Hi xD

As promised, here I am to update the chapter 2 of The Duke's Lover: The Unfortunate Proposal

Firstly, I have to say I didn't expect 20 reviews in my very first chapter. I'm glad so many of you added this story to your favorites and follows and left me so kind reviews. (vicky73, Yuukinna, L, Shanoko, LuciL06, ReckoningDay, loyalbyafan, arlingtonsteward, seras3791, Guest, PAMILA DE CASTRO, Guest, Red Cr0w, aria, DRUON, Rafaela05, silverqueen, Jasmine, Guest, ofelspring 44). Thank you! You're amazing! I'll reply them tonight, after I'm back from my work.

Again, this chapter isn't betaed, so you know… If you find many mistakes, let me know and I'll correct them asap.

is joining some words when I upload the chapter here. I'll check them all later, okz?

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, but I own this plot.

Warnings: Will contain at times; violence, sexual, drugs and historical references, coarse language, and possibly OCCness.


Chapter 2. The Unfortunate Proposal


"Dear Diary, have you ever been in a dead end?"

Rukia opened the curtains of the living room and sighed. The sky was dull, gray… Just like her feelings. And… Sad. It was not like her. She was not sad, she could not even feel that way, because she was angry. But the storm forming far away was exactly like her.

Sighing, she closed the curtains and decided not to clean the windows. It would rain very soon and her work would be useless.

As useless as her visit to the Duke's house in the last day.

As useless as her reputation right now.

"Good morning prettiest maid of the Earth," Rangiku said entering the living room. She outstretched her arms and yawned.

Narrowing her eyes, Rukia wondered how her friend could sleep so well when she spent her night wide-awake.

"What the hell was it, Rangiku?" she yelled angrily, throwing the morning newspaper at her face.

"Huh?" the blond woman asked, catching the newspaper in the air. She sat on the couch and looked up at Rukia confused.

"You know, I hate you. What the he..."

"Ah… No one should ever hear such filth words so early in the morning!" she complained, opening the newspaper without even looking at its cover. "And I don't like reading newspaper."

"I am the one here who shouldn't look at your face!" the girl exclaimed in a low tone while rubbing her temples. A vain attempt to ease the terrible headache that haunted her since that very dawn. "Why didn't you tell me?" her tone increased an octave.

"What are you talking about?" Rangiku's voice was serious now.

"No one told me the Duke and Hisana… they were… well… they already knew each other…" Her last words came out as whispers.

"Huh? Do you mean lovers?"

"Read the news at once!" Rukia sat down in the couch placed in front of Rangiku and massaged her entire head. She could foresee a strong wave of migraine. "You will know how I ended up the night of our lives with my reputation destroyed."

Quickly, Rangiku opened the newspaper and went directly to the Social Column. Her eyes shot wide as she read what was written there. After a while, she exploded in a burst of laughter.

"Hahahaha. Really? I can't believe it! Wait let me read it once again!"

Rukia crossed her arms at her chest, her eyes burning with anger. She wanted to kill her friend!

Straightening in her sit position, Rangiku cleared her throat before reading it aloud.

Recently arrived from the continent, Your Grace, the Duke Byakuya Kuchiki, as always made the hearts of the most beautiful ladies of our court beat accelerated last night at his birthday celebration. As customary, the Duke came late to the Ballroom, however, this time he chose a girl to the opening dance. The daughter of the Marquis of Foxworthy, Soi Fong Kyouraku was the lucky lady. At least she would be if it was not a mysterious lady to whom the Duke kept looking at during a good time.

Rukia shut her eyes fiercely as her friend finished the first big paragraph. She herself could not believe those words yet.

"WOW, Rukia! And there is more? Really?"

"Rangiku…" she started in a pleading tone. She really did not want to read that all over again. It was far too embarrassing.

As he kept Lady Kyouraku for a second dance, all the other ladies started dreaming of dancing with the Duke, since he usually does not dance at any prom he attends to. Each one of them was expectantly waiting their time and when the second dance was finished, they were probably trembling in excitement. Nevertheless, the magic moment faded away as soon as the Duke left the dance floor and joined some of his friends. The conversation did not last too much, for soon he left the Ballroom and a surprised Lady Kyouraku behind, walking to his garden.

Rangiku took a break, looked at Rukia's face and pouted a little at seeing her features contorted into a grimace.

"It's getting interesting, Rukia! I can't understand why you are so upset! I'd give my soul away to be in your skin right now!"

"You… would… not…" She whispered under her breath.

The buxom woman just ignored her and continued reading while sipping some tea.

With such action, the Duke broke all the ladies' hearts, which was not a surprise at all. He is not known as heartless for being attentive with women. The Duke left on his own birthday celebration. The ladies were inconsolable! But it was not the most interesting happening of the whole night. The Duke's goddaughter woke up at the end of the Ball and found the missing Duke at his chambers. The biggest surprise, however, was that he was not alone, but in the companion of the same young lady he analyzed so much in the Ballroom. Needless to say, they were found in a very romantic way, lying on his silky red sheets. The big question is who is this mysterious woman? What did she do to our preferred cold bachelor? Is she going to be the next duch…"

"STOP!" Rukia yelled.

"WOW! You had a very hectic night, Rukia." Rangiku eyed her, malice printed on her blue eyes.

"Huh! It wasn't my fault! I just sneaked into his chambers and was looking for… Wait!" She pointed a finger at Rangiku's face. "I don't have to explain myself! Tell me right now why you didn't tell me they knew each other."

