Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.

Year 5: A Season Too Short

What a waste she was. A pity, and a disgrace. She had shamed him and his name, leading to constant criticism in the short time they had together. Still, she had never wished for this. She didn't want it to end, but what choice did she have? It was the law of nature that had decided to exact its vengeance upon her; punishment for her sins.

If there were any time to tell him, than this would be it.

She was weary, even lifting her head to look into his eyes. He'd sat like that for hours, hand in hers, unmoving. As if he feared that she would slip away the moment he left.

Oh, what she'd give to have another night with him. To have him hold her close and whisper sweet things to her in the dark. She had hoped that, through that sacred ritual, something beautiful would spring. How she'd longed for the coos and cries of infants in their arms.

And now, she would never have them.

Finally, it was time she told him the truth. It wouldn't do if she passed on before bequeathing her sin to him. As the man who had given her such love and affection, he deserved to know.

There were tears as she relayed the sad tale, her guilt overwhelming her, even with that forgiveness in his eyes. Her infant sister, with whom she had died, was given to her by the gods in this life, to love and care for. But she had fled, fearing death, leaving behind the helpless baby. Shortly thereafter, he had found her.

With it out in the open, he pulled her into his arms, whispering words of comfort. Really, he was too good to her. If anything, she deserved to be cursed and ridiculed. Called a traitor and a failure for her sin. But he did not see it that way. To him, it seemed, she was still one to be loved.

It was then, as she began to fall away, that she ask him to fulfill her wish: To find the baby, raise and love her, and keep her sister's wickedness a secret.

He shuddered, her fingers slipping free from the silk that covered his shoulder. He then asked the child's name, pressing her ever closer to him.

Her name. It was a miracle she still remembered. The baby's name...

"Rukia."