Part 2

Everyday she would have lunch with that idiot lieutenant of his. Everyday he watched the way Renji looked at her, interacted with her, touched her. Everyday he watched, how close they were and the fun they seemed to have, with a jealousy that burned deep into his heart. As determined as he was to get that level of intimacy with her, it was still an area where he continued to fail. He continued to inwardly scold himself for feeling this way about her but it was one battle he had lost long ago.

He watched from the window as the pair sat under the tree. Laughing then arguing. She chased Renji around a bit yelling something inaudible. All at once Renji was sitting on top of Rukia holding her arms over her head and he stopped laughing. His face getting closer to hers. Determined to subtract a wall from his office to slaughter the red headed menace that was way too close to his sister, he went for his sword. He had it half way unsheathed when Rukia had gained the upper hand and was now straddling and tickling the lieutenant who was again laughing. She gave him a whack and sat back next to him.

Renji wasn't worthy of her, Bayakuya knew that and made it known every time he looked Renji in the eye. No one was worthy of his Rukia. No one would dare take her from him. Never again would he let an opportunity slip away. He was going to take the next opportunity that presented itself. He was going to fight for her if need be. Fight Renji, fight Ichigo, fight those damn rules and anyone else who dare get in his way. He was going to take the happiness he had been so long denied himself. He would find a way to make her love him.

It was a Tuesday when Renji hurried into the sixth division offices exceptionally early to assume his duty as acting captain. Renji loved Tuesdays. It was Byakuya' normal day off. Today would be easy but the fear his captain instilled in him when he told him not to mess up yesterday, tugged him back from being lazy. If Renji was nothing else, he was dedicated to proving himself worthy to his captain, so today, he wouldn't mess up anything too important that is.

Renji had forgotten how important this day was and drew a blank when it came time to put in for a day off, even though Rukia reminded him ten times. He wouldn't dare call in last minute because he had been late every day for the last week and a half. Had he asked and told Byakuya how important a day this was to Rukia, his request would have been immediately granted.

Rukia had a full day planned. Entering the garden she found her brother sitting under a tree reading a file with a stack of papers next to him. Since it was Rukia' normal working day ,he had planned on spending his day off doing work. Looking up and staring at her a bit too long, he admired how the cerulean colored kimono draped and clung to her small body.

"Good morning ni-sama. You are up early today."

" As are you. You seem to be in a hurry. Were you summoned to work early? Sit with me for a moment before you go." he said making it seem like the request wasn't out of the ordinary.

She sat a bit too close for comfort and when he turned his head to speak his lips nearly touched her forehead. The action had sent a blazing fire through both their bodies making the world around them blur for a moment.

"What are your plans for today?" he somehow managed to say in his normal bored and stern voice.

"Well today is a really important day. Its sort of an anniversary. So I took a day off." she didn't think he would be interested in hearing more so she stopped there.

" What kind of anniversary do you speak of? He asked feeling out the situation.

She looked down and the mood became more somber.

"Two friends of mine, well mine and Renji' that is, died today." she said looking down at her hands in her lap.

"I see, continue." urging her on

"It's also the day we decided to become Shinigami. We go back to the 78th where we came from every five years to pay our respects to three of our closest friends who died too young. We promised them that we would always make time to visit them. We also visit where we grew up and help out where we can to honor their memory. Renji has always come with me, but the idiot forgot. He knows how important this was to me. He can be so unreliable in these situations." she was looking forlorn

At this moment he wanted to kill Renji for upsetting her. He could see how important this was to her. This might just be the opportunity he was looking for.

"I do not think it is safe for you to go alone. You could get hurt. That is a very rough area. Its not suitable for someone of your position. I forbid you to go" he stated sounding way more harsh then he intended.

"I have to go! You don't know how much it means to me to go to them. Did you forget I came from there. Its where I grew up, it's where I found friends. If I hadn't met Renji and the others there, I may not even be here right now." her face reflected a sad softness in her instead of anger, when she got worked up. But she instantly quieted when she realized who she was trying to argue with.

"I shall accompany you today." he reacted instantly to her anguish, not really understanding why she was so upset.

"You cant go to a place like that! It's not right. It's too dirty and low class for you. You must have other plans for today? You don't want to spend your day off with me in the 78th."

"Rukia do you think I have never been outside of these walls? When I was just a regular Shinigami I patrolled the 19th district for years. It was far from pleasant. I insist on going with you today. Don't concern yourself further you have not interrupted my plans and I wish to see where you grew up."

"I have to warn you the 78th district is nothing like the 19th."

"I insist." he stated.

"Well, if you insist." a small smile breaking through. She thought this was a good time for them to really get to know one another and she did like spending time with him.

Byakuya saw this as his chance to get into her world and find a way to open her up to him.

With that they prepared to leave the safety, comfort, and structure of Seireitei for the filth and poverty of the 78th district.