Bleach 10
ブリーチ

Blinded
ブラインディッド

oOo

"Where are we going?" I giggle as I'm led forwards; his hands rest over my eyes, effectively blocking any sort of sight.

"Just be patient," he breathes, his lips so close to my neck, I feel his breath tickle my skin; it sends a pleasurable shiver down my spine. "We're almost there."

"...fine," I mock sulk, making him chuckle.

We continue on, me being blindly led towards a currently unknown destination. The anticipation is almost unbearable; my heart hammers in my chest as we walk.

How did I get dragged into this? I ponder as birdsong filters down to my ears. The sounds of civilisation – cars; people – are all left behind. Now, I can hear the rustle of leaves blown by the breeze which is currently ruffling my hair; a babbling brook sounds nearby, the water crashing against a multitude of stones, while the chittering of small animals barely manages to penetrate the overwhelming sounds assailing me; they are so faint as to be infinitesimal.

So overwhelmed by the sensations flooding my senses, it takes a moment for me to realise that we have come to an abrupt stop. I breathe in deeply – scents of earth and wooded glades remind me of a single word: nature.

"We're here," he says huskily, slowly removing his hands from before my eyes. I feel apprehension course through my veins. I'm unsure of what I will see; the fear of the unknown proves difficult not to entertain. "Open your eyes, Rukia," he says encouragingly.

Slowly, with exaggerated patience, I wink open a single eye; my second opens in shocked haste as the sight before me causes me to gasp – all around us lie giant trees, their branches swaying ever so slightly, occasionally scattering us with leaves; the imposing boughs provide us with a deep cover of shade, occasionally interspersed with beams of light shooting through the leaves, spotting the ground with intense force – light and dark intermingling in stark contrast; meanwhile, in front of us is a small clearing away from the all-encompassing dusk of the wood – shrouded in sunlight, it looks like something from a fairy tale. On the ground, a simple white sheet is laden with a wicker basket full-to-overflowing with foodstuffs.

I turn to look at him, my eyes wide with wonder. "How–?"

"It isn't over yet," he grins, taking my hand. With no small amount of amazement, I let him lead me. Coming up to the sheet, he sits, dragging me down with him until his arms are around my waist and his lips are claiming mine for his own. I offer no resistance, simply enjoying the feeling of connection we share. My eyes close instinctually, simply allowing me to feel his lips moving against mine in pleasurable patterns. As we part, I breathe a sigh of happiness.

"This is amazing," I say, smiling as he opens the basket and begins dishing out our favourites. I begin to feel concerned as he fills two flutes with champagne. "You didn't have to go to so much trouble," I frown, watching as a wide grin settles on his face.

"It isn't any trouble at all," he says earnestly, yet I can sense he's hiding something. I'm unsure of what it is, but the fact that he's gone to so much trouble is an unsettling sign. I rack my mind as to what the occasion can be – my birthday was over two months ago; he hasn't mentioned anything about a promotion – yet I can't fathom anything. My mind is beginning to think of more savoury, unpleasant reasons as to the reason for his actions.

He seems to notice my fast-growing discomfort, for he looks at me with that look of devotion only he possesses. "Is everything okay, Rukia?" he asks sweetly.

I breathe deep, trying to rein in my feelings of doubt – I love him; he loves me – yet still they gnaw at my psyche. "Why have you gone to so much trouble?"

He frowns. "Can I not show the woman I love that I care about her by doing something a little unexpected? A bit spontaneous?"

"No, no," I backtrack quickly, feeling his eyes pierce me. "I'm just…" I begin to mumble incoherently. I daren't say what I am thinking; if I'm correct, it will break my heart. If I'm incorrect, he could decide to leave me, also breaking my heart. Catch-22. Zero percent chance of victory.

He seems to understand what I'm contemplating, however, as his eyes alight with mischief. "Surely you don't…? Oh, Rukia!" I yelp as he smothers me in a hug. "You seriously thought…? I will never betray you like that." I pull back to look in his eyes; nothing but conviction resonates within them. "You thought I did all this because I felt guilty?" I slowly nod my head, feeling the shame embed itself deeply within my being. "I have never, nor will ever, do something like that to you, Rukia. You mean everything to me."

"…sorry," I whisper, unable to voice anything more tangible. My throat constricts painfully and I have to hold back the flow of tears.

"Please, don't cry," he pleads, leaning forward to kiss my forehead, again and again. I can feel his affection seeping into my flesh, making me feel even more wretched for ever doubting him.

"…I love you," I ghost, my eyes firmly affixed to the ground.

"I never doubted it for a second," he says with confidence as he pulls away. "You did though."

I start as he casually throws it in my face. I whirl in anger. "I said I was sorry!"

It's then I realise that I've fallen for his bait once again. He's bent on one knee, a velvet box in his outstretched hands. My breath hitches and I swear my heart skips a handful of beats. Within the box, nestled as a baby chick, lies a stunning ring. "Kuchiki Rukia, I love you with my whole being. It's been three years to the day since you turned my whole world upside-down." I start as I realise that today is indeed the day I gave Ichigo my shinigami powers. "We've been through a hell of a lot since then, yet, through it all, we've managed to stay together. Sure, we have our scraps and our shouting matches, but that's just a small part of what makes us, well, us. I don't want to be with anyone else, Rukia. I just know, deep in my heart, that you are my soulmate; in fact, I think I've always known, from the very first second I met you. So, will you marry me?" he finishes with a small grin of nervousness.

I stare at him deeply before my face splits into the widest grin I have ever given. "Yes; yes, I will!" I exclaim, crashing into him. "I love you, Kurosaki Ichigo!" I cry happily, laughing as he wraps his arms around me and spins us round in circles. My body feels weightless and I wouldn't exchange this for anything in the world.

"I love you, Kurosaki Rukia," he says cheekily. I smile at the thought: Kurosaki Rukia. I like it; I like it a lot.

oOo

Author's Notes: A happy tale after the last couple of decidedly sad and angsty ones. I do thank you all for continuing to put up with my efforts; I appreciate it. My thanks go to the new alerterers™ and my greatest thanks go to Katsumi Hatake, Rukia's Reflection, bubbleboss1022 and adri001 for their kind reviews. Tomorrow will bring a new tale; I hope you'll enjoy it.

finaldragonquest

17/11/2011