Thank you to everyone for reading, or added a story alert. To those of you who left a review I appreciate your thoughts and consideration. It means so much to know your thoughts regarding this story. Please keep it up. Tell me your thoughts, I love to read them.
A special thank you goes out to Apocalyxtic98 for beta-reading.
Legend: Italics–Flashback
"Oh, Rukia, are you sure this is okay?" A cheerful Orihime questioned. She, like Rukia, was sitting in the middle of a vast pile of dresses and accessories.
"Of course it is. Stop worrying. I'm sure together we can find something for tonight. This is our graduation party so we have to look our best tonight." Rukia replied as she picked over a section filled with costume jewelry. "I mean, you only graduate from high school once, right?"
"But these dresses are so beautiful," Orihime held up a long gold dress by the straps to illustrate her point. "See, look at this one."
Rukia smiled. "That one used to belong to my sister but she gave it to me." She gave the dress a once over. "We have to keep the length in mind."
"You think so?" Orihime stood up and pressed the gold dress against her body. The fabric under her neck could barely cover her large breasts and the hem line ended high on her thighs.
"Uh, let's put that one in the 'no' pile." Rukia took the dress from Orihime and tossed it to her right. "We have to find a dress that's long enough and can cover your breasts." She wanted to sound as sympathetic as possible.
Orihime placed her hands on either side of her voluminous melons and pushed them close together. "They are always in the way."
"I never have that problem," Rukia laughed halfheartedly. "Do you have any color schemes in mind?"
Orihime shook her head and regained her spot in the floor. "I was just hoping you could help me. Tatsuki didn't have many outfits to choose from, not nearly as many as you do."
"We'll find something," Rukia smiled encouragingly. "Let's get started."
The two girls sifted through the clothes, hoping to find something that would not only fit the curves Orihime possessed but was flattering as well. Minutes ticked away until a shrill cry emerged from Orihime's lips. In her hands she held up a red thin strap dress with black roses embossed in the fabric.
"This is it. Can I try it on?" Orihime asked, her eyes pleading with Rukia to agree.
"Of course you can. I'll find some matching accessories. The head of the servants, Nanao, bought that dress for me for a gala I was supposed to attend with my sister but I had school work so I never wore it. I think it was also too big for me."
Orihime had long discarded the white t-shirt and pink yoga pants she arrived in and slid the dress over her head. She pulled it all the way down then looked at Rukia for approval.
"It looks good. I'm not sure about your breasts, though. It looks a little tight up there."
"No, it feels fine. I love this dress. Thank you so much, Rukia." Orihime was ecstatic.
"I'm just glad we were able to find something you can wear. You're going to be a hit at the party."
Orihime smiled at Rukia's kind words. "I'm not looking to impress anyone." Her words sounded forced and unbelievable.
"You'll turn heads, I'm sure of it. Ichigo will notice too." Rukia dismissed the bewildered look in Orihime's eyes. "That is why you're going through all this trouble, isn't it?"
Orihime tried her hardest to develop a look of denial on her face. She dropped her head and averted Rukia's gaze but she couldn't hold that look for long. "...am I that obvious?"
Rukia chuckled. "I wouldn't say that…but I will say girls like to talk. I think the only one oblivious to your feelings is Ichigo himself."
"You think so?" Orihime breathed a sigh of relief at the realization that Ichigo wasn't one of the people who knew her feelings toward him. "I wouldn't know what I would do if he knew. I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell him just yet."
An unmistakableglare seeped throughRukia's retinas. It was her turn to look away from the only other female in the room. "You're going to tell him?" She couldn't contain the slippage of harshness in her tone.
"I don't know," Orihime replied with uncertainty, in-cognizant to Rukia's sudden change."Our time in high school is over. I don't know if I want to keep my feelings a secret any longer."
"A secret, huh?" Rukia's head slowly dropped, her eyes shrouded behind her bangs.
