"O-oi!!" It wasn't as if Rukia could really do anything about being hoisted up like a sack of feathers. She tensed, and the red in her face grew that much brighter as she instinctively clutched at the front of D's cloak and tunic.

Only a block away? She could have made that!

But...she was tired, and now that she was off of her feet, she could feel how sore they were throbbing in her boots. And he was warm... It was a little like when her brother had protected her in his arms.

F...fine. She could stay like this a little while, she supposed, her breathing easing out in a weary sigh.

"Thank you..."