Notes: Hi everyone, and Happy Easter, in case I don't get chapter 4 up in time to wish you all a proper one ;). Anyways, as you all probably noticed this chapter took a little longer for me to write than the others. This is partially because I had 4 tests on thursday, and also because I was sort of uninspired after the last chapter. I'm pretty sure it was because, as I'm sure many of you probably noticed, chapter 2 could have DEFINITIVELY been interpreted as ByaRuki. So, I'm going to make this very clear, right now. THIS IS NOT A BYAKUYA X RUKIA FIC. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS PURELY SIBLING-LOVE. Alright, now that I've gotten that cleared up, you can all go on (if you haven't already skipped this) and read chapter 3!

So, uh, since I, uh, can't draw (at all) I can't really own Bleach. Uh, yeah.

Chapter 3:

When Rukia woke up the next morning, she debated rolling over and forgetting all about watching Byakuya. She'd barely slept all night, so it wouldn't be that hard to just pull the covers over her head and say she was 'feeling fatigued from her ordeals the day before'. Knowing the Kuchikis, she wouldn't be allowed to leave her bed for a week.

Still, Rukia knew that - even if it made her want to curl up and die - taking care of Byakuya was still her responsibility. Which was why now, stumbling tiredly and yawning, she was making her way down the hallway, towards the one room she wanted to be in least. Putting a hand on the doorknob, Rukia couldn't hold down a sigh. What would happen today?

'Hopefully, there won't be any more fevers to deal with.' she thought tiredly, rubbing her eyes quickly before walking in. Wrinkling her nose slightly, Rukia tried to stop her head from spinning – the room smelled, if it was possible, even more like cherry blossoms today. Frowning, Rukia wiped at her nose. She'd have to have a talk with Unohana about banning cherry blossoms as a suitable get-well gift for her Nii-Sama.

"Rukia-san, I'm glad you're here. Did you sleep well?" Hanataro asked, looking up from Byakuya, who was not looking very impressed with the thermometer between his lips.

"I slept alright. And you, Hanataro-san?" she returned the question, deciding that telling him she'd slept a grand total of 2 hours probably wasn't a good idea. After all, she could function just fine on little sleep. Hanataro, on the other hand, only shrugged.

"Well, the 12th Division were doing some experimenting yesterday, so I was up all night helping to heal the injured," he explained with a tired laugh, rubbing the back of his head. Rukia found herself shuddering slightly. The 12th Division had always given her chills...

"Rukia. I am glad to hear that you slept well," blinking out of her daze of syringes and disfigured bodies, Rukia turned to look at Byakuya, who was watching her calmly out of half-lidded eyes. Thankfully, Rukia noted that he seemed to be fever-free – although the bucket, sitting inconspicuously next to the bed, proved that despite his ever-present coldness, her Nii-Sama was still sick, which meant she'd still have to take care of him.

"Thank you, Nii-Sama. I trust you slept well also?" she asked, trying to get the vision of Byakuya's face – flushed, wide eyed, contorted in pain – out of her head. That was the fever speaking. Byakuya couldn't be in that much internal pain...right? Cold, heartless Nii-Sama, who could ignore his adopted sister for 40 years and not give a damn.

"Well enough," was his curt reply, the one Rukia had been expecting. It left you guessing as to wether he'd slept like a baby, or not slept at all. That was Byakuya's favourite sort of answer – one that left you unsure. Deciding to just nod, Rukia walked over to his bed, taking her place on the chair while Hanataro excused himself, rushing out of the room.

Watching him, Rukia couldn't help but frown. Hanataro was such a hard worker, always putting everything and everyone else before himself. And yet, people treated him as if he were below them. It was the same with the whole 4th Division, save Unohana (although Rukia was sure that, before she'd become a captain, Unohana had been treated the same way).

"You frighten him, you know," she said out loud, not even meaning to. As it was, she didn't turn her head to watch for Byakuya's reaction. She wasn't sure she'd like what she'd see. Out of the corner of her eye, Rukia saw him shift.

"I frighten many shinigami," he replied, and for a second Rukia felt surprised. Was that defensiveness in his voice? But, when she turned her head slightly to face him, Rukia saw that was the same as ever.

"That's true, Nii-Sama, but you should try to show respect to those who help you, even if you out-rank them," Rukia persisted, not quite shure why she was fighting so hard. After all, why would Byakuya, head of the Kuchiki clan and Taichou of the 6th Division listen to her?

