Disclaimer (Yeah I keep forgetting this) Bleach the Manga, Anime, and Movies are property of their respective copyright owners. I do not own Bleach, nor do I claim to.

A/N- Rukki is Ami's affectionate name for Rukia. Pronounced Ruk-key

The walk into the Kuchiki manor was silent. Takashi did not attempt at conversation or at touching me, though when we went through doors he held them open. We went through the private parts of the estate- specifically the Head of Family private quarters. Takashi was "acting head" as Byakuya was comatose, so his quarters had become the Head of Family area.

All throughout the walk to wherever he was taking me (I guessed his entertaining room) we didn't speak, didn't touch, didn't even look at each other. The only sound was the gentle thump of our feet on the plush carpet, and the occasional swoosh of a door sliding effortlessly open. I tried to distract myself by looking around at the surroundings that I hadn't seen in three years. It was as I remembered it, though seeing it now, my memory filled in the blurred gaps that time had lost.

It was expensive, but retained a modest quality, which was exactly what I expected from Takashi. He, like myself, didn't like things too extravagant like the rest of our families (with the exception of his parents and sister) did.

Just recognizing that we had that in common brought to the surface of how much we had in common. Music, dancing, food, hobbies, ideals, and opinions. An unsettling notion caught my mind. To the outside world, this must look like a perfect match. Wealthy husband, beautiful wife, with plenty in common, and childhood friends. Anyone who thought about it would see it as perfect. When in reality it was lacking the most important factor: mutual love.

My mind continued to dwell on the irony of our situation until I heard a voice speaking and looked around me to see we had arrived in Takashi's entertaining room. I quickly grasped the situation. Rukia had greeted us and welcomed me back to the manor.

"Hey Rukia." I said a little quickly, not knowing how long ago she had spoken. She nodded at me before Ichigo stepped forward to us. The greetings were the traditional ones I usually received. Rukia warmly, Ichigo friendly but a little gruff, and Rikka bubbly and affectionate. After the greetings, we sat down to talk. I didn't pay much attention. I sat on the stuffed sofa next to Takashi, focusing on the shaded lamp in front of me. Occasionally a word or phrase would drift into my mind, but it faded quickly. There were a few attempts to draw me out of my stupor, but I evaded them. I answered questions in brief, clipped sentences and I didn't explain or offer any information.

The time was late when everyone started to get up. I stood up slowly and waited. Ichigo and Rikka left with a quick goodnight, then Rukia turned to me.

"Follow me, Ami" she said. "We'll show you where you're staying." I followed Rukia with Takashi behind me. She led me out of the room, up the hall and around a corner before stopping. "You'll be staying in the Bridal Chamber." She said, then waved a hand to the surrounding rooms. " There are other women here as well"

"Who?" I asked.

"The family's unmarried women. They're here for entertaining purposes." She said with distaste in her voice. I guessed that the Elders were behind the arrangement. I looked around and noticed that there was a woman at almost every door watching us. They were dressed in elaborate kimonos with the traditional silk and bamboo fans spread over the bottom half of their faces. While the fans hid what was most likely a frown of disapproval, they could not hide the hostile glares aimed at me. I balked at the idea of staying in a place surrounded by spying women. I turned to Rukia.

"You can't possibly expect me to stay here." I said.

"I know it's not the best, but the Elders are insistent on this."

"Screw the damn Elders!" I exclaimed. I could feel the eyes widen at my statement. There was no way I was going to stay here surrounded by sheltered "women". "Look at them, Rukki. You know damn well they'll just gossip about some bullshit they make up." My statement was met by shocked gasps that seemed to surround me. I glared at the entire hallway before turning back to Rukia. Takashi spoke before she had the chance.

"Why don't you stay with me?" he asked. Rukia intervened before I could say anything.

"Takashi that's not traditional."

"There's no where else for her to stay. Nothing will happen Mom.

"That can't be guaranteed." She argued. I briefly considered my options. If the only choices I had were stay here or stay with Takashi, I knew the only choice was to stay with him. He, at least, wouldn't try to eavesdrop on me and start some bullshit that everyone would believe…just because they needed something to entertain their confined lives. Takashi was still arguing with his mother. Rukia didn't care much for propriety, but I could tell she wanted people to approve of the marriage. I spoke up as son as there was a breathe of silence.

"It's okay Rukki." I said.

"Ami you know people…"

"It's fine." I said. " I don't think of him in that way anyway." I said, turning away to avoid the concerned look on her face and heading to Takashi's room.

-Authors Note: Hey! Finally an update :P I am really sorry but I've been really busy. I don't know how many of you guys know, but I've got two stories going at once. My Furuba (Fruits Basket) fic (Love Conquers All) got 5 reviews in one day and I was so excited that I just had to sit down and write two more chapters. XD I will be giving this fic more attentionwhile balancing my other fic along with the competitions I have coming up and my new job (YES I have a job after almost a year of looking.) Honestly the best way to keep me updating is to review. It really does keep me motivated and not so "ehh" about it. Subscribing and Favoriting are also appreciated.

And if you have any ideas on how I can improve my writing, flow of words, or overall appeal do let me know :)

I know this was supposed to talk about the letters but that is coming up next chapter.

Also next chapter will be in 3rd POV. That way we don't have to switch them. I know that can get annoying.

Review, Favorite, and Subscribe 8D