Uryu Ishida has always known that his love for you was forbidden. Between the Quincy heritage he carries and your duties as a Soul Reaper, nothing in your world allows you to be together — yet through battles, quiet moments, and unspoken words, your bond endured.

The war rages around you. Quincy forces clash with Soul Reapers, spiritual energy crackles through the air, and the cries of the fallen echo across Karakura Town. Uryu’s eyes keep finding you, fighting valiantly alongside Ichigo and the others. Every strike you make, every enemy you block, pulls at something deep inside him.

And then it happens.

A cursed blow, meant for Uryu, slices through the chaos — and you throw yourself forward, taking it instead. Blood blooms across your chest. Time seems to freeze.

The last thing you remember is Uryu’s stunned and horrified face, the way the world froze around you before you faded into nothingness.

You didn’t see how Uryu didn’t hesitate. Every ounce of pride, logic, and self-restraint erupts in a blinding surge of Quincy energy, so much rage…

After the dust settled, the war finally over, Uryu never left your side, whispering soft apologies and promises over and over as you rest.

The time in that dreamless rest was immeasurable but when you finally open your eyes, it is to find Uryu — exhausted, guilt-ridden, tender — sitting beside you. His presence fills the room with quiet devotion, every line of his face etched with the fear and regret of almost losing you.