Getting to Know you More

Ch. 1 –Vacation time!

Ukitake Juushiro, captain of the 13th division, sat in his office, looking intently at the letter he just received from the 1st division.

Captain of the 13th division, Ukitake Juushiro, he read, you are hereby granted vacation on the living world for the period of four (4) weeks- that long?- Given your unusual circumstances, your lieutenant, Kuchiki Rukia, will be accompanying you, in order to tend to your needs and communicate with us should your health fail.

Do I even have a choice as if I want to go? -Please note that this vacation is mandatory– I guess not-, and your trip and accommodations have been already arranged for you and your companion. You are expected to leave for the living world in three (3) days' time from the moment you receive this letter.

Ukitake sighed. He felt it wasn't fair for him to leave for that long, as he was always away recovering because of his illness, but orders are orders. And it wasn't like he wasn't expecting this to happen. All captains from the other divisions had already been given vacations, and only he remained. It was a 'reward for your efforts and undying loyalty' his friend, Kyoraku, now captain commander of the Gotei 13, had said.

What he wasn't expecting, though, was to have his lieutenant go with him. He felt sorry because she had no choice as if she wanted to go, and he also felt that she might not be able to fully enjoy herself if his illness ever decided to appear. He really hoped he wouldn't get sick, so Rukia could enjoy herself too.

As if on cue, he felt his lieutenant's reiatsu approaching to his office.

-Come in, Kuchiki-san- he said before she even knocked.

-Ukitake-taichou- Rukia greeted as she walked into the office. She had a stack of documents with her.

-Kuchiki-san!- Ukitake greeted back -I was just about to go look for you!- Rukia looked at him as she handed him the new pile of paperwork.

-Do you need something, Taichou?- she asked

-I was assigned vacation time in the living world- he said as he offered his lieutenant a seat.

Rukia smiled at him as she sat on a chair –That is great, Taichou! You deserve it!- Ukitake motioned for her to wait, as he wasn't done talking.

-You were assigned as my companion and caretaker, Kuchiki-san- Ukitake said as he went through the stack of documents Rukia had just given him.

Rukia looked at her captain -Huh? Me? Why? Weren't the vacations only for the captains?- she asked, incredulous

-They say that someone needs to take care of me and contact Soul Society if my… illness decides to attack, so they made an exception- Ukitake sighed and gave Rukia an apologetic smile –I'm sorry, Kuchiki-san, to have to impose on you like this…-

Rukia cut him off -Do not apologize for things that are not your fault, Taichou- she said with a small smile –Plus, I would be honored to go with you- she added. She immediately saw a change in her captain's face, as if a burden had been lifted off him.

-I'm glad to hear that- Ukitake said, relieved. He couldn't help but notice how Rukia's eyes brightened the moment he said she was also going on vacation.

Rukia made her way home while reading the pamphlets describing their trip that they had been provided. So far, she had learned that their destination was a tropical island somewhere on the other side of the world. From the pictures, she could see it was a very beautiful place to go to. She smiled. She really was looking forward to the trip now.

Kuchiki Byakuya couldn't help but notice the swing in his sister's steps as she walked into the dinner room that night. As soon as she saw him, she bowed and greeted him with a small, yet bright smile.

-Good evening, Nii-sama- Rukia said

-Good evening, Rukia- Byakuya answered as he motioned for Rukia to have a seat. Soon, the maids arrived with the mouthwatering dishes that had been prepared for dinner.

They ate in silence, until Rukia spoke

-Nii-sama…- Byakuya looked at her, an obvious invitation to continue.

-Ukitake-taichou has been assigned a vacation… -she started and Byakuya gave her a questioning look- …I am expected to go with him- Rukia added. Byakuya nodded, and Rukia saw a flicker of some emotion pass through her brother's grey eyes, but it was gone before she could pinpoint what it was.

-Why are you expected to go with him?- Byakuya asked. When he had been given a vacation, it had been him only. Surely there had to be an explanation.

Rukia looked at her brother with a bittersweet smile.

