A/N: For those of you thinking IchiHime, no, it will be IchiRuki eventually.

Disclaimer: I… don't own Bleach.

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The Only One 2, Part 2: Noble Reasoning

Byakuya Kuchiki was by no means an emotional man. Once upon a time, he would have killed his own sister.

He had become distressed lately, however, by the behavior of his adoptive sister Rukia. He didn't show it of course, but he had watched Rukia from afar for a while.

Once, she had been spunky and loud; now, she was meek and quiet. The change had been gradual; she had changed slowly ever since returning to the Society 3 years ago. Captain General Yamamoto had ordered Rukia assigned to a part of the world far from Karakura Town. Rukia had accepted this. She had returned to her duties, and that was supposed to have been the end of that.

But it wasn't. Byakuya was pained by the sad look in Rukia's eyes as she lounged on one of the mansion's balconies, staring into the night sky; it was a look that reminded him of his beloved Hisana, reflecting on the abandonment of her sister. Is this really the right thing to do Byakuya Kuchiki? He asked himself. To keep her miserable, just so I know she's safe…

Rukia stared into the twinkling stars of the night sky, lost in the misery that overtook her every night. She had left the world of the living 3 years ago, and missed it everyday. More accurately, she missed Ichigo. Every night as she went to sleep, she remembered that tearful kiss goodbye..

That part of my life is over, she thought. I am Rukia Kuchiki, noble and soul reaper. But I'd rather be with Ichigo… So why shouldn't I be? She thought suddenly. I've been moping for three, years not taking action. I've made up my mind.

Byakuya stood at his parent's grave, hands clasped. Mom, Dad forgive me. Once again, I must break the law… Byakuya too, had made up his mind.

Rukia was apprehensive as she walked to the secret World Tunnel Gate, led by Kukaku Shiba. She was dressed in a sundress she had from the world of the living, and carried a small bag that included her Chappy Soul Candy, some markers, and paper.

To tell the truth, she had been surprised when Kukaku had so readily agreed to Rukia's request to sneak back to the world of the living. Rukia had expected to argue. But then again, she supposed, maybe trouble did not matter to Kukaku.

They arrived at gate, hidden in the center of a Rukongai forest. Rukia was shocked to see Byakuya come out from behind the gate.

"Byakuya…" she said.

"Hello, Rukia." For once, Byakuya's gaze was not cold and hard, but wide and concerned.

"How did-" Rukia began.

"How did I know?" Byakuya finished. "Simple. I was the one who asked Kukaku to prepare the gate."

Rukia stared.

"Rukia… I brought you back to ease my own concerns for your safety. In doing so, I made you miserable. Watching you stare at the sky all those nights… it reminded me so much of Hisana's sadness, whenever she would think about how she abandoned you. I couldn't stand it. I felt as if I was breaking my promise to Hisana by making you miserable… so I decided to make you happy again. I came to Miss Shiba, asking her to prepare the gate. She agreed. Upon returning home, I saw you packing and realized you had made up your mind as well. I let you go to Kukaku on your own, rather than mention it to you."

Rukia took it all in quietly. Then she threw her arms around Byakuya. "Thank you." She whispered.

"Are you ready?" Kukaku asked.

Rukia let go and walked to the gate. "Yes."

"Very well." Kukaku opened the gate. Rukia, a determined look in her eye, stepped through.

"There she goes." Kukaku said.

"Yes…" Byakuya said. "There she goes."

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A/N: Rukia had to use the gate rather than the door they make with the sword because they sealed that ability for her so she wouldn't go back to Karakura.

That's all for ch. 2! Read and Review!