Hello, lovelies! xD

Here I am to update to update this fanfic. Chapter 21. I never thought I would get this far so soon, but as I said, my muse would not leave me alone, so…

Now, now… I have two news for you. One is good and the other is not that good… but not also bad. Well… It depends on how you see it ^^

First, the bad one: DON'T LOOK for any updates next week. Why? Because now I'm really busy, with college and the final exams and my work. I'm about to go crazy just to think about the amount of things to do.

Now, the good one: I'LL BE BACK in 20 days, at most. Oh, C'mon… I couldn't update for 5 months in a row and we all survived, we'll survive this time. Good news: I did not end this chapter with a cliff, or at least a big one… hehe Sorry. xD

Okay… Let's go to the chapter.

Disclaimer: Kubo owns Bleach. I own the plot.

Happy reading!

Chapter 21. The Duchess

"Dear Diary, when will I finally have some peace?"

If not for the torch Hanatarō held between his hands, the pathway under the construction would be very dark. Ichigo followed him two steps behind, one hand pressing his right arm.

He had been shot.

Hanatarō even tried to stop him and treat the injury accordingly, but he was not allowed to. They had to run, run for their lives and run because of what they had witnessed all this time locked up there.

The younger man thought Lord Kurosaki was a reckless spy. A reckless man, actually. He could have left and secured his life, but instead he decided to rescue him — it was not like he was not grateful. He was. A lot. Since he came to work at that butchery — it could not be called any differently, they killed so many there it stank of blood all the time — Ichigo was his only friend.

He thought his life was hard back at New Gate, but it could never be worse than this place. When Love died, he came to work at the seemingly ranch that actually served as a place where English Soldiers could be held, more like tortured, so the French could obtain enough intel.

The War was over. But nothing could be worse than the Post-War.

At first, he was told he was not suited for the role of a spy, but then he decided he would go there nonetheless. Love, his longtime friend, was dead. Cowardly killed. He could simply not stay still, no matter how weak and scared he was.

It was when he discovered he could be used differently. Instead of a prisoner, he could work for the French. And so he did. He was responsible for maintaining the old house, cleaning the floor, cooking the meals and also burying the bodies.

In two months there, he saw a lot of awful, disgusting things. He saw his compatriots be tortured, killed in every possible way, but also knew many French perished by the hands of Englishmen. He had his food thrown back at his face; he had been called traitor and a bunch of stuff he could not even recall. There was only one person who did not treat him bad. It was Lord Kurosaki.

He never judged him. He knew he was there not because he enjoyed watching his countrymen being killed one by one, because he was a traitor — all in all, he never saw Hanatarō leaking information as many others did —, but because that was his mission and he had to fulfill it to the end.

As they crossed another corridor, but never came closer to see the outside light, if there was any — they could not know if it was night or day already — Ichigo had to ask, "Are you really sure you know this path? I am under the impression we are lost!"

Hanatarō stopped all of sudden.

"Now that you mention it…"

He turned to face the orange-haired man and scratched his hair, a yellowish smile on his lips. It soon vanished as he was hit in the head.

Ouch!

"You idiot! How can you work here for two months and still get lost?"

"Hehe…" He raised his hands in surrender. "W-Wait, Lord Kurosaki! You will bleed more if you make such harsh movements."

This and only this prevented him from being hit again. Lord Kurosaki was not what someone could call violent, but he was not patient and too kind either.

"Y-You certainly do not want to die."

He tried and it worked. Releasing a relieved sigh, he turned on his heels and lightened the way with the torch when he saw a tall man wearing a too-happy-to-be-true grin. His eyes went wide at the sight.

"Oh… Look at who is here! Another cockroach ready to be stepped down, isn't it?"

"Why did you stop, Hanatarō?" Ichigo almost bumped against him. In the darkened place it was hard to see anything.

"T-There are two of them, My Lord."

"Even better, don't you think?"

"Y-Yes, my Lord."

###

Rukia could not help but smile proudly at herself as the last vases were placed over the tables disposed at the Convention Centre. With Sir De La Rosa's help, she arranged the last flowers at the small stage where she would announce later the winner of the Flower Contest.

