Hey, how are you peeps?! I am back! Okay so I guess I shouldn't talk too much and just do what I am supposed to do but I can't help it. Especially when you consider the fact that my life is a mess at the moment. I want to dig a hole in the ground and get buried. Honestly, all that is keeping me from punching holes through the walls is the fact that I am not supposed to stress my right wrist too much because the bone is misplaced. I shouldn't be writing or typing or weight lifting too much but that is exactly what I do all day long. Apart from punching goons who dare look at my friends that is :P

Rukia's POV

I ran behind that crazy strawberry with all the strength that I could muster. It was drizzling but overall the thunder had long since died. I turned right on the boulevard. Just where in hell was he?

I had no idea what just happened. Or what was about to happen for that case. I just kept following the traces of his spiritual pressure that still clung to places, indicating he had gone down the same path. I had been running for about fifteen minutes now. Down one alley, across another bridge my footsteps clattered. I had no idea where I was going. I just needed to find him and clear this mess. At this point, I wasn't even worried how many people woke up due to my shouts and heavy footsteps.

I leaned against a wall to regain my breath. His reaitsu flared right behind me, behind the wall. My surroundings surprised me a bit. Ichigo had never been here before. But then, he had a knack for landing in the most abrupt situations.

It was originally supposed to be a square where the 1st Squad's assemblies were to be held. But since it was not being used, it was turned into a community park. It was a neat little piece of land, contoured by some of the tallest trees in Soul Society. A fountain that sent out a sprout of crystal clear water was set in the middle.

I straightened and traipsed to the small wooden gate that allowed entrance into the small patch of greenery. Right in front of me sat the black robed Substitute, by the marble fountain. His orange hair fell in a fringe along the side of his face, hiding his eyes from my view. I tried to conceal my reaitsu as best as I could but he detected it nevertheless. He straightened and scowled. To anyone who didn't know Ichigo Kurosaki, he would look displeased. But I knew better. That was his default expression. It was supposed to express joy, anger, grief, annoyance, boredom and everything. Including hurt. He glared right at me and I could barely help the sigh that was about to escape my lips. By now I was so tired my lungs were dancing in joy due to the level amount of oxygen my air bags now received.

I walked up to him and sat down. Honestly, now that he was in front of me I didn't know what I had come to say in the first place. It had stopped raining. Only the wind howled around us, chilling me to the bone through my soaked uniform. Its roar was the only thing that filled the disturbingly thick silence between us, forced upon our minds by the shattered fantasies of the subconscious. I turned to him, only to find him gazing at me, emotionlessly. I had to admit, he managed it better than even Nii-sama.

"Sorry for disturbing you, Rukia."

"Ichigo, its not what it seems…" He interrupted me with a humorless chuckle.

"Its not what it seems? Oh please, Rukia. There was no mistaking it. And anyway I have no right to find out what it was, either. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or, on second thought, maybe it was good I saw you. At least now my heart will understand we are not meant to be."

There was no denying the validity of his words. I was kissing him. Right now all I wanted was to somehow go back in time and change all of that. I was aware of my heart breaking into a million little pieces. He finally admits he felt something more than friendship for me only to lock me out. He stood up swiftly from next to me. Even though I had watched him change from a clumsy teenager to one of the strongest Shhinigami in Soul Society, I was surprised by how agile he was. I opened my mouth to say something. Anything. He raised his hands in front of his chest as his trademark scowl returned. "Really, Rukia, you don't need to explain anything to me. And anyway, words can't fill the gaps here, you know. Its just….. I hope that stuck up bastard keeps you good. Its not like I am against incest or anything. So, um…., best of luck." He gave me a thumbs up, then turned on his heel and flash stepped away. My eyes widened at his words.

I had finally managed to lose the only person in my life who actually cared.

I groaned. Even though my heart was breaking inside, I managed to keep my tears at bay. I didn't want to cry. I had no right to. I had known what I was doing when I kissed him. But I really wasn't romantically attracted. He was my brother for god's sake!

