A/N: Haven't updated this in 20 days! Yikes! Okay, so here it is. It's a nice long one I believe. Hopefully it will ease those of you that have been bugging me. Haha (thank you for that). Anyways! This is named after, "Best Days," by Graham Colton. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Cadbury Chocolate and those amazing Mini Eggs that they sell at Easter. drool

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Chapter 10: Best Days

"Well don't you look a bit perky this morning?" Rangiku said as she sat on Rukia's desk. The raven headed woman had just walked in with brightness all over her face.

"Do I? Huh, didn't notice," Rukia said taking a pile of papers and off the desk and holding them against her chest.

"Huh, yeah right. Spill it," she said leaning towards her eagerly on the desk.

"There's nothing to spill…" Rukia said with a small smile trying to understand what she was talking.

"You are such a terrible liar!" the strawberry blonde yelled with excitement. "Come on! Don't make me go ask Ichigo why you are so goofily happy!" she threatened with a smirk.

"No!" Rukia blurted out quickly. She then realized how ridiculous her reaction was and tried to cover it up, "I mean, why would he care anyway? Don't waste your time."

Rangiku laughed, "Too late, Kuchiki. I already caught you."

"What did you catch?" Renji asked walking into the office.

Rukia placed the pile back on the desk and then answered instead, "Nothing! She caught nothing. In fact, she's leaving now! Bye Rangiku!" Rukia said as she began to push her off her desk and towards the door.

"Woa now! I came here for business! Don't make me leave before I finish!" Rangiku said urgently as she now stood waiting outside the door.

Rukia stopped and waited impatiently with her hand on the door, "Okay then. What is it?"

There was a silence before she spoke. "So was his body as hot and steamy as you hoped-"

Rukia cut her off by slamming the door shut in front of her and turning around to lean her back against the door in an attempt to pretend the past five seconds didn't happen. A huge fake smile was placed all over her face as she looked towards a confused Renji.

"So Renji, what can I do for you today?" Rukia said surprisingly perky.

"You can first tell me what the hell that was about," he said with an eyebrow raised.

"Huh? What what was about?" She decided to take the clueless role.

"Who did you sleep with?" he asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Renji!" she yelled. She could not believe he just said that.

"What?! I think it's an appropriate question at the moment," he said with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I didn't sleep with anyone!" she yelled defensively. "And quite frankly, it's none of your business if I did," she said crossing her arms over her chest as well and raising her chin up into the air.

"The hell it isn't," he said confidently.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Rukia asked in disbelief. She could not believe this conversation was going on.

"It means I need to know these kinds of things!" he yelled back.

"And why is that?" she said in a curious yet angry attitude.

"So I can go kick his ass for laying a finger on you!" he said very brute-like.

Rukia let out a chuckle, "Oh please, Abarai. The day he ever lays a finger on me is the day I start to believe that Aizen is our savior," she said casually with another chuckle as she passed by the redhead.

He turned around to look at her, "Who is this 'he' you're talking about?" he questioned with suspicion and a raised eyebrow.

Rukia froze with her back to Renji. She picked up the pile of paperwork and pulled it against her chest again. "I wasn't talking about anyone in particular. Who were you referring to?" she said finally turning around to face him.

"I was talking about any guy in general. Yours seemed more specific…" he said with his eyebrow still raised.

"Stop reading into everything, Renji. I was just saying that I won't be with anyone in that way for a long time," she said walking past him towards the door.

Renji continued to look at her with curiosity before she turned around. "Was there something you came here for?" she asked changing the subject.

"No. I just came to see how you were doing. I've noticed you've been having a hard time lately, so I came to check up on ya," he said in a laid back tone.

"Well as you can see I'm completely fine," she said somewhat annoyed, but then took a breath. "But thanks," she said softly and politely. She gave him a soft smile. "I've got to go deliver these papers to Captain Ukitake. So I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yeah. I'll see ya," he said before she walked out of the door. 'She really is completely fine. In fact, she looks more than fine,' the red head thought in surprise.

