Huh, I did not really expect to get another chapter up so soon. I must admit I was extremely disappointed with the lack of reviews for the last one… even to the extent of abandoning this story…I hope that changes this time… in fact.. (I really hate to do this) but I would like at least 10 reviews (so 77) before I update again…These chapters take a lot of time and I think it's the least I could ask for. *feels down*
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters, Tite Kubo does. I am simply writing this for my own amusement.
Chapter 9 A Plan is Created
Rukia woke hours later. Opening an eye she peeked over the soft coverings. Bright sunlight flooded the large room and dazzled her for a moment. Sitting up she crawled out of the soft blankets and to her delight found a lovely dark blue kimono resting on the edge of the large bed. Apparently Byakuya had left it for her so she wouldn't have to walk back through the mansion to her own room in noting but her night clothes.
Walking around she was also surprised to find a pair of elegant but comfortable sandals. Picking up the kimono she was shocked at finding out how rich and expensive the fabric felt. Oh sure she had been give plenty of wonderful clothing from the Kuchikis but nothing quite this lovely. A matching silver obi sat on the bed under the kimono; it matched the silver embroidery along the hem perfectly.
Glancing around she quickly slipped out of her night clothing and pulled the kimono on. Tying the obi around her waist she bent and pulled the sandals on. Standing up she looked around and spotted the large mirror on the dresser. Moving over to it she was momentarily surprised at her own reflection.
Never had Rukia really considered herself pretty, but now, despite the bed hair, she found herself admiring the way the fabric matched her eyes. She even went as far as to spin in a circle, admiring the way the fabric swirled around her.
Scooping up the brush, and not realizing it was Byakuya's own, she brushed her hair out until it shimmered. Setting it down she scoped up the two keys and left his room.
Curious at seeing her new room she immediately went to the next door. Trying the handle she found it locked and sure enough when she inserted the silver key it clicked and she pushed the door open. It was dark so she blindly made her way across it, bumping into something with a curse before finding the windows and throwing the heavy curtains back. She gasped as sunlight flooded the room.
Byakuya's own room had been sparingly furnished, only what he used was present, and while all was high quality and well made, it wasn't lavish. No decorations, no vases with flowers, and noting that made a room feel comfortable and welcoming. This was the complete opposite. Right away Rukia felt at home and comfortable, even if she had never stepped foot in it before.
A large dresser sat in the far corner, the top of it covered with little glass bottles, and other items that would have had any lady squeal with excitement. An elegant chair sat in front, its back carved with a large cherry tree. A large bookshelf sat beside the dresser partially empty but still containing a few books and a figure or two. A stunning painting hung on the wall beside the bookshelf depicting a lovely ocean view.
Moving over she approached the single bed. It sat in the other corner, by the new wall that separated the once single room, and sat down on it. It was just as comfortable as Byakuya's own bed, but somehow seemed out of place. For one thing it didn't match the other furnishings in the room and also seemed newer. Suddenly it dawned on her. Why would Hisana have her own bed when she shared Byakuya's? Rukia blushed at the thought. No this one must have had been brought in after the rooms had been separated.
Looking around she spotted the single glass door that led into the garden. Its matching gossamer curtains obscured the lovely view, so she stood and moved over to them. Shifting them aside she looked out into the lovely garden, making a mental note to explore it later. Turning back, her attention was caught by a third door. This one was built right into the new wall. It was simple and plain with no lock. Moving over to it she took the door knob and turned it. The door opened with a slight squeak, and again she found herself in Byakuya's room.
Leaving the door open she then went back to the garden door opening that as well to allow for some fresh air in. The room itself had been kept clean but it had been shut up and unused nonetheless, and desperately needed a airing out.
Finally the grumbling of her stomach reminded her that she hadn't had anything to eat since last nights dinner. Now nearing noon she suddenly found herself craving food. Hurrying to the door, she suddenly stopped and paused. Turning around she approached the dresser and opened the jewelry box. Feeling slightly uneasy, she removed a thin silver chain from the contents. Reminding herself that Byakuya had given her everything in the room she slipped the keys onto the chain and clasped it around her neck. Pulling the kimono open slightly she slipped the chain under her clothing before pulling the neckline back together. With one last look at her new room she tuned and headed to the kitchens.
