A/N I don't own Bleach nor do I make any profit from it.

Chapter 10 - Unexpected

When I woke up next, I found myself in a hospital bed. I was tired and disorientated. Turning my head, I saw someone I didn't expect to see.

Lord Byakuya was sitting beside my bed, eyes cast down and arms folded. I swallowed softly, not knowing what to say to him. I sat up, drawing his attention, "So you're finally awake," he observed. I nodded softly.

"Where am I? Am I at Squad 4," I asked. He nodded.

"Yes," he answered, "You collapsed of a fever. I'm surprised you're still alive."

I was stunned by that. Did he think that I was weak?

"You sound surprised," I answered him softly.

"Well, yes, it's the illness my wife died of," He answered, "Well; it was what finished her off anyway. She had all kinds of things wrong with her."

"I'm sorry," I answered.

"The funny thing is," Lord Byakuya started, "That illness isn't from the Seireitei. It's picked up in the Rukongai."

"Perhaps it's still lingering around in your mansion since your wife died," I answered quickly. Lord Byakuya stared at me for a few moments, just trying to make sense of what I had just said, "I mean, I would never go near the Rukongai even if I was paid a million pounds so…"

Lord Byakuya turned his head away, his silky bangs hiding his eyes. He had removed his kenseikan and tied his hair into a loose, low pony tail that hung over his shoulder. I gazed at him for a moment before turning to gaze out of the window, "How is Rukia?"

Lord Byakuya looked up at me, "I don't know, I haven't seen her."

"What do you mean by that," I snapped. He glared at me in silent rage.

"For your information," he growled, "I haven't been back at the mansion for the past three days. I have been sat here the whole time, only away from you to freshen up and change my clothes. I had my servants bring them here."

I bit my lip. It was true. He wasn't wearing his Soul Reaper uniform. He was wearing a hazel green yukata and a darker green, long sleeved haori that was draped loosely over his shoulders, "Forgive me, my lord," I whispered, "I was out of line."

He didn't answer, "How long was I out of it for?"

"As I said, you were unconscious for three days. You drifted in and out, calling out random names."

I went immediately red, "Whose names did I call out?"

"I forget," He answered, "There were many times that you called," I saw the faintest hint of a smirk.

If this was an anime, I would have sweat dropped.

"Will I be able to return with you when I'm better," I asked. He nodded slightly. I couldn't wait to see Rukia again. It would be a relief to start teaching again. It turned my head towards the little table in front of the bed. It was covered in little brightly coloured boxes; presents presumably, "Who are they from?"

"They are from the SWA. Lieutenant Matsumoto and Kusajishi brought them over. Although, I think Lieutenant Kusajishi ate half of one of the boxes of chocolates herself."

I giggled softly, "I expect nothing less from Yachiru."

"Of cause," Lord Byakuya replied. I noted the tired look in his grey eyes. As youthful and beautiful as he may have appeared, those grey eyes told many stories. He closed his eyes, as if in sleep. Had he really kept himself awake all this time? I assumed because this was the illness that killed his wife so he didn't want to fall asleep and find me dead. I didn't think he cared and I didn't know what to think.

"Thank you for staying with me, Lord Byakuya," I said softly, "It means the world to me."

"Do not misunderstand me, Lady Sara," he said in a low tone, "I am not here as a friend; I am here as an employer, nothing more and nothing less than that."

My eyes widened, "I think it was you who misunderstood me, Lord Byakuya," I said seriously, "I expect nothing more than a civil employer/employee relationship. I was merely expressing my gratitude to you for staying with me."

I patiently waited for an answer but there came none. I sat up more against my plump, soft pillows but not without difficulty. Lord Byakuya stood up and wordlessly helped me, "Thank you, Lord Byakuya."

He grunted in response. He was definitely a man of few words. I sighed softly and felt the air go tense. I was relieved when Captain Unohana and Isane entered the room. Isane had a pretty bouquet of flowers in her arms.

"How are you feeling today, Lady Sara," Captain Unohana asked.

"Very well, thank you, Captain," I replied politely

"I think that you'll be able to go home soon because you look much better," She smile serenely and she turned to Lord Byakuya. "How are you feeling, Captain Kuchiki, you look tired," Captain Unohana observed, "Would you like any tea? Sara, would you like any?"

We both nodded, "Yes, please, Captain," I replied. Lord Byakuya said nothing. Honestly, where were his manners? Captain Unohana seemed to shrug it off and she left the room. Isane placed the flowers in the vase of water and picked up a small pill box. She opened it and took out some of my medicine.

"Here, Lady Sara, it's your medicine."

I graciously took the tablets and took them with a whole beaker of water, "Thank you, Isane," I said softly. She nodded and followed her captain out of them room.

"Lady Sara, when you come back to the Kuchiki mansion," Lord Byakuya said, "You may take a few days rest before you start work again."

"Thank you, Lord Byakuya, I will keep that in mind," I said with a smile, "If you would like to, Lord Byakuya, take a stroll with me around Squad 4's garden. It appears to be a nice day and I personally would like to stretch my legs."