Heat rose to Orihime's cheeks. "Yes..." Her hands went up defensively. "I mean, you and a few other people know but he doesn't know." The heat increased. "...does he?"
Rukia's head rose slightly and she tried her best to smile. "Of course not. Like I said, he's oblivious to those around him. You have to be direct when talking to him or he just won't get it."
"That's good," Orihime once again showed relief in hearing those words once again. She knelt to her knees and scrambled toward Rukia in the red and black dress. "You're his best friend, Rukia. Tell me, will he accept how I feel if I tell him?"
Rukia opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out. Her right hand rose to her face, the knuckle on her index finger gently caressing the area just beneath her bottom lip. There was doubt in her eyes illuminated by sheer knowledge. She spent enough time around Ichigo to know what his reaction would be.
"So...is that a no?" Orihime's question cut through Rukia's one sided thoughts.
"I didn't say that," Rukia waved her hands back and forth in defense. "I didn't say anything, but-but I know he will consider your feelings. Ichigo is very considerate of others."
"That's why I like him. He's gentle and can be soft spoken when the issue calls for it." Orihime replied with a giggling smile.
"As long as I've known him, Ichigo has been the way you say. He's opinionated and yet considerate of others views..." Rukia's voice stalled.
She didn't realize the glossy undertone in her eyes shining or the fact that someone else had picked up on her subtle new reaction. Orihime couldn't help but stare at Rukia's face as she continued rambling away Ichigo's qualities. Her attention was on Rukia's rosy cheeks and bright eyes as she spoke. It was reminiscent of the same look Orihime recalled seeing in the mirror in her bedroom. It was so distinct that Orihime knew she couldn't be wrong. She knew that look like she knew the back of her hand.
"Rukia...are you in love with Ichigo?"
Those words knocked the wind out of Rukia's chest. It stopped her rambling in its tracks. It was so unexpected that she hadn'tthe wherewithal to respond right away. A simple 'no' would have sufficed but Rukia couldn't form her lips to say the word. She pulled at the imaginary collar around her neck, a sign she was growing uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had suddenly gone. Without knowing what else to do, she did all she could think of at the time: she started laughing.
"Rukia?" Orihime was puzzled. She wasn't sure what answer she would get to her question but she did not expect to hear laughter.
"I'm sorry," Rukia wiped invisible tears from under her eyes. "It's just that Ichigo and I are just friends, that's all there is to it."
Her response was forced, something Orihime could tell as soon as the words left her mouth. She studied Rukia's eyes, the area that couldn't lie, even as much as Rukia tried to hide what she was feeling
"Well, I know without a doubt that I love Ichigo. I've known for a long time now. This could be the last time I see him." Determination flourished inher brown eyes. "I'm going to do it. I'm going to tell him how I feel."
That afternoon was forever burned into Rukia's memory. She sat silently in the backseat of the family car staring at her hands, not saying a single word to the only other passenger in the vehicle. Sitting in front of her, Byakuya watched his sister as the silence was so dense inside it could easily fog the windows. He cleared his throat, earningonly a single blink from Rukia.
"Where would you like to have lunch?" He tried to sound as casual as possible.
"It doesn't matter to me, brother." Rukia's words were soft spoken, so much so thatByakuya had to strain his ears to ensure he heard her correctly.
Instinctively, the elder Kuchiki gazed toward the window, looking out through the tinted black windows. "I have a place in mind. Do you remember Yoruichi?"
"Yes, I do." Rukia's eyes showed some sign of life. "She's friends with Mr. Urahara, the man who took Renji in when he was a child, right?"
Byakuya responded with a stiff nod. "She opened her own restaurant and recently they added earlier hours. Renji works there full time from what I've heard." Byakuya's eyes slowly closed. "Ichigo works there part time."
Rukia sat up in her seat. There it was, mention of him again. Her lips parted and her tongue pushed forth his name. "...Ichigo."
