Hello guys! This is my second published fanfic. I really like this one. I've actually finished writing the whole thing but I'll wait for reviews to see what you guys think of it.

This was written after I read chapter 423 (I was crying and saying 'Baka, baka' to the computer screen like an idiot! LOL). The events in this fic is after 423 and before 424. I had a sudden inspiration after I drew Rukia... no, it'll spoil the story!

Anyway, enjoy! Forgive me for any errors in the story. Hope you like it!

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read chapter 423 and DO NOT want to know what has happened, then you don't want to read this. You have been warned!

DISCLAIMER: I don't have to tell you that I don't own Bleach, do I? But I guess I just did.

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CHAPTER 1 – THIS EVENING,

The sunset is a magnificent view.

The beautiful orange hues meld perfectly with the purple, pinks streaking the sky too and the blue of the morning sky faint on the borders of the colorful painting.

But I don't feel as pretty as the scenery.

The people around me say that I am.

I don't believe them.

I feel betrayed, but this is my duty.

I must.

I must prepare for tomorrow.

XXXX

I am alone and clad in a long red kimono with intricate golden designs.

It is slightly different than usual kimonos.

Below the sash of darker red around my midsection, the garb splits, revealing a skirt-like cloth in a shade of red that matches the rest of the garment.

My medium-length hair is pinned to the back of my head with a red rectangular hair-clip with golden patterns.

Although it is beautiful, I am forced to wear all this.

The only thing I wear willingly is the headpiece around my forehead for I was the one to come up with it.

Nii-sama had allowed me to wear it, although grudgingly. I had respectfully but plainly refused the actual headpiece for my hair.

The jewelry on my forehead is in the shape of an elongated sun made of polished black stone. A crescent-shaped stone made of white marble-like stone is embedded into the black in the bottom part of it.

Connecting each ray are small, delicate silver bands that curve into the rays, except the top and bottom ray, which are connected to the base. Dangling from the bottom part of the whole piece are topazes on thin strands, ten in total.

On the left and right rays of the black sun are small topazes. These are attached to a silver ring for the head.

I sigh when I look in the mirror, memories behind the beginnings of the sun-shaped adornment on my forehead coming to mind.

I shake my head, clearing it from the sad thoughts. I can't think about it now. Not now.

There is a knock on the door.

I turn to see Nii-sama coming into the room. He is wearing formal robes in a shade of pale blue, the silver-white windflower silk gauze symbolizing the head of the Kuchiki family wrapped around his neck.

I bow when he enters.

"Rukia," he says. "It is time."

I straighten myself and nod, my face betraying nothing.

Nii-sama is silent while he views me.

His face is as cool and emotionless as always.

It surprises me when he approaches me and puts a hand on my shoulder.

"You are thinking of him, are you not?"

I feel my eyes widen slightly, but I shake my head.

"No, Nii-sama."

He lets my shoulder go.

"This marriage will be for the good of both our family and the family of your husband-to-be."

I nod. Nii-sama has said this before.

I see him eye the dark jewel on my head. He turns away.

"Come. We are going."

"Yes, Nii-sama."

We leave the room.

XXXX

I travel formally in a palanquin.

Nii-sama takes another carriage.

In my own, Rangiku-san, Nanao-san and Momo-chan sit with me. They all look beautiful is formal kimonos.

Momo-chan is holding my hand with both of hers while Rangiku-san is soothingly patting my knee.

"This must hard for you, Rukia-chan," Rangiku-san says.

I don't reply, but just look downwards.

Momo-chan tightens her hold on my hand.

"We are sorry, Rukia-san."

Even Nanao-san looks sympathetic.

"There is nothing to be sorry about," I say, my voice strong. "It will be for the good of both our families."

They don't look at me.

They know not to broach a very sensitive subject.

One concerning a certain child who is very dear to me.

We are silent all the way to the house of the Shinogu clan.

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A/N: Well, what do you think? Review please! Oh! And do read my other story, 'Falling'. :D

-LAS