The first thing that the Elders taught me was whatever the head of the clan did was right and it was my duty to obey and go along with every plan of his. I honestly, had no idea why he kissed me. After so many years he finally made me feel like he was there. That I wasn't just a fulfilled promise to decorate his conscience with. And then, he just kissed me? I couldn't figure my brother out for the whole of my life, but this was just a bit too much. What was he thinking? Was that even supposed to mean anything?

At the same time a small, overruled part of me liked it and wanted it to happen again. I had always been intimidated by him. And truth be told, I had a small infatuation with him once. But he didn't even acknowledge my presence. It was like I was some kind of a burden to him. Which was exactly what I was, and this I learned when he finally told me why I was there in the first place.

So what happened now?! He had started warming up towards me a bit. It was barely noticeable. He finally started responding to me and would even care to wish good morning or good night. But other than that, there were no signs thatthis could ever possibly happen.

Why?

Maybe because my resemblance to his dead wife had finally awakened some human part of him. I set my jaw resolutely while my chest was brimming with pain of unshed tears. That must be it. There was no other reason. No other possibility. No matter how much I wanted to believe otherwise, he couldn't be feeling anything for me.

Right?

Renji's POV

"Abarai." I whirled about at the familiar voice of my stoic Captain. His robes were drenched and a bit loose at the front, as if something heavy had clung to it. His hair glimmered with the small droplets of water that still hung on to his silky raven strands.

"Hai, taichou."

"Rukia is in the community park in the abandoned square of Squad 1. Go and see to it that she remains safe. She might not want to return to the Mansion. If so, do not persuade her but do make sure, wherever she is, is a safe place to be in. am I clear?"

His stormy eyes pierced through my emotionless façade and saw the confusion beneath. I replied robotically. He addressed a final glare my way, then turned and shunpoed off. Now, I was totally, utterly and officially confused. But no one could ever understand the mysterious ways of Kuchiki Byakuya. What was I hoping to achieve by staring behind his back?

I gritted my teeth as I stepped out from under the worn out shed I was searching for her in, expecting a strong shower to greet me. But there was nothing. Only wind roared around me, whipping the realization into my face that she had most probably run away because of me. I shouldn't have been so hard on her. It wasn't her fault. Her expression when I asked her to get lost and stop annoying me burned in the back of my head. She was barely able to restrain her grimace as the words she was about to spit out at me drowned in her throat. She turned on her heel and sprinted away. I was about to run behind her, but I knew that would serve no purpose. So I just continued on my way, and reached home to wait for Ichigo.

A part of my rebelled against going behind her as well. Even after I had pushed her out of my life like she didn't matter, I expected her to welcome me with open arms. I expected her to realize it was for her own good, and not because I didn't want her around.

I turned out of the alley and sprinted towards the community park. Even though I had checked it minutes ago, I was still hopeful I would find her there. Mainly because Byakuya said I would.

I could sense her reaitsu within seconds and it was obvious that she was upset. I swung the small metal gate open to find her sitting against the waterfall. She looked up at me with moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes. My appearance flicked off some kind of switch in her for she let go of her amazingly perfect expressionless façade, and cringed further against the cold marble, sobbing as she rocked back and forth.

"Rukia!" I raced to her and knelt in front of her. She looked up at me, her nose red which indicated she had been holding in tears for way too long. The tip of her nose always turned scarlet when she was trying not to cry. Then she covered her face with her hands and succumbed to the spasms the sobs caused to rake her body. I put my arms around her and pulled her into my arms, hiding my face in her raven mane. I had no idea what to do but when we were kids I had realized hugs comforted her more than anything. She stiffened in my embrace and then started fighting against me, pushing my chest away with her small hands. She shifted around and made it impossible for me to keep a grip on her. She pushed me away from her with all her might and arched her back outwards, in a desperate attempt to free herself. I groaned from the effort of keeping her locked in. "You know that is useless, Rukia."