"I assume you read Lady Lisa's column, maid." Rangiku replied emphasizing to the word maid.

Rukia frowned a bit. Why the hell would she read that defaming column? The woman used to badmouth everything and everyone! Her eyes grew bigger as saucers as she caught the real meaning behind those simple words.

Shaking her head, she sighed a little louder. Needless to say, her reputation was already damaged. Nothing could make it worse.

"That's why he kept eyeing you all the time."

"How could I imagine it?"

Matsumoto was really surprised. She opened her mouth in disbelief. Jesus! It was a joke, right? Rukia could not be so innocent.

"Rukia, you are not a child anymore. And he is... he is a... man," she started but suddenly stopped. "Wait. Did you not know Hisana was a prostitute before she became an actress?"

"Yes, but…"

How could she know Hisana was the Duke's… lover?

"Wait…" A bright smilegarnished the buxom woman's features. "I thought you didn't care about love. Are you afraid of falling for him?"

"What do you mean..."

"You know, he is a handsome man and you can find yourself someday on his bed again and this time there won't be anyone to stop him... and... you know..." She then squealed in excitement. "Oh my God, I can't believe my friend and a Duke!"

She frowned trying to understand Rangiku's words. When she noticed the dirty game her friend was playing, the petite woman clenched her fists to control her anger.

"I'm not single! You know it!"

Rangiku bit her bottom lip to struggle a loud laugh. It seemed difficult, though.

"I don't think he loves you or vice-versa."

Rukia looked away as her love situation was mentioned. It still hurt. It was not exactly nice to know that your groom was in love with another woman.

"It's not a matter of love, but respect."

Yes. That was it. There was no love between them, but there was respect and respect meant everything.

"It doesn't matter. He's far from here now. He's…" She did not mention the situation, afraid of someone hearing them. "And it ended yesterday. Did you get the notebook, right?"

"Hm…" Rukia bit her lower lip. "No. I couldn't find it."

"WHAT?"

"Shhhhhh." Rukia put a finger on Rangiku's lips. "Do not scream! Do you want to warn the entire city?"

"I'm sorry, Rukia, I was just caught off guard. But well… What were you doing on his chambers if the notebook wasn't there?"

"Well…"

Rukia felt her cheeks growing warm at the mere remembrance of that embarrassing moment. She knew she was blushing hardly... Again.

She was truly ready to jump down that balcony, but he pinned her against his body and crashed his lips against hers. Yes! He kissed her! And it was not the kind of kiss she used to share with her groom. It was passionate, intense and hot. The kind of caress that only lovers make to one another.

The mere remembrance of his lips touching hers and his warm tongue seeking entrance to slide inside her mouth made her legs weak.

Gosh! Rukia could still remember how he deepened the kiss, taking advantage that she was gaping, to sneak his hot tongue inside her mouth to entangle it on slowly. Surprised, she did not know what she should do to make him stop. Her protests died on his mouth. His ragged breath mixed with hers as he pulled her close, pinning her body against his in a tight embrace. Rukia gasped into his mouth and pressed her hands on his shoulders, trying to stand upright as her legs seemed melted.

It was only when she felt him breaking the kiss and moving his lips to her neck that she realized what she had done.

"Rukia," Matsumoto called pulling her from the reverie. "Are you okay?"

"No. I'm not. My head is aching. It feels like exploding," she answered holding her temples and massaging it slowly.

"I didn't… But since you mentioned it… Did you get your pills?" Her tone was filled with concern. "I mean… it's been a long since you—

"I was there because once it was not in his study I thought it could be in his bedroom. But when I was leaving, he arrived and kissed me." Rukia cut her off. "And don't worry about my headache. You know it's just temporary. I'll be better soon."

Yeah. There was no need for everybody to suddenly get concerned about her heath. That pain was just… Normal. She was used to it and she knew it would go away. At least that was what she was expecting.

"Did he fucking kiss you?"

"Who is speaking like a street rat now?"

"Well… I can't hide my excitement! You were kissed by the bloody gorgeous Duke, Byakuya Kuchiki! But well… I'm sorry. You can continue. What have you done?"

That was it.

The first thing she did as she regained her senses was to slap him across the face and retreat some steps back. Shock could be read all over his features and the same could be told about her as she saw the form of her small hand perfectly designed on his face.

Then he said that name again.

Hisana…

And asked why she had done it. Of course, at this point she was no longer breathing and when she woke up, the mess was done.

"I slapped him and fainted."

"Hahahaaha." Rangiku's loud laughter echoed in the room. "Did you simulate a faint?"

"No!" She was indignant. She was totally against this kind of feminine thing. "I fainted. I really fainted."

"Aaaah… I understand. Do you think we should call the Doctor?"

"No, I am fine. Really."

"And what happened then? I mean, when you woke up…"

This question made Rukia blush once again. Not because of what he was doing. She knew he was not doing it on purpose, but because he wanted to help her. However, when she woke up, her eyes still dizzy and her head spinning around, his hands were exactly… on her cleavage.

It would be completely fine, once he was just loosening her corset. Nevertheless, in that moment, in that exactly fucking moment, the door swung open and a child called him.

Uncle Byakuya… She could pronounce the words with the same intonation the hellish child. Then she screamed happily Uncle Byakuya finally got a girlfriend! Of course, her scream attracted a few guests to the room.

If she had known there would be such fuss, she would gladly pretend she was still passed out, but she supported herself on elbows, causing her face to stay a few inches far from his. Needless to say, in the darkened space, it seemed she was kissing him.

