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.

Corrupt

Prompt: Poison

A/N: Written as a personal challenge. I really do love this pairing to death.


Shadows, it seemed, had overcome all that had once been light. Even in the brightest of rooms, it always seemed that there was a dark patch in the corner, waiting to drown her in its grasp. At first, it had been a horrifying sight, seeing them scattered across her vision, dulling the beautiful and vibrant colors of the world. But steadily, as she became accustomed to having a frequent visitor and the chaos that would ensue, the shadows became a part of her daily life.

Color and life still existed, but the world around her wasn't nearly as bright as it had once been. The process had occurred over a span of several weeks, gently easing its way into existence. She never let on what was happening, although her subconscious mind screamed at her to do so, and continued with life as it was. Treating patients, prescribing medications, performing surgical procedures, and unwinding after a hard day's work.

Truth be told, keeping a secret of that magnitude had been anything but easy. What with Isane's frequent nightmares at the most ungodly of hours, Retsu had often been forced to abandon her own indulgences and leave her quarters so as to maintain her facade and put her lieutenant's mind at ease. Such a thing was, clearly, frowned upon by the arrogant character to whom she had sacrificed herself.

Even during the brightest hours of the day, she found herself longing for that strange, albeit growing, connection. Although such a thing was frequent, she could never understand what dark secret he had to hide from the world. Unless, of course, the world was excluded from the equation... Whatever the reason, her breath would catch in her throat the instant she saw his face, eyes glowing even in the darkness.

Much to her liking, it was always the same. She would allow herself to fall into his arms, closing her eyes with a soft sigh as his hands took to her hair. He was very much like a child in this regard, toying with her locks until they finally became irrelevant to his ever-changing interests. It was then that she would sing, resting her head against his shoulder, her hands wandering across the old wounds that littered his form. The tune, a gentle song that even she did not know the name of, seemed to soothe him, making her believe that, perhaps, she was taming the raging beast within his heart. He had never voiced such a thing, but she had grown used to reading him through the changes in his eyes, much like the turning of the waves told tales of the coming storm.

As the sun gently began to fall, giving way to the lesser light of the moon, she smiled silently to herself. Such a secret, dark as it was, brought her much pleasure. Even if he really had managed to completely poison her.


Three words: LOVE. THIS. PAIRING.