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

Chapter 10 - Falling

I played the shamisen for them that night. Although, it wasn't as well received as I would have liked. The Shihoin nobles belittled it and told me how many flat notes I was playing. I was tempted to say that it was them who were causing me to play flat notes. I turned to Lord Byakuya and he was looking the other way. He probably wasn't listening anyway.

I had placed the shamisen back on it's stand and I was about to walk back when I was apprehended by Yoruichi, "May I have a word with you, Lady Sara," she asked politely. My eyes widened and I nodded. I knew what was coming. We walked out into the garden and we sat on a bench, "Look, first of all, I want to just say sorry for how my family is acting towards you. I thought you played beautifully."

"Thank you, Lady Yoruichi…" I said quietly. She turned to me and sighed.

"And there's another thing…I know your secret."

I froze…did I just hear right? Does she know my secret?

"Don't look so shocked," Yoruichi said with a smile, "Captain Unohana told me. She thought it best to tell me before I found out myself."

"What are you going to do?"

"Nothing, I'm not going to do anything."

"Why not?"

"Because, I like you very much. You're a sweet girl with sweet intentions, posing no harm to Byakuya and that's why I won't expose you; plus, you're an SWA member and we all stick together," Yoruichi said with a wink. I sighed, "I think that you have the noble act down to a T. Unohana must have taught you well. I think you'll be the best thing that ever happened to that boy."

I sighed softly, "May I confide in you about something?"

"Of course, what's wrong?"

"Lord Byakuya…kissed me…" I said in a small voice, "It was a few days ago."

"Why," Yoruichi asked.

I shrugged, "We had an argument and I told Lord Byakuya exactly what I thought of him and his treatment of Rukia. Before I knew it, he had me pinned to the wall, him pressed against me and his lips on mine…that was my first kiss…stolen…That's not how I envisioned my first kiss to be taken…taken in anger. I barely had time to respond…call me a hopeless romantic…but had imagined a more romantic setting…"

"I think he likes you, Sara," I gave Yoruichi a strange look, "Don't give me that look, Sara, you know it's true."

"But I don't like him," I said softly.

"Maybe not," Yoruichi said softly, "But I think you're well on your way to feeling like that. I see how you glare at my cousin when she speaks to Byakuya. I can tell that you don't like her."

"No I don't, you're right about that."

"Sumi has wanted to marry him for years but Byakuya has never bothered with her," Yoruichi said with a smirk, "If he has kissed you, he must definitely like you."

"But he only ever reminds me how I'm his employee and how we should never be too familiar with each other."

"Sara, he isn't as cold hearted as you make him out to be. He may seem like that, he just finds it hard to express himself with his emotions…he's terrified of losing control of his emotions…because when he was very young...he had a quick temper and I think that you made show some of that past personality."

"Is that a good or a bad achievement?"

"Well, he kissed you…I'd call that a good achievement."

I stayed silent.

"Look, from an outsider's point of view and I might be wrong but….I think that you could be the best thing that could ever happen to him….even better than Hisana," Well, I raised my eyebrows at that, "I met Hisana on a number of occasions. Although, she was a kind and beautiful soul…I found her…almost forgettable and with no backbone. She didn't stand out from the crowd and she was quiet, never speaking out of turn. But you, you're a strong minded, intelligent girl with a good heart and with the guts to tell him exactly what you think of him and his treatment of Rukia. I honestly think that Byakuya respects that in you. Plus, I've never seen Rukia so happy to be alive and It's all because of you."

"But why would Lord Byakuya kiss me," I asked,

"Perhaps it was to shut you up," I glared at her, "Or perhaps not…perhaps he's falling for you…"

"I don't see why he would."

"He's easier to read than you give him credit for…and looking at you…I think that you're starting to care for him otherwise, you wouldn't have….lectured him. Okay, it might not be love yet, but I certainly think that you should encourage him to express his emotions more and that way, it might bring you two closer."

I didn't believe her, not at that moment anyway.

"I don't believe you…"

"Okay, don't. But it doesn't change the fact that it's true and the sooner you accept that, the better it will be."