"I would like to thank you once again, Your Grace."

"What?" She looked at him utterly surprised. "I should be the one to show gratitude, Sir De La Rosa! Without you I could never do this."

The old man smiled shortly and Rukia felt the urge to hug him, but she held her ground as she saw Misses Hikifune approaching. The chubby lady was fidgeting, clearly nervous. She merely touched his arm and smiled thankfully at him.

"What is it, Misses Hikifune?"

"Would Your Grace please let us go back to the Silent Hall? I feel like people will talk bad about Your Ladyship if they see us here. His Grace never allowed us before and I… We…"

"Nonsense. You all worked hard to have everything ready by today. The least I can do is let you enjoy the event."

"But His Grace…" She pleaded, looking down. No matter how kind Her Ladyship was, there was no way people would not talk about this. They would see her in not a very good light. As the servant of the family for so many years it was her duty to keep the Kuchiki's pride intact.

"Ignore His Grace. If I say you may stay, of course you may stay."

"But His Grace may get mad at you."

"I can handle him." She winked and at seeing the smile the servant gave her, she placed a hand on her back and walked to the giant garden inside the Convention Centre.

There, the kitchens' maids were disposing the food in two wooden tables. Drinks would be placed there later. Unlike the previous Flower Festivals the guests now would serve themselves. No need for the servants to keep running after them to offer snacks.

It was decided after she asked Chōjirō what he thought about letting the servants enjoy the event instead of work on it. His answer was a bit weary as if he was afraid she would try something new. I think they would like it very much, Your Grace.

Then it's decided, she replied with a smile.

Of course it ended up with him begging the Duke to demote her from such madness. But Chōjirō chose an awful day to supplicate. He was very busy and with a shrug he told in that deep voice of his of who was not even paying attention to what was going on around him Do whatever you see fit.

Needless to say he came to realize his mistake when they were both lying on her bed, her head resting on his shoulder. She came to understand it was easier to talk to him in those intimate moments after their love-making sessions. He would be more open to her — even if open to him meant most of times just nod at her considerations and caress her back or her hair.

When she started talking about letting the servants have some fun at the Event, he stopped his caress and froze in place. What? He said at the moment and You agreed was the answer he got. All in all, he was not that worried about what people could think of such subject. He also knew he could not go back in his word because she had already told all of the servants. The last he wanted was people questioning their relationship and her getting mad at him because he knew she would throw a tantrum if he changed his mind.

After she inspected the table, she looked up at the sky and decided it was good day for such event. The sun was shy, but it did not mean it was cold. On the contrary, it was warm, although not sufficient to make one sweat. Those were the days she enjoyed the most during the spring and summer seasons.

The guests would arrive in the next thirty minutes. So far, not even the Duke was there. When she asked if he would come with her, he said he still had some paperwork to handle and he would join her later. For some reason she could not quite understand yet, he seemed a bit distant since the Ball. At first she thought it was because of his former lover, but he ensured her it was not.

Even if the woman still instilled jealousy in her, she trusted him. What he said was far more truthful than any love confession could ever be. It was so Byakuya-ish, she could not help but smile. For someone such as himself, it would surely not be hard to let her go of if he intended to stay with Lady Franceska.

Yet, it did not mean her feelings were reciprocated.

She felt like smacking herself. It was not the right time to think about their confusing relationship. Turning on her heels, she left the garden and walked back to the parlor where the servants were finalizing the last arrangements.

###

"Are you done, Your Grace?" Chōjirō asked, opening the door of his study.

His reply was a mere nod. The butler already knew what he was supposed to do. Take the servants with him and go ahead of their master. If Lady Rukia needed any help, he should be there to assist her. Both bet she would not need it.

As far as Chōjirō disliked the possibility of such decision making the Kuchiki the talk of the village, he could not deny he has happy to see the changes Lady Rukia brought around the house, the changes she inflicted upon his master. After having worked all his life for this household and watched the head of the family lead a life he could not qualify as miserable but not happy yet, he was glad to see how Lady Rukia changed him.

