So, this was basically a request I received some time ago (on Toys' reviews) but only now I came up with a story. For heka-san: I'm not sure if this is what you expected when you suggested it, but I hope you like it. :) Warning: this is a little AU (therefore crackish), kinda dark and M-rated for a reason. Beware the lemon.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Bleach. Maybe someday? It all belongs to Mr. Tite Kubo and the only thing I get with these stories is reviews. ;)

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Rukia looked at the trees, their leaves stirred by the strong wind on that very cloudy afternoon, the green contrasting with the dark grey skies. A prelude to rain. The weather was cold and humid, making her simple yukata feel wet – it was slightly unpleasant. But very familiar.

She turned into a dirty street and contemplated its emptiness, as the wind shook her hair in all directions. Recognizing the miserable hovels, she concluded they were probably crowded by their poor inhabitants, who at that moment were likely indoors, trying to lit a fireplace to escape from the imminent cold night. That was how life on the 78º District of Rukongai was.

Her feet followed a familiar path while she mindlessly contemplated her past written on those ruined walls. It was not surprising, then, that she ended up in a place she used to go on cold afternoons such as that, when the weather started to make their lives yet harder than it used to be.

She stopped in front of a house, one that looked fancy compared to the others around, and yet was simple if Rukia was reminded of the luxury she now experienced on her newly acquired noble life. But her mind was far from it at that moment, and she stared at that door under the quickly darkening sky. After a few moments she was about to turn away and leave when she heard a familiar voice calling her:

"Rukia-san," Amaya-san called in her familiar jaded voice. "It's been some time. I was hoping to never see you here again, child."

Rukia simply looked at the old woman, who seemed distant like in a dream. Or was that the reality and she just woke up?

The woman moved inside, beckoning her. "Come inside, you don't want to be seen here, do you?"

Rukia kept looking at the image in front of her in a trance and after a few seconds she followed the woman inside the house. They were actually in the back doors, so she was introduced into a familiar room, one of the secluded chambers away from the entrance. A fireplace was lit, barely illuminating the walls, creating a cozy environment.

"So how is life treating you?" she woman asked with curiosity. She didn't wait for a reply as she continued:

"After so long without seeing you, better, I suppose?" She asked, looking at the girl's figure, healthier than she remembered. "But then again, here you are… " she concluded to herself with a hint of melancholy.

"Here, have some tea," she offered, a little more cheerfully, and Rukia accepted the cup, still unsure why she had ended up there, of all places. She just looked at the whole situation as one looks at a terrorizing scene that it's grotesque and yet entrancing, and you can't take your eyes off of it. Afraid of a past that still looked too real for her. Afraid that all the rest was a dream.

"Oh, don't think I didn't miss you, my dear, quite the contrary… you have always been my best. No one can dance as graciously… but I'm glad you never stayed with us after all. You deserve better, child. I was honestly hoping you were gone for good," the older woman added, talkative as usual.

Rukia looked at the woman, noticing the heavy make up that disguised her age - she was glad for Amaya-san's honest wishful feelings. She was not proud of it, but it was thanks to this woman that she came back to the boys with food and blankets in some particularly cold nights like that. She knew Renji could have died on those, as he had spiritual energy as well, and the hunger made itself more urgent on those occasions. They never asked much, and she was glad for that.

The woman's voice took her out of her reverie:

"Well, but down to business, it is almost fortunate that you came tonight. I have a new guest with a curious request and you seem to fit perfectly."

"Amaya-san, I don't--"

"Oh, don't worry, I remember your requests," the woman clarified. "He's not from here, and he even asked for the dark. He also dismissed the other services, only asked for the sake to be served, isn't it curious? You got really lucky – he seems to be some kind of noble, and he's very handsome, you won't believe it when you see him! I was afraid I'd have to decline his generous offer because none of the girls fit what he wanted, but then you showed up… "

The woman stood up quickly, extinguishing the fire. "Oh but here I am babbling as usual, this doesn't need to take more than what's necessary. Just wait here."

"Amaya-san, no, wait!" Rukia spoke loudly at the woman, who was already by the corridor.

The older woman giggled.

"You always get a little desperate at this point, that's why I told you, child, this is not a place for you. You need to decide who you are, my dear," Amaya observed, moving away from the room.

Rukia looked at the half-opened door, barely visible in the darkness of the room. She should run away now, she should not be there. That was not her reality anymore. She didn't need to be there.

She was now a princess, living in a castle. That was her new reality. A prince had adopted her as his sister, offered her a name and a life of luxury, even put her under one of the Seireitei's division – her old dream. Even if she didn't even have the power for it. But why? What had she done to deserve it?

In truth, nothing. And that was why she couldn't feel part of it – it was easier to understand why the rest of the family seemed to be against her adoption, she, a Rukongai stray. What was she doing in a place like that, always unwanted, always unbecoming, always doing something shameful and wrong? How long would it take for him to noticed that? What would happen then?

'You need to decide who you are, my dear,' the words echoed in her head. Who was she? Who was she now that her childhood friends were dead, and Renji was away? Could she really be the Kuchiki princess? Why did she feel dirty and undeserving inside those walls then?

Rukia heard the sound of the shoji door opening and Amaya-san's voice from the outside of it.

"Here she is, my Lord. I hope she is to your liking."

There was no response but the sound of the rain that started to fall outside, yet she knew by the silence and steps that followed that she had been accepted.

Yeah, crack, I know. Just let me have fun, ok? ;) Next chapter: lemon shall ensue! .

Also, more importantly - do you want them or one of them to recognize the other? This was a request, so even though I have some ideas, I'm totally up to suggestions. Let. me. know!

Ja ne!

Wynn