"What if I do fall in love with him," I asked in a small voice, "What will I do?" Yoruichi shrugged.

"I think you're already at that milestone, Sara, you just don't realise it yet."

I didn't answer her. I didn't want to believe it and I wasn't about to admit it.

"You're wrong," I finally said.

"Am I? Perhaps…but I see the way you look at him…as I said, you just don't realise it yet."

I nodded, knowing that it would humour her, "Let's just see what happens."

Yoruichi nodded, "All right, but I think I see the outcome already."

I sighed before standing up, "I care only for Rukia and her well being." I knew that I was being obstinate and I knew that Yoruichi knew it too.

"Okay," Yoruichi said with a small, "Well, I will leave you alone with your thoughts, Sara, and your own conclusion."

I nodded as she gracefully walked away, leaving me alone.

I didn't think it was possible for her to see right through me. I realised it at the time and I refused to believe her. There was nothing endearing about that man, nothing that truly drew me in…well…he could be caring sometimes and the way he held me when carrying me home from the hospital that day told me that he did have some warmth.

I shook my head and played with a ringleted lock of hair that hung around my face. I decided to stay outside for some time before joining the party.

The next day, I refrained from joining Lord Byakuya and the Shihoins for breakfast. I knew that he ordered me to be with him, mainly to look after Rukia, but I had breakfast in my room that morning. I knew he'd be annoyed with me, but I just couldn't stand to be in their presence.

That day, I took a walk in the garden. I had to get away from the hustle and bustle of having two noble families mixing in one mansion. I had left Rukia some easy work to do so that she wouldn't have to call for help. I needed to be by myself.

But no such luck.

Lord Byakuya was sitting under a cherry blossom tree. I tried to stay out of his line of sight, but he'd seen me before I had a chance to hide. In fact, I think that he'd seen me before I'd seen him.

"Where were you this morning," He asked, clearly annoyed by my lack of attendance this morning.

"I wasn't comfortable with the idea that I was eating with all those other high ranking nobles. I didn't think it was my place to do so…after all…I'm just the help," I said quietly. I stood there for a moment, "Look, Lord Byakuya, I'm sorry for my harsh words the other day; I meant every word, but I didn't mean them to sound so…harsh."

I knew that I had to apologise…I didn't want to…but we all have to do things we don't want to do.

"Ah, I see…so if you meant every word, why are you apologising? You cannot possible mean apology if that is the case."

"That's not true," I whispered, "Also…about the kiss you gave me…I'm sure it was just a mistake, right?"

I searched his handsome face for clues or an answer, "How would you react if it did mean something?"

I blanched, "You cannot possibly-"

"Only joking…" Lord Byakuya said with a hint of a smirk, "Honestly, you're so easy to wind up."

I glared at him, "Then why did you kiss me?" I was growing increasingly frustrated with his teasing attitude.

"Who knows?"

"Tell me!"

"It was to stop you from talking."

"So it was to shut me up," I shouted, "You stole my first kiss just to shut me up! You're so mean!"

I was furious. He smirked again softly, "Precisely."

"You don't even care!"

"Quite the contrary, Lady Sara, I do care…but you deserved it after the way you spoke to me…"

"That's no excuse," I cried, "I was saving my first kiss for the person who truly cared for me but now I cannot!"

"Did you enjoy it?"

I growled, "No, I did not! You pulled away before I could even think! Besides, you're making fun of me in such a twisted way; I'm just one of your servants!"

He scoffed slightly, "I see…" but then his face turned grave and emotionless. I was shocked by such a dramatic change in countenance, "Please forgive me…" he turned his face away.

I narrowed my eyes slightly before nodding, "I will forgive you….if it doesn't happen again of course."

Lord Byakuya gazed up at me for a moment, "Of course."

"May I sit with you," I asked after a brief moment. Lord Byakuya nodded slightly, his serious expression returning. I closed my parasol and slowly walked into the shade of the cherry blossom tree. I gently fanned myself with my fan as the heat was quite strong.

"I heard what the Shihoins were saying about you," He said softly, "Please don't take it to heart."

I turned to gaze at him, surprise written all over my face, "Oh…all right…"

"I know that we may only have a professional relationship-"

I scoffed.