"Nanao told me he is offering his family's services to help with Hisana's funeral. I've decided to honor his request." Byakuya opened his eyes to get a look at Rukia's reaction.
Surprise was written all over her face, especially in her eyes. "Why?"was all she could ask.
"Ichigo spent time with Hisana while you were away. His father has offered the family clinic assist in any way they could, although it was completely unnecessary given the extensive staffofmedical doctors on dutyfor the Kuchiki family. Also, his sisters have shown their concern as well for the family. I cannot turn a blind eye to their hospitality." Byakuyaresponded.
Rukia processed Byakuya's response and immediately picked through the only piece that mattered to her. "How did Ichigo spend time with Hisana?"
"He stopped by every other day to speak with her. I would sit in and listen and make sure he didn't have another incident with a female under my roof. After a while I left them alone to discuss in private any matters of interest." His face and eyes were direct and firm.
The word 'another' brought a small smirk to Rukia's face. She could remember her brother dragging Ichigo by the hair when they were younger very clearly. "By matters of interest, you mean me?"
"Who can say for certain?" Byakuya waved his hand indifferently and shrugged. "Does it matter?" His tone was borderline serious.
Rukia became flustered and looked out the window so she could no longer see her brother's eyes. His last question lingered in the air as the ride continued. Why did it matter? She fought with the answer to that question.
"We can eat at Yoruichi's establishment. Is that all right with you?" Byakuya didn't take his eyes off his sister.
Rukia nodded her reply but did not speak for the remainder of the ride. Her thoughts bounced back and forth like a ping pong ball in play. Her obvious distraction was not without notice. Byakuya did not try in the least to hide the turning of his lips into an upward smirk, a flash of interest brimming in his eyes. His sister's reaction was intriguing, that much he silently admitted to himself.
Moments passed, and a silent car ride later, Byakuya and Rukia stepped inside the restaurant known throughout town as Utsusemi. A mere step behind her brother, Rukia tried her best to hide the look of surprise on her face. The dining area, although spacious and welcoming, was a far cry from the type of places she knew her brother frequented when he was in the mood for a bite to eat outside his residence. There were table cloths, but round ceramic bowls took the place of the usual fine crystal plates. Utensils made of silver were also replaced by simple tapered wood chopsticks with various print designs painted along the edge. The room was not without its patrons sitting casually at their tables eating heartily and pouring cups of sake. The noise was loud but the calm atmosphere dulled the noise. Without a second look around, Rukia could see why the place was at its peak, or so it seemed, at the present time.
Following her brother was a natural motion for Rukia, and her and Byakuya walked toward a small secluded booth near the front of the room. Byakuya climbed in first, followed by Rukia. She removed the napkin on the table and placed it on her lap. Etiquette took a backseat to no one, regardless of the quality of the establishment. They eagerly sat awaiting attention from any working member on the restaurants payroll but all they received was the attention of a black cat that suddenly appeared in the center of their table.
"Get back here, you damn flea bag!"
Rukia's head perked at the sound coming from what she assumed was the back room. She could never forget a voice so distinct. Her assumption was correct when she saw Renji burst through the blue curtain and run toward her table. She was unsure he even saw who was sitting there but one thing was for certain, he was after the black cat in front of her.
"I'm going to skin the shit out of you," Renji snapped while scooping the cat into a tight bear hug. A line of sweat creased between his brows. He appeared overwhelmed. "There are a lot of knives back there I could use!"
"I hope you weren't anticipating serving us this feline for lunch, Renji." Byakuya spoke coolly but there was a tad sense of concern in his voice that Rukia picked up on.
She couldn't blame him. Eating cat meat wasn't something she wanted to try any time soon, especially after she just saw it alive on the table top. Rukia caught the surprised look on Renji's face once the words from her brother sunk in. He looked left then right then left again like a driver preparing to make a one way turn. Renji's eyes grew wide as realization continued to sink in.
