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It had been a terrifying battle in Huecco Mundo, so now that everyone was healed up, for the most part, there was to be a celebration. Rangiku had suggested a party like those of the lower world which she had heard so much about from a few of the humans she came into contact with while staying there a few months back. Along with the rest of the shinigami women's association, Rangiku promised that this party would be too good to miss. Rukia had to admit that she was still exhausted from the long battle, but the thought of a long night off with friends sounded nice.
Rukia sat in on the first women's meeting since the battle weeks prior just a few days ago. During the meeting, all of the women had agreed on hosting the party in division 10's main headquarters, much to Hitsugaya taicho's dismay. Rangiku had somehow managed to talk her Taicho into letting it happen though. Now, days after all the planning, the gathering was going to take place tonight around eight. Rangiku had already made Rukia promise that she would attend four days ago when she had visited the 13th division office during her break. "And you have to get Kuchiki taicho to come along as well. All of the ladies have been dying to get a glimpse of soul society's number 1 most wanted shinagami!" She had squealed excitedly. "Matsumoto-san, I don't think…" Rukia was cut off abruptly. "He's your brother Rukia-chan. If anyone can convince him, it would be you. Besides you still owe us all for your failure at getting those shirtless photos of him a few months back." Rukia looked mortified. "Matsumoto-san, he's my nii-sama! I can't just go around snapping photos of that nature." Rangiku smiled coyly. "Rukia-chan, I think you are the only female in soul society who doesn't think that Kuchiki Taicho is hot." Rukia could feel her cheeks heating up at the awkward conversation. "That's normal! I'm his sister!" Rukia crooned. "Yeah, yeah." Rangiku said. "I'm just sayin', if I was in your place I would be taking advantage of the opportunity. Just remember to invite him. That's all I ask." With that Rangiku turned and walked out of the office.
That was four days ago and Rukia had yet to get up the courage to ask her Nii-sama to come to the dinner. Oh, she had tried several times, but either was misunderstood or lost her courage. Sure, Nii-sama had been much friendlier with her since her impending death sentence; however, he was still very strict, and not to mention scary at times. As Rukia thought of a new approach to go about this whole mess, her mind ran through her failed attempts.
-flashback-
It was three days ago, and Byakuya was taking his tea out in the garden. Rukia had insisted to the servant that she wished to bring her Nii-sama his tea, and was begrudgingly handed the tray after much pleading. Rukia walked out to the garden where she saw her nii-sama perched on a small wooden bench. Rukia slowly walked up to him, holding the tray carefully. "Your tea, Nii-sama" Rukia said as she held his cup in front of him. He looked up at her immediately. "Rukia, why are you serving me instead of the servants?" He asked as he took his cup into his hands. "Well, um…that is….I" She stuttered. "Rukia, it is most unbecoming for a member of a noble family to stumble upon their words." He looked over at her with a stern look. Rukia lowered her head in apology. "Gomen, Nii-sama. Um…I brought you your tea so that I may have a chance to..." Just then one of the servants rushed up to Byakuya. "Sorry to disturb you, Lord Kuchiki-Sama, but there is a young man here who wishes to speak with you. He says it is important." Byakuya lifted himself from his seat with an agitated expression and started walking towards the doorway. "Please show him to my study." He said curtly. The servant bowed and made her way through the door. Byakuya stopped just in front of the door. "Rukia, we will convene this discussion at a later time." Rukia bowed respectfully. "Hai, Nii-sama." And that was that.
Last night, Rukia had failed again. She had not seen her nii Sama since she had spoken with him in the garden days before. He had either been working late or held up in his personal chambers. Rumors from the servants had made it sound like he had been very temperamental as of the past couple of days. So Rukia was a little nervous when she and her nii-sama were in the dining room having their first meal together in days. Rukia hated the silence of their meals. She hated silence in general, and her brother was about as talkative as the stuffed chappy that she had lying on her bed. She decided to test the waters to see if the servant's rumors had any stock. Rukia cleared her throat. "I hope that you have been well, Nii-sama." Rukia said as she looked at her brother's reaction to her words. Byakuya looked over at her small frame. "I am, thank you. I also hope that you have been properly eating during the meals that I had to miss." Rukia checked, but saw no emotion in his eyes as he spoke. Maybe he wasn't angry. "Hai. I have been sure to follow Nii-sama's instructions." She said in a low tone. Byakuya just nodded and went back to his meal. After the food, when the tea came Rukia knew she had no time left. "Nii-sama…" her voice rang through the silent room. "Yes?" He asked while glancing up at her from his cup. "There is a matter I wish to discuss with you." Rukia looked down quickly. "It is regarding the party hosted by division 10." Rukia could feel her face heat up as she tried getting her request out. "Rukia, it is only polite to look at the person you are speaking to." He berated her. Rukia looked up immediately. "Hai, Nii-sama. My apologies." "As long as you understand." He took a sip of his tea and then returned his gaze to her. "As for the social gathering you spoke of, you need not ask my permission to go. You are permitted to do as you like as long as it is within the laws of Seireitei and does not dishonor the Kuchiki name." He had misunderstood and Rukia was not about to correct him. "Arigato, Nii-sama." She looked down, defeated. "Was that all?" He asked while motioning for the servants to clear the table. "That is all. Sorry for troubling you." Rukia placed her napkin on the table. "I am going to retire to my quarters. Good night Nii-sama." she said while standing to push in her chair. He simply nodded his head and did the same.
-end flashback-
All of Rukia's attempts had ended in total failure. Needless to say, she only had a few hours before it would be too late. It was a little after lunch time and the party would commence this evening, so she had to act. Rukia had learned from her Nii-sama's personal habits that he would be in his study practicing his calligraphy around this time. Rukia made her way down the hall and towards his personal study. Rukia came to a sudden halt in front of his door. She suddenly realized that she had come here with no plan as to how to ask. "You may enter, Rukia." She jumped as she heard Byakuya's voice from the other side of the door. Of course he would be able to sense her reitsu, she thought to herself before opening the door slowly.