Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach for duration of the fanfic and sadly I never will.

Dedication: For Vicky73 thanks for the inspiration and for helping to light a fire under my rear end to get this out. I love you girl!

Full Story Summary: Seventeen year old Byakuya Kuchiki has always been a loner, so when when his parents adopted sixteen year old Rukia Kumori, Byakuya refused to acknowledge even her presence. Sensing greater forces at work the Kuchiki's kept her adoption a secret from their friends and loved ones only explaining that she is a family friend come to live with them. As the years pass and Rukia becomes a woman, she learns why she was adopted after a tragic car accident claims the lives of Bykuya's parents. The reason shakes Rukia to the core but Byakuya does not seem all that suprised. Is it all for the sake of love?


~Just For Me~

Rukia Kumori sat silently in the back of a stretch limousine with Sojun Kuchiki and his wife Nami Kuchiki.

The couple appeared to be happy and very much in love from what she could tell but the only thing that she couldn't figure out about them was why they had adopted her at the age of sixteen.

Rukia had spent nearly her entire life in an orphanage. It was the only life she'd ever known so when the head director informed her that a very, very, wealthy family was interested in adopting her, she had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

She watched the couple smiling silently at her and then at each other. Mr. Kuchiki appeared to be very kind natured from her first impression of him. He had shoulder length straight jet black hair, thin straight eyebrows with thick black lashes, and deep blue eyes. His nose was straight but his smile was warm and kind and he appeared to smile quite often. He was a handsome man who appeared to be in his early forties and he looked between six foot and six foot one in height. One could tell he had a deep love for his wife because every so often he would kiss her hand or caress her face and she would immediately blush.

Mrs. Kuchiki was the epitome of beauty. She was average height with pale flawless skin. Her eyes were a brilliant slate gray and her hair was raven and reached past her rear end. She too was kind natured and her personality matched that of her husband's perfectly.

As Rukia gazed at her 'new parents' she couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever find the kind of happiness the couple sitting across from her had. Would she grow to be beautiful and have a man adore her as Mr. Kuchiki adored his wife? Those were the kinds of things she often daydreamed about back at the orphanage but with her luck she might just be alone for the rest of her life.

"Rukia dear, we can't wait for you to meet our son. Unfortunately he was unable to come with us today to bring you home, but don't fret, I'm sure once we introduce the two of you, you will get along just fine", Mrs. Kuchiki beamed.

"That's right dear but our son is the loner type and he can come off quite indifferent at times, but no worries, he's just a year older than you so I'm sure everything will be fine", Mr. Kuchiki assured the quiet girl.

Rukia only smiled slightly as an acknowledgement but turned her attention to the window watching the city fly by in a blur.

Just great, with my luck he'll more than likely be cruel just like the other kids were back at the orphanage. Rukia thought to herself.

0o0o0o0

An hour and a half later, the Kuchiki's finally arrived at their home only to discover that Rukia had fallen asleep gazing out of the limousine window. Mr. Kuchiki helped his wife out of the vehicle and then slightly shook Rukia awake.

"Wake up sweetheart. We've arrived at your new home", he smiled as her eyes popped open.

He helped her from the car and had the driver take in her two suitcases and upon looking at her new home for the first time Rukia was awe struck.

The mansion was huge and the property seemed to go on forever. There was lush green grass for miles and beautiful flowers lined the home as well as the black wrought iron fencing surrounding the property.

There was a huge circular stone driveway with a large statue water fountain in the center. The statue in the water fountain was of a very tall pristine woman and the water flowed continuously from her feet as she gazed out over the property holding a large sword.

Instead of walking towards the home, Rukia found her feet leading her to the enormous beautiful water fountain. The Kuchiki's didn't seem to mind and they stood transfixed watching Rukia's movements.

Rukia walked up to the statue and gazed openly at its beauty. She was an absolute work of art as she stood poised and graceful. She held the sword in front of her away from her body by the hilt with the blade pointing to the ground and she seemed as if her sole duty was to protect the Kuchiki grounds.

Rukia reach a hand forward letting water fall through her fingertips.

"You are such a beautiful creation", she murmured to herself.

