Starry Night

Confrontations

This decision was a regrettable one indeed, but necessary nonetheless. She didn't want to get others involved in the matter at hand, but there was no other choice. Today, she had a few places she needed to visit...and her first stop was Division 6. As Momo made her way down the long halls, she wondered where she should head to first. She may as well get the hardest part done with and out of the way. As she approached a door, she knocked softly.

"Enter," a strong voice commanded.

The petite girl opened the door and bowed deeper than she'd ever bowed in her life, her forehead nearly touching the ground. This guy was an intimidating man, and scary, too. "Uhm, Captain Kuchiki, sir...I have something I wish to speak to you about...It's about Vice Captain Rukia."

Byakuya's expression didn't change, but it was safe to say his interest was peaked. Because he thought she had only come to deliver something, he was slightly surprised - though he didn't show it. "Go on," his emotionless voice rang.

Momo swallowed hard and fiddled with her thumbs, becoming very fidgety. How could she phrase this so that she evoked the reaction she wanted? "Well, you see, her and Captain Hitsugaya have been hanging out lately...At night, by themselves."

He was slightly put off about this, but didn't take anything out of context. "And your point is what?"

"Well, sir, it's just that...I've already heard some people talking about things they saw...And quite frankly I think she's ruining the good Kuchiki name. You should hear some of the rumors going around about them...And about the Kuchikis." Okay, so she lied a little. Or a lot. But it should work, and that's all that mattered.

"I see. Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. You may leave now." Byakuya then went back to his paper work as if nothing had happened.

Momo bowed once more and quickly left the room with a smile on her face. He may have seemed like he didn't care, but she saw that slight fire of anger in his eyes when she talked about the Kuchiki name. If that man had any weaknesses, it was his pride. Now, onto the next person, who thankfully wasn't too far away.

She knocked on the door that read 'Lieutenant Abarai Renji' and waited for an "enter", but was surprised to see the door was opened for her.

"Eh? Momo? What's up?" Renji asked as he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"Well, I need to talk to you about something..."

Renji looked down at her curiously. "Well, you can tell me on the way, I'm about to go to lunch."

Perfect, she could have more time talking with him, then. "Alright." Once they started walking, she stared at the ground. When she received a questioning look from Renji, she started. "I know you're good friends with Rukia, so I feel that as your friend, it is my duty to inform you of such matters as this."

When Renji heard Rukia's name, he glanced over to her again. "What're you talking about? Is something wrong with her or something?"

"Uhm, kind of. You see, her and Lil' Shiro have been getting rather...Acquainted at night. And it doesn't bother me, because I don't really have those kind of feelings for him, but I know you're probably protective over Rukia, as I am Shiro." Momo smiled mentally at the way she phrased her words.

"What do you mean by acquainted?" Rukia and Captain Hitsugaya? Ha! Those two would never in a million years--Wait. The more Renji thought about it, the more he could see it happening. Their Zanpakutos are from the same element...And they can both be pretty freaking boring at times...But Rukia and Captain Hitsugaya? Nahh...

"What I mean is, they spend nearly every night together...Alone." Momo could see the surprise in Renji's face. He didn't seem angry or jealous at the moment, which she hoped he would be. Maybe he didn't quite believe her. "I swear it, I saw it with my own two eyes."

"Hmm. Well, if she's happy." Renji shrugged as he continued walking, seeing the cafeteria come into view.

"Oh but she's not." Momo then lowered her voice to a whisper, as if she was telling him a secret. "I know that Shiro doesn't care for her, and I'm afraid she'll end up getting hurt."

Now this was upsetting for Renji. He didn't like the fact Rukia could end up getting hurt, and frowned at his current position. He couldn't go up to Captain Hitsugaya and tell him to back the fuck off, and that if he hurt Rukia, he'd be sorry. No, you just can't do that with a superior. "Who else have you told about this?"

"No one." This was perfect! Because if Renji thought he and Momo were the only ones who knew, he'd probably tell Byakuya about it, which would only support her case and make Byakuya angrier.

