Toshiro's POV

I couldn't help but smile when Matsumoto let me in on her plan. The thought of seeing Rukia smile filled by heart with this warm, tender feeling. I couldn't help but smile.

Matsumoto had planned everything perfectly. She would keep Rukia busy while I set everything up. I worked fast so everything would turn out as planned. I was satisfied with the result of my work. Everything was perfect. And that tender feeling stayed with me through the whole process. I smiled for what could've been an eternity. But I didn't care. I wanted to smile for an even longer time.

Before I knew it, Matsumoto poked her head through the door and asked eagerly if I was done. She squealed when I told her I was.

My hard work was worth it. The feeling in my heart multiplied greatly when I saw her smile.

Being in love sure is an amazing feeling, isn't it, Toshiro?

It sure is…

Matsumoto must have planned something else because she took Rukia out of the room faster than they came in.

I was finishing up some things when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," I said.

I didn't bother looking up. I figured it was probably Rukia.

"I'm glad you like the bed Matsumoto chose out for you. She told me how long it took her to pick it out. I was glad to see you liked it. It made Matsumoto's day…and mine," I admitted sheepishly.

When she didn't say anything, I turned around. Momo was there in a robe. She was crying.

"Shiro-chan…"

At this point, her tears didn't affect me. I didn't feel an impulse to comfort her. I felt kind of annoyed at how immature she was being.

"Why? Why do you care so much about her? I've known you so much longer than she has! I've loved you longer! I've been through so much with you! Where was that…that whore when you were hurt?! She wasn't there, Shiro-chan! I was! Yet, you love her. Why can't you love me?!" she yelled.

My anger flared up to an eleven. But I tried to stay calm. "Hinamori, Rukia is not a…whore," I said, my voice low. "She hasn't done anything to you. Please stop insulting her."

"But, Shiro!" she cried. "She's taken so many things from me! Why can't you see it! She won't stop until everything is gone! Shiro-chan, you're the last thing she hasn't taken away! Please, don't let her have you, too!"

"Hinamori, she hasn't taken anything away from you. It might seem to you like she has, but everything you think she took from you…left you voluntarily."

I heard her gasp. Her eyes were wide with tears spilling out of them. She shook her head. "See, Shiro! Now she's taken you, and you can't even see it!"

"Hinamori—"

"No! Shiro-chan, listen to me! She's tricking you! She-She's been tricking all of us from the start! Everything—everything!—that has happened is her fault! She's been planning it from the start! It's all just some way to get everyone's attention! Shiro-chan, please believe me! You have to! It all makes sense!"

"Hinamori, I have no idea what you're talking about. Go, get some rest. You need it—"

"Please, Shiro," she whispered.

I scoffed. "Hinamori, get out. Now," I added coldly.

"Shiro," she said, her tone now completely different.

"Get out!"

She ignored me. She stood there. Suddenly, she reached for the sash that kept her robe together. She pulled it and shrugged it off. Blood rushed to my face when I saw what she was wearing.

"H-Hinamori, put your robe back on!"

"Shiro," she whispered seductively. "If I can't have you, then she can't. But I'm not going to worry about her anymore. I'm going to win you back!"

She walked towards me slowly.

"Hinamori, got out!" I said as steadily as I could.

"Hm? I don't think you really want me to leave."

She was pressing against me now. She licked her lips.

I carefully tried to push her back.

"I really need you to get out, Hinamori."

"I don't think so…"

"Go away—"

"Shiro-chan, I love you!"

Suddenly, she pushed me back onto Rukia's bed and got onto of me.

"W-What are you doing?! Get off!"

"Shiro, don't be like that," she pouted.

"Get off! Hinamori, that isn't funny!"

"It's not! Shiro, I'm going to win you back at all costs!" After that, she kissed me.

And then Rukia walked in. I couldn't even get up to explain.

"Shiro-chan, you said you locked the door!" Hinamori squealed.

Rukia ran away.

I looked at Hinamori with disbelief. "Why did you say that?!" I yelled.

I ran downstairs to find the door open. I was about to run out after Rukia, when Matsumoto stopped me.

"Captain, what happened?!"

"Hinamori, that's what happened."

She glared upstairs and sighed. "What did she do?"

"I'll tell you later. Right now, we have to find Rukia. Let—"

"No! Captain, she was crying. I know we have to be with her at all times but…she'll probably go to Ichigo's. She'll be safe with him," she said quietly, trying not to bug me. "She should be left alone right now, Captain."