-I am going as his companion and caretaker, Nii-sama- she started –Kyoraku-soutaicho is aware that Ukitake-taichou's illness may strike back anytime, so he made an exception for Ukitake-taichou, and decided to have me go with him so I can care for him and communicate with Soul Society should his illness come back-

Byakuya nodded. It made sense. Ukitake's illness was very unpredictable and it is better to be safe than sorry, he thought -When are you leaving?- he asked

Rukia chewed on her food and swallowed before answering –in three days- she said as she looked at her brother.

Byakuya took a sip of his green tea -How long will you be gone for?-

-I will be gone for four weeks- Rukia replied and looked at her tea cup.

That long?-Where will you be going?- Byakuya asked.

Rukia suddenly felt like she was being interrogated by her brother. –Umm, we will be going to a tropical island- she said as she took a sip of her tea to try to calm her nerves –a place called Aruba-

Byakuya closed his eyes –very well- he said –Both Ukitake-taichou and you deserve a break, and it might also be good for Ukitake-taichou's health-

Rukia smiled –Thank you, Nii-sama- she said and then she frowned a bit, her eyes clouded with worry –I hope this trip helps his health. Ukitake-taichou has been getting sick more frequently lately-

Byakuya looked at her, an understanding look crossing his features –Maybe a change of environment will do him good- he couldn't help but feel some sort of sympathy towards the captain, since he had lost his dear wife to a similar illness. He respected his sempai very much, but couldn't help but feel bad as he knew almost firsthand the pain Ukitake often had to go through.

Rukia seemed to have noticed his sudden wave of nostalgia and changed the topic, asking how his day went. After a long conversation they finally decided to call it a night and headed to their respective quarters.

Rukia was happy. She truly was. Things were finally starting to look good in Soul Society. After all the fighting and bloodshed, they could finally rejoice in the peace they fought so hard for. Now she could actually say she feels proud of herself. Her relationship with her brother had drastically changed for the better as they got know each other better and became closer. She finally had a seated position as the lieutenant of the 13th division. She even had achieved Bankai. And now, she was going on vacation!

Rukia couldn't help the girlish scream she let out, though she immediately felt her brother's reiatsu spike. She understood the message. Silence, I want to sleep. She sighed.

Damn paper thin walls. Damn her loud voice.

The next two days went by quickly, with the 13th division hastily making arrangements for the absence of their captain and lieutenant. Ukitake decided that he would leave Kiyone and Sentaro in charge while he and Rukia were gone, as they were already used to dealing with all the captain's responsibilities due to his frequent absences.

Then, the day of the trip arrived, and Rukia found herself running to the Senkaimon, with two of the house staff trying to keep up with her as they carried her suitcase and bag. Usually, Rukia wouldn't have let them carry anything for her, but she couldn't care less at the moment. She was late. She quickened her pace, and soon caught sight of the gate, her captain already there, trying to calm Kiyone and Sentaro, whom had offered to help him with his bags and seemed to be fighting over who carried their captain's bags.

-Good morning, Ukitake-taichou!- she spoke –Excuse my lateness- Juushiro looked at her with a small smile. He was wearing clothes from the living world, a pair of dark blue jeans, black dress shoes, and a dark green dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Rukia was shocked. Her captain looked younger and handsome, his charming heightening his youthful look. The black haired girl couldn't help but blush a bit.

-Good morning to you too, Kuchiki-san!- he said as he looked at his lieutenant. She wore a long, dark purple skirt that flowed down to her ankles, a white short-sleeved blouse, and white sandals. She looked rather cute, he thought, but didn't voice it -Please don't worry about it, we just got here too!- he said as he turned his head to see Kiyone and Sentaro still fighting. He sighed.

-Hey, what are you doing with that case?! I'm the one who offered to help Ukitake-taichou first!- Kiyone said as she tried to snatch a small, black case from Sentaro's hands, but Sentaro just moved it away from her reach.

-No! I offered before you did!- Sentaro retorted, an angry vein pulsating in his forehead.

Kiyone's eyebrow twitched. She reached for the case again -No, I did!- she said as she tried to yank the case off Sentaro's hands.

-I did!- and so they began a tug of war for the case until Juushiro put a stop to it.

-Please stop, guys- he said as he put a hand on the case. Kiyone and Sentaro immediate blurted out a river of apologies as they let go of the case and bowed many times. Ukitake just smiled. Those two would never change.

