Thank you to everyone for reading, and to everyone that reviewed or added a story alert, I appreciate your thoughts and consideration. A special thank you goes out to Apocalyxtic98 for beta-ing.

Legend: Italics– Flashback

Contains Mild Language

"You're Rukia Kuchiki, aren't you? It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Yuzu and this is Karin. We're Ichigo's younger sisters."

By the bewildered look in Rukia's eyes it was evident that she was surprised. She expected the twins to have similar appearances, but what she saw wereobvious differences. One had a pasty honey blonde hair color and the other had jet black hair. When she heard she was meeting the twin sisters of Ichigo she foolishly believed theywould be similar. She didn't know where the thought arose from, but it was a misjudgment on her part. One sister wore an airy yellow dress that exposed her shoulders to the world and the other wore a long red t-shirt and baggy blue shorts. They were polar opposites.

"It's very nice to meet you, Yuzu and Karin." Rukia bowed, showing respect.

She steadied herself while slipping her feet out of the pair of black shoes on her feet.

Stepping into the foyer in nothing more than her socks she gave the modest home a quick sweep with her eyes. It had all the necessities one would expect, such as a living and dining room as well as a kitchen to prepare succulent meals in. Rukia left the Kurosaki members at the door and took a seat on the living room couch. Her hands pressed into the fabric, revealing a small indentation of her fingers. She smiled and continued to add pressure to the cushion just to see the hand prints reappear.

"What are you doing?" Ichigo stood off to the side, watching the amusement on Rukia's face.

"I'm sorry. I just couldn't resist. We don't have couches like this at home."

"Really?" Yuzu joined the two teens in the living room with Karin close behind. "What kind of couches do you have at home?"

The glimmer of happiness that shined when Rukia was playing with the couch began to dim. "My brother invested in the complete Hiro line." Her voice was distant and filled with memories of a past not forgotten.

"The Hiro line? Wow, we've seen those in stores around town." Yuzu clasped her hands together and smiled brightly. "It's the set featuring the full sofa, love seat, lounge chair, coffee table, side tables and console table, right?"

Rukia nodded. "Yes, but we never sit on it. It's more for show. I only sat on it once but then my sister reprimanded me."

"For sitting on a couch?" Ichigo scratched the back of his spiky orange hair in disbelief. "Sounds harsh to me."

"It was all right. I was still young, nine years old. I didn't understand that there was some furniture that you just didn't sit on."

"If you buy furniture then you should sit on it." Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, reconsidering. "But I guess if I paid what it costs to own the entire Hiro collection I wouldn't want anyone sitting on it either."

"It's okay, Rukia," Yuzu chimed in."You can sit on our couch as long as you'd like. That's why we have it," she offered.

Rukia tried her best to hide the sudden look of surprise in her eyes. Such a simple offer should have rolled off her back. Why it instead clung to her she had no idea.

"Hey, you all right?" There was concern in Ichigo's voice.

Rukia blinked a couple of times then smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

"Yeah, well, you were spacing out. That's not normal you know."

"Excuse me?" The shine in Rukia's grew dim.

"Ichigo, that's not a nice thing to say." Yuzu chastised. Her brows met in the center of her forehead and her cheeks puffed out in anger.

"It's true. Staring off into space like that is not normal but there's nothing wrong with being different." Ichigo pointed at his orange hair. "Clearly the orange mop on my head proves that statement."

As Ichigo chuckled and Yuzu and Karin smiled, Rukia could only stare at them once again in disbelief. Never before could she remember being around people who didn't care what they said or how they acted. Looking at the Kurosaki's, Rukia saw normality on their faces and in their eyes. It was an experience she never wanted to forget.

Her damp robe sat as a puddle at her feet for not too long before Rukia snatched it back within her possession and ran toward her bedroom door. Sliding her arms against the silk sleeves, her body unknowingly shivered as the cold material made contact. She tied the sash around her waist and enclosed her naked body once again. Like an impatient child, Rukia stood at the door with her ears pressed against the frame waiting for any sound from downstairs. Her mind raced with the lingering image of Ichigo staring as she paraded around in nothing more than her birthday suit.

