Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor any of the characters, nor the plot. Only the crazy little situations they get themselves into.
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ONESHOT / 004: "Overprotective"
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For once in her life, she doesn't want to listen.
He's there. He's breathing. He's...
He's bleeding.
She wants to go to him. Oh, with all her heart she wants to tear away from whatever is holding her to this spot. But she's still listening to him.
Still listening...
"There are two kinds of battle...one for survival, and one for honor."
Damn.
Damn it all...
Kaien-dono. Ukitake-taicho.
"This is his fight..."
But Ichigo is bleeding. And Rukia is doing nothing. And suddenly the menace has passed. Like a heat wave the time rushes past her dulled senses, and Ichigo is alone.
Ichigo is still bleeding.
Ichigo is still dying.
His warm blood as he collapses onto her shoulder. Warm. He's warm. She could not help him. Still cannot. Rukia lets his fall bring them earthward, and he is in her arms and she cradles him on her lap as she did with one other she cared for...
Ichigo is back where he should be...in her arms. Like the other was not.
"Ichigo...I'm glad...that you didn't die today. I'm so thankful..."
And all she can do is kiss his forehead and know that he'll be all right...
...and hope that she will be, too.
END
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Yeah, that was pertaining to Episode 9. Reviews are most welcome and appreciated. Flames will be given to Kon to play with.