"What the hell was that all about?!" Rukia shouted at herself on her way to see her captain. She had no idea why that entire conversation was so awkward. Who was she talking about? She seemed pretty confident about a certain someone when she inferred any possible relations. Her mind was confused by her own behavior and it was beginning to give her a headache. And she would have to thank Rangiku later for making an awkward conversation between her and Renji.

She made it to the door, but before she opened it, she paused after hearing raised voices from inside.

"I can't just sit back and let things continue! You have to understand that, sir!" Ichigo's voice said with force.

"I understand that, Kurosaki, but there are some things that are just not meant for you. I have already decided how to approach this. Please respect my decision," Ukitake reasoned with a calm voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. You said it yourself. This is a dangerous situation. Not to mention what it could do to her in the state she's in," he said trying to persuade the older man.

There was a loud sigh, "Well who do you think is to blame for that 'state' you are referring to?"

There was a silence that went on for a few seconds, yet it felt like an entire lifetime had passed by. Ichigo felt his chest become heavy as he looked towards the floor. Then, he looked back up and locked eyes with his commanding officer.

"I know that in your eyes I don't deserve to be even looking at her. You said that for the past ten years that I have known her, you've seen her change dramatically. You're holding this past decade against me because of what I did to her. I understand that. And if I were you, I'd resent me too. But think back to how she changed when I first met her. Was she miserable? Did she change for the worse? Tell me straight out because if she was and if she did than by all means tell me to stay away from her. But don't endanger her anymore because of something I deserve. Letting her go alone is putting everything on the line! I'm not willing to stand by and let anything happen!" Ichigo said with such meaning and with such passion that Ukitake was taken aback.

The Captain sat back for a moment and stared at the younger man with lazy eyes. He took in the aggressive appearance of a still very rebellious man. He had to admit that he admired the courage that this man in front of him possessed. He had enough passion to argue against a man of his stature; for him to do that without thinking twice proved to the elder that he was indeed worthy of his Vice Captain's attention, despite their earlier conversation.

"You're a very persistent man, Ichigo Kurosaki," Ukitake said with a small smirk.

Ichigo was surprised to see a sudden change in his superior's demeanor. In fact, he made that clearly shown. "What?"

Ukitake chuckled and then raised an eyebrow, "Why are you so surprised that my opinion has altered?"

"Because you were so gung-ho about blaming me for her behavior. I don't understand," Ichigo said with a confused frown.

"I'm always leaving my mind open to new things. I took my protective position of her and you've convinced me otherwise. You should be proud of yourself, boy," Ukitake said before going into a coughing fit.

"Are you okay?" Ichigo finally said after it continued for more than ten seconds. The Captain waved his hand to reassure him.

Finally, there was a knock heard at the door. "Ah," the older man said after clearing his throat. "Come in."

Rukia revealed herself after hearing such an intriguing conversation, which consisted of a certain 'her' that she could only assume was herself. "Good morning, Captain Ukitake," Rukia said with a bow and then nodding towards the orange headed man, "Kurosaki."

"Oh please, Rukia. We all know you are very much already well acquainted with this young man. There's no need to hide it and be proper about it," Ukitake said casually.

Rukia was a little surprised to hear this, but smiled softly in return before correcting herself, "Good morning, Ichigo."

Ichigo smirked, "Mornin'."

Rukia smiled back at Ichigo for probably a moment too long and then turned to her captain. "I've brought you some paperwork that I need you to sign," she said placing the pile on the desk in front of him.

He sighed in response. "Thank you. But now that you are here, I might as well inform you of your next assignment."

Rukia gave a curious look and immediately straightened up in a businesslike manner. Ukitake continued, seeing her reaction as a signal for him to continue.

"I've been discussing with Kurosaki what it is that he has received from Izuru Kira. In the long run, the disappearing shinigami are not dead nor were they ever intended of being killed. Instead, they have been swayed into thinking that Soul Society's role in the universe has become corrupt. 'How?' is still a question yet to be answered. We can assume that it has to be one hell of a reason to have so many believe it," he said with annoyance.