"That jackass!" She slammed her fists against the wood door. "I don't see him for four years and when I do I'm naked."

A blush crept along her cheeks. Suddenly the robe felt warm as if the heat from her body was suddenly drying the soft material. Rukia grabbed the top of the robe and closed it just beneath her chin. She was in a daze brought on by the realization that this wasn't the first time Ichigo saw her in the nude.

"Hey, Rukia, you in there?" Ichigo's voice echoed against the eggshell colored walls of the Kuchiki manor. "Rukia?"

Grasping the handle of the nearest bedroom, Ichigo pushed the door ajar and stuck his head inside. Heat ran from his chin all the way to his forehead at what was before him. Standing in the middle of the room, of what he could only conceive as a sleeping quarters, was Rukia wearing nothing but the bare necessities. Her robe was at her feet, possibly discarded just seconds before his hand reached her bedroom door. She wore a pair of pink and white underwear but that was all. The small areola's on her chest were completely exposed.

"Ichigo!" Rukia screeched and snatched her robe off the floor in haste. "What the hell are you doing up here?"

"I'm sorry." Ichigo's face was beet red now. He stood in the doorway and shut his eyes with haste. "I was just trying to find you, that's all. This house is huge."

"You pervert! I invite you over and you peep on me while I'm changing? Who told you to come up here?" Heat rose to Rukia's cheeks as well but it was more anger then embarrassment.

"No one! I just walked upstairs. I'm sorry!"

"Get out of here!" Rukia looked around for the nearest item closest to her.

Seeing her wooden hair brush she wrapped her fingers around the handle and chucked it toward the door, catching Ichigo in the forehead.

"Ah, what the hell?" Ichigo yelled in pain, falling to his knees with his hand pressed against his forehead. With his eyes closed he had no idea the brush was coming his way. Seeing him hurt, Rukia ignored the fact that he saw her chest and ran to his side.

"Ichigo, are you all right?" She reached out to touch his shoulder.

"Damn," Ichigo opened one eye and winced, looking up at Rukia with pain in his eyes. "What did you hit me with?"

Rukia smiled weakly. "A hair brush. I'm sorry."

"Thathurts," Ichigo rubbed his forehead and opened both of his eyes. It was then he realized that Rukia was kneeling before him with nothing but her silk white robe concealing what he had already seen. He grinned and extended his index finger. "Not much there, huh?"

The sheepish grin on his face was more than Rukia could bear. In an instant her hands wrapped around his throat as she violently shook him back and forth. The loss of her robe was in admissible.

"Ichigo, you idiot!"

With her forearm resting against the door Rukia chuckled to herself. She remembered that day so clearly. She remembered the outlandish look on her brother's face as he stood over and watched her straddle Ichigo with her hands around his throat, her robe long discarded. From there it was only a matter of time before she felt a warm blazer against her bare shoulders, her brother 's formal attire now used to cover her body, while he insisted on helping Ichigo to the door. Seeing Ichigo kicking and screaming as her brother dragged him by the hair down the stairs made tears spring from the corner of her eyes. She was so angry back then but now found herself doubling over with laughter. From that moment on Ichigo waited downstairs. Even when invited upstairs to her room he was extremely hesitant. Who could blame him?

But now it appeared that fear was a thing of the past. Hearing muffled sounds from downstairs, Rukia stifled her laughter and pressed her ear closer to the door. She could hear Nanao's distinct voice as well as Yuzu's. Even afterfour years her voice was one Rukia couldn't forget. Before she knew it her bedroom door was opened and she was out in the hall. She stood at the top of the stairs and shielded her frame behind the corner wall. She muffled a slow gasp from reaching unintended ears. Standing in the foyer beneath the crystal chandelier was both Yuzu and Karin,but they were no longer the little girls she remembered.

