The first rays of dawn began to pierce through the heavy curtains of Renji's modest quarters, casting a warm, golden hue that pulled him from the depths of rather uncomfortable, and restless remnants of last night's anxieties lingered like a distant echo, a nagging sensation in the back of his mind that clung stubbornly, refusing to let him fully shake off his troubling blinked softly against the soft light, his body still heavy with fatigue as he pushed himself up from the futon he'd been laying on.A glance at the small clock on the wall revealed it was much earlier than he had day ahead loomed large in his mind, filled with uncertainty and tension.A flicker of desperation welled up as he recalled Rukia's worried expression from the evening before, her words still echoing in his ears.''I need you to come back.'' Pushing the covers aside, Renji got to his feet, as he stretched his arms over his head, sleeping muscles waking up ache in his muscles reminded him of his responsibilities, the coming mission that weighed heavily upon his heart, and his mind flashed back to the conversation from the previous day - his task force, the intelligence about Aizen, the apprehension creeping around the corners of his consciousness like a heavy shadow.
After a quick wash, he dressed in his standard Soul Reaper uniform, the fabric feeling familiar yet constructive under new he fastened his sash, he caught a glimpse of himself in the wall spiky red hair was a disheveled mass, much like his a sigh, he ran a hand through it, trying to tame the wild strands, but his reflection offered little to no he felt somewhat satisfied with how he looked, he stepped out onto the porch, inhaling the fresh morning air, the smell of dew - soaked earth filling his lungs,as he looked out into the Soul , people were beginning to stir awake - faint sounds from other Soul Reapers preparing for their own tasks, held his attention,as he watched as a few younger recruits were practicing against one another with their swords, practicing what he recognized to be different sword forms - their movements filled with enthusiasm.
Despite their energy, the worry in Renji's heart felt like a weight too heavy for him to thought of Sōsuke Aizen's returning, gnawed at him, the implications of it all - sieges, betrayals, losses - swimming through his thoughts then turned to Rukia;her delicate frame, and her fierce spirit, she always seemed to have a strong tendency to shoulder burdens away, some being way beyond her years, yet he always admired her for , in that moment, he made a silent vow to not only protect his companions on this mission, but also to ensure that Rukia wouldn't have anything to bare on her though their relationship shifted into something more, they were still comrades, that would never heart was practically beating out of his chest, as he approached the headquarters, each step echoing a mix of anticipation and he stepped inside, the walls buzzed with whispered conversations and the pitter, patter, of sandals against polished atmosphere felt heavier; unspoken fears loomed like dark clouds over the Shinigami's made his way deeper into the building, nodding to all the familiar faces he saw as he past, their expressions a blend of curiosity and seemed to look at him as if he were a ghost, caught between life and something dark, but as to why, he wasn't sure?Perhaps it had something to do with his mission?Had they caught word about him being tasked with such a mission by Captain Kuchiki, and already thought him to die?If that were the case, Renji got a bad taste in his mouth, he'd never known others to treat him with so much disrespect.
However deep down inside, he was really hoping that wasn't why his comrades were looking at him with such an after what felt like an entirety, he reached the briefing room, where he found Captain Ukitake waiting for tall, silver-haired captain sat behind a long table strew with reports and maps of what he recognized to be maps of the Human World, his expression serious but warm, as he met Renji's eyes.''Renji,'' Ukitake greeted, his voice steady.''Thank you for coming so early.'' Renji bowed his head slightly, as a sign of respect as he brought his eyes forwards again.''You wished to discuss the mission with me, I'm supposed to be meeting Captain Kuchiki for the debriefing.''
''Captain Kuchiki had something that needed attending too, so he asked me to debrief you instead.'' replied, leaning forward, concern etched into his features.''I understand, do continue.'' Renji nodded.''As you were told, there have been several reports of Aizen's presence in the World of the Reapers reporting that they've seen him, however he disappeared before they could really , as Captain Kuchiki tasked you with, you are to go to the World of the Living and investigate these sightings, gather any information you can and report back.'' Renji nodded, expression blank.''I understand. I'll do everything I can to uncover the truth, if it really is Aizen making a return, I'll make sure to report it.'' Ukitake studied him for a long moment, hands folded in front of him.''You are entitled to a small team to take a long with you, if you think you'll need it.''