The damage was done.

"Well… He was trying to help me with the corset, but his niece arrived and screamed for the entire Kingdom to hear that I was his new girlfriend."

"Well… She could have said his whore. Noble children know quite early that their dads have another woman apart from their moms. And... just to let you know, The Duke doesn't have any brother, so the girl is not his niece. She's his goddaughter."

"You are not making me feel better. And just to let you know, I do not care if the hellish kid is his niece or his goddaughter."

Rangiku waved her hand and rolled her eyes. Then, with a bright smile she clapped her hands and asked with a girlish voice.

"How is his kiss? Does he kiss well? Is he good? Tell me! Tell me!"

"I tell you my reputation is damaged and you ask me if I liked his kiss? What a good friend you are!"

"I thought you did not care about it."

"I don't." She sighed and fell on the couch, covering her face with a cushion. "But I would be better if I could pass unnoticed by everybody in the streets."

"Well… That's the price for—

She was cut midst of her sentence when Barragan entered the room.

Both of them quickly got up and bowed dutifully.

"Lord Barragan!" They chanted in unison.

"Where is the notebook?"

"It is with…" Rangiku started, but Rukia placed her right hand on her mouth. She did not need any protection.

"Actually, my lord," She sighed. "I couldn't find it." She gave the same answer she had given minutes ago to her friend.

"Then you will back today there and you will find it." He said nonchalantly and turned on his heels to leave them alone.

"No. I won't."

"What?" Rangiku exclaimed, surprised. Barragan merely looked at her over his shoulder.

"I won't see that perverted man again. Let alone sneak into his bedroom!"

No. She would not. How could she? How could she handle such a situation? She had a groom!

Rukia closed her eyes when Ichigo's face crossed her mind. No. There was no way she could do it.

"We need this notebook, Rukia."

"My lord, I know, but I… I beg you…"

"You just didn't find the notebook because it wasn't on his chambers right?"

"Yes, but…"

"Become his lover."

"W-WHAT?" Rukia and Rangiku asked in unison.

"I read the newspaper this morning. He messed up your reputation and if I really know him, he will propose you soon. Just accept it."

"But I…"

"My lord… I don't think Ichigo would approve it."

Rukia opened her mouth surprised, but no sound came out. Rangiku was really helping her?

"Ichigo has no word in this case. He was in such a mess because of him."

"Hey! It's not true! He tried his best to help us! It was not his fault if they caught him!"

Barragan looked deeply into her eyes and opened his mouth about to say something, but stopped as Rangiku put her finger on her plump lips and signalized to him keep quiet. Closing his mouth, he turned on his heels and left the room, his last words sending a chill up Rukia's spine.

"Things won't be that way."

As soon as the door closed behind him, Rangiku stood up and hugged Rukia, tucking her head into her big breasts. The petite woman felt stifled and waved her hand, asking for freedom, but the blond one did not allow her go, pulling her even closer instead.

"Don't worry my poor thing. Things will get better. You'll see!"

Rukia did not reply Rangiku's enthusiastic answer, but she had the feeling that things would not be as easy as they thought ― and she wanted.

###

She was not Hisana…

Even though they looked so much alike, that woman was not Hisana.

She was not Hisana…

"My lord?" an old man called him in an inquiringly tone. Byakuya snapped back from his reverie and focused his attention on what his business partner was saying. "Do you find such terms suitable?"

He nodded eyeing the five men sitting around him. They were discussing about his new ship since very early in that morning. They were very excited with the mere idea of delivering the vessel before the first planned date. He was content as well, but he could not stay focused in such matter when…

"Your Grace," one of them called him again, causing Byakuya to scold himself mentally for being so distracted. "Have you chosen a name for your steamboat?"

He looked at them blankly. Name? Then he recalled he had not chosen one yet.

"No."

"If I may suggest you…" he started, but stopped unsure. When Byakuya nodded his approval, he continued, "My lord… Why not the name of your future Duchess? It may bring luck to your business and bless the…"

Byakuya was no longer listening to the man. Wife? What wife? He did not… Right. The note he received from Yoruichi in the breakfast. And of course there was The Times. Why in the whole Earth did he forget to read the newspaper? Maybe because he already knew that he would not like what was written there even if subconsciously.

Focusing his attention on the men again, he cut his partner off on his blessing marriage speech.

"This meeting is over."

Speechless, all of them stared at him blankly. None could understand such shift on his humor but did not complain nonetheless. Silently, they left the Duke alone, who started reading the agreement he needed to approve. He had many decisions to make and deal with…

To be honest, Byakuya was still trying to understand what happened last night in his bedroom. His mind was still clouded every time he remembered her shocked face and her shaky and indignant voice as she…

"Your Grace…" Another voice brought him from the land of his thoughts. It was slightly unsure. "What should I do?"

Good. The maid. He had sent his partnerships away without even remembering the breakfast he had ordered earlier.

"You may…"

"Leave it here, sweetheart." A mocking voice echoed in the study room.

The raven-haired man averted his eyes from the document and met brilliant teeth in front of his face. The blond man waved and then stretched his long legs over the chair beside the one he was sitting on. He then threw a magazine at Byakuya and the current newspaper, who merely looked at it but kept quiet nonetheless.

"Go ahead. Read it." He could not hide his smile. It irritated Byakuya to no end. "It's all about your future wife, or should I use Lisa's words 'Ardent Lover'?"

No word left the Duke's lips. His face also remained the same, even though one could say he was more than annoyed with Shinji's mischievous smile.