She didn't give up. For one thing, Kuchikis never gave up and she was a perfect example of their perseverance. I finally had to loosen my grip enough to let her go. If I would have simply released her she would have felt like she won her freedom all because I allowed her to. And even though I didn't wish to make her feel like she won, I didn't want to make her feel bad about herself either.

Once she pulled away, she sat back to stare at me, the tears replaced by plain old defiance. I knew why she was acting this way. I had asked her to get lost after all. Now she didn't want me anywhere around her. I knew how difficult the girl could be, and honestly, it amused me to no end.

"You asked me to stop annoying you and I obeyed, now what do you want from me?"

"Do I need to tell you that I didn't mean any of that, Rukia?"

"Oh please! Who are you trying to fool? I know you did. I was just being slow. I didn't get the hint when you pushed me out of your life like trash the first time you did. Thanks for finally telling me so that I won't be bothering you anymore." She started to get up after her small speech. I had kind of guessed how Rukia, or anyone for the matter, would comprehend my reaction to Byakuya's offer of adoption, but some part of me burned to believe she understood why I had done what I had done. Apparently, that part was wrong. I felt my head lower and the red locks that had broken free of the hair band some time earlier tonight, fall around my head as I grabbed her hand and pulled her down smack so that her butt hit the moss covered ground. She cried out in pain and sat straight to glare at me. The glistening look that only unshed tears could give one's eyes was back. I pulled my gaze away from her face as I felt a pang hurt my chest.

"Was that really how you saw it?" On any other occasion I would be extremely ashamed of how my voice was barely above a whisper. She stiffened a bit. "It was only because I was hoping that bastard could give you a life better than any I could ever offer. I thought….. I thought you would be happy and safe within the confines of his place. I only wanted you to have the best, be it from me or from someone else."

I felt my grip on her hand loosen and she jerked away from me. I didn't dare look up for fear that she would see the tears that now threatened to fall. She stood in front of me, confusion lacing through her aura probably waiting for the information to sink in. Finally, she shifted a bit and came to kneel by me. I felt her small hands weave through my thick hair and linger a bit, instantly reminding me of how she loved my hair down. Her delicate yet callused fingers finally reached my tear stained cheeks. Her soft skin felt like heaven against my warm, leathery skin. She pulled my head up to lock gazes with me. I averted her eyes. No way would I be able to face her with tears staining my cheeks. Hell, I didn't even cry when our friends died. How could I now? I was the man. I had to be a pillar.

"You might not know it but I have heard you sniffling at night back in our days in Rukongai, when you thought I was asleep.", she said. Like always, she could read me like a book. Why hadn't she known then, that I would never send her away willingly? She was the one I lived through each day like it was a fight for, never giving up. I parted with her, the only thing I had left, for her. I tore apart all barriers and even fought her brother. All of that, and she always believed I wanted her to go away. She was being incredibly selfish. Another characteristic adorned upon her by the Kuchikis, probably.

"Lets go home.", she said. Just like the old days. When she used to drag me back to the house after a busy day of stealing, begging and doing whatever we had to in order to live. I finally met her eyes, only to find the most beautiful smile ever on her lips. It was so delicate, that it wiped all thoughts off my mind.

I grabbed her and flash stepped away. She screamed at me to stop and that she could do it on her own. I cursed mentally. Her stupid obsession with 'self reliance' was getting to me. I knew she could shunpo, fight Hollows, stand up for herself and do a hell lot more. But why bother when she had me to do all of that for her? I knew that pleased her ego. The small part of her that had always felt unneeded and unwanted was satisfied when she was taking care of matters for herself. But it was obvious she enjoyed it this way, by the giggles that escaped her between shouts. Plus, who wouldn't? Most girls would die for this experience, especially with me. But then, Rukia Kuchiki wasn't just some girl. And yes, I was perfectly aware of the fact that most boys would die to have that experience with her in their arms as well. Which was why I was never going to let her go again.