I sighed and swallowed my pride. "Ok, we'll leave her alone. But in the morning we're going to get her."

"Yeah…"

I didn't sleep. I was kept up all night by the thought of Rukia being anywhere near Kurosaki. It bugged me so much to know she'd be sleeping in his room instead of here, with me. My imagination got the best of me, too. Scenarios involving Rukia and Kurosaki kept on popping into my head. Once I got one out, another came in. It took all I had not to jump out of bed and rush to Kurosaki's.

It was finally morning. I tried waiting for Matsumoto to wake up. I didn't wait long…because I woke her up myself. My patients had run out.

"Captain," she whined.

"Let's go. It's morning. I-We can't leave Rukia alone any longer."

She got up and yawned. "Mm-hm, keep telling yourself that, Captain."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up. Now, let's go!"

It seemed to me as if I couldn't get to Kurosaki's fast enough. I didn't notice that I was far ahead of Matsumoto until I was finally there. I waited impatiently for her to finally arrive. When she did arrive, she bent over to catch her breath.

"Captain," she panted. "You…You went too fast."

Her comment annoyed me. I walked through the gates and scoffed. "You're out of shape."

"Captain, that's not fair!"

I ignored her and knocked on the door. No one answered. I checked the time. It's a Monday, so Kurosaki should be in school. Rukia's probably here, then. I knocked again. Again, no one answered.

Suddenly another scenario played in my head. Matsumoto was probably considering the same thing.

I looked at Matsumoto, who shrugged and gave me a confused look. "Maybe she's sleeping?"

I jumped onto the roof and went to Kurosaki's window. I looked in to find them both on Ichigo's bed! Ichigo had her in his arms, which gave me a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Matsumoto looked in too.

She gave me a sheepish smile. "Maybe she slept walked?"

Out of anger, I pounded on the window. Ichigo's eyes flew open and he fell to the ground, out of his sheets. I relaxed a bit—not even a bit—when I saw he was fully clothed. He rubbed his head and looked up. When he saw me, he angrily reached for the window and opened it. He was careful, though, so he didn't disturb Rukia, who was still asleep.

"What the heck, Toshiro!" he yelled. "What was that for?!"

"Shut up! And it's Captain Hitsugaya to you, Kurosaki!"

He scoffed. "Whatever…What do you want?"

"You know what I want, Kurosaki."

Both our eyes drifted to Rukia.

"What did you do to her?" he asked rather calmly.

I cringed in annoyance. How does he always manage to bug me so much?

"I didn't do anything!" After a moment I finally said, "It was Hinamori."

He looked at me with that stupid look of his. "Huh? You mean"—he looked at Rukia—"Aizen's lieutenant," he whispered.

For a while, I just stared at him. The way he made sure Rukia didn't hear him mention Aizen's name is…I don't know how to explain it. He knows her so well. He knows what'll make her angry and what'll make her sad. I'm jealous…

I finally snapped out of it. "Aizen's former lieutenant," I corrected.

"What did she do?"

I honestly didn't want to answer that. I had several reasons—the main one being what happened yesterday night. I felt myself shudder.

"Oh, crap, it's late!" Ichigo suddenly yelled. "I have to go. Toshiro—"

"Captain Hitsugaya!"

"Whatever…Take care of Rukia. I have to go to school."

He rushed around his room looking for this and that. After seconds, he was at his door.

"And, whatever happened, just fix it…I don't ever want Rukia showing up at my doorstep covered in tears. If it happens again…" He didn't finish. He just walked out.

I glared at the door as his words echoed through my head. When I had fully processed them, a chill surged through me. I felt threatened by him.

"Rukia-chan, Ru-ki-a-chan," I heard Matsumoto chant.

I turned around to find her poking at Rukia's face.

I twitched. "Matsumoto, don't do that!"

She shouted in surprise and backed away. "Geez, you don't have to yell!"

"I wouldn't have to yell if you wouldn't act so carelessly all the time!"

"I do not! You're just too uptight! I just wanted to wake Rukia up! What's wrong with that?!"

"Well, I don't know," he said sarcastically. "What if I don't want to see her right now?"

"Why wouldn't you want to see her?"

"I don't want to see her because of what happened yesterday!"

"What happened yesterday? I still want to know!"

"It's none of your business! Just leave her alone!"

