Disclaimer: Although I would very much want Ukitake Juushirou or Byakkun to be real and mine, but sadly they are not and they belong to Kubo Tite who also owns BLEACH and all the other gorgeous characters. Only the OCs Kuroki Yuu and Tsubasa are mine.

(From now on only Japanese words that were unexplained before will be in italic format. They will be explained at the end of each chapter just like before. Emphasizes are bolded and in italics, so as to separate them from the former.)

Chapter 25 – Even for only one day.

"Ohayogozaimasu, Byakuya-sama!" Kuroki Yuu greeted the captain with her usual cheerful demeanour as she entered the tea room. She had taken breakfast in her own chamber, but thought it is proper manners to greet her host in the morning before they both start their day.

Byakuya nodded, not uttering a word and not shifting his gaze from his tea cup.

"Oi." Placing her hands on her hips, Yuu showed her annoyance at how Byakuya did not even look at her or return her greeting. Swaying the short sleeves of her new Yukata, she tried to attract some attention from the captain. "Look!"

Though his head remained lowered, Byakuya lifted his gaze to look at the Royal Servant in front of him. The sight made him blinked a few times as he couldn't believe what he is seeing. "… Ahh…" He mumbled and returned to stare at his tea cup.

"Tsk." The ignored Royal Servant crossed her arms and sighed. "I finally wore the Yukata you bought me and this is what I get? I guess I should change back to my-"

"Wait." Byakuya finally lifted his head when Yuu almost exited the room, but when Yuu turned around, he looked away again. "…You don't have too. It fits you perfectly."

Upon hearing Byakuya's words, Yuu broke into a playful smirk and approached her Zabuton with quick, small steps. With her palms on the table for support, Yuu leaned in and got across the small piece of furniture separating herself and Byakuya. She just stared at the poor noble who look troubled by her action, studying his face. Forehead almost touching forehead.

Out of reflex, Byakuya pushed himself back so that their faces do not get too near to each other. He even stopped breathing. It had been a few days since the incident at the training ground, but that weird feeling inside him did not subside. He could neither face the Royal Servant properly, nor talk to her like before.

It is just too embarrassing.

He was still deep in thoughts about what he should do, when giggles from the Royal Servant pulled him back to reality. What's so funny?

"You are really an adorable fellow, aren't you?" Yuu continued to giggle as she sat back onto her Zabuton, finally giving Byakuya some space.

Byakuya sighed. After making sure no one was nearby by sensing for Reiatsu, he thought he should put an end to this awkward feeling. "Whatever happened that day… Please take it as nothing happened."

"Hm?" Yuu looked up from the tea she was pouring for herself and tilted her head, eyes blinking as she wondered what Byakuya was referring to. "What happened on what day?"

"That incident in my indoor training grounds. I was not careful with my emotions and let it out without control. For that I apologize." Byakuya gave a cough before he continued. "Please forget the hidden meaning in my actions. I don't want you to misunderstand."

"You mean…" Yuu raised a brow. "There was supposed to be hidden meaning in your actions that day?"

Shucks! What did he just said? Byakuya thought as he clenched his fist which was hidden by his sleeve. "N-No… I mean…"

"Uh-huh?" Yuu nodded, motioning for Byakuya to continue.

Byakuya sighed again, wondering what he got himself into. "I think I really wanted someone to listen to me, to support me, to share my problems that day. I am thankful that you stayed and tried to make me feel better. But that would be the one and only time. I ensure you it will never happen again."

"Ahh…" Yuu nodded slightly and smiled weakly as she looked to the window at the rustling trees. "I am really glad you were willing to let me share your troubles and be your support…"

Byakuya nodded as well. Relieved that Yuu did not protest yet a slight disappointment hit him. Where did that disappointment came from? He wondered.

"I guess I should get back to my room to check if Tsubasa is ready…" Yuu said as she got up from her seat.

"Heading outside again?"

