A/N: With this story, I aim to explore the relationship between Nnoitra and Nel-- mostly pastfic beyond the first chapter. First chap is a recap, modeled on my interpretation of Bleach manga chapter 312. Hope you enjoy, and tell me what you think! ^_^
One Thousand Years at a Glance
Nnoitra's vision blurred as he felt his life's fluid rush from him.
"Fuck," he gasped, unheard by the gloating Captain Zaraki, "this wasn't supposed to happen…"
He curled his long fingers through the white sands and squeezed them tight, as though he could get a good enough grip, he could pull himself back to victory. The microscopic grains swam heedlessly out the sides of his fist in a creeping but irresistible current.
Blood gurgled in his throat, and he choked silently. One look… he had to have one more look. This she-demon he though he had gotten shed of… this controlling bitch in the form of a toddler…
Sand ground against his teeth and scraped against his exposed gums as the dying Espada turned his head against the blood-soaked ground. Even his eyes felt heavy; it took all his remaining will to lift them up to the rocky place where the child was sitting.
Their eyes met and locked. Seeing her like that, appearing so helpless and innocent when he knew otherwise… he wanted to kill her, but in his state that was impossible. She would live as a baby, the picture of innocence, and he would die gracelessly in the dirt. Anger constricted his throat, making it almost impossible to breathe. He hated her, and she wouldn't even recognize him!
"Nn… Nnoitra," the child bleated, as though it were her first word.
Nnoitra's eyes went wide with disbelief, and he held in what was left of his breath. How could she—but she has reverted, her memories should be gone… what does this mean? Neliel…
All he could do was grit his teeth and grasp once more at the silent sand as he emptied his lungs.
"Nel…iel…
"You bitch…"