It didn't feel right. As much as he said he wasn't giving up on her it felt like he was failing her for not pushing her to change her mind; to save her from that horrible choice she made. How could he face Byakuya or Renji knowing he'd let her go like that? Ichigo's hands dropped from Rukia's shoulders to rest back to his sides. He had said his peace and she heard him out like she promised. There was nothing more he could do.

"... Look after yourself. But if you change your mind about this, and find anyone else who did too, you know where to find us. Or if you don't want to face the others then contact me. I'll come find you and back you up. ... I know you'll make the right choice eventually, Rukia."

Ichigo couldn't look at her and he shut his eyes and turned his face away, not out of shame but in failure. He wouldn't be able to stand watching her walk away from him a second time when he was powerless to stop her.