"As the Diplomat I have to check on the real world from time to time, but since spring is here I am afraid that in the real world here in Japan there will be areas I should not visit," Yuu shrugged, "you know, to avoid those pollens and stuff."

"Then why are you still preparing to go?" Asked Byakuya, apparently concerned.

Shaking her head, Yuu continued. "Tsubasa volunteered to go first and do a fast check. I will only go when he gets back to report his findings. Probably two days later."

"I see…" Byakuya felt very relieved. "But aren't you worried? He will be alone."

"I'm sure he will be fine. This is not the first time he runs such errands for me." Yuu bowed slightly. "Soredewa, Shitsure Itashimasu."

Nodding to show his understanding, Byakuya watched as Yuu approached the door, sliding it open. She is quite tall for a lady. Her back was straight and her shoulders were broad enough to model the white Yukata perfectly. True, the features on her face might not be attractive. But the aura and overall feel Kuroki Yuu gives off sure is attractive enough to compensate everything.

"Ne, Byakuya-sama…" Yuu stopped at the door. She was still facing the exit though. Hence Byakuya could not see her face. "Even though it was the one and only day in my life… I was really glad that I could be by your side and be your support..."

With that, she rushed back to her attendant's room in quick steps.

"Yuu…" Byakuya mumbled the Royal Servant's name softly as he listened to her quick footsteps which slowly faded.

"Jaa, ittekimasu!" Tsubasa bowed as he stood in front of the Senkaimon. He had opened it on an open field near the Soukyoku. In his hand he held onto the key that Royal Servants use to open a Senkaimon. Yuu had given it to him so that he could make it to and fro the real world by himself. In another hand, he had his trusty sword.

Yuu ruffled her loyal attendant's hair. "Take good care! Itterashai!"

Tsubasa gave a firm nod and went into the gate. When it closed, Yuu turned to return to the manor, but was startled when she bumped into someone.

"Bya… Byakuya-sama?" Yuu gasped when she realised she was staring right at the noble's chest and bowed immediately. "My deepest apology."

"Don't worry about it."

Yuu nodded. She stood there, waiting for the captain of Squad Six to say something or at least move, but he did not. Surely he had came here with something he wishes to say in mind, right? The close distance was keeping her face rather near to Byakuya's chest and neck, making the whole atmosphere awkward. "Erm…" Yuu started mumbling with her head lowered, hoping it will be a cue for Byakuya to start speaking, but to no avail. Yuu stepped back when Byakuya remained still and silent. But to her surprised, Byakuya caught onto her arms and held her right there. "Byakuya-sama? What are yo-"

"I didn't mean to do it…" Cutting in, Byakuya finally spoke as he stared at the black orbs of Kuroki Yuu's intensely. His tone was a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. "I didn't mean to…"

Now, the Royal Servant was starting to feel anxious. Had something bad happen? "What's wrong, Byakuya-sama?"

"I didn't mean to upset you with my words."

"I… I wasn't upset, silly." Yuu laughed lightly as she was unsure of what to say. "Don't let that get to you."

"From now on you will still help me, right?"

"Eh?" Tilting her head, Yuu wondered if she had heard Byakuya's question right. "Ahh. Of course."

"Then I will help you too."

"Help me?"

"Well, it depends on what you get yourself into. If you make grandfather angry, I am not going to help you. He's a scary person."

Chuckling, Yuu nodded. "I won't."

"I don't want to think about what silly trouble you could get yourself into." Gently, Byakuya pushed some hair that was covering Yuu's face to the back of her ear. "But I will try my best to do whatever I can to help you when you are in pain."

"Thank you…" Yuu smiled. That was all that she needed to hear. She needed no repayment of kindness. Byakuya need not actually keep to his promise too. But as long as he made an effort to say it, it's enough. "Jaa, Yoroshiku na."

"Ahh. Yoroshiku."

"Erm… So…" Yuu chuckled. "…Should we head back?"

