Hi. This is chapter three of I Need You.

This chapter is a flashback from Rukia's last few days – or at least, the beginning of it. I've had to cut this down to two parts, hence why I'm uploading this half ahead of schedule. The next chapter is going to be the second part of this. It's in two parts because otherwise it was going to get ridiculously long and tedious. I think I've cut it in the right place though, but after I've uploaded the second half, please let me know if you agree.

The italics are because this is all a flashback. The normal texts are thoughts. Sorry if it gets confusing.

Hopefully, the next chapter will explain a lot more than this one does, but this should give you an idea of why Rukia's come back to Karakura. After the next chapter, I shall be returning to the present – Where Ichigo and Rukia are on the bench in the park.

The next chapter should be ready on Friday, so keep your eyes peeled.

Thanks to everyone who has favourited, reviewed and added this to their alerts already. Please review. I really appreciate it.

My Grandad is still ill in hospital, but he has already outlived the doctor's expectations. Fingers crossed. If, as I mentioned before, he passes, you may find my update will be late. I apologise in advance for this. In a few weeks, I will be going into 'revision mode' as I have exams coming up, so again, I may not find the time to get my chapters up. Again, I'm sorry for that.

Thanks again for reading :)

"Kuchiki Rukia, please report to the Soutaicho, immediately. That is all." Rukia released the Hell Butterfly once it had repeated the message.

The Soutaicho, huh? She thought as she ran to the Soutaicho's office. Must be important. I wonder if it has anything to do with Nii-sama?

Running at the speed she had, and using Shun'po' as much as she could, she arrived at the office in less than three minutes – a feat the adopted Kuchiki was proud of. She'd been training a lot in the months after the war, if only to take her mind off of…well, certain things.

As she approached the door to the Soutaicho's office, she paused briefly. Do I knock? She assumed so, and even if it wasn't protocol, it was polite. What a Kuchiki would do. She could not shame the clan name; she was already a big enough disappointment to them all…what she wouldn't give to be herself. Once, not too long ago, she could just be Rukia. No pretences, no lies, no gimmicks, just Rukia as she was, her personality laid bare for that one person she trusted more than anyone. The only person to understand that she was just as broken as he was – and accept it. I miss you, baka. She sighed.

She rapped on the large door thrice, and waited to be called forth.

Sasakibe fuku-taicho opened the door slowly and invited her into the room. It was warm and reminded her of summer. Perhaps, Ryujin-Jakka had been used to light the fire roaring in the elaborate fireplace.

"Ah, Kuchiki-san, thank you for your speedy response." The captain-commander of the Gotei 13 offered the girl a reassuring smile. He noted that she appeared nervous of him, and then understood why. Every other time she'd been in this very office, she'd been accompanied by someone – Ukitake-taicho, Kuchiki-taicho, Abarai fuku-taicho…she'd never been called here specifically before.

The dark haired girl bowed to her superior. "I was happy to oblige to your request, Soutaicho."

"Arigato, Kuchiki-san. Please, take a seat."

Sasakibe fuku-taicho quietly exited the room, not that the youngest in the room was aware of this, she was busy carefully sitting down.

"This conversation is to be in complete confidence, you understand? The words we speak within the confines of this room are to travel no further, with the exception of the person whom we are here to discuss and those whom are already aware of the topic we are about to discuss. Is that okay?"

Rukia nodded. "Yes, Soutaicho. Please, continue."

"I am aware, that the Soul Society owes you a lot. You not only had to wrongly face an execution, that thankfully, you were saved from, but you, though through an illegal act, awoke the powers of the shinigami daiko – the man who saved Soul Society, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Rukia's heart skipped at his name. Where is the old man going with this? She wondered, though she would never disrespect the man with her name for him out loud.

"I was glad to help, sir. I realise I was wrong to give my powers to a human, I will accept the punishment Central 46 decide upon."

She knew this day was coming. She did. To keep her clan's honour, or at least in the best way possible in the current situation, she would not fight. She would accept her punishment gracefully. Even nobles weren't above the law of Soul Society.

The Soutaicho laughed. "No, Kuchiki-san, I believe you have this wrong. You never gave your powers to a human, so no crime was committed. Kurosaki Ichigo seems to be part human, part hollow and part shinigami – not entirely human. Nor can we class him as a vizard. We have no classification for him. Yet we punished you, for we were blinded by Aizen. For that, we are truly sorry. This is our apology to you."

"Oh." Rukia paused, letting the words sink in. "Thank you, sir."

"However, that is not the only reason I have summoned you here to my office. As you are aware, shinigami daiko Kurosaki Ichigo sacrificed his powers to save us. With getting the new Central 46 in place, and fixing up the Soul Society, I'm loathe to admit we have neglected the boy, whom without his valiant effort and his skill and bravery, we would not be here. I have sources watching the boy and his family, and they have recently informed me that although it is slight, Kurosaki's reiatsu is on the rise again."

