Disclaimer : Again, I don't own Bleach. I still wish I did but this story is mine.

Author's Notes : Heheheh I bet you didn't expect me to update so soon. But this is a short chappy which is kind of a Part 2 of the previous one so it's very short. I'd forgotten that I put '/' on thoughts and instead used '( )' in the past chapter. Sorry about that. Also, please know that I might be moving this story to the 'M' rating soon. (^~^)V Last;y, please enjoy and review!

*PING*

"Good day! This is your captain speaking. Flight BCR 213 to TOKYO, JAPAN is about to take its descent to Tokyo International Airport. Please put on your seatbelts as we do so. And thank you for your great service. To all of us you're all heroes."

*PING*

The pilot's announcement ended and Grimmjoww felt like he was hyperventilating, which he definitely was so uncool. But he was finally going to see his family. After almost six years of training and of deployment with the military, he was home. Truthfully, he never intended for his service to last so long. At first, he figured a year in the military would be good for him and would finally set him on the straight and narrow. He was independent by nature so the adventure away from home that the military promised was enticing to him. All the physical training and combat preparedness was actually a plus. Just by looking at him, one would know that he is one very physical man.

He scoffed as he remembered his stepfather's attempt at sheltering him two years ago. If Grimmjoww wasn't such a promising addition to the force, then he doubted that the director of the academy would have tipped him off the moment a call came in to arrange for his being stationed at the Engineering unit at the Afghanistan base plus a promotion to an officer rank. He truly has to thank that old man for believing in him and choosing to trust him over such a powerful man like Byakuya Kuchiki. If he was sent to engineering while all his buddies were risking their lives in the field, he wouldn't have forgiven himself especially since he knew how much of a help he could be in combat.

At the same time, it was a gesture that was both utterly annoying and absolutely touching. Growing up, he put upon his shoulders the burdens of adults. With a mother like he had – sort of hedonistic, not really serious with life but absolutely endearing, he simply could not bear being unable to take care of her. When this man came into their lives, he was apprehensive at first. He had seen the string of failed relationships his mother had before meeting Byakuya. It was easy to assume that it will end in the same manner. But little by little, he was able to see that the future might be somewhat brighter with this man. And some 14 months ago, this man showed him once again how bright their future could be. To think that a man like Byakuya who placed honor and responsibility at such a high regard would set aside his own pride for him who was not his own flesh and blood. Despite having all the means to have his way, Grimmjoww had seen that Byakuya was one of those few men that walked a righteous path. By using underhanded means to ensure Grimmjoww's personal safety, he showed him how much he cared. If he was willing to bend for Grimmjoww's sake, then he had to make sure that what his father was sacrificing was worth it – he was a man worthy of his name. His bunk mates gave him strange looks as he composed the letter he sent to Byakuya. He couldn't care less. That letter was probably one of the most important things he had to write; he didn't need to concern himself with how he looked while doing it. He kept it short because try as he might he simply couldn't write flowery.

However, all of that is in the past now. His current position, all his accomplishments and all the people he was able to help was proof of how good this decision was. It wasn't too long ago that he was talking about this decision with his parents - actually it was more like arguing or something along the lines of World War 3.

He didn't have a lot. Once he picked up his duffle bag from the conveyor, he began the trek to the lobby where he would find all those lucky families who didn't have to bring home someone to mourn. It was only now that he was a few steps away did he realize how much time has passed. Truly, the thought of continuing service did come to mind several times. It was something he was very good at and the task itself was very noble; fulfilling would be a better term. What held him back was the constant fear that he will not get to say goodbye to his family should he fall in the field. At any moment, his life could be over. It's nothing like a car accident which one is totally unprepared for. It is a deliberate decision to put one's life in harm's way. Add to that you'd have to give up being near your family.

/ Could you really do that, ei, Grim? You'd never see mom again; that big old house which was filled with busy helpers; the view of that well kept garden. Not to mention, you'd never see Ruks again. No more noogies and crappy drawings. Well, maybe that's too much. I could at least visit once a year. At least, it's not prison. /

But could he really do that? Obviously, the answer is no; since here he is at the threshold looking at her. She's staring at her phone again; probably playing some new game on it which involves cotton candy, ribbons and those abominable rabbits. Plus, there's a box of unsent letters in his bag just for her. He was at a warzone. It was unreasonable to make the communications delivery all his letters. But he'd still write them just so he can delude himself that she's not that far away, that she wouldn't forget him.

His mother is the first to notice. She rises from her seat about to rush to his side. Byakuya was about to stand as well. Rukia hasn't noticed yet but he should probably take a breath to compose himself. Violets look up to meet with his bright blue pair. Wide smiles appear on both of them.

"Hiyyah Ruks."

REPLIES: I realize that I haven't replied to any reviews. TT^TT forgive me. But please keep the reviews coming.

Ana cii Bunny : Hi there. Thanks for all the love! ^~^ I might be changing the rating to M in the up coming chapters. But I'll still try to make it sweet and kawaii.

AA : Thanks for that. I'm still an amateur though. None of my work has ever been published well given that I've never tried to submit anything for any publication heheh.

Mustachenarwhal : hihihi that's great to know. Hope you keep reading. I love their pairing too.

Joha781 : hi there. I'm really glad that you can appreciate my work even if you have a different native tongue. Thank you!

No name : I'll try my best to update more regularly. I just lost track of the story line and been quite stuck. T^T

Nnh : thank you. I'm starting to divulge the grimm x ruki side of this story. But feel free to review and recommend stuff.

Anna chan : I'm a real ichi x ruki fan but I thought they'd be cute for something like this or like a period fic. (Hmmm... Ideas!) Just wait for the upcoming chappies I'll be moving the focus to grimm x ruki now.

ArsinoetheXXVII : thanks so much! To be honest, I think in the recent chappies I've been slacking in the imagery area. Thanks for reminding me. I'll do my best in the upcoming chappies.