"Yet you seem so sad. Mrs. Kuchiki, what is her name", Rukia asked as she turned her attention to the couple.

"We call her Sode no Shirayuki. She has been a part of our family for many generations. I see you have taken an interest in her just like our son. That is something you both have in common", she smiled brightly at Rukia.

"If you are impressed with Sode no Shirayuki, then no doubt you'll love Senbonzakura", Mr. Kuchiki added.

"Senbon…zakura", Rukia repeated with a look of puzzlement upon her face.

"Yes, he is Sode no Shirayuki's mate but he resides in the gardens behind our home near the cherry blossom trees. Perhaps Byakuya will escort you there sometime", Mr. Kuchiki replied happily.

"I think we should go inside dear so you two can finally meet", Mrs. Kuchiki said as she watched Rukia gaze up at the fountain once more before turning her feet towards the direction of the mansion.

0o0o0o0

Once inside the home, Rukia marveled at its luxuriousness. The home's fine décor and architecture was elegant and regal. It felt like a castle inside and Rukia couldn't help but smile for she felt like a true princess.

The Kuchiki's showed her the dining room, the kitchen, the family room, the entertainment room, the gym, the library, the study, several guest rooms and bathrooms, the indoor and outdoor pool, and their bedroom. There also was a huge pool house out back which she had yet to see and also the beautiful gardens.

"So what do you think Rukia", asked Mrs. Kuchiki as everyone gathered in the family room.

"I…I think your home's beauty is beyond compare. I would have never imagined myself living in a place as lovely as this", she smiled shyly.

"I'm glad you seem to like it because it is as much your home now as it is ours", Mr. Kuchiki punctuated with an index finger in the air.

"Yes dear and do make yourself comfortable. You have access to house as well as the entire property. You are our family now Rukia", Mrs. Kuchiki smiled happily.

Rukia noted the happy smiles on the Kuchiki's faces which had yet to disappear and she too found she had a smile of her own plastered across her face as well.

They like me! They really seem to like me! I could really be happy here! For the first time in my life I could have a family. Rukia thought to herself as she gazed at the Kuchiki's

In that moment a knock sounded throughout the room. Mr. Kuchiki informed whoever it was on the other side to enter.

The butler walked into the room slowly and cleared his throat slightly as he announced the name of the person about to enter the room.

"Ahem, Lord Byakuya Kuchiki", said the butler and waited for said individual to enter the room after which he turned to leave.

Byakuya Kuchiki walked into the room with his head held high. He walked over to his mother, bowed and then kissed her hand and then he bowed to his father.

When he made his way to Rukia, she felt her breath catch in her throat. Standing before her was the most handsome boy she'd ever seen.

He was tall like his father and he looked more like his father than his mother. He had her slate gray eyes and his father's thin eyebrows and thick long eyelashes. His lips were thin and his skin was the most beautiful flawless ivory Rukia had ever seen. His shoulders were broad and one could tell he had a very lean physique. His hair was midnight black and it was long and reached his middle back and Rukia could only stare at him with her mouth agape.

Byakuya looked Rukia over, which caused her to fidget under his scrutinizing gaze. His storm cloud colored eyes roamed every inch of her and Rukia found herself trembling ever so slightly as he watched her.

She felt inadequate as he stood before her and as their eyes met and locked, she bit her lip to calm her nerves. He seemed to be looking at her to see if she met his approval.

"You are Rukia Kumori are you not", he asked calmly, almost too calmly for Rukia's taste.

"Ye..yes that's me. I…I mean, I…I am she", she stammered over her words.

"Has no one taught you to bow during introductions….Ms. Kumori", he asked nonchalantly.

"Oh I…I'm sorry. Please…please excuse me I'm just nervous", she stuttered as she gazed into his eyes.

"Were you raised in a barn Ms. Kumori? You still have not bowed", he said more firmly and Rukia found herself now bowing before him causing her short black shoulder length hair to spill forward.

"Please pardon me brother. I…I was raised in an orphanage. Our manners are not as refined as the wealthy citizens of Tokyo", she said timidly.

"What did you just refer to me as Ms. Kumori", he asked coldly.

"Bro…brother", Rukia replied nervously and a long silence filled the room before he spoke again.

