Disclaimer: I don't own anything in connection with Bleach… *sighs*
A/N: Hey everyone! After almost a week (?), here's the next chapter. Hope you all would like it. I forgot to say this on my first chapter, but I would like to say sorry if there are grammar or spelling mistakes… Thanks for those who reviewed this story or made it as their favorite… I appreciate your comments…^^,
Chapter 2
Days have passed by and silence. Silence in their small room throughout the manor. She let out a small exhalation, still thinking on what he had said last time. Those words were still screaming inside her head like boisterous children in a playground. She shook her head to shove those thoughts away. Then, she looked at the scarf with the bunny image she had knitted. If only she was a little bit careful, then she would've been admonished. She let out another breath and released it, even longer this time.
A knock on the door made Rukia fixed herself to look a little presentable. This is a noble house after all; she should just act like one or on second thought, who the heck cares if she doesn't act like one?
"Excuse me" a servant was on the other side.
"Yes, what is it?" Rukia asked.
The door opened for the servant's proper manner of giving a message. "Kuchiki-sama, you are cordially invited to a party organized by the 13th squad for their celebration."
"Party? What would be about?" Rukia raised her eyebrow in confusion. She wasn't informed about this, this morning or the day before.
"This is actually sudden and had been produced by Captain Ukitake. It seems that the purpose of the said occasion is to congratulate themselves for a job well done over the past years."
"Oh," Rukia's voice was filled with satisfaction from the said information. Why not celebrate? They have been doing their best for a long time… No, we have been doing our best…, she thought. The servant closed the door after saying "That is all" and it's as if he only babbled about the last statement so she didn't get to say thanks. Rukia quickly got up and went out. She didn't know that Byakuya was also informed of the same thing.
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Byakuya didn't really worry about his clothing; he already had numerous of those in the inner part of his room. It will get a little chilly at night so he should just wear a tux instead. Maybe he should just add a scarf around his neck—
He remembered the incident last time and now that he had said it, he was relieved and regretful at the same time. Relieved in a way that he had let those feelings of concern out of his chest and the fact that Rukia's face was flushed with mixed emotions, most which were shocked. They haven't spoken to each other ever since, but he still would make check on her. He would use other methods such as flash steps or asking any of his 'assistants' to know her whereabouts. Speaking of places, where is she? He could feel that her presence was far from the house and importantly, from him. He called one of his 'assistants' and nodded at him as if expecting an answer immediately.
"Captain Kuchiki-sama, Rukia is currently heading to the real world. The guards asked her purpose and she just smiled and went off. Sincere apologies."
Byakuya answered back coldly, "Is that so? You may leave."
He sat back to his chair which was more comfortable than before. He might a well work on some papers for the 6th squad with his lieutenant, Renji Abarai and prepare tonight after. He went outside and continued to walk until he was before a cherry tree. A flower petal landed on his palm and an image of Rukia flashed in his mind. He closed his hand with the petal tight and trudged along the manor.
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Rukia went to the party an hour early. Ten people are present but it is enough to let herself be less noticeable. Going shopping with her friend, Orihime Inoue was wearisome but fun. She would try out some casual dresses that would fit her and Inoue would be her judge. Inoue would just praise her for every outfit she wore but she had a point. All of them are just adorable. Just as they both had lost hope for picking the perfect garb, she had spotted the right one. As she tried it on and showed to her orange-haired friend, both of them just grinned in delight. After talking with her captain and fellow subordinates (some even asked to dance with her including him as well), she went to a corner where a pond was located. Rukia observed her reflection on it, especially her clothing. A halter lavender-colored dress, with layers of even lighter shades of fabric overlapping the real color of the said dress from her waist downwards. It's neither plain nor over designed. Her feet wore black leather high-heeled sandals by long black straps tied neatly to her legs.
After gazing herself in the pond, she clopped back to the event wherein the people had increased a lot. The time has also advanced forward so fast that the party is in its halfway.
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Byakuya had just listened to a couple of short dreary speeches. He was used t it but he guessed that he was not interested since it's not in connection with hollows or the balance of the real world and the spirit world. He also had finished talking to Captain Ukitake who was the one who sent the invitation and the aristocrats that just joined in for whatever reasons. As a noble, it is his duty to leave good impression to them and now that's been taken care of, he can look for her.
His sharp eyes roamed around searching for the raven-haired maiden. After some time, he felt like it was a thousand years, he had seen Rukia. He observed her attractive look from afar which seemed to alleviate everyone around her. He had to admit, he was one of those people who were captivated with her enticing presence. His look didn't lose any sign of exasperation as he looked at her. In return, she also did the same.
From her distance, she liked Byakuya's style for tonight, a tuxedo with black trousers, a black neck tie and black leather shoes. It was all black, except for the long white sleeves he's wearing underneath. She walked past everyone heading towards him. Byakuya still retained his composure as she came inch by inch.
"Nii-sama… I didn't know you were here. I'm sorry if I haven't been with you." She closed her eyes to seal anymore embarrassment she was having right now. Byakuya just stared her like he always had been doing but instead of continuing his usual glare or just saying "It's alright", he bowed down and offered his right hand in front of her.
Rukia's mind stopped functioning. Wait, what's this? What's his brother doing? Focus Rukia, focus. He just bowed down in front of you and offered his hand. Is this what she thinks it is? Is Byakuya intending to dance with her?
A/N: If you've noticed, Byakuya and Rukia's clothing here are from the real world, not their usual shinigami clothes… I kinda liked it that way…After all, it's my story…Please review!