Ukitake turned to Rukia –let's go, Kuchiki-san- he said as he walked to the Senkaimon.

Rukia ran to catch up with him –Hai, Ukitake-taichou-

They could hear Kiyone and Sentaro wish them a good trip as they crossed the gate.

Soon, they found themselves talking to Urahara Kisuke, who would provide them with their respective gigais and traveling documents.

-Here- Kisuke said as he handed each of them a little book –Those are your passports, your identity documents while you are in the real world- he explained and gave them their plane tickets, credit card, cell phones, and cash. He also gave them instructions as to what to do in the airport, since he figured they might have no clue.

Kisuke looked at the clock hanging on the wall –Your taxi should be here now to take you to the airport- he said as he stood up and guided Juushiro and Rukia outside, Jinta and Tessai following behind with their luggage.

Rukia and Ukitake quickly thanked Urahara and left for the airport. They arrived fairly early, so after they checked in at airline counter and went through the security check, they decided to get themselves some tea at a small café nearby.

They quickly ordered their drinks to a waitress who couldn't keep her eyes off the white haired man, who seemed completely oblivious to this. Rukia couldn't help but laugh as she saw the waitress wink at Juushiro, earning her a look from her captain.

-What's so funny, Kuchiki-san?- he asked her, genuinely curious.

-That girl was making moves on you, Ukitake-taichou- she said

Ukitake's eyes widened a bit –hahahah- he laughed as he scratched the back of his head –I don't think so- he said.

Rukia laughed even more –I think she was!- she said with a smile -It was very obvious, taichou! You will see when she comes back-

Soon, the waitress returned with their order. Juushiro and Rukia had both decided on jasmine green tea, and Rukia ordered a plate of fresh fruit to go along with it. Juushiro thanked the waitress with a small smile, making the poor waitress blush to her ears. Rukia laughed again as soon as the waitress left.

-You see, taichou?- Rukia said grinning in victory.

Ukitake chose to ignore the comment and took a sip of his tea. They spent a couple of minutes in silence until Rukia pushed the plate of fruit in front of him.

-Come on, taichou! You have to eat! You have been getting sick more often so you have to eat more!- Rukia scolded him –You have lost some weight- she noted.

Juushiro's eyes widened. Was it that obvious? –Alright, alright. I will eat, Kuchiki-san- Ukitake said. He wasn't hungry, but he knew his lieutenant to be a very stubborn person, and she would stop at nothing until she saw him eat.

Rukia smiled at him, relieved. She couldn't help but worry about her captain.

They talked for a while. Juushiro laughed when Rukia told him about Byakuya's reaction to the trip. Byakuya was very overprotective of his adopted sister, but interrogating was a bit over the edge, he thought.

They eventually left to wait at the boarding gate, where they were soon called to board the plane. They quickly found their assigned seats and Rukia sat down next to the window while Juushiro put away her bag and his case.

Soon, the plane was moving and took off. Rukia looked through the window, amazed by how everything seemed so tiny from inside the plane. Juushiro, on the other hand, was reading the documents he had gotten from Kisuke. Instructions on how to use the credit cards and phones. He noticed a white envelope tucked between the papers. A letter? He checked it. On the back he found his name written in beautiful, ornate handwriting. He opened the envelope, carefully unfolded the letter and began reading.

Ukitake-sempai,

After being notified by my sister that she will be accompanying you during your vacation, I decided to go talk to Kyoraku-soutaichou regarding your trip. As we spoke I arrived to the conclusion that your designed hotel was unbefitting for my sister to stay in, therefore I arranged for a different one, more fit for both of you to stay in.

Please consider this gesture as a thank you gift for all you have done for my sister.

Sincerely,

Kuchiki Byakuya

Inside the envelope, together with the letter, Juushiro found the reservation paper and pamphlets for the new hotel. He bit back a laugh, while making a mental note to thank Byakuya for suck generous gift, even though he knew the Kuchiki head wouldn't have done it had Rukia not been assigned to come. He soon decided to busy himself with one of the few books he brought with him, as he was growing bored. He looked at Rukia one last time before he started reading and found her drawing on a small sketchbook. She look like she was in deep concentration so he turned back to his book.

