Disc.: Bleach… definitely not mine.

Early Developments

She felt drained. Completely drained.

The would-be shinigami sat on the pavement glaring at the stupid boy who had stolen her powers.

Of all the moronic, idiotic things to happen to me.

If there were such a thing as higher beings, they'd be laughing. Kaien-dono would be laughing, too.

Her glare softened, as she peered down at the unconscious teenager. He had different hair. Well, much different hair. His features were maybe less pronounced, body not yet finished growing. He didn't have that little bump on his nose that the beloved fuku-taicho did, but all the same… it was him. Kaien, but not quite.

He had said his name was Ichigo.

And the stupid brat had stolen her powers. Rukia's hands clenched. How the hell was she supposed to explain this to everyone back in Soul Society?

I can only imagine how Ni-sama will treat me now. Maybe he'll finally come to his senses and disown me.

Shoulders hunching sadly, she surveyed the damage to the house. Earlier she had modified the family's memories and used what little remained of her healing powers to treat them. Now, all she had left to do was bring this boy, Ichigo, inside.

But first, she needed to recollect a bit of strength and think of some kind of legitimate excuse for this.

Well, Captain Ukitake will support me and so will the rest of the 13th Division. If I spin it well enough maybe even Byakuya would help me. She stopped mid-thought and scoffed. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going to need one crazy excuse. Think! Think!

Distantly she registered the faint clank of footsteps. Turning at the noise, Rukia was met with the sight of wooden getas. Traveling up a green clad body, she became trapped in the shadowed grey gaze of the stranger.

Great, she thought sarcastically. Another human who can see me.

She glared up at him.

The corner of his mouth lifted sardonically.

"Yeah, I can see you, too."

He held out his hand to help her up.

Rukia stared at it warily.

Aware of her caution, the man supplied, "I felt a strong increase of spirit pressure." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Decided to check it out."

When there was no response, he reached for her hand and tugged her up. A spark of something ran up her arm and straight to her spine.

Immediately, she retracted her hand.

Rukia's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who are you?"

The grin returned.

"Urahara Kisuke."

She could hear the blood rushing through her ears.

"Excuse me?" It was said weakly; in the fashion she had first addressed Kaien.

The man seemed to be enjoying the affect he was having on her. "Urahara Kisuke." He repeated. "I am but a mere honest shopkeeper." His eyes twinkled from the dark shadows of his hat. Urahara Kisuke… Urahara.

Kisuke.

"Now, what was your name?"

"Ru-Rukia."

Again, the smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rukia…" He trailed off, questioningly.

"Kuchiki."

His eyes widened slightly. His smile only grew larger.

"Now, what are you doing so far from the noble house? I thought the Kuchiki clan was above such menial field work." His voice was practically lyric in it's tease and her mind had been thrown into complete chaos. She had been slashed by a hollow, lost her powers only seconds later, and now she was talking to Urahara Kisuke, Seretei's infamous rebel captain. The very man who had written the journal that lay tucked behind her bookshelf back in brother's mansion. The same journal she had read countless times. One of her few possessions of which she allowed herself to draw comfort from.

And I thought Soul Society would be mad before… If they find out that I've talked to Urahara Kisuke.

But, she didn't really care about anything anymore.

A hard glint came to his eyes, belying his sing-song quality "Is there something wrong, Miss Kuchiki?"

She slowly realized she was most likely his first contact with Soul Society in decades. In a sense, she couldn't help but feel honored. Looking away, Rukia mutedly wondered if he was disappointed.

He probably is.

Her brain, too tired to cope with all of this, switched onto autopilot. "I'm sorry, Urahara-dono." Rukia bowed, Urahara blinked. "I was just taken aback. I've read some of your work." Her eyes brightened, his jaw slackened. "I just never thought I'd get the chance to meet you."

Silence.

Rukia took this pause to try to kick her brain back into action.

"You're part of the 12th Division?"

She shook her head.

"The 13th, sir."

"Then how did you gain access-" Rukia's intellect finally decided to rejoin the world.

"My brother has a very extensive library." A lie.

"Well," His jovial nature returned and he extended his hand once again, "It's always nice to meet a fan."

She smiled into the grey gaze and completed the handshake.

AN: A BIG thank you to those who reviewed. Writing Kisuke for first time… eesh. Any suggestions, comments, opinions, or support are always welcomed! Thanks for reading.

Edit! on 08/02/09