"Why should I do that? Huh? Because you're my captain?" she yelled. Once she processed what she said, she slapped her mouth.

"Where is this coming from?" I said more calmly this time.

She looked down, avoiding my eyes. "N-Nothing…it's nothing. It's just slipped. Oh, look! Rukia's awake! Rukia-chan, did you sleep well?"

Matsumoto sat down next to Rukia and started talking to her. It was obviously just an excuse to drop the subject.

Rukia's eyes drifted to me. I looked at her for a while. I couldn't keep eye contact longer than a few seconds though.

"Captain Hitsugaya, can we talk?" Rukia suddenly asked.

I chocked when I heard her referring to me as "Captain Hitsugaya."

I cleared my throat before replying. "Yes. Matsumoto, could you please step out?"

She didn't argue. She just walked out. When the door closed, an awkward silence fell onto us.

I finally cleared my throat. "I guess I should explain. Rukia, I—"

"No. You don't have to explain anything. I understand that you and Lieutenant Hinamori have known each other for a really long time. I understand that you two…are a thing—"

"Rukia, it's not—"

"No! It-it's ok, Captain. I understand. I'd just appreciate it if you two could keep your…emotions discreet. And preferably, out of my bed…"

I stood there for a moment to process everything.

"And, don't worry. Lieutenant Hinamori obviously has a problem with me. And now I know why. I'll explain everything to her. And even thought I did feel something for you…it's gone now. I won't get in the way anymore."

She walked out of the room before I got the chance to come out of shock. And when I finally could move, I could only manage to turn and stare at the door. I still couldn't believe what she had just told me.

And even though I did feel something for you…it's gone now.

"Captain," Matsumoto called. "Rukia and I are going back. Are you coming?"

Rukia's POV

I'm not mad at Hitsugaya-san. Captain Hitsugaya, I mean. It was my own fault that I got hurt for having such high and delusional hopes. Lieutenant Hinamori and Captain Hitsugaya are in love. I can't do anything about it. And it would be selfish to pursue him now that I've figured out that Lieutenant Hinamori loves him. She's already lost her captain. I don't want her to lose someone else…

Oh, who am I kidding? I am mad! How could he do this to me? He's not stupid! I mean, only a stupid person wouldn't notice the way I felt about them! Captain Hitsugaya and I shared so many moments together. So many sweet, tender, amazing moments…

And he just stomped on them as if they were nothing. And all so he and Lieutenant Hinamori could…He could've at least waited until after the mission. I honestly didn't need that image stuck with me. Not only is it disgusting…I sighed. It's also so painful.

Matsumoto unlocked the door and went inside. I looked at the door reluctantly. I have to clear things up with Lieutenant Hinamori right away. I know how it feels like to love someone who's taken. It's a terrible pain and it leads you to hate if it's not taken care of. I don't want Lieutenant Hinamori to hate me like I once hated Miyako Shiba…

The memory of the short-lived hatred sent bile up my throat. How could I have been so hateful?

A moment passed and the reluctance turned into determination. I have to fix things now!

I stepped into the door confidently and marched up the stairs, all the way to Lieutenant Hinamori's room. I lifted my hand to knock on the door. I couldn't bring myself to knock. I pressed my head against the door, hating myself. My stomach was full of butterflies and I had completely lost all determination to resolve this mess.

After battling with myself for a good five minutes, I forced myself to knock on the door. It was so quiet that I didn't think she'd heard it. I took it as a sign and turned to leave…

"Come in."

I stopped mid-step and gulped. Why did I knock on the door?!

I sighed and walked into her room. I heard a groan come from her when she saw it was me. I ignored it though. I've come this far, I might as well finish this.

"Lieutenant Hinamori, can I talk to you?"

"I don't know. Can you?" she asked arrogantly knowing full well what I meant.

I twitched and was about to snap. But I held it in. I took a moment to calm down, then I said, "I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday. I'm not mad. I understand your actions. You think that there's something going on between Captain Hitsugaya and me. But, I assure you, everything that was there, is gone. If I had known you two were, uh, close, I would never have started feeling things for him. I—"

"What did you say?!" she yelled.

"I, uh—"

"You love my Shiro-chan?!"

"No. No! It's not like that, Hinamori—"

"That's Lieutenant Hinamori to you! I'm better than you! I'm stronger! You are just dust compared to me, Rukia Kuchiki! You aren't even a real Kuchiki, so don't go thinking that that makes you better!"