Byakuya on his part had had a rather stressful morning. It had started with him reporting to head captain Yamamoto, which hadn't gone to terribly bad. Although the old soul reaper had actually taken the time to ask Byakuya about his hair, and so the great Kuchiki noble had had no choice but tell the head captain that it had not been a hollow attack that had mangled his hair but a small and rather cute baby rabbit. (according to Rukia, as Byakuya would never admit such a thing about the horrid creature) Byakuya had stood, with his back straight, and a fierce scowl on his face as the old fart had shook like a paint mixer as he tried in vain not to laugh out loud.
After being dismissed Byakuya had gone down to his own office, pausing to inform Renji of his plans before making his way to the 12 division. The trip itself wouldn't have been so bad if people would have learned to properly respect their superiors. He fumed as he walked down the street, trying his damndest to ignore the whispering and pointing. He honestly didn't see what the big deal was now. True his hair was different and he wasn't wearing his kenseikan but Rukia had trimmed it and he had made sure it was tidy and neat. So honestly what was the point of all the whispering? Really, people needed to get a life.
"How may I help you Captain Kuchiki?"
"I am here to speak with your captain. Is he available?"
"One moment please. I will inform him of your visit."
"Thank you." Byakuya watched as Nemu hurried across the room and disappeared through a back door. Truly Byakuya hated visiting the 12th division. To be perfectly honest Mayuri creeped the bejeabers out of him. As he stood in the office he absolutely refused to look at his surroundings which consisted of numerous containers and jars, all sitting on shelves. He could only imagine what kind of things were floating around in them.
"What is it Kuchiki?! Can't you see I'm in the middle of an experiment!"
Byakuya snapped back to his senses as Mayuri Kurotsuchi appeared, and Byakuya could have sworn that he heard creepy clown music beginning. Quickly collecting his thoughts he faced the 12th captain.
"I am sorry to disturb you. But I have an urgent issue with which I must discuss with you."
"Ah, yes" (the clown music hit a crescendo) "I have been expecting you, captain Kuchiki. This-" He pulled a small vial from his robes and handed it over "-will regrow your hair. I have already sent the bill to your office."
Byakuya's left eye twitched, but he took the vial nonetheless.
"No, I have other matters to discuss with you, captain."
"Hmm… your perfect hair not enough… need bigger-?"
Byakuya blinked, more then slightly offended, and quickly interrupted the captain before things got ugly.
"What is your knowledge of zanpaku-tô switching owners?"
Mayuri blinked. "Are you messing with me?"
"Definitely not," Byakuya said sternly.
"Ach, It can't be done…however… if you'd be willing to donate a specimen, I could dissect them and see if I could manage something…"
Byakuya grimaced. "No thank you." He stood. "If there's noting else, I will take my leave."
"Humph, you've wasted enough of my time." he turned. "NEMU, get over here you useless creature, and help me carry this-" (the clown music quieted then stopped)
Byakuya turned on his heal, his freshly cleaned scarf swirling around him, and exited the building.
Outside he paused, unsure of where to go next. However upon hearing the approach of someone he turned and shun poed off, not wanting any more attention.
A few moments later he found himself outside the 13th division. Looking up at the large 13 on the side of the building he sighed and entered.
"Ah, so good your back, Byakuya. I was really beginning to worry about you and Rukia. I received your notice that she wouldn't be coming in for sometime and its got me worried. Please tell me what happened."
Byakuya sat quietly, sipping daintily at his tea before launching into his story. Ukitake sat quietly through the whole thing, although he did break into a coughing fit halfway through and Byakuya had to pause until he cleared his air way. As before Byakuya purposely left out Rukia's loss of zanpaku-tô his their growing romance.
Byakuya knew he had to say something about her loss of power though, he didn't want to admit it, but he was at a loss at what to do. He had promised that she would regain her powers… but God, he didn't know how.
