36 [Voice]

[flameandpassion]

Riku's PCD is offline.

[She sounds oddly... calm about the news, but those that know her well know that it's getting to her. First Makoto vanishes, then Rhode vanishes, making Tyki unstable, and now Riku.

Especially Riku. Because Rei knows what's lying in store for him when he returns home.

There's a quiet pause, as if she's about to continue with what she's going to say, before she shuts off her PCD.]

Comments

[Offline]

[mirroredecho.livejournal.com]

[He knows, because he's the same way when it comes to Tifa. And with out here, it's like there's nothing keeping him sane, keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.

Except for Rei.

Her words cause him to sigh, his head turning as he stares off into the distance, as if he looked long enough, time would warp itself some how, and it would show that this was a time after, and that the Rei he was holding was still as safe and warm and whole as she was now.]

I can't promise you that. [If she was hurt, he would go to her. That was just how it was.] But... I'll only come if you need me.

[Offline]

[flameandpassion]

[She's quiet for a long moment before nodding.]

... if I can't send you a message. [Rei closes her eyes for a moment to exhale.] ... when Toushirou releases his bankai, as strong as it can go, it controls the weather. If you see storm clouds around the Inner City, then you'll know something went wrong.

[Offline]

[mirroredecho.livejournal.com]

[Which meant he wouldn't be coming to help her, he'd be coming to carry her body back.

He let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, before pulling away from her lightly. Lifting his arm, he pulled back the sleeve of his coat and the shirt he wore underneath, exposing the bracer that was kept there. Carefully, he popped out a bright green ball, holding the orb carefully, before offering it to her.]

It's called Curaga. You put it against the wound you want to heal, and concentrate your energy into it and focus it outwards. Take it with you. Just in case.

[Offline]

[flameandpassion]

[She blinks before taking the orb gingerly, as if she were afraid of breaking it. She could feel the energy in it and she cupped it in her hands, watching it.

Rei smiles a little.]

... thank you. I'll keep it on me when I go.

[Offline]

[mirroredecho.livejournal.com]

[He only nods, because really, what is he supposed to say? Be careful? It would sound empty and hollow and neither of them deserve that.

So instead he wraps his arms around her once more, pulling her in tightly, and for the first time, his own voice is soft, gentle, as if it's on the verge of breaking.]

Please come back safe.

[Offline]

[flameandpassion]

I will.

[She squeezes him tightly.]

I promise.

[And she means it. Ulquiorra, Usagi, and Hitsugaya will not allow her to die. Which, to her, hurts more than dying itself, but she is reluctant to think about it.]

[Offline]

[mirroredecho.livejournal.com]

[You're not allowed to die, Rei. Get over it.

The squeeze is more reassuring than the words, and he leans in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, before whispering against the skin.]

I love you.

[Offline]

[flameandpassion]

[She knows, she knows.]

I love you too.

[It's muffled but it's there.]