Ah, it's all right, I can't draw either. That's why I do so much writing!

Anyway, I'm glad there's no problems with the pairings. I'd still do it anyway, but I also want to respect the readers.

This chapter takes place immediately after Chapter 3, but it's not vital to be fresh on what happened in the last chapter to know what's going on in this one...at least, I don't think so.

Anyway, please enjoy!


That same night…

Rukia went inside. Quietly, she put her dish in the sink, lest Byakuya and Renji hear her and figure out what she was doing. If those two knew she was going hungry at dinner and then sneaking food later, they'd…well…she didn't want to think about it.

She went to look for Renji. She had to find him and tell him everything as soon as possible.

"Renji? Renji?"

No response.

"Renji, answer me!"

No response.

"Where are you, you idiot?"

"He left."

Rukia whirled around. Byakuya was standing there.

"Oh, nii-sama…where's Renji? Did he say where he went, or when he's going to be back?"

"No."

"Oh, damn him…"

"Why the sudden urgency?"

Rukia stiffened. "What urgency? There's no urgency. Is it all right if I know where my husband is?"

He was inwardly flinching when she referred to Renji as her husband, she was sure.

"You were calling for him. Your tone had a sense of urgency."

"Look, it's not a big deal or anything. I was just wondering where he's gone to."

"Where did you go, Rukia? You vanished. You've been vanishing every night. It annoys him. He bangs on the doors and yells looking for you. It's terribly obnoxious. Tonight he even had the nerve to come in my room looking for you. Does he think I hide you in my closet or something?"

"I do apologize, nii-sama…" Renji probably just wanted an excuse to poke around in his room.

"I set him straight, and he got angry and stormed out. It's been quite peaceful since then."

"He loses his temper way too easily…" Rukia muttered. She suddenly remembered who she was in the room with. "But it's not like that's a serious personal flaw or anything. He's short-tempered, but he cares…"

Byakuya didn't say anything.

And you're like a freakin' icecube, but I'm pretty sure that you care, too. Ugh…I wish I knew what he was thinking. But he's completely unreadable. He never shows anything through facial expressions or body language at all. It's times like this I wish I had telepathy.

"Nii-sama…you really can't stand him at all, can you?"

Byakuya didn't reply. Rukia took that for a "Hell, yes!"

"But since you hate him, it doesn't matter what happens this month, does it? No matter what happens, you'll say our love isn't for real, won't you?"

This time, he did say something.

"Even I cannot hide my extreme disdain for him. However…when I found out that you had wedded Renji against my wishes, I behaved in an unsightly manner in losing control over my emotions and telling you never to come before me again. Upon reconsideration, I realized that Renji is not the only one involved here. The other person to consider is you. You cared for him enough to choose him over me. And so I suspected that your feelings might be genuine. As much as I dislike your choice of a husband, I am willing to give your feelings some consideration in this matter…and as the head of the family, I will give my approval to this match, if it makes you happy. But I won't give my blessing freely. You two must prove to me that you deserve it."

"Nii-sama…you…feel like I chose Renji over you…?" She walked over to him. "Nii-sama, I…I'm so sorry that I would make you think that…that's not the case at all…" She looked up at him. "No, nii-sama, I knew it would upset you, and that pained me terribly. Up until you came here…I mean, I'm glad to be with Renji and everything, but…I was sad. I thought you hated me. I really did. I didn't consider your feelings either, nii-sama. I'm sorry."

I never realized just how deeply I'd hurt you.

There was an awkward silence.

Ok…we just went through some sibling bonding…um, what do I do now? He's just standing there with that impassive face…does he feel awkward, too?

"You shouldn't fret over him. He'll come back once his temper has cooled", said Byakuya.

"Yeah, I know…" This is totally awkward.

"Rukia."

"Huh?"

"Don't tell Renji the true purpose of my visit."

"Huh? What…what makes you think I was going to?"

"Don't tell him. If you do, then I will never be able to trust the sincerity of anything he says or does from this point on."

"…I understand, nii-sama."


...and that's a wrap! This was a really big sort of bonding chapter, but for those of you who miss Renji, no worries. He'll be back next chapter.