First Impressions.

Kuchiki Rukia is very fond of first impressions. Due to her observant and inquisitive nature, Rukia took delight in noticing the small things about people that no one really cares about.

However, if you took the many tiny details unnoticed about a person, and bunch them together, you get a very accurate overall impression of what that person is like. It is hard to explain, but Kuchiki Rukia has mastered the art of what she calls "High Observation Skills," which puts the process mentioned previously into action.

Confusing, isn't it?

But Kuchiki Rukia does it well.

As the bell that signalled the end of the school day rang, Rukia leant back in her chair and sighed. She could feel a headache nipping at her temples as she rubbed at them furiously.

"I'm so glad this day is over…" she sighed as she stretched her arms whilst collapsing on top of her desk.

Rukia gazed lazily at the students who quickly exited the room alongside chattering friends. As unbelievable as it may sound, Rukia did not mind having no companions.

In fact, Rukia enjoyed being on her own.

Not having to care what other people think of her, no one to constantly worry about, and no one fussing over her. Perfect.

Rukia glanced at the watch strapped on her slender wrist as she shouldered her bag.

"3:40 hmm? I still have some time till he comes to pick me up. Maybe I should head to the library?" she muttered to herself. After giving it some thought, she nodded decisively to herself and began a casual stroll to the archive.

By the time Rukia arrived at the library, it was 3:45. She still had half an hour to kill. The latter therefore prompted her to nestle into the corner of the library in a very comfy beanbag, with a well-thumbed book lying in her lap.

After about fifteen minutes, Rukia was drawn out of her imaginary world as she heard a soft thumping noise beside her.

"Hey there Rukia," she heard a familiar voice whisper.

Politely, Rukia put down the book she was reading and nodded at the teacher sitting beside her.

"Professor Inoue. What a surprise to see you here."

"It is isn't it? I don't even like books." The professor said smiling. "No offense and all, but I think you need a lot of imagination to read them. Something I don't have much of unless you haven't noticed."

"No offense taken. On the other hand, you're giving me a compliment aren't you?" Rukia replied.

"Yes. I kind of did didn't I?" Professor Inoue laughed.

Professor Inoue Sora. Rukia's classmate's elder sister, and also teacher at Sakura High.

Whilst teaching Rukia history, Sora had noticed that Rukia did not fit in with her class and spent most of her time isolated. And being her normal ditzy and lovable self, Sora tried to approach Rukia offering friendship.

Only to be shot down.

Surprisingly, Sora is very persistent.

Cue random meetings and one sided chats. Such as the one Rukia is going through now.

"How are you, Rukia?" Professor Inoue says softly.

"I am fine, Professor Inoue. And may I ask what you are doing in the library?" Rukia replies crisply.

"Oops. I've been busted haven't I?" Sora chuckled. "Of course, it is to see my very lovely student Kuchiki Rukia, whom I may add, is very pleased to see me."

Rukia sighed. "I'm so sorry Professor Inoue, but this book is very interesting and I wish to finish it by the time of my inevitable departure. So if you don't mind…"

"I think that's my cue to bugger off isn't it?" Inoue pouted.

Rukia stared blankly at the teacher beside her before returning to the book lying on her lap. In a sudden movement, pale slim fingers covered the black and white text.

"Professor In-"Rukia began to protest.

"Rukia. The reason I have come to you today is not to seek your friendship, but rather to confide in you about something." Sora said quietly. "Something very…" she trailed off.

Rukia looked from her book to the teacher beside her. Her head was bowed, her thick brown hair covering her face. Rukia was surprised to see the normal bubbly teacher tense and- for once- silent. Before Rukia realised what she was doing, she had placed one of her own hands across hers, squeezing it slightly.

Oh jeez. What the hell am I doing? Rukia groaned inwardly. "So-"

Suddenly, Sora's head snapped up revealing a grinning face. "Fooled you!" she sang in her light and hearty voice. "I so fooled you! I mean, look at your face! You look like you just saw a ghost" she continued to hoot.

"What the hell?" Rukia muttered indignantly. "What's your problem?"

Rukia flung the teacher's hand off her book and stood up, letting the paperback tip off her lap. "Leave." She hissed, pointing at the exit.

Sensing no movement, she glared at the teacher's smiling face. "Either you leave, or I do. Which is it going to be, Professor Inoue?"

Slowly, Sora stood up and faced Rukia. She was still smiling, but somehow she looked different.

"How long, are you going to fool yourself?" she sighed.

"What are you talking about?"

"Rukia! You are not the cold person you make yourself out to be! Why do you insist on being such a emotionless and indifferent bitch?" Sora exclaimed. "Why? In reality, you are not like that at all! In fact, you-"

"Enough!" Rukia shouted. "I have had enough of you! How dare you try and tell me who I am?"

"Because you are lying to yourself. You tell yourself you don't need anyone to rely on. You insist you don't need anyone." The teacher said softly. "But Rukia, you just don't want to trust, do you?"

"Trust is easily broken." Rukia whispered blandly. "Trust is a trivial emotion. I have no need for the trivial." She said whilst reaching for bag. As she grasped the handle, she turned to face her Professor once again. "Goodbye Professor. I wish to never see your face outside of your lesson again."

And with that, she spun on her heel and strode to the exit. As she grasped the door handle, she paused and lowered her head.

"I thought…"

Click.

SLAM.