Author's Note: I'm a fan of Rukia/Ishida...even though I know it will never happen. Le sigh. This is set right after Ichigo defeats the Menos Grande/Ishida vs. Ichigo. If only this had really happened! I do not own anything Bleach-related.
Kuchiki Rukia walked down the hall of her school slowly, not wanting to return to class just yet. She stopped at the water fountain and took a long drink.
"Has he left you completely powerless, Kuchiki-san?" a somewhat familiar voice said behind her. She turned quickly, wiping water from her mouth. Ishida Uyruu was standing behind her with his bandaged arms crossed over his chest. Rukia looked left and right down the hall, making sure no one was around. "We are all alone, I assure you." He said, staring down at her. She looked at his arms and hands for a few moments. "I'm fine, wounds heal." He said shortly. "So, Kuchiki-san, did Kurosaki take all of your powers?" He asked again. Rukia looked at the floor.
"Yes." She said softly, simply. Ishida pushed up his glasses and the light gleamed off the lenses.
"That Kurosaki…he's completely useless." Ishida said, uncrossing his arms and gripping his hands into fists. "He doesn't even realize what's around him!" Rukia looked up at him in surprise and their eyes met. Rukia felt something flutter inside of her. "He can't protect you…but I will." He said, still holding her gaze. Rukia couldn't move; she couldn't speak. Ishida's eyes flashed an emotion that she didn't understand and he turned to walk away.
Rukia's body finally responded and she said, "But I'm a shinigami, you hate me." She said after him. He turned and she couldn't see his eyes behind the glasses.
"You aren't a death god anymore." He said simply and walked away. Rukia stayed in the hallway looking after him thoughtfully.
"I'm not worthy of anyone's protection." She said, sighed, and decided it was time to go back.
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