Her eyes fell on Yuzu first. Her honey blonde hair flowed along her back, reaching mid-way. Gone was the matted short cropped look or the pig tails. A few strands fell against her eyes while all the while accentuating her high cheek bones. Standing there in a knee high light flowery yellow and brown sun dress made her look a lot older then Rukia faintly remembered. Beside her stood her twin sister who also brought surprise into Rukia's eyes. She too had developed a style all her own. Similar to her sister, the raven haired Kurosaki member showcased long flowing hair with two distinguished strands swaying on either side of her face. What was arguably the most shocking to see came down to the cropped white blouse and red pleated skirt Karin wore. The one Kurosaki member notorious for a more comfortable, boy-ish clothing had apparently ventured into more feminine attire. Rukia couldn't help but wonder when that transition took place.

"I'm sorry," Rukia heard Nanao say with grievance in her words. "Lady Rukia is resting right now."

"Oh...we wanted to offer our condolence." Karin spoke softly. Her disappointment was enough to twist Rukia's heart into a knot.

"Perhaps you can stop by tomorrow once high school lets out. She had a long flight home."

"Well we also wanted to extend our services," Karin extended her hand fleetingly although her words were stiff, as if she was going out of her way to try and be formal. "We want to help in any way we can."

"Our father is busy with the clinic but he wanted us to offer anything we can to help the Kuchiki's." Yuzu added.

Nanao closed her eyes and fixed her glasses against the bridge of her nose. "Please inform your father that I will let Lord Byakuya know of your family's intentions. I'm sure he will be pleased. I will pass on the information immediately."

"Okay. Thank you, Nanao." both girls replied in unison.

From her position, Rukia could see the sisters bow,then straighten themselves upright. She wanted nothing more than to run down the stairs and accept their well wishes but an unknown presence was holding her back. She couldn't put her finger on it but something was keeping her from advancing forward. Her eyes swept across the floor until they froze on the one person staring back at her. Those same brown eyes, filled with mystery that locked into her before. Quickly, Rukia took a step to the left to fully hide herself.

"Ichigo, what are you staring at?" Rukia heard Yuzu say. By now she was sure all eyes were on her, in her direction.

"Would you mind if I go see Byakuya? I'd like to ask him a question." Ichigo asked coolly.

Rukia begged mentally for Nanao to refute his request but the slow sound of footsteps creaking on the stairs dashed her hopes. As silently as she could Rukia ran back to her room and closed the door partially. Her palms pressed against the wood as the footsteps came to a stop. She knew he had reached the top. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer that only she could hear. The footsteps continued, closer toward her bedroom door. Seeing as how her brother was most likely in his study which was on the opposite side, she knew his true intentions.

Rukia held her breath once Ichigo's footsteps could no longer be heard. Her hand trembled in tune with the beat of her heart. Genuine sweat collected along her brow. Was he standing outside her door? Waiting for her to make the first move? Her clear polished nails lightly scratched the finish on the door. She could feel it, it was only a matter of time before the two of them would come face to face after four long years.

"Ichigo, if you're looking for Byakuya he's downstairs." Rukia heard Yuzu shout.

She shifted her eyes and held her breath once again, exposing two miniature dimples on the corners of her mouth. She listened distinctly for what felt like eternity but finally the sound of Ichigo's footsteps reached her ears. The sound moved away from her door in slow rhythmic strides. She slid her forehead against the door as her hand made a move for the doorknob. In a rush of curiosity, Rukia pulled away from the door and pulled it ajar. She stood halfway into the lit hallway and the darkness of her room. Adjusting her eyes to the change, she cringed as she finally saw Ichigo.

