Standard disclaimer applies.
Author's notes: Because there are different ways to thank people and show them that you care. Many thanks to everyone who keeps reading and to those who review.
Gratitude
08.06.2005
Ichigo heard the sound of something behind him falling hard on the concrete.
"Ahh… Damn it...!"
It was not the curse but the whimper that followed it that made Ichigo turn around only to find Rukia sprawled on the sidewalk, her schoolbag on the floor next to her and both of her hands on her left ankle. He could guess that the black-haired woman was suppressing a scream as she gritted her teeth, clenched her jaw, and glared at her foot. He walked a few steps back and looked down at her. "What happened to you?"
Rukia gave him a hurried, angry glance before turning her attention back to her injured ankle. "What does it look like, smartass? I fell down…" Her hands massaged the ankle but it made her hiss from the pain instead. "Damn."
Ichigo dropped his bag as well, kneeling down next to her as his usual scowl turned into a worried frown. "Let me see it," he offered, somewhat harshly, and took her foot carefully to inspect it. He pressed his fingers against the injured spot, and then looked up at her. "I'm gonna do something to see if it's broken or not, okay?"
Rukia nodded, swallowing hard; her blue eyes were round with fright and worry.
"Che, Rukia, of all things," Ichigo muttered and she could only glare at him weakly, he focused on the injury and moved his hands swiftly as his father had taught him once. "Here it goes…"
"Ooooooowwwwww…!" Rukia yelped hard enough for the whole neighborhood to notice. She screamed through clenched teeth. "What the HELL where you trying to do, bastard!"
Ichigo growled, shaking his head to cut out the ringing. "You didn't have to yell in my ear, moron," he snapped before, with a dreadful sigh, he looked down at her ankle once again. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pant's back pocket. "I think you just twisted it, but I'll have Pops check it anyway." He tied the white cloth tightly against it, gaining the girl's eminent protests.
He turned around, yet sighing again, and giving his back to her. He picked her up in a piggy ride and started walking after handing both schoolbags to her.
"What are you doing?" Rukia questioned as he did, but accepted the bags anyway.
"What, do you think you can walk on your own to the clinic like that?" he partly mocked, partly scolded. She grunted once, the noise muffled by his shirt as she lowered down her face. Ichigo grinned to himself faintly. "Thought so."
"Of all things…" Ichigo repeated, a displeased growl surfacing from his throat and he had to shake his head in disbelief once again. A small 'sorry' escaped Rukia's lips, but it was barely above a whisper. Ichigo's eyes narrowed, suddenly realizing something. "Damn it, now what the heck am I gonna tell the old man when I get home with you? Argh…!"
"Che, I won't be able to shut the hell out of him this time," he rolled his eyes in exasperation; and not too late afterwards, a light tap on his shoulder took his attention.
"Ichigo?" Rukia peeked at him, her face hidden behind his shoulder except for her big, blue eyes, "Thank you."
For everything…
Ichigo's lips curled upwards, very slightly. "Yeah, whatever…"