"I-I don't! I—"

"Save it! Listen here, and listen well, Rukia!" She walked over to me in three quick strides. She lunged for the collar of my shirt and hauled me down to her height. Her eyes where burning with fury and hate. "Shiro-chan is mine! He's all mine! I don't care how amazing you think you are, ok? I'm still better. I don't need to play the 'damsel in distress' to get his attention!" She started laughing. "You think that he ever felt anything for you? He's just confused. He's only ever loved me! Don't go giving yourself so much credit. You're…cute, but I'm be-tter! And I'm on to you and your little plan!" she said in a cocky tone.

"What are you talking about?!"

"Scared, aren't you? You didn't think anyone would figure it out, did you? Well I did. And if you don't stay away from Shiro-chan"—she pulled me even closer, making it harder to breath—"I. Will. Expose. You."

She took one last glare at me before releasing me with a push.

"Get out," she said as she walked back to her bed.

My hands went to my neck as I horrifying memory slipped into my head.

Aizen's cold fingers were wrapped around the red collar around my neck. Everyone was there, but they all collapsed once they felt Gin's spiritual pressure. Aizen started to drag me across the cliff, explaining his deeds. I felt bile crawling up my throat as he spoke. He suddenly stopped. Steaks pierced up through the ground, surrounding us. One of his cold hands turned green…and he stabbed me through the heart—

"Are you deaf?! I said to get out."

The bile I felt back then was rising again. I blinked and swallowed it. I quickly turned and rushed to a bathroom. There, I finally let the bile I had been holding back for so long out.

I was panting. I sat against the door. I held my hands against my head, trying to keep it together.

"Her…her hands were so cold. Just-just like his. She felt so hateful and…evil. J-Just like h-him… How? Why?"

There was a knock at the door.

"Rukia," Captain Hitsugaya called urgently. "Are you ok?"

I took in five deep breaths. "Y-Yes, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? I thought I heard—"

"I said, I'm fine! I don't need your help! Just go away!"

I didn't hear anything after that.

We were all in the living room, watching TV. No one spoke, they just stared at the screen. Not only was the atmosphere full of boredom, it was smothered in tension. By the way people looked at Lieutenant Hinamori, I knew they heard her screaming and yelling at me. And I could still feel her glares every now and then. This tension was great, but it was nothing compared to the tension between me and Captain Hitsugaya. I could tell he wanted to continue talking about what we discussed earlier. And he was confused as to why I yelled at him. To be honest, so was I.

I saw Matsumoto jump out of her seat. My attention easily turned to her.

"Everyone, look!" she said pointing to the TV.

We all broke out of our trances and paid attention to the commercial.

I stared at it for a while. It was a commercial for a festival. It didn't look the slightest bit intriguing. The commercial was barely half way done when I decided to tune out.

I internally sighed. I just want to hide under a rock and stay there forever. I can't wait until this is all over.

I just want to go back to Soul Society.

I never want to come back to the world of the living.

I never want to see or speak to Momo Hinamori again.

I never want to deal with Aizen again.

I never want to see Captain Hitsugaya.

I never want to hear anything about Lieutenant Hinamori's and Captain Hitsugaya's relationship.

And I never even want to fall in love again.

I groaned internally.

"Rukia-chan, are you listening?" Matsumoto yelled, causing me to scream.

"What is it—"

"Let's go to the festival!"

I sighed. "No thanks," I said. It sounded sadder than intended.

She looked at me for a moment. Then suddenly she marched over to me and hauled me up.

"Hey, what are you—"

"Ok, I don't want to complain, but we've been cooped up in this house for too long. Let go out! Have some fun! Eat, drink and laugh! Come on, guys! It's so boring, not to mention awkward," she whispered, "in here. I feel like I'm gonna be sick! And before anyone says anything, I don't care who you don't want to see or spend time with! Just suck it up!" I knew she was referring to me, Lieutenant Hinamori and Captain Hitsugaya. "I know that we're not here to have fun and mess around. But are we just gonna stay here and hope nothing happens? I don't want to! And I know none of you do either. Come on! I hate to say it, but what if Aizen tries something tomorrow? Or what if some super freaky, weirdo, mutant hollow thing showed up? We would be engulfed in worries and 'what-ifs.' We would be wishing we'd gotten the chance to do something fun. Let's go out, guys. Let's just forget about everything Aizen-related. Heck, let's forget about being Captains, Lieutenants, Soul Reapers and Nobles. Let's just be…human. I mean, look at them; not a worry in the world. They have us to protect them and they don't even know it. So let's just be human; weak, vulnerable and clueless."