Rukia squinted in misunderstanding. "Why would they ever be persuaded onto the opposite side? It doesn't make any sense."

"I agree, but we know nothing on that front," he said in response. "But what we do know is that he has some allies on the inside. Izuru had said that there was no way of knowing who until the time came that they acted. This is where you come in," Ukitake said becoming more serious. "I need you to promise me something."

Rukia was slightly confused and hesitant, "What is it, sir?"

"Promise me that you will not fail me. No matter what," he said in a tone and with a facial expression that completely changed. He showed saddened eyes and a begging look with a sincere voice.

Rukia found it hard to breathe at that moment. He looked at her as if her answer determined her fate. Her face saddened and then became more confident. "I will not fail," she said with her whole heart.

By her words, it seemed like a weight was taken off Ukitake's shoulders. He gave her a small smile for a few seconds before going back to his original business nature. "Your mission is to venture into Hueco Mundo and play as our inside agent. You will pretend to be turned over to their side; learning all of their allies within Soul Society and learning as much as you possibly can about future plans."

Rukia was taken aback by the kind of mission she was just given. "But, why would you pick me for this?"

"Because you are a valuable shinigami that fought brilliantly in the war many years ago, while being one of the few that stood by the ever so famous substitute shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki. These should prove as beneficial reasons for Aizen to want to bring you under his wing. He probably will think he can use you against us. But another reason I picked you is because I have an incredible amount a faith in you, Rukia," he finished with a sincere smile.

Rukia smiled in order to be polite before looking down to the floor. This was a difficult and dangerous mission to take. She didn't know how to feel about it exactly. Part of her was honored to be chosen for something like this yet another part of her was scared. She questioned her abilities and feared breaking her promise to her caring captain.

Rukia then peaked up to see how Ichigo was reacting to all of this. He looked to the side away from her with furrowed eyebrows. His arms were crossed over his chest.

She then looked back at her captain, "I'm honored for being chosen by you, Captain Ukitake. I will not let you down," she said with a bow.

"I know you won't," he replied. "You leave tomorrow morning. Please take care of any preparations you might need or deal with any matters that you need to deal with before your departure."

Rukia was shocked at how much time she was given. Twenty-four hours was not a lot of time to do much. She felt as if her life had been completely pulled onto its own track; leading her to a possible terrible fate. But she refused to show any fear. She refused to show regret in her accepting of this mission.

"Thank you," she said before turning and walking out of the building.

Ichigo watched her retreating form with as much detail as possible.

"Well you were very quiet. Surprising, considering you have been very talkative for the past few hours," Ukitake said curiously as he interrupted the orange headed man's gaze.

"What was I supposed to say?" Ichigo replied with a frown.

"I don't have the faintest idea, but I expected you to jump in with yet another rejection to my decision in letting her go."

"And get her pissed at me for thinking she can't handle herself? Yeah, that would have gone great. Just because she's changed, doesn't mean she won't react the same way to certain things. I'd get my ass kicked for saying something like that," he said in an all-knowing tone.

"Suit yourself, but knowing the way women are, I believe they like to hear when men are being protective of them," he said on the contrary.

"Yeah, well Rukia's never been in the same category as 'women'."

"But maybe after all these years of questioning things, she might need to hear it in order to believe things haven't changed…" he said putting in his two-cents.

Ichigo sighed, "She's so damn complicated."

"No, no, no. That would be the general description of women, my boy."

Ichigo began to turn and make his way towards the door before he stopped and turned slightly back towards his superior. "I'm still dead against this, ya know."

Ukitake gave a sad smile, "I know," he said in understanding.

"Is there nothing I can do to change this?" Ichigo asked after hesitating.

"I'm sorry," the captain said before Ichigo turned and walked out without another word.

"I can't believe they're sending you on a mission by yourself. Aren't you afraid?" Orihime asked as she sat next to Rukia in one of Soul Society's main courtyards. They watched as two shinigami practiced on each other with wooden swords.

