WHEN THE SNOW FALLS
by Yih

Chapter Thirteen
The Long Awaited Answer

Rukia remembered saying to Kaien on that fateful night, "How can two people who are destined to be together not be together?"

As she looked up at Byakuya, she wondered if this was fate that was bringing them together or if it was all in her imagination. How could a girl from the 78th district of Rukongai be with the Head of the Kuchiki family?

But she had thought about that night when Kaien had lost Miyako and she had let herself dream of being with Byakuya as silly and outrageous as it probably would sound to others. She had never consciously realized it until confronted with the possibility of being with him that she compared every man she knew to Byakuya. He was the standard that all others had to measure to.

Of course, it would be this way. Rukia let her eyes focus in on his beautiful face before drifting down to the strength of his shoulders and further down to his slender, but masculine body hidden away by his robes. He was perfect, utterly perfect.

This had to be a dream, that he wanted her, but she was going to let this dream continue. At worst, it would shatter and end. And at best? At best, they could live in this dream forever and ever…

And to be honest, if she didn't try she knew she'd regret it.

"I don't want to be your sister anymore," she said carefully, looking deeply into his eyes and not faltering, not hesitating, not looking away.

Byakuya truly smiled. "What do you want to be then?" he asked as he framed her face with his hands.

"I want to be what you want me to be," she whispered. Rukia felt her cheeks heat up as she blushed fiercely underneath his piercing gaze. "If you still want me, that is."

"I do," he declared, lowering his face to hers and pressing his lips against hers. The kiss was sweet and too short. "This won't be easy," he told her. "I'm not sure how the Elders will react."

"Why do we have to tell them?" Rukia asked, saying it before she even thought about it. Of course, Byakuya would inform the Elders that he was courting her. That was the only proper thing to do and if there was something that defined him, he always did what was right and proper. "I don't mean that you shouldn't tell them," she said quickly. "It's just…"

"It would be easier if we didn't," he finished for her with a faint smile.

Rukia decided then that whatever happened, she would always try to make him smile more. He looked happy and she didn't want that to disappear. She just hoped she could be the one for him… and that he could be the one for her… and let fate decide the rest.

"Rukia," he said, her name sounding so lovely from his lips, "I think we can remain silent for now."

"What?" she asked, so distracted by his voice that she hadn't comprehended what he had said. She saw amusement quirk his lips upward for a brief moment that she wasn't absolutely sure that she saw it or if it was her mind playing tricks on her.

"We will ease the Elders slowly into this," Byakuya said.

"How?"

This time Rukia was sure that she wasn't imagining the amusement on his face.

"I'll drop hints," he declared as if it was that obvious.

She could only stare at him as he held out his hand to her after saying something so unlike himself that she couldn't believe he had said it. Just when she thought she had him all figured out, he went and surprised her again and again. Who would have thought that he would want her when she had thought for the longest time he didn't even like her?

How strange, she thought, how fate worked.

"Take my hand," he urged.

She slipped her hand into his, her fingers entwined with his. "Byakuya?"

He looked down at her, his usually cold eyes she suddenly found kind and caring. It was ironic how fast her perspective of him had changed when she began to see him as a lover. She blushed at that thought.

"I like it when you say my name," he said softly.

Rukia was fairly certain her face was pink. "I like it when you said mine as well." She cleared her throat and before she could chicken out of saying this because it sounded so girly for her to say this, not like her at all, but for some reason she needed to say it. "Don't let go of me."

He truly smiled again for the second time and it dazzled her. "I won't," he promised.

-

It was early in the morning and Byakuya was standing by the window in his bedroom, watching as the sun began its morning journey into the sky. He could already tell it was going to be a beautiful day and it was only fitting, he thought, unable to control the smile that was on his face.

For the days, the weeks, she had made him wait for her answer – it had been worth it.

He knew things were going to be difficult with the Elders, but he hardly cared. Rukia was worth whatever any difficulties they decided to put him through. He didn't care what they did as long as they didn't touch her.

Even though he had told her he would gradually let them know about them – he was sure the Head Elder already knew. Byakuya swore that man had eyes everywhere in any matter that concerned the Kuchiki family. Now if Takahiro decided to be difficult, then things could get unpleasant; however, he was generally reasonable unlike some of the Elders. Luckily, it was his opinion that counted most.

Byakuya picked up his scarf and draped it on his shoulders, then he grabbed his zanpakuto and left his room. As he was leaving for the weekly Taichou's Meeting, he passed by Rukia's room as he always did on those mornings. Usually he would pause outside for a brief moment before moving on. Last night had changed everything, though.

This morning, Byakuya slid the door open to her room and stood staring at her peacefully sleeping form with a fond smile on his lips. She looked so innocent and young like she could break under the slightest pressure, but he knew she wouldn't. She was strong and fierce and everything he could hope for.

And he would protect her with everything he had.

-

Please note, that I have switched to Japanese for Captain and Lieutenant now and have changed all the previous chapters to match. Okay, now onto your regularly scheduled note…

A/N: So how was that for sweet and romantic? Hopefully, I didn't get too fluffy or sappy, since I don't think either Byakuya or Rukia would be like that. I want to get it just right, to show they do like each other and want to be together w/o going overboard. Let me know what you think.

I also need to tell you that I have exams coming up and I'll be testing for the next week and a half, so I have written about 2 chapters ahead and will release those in that timeframe. It probably won't be as often as I usually update, but at least you won't be going 2 weeks without an update! And may I say thank you for all your wonderful reviews and encouragement? They really keep me going!

Released: 12/9/08