AN: Hi yall! I know you probably thought I gave up on this story, but I plan to finish it if any of y'all are still reading it. There will be random updates, but there will be an ending. Hope you enjoy the new chapter!

Dislcaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 14

Somewhere outside Seireitei

"My lord..." Gin asked as he appeared from within the shadows. He bowed, waiting for his master's command to continue.

"What is it Gin?" Aizen asked as he slid his fingers over the knife in his hand. He caressed it almost like he would a lover. The thrill of his last kill raged inside of him still, causing some of his well checked emotions to float toward close to the surface. Gin noticed the change in Aizen instantly. He wanted to ask about the incident, but he refrained. He knew that when his master got his hands dirty himself, then all hell broke lose. Gin didn't spend the past few weeks slipping in and out of the Kuchiki mansion to become another one of Aizen's victims. He had already been on of Aizen's "test subjects" once due to his initiation process, and he refused to do it again. This was not the time to pick a fight with Aizen…yet. His plan still had to come to fruition.

Clearing his throat, Gin stated, "My lord, as you know, I have been listening and monitoring everything going on in the Kuchiki Manor. It has come to our attention that the Kuchikis have another heir of the Murakami line in their mist - a direct heir… A new trump card for us." Dark hazel eyes tried to gauge Gin's hidden blue ones. Gin hoped this bit of information pleased Aizen and help reign in his present compulsiveness to kill as well.

"Interesting…Could this new woman rival that of the new Mrs. Kuchiki?" Aizen asked curiously. He pondered the news internally, wondering what this new woman could bring, but the thrill of torture was still flowed through his veins. Unfortunately, a few members of the Murakami family betrayed him once again, and they had to pay the price. He just couldn't trust anyone anymore.

"Shirayuki is talented and beautiful. If she is not to your liking, then we can use her as leverage to gain the clans. Rukia has a soft spot for her half-sister, and we need to exploit that to our advantage." Gin watched as Aizen nicked his finger. Blood slowly wound around his finger, dripping to the floor.

The slight splash of blood was the only sound that could be heard throughout the room. Gin stared hard at Aizen, and he wrapped his hand around his strategically hidden throwing knives just in case. Gin refused to be intimidated by the sadistic man. Besides, who was Aizen to use one of Gin's favorite interrogation techniques against him? Or did Aizen even realize what he was doing? Could the calm, cool business man finally have snapped?

The silver haired man thought if Aizen's lust for power corrupted his head, then Aizen was slipping in Gin's honest opinion; although, no one asked him. Instead, Gin watched from the shadows like always does waiting for his time to pounce.

Sensing the heavy tension in the air, Aizen snapped out of his trance. "Gin, this information is lovely, but why didn't you just bring the girl with you? Were you waiting for my permission? If so, then by all means take this Shirayuki person.. But do not think for a minute that Kuchiki will allow his Rukia to jeopardize his precious clan if you plan to use this her sister as leverage. The bastard will lock Rukia up where we wouldn't be able to get to her if she defied or embarrassed him, so every precaution must be taken."

Aizen's blood hummed at the thought of taking something way from Byakuya Kuchiki. Rukia may be married to the bastard now, but that didn't mean she was impossible to steal. It only made this game more interesting.

"My lord, getting access to Rukia will not be easy by any means, but Shirayuki will be with Rukia as her 'bodyguard'. Therefore, if you get one, then you get the other. Yes, the women will more than likely be under guard by one or both brothers at all times, plus whatever detail Byakuya has with him. Then we have to take into consideration that his soldiers are highly trained." Gin prattled on leading Aizen to believe that he was weighing his options.

"Getting access to the sister shall be easy. Pull her 'parents' into the mix. Now as for the main prize, I want you to tell l me how you plan on getting Rukia? I doubt anyone else, but you could. Your skills are on par with Kuchikis, or that's what you led everyone to believe." Aizen told him mockingly.

"My lord, with all due respect, the last time Rukia and I met, she wasn't too thrilled being the brothers' captive. I believe her marriage to Byakuya was forced on her out of duress; therefore, she may be willing to escape for her freedom, making our job easier." Gin stated.

