Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.

Believe

Prompt: "A lifetime in his breath..."

A/N: Written for an LJ challenge, 5_prompts. Toshiro/Momo.

She remembered nothing save for his frightened eyes, bathed in a film of red. There had also been pain, although she remembered little. Her body had fallen limp, her spirit bathed in ice upon seeing such fear in his beautiful eyes. Everything after that had been but a dream. She had seen herself and Toshiro, clear as day, at home in the Rukongai, darting about beneath the comforts of the summer sun. He had shouted taunting words, but they had not reached her ears.

All that existed, aside from the vision, was silence.

A face had flashed before her eyes, the face of her idol, of her traitorous savior. His expression had been warm, but his eyes brimmed with evil intent and untainted malice. A look that, in her dream, had made her cry out for help. It had been reminiscent of being locked in a darkened room with him as her only companion. She had screamed with all her might, her cries never once reaching the outside as she pounded against the door, blood seeping from wounded hands.

She awoke with a start, only to find herself bathed in bright lights and wrapped in the gentle, familiar embrace that made the fear within her veins melt like snow. Her eyes opened, catching sight of his white hair as he clung tightly to her broken body, holding her in silence as his comforting scent reached her. Weak as she was, Momo found the strength to place a hand in his hair, reveling in its gentle feel against her fingertips.

"You're so damn stupid," he whispered, holding her tighter. "I told you not to come..."

Her eyes closed, a light smile on her face. He had told her to remain within the Soul Society, but she had been unable to bear the idea of her beloved Captain Aizen being removed from the world. She had followed her friend, and had thus been caught in the crossfire. There was no one to blame but herself.

She flinched as he set her back on the bed, staring down at her with those brooding blue eyes of his. How funny it was that she had never seen through the illusion that had so cruelly clouded her own vision. In truth, he was the one she had loved from the beginning, not her former captain. He had taken care of her from their earliest years together, coming to her rescue for even the stupidest of things.

How foolish she had been to cast aside his warnings. She looked up, noting the bright glaze that had overcome his eyes, his face still contorted into that scowl as the gentle tears began falling silently upon her hand. Her eyes widened slightly at the scene before her. Not once had she seen him cry.

I'm sorry, she wanted to say. I should have listened to you...

Despite the strength she gathered up, she could not bring it upon herself to apologize. Such words would only bring him more pain now that they had reached the end. Instead, she lifted her hand, clinging to his own as she began to slip away.

I'm sorry, Toshiro, she thought with a smile. Perhaps, if I had listened, I would have been able to tell you the truth... Even should you lose hope in the world, please, believe in me..

As her hand fell gently from his as the darkness began to set in, the gleam in his eye told her everything: For her, he would live a lifetime with every breath he took.

Written while listening to "Even In Death" by Evanescence.