Rukia was already adjusted to the silence of the seemingly endless dead forest, but now that Ashido was there, the silence just seem plain awkward. Rukia was fonder of the Soul Society, hearing the sounds of people talking and captains arguing.

"Not used to this, eh?" Ashido teased, finally deciding to speak up.

Rukia scowled, and then continued darting her eyes around for any sign of a Hollow. The peace, the sound of footsteps and Ashido's breathing was beginning to get on her nerves. Soul Society was so noisy and usually she wished it was dead quiet most of the time, but now she'd do anything to hear her friends babble. The only real exciting thing was that an occasional Hollow lizard would scurry by, but that wasn't nearly enough to quench Rukia's boredom. Walking was surely tiresome, not to mention that they had been meandering for about fifty minutes now. Rukia's throat was becoming dry, and she was growing even more impatient. "Ashido, I'm hungry and thirsty!"

Ashido jolted back, surprised from the girl's sudden outburst. "And what do you want me to do about it?" he asked sadistically.

"Gimme something to eat and drink!" she whined mockingly, making a childish face.

He grimaced. "Making faces won't get you anything to eat."

"I could say the exact same thing about you, Mr. I'm-going-to-borrow-this-hollow's-face!" she retorted playfully.

Ashido let a laugh escape his lips. It was the first time Rukia heard him laugh. It kept replaying in her head. It was so beautiful…

"Uh, Rukia? You alive?" Ashido snickered, enjoying the dazed look on Rukia's face.

Rukia jumped in surprise, letting a small yelp. "Whoops! My bad! How far away are we?"

Ashido rolled his eyes. "About two hours."

Rukia groaned in agony. Her legs were sore, and if anything they would soon fall off.

"Oh, suck it up. I've been careering about most of my life." Ashido scoffed, flicking her temple.

Rukia let out another yelp, but refused to react any more than she had.

"So, how've you been in Soul Society?" Ashido asked casually, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Boring… I haven't been there long since Aizen trapped us inside Hueco Mundo. I only had time to rest for a few days before returning here. Otherwise, the others have been good. We've defeated Aizen, so things have settled, but Yamamoto is still pretty shaken up still." Rukia replied, fixating her lavender eyes on his grey eyes.

"That's good that Aizen was eradicated. Now you guys can put your minds on other important affairs." Ashido said gently.

"Also, I learned a new kidou a while ago. I haven't mastered it yet." Rukia gloated proudly.

"Ah, so you excel in kidou?" Ashido asked, enjoying the small conversation.

Rukia thought about it for a minute. "Well, I guess you could put it that way."

Their talk subsided for a while. Rukia detested the silence. It made her feel uncomfortable.

A few minutes passed, the sounds of trudging footsteps replaying over and over. It was aggravating.

"Well, we're here. Do you know any type of kidou that could work like a Cero?" Ashido asked hopefully.

Rukia smiled. "Yup, just give me a minute," she said extending her hands so her palms faced the ceiling. "Shadkahou!"

Just then, a red laser-like beam cascaded from her palms, opening a small hole in the ceiling. Ashido was impressed, which he found quite surprising.

"I admit, I'm impressed." Ashido said.

"Nice voice disguise attempt, Ashido… How do we get up there?"

"Easy, come here."

Rukia walked over reluctantly to where Ashido was standing, trying to assemble the ideas of what he would do to get them out of this world.

As soon as she reached him, he picked her up bridal style. Rukia felt her face flush pink, and she turned her head in embarrassment.

"Aww, Kuchiki's blushing." Ashido sneered. Rukia didn't say anything.

All of a sudden, Ashido leapt in the air aimlessly trying to reach the hole, catching Rukia off guard, and she shrieked in surprise.

"Shut up, Rukia! You'll cause me to mess up!" Ashido hollered over her impulsive scream.

It was all over before it seemed it started. Ashido reached the surface with ease, holding a panting, flailing Rukia. Then he dropped her.

"OW! What was that for?" she demanded, as she rubbed her sore derriere.

Ashido shrugged and grinned slyly. "You're too heavy, Fatso."

He suddenly burst out laughing. Rukia loved his laugh. She joined him, and the two laughed for what seemed like forever.

FIN

A/N: Finally done! I'm terribly sorry for the long awaited update! I saved it on the school computer on my account, then it got disabled and I'm not allowed on the internet right now (I'm on the admin's user lol) and I finally decided to be sly and upload this! Reviews are highly appreciated! AND THANK YOU ALL! For all the watches, favorites and update alerts! Love you all!