Long Drabble is Long. Way over 300 words, but I need to practice my drama scenes at some point.

Chapter 14: Ichigo's POV.

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It was just you and me this time. You had been watching me train for the past week until I complained that you were being a lazy ass. One day, after my thirtieth complaint, you grinned and stood, dismissing the other Vizards.

"Ready, Ichigo-kun?"

I gripped my sword in anticipation. Before I had fully prepared myself, you were in front of me, Zanpakutou glinting, eyes blazing, and teeth bared.

"Mask, Ichigo!" you reminded me as your arm swung down. My eyes narrowed, and I lifted Zangetsu in front of me to block your attack. With my other hand, I moved to don my Hollow mask, but the force of your next attack sent me flying.

"Ya leave yourself open in the time it takes for ya to put on yer mask."

Eyes widening, I looked over to see you were using your mask as well. Not having adjusted myself to the situation, I staggered as I blocked your next blow.

"Put on your mask."

I glanced up to see your masked face inches from mine. I could've sworn my heart stopped when my eyes met your hollowfied ones. They looked at me with a certain hatred that froze me in my tracks. Your sword met mine with a terrifying force, and your reiatsu flared menacingly.

For the first time in battle, I was scared.

"Focus, Ichigo!" Your warped voice shook me, and I immediately thought of the dreams I had - the ones where you laughed at me as your hollowfied claws ripped through my skin. The dreams where I was as powerless as I felt now.

Your next attack brought me to my knees as I stopped thinking, forced out of reality by the image of my nightmares.

"Ichigo." I shivered as the darkened voice crashed against my ears. I wasn't sure whether it was yours, my inner hollow's, or a figment of my imagination.

"Ichigo." A vision of the hollowfied version of you swam in front of my eyes, and I shuddered.

"Ichigo, look at me."

My head snapped up. The ringing in my ears faded- something I hadn't known was there in the first place. You were standing in front of me now, unmasked and unarmed.

"Get up," you demanded gently. When I didn't move, you leaned down and grabbed my arm to help me stand. I staggered and fell against your body gripping your shirt. You moved your arms to support me, saying nothing as I buried my face in your neck. Our more intimate moments flooded my head as I breathed in the scent of your skin, attempting to draw strength. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around your waist and close my eyes. I wanted to make sure you were the real, normal you before we began training again.

"Sorry," I muttered as I unwrapped myself from you, grabbing my Zanpakutou from the dirt and taking a few steps back.

You met my eyes and smirked a little. Drawing your sword again, you said, "We'll talk about it later."


I know I make Ichigo seem like a baby. But honestly, if you were seeing someone, and then they attack you looking like something out of your nightmares, would you be all like, "Yeah, whatever"?