The fact that he laughed was the last reassurance Rukia needed to know that he wasn't lonely without his teammate. She turned her head to grin at him, her eyes twinkling with dark mischief.

"The marker wouldn't stick. I had to resort to alternatives." And she dearly hoped that it continued to remain on his face after he awoke. Then she would know when he emerged out of stasis, as she was certain he would remark on it.

And he did deserve it for calling her 'shorty' all of the time.

When he announced that it was ready, Rukia pushed herself away from the wall. She was looking forward to trying his cooking, especially if it tasted as good as it smelled. "Is there anything left I can assist with?"