Oh dear readers! Sorry it took me so long to update this! As I said, it was ready, but I decided to include a few things and sent it back to my dear Royalbluekitsune again. It got better, though, and a little longer! I hope you enjoy it! :)

Japanese words:

Hadajuban: the first undergarment worn in the kimono attire. It is so named as it is worn next to the skin.

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Byakuya offered her an arm, and they left the temple together, followed by the guests.

Rukia's dizziness was fading away and she was suddenly very aware of his closeness, his warm body pressing into her side and those soft lips that had just delivered her very first kiss.

She almost closed her eyes at the memory.

Even after that, he was still not speaking to her or even looking at her, she noticed, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes.

'Of course, Rukia. This is a fake marriage, remember? He is only doing me a favor,' she reminded herself roughly. She felt like slapping herself for her foolishness. Why should she expect anything different?

Before they arrived at the main ballroom, where the reception would be given, Mieko called her.

"My Lord, Rukia-sama, excuse me," she bowed in front of both of them. "Rukia-sama, this way please".

She guided them to a room just before the reception place.

Rukia noticed the room was actually divided in two – the first chamber was a comfortable anteroom, and the second one was a bigger room, with a bathroom enclosed.

Byakuya simply nodded at her and waited outside while the maids took her to the changing room.

*****

Maybe it was just a coincidence? Maybe it wasn't exactly that one? Maybe it was just his imagination?

No, he would never mistake it for any other. The memory was too alive and intact in his mind. But why? Why would she do this?

Maybe she had not known. Or maybe they had been separated…. Surely she would have sense enough not to…?

But his wishful thinking was severely broken as he watched Rukia emerge from the other room like a queen, covered in rubies and in that dark satin that matched her fair skin so perfectly, marring his old memories with a new one. If he was honest with himself, the color even suited her more fiery personality better than it did to its previous wearer. It was an intense color, the color of blood, and it incited all kind of memories in him… And that just wouldn't do.

He glared at her with the coldest stare he could muster and stood up.

*****

Rukia knew she was not mistaken this time – he really was mad at her! But why?

He barely waited for her, not offering his hand so they could enter the ballroom together, so she simply followed him by his side, mindful of his reactions in a tentative to understand them. Had she done anything wrong?

Their entrance in the ballroom didn't pass unnoticed - all guests bowed as they passed mightily to their seats, which looked more like thrones for Rukia, and she sat uncomfortably in the empty one by his side.

*****

One-by-one, the guests came and, bowing, congratulated the new couple, offering their wishes of good fortune and happiness.

Among the many unknown faces, Rukia recognized one of the ladies that had attended the dinner a week ago, a frail brown-haired girl from the Kannooji family; she offered a sincere smile to Rukia and wished them happiness. Most of the noble ladies, however, were glaring darkly at her and whispering, most likely praying that she would just drop dead for stealing their precious 'Byakuya-sama'.

To all congratulatory words, whether sincere or fake, Rukia simply replied with a faint smile and thanked politely.

She looked around – the ballroom was huge and beautifully adorned just the way she had agreed with Ayame-san; perhaps even better than she had anticipated. Sake and food were being served to the guests, and Rukia took great care to decline every offer of spirits, asking for water instead – she didn't want to embarrass herself any further with her lack of resistance to alcohol.

While she waited for it, she saw Unohana-taichou approaching them.

"Kuchiki-taichou, Kuchiki Rukia-san," she acknowledge them, bowing. "I have already given you my good wishes, but let me reiterate my wish that this marriage bring happiness to both your lives," she said with a kind smile.

"Thank you, Unohana-taichou," Rukia heard him replying. It was one of the very few cases in which he had bothered to answer, instead of simply nodding, she noticed.

"Thank you, Unohana-taichou," she imitated, even if the woman's words seemed far from possible. At least she was honestly glad to see a familiar face. Even with so many guests around and her husband by her side, Rukia was feeling rather lonely and unwelcomed.

She was glad that Unohana-taichou was kind and sociable enough to engage in small talk with them for a while, if only to distract her of the awkward situation.

*****

Unohana excused herself as the other guests also needed their attention and left discreetly, with a question still on her mind - one she would never ask, but could only guess, remembering another Kuchiki marriage she had attended so long ago.

Rukia noticed Yasumoto-sama was the next one to approach them.

