Sorry for the long delay in updating. For your patience I wrote an extra long chapter. Again I apologies for the bad grammar and spelling. ^^;

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters, Tite Kubo does. I am simply writing this for my own amusement.

Chapter 7 What Holidays Should Be Like

Rukia gazed across the water to the falls. She watched mesmerized as the sun caught the dancing droplets and set them ablaze with brilliance. Sighing softly she quickly swallowed the remainder of her bite of apple and threw the core into the water, watching as it floated away.

Finally looking up she spotted Byakuya sitting by the campfire. In the early light of morning, all that remained of last nights blaze was a scattering of ash and burnt wood. Byakuya sat stiffly, with his back ramrod straight, as he always sat, and stared off into the woods. She couldn't help but look at his pony tail. He seemed so different with his hair up. Less stern and perhaps a bit younger, not that he was old or anything… but perhaps a bit more youthful. Shaking her head slightly she felt guilt begin to well up inside her. It was all her fault that his hair had been damaged… if she would have done like he asked and they would have went back yesterday, none of that would have happened…

Glancing down Rukia spotted the small knife, his knife, that she had been using to eat with. She stared at it for a few moments before and idea struck her. Picking it up she tested its sharpness and winced when it cut her thumb, yes it was definitely sharp enough…

Byakuya looked up as he heard Rukia approach. Swallowing the last of his meal he quickly stood. Brushing his hands off he watched as Rukia approached him. He cocked his head to the side. Was it just him or was she hiding something, and didn't she look a bit nervous? She opened her mouth but he quickly cut her off.

"Rukia, I apologies for my unusual outburst this morning. It was very unlike me and honestly I don't know what came over me."

She blinked. What outburst?

He continued. "I am not afraid to admit that I take my hair very seriously and when I found out what that creature had done to it… I just snapped I guess."

Oh, right the hair thing, Rukia mentally slapped herself. Fingering the knife behind her back she took a deep breath and began.

"Um, yes, well about your hair… I feel really bad about it…. it is my fault after all that it happened… so I thought that maybe… if you'd let me… I mean I can't make it look worse right? Um, no I didn't mean it like that… it doesn't look that bad now… I just…"

Byakuya titled his head the other way, a slight smile threatening to slip out.

"Rukia, whatever it is you want to tell me then tell me. I won't bit your head off."

"Um well… I thought that maybe I could try and give your hair a trim… I saw this magazine in the human world and I saw this haircut that I think would look good on you." She blushed slightly at this point. "I mean I can't make it look any worse can I? And I really think I can make it work."

Byakuya's eyes widened slightly. Her cut his hair?! It was a think unheard off, no noble would ever have his hair cut by someone that wasn't a professional. Then again… she was right it couldn't really get any worse…

"How would you go about doing it? You have no scissors."

"I have a knife." she said quietly, "that was all I needed when I cut my own hair when I lived in the Rukongai district."

His eyes widened, and he felt a pang of sympathy.

"Alright," he said softly. "You can give it a try."

She looked up, her eyes sparking.

"But first let me show you an easier way," and he reached deep within his robes and produced another matching knife. Moving around he gently put his arms around her. Taking her small hands in his he gently placed the other knife in her hand, so she was now holding two in one hand. Moving his fingers he positioned them so one knife sat on top of the other. Shifting closer he moved one of her fingers between the hilts. Rukia glanced to the side and felt her face warm. His own was right beside her, his chin practically resting on her shoulder with their cheeks barely an inch apart.

"Hold them like this," his deep voice rumbled and she quickly looked down to her hands. Her eyes widened with recognition as she realized what he was doing. Holding both knives in that way and moving them caused them to look just like a pair of scissors.

"When you cut," he said, "make sure to hold the blades close together and slight at an angle, they will cut better then."

He removed himself from her person, standing up and stretching slightly.

"Where would be the best place?"

"Umm… oh, the rock!" she exclaimed and hurried off.

