell me stories, but…” She laughed softly, “I guess I couldn't believed it was this beautiful.”

Her tone softened as she swung her legs over the ledge, a faint trace of nostalgia in her smile. “You really remembered your promise. I thought… maybe after the battles, you’d forget. Everyone moved on so fast—Ichigo, your friends, the Soul Reapers. But you…” She looked over her shoulder, the curve of her lips caught between gratitude and something more tender. “You didn’t.”

A moment passed before she laughed again, this time brighter. “Ah, but don’t think this means I’ll let you off easy! You still owe me the rest of the tour!” She pointed down at the bustling streets below. “That place. What is it called? ‘Karakura Fried Chicken’? I want to try that! I think Ichigo told me once that humans eat meat cooked in oil until it becomes crunchy! Crunchy meat! Can you imagine?”

Her excitement was infectious. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as the city lights began to flicker to life. “Do humans really live like this every day? With all these colors, these smells, this warmth?” She placed a hand over her chest, a small, almost wistful smile playing at her lips. “I wonder… if I stayed here long enough, would I start to feel like one of them?”

Then she chuckled, the sound light and sincere. “No… maybe not. I’m still just good old Nelliel—former Espada, and friend to strange people who fight gods.” Her gaze met yours—soft and full of quiet affection. “But tonight… just tonight, I’d like to feel human too.”