Rukia let a faint flicker of a smile cross her face. "I am pleased for him."

"However, if, like we anticipate, it grows to the same level as he previously possessed, or higher, there is no doubt in my mind that he will attract a number of Hollows. We cannot have the town of Karakura unprotected during the time in which his spiritual pressure is expected to grow."

What is the old man suggesting? Must keep my cool – if he wants me to go to Karakura, then I can't look too excited – otherwise he might think me too well-adapted to the life and people there and not let me go after all. She kept her face impassive, as she replied coolly, "What about Ish – the Quincy, the girl with the shields and the boy who can transform his arms? Are they not able to patrol the town?"

"Kuchiki Rukia, please do not think I don't know that these people are your friends. You made bonds with them that may well extend throughout their human lifetimes. Seventeen months around those three has not helped increase Kurosaki's power. However, I believe that not only did you share spirit power, but you were close to him, emotionally. I notice you do not have those bonds here, even with your family. I understand that you were adopted, Kuchiki, but Ukitake-taicho reports to me with your progress with your training. It seems your training has advanced your powers a great deal. It is of his personal opinion that you will be achieving bankai soon. It is my hope that you will be able to not only give Kurosaki a reason to train and regain his strength, but you will be able to connect once again with another being. You endured a lot in the war, and we wish to atone for our mistakes regarding the way we treated you."

Rukia blushed at the kind words her captain-commander was saying. It was quite something to have the man in charge recognise you personally.

The captain-commander's eyes bore into her then, yet she could not look away. After thirty seconds or so, he looked away, out of his window overlooking the Sereitei.

"You will thrive in Karakura. But do not think I am handing you this on a plate. I have a few stipulations if you are to leave for the World of the Living."

"Hai, sir."

"One, until Kurosaki Ichigo regains enough power to separate from his body using his badge, you are to use a gigai and attend school with Kurosaki. You may separate from your gigai if you need to exterminate Hollows and Kurosaki isn't around for the experience. Obviously, you will fight if the level of hollow exceeds that of which he has the power to fight and the other members of what is now to be known as the 'substitute group' – Ishida Uryuu, Yasutora Sado and Inoue Orihime. You may take up to one week to reveal your presence to Kurosaki Ichigo after your arrival in the realm where he resides, I understand you will need to find somewhere to reside during your tenure in the living world, and you must perform the required memory modifications. Two, you must report his progress once a week via a hell butterfly, directly to me. Ukitake-taicho is aware of the mission you will be on. Three, you assume the responsibilities of the shinigami stationed there currently. If the levels of hollows rise to a level where you, the boy and the substitute group cannot handle them, I will send out the best person available to eradicate those which you cannot. This is not a situation I foresee happening – between the five of you, you are a most formidable group."

A small blush crept onto Rukia's cheeks. "They seem like reasonable requests. I accept these terms. When do I leave?"

"Don't rush, Kuchiki." The old man chuckled. "I have one more request. Your brother has approved of this, if you wish to accept. Kuchiki Rukia, I am offering you the post of fuku-taicho of squad thirteen. Ukitake-taicho has put your name forward as a suitable candidate, and let me tell you, not a captain in the room disagreed with the decision. It will mean that we limit your power when you go to the realm of the living; however this is not something you should encounter as a problem. Do you accept your new role?"

Rukia's purple eyes grew wide. "Arigato Soutaicho! I will take on this new responsibility with pride and I will do my best. Soutaicho, you are a most generous man." The short Kuchiki girl bowed low in front of the Soutaicho.

"Kuchiki fuku-taicho, please report to Ukitake-taicho before leaving for the Living World. You will depart at 1200 hours."

"Arigato sir!" Rukia got up from her bow and exited the room. She chanced a glance at her watch – Chappy branded, of course – it was 9:52am. A little over two hours and she could go back to Karakura and see her friends. And Ichigo.

The wielder of Ryujin-Jakka smiled at the young girl who hastily made her exit. Yes, Kuchiki, you will make a fine fuku-taicho. I look forward to watching you mature.

Rukia hastily made her way to squad thirteen's barracks, and towards her captain's office. She knocked, and his slightly sickly voice called for her to enter. He had not been well, these last few days, she'd heard.

"Ah, Kuchiki. I assume you've visited Yama-jii?"

"Hai."

"Did you take him up on what he offered you?"

"Yes. It was a most generous offer." The young Kuchiki beamed.