"I think that changed the moment you kissed me-"

He ignored me, "I care about your wellbeing and, on my honour as the head of the Kuchiki family, I swear to protect you."

I had to smile at that. He was being…sweet… "Thank you, Lord Byakuya…"

He took my small hand in his and pressed a delicate to my knuckles, smoothing his thumb over the top of them, "You're welcome."

He held my hand a little while longer before gently letting go. We held eye contact with each other before turning simultaneously, "Where is Rukia," he asked after a moment.

"You're actually asking? I'm surprised."

He didn't reply with another of his "witty" comments, "Just tell me."

"She's in her room doing some activities I set her…nothing too taxing…not with this heat."

"You're kind."

"I try my best."

He scoffed a little. For some reason, I felt at ease and I closed my sapphire eyes. I let the soft summer breeze blow by and though my silky, snowy hair, "It's nice weather, isn't it?"

"Yes," he said.

"I'm glad we agree on something," I said with a smile. I heard him heave a heavy sigh.

"I'm going back to my barracks tonight just to check up on things," Lord Byakuya said, "I'll be back by mid afternoon tomorrow."

"Ah, okay."

I opened my eyes. I hadn't noticed, but his shihakusho was loosely closed, showing some of his smooth, toned chest. His hair was free of its kenseikan, lying loosely on his shoulders. He wore the little, white fingerless gloves but he wasn't wearing his scarf or captain's haori. I wasn't surprised by this, it was boiling hot, even in the shade.

After a while, he stood up and I looked up at him, "I have to go and get ready…I will see you later."

With that, he walked away without another word. I sighed softly. I felt a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I shrugged it off and closed my eyes again, this time in sleep.

I spent the next day with Rukia; making sure she did everything well. The Shihoins were yet to return to the compound and I personally couldn't wait for them to leave. Although, I was fond of Yoruichi and I enjoyed her company.

Yachiru kept popping up at the most unusual times. She had apparently built tunnels underneath the tatami mats so that she could catch glimpses of Lord Byakuya. I could tell that she had a school girl crush on him; her eyes always lit up when she saw him. Although, I could tell that he found her adoration annoying. Personally, and this is just between you and me, I couldn't blame Yachiru. He wasn't bad to look at and I was warming to him.

As I gazed out at the garden, Rukia was drawing a picture. Although she wasn't a master artist, she did try and I was one of the few who thought that it was quite cute, if nothing else.

"Lady Sara," Rukia said softly and tugging at the sleeve of my yukata, "I've drawn the picture."

I turned my head to look at the picture. My cheeks went crimson. It was Lord Byakuya and I, sitting under the cherry blossom tree, "When I saw you yesterday, I knew that I just had to draw it."

"It's lovely," I said softly.

"I saw the way he kissed you hand…it looked like a prince kissing the hand of a princess."

I frowned, "Rukia, there isn't anything between us…"

"I didn't suggest that there was, Lady Sara," she smiled, almost knowingly; "It's almost as if…you're trying to convince yourself that there isn't."

I stared at her, completely dumbfounded. My mouth had gone dry.

"I…" I couldn't say anything. I kept opening and closing my mouth, hoping some comprehensible words would come out, "I am his employee and he is my employer…nothing more and nothing less."

Rukia rolled her eyes, "That sounds less and less convincing each time you say that…it's all you say."

I had to turn my face from her. Was it true? Was I truly falling in love with the nobleman? No…at least…I didn't think I was. I had never been truly in love with anyone before so I wasn't sure of what I was feeling.

"I heard from a servant that they'd seen you and my brother kissing in your room the day you came back from the hospital…is it true?"

My heart stopped. Had someone seen us? I had told no one of what had happened between Lord Byakuya and me, not even Tsukasa.

"Is that why you didn't come out of your room for about a week?"

I didn't answer her. She was reading me like a book, although with me being stubborn and prideful, I refuse to admit my blossoming feelings for the captain.

"Rukia, I think it's time to end this discussion."

"No, I don't think it is."

"Rukia," I said in a warning voice, "I said that we should end this discussion."

