Standard disclaimer applies.
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Rukia got up from bed when her door opened to reveal the same man. He pointed the gun towards her. "Please walk out carefully from this room. We're going to transfer."
Quietly, Rukia obeyed and stepped out and the man was behind her with his gun. "Words has it that there's someone new working on your case and the bosses would not want that, really. Especially if it's him."
Rukia spotted a car where three men were standing guard, obviously waiting for her. She turned to the man whom she now assumed stood as the leader among the four. A smirk played on her lips when she remembered she almost brought one man down during her abduction. She carefully schooled her face with an expression of nonchalance – something she had tried adapting from Ulquiorra who was so good at it. "So, where will you bring me then?"
While asking that, her eyes were alert as she looked around, finding anything useful to use in her escape. "Somewhere."
Rukia nodded as they approached the men waiting for them. Finding the right timing, she stepped away from the man behind her and she immediately kicked another while quickly grabbing his gun when he was caught off-guard. Rukia shot three times near them.
"Miss Kuchiki, drop that gun down and we will not hurt you," the dark-haired man answered.
Rukia shook her head while her one hand opened the car. "No. you drop your weapons or I will kill your friend," she said, her gun pointed at the man she attacked earlier.
The dark-haired man chuckled. "You do realize that even with him as your hostage, you can't get anywhere. One's life is nothing for us. Like I have said, you are only protected by someone so we try our best not to harm you but if you go farther I will ignore his orders and kill you."
Rukia smiled back. "I know this man's life is not worth the exchange, still, I'm willing to take the chance," she said and climbed the car. "Besides if you kill him, they will find his body and they will trace it back here." She looked around and the man took that as the chance to attack her but Rukia fired making them stop.
Her face looked serious now as the man who tried attacking her was shot on the thigh and he cursed at her like a madman. "Damn you bitch! I'm gonna kill you!"
"Not if I can kill you first," Rukia mentioned, disgusted at her actions. She's a doctor but she's willing to take a life if it only means escaping from here. She has to get away and see to her brother.
The dark haired man sighed. "Take the car and go then," he said and patted the remaining men to step away from the car. Rukia isn't stupid to know he is planning something but she did not mind. She had a plan of her own anyway. She needed to know where her location is but all she could see are the damn trees.
Rukia climbed the car when the man spoke with a smirk. "You are aware that we'll still get you halfway."
Rukia smirked back. "We'll see."
The men watched as she drove away before the dark-haired man spoke. "Call the others and intercept her before she reaches the national road. Don't allow her to reach the national road."
"Yes sir."
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Orihime looked around. This would be the first time she entered this part of the Kuchiki building and even though she's best friends with Rukia, she was never brought here. At the center was Neliel whom Orihime disliked due to her closeness with Ichigo. Not that she's jealous but there's something that seems off with Neliel and Ichigo.
"Ah, I see you came early. The guys are on their way," she smiled kindly. Orihime watched as she worked with something. "Please take a seat. Ulquiorra would be here any seconds."
The name made Orihime look at her face in surprise. "Ulquiorra?" she asked, wanting to make sure she heard the name correctly. She knew one guy with that name and he happened to be Rukia's closest friend. But he died three years ago.
Neliel's furrow wrinkled for some reason as she stared at the screen before she turned to her. "Yes and for the record, he is alive. I'm telling you in advance to spare you the time asking him the how's and why's of things. He doesn't like wasting any time."
Orihime did not realize that she's talking to Neliel longer than she had allowed herself. "Rukia would be happy to know." She bowed her head to hide the grief. "I hope she is alright."
"Yes. We certainly – " she looked over Orihime. "Ah, you're here."
Orihime turned around and saw him walking in, his built still the same and he is wearing casual clothes now. He gave her a swift glance and a curt nod before he motioned for her to sit down. "Good timing. I will go straight to the point. According to the reports, you were found unconscious in your house."
The buxom slowly nodded, not sure where he is leading at. "Y-Yes."
"And you were attacked."
"Yes. What's this all about?" she asked and frowned at him. "Are you insinuating something?"
He waved her off with one of his hands. "Don't jump into conclusions, woman. Do you recognize anyone from your attackers?"
