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~Broken Path~

One-shot

Ichigo's breath tickled her skin as he leaned away from her; the sensation of his lips still lingering on her cheek. Rukia's eyes flickered open and she looked up to meet his, his words still echoing in his ears.

"I'll miss you."

A single drop of moisture fell from the sky, and landed on her nose. She looked up at the clotted clouds in the leaden sky as it seemed to mirror her exact feelings. When she looked back down, Ichigo was looking away. On his lips is the smallest of smiles, but she could tell it was forced, and felt for heart break for his pain. She knew this would kill both of them inside, but it wouldn't change her mind. As she was about to ask him what was wrong, he said with a grimace: "It's beginning to rain."

Rukia nodded, slightly turning away from his pained face. A drop of rain fell and trailed down her face, leaving a small path of moisture behind like a tear streak.

The lull of conversation lingered in the air for a few minutes, and in that time the sprinkles turned to drizzles, which turned to a heavy downpour. Thunder sounded overhead, making them both jump at the sudden noise. Even though the precipitation began to drench their clothes, neither of them moved. She turned back to him, and they both stared at each other, his usually warm, alert, chocolate eyes now a dull dark color. Rukia's were drenched with tears.

She knew he had to leave as he did every year for his annual tour around the country. It didn't mean it hurt any less every time he left her, just waiting for his return. This time she took a stand, and promised that last time he came back, she told him it was too difficult to keep waiting, that she was tired of the heart break that came every year at the same time. Last time he came back would be the last time he would come back to her.

Ichigo still didn't know, know that when he left, Rukia would leave too.

When he leaned in to kiss her for the last time, she let him, treasuring of feel of his soft lips on hers as he placed one hand on her jawline and wiped away the single tear that had managed to escape.

She didn't want to leave, and she didn't want him to leave, but she was tired of the waiting, the fame, and the hatred that came with dating a star. She was tired of all the times she would walk into a restaurant or park to enjoy some time with friends, just to find herself followed. She was tired of making headlines with every move. Rukia liked a peaceful life, and Ichigo's job just didn't allow for that.

She knew it was stupid and selfish, but she had to do it. She was just tired of fighting for their relationship.

She reluctantly pulled away as her lungs started to beg for air. Ichigo smiled, cupped her cheek, and pressed his lips against hers once more. The kiss was short, but was just as full of emotion as before and Rukia fought hard to keep her emotions in check.

"I love you," she whispered, so quietly he didn't hear her. She repeated it, clinging to the words as if they could ease the pain she was feeling right now. She nuzzled her nose to his neck, and whispered it again so that this time her caught her words. She heard his breath catch as he chocked down a sob.

"I love you too."

But she would never find out how much.

Reluctantly, she pulled out of his embrace and turned away. She knew that if she had stayed there any longer, she would never be able to leave, and all of the walls of strength she had built up over their final year together would crumble, and she would come back to him. She walked away without looking back. When she reached home, she finally allowed herself to breakdown with harsh sobs that racked her small frame.

Goodbye.

A.N.: In the mood for IchiRuki angst. What did you think? If you liked it review! Review, review, review! ^^ Sorry if I made anyone sad.