Rukia shook her head. "No, it's... I think I need to talk to him by myself," she whispered.

This was something she had to do on her own. Rukia was coming to realize that, no matter what she told her brother about her relationship with his vice captain, the issue ultimately boiled down to the fact that she had to live her own life. It was selfish, and she couldn't help but feel guilty for smudging the Kuchiki name, but some things were more important than her brother's pride.

She loved him, and didn't want to hurt him, but she couldn't live her life for him any longer.

Rukia summoned up her bravest smile, gently laying her free hand on Renji's cheek. "I'll be okay," she murmured.