"Hisana always told me she loved me."

The confession is quiet, the soft breath barely audible amongst the Autumn wind.

Rukia looks slowly to her surrogate brother, her silence urging him to continue.

He places the calligraphy brush down, writing forgotten like a half-finished laugh. His handsome face is unreadable, dark eyes focused on some other world before them. The crisp breeze sighed against his hair and clothing, brushing them aside as a lover might.

There is pain in the way his eyes close and his shoulders drop. Rukia raises her hand as if to touch him – drawing back and clasping over her heart instead, as if doing so would quell its ache. After what seems hours, Byakuya finally opens his eyes and speaks.

"She told me she loved me."

Rukia is struck silent when he looks to her, just enough emotion on his face to leave her breathless.

"She told me. But that is all."