Comatose

Rukia felt her own heart race against the steady beeping of the monitor perched close by. She could see a thin wire, leading from the noisy machine, to the occupied bed. It was connected to the chest of the bed's inhabitant.

"Ichigo..." her voice echoed quietly in the hospital room. She ran a hand through his matted hair. He looked uncomfortable, to say the least. Numerous tubes were hooked up from him to different bags of liquids. Rukia guessed that the liquids were some kind of pain relievers and medicines of various sorts. But there was only one bag that's contents Rukia truly recognised.

Blood.

"He's lost a lot of blood!" That's what one of the nurses had said. Right before they ran with Ichigo, into a room where she could not follow.

She had been walking back from Tatsuki's. Earlier that morning the two had argued, resulting in her leaving the house for a while to cool down. She had stayed at her friend's house for most of the day, bitching about how stupid Ichigo tended to be.

Isshin suddenly pulled up in his car. His tyres screeched as the vehicle stopped right beside the bewildered Rukia.

He pushed open the door of the passenger side and, without hesitation, Rukia sat in. He pulled away from the curb, now driving a little too fast for Rukia's liking. She heard a sob behind her and turned to see a teary Yuzu being comforted by her brave-faced sister. Karin gave Rukia a solemn look.

What's happening?

She was about to ask something when the car came to an abrupt halt; right outside Karakura General Hospital. They all got out of the car quietly— apart from Yuzu who was still sobbing uncontrollably. Rukia looked to the front entrance of the building to see an ambulance pulling up, sirens blaring. Numerous paramedics poured from the vehicle, pulling a stretcher out with them. She was about to turn back to Isshin when...

Did that kid have orange hair?!

'Ichigo...' Rukia followed close as Isshin, Karin and Yuzu all ran towards the main entrance. Once inside Karin froze at the sight, grabbing Yuzu and shielding her eyes from the scene before them. Rukia glanced up from the girls to the boy on the cart. She felt her heart make a sudden attempt to leap from her chest.

In a bloodied mess, surrounded by doctors...

Lay Ichigo.

"Ichigo!" she went to run towards him, but was pulled back by Isshin. She glanced from father to son, words failing her. She knew not what to say... so she listened.

"16 year old male."

"Gunshot wound to the chest."

"Suspected he suffered a punctured lung."

"Went into cardiac arrest on route here. We brought him back, but his pulse is dangerously low."

"He's lost a lot of blood..."

"He's lost too much blood!"

"Prep him for immediate surgery!"

"Pulse is fading!"

The doors opened, then slammed shut and the talking stopped. Rukia slowly opened her eyes, unable to do anything but blink, "Ichigo..."

They had been sent to the waiting room after that. They all sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Waiting for news. Good or bad at this stage.

She couldn't place when, but at some stage she had moved, because the blood immediately rushed to her leg. Rukia clenched her eyes shut, 'Ow...' She suddenly felt a little calmer. Like a wave of fear had been pushed away. She thought about it.

She only felt like this around Ichigo's reiatsu...

She shuddered at the thought of Ichigo, lying on a table somewhere while people felt around his insides. She didn't quite know what went on during operations, but she had seen movies... Sure, they had been horrors, but still.

She would have to ask Ichigo about them. If he made it...

She mentally kicked herself for doubting her friend. Looking up from the ground, she noticed Yuzu sitting in the corner, sobbing quietly; making sure not to disturb anyone else. Rukia couldn't understand how her little body could hold so much water as her eyes seemed to stream tears. She stood up; crossing the room and kneeling down before the young Kurosaki girl, "Yuzu..." she spoke softly as the girl looked up at her.

Rukia placed a hand on her shoulder, "He's going to be fine. Believe that he's going to be fine."

A little surprised by her words, Yuzu nodded, sniffling as she dimmed her sobs. Rukia pulled the girl over, comforting her, "He'll be fine..." she continued to reassure.

But did she believe her own words?

Not long after, a nurse walked in, telling them that Ichigo was out of surgery, but that they were still unsure of his condition.

She had said to remain hopeful.

Rukia had sat outside his room. Isshin brought the girls in to see their brother, but Rukia felt a little out of place when surrounded by his family. Isshin had come out suddenly, ushering her in. He spoke words to her that she'd never forget, "You're just as much a part of this family as we are. And definitely just as important to Ichigo"

She was dazed. She never really belonged to a family. Her brother was important to her, but she never felt like being a Kuchiki was anything more than a name. She hesitated upon walking in, inhaling sharply at the sight. He lay on the bed, unmoving, unconscious. His chest was wrapped up and a bandage was wrapped around his forehead. She did not cry. She wouldn't, not while Yuzu was in the room, 'Ichigo...' she thought quietly, ' you gave me this family. Don't you dare leave it!'

Since then Renji had come around. He tried to lighten up the mood, "Heh, nice room anyway! I wouldn't mind it. Having people there for my every whim."

