Matsumoto's POV

Poor Rukia-chan. I feel so bad for her. Why did that have to happen to her? She's such a good and kind hearted person. She doesn't deserve something like that. Why did she have to kill the person she loved? I don't want to sound mean, but it's kind of a good thing. Now Captain can be happy with her. I know it sounds really, really mean but Captain deserved someone like Rukia-chan.

We reached the 6th division. It took us a while because I had to carry Rukia-chan though. She's really light but I didn't get much sleep. I need my sleep.

We entered the 6th division. We went to Captain Byakuya's office. I set her down gently before we entered. Maybe if Rukia-chan gets to see her brother before we leave, she'll be happy.

Captain knocked on the door. Captain Byakuya said to come in.

"Byakuya, would Abarai be able to come on this mission with me?" Captain asked once we were in.

"Yes. My lieutenant is still at the 4th division but he should be able to accompany you," he replied plainly.

"Thank you. Rukia will be coming with me too," he added.

"Yes, I know."

"We'll be leaving tonight," he added. I know what Captain's trying to do. He wants Captain Byakuya to say "Good-bye" to Rukia-chan. He shouldn't bother. Captain Byakuya never says anything to her before a mission. Who am I kidding? He barely says anything to her at all!

"Captain," I said in the quietest whisper. He knew what I was trying to tell him. He knew enough to know that Byakuya doesn't talk much to poor Rukia-chan.

Captain looked over at Rukia-chan with sad eyes. He felt pity for her. She smiled. It was fake. I knew it automatically.

"It's fine," she whispered. "Good-bye, nii-sama." Her voice was hopeful. Even when she knows there'll be no response, she's still hopeful.

I picked Rukia-chan up and we left.

"Captain, who else is coming with us?" I asked.

"There's Abarai, Kira and…" he said. I couldn't hear the last name.

"What did you say?"

"…"

"I can't hear you."

"Momo is coming."

"Lieutenant Hinamori is coming too?" Rukia-chan asked. She sounded… disappointed?

Captain glanced back at her. "Yes, why do you ask?"

"Well, it's just… Nothing," she said sadly.

"Rukia-chan, tell me," I said.

"Well, I just have a feeling that Lieutenant Hinamori doesn't like me."

"What? Oh, come on! Who couldn't like you, Rukia-chan?" She just smiled shyly. "Don't worry, Rukia-chan. I'm sure everything'll be all right."

We found the other people that would be coming with us and told them to pack a small bag and then to meet us at the gate tonight. Kira didn't really care much. But Hinamori was a different story. She was jumping up and down with excitement. She was so happy that she'd be able to go on a mission with Captain. She was so fixated on Captain that she didn't notice me or Rukia-chan. After that, we went to get our things ready. Captain went his own way and Rukia and I went to get my things then hers.

"So, Rukia-chan, what do you think about Captain?" I asked her as I was getting my bag ready. I'm actually excited for this mission. I know it's going to be a lot of work and it's going to be a really long mission but all of our expenses are going to be paid for us! That means I get to go shopping!

"Captain Hitsugaya? Um, he's nice and I really like him," she said innocently. When she realized what she said, she started to blush. "I mean, like a friend!"

"That's nice. You two would make great friends. You know, I think he likes you a lot. I think he really wants to be your friend, Rukia-chan." Actually, he wants to be more than a friend. But we'll get there eventually.

"Why would he want to be friends with me?" she asked under her breath.

"Rukia-chan, you have a lot of good qualities, you know! You're a great person, you're sweet, smart and everyone likes you for that! That's why he wants to be your friend!" Rukia stayed silent. She doesn't believe what I'm saying. "I have an idea! When we get to the world of the living, you two should spend more time together! That'd be amazing!"

"I don't think that would be a good idea, Matsumoto."

"Oh, come on! Captain doesn't like being around people but he look happy with you. That's the first time I've seen him happy to be around anyone in… forever!"

"I don't know…"

"How about this, when we get to the world of the living, you spend more time with him. You know, like, go to the park with him, walk around and stuff like that. If you do this, I'll buy you a bunch of Chappy toys, stuffed animals and anything else I find that's Chappy."

Her eyes lit up and I saw her smile a little. "But, wouldn't that be bribing? That would make it look like I'm only around him for Chappy."

"Do you like him? As a friend," I added.

"Yes," she replied cautiously.

"Then you're not doing it just for Chappy."

She thought about it then she looked over at me. "All right, I'll do it."

I squealed with excitement. "Yay! I can't wait!"

We were about to leave when I remembered something. The camera! I ran and grabbed it. Then we left.

Toshiro's POV

I really don't want to go on this mission. Normally, I wouldn't mind but Momo is coming. And I think Rukia is right. I don't think Momo likes her that much. Momo acts strange when I'm with Rukia.

Rukia. I get to go on a mission with her for who knows how long. Maybe, we'll be able to… No. She'll probably be spending most of her time with Kurosaki. What if… What if she's in love with him? They know each other so well. He saved her life. Matsumoto says that Rukia talks about Ichigo a lot. I don't know. Maybe I should just give up. I know that it sounds weak of me. But Rukia really likes Ichigo.

I kept on thinking like this as I packed. Should I keep on trying or should I give up? That's when I remembered Aizen choking Rukia. I promised to protect her from him! I can't give up. I saved her life too. That means that I have just as much a chance as Ichigo does! Sure he knows her better and she probably likes him a little but I can still end up with her. And I have the advantage: Matsumoto.

That settles it. When we get to the world of the living, I'm going to complete the mission and get Rukia to fall in love with me. And I won't let Kurosaki get in the way.