I don't own bleach or its characters.

Byakuya/Rukia & Sode no Shirayuki/Senbonzakura

Mostly romance, some drama, slight comedy.

A Lemon for your personal enjoyment.

Rukia sat under a Sakura tree in the garden, completely lost in thought, gazing into the pond. She was wearing a lovely spring kimono of white with pink cherry petals. When Byakuya spotted her, he could not ignore the pretty girl under the tree. Sitting beside her he didn't say a single word, and didn't even look at her. This used to make her uncomfortable but now she was used to his behavior, and just continued to look at the pond for a while before breaking the silence.

"Are you well today Ni-sama." she said still looking out onto the landscape.

"You are aware of the date." It wasn't a question it was an answer.

"Yes." she didn't turn to him but took her hand off of her lap and placed it on his.

"If you want to talk or anything…you know I'm always here?" she still didn't face him.

"I hope you always will be, Rukia." he said looking at the same spot in the pond she was.

She smiled small and turned to him, he looked down into her eyes and gave her hand a thankful squeeze. He stayed there looking at her for a moment then left and walked toward the family shrine. Rukia looked back to the pond and sighed. It was always a solemn day. The anniversary of her sisters death came with the blooming of the Sakura trees. She had been like the flowers on the tree, delicate and only meant to live a fraction of the time the foliage on the other trees did.

Rukia wasn't a cherry blossom, Rukia was like her brother, they more resembled the needles of a pine tree, strong, long lasting, and a bit sharp for anyone who ventured too near. 'My sister is a rose and I am a useless thorn, its no wonder he loved her so much and keeps his distance from me.' she thought.

Rukia knew she resembled her sister but it wasn't her looks that was keeping her brother from returning her affections, it was her personality. As hard as she tried she couldn't be as delicate and meek as her sister must have been and she cursed herself for not being who he needed her to be. She was Rukia and neither could deny that fact.

But he cared, at least he care for her. He just told her he hoped she would always be there. It made her happy for a moment, but as quickly as that feeling came it went with the knowledge that he meant that for a sister and dare she say it, a friend. Were they friends? It seems the mostly quiet encounters gave them a special bond they didn't share with others. There was something about being together in the silence, a heavy energy she couldn't discern or feel with anyone else.

She spent the rest of the day telling her troubles to Sode no Shirayuki who had just parted with Senbonzakura. Senbonzakura was sick of being in the shrine after all of these years but he thought it his duty to be with his master on such an important date. If he had his choice he would have spent all of his time with Shirayuki and Rukia. It was in their company he desired to be and he didn't understand why his master chose to always be elsewhere.

Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura watched as their masters left for work and walked away in silence. Shirayuki shook her head at the sight of the two and Senbonzakura knowingly nodded, then he led her away to the elaborate family garden.

"I am glad I can spend time alone with you today." Senbonzakura said.

A manifested Zanpakuto was the part of it's masters heart and soul. It was an honest representation of it's owners desires, needs, and everything the master tried to hide about themselves both good and bad.

"I am always happy to be with you Senbonzakura-dono." she said.

"Do you remember the day we first met?" she nodded and smiled at the question.

"I shook at my masters side for the first time to get your attention. The lord did not pay attention his heart had sped up and he was trying to suppress many emotions." he said.

"I remember, although I could not acknowledge you, I noticed the fluctuation in Byakuya-samas riatsu." she said.

"He kept his riatsu as low as possible so she would not feel frightened. Then he lost it when he passed that friend of hers, he let too much of it go, I felt my masters heart clench at seeing him so familiar with her. I feared I would not get too see you again because of Abarai. Zabimaru went on the defensive at my presence. Please tell me if you have feelings for him."

"My master and their master are the closest of friends. I could always feel Zabimaru' love but I have never shared his depth of feeling. I have also felt your love and desire to protect me." she answered.

"I kept that boy alive for you when we came to arrest Rukia. I held back so you would not be sad. We argued over his decision to let her die and we planned to follow her after to restore our honor. Do you hate us?"

"We understood the situation, we never hated either of you. We didn't understand why he bothered to save us."

"He realized too late what was important to us." Senbonzakura said.

"The promise to Hisana-san."

"Partly, when he held Rukia in his arms there was no longer denying the feelings he spent so long trying to rid himself of." he said.

She reached up with both hands and ran them along his mask. She began to lift it off when he took her hands in his to stop her. Their eyes met and they both saw the love and desire that had always been there.

"Only for you." he said as he allowed her to continue.

With the mask set aside, Shirayuki looked upon the handsome face. There was no wall between them anymore, they embraced and she kissed his willing lips. From that moment on he desired only to stay by her side and she would not leave him. They walked hand in hand everywhere and their spirit particles would noticeably mix. The people who came in contact with them were shocked at the affection and it started a wave of gossip. But neither cared.

Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki greeted Byakuya and Senbonzakura then joined them for dinner, as was now usual. Byakuya nodded at the bowing girls, Senbonzakura stood and bowed to them while greeting Sode no Shirayuki enthusiastically. Dinner wasn't as quiet, with more people at the table. Rukia, Shirayuki and Senbonzakura seemed to really enjoy each others company and talked about all kinds of things. Byakuya always remained silent except to make known his agreement or disagreement with an issue that interested him.

Rukia even got along well with Senbonzakura which left Byakuya even more confused. Rukia wouldn't open up to him or interact with him that way. If she could get along with the inner part of him that he was hiding from the world that was now out, she would have to like him.

"Shall we go for a walk in the garden?" Shirayuki suggested.

"Sounds good." Rukia answered as the two girls excused themselves. Shirayuki did not want to leave without Senbonzakura.

"Would Senbonzakura-dono like to join us?" Shirayuki asked and Senbonzakura looked at Byakuya eagerly.

"Go." was his only answer.

"Ni-sama please come too." Rukia offered to be polite.

He really surprised her by agreeing to go and the four strolled through the garden. The sun had just set and it was dark but the flowers were still fragrant under the rising moon. Senbonzakura and Sode no Shirayuki paired off and walked together happily, leaving Byakuya and Rukia silent in each others company.

"I will miss having them around when they go back to normal. It's nice having someone to talk to that's not Renji." Rukia said.

"Is my company not sufficient?" he asked.

"It's not that…It's well I didn't think you would care to hear about my silly problems."

"Rukia your problems are my problems, feel free to approach me on any issue." he said showing more disinterest then he was really feeling.

"I…thanks, if there's ever anything you want to… you know talk about Ni-sama." she said as he nodded to assure her.

"I feel kind of sorry for the both of them." she said trying to make conversation.

"How so?" he asked.

"They seem to really like being together. I haven't seen them part for long. People keep asking me if I noticed them holding hands, who wouldn't notice? He even insists on sitting guard by the door while we sleep. If its possible he's more protective then you are. I wonder if they will still be able to be friends after this is over."

"I do not know. I assume they will be able to communicate. Rukia I did not take you for a romantic."

"There's a lot you don't know about me Ni-sama."

"I shall make more of an effort." he said.

"I um will you help me train when things go back to normal?…Well your so good with your sword…and…I've been wanting to ask you for years…your skills are so much more refined then Renji' are and with the captain sick and unable to…I've surpassed the third seats…I want to reach Bankai soon."

"Your rambling Rukia, Why did you not ask me before?"

"I…I was scared to." she looked down.

"And you are no longer?" he looked at her and she answered him with an innocent nod.

"Rukia it would please me to train you, but you must do me one favor."

"Anything, Ni-sama?"

"Continue to wear the kimonos I give you, when you are at home. I tire of looking at these unpleasant uniforms all day."

"Sure! I've been wanting to wear them more, I'm sorry I haven't worn them much, you've given me so many pretty ones. Now where did those two go?" she said a bit too excitedly.

Rukia and Byakuya searched the garden for any sign of their manifested swords. From a thicket of Sakura trees that hung low and veiled a corner, they noticed an odd reflection. Upon inspection it was a piece of armor. This concerned them and they moved the branches to clear the view of the other side.

They both went wide eyed when they spotted Senbonzakura on top of Shirayuki, with their bodies tightly entwined. They were making love, with pink petals floating around them. Rukia wasn't sure if they were from the trees or Senbonzakura, she didn't ask or stay long enough to find out.

"Master, I am sorry." Senbonzakura shouted and stood up when he spotted them staring in shock.

Rukia covered her eyes. "No its ok were sorry for intruding. Don't let us disturb you, just go back to what you were doing." Rukia said quickly and grabbed a stunned Byakuya' hand pulling him out of the situation.

"I didn't know they could…I…I feel even worse for them now." Rukia said a bit embarrassed but more sad for them then anything else.

"It seems they have become more then friends." he hadn't let go of her hand and it seemed he was holding it tighter then before.

He led her to a tree where they sat and relaxed, both a bit embarrassed. A conversation began seriously with the current situation with the swords, then a discussion about fighting techniques, somehow it became a bit more personal. Soon they were telling each other things no one knew about them, they had a lot in common. Everyone was right, they really were a lot alike. Byakuya even became comfortable enough to give a small laugh once, in her presence, as the ice wall between them came down a bit that night.

"…yeah things were pretty bad there, Renji doesn't even know about that time before we met. I could never talk about it before." Rukia spoke relieved to have gotten that part of her past off of her chest.