If it was any other woman, he was sure His Grace would not have allowed such bold decision, but it was Lady Rukia and Chōjirō learned — everyone did — his master did almost everything for her. Not even once he went back on his word, which surprised him and Misses Hikifune too.

"I already asked the master of stables to have your horse ready, Your Grace," he spoke before closing the door.

"Thank you, Chōjirō."

Alone in the study, Byakuya shifted his attention back to the letter between his hands. He closed it and placed the seal of his family.

It was a letter directed to Detective Ishida to thank him for his services and tell him he would appreciate the help with Hisana's situation. It was brief as he understood the detective despised small talk. There was also a request. He wanted Lord Kurosaki and Rukia's past to be further investigated.

A very close friend. She told once, but he was not as naïve she thought he was. There was more to it than she would reveal. However, Byakuya knew better than to force her. In spite of her growing feelings, he was more than aware she would not follow his commands as easily as he wanted. If there was something he could not exercise over her was this kind of power.

All in all, he hoped to be proved wrong. Nonetheless, he could not help but wonder about Lord Kurosaki. If Hisana was alive…

There was no need to think too far ahead. He would wait Ishida's reply, for both matters, and then, only then, outline a strategy. For now, he had a Festival to attend to.

Holding the reins, he mounted on his horse and informed the master of stables he could get ready. The man looked at him a bit fearful, but voiced his gratitude towards Her Grace. He almost sighed at Rukia's decision. He did not like the fact no one would stay at the Manor.

Even if he knew no one would ever dare to do anything bad, he did not like her decision. If he were paying attention to them the moment Chōjirō voiced his concern about such crazy attitude, he could have stopped her. Now, it was too late. And the servants had never been happier at his lenient behavior.

However, what bothered him the most was not it — mostly because he knew his servants knew their places far better than Rukia did. The Duke came to realize that since she entered his life, there had been more changes than he was used to.

And Byakuya was not a man prone to so many changes.

The fact he could not bring himself to say no to her was also a problem. It was dangerous. He was glad Rukia was not a woman who enjoyed playing with people's feelings, but if she ever wanted… She would have him at her mercy.

###

As soon as she saw him arriving at the Convention Centre she could not help but smile. By her side, Lady Cirucci inspected her work with very attentive eyes. For the past few minutes, they were engaged in small talk with the exhibitors and their masters.

Most of them worked for the important families around Plymouth as gardeners. As she talked to an elderly couple responsible for the very delicate and beautiful Grass of Parnassus, she came to understand the Flower Festival was more important to gardeners themselves than their landlords. It did not go amiss by her how their eyes shone when the great Duchess paid attention to their work.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she watched Sir De La Rosa smiling at her. Although the old man was not competing anymore, he still had a space for him to show his beautiful Lisianthus. A few guests and gardeners questioned him on the cultivation and care.

Rukia learned than more a space to exhibit their works, the Flower Contest also served as an opportunity to share their knowledge.

"I do approve of your work," Lady Cirucci said all of sudden catching her off guard.

"Oh… Thank You."

However, she did not seem pleased at it. Such odd behavior made Rukia frown.

"The Duke must be proud of you," she added and walked to her husband, her hand slithering on his arms. He guided her away to the garden where some other guests enjoyed the warm sun and the food.

"Do not bother." A deep voice came from behind her, making her jump. When she turned to him, her face pale from the shock, he pressed his lips into a thin line, preventing the smirk from taking place. Bastard! He took her hand on his and placed it on his arm, guiding her around the parlor. "She is just envy she could not make it better."

"You are late," she stated in a low tone. Everyone was focused on them. She was not mad though. It was a mere statement.

"I already knew Lady Cirucci would be responsible for the opening speech," he explained.

"I am glad you let her."

There were no more words exchanged between them. Both knew what he did was for the best. If Lady Cirucci did not take care at least of this, she would probably be mad at both of them for the rest of their stay at Plymouth.

The Duke led her towards a few of his acquaintances he had not introduced her before. Unlike his expectation, Rukia was quite calm when he presented her as his wife. He did not know if it was because she was getting used to their marriage or because of some of the topics chosen were not really centered on the heir or their love life.

Her voice came natural as one of them questioned her about her decision to let the servants enjoy the Festival.