Watching Byakuya's face, Rukia waited for one of two things to happen. The first – and most likely, she thought – was that he would let out a small grunt to show he'd heard, before either ignoring her or moving on to something else. The second, which was becoming more and more frequent these days, was for him to nod, seriously taking her words to heart. Even if option number one was looking much more likely, Rukia secretly hoped for option number two. She liked it when Byakuya listened to her.

"Rukia, if this is your way of trying to bring up the subject of what went on yesterday, then we shall discuss it," eyes widening, Rukia whipped her head around to stare fully at her Nii-Sama, who was looking back, calm as ever.

'What the?' she couldn't help but think. That was certainly not what she'd been going for. At all. In fact, it was about as far from what she'd been talking about as was possible. As she opened her mouth to say that wasn't what she was talking about, Byakuya cut her off.

"Hanataro told me what happened after you left yesterday. According to him, while feverish I mistook you for my late wife, Hisana, and...," Byakuya trailed off, and Rukia couldn't help but feel slightly hurt. He had no problem telling her he'd mistaken her for someone else, and yet he couldn't say he'd hugged her? Closing her eyes, Rukia sighed.

"Nii-Sama, it's alright. I understand what happened, and why you hugged me. Still, what happened worried me. About you," she added on quickly, trying to get it out before she had a chance to chicken out. She had been wanting to bring up the subject of her Nii-Sama's emotional health, ever since she'd seen the raw emotion on his face the day before.

'That face...it won't get out of my head. I need to do something.' was all she'd been able to think all night, and when she finally managed to fall asleep, her dreams were laced with cherry blossoms, Hisana and Byakuya. Hearing a deep sigh, Rukia opened her eyes and looked at Byakuya. He wasn't looking at her anymore, instead choosing to glare calmly down at his folded hands.

"I appreciate your concern, but there is no need. Hisana died decades ago. I'm just fine," he told her. His voice was even, his eyes were calm. He betrayed nothing. Even so, Rukia felt her gaze softening.

I'm fine, the same words she'd always use on Renji when one of their friends in Rukongai died, when she was really breaking inside. I'm fine, the same words she always heard from earth-bound souls, Hollowfication just around the bend. I'm fine, the same words she'd heard from Hanataro, whenever he'd shown up to her cell sporting bruises or cuts from a run-in with the 11th Division.

Pretending you were okay never got you anywhere, except perhaps more hurt. Rukia knew this, and decided to take matters into her own hands. Straightening her back and relaxing her clenched hands, Rukia met Byakuya's gaze solidly.

"Nii-Sama...you and I both know that is not true," she told him, trying to make her tone soft and strong at the same time. It came out softly all right, and Rukia barely had the willpower left to keep her voice from squeaking. Gaze wavering, Rukia looked down at the floor.

She was openly defying the head of her clan, a Taichou of the Gotei 13, and her brother. The thoughts of punishment ran through her, and Rukia swallowed. There was no use in worrying about it now, she tried to tell herself. The damage was done.

"Even if that is true, what is there to do about it?" the calm voice surprised Rukia. From the pain she'd seen yesterday, she'd been waiting for a change in tone, a hitch in his breath, something that told her what she was doing was the right thing. When she looked up, Rukia's eyes widened.

Byakuya was looking down at her, looking the same, save for one thing. One tiny detail that, even if insignificant and barely noticeable, shook her world completely. From his folded hands to relaxed jaw, Byakuya was the epitome of apathy – except for his eyes, which were quickly reddening. Sitting up straight, Rukia almost gasped out loud. Was he going to...?

"Rukia..." he trailed off, and Rukia could hear his voice tightening. Sitting bolt upright in her chair, she watched him, teetering on the thin edge between worry and excitement.

"Yes, Nii-Sama?" she replied quickly, leaning forwards. This was it. Maybe Renji hadn't been so stupid when he'd told her this would be great bonding time for them. Any second now, they would let everything out, and be like normal siblings! Clenching her hands in her lap, Rukia watched as Byakuya sat up...

And promptly threw up.

Rukia felt her jaw drop. What the? This wasn't supposed to happen! Feeling her resolve crumbling in her chest Rukia stood up, almost knocking the chair over.

"I will go get your medicine," she announced, voice sounding slightly strangled as it rose around the lump in her throat. Turning, she didn't even look at Byakuya as she nearly flew across the room, hurting her wrist as her hands slammed into the door, pushing it open as fast as she could. As it was, she missed the faint 'Rukia, wait' that followed her weakly out the door.

'How could I have been so stupid?' Rukia screeched in her head. Byakuya crying and telling her everything. Her being able to let go and reveal everything, too. Them become close. Bada bing, bada boom, instant siblings. What a fucking joke! If she weren't so close to tears, Rukia would have laughed bitterly at the irony. As it was, she managed to get out a sardonic chuckle as she rounded a corner – running straight into someone. Hard.

