A/N: A short drabble based on a scene in chapter.248 of the Bleach manga. I just had to write this since chapter 248 totally made me melt after I went into a fit of squeals. And I hope that all of you enjoyed that wonderful chapter as much as I did .
10/25/06: I did some editing- found out I had quite some run on's in here, haha '', that's what happens when a good Bleach chapter messes up your head xDD
Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Kubo-sensei, and if he ever becomes my husband, I will make him read me Bleach manga as bedtime stories everynight. (And yes I know it will never happen)
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It was when Ichigo finally snapped at Rukia, that Renji finally realizes that the orange haired teen holds the same concern, towards the same petite women he has fallen in love with.
It seems Rukia also realizes Ichigo's worry, saying it's not like him to be such a worrywart. But deep inside, Renji is worried as much as Ichigo is, but he won't let the worry show, he has lived decades longer than Ichigo has, been a warrior longer than Ichigo has, and understands the unsaid dignity a warrior carries. No warrior should let their comrades worry over them and become a drag to the team, especially not a proud and dignified Kuchiki Rukia.
So knowing he will hate himself for letting Rukia go along with her dangerous plan, Renji stepped in and stopped Ichigo from anymore ruckus.
And like the Rukia he knew, she stepped up and told Ichigo she has not come to let him protect her; she knows he rejected her plan because he is concerning her safety, and it's not like him to think that way.
But for some reason, Renji feels that these words are also meant for him to hear, since he knows how Ichigo feels for her.
Because he once and still does feel the same worry over her.
It wasn't only because they were comrades with Rukia, or that she was a small girl who seemed too fragile to be in such place (though looks can be decieveing), it was something more.
And as Ichigo turned to look at Rukia's solemn eyes, his face turned from surprised (at Rukia's outburst), to guilt (from hurting her pride).
Ichigo understood fully what she meant.
And Renji is glad to know he understands. He cannot take over Ichigo's place in Rukia's heart and he knows it. Because when the two were in the spotlight, Renji was always back in the shadows, observaing, relating and understanding. His only hope was for Rukia to be happy, and he's positive she will be as long as she is with ichigo. But that kid still has some maturing and learning to do before he can tame that little she-devil.
And for the sake of Rukia's happiness, he will continue to observe, relate and understand in the shadows, and when the reckless carrot-top needs some meditating, he will step up; just like right now.
Fin.
A/N: Does anyone else love this chapter as much as I did? Because this chapter has drove me into more and a thousand fits and I'm so happy about it I can't describe the feeling with words. (sighs contently)
Anyways, tell me what you guys think, I was never really good with drabbles, can never get my thoughts out right with too little words. So Read&Review and constructive critisim is always welcomed.