Ukitake Said What?
Aizen has been defeated. Ichigo brought him down utilizing the power of the Final Getsugatensho. Unfortunately, in doing so Ichigo lost his own shinigami powers.
Rukia has been distraught for the past few weeks. Ichigo losing his powers has rendered him a normal human being; making him unable to see Rukia. Rukia had only just realized her true feelings for Ichigo, but no matter how distressed she was, she would never show her sorrow to the other shinigami, or her love. Captain Ukitake; however, can see right through Rukia's Kuchiki pride, straight to her heart's mourning. Ukitake did help watch Byakuya grow up, after all. It is for this reason that Captain Ukitake has asked Rukia to attend a private meeting with him.
Rukia walked into her Captain's office and kneeled before him. Ukitake smiled at her, as always, and poured her a cup of soothing tea. For the next few minutes, they both sat quietly sipping their tea. Captain Ukitake then decided to break the silence.
"How are you faring, Rukia?" Ukitake asked softly.
"Pardon? Well… I'm doing fine, Captain," Rukia lied.
"Really? I don't believe you."
"Excuse me?"
"I can see that you're suffering inside. As your captain, I want you to open your feelings up to me. Holding in sorrow will only lead to greater sorrow."
Rukia began to tear up, and then began to cry. The next thing she knew she was wrapped up in her captain's warm arms, and he was whispering kind words of comfort to her.
"That's right, let it out Kuchiki. It is not wrong to cry when something grieves you."
Rukia finished crying. She regained her kneeling position, and she thanked her captain for his comfort.
"Your welcome, Rukia," he said. "I understand that it is the loss of your human friend that hurts you so deeply. Am I correct?"
"Yes, captain," Rukia, replied, blushing slightly.
"Yes, I thought it might be so. His loss will grieve all of us, but you especially."
"What do you mean?" Rukia quickly looked away.
"You were the one assigned to be his partner. You were the closest to him; he was your closest friend. I understand that he always took it upon himself to protect you."
"It's true. He was very protective of me, and yes, we were very good friends."
"The pain of loss is always stronger when the person was lost, but still alive."
Rukia began to tear up again, but Ukitake spoke further to alleviate her pain.
"I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Rukia." Rukia nodded in reply. "You know, I too once loved somebody."
Rukia's head shot up, surprised at what her captain had just said. Ukitake sweat dropped. Rukia's right eye twitched a little. Her eyes fell a little, affirming Ukitake's statement.
"Who?"