"For the duration of your stay here, you are never to refer to me as that ever again…..not here, not anywhere. You may simply call me Lord Byakuya because you and I will never be brother and sister. Is that clear Ms. Kumori", he asked indifferently.

"Ye…yes. I… apologize", she responded with her head still bowed.

"You may now follow me Ms. Kumori. I shall show you to your room", he said as he turned to leave without looking back to see if Rukia was following him.

They made their way up the stairs and down a long corridor. Rukia followed behind the boy, man really, silently with her mind wrapped up in turbulent thought.

He doesn't like me. I can tell that he doesn't. He's just going to put up with me for the sake of his parents. Why? He doesn' t even know me nor does he want to get to know me either. Maybe he'll come around though eventually…..hopefully.

Rukia was thinking on the matter so hard that she didn't notice that Byakuya had suddenly stopped walking which caused her to run right into the back of him. She watched in silent horror as he lurched forward slightly before bracing himself on the nearest wall.

"You should watch where you are going girl. Clumsiness is not a trait inherited to the Kuchiki family nor will it ever be….adopted Kuchiki or not. Is that understood Ms. Kumori", he asked coldly.

"You may call me Rukia, Lord Byakuya and yes it is understood", she replied calmly.

Byakuya did not acknowledge her statement but kept his back to her as he opened the door to her room.

"This is your room. My room is on the other side of our bathroom which we will be sharing per my parent's request", he stated coldly.

Rukia walked into her room and looked around. She sighed heavily then went to her suitcases and began taking out her things. The room was huge with a large balcony. It had a huge walk-in closet and very large exquisite Jack and Jill bathroom which would to be shared by her and Byakuya and on the other side was his bedroom.

What I don't understand is that this is a mansion, so why in the world would they want me and Byakuya to share a bathroom? Maybe they thought we'd get along fine but it seems the last thing that Byakuya wants to do is get along with me.

"Under no circumstances are you to enter my room without my permission. Upon returning home from school you will report to the library where we will study. I will accompany you to breakfast and dinner; lunch will be wherever you would like to enjoy it on Kuchiki Manor on the weekends. During school you will sit next to me in class and you will dine with me during lunch. You are not to communicate with members of the opposite sex and communication with other females will be limited. You are not to divulge your adoption to anyone and if someone inquires about your relationship to me or my parents, your family is close friends with mine and you've been sent to live with us because of the death of your only living relative. Is all of this understood", he asked coldly as he watched her unpack her belongings.

"Yes… my lord", she replied sadly and watched as he turned to leave but before he was out of the door Rukia remembered something.

"Byakuya…I mean Lord Byakuya. I was hoping that you could show me the gardens and the cherry blossom trees. I would love to see them", she asked excited to see the other fountain statue.

"I will show you the gardens when you finish unpacking but the cherry blossom area is off limits to you. You will not set foot in that area because it is my private sanctuary. Only I and the ground keepers are allowed there. Is that understood", he asked as he kept his back to her.

"Is that where the other fountain statue is located", she asked in a hushed voice.

"Yes it is", he replied coldly.

Rukia sighed but answered, "That is understood", and then she watched as he left her room and disappeared down the hall.

0o0o0o0

Rukia walked behind Byakuya silently as they strolled through the gardens. She watched his back and wondered why he was so quiet and seemed to hardly speak. Was it just the way he was or was it just because he saw no point in conversating with her. Whichever it was, Rukia found herself curious about the boy who was her adoptive brother but was reluctant to be acknowledged as such.

"Lord Byakuya, are you always this quiet or is it that you find me so insignificant that my conversation is not worth your time", she asked half in frustration and half in curiosity.

"It is the latter part of your statement. I find you insignificant and your conversation is not worth my time. You are not as foolish as you look nor as I thought you'd be", he said nonchalantly.

"Now wait a second Byakuya, I get that you don't like me and that is fine by me, but I will NOT stand here and allow you to insult me. You may find me insignificant but I find you to be a….a wealthy spoiled brat", she yelled out in anger and frustration.

"You will tame your tongue Rukia or I warn you, there will be repercussions to your actions", he warned.