After a while his reading was disturbed when he felt something weight down on his right shoulder. He looked to see it was Rukia, who was fast asleep. She looked so peaceful that he did not want to disturb, so he just smiled and turned back to reading his book.

Rukia slowly opened her eyes. She must have fallen asleep, she realized, as she was feeling a bit groggy. As she came to her senses she realized that her head was resting on her captain's shoulder. She immediately raised her head and couldn't help the blush that spread through her face. She sighed in relief when she saw he was asleep.

He seemed to have fallen asleep while reading, as he still held the book in his hands, which were resting in his lap. She slowly pried the book from his hands, and covered him with a blanket that had been provided. Rukia looked at him closely. She was used to seeing her captain take naps, but those were mostly due to his illness. It was the first time she ever saw him sleep with such a peaceful and carefree expression.

Rukia quickly rummaged through the bag she had put underneath the seat in front of her and produced a small camera. She swiftly turned off the flash and snapped a picture. It would serve as evidence that the trip was a good thing for him. She put away the camera and covered herself with her blanket. She closed her eyes and fell back asleep almost immediately.

It was hours later that she woke up, her head again leaning on Juushiro's shoulder, who was still asleep. She hastily straightened herself, and asked a stewardess for the time until landing, who told her they still had two more hours before arriving to their destination. She decided to take out her sketchbook and resume drawing.

An hour went by and she got bored of drawing, so she pulled out a book to read from her bag. Soon, she heard the captain announce that they will soon be landing. Rukia looked at her captain, who was still asleep, and decided it was time to wake him up.

She put a hand on Juushiro's shoulder and slowly shook him –Taichou- she called –We are about to land, please wake up- she got a whine in response.

-Mmm, five more minutes, please- he mumbled and turned his head away from Rukia. Said girl smiled, her eyes widened a bit in surprise. Her taichou was usually a very light sleeper, but right now he wasn't even budging. She shook him harder.

-Ukitake-taichou- she called again until she saw him turn his head to face her and open his eyes.

-Kuchiki-san…?- he said sleepily.

Rukia smiled at him -You finally woke up, taichou!- she exclaimed –I've been trying to wake you up for ten minutes!- she said with a laugh

Juushiro gave her a surprised look –You did?- he asked. Rukia nodded in response. He felt his face get warmer as he scratched the back of his neck –I apologize, Kuchiki-san, I must have been deeply asleep- he said.

Rukia just smiled at him –It's ok, taichou. You looked like you really needed to sleep-

Juushiro gave an embarrassed laugh –I guess I did-

-Our deepest apologies, madam. We will do what we can to find your missing suitcase-

Rukia sighed and stomped her foot on the floor. Everything was going fine until she realized that her suitcase had not arrived.

Just great. Fucking great.

Rukia immediately went to the airline counter and filled the necessary forms for reporting a missing baggage. The attendant apologized profusely and said that if they did not find her suitcase in three days they would send her a compensation check.

She honestly couldn't care less about the check. What she cared about was the fact that she had almost no clothes on her carry-on luggage, only a fresh pair of underwear and a change of clothing.

Juushiro could sense his lieutenant's anger, so he carefully placed a hand on her shoulder –calm down, Kuchiki-san- he said –getting angry will get you nowhere right now. The best we can do is head to the hotel and go buy you some clothes tomorrow- he offered with a smile

Rukia visibly relaxed. Somehow her captain's smile always managed to ease off her anger or anxieties away. Plus, he was right, they were just wasting time in there. –You are right, taichou- she said.

As soon as they left the baggage area they saw a tall man holding a sign that said 'Ukitake & Kuchiki'. They greeted the driver who took their bags and led them to an expensive looking car.

Soon, they arrived to their hotel. Ukitake tipped the driver while Rukia looked at the hotel's structure, amazed by its splendor.

The building was very tall, with white walls, and consisted mostly of reflective glass. The main entranced surrounded by palm trees, fountains and lights. She could see people on the balconies chatting, drinking, or smoking a cigarette.

She heard Juushiro call her, and she saw he had already given the bellman their bags, and was walking into the lobby. She quickly followed behind.

