Author's Note:
There are so many things I need to do, which I why I'm trying to get this out early in the day a ha ha. Also, hot chocolate is great on a cold rainy day. (Which is something that's very obvious, but should be much more appreciated.)
Thank you to those who reviewed the last drabble: TigressfromFiore, Boyudo, jirachiofelephantsandwhales, InfinitySign, and EnternalSakura. You all have my endless gratitude and love!
Kaleidoscope
a Bleach (© Kubo Tite) fanfiction
Theme #76
outside
Opening Song: "To Whom it May Concern" - The Civil Wars
The sun brings Rangiku temporary happiness. It warms her face, drapes her in light, reminds her that she's still alive and the world is still turning. She spends most of her time outside now because she can't bear the isolation that comes with being stuck between walls. She feels chills and sees shadows and hears voices, even when she knows that nothing's there. So she stays outside, surrounded by people who keep her grounded and remind her who's really there and who's not.
Kira, Renji, and Shuuhei give her company constantly, and while she knows it's because they genuinely care about her, she also sees the slight tinge of fear in their eyes. Kira especially keeps his head around her these days, bearing guilt on his shoulders; even when she tells him it's alright and that he was just doing what he thought was right, he doesn't listen. They've all been betrayed and they've all been hurt, and all of them are far from a full recovery. She thinks that this might be what's pulling them together, this sense of brokenness, and she thinks it's absolutely sick.
A month after the betrayal (because that's all Rangiku will ever be able to see it as), she goes to see Hinamori. She asks Kira if he wants to accompany her, but at the mention of Hinamori's name the blond shakes his head and scurries off, so she goes to the 4th Division compound alone. When she arrives, Hinamori is sitting in a wheel chair facing the window, but Rangiku can tell she's not actually looking at anything. "Hinamori," she says softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. Hinamori jumps at the contact, like she's never experienced human touch before, and Rangiku just wants to hold the smaller girl because of the weariness and fear and hurt in her gaze.
"Oh, Matsumoto-fukutaichou," Hinamori greets, as casually as she can. Her smile doesn't reach her eyes like it usually does. "What are you doing here?" Her voice cracks, and Rangiku swears she's going to start crying. The 5th Division vice captain has salvaged some dignity, though, and she tries to play it off with a strong cough.
Rangiku identifies a part of herself in this broken girl, who loved and trusted and adored the man who used her like a tool. She mourns for Hinamori, who's too young and too naive, and before she knows it there are tears in her eyes.
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou?"
"Let's go outside," she says, smiling. "You look like you haven't seen light in a while." Hinamori hesitates because she hasn't been outside her room in weeks, but Rangiku insists, and with permission from Unohana-taichou the strawberry blonde rolls her out. They're just on the porch, in a small area where the sunlight barely hits, but Hinamori smiles as she closes her eyes and breathes in the fresh air.
Rangiku smiles as well, feeling the ice melt from her shoulders.
Closing Song: "Bring Him Home" - Les Misérables
This couple makes it too easy to angst. Aka I'm a masochist because I subconsciously like angsty couples.
so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu!
der kapitan