I'm back with more Byakuya and Hisana! :D I'm glad to be back here, there's so much hate getting thrown at Hisana in my other story, that I needed to catch a break. TT_TT Well, I hope you enjoy this one! I know! I always say that the chapter is going to be short, but this time it will be! I'm going to use this chapter in a way to tie the characters together before throwing the Soul Society plot with Rukia at you guys! Don't get me wrong, I will only show bits and parts of Rukia and Ichigo, but it will mainly concern the relationship between Hisana and Byakuya during Rukia's execution and how Hisana takes the news of Byakuya supporting it, blah, blah, blah. Why am I telling you all of this? Ahhhh, college is so easy to work with right now!

The Rain

"So, is it true that you fought against Ichigo Kurosaki?" A guy asked Karin during breakfast. It was pretty early, and she really wasn't in the mood to explain everything again. Her sparring with Ichigo was several days ago, and people were still asking about it? What the hell?

"I merely sparred with my brother, we didn't technically fight." Karin muttered.

"He's your brother?" He asked, looking astounded.

Karin scowled at him. "Yes, I'm Kurosaki too, or have you forgotten?"

He flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, I just figured you guys had the same last name or something." He then smiled sheepishly.

"Well, congratulations, you now made it clear to me that you're an idiot." Karin shot at him. He frowned at her but didn't take the hint to leave.

"Is he really strong as people say?" He asked, aggravating her.

Karin turned to him and glared at her fellow squad member. "Yes, he is, okay? Right when I thought I was going to beat him, he cut through my Shikai as if it were butter; the bastard really was going easy on me." She growled, returning to her food.

"Oh, well, I was just curious about it." He said, turning away. However he faced her again, almost making Karin throw her hands in the air out of utter frustration. "Did you really burn Sixth Division's training grounds? I heard Captain Kuchiki wasn't too happy."

"I don't know, I left before he even got there. I haven't heard from Ichigo, so I'm guessing Captain Kuchiki put him to work as punishment." Karin said. He shrugged before finally leaving.

His annoying presence was soon followed by another. "Heeeey!" Rangiku cried, sitting next to her.

"Oh for the love of-! What now!" Karin cried, but stopped when she realized that she was yelling at her superior. "Sorry, Lieutenant Matsumoto…"

"Don't worry about it." Rangiku waved her apology away. "I came to tell you some great news! I recommended you for a seated officer position!"

Karin started to choke on her food. She coughed violently, making several people turn their heads. Rangiku patted her on the back until Karin finished, gasping for breath. "W-What did you say…?" She wheezed.

Rangiku blinked. "I said that I recommended you to the captain about assigning you to a seated officer position."

Karin stood up in both shock and annoyance. "Why the hell would you do something like that?" She demanded.

Rangiku wasn't all that affected by her outburst. "Relax, it's not a big deal. From the moment I first met you, I knew there was more to you. You have high spiritual energy, enough to even become a lieutenant, like your brother."

"Yes, but my brother isn't a lieutenant, he didn't become a Shinigami because he wanted to sit in an office all day acting like he's so freaking important." Karin snapped. Rangiku stared and laughed.

"You are so adorable! You and the captain are so much alike! All of that negativity can't be healthy!" Rangiku laughed, making Karin glare at her. Rangiku Matsumoto, how in the world does Captain Hitsugaya deal with her? "Being a high rank officer isn't that bad, I mean, look at me!"

"My point exactly…" Karin sighed.

"It doesn't matter now whether you're against it or not." Rangiku grinned.

Karin felt herself go pale. "What do you mean?"

"The captain wants to perform an evaluation on you, it's kind of mandatory. If he thinks you're good enough, he'll offer you a position, then you can turn down the offer if you want." Rangiku explained. She then patted Karin on the head. "We'll see you in couple of days." She gave a small wave and left Karin alone.

Karin groaned as she banged her head on the table. "Damn, damn, damn!"

…

Byakuya awoke to a soft tapping on the door. It was fairly early, he should have already been on his way to his division, however, it was clear that sleep won over once again. The tapping continued, and he sat up. Hisana was still sleeping peacefully by his side, unperturbed. He silently rose and approached the door, opening it.

Tamiko quickly bowed her head. "A thousand pardons, Lord Kuchiki, but your grandfather asked for you; he said there's a matter of great importance he needs to discuss." She told him softly. Byakuya dismissed her with a nod and withdrew back into his room.

He quietly dressed, slightly wondering what his grandfather wanted to talk about. Unless it had something to do with his current relationship with Hisana; did he find out? Ginrei wasn't a fool, but perhaps it was another matter he wanted to discuss. Byakuya made his way out of the room and started to head towards his office. However, Ginrei was already briskly walking his way, a forlorn look on his face. No, it wasn't good.

"Grandfather-?"