Unfortunately for her, Renji would never do that. He knew how his Captain was with Rukia, and how condescending he could be. No, he would have to talk to Rukia personally. Trying to change the subject, he asked, "So, how's the idiot doing as your Captain?"

Momo swatted his arm playfully. "You shouldn't talk in such a way toward Captain Kurosaki. He's a nice man."

Renji couldn't help but see that look in her eyes. The look she had when she always talked about Aizen. Did she look up to Ichigo like she did with Aizen? This was new. At least she was progressing, and he was happy she wasn't mad about the replacement.

The two sat at lunch together, not mentioning Rukia again. Momo knew that if she kept bringing it up, Renji would get suspicious. It was hard to get him where she had him, and pushing any further my cause him to forget the whole thing. After they finished eating, they said their goodbyes, and Momo headed back to her division. There was one other person she needed to explain the problem to.

When she arrived at her new Captain's office, she knocked before entering. "Uhm, Captain..."

"Hey, what's up?" Ichigo greeted and set down his pen. Damn this was a lot of work.

"I wanted to talk to you about something, but if you're busy--"

"Nope. Take a seat." Once she did, he continued. "So what's wrong?" he asked casually, leaning back in his chair.

"It's concerning Lieutenant Rukia..." She struggled to keep a smile from surfacing when she saw his clear interest in what she had to say increase at the mere mention of her name. After she explained the problem, adding in a few lies here and there, she was more than satisfied with his expression.

Ichigo cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Ah, is that all?" When he received a yes in reply, he nodded. "Alright then. Thanks. You can leave now." Damn it, what had Rukia gotten herself into? Now he'd have to go knock some sense into the little midget before she got herself hurt.

Momo considered going to opposite people. As in people who would want to protect Hitsugaya instead. But, when she thought of how Matsumoto would act, she decided against it. She knew she wouldn't receive the same type of reaction she had with Byakuya, Renji, and Ichigo. Hell, the 10th Division's Lieutenant would probably get excited and want to go drink in celebration that Hitsugaya actually was gettin' some.

Rukia was located on the training grounds outside of her division, going one-on-one with a new recruit. She mostly worked on kidou with the young man, but occasionally used Sode no Shirayuki; she preferred kidou over Zanpakutos any day. After wiping her forehead off, she smiled to the boy. "Good job. You might even be good enough to get a seated position."

The man bowed with his arms at his side. "Thank you," he replied, trying hard to mask the excitement in his voice. "Is that it for today?" He however, didn't cover up the slight sadness in his tone.

Rukia nodded and dusted off her hands. "Yep, but I'm sure you can train with some of the other division members. Just go easy on them," she said through a small grin and then turned to walk away. Once she rounded the corner, she bumped into someone. "Hey, watch--" she looked up and saw the person's face. "N-Nii-sama!" She quickly bowed, biting her lip in anger at how she had just yelled at him.

"Rukia, stand up." She was far too short, and when she bowed, it made it worse. He needed her to look him in the eyes when he was about to talk to her right now. When she stood to her full height, he glanced to the side, contradicting what he had wanted her to do. "I have been informed that you and a Captain have become close."

Rukia's eyebrows scrunched up and she thought for a moment. Was he talking about Ichigo? Didn't he already know she was close to him? "Well, yes, but I--"

"I see." So it was true. "You are no longer allowed to see Captain Hitsugaya."

What? What the Hell was he talking about? "Huh? What's he got to do with anything?"

"You just said you have become close with him. Perhaps too close."

Rukia refrained from slapping a palm to her head. "You misunderstood, big brother. I thought you were talking about Ichigo."

Byakuya brought his gaze back to her again. "So you have not been spending alone time with Captain Hitsugaya?"

"Well, I have. But it's not what you think, big brother!" Rukia heaved a great sigh. "We don't even talk." With any other person, it might've sounded absurd, but with Hitsugaya, it was completely believable that he could spend hours with someone and not say a word.