"The Flower Contest is for gardeners to show their skills. It is an event for the servants, therefore nothing could be fairer than let others appreciate it."

Lady Cirucci was back to the conversation together with her cousin, which made Byakuya understand he was ready to meddle in if anyone decided to offend her.

It was annoying how Lord Kano was so similar to her. If Rukia was not already in love with him, he wondered if it would not be easier for her to fall for Ashido instead.

Yet, he was not even close to admit such inner questioning as jealousy.

However, none of their helps were needed, for the guests understood her reasoning as not only humanitarian but also logical. He was quite sure in the next events, people would follow her steps. If a Duchess could let her servants have some fun, who were they to contest her?

Aware she could take care of herself without his help — I needed no saving, as she told him once —, Byakuya walked away.

###

Rukia could not imagine her idea would be praised by the guests. If there was something she learned during their fake marriage was that people as rich as The Duke would probably be like him, not like Lord Kano.

However, it seemed her idea would be followed in the next events, as her dresses were already copied by some ladies. It almost made her want to laugh. Rangiku would be so proud of her if she knew her friend was a fashion model to be followed.

Although the model of her dresses were not that widely copied, her usually soft colors were. There was a profusion of pink, salmon, blue, and even white colors around the Convention Centre.

That very day she wore a baby blue dress with white details. Her gloves were white and so her earrings. Candice combed her short hair in a way it allowed her to place two Lisianthus there. A few white pearls gave the final touch of delicacy to her appearance.

The thought of Candice made her shift her attention back to the servant near Sir De La Rosa. She was paler than usual, her green hair only adding to the paleness of her face.

"If you kindly excuse me." She smiled as she looked at her lady's maid.

"Of course, Duchess." The group conceded behind her.

"Your Grace," her voice was low as she straightened her back, trying to look more composed. Rukia took her hand between hers and headed to the small office where no one would interrupt them.

As she looked up, she saw the very figure of a gorgeous woman approaching the Duke in the balcony. At first, she froze in place, but his reassuring words from two nights ago made her shake such thoughts away. She had to ensure Candice headed back home and got some rest; there was no time to think about his former lover.

"Follow me."

###

Byakuya narrowed his eyes as he watched Rukia talking to her lady's maid. Although he kept silent, it did not go unnoticed by him the fact the servant took too much of her time in the last days.

How they always stopped talking whenever he walked in. How Candice would be suddenly aware of his presence, as if he would hurt her and how she was paler than usual.

He knew women like Candice. How they always got involved with men they should not and how they usually got unwantedly pregnant. The fact Rukia was probably was hiding it from him and actually covering up for the maid did not make him like her even the tiniest bit.

"I told you to not look for me anymore."

A sultry laugh echoed by his side. He did not need to look at her face to know she was pleased with herself.

"Your sharpen senses never fail to amaze me. Nor your sharp tongue."

And she knew the double meaning of her sentence also would be quickly understood by him. Unlike his Duchess, the Duke was far too intelligent and experienced to know when someone meant something else than what was apparent.

He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes and if she was already not used to his cold demeanor, she would be offended at the lack of affection he displayed.

"Relax…" Her laugh sounded weird even for her. "You must be proud of her," she trailed off. "Who knew she could do so well for her first time…"

Her comment was not devoid of all emotion. However, Byakuya could not really pick even the slightest hint of annoyance towards Rukia or something close to it. Actually, it seemed as if she was proud of her herself.

As she walked closer to him, he let her and stayed in silence for a while. As much as he knew Franceska was careless he was aware she would not do something to compromise him or herself.

"When we first met, I had just become a widow…"

He nodded. He could never forget. She became the talk of the ton for monthsin a row. The daughter of a rich merchant had become the wife of a bankrupt baron who happened to have died in their wedding night.

People suspected she was the one to kill him. The fact she did not cry at his burial only confirmed their suspicions. Everyone knew, however, he died of a heart-attack after a rush of excitement at the sight of his beautiful and young bride.

They met at her husband's burial, introduced by his grandfather. They talked briefly and that was all. They only spent the night together in their third meeting. It was ten months after her husband died. Contrary to his expectations, she was not mourning anymore, even if the etiquette demanded it of her.

