DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH IN ANY WAY

"I now pronounce the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt. He will be tried in a higher court one month from now. That is all, court is now adjourned."

Rukia had done it again. She had managed to turn a difficult case around, a talent she was proud of. In fact, she had even more reason to be proud. This case had Kaien sweating and for him to lose his cool, it must have been incredibly difficult. Her skill was why she was called the Miracle Rookie at one point. It was a cool sounding name when compared to her current title.

Nowadays, she went by "that Demon Kuchiki"

Rukia wasn't sure if she was supposed to be flattered by that. It was obvious that only the interns and the newbies could ever possibly make that name. It was either they feared her or loved her but she was sure that it was probably the first one. Not that she was surprised, she was often told that she was a ball busting lady in heels.

Nonetheless, Rukia feared for the verdict at one point. The case she took from Kaien was in no way simple. The defense team was a tenacious lot and the defendant's attorney was one of the best in the business. He was a senior partner in some big time firm. A firm that Rukia once aspired to go to back when she graduated law school, in the end. The government decided to pay her more than any other firm so she went for the higher pay.

It was common sense really, she didn't have to think about.

It was also the only way for her family to leave her alone and not dictate her life.

Come on, who wouldn't want a lawyer in a top position? It wouldn't hurt if a member of the family controlled the courts, that was supposed to be favorable. Instead of being glad, they said: "At least we've got a lawyer. That might help once in a while."

Stupid trust fund babies.

Rukia rolled her eyes on reflex, she had been doing a lot of that lately. All the interns back in the office were idiots, hence the eye rolling. As soon as she placed her hand on her briefcase, the lawyer from the other side approached her.

The older gentleman with his hair slicked back was Atty. Ginjo Kugo. He was the best of the best along his peers. It was a miracle that she won this one, he was too skilled for her and he had more experience. Rukia's may have been considered a veteran but she knew she wasn't a full pro. She lacked experience and this man did, that made him respectable.

"Ms. Kuchiki, good show." Ginjo said while applauding her.

He seemed to have the appearance of a trustworthy man, Rukia knew better. Ginjo Kugo was someone you could never trust.

She smiled sweetly. "Thank your Mr. Kugo. You were quite impressive yourself." She replied. Somehow she could tell that he had some kind of an agenda.

He shook his head. "Nonsense. It's only natural that I would lose to an attorney of your caliber, Ms. Kuchiki. I know for a fact that your reputation didn't come from nothing."

"I'd like to say thank you again except I already did." She retorted.

He laughed through his nose before smirking. "Of course. You don't want to hear bullshit right now. You want to know what I want."

"At the risk of being crass, I would advise you to get to the point Mr. Kugo. And yes, cut the bullshit. You're wasting my time and my boss has a temper. He dislikes waiting." She replied caustically.

He grinned as he slid his hands into his pockets. "It would appear that you both share the same temper."

"Birds of the same feather flock together. I get the impression that you're more of a snake kind of guy. Very reptilian..." Rukia retorted.

"Slimy and sneaky? That sounds about right. God knows I can't be trusted when I can't even trust me." He scoffed.

"It's one of the reasons why I decided not to join your firm, a few years back. The corporate world is far too complicated for my taste. It's too... Kuchiki." She replied.

He laughed. "Too Kuchiki eh? No matter, despite your reputation, you have never done anything underhanded. Nevertheless, I would like to extend to you an invitation."

She raised an eyebrow. "An invitation?"

"Yes, to my firm. The corporate world can be surprisingly straightforward, and you won't be too far from criminal cases. I can assure you of that if contracts are not your thing. I can also guarantee that you will be a junior partner with us."

She smiled. "Just junior?"

"Wouldn't want to upset the big boys. The senior partners are old fashioned, they don't like having a woman doing a man's job." He replied.

She shrugged. "Are you one of the big boys Mr. Kugo?"

He laughed. "Yes, I suppose I am. But I'm more interested in your abilities rather than your gender."

"Aside from making partner, what else do you guarantee?"

He crossed his arms and grinned. "Bigger numbers on your paycheck. You're a good lawyer and you have a good business sense. Of course we want you."

