Why hello, everyone! Long time no see, huh? Ah, life. Full of busy distractions.

As always for, thank you for the reviews! They make my heart swell. :)

I usually have a lot to say, but I find myself at a loss for words. Lucky you :P I tend to go on and on, but this time you get off without any hold-ups, so hooray for speechless authors!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. There. I admitted it.

Chapter 7

Rukia rushed to the training field, her redheaded companion on her heels. She could already sense that familiar overflowing reiatsu though they were still a good distance away. Rukia reveled in the energy that surged through her; the feeling of a thunderstorm, wind and lightening with the rumble of thunder underneath, was the closest description the dark-haired Shinigami could give for the distinctive reiatsu.

Yep. It was definitely Ichigo.

And Inoue as well, she'd bet, sensing another calmer presence within that stormy energy. Rukia quickened her step in anticipation.

Skidding to a halt at the edge of the practice field, Rukia found her two friends quickly. How could she not? Ichigo's bright hair stood out everywhere he went. The Soul Society was no exception to that rule. Orihime stood next to him, deep in conversation with the man.

"Ichigo!" she called, watching as he turned towards the sound of his name. He raised his head in her direction, his hands finding the pockets of his jeans and a smile gracing his features. Renji chuckled behind her, coming to stop next to the shorter woman. "He certainly has grown up some since we last saw him. Orihime too," he noted, his head indicating the humans across the field as he spoke. Rukia nodded in agreement to the observation, turning to look at the taller Shinigami.

"Well let's go greet them," she said, the gleam in her eyes promising trouble. Renji opened his mouth to respond, but any words he uttered were lost as she turned and raced towards the visitors.

Ichigo watched as she ran, a genuine smile stretching across his lips as she approached. Renji was correct; he had gotten taller, his hair had grown longer and his muscles had become more defined. His older age suited him, she thought, though no doubt the muscle build had been partially due from hunting hollows and not just the passing of time. She realized just how much she had missed the younger man whom she had come to view as almost a brother. They had not spoken since the end of the War, both carrying on with their own lives. Rukia had not been assigned to the human world since and Ichigo had been busy with trying to have a normal life and serving as part time Shinigami. Rukia could feel the happiness spreading through her at the sight of her friends. She needed this reunion, now more than ever. It would be a welcome change. Planting a foot on the ground in front of her, she sprung off the ground in a leap towards the man.

And promptly kicked him in the face.

Ichigo jumped back, a yelp escaping the man at the sharp pain in his nose from the contact. Groaning and gripping his face, the younger man glowered at Rukia. "What was that for?" he bellowed, arms flailing in anger.

Rukia set her shoulders straight and rested her fists on her hips, an eyebrow raised in accusation. "A year. A whole year, and not one visit? You could have called or something." Renji stopped just behind her, stifling a laugh at the feisty noble's greeting. He knew this was going to be an interesting reunion. Orihime just smiled, allowing the old friends their time to reconnect.

"Like hell I could have. You can't just call the Soul Society. It's not like a regular phone can reach the freakin' afterlife," he protested, a string of curses slipping from his lips as he felt his nose for permanent damage. Only after assessing the damage, satisfied that his nose was indeed still attached, did his hand leave his face. A red welt had already risen across the skin.

"Well, Urahara has access. You could have asked him, idiot."

Ichigo groaned in frustration, tired of the criticism, even if it was playful. His face suddenly twisted into a snarl. "No, I didn't know that was possible…Well how was I supposed to know that, you stupid hollow?" Ichigo continued his inner argument as Rukia laughed.

"I see Shiro is doing just fine," Renji commented, chuckling as the orange-headed man continued his ranting.

Orihime, who was silently watching, laughed as she nodded. "Yes, he's gotten much better with following Ichigo's wishes, but they bicker quite often." She didn't seem fazed by the chatter in the background, smiling knowingly at the Shinigami. They had all seen Ichigo's inner hollow, Hichigo Shirosaki, or Shiro as they had come to call him; they knew that he gave his power to the young man in times of need. After a shaky start, when control was passed back and forth between Ichigo and Shiro, they seemed to come to an understanding at last.