"You are forbidden to see him during the nightly hours unless something related to business requires you to, understood?"

Rukia looked down to her feet. "I understand." She wasn't even mad about the fact that she couldn't see Hitsugaya--she could've cared less! But it was just the thought alone that she was forbidden to see someone. This was ridiculous! She was forbidden to do something. Wasn't she an adult? Couldn't she do whatever the Hell she wanted outside of work? She didn't have to listen to her brother, but she would. Because he was her older brother, and he knew best.

Renji made his way down to the 13th Division. He had put off his work for tomorrow, which he would regret then, but it was important. He needed time to talk with Rukia. Without even knocking, he opened her door and stepped inside. "Hey Rukia."

Rukia was slightly shocked to see him at such an hour, especially since she knew he had a ton of work to do. "Hey...Something wrong?" He didn't look right, and her countenance held clear concern for him.

"Yeah." He sat down in the chair in front of her desk and stared to her. "I heard about you and Captain Hitsugaya."

WHAT. THE. HELL?! Had a rumor spread or something? First Momo, then--Momo! That little bitch! She told Nii-sama...And Renji! Rukia let out an agitated sigh. "Look, I'm going to say this once. There's nothing romantic going on between us. We just happen to sit by each other at night. It's random coincidence, I can't believe people are making a big deal about this," she explained.

"Bull shit Rukia. Look," he paused for a moment, searching for the right words. Scratch that, he'd just blurt out whatever came to his mind first, like usual. "I'm not going to tell you how to live your life, Rukia. But don't get blinded, because you'll just end up hurt in the end. And you'll be so pathetic that I won't be able to say 'I told you so' even if I am entitled to."

Rukia's left eye twitched in frustration. She leaned over her desk and gripped the front of Renji's shirt, bringing him in closer to her. "You fool! Could you try and at least act smart! Do you think I would EVER fall for some emotionless creep like Captain Hitsugaya? Honestly, Renji, I thought you knew me better than that!" she yelled, a little too loud, but it served its purpose of venting some anger.

"Am I interrupting anything, Lieutenants?" a voice asked near the door.

Both Rukia and Renji's heads snapped to see who was there. Rukia's eyes lit up in shock and nervousness. "C-Captain Hitsugaya..." Rukia stammered.

Hitsugaya leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes cold and emotionless. "Lieutenant Abarai, may I have a moment with Lieutenant Kuchiki in private?" His voice matched the level of emotion held in his eyes - none.

Renji glanced back to Rukia momentarily before standing up and nodding. "Ah, yes, sir." The redhead then proceeded to exit the room, all the while cursing under his breath at the disturbance.

Hitsugaya closed the door behind him and walked forward a few steps, staring down nonchalantly at Rukia.

Rukia had slumped back into her chair by then, but quickly stood up once he walked further into the room. "Uhm, how may I be of help, Captain?" She mentally kicked herself in the head for her earlier outburst, and how Hitsugaya had probably heard every word.

"It's been brought to my attention some of the rumors going around the Sereitei. Do you happen to have knowledge of any of this?" he asked and took a seat in the chair in front of her desk.

Rukia, too, sat down and glanced to the side. "Yes...And I know who started them." She looked back to Hitsugaya. "M--"

She was cut off by her office door slamming open. Ichigo stormed through, completely ignoring Hitsugaya. His anger had apparently clouded his vision. "What the Hell, Rukia?!" he asked, slamming both of his hands down on her table.

"Uhm, Ichigo..." Rukia whispered, pointing behind him.

Ichigo turned around with a small "Eh?" and then saw the 10th Division's Captain. The orange-haired boy glared daggers toward the man. "Get the Hell out, I need to talk to Rukia." He never had been one for manners.

"You will have to wait, Kurosaki. There are important matters I need to discuss with her," the white-haired man retorted.

"Important my ass. You're the cause of all this!" Ichigo spat back.