"But-" before I could stop myself, I gave her a sharp, back handed slap across her cheek. I retracted my hand quickly. Rukia stared at me, completely shocked and her eyes were wide. I saw fear in them too.

It dawned on me…

I hit Rukia

I hit Rukia

I hit Rukia

I saw that she was about to cry.

"Rukia...I…" she recoiled from my touch. I couldn't blame her. I shook my head…refusing to give up. I pulled her into my arms. She was quivering as I held her, "Rukia, please forgive me!" I kissed the top of her head, "I promise that I will never do it again…you didn't deserve that. I'm so sorry…sweet child…I'm so sorry."

I felt her hug me back. I felt relieved as she hugged me with the same intensity. She sobbed into my chest and I stroked her raven hair, "I forgive you, Lady Sara…" she whispered through her tears. Eventually I pulled back and cupped her little face.

"I promise, hand on heart, that I will never…ever…do that to you again. It was uncalled for and unforgiveable."

"I already told you," she said sweetly, "I forgive you."

I hugged her again. I held her very tightly, not wanting to ever let her go, "Thank you."

I adored this girl and slapping her had been…completely out of character for me and cruel on my part, "I'm sorry too," Rukia whispered, "I made you angry and said things which were highly impertinent."

No…they weren't impertinent. She said everything in innocence….maybe this girl was more perceptive than I gave her credit for. I kissed her forehead and wiped her tears away with my thumbs.

"Okay, Rukia, let's carry on with a clean slate," I said, wiping my own tears away, but before I could do anything Lord Byakuya slid the door open. We looked up and Rukia quickly moved back to her place at the table, "Good afternoon, Lord Byakuya," I said with a watery smile.

"Good afternoon, Lady Sara," he said, "I was wondering if I could have a word with you."

I nodded slowly, "Yes, my Lord," I patted Rukia on the head and she gave me a bright smile. Lord Byakuya led me outside into the garden. He had just come back from duty and he was still in his uniform.

"Lady Sara, I wondered if you would accompany me to a bonfire festival."

He said it straight out, "A bonfire festival…tonight…with you?"

He nodded softly, "Think of it as a reward for all your hard work."

"I seek no reward, Lord Byakuya…I am just doing my job."

Lord Byakuya took my small hand in his. It was the hand that I had used to slap Rukia and I was tempted to pull it away. Even though I had earned her forgiveness, I still felt an overwhelming sense of guilt weighing on my heart. I loved Rukia dearly and had grown close to her…I'm not sure if I would be able to do anything.

He placed his hands on my shoulders, "Wear the best kimono you have, Lady Sara…it's a special night."

"Can Rukia come too?"

This took him by surprise.

"We're not going through this again, Sara; I'm not getting into another argument with you."

"But…I…think this would be a good experience for Rukia."

"Sara, it's a festival for couples. I am being expected to go as a captain of the 13 court guard squads and I must bring a partner," he explained, "Now do you understand?"

I nodded with a small sigh. I didn't really want to go, not with my conscious heavy with guilt. However, I knew I couldn't refuse. I nodded again, "All right."

"Good," he said, "Be ready by 4 o'clock."

He then walked back into the mansion, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sighed as I gazed at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a red kimono with a gold cherry blossom design. My hair was loose on my shoulders with a red rose in my hair. Rukia had insisted on helping me get ready. She wanted to do my hair and makeup. I was a little dubious about letting Rukia do this, but surprisingly, she didn't do a bad job, no better than I would have done.

"Thank you very much, Rukia," I said with a kind smile.

"You're welcome." She gave me hug before I made my way out to the court yard. Lord Byakuya was in his shihakusho and everything else that went with it. He turned his head to see me. He smiled faintly at me. If I'd have blinked, I would have missed it.

"You look beautiful, Lady Sara," He said softly. My eyes widened. This was the first time he'd complemented me.

"Thank you…" I whispered, "Are we walking tonight?"

He nodded, "Yes, is that all right with you?"

I nodded. I saw the Shihoins walking out. I groaned softly in annoyance. Lady Sumi glared at me, seeing how close I was to Lord Byakuya. I smirked a little but turned back to Lord Byakuya.

