"Hey Rukia, about that substitute shinigami…."
"Yeah, what about him?" Rukia asked cautiously
"Do you love him?" Renji asked quietly
"…"
"Hey, I thought you loved me!" Renji exclaimed angrily
"Don't jump to conclusions. Just because I didn't reply to your answer doesn't mean I was saying yes. I think you're also forgetting I liked you a long time ago, it's in the past now Renji."
"… My feelings for you aren't in the past."
Rukia turned a bright red. Why is he telling me this?
"Well it's a little late to be telling me this now."
"So you do love him!"
"And what would you do if I said yes?"
"… But you'll never see him again."
"Shut up! Do you think I don't know that!" Rukia yelled, "I'm aware of the position I'm in, I'm going to die! You're just trying to make it worse by asking me the stupid questions and telling me stupid things! Do you really think telling me you love me will make a difference? I'll never see you again either!"
"I'm sorry Rukia, you're right." Renji said softly, his eyes turned to the floor.
"It's… all right. He loves Orihime anyways. If I live or die… doesn't really make a difference."
For a long time there was silence.
"Rukia!" she heard a voice yell, breaking the silence.
A familiar voice… but who was it?
"Rukia!" it yelled again.
That's right! How could she forget? It was…
"Ichigo! Where are you?"
Renji gasped, the intruder was here. Should he let him go with Rukia, for her sake? Or should he just kill him for his own?
"Renji, please…" Rukia pleaded
Renji stared at her for a moment, thinking about what he should do.
He unlocked the prison door cautiously, wondering if it was the right thing to do.
"Thank you Renji," she said, with tears in her eyes.
Yes, I think it's the right thing to do.
"Be happy… Rukia," he said as he watched her go.
"…Be happy."