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.

Snapdragons

Prompt: Feeling overwhelmed...

A/N: Written for LJ. Companion piece to "An Empty Shell."

It was sweet, the way he doted on her, ignoring his captain's duties for, probably, the first time in his life. Thanks to the circles under his clear blue eyes, she was sure that he'd been up every night that week, worrying about her. She wished he wouldn't though, as she felt fine, having given herself time to adjust to all the change. He would never know, as she would never be able to tell him, but she had, in some way, been in love with her captain. He had been wonderful to her, offering advice in the dead of night, allowing her to visit whenever the urge struck her. Not once had he turned her down, for he had decided to lure her in with kind words and a gentle smile.

Oh, how she missed those days.

But they were gone now, and she was forced to accept the fact that he had never truly cared for her. She had been nothing but a pawn, disposable in every sense of the word. Initially, this fact had hit her hard, sending her spiraling into silence and depression. She had been all but blind to the fact that there were people around to love and care for her.

She turned her head as a knock on the door sounded, her face lighting up with a smile as her friend entered, a mildly irritated look on his face as he held something behind his back. Covering her mouth with a hand, she laughed, noting that old grimace that took over his gentle features. Toshiro never had been one to be teased or taken lightly, as he took everything far too seriously. She supposed it was due to a sense of duty he felt; a duty to do the best he could in order to protect those he loved. She was one of the lucky ones, as he had graciously kept watch over her, shielding her with a fire that contradicted the ability of his blade.

Upon setting his sights on her, the harsh gleam in his eye, probably a byproduct of Matsumoto and her antics, softened before she could even blink. He stared quietly at the table beside her hospital bed as he approached, finally bringing his hands from behind his back to reveal a beautiful pot, packed with blooming pink and blue flowers. Upon closer inspection, she realized that they were snapdragons, and that the soil was fresh, indicating that he'd recently potted them.

Taking the gift from his hands, she smiled her first sincere smile in weeks, pressing her face into the blooms, allowing their petals to graze her face. She loved flowers; loved them more than anything in the world. They were the most beautiful part of nature. A symbol of sincerity and perseverance. It was because of the latter, she assumed, that he had brought them. He wanted her to see that the most beautiful of creatures, even when damaged and deprived of life and love, could once again find their place in the never-ending spiral of life.

She opened her mouth to speak, to thank him, but he was already at the door, not once looking back. Momo smiled again, hugging the pot to her chest. It was cute that he'd chosen to grow snapdragons, as they seemed to suit him far better than she. Regardless, this was a memory that she would cherish, and his bloom of choice would remain as one of her favorites.

Toshiro was righteous in every way one could imagine. Despite his temper, he always ensured that those in need came first, having shouldered her division's paperwork after Aizen's betrayal.