There were a lot of preparations for her upcoming journey, and she had a few hours before her ship departed. This first voyage didn't require her to bring a lot, so most of her belongings were still in Raven's closet for the time being. But she'd heard it would be a lot colder in this Santa's Village, so she needed to pick up some warmer winter accessories.

Hoisting up a long striped scarf in her hands, Rukia rubbed the knitting with her fingers to test the tightness of the weave. It seemed to be of good quality, but she wasn't so sure about the clashing green and red colors. It was a little loud for her tastes. Perhaps another...

"M-Miss Rukia!"

Chappopo's paw anxiously tugged on the fur trim of Rukia's red Santa dress, catching the shinigami's attention.

"Mm? What is it?" she asked, looking down, only to see that Chappopo was pointing. She lifted her head to follow the path of the gesture, then blinked...then smiled. Someone had finally shaken off his beauty rest, it seemed. And here he was, walking around as if nothing ever happened. No letter to indicate that he was awake? How long had he been out of stasis, then?! That insufferable...!

Rukia's hand rose into the air, waving back and forth as she forced on the sparkliest, happiest smile she could possibly wear. "YURI!"

Chappopo's eyes were wide and shining. At long last, a heartwarming reunion! Surely this time, the romance would have to flow. Separated, aching with worry, each would bare their hearts and confess their true feelings.