To All

[damn_juicebox]

[The following letter arrives early in the afternoon. The penmanship is neat and elegant, and it's clear that the writer took her time to appear as formal and professional as possible. And for the most part it does seem professional...save for the little cartoonish bunny face she drew in the bottom right corner that's smiling happily up at you.]

To Those Who Reside in Aqures Ixen,

Greetings. I hope the day finds you well. I find myself in need of an instructor in the way of cooking and preparing meals, as my skills are relatively undeveloped. In return for your time and patience, I will purchase the ingredients, and I will also be willing to teach you a skill of my own if I am able. I reside in the house marked as B-03, but if you prefer, I will go to you for lessons as I am unsure what utensils we currently possess for culinary purposes. Please respond at your earliest convenience. I would be most grateful.

Regards,
Rukia Kuchiki

Comments

[Action]

[damn_juicebox]

As I said, we wanted a better life for ourselves.

[She smiles serenely, sipping from her tea.]

One by one, Renji and I watched our childhood friends pass away. Hunger, sickness, violence... It was a harsh place, unsuitable for children. We were the only ones with a degree of spiritual power, so we took the opportunity. It was difficult; most students are enrolled through family connections, and did not come from the Rukongai as we did.

[Action]

[heavenlyhonour]

[The second half of what she said was what Angeal had been looking for as a reason. But as usual, he listened and didn't interrupt.]

That must've been hard on you, to watch your friends pass away.

[And privately the guilt he carried of Zack being forced to kill him seemed to wash over him in a wave.]

[Action]

[damn_juicebox]

It was. But if anything, it was the motivation we needed to leave. Neither of us would ever have abandoned them while they still lived.

[Rukia leans on the countertop. That was so many years ago, but it's a moment she can't fail to remember. She even remembers the color of the sky when they made that decision together.]

After some years in the Academy, I was adopted into the noble Kuchiki family. My sister had married the last surviving heir. She had grown ill, and as her dying wish, she begged her husband to find and care for me. So my graduation was rushed, and I was placed into the 13th Division of the Soul Society.

[From rags to riches, she'd never really known a life in between these two extremes until recently. Rukia smiles and finishes her cup.]

Is that a satisfactory summary?

[Action]

[heavenlyhonour]

[Of course he never interrupted but he tried to memorize some of the things that she was saying because they were important to her.]

If that's all you want to report, that's all there is to it.

[There was a light tone used here and it was half serious and half teasing. Sure he wanted to know anything she wanted to tell him, but that was at Rukia's discretion.]

[Action]

[damn_juicebox]

Oh? Was there something you wanted to ask?

[Of course there's more, but there are just some things you don't dump on the shoulders of someone you're just getting to know. Kaien, her mended relationship with Byakuya, the feelings of friendship and gratitude she developed for Ichigo and the others... It's all important to her, and something she doesn't share casually. But perhaps someday.]

[Action]

[heavenlyhonour]

[He shook his head.]

Nothing you wouldn't want to tell me.

[This had him get up and get some more tea or he might ask the wrong question or something. Angeal always exercised caution and this was definitely one of those times.]