Renji stood up. "I'm with ya! I just want one day without responsibilities. Let's take advantage of this, guys! When this is all over, we'll be back in offices, working. To be honest, I'm kinda tired of it. I know this isn't the greatest of situations," he said looking at me, "but we can make it better."

Kira stood up now. "I'm in!"

Lieutenant Hinamori just crossed her arms and looked away from everyone. Captain Hitsugaya looked at Matsumoto.

"If Rukia's up to it," he said. Lieutenant Hinamori's head jerked to look at him. We looked at each other for a second. In that second, she glared at me, sending me all the things she was thinking. "I mean, Aizen is on the loose. If she feels safe enough to go out, then I don't see why not."

I really didn't want to go. I mean, I really, really didn't want to go. But everyone wants to relax. I don't want to ruin this for them. I sighed. "Let's go."

"All right," Kira cheered.

"Yeah," Renji grunted.

"Sa-ke, sa-ke, sa-ke, sa-ke," Matsumoto chanted as she clapped. "Sa-ke, sa-ke, sa…ke?"

Captain Hitsugaya was glaring at her. "We're going. But if anyone—a-ny-one!—drink one sip of sake, we're coming back and never leaving this house. Does everyone understand?"

Matsumoto, Kira and Renji groaned.

"I said, does everyone understand?!" he growled.

"Yes, Sir," Matsumoto said. She was saluting him with her right hand. She turned for the rest of us to see she was crossing her fingers behind her back. Kira and Renji chuckled, causing Captain Hitsugaya to turn around. They instantly shut up and looked down.

The first thing that came to mind was Ichigo. I remembered how he had once dragged me to a festival. I thought I would've hated it…I guess he knew me well enough to know I would love it.

I sighed. I don't think this time will be as fun, though.

"Rukia-chan, now's not the time to be down! Come on!"

I was about to say something when she grabbed my arm and yanked me off to who knows where. Captain Hitsugaya got an annoyed look on his face. He had to chase us down…because he had to stay with me; it's his mission anyway.

Matsumoto stopped at a tent that was selling kimonos. I couldn't help but notice how pretty they were.

"Come one, Rukia-chan, let's try some on!"

"What, no," I quickly replied. "Someone like me wouldn't look good in something like that."

"Don't be ridiculous!" She started literally dragging me into the tent. "I can already imagine how cute you'd look in one of these!"

Matsumoto had made me try on millions of kimonos before she finally decided that I looked "cute." I was relieved. I just wanted to get out of there. There were so many pretty girls in there trying things on. I couldn't help but feel jealous.

Matsumoto dragged me to a small podium and made me stand on it.

"Everyone, look at Rukia-chan!"

Renji and Kira came over to see me.

"Rukia, you look amazing!" Renji told me.

"It looks amazing on you," Kira praised.

"T-Thanks," I said quietly.

"Captain," Matsumoto called. "Come here and take a look at Rukia-chan!"

Captain Hitsugaya pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning against and slowly walked to where we were. He looked up at me and our eyes met. "Wow," I heard him whisper. I looked away, my face on fire.

"Hey, Captain, could you maybe lend me some money?" Matsumoto suddenly asked.

Captain Hitsugaya's eyes shot away from me and to Matsumoto. "And what would the money be for?"

"It's not for sake! It's for Rukia-chan's kimono."

"No, you don't have to do that. It's fine. I don't need it," I said quickly.

"Rukia-chan," Matsumoto complained.

"Here," Captain Hitsugaya said as he handed Matsumoto some money. He was avoiding eye contact with everyone purposely.

"Thank you, Captain," Matsumoto cheered as she went to go pay for the kimono.

"T-Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya," I whispered. For a moment, I didn't think he'd head me. But then he looked up at me and smiled.

"Let me help you down." He gave me his hand. I reluctantly took it and got down. I must've stepped on the kimono because I slipped. Luckily, Captain Hitsugaya caught me. Unluckily, he had caught me at the waist. I was looking up at him, both our faces red.

"Shiro-chan, look at me!" Lieutenant Hinamori said as she emerged from the changing room. I heard her gasp when she saw us. "Shiro-chan, what are you doing?"

He put me back onto my feet.