"W-what are you two doing here, Lord Byakuya..." He glanced to the right. "...Rukia?"
Rukia flinched a bit. She glanced at her brother taking notice of the indentation of his brows. It was clear he heard Renji's direct tone towards him and his indirect tone towards her. She figured he would just consider it light conversation between friends and leave it at that but she wasn't sure. Her brother typically was all for formality whether the time called for it or not.
"We are here for lunch, Renji." Byakuya's eyed the black cat struggling under the weight of Renji's forearm. "Should we expect that for our meal?"
Astonished by the accusation, Renji faltered and lost his grip on the cat. He spun around just in time to see it scamper back behind the blue curtain. Trying to hide his emotions, Renji only muttered his obscenities under his breath.
"So does that mean we have to order something else for lunch?" Byakuya questioned while watching the curtain sway from the mere touch of the cat.
"No!" Renji shouted then quickly gathered his composure. "I mean, yes, I mean..." He gently began rubbing the back of his neck. "...are you being funny, sir?"
Rukia chuckled lightly to herself at Renji's disposition. Having never known her brother to jokingly play around with one of her friends, and given the circumstances that befell them earlier in the day, she was glad to see he had a softer side.
"Bring us some tea," Byakuya sat back looking smug. "And tell Yoruichi we are here. I'd like to speak with her."
Dread swept across Renji's face but he bowed accordingly and left without having to be told twice. He was back only minutes later carrying a circular tray with two saucer cups and a small tea kettle in his left hand and Yoruichi walking in stride on his right side. He set the contents in his hand down and began distributed the cups to each Kuchiki member.
"Byakuya, I didn't know you'd come in here today. What a surprise!" Yoruichi exclaimed, genuine surprise in her tone.
"You're the one who told me to come here, or did you forget?" Byakuya eyed Yoruichi suspiciously.
"I told you that?" Yoruichi smiled sheepishly. "Must have slipped my mind."
"I'm sure it did," Byakuya huffed. "Since we're here then pleasejust get us some rice pot sticker plates, ramen and some bowls of rice."
"Brother..." Rukia eyed her brother in disbelief. A hand landed gingerly on her head.
"Don't look so surprised," Yoruichi ruffled her hair. "Byakuya would eat like this long before people were calling him 'lord'."
"I've never gone by anything else," Byakuya cut a sharp stare toward Yoruichi.
Yoruichi chuckled. "It seems something has slipped your mind this time, Byaka-boo."
"If you value this little restaurant you own then you won't say that again." Byakuya tone was deadly.
"Your threats are nothing more than idle words. Useless dribble." Yoruichi threw her head back and laughed. "So, if we're done with this banter let's get down to business."
"Business?" Rukia was confused. "Brother, what business?"
Byakuya ignored his sister's question and directed his eyes toward Renji who remain standing idly by. "Is there somewhere you can take her so she can eat in peace?"
Before Renji could form a response, Rukia spoke up, a look of anger flourishing on her face.
"I thought we were here for lunch, brother?"
"Are you upset, Rukia?" Byakuya watched his sister's disposition change from hardened stare to questionable overcast.
"I promise I won't keep his attention for too long, Rukia." Yoruichi spoke cheerfully. "I want to discuss personal matters with him." She turned her attention to Renji. "Why don't you give Rukia a proper tour of Utsusemi?"
Renji stood up straight, like a solider, and bowed toward Byakuya. "Of course, sir." Without hesitation he had Rukia's forearm in the palm of his hand, pulling her free from the confines of the booth.
"Renji, wait a minute." Rukia was pulled through rows of tables before coming to a stop on the far left side of the room.
"Sit here," Renji gently pushed Rukia into the nearest chair before she could protest. "I'll be right back."