At the time, Byakuya was not really prone to follow most of rules expected of him and let himself engage in a one night deal with her. He knew she would not request more of him.

And she did not.

Until her father asked her to get married again. Even if Byakuya found her declarations of being his lover more than ridiculous, he never dismissed them. He understood her reasons and did not care about what people would think of him. Her father was aware of the fact and never asked of him to marry her. Someone of their position would never be good enough for a Duke.

"I saw you two in the study that day…"

Her comment was left without answer as she already knew it would. She would laugh if she did not see the Duchess looking directly at them. With a sigh, he straightened her creamy colored dress and walked away.

When she was close to the stairs, she looked at him over her shoulder and spoke.

"Anyway, thank you for letting me use you. It was fun."

With a smile, she left the Duke by himself.

###

Rukia had just left the group of Cirucci's friends to get fruit punch for herself when she felt a hand closing around her wrist and dragging her away to an isolated place.

She was about to scream when she noticed the one behind her was no other than the Duke himself. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as he removed the glass from her hand and turned her face to him, his lips brushing against hers.

A shiver went up her spine at his warm touch. She jolted when he broke apart and pressed her body against his.

"W-What are you doing?" Her face was completely flushed. She could not bring herself to look at him.

He did not reply — of course he did not, it was him after all — kissing her instead. This time it was not a merely brush, but a very slow and deep touch that made her gasp against his lips.

When his hand slithered to her waist, bringing her closer, her small breasts crushed against his broad chest, she could not keep her hands at bay. She entangled her fingers between his jet locks and titled his head, so she could explore his mouth deeper and dictate the rhythm of the kiss.

At her mercy, Byakuya could not hold back a growl. He bit her bottom lip lightly, decided to make her moan.

"W-Wait!"

He broke the kiss and looked at her violet eyes. They shone with restrained lust and he could not help but smirk at himself. He knew it would not take too much to make her lose the composure.

Hands on her back, he pulled her to him. His lips traced her throat leisurely. The sooner he heard her moans, the better.

"Byakuya!"

Although it was his name on her delicious lips, it was not in the intonation he wanted to hear. Sighing, he broke apart and retreated so he could look at her. Yet, she was still firmly locked between his arms.

"What if someone sees us?"

"No one shall." His finger traced the column of her neck slowly, distracting her.

"The guests may be looking for us," she reasoned, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

"The guests are busy enjoying the Festival, but if you want so badly to return to them, then by no means I will keep you away."

The cold tone of his voice was back as well as his mask. If she did not know him or was used to his mood swings, she would think he was annoyed or mad at her. However, she understood it was his way to apologize for being so straightforward and causing her to feel distressed. Even if the proper words did no leave his mouth…

His demeanor made her smile. It could only mean he missed her too. After the Ball, they spent the next day totally apart from each other. She was too busy organizing the Flower Festival and he was at the dockyards inspecting his vessel.

They did not dine together. He was not at home by the time she retired to sleep in his bedroom. When she woke up in the middle of night and saw him by her side very much awake, he ordered her to go back to sleep. She was so tired she obeyed him and not even a kiss was shared that day.

"No." She held his hand. "I want to be with you."

###

Silence reigned between them.

All the four eyed each other with interest. Hanatarō's eyes were still as big as saucers. What a terrible timing! It was none other than the master of the place, Gin Ichimaru, and his loyal servant Shinta Seko.

"M-My Lord…"

Ichigo was still pressing his arm, the blood pouring from the wound and staining the ground. He had never seen these two before, but something inside of him screamed of danger.

"Who are these two scumbags, Hanatarō?"

"These two? Watch how you address the Lo…" the previously scared servant spoke firmly. He would simply not anyone call his Master in such disrespectful manner. However, before he could finish his sentence, he felt a big hand on his shoulder, moving him away gently.

"Oh, you can't tell, Ichigo Kurosaki?" The man smiled even more. His features did not seem happy in the last, but even scarier. He was having fun tough.