"And just what will you do, take me over your knee and spank me? I am my own woman, I can do what I want, when I want", she assured the stoic teenager and politely gave him the finger behind his back which the boy saw out of the corner of his eyes.

Byakuya turned around and looked down on the petite brunette. He could see the anger in her violet eyes; eyes that drew him in as he gazed down at her. He had never seen anyone with such amazing unique eyes. It was what drew him to pick her as his 'adoptive sister' in the first place. Before he could respond to her tirade, he became lost in his memory of the first time he saw her.

***Flashback***

"Come girls, you are to line up in front of the limousine according to height. There is someone very important who wants to have a look at you", the orphanage director said with enthusiasm.

A total of twelve girls all sixteen years of age stood before the stretch limo and stood straight as arrow, all except for Rukia. She stood with her arms folded across her chest and her face turned away from the assumed spectators inside.

"Rukia Kumori, you stand up straight this instant! I will not have you jeopardize the thousands of dollars this God forsaken orphanage stands gain on account of your attitude", the woman scolded.

"And I will not be paraded around and gawked at as if I'm some circus freak for these people's amusement. We are not animals. If these people wish to see us, why can't they get out and introduce themselves like human beings", she yelled loud enough for whoever was inside the limo to hear.

"Ms. Kumori that is enough! Go inside, you will be dealt with later", the woman demanded and Rukia went to comply but before she did, she put her face to the window of the limo trying to peer inside to get a look at these people who were so rude.

It was then that Byakuya noticed her eyes and how beautiful they were. He too put his face to the glass and looked directly into her eyes unknowingly to her. He found her to be quite the beauty although her manners needed much refining, his decision was made.

"She is the one father. This girl before me will become my bride", he said calmly as he stared into her violet eyes.

"Are you sure son? A wife is someone who will be your friend, your confidant, and mother of your heirs. It is something not to be taken lightly", Sojun cautioned his only son.

"It is not as if I have a choice in the matter but if they have her beautiful eyes and spirit, then I have chosen well. What was it about mother that drew you to her", he asked as he watched Rukia get pulled away roughly from the vehicle by the female director and something inside of him roared to life at her poor treatment.

"It was her gorgeous gray eyes, defiant spirit, and radiant smile. Though at the time she was so refined I didn't even know she knew how to smile much like yourself son, but I didn't give up on her and one day she flashed me the most beautiful smile I had ever seen and I was head over heels in love with her from that moment on", the elder Kuchiki smirked over at his wife who gave him a sly smile.

"Who would have known after our wedding we'd actually fall in love with each other. Your father was so different from you Byakuya. He was a prankster and he loved getting under my skin with his jokes but in the end his smile lit up my days and I couldn't help but give him a smile of my own and the rest was history. We were lucky because being arranged into marriage is the Kuchiki way but somehow love happened to us and I pray it is that way for you and your bride. Love may not be there in the beginning but it may come eventually. If she is your choice then your father and I will support your decision son", Nami smiled reassuringly.

"My decision is made. She is my choice. I will have this Rukia Kumori girl and no one else", he said emotionlessly as he turned and sat back in his seat.

"A fine choice she is indeed Byakuya. Your mother and I will set up her adoption immediately", Sojun replied and then he gave instructions to the limo driver to advise the orphanage director of their decision.

***End of Flashback***

"Rukia you dare to address me improperly and raise your voice to me as well", he questioned coldly as he looked down at her.

"And you dare treat me as if I'm a worm without feelings just because I'm not of royal blood", she questioned back angrily.

"You would do well to know your place girl. This is not that filthy orphanage you grew up in. This is Kuchiki Manor and ill behavior here will not be tolerated. You may have gotten away with such behavior at that landfill of a place you were raised in but I will not have it here", he warned with a frown gracing his handsome face.

"And just who the hell died and made you the boss of me. I do NOT answer to you; your mother and father maybe, but not you! You'd do well to know your place BOY", she screamed.

Byakuya felt white hot anger rising up inside of him. He'd never been spoken to like that by anyone and he wasn't going to allow Rukia to be the first. He grabbed her firmly by her upper arm pulling her along with him.

"You will learn soon enough who it is that you answer to", he vowed as he dragged her behind him.

