Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Byakuya walked over to the veranda to sit, placing the wooden sword beside him. As he looked up at the clear sky, his mind once again drifted to thoughts of a certain raven-haired Rukongai girl. It'd been a few days since the day he met her and since then he couldn't help but think about her.

Why? He didn't know and it irritated him.

Deciding he needed a walk, he grabbed his zanpakuto and flash-stepped out of the Kuchiki residence. Several minutes later, he found himself in the same place from where he'd departed with her. When he didn't see her, he flash-stepped through the district, following the faint trail of her reitsu. It led him through the forest to a small clearing some distance away where it was silent aside from the sound of leaves and branches swaying in the cooling breeze. In the center of the clearing stood the one he'd been looking for, executing several cuts and stabs through the air as if fighting an invisible opponent. Sitting on the branch of a sturdy tree, he watched her in silence. From what he could tell, her skills were admirable, each execution smooth and precise. But what attracted him was the way she moved. She moved in a gracious manner, as if dancing, that mesmerized him.

It wasn't until a few hours later that she ceased from her training. Deciding to make his presence know, he flash-stepped across the distance to appear directing beside her. "You are pretty good."

Startled, she moved to reach for her zanpakuto but halted when she recognized who it was. "Thanks, noble brat."

A throbbing vein appeared on his temple as he scowled. "I told you not to call me that. It's Kuchiki-sama to you, insolent girl."

"So, what brings you here?"

"That is none of your concern. I do as I please." As if he would tell her he came to see her due to the plaguing thoughts he'd had of her for the last couple of days.

She looked at him skeptically before shrugging and walking off. With no choice, he followed as she made her way through the forest. Flash-stepping across the huts of the Rukongai district, he began to get curious as they didn't seem to head to no particular destination. After a short while, he turned to look at her. "What exactly is your purpose of wandering about?"

"I'm patrolling."

He raised an eyebrow. "Patrolling?"

She nodded. "Like I said before, I make it my duty to protect these people. Every day I patrol in order to look out for bandits, criminals, etc."

A small commotion suddenly pulled her attention. Landing a short distance away, Byakuya saw that the commotion was in fact a man beating up two small children. Angered, he made a move to confront the bastard and teach him a few lessons but was beat to it when Rukia appeared in front of the children to shield them from another kick.

The man yelled at her when she wouldn't move. "Move out of the way, girl. Those two need to be taught a lesson about stealing my profits."

Instead of punching the man like he would have done, she bowed in apology. "I'm terribly sorry, sir. You've done enough. They have been warned." Before he could retort, she gave him a finalizing glare.

Scowling, he gave the children a last glare before returning to his stand. Byakuya followed Rukia as she led the children away. Squatting to their level, Rukia gently touched both of the children's bruised and dirtied faces. When they flinched, as if waiting for her to hit them, she gave them a gentle smile.

"It's alright; I'm not going to hurt you." She then gave them a stern look. "Be careful next time." Reaching into her kimono, she withdrew a small wrapping of bread and handed it to them.

"Here you go." They stared at her with a mixture of disbelief and happiness before taking it and giving her a hug. "Thank you, onee-chan!" The two then ran down the street.

Byakuya looked over at her. "Is it really ok to tell them to be careful next time they attempt to steal? That's only encouraging them."

Her expression saddened. "Maybe not, but it's the only advise I have. That's the way most us Rukongai kids are forced to live our life in order to survive. It's either steal for a small chance of survival or die from starvation."

They continued on the patrol of the Rukongai. Byakuya parted ways with her some time later in order to return home before someone began to worry about him. Once again, thoughts plagued his mind, but this time of Rukia's words instead of her images. He hadn't said anything to her in retort to her words because there was really nothing he could say. Never in his life had he had to worry about a meal. If he expressed even the smallest urge for food, entire platters were presented to him then thrown away when he was satisfied.

The next day, he found her in the clearing, once again training with her zanpakuto. She stopped when she notice what he carried in his hands. Finding a spot in the clearing, Byakuya spread the small blanket before sitting and placing the basket beside him. Pulling out the small boxes of food, he spread them in front of him.

Glancing up at her curious face, he grabbed a pair of chopsticks and opened one of the boxes. "This clearing is a nice place to have lunch. Why don't you join me? I feel that it's rude to eat in front of others without offering. Besides, I seem to have packed too much." Without looking at her, he proceeded to eat. As she smiled and sat beside him, he ignored the small blush that spread across his face.

This routine continued for the next couple of weeks as he came to see her every few days. During each visit he continued to try and convince her to enroll into the Academy, but failed to sway her. He was beginning to think that it was useless trying to convince the stubborn girl. Then the day came.

They were patrolling when they suddenly felt a strong reitsu. Rukia looked over at Byakuya in surprise. "What was that?"

Brows furrowed, he headed in the direction of the reitsu. "Hollows."

"What's that?" Confusion was evident on her face.

They arrived at an area of huts that had been destroyed as if by a crushing force. He looked pointedly at the creatures that were chasing after the helpless people who ran in terror. "Those."

After a momentary shock, Rukia moved to protect a child that was about to be grabbed by one of the hollows. Slicing off its arm, she carried the child away and placed him in a safe area before fighting the hollow. As she killed it, another appeared directly behind her before she could react.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." The hollow was destroyed before it could touch her. Wiping out the remaining hollows, Byakuya sheathed his zanpakuto before going over to Rukia who was helping the injured.

Sometime later, Byakuya spoke into the silence as they headed away from the site. "As you can see, there are worse dangers you can protect others from as a soul reaper."

Without looking at him, she nodded. "Yeah."

A/N: Well, there's the second chapter for you eager fans (Especially you, ~My Seven Sins of Love~. Thanks for your support!). I look forward to your REVIEWs!! Press the magic button below and get a prize!! (~Just Kidding~ ……but seriously, press the green button.)