Byakuya did smile this time, generally pleased to see her so happy and full of life… he sighed, now if only that would last, for he knew the next while would be the most difficult of her life… Shaking those negative thoughts from his mind he moved over to the rock and sat down.

"Ok, sit facing the forest."

He did so. Sitting in front of him she gently tugged the bandana from his forehead wincing at the loose ends that stuck out. Sitting up on her knees she reached up and gently pulled the tie from his hair, trying her best to not blush all the while. Moving away a bit she watched as his hair fell back down. Glancing down a bit she almost sighed in relief when she saw that he sat with his eyes closed. She couldn't help the blushes when he looked at her with those deep intense eyes, so the fact that he had them closed, was a great relief.

Moving around to his side she gently put her hand on his shoulder.

"Lean back, I have to wet you hair."

He did so with no comment and she quickly dipped her hand in the cool stream and splashed some on his black locks.

Telling him to sit up she gingerly took both knives in her hands and arranged them as he had shown her. Taking a deep breath she reached up and began.

It took a little while but finally Rukia had gotten the hang of using both knives. She took her time, carefully snipping and moving. She lost track of how many circles she made around him, and all the while the strands of black hair on the rock increased. The whole time Byakuya didn't move an inch, he didn't even twitch as she worked on the short hairs at his forehead. Like before, his back was perfectly straight, his shoulders perfectly squared, and his face perfectly emotionless. To Rukia she might have been cutting the hair on a plastic manikin like the ones she had seen on earth. She smiled at the memory of it. She had had dragged a very annoyed Ichigo into a store, to examine the 'fake people'. She couldn't help but giggle a bit when she remembered his expression. Sighing softly as the memories continued, she continued to move the knifes with practiced ease.

As the morning went by and noon approached Byakuya became more and more agitated. Of course he didn't show it. He didn't so much as twitch, but it was getting harder and harder to do so. For one thing he was really starting to get nervous. Never had a hair cut taken this long… and at one point the had even heard her giggling. Gods, what was she doing to his hair? Then another thing, and one that was quickly becoming to worst, was that he had to go to the bathroom… bad. It took all his self discipline to not squirm.

Finally after what seemed like ages Byakuya heard that magic word, that word that he had been praying to hear for the last half hour.

"Done!"

His eyes snapped open and in a mad dash he took off into the woods as fast as his stiff legs would allow.

Rukia just sat on the rock, her eyes wide, stunned, before breaking into a grin.


"Well what do you think?"

"…."

"Its not that bad"

"…"

"Come on, I worked hard on it, and it turned out just like I had hoped."

Byakuya sat on his haunches and stared at his reflection in the stream. The water wasn't a perfect mirror but he could see enough.

Sitting up he glanced over to her. Rukia had an happy look on her face and seemed pleased with herself.

"And you really planned for it to look this way from the beginning?" he asked.

"Yep, it's the latest style, and I think it suits you."

She practically sparkled.

Byakuya sighed and looked back at his reflection. Truth be told it wasn't that bad… it did look much better then the rabbit bitten mess, but the style was just so unlike him. Rukia had tapered it.

Before his hair use to be relatively all the same length now only the under layer was long. Now he counted three different lengths. The shortest stuck right up on the top, but was still long enough to bend down at the ends. The next layer ended just below his ears and the last layer was where all his hair had been at yesterday. The second end even flared outwards a bit at the end showing the different lengths even more. His bangs were cut shorter at an angle. The shortest being over his face and the longest covering his ears. She had however left a lock of long hair in the front, just to the left of his left eye that hung down to match the longer hair in the back. He wouldn't be able to wear his Kenseikan until it grew out again.

"Just think what everyone else will say when we get back!"

His eyes widened and he almost moaned out loud.

"You don't like it do you?" came her quiet voice after she saw the look on his face.

He looked up seeing her chest fallen look, "Its not that I don't like it… its just different that's all. You did a good job though, and I thank you." He watched with relief as her face brightened.