He looked quickly at the magazine. But did not take his time to read it thoroughly. A few words as Ardent Lover, suspicious position, finally getting along with a woman were sufficient to make him close it and stop the reading.

"Your…" the maid opened her mouth again. She was still glued in place looking at both of them not knowing what to do.

"You may leave," Byakuya cut her off without looking at her.

"Yes, Your Grace…" She bowed dutifully and pulled the trolley with her.

"Love…" Shinji called. His tone was sweet and fake. "You may leave the breakfast here." And by slapping her round ass, he cupped a strawberry and shoved it into his mouth. The maid flushed madly. "And also…" He winked maliciously. "Bring some brandy. Your Grace and I are… celebrating a little bit."

"Do not do it," Byakuya warned the maid in a very low tone. "And take the trolley with you."

No extra words were needed for her to follow his order. When she closed the door, Byakuya finally looked at Shinji in a very disapproving way, but did not voice his opinion.

"Oh come on, Byakuya! I thought your humor would be better after spending the whole night fucking a girl."

Byakuya closed his eyes briefly at the world fuck. Shinji and his filth mouth irritated him to no end. Not to mention his great ability to sleep with all his servants.

Being a Duke and businessman, Byakuya needed a trustworthy secretary, or assistant, and Shinji, being his childhood friend and someone he trusted, was a good choice for the job.

After they returned from the war, Shinji knew his brother had spent the small amount of money he received from their father, a baronet. Unemployed and with a family to sustain, Byakuya chose him to be his assistant.

He was starting to regret his decision.

"What?" He stopped the strawberry a few inches from his mouth. "Didn't you sleep with her?" He then chewed the fruit and spoke while eating. "Really, man? I feel sorry for you now."

"It seems you have not read The Times yet."

"Well… I stayed with Madam Lisa's version." He smirked maliciously. "Now tell me who is the unfortunate girl?"

Byakuya did not reply, looking back at his document. He was not reading it, however. The Duke was far more entranced on his memories of last night.

At first, right after the mind-blowing kiss, he was still thinking she was Hisana. That was when she told him her name. It did not come alone, but with a strong slap on his left cheek.

"Hisana?"

"Hisana? I am not Hisana!" She was breathing heavily. "Lady Hisana is dead! I am Rukia, you pervert!"

He was dumbfounded.

Hisana was dead.

No…

Hisana could not be dead. She was perfectly fine just the time before he left to the continent. How could this be another woman and not her?

They were simply identical.

He stepped back and stared at her under the light the quarter moon provided him through the gray clouds.

No…

They were not identical. Not at all.

Her eyes were violet, not midnight blue. Her bang was soft and less stubborn than Hisana's. Her lips were plump and soft. Her kiss shy and inexperienced.

Then… If she was not Hisana, what was she doing in his bedroom?

Byakuya asked it. His voice was colder than usual. His face, unreadable. Her answer did not come, as her cheeks grew paler and she supported herself on the balcony sill.

"Answer me."

She remained silent and closed her eyes. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she gasped for air in middle of her spitting words.

"My Lord… I think I am…"

And she fainted.

Before she could fall to the floor, Byakuya pulled her to his arms and checked her pulse point. Weak. Her breath was just as evenly as if she was merely sleeping. Actually, she was barely breathing.

Too far annoyed, Byakuya took her on his arms and placed her on his bed, executing the first idea that crossed his mind: tear her silky dress apart and loosen her corset. Placing one leg right beside of her hip, he worked on the piece of cloth when the door was subtle opened and someone entered the room.

"Uncle Byakuya, I…"

"Her name is Rukia," he broke from his reverie all of sudden.

"Hein? Rukia?" He touched his chin, pensively. "It's not a very common name."

"No. It is not," Byakuya replied. Indeed, he did not remember of seeing this name anywhere before. It was the first time he heard it and it was not a very suitable situation.

"And what are you going to do?" Shinji asked, finally sitting in a recommendable position. "I mean… Nothing happened between you and the girl, but everybody in London is talking about it right now. And it's not really a good thing for your or hers reputation."

Byakuya did not reply as soon as Hirako closed his mouth. He took his time and signed at the end of some papers, his assistant thought that was one of his agreements, and put it with some money inside an envelope.

After a few seconds in silence, Byakuya handed the envelope to him and rose up, decided to leave his study room.

"Make her the future Duchess."

###

The floor was almost completely cleaned when the latch sounded loudly. Rukia wiped her forehead and went to open the door. It was not needed though for Pesche did it first.

While she twisted the cloth, she would hear Pesche and somebody she could not see from where she was, talking in a low tone. Curiosity took over her, but Rukia merely continued her work. Whoever was there, was none of her business.

"Do you want some water?" She heard Pesche closing the door. His voice was excited and she could hear his laugh even before she could see his face.

Still facing the floor, she did not see who their guest was, but his voice sounded a little too familiar.

"Yeah, man! I'm thir—Rukia? Is that you? Really?"

At hearing her name, the petite maid looked up at two men and furrowed her brows. Of course it was her! As far as she was concerned, there was no other Rukia in the entire London, at least where she lived and also they knew each other. Why was he so surprised?

"Hm… I will get the water. Wait here, Lord Hirako," Pesche pointed at the internal chambers, leaving the entrance hall.

"Well…" Rukia placed the cloth back in the water bucket. "I can't see any other Rukia here, can you?"

Shinji opened his mouth to reply, but no sound came out. He then smiled briefly and shook his head.