Four years had little change on him, at least as far as his height was concerned. He was tall. Taller then her, clearly, but she could easily ascertain he grew an inch or two in her absence. His orange hair was as she remembered it, short, orange and unruly. The short sleeve red shirt he wore flowed along his slender built but bunched against his forearms. From her position Rukia could easily outline a few muscular attributes with every step he took. His arm flexed as if he knew she was watching. He was more muscular then she last remembered. Even the dark navy blue jeans he wore hugged his calves in all the right places. He looked like a completely different man from the back.

Her right hand stretched outward and her mouth opened to speak but her words were stopped by the look on Ichigo's face as he stood at the top of the steps. His head slowly cocked to the left and it was then Rukia got a clear look at his face. She couldn't look away from the intensity of his eyes. It was unreadable but she was memorized by them. Her daze broke, however, once she noticed the tightness of his brow and the twisted formation of his lips. Rukia took a step back, doing her best not to show fear but she couldn't help her reaction. After four years he wasn't looking for her to accept him with open arms. Who would after being ignored for four years? But still, she didn't expect what she was seeing. It was clear by the look in his eyes he was desperately trying to keep his menacing look under control but no matter how hard he tried it still felt like stab wounds to Rukia.

Without batting an eye, Ichigo turned and walked down the stairs leaving Rukia alone in the dim hall. Her legs felt like jelly and could no longer support her weight. Before long she was nothing more than a puddle on the floor. Her arms snaked around her upper torso and her knees pressed gingerly against her mid-section. The ends of her fingernails swept across a few strands of hair, intertwining and forcefully grasping the dark follicles. Her breathing became labored as if she was struggling for air. Those invincible stab wounds were deep and growing all over her body like unwanted mold. She was in such a stolid state that she failed to hear Momo's words or the comfort of her arms around her shoulders.

"Are you all right? Lady Rukia?" Momo's voice sounded frantic but Rukia barely heard her.

Somehow, of some power of her own or with the help of Momo, Rukia made it to her feet but her legs were still jiggling beneath her. Leaning on the frame of Momo, the two ladies were in Rukia's room within a matter of seconds and Rukia was back sitting on her bed. She was despondent much to the fear of Momo.

"I'll get a doctor. You wait here."

Momo's attempt to seek help was thwarted by Rukia's outstretched right arm that snaked around the young servant's right wrist. Momo gasped in surprise but held her tongue as she felt Rukia hand start to shake.

"I'm fine, Momo. There is no need for alarm."

"But you were sitting out in the hall. I was told you were resting from your long flight."

"Yes, well," Rukia released Momo's wrist and tucked her legs inward on the bed. "I thought I heard someone downstairs."

"The Kurosaki's stopped by to offer their condolences but that's all I know. Word travels fast through this place."

"That it does. So you understand that you never saw me in the hall, right?"

Momo was puzzled but one look into Rukia's eyes cleared everything up. "Yes, Lady Rukia. I was just coming to check on you. I will no longer disturb you."

Guilt was written all over Rukia's face at her harsh words toward Momo but she couldn't let word get out about her crumpled body lying in the hall with despair on her face. Remembering her early disposition, Rukia gazed sadly into the distance. The sound of her bedroom door closing did nothing to shake the feelings flowing through her. The vision of the dark look on Ichigo's face was too much to bear. Shutting her eyes did little to convince her heart that his eyes didn't show such anger toward her. She concluded anger was the one emotion that had engulfed Ichigo's persona and attached itself to her with just one glance. But from that there was one question that still remained. Climbing off her bed, Rukia looked at the sun as it started to fade in the backdrop. She stripped the robe from her body once again and moved toward her luggage. Seeing the bag was no longer zipped, Rukia walked to her drawer and pulled it open. She had to dress quickly. There was someone she had to see.