Rukia huffed, annoyed over being pulled and pushed on a whim. Once Renji was gone, disappearing behind the blue curtain, Rukia turned and looked at the table her brother and Yoruichi occupied. She could see their lips moving but from the distance could not tell what was said. Her distraction prevented her from noticing that Renji had returned with another set of tea cups and small kettle. Only once the items were on the table did Rukia realize she was no longer alone.
"Are you all right?" Renji asked with concern, the tea barely flowing from the kettle's open spout.
"He asked if I wanted to go out for lunch," Rukia glanced at her brother once again. "He knew all along he wanted to meet with Yoruichi. That's all he had to say from the beginning."
Renji finished pouring the tea and sat down in the chair opposite Rukia. "Would you have come if he told you he was coming here to talk to Yoruichi?"
"Of course," Rukia looked at Renji in disbelief. "We rode here in the same car."
"That's not what I mean. Would you have opted to have the driver take you home instead of sitting around listening to them discuss offerings for your sister's funeral?"
"My sister? What does she have to do with this?"
"Yoruichi told me that she and Urahara are offering to purchase the white flowers for the wake. They know someone who grows beautiful flowers for a living and they were going to go in together on purchasing as many as needed to honor your sister." Renji spoke softly.
Rukia focused on Yoruichi and the stern and serious look flashing over her golden color eyes. "I didn't know."
Renji laughed. "Well of course not. I just found out myself."
"No," Rukia shook her head. "I mean, I didn't know so many people want to show their love and respect for my sister."
"Your sister was a great woman, so gentle and kind. She missed you terribly when you left, like we all did, but sitting with her and talking about it brought us all closer. You could say we were each otherssupport system." Renji appeared deep in thought while reminiscing.
"My brother told me Ichigo would stop by and spend time with Hisana. He would sit and talk to her about matters of interest."
Renji waved his hand in the air. "He wasn't the only one who visited Hisana frequently. I mean, I only went when I could but I still saw her frequently. Working here takes up most of my time."
Rukia's hand snaked around her cup of tea. The smell of jasmine and lemon hit her instantly. "How is it working here? Brother told me Ichigo works here as well."
"Pfft," Renji blew a raspberry. "Only some days, and half days at that. He needed something to help pay for his school books."
"School?"
"Yeah, he took a year off after high school. I finished last year. He will finish his medical degree this year, or so he says." Renji shrugged his shoulders.
"He's still getting his medical degree?" Rukia sipped her tea and smiled. "That's good. What will he do after?"
Renji's eyes narrowed but not enough to be noticeable. "Don't know."
Rukia accepted his reply and continued to partake in her tea. A small bell being rung from the kitchen took Renji from her once again but she didn't mind. Her thoughts were elsewhere anyway. Her senses returned, however, when Renji returned with the food her brother ordered.
"Thank you," Rukia smiled and separated her chopsticks. "Are you going to join me?"
"Is that an invitation?" Renji smiled. "Sorry, but I'm still on the clock. I have to bring your brother his order then tend to the other patrons. I am the top waiter here, you know? Wouldn't look right if I sat around."
"It's not sitting around when you're catching up with friends." Rukia replied with a pot sticker hanging mere inches from her lips.
Renji chuckled. "You Kuchiki's," He shook his head as if in disbelief, but the gesture was halfhearted. "I'll be right back."
Rukia enjoyed her meal in solitude. Occasionally she stared at her brother who did not touch a single entree that he ordered. He was either not hungry, full after the tea alone or just not interested to eat anything that was sitting in front of him. Rukia wasn't sure of the reason but she enjoyed the food prepared for her. She watched Renji make his rounds to his tables, casually chatting with his customers while refilling their glasses. Once again her mind wandered, her thoughts hanging off the last set of words Renji spoke to her...
...You want me to become a Kuchiki?" Rukia asked with surprise in her voice.
She sat in the center of a large meeting room, kneeling in a blue and white kimono, her feet tucked beneath her thighs. Sitting a few feet away, in matching white wedding kimonos sat Hisana and her new husband, Byakuya. They both watched with great interest the look of surprise on Rukia's face.