"Then the great Duke is screwed and that's the end of an unusual fairy tale…"

"Has someone here said the word Duke?" Rangiku came from the kitchen with his water. Pesche followed her, placing one hand on his forehead. Shinji did not need more to understand it would be a hell of a topic to discuss.

"Yes…" He smiled and winked at Rangiku, before swallowing the water. "I said it and I'm here at his request. Thank you, beautiful."

"Not my business…" Rukia picked up the water bucket and the squeegee, ready to leave the room.

"Exactly your business…" Pesche started.

"I am here to talk to you because he asked me to," Shinji completed.

"Did he say he would propose to her? Will he come here and kneel in front of her and ask our beautiful maid to be the mother of his children?" Rangiku asked clapping her hands happily.

Rukia closed her eyes. No. Impossible.

"Yes… and no." He laughed a little bit. Nervousness could be read on his face. "Not like this, but yes. He wants to purpose."

"What?" Rukia furrowed her brows even more. "Why?"

"Why? Is that really a question?" Her buxom friend crossed her arms at her chest indignantly. "He has ruined your reputation and…"

Rukia merely dismissed her lecture with one hand.

"Who cares about my reputation? Anyway, I am nothing and as soon as these people find another topic to make such a fuss about I will be nothing again. I am leaving."

"Rukiaaaaa…" Pesche called her name in an annoying tone. It caused the girl to sigh heavily and move her shoulders up and down, before looking at him sideways. "Listen to him, dear. For real."

"Right," she finally conceded, placing the cleaning utensils back on the floor.

"Well… To be honest…"

"You are always honest, Shinji."

He rolled his eyes. Would she listen to him or what?

"I am a bit surprised it's you. I mean… You and Byakuya?"

"Firstly, there is no Byakuya and me. Secondly, why are you so surprised? I was there as Lady Kyouraku's chaperone."

She narrowed her eyes briefly at seeing a big and mischievous smile outlining his lips.

"So why were you in his bedroom?"

Rangiku and Pesche exchanged brief and concerned glances that did not go unnoticed by Shinji, but that was not mentioned by him nonetheless.

"I was doing Momo's a favor. Just ask her," she replied as calmly as possible.

"Really?" His smile was big than ever. "According to the news you were almost naked and happily lying on his silky red sheets."

His commentary caused Rukia's cheeks to grow completely warm and red. She could barely believe what she was hearing.

"It did not happen that way!"

"You see, but that's how the entire London sees you now."

"I said I don't care."

"But the Duke cares. That's what I am saying," he retorted quickly and handed out a small envelope to her. "Here. Take it."

Frowning, Rukia looked at the golden envelope with a ducal sealing wax in the opening. It was a little bit plump, probably filled with something. Was it a letter? Or…

Curious, she opened it and took a brief look at its content. A good amount of pounds was placed there. Her jaw fell down. She could not believe her own eyes.

Looking at Rangiku and Pesche, she saw their friends with their faces covered, probably as much as perplexed as she was.

"What is it?" Rukia asked in a low tone.

"Well… I did not read, but I think it's to help you to de…" He stopped in the middle of his sentence, knowing that he had said something wrong. "Well… Listen, there is a letter together. Read it and you will know…"

"No! Listen you!" Rukia approached him, swinging the envelope angrily in her right hand. "I will tell you exactly what you have to say to your arrogant Duke! And please, listen carefully because I'm not going to repeat myself!"

Shinji retreated two steps back, swallowing hard. Although he had an idea of what she would say, he did not like the idea of telling it to Byakuya later not even the tiniest bit.

###

A droplet of sweat ran down the Duke's chest when his sword clashed against his servant's. Shusuke stepped back and went against his master once again.

The training room was filled with the sounds of swords clashing, feet moving from one place to another in a deadly dance. The smell of sweat filled the air and fear… For the first time, Shusuke retreated, afraid of cutting his master, but ended with Byakuya's blade on his throat nonetheless.

"I said to fight." He retreated, pointing his sword down.

"I am deeply sorry, Your Grace," the servant said, bowing his head.

"Stressed huh?" Shinji's voice echoed in the training room. Byakuya did not turn to see him, but knew his assistant was smiling widely.

"Leave," he said coolly, watching his servant placing the sword in a box and closing the door.

"Hey, what is this hellish face?" Shinji asked, looking back at the closed door.

Byakuya gave him no response, causing the blond man to stop smiling and look at him concerned. He picked up the sword and analyzed it shining under the dull light entering through the wide windows.

"Get it." He threw a silver glossy razor at him and watched as the man tried to catch it without hurting himself.

"Are you kidding me?" Shinji raised an eyebrow. "No protection?"

"Have you ever seen anyone wining a war with fake swords?"

"Are we at war? Again?"

No word came out from the raven-haired man as he merely went against his assistant. Shinji easily blocked the first attack. A few more followed the first, making the room get filled again with sounds of blade clashing against blade. Their movements almost looked like a dance, not as deadly as it seemed when he first entered the room, but still footwork was combined with dodges and advances. Shinji had no time to ask anything and when he tried, he almost got cut by Byakuya's sword.

Retreating, the Duke pointed his weapon down.

"What's wrong with you? You almost made me lose my head."

As expected, he received no apology. Byakuya merely walked away and filled a glass with water. Shinji, in turn, grabbed the towel and dried his forehead, while waiting an answer that did not come.

"What do you mean by war?"

"Love is dead."

It seemed everybody chose that few months to suddenly die. His grandfather, Hisana and now Love.

