A/N: thank you and enjoy.
While Renji suffered beneath Byakuya's infamous frigid glare, Rukia was at the moment running into Ichigo and Zangetsu. Albeit…Ichigo was rather nervous and trying to avoid looking Rukia in the eye…Zangetsu was having a pleasant chat with Sode no Shirayuki.
"So…Rukia how's everyone here?" Ichigo asked they were walking along a rather empty road in the Seireitei. Not in the least bit embarrassed by being—well alone with him—Rukia linked arms with him and proceeded on rattling off on their various acquaintances--Captain Hitsugaya was still arguing daily with Matsumoto—Renji still hadn't scored a date—and Nii-sama was busy with work. "I see…" Ichigo muttered, casting his mind around for another SAFE topic other than what he originally had in mind.
Zangetsu didn't help by broadcasting certain images into his wielder's thoughts.
'Damn you! Zangetsu!' Ichigo inwardly snarled.
The dark haired man shrugged, "just helping you out, my king."
'Well, you're not! Bastard…'
Rukia tugged on his hand suddenly, "is something the matter, Ichigo? You've been awfully quiet. So I was…" Ichigo stopped walking and pulled her into his arms, "Rukia…don't talk…just listen to me…please. I lo--!"
A hard blast of a flaring reiatsu struck them both.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
To be continued.
A/N: eh. It's a bit short. Please review.