"Let's get going," I said. He nodded and we walked out of the compound. He held my hand as we walked and I felt safe. No matter how many times I refused to admit my growing affection, I always found myself wanting to be near him. He could be emotionless at times…on the outside…but it didn't change the way I was starting to feel.

When we arrived at the festival, It was full of lanterns, decorations and music. It was beautiful. The next thing I noticed was the bonfire. It was a dazzling sight.

"Like what you see, Lady Sara," He asked. I nodded. We walked forward one of the other captains came walking towards us with Lieutenant Hinamori. He was short (about my height) with white hair.

"Good evening, Captain Kuchiki," the short captain said.

"Good evening, Captain Hitsugaya," Lord Byakuya said in a monotone voice. Lieutenant Hinamori waved gingerly at me. Lord Byakuya and Captain Hitsugaya exchanged pleasantries and we moved over to the bonfire. I stared at it for a while, "Are you all right, Lady Sara," Lord Byakuya asked.

"Yes," I whispered. We heard some dance music beginning to play and we turned to each other.

"Would you like to dance," he asked. I nodded and he took a hold of my hand again. We took our positions in the group dance. He stood behind me and placed a hand on my waist and held my left hand with the other. We moved slowly around the bonfire with the other couples in a circle. We took a few steps, spun me and then I had walk around Lord Byakuya while still holding his hand. The carried on for a while until the music ended.

"It was a lovely dance, Lord Byakuya," I said coyly. He nodded.

"Yes," he said, "Lovely indeed."

We walked over to a food vender and bought some takoyaki on sticks to share. We walked over to quiet spot where the moon was brightest. We sat on a hill.

"It's such a warm night; don't you think so, Lord Byakuya?"

He nodded, "Yes," he said. We silently ate our takoyaki, listening to the crickets and who knows what else. After a while, I felt Lord Byakuya seek out my hand. He didn't look at me when I stared at him questioningly. I felt my hand reciprocate the attention Lord Byakuya's hand was showing mine.

He knew what he was doing, for sure…but was he just as stubborn as I was?

I moved closer to him, feeling his warmth. He turned his head towards me, "Sara…"

I liked it when he called me just by my name, "Yes, Byakuya?"

"Why have you cast your spell upon me," He whispered. My eyes widened.

"What do you mean," I asked, "What spell?"

He chuckled slightly and rested his head against mine; gingerly fingering my jaw line, slate grey meeting sapphire blue. But before we could do thing, we heard a deep raw. We pulled apart quickly.

Lord Byakuya stood up, "No…no it couldn't be…"

Yoruichi and Captain Soi Fon came running towards us, "Hey, kid" (Yoruichi was referring to Lord Byakuya and this made me giggle), "Do you sense that?"

"Yes," he said, "It's a hollow."

I stumbled back in fear, "A…hollow…?"

"Yoruichi, take Lady Sara back to the Kuchiki compound," Byakuya said, "Captain Soi Fon will-"

"No, kid, we'll take care of it, Soi Fon and I…you take care of Sara," Yoruichi said, "Get her to safety…this is no place for her."

Lord Byakuya turned his head towards me and saw that I was trembling with fear.

He nodded, "Fine."

He grabbed my waist just as I saw the hollow poke it's head out of the surrounding trees. To my relief, Lord Byakuya flash-stepped away from the horrific scene, trying to get me to safety; I kept close to him as he did so, feeling sad that this perfect night had come to an abrupt end.

When we arrived back at the compound, He placed me in my room, "I'm going to help Yoruichi and Captain Soi Fon. Stay here until I come back."

With that he flash stepped away before I could say anything else.

"Byakuya!" I screamed after him, but he didn't hear me and my voice echoed throughout the compound as I screamed after him. I didn't want him to go, but I wiped my tears away sniffed. I came back to my senses, knowing that this was his job. I walked back to my room and patiently waited for him to come back to me.

A/N I hope you don't hate Sara for slapping Rukia. I felt bad doing it, but she didn't mean to do it and she does love Rukia very much. She just reacted before she thought when she heard something she didn't want to hear. I hope you don't hate her.