"Well now, that lunch is over what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" she asked.

"Its your day, you decide."

"Um… well I haven't really thought of anything yet… what do you want to do?"

He raised an eyebrow, and paused for a moment thinking.

"Lay down," he finally said.

"What?" she asked surprised.

"Trust me," he replied. "You did something for me, now its my turn to repay the favor"

She finally did so, stretching out on the soft green grass.

"Roll over and remove your haori."

She looked up at him, her eyes widening.

"Relax Rukia, I'm just going to give you a massage"

Her mouth formed an o, and she turned her back.

Byakuya cracked his knuckles and flexed his fingers. It had been over fifty years since he had given his last massage. He had always given them to Hisana, they seemed to ease her discomfort when she was sick, or ease the pain, especially when she was at her time of the month. Byakuya felt slightly uneasy though, as he had only ever let this certain skill of his to be used on his wife. He felt slightly unsure if he was ready to do it again. It was symbolic and he knew it.

He couldn't help it, his eyes widened at seeing the smooth flawless skin on her back, as the fabric left it. Gods she looks so much like her… Shaking his head he moved over to her form which now lay in the grass. The fabric from her haori lay bunched up under her, hiding what he wasn't supposed to see.

Straddling her he hesitated for a moment before gently laying his warm hands on her shoulders.

"Do you know what your doing?" came her voice and she turned her head trying to look up at him.

"Of course," was his simple reply.

He began gently kneading her shoulders and neck with his fingers. She was stiff under him but as soon as he began her body went slack. It took a bit of time, but very soon it was all coming back to him. It was as if he had just given one yesterday. Moving from her neck he worked his fingers and hands down her back. Hitting a certain spot he heard her moan and felt her back arch, glancing behind, he wasn't surprised to see her toes curing up in pleasure. Hisana had done the exact same thing. He continued working down her spine.

"How did you learn this?" she asked.

"Practice. I used to give Hisana massages fairly often. They helped ease her discomfort."

There was silence for a few moments before Rukia spoke again. "Was she sick often?"

"Occasionally," he replied quietly.

"What was my sister like?"

Byakuya hesitated, he really wasn't sure if he felt comfortable talking about this just yet. But she was true, Hisana was her sister, she had been her only family, and Byakuya felt like a real heal if he denied her information on her own sister…

"She was a very kind person. She cared for everyone, and didn't hold any grudges against anyone. I was in love with her the moment I met her. As for the idea of marriage, that took a bit of convincing on her part. But after a year had passed we finally exchanged vows on the first of spring. I had insisted on later after the garden was in full bloom, but she had wanted the first. It was more symbolic then anything really.

"One month later she was sick for the first time. She was bed ridden for two weeks. It was that time, when she would be laying beside me in the dark moaning in pain, that I finally began giving her massages. Right away they seemed to help. She would quiet and fall into a deep sleep. It was the sleep really that helped her recover. During our years of marriage she became severely sick nine more times. The last time was the worst…"

Rukia squirmed uncomfortably. "I'm sorry," she whispered finally.

Byakuya didn't reply but his fingers continued their way across her skin.

The silence continued and Rukia became more and more uncomfortable, even the feeling of his slender fingers on her flesh wasn't enough of a distraction. She could feel no pleasure when he was like this.

Finally he spoke again. "Don't feel uncomfortable, Rukia. After Hisana's death I knew in my heart that I would not be able to love again, you have taught me differently."

She closed her eyes feeing the stress wane at his words. Feeling him shift she suddenly felt his hair brush her back. That was followed by his lips as he gently pressed a tender kiss to her back between her shoulder blades.


To Rukia the massage ended all to soon. Just as she was really beginning to enjoy it again she felt his weight leave her. Pressing the fabric to her chest she rolled over and sat up. Turning her back she quickly put her haori back on. She felt amazing. The lingering sensation of his fingers working her muscles left her refreshed and reeling like a million bucks.

"How was it?" he asked.

