He grunted slightly as he propped himself up on one elbow, his shoulder screaming in protest. He eyes scanned the room, finally settling on the small figure and the tall one beside it. Why was it always those two? They were always together…when I'm around them or not. I…He shook his head clear of those thoughts. They weren't right.
"What do you want…" The low growl that was Ichigo's voice echoed throughout the empty accommodations.
Renji's eyes narrowed and Rukia was clutching at his left arm, folding over his broad chest. "What do you think, dumbass? You almost got yourself killed again!" He had moved closer to the orange-haired wreck, the spiky mess dull and without shine. Cold, pale brown eyes met warm and fevered ones.
Ichigo shied away from the glare, shrinking back closer to the wall, moving as far as the recovery bed would allow him. Renji moved closer still, hostility choking Ichigo as his chin was tipped upwards, forcing eye contact with the lieutenant.
"This whole war was your fault…and no one, I repeat, no one, will forget that substitute," Renji sneered the last word. The mess lying helpless in a corner didn't deserve such a title. He shook his head and straightened his back, casting a shadow in the already dark room.
"One more mistake, kid…and you won't live to see another tomorrow."
And on that note the shinigami backed off blending into the shadows, where moonlight couldn't reach.
It was Rukia's turn. "Ichigo…"
"Don't talk to me!" He snapped, eyes like fire. "And don't touch me!" She flinched back as she tentatively reached out to rest her hand on his shoulder.
He closed his eyes. Truthfully, he really didn't care whether she touched him or not. He just wanted to hurt her…like she hurt him. He cringed a little into the pillows as an icy hand rested on his forehead, brushing the long strands covering his eyes back.
He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The contact felt nice…like fire and ice.
He looked at her through blurry eyes, her form a hazy outline. Through his fevered mind, he thought he saw her smile. His face flushed red, whether it was his high temperature or the slight intimacy he didn't know. He simply shut his eyes and drifted away, thinking of happier times.
Times when he didn't feel pain.