Lieutenant Hinamori matched over to us. "What were you two doing? Huh? And what are you," she said poking my chest, "doing wearing the same kimono as me?"

I couldn't take it anymore. I already knew I was going to do something I was going to regret if I stayed there any longer. I took in a deep breath and turned my back on her. I walked over to Matsumoto.

"All done," she said happily. "Let's go have some fun now!"

Matsumoto took the lead the whole night. She took us where ever she wanted to. I didn't complain. I was actually having fun with everyone. Matsumoto forced me onto a couple rides, we played some games—we didn't win at all—and she dragged us to a food eating contest also. I didn't participate nor did I pay any attention. All I noticed was the Matsumoto could eat—a lot. She ended up getting first place. I was truly amazed. Then again, it was Matsumoto.

I smiled. She never ceases to amaze me.

After Matsumoto was given her prize—a big trophy and some money—I noticed that Lieutenant Hinamori and Captain Hitsugaya were gone. I got a strange feeling in my stomach. I didn't know what it was. All I knew was that what I was feeling weren't butterflies.

"Rukia-chan, why are you so sad?" Matsumoto asked as she walked up to me, a sick Renji and Kira following. They both participated and had made a great effort to try and beat Matsumoto.

"I'm not!" I tried reassuring her. She was about to say something, but before she could, I said, "Let's go!"

She just smiled.

We spent so long having fun. At first I couldn't enjoy myself because of the thought of Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori being alone together. But after a while, I just didn't care. Whatever was going on between them at the moment is their decision. It has nothing to do with me, so I shouldn't care. When I was hit with that realization, I just stopped caring. And I'm glad it happened. I started having so much fun with Matsumoto, Renji and Lieutenant Kira.

Suddenly, Matsumoto came up to me and looked around. "Hey, Rukia-chan, would you mind if we, I don't know, stopped by that sake place we passed a while ago?"

She was looking around for Captain Hitsugaya, I figured. "Matsumoto, I don't think Captain Hitsugaya wants any of you to—"

"I know, Rukia-chan! It'll only be a little bit though. I promise!" she pleaded. Her lips were quivering and her fingers were entwined.

"I don't believe you," I said skeptically.

"Rukia-chan, we all promise! Right, guys?"

I looked at Lieutenant Kira and Renji. They both nodded quickly.

I sighed. "Fine, but only a little bit…And only because you guys deserve a break."

Matsumoto cheered. "Rukia-chan, you should have a couple with us!"

"I—"

"No, she won't!" Renji cut in. "There is no way I'm letting her drink any sort of alcohol! Rukia's like my sister! And now that I think of it, a bar is no place for her to be. Who knows how many creeps 'll be there tonight. Your brother would kill me if I let you into a place like that!"

"Renji, we just need someone to take care of her!" Matsumoto pointed out.

"No, I don't—" I started.

"Rukia, you can't make this decision on your own!" Renji interrupted. "Give us a second."

All three walked to the side and huddled together. They started whispering so I wouldn't hear them…I could.

"Renji, I think you should take care of her," Matsumoto whispered.

"What, no way," he grunted. "We all know that after a few I can't take care of myself! Why don't you?"

"We all know I can drink more than the both of you combined!" Matsumoto said. She sounded almost proud.

"That's true," Kira pointed out.

"True," Renji whispered.

"Hey, I know! Kira can!"

"I—" Kira tried.

"No way," Renji shouted.

They all looked over at me as if this were the first time I heard them. I just glared.

"No way," he said again, this time quieter. "Don't pretend we've all forgotten"—he looked around—"that night."

Matsumoto gasped. "True. But I think Kira can contain himself…Can you?" she asked less confident than before.

"I thought we weren't gonna bring up that night again, guys," Kira said awkwardly.

"It's kinda hard to forget…" Matsumoto said half-jokingly.

"I was drunk!"

"We all knew even before you that night, you know? Don't go pretending that you didn't mean it."

"If I do this, will you guys forget about that?"

"Deal," Matsumoto and Renji agreed.

They broke apart and came to me. "Rukia-chan, Kira will be your 'protector' for tonight!" Matsumoto cheered. "So, um, I guess we'll meet you guys there!" With that, Matsumoto and Renji took off sprinting.

Lieutenant Kira and I stood there. I didn't know what to say. I've only seen him a couple times when I need to deliver papers to his division. I've been on a mission with him once, I think.

He cleared his throat. Suddenly he smiled. He bowed. "It's an honor to be able to be your guard tonight, milady." I heard him chuckle.