"Amazing!"

He smiled softly, glad she had enjoyed herself.

"There are a couple hours remaining before I have to get dinner ready, so what would you like to do?"

"RUKIA!!!"

The answer to her question was suddenly answered as the familiar voice of her red headed friend echoed through the forest.

Byakuya inwardly groaned, and Rukia sweat dropped. She glanced up at Byakuya.

"Renji, we're here!"

"I guess I'll have to scrounge up dinner for three," Bykauya said quietly and he moved off towards the river.

Rukia grunted, rather surprising herself as she felt her anger rise. How dare that idiot redhead stick his nose in and ruin her vacation!

That very same read head appeared a few moments later. Bursting through the trees, his wild hair just a swaying, he spotted Rukia and rushed over to her wrapping her in a huge bear hug.

"I finally found you Rukia! You have no idea what I've went through to do so!"

"Is that so?" came Byakuya's quiet voice.

Renji let go of Rukia and stood straight. "Captain, I….WHOA, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOUR HAIR!!!???"

"What are you doing out here?" said Byakuya in a stony voice, ignoring Renji's outburst.

"Captain, when you didn't return within a day I was sent out to find both of you."

"I expected as much," muttered Byakuya. He then turned on his heal, his nose in the air, and moved to the stream. He lifted his pant legs and stepped right in, the water swirling around his legs.

Renji sweat dropped, "Err… did I say something wrong?"

"I don't think so. He's just busy trying to catch some supper before nightfall. Now that you're here we need more fish."

"Ok….Whoa wait, you mean his noble ness actually knows how to cook?"

"Don't be a blockhead Renji, if Byakuya didn't I wouldn't be here right now."

"You wouldn't die of starvation in a few days!"

"True, but if he didn't know how to cook we would have gone back yesterday."

"What?!"

"Were on vacation," came Byakuya's voice from the stream. Rukia was sure she detected a smirk on his face.

"VACATION!!! You mean I have to come ALL the way out here, through that damn storm that almost KILLED me, and then…." Renji hesitated, shuddering.

Rukia smirked. "Well whatever happened to you, doesn't come close to what happened here."

"Wanna bet," muttered Renji, looking away.

An awkward silence followed for a moment until Renji moved over to the sunning rock and plopped himself down on it. "So, when's supper?"

"Dinner is in a hour, however you will not receive yours until after you've taken a bath. I can smell you all the way down here and I'm up wind." came Byakuya's voice.

"A bath!? Out here, where the hell am I supposed to do that?!"

"The stream, you idiot." muttered Rukia.

"I'm not bathing in there, that's disgusting!!"

"Byakuya didn't seem to mind, he went in stark naked."

Byakuya looked up sharply at hearing Rukia's words. Oh god, had she actually seen him that time?! His fears were stilled when she glanced at him and winked.

Renji on the other hand, was staring at Rukia open mouthed.

Byakuya smirked joining in on the joke. "Rukia did it too. At the same time too actually. I helped scrub her back."

Rukia could barely bit back the laughter that was threatening to burst forth. The look on Renji's face was priceless.

Byakuya continued. "If you want, Renji, I can help scrub your back too. I myself could use another bath before dinner."

"No thank you!" Renji squeaked and took off upstream as fast as his legs would carry him.

Rukia couldn't hold it back any longer. Falling to the ground she rolled around, holding her sides. Byakuya too, found himself chuckling a fair amount at the gullibility of his subordinate.


Sometime later a now clean smelling redhead was hugely enjoying his meal of fish, having been the first hot meal he had had in days. Rukia had explained, upon his return, that they had just made a joke in his expense. Renji had just played along telling them that he knew it the whole time. Byakuya's only reply was another smirk.

"Well Rukia, at least you won't go to sleep cold tonight," muttered the redhead through a mouthful of fish.

Byakuya looked up sharply from where he was sitting from across the campfire.

"W-what?!" asked Rukia also looking up.