"As you know, Rukia, I've taken my husband's last name but I cannot bareto leave you with the last name given to us by our parents, not after being abandoned by them."
"Hisie..." Rukia quickly caught herself. The woman sitting before her was no longer her available older sister. She was a grown woman, a married woman, and should be addressed as one out of respect. "...Hisana, you're a Kuchiki now out of marriage. I cannot take the same last name because you want me to."
Hisana nodded. "Yes, I agree. This is why Byakuya has agreed to adopt you as his younger sister. By doing so you will be gifted with his last name."
Rukia looked to Byakuya for any sign that he had given such an approval. The head of the Kuchiki family sat still, his eyes closedand his posture perfectly upright. It seemed he was letting his wife do all of the talking on their behalf.
"I assure you that this is an idea that stems from Byakuya himself." Hisana spoke, suddenly noticing the look on Rukia's face. "He has no other siblings and would be honored if you took that role. To many who will not understand, you may appear only as a Kuchiki on paper but it's much more than that."
"I understand. I just-I mean, is this allowed?" The uncertainty in Rukia's voice was evident.
"You let me worry about that," Byakuya's words were direct.
Rukia nodded. It appeared she would have no say in the matter. Whether she understood the motive behind it or not she would undergo another change in her life. It was a change, andthough unexpected, it wasn't at all half bad, if she did say so herself.
Smiling to herself, Rukia finished off her lunch and sat patiently in silence. She took out her phone from her Chappy designed purse and began surfing the web until that bored her into playing a few games she downloaded onto the hand held device. Becoming bored with that as well, she yawned and stretched just as Renji once again joined her at the table.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you here by yourself for long." Renji rubbed the back of his neck.
"It's all right. It was nice seeing you work. It gets busy here."
Renji smiled one hell of a goofy grin. "Yeah, but I'm finished for the day. I have a soccer game to get to. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me, to see me play.I'll take you back home after, of course."
Rukia opened her mouth to respond but was silenced as her brother and Yoruichi approached. She rose to her feet and stood in front of her brother, giving Renji a view of her back.
"Are you ready to go, Rukia?" Byakuya questioned.
"Brother," Rukia glanced at Renji through the corner of her eye. "Renji invited me to see his soccer game. He'll give me a ride home afterward."
Byakuya gave Renji a once over, a look that sent a shiver against the red head's shoulders and back. "All right."
Rukia smiled, unaware that Renji was swallowing a shaken lump of saliva that miraculously became lodged in his throat. She turned toward her friend and happily grabbed his arm. "Ready?"
Shaking off the look of death from Byakuya, Renji returned her smile with a kind one of his own. "I have to change and then we can go. I'll be right back."
Rukia released Renji's arm and watched him leave to do as he said. Alone with her brother and Yoruichi she stood by as the two of them exchanged quick words with one another. Rukia didn't pay them too much mind. She was happy to have plans for the rest of the afternoon. Seeing a soccer game was different then going home and doing absolutely nothing. She was grateful for the invitation.
"Hey Yoruichi, I'm here."
Rukia froze at the sound of a male voice that interrupted her joyous thoughts. It was easy for her to distinguish who just arrived. Her head spun around as ifin slow motion, the ends of her hair lightly caressing her cheek. She looked at the door, at Ichigo, as he walked in with that same stance she saw earlier. His right arm was over his shoulder, holding onto something she could not see. His eyes met hers, brown staring into purple. It wasn't long before he was in front of her and she had nowhere she could go.
"Hello, Rukia." Ichigo's words were lifeless, to say the least.
"Ichigo." Rukia returned his dry acknowledgment with one of her own. She didn't know what else to say, remembering the last time they saw each other and the angry look on his face.
Ichigo couldn't look away, his eyes bore into Rukia's, as if searching for answers to questioned he hadn't spoken aloud. He was jolted, suddenly, by a sharp slap to the back of his head. He winced and grabbed the wounded area, searching for the one who caused him momentary pain.