Rukia turned towards Orihime with a broad smile. "Hello, Orihime. It is good to see you."

"Hi Rukia," the younger woman said, returning the smile with a small wave. She stepped forward with little hesitation and engulfed the noble in a hug, her yellow dress ruffling at the swift moment. The two struck up an easy conversation quickly, ignoring the muttering of Ichigo in the background.

"How's it going Ichi?" came the easy-going greeting from Renji. Ichigo glances up at the taller Shinigami, nodding his greeting.

"Not bad, Renji. You?"

"I've been better," Renji replied, a humorless laugh accompanying the answer. Rukia could see the flash of concern in Ichigo's expression before it was taken over by a very familiar look of protection and determination. He was still the same Ichigo, despite the year that had passed. He glanced back at Rukia, examining her with a look that made her feel as if he could see every detail of her heart. After a moment of scrutinizing her appearance, he spoke up.

"You haven't been sleeping well, have you? You look tired Rukia. What's going on?"

"You don't know?"

"Nope," he answered, giving a shrug. "We got here and they sent us to the fields, telling us we'd be briefed on the situation later. Do you know what's happened?"

Rukia sighed, cursing the Gotei 13 for not informing the orange-haired man of the events. Of course they had left the man out of the loop, leaving it up to her and Renji to tell him and Orihime what had happened. She was getting sick of explaining it to everyone. Though she knew the dreams were a key part to stopping this threat against the Soul Society, they were still her dreams, her personal nightmares. The subject was extremely personal to her, and giving out that information made the dark-haired woman feel very vulnerable, very weak. Glancing away, she steadied her nerves. Ichigo needed to know the details. She had to suck it up.

Renji, seeing the hesitation in his childhood friend, cleared his throat. "She's been having some nightmares that we think could be premonitions dealing with some recent attacks. Someone's been running around causing havoc with a kidou type white zanpakuto, attacking Yumi and Komamura within the past two days. All we really know is he attacks people who are alone, disarms them somehow and then traps them in something that deals with fear. We've got a description of the guy. Lanky, regular uniform with no Division, gray scarf. It's not much to go on, but it's a start." As he finished the recount, he glanced at Rukia as if seeking approval of the answer. Grateful that he had answered for her and spared her the task of recounting her dreams, she nodded, giving him a small yet genuine smile. He flashed his own grin back before focusing once more on the visored.

Ichigo nodded, stoking his chin in though. "So why am I here?"

"Reinforcements," Renji answered with a casual shrug, before adding "We thought you would be a good asset to have, considering our depleted forces and the fact that you are damn hard to kill." The crimson-haired man laughed at his own joke, a hardy sound that rumbled from his chest. Ichigo chuckled as well, shaking his head at the comment. It was true, after all. Ichigo had an uncanny ability to survive whatever was thrown at him.

"Well, I don't plan on testing my luck if I can help it," Ichigo laughed. "Let's just make sure the bastard doesn't do any more damage." His arm went to rest around the shoulders of Orihime, pulling the girl closer with a practiced ease. Renji's eyes widened, taking in the sight with curiosity. Orihime blushed at the movement, but gave in to the touch anyways. Rukia smiled at the gesture as realization dawned on her face.

"Well, it's about time you two got together," Renji exclaimed, hands swinging out in excitement. Orihime blushed even worse, a small hand coming up to cover her eyes as Ichigo just beamed. Rukia mentally noted that the boy had gotten much more comfortable with showing his affection to the girl. It wasn't too long ago that she could remember him cringing at the very mention of love, and now hre he was, unashamed in his relationship. It was heart-warming, really, if reminding of Rukia of how much time had actually passed since seeing these two. "When did you come to your senses, Ichi?"

"A few weeks after we beat Aizen," Ichigo answered happily, giving the girl a reassuring squeeze. She laughed lightly, looking up at him.

