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.
I Fly And You Fall
Prompt: Blue, black, and green...
A/N: Post-Winter War.
She'd never been fond of the cold weather. There was just something about the idea of being cold that set her off, creating an undying urge to eat hot stew with her back facing the window. Even looking at the cold, gray sky gave her chills.
Dark hair hung in her eyes as she stared down at the steaming broth, her reflection looking back at her. She pushed aside some potato chunks, relishing in the little ripples created in the bowl. It was like a tiny sauna, she decided. If only the local bath house hadn't closed down. A scowl crossed her face, the knowledge that someone had been putting dye in the water and stopping up the pipes suddenly resurfacing. The cost of repairs had shut the business down.
As for the boy who had pulled the pranks... Freaking idiot.
Upon finishing her stew, Karin tossed the bowl into the sink, rubbing her sock feet against the hardwood floor as she approached the stairs. Suddenly, she was reluctant to lift them, considering staying down here to watch some television. But the sound of her father screaming at the radio in the next room was enough for her to dart up the stairs, not once looking back.
He really could get annoying.
She was in her room now, staring out the window although it made her chilly. An idea hit her, and Karin pulled on a jacket and some boots, pushing the window open so she could look out into the white world that welcomed her. At first, it seemed rather silly, but the impulse took over, and she climbed out onto the tiny cover above the front door, stretching her arms up and lifting herself onto the rooftop.
From here, she could see for miles. There was the park, the bridge, even the memorial yard where her mother's stone lay. In spring, it was easy to recognize, but with all the snow, it seemed like she was in a completely different world.
A light wind picked up, easily stinging her now reddening face. It hurt, but not nearly enough to make her return to the warmth of her room. Now, she felt as though she could fly like the blackbird, the snow rolling off her back with each flap of her wings. She imagined herself soaring, staring down at the city that she called home. From so high up, she could even see the school yard where she and her friends played soccer during the summer season. It was as if the memory were ingrained into the field, their figures darting about before her very eyes.
But there was one there, a tuft of white hair, that stood out among all the others.
He had been a few years older than she, her brother's age to be exact, but he'd played with Karin and her friends all the same. Helped them win against a rival team, though their "league" was unofficial. At first, she'd been hesitant to allow him to play, but, once he'd made it onto the field, she'd been floored.
For a few days more, he'd continued to join their games. She remembered that he was very serious, not smiling nearly as much as she and her friends. Still, when he had smiled, it had been like a ray of light.
Now, she supposed, she kind of missed him.
He was like her brother in a way, someone who could traverse the path from this world to the next. She'd known for a while now. Still, she couldn't help hoping that, someday, he'd come back to play.
The next time, he'd be on the opposing team. Maybe then she could show him how she flew, dominating the field that was her territory. She would be as the stark raven, and he would be like this winter storm, falling down to earth.