I finally reached my apartment and set her down on the front step. She huffed in annoyance as she tried to smooth her hair down. I held in a chuckle. She was so small yet she believed she could do anything in the world. And was confident about the same.

Not that I was denying it.

I opened the door that I had forgotten to lock and swept my arm up front in what, I hoped, was a good imitation of a flourish. "I welcome the Kuchiki princess into my humble abode." I bowed and she just rolled her eyes and entered. I realized it was the first time I had actually invited her to my house. No wait, even then I hadn't invited her. She had practically invited herself.

The house couldn't be called small, considering only one person lived here, but it was nothing worth flaunting either. The hallway that began at the door ended in a small kitchen with a mahogany dining table with two chairs. To the left was my living/drawing room, with a big expensive TV set and a couch. The walls were decorated with abstract modern art, which I happened to be quite fond of. I knew the setting wasn't up to Japanese standards. But the Soul Society was lagging behind. And it was my house. I could decorate it whichever way I wanted and whoever disliked it would have to deal with it.

Plus, I had confirmed, having a TV or a couch didn't offend the rules of Soul Society. Like having tattoos did.

To the right was a spare room. My guest room. It was sparsely furnished and had only the necessities. Like a futon, a side table, a chair in the corner, though I was not sure if I had put the last item in the room or if it was still in the store room.

A staircase to my left led up to my bedroom and study, the latter of which was filled with books and a desk and was supposed to be used. Like I didn't have enough paperwork at office.

Yes, that was about it.

Rukia gazed at the house in wonder. And I was afraid for her mental health cause she lived in a palace!

"What happened?", I asked. "Not up to you?"

"Hmmm?", she asked dreamily as she slowly turned to me. "You know I never really saw that manor as my home. This is what I would call home. A small place I share with someone I love. That thing there, sitting amidst the most beautiful gardens is a show piece, set for decoration and houses soulless infidels."

At that precise moment I realized what a mistake it was to send Rukia away. She never wanted the wealth and luxury that was forced on her. She just wanted a family.

"Come." I grabbed her hand and pulled her up to my bedroom. I threw the door open in a flash and bared the messy room to her. I scrunched my nose. Maybe the guest room was a better idea.

"Um…turn around.", I said but she simply chuckled and moved into the beige painted room. Then, I had to endure an overly bossy Rukia as she pulled together, what was worthy of being called a room from the garbage dumping site my bedroom resembled, for about fifteen minutes. I heaved a sigh of relief when she finally pulled the futon in place. I settled down having changed already and pulled her along with me. But just as I was about to snuggle in the warmth with her familiar physique by me, just like how we did in old days when it was too cold for us to bear, she fainted. I panicked for a moment, but then remembered the rain always did that to her and she would be perfectly fine in the morning. I lowered her sleeping figure into the warm mattress, smiling contently.

She was all mine for tonight.

Now that was a pretty big chapter. Just as I had expected it takes less time to update when you are not reading fanfictions side by side. Anyways, I am super tired so I am gonna be taking a nap now, so I can make another chapter in the evening. The next one will be when she finally returns to the Manor. And to Byakuya. How did you find Renji's POV guys? He was really tough to write about especially since, I, think he is a big fool for the way he walks around wearing his highly inflammable pride on his sleeve. I mean, he should just go and tell Rukia about how he feels, right? What is he doing, sitting around and waiting for Ichigo to snatch his girl from him. Though it would be incredibly fun to see his reaction to that :P Anyways, till the time Rukia actually gets involved with one of the three potential suitors we will have to do with fanfictions and fanarts. Though I would love to see Byakuya get more brotherly and concerned towards her I also seem to love the 'forbidden love' knack. Okay then, that's about all that has been running in my head for today. See you later!