Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.
Don't Come Running
A/N: Some AU in the Fullbring arc (which is really old now).
It was grating, the sound of the boy's voice in his ear, whining. He'd said it once, and he wouldn't say it again. As soon as the rest of his affect had worn off, Toshiro would release him. Not before. And, if it so happened that it didn't wear off, he would be taken to the Soul Society for questioning.
It was then that he heard them, rushed footsteps as a group of boys ran through the brush, taking a shortcut home from school. They passed through him just as easily, as if he were smoke on the wind. He couldn't say that he minded being so invisible, but he certainly didn't like the thought of humans walking through his body. It was a bit strange.
But he heard their voices, all lilting to express a joke, as their heads turned. They were egging someone on, teasing their unseen friend about being late for practice.
"Shut up," a girl's voice said. "I'll get there when I get there."
The boys ran off, laughing amongst themselves. Another sound came from the brush, and he turned, surprised to see Karin staring back at him.
"Why are you here?" she said, brushing off her clean shirt. Her gaze moved to the other officers who stood beside him, and nodded. "They're with you, huh?"
He nodded.
She looked up, taking a few steps forward, hand outstretched to the black mass above. "So, Ichigo's inside that thing?"
Another nod. He didn't know what to say.
"Figures. He's always getting into trouble." Karin dropped her bag, hands folded across her chest as she stared at him. "I don't care what he says. You're notto come save me again."
The way he had when the Hollow had arrived in the middle of their soccer game. She'd thanked him, but he'd been able to tell that she hadn't been too thrilled about being rescued. She must have learned that from her brother.
"I won't," he said, smiling. "I won't come to save you."
Karin looked at him, almost in disbelief. "I mean it," she said, half-smiling. "No matter what happens."
"Okay. No matter what, I won't come running... Unless you ask me to."