"Oh…" He closed his mouth, speechless. It took a moment or so for him to be able to say anything. "It explains a lot…

…Did they kill him?"

A nod. That was all the response he got. Shinji sighed. The only man who could help them was dead.

"Good. They fucking killed him. Now we are fucked up."

Byakuya made no objections to Shinji's choice of words. He was right. They were completely fucked up. The war was over, but France and England were not in good terms yet and once they were investigating crimes of war, he doubt it would be anytime soon.

Love was just spying for them, once the Duke could not do it himself. Locked inside the New Gate prison, he was, together with Hanatarou, responsible for delivering weekly reports.

Well… He would not do it anymore.

"And now?"

"I will solve it by myself."

"How?" Shinji asked while swallowing water.

"It is none of your business."

"Oookay, Your Grace." Shinji shut his mouth. He knew that Byakuya was not acting this way because of him, but because he did not trust his own servants.

No one could ever blame him. The whole society knew Love was a filth bastard. None of them knew he was a soldier working for the Crown.

Someone had betrayed the Duke.

That was serious. On Shinji's words: fucking serious.

"And she?"

A smile blossomed on the blond man's lips.

"I think you should marry Lady Soi Fong."

Still quiet, Byakuya shot his coldest glare.

"You really like the difficult things." Shinji sighed and sat down on the big wooden table placed near the wall.

"Explain yourself."

"Well…" He cupped his own chin. "She said no."

"No?" Byakuya was surprised, though his voice and expression remained emotionless.

"Well… She used exactly these words: 'You tell that arrogant Duke that I am not interested in him. Besides, if that pervert wants me as his wife he should come here and ask it himself, instead of sending a servant'. You see, Byakuya, she called me servant. A fucking servant!"

If Byakuya were inclined to smiles, he would have smiled at her courage and poisoned words towards Shinji. The woman was really bold. However, she called him arrogant! What the hell did she still want from him? Tons of jewelry and an announcement in The Times?

Every and any woman in that court would gladly accept his proposal. Rather: they would kill themselves to be in her place. Did she want more?

"Have you given her the money?"

"Oh, of course." Shinji placed the envelope on the table. It was filled and closed. Byakuya narrowed his eyes. Was this quantity insufficient to her? Before his silence, the blond man smiled widely and continued, "Well… If you want, I can tell you in what place she said you should put it."

The blond man watched Byakuya's expression carefully. Though his emotionless face did not betray him, Shinji knew he was shocked. Chuckling a bit, he swallowed some water before continuing.

"Of course she has never said such words. Rukia is a lady after all. But she did say to throw it at your face."

He narrowed his eyes a bit more. Throw his money at his face… Right. He was trying to kindly compensate her for ruining her reputation and she was acting childishly towards him.

God had sent him a hell of a wife.

"Wow man, you should know better the kind of woman you carry to your bed. And if I may say, Rukia should have stayed far away from yours."

"Do you know her?"

"Yeah… She's a maid. Actually, a preceptor. Momo's friend. If you did not know she was here yesterday as Soi Fong's gentlewoman."

Byakuya was silent. He was far too stunned with this amount of information. Of course he did not know she was there as Soi Fong's chaperone. How could he? She was finely dressed and was in line to his appraisal and mainly he mistook her for…

"Momo said she was doing her a favor when she came to your bedroom, but I don't think so."

Silence was the only response he got. But Byakuya believed the same. She was actually doing something else he could not figure until the present moment.

"Rukia is not this kind of girl. Anything she does, she does not keep secrets. I mean… I bet she was hiding from somebody..."

"Grimmjow Jeagerjaquez."

"Huh? How do you know?"

He recalled how the man looked at her the whole night and how she seemed to want to escape from him.

"Does he continue to stalk her?" He asked touching his chin, but at getting no response from Byakuya, he hurried to explain. "Ah, you were out when it happened. A few years ago, he arrived at Brooks's with his nose broken. Rukia beat his ass after he tried to hm… force her… You know, he was drunk."

Yes. He knew. It sound exactly like something Grimmjow would do. It was not the first time he was beaten by someone after trying to spend his night with any random girl in the streets.

"Hm… I have to go. I have lots of things to solve on New Gate," Shinji said as he rose up from his seat. He headed to the door, but stopped halfway and looked at the Duke over his shoulder. "Do you know how they killed him?"

"His heart raced. He could not breathe. Poison," Byakuya said nonchalantly.

"How do you know?"

"I do not."

"Well… Grimm will know." He placed his hand on the doorknob. "Can I take one of your horses?"

"You may take Shuuhei with you."

"Ah… Better no. You know, I don't like your coachman. He is weird." He then smiled briefly. "And to be honest, it would be awkward to walk around with a man with a 69 tattoo on his cheek. I mean… People will talk and I like how girls think I am completely masculine."

Neither do I, Byakuya thought to himself as Shinji's laugh died in the corridor and he was left alone in the silence of his training room.

###

Rukia flipped her dresses one by one, choosing one to wear that night. By her side, Rangiku tried to reason with her.

"Think closely, Rukia… If you marry him, you will have tons of dresses to wear. Have you thought about it? I mean… You can wear anything you want and people will follow you… You will become a symbol."

"I am engaged. Can't all of you understand it?"

She rolled her eyes. She did not want to become a duchess. A symbol or whatever Rangiku dreamed of. Rukia merely wanted to get that notebook, set Ichigo free and live her life with him. Was it so difficult to understand?

Getting the dull dress she wanted to wear in the previous night, she placed it right beside her bed. That night she would accompany Lady Mashiro at Lady and Lord Schiffer's Ball.

