Byakuya knelt beside the futon where his wife lay. 'Hisana,' he whispered.
She looked up at him, her longing gaze meeting his sorrowful eyes. Her weak body struggled to breathe and her sentences were clipped.
'Byakuya, please, there is something I must ask of you.'
He leant closer, 'Hisana, you must save your energy.'
'No!' she said in a strong tone that almost knocked the breath out of her. 'No, I have to say this. Before I go…'
Byakuya could feel his chest constricting. Just watching her like this was too painful.
She continued, 'I've told you about my sister, haven't I, Byakuya?'
He wondered what this was about. 'Rukia?'
'Yes,' she said. 'Please, I feel so terrible, Byakuya, may I request… could you please look after her, like I never could?'
His shock lasted only for a mere fraction of a second but he hoped it didn't show on his face. 'Of course, Hisana. If that is what you wish.'
'Thank you.'
He held her hand in an attempt to stop his voice from shaking. She let out a very unhealthy sounding cough and looked back up at him.
'And, Byakuya,'
'Yes?'
'She must never know. I'm, I'm too ashamed, Byakuya. I left her there. I abandoned her. She didn't deserve that. She deserves better. Don't let her know, will you?'
He could see her breathing was becoming more laboured, and came in short gasps.
'I won't.'
She raised her other hand to his face and felt the soft skin of his cheek. 'Thank goodness,' she breathed as she closed her eyes. Then, all too suddenly, her hand fell.
Byakuya knelt there for a moment, perhaps two, before closing his eyes. Still holding his wife's hand, tears soaked his long black lashes.
He wept.
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It's probably been done before but the idea came to me this morning and I thought I would give it a go. I hope I haven't got too many of the details incorrect. If I do, please don't hurt me! Any constructive criticism would be helpful, thanks.