He lay there dying. Alone. His life had abruptly ended. Even in his old age there was so much he longed to do. He had spent so much of his life suppressing his feelings and fulfilling his duties as head of the Kuchiki household. He closed his eyes tight willing death to take him.
"Captain Kuchiki!"
No, not now. He wanted to die in peace. He at least wanted to preserve his dignity in the last few moments of his life. No one was supposed to see a member of the Kuchiki household in such a vulnerable state.
"Go! Get away from me!" He called out with all his strength, eyes still shut.
Before he knew it he felt a pair of soft, feminine hands on his face. They moved to stroke his cheek, his forehead and hair. The movements were calming, motherly almost. Soon he felt an exhilarating warmth fill his body, he felt safe, the pain began to fade. He slipped into a deep sleep.
After what seemed like an eternity he opened his eyes to reveal a truly majestic sight in front of him. An auburn haired angel surrounded by gold light. She smiled brightly. The view before him was almost too much to bear. She was beautiful, she shined brighter than the sun itself. She was hope, his salvation, the epitome of love and all that was good in the universe.
"A-angel..."
"N-no, captain, it's Inoue. We'll all be al..." Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as her body fell on top of his.
"I-I'm s-sorry! I..." She mumbled as she struggled to lift herself up.
"You're exhausted. I think you've done enough." He felt his strength return.
"No."
"Inoue!"
She put her hand over his mouth to quiet his protests and continued until finally, exhaustion took over. Her hand slipped away and her shield faded. She now lay limp on top of him. She was asleep.
"Stupid girl." Byakuya whispered as he sat up and cradled her in his lap. He looked down at the young woman and began to examine her features. He had never really noticed her. Yes, he was aware of her beauty, but so was everyone. He never thought she was more than just a pretty face, a common girl. One that hadn't anything to set her apart from the others. Her act of selflessness and bravery was a surprise he did not expect from this youth of a woman. She had saved him without a thought to her own being.
"Now I understand."