"Ukitake," he said finally meeting the other mans eyes, "Rukia has loss all her powers."
"What?!" gasped the white haired captain. "But how…?" His eyes went wide when Byakuya suddenly stood and pushed back his captains coat to reveal two zanpaku-tô , Senbonzakura which sat on his left hip, and Sode No Shirayuki which sat at his right. The shorter sword having been hidden effectively the whole day by his haori.
"I am in complete control of Sode No Shirayuki . Both zanpaku-tô reside in my inner world."
Ukitake eyes were as wide as saucers.
Byakuya continued. "I mentioned that she had become sick and was healed by me. I did not mention how sick she truly was. As she lay dying in my arms Senbonzakura came to me, and told me that the only way I would be able to save her life was if I had the power of two zanpaku-tô. Also upon hearing this she informed me of a old secret, now only known among zanpaku-tô, of which I can't retell, that transfers powers. However they refuse to tell me how to reverse this process."
"Hang on a minute, Byakuya." Ukitake closed his eyes for a moment and Byakuya realized that he was communicating with his own zanpaku-tô. He sat, sipped delicately at his tea, and waited.
"It appears as if you are right. I have received no answer from my own zanpaku-tô in fact he refuses to even listen."
"I believe it to be a touchy subject," replied Byakuya.
"Hmm, indeed. So what are you planning to do next?"
Byakuya sighed. "I had hoped that you might be able to answer that question."
"I'm afraid not, Byakuya. Before today I did not even know such a thing existed. Although…"Ukitake trailed off looking at Byakuya uncertainly.
"What is it Ukitake?"
"I know you won't like this idea, but have you thought of asking Kisuke Urahara? He may know something of this."
Byakuya stiffened. A trip to the human world was the last thing he wanted to do, but if it meant returning Rukia's powers…
Byakuya sat in silence for sometime. Ukitake also remained silent.
"Thank you, Ukitake," Byakuya finally said standing up.
"So you are going to the human world?"
"I see no other option at this point," replied Byakuya.
"I wish you luck, and may you both return safely." Ukitake stood and placed a hand on the other captains arm. "You love her, don't you." It wasn't a question.
Byakuya's eyes widened for a moment before he turned on his heal and left. Ukitake smiled softly watching as Byakuya disappeared in a flash of shun po.
"Take care of her," he whispered to the empty doorway. Turning he sat down and resumed drinking his tea.
Rukia spent the day exploring Byakuya's private wing of the mansion.
Opening an elegant door she found herself in a large libary. There was a larger, more public library that she had been too fairly often, but this second one was Byakuya's own personal one and she found it incredibly interesting to wander the shelves and gaze at the books that he personally preferred. Picking up a rather large volume she gazed at the leather bound cover. "Histories of the Ancients" Her jaw opened in a yawn at just looking at the cover. Setting the heavy volume aside her eyes spotted a thin hardcover stuck at an angle in the space the larger book had one sat. Only now, after the larger book was gone, did she see the little book. Now slightly curious, she reached up and plucked the small book from its shelf.
"It looks like a journal," she mused to herself.
Opening it, her eyes widened when she saw what was written on the inside cover. Obviously written by a child her eyes fell on six words. "Byakuya's Diary. Keep Out or Else!" A smile split her face as she turned to the first page.
'September 17. Today grandpa came over and visited me. Gosh, he sure does look funny in those hair curlers…Anyway he had a present for me today, this diary though I was hopping for a new toy sword ….Anyway, he told me I should write what ever I wanted in this, so that when I'm old like him, I can look back on my child hood days…wow, I wonder if I'll ever get as old as grandpa… now that's OLD!
Later I found mom sitting alone in the living room. She looked so sad again. I tried to cheer her up with a joke I heard, but she just scolded me and closed the door. I guess she wants to be alone again. I hate it when she's sad like that. Dad just ignores it and keeps working. He wasn't there for dinner again… mom left the table early again too…
I'm glad grandpa came to see me today. I hope that someday I'll be as strong and as powerful as him. He's so kind and I love it when he smiles and laughs… I don't see him doing that in front of others. I asked him about that once, he said it was bad to show how your feeling in front of others when you're a noble. I still don't get that, but he said I would some day. I still want that sword though…they are so cool!!.'
