Her Nii-sama's Piano
Her Nii-sama's house had a musty smell, a fine layer of dust settling on every available surface/ She ran her fingers along the chipped grainy wood of the dining room table, her tips catching in the divots and holes. The sunlight filtered in through the blinds, giving a small glimmer in the room.
If she strained hard enough, she could almost smell the herb tea her Nii-sama was so fond of, almost hear him training in the backyard as he strove to grow strong, almost see his graceful pose, almost feel is silent care and watchful eyes on her back.
If she strained hard enough, it was like her Nii-sama was never gone.
Biting back tears, she clutched his worn haori, breathing in the cherry blossom scent that she knew so well. She wrapped it around her arms, pretending it was as if her Nii-sama was right behind her, resting a protective hand on her shoulder.
"Rukia, there is no more need to fear. I shall protect you. Just rest, for I am here."
She smiled softly, buried in her memories.
"Rukia! Do not move so much, you shall harm your wounds! You want to heal, now don't you? Why don't you play a song to pass the time."
Her eyes drifted over to the beautiful ebony grand piano, the bench worn from countless use. There were days when the whole house would be filled with songs, her Nii-sama quietly letting his hands roll up and down, his feet tapping along softly. She was never as good as her Nii-sama, but every time she tapped out a little song, a little melody, he would ever-so-gently smile, his mind no doubt filled with memories from Hisana, allowing his joy to be relived through Rukia.
"Why don't you play another, Rukia?"
The bench creaked as she sat down, the music pages yellowed on the edges. At first her fingers where hesitant, unsure of the white keys. But the sound soon wrapped around her, her mind clearing and her strokes growing strong. The music swelled, songs skipping from joyous to sad to dark without missing a beat. Her fingers soon took over, her motions automatic and sure. The house was filled with memories, the music only adding color to the black and white.
It filled her body, song bursting out at ever pore. Her eyes closed, and she relished the moment, the freedom, the life in the air.
The music dwindled down, her fingers softly touching the final keys. Her hands closed in her lap, and she drew in a big breath.
The music was alive, it lived on for her Nii-sama, thrived in her memories.
It was something that lives.
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disclaimer: i do not own bleach or any of its characters.
notes: short little drabble, a little OOC with byakuya. reviews are welcomed, feel free to flame as well.