"Well I mean it couldn't have been warm out here these last days, I nearly froze my ass off, and you wouldn't have been any better. Its not like you could have just curled up with Captain Kuchiki." Renji snickered. "It'll be just like old times. Remember the cold nights in the Rukongai District… all we had was each other…"

"Yes, I remember," Rukia said quietly. She could feel Byakuya's eyes on her. "It will be just like old times." she smiled weekly recalling the bitter cold nights spent curled up together, sharing each others warmth.

"I really am surprised your ok though, it really was cold… and since you didn't come with any supplies.."

"She slept with me," Byakuya spoke up quickly, meeting Renji's surprised look.

"Ha, ya good one Captain!" Renji laughed as he stood and began rummaging through his pack.

"Sorry Captian, all have is two small blankets, and neither one is very thick. I'm afraid its going to be another cold night."

"That's fine, Renji. Thank you." Byakuya said as Renji handed him the thin brown covering.

"Captain, can I ask you something?"

"That depends on the nature of the question," replied Byakuya.

"Um well… its just that…. Seriously, what the hell happened to your hair!?"

"Bloom ate it," chirped Rukia. Byakuya grunted.

"Bloom?" Renji looked confused. "You mean a flower ate his hair?"

"No you block head, Bloom is a rabbit not a flower."

"Well why didn't you just say that!"

"I believe she finds it amusing to mess with your head." Byakuya said quietly.

Renji growled. "So where did you find this rabbit?"

"She found us actually, after Byakuya murdered Chappy."

Renji stared. "The hell?!"

"Best stop there Rukia, you'll only make him more confused." Byakuya smirked slightly.

As if on cue, suddenly a movement nearby caused Renji to jump. Spinning around he found himself staring at the dark little eyes of that same rabbit.

"That's Bloom," said Rukia scooping up the creature in her arms. Byakuya glared at the little creature, and it stared boldly back at him.

Renji blinked and watched it.

"She doesn't get along with Byakuya very well," Rukia said, answering his unsaid question.

Renji snickered.


The hours passed. Byakuya sat silently by the fire watching Rukia out of the corner of his eye. She was sitting with Renji recalling their past adventures. Many of the stories he had never heard before and some even caused a raised eyebrow or two. He was truly surprised at how open and at ease Rukia was. Oh sure she was opening up to him, but she was no where near as close to him as she was with Renji. Laughing and joking, even slapping him in the head at one point… never would she had acted that open with him… not yet at least.

"Your jealous." came a flowery voice in his head.

"I am not jealous of Renji," his thoughts snapped back.

"Right…"

Annoyed and unable to think of a comeback Byakuya reached for the blanket and rolled himself up in it.

"Sleep now, we have a long way back tomorrow and I will not have you slowing us down."

"Yes, captain," muttered Renji.

Byakuya then did his best to block out the sounds of Rukia and Renji's quick whispering.

"Oi, Rukia I have something for you!"

"Shush, can't you see Byakuya's trying to sleep."

"Sorry," murmured Renji, glancing at the figure laying by the fire. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a small object.

"I know how much you like cho-"

He was cut off as Rukia made a mad dash and grabbed the object from his hand. Unwrapping it she quickly took a bite, her eyes going closed in pleasure.

"I'll take that as a thank you," he murmured watching her chew the chocolate bar slowly.

"I think I love you Renji!" she squealed as she swallowed, her attention focused on the chocolate and not on the now slightly blushing redhead.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, scratching the back of his head. He watched slightly surprised as she carefully wrapped the last half of it, and set it aside.

"Aren't you going to finish it?"

"I'm saving it for later," she said happily. "Unless you brought more…"

Renji grinned, "I did, but I ate them already."

She gasped in mock surprise, "What?!"

"Like you need more chocolate," muttered Renji.

"Are you calling me FAT?!"

Renji grinned evilly.

"Why you!" and she tackled him. Renji, laughing, allowed himself to be dragged down by her small form. His eyes suddenly widened.

