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.
This Isn't Fair Play
Prompt: Silver...
A/N: For LJ, pre-series.
"You're leaving again..."
Yes, he was. In fact, he had to. If he didn't, there was no way she'd be able to survive. It was a hard thing to say, but, without him, she would have rotted away, stuck on the side of the road, a carrion feast. The thought alone made him shudder. He didn't like to think that way. A life without her there, those big eyes looking to him for aid and comfort...
It would have been a deeper hell than any he'd suffered through.
"Why are you leaving?" She was standing now, grimacing at him, silently demanding an answer.
No matter what he said, it was never good enough. They'd become inseperable in the many months spent in each other's company, but he needed to get away sometimes. Not because of her, of course, but for her.
He turned, easily spotting an excuse in the corner of the shack. "We need wood," he said, trying not to sound too rushed. "We used the last ones to fry those fish for dinner." A bright grin. "And we need something else to eat, too. For morning."
Red hair tumbled into her face, hiding her eyes as she moved. Hands wrapped themselves around his wrists, squeezing until he thought the bones might break. He tried to slip away, to get out into the cold night, but she pulled him back with enough force to propel him into her arms. Again, she clung to him, soft locks brushing against the side of his face.
When had he grown so much? Last he'd checked, Rangiku had been the one towering over him. But there was no telling when that had been. He'd lost track of the days quite some time ago, and they'd likely been smeared into years by now.
"I have to go," he insisted, chin resting atop her head. "It's for us, Rangiku. For you."
Another squeeze, tighter this time, around his chest and arms. "No," she said firmly. "You're not allowed to leave." He could see the tears now.
Gin smiled, wriggling away to lift her chin. "Really?" he teased. "Not even if I take you with me?"
"What?" her eyes widened, lip trembling. "You mean it?"
Her grip now gone, he pulled her close, staring into the fire that was her hair. "That's hardly fair, Rangiku. You know I can't stand it when you cry."