''A small team?'' Renji repeated, his brow prospect of taking a few companions with him felt both reassuring, even though he'd been told that bit of information right from the beginning, before he'd accepted the mission,however now that he was being given a choice - whether he truly wanted them or not, he felt reassured but also he was being honest, he had always liked things better when he worked alone.''Renji, did you hear me? You are entitled to a small group of Soul Reapers to help you on your mission, you just have to say if you wish to have them or not.'' Ukitake confirmed,a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth."You should not have to face Aizen-if it truly is him-alone.''
Renji's mind raced through the names of potential teams members - Rukia, of course, was a the top of his could already envision her determination, her fierce resolve, as she seemed always ready to confront any yet...could he really bring her into this, if it turned out to be really Aizen?"Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki," he said hesitantly, testing the name as it rolled off his tongue."She'd be perfect for this-her skills and instincts are reliable."
"Yes," Ukitake agreed, nodding appreciatively."She has proven herself time and again, and the connection you two share could be invaluable for both of you in this , she doesn't seem to be here at the be honest, I haven't seen her since yesterday." A pang of hurt flashed inside Renji for a moment, a sharp pain piercing his wasn't there. She hadn't even shown up to see him off?The flickering memory of yesterday's conversation played in his mind, like an echo he couldn't words- "I need you to come back to e back safely." Renji clenched his fists, feeling the weight of her absence like a stone in his wasn't she here? He brushed aside the irrational fears creeping in, the insistent "what ifs" that snowballed into tried to convince himself that she might be caught up in her own duties, or perhaps she was simply taking time to prepare for whatever lay deep down, the uncertainty gnawed at him.
"Renji?" Ukitake's voice pulled him from his thoughts, the concern in his tone evident."Are you all right?"
"Yeah," he lied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes."I'm fine." But he wasn't. Rukia's absence stung.*She knows I'm about to head into wouldn't she be here to support me?*
"Would you like me to send someone to find her?" Ukitake offered gently, his eyes searching Renji's for signs of hesitated, caught between pride and a primal need for then he remembered her bravery, her wouldn't want him worrying over her."No, it's okay," he replied, trying to maintain his composure."I'll find her when I'm ready to go."
"Very well, but remember to take care of yourself as well," Ukitake advised, his voice softening."If you need to talk or need any help preparing, I'm here for you."
"Thanks, Captain." Renji nodded, even as his mind churned with frustration and stepped away from Ukitake's office, the hallways of the Seireitei stretching out before him, each step feeling heavier than the had to see Rukia. He had to know that she was okay, to reassure himself that their bond remained intact despite the distance that now lay between he moved through the corridors, the chatter of fellow Soul Reapers felt laugh, each lighthearted conversation only reminded him of what he was missing.
Finding her wouldn't be easy, but he was memories of her strength fueled him, pushing him forward despite the clouds of if something happened to her?What if she'd snuck away when he wasn't looking, and took the mission on by herself?As much as he didn't want to think she'd do something like that, without telling him, it was hard not to think that way with the way she thought sent a shiver down his spine, triggering that innate protectiveness that had long been part of headed in the direction of her quarters, hoping she hadn't gone he approached, he noticed her door slightly a deep breath, he knocked gently, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration as anxiety twisted in his if she was tucked away, overwhelmed by her own apprehension?
"Rukia?" he called softly, trying to keep his voice was no response. He pushed the door open further, peeking room was dim, the curtains drawn, and for a moment, a sense of dread washed over then he saw her-sitting cross-legged on her futon, staring blankly at the wall, lost in thought."Rukia…" he said again, this time louder, stepping turned her gaze slowly towards him, the flicker of surprise in her eyes quickly replaced by vulnerability."Renji…" He felt his heart aching as he took in her silky hair cascading around her shoulders, the crease of worry on her brow, the tension in her posture."I was looking for you," he admitted, crossing the threshold to her space, feeling a magnetic pull towards her.
"I-I know. I just…" Her voice trailed off, and he could see the conflict warring within her."I thought it would be better to give you space before-before you left."
"Better?" he echoed, disbelief tinged with a hint of hurt."You worried me, Rukia. I thought…" He stopped, taking a deep breath to steady himself."You said you needed me to come weren't you here? Why didn't you just say goodbye?" A look of pain flickered across her face."I didn't want to burden you with my fears.I thought it was best if I didn't add to your anxiety." Renji shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface as he stepped closer, the distance between them feeling unbridgeable now.''And you think not showing up to say goodbye to me wouldn't add to my anxiety?I thought something had happened to you!'' The distress in his voice hung heavily in the air, and Rukia's gaze dropped to the floor, as her shoulders slumped under the heavy weight of his silence between them, felt thick with unspoken feelings and lingering , after a few minutes, she looked up again, her dark eyes shining with determination, as she cut through her earlier hesitation.''I'm sorry...'' she said, her voice barely above a whisper.''I didn't mean to do that. I just thought...if I wasn't there, you wouldn't be able to see how scared I if you couldn't see me, you wouldn't feel scared.''