"You know, there's a high probability that I'll say no." She retorted.

He shrugged and ran a hand through his dark hair. "The offer is up indefinitely... I don't know what's going to happen to you but I smell change in the air. If something bad happens, my firm will be waiting. Of course, if someone else steals our interest then... well, you know the drill."

Rukia glanced at her white wrist watch before frowning. Her boss had expected her to leave the courtroom straight away. She couldn't afford to daly with Ginjo Kugo. "Yes, I do know the drill well. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with the Chief."

He smiled eerily. "Of course, Ms. Kuchiki. I hope you answer favorably."

Rukia ignored his final statement and finally left the courtroom. She quickly breezed through the hallways and followed the route she memorized by heart. She had been here too many times, she practically knew every nook and cranny here. Rukia took a deep breath as she finally approached the exit. The case she took was pretty high profile, she expected some resistance outside.

And she was right.

The press was waiting for her along the steps. She sighed exasperatedly before making descent. A few seconds later, lights kept flashing her way. Then the cameras and the reporters came. This was the tough part, their questions usually were irrelevant. Like, their questions usually attacked her personal life instead of her professional one. She braced herself as the first question came flying.

"Ms. Kuchiki, can you comment on Atty. Shiba's whereabouts?"

Rukia raised an eyebrow. She almost forgot that they didn't have time to make a statement about Kaien. "Atty. Shiba is currently recuperating in the Karakura General Hospital. I am not at liberty to discuss the cause for his hospitalization. Rest assured that he is recovering well."

Smooth and clean. That's how Kuchikis handled the press. Smooth and clean answers were always good, they satisfied the press enough and stopped the inquisition for the most part. A few more steps later, she was assaulted with more.

"Ms. Kuchiki, is it true that you have resumed your relationship with actor Ichigo Kurosaki."

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. It's already December yet they still ask the same questions. Like all of the other questions pertaining to Ichigo, she ignored them like a bitch.

"I maintain my previous answers and all the answers before. I am currently not involved with Ichigo Kurosaki. To the rest of the questions concerning him, my only answer is: 'No comment'"

She was blinded with more camera flashes. She makes one concise comment and they go crazy? What did she ever do. She answered honestly, for the most part. As of now, she wasn't involved with him.

She heard another question as she slowly climbed down the steps. She pondered over through the press.

How did she feel about Ichigo?

A lot of things really...

Then again, he was a topic she would rather avoid. She didn't want to think about him, it made her think of all the dreams she had back then. All the moments she dreamed of with him. It made her feel a little bitter and she didn't want to feel that way.

Sigh, celebrity relationships were harsh.

In the distance, she saw a black sedan waiting for her. She raised an eyebrow and smiled... Apparently, Toshiro decided to be a little flashy today. Regardless, that meant she wouldn't have to go by cab. And besides, the press liked it when famous people run away via mysterious black sedan.

The press decided to follow her all the way through and kept throwing cheaply questions at her. All of which she ignored with a passion. Well, until someone threw a court related question for once. For this one, she gladly smiled and answered.

"As I have previously stated, I do not do bargains and I never will. The defense team, lead by Atty. Ginjo Kugo never yielded. They were difficult opponents but a criminal can never get away with a crime. All I can say is that justice was served, just as it should be."

Rukia approached the mysterious black sedan in front of the courthouse. As soon as the doors opened for if, she heard a familiar voice in the press.

"Ms. Kuchiki, can you comment on the alleged sightings of you and Ichigo Kurosaki in a ski resort up north?"

Rukia turned around and raised an eyebrow. It was Uryu Ishida and he was here today for the Daily Herald. He motioned for her to answer and if he was Ichigo's friend, she had to trust him a little. If there were rumors about her and Ichigo circulating, it was her duty to clear it all up. She eventually stopped in her tracks and made a quick smile.

"As I have previously stated multiple times, I have not seen Mr. Kurosaki since we ah... parted ways. Any rumors about us getting back together is a load of BS. In case you have all forgotten, I am also a human being hence Mr. Kurosaki is a touchy subject. Therefore it stands to reason that I'd like you all to stop badgering me." She said with her sarcastic flair. Yes, she was aware that she publicly swore, technically speaking.