Rukia had not spoken. Her eyes never left Ichigo. But she had yet to actually approach the bed. Since entering his room she had sat on the chair in the corner. Not venturing any closer.

Inoue had come in. Rukia barely looked up to see the girl in a fit of sobbing. Her whole body shook violently.

'He's going to be fine... he's going to be fine...' she repeated the phrase over and over in her mind, hoping she could wish him better.

Inoue had stayed for a couple of hours, just sobbing at his bedside. Rukia had yet to shed a single tear.

Ishida came along with Chad. While Ishida tore a bawling Inoue from Ichigo's side, Chad was mimicking Rukia, not daring to get too close to Ichigo. It just didn't seem real. Ichigo was always the strong type. To see him in this weak state was... unbelievable, unimaginable.

"I'm sorry, Chad." she whispered, still looking at Ichigo.

The young man placed his hand on Rukia's shoulder, "He'll be fine." he stated calmly, before walking out.

Ichigo's family stayed there a little longer, until Yuzu let out a yawn of exhaustion.

"I should take you kids home." Isshin said. He turned to Rukia, "Do you mind watching over him?"

Stunned by his sudden responsibility that Ichigo's father placed with her, Rukia nodded quickly, "Of course."

Isshin smiled gently, "Could you sit with him?" she looked up in shock. It was by far the last thing she wanted to do. But she couldn't refuse, not at a time like this. She nodded yes.

He smiled, taking his girls out of the room and closing the door behind him. Leaving Rukia there. Alone with Ichigo for the first time since she had entered the room.

The raven-haired girl buried her face in her hands. That had been two hours ago. Ichigo had been out of surgery for over twenty hours now, and he still hadn't moved.

She was beginning to lose hope.

She glanced over at the chart at the end of the bed. She had seen nurses walk in; write notes on the little clipboard, then walk out. She wanted to ask what it was, but figured that the nurses would only give her strange glances for the question. She wanted to go over and look at the chart, but she figured odds are she wouldn't understand a single word of it. And the person she usually goes to for explanations was temporarily out of commission.

The raven-haired girl never noticed Kurosaki Isshin walk in, and she jumped when he spoke, "Ah, Rukia-chan..."

"Kurosaki-san, my apologies! I'll leave you alone with your son."

She made to stand, but he stopped her, "No, please. It's quite alright," he walked over to inspect his son's charts, "Ah, apparently he's been responding slightly to voices, " he sighed, "but still no positives on whether or not he'll be waking anytime soon." he continued to scan the chart.

"Kurosaki-san," Rukia spoke quietly, but he had heard her and nodded her to continue, "It's bad... isn't it?"

The man sighed, fixing his white coat. It was only then that Rukia noticed he was clad in his doctor's attire, "Well, Rukia-chan. Do you want me to answer as a doctor, or as this boy's father? Because, as a doctor I'd be inclined to tell you that it most certainly does not look good. That he's out of serious surgery almost twenty one hours and still no reported major changes. That his pulse is still dangerously weak and he's definitely paling a little."

Rukia felt her heart sink, unable to respond to what she had just heard. Isshin rested Ichigo's charts back in their slot. He continued, "But, as Ichigo's father, I can say that I firmly believe my son has every chance of pulling through. He's as strong as they get," he gave Rukia a small wink, lowering his voice, "And we both know he's been through worse."

Rukia looked up at Isshin wide-eyed, "Wh-what...?"

He smiled, making his way to the door, "I've taken Karin and Yuzu home so they could rest. I want to stay, but Ichigo would understand that I can't leave the girls alone at a time like this. Heh, if I did he'd be the first one to kill me for it!"

Rukia nodded, smiling faintly.

"Do you want a ride home, Rukia-chan?"

She didn't know what to say. Isshin continued, "You look like you could use some sleep."

She bowed her head, "Thank you for your concern. But, if it's alright, I'd like to stay with Ichigo."

Isshin nodded in understanding, "Then, as his doctor, I give you full permission," he opened the door, turning back before he left, "Rukia... try talking to him. Because, if you read his charts, you'll find that the voice he has been responding to the most… is yours." At that he left.

Rukia stared at the unconscious Ichigo, He responds to me?!

Another two hours had passed by and Rukia felt ready to collapse with exhaustion, but she wouldn't give in to sleep. She glanced at her watch. There was still no movement from Ichigo. Rukia sighed, leaning back in her chair.

She could handle him being cut by blades, beaten by Hollows, bloodied by real enemies.

But this...

He had not been fighting when this occurred. He had been walking back from town alone, when a lunatic jumped out from nowhere demanding his money. There had been a struggle, and Ichigo was shot.

He had been wounded while in his body. Not as a Shinigami. But a sixteen-year-old, everyday boy...

Then the tears came.

But they didn't last long. She wouldn't let them, Get a grip Kuchiki!