"H-hey n-no tickling!!" and he rolled over laughing as Rukia's small finger played along his ribcage. "T-two can p-play at t-that!"

In moments Rukia's laughter joined Renji's.

"Oh god, I haven't done this in ages," he laughed as he tickled her sides.

"Not since-"

"SLEEP, NOW!" Came Byakuya's loud and icy voice.

Renji and Rukia both froze surprised.

Rukia glanced up and seeing her chance slapped the redhead on the back of the head.

"Sorry, Captain," muttered Renji.

"This is your fault," she murmured glaring.

"It is not!" Renji hissed back.


A few hours later Rukia found herself wrapped in the warm arms of her slumbering redheaded friend. He had been right, it did feel like they were back in their Rukongai days and she had to admit it was rather pleasant to be laying against his large warm body. The chocolate lay nearby carefully placed by the large sunning rock.

It had been a few hours already since they had settled down for the night and even though she was tired something wasn't right and she just couldn't sleep. Glancing out from under the blanket her eyes traveled to the lone figure that was Byakuya. The fire was out and the only light was from the moon, but it was enough to see his figure clearly. To Rukia he seemed lonely, laying there on the ground all by himself.

She lay where she was for a bit, listening to Renji's gentle snoring. She closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind but no matter what she did she could not get Byakuya out of her mind. She wanted to be sleeping in his arms and she knew that no matter what she did she would not sleep until she was doing so. Glancing up she gently began wriggling out of Renji's warm grasp. His arms were around her and his hold was strong but he was a heavy sleeper and Rukia knew she would be able to squirm without the fear of waking him.

Finally she slipped from his grasp and stood. Glancing around she caught sight of the remaining chocolate bar. Smiling to herself and now knowing why she had saved some to begin with, she scooped it up.

Sneaking out she moved over to the still form of Byakuya. Knowing how light a sleeper he was she gingerly approached him. Squatting down she blinked in surprise, his dark eye stared wordlessly back at her.

"Um…" she began but quieted when he simply lifted the blanket, an obvious invitation.

Smiling softly and with another glance behind her, she lay down and nuzzled into his side. Letting the blanket fall over them Byakuya wrapped his arms comfortably around her, and rested his chin on the top of her head.

It was only when Rukia felt warm liquid running from her fingers did she remember that she still held the chocolate in her hands. Byakuya opened his eyes as she squirmed around in his arms. Moving her hand to her face she winced at seeing her now chocolate covered fingers.

"Renji brought a chocolate bar," she murmured, "I wanted to save some for you…so I only ate half…but…"

Byakuya didn't let her finish. Her eyes widened as his brought her hand to his mouth and gently began licking the chocolate off. He even went as far as sliding one of her fingers into his mouth. Rukia almost swooned at the feeling of his wet tongue sliding over the sensitive digit. His mouth was so wonderfully warm, soft, and wet…

Byakuya glanced up, grinning at seeing her closed eyes. Quickly removing her finger he leaned down and scooped the unmelted remainder from her hand and popped it into his mouth, chewing softly. Rukia's eyes snapped open in a moment and beheld Byakuya's smug expression.

"You weren't aware of my passion for chocolate?" he asked, his mouth still full.

She pouted, "You didn't have to trick me to get it."

"I didn't trick you. I'm sharing it with you."

"What?"

"Kiss me," he purred.

Rukia blinked, unsure… he had always been the one to lead… Looking up she met his smoky eyes, and was captured. Closing her eyes she pressed her lips to his only to feel his mouth open in response. She hesitated before sliding her tongue into his mouth.

Her eyes widened for only a moment before a small moan slipped passed her lips. His mouth was full of the now melted warm chocolate and her mind went numb as the sweet mix of the chocolate and him over took all her senses. She trembled as she felt the warmth run down the back of her throat. Her fingers found their way into his soft hair and she was only dimly aware of his hands sliding down her back, pressing her against him.