I held his gaze for a long time. He looked a little indecisive; it was as if he didn't want to get to close to me. But I didn't see the harm in having a friendly stroll. At the time, my thoughts were relatively innocent, that's why I didn't see the harm. Lord Byakuya, of cause, had been married and had less than innocent thoughts, although he did his best to hide them and very well I might add.

He sighed before standing up. I gazed up at him expectantly. He nodded a small nod. I threw my covers off myself and I attempted to stand up. However, after three days of lack of use, my legs collapsed from under me. I thought that I was going to fall to the ground but I felt an arm catch my waist. I had clenched my eyes shut and opened them to find myself pressed against Byakuya's chest.

"Think before you stand up, Lady Sara," He grumbled. I clung to his yukata for support. I gazed up at him and I looked away before trying to stand up by myself, but it was easier said than done. Lord Byakuya didn't let go of me, knowing that I would fall again, "Are you sure that you want to do this?"

"Lord Byakuya, if I don't do this now, my legs will never get strong," I replied. He sighed, obvious annoyed. He reached for the beige-pink haori that lay on the edge of the bed. He helped me to pull it on. He replaced his arm around my waist, allowing me to lean on him, "Thank you, Lord Byakuya," I whispered. He said nothing. I sighed and wondered if this was such a good idea, but I needed to regain the use of my legs. I slipped my feet into some sandals and we made our way towards the courtyard garden. It was a sunny day and Isane, who had spotted us, gave Lord Byakuya a parasol and a walking stick to me. Lord Byakuya opened the parasol and then continued to support me as we walked.

We walked around for a while. I was torn between relying on the stick and just leaning on Lord Byakuya. I did a mix between the two. I knew that it was strange to say this, but I actually like being in Lord Byakuya's arms. Not for romantic reasons though. I just felt safe. Was it because he was a captain of the 13 court guard squads? Perhaps. Was it because he was the 'strongest-to-date' 28th head of the Kuchiki family? Perhaps.

But it was the way that he held me, that really made me feel safe. It felt wonderful yet strange. I had never been held in such a fashion before.

"You've certainly gone quiet," Lord Byakuya commented, "That's a first."

I don't know what was restraining me from not standing on his foot. I must have the patience and restraint of a saint, "Yes," I said through gritted teeth, "I certainly have."

"I notice that you're leaning on me a lot, even though you have a walking stick."

I blushed, but shot back before I could stop myself, "You have your arm around my waist! Of cause I'm going to lean on you!"

"Would you prefer it if I removed my arm, Lady Sara," Lord Byakuya asked, slight amusement in his voice, "Because, I will do that if you want me to do so."

I shook my head, "That's not what I want or meant," I said softly, "I was merely pointing something out."

"Ah…so that's what you call it…"

We both fell silent again.

I raised my head to look up at the cherry blossom trees that adorned the garden. You could tell that this division was led by a woman. It felt so womanly and calming. Lord Byakuya's barracks were very plain. There wasn't anything to make it look interesting. I had been told that Lord Byakuya was a great lover of natural beauty, but I saw no evidence of that in his barracks. Everything was straight laced and ordered…much like his personality. I wanted him to live a little.

I don't know what possessed me to do what I did next.

I gathered all the strength in my legs and ran from him and his protective arms.

"Lady Sara…what are you doing," he asked sceptically. I turned around gave him a bright smile.

"Drop the parasol and catch me of you can."

His eyes must have widened to twice their actual size as he stared at me as if I had gone stark raving mad, "Come on, Byakuya," I coaxed. I even addressed him by just his name…ooh, scary…, "Live a little."

He stood there, dumbstruck.

"Lady…Sara…" He muttered. I started to run away from him, albeit it was more like a fast stagger. It turned my head to see Lord Byakuya having an inside battle with himself. Eventually, I saw him flash step and he dropped the parasol. My eyes widened. I had forgotten that he could do that. Well, I couldn't honestly expect an aristocrat such as Lord Byakuya to run.

No, the world would end if he did.

I ran for moment more, panting as my weak body was about give up but my will would not give in. I desperately looked around.

"You think that, with your pathetic speed, that you can escape me," I heard him say from behind. I knew that it wouldn't be very fruitful to run, but I felt the adrenaline run through my body as I ran. I didn't reply.

He appeared in front of me and I squealed playfully. I ran in the opposite direction, but Lord Byakuya started to play with me and my mind. I knew that he would never actually hurt me, but I felt scared.

In my blind panic to get away, I tripped over a large, decorative rock. I closed my eyes, preparing myself for impact but I felt a pair of strong arms, Lord Byakuya's arms, catch me.

"I've won," He whispered, "Sara."

My cheeks went very red as he addressed me without my honorific, "I suppose that I have been beaten at my own game, ne," I asked.

"Well put, Lady Sara," Lord Byakuya said, gathering me into his arms to lift me off my feet, "Now, it's best that you get some rest before we head back to the mansion and before you get sick again. Captain Unohana will scold me if you do."

I smirked lightly, "Ah, I see," I said with a small chuckle, "Well, I wouldn't want that to happen."

Lord Byakuya rolled his eyes before taking me back inside.

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