[Rukia's fondness for Repede is pretty obvious. Her face lights right up at the bark, and she drops everything to pet his head and give his ear an affectionate scratch. What a good boy! Strangely enough, it helps put her into slightly better spirits too.]

The barracks are just down the hall. It would be ridiculous to request an escort.

[She smiles, her stance gracefully poised but relaxed as she falls into step beside her friends. Yuri's inn it is.]

[Aaaand there it is, the question she was sure he was going to ask. She chuffs a little 'hmph' and rolls her shoulders.]

No need to be delicate with me. You're asking if I'm all right now that Raven has entered crystal stasis once again.

[Her chin lifts so she can look at him directly, and he can see that she's not about to duck away from the matter. After a moment of thought, she releases her breath and faces forward again.]

To be honest, I've been expecting it for quite some time, and I suspected it might have already happened when he didn't appear in the rift with the rest of us. I can't say I'm pleased, but it wasn't a shock. I'm well enough. What about you?

[Her elbow pokes his side.]

We may have been dating, but I expect his absence affects you just as much.