Prompt: Week 1 (August 1 to 5, 2017): Agent of the Shinigami+Soul Society Arc: Tuesday: Missing Scene/Episode Tag
Episode 62
Rukia Kuchiki hid her emotions well.
So for her to cry in front of the ryoka, in the premises of other Shinigami, was a rarity.
But she did not care what others thought of her now; she was overwhelmed with happiness and relief seeing her nakama alive and well.
This was true especially with the cocky boy who could barely stay conscious.
While the members of the Squad Four went around attending to the injured Captains and Lieutenants, she had dashed towards Ichigo and kneeled in front of him.
He grinned at her and sputtered some nonsense about how, 'he did save her' and 'he told her so.'
She would give him an earful once he fully recovered, but for now, she was just thankful with how things worked out in the end.
Ichigo rolled on to his back while Rukia caught his head and lowered it on to her lap.
"You are a stubborn fool."
She should be angry. But the tear that rolled off her cheek and onto his meant otherwise.
He should be livid. But the meaningful smile that curved his lips upwards meant otherwise.
They could both hear their comrades yelling and running towards them.
"You should go check on Byakuya."
"Ichigo..."
"I think he's ready to be less of a jerk and more of a big brother now."
"I -"
"We can talk after this settles. Byakuya will have a lot to say to you."
"Kuchiki-san! Kurosaki-kun!"
Rukia turned to see the concerned faces of her friends.
"I'll heal you both!"
She shook her head and smiled.
"Thank you, Innoue-san, but Ichigo needs it more than I do. Please tend to him."
She carefully lifted the strawberry-head off her lap and lowered it to the ground so that the process may begin. Rukia has yet to understand the powers they posses but she trusts (in) them whole-heartedly.
The substitute Shingami had already drifted into a relaxed slumber; knowing that everyone he cared about was safe.
As Orihime activated what she called 'Soten Kisshun,' Rukia profusely thanked her unlikely circle while they all claimed her apologies and gratitude were unnecessary. Soon after, she excused herself and headed to where the Sixth Division Captain was being cared for.
Ichigo had not only saved her, but he had also bridged the wide gap between her and the man who adopted her as his sister.
Another thing Rukia would be forever grateful to Ichigo for.
Author's Notes:
You know, I had initially thought ill of Rukia when she prioritized her cold brother over the boy (and thier human friends) who saved her. So there must have been a missing scene somewhere in that episode...