Byakuya nodded and turned, ready to head downhill and back to his manor. Yuu followed behind him. The whole journey was silent, apart from time to time when other Shinigami would stop and greet them. The existence of the Royal Guards and Servants were not known in the past. But now, the whole Seireitei seems to know Kuroki Yuu and the rank she holds.

"You look cold." Byakuya pointed out he entered his manor. He was feeling fine, since spring is here anyway. But Yuu tends to be easily affected by low temperatures. "I am going for a short tea break. So do join me for some warm tea if you have the time to spare."

"That would be great." Yuu removed her thick Haori and raised the key that Royal Servants uses to get back to the palace. A tool similar to the one that opens a Senkaimon. "I will just go drop these in my room."

Byakuya nodded and left. Chuckling, Yuu watched as Byakuya entered the tea room before she headed for her chamber. Tea break? Since when did Kuchiki Taichou learn to take a break? If it were others, they would probably thought Byakuya's comment was plain and normal. But Yuu could see that Byakuya was actually asking for her company. Hence she made sure she made it back to the tea room as fast as possible. When she entered, Byakuya was alone in the room, standing by the window watching the scenery outside. He was waiting patiently for the tea to be ready, as well as for Yuu to join him.

Without saying a word, Yuu knelt on the tatami floor and prepared to serve both Byakuya and herself a cup of freshly brewed tea. Hearing the gentle sound of water pouring into a tea cup, Byakuya turned to look over his shoulder at the lady serving him tea. Would he ever get sick of watching her elegant actions? He wondered. It's probably embarrassing to admit, but he had actually taken a liking to the less wild and more ladylike version of Kuroki Yuu who appeared ever since his grandfather came to stay.

What's so nice about it? Maybe how Yuu addresses him as Byakuya-sama. How Yuu would spontaneously greet him at the dining room every morning. How Yuu would always be at the entrance, saying "Okaerinasai" without fail when he returns from work.

"You're wrong if you think I can't see while I serve tea. If you stare anymore," Yuu says softly while gently wiping another cup dry, "I'm gonna go and poke you in the eye."

"Oh?" Byakuya snickered as he went to take a seat so he could watch clearly as this lady serves him tea. If only this could happen for every tea break or meals, then he would willingly eat his food. "I will charge you with assault and get you locked up." He played along. All Yuu ever does is punch him on the arm anyway. Her punches are so gentle that they don't even cause him to itch.

"Tsubasa will kill you when he gets back." Yuu laughed and started drinking her tea, taking in gulps instead of sips of the hot liquid.

Byakuya watched in amazement as the Royal Servant drank her tea. He could not even hold his cup due to the heat, yet this woman is drinking it like plain, cold water.

"Like I said," Yuu finally put her cup down and heaved a sigh of satisfaction as she felt her stomach warming up, "stare anymore and there goes your eye."

"Wouldn't that burn? The tea is still steaming hot."

"Oh?" Yuu looked down to her now emptied cup and shrugged. "For others it might. But I guess with Kotogeume, I'm almost immune to heat. I used to hate the sun and loved winter until I became a Royal Servant. Weird, right?"

Byakuya nodded as he recalled how Hitsugaya Toushirou has white hair, seems fine in very cold weather and hates the heat instead. So for Kuroki Yuu it is the opposite? That explains her fear for cold. But thank God she does not have red hair like that of Abarai Renji. On the other hand, Hinamori Momo and Yamamoto Soutaichou do not seem to hate the cold nor could handle heat so well like Yuu do. Don't they all have fire based Zanpakutou? Likewise, Rukia has an ice based Zanpakutou like Hitsugaya Toushirou, yet she likes the summer as much as others do. What makes Hitsugaya Toushirou and Kuroki Yuu so special?

"What else are you afraid of?" Byakuya continued to question.

"Pollens? Strawberries?" Yuu started listing. "The grumpy advisor back at the palace? Ah! I know! Endless paperwork!"

