Hey guys! :D It's nice to be back! Ugh, internet was down because I forgot to pay it. Bad Jasmine! Bad! -_-' Anyways, I got it back and I'm ready to update! Thanks so much for the reviews! Oh my gosh! I was sleeping in bed and I fell asleep thinking about Byakuya and Hisana; out of nowhere, I wake up in the middle of the night screaming, "I have an idea!" I came up with another plot for another ByaSana fic, and I was so excited! However, I WON'T start another story without finishing Frosty Secrets, if I keep making new stories, then I'll be all hung up and will become disorganized and my writing will turn to crap! *Sigh* Guess I'll have to wait, but no worries, Frosty Secrets isn't a long fic! Whenever I type or write fics, I try not to go over twenty chapters, unless it's Interview: Bleach Pairings, lol! Well, I've kept you long enough! Like I said, I'm building up the relationship in order to shatter it! :D Yes, I say it with a goofy smile on my face! Chip, chip, cheerio! xD
Not much ByaSana in this one, but I wanted to type this chapter up first. Starting next chapter, muahahahaha, ByaSana! :D :P
The Adoption
"Excuse me? You did what?" Rukia asked in horror. She was still in her academy uniform, and was visiting Hisana before retiring to her living quarters on the other side of the estate. It was a several days after the incident, and Hisana had decided to tell her sister what exactly happened. Rukia looked like someone had clobbered her over the head with a club. Hisana sighed as she gently set her tea aside.
"We kissed, just once." She told Rukia. Her little sister frowned in worry, before she gave Hisana a troubled look.
"Do you…" She hesitated. "Do you love him…?"
Hisana shook her head at the absurdity. "No, I don't love him. How could I? He's not the horrible man I thought he was, but I don't care for him in that sort of way." She replied with certainty.
Rukia sighed as she stared out at the garden. The sun was giving off its last golden rays of light before retiring for the night. It was beautiful evening, peaceful and quaint almost. "I don't know, Hisana, what if something happens? What if you're suddenly caught off guard? If this happens, something tells me that things won't ever be the same again."
Hisana gave a small laugh. "Rukia, so many things have changed. My marriage, you entering the academy, father dying; all of it has affected us somehow, if not yet, then perhaps tomorrow."
"So, your kiss with Byakuya…?" Rukia asked.
"That was nothing, it'll pass soon enough." Hisana tried to wave it away, but Rukia wasn't entirely convinced.
"Hisana, this shouldn't be taken lightly. You told me yourself that this marriage was only going to be superficial. What? Are you going to tell me you sleep in the same room now?" Rukia asked, frowning with disapproval. Hisana winced; she hadn't told Rukia about that, but her younger didn't miss the sudden nervousness that crossed her features. Rukia's eyes widened in shock.
"Rukia-"
"You're sharing the same room?" Rukia cried in surprise. Hisana tried to calm her sister down, but Rukia wasn't going to settle down that easily.
"Rukia, we only did it because Ginrei came over and we didn't want him to become suspicious-" Hisana tried to explain.
"I'm sure Ginrei hasn't been around since Father's passing. You're still sleeping with him, aren't you? You're still sharing the same room?" Rukia asked, her tea forgotten. Hisana gave a frustrated sigh as she gently prodded one of her temples.
"Rukia, it's a bit hard to explain." Hisana asked.
Rukia crossed her arms. "Try me."
How could she explain? It was hard to, especially to Rukia? Hisana couldn't put to words the sense of security she felt when sleeping next to Byakuya. She was at peace, warm, and content whenever she felt him lie down beside her for the night. How could Hisana explain something she herself didn't understand fully?
She felt Rukia's on her as she clutched her small cup of tea tightly in her hands. "I feel…safe with him…" Hisana finally said, looking up into her sister's eyes. "That's all I can really tell you."
Rukia sighed once more and closed her eyes. She then opened them and smiled softly. "I guess I shouldn't complain."
Hisana smiled in response and the two sisters continued to silently sip their tea. After a few minutes of gazing at the garden in peaceful tranquility, Hisana turned to Rukia. "How's Mother?"
She was relieved when Rukia beamed. "She's doing extremely well. There's so much going on around her that's she keeping herself busy. Just a few days ago, I saw her walking around the main garden with Byakuya's grandfather."
"Ginrei?" Hisana asked in slight surprised.
Rukia nodded. "Oh, yeah. He visits occasionally, keeps her company when I'm at the academy."
"I'm glad. The last time she was here, she didn't seem quite herself." Hisana replied, watching as the sun sunk lower, the first stars twinkling softly against the darkening sky.