"Freedom is a rare thing for a woman like Rukia. She'd escape one marriage only to be married to another shortly after. She doesn't realize how desirable she is." Gin was about to interject something, but Aizen continued. "She should know that once she is free from Kuchiki, then her clan would arrange a new marriage for her or disown her if she refuses,, even if she is the heir."

"We will use her false beliefs against her, my lord. She has a shaky relationship with the brothers due to their coercion in the matter; although, both men are overly fond of her." Gin countered with a sly glint in his eye.

"You mean the petite beauty has melted Byakuya Kuchiki's icy heart?" Aizen asked curiously. He didn't think anything would derail the Kuchiki Clan leader.

"I don't know if she melted his heart, sir. From what I have observed, Byakuya has taking a liking to her, and he may even care for her. We can use that to our advantage. Fake her death to create discord among the clans."

"Use his heart against him? That's cruel even for you, Gin," Aizen said with a smile. Gin wanted to sigh. Aizen forgot just who he was talking about. Many people thought Byakuya was heartless while Senbonzakura inherited both hearts.

A foxy smile graced Gin's lips. "No more so than when he tried to take my beloved from me."

Aizen careful watched to see if anymore emotion would appear on Gin's face, but the man remained smiling. Sometimes it was hard to gauge what drove Gin. Money, revenge, reputation – whatever the matter, the silver haired man was one of Aizen's best lieutenants. Sometimes his guit warned him not to trust Gin, but he at least has to mildly trust him for now or until his usefulness weaned.

"You've given me ideas, Gin, but truly, tell me how you plan to acquire Rukia." Aizen commanded.

Without missing a beat, Gin replied, "The Kuchikis are hosting the upcoming gala on famous Samurai clans. It would be to our advantage to blend in with security and servants within the mansion. This will allow us the opportunity to take one of the Murakami women, but our main goal will be to grab Rukia."

Gin watched Aizen for approval, and the man just nodded so Gin continued, "Once we have Rukia- willingly or not – we can force her to sign an annulment or divorce papers. Thus, pathing the way for you to marry the previous Mrs. Kuchiki. We will have a special location designated for the two of you to meet, and then the wedding ceremony can commence whenever you order it to."

Aizen looked curiously at Gin to gauge whether he was reading Gin's words correctly. "An annulment, you say? So Kuchiki didn't claim his bride on their wedding night? What type of man wouldn't claim her the moment she was his?"

Gin wanted to strangle the man in front of him. Did he not listen to anything he said, or did he deem annulment more important at the moment? Withholding a sigh, Gin responded, "A man who is forced into a marriage, attracted to the opposite sex, or if the girl willingly refuses, my lord. Byakuya Kuchiki may be many things, but he is a gentleman to the ladies – no matter what their case may be.". Aizen nodded.

"Kuchiki is suave, yet cold. Who's to say Rukia hasn't become attracted to the man, so make sure it looks like she died or she left willingly. This wouldn't be the first time she tried to get away from Kuchiki."

"I will check their relationship status before we have her or Shirayuki to make sure we have everything in order," Gin promised.

"Do you have a counter plan for dealing with the other Kuchiki? He's just of a hardass as his brother."

"Senbonzakura has a fondness for Rukia; although, I hear he's a little pissed off at her for the moment. Either way, one or both brothers will be dead in the end, leaving the Kuchiki and Murakami Clans at your disposal." Gin promised Aizen the brothers' heads on a platter.

"Is there feelings between Rukia and Senbonzakura then? You could pit the brothers against one another. Stir the pot and create a rift. Let the men kill one another over love. Do all this in one instance to avoid repercussions. The clan members wouldn't challenge this because if I remember correctly, Senbonzakura was always one for breaking the rules, and Byakuya always followed them. The good verse the bad." Aizen stated as his eyes gleamed with loathing.

"Unfortunately, sir, your plan is not going to work. Rukia has a fondness for both brothers, but I have heard rumors that her heart lies with Byakuya. Senbonzakura will just always remain her friend unless something were to happen to his brother, then he would have to step up and marry her." Gin countered, busting Aizen's happy little bubble.

"Would she be opposed to his advances?" Aizen growled. To think that both Kuchikis had their hands on his woman was infuriating.

"Who's to say, my lord. They have been great friends for over 5 years. She would not let that relationship go to waste, or at least, that is what I have perceived from her character. She's a survivor." Gin allowed the information to stew in Aizen's brain.

