Ichigo, Sayuri, and their group of friends huddled together around the front of their classroom. Suddenly, all eyes turned towards Rukia; Sayuri's eyes went wide as she was still trying to place where she knew her from.
Ichigo watched as Sayuri began wandering away from him while still contemplative, He quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him, wanting to make sure she was okay.
"Are you okay?" He inquired with concern.
Sayuri greeted him warmly with a warm smile that did not quite reach her eyes, answering "Yes," she said.
Ichigo nodded, understanding her bewilderment. He squeezed her hand reassuringly before giving a wink and smiling.
Rukia was in her seat watching their display. Rukia immediately felt her heart sink as an uncomfortable heat crept across her cheeks; though she knew these two were close, it hadn't crossed her mind that they might be dating each other. Rukia took a moment to close her eyes and contemplate.
As she had no way of knowing his reaction, she felt sadness for Toshiro and felt she needed to say something to him about what had transpired.
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Rukia Kuchiki, slowly descended from the skies above the Soul Society to see familiar towers of Seireitei.
Rukia quickly set her sights on the gates, eager to reunite with her extended family once more. However, upon entering, she was surprised to find the usual bustling streets of Seireitei strangely quiet; all she could hear were wind rustling through trees and the occasional bird call; it sent a chill down her spine.
She continued walking forward until her steps brought her to Captain Yamamoto's main hall of his office. Inside she could hear chatter and saw captains gathering to hear about her report.
As she moved through the crowd, she could sense an unusual change in the atmosphere: as the noise and conversation had subsided, all members narrowed their eyes and focused solely on her.
"What news have you brought us, Rukia?" Yamamoto asked
Rukia paused; her mouth dry as she realized that they already knew something was up.
"Sayuri is beginning to regain her memories. ", she whispered softly.
The captains exchanged glances and the air of suspicion grew even thicker around them.
"How is this even possible?" Yamamoto demanded.
Rukia swallowed heavily, her throat tightening at the thought of what she must say next.
"I'm not sure but Sayuri has become…involved with someone down there as well," she said, her voice taking on a note of sorrow. " Ichigo Kurosaki."
The captains gasped simultaneously, taking an audible step back as though in fear.
"No! No this cannot be true!" Toshiro exclaimed angrily.
Rukia shrugged her shoulders in disgrace.
"Yes," she answered honestly. "Sayuri has been having more and more flashbacks since my arrival.
The captains remained silent; their gazes filled with worry. Finally, Yamamoto spoke.
Rukia tell us: And what has become of Ichigo Kurosaki?" he inquired in an authoritative tone.
Rukia raised her gaze, meeting his eyes head-on.
"He is acting as a temporary soul reaper," she stated with an audible shake in her voice.
Moments later, Yamamoto's voice broke through the silence by speaking.
Rukia you must go back to Sayuri and do everything within your power to protect her," the strong voiced man replied, in a commanding manner. This would ensure her safety; trust must be placed in Sayuri not gaining her memory too soon and prioritizing Sayuri's safety is over anything else.
Rukia nodded her head as Toshiro's gaze immediately fixed on her while she exited the main hall.
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Rukia stood with her back against the wooden door, feeling the rush of blood through her veins as Toshiro summoned her for questioning. Toshiro had made very specific orders in his request to speak with her.
Rukia wasn't paying much attention as the sun set, painting an exquisite display of color across the sky. Her mind was too preoccupied with her problems to appreciate nature's breathtaking display; plus, she didn't know how she'd explain everything to Toshiro.
She knew it would come out eventually- He was too smart and perceptive not to notice something was amiss the moment she walked in to report. which is why he called her here seeking answers. So now it was up to her - what could she tell him exactly and how could she explain the situation to him.
Rukia suddenly felt her chest tighten as Toshiro entered. Without speaking a single word, his presence alone caused her to be shaken up.
He crossed his arms and watched her, waiting.
Rukia forced herself to overcome her fears. She needed to tell him something immediately.
"Sayuri is doing just fine!" Rukia exclaimed softly.
"Cease with this nonsense Rukia!" Toshiro snapped. "Just cut it out!" he demanded indignantly.
Rukia hesitated, not knowing how else she could explain what had just transpired.
"I can't tell you anything more," Rukia declared. 'I apologize but it isn't my place."
"Tell me," Toshiro barked.
Rukia could only shake her head. "I can't. Please accept my apology."
"Tell me immediately! As her fiancée, it is my right!" Toshiro stood closer, his gaze remaining fixed upon her.
Rukia found herself struggling for words. How could she address such an awkward topic? Rukia looked away as her mind raced with possibilities of what could she possibly say next.
At last, she took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "Sayuri still doesn't remember us" she stated with some hesitation before adding: "All I can guarantee to you is that she is safe for now - but you cannot go to her".
Toshiro seemed to accept her explanation and nodded slowly with some sadness in his eyes.
He had known Sayuri since she was young, and the thought of her living without their memories caused him pain.
Rukia stood beside him, offering comfort with her warm smile as she understood his discomfort.
"Would you like to talk through this?" she asked softly, prompting Toshiro to nod in agreement; still overwhelmed, Toshiro couldn't move or react further than he already was.
Rukia seemed to understand and didn't force him for words.
After some silence, Toshiro spoke.
"How could this have happened? he asked weakly.
"This is my fault if... I... I should have protected her better!" his voice strained with grief.
Rukia replied gently. "These things tend to just happen for us," she stated sadly, "and we can only do our best in these difficult circumstances and move forward from them.
Toshiro nodded his head slowly as he processed what Rukia had just said. Though she was right, her words still brought pain as Toshiro thought about all the times he'd shared with Sayuri and how much they'd loved each other.
"But what if she gains her memories back, and who is Ichigo?" Toshiro asked with bitterness in his voice.
Rukia gave an uneasy sigh. "I know this may be difficult, but in order for things to move forward it would be best if Sayuri was put aside temporarily and you focused on other issues.
Toshiro felt anger rising within her. How could Rukia have told him so quickly to forget about Sayuri? Did their relationship not matter at all?
"No," he stated firmly, "I can't just forget about her. Sayuri was my fiancée. I can't just forget about the person I intend to spend the rest of my life with."
Rukia softened "I wish there was something I could do to assist, but all I can suggest is looking towards the future, not dwelling in the past - things will improve soon enough, I am certain of it."
Toshiro nodded in agreement. He recognized the truth in her words and knew the only way forward was to do his best with what they had, making the best out of every situation and trying his best to move forward with life for now. So, he took a deep breath before standing up.
Toshiro responded politely. "Thank you," he whispered softly.
Rukia nodded her head, relieved that her explanation had been accepted by Toshiro and left. Toshiro watched as Rukia left, feeling another wave of grief wash over.
Toshiro began to leave, only to stop at the door with eyes filled with emotion.
"No matter what happens," he whispered quietly. "I will never forget her."
He became lost in his thoughts as he made his way towards home.
