A/N: Technically, I can't label these 'drabbles' because I've never been good with word limits. However, I do intend to keep them under 500 words. I'm open to requests, so if there's a character/pairing/scenario you'd like to see go ahead and leave me a prompt in a review. Feedback, of any sort, is always appreciated. These first couple dabbles were written ages ago. I apologize.

I. Conversation

"You haven't spoken for forty years." Ikkaku's exaggerating, and both he and Renji know it. They have spoken, but their conversations – if they can be called conversations at all – usually go something like this: "Hello, Renji," – because, of course, he would never initiate a casual conversation – it's not his place – and then, there is always a pause, a space between heartbeats, while she waits for his answer.

"Good morning (or afternoon, or evening) Lady Kuchiki."

At this point a slow, sad smile always crosses Rukia's face, and she casts her eyes down. In anyone else this gesture could be interpreted in a number of ways, but Renji knows she does it to hide the hurt in her eyes.

She could ask him to call her Rukia but she doesn't, and he could ask her not to stop him on byways and say hello but he doesn't. It's a mockery of conversation, this awkward exchange of greetings, but it's better than ignoring her – or worse, having her ignore him.

Indifference is numb – but pain is a fresh reminder that she is – was – real.

Dedication: Sa Rart