.:Twenty-Three:.

Rukia

She hated the worried expression on his face, the worried objections he'd voice, the way he was looking at her the entire time like she was someone he needed to worry about. She hated that he underestimated her. She wasn't like Orihime. She could fight. She could win.

So why the hell did he think he needed to protect her? Had he forgotten again? He was so forgetful when it came to her strength. He'd rescued her once, but he didn't seem to realize that she'd gotten stronger since then. She had been strong before she'd met him, and her power had only increased. She didn't need his protection!

"I told you not to worry about me."

He hesitated, looking at her with uncertainty.

"I didn't come here to be protected by you!" She shouted, irritation getting the best of her.

He gave her an appraising look, then lowered his gaze and sighed. Put in his place, he nodded. "Understood. We'll each take a different path."