[Rukia looks at Sephiroth, hesitating for a long moment. How can she say this? She wouldn't want it to sound as if her own ideas and solutions should be applied to himself. It's also not easy for her to open up, but they've come this far already... Her gaze travels back to her hands.]

I don't know what will become of us once the Calamity has been defeated. Will we remain here? Will we be returned to our homes? If it is the former, then perhaps I could...allow myself...to indulge.

[It's difficult to admit it, but the thought of letting herself love someone, and be loved in return, is a little tempting.]

But if it's the latter, and separation is not only inevitable but soon to come, it would only cause heartache, both for the other person and myself. I have not forgotten what I am, nor have I forgotten my duties. A soul reaper has no business forging a relationship like that with the living.