Byakuya rolled his eyes. "No, I mean, fear associated to your Zanpakutou."

"Er…" Yuu pondered for a moment. "Alcohol? Just like what you saw in the inn we visited, I react to alcohol easily. Wonder if that is related."

Is she serious? He doubt that was relevant. Her body just wasn't cut for alcohol, simple as that. "Are you afraid of water?"

"If you dump me into a lake, yes." Yuu nodded and said casually, but a moment later she frowned and gave Byakuya a death glare. "Don't you dare try."

Really? So she's afraid of water then. But she gets along with Ukitake Sempai just fine. Isn't Sogyo no Kotowari partly water based?

Wait. That depends on one's personality, not Zanpakutou! Byakuya wanted to smack his own head for being stupid. "What about rain?"

"I love rain!" The Royal Servant's eyes brightened. She paused to reconsider her answer, finding fault it in. "…Well, I used to love rainy days when I was young. I get so excited when it starts to rain and I would always drag poor Tsubasa who was still a child out to the garden and play in the rain. But now I get weak when I am exposed to rain. So I could only stay indoors and listen to the sound they create…"

Byakuya nodded again, as if to register all these info into his brain. "Anything else?"

"…Crowds."

Byakuya raised a brow. "Crowds? You don't like people?"

"No… I like being around people but I don't like being surrounded by a large crowd or trapped in a cramped, enclosed area." Yuu took in a deep breath and smiled. "I prefer my oxygen supply to be plenty and fresh."

"Me too, it's better for my lungs." Ukitake Juushirou suddenly entered the room. With an apologetic smile, he scratched his head a little, afraid that he had came in at a wrong time. "Sorry to disturb."

"Ukitake-Taichou!" Yuu stood up to greet the visitor and spotted the petite figure behind him. "Ah, Rukia is back too!"

"What brings you here, Sempai?" Byakuya was annoyed. Out of all time, his senior just had to disturb his tea break. He rarely get a chance to chat with Kuroki Yuu without bickering, but this white haired captain just had to choose this time to visit. "You could always knock."

"My bad." Ukitake laughed out of embarrassment. "I met Ginrei-sama at Yamamoto Sensei's office. He invited me for dinner tonight. So I came and he said I should be able to catch Byakuya here. As for Rukia, I gave her a half day off to join us."

"I see…" Yuu nodded with a smile as she knelt down and gave the empty Zabuton a pat. "Do take a seat, both of you. Come join us for tea."

"Thank you." Ukitake accepted the invitation and sat down opposite of Byakuya while Rukia quietly took a sit beside Yuu. The white haired captain watched as Kuroki Yuu served him tea with skillful hands. "I'm honored to have you serve me tea, Kuroki-Taishi."

"I was serving Byakuya-sama too." Yuu chuckled. "My mood is especially good today, so please, let me do the chores."

"You mean you will only do it for today?" Byakuya raised a brow. Hoping the Royal Servant's answer will not disappoint him. He thought today was special because Yuu had served him tea personally and exclusively. But now she is doing the same for Ukitake Juushirou?

"Eh?" Yuu crossed her arms. "You plan to make me serve you tea every day?"

"You sound like it will kill you to do so." Byakuya said with annoyance in his tone and sipped on his now slightly cooled tea. There they go again, the bickering. Weren't they having a good chat prior to Ukitake's arrival? Byakuya silently wished his Sempai would leave them alone already.

Ukitake watched as the two young adults have their tiny argument and laughed. This time out of amusement. Both of them are acting like newlyweds, and this only double confirmed his decision.

Yes, he should let it go. He had been alone for nearly two millenniums and he survived just fine. With this body, he might even die anytime soon. In contrast, Byakuya is still young and needs a companion much more than he does. So there is no reason for him to be fighting with his Kouhai.

The student he doted on and is most proud of.