"My compliments on your marriage, Byakuya-sama," the old man said, not bothering to look at Rukia. He bowed slightly and added conversationally:

"I can see now how this arrangement was a good one after all. Who would have thought that Rukia-dono would be such a willing replacement for a wife? The will to please is definitely a trait to be searched for in a bride," Yasumoto said dryly, eyeing Rukia this time.

Rukia frowned at his words. What in the world was this man talking about?

Byakuya couldn't defend Rukia's behavior, as he didn't understand it himself, but he did not like the tone in his uncle's voice.

"What are you implying, Uncle?"

"Simply that this might be a successful marriage after all," the man answered with a fake smile on his face. "Now if you'll excuse me," he bowed again, taking his leave.

The man's words left hanging in the air, leaving an uncomfortable uneasiness in Rukia. It was clear that Byakuya had not taken them well either, and, after a moment of silent discomfort, she noticed his eyes briefly on her and, as he turned them away she felt a distinct anger in his reiatsu, directed towards her again.

*****

A presentation of the traditional dance had started, entertaining the guests, so they had been given free time for a while. Rukia knew she should use the opportunity to eat something, but a more urgent matter demanded her attention.

Why was he mad at her? In the past week he had seemed rather resigned to their marriage, and had especially expressed with words that it had been his choice. That was not her impression that day, however – he seemed displeased or especially cold at her since they met in the temple. What could she have done wrong that would displease him so?

She remembered that his anger seemed renewed after she came back from the changing room.

Rukia was suddenly reminded of the conversation she had with Michiko-sama when she was choosing her kimono. Could it be…?

Rukia knew it probably was a bad idea to ask, but the fact that he was barely looking at her was bothering her greatly, winning the argument in her head. She summoned all the courage she had in her heart and moved closer to him, speaking almost in a whisper:

"Why is Byakuya-sama angry at me?"

He turned to her and his dark grey eyes met hers coldly a brief moment, quickly turning away.

"I believe that is quite evident, Rukia," he informed, not looking at her.

"Is it because of the kimono?" She tried.

"Of course." He answered, glaring at her. "Do you have any explanation for this absolute lack of sense?"

'Was that such a big deal for him?' she wondered, astonished. She really didn't mean any offense. The indignation in his tone scared her a little.

"I-I'm sorry that I chose Noriko-sama's kimono, I didn't even know it was hers, I… liked it so much since the first time I saw it! I-I just..."

She continued almost without breathing:

"When I was told it belonged to Noriko-sama, I was in doubt, but I thought it would be a homage, I-I never guessed... I'm deeply sorry if it displeases Byakuya-sama so much. I should not have taken any chances," she apologized sadly.

"My mother's kimono?!" He interrupted her. "Is that what you think this is about?" His stormy grey eyes were looking deep into hers now, as if trying to read her.

"Is it not?" She asked, completely at lost.

Byakuya looked to the other side, focusing his eyes on some of the dancers of the presentation, and sighed dejectedly. She was being honest. She was telling the truth. He couldn't even direct his anger at her.

"Your sister also thought it would be a good idea to pay homage to my mother," he informed her in a low tone, still not looking at her.

Rukia's gaze, which was fixed on the back of his head, lowered to the ground, as she let the words sink in. Oh, no...

"Oh, God, I—so this is…--No- I-I'm... terribly sorry! I swear I did not know, I would have never! I'm… deeply sorry…"

She couldn't exactly bring the words she needed to apologize for creating such an embarrassing and awkward situation. She wasn't unaware of how much she resembled her sister, which made it all a lot worse. After a few seconds, she heard him speak:

"I believe you. Do not worry," his tone was still angry. He was not so sure about others though. Certainly anyone could have warned her about it? Has it really been a coincidence?

Words felt useless in the situation and they both stood there in uneasy, tense silence.

*****

It didn't take long for the dance to end and again they were forced to sit through more fake congratulatory wishes. This time, however, they were ones that Rukia would have rather gone without.

From someone who had been paying attention to them for a while, even if she had been oblivious to it.

A man with dark blond hair, steely grey eyes and aristocratic features stopped and bowed very slightly in front of them.

"Byakuya-sama, Rukia-dono," Eisei said in a polite tone. "My sincere congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you," Rukia answered, and Byakuya simply nodded politely.

