"Rukia!" Ichigo called, as he banged on her cupboard. "Hey Rukia! School starts soon! Are you coming out or not?"
She was meant to leave in five minutes but she still wasn't up! And Rukia wasn't usually late! He knocked louder.
"Okay, okay! I'm coming! God, calm down Ichigo!" Ichigo was surprised; it wasn't like her to snap like that! And there was something different about her voice too?
He knew right away what was up with her the minute she staggered out the cupboard, rubbing her bright pink nose with her hand.
"You're sick." He stated, pushing her back down so she was lying in the cupboard again.
"I'm not I'm fine." Her voice was small and croaky and as soon as she touched the ground her legs gave way and she collapsed onto the ground in a coughing fit. Ichigo quickly helped her back onto her feet then guided her over to his bed, deciding it was a more suitable place for her right now.
"You're not fine stupid! Here, just lie down." She was surprised at how soft his voice was, "Now stay still while I check your temperature!" Rukia watched him run out the room, her eyes half closed. She'd never felt like this before: her head felt like it was splitting down the middle; her whole body felt like it was made from jelly and she was freezing cold but at the same time felt as if she was on fire. It was horrible!
Ichigo walked back in with a thermometer and a wet towel. He had never seen Rukia like this before and it was starting to worry him. He stuck the thermometer in her mouth.
Oh great, so she has a fever as well. And he was late for school!
"Rukia, just lie here okay? I'll be back, ummm, later k?"
"…right…."
*** ***** *************
after school
**********************
Ichigo groaned as he began to walk home. He'd got detention for not paying attention in class. Damn Rukia, why'd she have to get sick?
"Rukia!" he suddenly remembered she was still home!
Panting from running home he burst through the door and into his room. Phew, she was still there. It was relief that his dad hadn't found her.
"Hi Ichigo." Mumbled Rukia from under a dozen blankets.
"Hey, how you feeling?" he noticed she wasn't shivering as much anymore but her skin was paler than normal.
"F-fine." Rukia pushed herself up onto her elbows, trying to sit up. Ichigo helped her up then sat next to her.
"You want some food?" he asked. She shook her head before coughing violently. He instantly passed her a glass of water and started patting her back. She blushed at his actions. Why was he being so caring towards her?
"Ichigo?" she asked, once she'd stopped coughing.
"Yeah? What is it?" there was worry etched all over his face. This surprised her; he was usually so cold to everyone!
"Why are you looking after me?"
"Huh? Well, because you're sick?" what type of a question was that?
"No but…" stupid Ichigo, he just HAD to make things hard didn't he!? "Why do you… care that I'm sick? I thought you didn't care what happened to me?"
"What?" what was she talking about? Didn't she know how much he cared about her? "Rukia, I always care about you! Whether you're just ill or whether there's a freaking hollow after you! I always care!"
She stared at him in shock. Those words did not just come out his mouth, did they? She must be dreaming! A very good dream though…
'Silence, what does that mean? Why is she looking at me like there something wrong with me?' Ichigo was waiting for her to say something.
"Rukia…?" Without any warning, the little soul reaper wrapped her arms round Ichigo, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you Ichigo."
hope you enjoyed! Reviews and advice appreciated!
lIvE lAuGh LoVe