Knock Knock

Two knocks was about as much as Rukia could muster. She stood in front of a white door with a bronze knocker sitting dead center wearing more of her Americanized clothing, a half cut white t-shirt with bell bottomed blue jeans. If she looked hard enough she could see her finger prints indented on the polished finish. The number forty painted in fool's gold glared from the overhead hallway lights. The memory of visiting the apartment complex was few and far between but she wasn't about to turn around now. She knocked again and waited patiently, listening for any sound of life on the other side. The sound of feet shuffling on the floor brought her hope. Once the door opened she smiled although she wasn't greeted with the same gesture by the person in front of her.

"Rukia, what the hell are you doing here? I was asleep."

"I'm sorry, Renji, I just-" Rukia lowered her eyes. Seeing him standing there shirtless with only a pair of gray sweatpants made her realize the error of her ways. "I'm sorry. It can wait."

She started to leave but felt Renji's hand tighten on her wrist.

"Stay. I'm up anyway now." He released her wrist and kicked the door open further. "Come on in. I will put some tea on."

Rukia was apprehensive but it was only a matter of time before she was kneeling in front of his kotatsu with a small teacup in her small hands. As Renji poured the tea she took a few seconds to observe her surroundings.

"Well, what do you think?" Renji asked while setting the kettle down. "Not bad, huh?"

"It's very nice, your apartment. Not much has changed."

From what she could see there were a few tribal artworks framed along the off white colored wall with light brown borders, a small television in one corner of the room and a few statues occupying the remaining corners. The living room was nowhere the size of the one Rukia had at home but it didn't matter. It felt more airy and alive.

"I just added some new pictures of tribal art work in here. I've also added new pieces in my bedroom but I'm sure you didn't come here to see them."

"I didn't but I'd love to see them some time." Rukia sipped her tea, relaxing by the degrees of small talk.

"What's going on, Rukia? When I didn't hear from you I figured you were exhausted and went straight to bed. I never thought you'd show up here."

"I didn't mean to wake you." Rukia gently twisted the cup counter-clockwise. "Were you asleep long?"

Renji lazily scratched the back of his head. "Long enough. I fell asleep the minute I returned home. I haven't been sleeping well these few days. Once the tow helped me open my car and I came straight here. I didn't even go see Ichigo like I planned."

"He came to see me." Rukia said.

"Really?" Renji asked. "Did he say anything?"

Rukia shook her head from side to side. "I didn't see him, I mean, I saw him but-" She paused. "Renji, is Ichigo mad at me?"

Renji narrowed his eyes and sipped his tea. "Of course he is."

"What?" Rukia was shocked. "Why?"

"You really have to ask? I thought you would have gotten the indication when he stopped trying to reach you by mail and phone calls. He got the hint over three years ago that you were finished with him."

"I never said I was finished with him." The cup in Rukia's hands jostled a bit. "I just didn't know what to say to him after-"

"After what happened between him and Orihime at the graduation party?"

Rukia closed her eyes and snorted. "It has nothing to do with that."

"Bullshit, Rukia. Don't sit there and lie to me again, okay?" The steam from Renji's cup was no match for the heat emanating from his eyes.

"I've never lied to you, Renji." Rukia said, growing equally angry.

There was an unnatural silence between the two after that. Both cups of tea had suddenly grown cold with a matter of minutes. Finally Renji rose from the table, collecting Rukia's cup along with his own and the kettle pot.

"I'll make another pot of tea, okay? Don't go anywhere."

Rukia didn't respond. Her thoughts were on Renji's accusation. When had she lied to him? She couldn't remember a time when she did. She cursed beneath her breath. Her intentions were to ask Renji a simple question but things were not going so well.

"I'm out of tea but I did find this." Renji held up a half open bottle of sake.

"I'm really in no mood for alcohol." Rukia leaned back on her hands and watched Renji set down two clean cups.

"Well I am." The cap on the sake was gone and the contents were flowing from the opening. Renji licked his lips. "Just try it."

Seeing her cup filled half way satisfied Rukia. She wasn't sure she could finish a full glass on an empty stomach.

"Thank you." Rukia ran her fingertip in circles along the rim of her cup.