"Oof! Rukia, what's wrong?" Rukia didn't even look up at Renji's most-likely-concerned face, grabbing his shinigami outfit and trying to push him aside. Unfortunately, Rukia felt strong arms wrapping around her, keeping her hugged to his chest – restraining her. Furious, she started to squirm in his grasp. She didn't want to talk to anyone right now!

"Nothing is wrong, Renji, let me go!" she screeched, clawing at the thick black material. But, instead of being a decent (and sane) person, Renji held tight.

"Rukia, you're hysterical. Did something happen? Is Kuchiki-Taichou okay?" he asked, infuriatingly calm. Rukia froze. Was Byakuya okay? Shoulders rising, Rukia clenched her teeth.

"Byakuya is just fine, Renji. Just fucking fine!" her anger suddenly shattered, Rukia found herself sobbing wordlessly into the chest of her oldest friend, feeling strong arms around her, shielding her, while a large hand stroked her head, smoothing her hair and offering wordless comfort. It only made her cry harder.

"Rukia, shh. It's ok. Just tell me everything, okay?" Renji murmured, picking her up and walking back down the hallway of the Kuchiki Manor, towards her own room. But, Rukia couldn't bring herself to form understandable words until the two were seated on her bed with the lights off, door safely locked, at her request. She didn't want anyone walking in on her, after all. Finally, when she found her words again, Rukia recounted her story tearfully to Renji's chest.

"Renji, I don't know what to do. I w-want to help him, but h-he won't let me. I-I feel like we really were starting to o-open up to one another, you know, and then it turns out he was just being s-sick," she hiccuped out, before laughing bitterly, "I really am stupid, aren't I?" she finished, closing her puffy eyes. Feeling Renji shrug, Rukia looked up.

"Well, I can't argue with you being stupid," Renji told her, grinning. Rukia felt her teeth grinding again. Out of that whole thing, her being stupid was the only thing Renji had managed to get out of it. The idiot! But, right before she could let him have it Renji sighed, face growing serious once again.

"But, I do think you're getting somewhere with him. Just the fact that he'd been willing to bring it up, and that he didn't ignore you once you contradicted him, that speaks volumes, Rukia. You know that," he comforted her, rocking her back and forth, the way he always used to.

Closing her eyes, Rukia could almost imagine they were back out on the dirty streets of Rukongai, huddling for warmth on a cold night or mourning the loss of a friend. With a small sigh, Rukia opened her eyes, almost dismayed at the neat bedroom around her. Things had been so much more simple back then, before they'd been introduced to the life of a shinigami.

"I know, Renji, and I'm sorry I screamed at you. I'm just tired, is all," she sighed, rubbing her eyes free of tears. It was true, even if it wasn't the only reason.

"Tired? I'd say more sick with worry for your brother-dearest," Renji shot back, arrogant grin back. Scowling, Rukia jabbed him between the ribs, listening in satisfaction to his yelp.

"Are you sure it isn't you who's sick with worry? You seem to know an awful lot about Nii-Sama. You'd better watch out, Renji. I've been told office romances aren't a good idea," she told him, winking. Scowling, Renji slapped a hand over her mouth

"Rukia, don't say that bullshit. Do you have any idea how many shinigami have joined the 6th Division because they think Kuchiki-Taichou and I are in some sort of forbidden relationship? I can't have them hear shit like that!" he whispered nervously, and Rukia laughed, feeling much better. Nothing cheered her up like terrorizing her best friend! Still, eyes softening, Rukia reached over, giving Renji a hug.

"Thanks for always being here for me, Renji," she told him quietly, snuggling her face into his chest. Feeling him shake, Rukia looked up to find the usual blush on his face.

"W-well, what was I supposed to do? Make Ichigo come deal with you? As if," he brushed off her thanks rudely, crossing his arms and pushing her off of him. Still laughing, Rukia jumped up, walking towards the door.

"Either way, I'm glad you decided you were man enough to handle it," she told him sincerely, not waiting to hear the spluttered response. She had medicine to pick up, after all.

Walking down the hallways, Rukia breathed deeply, calming down her breathing and getting ready to face the 4th Division. Even if it wasn't going to happen immediately, Rukia was sure she'd be able to get through to Byakuya.

Unohana had said a week, right?

And so ends chapter 3 :) hopefully, people will like this chapter better than the last! Please tell me what you think in a review, it really does help me get inspired.

For now I must leave, but I shall be back soon, I promise ;).

StarsAndSparks44