"A beautiful reception, a beautiful bride," he commented in a congratulatory tone, "and the sake is particularly tasty today," he added with a debonair tone. He raised his cup as if offering a toast to them. "What else could one possibly want?" he finished with a smile.

He drank the sake looking directly at her.

Rukia could not avoid the embarrassment, as memories of earlier that day came to her mind – memories of when he had improperly walked into her bath, her sake bath. Was he… mentioning it purposefully?

She discreetly looked at Byakuya, who had narrowed his eyes impatiently – and certainly had not understood completely what was going on.

"Yes, my cousin is a very lucky man, is he not?" Eisei asked looking at Rukia. Was he asking her or was that a rhetorical question?

"Well, I shall leave you to the other guests, I believe. Congratulations again, Byakuya-sama… I am sure Rukia-dono will be an excellent wife," Eisei added meaningfully and bowed with a smirk on his lips.

Rukia watched the retreating back of the man and looked down, hoping her flustered cheeks were not making her embarrassment too obvious.

*****

Rukia felt glad to see a much kinder and familiar face approaching them.

"Byakuya, Kuchiki-san," the smiling face of her taichou was always a source of confidence and cheerfulness for her. "Congratulations on your marriage!" he said in his usual jolly tone.

"Thank you," she heard Byakuya answering for the second time that night, and she could spot a faint smile on his lips.

"Thanks for coming, Ukitake-taichou," she answered, truthfully happy.

"Kuchiki, who would have thought." He started, looking at her. "That little shinigami who joined my squad, now a married woman, assuming the leadership of the clan with Byakuya," he continued with pride in his eyes.

"And a very beautiful woman too. Byakuya is a lucky man," he said with a charming smile, then turning to look meaningfully at Byakuya, who simply nodded in understanding.

Yes, he would take care of her.

Rukia had told him this was a fake marriage, so why would he say that, she wondered. Just out of politeness, she concluded, something very typical for her captain.

"Well, if you excuse me, I will help myself with some dinner. You both should eat as well. I noticed you didn't have time to do it either, " he added, courteously moving away.

*****

Rukia followed her captain's advice, and helped herself with some food. She discovered she was quite hungry, but all the nervousness of the night had distracted her from it.

Byakuya was still not talking to her, but she couldn't sense anger on him any longer. In fact, he seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, as if struggling with a difficult question in his mind.

She wanted to ask about it, but how to approach the cold and distant Kuchiki Byakuya? She had a hunch that she would never be allowed to do so. Even if they shared the same bed, she could never see her honored brother sharing his heart with anyone.

But thinking about the bed… would they?

Rukia anticipated an even more awkward situation. That night, she would probably be sleeping in her brother's bedroom. Her husband's bedroom, actually, she corrected. A wave of fear – and, if she was honest, curious anticipation - stirred her nerves at the thought. She had no idea what would happen from there on.

What exactly would change? He had indicated that they would still be siblings in private, or so she had understood. How should she refer to him then? Should she keep calling him o-nii-sama in private? Or would that make it harder for her to remember how to act properly in public?

And even in public, how do you address the high lord of your clan who is also your husband? She couldn't picture herself calling him simply Byakuya, like she did to Renji – she respected him and feared him too much for that. And in all those years, they had never acquired any type of intimacy either. Maybe she was just supposed to call him like everybody else did, she concluded.

*****

"Let's retire," he said after a long silence. He stood up and offered her an arm.

"Yes, my lord," she answered, taking his arm. She could feel many eyes on her and focused on the ground, even with her head up. It was hard to move with such a heavy outfit, and she was glad that he was helping her this time.

The guests bowed as they passed silently, leaving the ballroom and heading to the wing of the castle where their bedrooms were located. The halls were getting quieter with each step that they took, and Rukia was growing more self-conscious and anxious, noticing more and more the foreign touch of his hand supporting hers.

As soon as they arrived in their wing of the castle, they were greeted by Fumiko and Mieko.

"Byakuya-sama," the older woman acknowledged, bowing. "Rukia-sama, please come with us," Fumiko said, turning to her. "She will be ready soon, my lord."

****

Rukia again stood there like a doll, while the women helped her out of her complex outfit. They untied the many layers of obi, releasing her from the uchikake and the shiromuku and she was left in her hadajuban. Then, even that was denied. The coldness of the night hit her skin, and she shivered a bit, covering herself as she could.

The two maids moved to take out some more clothes from her wardrobe and she sighed, wondering and perhaps dreading what they were after.

