~No more words ~

I love you.

She was speechless. Had he really said that?

Stark alarmed at once by her silence endeavored to not reveal his disappointment. He schooled himself to remain impassive despite the raging turmoil going through his mind. He thought maybe she didn't believe him. Which was proved by her shaky voice and faltering smile, "l-love me?" she seemed to be asking herself so he remained quiet.

She didn't dare ask how it came to be, the inscrutable expression he tried to wear did not fool her. He was worried and afraid that maybe she didn't share the depth of feeling that existed in himself for her. Rukia frowned, unable to meet his steady gaze. Her eyes closed and beneath her lids she felt the faraway hum and density of another's spirit pressure as recognizable as Stark's was to her. Ichigo...

Rukia was unaware that she had whispered it aloud.

The one before her immediately stiffened. Too late she sensed a coldness descend into the atmosphere of the room. Her eyes opened and she caught the look on his face visible for only a fleeting second before it to, vanished and he turned away. Hurt. It was as palpable to her as her own confusion. He was hurt deeply. Yet she could think of nothing to say to lessen it. To speak otherwise than a denial would be to give hope where there might never be reciprocation. But...her gaze was fixed ahead, her eyes staring unseeingly at an area of the wall. She knew she wasn't entirely without...

The door opened and the same Arrancar that had brought her the food, appeared. He took one narrowed glance at the intact tray and then his piercing green eyes rested on her for the briefest moment. She shot him a look of defiance. But apparently...he hadn't come solely to check on her again as warned, "Stark, there's a meeting."

The Primera moved to the door without looking back, joining his fellow member of the Espada in the doorway and passing through. Rukia felt a pang in her heart. She realized he had no more words to speak to her. Possibly again.

She sunk to her knees on the rug; she sensed the other staring at her for a moment longer than necessary and felt some anger at this. Did Aizen know? Did he enjoy tormenting his soldiers--

Or...her gaze lifted and locked with green. Was he expecting her to rise and go after...?

Ulquiorra closed the door.

She curled up, clutching her knees to her chest. Something cool trickled from her eyes and spiraled down her cheeks. This wasn't happening. She wasn't crying. Rukia Kuchiki didn't shed tears--

~*~

"They've come for her."

"I know," Stark kept his eyes focused ahead, never turning once to his comrade.

"You've allowed yourself to grow attached to some thing. It is unforgiveable." Ulquiorra stated plainly, unperturbed by the sudden anger-filled glare that he was favored by. "What I feel is none of your concern," Stark all but spat in the Cuatro's direction.

Lifeless green eyes lifted and met his look, "I suppose it isn't. However, I must ask, will you kill that boy? If so, you must request permission at the meeting from Lord Aizen."

He was near to answering a negative in response to the Cuatro's surety and then he remembered. Ichigo...his gray eyes turned flinty and he couldn't say a word.

They continued down the hall in a heavy silence.

~To be continued~

AN: there's still angst! ;) but I figured Rukia isn't the one to right away admit she did love him. ;) hence the confusion and everything... teehee. Thanks for reading--only a few more chapters to go! No flames, stupid comments, you know what I mean! Especially no spammers!

Otherwise, reviews are always appreciated. :)