Fandoms: Calvin and Hobbes; Bleach
Characters: Hobbes, Calvin
Summary: He's been alone for so long. They both have.
Pairings: None
Warnings/Spoilers: No spoilers
Timeline: None
Author's Note: I have a theory on Hobbes, one I don't think is true (Oh God I hope it isn't true), but I thought I'd write it. And it does explain why only Calvin can see Hobbes' true form; he's the only one around who's spiritually sensitive (Which would make the killer snowmen Hollows, I guess).
Disclaimer: I own neither Calvin and Hobbes nor Bleach.
There's a huge age difference between them, but Hobbes never grew up, not really, so that's alright; he and Calvin get along just fine, aside from the occasional fist fight or verbal barrage.
He hasn't got a clue how long this will last, but that's alright too. Hobbes will make the days last.
It's gotten to the point that he can't remember when he died or even what he looked like before he died. Hobbes knows it can't really have been all that long ago; after all, he can remember having watched television as a child, and in color too. Beyond that, nothing.
Waiting for so, so long, Hobbes has only been left to wonder why he's still here, why he occasionally feels this growing emptiness in his chest and why there are days when he just feels so hungry.
But he doesn't have to wonder about Calvin.
The scenario is simple: He lingers on in his family's house long after his family has moved on. When a new couple move in, Hobbes prepares himself for complete and utter boredom.
Until their son is born.
Hobbes watches the little kid grow. He watches him get into trouble, constantly stick his nose where it doesn't need to be and watches him, in a nutshell, attempt to the limit of his abilities to bring down the house. It's all really quite entertaining, and Hobbes can't help but admire Calvin's enterprising spirit. His parents probably would too, if they'd just loosen up a little.
Calvin's probably about three when Hobbes starts to notice he's lonely.
The problem with Calvin's unique personality is that it's more than a little off-putting to other children. Susie Derkins runs when she sees him and the others just put up proto cross signs with their fingers and back away slowly.
Hobbes is lonely too.
That's when he notices the stuffed tiger.
It was Mom's idea. She thought buying a stuffed tiger for Calvin would cheer him up; he's never shown that much interest in toys before (really, he just rips the heads off because he wants to see what they have inside), but that didn't stop her.
Hobbes smiles.
He's always liked tigers.
And he does love Calvin.
Frowning dubiously, Calvin holds the stuffed tiger at arm's length. Mom's made him swear that he won't rip this one open but frankly pinky promises have little effect on Calvin.
This really doesn't seem like a good idea at all.
"What's your name?" Calvin mutters, deciding that even if he does rip the tiger open a day later he might as well name it.
He just barely bites back a shriek when he's greeted with an impish wink and a grin from the tiger, who no longer looks like a normal stuffed tiger.
"The name's Hobbes, professional tiger, esquire. What do you say we get that wagon of yours and play?"
Calvin just stares at him for a moment.
Then, he grins.
"This is so cool."
Hobbes only hopes he never has to leave.