Moonlit Tears

A Bleach Fanfic

Chapter 2-Karin and Yuzu: Necklace

It glinted in the moonlight.

Rukia stood still, as she stared at the object on his study table, reflecting the light. She did not dare touch it, because the idea as to what-no, whom-it was for makes her choke. And she's already choking back the sobs.

Because standing there, in the middle of his room, the personal space she invaded; it was just anguished her more, knowing that he won't be entering that room anymore. That he won't be lying on that bed, trying to sleep despite the many thoughts running through his mind. That he won't be sitting on that chair, trying to do his schoolwork while keeping alert for enemies.

She wouldn't see him there again.

She snapped out of her bitter thoughts when she heard someone say, "It comes with a letter, you know."

She turned to see Yuzu, clad in a black dress like she was, smiling at her despite her red puffy eyes. She gave the younger girl a confused look, to which Yuzu replied, "That thing. It comes with a letter. That stationery beneath it is the letter. I know because I helped him choose those."

"Oh." Rukia looked back at the table, and for the first time, she noticed the rabbit-designed stationery. A small smile appeared on her lips for a fraction of a second. Then she turned back to Yuzu, but she did not speak. Nor did she look straight into the blonde's eyes.

She couldn't bear to be in the presence of his family and friends. That was why she was in his room, despite it being painful for her, as everybody else was downstairs. That was why, at that very moment, she wanted to fall through the floor and disappear.

Then, suddenly, she felt warm arms surround her. Yuzu hugged her tightly, and, much to her surprise, whispered, "Thank you."

"Pardon?" she blurted out, as she tried to hold back the tears. The blonde replied, "Thank you. Thank you for coming to his life. Thank you for giving his life a meaning. Thank you for saving him."

Rukia took a deep breath to calm herself. She gently pushed Yuzu away, as she shook her head, saying, "No, Yuzu. Your brother already had his life's meaning, his purpose, even before I came. It is to protect his family. You. And I did not save him."

"Yes, you did." a different voice retorted. The other two turned around to see Karin, also in black, leaning on his closet. She stepped out of the shadows, and continued, saying, "You gave him a new purpose. A whole new meaning. A much better purpose and meaning. You saved him from helplessness countless times. And he meant to tell you how grateful he was. Unfortunately…"

She faltered, as her eyes slid to the object on the table. Then she took a deep breath, and looked straight into Rukia's eyes. "And that letter holds how he feels, because he couldn't tell you face to face. It may be painful for you to read it, but it would be an insult to his memory if you don't. and I'm sure it will help you feel less guilty."

She turned to her twin, and said, "Come, Yuzu. I need your help downstairs."

With that, the twins left her. Once again alone, she turned her attention back to the object and the letter. Gently, she pulled the stationery from under the object, and opened it.

The moment she started reading, tears stung her eyes. There were times that these blurred her vision so much that she was forced to stop reading for a few moments. Another hindrance was the trembling of her hands. And so, it took her a while to finish.

When she did, she dropped the letter, and fell to his bed, feeling all her strength leave her. As she gripped the covers tightly, trying to hold on to his scent, tears continued to flow, and sobs continued to shatter the peace.

A few lines from the letter resurfaced in her mind, forcing her to grab the pillow and hold it tightly against her face, as her sobs turned to wails.

You don't know how much that day changed my life. That is why I'm giving you this exactly on the same date that we met, so that, at least, even if vaguely, you know how much that day meant to me. How much you meant to me. And if ever something happens to me, I do not want you to look back to that day with regrets. I never regretted meeting you.

It continued to rain inside his room, as she realized what date that fateful event happened, when she was forced to put her sword through him once again.

An hour later, Karin went back to the room to check up on her, on the request of Byakuya and Renji. But the moment she got a full view of her, she stopped.

There she was, her brother's love, lying on his bed. Her eyes were closed, and her chest heaved slowly. It was obvious that she fell asleep, and mostly because of exhaustion.

And the object that previously lay on his table was against the pale skin of her neck, glinting beautifully in the moonlight.

Just like her tears.

Since the idea of making this a multi-chapter story got stuck in my mind, I decided to do chapter 2. But I don't think I can follow this chapter quickly. schoolwork overload. :|

If ever the characters become out of character, well...it's difficult to do angst without making them OOC (for me). :D

Please review! :D