Guilt

He suffered from a near constant migraine now, his chest ached, and always his voice in his head. Rukia had given him her power; pure, and he had tainted it. He would taint her.

He jumped at the hand on his cheek.

"Stop pushing me away."

Rukia leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. She could taste the desperation on his lips; feel the fear in his pulse.

"You're stronger than him."

Ichigo placed his hands on her face, 'I need you,' but he could not say it. And as he kissed her fiercely he hated himself.