"I'm sure all of us weren't quite ourselves." Rukia laughed slightly. Hisana gazed at her sister, trying to find a way to bring something up that has been bothering Hisana for quite a while.
"Rukia." Hisana said, setting her tea down.
Rukia looked away from the setting sun. "What is it, Hisana?"
Hisana nervously laced her fingers together. Rukia curiously watched her as Hisana took in a deep breath. "How would you like to come live here with me?" She finally proposed. Rukia blinked in confusion, before her sister's words finally set in.
"I'm sorry? Come live with you?" Rukia asked with slight hesitation. "Hisana, the main house is only for Byakuya's intimate family."
"I know, but Rukia." Hisana sighed. "I really want you here with me; I want you close. I hardly ever see you, and even if we live in the same estate, I can't help but worry about you."
Rukia frowned. "You know you don't have to worry about me, Hisana. Like I said before, the main house is only for Byakuya's intimate-"
"If you were to be taken in as his sister?" Hisana suddenly suggested. Rukia blanched and some of her tea spilled onto her academy robes, but she didn't seem to care much. Rukia gave Hisana an incredulous look. She searched Hisana's eyes to see if it was some sort of jest, but instead, she found plea and hope.
"Hisana, be serious. Do you honestly think that the Kuchiki family would take me in? I don't think adoption is part of their family laws." Rukia shook her head. Hisana's shoulders sagged slightly, however, she turned to Rukia again.
"If I ask Byakuya personally?" She asked.
Rukia gave her sister an exasperated look. "Hisana, please, think this through. The idea is just crazy. Besides…" She trailed off.
"What?" Hisana asked.
Rukia seemed reluctant, but she finally responded. "I'm not entirely up for the idea."
"I see…" Hisana said, turning back to the sunset. "Sorry for imposing."
Rukia felt horrible. "It's not that I don't want to live with you, it's just that, I don't feel completely at ease with the idea of living here."
"I didn't like living here at first either, but that started to change with time." Hisana tried to convince her, but Rukia didn't seem entirely too sure.
"I don't know. Still, I'm sure you haven't even discussed this with Byakuya." Rukia said, giving her sister a sideways glance. Hisana's cheeks turned slightly pink.
"Oh, well no, it was just a thought." She said softly, her eyes then brightened. "I will talk to him, tonight."
"Huh? Er…Hisana, I don't think-" Rukia began, but she was interrupted by Tamiko. She walked up to them and gave a small bow.
"Sorry for interrupting, but Lord Kuchiki has arrived." She told them. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Will you be joining us, Miss Miyoshi?" She asked, turning to Rukia.
"Ha, please, call me Rukia." She said. She then smiled. "Sorry, but I need to get back to the academy."
As she stood up, Hisana lightly touched Rukia's robes. "I hope you consider what I told you, Rukia."
Rukia smiled at her. "I don't know, but we'll see." She then bent down to kiss her sister's cheek before waving. "I'll see you in a couple of days!"
"Alright, please be careful!" Hisana called as Rukia left. Hisana turned back towards the sunset and sighed. "Rukia, it'll be a new beginning for all of us."
…
"Hey, Ichigo, I wasn't expecting you to drop by today." Karin said, after catching her brother waiting for her outside of the Tenth Division. Ichigo pushed himself off from against the wall and scratched his head lazily.
"Yeah, well, Byakuya didn't have much stuff for us to do today, so I decided to visit. I went off to check on Yuzu. Did you know she's working directly under Unohana?" He asked as Karin led him into the division.
Karin nodded. "Yeah, it seems Yuzu has a lot of potential and Captain Unohana took a liking to her. Yuzu was so excited when she told me one day."
Ichigo frowned. "Wait, does that mean that Yuzu will be more exposed to danger?"
Karin shrugged. "I don't know, maybe. Does it matter?"
"Of course it matters. Yuzu can't go off and get herself into some sort of trouble. I understand her job is to heal Shinigami, but that still means she'll have to go onto the field of battle, in the middle of war in order to accomplish-" He began to rant.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Karin held her hands up. "Ichigo, calm down. I know you don't feel entirely at ease about this, but shouldn't you give Yuzu some credit? She's doing great by herself."
"Are you sure? I mean, last week a saw I couple of hollows and I think I heard that she was with the relief group sent to tend the wounded." Ichigo said as they walked down the corridor. Karin rolled her eyes at her brother and turned to face him.
"Ichigo, we know what we're doing, you don't have to look after us all the time. I'm very capable of taking care of myself when it comes to fighting, and Yuzu can be serious and just as determined when doing her job." Karin scolded him as they turned around a corridor.