She shook her head. Ulquiorra nodded once. "See, the bridal car took a detour to fetch you probably since the route they have taken is not towards the church yet."
Neliel glanced at Ulquiorra and commended him for coming out with this conclusion from the reports he only read. No one noticed that angle since they were focused on the attackers. Even Neliel was unable to notice that slight change in route. Everyone assumed that it was to avoid traffic.
Orihime stared at Ulquiorra and for some reason, she felt compelled to talk even if she doesn't want to. "Yes."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why were you on your house still? Weren't you supposed to be at her place since you were her maid of honor?" he asked dispassionately. He flipped to the pages.
Orihime's face was now devoid of emotions as she stared at the man. Then she spoke quietly. "I – I was about to leave my house when those men approached me," she looked away to allow herself that memory again – something that she doesn't want to remember. She never liked to be held at gunpoint. "T-They ordered me to call Rukia that she's to fetch me at my house."
"And of course she would. That woman will not allow her wedding to go without her best friend."
At the remark, Orihime gave him a wan smile. "Of course but would you believe me if I tell you that she wanted you there too if only you were alive?"
He still had no reaction which made Orihime shake her head. But he answered though. "That's beside the point. So Rukia agreed."
"Yes and I heard those men talked about 'boss' and 'Byakuya' and 'leverage'. Before I knew it, I was knocked unconscious and the next thing I learned was Rukia being abducted."
"There is something I don't get here," Ulquiorra stood up. "Why would they abduct her on national road when it was planned that they will wait at your house? And why did you lie to the police and told them that you were attacked by burglars."
Orihime stood up to pace the room. "Because they warned me that if I will say anything, they'll hurt Rukia. You wouldn't understand…"
"That's all I wanted to ask from you," he said in a dismal tone. Orihime nodded and left the room quietly. When she was out of earshot, Neliel turned to him with a raised brow.
"Tell me you didn't seriously consider her as one probable accomplice," she said and sat down.
"No. I just asked those because I wanted to." He raised his head when the door opened and Ichimaru entered with Ginrei. He frowned at them for invading his talk.
"Byakuya is awake," the old man announced. "I came here to ask if you made any progress. Byakuya is demanding – "
He stopped when Byakuya's mobile rang. The mobile was being kept by Ichimaru as he was in-charged in monitoring the calls. "Who is it?" Ginrei asked.
"Unknown number."
"Patch it through," Ulquiorra ordered. "Neliel, see if you can get the location."
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The dark-haired man blinked in amusement when he saw the car actually sinking down on the deep water. His men had been spread out to search for the woman. "She really had thought of this well," he commented and turned to the others. "Search every nook and cranny. She couldn't have gotten away from this place. Extend the search for another mile." He looked down the water. "Make sure she's not hiding from caves down there, if there are."
"Yes boss."
He scratched his head and reached for his mobile. They will all be dead if they can't manage to retrieve Rukia before the end of the day.
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From where she was hidden, Rukia nervously wiped the sweat from her brow and bit her lip. She knew there would be no escape for her and she also knew that he might call some men to apprehend her before she could reach the national road. And Rukia did what she could. She threw away the car and decided to make the search harder than they expected.
She paled and trembled when she heard some noise nearby and when she peered from her spot, her eyes widened when she realized that one man is already close to finding her. She scanned the area to see if there are others with him. Her eyes spotted something from the man and she immediately formulated a plan.
Carefully, she bided her time and struck the man when she found the opportunity.
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"Who's this?" Ichimaru asked when he answered the answer button.
"No, no, who are you?" the caller asked hurriedly. Ichimaru frowned then his eyes widened before he mouthed the words. Rukia. Expectedly, Ginrei and Ulquiorra reacted. "Rukia!"
"Eh? Gin! Where's my brother?" she asked and judging from the way she talked, she must be tired since she's breathing too hard.
"Byakuya is – "
"Is he alright? Tell me he is alright!" she demanded.
"Rukia, we have time for that. We need to know where you are right now."
"I don't know. They were supposed to transfer me. They said something about someone new working on my case."
