Chapter 9: Rukia's Struggle
Walking aimlessly through the Seireitei, Rukia couldn't get Ichigo out of her mind, she knew he would go to Hueco Mundo to try and save Orihime, and she wanted to go with him, but she was torn between her duties as a soul reaper and wanting to help save her. Lost in her thoughts, she crashes into someone carrying a stack of papers. Rukia sat up, rubbing her head, she then realized who it was. "Renji! I'm so sorry." she exclaimed, as she began to frantically collect the now scrattered papers.
"Ow, hey, watch where you're-Rukia?" Renji asks as sees the tiny, raven haired woman bent over a small pile of the scrattered she didn't respond, he reached out and touched her shoulder. "Rukia, what's wrong?" "Nothing." she responds, trying to reorganize the papers.
"Rukia, I've known you since we were kids, and I know when something's bothering you," Renji turns her to face him. "You can tell me, is it Ichigo?" he asks. Afraid her feelings would come pouring out of her if she spoke, she simply nodded. Renji sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "What do you see in him?" he asks her thoughtfully. "I've been meaning to ask you that question for awhile now."
"What do you mean?" Rukia laughs, trying to avert his gaze, which is fixed on her face. "Come on, Rukia, ever since you met him he's brought you nothing but trouble, and yet you continue to defend him. I just want to know why." "Aw, Renji, are you jealous?" Rukia mused at him. "Jealous? Are you kidding me? There isn't any way I'm jealous of him." he said almost immediately, this time averting her gaze while feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.
"Renji, if you really want to know," Rukia sighs. "It's because I owe him." At that sentence, Renji's eyes widen as he remembered when he heard those exact words from Ichigo when he asked Ichigo why he was willing to put his life on the for Rukia. Watching as she shuffled through the cluttered paperwork, Renji sighed. "Alright," he said finally. Rukia looked at him, surprised. "Alright, what?" she asked, confused. "Let's go help Ichigo." Renji mutters. Rukia's eyes widen at his words, "Renji," she said as she threw her arms around his neck. "thank you." she whispered in his ear. Renji sat on the floor in shock at her sudden movement, then wrapped his arms around her waist, returning the hug he was being given by the woman he loved, wanting nothing more than to hold her just a little longer.
After while, she let go and the pair got to their feet, and ran to the squad 13 barracks, where they explain their situation to Captain Joshiro Ukitake, and offers his help, and they make their way to Hueco Mundo.
As they made their way through the Garganta, Renji looked over to Rukia running alongside him, determination now back in her eyes. When she noticed, he looked away, blushing as he did. 'He's such a big dummy,' she thought, smiling to herself. 'I just wish I knew how he felt.'