Ukitake smiled at her response. He didn't know what she was happier about, becoming his lieutenant or leaving for the real world in approximately two hours. All he saw was life in the eyes of the hard-working girl for the first time in a number of months. Months that for her had to have been painful. Not a single one of the captains of the Gotei 13 were oblivious to the fact that she and the substitute shinigami Kurosaki had developed a close friendship. He quietly suspected that nurtured, their relationship could've blossomed into something more – not that the sixth squad captain would like to hear that opinion. If he had heard such an opinion, Ukitake was certain there'd be sakura blossoms somewhere painful.

"Well, congratulations, Kuchiki fuku-taicho!" He handed her the customary armband which she quickly fixed into place. She was proud of her new status, he could see that much. He was glad to have her as his lieutenant – she'd work hard and run the squad efficiently when he took sick leave – or at least she would, upon her return from the Living World.

"Thank you, Ukitake-taicho!"

"Now, Kuchiki fuku-taicho, I believe you are to embark upon a mission to the realm of the living. Here is the required paperwork for the mission." Ukitake handed her a wedge of paperwork that was almost an inch thick, half expecting a look of dismay to cross her young face.

But no, her smile was genuine and did not falter, the joy it displayed was evident in her eyes. Today has been a good day for you, hasn't it, Kuchiki? Ukitake smiled softly. We all know you've deserved this. You deserve to be happy. I'm sure Ichigo-kun will be just as pleased to see you. He was pleased to find that the heavy load of paperwork he'd handed her had not dampened her merry mood.

Rukia was directed by her superior to her new desk, where she laid the paperwork down neatly and proceeded to get to work. I have less than two hours to get this all done! The quicker I can get this done, the quicker I can leave. I must speak with Nii-sama first. She put her pen to paper and quickly got to work, filling out and completing the paperwork quickly, yet neatly. A feat Matsumoto-san would do well to learn, she giggled to herself.

Nothing could put her down today. Not only did she get a brilliant promotion, but she also can go to visit her friends in the Living World. She's missed them, but there was no way around the situation. Everyone in the Soul Society had to pull their weight and help rebuild the place so it echoed its former glory. She could not even ask to leave, and another, lower shinigami was assigned to Karakura town, the higher-ups believing that they would not need to send anyone stronger, due to the substitute group's ability to fend for themselves. In the opinion of those in charge, the stronger the shinigami in Soul Society helping, the quicker the task would be completed.

Rukia didn't think it had made all that much difference.

She smiled as she recalled the time when Yamamoto decided that bankai was no longer allowed to be used to 'help' clear up. The damage the Zanpakuto ended up doing was usually more than what they'd had to clean up originally. Rukia chuckled to herself.

She ploughed on through the paperwork, pleased to find that a great number of the pages before her were just a few signatures here and there, or rules to read up on – rules which she was well versed in– one should expect no less of a Kuchiki, so she managed to finish up in an hour and forty minutes. Ukitake-taicho appeared surprised with her speed at first, before his face morphed into a proud and happy smile.

"Ukitake-taicho, here is the paperwork, finished, and rechecked for errors. I would now like to take leave to visit my brother before I depart to the Living World for the mission."

"Kuchiki fuku-taicho," The sound of being addressed as such sent a small shiver of pride down her spine. "Permission granted. Take care, Kuchiki."

"Hai, arigato Taicho."

With that, Rukia Shun'po'ed to squad six's barracks, feeling her brother's spiritual pressure in his office. She quickly made her way to his office, weaving her way through the barracks.

"Rukia." She stopped mere feet away from her Nii-sama's office and turned to the masculine voice that had called her name.

"Renji. And it's Kuchiki fuku-taicho to you." She grinned.

"Kuchiki fuku – you a lieutenant now? Congrats, Rukia!" He clapped a large hand on her back and smiled widely at Rukia.

"Arigato Renji. How are you?"

"I'm good, yeah. Are you looking for Kuchiki-taicho?"

"Ah. I'm leaving for the World of the Living in just over fifteen minutes, so I would like to speak with him before then. Is he busy?"

"Just the normal paperwork, y'know. What you going to the Living World for? Usual Hollow hunt?" Renji smirked. They promote her to get her to do the lackey's work? And she's gonna do it?

"No, I've been assigned to Karakura town by Yamamato-soutaicho."

"Karakura? Don't Ishida, Inoue and Sado got the Hollows there?" He was careful not to bring up Ichigo's name. Since the war, it was a name rarely used in front of the newly promoted fuku-taicho – most people knew she and Ichigo were close, and didn't feel comfortable talking about him in front Rukia. Especially since Ichigo had lost his shinigami abilities.

Rukia couldn't help but smile at Renji. "Yes. And soon, so will Ichigo."

Her purple eyes sparkled. Renji noted he hadn't seen that much light and life in them since…since Ichigo. He wanted to be the reason she smiled like that. I'll just work harder. I'll prove I'm better than the Berry.

"Ichigo, huh? Don't tell me you're going to give him your powers again?"