"Yes, we can… But…"

"No buts, Rangiku. He tried to buy me with his money."

"You can't know," she pleaded. "Perhaps she was trying to compensate you for last night."

"You heard Shinji!"

"Shinji knows nothing, darling! You know it," she tried. "I mean if not for the dresses for his good looks?" She laughed. "Seriously. You should just… Just give it a thought."

"Don't listen to her, Rukia," Pesche stuck his tongue out. "But think about Ichigo… If you marry the Duke and find the notebook, they will free him. Isn't it wonderful?"

"Good, and what do I do then? Get divorced to marry him? Do you think he would still want me if I marry another man?"

"Well… You could try."

"No way. I will get this notebook, but I won't marry him. I can't…"

"That's the easiest way to free Ichigo, Rukia. That's what we are saying. You alone is weak, but if you have a Duke wit— Rangiku's voice was muffled by a sonorous noise.

Silence filled the bedroom. Then, a sound that was like a slap echoed in the room. Nell… All of them exchanged worried glances. They could hear their friend gasping.

Alarmed, Rukia grabbed her skirt and left the room. With Rangiku and Pesche following her, she went downstairs and opened the double doors of the living room quickly just to find the face of the turquoise-haired girl reddened.

The Count Gilga and Nelliel were arguing in a very disrespectful way. He was handling a piece of paper, which seemed to be a letter, and screaming indecorously at her. Meanwhile, she was retreating two steps back, touching her warm face.

Rukia gaped. Did he have… the audacity to...? To hit her? What the hell was happening there?

"What is it? A letter from your lover, you fucking bitch!"

"Please, let me explain," Nelliel begged with her soft crying voice. "You're mad at me without any reason."

"Are you underestimating me, whore?"

Rukia widened her eyes as he said the word whore. Nelliel gasped, wiping her tears away. She was still holding her face and Rukia could affirm she was in pain. How did he dare to touch her? He had treated her like a piece of trash!

"Why are you crying? I'm the only one hurt here."

Then, Rukia noticed his reddish face. Did Nelliel punch him? Did she have the courage to do it?

"Look at my face. I have never been hit by a woman before. Who do you think you are? You hurt me! Rather: you hurt my honor and stained my name!" He said and his anger was almost palpable. She moved frontward but stopped when she saw Nelliel clenching her fists and hissing venomously.

"What honor? You don't have one."

The fury took control of all his body and before he could realize it, he raised his hand to hit Nelliel's delicate face. Nevertheless, it found another surface. Rukia's hand, precisely.

"What do you think you are doing? Have you lost your mind, Count?"

Rukia asked while still holding his right hand. Nelliel was behind her and her mouth was opened as she glanced at them in shock.

"What do you think you are doing, girl?"

"Protecting my friend!"

"Protecting from whom? You should protect yourself from her poison. Have you seen it?" He asked shaking the paper. Rukia could recognize Ichigo's horrible calligraphy. "That whore has been receiving amounts of it from your groom! What do you think now?"

Rukia glanced back and found the big beautiful brown eyes from her friend wet. By Nell's expression she knew it was true. Nnoitra was being sincere and it hurt her. It was painful to know that during all those months, Ichigo was exchanging letters with Nell, not her. She had been so worried about him and...

No. Nell was her friend and no matter what Nnoitra had no right to hurt her. To make her feel bad.

"Tell her, Nelliel. Tell her the truth."

"I'm sorry, Rukia! Ichigo sent me that message because he was worried about you and-"

"You fucking bitch, why are you lying?"

"I'm not lying! Rukia I..."

"I don't care," Rukia interrupted them. "You hurt her and I won't let you..."

"Get out of my way, little bitch," he said and pushed her aside abruptly, making her stagger over her shoes. Furiously, he tried to reach Nelliel, but quickly Rukia grabbed his right arm and twisted it back.

Nnoitra groaned in anger and tried to pull away, but Rukia used her foot to make him kneel. Her high heels were placed in the middle of his shoulder blades.

"You will not touch her," she said, pronouncing each word slowly, trying to make her point as clear as possible.

Nnoitra tried to use his left arm effortlessly. He felt breathless as she pressed the tip of her shoes in his flesh and needed to use his arm to prevent himself from falling to the floor. He could feel her contorting his right arm until it almost reached his neck.

"If you try or even think of hurt her again I will kill you."

"Rukia!" Nelliel cried out. "Please don't break his arm!"

"This man hurt you and you still want to protect him!" she said and forced Nnoitra's arm a little bit.

"I'm not protecting him. I'm protecting you. He doesn't worth it."

The Count gritted his teeth, cursing both under his breath.

"Fucking bitches!"

"I did not hear your apology, my noble lord."

Rukia was still holding his arm tightly. He looked for another way to free himself, but she gave him no opportunity.

"Free him, Rukia. I don't want to see you hurt later."

"Do as the bitch commanded," he said ironically. "Or you will get hurt after."

"I'm still deaf for your sick words, my lord. Please let's try again."

"Let me out and I..."

"Promise you won't hurt her anymore."

"I won't."

"Say that you promise."

"Never."

"Can I break your arm then?" she asked while contorting it even more, now in a very harsh way until it made a sonorous crack.

"No, please!" he begged, his tone low and full of pain. "Damn bitch. I won't hurt her and that's all. I won't promise. Now, let me out."

"Good, good boy," she said as she loosened her tight over his arm.