Since she had joined the Kuchiki family, Rukia had been presented with a wardrobe full of many beautiful kimonos and accessories and all kind of garments she could possibly need. She had also found there western nightgowns and yukatas for her to choose as she pleased.

While she had never been particularly fond of her new clothing, she had appreciated the unspoken freedom of being able to wear whatever she liked. It was not, therefore, without a hint of annoyance that she noticed how, since her duties as a noble had been brought into attention because of the marriage arrangement, she had not had a say in anything she did – or wore - anymore.

She had been denied the choice of husband, work, what to do, whom to meet, what to wear, when to breathe – it was becoming really infuriating. And as the maids went to the wardrobe, she had a feeling that once again, she would not have a say in the matter. She sighed deeply, frustrated by her inability to speak her own mind.

Just one last time. She would play her bridal role for just a little longer and hopefully everything would be over after that night.

Fumiko approached her holding a beautiful nightdress, and Rukia knew without a doubt that such a gown hadn't been in her bedroom before that day. It was white, sleeveless and practically screamed wealth and refinement. As they helped her put the flimsy piece of clothing on her, Rukia could feel the thin and soft fabric going down in layers of lace a few inches under her knee. Its empire waist, with a thin lacy ribbon holding the piece under her breasts, gave it a doll-like effect. Yet, she also noticed that, even with the second layer of lace covering the top of her chest, the nightgown was in overall semi-transparent, leaving very little to the imagination. Rukia held her breath – it was completely… inappropriate.

"Whose nightgown is this? I don't remember ever seeing it in my wardrobe," she asked warily. She would not make the same mistake twice.

"It is yours, my lady. It was tailored especially for the occasion. Michiko-sama mentioned something about your ladyship not wanting to be disturbed with too many details concerning the wedding, and took the liberty of choosing it herself," Mieko answered, bringing her a robe to put over the nightgown.

Well, at least the robe gave it a little more modesty, even if not much, since it was made of the same fine and thin material.

Fumiko came to her, this time with a bottle of perfume in her hands and handed it to Mieko, leaving both girls alone in the room.

"That's not--" necessary, Rukia finished in her head, remembering that it was not a good idea to reveal her agreement with Byakuya.

"Never mind, go on," she amended poorly, sighing softly.

Mieko proceeded and, after delicately fixing Rukia's hair, she gave a step, bowing and saying:

"Rukia-sama is ready."

Rukia looked at her image in the mirror.

No. Even with the robe, it was too revealing, too... it was completely inappropriate. She remembered a night some days ago – the eve of the fatidic meeting with the elders -when she had met her brother in the parlor, in a nightgown only, and how it had already felt completely embarrassing and improper, even if it had been a much less… seductive one. This one was just… no. She couldn't go anywhere wearing this.

At that moment, Fumiko opened the door and entered the room again.

"It is time, Rukia-sama. It won't do to have our lord waiting for too long," she reminded.

"I can't… go out wearing this," Rukia commented, still looking at the mirror.

"Oh, do not worry, Rukia-sama, I assure you that no one else is in this wing of the castle, no servants, no one. I went out to make it sure myself, so that our lady can have her privacy. And it is just the next door, as Rukia-sama knows."

Rukia gulped.

"Oh I know, but… I mean… I… can't. I would like to wear something else."

Mieko looked at her with an afflict expression:

"My lady, it was made especially for the occasion, and Michiko-sama--"

"Rukia-sama, if I may be so bold… " Fumiko interfered, "… you should not worry yourself so much. It is understandable for brides to be anxious and wary, but I believe our Lord… is a very kind man. And Rukia-sama, a very brave woman."

The woman's implications were making it all worse, and Rukia was now deeply and helplessly flushed from head to toe. But the woman was right, this was a shameful display. And if she knew her brother – husband (she didn't even know how to think of him any more) – well, he would probably not even look at her anyway.

Rukia nodded and, pulling the robe tightly around herself, followed them towards the door.

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Hmmm as I mentioned before, in my profile and my livejournal, I might have to change the rating of this story. I'll let you know if needed, never fear! For now, please review, I love to know your thoughts! Also, thanks so much for those who reviewed and favorited my story, it's really motivating and inspiring, it makes me think about it and write more! *hugs you all*

See ya next chapter in Byakuya's bedroom! lol

Wynn