"I had to practically spell it out for him," she teased, earning an eye roll from the man in question and a barking laugh from Renji. So Ichigo wasn't the only one who had grown more comfortable. Orihime had grown too.

"That's Kurosaki for ya," Renji snorted. The orange-haired man glared at him, nudging him in the ribs with an elbow but unable to keep the small smile off of his lips.

"We can catch you up on it later," Ichigo promised, smiling down at Orihime before releasing her from his grip and looking back to Rukia with an anticipating grin. "We came all this way here. We might as well get a training session in."

Without any further delay, the group began.

X

Byakuya watched the group from a distance, observing the fluid movements of each member of the group. He could not help but notice the synchronization of it all, like four dancers performing an intricate routine. Each of the four had a specific role in the dance, no one part more important than the other though all necessary.

The human girl, Inoue, played healer and shield. Though she did not possess the strong fighting skills of her companions, her role was crucial in any victory. She guarded the group from attacks when she could and healed them back to health when needed. She grounded the impulsive nature of the group, making them act with precision and care.

Kurosaki serves as the determination and persistence. For all of his flaws, the boy never gave up. Though he had been annoyed by his hard-headedness at first, it was something Byakuya himself admired and respected in the visored. The orange-haired boy would take everything that was thrown at him, be knocked off of his feet and half dead and he would still get back up. He did whatever it takes, much like the man he resembled, Kaien Shiba. The late Lieutenant had the same drive, the same heart as Kurosaki. It was essential in any fight.

His own Lieutenant brought the strength and technique to the mix. His power was amongst the highest of the Soul Society, only outshined by some of the Captains and Ichigo. Though where Ichigo lacked in training, Renji picked up the slack. His strategy was beyond compare; he was a natural born leader, one who could see the potential of an enemy and calculate the best way to defeat him. The years of training new recruits in the Sixth Division had left the man with superb battle skills and intelligence. He was flawless with his strikes. Mind, body and soul worked with the zanpakuto in his hands to deliver perfect and precise attacks. He had always had passion in his fighting, and though he had gained more control over the fiery spirit within him, he still used it to fuel his actions. Abarai was a force to be reckoned with.

And that brought him to Rukia.

Rukia was the control of the entire operation. She was the guide, the one who pointed their swords and centered their movements. Her direction, a lot of the times given while she herself acted in defense, was fluid and quick. She had an authority about her that made people listen, and now was no different. Given the beauty of her technique, the woman who so resembled his late wife was fascinating to watch.

They all worked together seamlessly, as if they had practiced every movement until they could do it in their sleep. And at this point, the head of the Kuchiki clan believed they could just about perform it unconsciously. Intrigued by the mock battle, he continued his observations, oblivious to the presence that had appeared to his right.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Byakuya tensed, but quickly relaxed, refusing to show any signs of being startled. Byakuya Kuchiki didn't get startled. He glanced over at Jyuushiro, slightly irritated at the interruption of his thoughts. The other captain smiled back in friendly greeting before focusing on the training session set before them. After a particularly crafty move from Rukia, dodging a heavy strike from Ichigo, he spoke again. "My, our Rukia has gotten stronger."

A scoff left Byakuya, his eyes cutting to the other man. "I do not remember Rukia taking on the Ukitake name," he said with a slight edge. Despite knowing that jealousy was a waste of time, especially for a noble, he did hate that the man knew his sister so well. Rukia had always been reserved, but there were a handful of people that she opened up to, Jyuushiro included. She and her captain had always had a unique relationship, even when she was just starting out in the Thirteenth Division. His own relationship with Rukia was strong, having grown after her almost execution, but he couldn't help but feel jealous at the connection his comrade had with her. She turned to him for advice on many things.

Jyuushiro laughed lightly, not taking any offense to the comment. If rolling with the punches was an art, Jyuushiro was a master. "You are correct, my friend. I do not mean to offend. I simply meant to point out her progression as a Shinigami." Byakuya chose not to comment. After all, the proof of Rukia's progression was in front of them. He had done his best to keep her in a lower seat, selfishly trying to keep her from meeting the same fate as so many before her. Seeing her now in action, he knew it had been the best to grant her the office of Lieutenant. She was remarkable.