Nodding to himself, Ukitake pulled himself out of his thoughts, only to find Kuroki Yuu now punching Byakuya's arm like a boxer who is intimidating her opponent. Byakuya on the other hand, continued to enjoy his tea as he pretended Yuu to be nonexistent. They would make a lovely pair, he thought.

"I'm so going to tell on you later." Yuu pouted when there was no reaction from Byakuya. She needs to flash a triumph card. "I will tell Ginrei-sama you want me to serve you tea!"

"What?" Byakuya nearly choked on his tea, worried for his safety now. "Watch your words, woman."

"Hai, hai…" Ukitake chuckled and hushed the two of them. This reminded him of the old times when Byakuya was still a hotheaded child. He would always be having argument with other students in class. "Though arguments help in deepening a relationship, you two could save on it. Both of you are acting more and more like a couple each day."

"…Eh?" Yuu widened her eyes.

Rukia lowered her head to hide her giggles. He had never seen this side of his brother before. But not that she don't like it. In fact, she really likes how her brother is less stiff and serious recently.

"Ridiculous." Byakuya gave a cough. "Whoever gave you that idea?"

"You and your actions." Laughing, Ukitake nudged Rukia. "Am I not right, Rukia?"

"Ahh." The youngest among the four of them finally spoke. "I will have to agree with Ukitake-Taichou on this, Nii-sama. And I will be really honored, if Yuu-sama becomes part of the family."

"Eh… Then Rukia will call me Nee-sama?" Yuu chuckled. "Sounds good. But quite impossible too."

Impossible? Byakuya raised brow but remained silent. Why is everyone trying to help Kuroki Yuu match make? "You should worry about yourself, Sempai."

Ukitake chuckled again. "I know. So if you don't want Kuroki-Taishi, I will start stealing her away slowly."

"Eh?" Yuu choked. "Wha-"

But she did not get to complete her sentence, when Byakuya slammed his cup onto the wooden table, causing the tea to almost spill. "What do you treat our guest as? An item? I always thought you are a wise gentlemen, Sempai."

"…Chill!" Yuu gently patted Byakuya's hand which is holding onto his cup tightly. "Ukitake-Taichou was just joking."

"Y-Yes Nii-sama." Rukia added nervously. "Ukitake-Taichou did not mean it that way. Right, Taichou?"

"Ahaha!" This time, Ukitake laughed out loudly. "How long has it been since I last saw you let out such strong emotions, Byakuya?"

Byakuya sighed. Wondering why he actually adored this white haired man like an idol back in the old days.

"May we meet again soon, Kuroki-Taishi." Kuchiki Ginrei said as he walked down the small flight of stairs that led him down the Kuchiki main entrance. "Although it is not as big as this manor, but if you have the time, do visit me at my villa. I welcome you anytime."

Three days had passed since the dinner with Ukitake. This marks the Ex-Captain of Squad Six's visit to a total of two weeks. It is time for him to head back.

"Definitely, Ginrei-sama." Following behind the older noble, Yuu bowed. "These two weeks had been fulfilling with your guidance."

"Ahh." Ginrei nodded before entering his personal carriage.

"Please take care." Both Byakuya and Yuu said in unison with their heads lowered, only straightening their backs when the sound of horse trotting faded.

Yuu sighed. Something is making her heart very heavy.

"Are you alright?" Concerned, Byakuya asked.

Heaving yet another sigh, Yuu shrugged. "I don't know…"

"Tsubasa, right?"

"I tell myself to believe in him yet…" Yuu shook her head. "It had been three days… Usually he would be back in two..."

"The day is still early. He might be back later today."