The press was ready to unload more questions when she gave them her charming smile. "Yes, I did say bullshit. Would you all like to quote that?"

And with that beautiful remark, she entered the car. She crossed her legs and smirked as the driver hit the gas. The family elders, A.K.A members of the board that she was going to head, would kill her for it. Vulgar language in public?

Oh no, disown her!

She rolled her eyes to no one but herself. Still though, she had always wanted to do that. Swear to the press and have it printed on the paper, censored and all. Yeah, that's the goddamn dream in a pretty box and big red bow on top.

She flicked her wrist to move he sleeve and checked her wrist watch. She was a little late but she was used to Toshiro's temper. In fact, she might have been the reason why he had a temper to begin with. She had a fair iron hand when she was the chief but she particularly enjoyed bullying Toshiro.

All her bullying finally came to bite her back in the ass.

The beauty of karma.

She closed her eyes and took this opportunity to rest up a little. Rukia hadn't had a good night's sleep in a very long time. Even those blissful moments with Ichigo didn't allow her the rest she sorely needed. Whenever she slept in his arms, she always felt restless because she knew that she wasn't out of the woods yet.

It didn't show, thank god for makeup, but she had eye bags. Deep dark eye bags that stood out against her pale skin and made her look like the goddamn Adams Family. The stress was finally getting to her and she considered herself to have high stress tolerance.

But no, she was a big girl now. She had to take care of her shit like an adult. Not hide and run like a little child.

"Ma'am, there's traffic down this road. Is it alright if we take the long way around?"

She opened her eyes and crossed her arms. "Is it faster?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay, do whatever. The big boss hates to wait." She replied back to the driver.

She sighed quietly before leaning her head back against the cool leather. She closed her eyes ones more and hoped that she could at least drift off to sleep. Even if it was just a little, she wanted a short moment of peace.

In the end, she wasn't allowed that much.

She sighed once more before leaning her head against the tinted car window. Her amethyst eyes slowly glanced at the city before she looked away.

Somehow, she wasn't fond of the city anymore.

The exhilaration was gone and it was simply dull as hell.

Rukia glanced at the sea of people who parted for her. Somehow, she felt a little like Moses, except she had no fancy beard or a holy stick of power. Raising an eyebrow at the sight, she made her way towards the elevators to get to Toshiro's floor. Well, it was what used to be her floor.

She also liked that gigantic thing Michelangelo painted on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. Naturally, she could not do that to her office so she had someone convert it into canvas form. Not as impactful but it was still beautiful nonetheless. She even hung it in her old office.

The relevance of the painting in question was that Toshiro took it down. She disliked him for that sole reason.

When she approached the elevators, someone pushed the button for her. She raised another brow before cringing. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel about this. Ever since she came back, it was like Mein Führer was in the building. Rukia didn't want to be compared to the likes of Adolf Hitler but she knew what it implied.

The office viewed her as some kind of a totalitarian dictator.

It wasn't exactly flattering.

However, they respected her and that was all she wanted.

Respect, it was something she never had when she was growing up.

Rukia languidly entered the elevator and she quickly took the corner section of the elevator. She reached out and pressed the top floor before crossing her arms with a contemplative face. Elevators made her feel strangely claustrophobic. The previous incident didn't help her either.

Being a stuck in an elevator with your Ex was fun as hell. The earthquake was fantastic too, it touched upon a little childhood trauma she never got rid off.

Rukia allowed a groan of dissatisfaction to escape her lips before she began to massage her temples. Her thought were flying all over the place, it sucked that her bad habit of over thinking was giving her a headache. Maybe she should take Momo's advice and try not to think too much. Rukia could use a little more relaxation time.

The last time she was pretty chill was when she still owned her cafe. Now she sold both the cafe and the property, any remnants of what she had for those three years were gone. All she did from her previous job was make fantastic coffee for herself, it wasn't as fun as serving it to customers.

She was much happier then too.

She could do whatever she pleased and be her own person. She answered to no one and nobody meddled in her affairs. She was free and single, she didn't have a boyfriend to stress over.

