Hello all! I'm happy to inform you that my next chapter of Power and Duty is almost ready. For now, I present you another chapter of this one. I hope you like it! Also, a curiosity and a question:

Can you believe I wrote the end of this fic already? Or almost… it seems I'm writing it all upside down, or in reverse, since this chapter was the one less clear in my mind. That's very unusual for me.

Now the question: does anyone know why my fics don't have another "next chapter" box down the page, only one up here? I've noticed some fics have both (another one at the end of the chapter), and I've tried to change that but couldn't figure out how… any clue? Help is appreciated!

Now, on with the story! :)

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The day had been uneventful, and she was glad for that. The tiring training on her division had distracted her, at least for a while, of the very awkward situation she had put herself into. Rukia had purposely missed breakfast that morning, but as the evening came and with it the prospect of dining with her brother, it became more and more difficult to avoid the thoughts that plagued her mind.

If it was really him on the previous night – and it was almost impossible to think otherwise – there were only two explanations for what had happened: he either recognized her at some point – and proceeded with it regardless – or he remained unaware, having simply asked for someone who resembled her… and she was the one he was thinking about. Both options seemed incredible and shocking to say the least, not to mention slightly disturbing.

If he had, indeed, recognized her… well, that was bound to create a very awkward situation between them, and it would have been unbelievably unfortunate that he found her in such a place, when even she wasn't expecting to go there. Would he expel her from his house for it? That would be hypocritical, but a possibility. Or would he expect the same to happen in the manor from now on…? If that was the case, it would mean she had been correct about his intentions when he adopted her, that they were not so noble after all.

However, that didn't make sense, considering his behavior towards her. Since her adoption, he had always been completely cold and avoided her as much as he could, never even hinting anything close to inappropriate. No, he didn't seem like that kind of man.

He also had not shown any others signs that indicated he knew it was her. Would he let her know that he had recognized her, was that the case? Would he schedule another meeting there, instead of looking for her in their house? In truth, she didn't know… maybe his behavior from now on would answer her.

She was more inclined to believe on this last option, though - he probably had not recognized her. He had no reasons to believe it was her. He clearly had no idea she would be there when he arrived, since neither did she. And he had already asked for someone… with her description. Or maybe not hers? Rukia remembered she had been told how much she resembled his deceased wife. Maybe that was his reason for being there. But then why would he have called her name?

As much as she tried, Rukia couldn't put all pieces of this puzzle together, and it was intriguing her deeply. The only thing she could conclude from the whole ordeal was that, whether he recognized her or not, and no matter what his previous intentions were… he had called her name. And surprising and unlikely as it was, that could only mean one thing: he desired her at some level.

The thought brought her an undeniable feeling of shy satisfaction and she suppressed a smile. So maybe she was not the only one…

With a hint of fear and anticipation, she headed back towards the Kuchiki estate that night.

#####

Dinner was served at the usual time on the Kuchiki manor and her brother was already waiting for her when she joined him in the dining room, his imposing figure distinct in the glowing candlelight. She bowed slightly at his presence and silently assumed her usual seat, ready to observe him as much as she could.

Would he bring it up? Would he dishonor her? Would he hint anything between them? Was it really him?

To her utmost disappointment, the meal proceeded as silently as ever, and he behaved as coldly as usual, unaware of her inner struggle and trembling fingers that could barely hold the hashi. Not a single raise of an eyebrow to denounce anything slightly different in their relationship. After some minutes that seemed like an eternity, she started to get exasperated.

At some point, she gave up looking for signs and her mind started to wonder, diverting as she admired his handsome figure. Were those lips the ones that kissed her so ardently, that explored her body, that whispered her name? Had he really…?

The notion seemed more absurd by the minute. She was almost believing she had imagined it all, even her walk through the Rukongai district. It was clear he had no interest on her whatsoever. Her noble brother was distant as ever that night, even more so than usual, if such was possible. She did caught him staring back at her for a moment, but with eyes that, instead of any hints, seemed intrigued by why would she be staring at him so much. She felt slightly embarrassed and looked away.

She had certainly been mistaken.

#####

Byakuya was not positive about the success of his plan.

In truth, he had taken care of his urges and they were not a pressing matter any longer, so that could be considered a favorable outcome. Yet, he was not sure of its accomplishment, for in a way, the situation had backfired most unexpectedly.

The problem now was not his body, but his mind: it had become almost impossible to look at Rukia without wondering how it would feel to have the real one.

He had spent the whole dinner avoiding the acknowledgement of her – it wouldn't do to stare longer than he should at her soft lips, to contemplate the fair skin on her neck or inspect the cleavage of her tightly tied yukata... even though he did all those things occasionally when her attention was elsewhere.

But no, he made sure to not have any slips on his impassive exterior. It was the minimum he could do after such a morally questionable act. After indulging in it, he might as well use the opportunity to solve the problem without the real target ever knowing about his endeavours.

However, now, in the solitude of his chambers, he could face the dark consequence of his act: he had opened Pandora's Box. And now it was too late to go back.

Maybe going back there on Friday, as he had politely implied, and not necessarily meant, would be in fact necessary…

#####

Even Ukitake-taichou had noticed how distracted she had been that whole week. In truth, she was extremely unfocused, for her mind was occupied with an intriguing puzzle that she still had not managed to solve.

The revelation, the answer, the acknowledgement never came. Hell, she was almost hoping he would dishonor and expel her at once – at least it would give her some peace of mind to know that she had not imagined it all, and it would be less confusing. But no, he did not look for her, didn't say anything, did not give away any hints of anything suspicious. As far as she knew, and he showed, there was nothing extraordinary between them to be mentioned, and life in the Kuchiki manor continued regularly and unremarkably as customary. It was driving her insane.

Yet… 'what about the evidences she had?' she would wonder. Where had he been the other night then?

'Probably working until late as usual,' her mind would promptly answer. What about how similar the man was… how his voice had sounded so much like a husky one that she knew so well… whispering her name…

Nothing made sense and she had started to doubt her own mind. Maybe he was not so similar after all. Maybe her honorable nii-sama would never sound like that, maybe… it was all fruit of her wishful thinking.

She knew she should simply forget it all. That was the best solution either way. But there was still one thing stirring her curiosity: Friday.

It was eating her inside - the possibility of solving this enigma.

Rukia knew she should never go back for oh-so-many reasons: it was not appropriate for her as a noble to be seen there, it was not good for her as a person, and it would only complicate things to further investigate whoever it was with her that night.

But as much as she tried to forget it, Amaya-san's words kept tempting her – it was her only chance to solve this mystery and move on with her life. To discover such an indecorous secret about her brother… or not.

She had debated with this possibility the whole week - and her sense and reason had won the argument. She had to be really going insane to even consider going back in the first place. The very idea of her nii-sama there was completely absurd. Or of him harboring improper thoughts about her. His remarkable coldness towards her during that week had slowly extinguished the arguments in favor of her perception, and she was now almost sure she had heard it wrong, imagined things.

That was why she was almost in peace with her decision of forgetting in all when Friday morning finally came. Her impressions on breakfast only further confirmed her purpose: it was impossible to look at her pristine brother, on his perfectly adjusted shinigami uniform, his white captain's haori, his aristocratic scarf and his kenseikan flawlessly tying his hair and even consider the idea.

She would have certainly kept her disposition and listened to her sensible side, was it not for a single last moment of that morning meal.

As he rose from his seat to leave for his division, his eyes lingered on her for just a little longer and she heard him say:

"Do not expect me for dinner."

Just so you don't forget: please review? ;)