Ichigo ran right into Rangiku's enormous bust.
"Ugh! What the hell!" He cried, jumping back in disgust, shaking his head. Rangiku stared at him then looked down at herself.
"What's the matter? They're not that bad, are they?" She asked as Ichigo spluttered incoherently.
"Hey, lieutenant, do you need something?" Karin asked, ignoring her brother.
Rangiku looked at her curiously. "What makes you think that I was looking for you?"
Karin looked at Rangiku pointedly. "Over these past few weeks, lieutenant, I learned that you don't accidentally bump into anyone unless you have something for them. May I remind you that I will not do any work for you."
Rangiku laughed as she waved away what Karin said. "No, I'm not here for that, I just came to remind you that your evaluation will be in a week. The captain will want to have a word with you the day before."
Karin sighed. "I know…"
After Ichigo had regained his composure, he stared at Rangiku in confusion. "Evaluation, for what?"
"To see if she's good enough for a seated officer position." Rangiku explained.
"What? Already?" Ichigo asked in surprise as he looked down at Karin. "Already?"
Karin sighed in frustration. "It's no big deal, I'll just be evaluated. I'll refuse the position if I get it and done."
Rangiku pouted. "That's no fun, Karin, you should take this opportunity that's being given to you. Not everyone has a good chance like you." Karin frowned. This was exactly what she tried to avoid. She didn't want people gawking at her, just because she was a very young Shinigami with the potential of becoming a seated officer in just a matter of months after joining the Tenth Division. Most people have to train for years before being to able to reach her height. It was so troubling…
"I think there are other people out there who deserve this more than me." Karin replied.
Ichigo looked grim. "She's right, leave her alone for a while."
"Oh hush, the only reason why you don't want her to become an officer is because you don't have enough faith in her." Rangiku said, flinging her hair back over her shoulder. "Some brother you are, Ichigo."
"Stay out of our business, she's not your family!" Ichigo argued.
Rangiku stuck her tongue out at him. "Boo, you don't have to be so rude. Maybe I can do something to change your mind?" She winked.
"Oh man…" Karin sighed.
"W-What? Don't joke like that!" Ichigo yelled, turning red.
"What's with all the ruckus?" Someone asked in annoyance. Toshiro appeared from behind Rangiku, not all too happy with the three of them.
"Oh, captain! I was just letting Karin know that about next week! Ichigo is being a little difficult, he won't leave Karin alone!" Rangiku whined, pointing at Ichigo accusingly.
Toshiro glared at his lieutenant. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to deliver some paperwork to the Eight Division an hour ago?"
"Er…yes!" She said.
"Alright, where are the signatures that I needed?" He asked, crossing his arms and glaring at her empty hands.
"Oh! I just remembered that Head Captain Yamamoto sent me to do something very important and…er…I need to go!" Rangiku cried, snapping her fingers. She was gone before any of them could do or say anything.
"I'm glad I don't have to work with her, Toshiro." Ichigo sighed.
Toshiro turned his frosty glare to Ichigo. "It's Captain Hitsugaya, Kurosaki. I'm you're superior, you should address me more formally."
"Yeah, Kurosaki." Karin smirked. Ichigo scowled at her.
"Listen, Rangiku told me that your going to evaluate my sister. Can't you lay off and wait for a couple of years or so?" He asked, Karin looked at her brother in outrage.
"Ichigo!"
"Kurosaki, she has been recommended by my lieutenant; it's not your place to suggest things in my division, so I'm going to go ahead proceed with the evaluation." Toshiro said.
"How exactly are you going to evaluate her anyway?" Ichigo asked, none too happily.
"It's really none of your concern, Kurosaki. I believe this is something you should talk with your sister." Toshiro said, turning away. The Kurosakis watched him leave.
"Damn him." Ichigo scowled.
"Stay out of my life, will you?" Karin told him.
…
Hisana silently tapped her pillow, wondering on how she should approach the topic about Rukia. She heard Byakuya walk about the room, getting ready to turn in for the night, and all throughout the evening, Hisana couldn't muster up the courage to talk to him. Well, she has been a little too nervous since the day in the rain. She bit her lip when she felt him get on the bed, making sure to leave a good sized gap between them.
A lot of good that will do once he falls asleep…
Several minutes later, once her eyes got accustomed to the dark, Hisana decided to turn over and face him. His back was to her, and he was breathing silently. Was he asleep? Hisana drew out her hand, but clenched her hand shut, withdrawing back. She debated with herself for several seconds before scooting towards him slightly. She could feel the heat of his body as she propped herself up on her elbow.