Rukia missed her bohemian ways. It's true that she enjoyed the power she felt whenever she went to court but it was all nostalgia. Nostalgia was what gave her that feeling of happiness. At that time, she had missed being the old Rukia. What she failed to realize was that she could never go back to Chief Prosecutor Rukia Kuchiki.

She was just Rukia now. Single and very much alone in the world. Her best friend was nowhere to be found and the man she loved wasn't here to change her mind.

She dropped out of her thoughts when her floor was announced. She made a firm expression as she made her way out. She didn't notice but by the time she reached the top floor, all of the people riding with her had gotten off. It was a bad habit, she really should pay better attention next time.

With another aging sigh, Rukia went straight for the door at the end of the hall. Usually, Rukia would knock and Toshiro would unlock the door but she decided to do otherwise. It would be way more fun to intrude rudely so she decided to disable the security lock herself.

His password was way too predictable.

With a small smirk on her face, she entered what used to be her office and caught Toshiro unawares.

Chief Prosecutor Toshiro Hitsugaya was actually drinking tea while listening to Chopin in his office. The moment she came in, he nearly dropped his petite tea glass. He also accidentally changed the music to something as embarrassing as the Backstreet Boys. Rukia was convinced that his iPod actually belonged to his wife.

Toshiro frowned heavily before clearing his throat as if he were clearing the shame away. He then sent a frightening glare in Rukia's direction but she deflected it with sheer Kuchiki grace. She approached what used to be her desk and planted her hands firmly on the cool mahogany.

"Kuchiki." He acknowledged curtly

"Toshiro." She replied in the same manner.

He glowered at her for ten seconds before leaning back and crossing his arms. He then gestured towards the comfy leather chair before him. "Take a seat."

Rukia smiled sweetly just to spite him as she took her seat. She then crossed her legs and folded her hands on her lap. She watched him look at the time before he looked at her sternly.

"You're late." She heard him say.

Why did this feel like a pleasant trip to the principal's office?

"I blame the press. They were unusually persistent." She replied.

He raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't blame them. Not when you're a scandal waiting to be found."

She frowned. "You're implying what exactly?"

"They stalled you because you went on some romantic escapade, therefore I still blame you. I think you didn't keep your cool and you just had to answer back didn't you? That's what took you so long."

"Ho—"

He smiled. "How do I know?"

She sighed exasperatedly. "I hate interruptions. It's not even a question, how you know. Momo told you."

"I'd give you a prize except I don't have one. I hope you've finished your honeymoon with Kurosaki. It would be a pain to have you distracted in the office." He stated.

She tucked stray hair behind her ear and kept a serious face. "You know me, I'm all business. I've never let my personal life affect my professional one. You have my word on that."

Rukia was about to say more but she held back. When she realized that Toshiro caught on and was waiting for her to talk, she decided to say it anyway. "And besides... Ichigo and I aren't—"

"Yeah yeah, I get it. I'm a man, I don't need to hear this. I hear enough of your love life from my beautiful wife." He cut her off rudely.

She rolled her eyes. "And for the record, Ginjo Kugo gave me an offer. It's why I was late, it wasn't because of my statements."

He raised an eyebrow. "What kind of offer?"

She shrugged to herself and glanced at the coffee maker in the far corner of the room. It was unused by Toshiro, which meant that there was still something that belonged to her. She stood up slowly and gestured to the coffee maker. "May I?"

"It's all yours... I could never get the damned thing to work."

She smirked at the comment. "It's nice knowing there are some things in which I'm still better than you."

"Don't gloat, it's unbecoming."

She laughed as she finally got her hands on her old coffee maker. Upon checking the drawers, she noticed that Toshiro kept the old supply well stocked. Naturally, this amused her. Regardless, she began to start making a pot of coffee with her mad skills.

"Do you want some?"

He smiled. "It pains me to say it but I do miss your coffee."

"Glad to hear that I am missed." She replied before looking back and giving him a teasing grin. "Is this why you're drinking tea? You don't know how to work the coffee machine?"

He shrugged. "What can I say? It's your forte. Did I also mention that you are very good at changing the subject?"