"It's a mission, Orihime. You're not supposed to feel anything towards it. You're just supposed to do it," she said continuing to watch the two shinigami battle with amusement in their eyes.

"Just because you're not supposed to feel anything about it, doesn't mean you don't," Orihime said watching her friend instead of the original entertainment.

There was silence between them for a few moments until Rukia finally spoke. "I'm scared to death, Orihime," Rukia said softly.

Orihime immediately felt helpless. The tone she heard in her petit friend's voice was shaky and truthful. But what could she do? There was nothing except words that would help raise her spirits. But how much can a simple 'You can do it!' do? There was only one thing she thought of as she looked at the distant woman next to her with saddened eyes.

Rukia's eyes widened from the surprising embrace she received from her friend. "Orihime," she said out of being startled.

Orihime held her so tightly with her eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed. Rukia continued to just sit there, not understanding the sudden embrace. Finally, Orihime talked.

"I don't know what to say or do, Rukia. I could tell you that I believe in you or that you'd never let them get the best of you, but it won't take away any of your fear. All it'll do is put more pressure on you and I don't want to do that," Orihime said before taking a deep swallow. "I wish I could go with you, so you wouldn't have to be alone; so you wouldn't have to take full responsibility."

She paused, but then continued. "I look up to you in so many ways, Rukia; your passion, your conviction, your selflessness, your strength. You have had such an incredible influence on everyone you seem to have stumbled upon. The impact you made on my life and others' goes back to the day you gave Ichigo your powers. In an instant, you were able to change the course of our lives into something phenomenal. So although it may still mean nothing, I want you to know that after all the things that have happened; I do believe in you. And I know you'll return to us. You always do," she finished with a small smile gracing her lips despite the raven-haired woman not being able to see. Tears were slowly falling down her cheeks.

Rukia didn't really know how to react. She hadn't felt so much compassion in years. It seemed so foreign to her. Her heart was finding it hard to react.

Finally, Rukia gave a sad yet grateful smile as she finally hugged her friend tightly in return. She closed her eyes and held on for quite some time as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Thank you," she whispered softly into her ear.

Rukia was now sitting down on the same hill that she did the previous day where Rangiku accused her of something ridiculous. It was now evening and the stars shined brightly that night.

She leaned back on her palms as she looked up to the sky. She knew she should probably have been with her friends for these last few hours, but she needed to be in a place of silence and peace, knowing she won't be experiencing anything like this for who knows how long.

'Ichigo was so angry when Captain Ukitake told me of my orders. He didn't even look at me. I haven't talked to him since last night. I don't have any idea what he's thinking. I overheard him saying something about not letting me go for some reason, but would it really make him that upset?' she thought with confusion. 'I couldn't even find him this entire day. Has he been avoiding me?'

"Rukia," a voice resounded from behind her. She jumped and turned her head quickly to see who had frightened her.

"B-Byakuya! What are you doing here?" she asked urgently as she sat up straight, Indian style.

He walked up next to her sitting form and then sat next to her in the same manner. She was surprised by his actions. "That is my question for you."

She went to speak, but found there were no words to say at the moment. She bowed her head and frowned, "I don't know," she said softly.

Byakuya just nodded as he looked up at the stars. "You understand that you are leaving tomorrow morning," he said in more of a statement than a question.

"Yes," she said weakly.

"Then why are you separating yourself from everyone?" he asked in what seemed to her like a caring way. She looked at him curiously. He never did care what others thought and he never taught her to care about that either. He wanted her to care about herself first and last.

"Brother," she began, but he continued.

"I'm not blind, Rukia," he said in a correcting tone. "And although I deserve to be thought of as meek, I am not."

She looked at him questioningly as he looked at her through the corner of his eye before looking back straight ahead. He continued. "Despite my efforts in trying to calm your free spirit, you were never the type to actually comply. You put up that front whenever I approached, but as soon as I walked away, you were back to beating that orange-headed idiot into the ground," he said in his unemotional tone while Rukia thought she saw a smirk across his lips.

