Author's Note: Written YEARS ago. Not edited.
UNSPOKEN
A Word of the Day Ficlet
By Kysra
Sometimes, she thinks she's too damaged to be of any use to anyone - always a burden, never a comrade - not truly; and then her usual energetic brand of optimism flows forward and she - again - reaffirms that, yes, she will tell him that she loves him tomorrow.
It never works. Never happens, but she has the goal in front of her and support from all sides. Tatsuki-chan tells her to tell him already; even Kuchiki-san asks her why she hasn't spoke up yet; Rangiku-san orders her to jump him - preferably in the shower (though how she's supposed to sneak into his shower, is anyone's guess); and Sado-kun merely gives her a look. She wonders, when it is so very obvious, why she should have to speak at all.
So it isn't cowardice that ties her tongue when she's faced with the prospect and opportunity of confession, not fully at any rate.
She has already told him a thousand times over in a variety of ways - following him to Soul Society, healing his wounds, watching his back, training despite everyone else's doubts, becoming stronger for his sake, buying him time by sacrificing herself, . . . always worrying over how to be a better friend, how to make him happy . . . . All of this is her way of saying, "I like you, Kurosaki-kun." He just hasn't responded yet.
However, unlike her well-meaning (if persistent) friends, she is patient. She knows that one day - whether through blatant display or subtle introspection - he will see her actions for the declaration they are; and when that day comes, she will be ready for whatever answer he wishes to give.
Even if his answer is like her confession - unspoken.
Word: Enigmatic