A/N: Hey guys. Sorry for this being shorter then usual. At this point, I still didn't realize I wanted to have a minimum of 1K words. I did try my best to make it longer by adding more details without spoiling things and ended up adding about 200 words. Hopefully you guys like the change from 345 words to 564. Again, sorry for having this be short.

~Two days later~

Shiro's POV:

The darkness surrounding me is comforting, but I know I have to leave it soon. I don't know how much time passes since I've come here but I don't want to go back to that retched place.

I want to be alone in this comforting darkness. Here, I know no one can hurt me. I just want to die in this lonesomely peaceful place... and yet I can hear voices slowly becoming clearer.

"How is he?" That sounds like Ichigo.. What's he doing in a place near me? Are they talking about me? This is all so strange...

"His vitals are fine and he should wake up soon. His wounds are healing nicely and we managed to get some weight on him through the tube." Who's that? He sounds like a doctor considering the way he spoke... Am I in a hospital?

My curiosity gets the best of me and I try to open my eyes. They felt too heavy to open. I tried over and over but honestly, I didn't want to try leaving this deep darkness.

Eventually, I finally succeed but regret it immediately, closing my eyes within a millisecond, because of the bright lights in the room. I let out a soft, pain filled groan in response.

I noticed how everyone went silent and after a small while, I slowly opened my eyes. I blinked a few times before looking around the room I was in.

To my left, the doctor I heard stood over me, looking down at me. Behind him, there was a monitor that had a constant beep along with an IV. I assume they were connected to me and turn to my right.

There, I saw Ichigo with somewhat of a worried yet relieved look. Why is he here..? Why is he looking at me like that? Is it really me he's looking at? I've done nothing remotely remarkable for him to look at me in that sort of way...

"So.. You're awake now..." Ichigo's rather awkward tone pulled me from my thoughts. The doctor left after checking over me and asking some questions to make sure I was actually conscious.

I slowly nod at his statement and he began again, speaking in the same tone. "What's your name?"

Here comes the questioning.. I opened my mouth and instantly noticed how dry it was. Even so, I pushed the though away and try to speak.

"Sh... Shi... Shir-" I began coughing because of the dryness and groan out in pain once it ceased. He quickly left and came back with a cup of water. I quickly gulped it down and held my chest.

I noticed just how much my chest began to hurt along with the rest of my body. "M-My name is Shiro..." I subconsciously slapped myself because of how nervous I was.

Either way, he doesn't seem to notice before looking away in thought. He mumbles a 'Shiro' as if trying to test it out. "Well, Shiro, you've been out for a small while." I looked at him with confusion. "Out? What do you mean by out? For how long?"

"You've been unconscious since I brought you here. It's been two days since then." My eyes widen and I began to shake uncontrollably.

Story Word Count: 564
Total Word Count: 671
Published Date: 9-6-2018

A/N: I'll try to make sure the next chapter is closer to 1K. Thanks to anyone who reads. See you guys next time.