Neliel glanced at the screen. A few seconds more and they can locate her exact place. Ulquiorra moved to Gin and extended his hand which Gin understood and he handed the phone even though Rukia was talking.
"Hey Gin, are you listening – "
"Rukia."
There was a pause from the end of the line as Rukia stared at her phone, something nagging at the familiarity of the voice. She blinked and did not want to acknowledge the idea. "W-Who is this?" she asked instead.
"We do not have time for answering that," he told her gruffly. Ulquiorra glanced at the screen and Neliel gave a thumbs-up sign when the location was successfully located. "Listen, who's mobile is this?" he asked first.
"T-The man I attacked earlier. I-I took his mobile. There are many men searching for me now so I can't move freely."
Ulquiorra nodded and sat down, relieved that she's alright. "You remember something I've taught you before?" he asked which made Rukia blink at the end of the line, hope surging through her like a bullet. It couldn't be…he couldn't be…
"U-Ul…" for some reason, she found it hard to speak when she realized it was really him.
"Listen to me well, check that mobile and see if you could find anything there. It might be tapped so I suggest you move from your hiding place and get farther away, you understand me?"
"Yes."
"Good. If it's tapped, take out that thing and call us back okay? We're sending help."
"I'm near a coast. That's all I can tell. I drove the car towards the water and escaped after."
Ulquiorra smirked at her own actions. "Heh. Cut the call and call us immediately after you did what I told you." He handed the phone back to Gin and turned to Nel who was already prepared for the answer to the question he is going to ask.
"Tsurugaoka."
Ulquiorra stood up and reached for his personal phone. It did not take three rings before someone answered his call. "Madarame. This is Ulquiorra. Yes I am alive and there is time for questions and answers. Listen, I've got something for you since your location is closer. Go to Tsurugaoka and cause some distractions to some men out there. Kuchiki Rukia escaped from them and is running away, right now she could be chased once more so make some distraction while we make our way there."
He turned the mobile off and was met with questioning looks. He shrugged. "He's an important informant who lives in Uchinada."
"How did you even manage to get an informant living there?" Gin mused.
"Connections. It has its perks. He's actually Jiruga's childhood friend from Uchinada," he admitted in the last minute and gave Nel an apologetic look before he walked towards the door. "Nel, call Shuhei and Lisa. We have some work to do. I expect the chopper to be prepared."
Not waiting for any answer, he went out. Silence ruled for over a minute before Ginrei spoke. "He and Byakuya could make a good team if only my grandson chose to become a soldier."
"He works fast," Gin commented.
"He does. Gin, there is something I'd like you to do," he said to the silver-haired whose real job is actually vague for most people. "Investigate these people." He threw a folder at the center table.
Ichimaru chuckled. "You do realize, I am not an investigator. My job is a businessman like Byakuya."
"Cut me some slack. I can't give this to Zaraki since he has his own job to do."
He sighed and reached for it. He studied it for a second before he nodded.
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Rukia bit at her lower lip as she tended to her bullet wound. True to what Ulquiorra suspected, the mobile was tapped so she wasn't surprised when not a few minutes later, some men arrived at her hiding place and she was thankful she managed to get the gun from the guy she attacked earlier. She was also thankful to her grandfather for the first time since he insisted that she learn all forms of self-defense as well as the proper use of a gun. She would admit she's afraid because she's in a battle against a number of men and this was her first.
It was only thanks to her rational mind that she reminded herself this is for survival and she knew that once she was out safe, she's gonna regret ever taking a life because earlier, she shot one and he was dead. It was only one life but she knew she will carry the guilt forever.
"She can't be far! Follow the trail of blood," she heard someone commanding tone. Not a few seconds later, Rukia heard a series of gunshots which also caught the attention of the men about to approach her hiding place. She hoped they would get away. She really could not run farther along considering her bullet wound on her left thigh. "What was that?"
"I don't know but someone – "
"She can't be there! This blood looks fresh."
"But what if she's truly there?" one argued as the gunshot continued. Even the leader seemed suddenly perturbed by it because he looked around for a few more minutes.
"Let's go."