She chuckled. "I suppose I am."

"While you're making coffee, explain to me the situation? Am I going to lose my best attorney?" Toshiro asked.

She shook her head before looking back at the coffee. "No, not anytime soon. I don't like Kugo and I don't like anything corporate. I understand that I might litigate stuff but I have a bad feeling that I'll wind up making contracts instead. I've had enough of entrepreneurial bullshit from my family, I don't want that terrorizing my job."

"So I take it that he offered you a job?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

He sighed before looking away. "You could have said so earlier instead of beating around the bush."

"Sorry, I'm just not fond of the man. I respect him yes, but he gets on my nerves. Ranting just seems more fun right now." She snarled.

Toshiro sighed loudly. "What am I? Momo?"

"Close enough." Rukia replied.

The sweet aroma of coffee filled the office air and Rukia smiled. She always loved the smell of freshly brewed coffee, nothing could come close to it. She finally took the pot and poured the bitter drink into two mugs.

"How do you like your coffee?"

"You decide." He replied.

"Don't blame me if you die."

She heard him laugh on the other end of the room. They may not be the best of friends but there were time when she and Toshiro did get along. With a smile, Rukia did her magic on the coffee and brought one mug to Toshiro. He set aside his tea and took the mug gladly.

"Thanks"

She smiled as she took one sip of the exquisite beverage. She really loved coffee. "No problem... But I do want to know why you want to talk to me. I was planning on reading a good book all day."

"A book trumps my meeting? You need to set your priorities straight."

She raised an eyebrow. "What? It's a good book."

He rolled his eyes before taking a sip of his coffee. After putting the mug down, he leaned all the way back on what used to be her chair. Toshiro made this weird face, it was a face Rukia wasn't too familiar with. She had seen that expression before it she couldn't remember why he made it then.

She didn't know what that expression would mean now.

"Serious talk huh...?" She commented in her normal tone now, it's wasn't playtime anymore.

He nodded before crossing his arms again, just like a school dean. "This is a bit uncomfortable."

"Why?"

He glanced away before he looked at her with his green eyes. "Because I'm also giving you an offer."

Rukia didn't say anything, her face said it all. She was awfully proud of her poker face but this time, she allowed her thoughts to slip through. She was uncertain about the nature of the conversation but she had to listen. This was obviously important. Finally, she brought herself to break the brief silence.

"What offer?"

He shrugged. "I'm offering you my job." He stated without an inch of hesitations

Rukia allowed the shock to register. Her eyes grew wide briefly before she caught herself and tried to stay calm. "Y-you... You're going to reinstate me?" She stuttered.

"Yes... Don't tell me I'm a fool. I've been thinking about it ever since I was shot. I was already entertaining the idea of resigning while I was hospitalized, I'm only doing this now because I've found a suitable candidate. Who better than the woman from whom I took the job from?" He replied, it was a very sound argument.

"Logic... I respect logic but..."

"I know about the Kuchiki thing. It's even tougher on you since you're a woman, but you're becoming the CEO of a multimillion company that probably conquers the good half of the world. Big job and all... Not that I'm fond of the requirement that CEOs need to be married. Preserving the legacy is a very cliched outlook on business, it's too outdated for my taste."

"Well, they always want a Kuchiki in power... It's even better if the people on top have kids who'll continue the family business. That's why I'm marrying Kaien." Rukia replied on a sour note.

"It's a stupid rule... I think I'm one of the few friends you have. That's why I'm giving your old job back to you. They can't look the other way when one family member is one of the most powerful attorneys in the vicinity. The D.A is nothing to laugh at. Also, you're older and a little more experienced now, they might accept it a little better.

"That's true."

"I'll give you some time to think about it. I'll only resign when I know my job is in good hands. Right now, I only trust you to do it right. You're the only here who's better than me." Toshiro smiled.

"I concede that point."

"Don't get too cocky." Toshiro berated.

Rukia smiled a Mona Lisa smile before drinking her coffee. She lightly put the mug down before answering. "Jokes aside, I'm honored that you think so highly of me."