"But as soon as you returned from the human world and accepted your promotion to Vice Captain, you were a changed person. I saw myself through you and although that would usually bring forth pride, I experienced none of it. I always admired Hisana's ability to express herself and to know that you have the ability to do the same, but don't use it, makes me feel as if I've failed you as a brother."

Rukia reached her hand out and placed it on his forearm, "You haven't failed me," she began to reassure.

He then turned his head to look into her violet eyes. "Then how could I have let you go on like this for these past years? I was too busy keeping everything to myself that I didn't stop you from ending up like this. You should be smiling and laughing. I promised Hisana this," he said with sadness in his eyes.

Rukia didn't know what to say. This had to be the most her brother had said to her in years and this had to be the most emotional she had ever seen him.

"So after all this time, after me being a cold, numb man," he began by placing his hand on hers; located on his forearm still. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise. "I need to see you feel free again. You look chained down in a way where there is no key in sight. It has only been since your recent return from the human world that I've noticed your spirit rekindle. I don't know what it is that has sparked this in you, but you better hold on to it. You owe it to yourself to feel again," he said with his voice sounding surprisingly emotional.

Rukia couldn't help it. Her throat was closing up as she tried to hold on to her emotions. She lowered her head to hide her face and to regain her calm. Then, Byakuya reached over and placed his other hand on her shoulder, "Don't hold it in this time."

She then let it all fall. She sobbed with her head bowed down, but after a few seconds, she threw her arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder. His face was shocked as his arms seemed to not know what to do at first. But after a moment, he slowly held her back.

"I don't know what has happened to me," she said through a sob. "I don't know right from wrong anymore."

He then pulled away and looked back into her eyes, "You're not going to find it up here by yourself. From what I can tell, those ryoka did a good job on keeping you on the right track."

She gave him a sad smile. "Part of me doesn't want to say goodbye," she said sadly.

"It won't hurt as much as regret would," he said simply. He then stood up and turned to walk away, but then stopped with his back facing her. "What you feel is different from what you think. Let yourself feel again and then you'll heart will clear your way to better judgment," he said before beginning to walk.

"Byakuya!" she yelled to stop him, which she succeeded, but he refused to turn. "Thank you," she said softly. He didn't respond, but instead continued to walk away silently.

Then surprisingly he stopped again, "You might want to go back to your quarters. I heard there was some paperwork you needed to finish off." He then continued on his way. She smiled at his retreating form. 'Always sticking to business.'

Rukia walked up the few steps to her door; feeling quite annoyed with the need to do paperwork with so little time left. She then opened the door, but her mind didn't quite register what was happening.

"Surprise!" was yelled from the massive crowd in front of her. Behind them, hanging on the wall, was a banner saying, "Good luck!"

Her face showed confusion, but then a small smile broke out as everyone started to rush towards her and give her hugs.

Members from every squad were there, including Captains and Vice Captains. The Karakura crew was of course present, but after minutes of being welcomed by almost everyone, she had yet to see a certain orange headed man.

She pushed it aside for the time being and decided to enjoy the time she had left in Soul Society.

"So you're going to be spending some time with the Spirit King," Shuuhei mentioned with interest.

"This is an amazing honor," Nanao added before taking a drink.

Rukia seemed hesitant. Ukitake had said she was given a completely different mission in order for the possible Aizen allies to have no suspicion of anything. Everyone believed she was going to be working under the Spirit King for a great amount of time, as ordered by the King himself. The only one's who could know the truth were the humans due to their impossibility of being a traitor.

"Excuse me. I need the guest of honor for a moment," Uryuu said grabbing her arm and pulling her away.

Once they were away from them, he spoke. "I figured you didn't really want to be around a conversation like that. I mean, that's not even your real mission. They have no idea what you are about to do for all of us out there," he said taking a sip of his drink.

She looked to the floor and then back up with a sad smile, "Well, I've never been one for praise anyway."

