Artheph's Note: ANOTHER BIRTHDAY FIC FOR CRYSTHUR! And, yes, only slightly Ichigo/Rukia (What? Slightly again?). Actually more like interaction, but whatever. Enjoy, Crysthur!
She stares at the sun as long as she can until the dancing dark spots cloud her vision.
Finally, shutting her eyes tight, those mysterious little spots still flirting around the edges, she remembers doing the exact same thing in Soul Society, on the balcony of her hospital room. Except, instead of some kind Fourth Division orderly asking her if she is okay, Ichigo clasps her shoulder and bluntly tells her that it is pretty damn stupid to stare at the sun. She laughs lightly, blinking rapidly now and wondering whether the same sun that lights Soul Society also gives life to this Earth, to Ichigo's Earth, to her Earth.
After shaking her head a little as if to clear her thoughts, she can finally see clearly again. And thrust close to her face is Ichigo's hand, warm, callused, offering help to stand up. She gratefully accepts and firmly holds his hand as they walk away, the sun casting their shadows long behind them.