Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters


Renji and Rukia were sitting in their booth as they waited for their burgers. There was a quiet comfortable lull. That is until Renji asked, "What's the deal with your depressing apartment?"

Rukia rolled her eyes, "It's not depressing."

"There's nothing on your walls, hardly any furniture, no plants, no nothing."

"You're exaggerating."

"That's why you're depressed, you're not even trying to make your place homey."

"That's because it's not my home. Home is Karakura Town, with you, Ichigo, Sachi, and everyone else."

"Yeah, I know that's home. But right this moment, this city is your home. And it's not going to do anyone any good if you're miserable here. None of us are going to get mad at you for making this place comfortable. You're going to make good memories here, and we're not going to be a part of them. And that's okay too. Cuz I hate to break it to ya, but we're also making memories without ya. And like I said it does suck that you're not there, but that will also make for good stories when you finally come home. So make the most out of your time here. We'll be there waiting for you. But your time here isn't forever. Have fun, go on adventures. Create stories that you can tell Sachi when she gets older."

Rukia avoided Renji's gaze, what he said made sense but..."It just doesn't feel right, how can I be happy here when Sachi and Ichigo are so far away, I'm missing so many of Sachi's firsts. I just- it doesn't seem right," confessed Rukia.

"They aren't going to blame you for being happy. In fact that's why I came, because Ichigo could tell how unhappy you are here. I know for a fact he wants you to have the best experience you can. If not he'll probably feel like he held you back."

Rukia scoffed, "That's stupid, why should he feel responsible for holding me back. I'm here aren't I? We're still together aren't we? Nothing else is his responsibility."

"But are you really here?"

Rukia rolled here eyes, "Of course I'm here. Where else could I be?"

"Thinking about Karakura, Ichigo and Sachi," stated Renji. Rukia suddenly understood what Renji was trying to say. Physically she was there, but mentally she wasn't. She was just going through the motions of day to day life, wondering what Ichigo and Sachi were doing at the moment. Wishing she could be there arguing with Ichigo and hearing Sachi's cute coos.

Rukia let out a sigh, "but I don't how to not think about them."

"So think about them, think about all the ways you can inspire Sachi and tell her about the hardships you overcame. Have kickass adventures so that you can one up Ichigo with all your insane stories. Take pictures as proof of what you've done. Live a little." Rukia nodded her head, indicating she heard what Renji was saying. "I know Ichigo is having a hard time too, but you guys gotta remember this is only a temporary situation."

Rukia sat there, letting Renji's advice flow through her. Because in the end Renji was right, it wouldn't do any of them any good if they were all miserable. They had to try and make the best of the situation, if not for themselves, then for each other. Rukia playfully rolled her eyes at Renji. "Always lecturing me."