This was supposed to be like 5000 words longer but then this happened and it didn't want anything else added.
It's drabble season anyway
It's Buzz Cut Season Anyway
It's before the healing began but after the last drop was spilled. She comes to him; quietly, softly, hand outstretched, and asks something that makes time stand still.
(In that moment that he comes to define as before and after, Ichigo makes a choice.)
"I think," He looks around at the destruction and hesitates and is reminded of another moment like this when their roles were reversed and it was his hand that was held out in an offering.
(They both came to understand their place.)
"I think I'll stay."
They retire their heroic parts and try to rebuild with the leftover pieces of themselves. What was he before his shinigami days, before his days of battle and protection and purpose, she before her time as a mentor, comrade and confidant? Who were they before each other?
He finds nothing but the rain.
Title is a from the Lorde song. In reference to the godawful haircut that I know was not a buzz cut but still just yikes.