From his kneeling position, Nnoitra could not help but feel ashamed. He had been beaten by a woman. A petite woman.

That whore!

"Touch me again and I'll kill you," he hissed angrily.

"Done. And I make mine your words. If you touch her again I'll kill you."

But Nnoitra did not hear her words and as soon as he stood up, he pulled Nelliel away, saying he did not need her help. He closed the gap between him and Rukia, preventing her to leave the room and grabbed her left arm, squeezing it a bit. She panted.

"You bitch! Do not never ever try to shame me again," he said, nailing the flesh of her arm. "Are we agreed?"

He knew he would leave her arm sore and a bright, mischievous smile graced his lips. He grabbed her other arm and did the same, tightening as hard as he could. He saw, with a sick satisfaction, Rukia biting her bottom lip and struggling a sonorous gasp. He knew she was about to send him to hell when she smiled a bit and surprised him, "Of course my lord."

"Good, good girl," He said, almost sad for having no reason to hurt her anymore. He shook her hard and pushed her back, this time making sure she would fall to the ground noisily. Then, thoroughly satisfied, he left the house with a naughty smile gracing his lips.

###

Byakuya placed the last document inside a drawer when he saw a fine and golden calligraphy. Looking carefully, he quickly identified it as an invitation for a Ball.

That night, the Countess of Middlesex, Orihime Schiffer would promote a Ball in her house. The last one before retiring to her country house. And of course to make a last attempt to get a good match for her friend and protected, Tatsuki Arizawa, who was still single.

Byakuya admitted she was not ugly. Actually, she was beautiful and he found quite funny and interesting her strong behavior.

She was twenty and single. Certainly, it was scandalous for her father and family, but the petite woman seemed not to care. She said once, "I'm not looking for a husband to control my life, but for a man who can help me and live with me, respecting me. And if he wants, love me as I am. Or not love me. Love is a thing for women. Only the stupid ones."

Her improper comment at a dinner party made all the men laugh and the ladies glance at her horrified. The countess started to talk about love and how it was an important factor to build a good and lasting relationship. His husband, the Count Ulquiorra begged her in a not very delicate way to stop talk and added his usual woman at the end of the sentence.

For outsiders it might have seemed a gross and disrespect way to treat a wife, but Byakuya and the others around the table knew they loved each other and it was his own way to speak to anyone. He was cold and most of time, quiet. He rarely spoke — different from his wife, who seemed to always have a stupid comment to make.

To be honest, he was not in the mood to make an apparition and if he could choose, he would rather stay at home. However, as soon as Shinji was back from New Gate, he sent him a note.

It did not say too much, but enough to him.

Lady Kuna now has a new chaperone to accompany her tonight.

Tonight could only mean Lady Schiffer's Ball. And if she would be there, he would too.

###

If she could choose a word to define the night, it would be irritant. It seemed that from night to day, she was the new talk of the town. She could swear she was more famous than the Queen herself. But not. Being who she was, Rukia was almost sure they saw her as an aberration.

From where she was, right away from everybody, hiding close to a column, she could hear just a few comments about her. Lords and matrons, and of course young ladies, mentioned her — and now they knew her name once Mashiro told everyone who she was. And she did it so proudly, Rukia felt like killing the girl for being more stupid and innocent than she was herself — at least nine of ten words they spoke.

Of course it was annoying, but she pretended she was not even there. She pretended it was not with her. And that it did not concern her. And, in fact, it did not.

Mashiro was now sliding on the dance floor with her groom. Count Kensei Muguruma was a little bit impatient with the girl, but Rukia doubted any other man would ever treat her better than him.

Her heart was pure, but her head was lost. She lived in another place than Earth. In fact, Rukia found it beautiful. A mix of kindness and confusion, but that did not prevent her from being one of the cutest and good hearted ladies she had ever met.

Once concentrated on her pupil, the chatter seemed far and far away from her. She was now watching the beautiful couples sliding from one place to another in the Ballroom. The profusion of colors and the middle agitated music captured her attention and for a couple of minutes it seemed she was in another planet, so pleasant it was.

She even dared to smile slightly, closing her eyes for a brief moment to enjoy that peaceful moment the most. Nevertheless, too soon the silence was gone and the chatter became too louder again. People stopped dancing and she was forced to look at what was happening.

Her eyes grew as bigger as saucers.

Her breath stopped on her throat.

The Duke of Somerset!

The Duke Byakuya Kuchiki!

Someone spoke. From her place, Rukia could barely see him. But a few seconds went by (that seemed like centuries) until he walked towards her and extended his hand.

"May I have this dance?"


A/N – Again another big chapter. I know. And they didn't even had a real interaction. I'm sorry, but it's needed for the future development. Rest assured they'll meet more often in the next chapters.

I'm also aware that some details are missing in this chapters, the reason is why I'll develop them further in the upcoming chapters.

If someone asks why Hirako Shinji and not Renji... It's because I loooooooooooove Shinji, he's funny and awesome. But no, that's not the reason. It's because I needed someone who could confront Byakuya and in my opinion, Renji is not that suitable... Funny? Yes, but not the kind of relationship I had in mind.

Jasmine, darling it's not going to be a forced marriage story and I hope you don't mind But I assure you all it's not for a reason, not because I'm trying to make it different or something like this.

Most of the historical information you have seen in the last chapter and in this one are real. I got them from google and some historical books. And just to let you know, Brooks's is a real gentlemen's club in London. It's open since 1764.

I think that's all.

Hope you don't mind reviewing this chapter again.

Take care,

Velvetsins