I let out a small laugh. "The honor's all mine, Lieutenant." I took his hand and guided him up, like I might for Kuchiki business.

We looked at each other. We both smiled and started to laugh.

We started walking. It was late now. The moon was full and shining. There were so many paper lanterns hung up, making it hard for the moon to shine as beautifully as usual. It was really crowded, too. There were so many voices speaking at once. It was really nice. People kept on bumping into me, though.

I bumped into Kira once again. I apologized. Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in my foot. Someone had stepped on it. I tried not to yell out but Lieutenant Kira noticed me flinching.

"Come on," he said as he grabbed my hand. He pulled me to the side, where no one was passing by. He turned around so his back faced me. "Jump on."

I didn't argue. This was better than getting pushed and stomped on.

He was taller than I thought, I noticed. I could finally see past all the walking people. It was fun being tall for a while. And there was a comforting silence between the two of us.

I smiled. I can tell that Lieutenant Kira and I will be really good friends.

We were finally at the bar. I heard a big commotion even before we entered. The worst part about it was that it was Matsumoto I heard making the commotion. Lieutenant Kira put me down and we both rushed inside.

I felt like slapping myself. Matsumoto was jumping on a table while Renji was yelling at some random, very buff and scary looking guy. I ran to Matsumoto while Lieutenant Kira ran to Renji.

"Matsumoto, get down from there!" I demanded.

"Aw, don't ruin all the fun, Rukia-chan!" she said. All her words were slurred.

I finally noticed all the empty bottles of sake. "Matsumoto, I said a little bit!"

"But, Rukia-chan, this is a little bit! Mm, come on! Dance with me!"

"Matsumoto, you have until the count of three to get down from there!"

"Ha-ha, you're funny—"

"One," I began. She still didn't move. "Two…three," I yelled. "Since you didn't listen, I'll go get Captain Hitsugaya. Maybe you'll listen to him."

She gasped. "Rukia-chan, don't do it! I'm getting off! I'm getting down!"

I took her by the hand and dragged her to where Renji and Lieutenant Kira were.

"Really, Sir, he's very sorry. He's not himself at the moment. Please, forgive him," Lieutenant Kira said bowing.

"I don't need anyone's forgiveness!" Renji blurted out.

"Renji, what did I tell you?" I yelled.

He froze at the sound of my voice. He slowly turned around. He looked mortified when he saw me marching angrily towards him. "But I do need hers," he whispered.

"I said that you two could have a couple drinks! And before you say it, that"—I pointed to the empty bottles—"is in no way considered "a couple"!" I walked up to the infuriated, buff guy. "I'm so sorry my friend caused you so much trouble. He isvery sorry. And don't worry about it; I'll take care of him."

I saw Renji shutter.

"Miss, you're very kind. But this idiot went too far! I'm gonna snap his neck!"

I moved in front of him. "Please, that's not necessary! If you could please calm down—"

"Please move out of the way!" He reached for my shoulder. That was the last straw.

I snatched his wrist and turned it painfully behind his back. I shoved him into a table and held him down.

"You listen to me, these past few weeks have been nothing but stressful!" I hissed. "I was dragged here to have fun. I don't need you and these two drunken idiots finishing off the last few drops of sanity I have left! Got it?!"

I heard him gulp. "Yes-Yes, miss."

"Good," I said as I released him. "Now leave. You reek of alcohol."

The man ran out.

I turned around and glared at Renji and Matsumoto. They both gave me a sheepish smile. I took in a deep breath. I can't blame them for wanting to mess around a little bit.

"This is the last time, you two! Do you understand?"

"Yes!" they both yelled.

"Lieutenant Kira, ask the bartender if there are two open rooms for them, please."

"Right away," he replied.

Lieutenant Kira and I struggled to get Renji and Matsumoto upstairs. When we finally did get there, I was disgusted with all the things I was hearing. I ignored it and sat Matsumoto down on the floor.

"Hm, Rukia-chan, where are you going?" Matsumoto asked. She was half-asleep.

"I have to unlock the door so I could take you inside. You need to sleep thisoff."

"Hm, you're a good friend…"

I unlocked the door and pushed it open. I picked Matsumoto up and attempted to walk in.

The noise is so loud, even from inside the room. I skimmed the walls for the light switch. I finally found it and turned on the lights. I gasped.

"Whoa," Matsumoto exclaimed. "I was not expecting that."

Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori were…

"R-Rukia?! I can—"

I looked down. I couldn't even say anything. I walked out with Matsumoto still in my arms. I walked to the room Lieutenant Kira was in with Renji.

"Kuchiki-san, why do you still have Matsumoto?" Kira asked when he saw us.

"Let's just keep her here," I said as calmly as I could.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Just don't go into the next room."

"Why?"

"Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori are using it…"

I was just sitting there. I didn't know what to do next. I wanted to leave; but I didn't know where to go. I wanted to talk to someone; but I don't feel like looking at anyone right now.

Suddenly, Lieutenant Kira came up and sat next to me. "How are you?"

I scoffed. "Fine, I'm just fine," I replied sarcastically. "Yesterday, I walked in on those two 'messing around' on my bed. So after that I told myself to let go of anything I felt for Captain Hitsugaya. I convinced myself that I had this morning. And I even told him. And I tried explaining things to Lieutenant Hinamori. That didn't work out at all. Then I saw them again just now and…" I sighed.

"You know, it might help if you actually tell me about it. You're barely saying anything at all. This whole mess is obviously more than just a few words."

I smiled. He's really good at talking.

Lieutenant Kira ordered a drink.

"I'll have what he's having," I told the bartender.

Kira looked at me. "I thought you didn't drink."

I took in a breath. "Yeah, well today was kinda stressful. If it works for Renji and Matsumoto…And besides, today's a good day for firsts."

We grabbed our drinks. "Well, here's to firsts," he toasted.

After the first sip, I changed.

Kira and I talked for so long. It was fun. It was really fun. We laughed hard and shared about our lives and pasts. The alcohol made it so easy to talk without feeling pain.

Kira was talking again. I listened but then I started thinking.

The only reason I can talk about this right now is because I can't feel. Is that why Renji and Matsumoto…

"Hey, Kira," I suddenly said. I didn't know why, I just did.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"When you were talking to Matsumoto and Renji earlier, you all mentioned 'That night.' What's that about?"

He coughed. "You heard us?"

"Yeah, so are you gonna tell me or not?"

He laughed.

"What? What's so funny?"

"You are!" he said laughing even harder.

"I am?"

"Yes. You're so different! Your grammar is horrible compared to before and your posture is even worse! This isn't what I would expect from a Kuchiki."

I looked at him seriously. He stopped laughing. "That…sounds just like my brother!" I laughed. "So, about 'that night,'" I pressed.

"All right, I'll tell you, but don't laugh. It was me, Matsumoto and Renji. We were at a bar and we were all drunk. Somehow we started talking about our love lives. I told them that I'd never…done that with anyone and that there was no one in my life romantically. But then I told them that I was interested in this one girl. Turns out Renji also had a thing for her. We got into a dumb fight about it. It was pretty bad though. We made a big scene and broke a lot of things, including our faces. But when we both sobered up, we saw how dumb it was that we fought over a girl that probably wasn't interested in either of us."

"That does sound like Renji…So, who was the girl?"

"More like, 'Who is the girl?' And it's not important."

"Is? You still have a thing for her?" I laughed. "That means it's very important. So, who is it? Tell me!"

He laughed. "No, thanks. I'd rather not."

"Fine, I'll guess. Is it…Momo Hinamori?" I shuttered internally.

He laughed. "No way! Sure, we're close, but not like that. I've never thought of her like that. Some things happened in the past, but they didn't mean anything to me. And I was drunk when they happened. I would never fall for her. She's…not my type. She's a bit needy. And jealous."

"Hm, I hear ya. You have a good sense of judgment, then. How about Isane?"

"Kotetsu? She's nice, I'll give you that. But, it's not her. You know, even if you guess it right, I won't tell you."

"We'll see. Is it Matsumoto?"

He scoffed. "How could you even consider that? No!"

For hours, I listed off every female shinigami. He would say no every time.

My head was resting on his shoulder now. I was really tired but I wanted to know. "Is it…I don't know anyone else. Do I know her?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"Have I listed her off?"

"No, you haven't."

"Who did I miss?" I gasped jokingly. "Is it me?"

I started laughing. When I didn't hear him laugh, I looked at him. He was blushing and looking down. He didn't look at me.

"Ha-ha, real funny, Kira," I said half scared. "Stop messing around."

He looked up at me. "I'm not."

I choked. I just looked at him for a moment…

Then he reached over and kissed me.