Written 3 years ago, just being edited and uploaded. Looking at my old stuff, including this one, I see how immature my writing was. Hopefully I've improved and you'll see that in my newer stuff!
Author's Note: This is my first Ichigo/Rukia fic, but I love these two characters and their personalities. I usually work with Naruto pairings so hopefully you guys like this one.
This will most likely end up being a collection of one-shots/drabbles so please don't be put off by the apparent lack of a storyline.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
Warm Hands, Warmer Hearts
When Ichigo woke in the middle of the night and blinked into the shadows of his room, Rukia wasn't there.
He glared blearily at the open closet door for a moment, and even in the darkness he could make out the indent on the cot where her small form would normally be sleeping, her fist tucked under her chin. A light bre eze wafted through his room and Ichigo frowned at the open window for a moment before lazily throwing back his covers and making his way to the roof where he knew he would find her.
Just as he'd predicted, she was perched comfortably on the edge of his roof. The night was cold and starless, but the moon was heavy overhead when he stood behind her. Ichigo scowled down at her tiny form, his height and leverage making her seem that much tinier.
"What are you doing up here?"
It didn't surprise him that she already knew he was there before he spoke. Rukia glanced over her shoulder at him and shrugged. "I just wanted to get some air."
Her voice had taken him off guard when he'd first heard it long ago. Her build was so slight and deceptively fragile he had expected a small, thin, gentle murmur of a voice but when she squared her feet and addressed him the sound had been rich, deep, strong and confident.
Ichigo scratched the back of his head before sitting down beside her. Neither of them said anything, both too wise to talk just to fill silences. He glanced at her, taking in the dark shine of her hair as she looked over the city. It was the city they guarded together, seeking souls and spirits.
The chill of the night returned to him with a renewed vigor and he rubbed halfheartedly at the goose bumps that were raising themselves along his exposed arms. His movements halted when he realized that Rukia was shivering and he could feel her shudders in their proximity. Her hands were trembling and she clenched them together, attempting to hide the shaking. It didn't escape him- that or the way she gritted her teeth to stop their chattering.
Damn her and her ridiculous pride.
Ichigo rolled his eyes silently before reaching over and grabbing her hands, a little rougher than he had intended.
Rukia stiffened and stared at him in confusion, her eyebrows arched. "Ichigo, what do you think you're-"
"Don't be stupid," he cut her off roughly.
Rukia glared at him defiantly for a moment as if she would pull away, but then relented to his strong hands. Her hands were so much smaller than his and felt like ice. Ichigo rubbed them gently between his own, squeezing her fingers lightly. Rukia looked away in embarrassment, trying to look annoyed in her nervousness.
"My mother used to do this."
Rukia looked at Ichigo in surprise, her dark eyes wide, only to find him concentrated on their joined hands with a familiar scowl on his face.
"She'd do this when my hands got cold."
"Ichigo…" Rukia breathed.
He brought her hands up to his face and Rukia jerked in surprise when he blew lightly on them. His breath was comfortably warm, and Rukia's startled stare jumped from her hands up to his face and back again. He breathed once more and when he finally released her newly warmed hands, she realized she'd been holding her breath.
He sat awkwardly for a moment and after a short silence Rukia allowed herself a small smile.
"Thank you."
He merely made a sound of acknowledgement and continued to frown into the night.
The two sat like that for some time with warm hands and warmer hearts.
END
Author's Note: I'm not sure if I should leave this as a stand alone one shot or if I'll add more chapters as drabbles. Let me know what you think.