Renji felt a pang in his chest as he watched her could see the sincerity in her eyes, the conflict that had clearly been weighing on her mind."Rukia, it's okay to be scared.I'm scared too. We're facing something we don't fully understand, and it's okay to admit that." He stepped even closer, closing the gap between them, feeling the warmth radiating from her presence."But you're the strong one," she replied, her voice trembling slightly."You take on so much, it's hard for me not to think that I should be strong for you too." Renji reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, grounding her in that moment."I want you to be honest with can't fight Aizen with half-truths or unvoiced need to trust each other completely."
''Then let's work together. I won't let fear keep me from you.I'll be by your side, no matter what happens.''
''I'm really glad we had this talk, however, I really need to get going.''
''Wait, your still gonna go by yourself?'' Rukia asked, eyes widening, as her hands formed into took a step back, his eyes narrowing as he read Rukia's concern for him was valid, but he couldn't allow her to come with him, no matter how capable he knew she nobody knew that better than him how amazing Rukia Kuchiki was.''I'm going, Rukia. And I'm going alone.''
''But-But-!'' Rukia stuttered, her eyes darting back and forth, searching for an argument that would, no could, convince him to stay.''It's too dangerous. What if you get hurt?'' Renji's expression softened slightly at the worry in Rukia's shook his head, his voice firm.''I won't. I can handle , you gotta trust me.'' Rukia's fists clenched even tighter now.''It's not about whether or not you can handle this!It's about taking unnecessary risks!You're being reckless Renji!''
''Rukia..What is this really about?I've gone off on many missions, sometimes without assistance, and you've never put up such a fight then?So, what is the problem?'' Rukia's eyes widened momentarily, her hands instinctively going to her she quickly tried to compose herself, covering the gesture with an expression of defiance.''I...I don't know what you're talking about.'' Renji however, was sharp, and fast, noticing what she'd just done, picking up on the way her voice was wavering.A sly smirk then formed on his face as realization dawned on him.''Oh, I think I know exactly what the problem is.'' Rukia's heart skipped a could he have picked up on her?She'd been so careful. She tried to maintain her composure, her features attempting to show irritation rather than nervousness as she said.''You don't know anything, Renji, now just get out of here, go on your little mission.'' Renji was stepping closer to her now, his smirk widening.''Oh, don't I? Come on, really think I can't see right through you?''
Rukia's defiance crumbled as her fingers instinctively traced the outline of her 's gaze softened, and he closed the distance between , he placed a hand on her shoulder, his fingers gently stroking her soft skin."I had a feeling," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper."Why didn't you tell me?" Rukia's eyes welled with tears, a mix of joy and guilt."I... I was afraid." Rukia looked away, her voice barely above a soft whisper.''Afraid of how you would react.I mean, come on, our jobs are so dangerous, a child into this world...it's so risky..and I didn't want to put another burden on you.I'm gonna eventually need to step down as Lieutenant, I didn't want you to have to do that as well.''
''Well, alright. I just have one you sure it's mine?'' Renji asked, cheeks turning a light shade of 's eyes widened in shock and then narrowed in mock disbelief at his question.''Why you! Of course, it's yours, you idiot,!'' She playfully swatted at his chest, the tension in her expression giving way to a hint of a smile.''Dumbass..'' Rukia's playful facade faltered as she met Renji's weight of her situation and the danger they were facing hit her once to the serious situation at hand, her voice trembling softly, her concern for him showing, she said again...''what if something happens to you?What if you don't come back to me, like you said.''
''What's gonna happen, I get to die happily?'' Renji said, a smile on his face, though Rukia's blood felt like it was boiling underneath flinched at the sight of his smile, her concern turning intoanger."Don't joke about dying, 're being careless again!'' she snapped, her hands clenching into fists at hersides."You have a family now, and you can't just throw your life away soeasily!"
''I know, you're right.'' As Rukia wrapped her arms around Renji's waist, he returned the embrace, pulling her close. His hand gently landed on her tummy, his touch filled with a mixture of love and protectiveness. Renji's voice was soft but firm as he whispered in her ear, "I promise I'll come back to both of you."