Yuu laughed bitterly, slightly surprised that Kuchiki Byakuya is telling her words of comfort. She lowered her head, things doesn't feel right. Something would happen soon. "I am scared, Byakuya-sama… It's not just about Tsubasa. I have a strange feeling that something will happen soon…"

Raising his hand, Byakuya slowly placed it onto the soft, black hair of Kuroki Yuu and patted her head gently. He had never done something like this before, but he often see other people do it to someone who they care for. "It will be fine. Everything will be fi-"

Before he could finish his sentence though, a hell butterfly came fluttering around both of them. "All Captains and Vice-Captains, as well as Kuroki Yuu-Taishi, are required to fall in at Squad One immediately."

Nodding to each other, Byakuya and Yuu vanished with Shunpo. When they arrive at the Captain Commander's office, many other Captains, together with their lieutenant, are just about to come in as well. They all wondered what has happened.

"Tch. What's the big deal this time?" Zaraki Kenpachi asked, Kusajishi Yachiru on his shoulders. He was annoyed that his nap had been disturbed.

"Yeah Yamajii, what's up?" Kyouraku strolled to his spot in his usual pace. His bespectacled Lieutenant behind him. "What's so urgent?"

Not good. Kuroki Yuu silently told herself as she went to stand between the two rows of Captains and Lieutenants. Something bad must have happened.

"Silence." Yamamoto slammed the tip of his wooden staff against the floor. "Kurotsuchi-Taichou, you may begin."

"Nemu!" The scientist called and went forward. His artificial daughter then pushed a monitor like equipment out. The screen blinked for a moment, then a map appeared.

The map of Karakura Town.

"Weird Hollow activity had been observed in Karakura Town since yesterday morning."

"Weird?" Hitsugaya Toushirou raised a brow. "Do you mean a large number of them has appeared?"

"Not that simple. They are not just Hollows, but Menos." Kurotsuchi Mayuri wagged his finger. "Their presence was abnormally strong as well. But the strange thing was that, no damage or casualty has been observed."

"Hai?" Kyouraku raised his straw hat slightly. "Maybe they gathered there to view the cherry blossoms. Ahaha."

"Kyouraku…" Ukitake sighed and smacked his own forehead.

"It seems like they were searching for something to bring to Hueco Mundo. Shinigami on patrol witnessed that a Garganta was opened and a soul was forced to go through it."

"What were those damn kids on patrol doing?" Zaraki asked in his loud voice. "They should have torn those Hollows into pieces."

"That spirit…" Yuu finally spoke. "Was not a Shinigami… right?"

Byakuya looked up upon hearing Yuu's trembling voice. He clearly knows what is on her mind right now.

"No, he's not." The scientist shook his head with a weird smile. "The Shinigami on patrol couldn't recognise his Reiatsu, but sadly, I could. Kuroki-Taishi would be able to recognise it immediately as well."

If he could, Byakuya would go over and shut Kurotsuchi Mayuri's mouth up right now.

"But the main concern to us is not who was kidnapped," Kurotsuchi Mayuri continued, "but why. It's probably Aizen Sousuke's idea. But why he would want that powerless servant boy is beyond my understanding."

"Shut up…" Yuu clenched her fists and turned. "Excuse me, but I will need to take my leave for now."

"Kuroki-Taishi. I certainly hope you will remain calm about this situation."

"Hell yeah I would!" Yuu stopped and turned back to face Yamamoto Genryuusai as she spat. Her eyes now in a shade of fiery red. "I would be so calm and careful to not burn down the whole of that damn, freakin' whatever Mundo place but just half of it. Is that calm enough for you?"

"Mind your words, Kuroki-Taishi." Yamamoto slammed his staff again. "Is this how a Royal Servant like you should present yourself?"

"You think I could care less right now?" Yuu snickered. "So judging by how you guys are gathering here, do you actually plan to help me get Tsubasa back?"

"We want to help." Yamamoto sighed. "But sadly, seems like the King noticed this too and ordered us to observe the situation first before His Majesty and his advisors give us further notice. He also wanted me to remain you about keeping your promise. I have no idea what you promised the Royal Family, but if breaking it would threaten the Seireitei, I seek your cooperation to please keep to it."

