A/n: Hello there this is my first story here on FF .net and the first thing I've written in about two years. My old penname was DannilovesInu... but that's a long story, you can check out my profile for more info. "Her Nightmare" is a companion drabble for a one-shot I wrote called "Corona De La Fresa" which can be found on MM .org. This can be taken as a stand-alone piece, so reading Corona isn't necessary. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Bleach is own by Tite Kubo and Shueisha.
It was just the same as before.
Rukia wrung her hands tensely as she stood at the grave site. There was no need to look to the plot as dread began to seep into the pit of her stomach. It was such a beautiful day for such a sorrowful event. A crisp wind blew in causing her to shiver in response. Fear strangled her throat, knowing it was near her time to approach. Anxiety seared Rukia's insides as she peeked a glance around at her fellow mourners. She knew they blamed her, deep down. And they were right. It was her fault that they were gathered there today, that they were laying their loved one to rest. She felt she had no right to stand where she was as they buried the man they'd called son, brother, nephew and husband.
Someone behind her nudged her hard, startling her out of her miserable musings. It was her turn. Rukia slowly approached the elegant wood coffin that held her mentor hoping to settle the task quickly. She held the stem of a single white rose tightly in her hand, futilely trying to still the tremors that ran through her. Finally she stopped in front of the casket, her gaze straying to the photo placed on the tripod next to it. His smiling face, captured forever on film, stared back at her happily. Bile rose in Rukia's throat as she tore her gaze away. You can do this, she chanted, mentally steadying herself.
Stepping closer, she reached out to place her rose on top of the pile, only to draw back her hand with a cry. The batch of white roses were wet. Crimson rivulets snaked down the flowers, staining them red. It oozed onto the light wood of the cedar coffin, long streams of liquid pouring down and into the plot below. Horrified, Rukia stepped away and looked back at the people around her as they slowly began to clap. She jumped as a firm hand clamped down on her right shoulder and looked up into the eyes of Kaien Shiba. His cold, dead eyes were grim as he smiled, his teeth sharp looking.
"It's your turn, Rukia." He told her as he deliberately began to lead her back to his grave. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came, her body made no move to stop him as if it was unwilling to struggle from his grasp. The only thing she could do was stare wide-eye at the man she'd killed as he shoved her into his open grave to be buried along with him.