Starting Over

Chapter 10: Intentions: Part III

A/N: Some thought poor Rukia was being dealt harshly, probably so; but sometimes a little conflict helps the story along. Don't worry, Rukia plots a scheme to bring everything and everyone back together.

13th Division Office

"How did you hear so quickly Ichigo?"

"You kind of messed things up Rukia, I needed to talk to Byakuya about something, but now I can't because the two of you aren't really speaking to one another." Ichigo frustratingly said as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"What was it that you wanted to ask him Ichigo?" Rukia asked.

"It doesn't matter now; I suppose…I guess it's just not meant to be." He responded as he left the shifted his eyes towards the door.

"What do you mean? It wasn't meant to be? Explain yourself Ichigo." Rukia demanded.

"You and me, what else would I mean? I'll see you later." Ichigo said as he left Rukia standing there.

Rukia wondered what she had done so terribly that she deserved this type of treatment from everyone. It was beginning to be overwhelming for her; and definitely too much for her to bear. She just needed someone that she could talk to; someone who would understand her feelings. Just then Captain Ukitake walked in and saw the state that she was in and asked Rukia to have a seat.

"Rukia, what's got you so down." He asked calmly. He had already heard about what happened, but he wanted her to explain her side of what happened.

"Well, I hadn't seen ni-sama since he returned from being kidnapped and I went by to see him but he was busy. I just wanted to know if he was okay, but apparently, he's been seeing Yoruichi lately and haven't had time to see me. Then I did something against his orders and went in his bedroom and I had a small confrontation with Yoruichi. Then Byakuya told me to move, but then Yoruichi left him and I was told I could stay….it's all a mess because of me." Rukia replied trying not to let the rivers flow from her eyes.

"It's okay, Rukia. You know sometimes when people in our lives embarks on different journeys they sometimes forget about the people around them. You have to sometimes let things play out, and eventually they'll come back to you. I suspect this is the case with Byakuya and Yoruichi. For so long he has been without someone and it is kind of new to him; much like it was with you and Ichigo when you all first started seeing one another. I can remember, you didn't spend much time around here either. And you mustn't think that your brother has forgotten about you, because he hasn't; I think he was just wanting to spend some time with her before, you know, he talked to you about it…doesn't it seem that way to you?"

Rukia wiped the tear that had felt from her eyes, "Yes it does. But everyone seems to be on my case about it though. But I do feel better by you talking to me, Captain Ukitake…I really appreciate it very much." Rukia said as she arose and bowed before her captain.

"Where are you going Rukia?"

"Oh, I am just going somewhere to think for a moment, I'll be back later." Rukia responded as she left for the one place that provided her an escaped from reality. Rukia went to the place where her and Kaien use to train at, the place where her and Ichigo had made love. She sat on the stone and looked towards the sky and pondered how she was going to straighten out this mess. Although, she felt that she really shouldn't have to straighten nothing out…but she wasn't going to negativity set in as she devised a plan on how to fix this whole misunderstanding. But, her plan required the assistance of someone, someone that would have to be sworn to secrecy. She only knew one person that would be of help to her, even though he was quite shady himself- Urahara.

Rukia got permission from her captain to make a short trip to the World of the Living. Captain Ukitake could tell she was up to something, but he did not let on that he knew she was scheming something but rather let her go do what she felt was right.

World of the Living: Urahara's Shop

"Well, hello Lt. Kuchiki." Jinta said as he was shooting hoops outside of the shop.

"Hello, is your boss in?" Rukia inquired.

"Yes, go on in please."

"Thank you." Rukia replied. "Urahara."

"Aw, Lt. Kuchiki, what do I owe the honor of your presence this lovely evening?" Urahara asked as he placed his ritual fan over his mouth as he peered at Rukia.

"I need your help with something."

"Are you sure I am the right person to becoming here for help, since the person that you want help with is here with me?" he said with a smirk.

"Uhm, you do make sense, but yet, you're the best person for what I have in mind." She replied as she told him of her plans.

"Interesting, I'll get on this right away-Ms. Kuchiki." Urahara said with that shady look he always wear on his face.

Rukia had to laugh to herself as she thought how fun it was going to be putting her plan in motion. However, she also needed someone in Soul Society that she could trust to help ensure her plan works but she was having a hard time trying to figure out who could keep their mouth shut. Apparently, no one could since everyone knew about her argument with Byakuya. Suddenly, it dawned on her that there was one person who might go along with her scheme; but she would have to bribe him to play. "Hey, Urahara I need a bottle of Saki, you know where I can find some?" Yes, even the captain of the 11th squad would be a pawn in her scheme.