An: I feel so touched by the reviews. Now it made me feel an urge to write more. Thanks to all reviewers! By the way, it might be long, possibly a long drabble, so yeah. Review please!

Chapter 2

The Noble Family's Decision

"You two are asking for my blessing to get married?" Asked the Sixth Captain, taking a sip of tea. He sat with his younger sister and assistant captain at Rukia's house. She opened the sliding door, revealing the outside garden, as they sat and drank afternoon tea. The garden was gorgeous; the grass had a light, soft, relaxing color, with every few rare flowers springing up in the middle of their patch. A couple of fine stone statues of a little house stood, hidden a bit by bushes and trees. A small pond held a few fish as well as delicate, pink water lilies that gently floated on top of the water, and went which everyway the water pushed them. Rukia looked outside, afraid to meet her older brother's gaze. Byakua had a calm, but hard stare. His face was pale, and his eyes seemed like two endless black tunnels that you would fall and never hit anything.

Renji felt Rukia's uneasiness and put his hand on his shoulder, causing her to look up at him, surprised. He had a fixed stare at Byakua, showing no fear. She admired him, and relaxed a little, a small smile forming on her face. She quickly faced back at Byakua's direction and failed to meet his eyes.

"Yes, Byakua-sama." Said Renji. "We're hoping to get your blessing along with the rest of the Kuchiki family."

Byakua sipped his tea with his eyes closed. The was thinking. This left the couple on their toes, tensed.

"Please, Byakua-nii-sama, we really do wish to have your blessing." She said, glancing up for a few seconds to meet his eyes, and then looking down once more.

"I don't know," he began, causing Rukia's eyes to meet his gaze. Her eyes were full of pleading.

"Please, Byakua-nii-sama," She pleaded.

"I'll have to consult with the rest of the Kuchiki family, Renji, Rukia." He said. "I'm sorry, but I must leave. Do not worry though; I will be going to the Kuchiki manor after I finish some business to consult this. Do not worry, Renji, Rukia." He said, as he got up. Rukia scrambled to her feet, Renji later standing my her side, as they bowed and thanked Byakua for coming.

Byukua took wide strides as he left his sister's home. He tossed his scarf over his other shoulder and gave a tsk. "What are you thinking, Rukia?" He muttered. "You know the family won't approve of this." He knew she must've asked him to come because Renji worked side-by-side with him, and might convince the Kuchiki family. True as it is, a pain shot through him as he knew he would fail his friend and assistant captain. However, a noble family such as the Kuchiki shouldn't be marrying someone of such common-class. He knew this wouldn't stop Rukia though. The most she would do, would probably elope, but that would be a huge disgrace to the family, and she would never be accepted back in. His pace grew faster as he angrily thought about this. Then, he stopped.

"Renji, what is it that you want?" He asked, turning his head slightly. Renji had an uneasy and confused look on his face. He was starring at the ground, and his eyebrows furrowed.

"Please, Byakua," He began, refusing to meet eye contact. "I love Rukia." He said.

". . . . ."

"I know what the family's decision might be," Continued Renji. "But you know me, and-"

"I can see why you two would like to get married. You're very much in love- everyone can see that. Unfortunately, this was what the Kuchiki family was trying to stop. They were going to arrange a marriage for Rukia, to another noble family. I cannot disagree with them, and you know that. I would like to give my blessing to you two, but then again, I can't." Said Byukua, as he turned on his heel. "I'm sorry Renji." And he started to walk off, leaving Renji standing alone.

Many thoughts went through his mind. Thoughts of what he went through to get Rukia, when he was with Rukia, and the feelings he had of Rukia. Everything on his mind was about Rukia. And they made it this far, but an obstacle appeared. . . . .because of him. Actually, it was there from the beginning, but it wasn't apparent then. The force wasn't as strong as it was now, for them to separate according to the Kuchiki family's wishes. This shot a pain through Rennin's heart.

Rukia sat on the hard, wooden floor of the hallway with the sliding door open, revealing the garden. Just before, across the hall, she, Renji, and Byakua were sitting discussing their marriage. They actually felt a feeling of hope, but now, of course, that feeling all washed away. She sat with her back leaned against the wooden doorframe with her knees hugged close to her. She starred at the peaceful garden and listened to the sounds surrounding her. Rukia wished that she and Renji could be together forever here, so peaceful. But it seemed impossible- impossible that is, without the family's blessing. It would be a disgrace to the noble family who took her in, to desert them and go against their wishes. But how badly Rukia wanted to do so. She loved Renji, and wanted to be with him forever. No one else. She wanted to spend her life with him, going through thick and thin. These thoughts swarmed madly in her mind. Suddenly, so absorbed in her own thoughts, did she realize tears were rolling down her soft face. She sniffled and sobbed. Tears started to stream down her face, and before she knew it, the whole place dampened along with her spirits. Grey clouds quickly filled the sky, and rain feel from them. Slowly, at first, but then the patter on the roof grew harder, and so did Rukia's sobs. Then, she felt a warm touch on her shoulder. She looked up to find Renji's face, giving her a warm and hopeful look. It must've been hard for him to do so, but for her, it seemed, Renji could do anything for Rukia. Renji sat down beside her. He laid one leg outstretched, and another one bent with his arm balanced on top of his knee.

"Renji." Gasped Rukia, as he sat down.

"Don't cry," He said, forcing a small smile to reassure her. But he too, wanted to burst out his anger and sadness. He gently touched her face and cupped her chin to make her look at him. He looked into those sad orbs of hers, with tears streaming down them. "Listen, Rukia; everything is going to be alright. We're going to get married." He said.

"But Renji-" She began, but was cut off just as Renji grabbed her and held her to his chest.

"Don't cry, my Rukia." He said to her, holding her head and back to him. "Don't cry. We'll make it through." He said in a coarse whisper. "We'll find a way.

AN: Okay, second chapter. . . . .cheesy, and long ramblings, right? Yeah. I know. Anyways, my birthday is coming up- exactly one week from now, February 2, so make me happy by reviewing please!