Yuu opened her mouth to protest, but changed her mind when she saw the look Byakuya was giving her. It was a mixture of disbelieve and confusion. "Sorry… Did he mention how long they would take…?" Yuu questioned with her still trembling lips, eyes now back to black. Her legs were threatening to give way.

"I am sorry, but I have no idea." Yamamoto sighed again.

"Treat it as I beg you… Please find a solution soon. I need to get Tsubasa back…" With that, Yuu left the large office, limping. She might fall anytime soon.

Ukitake stepped out, planning to go forward so he could help Yuu, but was stopped when Byakuya went past him and got hold of her arms, helping her out of the office.

"Kuchiki-Taichou." Yamamoto's firm voice stopped the Captain of Squad Six. "The meeting is not over."

"Kuroki-Taishi is not feeling well. It is my responsibility to ensure her safety. So please excuse us, Soutaichou." He then looked to Renji. "Abarai-Fukutaichou, you know what to do when I'm away."

"Hai!" The red head replied promptly.

When they got out of Squad One, Byakuya could finally look at Yuu properly. He wondered if he saw it wrongly, but her eyes really turned red when she was having an argument with the Captain Commander. Yet now her orbs are back to black, but they were also lifeless. Byakuya remained quiet as he held onto Yuu. With Shunpo, he got back to his manor in no time and sent the Royal Servant to her chamber.

"Byakuya-sama…" Yuu stopped the raven haired captain when he was about to leave so she could be alone and take a rest.

"Yes?" Byakuya turned immediately.

"Can you stay…?" Yuu lowered her head. "Don't leave… This is too much for me to handle… Much more when that silly boy went missing previously…Back then at least he chose to leave on his own. But now, he went to Karakura Town for my sake and because of me, he got captured by the traitors..."

Stepping forward, Byakuya placed his hands on Yuu's shoulders and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You must be very worried right now…"

"That was pretty straight-forward..." Yuu laughed bitterly. "Of course I am, Byakuya-sama. Of course I am…"

"You are strong. Despite losing your temper for a moment, but you regained your composure. Other women might have cried."

"Crying wouldn't help… would it?"

"Yes, crying would not help. But if it could make you feel better, please cry." Pulling the Royal Servant towards him, Byakuya gave Yuu a hug. "Didn't you tell me? When confused, seek help. When troubled, find someone to talk. When you are happy, you laugh and when you are sad, cry."

Grabbing a fistful of his Captain Haori and hiding her face in the crook between Byakuya's neck and shoulder, Yuu started crying silently. "I must be the lousiest master, guardian, teacher, superior, sister or simply, worse person ever…" Yuu sobbed. "I'm so…" She slipped out of Byakuya's arms and collapsed onto the floor, kneeling and covering her face with her hands in shame while still sobbing. "Pathetic…"

Slowly, Byakuya knelt down in front of Yuu and forced her head to rest on his laps. He squeezed her arms to encourage her and started humming the same tune Yuu sang to him not too long ago at the training grounds.

"You have no style…" Still resting on Byakuya's lap, Yuu laughed rather bitterly while sniffling and covering her face with the short sleeves of her Yukata. "You have no style, Kuchiki Byakuya. You copied me."

"Yes, I don't." Because he is still learning, bit by bit. So from now on, he wished he could stay by Kuroki Yuu's side, so that he could learn more. But to do that, he will have to first protect her. "Get changed." Byakuya ordered as he gave Yuu a gentle push. "Get your sword and let's go…"

Yuu lifted her head and wiped her tears off. Her face was full of confusion. "…Where to?"

"Where your heart is telling you." Byakuya said. "Let's go bring Tsubasa back home."

End of Chapter

While Sempai is Senior, Kouhai means Junior.

I am sooo tired right now because of work. Ten hours of work for ten days every day without off is… pure tiring. :/

But here you go! An update! :D

R&R yo!