"Of course not. His own are returning, I'm to help him in the period of time it takes for them to come back to full strength. I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"Oh."

"Yeah. I'm sorry Renji, but I really need to talk to my brother."

"Ah, of course. Well, catch you later, Rukes."

Renji turned on his heel and walked back down the corridor, deep in thought. She seems happy to go back to him, but what if he doesn't want her there? No… they were like best friends, he'll want her there. What idiot wouldn't want her there? Renji's thoughts spun in circles, before returning to thinking of ways he could win the heart of the girl he grew up with.

Rukia closed the gap between her and the large door to her brother's office. Unlike in the Squad 13 barracks, Nii-sama's office was separate to his fuku-taicho's. Renji was too loud for Byakuya's liking.

She knocked thrice and waited for Byakuya to allow her entry.

"Enter."

Rukia opened the door and bowed to her brother.

"Ohayo, Nii-sama. I hope you are well."

Byakuya stood up to greet his sister. He'd tried to be a better brother to her since the war, but did not know how. He tried to provide with everything she could wish for, but still his efforts seemed in vain. He spied a new ornament on her arm, but waited for her to announce her new position before congratulating her. He knew she had deserved the position for a long time – he was just too concerned for her safety to let her. She's strong, though. She can handle herself. She deserves this much.

"Ohayo, Rukia. I am, thank you. I hope I find you well too."

"Yes, thank you. I have come to speak with you. Could I request a few minutes of your time?"

"Of course, please, sit."

Rukia took the seat the head of the Kuchiki clan indicated, as he took his own.

"Now, what did you wish to converse about?" The elder Kuchiki asked, folding his hands together, resting his elbows on his desk. This was as relaxed as Rukia had ever seen her brother.

"Byakuya nii-sama, I have been promoted to fuku-taicho of squad thirteen."

"Congratulations, Rukia. I am sure you will do your best at the new role entrusted to you." He smiled proudly at her.

"Arigato, nii-sama." Rukia smiled at her brother, pleased that he seemed proud of her. Pleased that he was trying to be like a real big brother should be.

"You're welcome."

"Also, I am leaving for the Living World at 1200 hours. I have come to say goodbye, as I do not know how long I will be gone."

"Arigato. What is your mission there?" He asked.

He sounds…interested…genuinely… "I am to aid the shinigami daiko, Kurosaki Ichigo until his powers return to full strength."

"Kurosaki Ichigo is regaining his powers?"

"Hai, nii-sama."

"I see. Well, I would advise you to be careful; I want my sister back in one piece. I have a few requests, if you don't mind."

"Continue, nii-sama. I will endeavour to do whatever you request of me."

"I would like to issue you with an inter-dimensional phone, much like your old one, but I will be able to contact you from here. I would like to hear your progress in the Living World. Also, I assume you will require some items to make your stay there a little more comfortable. Do not hesitate to contact me, via Urahara – I will speak with him– and I will sort anything you require. Finally, I will be issuing you some Living World money to spend so you do not need to rely on others. Kuchiki's can take care of themselves. We are family, Rukia."

"Arigato, nii-sama. I will accept your requests. I will speak with Urahara once I arrive in Karakura town."

"Very well. Now you should prepare yourself to take leave, you have five minutes to get to the Senkaimon. Kuchiki's are never late Rukia. I expect to hear from you soon."

"Hai, nii-sama. I will call you as soon as I can use my phone to contact you. Thank you for everything," Rukia smiled at her brother. Somehow, it's like he wants to be family. I hope so.

Byakuya smiled to himself as he watched his late wife's little sister take her leave. You make me proud, and Hisana too, I'm sure. I'm not sure how to be a brother to you, Rukia. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, no matter what.

Rukia ran to the gate, determined to be early. She got there with two minutes to spare. The only person at the gate was Yamamoto-Soutaicho.

"Kuchiki fuku-taicho, good luck on your mission. Don't forget the stipulations. I am loathe to the idea of replacing you on this mission, but if you cannot handle it, I'm afraid I'll have to."

"Hai, Soutaicho. I will not let you down. I apologise, but I informed my brother and Abarai fuku-taicho of my mission. I'm sorry."

"Kuchiki fuku-taicho, I expected you to tell them. Kuchiki-taicho was expected to know – he is your brother, and I am aware of your history with Abarai. I shall be informing all captains and lieutenants of your mission in the next meeting anyway, because Kurosaki's powers will almost definitely affect us all."

"Arigato, sir." Rukia responded, bowing.

"Good luck with Kurosaki and the rest of your mission. I expect the first report in three days." The captain-commander turned and walked towards his barracks.

With that the Senkaimon was opened, and Rukia ran with all her might to the end, to the Living World, to Karakura.

To Ichigo.