Rukia let out a sigh of relief before she relaxed herself and leaned on the rock. She tried to look for anything to use as a clutch to support her walk from this point on. And she needed to really rid herself of the bullet. She reached for her pocket and called her brother's number once more. It had been hours ago since her last call and she doubted she could last longer than an hour. She'll be dead any time if help did not come within this hour. Either from the bullet wound or from those men hunting her.
It took a single ring and Rukia was surprised to hear a female voice. "Sir, we got a call."
Rukia frowned, not sure who the woman was or who was being referred as 'sir'. But answer came when he spoke. "It's getting dark. Can you find anything to help us locate you easier?" he asked with no greeting at all. Rukia had all the time earlier to think on how to make the man pay for making her believe he was dead.
Rukia glanced around. "It's all so full of trees and I can't get – "
"Ulquiorra, we got it," she heard another female voice.
"Ulquiorra, I'm not so sure but the men chasing me haven't moved farther yet."
"Don't worry, help is on the way."
Rukia ended the call and closed her eyes. For four months, she was held prisoner and it was only a while ago that she found a way to escape. But with running for a few hours, hiding and being in the thigh, she suddenly felt tired and all her strength was drained from her. Slowly, her whole being succumbed to darkness.
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He towered over her. It did not take a few minutes to find her here. He sighed in relief before signaling the others that the search is over. She easily let her guard down, he thought before he noticed her left thigh. Carefully, he sat on his knee and watched the already pale small woman. It had been three years since he last saw her and he did not quite imagine her looks to mature so beautifully.
"Sir? What are we to do with those men we captured?" Shuhei appeared behind him and gave Rukia a glance.
"Bring them over to the headquarters. I don't trust the police force as of the moment. Have Ginjou interrogate them."
Apparently, the military was wired of Ulquiorra's reinstatement and everyone under his command had been more than happy to welcome him. The first thing that Ulquiorra did was to get the permission of General Kyourako to organize his own men and make the retrieval of Kuchiki Rukia a priority. Being the granddaughter of a retired general, a niece to a war hero who died during the battle – Kouga Kuchiki, and sister to the diplomatic representative of Japan, Rukia is indeed a priority as of the moment.
"Yes sir," Shuhei nodded. "It's hard to believe that her retrieval took a day when no one could even find her for four months."
Ulquiorra stood up and bent over to carry the unconscious woman. "This wouldn't happen if she did not find the means to escape. It's all because of her that the search was made easier. I didn't even do a thing so credit goes to her."
Shuhei helped him shift her over Ulquiorra's back. "She's definitely something," he commented in awe. The public always perceived the Kuchiki heiress to be a socialite and knew nothing other than clothes, signature bags and shoes. Evidently, she is more than what she allowed the public to perceive about her. "To think she managed to come this far…"
Ulquiorra gave Shuhei an amused look. "Keep your musings to yourself, Hisagi. Let's go."
"Yes sir."
They casually walked towards the waiting chopper. "Do give my thanks to Madarame Ikakku if you see him around."
"Certainly."
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She was welcomed with the sight and smell of a hospital room and Rukia raised her hand to check for a dextrose. "Glad to see you are awake."
She frowned when she realize it was her grandfather who spoke. He sat on the farthest corner of the room, comfortably reading a newspaper that probably reported her retrieval. Rukia sat down on the bed. She did not acknowledge his statement. Rather, she asked for someone else.
"How's Byakuya?" she asked coolly.
"His room is next to yours. He came here earlier to watch over you. He's doing well now."
"I'm glad," she sighed in relief before she decided to step down from the bed, earning a quizzical look from her grandfather who finally decided to set the paper down.
"This is a private hospital Rukia but it doesn't mean you are free to move about. There are still men wanting to get you – to use you against your brother so you better be careful," he advised.
She nodded as she limped towards the door. "Where is he?"
The old man knew better than to ask who she was referring to. "He's busy at the moment. They are finding information about the one behind your abductions. Your fiancé visited an hour ago."
"Ichigo?" she asked in surprise.
"Hmm. He was really worried about you."
She beamed and for a moment, Ginrei had a glance at the young Rukia, back when she was still a child. Ah, so much for regrets.