"Byakuya…" She whispered.
No answer.
She should until morning, but, what if she didn't get another chance to talk to him? Hisana gently placed a hand on his shoulder and lowered her lips to his ear. "Byakuya…"
"What do you need, Hisana?" His voice rang out loud and clear, startling her. So he hadn't been asleep.
"I thought you were sleeping." She finally told him. He still didn't turn to face her.
"What do you need?" He asked once more. Hisana sat up as he finally faced her, his grey eyes narrowing as he stared at her. Hisana felt her courage falter, as she averted her gaze. She played with the sheets quietly and after a few seconds, he turned away from her. "If you don't have anything to say-"
"Wait." She suddenly said, reaching to grab his shoulder and turning him over in order to face her. "I was wondering about something, and I know you'll see me as someone entirely ungrateful."
"Again, Hisana, what exactly do you need?" He asked, a little more irritated then before.
"It's about Rukia." Hisana finally said, looking down at her hands. "I'm worried about her."
Byakuya didn't say anything at first as he studied her, then he spoke. "I thought we already discussed about her-"
"I know what we talked about." Hisana interrupted him. "This a completely different issue. Byakuya, I was wondering if maybe Rukia could be taken into the Kuchiki family. Not taken in as in to live on the estate, but to become your-your sister, through adoption."
A still silence fell over them, and she wondered if it really was a good idea to begin with. She away from her hands and then to him. She saw that he was looking away from her, a frown on his face, his eyes gave a dangerous glint. "Do you have any idea on what you're asking for?" He finally asked in a clipped voice.
"I know, and it's horrible of me to be asking. It's just…" She sighed. "I just want Rukia with me. I don't see her as often and I think she'd have a better life here, with us. I don't know, she's my sister, and I love her; she's lonely, I know she is, but she tries not to show it in order to not worry me." She explained.
"This isn't an issue that should be taken lightly." He told her, sitting up slightly. "The family will protest immensely."
"But you're the head of the family." She whispered. She saw his jaw clench as he gave her a glare.
"I am, is that why you're so sure about this?" He asked in a hardened tone. Hisana was taken by surprise as he turned away from her. Why on earth was he-?
Her eyes widened in realization.
"B-Byakuya, I'm not using you if that's what you're thinking." She told him, slightly offended that he would think such a thing. He didn't answer her. "I just thought you would understand what I was asking for, but now I know you like to think the worst of me. Forget I asked for anything."
Fighting back her angry tears, she turned away from him, gripping the pillow tightly. That's the last time she would ask anything from him, yes, she knew what she was asking for was selfish, but to have him think that she was using him was insulting. She shakily wiped her tears away, trying to be discreet. However she wasn't counting on the small sob that escaped her lips. She quickly covered her mouth, pressing her head deeper into the pillow.
How she missed her old life. Everything was so perfect back home with her parents; back when she and Rukia snuck into each other's room in order to tell stories. Where did all go awry? Was it the marriage? It had to be, she has never been so-
She felt her body stiffen in shock as she felt him reach over her in order to touch her hand. He then placed it on her arm sensed him looming over her. Her heart began to race at his closeness, but he's always touched her while in bed. Then again, he was asleep when he did.
"I'll see what I can do." He finally said. Hisana smiled through her tears. He didn't move away lightly touched his fingers. Neither of them spoke, and Hisana slightly traced circles on his hand, just thinking about several things.
"Aren't you going to apologize?" She finally asked after while. She waited for him to answer, but he didn't. She shifted slightly in order to see over her shoulder. "Byakuya?"
He had finally drifted to sleep.
…
Ichigo cut through the Rukongai, aimlessly walking about. He had nothing better to do, and he felt more at home in the Rukon then he did in the Seireitei. The main reason why he would always visit the Rukon district before was in order to search for his sisters. Now that he's found them, he really didn't have a reason to return, however, it felt strange not taking a walk down the dusty streets. He nodded towards faces he recognized and dodged running kids as they played in the streets.
It wasn't until dusk that he turned and headed back towards the Seireitei. It was all really boring to him, not much to do. He yawned loudly as he made his way to his division's barracks. Just how long has it been already? Almost a year? So much crap had happened during the past year, he wondered if he'd be able to handle it all.
Karin did extremely well on her evaluation, and was offered the third seat position. Third seat! He had argued with her about it, telling her that she wasn't ready, but he had only made it worse. Karin grew angry at him, and promised him that he was going to regret ever thinking about her as not capable. She accepted the position out of spite, and they had refused to talk to each other for days. It wasn't until Rangiku smacked him one day when he was eating breakfast, demanding that he should visit his little sister.
