A/N: Done for a challenge for a friend. It's EXTREMELY short as the number of words could only be 1000. (I would think that they were very out of character ; )

Rating: PG

Pairing: Ban/Akabane (Told in Ban's POV)

Underneath The Fluctuating Tide

I held you're hair, tiny wisps in my hands. I could only stare, my mouth couldn't move. My brain seemed to be in a state of shock. All that I could feel was hair. Your dark raven hair. And with the breeze that gently flowed, hitting my shirt with surged anger. I expected it to take flight with wings. Like a real raven. Or perhaps you were as dark as the night sky. That hovered over.

Soft like silk, yet unbreakable like the secret bond we shared. I feel two raindrops fall. Idly I looked up to the sky, but see no clouds. There is no rain so...why...?

"Akabane..." I breathed. My breaths come out in puffs as I panted. My skin ached from the inside out. My muscles screamed for rest. But I would not have it. Not till I was sure. My hand moved down, bringing a single strand. A single wing down as I caressed your soft face. Your eyes are closed. Like always unless you looked at me.

Your eyes. Those amethyst eyes only looked at me. Only at my own eyes. Hard as ice.

"Come on, don't do this to me..." You wince as my hand touches a spot, tender on your side. It's than I feel true pain. I realize now that I never wanted to hurt you. Because I hurt myself in the process. An unmistakable stab ripples through my body, making sure i feel everything you do. Like we were connected.

Bonded. In a way I'd never know. But maybe you do. That's why you made sure I never faltered on my way. Making sure I didn't give up...

Carefully I reach around your slender waist, bringing you up just enough to move you to my knees. My hands weave down your body, checking all the injuries from the battle. A battle you wanted, a battle you caused. One you started and you ended. I wipe my lip, getting rid of the blood still touching my lips. There was a reason you should have avoided me. Never got involved with me. But you still did...you didn't care about yourself.

Only me...

Only me...

Baka!

"Why'd you do it...?" I croaked out, my vocals plunging into a river. A river of emotions that had been bottle dup for far too long. I balled my fist, grasping your hair to the point one of the strands snapped. And I was left. Clutching the same raven colored wing. In the beginning. When it all started. When I held your hair. And you snapped at me. Telling me many lies among other things.

You never opened your eyes.

Because when you do. I see you. I see everything that no one else can. I see the wounded child, on masked by the famous name Dr. jackal. Instead you attacked. Swinging your sword with fury.... and passion. To insult you would not be taking up the offer, but I should have stopped you. Underneath you were fluctuating so much...I thought you'd broken. But you didn't...

And we danced the afternoon and mid night away.

And now I'm still left. Holding you injured in my arms, resting on my knees. Did you know they bleed for you?

My eye snapped to look at you're face. I can see your lips trying to move. Trying to form some words. Like a song that never came. I lift you up more, allowing you're head to rest against my shoulder. Allow you to lean on me and stain my shirt with you blood. Blood of what people may say demon or otherwise. Like me...

With witches blood. Bad blood.

Abomination.

"I..." I strain to listen. I cannot hear you. You're dehydrated and weak. But still beautiful in my sight. I feel you shift closer, feel your breath against my neck and ear. "I.... wanted to destroy some-...something beautiful..." I cringe at the sound of your voice. You hated everything weak. Because they were innocent. Innocence you thought you'd never had.

But I envied you.

Taking your hand I hold it firmly. Just a glimpse. I wanted to see your eyes. Just one glimpse. To see you shine with what you think you weren't. Jealousy isn't common. And you've had every right. With how you've been treated and looked upon as something like a monster. A maniac...

I shake my tiredness away with a shiver. It's cold. But you are warm. My warmth, just as I'm your coldness. Grasping another hair, I move my other hand to lift your chin. And swell with an emotion indescribable to man. You look at me. You understand me. Like I can understand you...

"Bakabane..." I murmured bringing you closer to my chest.

And smile when you do. You understand actions more than words.

More than anyone will....

Owari

A/N: I just thought this was kind of cute after I wrote it. Totally OOC and done in like 20 minutes. Not really part of Hidden Underneath but....it is a very very VERY short oneshot. Hope you all enjoy it.