OK! My first Ichigo and Rukia Fanfic! It's a link up to my other fanfic: I could've saved her.
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What if she never wakes up? What if she's gone forever?
These were the thoughts of a very anxious Ichigo. These were the thoughts which plagued him most; these were the thoughts which Ichigo feared.
It was a few months after the war, but the effects still lingered for quite some time after. Ichigo had spent most of his time at the recovery centre at the squad four grounds. He didn't like staying there but he had no choice, she was there. The girl who'd changed his life, the girl who he'd risked his life for on numerous accounts and would continue to do so, the girl who he secretly- loved.
Sitting next to a pure white ward bed, Ichigo slumped in his chair, asleep. He was slouching in a wicker chair resting his head on one arm snoozing away. He'd been there most of the day; in fact he had been there the whole day, and the day before that and also the day before that. He needed to stay by her side; he wanted to stay by her side.
In result of the serious injuries inflicted on her during her conflict in Hueco Mundo, Rukia had fallen into a coma and had remained that way since. Everyone could understand why Rukia pushed herself so hard in her fight and for the many reasons it had done a huge amount of damage on her. It was apparent that she was hanging on with the little spirit energy she had left. No one, not even squad fours best, knew if she would be able to hold on.
On the night Ichigo defeated Aizen, no matter how serious his injuries were, the first person he wanted to see was Rukia. He rushed off after making sure Keigo and the rest of the gang were fine. He didn't stop to get himself checked; he swiftly made his way straight to Rukia's room. He placed himself in the unoccupied chair next to her bed and had dominated the seat ever since.
It was a painful sight watching his closest friend fight for her life; fight alone, without his assistance. It was excruciating knowing he could do nothing to help her; she was completely on her own and there was nothing he could do to change that.
Throughout his life, Ichigo had only a few things to regret. The only thing he regretted most was letting Rukia get hurt the way she had. The things he could've done to prevent what had happened could've saved her from this ache, and maybe have spared Ichigo from the pain.
He woke slowly stretching slightly and groaning quietly. He slumped back into his chair and looked around the ward. He saw many of the stereotypical things you'd find like a vase of flowers on the cupboard next to the bed; a bunch of cards with 'get well soon' printed across the front and other good wish titles. He turned his face to the main article of the room. The bed lay in the centre of the room sticking out like a sore thumb; its pristine whiteness was a complete contrast the dark brown wood of the floor. The metal frame was gleaming against the morning sun and the light reflected into Ichigo's eyes making it a little harder to take in the scenery.
He stood up reluctantly and cracked his back. He sighed, ran his hand through his hair then sat back down. Turning his chair to face the bed he studied the being under the sheets. The light shone through the window onto Rukia's pale face. Her eyes weren't open but he still remembered the special shaded colour they'd always been. Her face was placid and peaceful but he could tell that inside she was suffering a great deal. He wanted to look away but he couldn't, he wanted to study her just as much. He wanted her to wake up just as he watched her breathe, but he knew all too well that no matter how much he wished it she wasn't going to awaken anytime soon...
Ichigo looked at his hands and saw the cuts and bruises, the evidence of past battles haunting him. He stroked the longest scar on his right hand; it ran up his whole hand to the top of his wrist. He looked back at the sleeping girl and sighed deeply. Reaching out he took hold of her hand and squeezed it lightly. Her skin felt so soft and sensitive under his touch; slowly he stroked her hand with his thumb. He looked at her face again, it hadn't changed. He pulled her hand up and kissed the top of it gently. Everyday Ichigo went through this same almost ritual-like plan, in hope that it may stir her slightly. So far all it had done was sadden Ichigo further as everyday his hopes would rise only to be smashed to pieces before him. He hoped one day she would awaken, so he could tell her. So he could say the things he never had the guts to say before. This scare had shocked into him that life can be taken away from you at any moment. 'If you're going to live life, make sure you live each day like it was your last' that was a quote Rukia had once said to him, oh the irony.
I have to tell her he swore to himself, I'm going to as soon as she wakes up, I'll tell her. He'd never told her the secret; he hadn't shared it with anyone, not even his little sister Karin. He loved Rukia; he loved her with all the passion his heart could muster.
A loud crack snapped Ichigo back into reality and he looked toward the door, it was a squad four member. She walked over to the bed after closing the door softly and smiled sympathetically toward Ichigo. He only half smiled back, still holding Rukia's hand. She was quite tall, long brown hair which flowed freely down her back. Her face was well built, no need for make-up she had natural beauty and wasn't afraid to show it.
"I wouldn't worry Mr. Kurosaki; she's in the best hands. If anything goes wrong then we'll have the best in here to help" She tried her best to be comforting but it was to no avail.
"Thanks I wouldn't want anything less" He looked down at her and watched her breathe.
"Listen, the others have decided that the best thing for you to do is to...well return home- to your family" She looked at him still, but this time with more concern for him than for Rukia.
"Wha...what? I can't do that, I have to stay by her side in case she wakes up!"
"Look we'll send a messenger over when we see any sign of movement but we're really worried about you, how about you go home, get some rest and then come visit again huh?" She asked smiling caringly. The option did seem tempting but what if something happens? He won't be there. Then he remembered the woman's promise, he stood up and looked down at Rukia. She was just lying there so peacefully with almost an angelic-like smile. Sighing in defeat he nodded and left the ward getting one last glance at her before making his departure.
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A little depressing I know but it'll get better! I promise! Thanks for reading good chums!