Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 749

AN: A lil sibling fluff and actual fluff. And long just because… Enjoy your day all! Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate!


Ookami Bound

Guilt and Bunnies


Byakuya made himself quite clear and thus Mai/Tsukiko made herself scarce.

It was easy enough for her to avoid him in either form- she could catch his scent from a mile away- downwind or not.

She hadn't exactly disappeared- Rukia would fret if this were the case. But for several days following their tawdry encounter he did not catch sight of electrum hair- or fur for that matter.

He'd made it seem as though he were annoyed by her presence- but they both knew he was simply overanalyzing the whole situation and finding fault and guilt in the nooks and crannies.

The noble did what he did best- seeking his center in the everyday routine. At night is when he spared moments for self-deprecating thoughts, fears for his soul festering in the dark. But during the day his smooth gait was unbroken and his angelic countenance without feeling or flaw.

However, as unwilling as he was to admit it, he grew the slightest bit curious about where the demoness was spending her time. After close to a week- in which he had finally settled upon a pragmatic way to deal with his unease- he sought her out.

His silent steps had him stepping into his younger sister's shadow, "Rukia."

"Gah!" Her whole frame seemed to seize before she whirled around to face him. Violet eyes wide like saucers she stared a moment before, executing an acknowledging bow, face sheepish. "Nii-sama."

"Your maid has been shirking her duties," He said at length. "I believe she is in need of reprimand. You know where I might find her."

Rukia frowned as though uncertain of the truth of his words, but she quickly corrected this doubtful expression, "Oh. I apologize Nii-sama. It is my responsibility to see that she is performing her tasks…"

Byakuya felt himself inwardly flinch. He had not meant to cast blame. His stoic visage softened minutely, "You have much occupying your time. I am obligated to oversee all staff in any case."

For a moment the girl looked as though she might protest, a guilty look passing over her face. She took a breath and gave a nod, "Of course…" Her look grew thoughtful, a slight smile tugging at her lips, "I believe she's on the south lawn."

Oh. The south lawn meant…

Byakuya attempted to mask his initial response- concern- but somehow Rukia had caught it.

"Nii-sama?"

With an insouciant nod he recovered, "I will go."

"Do you mind if I accompany you, Nii-sama?" Her voice followed him before he could make any sort of haste. He forestalled a sigh. He could practically feel her beam as she noticed his purposeful pause.

She skittered to his side, masking her pleased response as best she could as she fell into step with him. But Rukia could never hide a thing from her big brother. The girl had no idea of how he had studied her every move and mannerism. Since the moment he'd happened upon her in the Rukon he'd been taking note of what was similar and what set her apart from Hisana. He could read her like a book now. And despite their rocky start (when all he could see was a face that nearly mirrored the one that broke his heart) he now appreciated all the little things that made the girl her own… Even the fact that she had the tendency to pick up strays…

After a companionable walk the two rounded one of the out buildings on the grounds to come upon the rabbit coop.

Yes. Rabbit coop. Byakuya had indulged his younger sister more than he cared to admit since her failed execution.

As the siblings drew to a halt Byakuya felt his unease spike.

For there, standing in front of one of the open cages was Mai… holding a rather plump looking rabbit. His mind couldn't quite contemplate the scene- so before a practical response could be made he contemplated the idea that Rukia fed the useless creatures entirely too much.

As the woman stroked the white ears and nuzzled the fur at its neck Byakuya finally felt something close to the cold tingle of fear tracing his spine. He felt sure this display was a sign of the demon tottering on the edge of madness- a loss of control that could only lead to a massacre.

"Mai?" Rukia questioned.

A smile pulled the corners of the demon-woman's mouth upward as she looked up with golden eyes, "So warm and fluffy…"