Try taking to him...

She cleared her throat, "Ah... Ichigo..."

She mentally kicked herself, He can't hear you! He's in a freakin' coma! She clenched her eyes shut, ignoring whatever her brain was telling her.

"Ichigo..." she started again. What was she supposed to say?

She thought about it. What he might say if their situations were reversed. She almost smiled at the mental image she received. She looked back at the unconscious Ichigo.

"You are really crappy company, y'know that." when she spoke, her voice was harsh.

She was angry? At what? Before she could figure it out, she found herself talking again, "Goddammit, Ichigo! Why did you have to go off on your own? Are you just the dumbest boy in the history of the world or what?! You could have asked me to go downtown with you! God! Why didn't you just—"

She cut off, remembering what had happened that morning. How they had argued. A fight that had gotten blown way out of proportion. She ended up stomping out of the house in rage. That was when Rukia had gone to Taksuki's, leaving Ichigo at home.

She clasped her hand over her mouth, This is my fault!

She could feel her insides shredding with guilt. A tear rolled down her cheek, "This is all my fault," she whispered, "If I had just apologized, instead of..." Ichigo didn't move, but she found herself unable to look at him, "Ichigo... I'm so sorry..."

She quickly wiped away her tears. If her brother saw her crying like this he'd be disgusted. She reluctantly looked back at Ichigo. He didn't look different. He didn't respond to her. She just apologized to him and he didn't even budge! She found herself becoming frustrated, "Kurosaki Ichigo, this has gone on long enough! I know you are strong enough to come out of this, so beat it already! Wake up and stop worrying everyone!"

Still no response.

"Don't you dare die Ichigo!" she spoke threateningly now, "Because if I have to send on your soul... so help me God, I'll have you pop up right in front of Kenpachi Zaraki!"

She furrowed her brow. Did he just flinch? Shudder? Or was she now going mad?

She had sat there in a huff for a while. He didn't move an inch. She sighed, "Ichigo... I know you. I know too much about you and you know too much about me to just leave like this. Ichigo... please don't die... I don't know what would happen to me if..." she trailed off, clenching her eyes shut, "I need you not to die."

She was quiet, thinking. She suddenly laughed a little, "Remember the night we met? Heh, you thought I was a burglar..." She felt her eyes welling up with fresh tears, "Ichigo you must wake up, you just have to! There's still so much about this world I have yet to ask you about. So much I still need you to show me!"

The numb feeling was the first thing to go, followed by a throbbing headache. Ichigo slowly opened his eyes, Where am I? He glanced around the hospital room. His head was killing him. His eyes fell on Rukia, and when he realised he had caught her mid-rant, his headache suddenly became understandable. The girl was so caught up in her own mouthing; she hadn't even noticed him wake. And her speech wasn't over yet...

"So many places you've still got to take me to, so many foods you still have to force me to eat, so many cultures, so many people, so many things you still need to introduce me to...

Ichigo furrowed his brow, "Why the hell do you need me to help you with that stuff?"

"Because I love you, you idiot!" she snapped, still not looking at him.

Ichigo looked at her, stunned. Rukia's eyes suddenly widened as realisation dawned on her, "Ichigo!" she gasped. He watched Rukia's features suddenly change as she remembered what she had just said. Her cheeks flushed a bright crimson, "Ichigo, I..."

He shushed her, earning a stunned stare from the girl, "Now is not the time to talk about it." he spoke sternly.

Rukia suddenly looked away, embarrassed, unsure of what to feel. Ichigo reached his hand out and took Rukia's in his own, to her immense surprise he continued, "But..." he continued softly, "If it were the right time... I'd say that I've loved you longer."

Her eyes widened in some foreign emotion as he gently pulled her closer. She obliged, leaning across the bed as he brought her lips to his. She became lost in the moment he had just created, in his kiss, in his love…

Thank you, Ichigo... thank you for not leaving me."

The next morning Tatsuki and Inoue arrived at the hospital with a card, signed by their class. Inoue had bought flowers to brighten up Ichigo's room.

When they opened the door they were met with a surprise. Ichigo lay in the hospital bed with Rukia curled up beside him. His arms wrapped around her waist as Rukia nestled her head in the crook of his neck. Tatsuki stood stunned, but smiled widely at the sight. Inoue looked on sadly.

Ichigo stirred suddenly, opening his eyes to see the two girls at the door. He gazed at them, a little embarrassed by the situation, but he smiled all the same.

Tatsuki grinned, "Glad to see you're feeling better." Inoue had yet to speak, but it was taking her everything to simply not burst into tears. Ichigo shifted slightly, careful not to wake the sleeping girl in his arms.

He looked down at Rukia gently before replying, "Better than ever."

Waking up to you never felt so real.

A/N: My inspiration and indeed the last line of this fic came from Comatose- by Skillet.
Credit where credit is due; these guys rock!