"In a weird twisted way, you were kind of my mentor. You made my earlier days hell but I became a better lawyer because of it." Toshiro replied earnestly before continuing. "I suppose I'm paying you back for all the shit you made me do."

Rukia smiled. "I suppose you were my protege... But ah, what brought this decision. I understand that you're scared to die but I know you have a bigger backbone than that. What's up with you?"

Toshiro shrugged before giving her a warm grin, as if he thought of something nice. "I'm a married man Kuchiki... Naturally, my wife and I were talking about kids. It's always been Momo's plan you know? You of all people should know that she was born to be the best mother ever."

Rukia nodded. "I totally agree with you... She can be such a mom sometimes. Especially to me since I can barely remember mine. I've had no one since my sister passed away, Momo was the only one who really took care of me."

Toshiro laughed, it was easy to hear how much he loved his wife. "I love Momo, that's why I'm resigning. You took over my case, remember how that murderer threatened to kill her or Kurosaki? When I saw the details on the case file, I thought I was going to expire on the spot. I didn't realize how dangerous this job was... You made it look so easy. Now that we plan to have kids and all, I don't want to expose my family to this lifestyle. Maybe you can handle it, but I can't. Compared to you, I'm too much of a coward to stay in this position."

Rukia wanted to prove him wrong. She was the coward, she had been running all her life. She wasn't strong. In fact, Toshiro was the stronger one for admitting that he was scared. Not a lot of men would admit that, that part of him was what Rukia respected the most. Instead of saying her piece, she kept quiet. She didn't want to go off and change what he thought of her. It would be a little too much for her pride to handle.

"I know you'll be fine. Better than fine, that's why I'm giving it back to you. It's because you can handle it, I just can't."

"It's not that I'm refusing. I'm just not sure if I can take the job... I have plenty of loose ends to tie up first." Rukia replied.

Toshiro mouth twitched. "I know, that's why the offer is up indefinitely. I don't know the expiration date for Ginjo Kugo's offer but yours runs until you retire. I don't know how long it'll take but this part of town is a safer place with you running the courts. All I'm saying is that when I step down, I want you sitting in this chair afterwards."

Toshiro then glanced at his watch before standing up slowly. Rukia placed him under great scrutiny before inwardly sighing. She could remember him when he first came to work with her, he used to be an unbearable greenhorn. Irritating but eager to learn. She was small, but he looked like a child. Sure, he was short for a guy, he was still taller than her but Rukia didn't think he was a college graduate back then.

He was older than her too but she was some kind of a mentor to him. It was a weird arrangement that worked.

Looking at them now, they were old. Toshiro was going to have a family and the time Rukia dreaded was coming. She knew that one day, she would have to uphold her responsibilities as a Kuchiki. The difference was that she didn't know that her duty was to be the next CEO. That was a real shocker.

"I have a meeting to attend to. You can go on ahead and read that stupid book." Toshiro stated with a light tone.

"I fully intend to do that." She replied as she stood up from her chair. She left the coffee mug on the table and turned around. "I'll see you around Hitsugaya."

"You too Kuchiki."

Rukia walked slowly towards the door while Toshiro looked out the window. As soon as her hand touched the brass knob, Toshiro called out her name. Rukia stopped in her tracks and turned her heels around. She looked at him straight in the eye.

"Yes?"

"Listen... I know you're going through a lot of shit right now. I can't relate but I can give an outsider's perspective. Go with your heart, you'll never go wrong with it. Trust me, because it never went wrong for me."

"I don't know what to do."

He smiled reassuringly. "I dunno... What do you want to do?"

Rukia have him one last look before leaving without an answer. She breathed in deeply and made her way towards the elevator at the end of the hall. At the same time, his final words echoed in her mind like a broken record.

What do you want do?

Rukia pressed the button and exhaled.

Point taken.

What did she want to do?

AN: What's up peeps, AkaBaka here. It would appear that I am more productive when I have nothing. Regardless, thanks to the magic of repair dudes, they managed to pull my files back.

In fairness, I cried over nothing. As much as that irritates me now, it doesn't matter. I have finished this chapter and I am one step closer to the end. I hope you guys stick with me until the very last chapter.

AkaBaka-chan signing off~