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.
An Empty Shell
Prompt: Try and see...
A/N: Written for LJ.
She'd been this way since Central Forty-Six had pronounced him guilty of treason. Eyes glazed over with tears, dark circles forming beneath her eyes, and small hollows appearing in her cheeks. It was miserable, seeing her in such a state. Quiet, angry, in pain. Toshiro visited her daily, and her emaciated image never did fully make sense in his mind, surprising him each time he arrived at her room, his own eyes burning with sympathy, compassion, and ice-cold fury.
Today, she had said nothing to him, having stared at her lunch tray as she watched it slip onto the floor, contents splattered across the pristine white tile. Toshiro's arms pulled her close, resting her chin on his shoulder as he held her, breathing in her scent. Aizen had destroyed what little happiness she'd been able to find. At home, in the Rukongai, she had been miserable when trying to decide on a career path. Her encounter with Aizen had changed all that. It had sent Momo off on some ungodly delusion that the captain was the love of her life, the man for whom she would live and die. His betrayal had ruined her, breaking her fragile little heart into pieces.
For that, Toshiro could never forgive him. He would live the remainder of his life hating Aizen for his treachery, for destroying what little Toshiro himself held close to his heart. What with his grandmother on her deathbed, Momo was all he had left in the world. If she perished, drowned in this river of sorrow, he would be all but alone. He had friends, comrades, subordinates, but none of them were quite so dear to him as the girl clasped in his arms.
"Let him go," he wanted to say. "You have to let Aizen go. He's gone, Momo. Let go, and try to forget."
But his heart wouldn't let the words come, fearing that he would only add to the damage done. He clenched his teeth, holding her tighter. If he could have this moment forever, he would gladly take it. Just to keep Momo safe in his arms, free from harm and further suffering. Blue eyes opened as a fragile hand made it's way to his back, clinging tightly to his haori. He smiled gently, whispering words of comfort to her. She was still in there after all. Despite all the hell she'd been through, she still recognized his presence.
This isn't really ToshiroMomo, but one can see it that way.