Rukia sat silently, a slightly bemused smile on her face. It was obvious that Byakuya hadn't been very old when he had written this. Staring down at the misspelled words she truly realized that she didn't know all that much about Byakuya and his past. She did know that he had always looked up to his grandfather, but never had he mentioned anything about his parents to anyone. Now reading this 'He wasn't there for dinner again… and mom left the table early again too..' she felt sorrow building.
Looking down she turned the page and found more of the uneven writing. Should she continue reading? This was Byakuya's past, one that he had chosen to keep secret, should she really be delving into this without his permission? Closing her eyes she made her decision.
With an evil grin she continued reading. Suddenly a smile split her face and laughter bubbled up. She paused long enough to find a comfortable way to sit on the floor before continuing. Occasionally bursting out in laughter and other times sitting still and solemn. Truly Byakuya was a different person under all those specifically placed emotions.
It was only when her back started to hurt did she realize how long she had been sitting there for. She had only gotten about half way through the book but realizing that she still had plenty to do, she tucked it under her arm and stood.
Moving out of the room she headed down the brightly lit hall. It was now a few hours before supper and yet she had still not moved her things into her new room.
Hurrying out of the wing she ran off toward her old room. Upon arriving she immediately began rummaging around her closet. Crawling in headfirst she began randomly chucking out things that got in her way. It was a large closet and after 50 years it had become quite filled.
Up to her ears in clothes she didn't hear the door open. Tossing out some random underwear she paused when she thought she heard a noise. Turning around she stuck her head out and immediately turned beat red.
A surprised redhead stared at her, her underwear now resting on his head, though, apparently he hadn't noticed that yet.
"What are you doing?"
"Renji! Don't you know how to knock?!"
"I did knock, but you didn't answer."
"That doesn't mean that you can come right in," she squeaked watching as her Chappy panties swung from the side of his head, hanging from the knot in his bandanna. Truly Renji was clueless sometimes.
"What are you staring it?" he questioned eying her. "And why are you blushing."
"I am not blushing!!" and she reached up and grabbed the offending underwear from his head. Unfortunately, Renji thought she was taking a swing at him, ducked causing the underwear to swing about widely and smack him right between the eyes.
"What the hell!"
Rukia blushed harder as he reached up and removed the underwear. Renji stared at it for a moment before suddenly breaking into a wide grin.
"I didn't know they made Chappy underwear in woman's sizes…unless…!"
Rukia's embarrassment turned to anger and she snatched the panties from his hands and hid them under some random clothes. Then for good measure she clobbered him over the head, ironically enough, with a very hard Chappy statue which was conveniently close at hand.
"How dare you insult my underwear!"
"You were the one who gave it to me."
"I did not, I tossed it and you were in its way!"
"…. What are you doing in the closet anyway?"
"I'm moving."
"What?! Where?"
"Close your mouth, Renji. I'm not leaving the city, I'm only changing rooms."
"Oh… why?"
"Byakuya, gave me a bigger room."
"Oh," Renji paused then his eyes widened suddenly. "Since when have you started calling him by his first name?!"
Rukia stuck her head out from between two dresses. "Since the night he told me too!"
Renji's eyes widened and only then did Rukia realized what she had truly said.
"Its not like that! We just got closer as brother and sister… he… felt it would only help improve our… sibling relationship." Rukia inwardly sighed with relief as Renji's expression relaxed. Sometimes she was truly glad he wasn't the sharpest tack in the box.
In an attempt to change the subject she questioned him about his appearance here.
"Well, Captain Kuchiki, wasn't in the office, so I just kind of skipped work. Everyone else was busy so I figured I'd come and see you."
"Well you have perfect timing."
"For what?"
"For helping me move."
Renji's high pony tail seemed to droop a bit.