A Cheshire smiled crossed Aizen's face, but his eyes were filled with insanity. "So be it. Kill everyone in that damn mansion if you have to, but bring me my future bride, Gin. Give me the keys to the Murakami and Kuchiki Clan." The man demanded with insanity bubbling in his eyes.

Gin bowed his head and took his leave. "I will let you know when it is done, my lord." He turned to leave the room, plotting multiple downfalls in his head.

Before Gin got to the door, Aizen called out, "Gin, if you cannot deliver either woman, I suggest you kill yourself; otherwise, I am going to have the pleasure of doing it. I promise it will be long and painful if you fail me."

Aizen threw the knife at Gin's head to emphasis his point, but the silver haired man whirled around and caught it. "Thank you for the knife, sir. I will be sure to stick it in Byakuya Kuchiki's heart." Gin smiled and blended into the shadows, leaving Aizen to wonder if he pushed the silver haired man too far.

#

3 Weeks from the Argument

Today, Rukia found herself in another clan meeting by Byakuya's side, like she has spent most of her time over the past few weeks.

They really were trying to make this marriage work, which meant learning about his days and clan politics. She honestly didn't see how he did it without kill anyone. The elders of the clan scoffed at him for having his wife at every meeting and challenged her on anything that she suggested, even when she was agreeing with her own husband!

A louder question brought Rukia out of her own musings. "Lady Kuchiki, what do you think?" Itachi Kuchiki asked. He was one of the nicer elders that questioned her, but if he liked her answer, he would let her know it.

"My lords, I think we need a recess and continue this discussion for another time. We have been in this meeting for fours droning over menial task that Byakuya or I could easily complete. It seems like a great waste of your time when each respected elder has more pressing matters." Rukia countered her backhanded compliment with a lovely smile. She refused to let these idiots eat her live.

Murmurs of objections whirled around the room until Itachi said, "I concur with our lady." He gave a comforting smile to the room, which calmed the other elders somewhat. He may not like the fact that their new lady was a Murakami, but he did like this girl. She spoke her mind and would not be railroaded.

"What! We haven't even reached the budget yet!" Kumara Kuchiki squealed. "I refuse to turn this gala over to this… this…" She just gestured toward Rukia.

"I believe you just gestured towards my wife, Kumara. I would certainly watch your next words carefully." Byakuya silenced the room in his cold, deadly voice. He had enough of the elders today as well.

"Pardon me, Lady Kuchiki. It seems like I am getting senile as I get older." Kumara forced out in a hushed tone.

"Why you should have told us the toll being an elder has caused you, Mrs. Kumara! I will gladly have Lady Tsunade take your place on the council! It will help lessen your stress and give you plenty of time with those adorable grandchildren!" Rukia stated all too happily, leaving everyone slacked jaw but her husband and Itachi.

"You can't do that!" Kumara yelled.

"I believe she just did, and brilliantly too!" Itachi said as a furry flew through the room.

Byakuya shot Rukia a knowing look, but she just gave him an innocent one.

"Kumara, you have been complaining of the toll that being an elder has taken on you. For health reasons, you will step down graciously, and Lady Tsunade will take your place. Now, if anyone else decides they would like to retire so be it. We are starting a new era to bring the Kuchikis into the light." Byakuya told the room boldly as he held Rukia's hand.

Everyone just looked at the couple. They were scared for their respected places. They also didn't understand how a slip of a girl could control their stoic leader.

"My wife and I shall handle the rest of the gala business. Now, we shall take my wife's advice and dismiss for the day. Have a wonderful afternoon ladies and gentlemen." Byakuya said with a slight bow and tugged on Rukia's hand. The two disappeared down the hall way, leaving elders to ponder their choice on the council. It was time for lunch after all.

Byakuya grabbed Rukia's hand, a habit that he had taken a liking to, as he helped her out of the vehicle. It was just the two of them today since Senbonzakura and Shirayuki were training.

Byakuya decided to show Rukia a little more about himself after her stunt in the council room. She was incredible in his mind, so he decided to reward her by taking her to his favorite, hole in the wall sushi place. The owner was a family friend and world-renowned chef. He just chose to hide out in the rural area outside Seireitei.