"How is she taking the developments in the attacks?" Jyuushiro asked, focusing once more on the group.

"As well as anyone would I suppose," Byakuya answered after a moment. He hadn't talked to his sister about her feelings on the latest attack. No doubt she was worried, but true to the Kuchiki name, she remained composed.

"Your Lieutenant seemed to be taking it hard at the meeting…" The hesitation in Jyuushiro's tone was evident. Everyone knew of Byakuya's feelings towards the relationship between Renji and Rukia. He preferred not to know anything about it, but rather pretend it did not exist at the level it did. Yet, the very public display in the meeting had not gone unnoticed by the dark-haired noble, nor by Rukia's superior.

"Yes, his emotional standing on the matter was apparent," came the sharp reply. He had been irritated with the show of affection at the time, and the annoyance hung in his words.

The white-haired captain chuckled, earning a look of bewilderment from the other man. "Byakuya, you must learn to accept that others are just as fiercely protective of Rukia as you. Otherwise, you will drive yourself insane." He left it at that, taking one last look at the mock battle in the field before nodding to the noble in farewell. Byakuya watched him walk away, telling himself that arguing would do him no good. He knew Rukia had a long list of friends, all willing to protect her. He could say that he was the only one who could save his sister, but it would be a blatant lie.

Watching her laugh as the training session came to an end, Byakuya let out a heavy sigh. Though she had grown, he still hoped she would come to him for guidance and support, like a sister should with a brother. Blood related or not, he cherished their relationship. He liked to think she still needed him in her life.

As he still needed her.

X

"I still can't get over the fact that Ichigo and Orihime are finally together!"

Renji laughed at the exclamation from the dark-haired woman as they walked. It had been the third or fourth time she had said those words that night, whether out of actual shock or from the alcohol coursing through her veins. They had just left the local Raman joint that many of the Shinigami frequented in the evenings, having enjoyed a dinner and drinks with the couple in question. They had listened to the stories and answers given to the questions the two Lieutenants had asked and still the smaller woman was flabbergasted.

"I doubt they believe it either," he joked, hands going to rest behind his head comfortably as he reveled in the warm feeling sake gave him, "But I'm glad they finally came to their senses."

Rukia turned to look at him in that moment, the moonlight hitting her features just right to catch that gleam of a smile. Renji was once again struck by just how beautiful she was. He knew it was probably the sake in him, but he swore that with that simple smile his heart was soaring.

"Took them long enough," she giggled, the sake taking its own effect on her. She had had her share of glasses if her pink-tinged cheeks and staggered walk was evidence enough. The woman never could hold her alcohol. "You know, I always thought they were perfect for each other. It was frustrating, watching them. I mean come on! Could they really have been that blind?"

Oh, the irony. "Some people are just good at hiding their feelings, I guess." The comment came out quieter than usual, the redhead swept away in his own unspoken feelings. He looked away from the smaller woman, knowing she was staring with a questioning gaze at his words.

"Yeah," she finally said, "I guess you're right."

Renji hadn't realized where they were walking until they came across the pond. Taking in his surroundings, he laughed, though he was unsure of what was funny. "Did you know we were coming here?"

Rukia chuckled as well as she sat beside the pond that surrounded the Ugendou Quarters. "Not at first. But I sometimes come here with Jyuushiro. It's rather peaceful. Nii-sama hates it here though, considering most of these Koi fish were stolen from his pond at the Manor by Yachiru." The mention of Kenpachi's pink-haired Lieutenant made the noble burst into a fit of laughter. Renji plopped down next to her on the grass, staring out at the fish swimming beneath the water.

"I can hear ole Byakuya now," he laughed, turning towards Rukia and pulling his lips into a thin line as he spoke in the most noble-esque voice he could manage in his current state, "Those Koi are property of the Kuchiki family and I will not stand for watching them swim elsewhere."