"Byakuya, come with me." Ginrei cut him off. "You're needed."

…

Hisana turned over to her side, her arm reaching out, grasping empty space. She lifted her head and found one side of the bed empty. She frowned as she sat up. "Byakuya? That's odd…" She said, giving a small yawn. For the past several days, she was always the one to awaken first; on rare occasions she had to shake the young lord awake since he had overslept, again. Now? Well, why was she so surprised?

"I've gotten used to waking up to him in the morning." Hisana told her self. She sighed as she stood up, opening the door in order to see one of the gardens. The sun was out, but it was peeking from behind heavy clouds. "Rain?" She murmured.

"Oh, Lady Hisana! Good morning!" Tamiko called as she made her way towards Hisana.

Hisana smiled at her. "Good morning, Tamiko. I must've fell into a deep sleep because I didn't notice Byakuya leave so early."

"Well, that's because Lord Ginrei asked for him. Apparently they had business to take care of because they left shortly after." Tamiko explained.

Hisana frowned. "Is that so? I sure hope everything is alright, did you happen to catch where they were going, Tamiko?"

"No, Lady Hisana, they left so suddenly. I will tell you this, though." Tamiko said, suddenly dropping her voice down to a whisper. "Lord Ginrei seemed very upset, like something was troubling him greatly."

A horrible premonition filled Hisana's heart at the revelation. "Tamiko," Hisana said, staring up at the darkening sky. "I hope Byakuya's alright."

…

"Why am I here again?" Ichigo asked as he followed Hisagi down the halls of the academy.

"You're here in order to take Renji's place. There's a session they want lieutenants to do, explaining the different divisions to the students in order to help them decide what divisions to enter when graduation comes." Hisagi explained. "Renji's off doing the mission you were supposed to do, but you were missing again."

"Oh yeah." Ichigo said, scratching his head. "Well, it won't take long will it?"

"It depends." Hisagi said, leading him into a room full of students. The other lieutenants were already standing in the front of the room, aligned in their respective orders. Hisagi made his way to stand in between Nanao and Rangiku, while Ichigo dragged himself to go and stand next to Momo and Iba. Ichigo gave a loud obnoxious sigh.

"Don't be rude, Ichigo." Momo whispered.

"Ah, take your whining somewhere else, kid." Ichigo said, rubbing his knuckles on her head, not roughly, but enough to make a part of her hair stick up.

"Ichigo!" Momo cried, reaching up to fix her hair.

"Shhhh!" Nanao told them, glaring at them dangerously.

Momo stuck her tongue out at him. "You'd make a lousy lieutenant." She then ducked when Ichigo raised his knuckles again.

"Shhhh!" Nanao went again. Seriously…

Ichigo faced the front, and the first thing he noticed was a pair of vibrant, violet orbs. Rukia caught his gaze and suddenly smirked. Soon after, she made a face at him, making him scowl. "Stupid little, brat."

"Shhhh!"

"Damn it, Nanao!" Ichigo cursed in his head, still glaring at Rukia who was looking smug. So she was trying to become a Shinigami? That's just perfect…

It was agonizingly boring for Ichigo, having to stand there and listen to the instructor and the others, discussion divisions. Che, Ichigo didn't even bother to think about it, he merely covered his eyes and pointed at a random number and that number was six for the Sixth Division.

It was that easy.

In the middle of Momo's speech, however, the class was interrupted. "Excuse us, but someone came for Rukia Miyoshi. She is to leave in order to attend personal matters." A messenger said.

"Who's here for her, if I may ask?" The instructor asked. Ichigo saw that Rukia was equally confused by the interruption, especially since it had to deal with her.

It was Ichigo's turn to be surprised when Byakuya stepped into the classroom. A few gasps and murmurs erupted from the students at the sight of a captain, and not just any captain, but one that happened to be the head of one of the four noble families. "What the hell is he doing here?" Ichigo whispered as the instructor approached the captain.

"Shhhh!"

Girls seriously needed to stop their nagging…

Byakuya and the instructor exchanged a few words before the instructor nodded. Byakuya then turned to leave. "Come, Rukia." He said, leaving the room. Too confused to object, Rukia gathered her things and followed the young noble out of the room, every single pair of eyes on them.

"I want to ask, but I don't want trolls shushing me again." Ichigo announced, receiving glares from both Momo, Nanao, and a couple other girls for that matter.

…

Ginrei wordlessly watched Hisana tending to her garden. She kept glancing toward the sky, obviously trying to hurry before the rain fell. It was perfect weather for a treacherous day. He heavily sighed as Hisana dropped to her knees, digging her hands into the earth, pulling weeds, and watering the plants. He noticed just how delighted she was, so high in spirits.

That was the real Hisana.

"Her family?" Ginrei asked, not bothering to look at Byakuya, who stood at his side.