As he mentioned his name, Ichigo removed his hand from the wounded arm ad touched his sword. He knew he was in no condition to fight, his right arm felt as if it was boneless, but it seemed he would have no choice.

"Touching the sword already? We don't have to fight at all."

"You are the one who ordered the notebook."

And that was the only reason he was not tortured all this time. They wanted the notebook and they could only kill him for real if they had it. Until that day, the notebook was not delivered.

"Yes… I am glad you realized it so soon! And how is Lady Rukia? Fine, I hope."

Ichigo felt disgusted at how he pronounced Rukia's name. It lingered in his mouth, as if he was playing with her name. Playing a sadistic game. He tightened his hand around his sword and held it in front of him, the extension of the handle slippery because of the blood in his hand.

"Oh, you will fight me?" He could simply not hold back his chuckle. "I heard you don't really enjoy killing people."

"If killing you is what I must do to keep Rukia safe, then I'll gladly kill you. You bastard."

"I can finish him for you, my Lord."

Another voice joined them. Ichigo noticed it was the man he fought before. The blond one with part of his face burned. The one who shot him.

The ever smiling man signaled with his hand, calming both of his servants.

"There is no need to. By the way, you're already hurt. You'll die if you fight him. I don't want you to die."

In spite of his almost kind words, the truth is that he could not care less about them. The grin on his face was enough proof of it. He touched his sword, smaller than Ichigo's and positioned himself.

"You can give up, if you want. There is still time."

"I never give up. Stay behind me, Hanatarō!"

"But Lord Kuro…"

He shook his head. It would not end well. However, it was not as if they could leave by any other mean. But as hurt as Lord Kurosaki was, he doubted they could ever make it alive.

"I'll give one more chance. Give me the girl and you can both walk out of here… Unharmed."

"As if I would ever lose to a scumbag like you." He gave him a defiant and self-assured smile. "No matter what I will win."

He was not so sure about that, he analyzed his chances. He did not have his right arm and he was not that capable with the left one. But he could not loose. That man, Gin… Ichi… Something he could not remember was more than his enemy, he was Rukia's enemy too and there was no way he could let him bring her any harm.

The man laughed.

"Fine… But please, if you ever make out of here alive, tell that bitch I'll come to get her."

###

Her face was flushed as she walked to the small stage to announce the winner of the Flower Contest.

At first she was glad when the Duke only led her to the lateral stairs and did not join her. But now she saw him looking straight at her as composed as ever, she wanted to smack him senseless.

She could not understand how he could make her feel contradictorily at once. It did not matter her feelings changed drastically since they first met, he still fueled her anger whenever he acted arrogantly.

The fact he was always wearing the same mask of indifference no matter how difficult the situation only added to her angry state. The ever proud smirk on his lips as he made her lose composure was beyond maddening.

When she held his hand and stated she wanted to be with him, she made herself clear they could not go beyond kissing for obvious reasons. A man of his word, he complied. However, Byakuya Kuchiki could make kissing more pleasurable than anything she had ever tasted.

Oh, how she despised him!

He was not supposed to leave her in such state again!

It made her flush bright at the very remembrance of his mouth on hers to muffle her wanton moans.

Now he was in the crowd waiting for her speech. He quirked his eyebrow as she bit her bottom lip and stared at everyone.

All of the guests and servants and exhibitors looked back at her. Rukia cleared her throat. She thanked all of them for their presence and mainly the exhibitors for their amazing flowers. She felt like repeating Lady Cirucci's words, but she also knew it was necessary.

Her speech was greeted with excited applauses. She waited for silence and started.

"And now I shall announce the prize for the best flower."

Silence engulfed everyone. The exhibitors were clearly nervous. Besides the trophy, there was also a sum of money to the winner. It was not that much, but it could help a lot some of them.

"And the trophy is awarded to… Genshirō Okikiba for his wonderful Grass of Parnassus."

As the winner stepped forward with his wife by his side, he smiled gratefully. Rukia quickly noticed they were the elderly couple from before.

Still in her place, Rukia looked at the certificate the judges handed to her with the name of the winner. Bellow Mister Okikiba's name was the name of his master, Lady Franceska Mila Rose.

She handed the trophy to him, a smile on her lips.