"Look, I'm sorry, but I know. I know you left because of that idiot. He knows it too. That's why he tried so hard to get in contact with you."

Rukia watched the liquor in Renji's cup fade away and get replaced just like that. "But I don't understand. When did I lie to you?"

"Remember four years ago, I asked you to tell me if you were leaving because of him. Do you remember what you said to me?"

Rukia didn't have to rack her brain long for the answer. It came to her instantly. "I'm sorry. It was about getting an education though."

"But that wasn't the only reason. That wasn't the main reason." Renji almost had his second cup of saki finished. "I've been your best friend since we were kids. I know you better then you know yourself. I even knew when you had a crush on that buffoon."

"You talk about him as if you hardly know him."

Renji threw back a laugh. "Ichigo and I are boys. Nothing will ever change that." Renji lowered his eyes and gave a serious look. "That is, until it comes to you."

"What do you mean?"

Renji looked as if he wasn't sure he wanted to answer. He picked up the sake bottle and held it up but didn't pour the remaining contents into his cup. He could feel her eyes on him, almost begging him to respond. He almost wished he hadn't opened his mouth but then again doing so had gotten him in his current predicament in the first place.

"It doesn't matter. There will come a time when you and Ichigo will meet face to face and when that happens all of this will be squared away."

Rukia glanced down at her untouched cup of sake. "I'm not sure I would speak to him when the time came."

"Why not?" Renji asked with genuine surprise in his voice.

Rukia shrugged. "It's been four years. I don't think it's wise to go down memory lane."

"If that's what you want. I support you in any decision that you make."

"Thank you so much, Renji. I don't know what I would do without you."

Renji flashed a sloppy grin on his face, the effects of the sake overwhelming him. "It's no big deal."

"No, it's a very big deal. You were always there to talk to me while I was abroad. I will never forget it." Rukia leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on Renji's arm. "You're a great friend."

A look that Rukia couldn't place flashed over Renji's face. She was sure it was due to the amount of alcohol he consumed and ignored it almost as fast as it appeared. She rose from the table slowly, careful not to shake the liquid in her cup. A red blush creased over her cheeks as the sound of her stomach gurgling echoed off the walls.

"I'm sorry," she placed her hands over her abdomen. "I haven't had anything to eat since arriving home."

Renji stood immediately on his feet. "I'll fix you something to eat."

"It's fine. I better get going. The Kuchiki family driver has been downstairs the entire time. Thanks again for listening to me, Renji."

Renji walked Rukia to the door and held it open as she disappeared out of his view. He stood in the doorway contemplating his interaction with Rukia. A hint of anger dashed across his eyes once he went back inside and closed the front door. Slumped against the door, he formed his left hand into a ball and slammed it against the painted wall nearest him. He cupped his hand against his forehead and slid down to the floor.

"Can't you see, Rukia," He mumbled to himself as his red hair fell forward, shrouding his shoulders behind its luster and shine. "I lost you once. I couldn't speak up. I let you leave because of that jackass."

He chuckled to himself. Four years was a long time to live with such a heavy burden on your chest. Renji couldn't find his words all those years ago, the words that could have had the strength behind them to keep the one he cared for more than life itself in the country. He laughed aloud at his cowardice. He rubbed his right eye with his wrist and sighed. Sleep was a thing of the past. He couldn't remember a night where he was able to sleep peacefully knowing that he couldn't find the words to keep her with him.

"I was a fool, a weak fool. I deserve the demons that haunt me every night." He laughed again, almost in a manic gesture.

Raising his head, he spotted the remaining bottle of sake sitting on the tabletop, almost daring him to take it within his possession. Pushing off the ground, Renji was back on his feet and drinking the remnants of sake that lingered in Rukia's cup. He eyed the bottle then snatched it by the neck, griping it tightly in his hand. Slowly he staggered back toward his room.

The opening of the bottle was pressed against his lips before his bedroom door closed. As with many evenings before this one there would be no sleep for him tonight.