A/N: Finally getting around to it. Lol Also, slight lemon…..

"HITSUGAYA-TAICHO! I HEARD YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE MY RUKIA AN HONEST WOMAN!" That was the captain of the 13th division making quite a racket in the 10th's office.

Rukia grimaced, face reddening steadily. "No-! You misunderstood what I was saying-"

"It's alright, Rukia." The teal eyed soul reaper replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

She smiled, meeting his gaze. She knew that he typically hated interruptions like this and was grateful for his patience. "Thank you, Toshiro," She said covering his hand with her own.

Jushiro Ukitake was floored. He had never seen such a tender expression on the short captain's face. "You two are too cute! And don't worry Shiro-chan you have my blessing."

"Good to know," Hitsugaya replied walking back to his desk, and the sarcasm in his tone was almost tangible.

Rukia came to stand behind him, "Be nice," she whispered into his ear. "I'm going to make some tea," she announced before leaving the gentlemen alone to talk.

"So, I assume Rukia told you about her….other news?"

Jushiro frowned, "Yes…..he can be rather stubborn can't he?"

Toshiro scoffed. "I can handle stubbornness. Kuchiki's being unreasonable." He looked at the door Rukia left through, "I can tell it's really upsetting her. My Rukia may be tough, but when it comes to her brother…."

The elder captain nodded, "Yes, they have a complex relationship."

"Any advice?"

Ukitake sighed, "Not really. These things need to run their course. Just keep being there for her. Byakuya will see reason eventually."

TTTTTTTT

Speaking of Senbonzakura's wielder, Sri was of the opinion that he was perhaps the most complicated man she had ever met. And she knew Kisuke Urahara. Through the course of their conversation, (if you could call it that) the simplest of questions seemed to spark his ire. "Byakuya, what's wrong with what I said?"

Having abandoned formalities, at least while they were alone, it felt good to converse with his lieutenant on an equal footing. At least, until she asked why he didn't hang out his friends. He glared at her, but she seemed to genuinely not understand what was wrong. "I don't have any."

She cocked her head, "Have any what?"

"Friends," he spat. "I don't have any friends."

Ari just shook her head. "I'm sure you're wrong about that." She looked at him, chewing her lip before gathering up her courage and taking a hold of his hand. "You know, I'd like to consider us friends…"

By his own will he threaded their fingers together. He seemed to appraise her, checking to see if she hid any guile in her words. His mouth twitched, "I'd like that."

TTTTTTT

"Was it worth it?"

Matsumoto's familiar drawl grated on the nerves of the very hungover captain of the 5th. Her question stung as numbness of the alcohol he consumed lost its effect. "Go away, Rangiku."

The buxom woman placed her hands on her hips and stood firm. "What is it, Renji? Did it finally sink in that telling Kuchiki-taicho about Rukia wasn't a good idea?"

The spiky redhead growled, "Okay, okay I regret it! Satisfied?"

Rangiku's usually smiling lips sagged down. "Feeling remorse is only half of it, you need to apologize."

Abarai sighed, "It's not that easy, Ran. I loved Rukia. I still do. Seeing her with that white haired midget will probably make me mad all over again."

"That may be so," she conceded, pulling away the bottle of saké he had just uncorked. "But you're gonna have to get over that sooner or later. Rukia-chan is forgiving, but even she will get tired of waiting around." He nodded although his hand gripped his cup harder. Hard enough to break. She covered his calloused hand with her own, "I know this will be difficult to hear, but you need to think about this: You telling Byakuya without her consent has likely pushed her further into Hitsugaya-taicho's arms. You need to be prepared for the likely eventuality that Rukia will stay with him."

Abarai hated to admit it, but Matsumoto was right. He didn't want it to be real. His Rukia falling in love with someone else. But he knew it was inevitable. And even if by some miracle, she and Hitsugaya broke up, Rukia still wouldn't go out with him. He had betrayed her trust. He could hope that when it all ended, they could still be friends.

TTTTTTT

With Ukitake gone the office at the 10th Division was a lot quieter. Just how he liked it. He leaned back in his chair, pleasantly surprised to feel Rukia's nimble fingers kneading his shoulders. "Your patience is exemplary."

He arched his brow, "How so?"

"You put up with Ukitake for a whole afternoon. You didn't even lose it when he started offering you can't and small toys," she answered chuckling.

Toshiro sighed, "What grown man keeps such things in his robes?"

"Hmmm, you didn't seem to mind too much when the watermelon candy came out," Rukia pointed out with a smirk.

"Well I need some compensation for my efforts," he answered.

"Compensation huh?" she purred, coming around to straddle his lap. His eyes widened marginally, before lust took over and glacial pools darkened to a deep teal. He stroked her sides, grabbing her bottom to scoot her up against his burgeoning erection.

"Aiming to reward me, dear heart?" Hitsugaya inquired and was answered by the rocking of her hips. He pulled her down for a passionate kiss as his hands went about ridding her of her clothing.

If this was the reward for his patience, then Toshiro was going to work harder on being patient from now on!