"Congratulations, Mister Okikiba!"

"Thank you, You Grace." He bowed to her and then turned to his employer. "Thank you, my Lady for subscribing me!"

She smiled as he walked away with his wife. Rukia came off the stage and was ready to go back to the Duke when Lady Franeska's voice sounded on her back.

"He will be happy for the rest of his life. Thank you, Your Grace."

"He deserved it," she replied a bit self-conscious in the woman's presence.

"Still… I feel like I should thank you."

"There is no need for that." She thought about leaving again, but the lady's laughter captured her attention.

"You don't have to worry about your husband… We…"

"Your Grace for you," Rukia corrected her. She somehow knew she had no right to correct the woman, but she did not like how she spoke as if there was some kind of relationship between them.

"As I was saying… There is no need for worries. I still have some decency in me."

"I am pleased to know that."

She was about to tell something else before the silence engulfed them, but she was surprised to hear, "I am glad to know you make him happy. He must care very much for you."

As these words left her lips, she walked away, leaving a very dumbfounded Rukia behind. A few seconds later, she could not help but smile at the thought of her relationship with the Duke.

I know.

###

As soon as they entered the Silent Hall, Rukia sighed in contentment. It was still earlier, but she would gladly dismiss the dinner and go straight to her room and get some well-deserved sleep.

Even if it was not even four in the afternoon, she knew that if she slept, she would not wake up anytime soon. Her whole body ached and an annoying headache started to get the best of her.

By her side, the Duke lightened the small library as she started removing her heeled boots. The servants stayed behind to organize the Convention Centre. She wanted to stay too, but Mister Chōjirō told her there was no need to. They discussed over it and this time Byakuya agreed with his butler, but at her request, the carriage was left behind so the servants would not have to walk by themselves.

She came back in the horse with the Duke, his arms around her and his chest pressing against her back. This time, she had to hold onto him fiercely, for unlike previous time she was sitting properly for a lady. She was surprised to discover she liked riding with him. She could feel all of his muscles shifting behind her, his breath caressing her neck or cheeks.

Unlike her, he did not seem affected by their proximity as she was and it made her wonder how many lovers he had had to be so indifferent to a woman's touch.

Now they were alone in the Silent Manor.

Alone.

The word made her cheeks flush heavily. She lowered her eyes back to her feet instead of his handsome profile. He was closer to the window, pouring some whiskey for himself.

She felt like asking him to pour some for her too, but with her growing headache, it would only make her feel worse later. Shaking her head, she outstretched her arms and was ready to retire for her room when his hand wrapped around her wrist.

A gasp left her mouth as she held onto his arms and looked up to him. His slate gray eyes held the promise of a very passionate afternoon and evening she could not help but bit her bottom lip in anticipation.

It did not matter the headache, Rangiku once told that such activity helped ease the pain. And besides, it was not like she wanted to resist him. Their earlier interlude and his sensual kisses only made her need for him to increase.

She kissed him passionately, her fingers playing with the buttons of his shirt. He had already removed his coat, the waistcoat and the scarf. His hands worked on the fastenings of her dress, removing them slowly as if to show her he intended to make love to her in the same way.

When they broke apart, she could not help but wonder at the place they were with the curtains wide open. Unlike their chambers, anyone could see them there.

"What if someone enters and…"

He cut her off by planting a languid kiss on her neck.

"We are alone."

She sighed and let him do the wonders only he could to her body. However, before he could walk them to the couch in the middle of the room, they heard a feminine voice.

"Who said you are alone?"

###

Byakuya could not be more annoyed at the sight of Yoruichi, nor more frustrated. If Rukia was not behind him so much embarrassed, he would surely tell the Duchess to walk away and resume what they were doing in the same minute.

It did not get any better when her husband entered the room and at seeing his nude chest opened his fan to cover his stupid face.

"Oh my, Lady Yoruichi, what do we have here?"

Her scandalous laugh made him press his lips into a thin line. They could be the most unpleasant people when they wanted to.

"Leave," he ordered as he picked his shirt from the floor and tossed it on his shoulder.

"Who could think you would ask us to leave so you can engage in your fleshy pleasures. You surprise me, little Byakuya!"