Byakuya gazed at his wife as she practically rolled in the dirt. "They're waiting for her."

"You're going to tell her, I assume?" Ginrei asked.

"Yes."

Ginrei finally turned to face his grandson. "Byakuya, you have obligations, and she's one of them; she's more fragile than you think." Ginrei placed a firm hand on his shoulder before leaving.

Byakuya watched as Hisana cut a few flowers and brought them to her face. He straightened his back and made his way towards her. She caught sight of him and smiled. "Oh, Byakuya, you've returned. I thought you would have gone straight to your division when you were done with your errand. I wasn't expecting you home so early."

"Hisana." Byakuya said, staring at her with his emotionless, grey eyes. "There's something you should know."

"W-What is it…?" She suddenly whispered, her eyes going wide with fear. She felt the flowers slip from her hands. "Rukia…?"

"…"

Hisana suddenly touched his arm. "Byakuya, what is it? Tell me, you're worrying me."

Tamiko ran out towards the garden, just in time to see Hisana's legs give out from under her. Byakuya caught her before she hit the ground, and Tamiko hurriedly made her way to them. He spotted Tamiko and she froze when he slightly shook his head at her. Tamiko gripped her chest as Hisana shed countless tears, clutching Byakuya's front, demanding something from him.

"No! It can't be true!" Hisana suddenly shrieked. "…it can't…it can't…" She sobbed.

Tamiko felt her own tears as she saw Hisana pull away from her husband in order to try to fall to her knees. Byakuya wouldn't let her, however, and took hold of her arm, guiding her away from the garden.

"What happened?" Tamiko whispered to herself.

…

"Lady Kuchiki was very affected by the death of her father." One of cooks said as they prepared some food. Tamiko listened to the conversation silently, hands trembling in anticipation.

"Poor, dear, I'm scared we won't see her smile again." Another cook sighed as she skillfully cooked the rice. Tamiko bit her lip, that would be tragedy. Ever since Lady Hisana first arrived at the manor, everything seemed so alive. Everyone was so used to her laughter, it would be unbearable to go a day without it.

"Are they coming home with the urn?"

"I doubt it, they'll probably place his remains in the Miyoshi family grave." A cook replied. "They'll be home, tonight."

Tamiko couldn't wait, it was becoming too unbearable for her to handle. Lady Hisana, how was she? She was in a terrible state when Tamiko last saw her. She hoped that Hisana would recuperate soon, Tamiko wouldn't be able to stand it, all her hurt.

One of the several maids rushed into the kitchens. "They're home! Lord Kuchiki and Lady Kuchiki are home!" She cried.

"Hush, child, you don't want to make a scene!" One of cooks hissed, and the young made ducked her head. Tamiko rushed out of the kitchens and darted toward the main entrance. Sure enough, Hisana and Byakuya slowly made their way towards the house. Tamiko felt her throat go dry when she caught sight of Hisana. She looked pale, weak, depressed even.

Her eyes were so dead…

"Tamiko, take her to her room." Byakuya ordered when they reached her. "She needs her rest."

"Y-Yes, Lord Kuchiki…" Tamiko said, gently taking Hisana's arm. She touched her hand and noticed how cold it was, and Tamiko looked up at her, but Hisana stared at the floor.

Tamiko felt like she was handling a doll. Hisana said nothing, she didn't move, or anything. Tamiko led her to her room, undressed her, helped her under the covers, and still Hisana said nothing. "Good night, Lady Hisana." Tamiko whispered, but Hisana merely turned her back to her, silent as ever. Tamiko left the room quietly, carefully wiping away her own tears.

…

Hisana awoke to the booming of thunder, and she shot up when the rain fell harshly against the roof of the manor. She brought her knees to her chest and hugged them tightly, staring at the room. It was dark, cold, and sad. She shivered as she heard the whirling wind outside.

Her father was dead.

Hisana tried to wipe away her tears, but it was no use, they still came. What did it matter? Tears weren't going to bring her father back. Hisana looked up and glanced around the lonely room.

Hisana then quickly kicked the covers off of her as she stood up. She exited her room, and found herself walking down the deserted hallways of the large manor. The floors were cold beneath her feet, but she ignored it, placing a hand on the wall as she walked. She turned into a familiar corridor and rushed towards a door.

Opening it, she entered the room. It was quiet, comforting, and warm when she entered. A certain sense of security filled her as she approached the bed. She walked around it and carefully eased herself into it. Hisana whispered into her husband's ear. "Byakuya…"

His eyes flew open at the sound of her voice. He sat up, slightly surprised at finding her there. "Hisana-?"

"Can I sleep with you?" Hisana suddenly asked, her voice wavering. "It's so cold in my room…"

He studied her in the darkness, her eyes wide and empty. He frowned, but didn't protest. "If that's what you want." He finally said, resting his head against the pillow.