What was he doing to her? Never had she even imagined that she would be kissed in such a way, and with such passion. And never in her wildest dreams (or nightmares) has she imagined that it would be with Byakuya. The fifty years she had been his 'sister' never had she even entrained the possibility that they might fall in love. To her he was always just a cold aloof man that was suddenly thrown into her life. She had called him 'brother' but it had never felt true, but now, laying in his warm arms, feeling his soft lips move against her own, and hearing him moan softly, did she finally realize what kind of man he truly was. Only now did she feel as if she was getting to know him, only now did she feel emotionally closer to him, and with those realizations did she now know that she loved him, with all her heart.

To Byakuya the need for air was becoming annoying, also the chocolate was fast disappearing. Finally they broke the kiss, both panting heavily, Rukia's head rising and falling as his chest rose and fell.

"Where did you learn that?" she whispered.

"I didn't," he said, "You're the first person that I've ever shared my chocolate with." He smirked and leaned forward, running his tongue over a spot on her bottom lip, lapping up the last remains of chocolate.

He smiled as she went cross eyed to try and see her lips.

"Come, let us sleep, we have a long walk tomorrow."

"Easier said then done…" she murmured snuggling into him again. Closing her eyes she licked her lips, the sweet taste remaining.

Sleep came quickly for the pair. Both now in worlds of their own, and both now dreaming of each other.


Morning came all to soon for Rukia. She woke by a gentle hand shaking her shoulder. She opened one eye and peered up at Byakuya. It was still dark and she had to squint to make him out.

"What time is it?" she whispered.

"Nearly dawn," he said pointing to the slightly glowing horizon. "Go back to Renji. Hurry before he wakes."

She stared at him confused.

"Do you really want him knowing about us yet, imagine the thoughts he'd have."

Rukia knew he was right. Glancing over she could make out Renji's figure laying across form them. Standing up she turned when suddenly a warm hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. Turning she found herself face to face with Byakuya, who leaned down and tenderly placed his lips over hers.

They parted just as the sun peaked over the horizon. She looked up into his dark eyes which reflected the pink and yellow light. Never had he looked so calm, so handsome, and so… at peace.

"I love you," he said softly then let go of her wrist. She stared at him shocked, before breaking into a smile. Wrapping her arms around his waist she hugged him tightly, reaching up she ran her hand over his hair. "I love you too," she whispered in his ear. Loosing her grip she looked up into his calm face. They shared an unspoken word with that simple look before slipping from his arms. He watched for a moment as she approached Renji. Smiling, he turned and began gathering up their meager belongings.


Two hours after dawn all were ready to leave. Renji yawned loudly and scratched the back of his head.

"That was kind of fun last night. We should go camping for real sometime."

Rukia smiled and glanced at Byakuya out of the corner of her eye. "Indeed it was." She giggled when she looked down, seeing Bloom clawing at her sandal. Scooping her up in her arms the rabbit burrowed close. Rukia would be carrying the rabbit back in her arms.

"Well lets go," said Renji hefting the pack on his back. He turned and walked into the forest.

Rukia watched Renji head off down the path. Byakuya hesitated for a moment, just long enough to gently brush his long slender fingers against her cheek before turning his back and following Renji.

She took one step forward, but paused and turned back. Bright sunlight sparkled on the soft calm waters of the stream. A fish leapt from the water creating thousands of sparking water diamonds before disappearing with a splash. Birds chirped happily and the soft gentle roar of the waterfall filled her senses. Her eyes fell over the large rock, the remains of their campfire, and the soft grass. This place had changed her life forever, it was apart of her now, and leaving left an uneasy feeling.

Would she ever return to this magical place, a place she had barely come to know and yet a place so full of memories. Smiling softly she cuddled Bloom close, turned her back, and walked away.


*sniff* Will she ever return? What will happen when they get back to the soul society, and will she ever regain her soul reaper powers? Stay tuned to find out. Again reviews help me write faster. Thanks for reading and reviewing, it really means so much to me.