Juushiro gave the receptionist their reservation form. The man quickly read it and typed the reservation number into the computer. His eyes widened

-Oh! You're our special guests!- the receptionist exclaimed with a smile –Welcome to the Seven Wonders Beach Resort!- he said as he handed them the card keys to their room and got out of the counter, signaling for another member of the staff to take over –Please follow me, I will take you to the Master Suite-

Rukia and Juushiro followed the man into the elevator. On their way to the room the receptionist explained all the benefits of the master suite. Rukia and Juushiro's eyes widened as the man spoke.

The suite took up one whole floor, which was the very last one. It had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen, living room, huge closets, a Jacuzzi, and a private swimming pool.

Damn that Byakuya, Juushiro thought, he really went over the board this time.

The receptionist opened the door to the suite and led them in and told them their baggage would arrive soon. Juushiro thanked the man and closed the door after he left.

He took the time to look around the suite. Big wasn't enough of a word to describe it. It was huge! The living room was tastefully decorated with beige leather couches that sat around a big flat-screen TV. The walls were painted in white and soft earthy tones. A small glass coffee table was placed between the couches and the TV.

Next to the living room was the kitchen. It was big and spacious, and it was fully equipped. He went to check the fridge and to his surprise it was fully stocked.

At the end of the living room he saw glass doors, which led to the balcony. He would've gone to see it, but a yawn escaped his lips and he realized he was really tired even though he had slept through the entire flight.

He looked at Rukia, who had also been looking around the suite, her eyes wide as saucers.

-H-how did the 1st division afford this?- Rukia asked, surprise evident in her voice.

Juushiro laughed –We were actually supposed to stay in another hotel, but as soon as your brother caught wind of that he changed our hotel for one more 'befitting of a Kuchiki-

Rukia looked at her captain, her mouth hanging open –Nii-sama did that?- she asked.

Juushiro nodded and another yawn escaped his lips, though he covered it with his hand –I guess we should sleep. It is kind of late-

Rukia nodded. She too was tired. She had no idea that traveling could be that exhausting

-Which room do you want, Kuchiki-san?- Juushiro asked her.

Rukia immediately pointed to the room next to the balcony –I'll take that one- she said as she grabbed her bags

Juushiro nodded –I guess I will take the other one- he said as he grabbed his suitcase and his bags and headed for his room –Good night, Kuchiki-san- he said as he opened the door to his room.

-Good night, Ukitake-taichou- she answered as she walked into the room. She turned on the lights and was greeted by a huge bedroom with a king-size bed. She was too tired to look around so she just opened her carry-on baggage and looked for something to sleep on

-DAMN!- she yelled. Soon, she heard hurried steps and a worried Juushiro knocked on her door.

-Kuchiki-san! Is everything all right?- he asked. A couple of seconds later Rukia opened the door, and poked her face out, blushing.

-It's nothing taichou…-she said while looking at her feet –it just that my pajamas are in my suitcase that didn't arrive, and I don't have anything to sleep on.

Juushiro smiled at her –Wait a moment- he said as he walked to his bedroom. He quickly came back with a white shirt –If you don't mind you can use this shirt- he offered

Rukia blushed, but grabbed the shirt her captain offered. She wasn't fond of sleeping without clothes so she took what he offered –Thank you, Ukitake-taichou. Are you sure you don't mind me using your clothes?- she asked.

Juushiro looked at her –Of course I don't! Don't worry about it. I'll see you tomorrow, Kuchiki-san!- he said –sleep well-

Rukia smiled at her captain –Thank you. You too taichou- she said and closed the door.

She quickly changed into the shirt her captain gave her. It was big on her, it reached a bit above her knees. She pulled the covers of the bed and climbed in. She grabbed a pillow and hugged it with one hand, and pulled the covers over herself with the other.

As she tried to fall asleep she caught a nice scent, which she realized was coming from the shirt. It was a soft, yet manly scent, of slight cinnamon and wood. Is this how Ukitake-taichou smells? she thought. She felt herself blush to her ears. This is her captain she was thinking about!

She couldn't help it though –He smells good…- she muttered as the scent slowly lulled her to a nice, deep sleep.

Hi everyone!

This is my first Bleach fanfic!

For some reason I recently became obsessed with this pairing, and since there isn't enough Ukitake/Rukia out there, I decided to make my own!

I hope you enjoy my story!

M. L Discordia