"Ichigo! Please, just leave," Rukia butted in before anything got too carried away.

Ichigo turned back to her. Usually, his stubbornness would've made him stay, but the pleading look in her eyes made him back down. "Fine," he grunted and walked past Hitsugaya. "Don't think you got outta this one, Rukia. I'll be back later." And with that, he left the room.

"Captain Hitsugaya...He's planning to hurt Rukia."

Momo's words rang loud and clear in his head as he stormed through the 13th Division's halls, members cowering in fear at his wrath. Some speculated that he had romantic feelings toward Rukia, but this was false. It was hard to describe the relationship they had. In simplest terms, he was like an older brother. An older brother who wouldn't stand by while someone hurt her.

Back in the office, Rukia had apologized for Ichigo's outburst. "As I was saying, I know for a fact that it's been Lieutenant Hinamori Momo starting these lies."

Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed. "You're wrong, Lieutenant. Momo would never do something so juvenile and childish as to start rumors. How can you prove this fact?" he inquired.

Rukia's eyebrows furrowed at his disbelief. "Because she stormed into my office yesterday, threatening me to stay away from you. She's like some psychotic jealous person who thinks I hold romantic feelings toward you."

Hitsugaya jumped up from his chair and leaned over her desk, his teeth clenched together. "Hold your tongue, Lieutenant!" he seethed.

Any other time, Rukia would've complied obediently, but she wasn't going to just sit there and let Hitsugaya believe Momo was some innocent little girl who would never do something so vicious and vindictive. "How can you not see through her! Why would I lie about something like this?! She's been starting these rumors. She went to Nii-sama and Renji, and apparently Ichigo, too. She's creating all this unwanted drama, are you that blind and stupid that you think she isn't?!"

"I'm warning you, Lieutenant-"

"And I'm warning you! She's the one who's causing--" Rukia winced as she felt her back slammed against a wall. She opened her eyes and glared as Hitsugaya pinned her against it.

"I will talk to Momo. And when she denies it, I'll be expecting an apology from you to her. Is that understood, Lieutenant?" Hitsugaya's eyes had, within an instant, flashed from dull to fiery. His right hand held a tight grip around the front of her clothes as he pushed her against the wall threateningly, which would've been uncharacteristic of him had it not been Momo Rukia was insulting.

The small Shinigami woman continued to glare toward the Captain. "Fine." Who was she kidding? Momo would never admit to something like this. But that was okay, because Rukia would never apologize to the bitch. Hell, she hardly apologized even when it was her fault.

Ichigo had been waiting right outside of Division 13, waiting for Hitsugaya to leave. When he saw said Captain exiting the Division, he shot a glance toward him. "Hey, I wanna know what you want from Rukia."

Hitsugaya stopped, his back facing Ichigo as he didn't even bother turning around. "I want her to learn her place." His anger was still there, but he had done well to push it beneath the surface before he left.

"Bastard! If you hurt her, I don't care what kind of rules there are, I'll kill you."

Hitsugaya's eyes closed. Ichigo reminded him much of himself right then. Of how Ichigo was so protective over Rukia, the way he was with Momo. It wasn't anything really romantic...but Hitsugaya viewed Momo as a little sister. Someone he needed to protect. And in that sense, he respected Ichigo somewhat. Without replying, he continued walking. He needed to confront Momo on the matter.

Meanwhile, Ichigo just scoffed and turned around, heading back into the Division. He walked into Rukia's office, a little less rash this time. He saw Rukia sitting at her desk, doing work as if nothing had happened. "Rukia."

Not looking up, she answered him with a short "Yes?" and continued scribbling down on papers.

"Tell me what's going on. Everything." Ichigo took the same seat Hitsugaya had and awaited her response.

"This doesn't concern you, Ichigo."

"The Hell it doesn't." He then swallowed hard. "Do you really like him like Momo says?"

Rolling her eyes, she finally looked over to him. "No. Not even the least." In fact, she hated the guy right about now. Telling her she'd owe Momo an apology, the nerve of that man!

