A/N: Please forgive the OOC-ness (if there's any). Don't worry…this will probably my first and last Bleach fanfic…not enough muse, you see.

Oh, and spoilers ahead (ch181). Well, not really. It's my take on their "bittersweet" goodbye scene and…you know…oh screw this. Judge it for yourself.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its wonderfully wonderful characters.

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POISONED

I looked down, unable to face you directly. Standing in the darkest chasm of your shadow, I tried my best to steady my shaky feet on the floor.

"You're staying…?"

Another sudden surge of chill ran across my body, but I dare not show it. Not here. Not in front of you.

I forced a smile then turned away.

I've been poisoned...

"I'm staying."

Once I finally said it, I felt the toxin gradually circulate around my vessels once more. Another heartbeat faltered.

I'm slowly being plagued away…

I could already feel it making it way towards my heart. At first, I had brushed it off as a mere inconvenience – a nuisance that kept disturbing my line of thought, a nagging feeling that refused to go away.

But now, I can think of nothing else. It easily took over my mind, and is slowly gnawing deeper and deeper into my whole existence.

How many more heartbeats before it completely stops?

"I'm staying."

I say once more, determined not to lose. I would like to believe those words while I still have the will to do so. Before my last pride crumbles down.

Before I have to admit my defeat.

But then you smiled, and my heart sinks.

I struggled to resist but I can't do it anymore.

"Alright."

I can see nothing else but you. Yes. You.

"Just don't forget, Rukia…"

And me. Yes. Me.

"No matter what,"

At long last, it succeeded...

"The window's always open."

…the poison finally consumed all of me.

Sweet, sweet poison.

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THE END.