He chuckled and shook his head as he raised the cup to his lips, "You really are meant for each other," he mumbled before taking a sip.

"What?" Rukia said not completely hearing him.

He gave a small smirk, "Nothing."

Chad suddenly came up to them, "Hey, Orihime just got sick. She looks a little shaken up."

The two suddenly felt alert, but Uryuu stopped Rukia. "Don't worry about it, Rukia. She's been feeling weird for a day or two. Go enjoy the party. I'll take care of her," he said with a smile and then ran off with Chad.

Rukia sighed and instead of going back into the party, she went outside. She looked up at the sky and took in the environment. The music from inside was muffled and it mixed with the silence of the night. She heard laughter and it only made a soft smile come to her face.

"I figured you'd be into the party scene," an all too familiar voice said from her side. She turned and saw his vibrant hair even through the dark night. He was sitting down on the ground with his back leaning against the porch wall.

"Well, it depends," she said with a small smile as she looked at him on the ground. "If it was for a real reason, then 'yes.' But with questions flying at me about something I'm completely clueless about, 'no.'"

"Hmm, that makes sense," he replied, looking out into the night instead of at her.

She watched him for a moment, "Why aren't you in there enjoying yourself?"

"I'm not in a celebrating mood, I guess," he said, still refusing to look at her.

"Well may I ask 'why?'" she said with a raised eyebrow.

He looked at her for the first time that night, "Does there have to be a reason?"

She paused for a second, "Yes."

He let out a loud, annoyed sigh. "Well there isn't."

She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest, "Mhm, I'm sure there isn't. I mean, I wouldn't think anything is bothering you after the way you looked so angry this morning. And then after you say you want to see me tomorrow afternoon last night, I couldn't find you. So tell me, what is bothering the Almighty Ichigo Kurosaki?"

He gave a disgusted chuckle as he stared out into the dark, "Does it even matter? It's not going to change anything."

She smirked with her arms still crossed over her chest, "Try me."

He sighed and then turned his head abruptly in her direction, "I don't think you should be going on that mission."

Rukia was kind of taken aback by his forwardness, but she didn't let it linger as she appreciated a straight out answer for once. "And why is that?"

"Because I don't think you can handle it," he said truthfully as he tried to find her violet eyes in the dark.

"Are you… afraid something's going to happen? Is that what the problem is?" she said almost in surprise.

"Why are you so damn surprised? You used to yell at me all the damn time for being protective," he said with his attitude coming through this time.

"Isn't it obvious why I'd be so surprised?" she said assuming Ichigo wasn't so oblivious.

"No…?" he said holding it out in a question form.

"Nevermind," Rukia said brushing it off, but Ichigo wouldn't let it go.

"No, why is it so surprising?" he said not giving up.

Rukia sighed, "It's not that I'm surprised. It's just… some things I guess don't change, no matter how much time goes by," she said calmly.

Ichigo looked down to his lap and let a small smile grace his lips; a smile Rukia was shielded from.

He then looked back up. "But it's more than that," he added. "You're… you're not," he couldn't find it in himself to say it.

"I'm not 'what'?" she pushed curiously.

"You're not… supposed to leave this soon," he said with a sigh. He couldn't say it. It felt like it wasn't his place. She wasn't in the right state of mind, he knew that. She was more ruthless and he felt that with her thinking, it could lead her into an unforeseeable consequence.

"I know. It's really moving a little to fast for me," she said sadly. "But I can't really do anything about it."

Ichigo looked at the ground. He did not mean to say what he did, but it also seemed true. He didn't want her to leave this quickly. They had just accepted each other and now she was taking off for who knows how long. But the more he thought about it, the more he had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. His eyebrows slowly furrowed.

Rukia looked back at the door, which was left open an inch or two. The light from inside was able to just reach them. The music changed to something slower and she smiled at her sudden idea. "Dance with me," she said confidently as her eyes continued to look towards the door.