"Good. I don't think it's best that you talk to him--" he was cut off by her laughing.

Rukia let out a deep, somewhat maniacal laugh at his words. "You know. First Nii-sama, then Renji, and now you? You all think you know what's best, don't you?" Her face turned serious again. "I am perfectly capable of controlling my own life without people thinking they know what's best for me. I don't need you, my brother, Renji, or anyone else telling me how to live. So butt out!"

Ichigo's expression hadn't faltered, and his gaze hadn't left her. He could see through her facade. She was scared underneath. Scared of what the rumors might do to her reputation--more over what they'd do to the Kuchiki reputation. She knew if the noble clan's name was dragged through the dirt, Byakuya would be upset with her, and the rest of the clan would hate her more than usual. Ichigo saw through it all. "Fine. But just be careful. And don't go cryin' when I'm right and I say I told ya so."

Rukia thought back to what Renji had said. Was that what all men wanted? To be able to tell her they told her so? I'm sick of this. From now on, she wasn't going to listen to them anymore. She'd be as defiant as possible. She would be her own person, not restricted to who she saw or what she did outside of work.

Hitsugaya had stopped by the 5th Division and knocked on Momo's office door. Without waiting for her consent to enter, he opened the door and walked through, staring down at her expressionlessly.

"Lil' Shiro," she greeted with surprise, forgetting she wasn't supposed to call him that anymore.

Hitsugaya had been too focused on what he came there for to reprimand her for it, anyway. "Momo, I want an honest answer from you when I ask this." He paused, making sure she was looking him in the eye. "Are you the cause of all the rumors going on about Lieutenant Kuchiki and myself?" he asked sternly. He paid close attention to her to see if she showed any signs of hesitation in her answer.

"Why-Why would I do something like that?" Hinamori Momo inquired innocently.

Closing his eyes in frustration, he repeated the question. "Are you the cause, Momo?"

"Well I...I..." She couldn't lie to him. She just couldn't. "I just--You were abandoning me! And to go see her! You never sat with me at night!" Her eyes teared up as her whole body began to shake. She wished he would just embrace her lovingly and tell her he cared for her and her only.

Opening his eyes, Hitsugaya glared icily at the petite girl. Without another word, he turned around and left her to begin sobbing.

"Lil--Lil' Shiro!" she yelled, attracting attention from passer byers in the hallways. She ignored the stares she got from outside of the room and fell to her knees. "No..." the Shinigami girl whispered. A fire then lit in her eyes and she looked up. "You will not take him away from me, Rukia Kuchiki."

It had been nearly night time by the time Hitsugaya left, and he knew exactly where to head to. Jumping along the roofs, he landed in his usual nightly spot, wondering if Rukia would appear tonight. He mentally cursed himself for how he had acted earlier that day. He couldn't believe he had gotten like that, and he knew that he owed Rukia an apology. Too bad she probably wouldn't show up. Why would she?

Well, for one, Rukia was determined to rebel against everyone's wishes. She would continue to sit at her nightly spot no matter what anyone said. And secondly, she wasn't going to leave the place SHE was at first, just because Hitsugaya was being a jerk. So, hopping from rooftop to rooftop, she finally arrived at the one Captain Hitsugaya was casually sitting on.

Silence sat among the two like normal, but there was no denying the thick tension. "You were right."

Rukia's eyes softened slightly and she glanced over to him. "I know."

And that was all that needed to be said. Nothing else.

After a few minutes had passed, both pairs of eyes adverted to the new set of feet landing on the rooftop.

Momo stared down to Rukia, her Zanpakuto in hand.

A/N: I felt last chapter didn't have enough interaction between the two, so I thought I should put some in this one. Hopefully it didn't come out too OOC.

Once again, a huge thanks to my beta, Saint Sky, because without her...You'd find a whole mess of errors and mumbo jumbo in here. So thanks, Saint!

Thanks in advance to those who read and review (: -Ami