AN: One afternoon, one conversation, one shot… Set after the last chapter of the Bount arc (what WAS all that about anyway?)

I don't own Bleach but I am thankful for its existence…

It's Always Been You

By: Abarai Starsha

Rukia was walking around the gardens in her brother's estate when she sees Renji lost in thought by the koi pond.

"Renji…"

"Ah, Rukia. You're up and around. Feeling better?"

"Yes, I should be able to return to light duty soon."

"That's good"…Yeah, return to duty, eventually return to HIM, he thought bitterly. "Well, take care." He said as he turned to leave. He picked up the pace so as not to continue the conversation. Baka, let it go. You can't turn back time no matter how much you wish. You screwed up now there's HIM.

"Renji.." She moved to catch up with him, "There's something bothering you, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I need to finish my reports, you know how your brother is, and I have a Lieutenant's meeting this afternoon. I'm really glad you're feeling better….Rukia."

"You're such a stubborn idiot! Why don't you talk to me anymore? We used to share everything and now…" her voice trailed off. Renji stopped but didn't turn around.

"You don't need me for that anymore," he said as his shoulders slumped.

"What are you talking about, Renji?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Renji snapped and turned around. Rukia looked at her friend as her breath caught in her throat. He was hurting and he was implying she was the one hurting him, but… how?

"Renji.."

"Don't. You only need me when it has something to do with HIM."

"Renji, who?"

"HIM HIM! Ichigo."

"Renji.." she started but was quickly cut off.

"I told you to STOP. I know you have feelings for him. I can tell by the way you look every time his name is mentioned, the way you run to him to be by his side." He turned away.

Rukia grabbed him and turned him around.

SMACK!

"Is that what this is about? Renji, you've got it all wrong…"

"Do I?" Not letting her finish, "You're hurt, yet you go to him in battle. You can barely stand up yourself yet you're wanting to go out there and help him." He let out a bitter laugh, "You only needed me to get you there."

"Renji… please." Maybe it was the silent plea in her voice mixed with anger, maybe it was because he loved her for so damn long he wouldn't know what to do without her – God how he loved her. He looked at her. He drew in a small sharp breath as he looked into her eyes; those big beautiful amethyst eyes that he could so easily get lost in.

Rukia looked at Renji, took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Baka. Of course I'm going to go after him. He has no self control and is going to kill himself one of these days." She took a step closer, then another and took his hand in hers.

"Renji, Ichigo is my friend. I go after him because I can't let anything happen to him. It's my fault he is the way he is now. If it were not for me…" she sighed, "Renji, there is only one man I love with all of my heart. I've loved him for as long as I can remember. Renji…it's always been you."

Stunned, Renji just looked at her. Searching for the truth he could see as clear as day in her eyes. God, those eyes.

Rukia closed in and gently wrapped her arms around Renji's torso looking up at him. He leaned down and gently kissed her.

"It's always been you, too, Rukia…"

She looked at him and smiled, "Baka".