"Please!" A very flushed Rukia begged as the couple laughed.

When the door was closed he turned to her. She had her hands placed on her face. He did not wait for her permission and began to tighten the fastenings of her dress back into place.

"What will she think of us?"

"Does it matter?" He walked away and wore back his shirt. The scarf was poorly arranged in its place.

She even opened her mouth to reply, but at the same time the mischievous couple entered the small library.

"Before you can engage yourselves in illicit activities…"

"I thought you would arrive at the end of the week," Byakuya commented as he sat beside Rukia. It did not go amiss by him how she moved slightly away.

"We are very sorry to interrupt you, but…"

"You are not." That was the only reply she got. She could see in his gray eyes he was quite mad at her for the interruption.

She laughed and shrugged. By her side, Urahara eyed the couple with interest. His attention lingered on Rukia's flushed cheeks and then he looked at Byakuya. He was more relaxed than usual, and that made him wonder if Yoruichi was right about their relationship. Obviously they were caught in a very compromising situation, but sex did not necessarily mean love, or any deep feeling for that matter.

"I hope you are enjoying yourself, Lady Rukia," Yoruichi commented after she understood where her husband was headed to.

"Hm… Me?" She bit her bottom lip and Byakuya narrowed his eyes. He would make sure Yoruichi regretted her double meaning words. "I am fine. Thank you for your concern, Your Grace."

He was relieved to know Rukia also understood it and replied as if her question was a common and innocent how are you.

"Well… It was interesting to arrive and see there was no one in the house, except for the Lady Rukia lady's maid. She told us some very interesting facts, don't you think, Kisuke?"

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."

Rukia gulped at such words. If she ever wanted to make the Duchess and her husband believe there was nothing going on between her and the Duke, well… it was no longer possible.

"What about you two tell us what is really going on?"

She was about to them tell the whole truth when the Duke spoke for her, his deep voice leaving no room for arguments or doubt.

"We got married."

A/N – What did you just do, Byakuya? xD

Well… That's not a big cliff, right?

I know you hate Ichigo… I know. But as I said, don't worry. This scene IS NOT about Ichigo's love for Rukia and the contrary. Nope. It was a scene related to the plot. Ichigo loves Rukia as a friend. It's said in the second chapter and I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT INTEND to make them fall for each other. So don't worry.

When I wrote this scene, I thought about SS arc and how Ichigo fought everyone just to save Rukia. I'm glad he did, because you know Byakuya would let her die for real. All in all, I find their bond and their friendship very lovable and funny to follow. I'm glad they have each other. It's no different in this fic.

If you find this chapter similar to something, it's because I watched again Downton Abbey to get some ideas. If you want to see, the episode about the Flower Contest there is the 1x05.

Besides all of those reasons mentioned in the 1st AN on the lack of update, I'll spend the next weeks thinking about this story and how to go from here. Although I do have ideas on how to take it, I need to plan at least the next 5 chapters step by step – even if I do not follow it thoroughly.

Aaaaand I need some time to myself. If I only keep writing and writing without taking some break, I can lose myself and not see my mistakes with the plot. It's good to move away from time to time.

I did not reply your reviews. Why? Because this week I worked like crazy and I'm very tired and because simply decided to show the reviews only in my email. I don't know what happen to the site, but it doesn't show all my reviews.

But I loved all of your reviews, as always. You never fail to keep me motivated to write and if I'm taking a break (not including my personal reasons such as exams, work and extreme tiredness) it's because I want to give you my all with the next chapters that are decisive for the story. I'll reply your reviews for chapter 19, 20 and 21 together. Check them in my profile, ok?

For the guest who regretted not reviewing it sooner, I'm glad you did it now. Don't worry, you don't have to explain your reasons for not reviewing, but I'd appreciate it very much if you keep reviewing from now on. Can I know your penname?

Before I go for real… Did you read the manga this week? Byakuya being the cold-hearted man I don't need you here was so, so, so lovely 3

Ah and I'm fine now. Thank you for your concern. You are so cute 3

Now… would you review this chapter for me?

Love you all and take care,

Velvetsins.