AN: something extra I had in my doc box. :)

Title: In the Darkness

Rating: T

Pairing: AaronieroxRukia

"However..." his hand slid along the top of her head, a smile slipped into place, "there is something I need." He saw that she was listening intently, ready to agree to anything he asked of her. "If you really... want to atone for what you did then..." something inside stirred, the part of him that was Shiba, the greedy, grasping covetous piece that was left of the man, waited in silence. "Stay with me." The hammer had fallen, Rukia's expression revealed naked shock and disbelief.

"S-Sir?" her chin tilted up to fully take in his still smiling face, "y-you're kidding right?"

The Espada shook his head, adopting Shiba's serious look, "does it look like I'm unserious, Rukia?" Her eyes widened and slowly she bobbed her head from side to side. "N-no, sir."

"Well, then..." he clapped her shoulder comradely, "you know what to do, don't you?"

She shook her head mutely still taken aback that he would ask that, the one thing she always wanted to have with Kaien Shiba. To stay at his side.

"Why, rescue your friend, of course!" The Espada drew his brows together in consternation, "wasn't that what you said you had to do first before complying with anything I asked of you?"

Rukia gazed up at him in amazement. This truly was Assistant Captain Kaien Shiba. "Yes, sir!" her voice was slightly higher, her faith restored. He patted her again on top of her head, ruffling her hair the way Shiba remembered doing. "Get going!" He released her, "then when your friend is safe...come back." His smile was slow and steady, "to this palace of darkness. Come back to me."

She nodded shakily, tearfully but not with fear. "Sir..." she hesitated once, going back the way she had been lead in, "...why me?" there was a tremble of faint hope maintained within her voice.

"Miyako was my wife in name only." Kaien Shiba answered, "but...she wasn't the one I cared for. Not the one I loved. Now...go Rukia, don't leave me waiting long!"

Rukia smiled watery a smile of happiness, "yes, sir!" and ran off.

Kaien watched her go, the cold surface of his palm still retaining a thread of her warmth. His hand closed over it gently, his smile soft.

Kuchiki would return to him. He knew she would. Because she had his heart...and always would.

~Finis~

AN: an alternate take on Aaroniero and Rukia's meeting. Thanks for reading!

No flames-haters-stupid comments!

Reviews appreciated! ^-^