He was surprised when he found her, already going about her duties, getting everything done and putting Rangiku to shame. He talked to her about it, and she admitted that it wasn't as bad as she thought it was. However, Karin was not happy that Rangiku tried to dump more work on her, work that Rangiku was supposed to do in the first place; secretly, he was starting to wonder if that was Rangiku's plan all along…
Ichigo looked up and spotted someone walking ahead of him. At first he didn't pay much attention to the girl, but he finally recognized the raven colored hair. "Hey!" He called. Sure enough, the girl turned and he was met with deep, violet colored eyes. What the hell? He examined her attire and noticed that she was wearing academy robes.
"Hey! I know you! You're that annoying girl who's ass I saved from that hollow not the long ago!" He yelled, pointing at her. She glared at him in anger as he approached her.
"Oh, it's you. What do you want?" She snapped.
He stopped in front of her and frowned at her. "Nothing, just wondering what you're doing here?"
"Why do you care? I'm going home." She told him.
"You don't stay at the academy?" He asked her, she crossed her arms and glared at him.
"No, I have a home to go to." She explained. "Seriously, do you need anything?"
Ichigo scowled at her. "Jeez, calm down, ah, what's your name?"
"Rukia." She told him, turning to leave again. Not having anything better to do, he followed her.
"Rukia? So how are you liking the academy, Rukia?" He asked.
She glanced at him in annoyance. "Ichigo, is it? I don't know why you're bothering me, but I have to get home, and you're slowing me down."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "No need to an annoying little brat. So how's your sister, the last I saw her she and Byakuya were…" He trailed off as he tried to forget about the image when he had found them on the office floor the day he found Karin.
"They were what?" Rukia asked, suddenly curious.
"Nah, nothing, don't worry about it." He said.
Rukia wasn't entirely happy, but she then sighed. "Hisana is doing well. Byakuya treats her well, I guess. As an answer to your previous question, yeah, the academy is alright. I might graduate early; in another year maybe."
Ichigo stared down at her and frowned. "Why would you graduate that early?"
He didn't miss the faint blush of embarrassment touch her cheeks. "It's not really what I originally planned, it's the family who is doing something about it. I'm working really hard in order to meet the requirements for graduation." She explained in slight disappointment. "I sort of wanted to finish up on my own, but I guess that isn't the case here."
"What the hell? So much is happening it's annoying." He growled, running his fingers through his hair. "Sorry that your family is putting you through that."
Rukia shrugged in resignation. "It doesn't matter, I know my sister had something to do with it; she's always looking after me, it's a little to much to be honest."
"Older siblings are like that, trust me, I like to butt into the lives of my little sisters all of the time. It's just something we can't help." He told her.
"You look like a stubborn big brother." Rukia smirked.
"Stubborn is the best kind there is." He replied, unfazed by her jibe. Rukia rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"I feel sorry for your sisters." Rukia smiled slightly. They continued their walk for a while longer before Ichigo turned to her again.
"Wait, where do you live again?" He asked.
"I live with my sister in the Kuchiki Estate." She told him.
"Don't you live with your parents?" He asked. Rukia pursed her lips as she looked straight ahead.
"Not since my father died. My mother and I moved into the Kuchiki Estate. I just recently moved into the main house with my sister." Rukia explained.
"Oh, sorry about your old man." He said.
Rukia gave a weak smile. "There are several things we can't help. It was my father's time to go, and we were left to cope. I'm proud to say that we've survived."
"That's good to know." Ichigo replied. They stared at each other before rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I guess I'll leave you, you got to head back home to your sister."
"Yeah, and thanks, I guess." She told him. "You know, you're not that big of an idiot."
"I still think you're a troll." He said, and she punched him in the gut, making him double over. She stood over him, glaring down at the Shinigami before turning to leave again. After catching his breath, he stood upright and watched her leave. "You're not bad, Miyoshi." He called after her, recalling her surname.
Rukia stopped and turned to face him. "It's not Miyoshi anymore."
"Oh really? What is it then?" He asked.
"It's Rukia Kuchiki."
Done! Sorry for the time skips, but there's going to be a lot of those. I really don't intend on making this fic a long one. My goal is twenty chapters or less, but I'm still not sure. I have the ending planned out, and everything, so yeah. Well, I tried to make sure and not make any mistakes, but if I did, I'm sorry! :D Anyways, the next chapter will be titled, The Mission! Guess what that one is going to be about! XD Anyways, by chapter ah, thirteen, things will start to get a little dramatic! Until next time! Off to start typing the next chapter for Interview: Bleach Pairings!
