[Rukia doesn't respond to his cheer this time. She watches him quietly, studies the smile he wears. It's a mask, isn't it? He's putting on a cheerful front so other people don't worry about him. She's dealt with someone like that before, someone she considers to be a very dear friend. She glances away for a moment, trying to decide on the right words to say.]

...It's all right if you're homesick, you know. And it's all right to feel sad. It's natural, and you've been here for a long time.

[She leans on the countertop with one hand cradling her cheek, the other hand nudging the next cookie jar in line toward Manami.]

When was the last time you visited the Crystal of Fire?