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Ulquiorra sat comfortably in his chair when the others had left and only Neliel, Shuhei and Lisa chose to remain for a moment. They finished discussing the details they managed to get from their prisoners and Neliel's running through their pictures over the computer as she tried to ID some of them based from an old file. Majority of them matched up to those names and photos that Grimmjaw had given a few years back before the death of Nnoitra.
"The alleged ring leader in the underworld is Kariya Jin, right?" he asked no one in particular. "But in the chain of command, I think he is not the real leader. So someone higher is issuing these orders around. Majority of those men do not work for Kariya and yet Grimmjaw took their info from him."
His elbow rested on the table as he thought deeply, still trying to connect everything to Rukia's abduction and Byakuya's shooting. Why would a drug and arms dealer abduct Rukia? What would he profit from doing so? Ransom? Hardly. If it was kidnap for ransom, they should have demanded the money the soonest possible time and not wait for four months before issuing a demand.
And why did they change their plan involving Inoue Orihime? What is it that they truly want from Byakuya? What is it that Byakuya has that is so important to them?
Neliel and her companions mused at the thoughtful look and so they decided to just let him mull over things since they knew he'll come up with an answer anyway. Besides, if they bother him now they would get a freezing glare in return – something which they don't wish to be recipient of.
Apparently though, there's one brave soul who dared interrupt him in the middle of his thinking when the door opened and slammed shut forcefully to make her presence known. Surprised, all three turned around to see Kuchiki Rukia standing there with a serious look. She had plenty of men following her outside, obviously ordered to guard her.
"Miss Kuchiki, you shouldn't be – " Lisa sighed and chose to keep her mouth shut after getting an indifferent look from the smaller woman.
With his attention already caught, Ulquiorra raised his head and green met amethyst. He could not help but feel a tinge of amusement at the sight of Rukia in her hospital gown. She hobbled towards him and without a word, her fist flew towards his face.
Unfortunately, he's not keen on letting her hit him so he blocked it with his palm.
"You asshole! How could you – they said you were dead!" she hissed, not intending to pull her hand back.
"That's the warmest greeting I had," he snorted.
From where they were seated, the three watched, utterly speechless. They knew Rukia was closely associated with the lieutenant but to actually see her bravely attacking the man was kind of unheard. Only insane people ever had the guts to even do what Rukia did.
"You're not getting any after what I went through, bastard," she bit back in anger, tears threatening to fall down.
To the viewer's amazement, the usually stoic face had somehow gentled a little and even his eyes were suddenly filled with warmth as he met Rukia's eyes. Slowly, he spoke. "It's a long story."
It was in the manner that he delivered his words that Rukia understood – that there's a deeper reason for it. Sighing in defeat, she lowered her guard before she leaned and hugged him tight. She was thankful that her back was turned from the three because she was crying and she definitely does not want anyone to see her tears. "I cried," she whispered in a croaky voice.
At first, Ulquiorra did not know how to respond to her soft embrace. It had been three years after all. Then carefully, his hands raised to hold her as well and his eyes widened when she whispered. Tactfully, Neliel and the two others decided to leave.
"I know," he whispered back.
"I missed you so much," she said, not wanting to let him go yet, wanting to reassure herself that her friend is indeed here and would not leave again. "Welcome home, Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra felt himself relaxed in her embrace. "You were brave there," he said, diverting the subject since he does not know how to respond to it.
"I was terrified," she admitted before she pulled away from him. She studied the man closely and smiled while wiping her tears stupidly.
He did not speak for the following seconds to give her time to compose herself. Then, he gave her an overall look before he feigned a cough then spoke in a casual manner. "Tell me you did not really come here with that attire."
Rukia blinked and studied herself before she shrugged. "I was in a hurry to hit you. But I am really glad you're alive. Perhaps someday, you can tell me the reason behind your 'death'."
He managed a taut smile – but a smile nonetheless and for those who knew Ulquiorra and Rukia, they knew that only the latter was the one capable of making him smile even just a little.