The imitation was horrible, but Rukia bellowed her laugh anyways, holding her sides as tears sprung to her eyes. "You are terrible," she teased, pushing his shoulder gently.

"And yet you still hang out with me," the redhead pointed out.

"Of course," she said with a gesture to the surroundings. "Who else would come out here with me after drinking Kurosaki under the table?"

The thought of the condition Ichigo had left in started the laughter again. The poor boy would have a hell of a hangover, practically draped over Orihime, who had thankfully not had as much sake as the rest of them, as she half-walked half-carried him to the quarters they were provided.

"Poor Orihime had to drag his ass home."

Rukia's soft laughter was the only response as both looked out over the water, watching the moon on the clear surface of the pond. In the silence, Renji's mind went back to the couple in question. They were obviously smitten with one another, sharing loving looks and tender touches the entire evening. A part of Renji was jealous of the orange-haired man. Watching his smile grow and the easy way he showed his affection made Renji long to share in that happiness with the woman who sat next to him. Yet he couldn't enjoy that kind of connection with Rukia. She was oblivious to the effect she had on him, and he wasn't about to ruin everything he had worked so hard to gain back. Yet, he could not help but wonder what if…

"You know," he began, earning Rukia's attention once more, "a lot of people thought you and Ichigo would have gotten together." One of those people being Renji. At first, it had seemed there was something between the two, but he was pleasantly surprised when nothing came of it. He liked Ichigo, but it would have killed him if Rukia had chosen to be by his side. He would have never stood in her way if it would make her happy, but he would be lying if he said he wouldn't be hurt by the pairing.

Out of all the responses Renji had expected, he did not expect laughter. "Oh please. You're kidding right?" she asked with an incredulous tone.

"No, I'm serious," he responded, a little unsettled. He suddenly wished he would have kept silent and enjoyed the scenery.

"Well, it would have never worked, even if we had felt anything other than friendship." She shook her head, still laughing to herself. "I've never seen Ichigo as anything more than a brother. We are close, yes, but it is purely platonic."

The relief that swept through Renji was instant. He had always wondered about the relationship between the two but had never had the guts to ask, fearing he would have to hear of the love she held for him. Now that he knew the actual feelings of the dark-haired noble, he found himself at ease.

He didn't trust his voice, so he only nodded, looking back out over the water.

"What about you?" she asked, eyes peering at him through the dark. He raised an eyebrow, unsure of the girl's question.

"What about me?"

"You know? You and Momo?"

"Momo?" the man repeated, his mind slightly fuzzy. It was getting hard to focus. Never a good sign. "Don't get me wrong, the girl is a great friend. But I've never liked her in that way," he answered, a chuckle being pulled from him. He and Momo had gotten close when Rukia joined the Kuchiki family, but she had always had her eye on another, much like himself. And now that she and a certain child-prodigy Captain with an ice-type zanpakuto had caught each others' eye, he couldn't be happier for her.

"Oh," was the only answer before they fell into a comfortable silence.

Despite his diverted attention, Renji could feel Rukia scoot closer to him, coming to rest her head on his leg. Renji jumped at the contact, looking down at the woman in confusion. She ignored it, looking at the reflection of the moon on the pond instead of at him. In that moment, he had never wanted to kiss her more. To let his lips press against her, to revel in the taste of her and only her…he knew the alcohol was giving him the courage to do it, but damn if his body wouldn't listen to him. Instead, he was frozen in place, left to simply watch her.

"Remember how we use to sit like this as children?" she asked, her voice softer. She was tired, the sleep creeping into her words and mixing with her intoxicated mentality. "We'd stay in this position for hours and just talk. Talk about life, our goals, our failures…everything and anything that crossed our mind."

She took a deep breath, her raven hair falling into her eyes with the movement. Renji remained still, afraid that if he moved even the slightest bit she would leave. Instead he focused on keeping his breathing steady, listening as she continued. She was drunk, rambling about the past and things they could never alter. He doubted she even realized what she was saying, but still he found himself drawn to her words like a moth to a flame.