The next few hours were spend hauling boxes through the grand hallways of the Kuchiki manner. After the third trip poor Renji was wishing he had remained at the office. Even paperwork was better then heavy lifting. Rukia had been asked several time by the servants, if she wanted help but she had politely pointed out that Renji was quite capable of helping. He had opened his mouth to object but that was cut off as a certain Chappy statue fell on his foot.
"Whoa, isn't this the Captains personal quarters!?"
"Yep, he gave me a huge room right by his, come, its just down this hall!"
Renji stared in awe at the high ceilings and polished floors. Truly these noble bastards had it good. To think that Byakuya had been living here all his life while Rukia and him had been living in such squallier. He grumbled to himself.
"Here."
Renji looked from around the box he was caring to Rukia who had opened a door. Wanting to rid himself of the heavy load he hurried after her and set it down with a loud sigh. Standing up he looked around and gasped.
"Its huge!!"
"I know, isn't it amazing! And look at this."
Renji watched as she pushed back some curtains and threw open a door. Renji stared as a sweet breeze hit him, causing his hair to stir softly. He followed Rukia through the door again and again found himself staring in awe.
"Its Byakuya's personal garden."
Renji felt a twinge of anger as he and Rukia entered the lush courtyard. Following a stone path they crossed a small wood bridge, which spanned a medium sized pond complete with fish, and came up to the largest cherry tree either one had ever seen.
Rukia stared. Surely she would have had seen this tree this morning, sure the garden was high with large plants and trees but this one dwarfed even the tallest present. Shaking her head she turned and suddenly froze.
"Renji, something's moving over there!"
Renji turned, his hand on his sword. They both tensed as the grass trembled. Suddenly there was a flash of movement and Rukia's eyes widened as Bloom suddenly landed on the path in front of her.
"Bloom! How did you get in here?!"
"I brought her," came a deep voice.
Both turned.
"Renji, what are you doing here?" said the same voice.
Rukia and Renji looked on to see Byakuya sitting comfortably on a garden bench. He was no longer wearing his squad coat or uniform. Instead a soft green kimono covered his slender body and…
"Captain, your hair is back to normal!"
"Thank you Renji, for pointing out the obvious."
Indeed Byakuya's hair had returned to his former glory. The shorter ends now long, were as shiny as ever and fell gracefully over his shoulders and down his back. The noble hair clips were still absent allowing his black tresses to fall over his face concealing half of it.
Rukia's breath hitched in her throat. Deep down she had felt a bit disappointed that her hair cut was no longer present but that couldn't dampen her delight at seeing him again.
"Now, as I don't like to repeat things, I will only ask this one more time: Why is Renji here?"
"He came over to help me move my things."
"Is that so," said Byakuya calmly watching Renji.
"He was a big help… even if he insulted by underwear…"
Byakuya's eyebrow rose elegantly as Renji's face turned red.
"Er.. I had better be going Captain… there's plenty of paper work that's left to be done…" and Renji disappeared with a awkward flash step.
Byakuya said nothing as Rukia stared at the spot where Renji had stood only moments before.
"Well," he finally said. "Why are you still standing there?"
Rukia looked over at Byakuya who stared at her with a lazy expression. She smiled meekly and hurried over to him. Standing in front of him she paused but squeaked as she suddenly felt strong arms wrap around her waist. The next moment she found herself sitting in his lap, his face already nuzzled into her neck. Her eyelids fluttered as his lips pressed kisses to her soft skin.
"I missed you today," he murmured.
They stayed that way, in each others arms, until Rukia's stomach suddenly rumbled. She flushed, slightly embarrassed but he only laughed.
"Come," Byakuya said standing up and setting her back on her feet. "Lets have an early dinner." He offered her his arm which she accepted, placing her pale hand on the inside of his elbow.
"I have important news to discus with you anyway."
Dinner was consumed rather quickly. Byakuya had quickly shoed the servants out of the room as soon as they were done, anxious to tell Rukia of his plans.
"Were going to the human world?!"
"Yes, we leave early tomorrow morning." He paused, "Only if your feeling well enough though."
"Oh yes, I'm fine. But….why?"