"Ah, Byakuya! What a surprise!" The owner came beaming around the counter. "And who is this lovely lady?"

"Mr. Ukitake, it's such a pleasure to see you." Byakuya replied. He placed his hand on Rukia's shoulder. "I would like to present my wife, Rukia Murakami Kuchiki."

"It's a pleasure, Mrs. Kuchiki!" Ukitake bowed in greeting. "Please have a set, and I will whip up some of the best sushi that you have ever tasted!"

"And some dumplings?" Rukia asked quietly, but hope filled her eyes.

"Whatever the lady wants, the lady gets!" Ukitake grinned at the couple, giving Byakuya a thumbs up whenever he turned to take Rukia to his favorite booth.

"It's been too long since I have been here." Byakuya told Rukia as he looked around the little place. Sakura blossoms decorated with wall along with marble dragons.

"I can see why you come here though. Mr. Ukitake is fantastic and has an infectious personality." Rukia smiled as she glanced around the room.

"And the food is fantastic." Byakuya supplied with a suppressed smile. He enjoyed seeing the awe in Rukia's face as she learned another facet about himself.

Rukia smiled at Byakuya. "You are just full of surprises, Mr. Kuchiki. Who knew that you were a closet romantic, sneaking me away to this secluded restaurant. You know, I may get the wrong idea." She told him in a teasing manner.

Byakuya leaned in, surprising Rukia. "You never know, Mrs. Kuchiki. I could ply you with sushi and sake to ravish you to no end."

Rukia's amethyst eyes grew wide as saucers. She stared at him, gapping like a fish. Byakuya Kuchiki did not just suggest what she thought he did. "What… are you…" She stuttered, which was a rarity for her.

"Ah, young love." Mr. Ukitake said, breaking the spell over the couple as he placed a platter of dumplings and two bowls miso soup in front of the couple. Rukia blushed at his words while Byakuya placed his stoic mask on once again. To him, it was slightly embarrassing to be caught heavily flirting heavily with his wife.

"I hope you enjoy the food. The sushi will be out shortly." Mr. Ukitake warned, giving Byakuya a knowing look. The older man would leave the couple to it once everything was completely, and he would even go so far as to block that part of the restaurant for them, but the spell was already broken.

Byakuya wasn't sure if he could get the teasing atmosphere back that he found just on a whim. Rukia had just looked so beautiful that he could resist himself before seeing how she would react.

"I really hope he didn't hear your comments." Rukia said in a hushed tone. Her face still dusted with a light blush.

Curiosity got the better of Byakuya. "Why? We are married after all." He stated like it was the simplest thing in the world, but they both knew those words were loaded.

"Really? Byakuya, for a lack of a better word, we are dating even though we are married technically married." Rukia replied as she tried to act like his teasing didn't affect her.

"So? Many arranged marriages start off like this. It's common to want to get to know your spouse and to tease them intimately, especially when they are as smart and gorgeous as you." He told her with a slight smirk, causing Rukia's heart to pound. No wonder many women felt like he was the sexiest man alive.

"If you keep talking like this, I am going to think you are Zakura… or did you switch places with him again, and you are acting like you have forgiven me, but you really haven't, and you are trying to embarrass me to know end in revenge?" Rukia tried to direct his attention on something else – anything else other than the intimate images that keep popping in her head now thanks to the man sitting before her.

"I can grantee that I am many things, Mrs. Kuchiki, and Byakuya Kuchiki is one of them." Byakuya leaned over to grab her hand and bring it to his lips to kiss. "I just happen to recently find out that my wife turns this lovely pink color whenever I tease her."

Rukia took her hand away from her husband. "You are many things, Mr. Kuchiki, but a tease is generally not one of them. You're more of a stoic, ponder from afar guy. You know, minimal interaction."

"Maybe you just don't know me that well then. I guess you'll just have find all my hidden secrets because I certainty plan to find out all of yours." He promised with a wink, leaving Rukia slightly shaken. This man was working his way into her heart.

The food arrived at the appropriate time, leaving Byakuya filling accomplished. He liked seeing this side of his wife and the reaction he causes her. Maybe he'll have to act out of character more often with her more just to see her become so flustered.

Thanks for reading!