"Phew!"

I wiped some sweat from my forehead. Breathing hard, I had finally managed to zip up the rest of my belongings in my large bag. I let my mind wander for a moment, thinking what Hitsugaya Taichou would be like. I remembered there was only one time I had seen him smile.

Hinamori.

I shook my head frantically, trying to get the image of the dead girl out of my mind. It wasn't fair, it just wasn't. She didn't deserve to die. I wiped away the tears from my eyes angrily. Get a hold of yourself Rukia! I told myself. It's been six weeks now, don't blame yourself!

Yet I still did....

As I stood up, I noticed that I had missed something out of my bag. Sighing in annoyance, I picked up the object. I stared at it in surprise, feeling the memories flood back. It was a picture which didn't seem too long ago, of Renji and I. I smiled for a moment, remembering how it all took place.

"Kuchiki San!" Orihime said excitedly. "Can I take a photo of you and Renji Kun?"

I turned to look at her strangely. "Er...."

"What the hell man?" Renji sighed in annoyance. "I'm busy."

Ichigo snickered. "Rukia wouldn't even fit in the photo anyway."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" I yelled at him, before hitting him on the head.

I noticed a shadow flit across Renji's face momentarily before he just shrugged his shoulders.

"Hey what the hell lets get this over with." Renji reluctantly said.

I looked at him surprised but he purposely avoided my gaze and hugged me close to him. I gasped inwardly at the close contact and felt my stomach lurch for a moment, but ignored it.

"Smile!" Orihime said cheerily. CLICK!

I felt my smile fade for a moment. Why didn't I see that he was jealous of me and Ichigo's relationship? Ichigo and I were always going to be best friends, nothing more. Just like him and and his friend Tatsuki. I hated the fact that people kept trying to pair up me and Ichigo together. I had feelings for Renji but I hid them, especially from myself.

Suddenly the door opened and Hitsugaya Taichou walked in. I stared at him in surprise as I hadn't noticed his reiatsu.

"Are you ready?" He asked abruptly.

"Um...in a minute." I muttered, avoiding his gaze. For some reason, he always made me feel shy and awkward. I quickly opened my bag, and put the picture inside my bag. For a moment, I thought I saw a look of anger cross his face. Then I blinked and it was gone.

"You don't need that." He said coldly.

I held my ground. "Yes I do."

He didn't say anything further but at that moment I could tell he was angered that I chosen to take one of my few photographic moments with Renji. As I reached down to pick up my bag, he reached down at the same time, and our hands brushed before I quickly drew my hand away, my cheeks flushed, as he picked up my bag with effortless ease. I marvelled at him. What a gentleman...I quickly snapped out of it. What the hell was I thinking? Was I just admiring him and was I blushing because our hands brushed? What's wrong with you Kuchiki Rukia!

Shutting the door quietly behind us, we made our way to the gate.

Crossing over to the real world, I blinked at our surroundings. I hadn't been in Karakura Town for a while but I could see not much had changed. I felt a warmth in my heart at the familiar lights dancing in the distance. I realised that the sunset was going down and I stopped to admire it. It's so beautiful...

"Kuchiki." Hitsugaya spoke for the first time since we had arrived. "We're staying at a hotel. Yamamoto told me so."

Hastily, I walked with him for a further ten minutes until I saw it in the distance. I watched him tell the receptionist our details. I couldn't help but watch how smoothly he talked to them. As he walked away with the keys to the room, the receptionist beckoned me over.

She winked at me. "You're a very lucky girl. Your boyfriend's quite something."

What the hell? I flushed. "Oh we're not -" I started.

"Oh yes, you all say that!" She waved my excuses and protests away. The telephone next to her rung suddenly, a shrill piercing ring that made me jump.

"Scuse me sweetheart." She smiled at me. "Have a nice holiday."

I walked away from the desk, feeling very confused. First Ichigo, then Hitsugaya Taichou. What in the world was going on? Silently, the two of us got in a lift and got out at the third floor. I felt very awkward as I sneaked a glance at him for a moment. Why did I keep having an urge to look at him? I couldn't understand it at all.

"Here's our room." He stated.

I looked around our room, thankful that it wasn't a double bed. There were two single beds and had quite a pretty view. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Ichigo, Orihime, Chad and Ishida.

Renji I wonder what the receptionist would say to you...

I felt a strong urge to laugh at the receptionist's reaction to all of his tattoos. I wasn't even sure I could explain what was happening to me. Cry, laugh, yell....what on earth was going on?

I moved away from the window and unpacked my things, putting the picture on the table next to me. I smiled at it, knowing I would see it every time I woke up. I looked over myself in the mirror and grimaced. Every girl has their own issues.

"It says there is a festival."

I jumped at Hitsugaya Taichou's voice. I thought he had left the room as he was so quiet. He looked at me calmly as I turned to look at him. I gave him a wry smile.

"Then we better check it out shouldn't we?"

Hey I'm back!

=D =D

Yayyyy! I know it's not very good but what I can say? I tried I tried =P

By the wayy check out my vids on youtube! My username is sarahboden =]

Don't flame them pleasee

Hehe I made my own twilight music vid and I haven't even read the book yet....

I love Rafiki20 & !

3333

PLEASE R & R NICELYY! 3 Ohh I do love this line thingy hehe =P x

Preview of next chapter:

I turned to Hitsugaya with a defiant look in my eyes. "I don't care what you think. I love him and I will never stop loving him. What about Hinamori? Do you care for her at all HITSUGAYA TOSHIRO?"