"I wish to speak to a certain individual who may have information concerning your lost powers."
"…who?"
"I believe you know him fairly well."
"Oh no… you don't mean…"
"Yes, I, unfortunately, have no other options. Going to see Kisuke Urahara is most likely our best chance at finding a solution."
"Just after I thought I was done dealing with that weirdo," Rukia muttered under her breath as she looked down at her plate.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!"
"Hmmm… Well because of the early start tomorrow it would be best to turn in fairly soon. It will be a busy day tomorrow and I want you to be fully rested. So," Byakuya said lowering his voice. "Since you seemed to sleep so well last night, I will allow you to do the same tonight, but only tonight."
Rukia's eyes lit up and she smiled happily, a slight blush tinting her cheeks.
"Now," Byakuya said lifting a small bell, "I think it time dessert came."
After ringing the bell he turned to her. "Now then, did you enjoy yourself today?"
"Oh very much so." Rukia giggled her eyes suddenly sparkling.
Byakuya titled his head, and she giggled harder. He grew slightly uneasy by her stares, and he swore she was sparkling again.
"Anything interesting happen today?"
"Oh not all that much really…I had fun looking at everything."
He nodded and rang the bell again.
"I did find a rather interesting diary."
Byakuya chewed on a bit of bread carefully before swallowing. "Hisana never kept a diary."
"No, but apparently you did."
Byakuya choked and looked up, his eyes wide. Now he knew she was sparkling.
"Some interesting stuff in their really." she smirked. "Lets see…"
And to his utter horror she pulled the little book up from her lap and began flipping through its pages.
"Ah… this one's a funny one. 'October 2. Today that devil cat stole my precious hair tie again. I gave chase but lost my footing on the loose stones around the koi pond and ended up falling right in. To my horror Grandfather happened to be-"
"Enough! Hand that over right now!"
Rukia looked up surprised at Byakuya's outburst. He was standing up and glaring at her, a slight pink hue visible over his high cheekbones. She smirked.
"You'll have to get it from me," and she sprang from the table and took off… running right into a surprised servant who was carrying a large platter of chocolate pudding.
Byakuya hurried over and quickly whispered something to the blubbering servant, who nodded and quickly ran off. Rukia was sitting on the floor, no longer sparkling, with the large bowl upside down on her head… its chocolaty contents covering her.
He squatted down beside her and carefully lifted the edge of the large bowl. He winced slightly when he met her large angry eyes.
"That was payback for reading what you shouldn't have been." he said.
She growled and suddenly shoved him.
Byakuya sprang back but his foot caught the hem of his kimono and he went down like a sack of potatoes, a very elegant sack mind you.
Throwing the bowl off her head (and causing more of the pudding to spill over her and the floor) she stood and stormed out the room.
Byakuya propped himself up on his elbows for a moment before getting up and hurrying after her.
"What do you think your doing?!" she cried as he suddenly appeared behind her and swept her up in his arms.
"Your dripping pudding down the hall." he replied carrying her.
"I don't care!"
"Well I do, and so do the servants that have to clean them."
She grumbled.
"That wasn't very nice."
"What wasn't?"
"Pushing me like that. I could have really hurt myself."
She snorted. Byakuya smirked looking down at her. Chocolate ran down her face and her fancy blue kimono was positively ruined. He sighed but found his attention drawn to her pale neck, watching rather hungrily as chocolate ran down it.
"I bet you'd taste good now though…"
Rukia's eyes widened and she turned her head to stare at a smirking Byakuya.
"I missed my dessert too because of you… and you know how much I like chocolate."
Her face reddened as she stared into his intense eyes. Did she detect a hint of lust floating around in their dark depts?
"Where are you taking me!?" she cried getting rather alarmed.
"You'll find out," he purred his arms tightening around her.
"But…"
She quieted when he suddenly set her on her feet, a few moments latter a servant passed.
"Its ready Miss Rukia."
"What is?" Rukia questioned but the servant was already gone. She jumped when she suddenly felt something wet tickle her neck. Twisting her head she suddenly felt warm arms around her waist.