"Yes, it is." She whispered, also resting her head on a pillow. He stared at her intently until Hisana forced her eyes closed; she sometimes found his stare unnerving. A few seconds passed before she felt his finger brush away a stray tear.

Words weren't needed, his actions had said enough.

…

It was still raining.

"What is troubling you, my flower?" Lord Miyoshi asked as he knelt down. A young Hisana brushed away some of her tears.

"I don't like this place." Hisana said, looking away. "People here are really mean to me, and to Rukia, too." she explained.

"Ah, yes." He said, nodding grimly. "They say mean things to me too."

"Really?" Hisana looked up.

"Of course, but they don't understand people like you and me, they don't know anything." He told her. "Don't listen to them, my flower."

"It's hard not to." Hisana told him. "We're from the Rukongai; we're nothing but filth."

"Is that what they tell you? No, to me you're my beautiful flower, and I'm so thankful that I found you and your sister." He said, touching her head. "You're the light of our lives."

"Thank you, Lord Miyoshi." Hisana said.

"No, we'll have none of that." He told her sternly, making Hisana smile.

"Sorry, Father."

"Hisana." She heard Byakuya call out. Hisana looked up, her kimono was soaked, her hair plastered against her face, and her tears were already mingling with the rain. She stood next to her garden, shivering as she stood under the showers, hoping it'll wash away her sorrows, wash everything away.

Hisana looked downcast as she turned away from him. She then looked up at Byakuya and was surprised to see him step into the rain as well. "You'll fall ill." He told her. He reached out and took her hand, and glared disapprovingly at her. "As I thought, you're freezing."

"You don't have to trouble yourself with me." Hisana said, "You aren't obligated to anything."

He didn't say anything as a sob escaped her throat. "He was my father, I loved him so much. I just can't imagine my life without him, I can't." She said. "He was always there, no matter how many times I looked, I didn't have to worry because I just knew he would be there."

She wiped the water from her eyes. "Look at me, I'm so pathetic, aren't I? I can't even hold myself up, I'm just wasting away like nothing. Father would be so disappointed." She shook her head. "I'm so alone; I don't know what to do, I'm-I'm helpless…"

Byakuya suddenly took her face in his hands, making her gasp. "You are not alone." He told her.

"But-"

"Hisana." He told her firmly. "You are not alone; you have your family, and you have me."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Byakuya…" She whispered. Water slid down his face, soaking his hair and seeping into his robes. His face was stoic, staring down at her, but his eyes weren't as cold. They were full of understanding, as if he personally knew what she was going through. Oh, that's right…

He lost his father, too. His mother as well.

She gently placed her hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes. She felt vulnerable, yet safe. "You're…" She told him softly. "…wet…"

"We're standing in the rain, Hisana." He told her, frowning. He was probably wondering what was wrong with her. She softly traced his jaw, and she felt him stiffen. Hisana finally realized what she was doing.

"Have you gone insane?" Hisana thought to herself. However, it didn't stop her from leaning into him. "Just once, help me forget."

"Hisana…"

"Just this one moment." She told him. "Please…"

For the first time since she met him, Byakuya Kuchiki displayed a tinge of uncertainty on his face. She looked at him imploringly with her eyes. After much debating, he gently tilted her head upwards and she eagerly met his lips with her own. She gripped his shoulders tightly as she deepened the kiss, trying to forget everything.

And she did, for several seconds she was oblivious to everything but the man that stood before her, kissing her in the rain. Her body was filled with a tingle of warmth that shielded her from the icy downpour.

From a distance, Tamiko nearly dropped the tea she was carrying when she spotted Lady Hisana being kissed and embraced by Lord Kuchiki, in the rain. She watched in shock as they broke apart, only to capture each other's lips once more. Feeling like she was violating something blissful with her presence, she quickly took off in the direction she had come from.

…

"Stupid, stupid…" Hisana scolded herself as she served herself some tea. "How could I let something like that happen? It was so reckless…"

She sighed in frustration as she looked out at the garden from the open door of their room. The rain had finally stopped, but that didn't Hisana at all. How could she have kissed him? Why? Why did she let it happen? Why did he? Now she won't be able to stay in the same room with him without feeling the awkwardness of their first kiss settle on them, like a thick blanket that threatened to suffocate both of them.

She closed her eyes. So much had happened. She was married, Rukia was trying to become a Shinigami, and her father had died…

And now, she sat silently, recalling how it felt to be kissed, with the rain as their witness and the wind humming in their ears.

Gosh! Finally! Anyways, enjoy this, because you won't see another kiss for a while! Muahahahaha! When I showed my friend, she said that it reminded her of The Notebook. I was like, "Nooooo! That isn't what I was going for!" Dx

I hope you enjoyed it! Until next time!