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From the cafeteria, Neliel shook her head with amusement. It was so long since she saw Ulquiorra with that kind of look. Back in the days when they were still active, prior to them being discharged from service, Ulquiorra would always have that soft, no matter how subtle, look when it involves Rukia and she often wondered if the man saw Rukia differently aside from being just a friend.
"That, uh, was a shocker," Lisa commented and bit on her burger.
Shuhei agreed silently although he had to remind himself that Ulquiorra had that kind of look too when they found Rukia and he treated her with utmost care. He withheld that information since he doesn't want to earn the man's wrath.
Neliel chuckled. "But I wouldn't expect Ichigo's fiancée to actually barge in with only a hospital gown around her body. She's definitely not the society has portrayed her to be."
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The dark-haired man bowed his head slowly as his master ranted. "How could you even let her escape after four months of holding her?" he asked in cold fury as he paced the room. "Clearly, you underestimated her. I told you many times not to underestimate a Kuchiki."
"I apologize boss," he said with his head remained low. "I will make sure to get her next time."
The man scoffed and waved his hand dismally even though his subordinate wasn't looking. "It's not as easy as you think it is. Ulquiorra Schiffer is alive and well and will most definitely be making sure she's well-protected. You know who the man is."
"Yes sir. He's one not to be underestimated."
The man walked around. "We only have three months left before they arrive. We have to get Byakuya by then. He's the only one who could do it. It took a few years of planning and we certainly do not have the luxury to waste all of those efforts. By the way, have you heard where the escapee was hiding? We need Grimmjaw's skill in smuggling the weapons for China tomorrow."
The man sighed. "Once again, I apologize for my inefficiency but I think he is laying low for a while. The police forces are hot on his trail. But once I get wind of his whereabouts, I will contact him immediately."
"Good."
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It didn't seem like the two friends missed three years as Rukia talked and like always, Ulquiorra listened while he walked her back to the hospital after lending her his jacket to cover her hospital gown. From her hospital room, people who were excited to see Rukia were waiting. Ulquiorra ordered Rukia's appointed bodyguards to return to the hospital and that he would return with her later. The two turned to the left, both ignoring the curious looks from the staffs who knew who the two were. Finally, they stopped in front of one room.
Rukia held the knob and turned to him for a moment. "Ulquiorra?"
"Hmm?"
"I have a feeling the man behind this knows me personally," she revealed. "Or the Kuchiki in general."
He gave her the urging look. Rukia continued. "Many times, that guy who stood guard mentioned about me being saved by their boss's words and that I was never harmed due to his order."
He nodded before his left hand held the top of her head. "We'll find out who, Rukia. It's a matter of time," he promised her before his free hand motioned her to enter her room. "Don't run off next time."
She giggled and opened the door where she was greeted by a guy with orange hair. "Rukia!" he exclaimed with so much excitement and immediately enclosed her in a tight hug, his lips kissing the top of her head. Rukia returned the hug as well.
"Ichigo."
"Thank god you are safe," he said. Ulquiorra watched the scene in front of him for a few seconds before his eyes darted towards the others – Orihime, Ginrei, Byakuya, Gin, Hinamori. Those were among the few people who are dear to Rukia. His eyes met that of Byakuya and he gave a brief nod before turning on his heels. He had no business here anymore. He looked over his shoulder one last time and watched Ichigo and Rukia with indifference before he resumed walking away.
When Rukia turned to call him in, she found him gone. She blinked as she looked around. He always acts like a ghost, suddenly gone in an instant. Ichigo stood beside her and gave her a questioning look. Apparently, his excitement did not make him notice the presence of Ulquiorra earlier. "Something wrong?" he asked worriedly when he saw the clouded look on her face.
She forced a smile. "Nah, it's nothing serious." She sighed and finally closed the door as she continued speaking. "It's just that…he's gone."
She smiled affectionately at her brother and walked towards him. With no words needed, she hugged him tightly too. "He always disappears before I can even say goodbye or take care," she mumbled to her brother who understood her concern.
He patted her softly and whispered back. "Even so, he's always around like a ghost. I'm really glad you are well, Rukia."
She smiled and he could feel it even though he had not seen it. "Me too."
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Take care. Many thanks to those who reviewed. I'm in a rush so I can't name you guys. Still, thanks.