Ichigo's head shot up and looked at the raven haired woman in front of him. Her face was slightly aglow from the soft light of the party. It outlined her features perfectly and he could see a small smile on her lips from her profile.

With everything I've ever done
I'd give it all to everyone for one more day
Another night I'm waking through
Anther door I walk into
I can't break

She turned her head to look at him, her violet eyes now combining with the yellow light from the room. "Did you not hear me?" she said with a raised eyebrow with the smile still gracing her lips.

He tilted his head to the side, "We tried that before. Remember how well that turned out?"

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

Rukia looked into his amber eyes, which were accented more than ever by the escaping light. He expressed his statement with humor yet she knew he was somewhat serious. She smirked down at him as she slowly walked up to his sitting form.

"I wasn't asking," she said as if reliving it all over again. She held her hand down to him as he glared at her with a smirk. Finally he grabbed her hand and stood up.

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
Cuz these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

They swayed with the music; not needing to say a word to each other. They were fine with where they were as oppose to where they would be tomorrow. They wanted to take this moment and stretch it as much as they could.

Rukia's hands were placed on his shoulders as his laid gently on her hips. They looked up into each other's eyes. It was always a mystery to figure out what each other's eyes possessed, yet somehow deep down, they always knew. They always knew how the other was feeling.

I count the steps the distance to
The time when it was me and you is so far gone
Another face another friend
Another place another end but I'll hang on

In this short time, they have been able to reclaim what they lost years ago. They thought back to the short years they spent together and realized they seemed to last the longest regardless of the past years quadrupling that literal time. And even though all that time separated them, they still ended up back in each other's presence.

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

Rukia slowly slid her hands from his shoulders, down to his chest. He felt his skin tingle from where her finger tips had glided across. Rukia's head then rested against his chest as well as her eyes closing shut.

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
Cuz these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah let's make the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

Ichigo smiled down at her and thought back to a few weeks ago. He had been this miserable excuse of a man that hid away from the world. The smile that so easily came to him now was something he would have never conceived of doing then. He looked up at the moon at night and remembered days that he thought he would never see again. But now, as he looked up at the clear night sky and at the moon which looked down upon them, he found that after all the time that had passed, the moon had finally granted his wish.

He smiled up at the moon for giving him his life back and then looked back down at the woman in his arms. He remembered that she was leaving in the morning and the smile began to fade.

It's a winding road
It's a long way home

He looked at her and thought of the worst. His heart began to sink and as it did, he immediately moved his hands on her waist to her lower back, where he pulled her into a firm embrace. His head then bent down to rest his chin gently on her head. His eyebrows remained furrowed.

So don't wait for someone to tell you it's too late
Cuz these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of it

Rukia was somewhat startled, but she quickly gave a sad smile due to the impression she was getting. He didn't want to let her go. She knew this. He was afraid that something would happen to her, like he always thought. But for once, she didn't want him to let her go. She wanted to stay right there; like that; with him.

So don't wait cuz no-one can tell you it's too late
Cuz these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah let's make the best of tonight

They pulled apart slowly and stared up into each other's eyes once again. And as they felt gravity pull them closer and closer, time made its appearance once again.

"Rukia! Come in and cut the cake!" yelled Rangiku from the door before disappearing inside again.

The two pushed away immediately from her yell and then looked to the ground awkwardly. Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck as Rukia folded her hands in front of her. "So, uh, I should go inside," she said before making her way to the door.

Ichigo turned to look up at the moon as he now stood alone in the night. He silently made another wish; a wish of a safe return. He asked for this one last thing before he was interrupted.

"Ichigo, you coming?" Rukia asked with a smile from the door.

He smiled back up at her and nodded, "Yeah. I'm coming," he said looking back up at the moon one last time before making his way inside.

We'll make the best of tonight

Here comes the rest of our lives…

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So that ended on a good note… I think. Haha. So it was a longer chapter. Hoped you enjoyed it. Took my some time to get it out to you because I've been into Run To You, so I apologize for that. Umm, so let me know what you think! Oh! And Happy Easter! Later