"I miss those days sometimes," she said with the slightest of smiles touching her lips. "Not the hardships, not the starvation or the poverty, but I miss how close we were. For years after the academy, we barely even spoke. Not since that day, when I was approached by the Kuchiki family. Not since…" her voice broke off, her eyes clouded suddenly as she was lost in thought. She blinked heavily before continuing. "And now that we are friends again, I can't help but compare it to the way we were before. Something is missing. We never did gain it all back." She turned towards Renji, her eyes shining with sadness and memories of a simpler time. In the softest of touches, she reached up and let her fingers run across the tanned skin of his cheek, causing Renji to suck in a soft breath. "What happened to us Renji? Why did everything change?"

Renji was too stunned to move. His mind screamed at him to confess everything to her, to tell her it was his fault they had lost their bond but that he was willing to breathe life into it once more, to make it stronger than they ever dreamed it could be if only she would agree to be his and his alone. He was having trouble focusing on anything but the lazy circles her delicate fingers were drawing on his skin. He didn't realize he was holding his breath until he felt the burn of needed air in his lungs. Gasping, he took a shaky breath and tried to answer, the words a whisper.

"We grew apart, Rukia." He bit his tongue when the words "because I let us" filtered through his mind.

"But why?" she insisted he answered, the alcohol and sleep deprivation taking its toll as she retracted her hand. "Why did I have to give up our friendship for a new family? I had you for my family and then it was gone. Why did I have to give up one for the other?" She was fading fast, her eyelids drooping ever so slightly to cover those brilliant violet eyes. If he didn't answer her soon, he feared he would not get another chance such as this. It was almost too good to be true. But what would she do if he confessed his love for her? She was a noble now, and he was still a stray. She could not give that up for him. She would forever be beyond his reach.

But maybe…

With a glance at the pond once more, unable to say what needed to be said while looking at her questioning gaze, he sighed.

"Because I let you go," he whispered, the words falling from his lips before he could talk himself out of it. "Because I had to let you go. I let you take on the Kuchiki name and told myself I would let you live a better life without me in it, because I was only holding you down. But…I should have never let you walk away, Rukia. I'm so sorry that I did nothing to keep you with me. But I can change that," he said with rising determination. He could do this. He could make her his. "I can-"

His words trailed off as he looked back at the dark-haired Shinigami, fast asleep in his lap. With a breaking heart he realized she hadn't heard anything he had said and if she had she probably wouldn't remember it, too submerged in the drinking of the evening. He had gotten caught in the moment, forgetting that a belly full of sake was the only reason she had spoken in the first place. He too would probably forget the event once his head hit the pillow considering the amount he had consumed, though it pained him to think it would slip from his mind. But he had no control over that at the moment. Forget it or not, he had prepared to pour out his soul to the woman he loves only for her to fall asleep before he could. The irony was stifling. Once again he was left to bark at the stars without a reply.

For a moment, he remained there, enjoying the slight weight she gave to his body. A shaky hand dragged lazily through the ebony hair, loving the silken texture against the rough skin of his fingers as he recalled the feeling of her hand on his cheek. If he hadn't still felt the tingle of that touch he would have thought he imagined it. But her touch lingered, burning underneath his skin.

Standing with a heavy sigh, he pulled the woman into his arms, pressing a chaste kiss to her temple before tucking her head into the crook of his neck as he walked. He'd do what he had always done. He would take care of her. He would take her to her room, tuck her into the sheets that probably cost more than a year's worth of his salary, and leave like the good friend he was. Because that was the role he played. A good friend. No matter how much he wished for more, it seems fate had other plans.

I can only hope, he thought to himself as he carried the unconscious girl towards the Kuchiki manor, the thoughts clouded in his intoxication, that I will have another opportunity to make her mine.

But that, Renji accepted with a heavy heart, was for another night.

Oh Renji. I'm so mean to you.

But it will be worth it! I'm not completely heartless...or am I? MWAHAHAHAHA! (I bet I didn't fool anyone there :P haha)

Anywho, reviews, please and thank you!

Much love,

Meg