"What the hell, Yoruichi!" He growled in irritation.
"There are other people standing here besidesRukia." Yoruichi exclaimed, her arms folded across her chest.
"Sorry..." Ichigo rubbed his neck a little longer then stopped altogether. "Afternoon, Yoruichi..." He looked to his right. "...Byakuya."
"It appears your lack of manners hasn't changed at all since I last corrected you, Ichigo."
A small smirk formed beneath the bridge of Ichigo's nose. "Apparently not."
Byakuya didn't return the gesture. He only looked more annoyed the longer he stared into the teenager's face. He turned away eventually, bringing his attention to his sister. He studied her expression, the look in her eyes as she looked at Ichigo. Through the corner of his eyes he could see Yoruichi looking at Rukia as well. Together they shared a silent conversion.
Rukia was unaware of the conversation, or lack thereof, going on right in front of her. Instead, her attention was drawn to the sound of footsteps approaching then coming to a stop behind her. Without turning around she knew who had joined the group, but if she had even an inkling of curiosity she should have seen the unadulterated look of surprise then anger flash over Renji's eyes.
"You ready for your shift, Ichigo?" Renji asked while taking his place beside Rukia on her right side.
"Yeah, I'm closing tonight as well. I called Yoruichi in advance to ask. I could use the extra hours." Ichigo replied.
Renji grunted then turned toward Rukia. "Are you ready? My car is parked out front."
"Are you going to your soccer game?" Ichigo asked but his eyes were on Rukia, the question directed towards her.
"Yes, we're headed their now. See you tomorrow." Renji spoke clearly, emphasizing heavily that he was not going placed his hand onRukia's shoulder and proceeded to lead herpast their friends and loved ones toward the front door. His attempts were futile once Rukia stopped walking completely. He couldn't understand why she stopped moving but upon the sight of the woman walking toward them he knew immediately.
"Rukia, it's really you!" Orihime shouted happily, her arms open wide to embrace her old friend. She wrapped her arms around Rukia, pressing her oversized bust into Rukia's ample frame. "Ichigo told me you were back in town. I'm so glad I ran into you."
Rukia's arms were at her side instead of wrapped around Orihime to complete the embrace. She stared aimlessly to the left, her emotions nonexistent. She was dazed and unresponsive as Orihime created some space between the two but the smile on the taller female was stillclearly visible.
"I came with Ichigo to get something to eat before heading home. Were you planning on leaving right now? I was hoping you and I could catch up. I haven't seen you for four years. I'd love to hear about your trip to America." Orihime rambled on, unaware of Rukia's lack of enthusiasm.
Rukia lowered her head. Sensing her discomfort, Renji stepped up and placed his hand back against Rukia's shoulder.
"We were on our way out. Maybe next time, Orihime." Renji prepared to pull Rukia aside to lead her around the obstruction in their way. His effort was again stopped by Rukia holding her ground, to his surprise. "What is it, Rukia?"
Raising her head, Rukia glanced back at Yoruichi, Byakuya and Ichigo then looked up at the young man standing by her side. She did her best to smile. "I think I'd like to stay here."
"What?" Renji and Ichigo replied in unison. Byakuya and Yoruichi were silent but their eyes widened at Rukia's decision.
Orihime was thrilled and wrapped her arms around Rukia, embracing her once again. "That's great! We have so much to catch up on."
Rukia was despondent, letting Orihime lead her back toward the table she previously occupied. She avoided the looks given to her by those around her and forced her smile to spread across her face.
Running into Orihime was a blessing in disguise. Four years was a long time to run away from the truth. Rukia couldn't comprehend why she decided to confront her old buxom friend at that moment but the decision was made. There was no room to turn back.
Despite everything, Rukia wanted to face the verity head on, whether her heart was ready for it or not.