A/N: Well here is another story and I'm almost done with the chapter for true strength. I am also very sorry I was gone for those who actually care. I was busy with exams and finishing up school for this year. I didn't have a choice with that one since grades are very important to me and probably the only thing I would put above this. Now this story is more like bleach than my others. I think I may even put up a one shot collection if you guys are interested. Also I know this may be upsetting to some, but my chapters won't be long. probably around 1,000 to 2,000 words.
Summary: After there fight with the Quinces Rukia is ordered to stay with Ichigo and assist him when he goes off to collage in Tokyo. But Ichigo has matured mentally and physically making things a little different between the two.
Disclaimer: I Don't own bleach.
Prologue: New Mission
A girl with short black hair, not even shoulder length, sits in the Kuchiki Mansion. She is a little more depressed then she was a few days ago, when she saw the berry last. Even though she wouldn't admit it to anyone or even herself. He was the main problem of her depressed state, and that was a fact. So many people have tried to cheer her up, but all have failed in the process. Her captain had tea with her, but to no avail could he break through her mask.
Flashback:
It was mid afternoon probably getting close to five. Rukia had just finished her paper work. She would have been done a lot sooner, but her paper work stacked up since she was gone on a mission. Which she went on more frequently, since she was promoted to a lieutenant. She was just heading out of her barracks with her Kuchiki mask in place, when her captain stepped in front of her. Ukitake was taller than her so she was forced to look up.
He had a thin smile that graced his lips and sympathetic eyes. These were just a few of the characteristics that her kind captain wore.
Rukia bowed immediately and asked "Is there anything you need, Captain?"
"Rukia you can lighten up a bit you know," he said with the such kindness. "And yes Rukia I would love to have a chat with you over tea. I just couldn't help but see that you have been a little stressed out lately."
"Of course captain," she replied standing up strait to follow her captain.
They sat under a sakura tree a little bit away from the barracks just out of reach of the others ears. Rukia was completely silent, so to break the silence her captain started to converse with her that would bring an answer he has been waiting for two years. "Rukia, isn't nice to not be in war with anyone right now? I think for the time being it will be peaceful. At least I hope so ."
Rukia sat there and stared at her full cup of tea, and nodded her head to her captains question. Even though her head kept telling her 'I don't think its nice at all. I miss Ichigo.' But every time she thought about him she just shook her head, and denied her thoughts.
Ukitake took a sip of his tea and turned to Rukia with a saddening smile. "Rukia do you miss him?"
"Miss who?" She said this even though she exactly who he was talking about. 'He was rash, tall, handsome, kind, and protective all at he same time.' She set the tea down and brought her knees up to her chest and hugged them as she thought about him.
Her train of thought was suddenly broken. "You know, Ichigo."
She tied her grip around her legs, and settled her chin on top of her legs. Very unsettled and confused about hearing his name. Then her face grew cold, and she spoke, "Why would I?"
"Because he makes you happy. I can tell. Even if it was him just talking to you. You were happy. Even if he was aggravating you. You still smiled even if it was barley a smile it was still there. Rukia you even fought back with him. You don't even act that way towards Renji. Rukia promise me something, don't lie to yourself about him, and if you ever need someone to talk to I will always listen."
Rukia sat there in shock, her eyes were as big as plates. Then they grew soft. "Yes, Captain."
Ukitake faced the scenery in front of him and just smiled.
"Its just I'm not sure if I really miss him. I guess I do. But is that a good thing? I..I mean he's there and I'm here. Ah… I don't know I'm just so confused."
"Its okay to be confused. If anything it's a good thing. It means you have a heart. Also remember this Rukia he won't stay there forever."
"But what if…what if he forgets about me." Rukia says this with a contorted face.
"Ah Rukia I don't think he would ever forget about you."
Rukia nods knowing at least for now that is all she needs. To believe she may see him again, and to believe in him.
End of Flashback.
Renji Tried to also cheer Rukia up, but all Renji did was making her mad. Telling her to forget Ichigo. How could he? Also saying there are people her in the soul society for her. Then Rukia had to reiterate that he was like a brother to her, when he tried to kiss her.
What surprised her the most was probably Byakuya tried to cheer her up. Rukia just passed it by, but he was actually trying to be a good brother.
She was so deep in thought that she didn't see the hell butterfly come through the window until it landed on her shoulder. She looked at the butterfly and listened to the message. The message had ordered her to go to the head captains barracks alone. She wondered what for but thought nothing of it.
She flashed stepped from the mansion to Captain Yamamoto's barracks. She paused in front of the door to compose herself then walked in. She only saw three people in the room Captain Yamamoto, her captain, and her brother. She tried not to look as shocked as she was.
Captain Yamamoto spoke to get to his point, "Kuchiki Rukia I have asked you to come here today to go on a mission."
Rukia couldn't help but think what for.
"You are to go to the World of the Living at mid day tomorrow to assist Kurosaki Ichigo. We have no idea how long, and if you ever feel you can not handle it we will replace you with another. We decided to send you, since you have been to a living world a few times. Also for the fact you know Kurosaki the most. We want a report on how things are every week, and if something goes wrong with Kurosaki. Lieutenant Kuchiki do you accept this mission."
Rukia stood there in shock with her mouth agape. She was so happy, but regained her posture. "Yes I accept."
Both Ukitake and Byakuya smiled. Yamamoto bang his staff against the ground and said "Dismissed."
Rukia went back to the mansion and got ready for her mission tomorrow. She bore a smile she hadn't in a while. Even though she had no idea why, but she made it a point to figure out why.
She fell asleep that night with a content and worriless dream.