Summary: he can tell that she's guilt-ridden; the death of Isshin has taken its toll on everyone, and it's been especially harsh on Ichigo and her. But she cannot continue to live like this. Written for Ichiruki Month 2019 day 3: haunted. Canon Divergence. [1/5]
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Ghosts of him follow her everywhere she goes.
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Sometimes, Renji thinks he can see traces of Ichigo reflected in her eyes.
Nowadays, her eyes always seem to be searching for something that he can never quite see.
But there are moments when her eyes aren't just blank stares and faraway looks. Moments when the colour orange reminds her of a certain someone's totally-not-dyed hair. Or when the rain makes her recall of a different place in a different time.
Moments when her eyes tell a thousand stories that he will never comprehend.
And as they're standing there, in front of Ichigo's school, Renji knows this is one of those moments. So he asks, why haven't you seen him?
There's a long pause, he watches, as she's slowly coming back to her senses, the sadness melting into anger as if she's berating herself for having done the unthinkable. Then her eyes are back to nothing but ice and cold empty amethysts.
The Hollow's that way is her only reply, and he can't help but to feel like he just dug into a memory that's best remain forgotten.
(Obviously he did, and he didn't like what he see)
(Their mission doesn't feel so important anymore)
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Byakuya is positive he can hear hints of the brat's influence on his little sister.
He never brings it up, and she doesn't show it outwardly. But still, here and there, he hears it.
It's in the barest frown of her mouth, the slightest resistance in her voice, that gives it all away. And he welcomes the change, if not for the new way she talks about that troublemaker.
Rukia talks about that punk as if it's all her fault. As if she's the reason why Ichigo got into all this mess and lost so many. As if the subject of Kurosaki is a matter so delicate that it might break like glass or melt away like snow.
He can tell that she's guilt-ridden; the death of Isshin has taken its toll on everyone, and it's been especially harsh on Ichigo and her. But she cannot continue to live like this.
You are going to be stationed in Karakura for a little longer, he orders. It's best if you get a Gigai.
Nii-sama, but-
It's a direct order from Soutaichou, Rukia, he retorts. She nods, keeping her head low, and he can only hope that it's a good enough reason to convince her.
(He also hopes that she would never find out that it was him who suggested her to Shunsui)
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Rangiku smells the faint scent of Ichigo on her.
Or on her things.
In Urahara's storage room lies Rukia's Gigai, amongst other shenanigans. There are toy rabbits and bunny dolls, dresses and school uniforms. Somewhere underneath, tucked away neatly, are torn tickets for shows, ice skating and the likes.
They smell like oranges.
You didn't have to come with me, Matsumoto-san.
Rangiku blinks. Ah, but this is the only place that Hitsugaya won't look into!
Rukia doesn't pry; she only smiles knowingly. They go on to prepare her Gigai in silence until the older girl speaks again; will you be staying at the Kurosaki's household, Kuchiki-san?
Rukia's eyes widen.
Ah, worry not Kuchiki-san! I knew you'd forget about him, it's a fact that preparing for a mission can be very stressful. That's why I have taken it up upon myself to call him for you!
And then she goes back to work so nonchalantly as if nothing ever happened, leaving the other poor girl alone to deal with her emotions.
(But Rangiku's aware of what she did)
(She just doesn't want Rukia to repeat her mistake of being a little too late)
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These days, Rukia dreams about his ghosts.
They haunt every step that she takes and accompany her to sleep. They terrorise her in her nightmares.
Her memories of blue skies and peaceful school days are tainted with blood and wars. With a lifeless body, hazel eyes staring back at her. When she wakes up screaming, she doesn't question her dreams. Because she knows what she's done, and she might as well killed him.
How dare she, the ghosts mock as she stands waiting in front of his house. She catches her reflection, and she wishes Rangiku hasn't done more than a decent job on her Gigai. Her cheeks are tinted with blush, and her eyelashes cast long shadows on them. The maroon dress on her brings out her painted red lips.
When the door starts to open, it creaks oh so painfully slow, and for a second she forgets how to breath.
(She wonders if he knows about the ghosts in her dreams)
(Of course he does. After all, ghosts of her follow him everywhere he goes)
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Author's Note: at the end of Bleach, Kubo never showed Isshin, so I kind of just assumed that he's dead lol.
Anyway, this chapter focuses on Rukia's life after the war, and the next one would focus on Ichigo's. There are 4 chapters in total, and I would upload the remaining 3 per week.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.
(Also Byakuya lowkey shipping ichiruki? We stan)