His strides were long because of his long legs and Rukia could barely keep up with him. She found herself stumbling more than walking as he pulled her behind him.

"Where are you taking me", she demanded as she struggled to get a hold of her footing.

"A place where you will learn to respect me and the rules of my home. If you want to behave like an animal Rukia, you will know what it is like to live like one", he responded calmly.

Byakuya hauled his intended bride down to a cellar underneath the mansion where he pushed her inside of the dark prison and shut the cell like doors and locked them once she was inside.

"You can't do this to me! You can't just lock me up like this! Let me out Byakuya! Let me out now", she screamed.

"You brought this on yourself. You have no one else to blame for your predicament", he responded icily.

"But you don't understand. I'm terrified of the dark. Surely you won't be so cold as to leave me here for a few hours", she tried to reason.

"Who said anything about a few hours? You will dwell here until I feel that you have learned the meaning of the word respect. If in that time you still haven't learned your place, then this may just become your permanent home", he cautioned through the cell bars.

"Please don't do this! I'll do whatever it is you want! Just don't leave me here alone! I take it all back Byakuya! I'm sorry", she screamed in effort to keep him from leaving her but it was too late. He had already turned and walked away as she continually screamed his name out panic and fear.

As Byakuya stepped back out into the light of the gardens a chill wound its way down his spine as he heard Rukia calling out to him. He wanted to go back inside and take her out of that dreadful place but what would she learn about her behavior if he did.

"You were warned Rukia", he said to himself nonchalantly as he began to walk away but his heart seemed to break with every step he took.

0o0o0o0

That night when Byakuya entered the dining room alone, he took in his parent's confused faces but kept silent until they spoke to him.

"Son where is Rukia? Were you not supposed to escort her to dinner", Sojun asked as Byakuya took his seat.

"She has confined herself to her room father. She is not feeling well", he lied without any show of emotion.

Sojun became concerned as he turned his face towards his wife who in turn had a concerned expression of her own.

"I will go up and take a look at her after dinner…just to make sure she's okay", Nami announced.

"That will not be necessary mother. I can and will take care of Rukia of my own accord. Please do not interfere", Byakuya said coldly.

"Rukia is our adoptive daughter now and we are capable of looking after her as well son", Nami interjected.

"Mother she is my intended wife. I do not interfere with the affairs of you and father and you will not interfere with mine and Rukia's. Now please, let us enjoy our meal. I will have the chef make up a plate for her after we are done", he said indifferently and began to consume his meal while his parents exchanged confused looks.

0o0o0o0

True to his word when their meal was done, Byakuya had the chef make Rukia a plate. He strolled down to the cellar with the keys and plate in hand.

As he made his way towards the old cellar, he noted Rukia curled into the fetal position. He sat the tray on an old wooden table inside before he found himself kneeling at her side.

With gentle hands, he shook her seemingly lifeless form until her head popped up and her eyes opened to the sight of him.

"Byakuya, please let me out. I will behave, just don't leave me here", she pleaded as she locked her arms around his neck.

Byakuya looked down into her frightened violet eyes and saw more than just fear in them. His gut twisted at the look of sheer terror on her face.

He pried her arms away from his neck and held her firmly by the waist at arms-length.

"Rukia I have brought food for you to eat and water for you to drink", he said calmly as he gazed at her.

"I don't want food or drink. I want out of this place. Please let me go", her shaky voice commanded.

"I am not here to release you. I feel that you have not learned your place yet", he replied icily as he stood and left the cell locking the door behind him.

"Wait Byakuya, I'll do anything. I…I'll behave and I'll do anything you ask. Please don't leave me down here alone", she begged as she reached out for him.

"You made this bed for yourself Rukia and now you must lie in it", he said he as he turned to leave.

"I hate you Byakuya! Do you hear me because I know you can! I hate you Byakuya Kuchiki! I will always hate you for this", she screamed as he walked away into the darkness of the hallway her voice becoming an echo in his ears.

0o0o0o0


A/N: Well there you have folks. I hope you like and please review to let me know your thoughts. It makes me really happy when I know you all are enjoying my work. REVIEW PLEASE!