"Byakuya! Are you licking me?!" she squeaked her eyes wide and her face red.
"You do taste good."
With her face as red as a beat Byakuya suddenly scooped her up in his arms again and carried her bridal style through the door.
"What- EIIIEEE!!" SPLASH!
The unnatural sounding scream from a disgruntled Rukia was followed by a loud splash. Byakuya stepped back, a smug smile gracing his lips, as he watched Rukia surface.
"What the hell was that for?!"
He raised an eyebrow at her language.
"How dare you just throw me in here, I could have drowned!"
He smirked and watched as she sat surrounded by the hot soppy bubbles the large bathtub now held.
"Don't stay in here to long, remember you have a big day tomorrow." Byakuya turned and was about to close the door behind him when she called his name.
Turning back around Byakuya's eyes widened as something wet smacked him squarely between the eyes. Removing the 'wet thing' he gingerly held it out at arms length and realized with a widening of his eyes that it was the blue kimono. Looking up he found himself staring at the back and shoulders of a very wet and obviously naked Rukia. Byakuya stood there frozen for a moment until she suddenly looked back over her shoulder.
"You have about three seconds to leave before I shatter every window in the house with my scream."
Byakuya blinked and suddenly flash stepped to the edge of the large tub. Rukia's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as Byakuya pressed a delicate kiss to her bare shoulder then another to her neck before disappearing out the bathroom in a flash; the door closing behind as he left.
Rukia pressed a hand to her chest, in effort to slow her pounding heart. She could still feel his soft lips on her wet skin. Looking down she stared at all the bubbles, was it just her or was it getting hot in here?
About an hour later Byakuya looked up from where he was reading to hear a soft knock on his door. Not wanting to move from his comfortable spot in bed, he simply called out. "Come in, Rukia," and he watched as she meekly slipped into his room, closing the door behind her. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow for a moment when he beheld the Chappy pj's she was wearing.
As she crossed the room Rukia was surprised to find Byakuya sitting up in his bed a book resting against his knees which were propped up under the covers. He was wearing the loose kimono he had tossed away the previous night and his newly lengthened hair rested perfectly around and over his face. His features were calm, as always, and she could feel his eyes on her as she crossed to the other side of the bed. She suddenly looked up at him.
"This is not right."
"What is?" he asked setting the book aside and turning to her.
"Me sleeping here… I mean I want to and everything.." she blushed "but… imagine what people would think?!"
"Because, to them, we are brother and sister?"
"Well partially that, but I mean, its not just that… its …just not proper for a lady too…without being…"
"Sharing a bed with a man without being married?"
Rukia looked up with big eyes. Byakuya was staring intently at her. Her face reddened even more before nodding ever so slightly.
"That's a fairly easy problem to fix." he said quietly.
Rukia looked back up quickly but Byakuya had turned away and was moving under the covers.
"Sleep, Rukia. Forget all your other problems for the moment and just concentrate on falling asleep."
"Yes, Byakuya. Good night."
"Good night, Rukia."
She sighed softly as she slid under the soft covers. The light went out and Rukia felt strong arms pulling her body to his side of the bed. Remembering his words she allowed herself to relax and simply enjoy being nestled in his arms. The sound of his heart and the softness of his breath on the side of her neck had her quickly drifting off into a peaceful and relaxing sleep. Little did she know that she would be waking up to a trip that would change her life forever.
Wow, did you all hear about the news concerning Byakuya's zanpaku-tô. *sighs* Darn it, I was so expecting Senbonzakura to be a woman… I think it was all the pink petals… but anyway, I guess I'll have to change that in my future stories. . (BTW it was from BA where I heard that encase you didn't know)
Also, sorry if I offended any Mayuri fans (with the clown music and all) I just personally find the character rather creepy and I thought the clown music would be funny, but that's just me. ^^;
Anyway, remember I want at least 10 reviews for this chapter before I update again. Please?? *pouts*
Next chapter preview: Rukia and Byakuya head to earth in search of answers. Byakuya is forced to wear normal human clothes *drools* and will Ichigo make an appearance?