"Things were not much different for your sister only her ability to handle such a life was an impossibility. That is why she accepted my proposal. We were just so young, but I do not regret marring her. I loved her even if she could not return my feelings."

"I'm so sorry she felt that way Ni-sama. I don't know how she couldn't love you with her whole heart, it's so easy." She put her arms around him for a hug and something hot shot through his body as she touched him.

"oh my goodness what time is it? We have to get up in two…" Rukia realized they had gone out walking around 8:45 and it was now 4:45.

"Rukia there is no work tomorrow."

"I forgot. That's a relief. Although its not like I would have slept all that well anyway." she said.

"I have noticed your light on late." he said.

"I've seen you walking the grounds late too. I guess we both just have insomnia."

"I would not mind your company the next time you are unable to sleep." he said.

"I was scared to approach you. You looked like you wanted to be left alone. So I didn't think.."

"Rukia I assumed after all of these years you would understand I have to uphold the dignity of our name. Shows of emotion are frowned upon and so are close relationships outside of the family. It was not so long ago that I was as hot headed as my lieutenant and I sometimes think I married your sister because I was told I could not. Much has changed over the years and I am set in my ways. I never wished to appear cold toward you, please know that." he told her with heartfelt honesty, even though it didn't show.

Rukia shivered from a passing breeze and he put his arm around her to warm her and to show her he wasn't so unfeeling. He was a bit taken when she placed her head on his shoulder, his grip on her tightened.

They fell asleep under the tree that night. When daylight came they were awoken by a panicked servant, who had spent the better part of the hour searching the mansion and finding them both missing.

"Master, Miss I have been looking everywhere, thank goodness, I was about to contact the fourth division. Breakfast will be served when you are ready." she bowed and left toward the kitchen.

He turned to Rukia who was still in his arms. "Stay home today, if you do not already have other plans." he said caressing her cheek and kissing her on the head.

Byakuya had paper work to complete that morning and Rukia went in for a nap. When noon came around she was dressing for lunch. The maid came in and urged her to hurry as the master was demanding her presence at the table.

"You are late." he took her roughly by the forearm as he got up to meet her. He towered over her but she was not scared of this action as it felt somehow different then it looked.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting Ni-sama." she lifted an eyebrow at this action and their eyes locked as the tension grew.

Rukia had feelings for him and they were strong, but none of them compared to what she was feeling at this moment. Her heart rate rose and she found herself nearly drunk on the energy around them.

"You know I do not like it when you keep me waiting." he pulled her close, his left arm now around her waist wanting to become lost in her body.

"I'm sorry I wont…do it again." she said just inches from his lips.

Her attention was brought to the closeness of his lips, she observed every line, every indentation. Wanting nothing more then to taste him at that moment she parted her lips and he started closing the last of the gap between them. His eyes were half closed as he moved forward but was abruptly interrupted by someone saying that lunch was ready. The servants lined up with trays and he had no choice but to release her from his grip.

For a good portion of the day he helped her with the higher level Kidou spells.

"Concentrate." he said as he stood behind her, his arm over hers guiding her.

But the last thing she could do was concentrate with him so close to her, touching her. He was so controlled, and his skill was flawless at least that's what it seemed to Rukia. If she had known how hard it was for him to concentrate on the spell and not her she would be shocked. He was always in such perfect control except when it came to her. When he fought for her, when he fought to protect her, his skills were always right on point and infused with emotion he did not normally fight with.

When she was ready for bed she found she could not sleep, although her desire had calmed a bit, she was still feeling warm and restless. What happened this afternoon couldn't have possibly been what she thought, not after one night of friendly conversation. Maybe it was more then friendly.

Flashback to the previous evenings conversation under the tree.

"I'm glad we finally got to talk like this."

"Rukia why did you choose to stay here after all I had done?"

"After what you told me about having a sister and why you acted so distant all those years…you have still given me so much…a beautiful home, food, clothes, and some semblance of a family. It's all I ever wanted. You were just sad, you didn't hate me so I didn't want you to be lonely anymore. I never thought you would ever want to confide in me but I hoped that you would realize you had someone who cared about you would make it a little easier."

"You could have had a life there."

"Everything I want is right here. I'm happy with my decision."

"Forgive me for making you think that I hated you. I was always pleased with how hard you have worked to uphold the family name. I just should have realized how much more important your life is to me then honor and duty sooner. Neither have smiled for me as you do."

She was sure she was in love with him after that night and so she set out to be with him. It was raining outside she walked out onto the porch hopeful that she might see him. She found him sitting looking out into the dark abyss.

She walked over to him and he stood to greet her. He had started being nicer to her and she didn't want any of it to go away. For him she had worn an enticing short blue nightgown. When his eyes fell on her his breath picked up. Someone tempted him to be something other then the cold, restrained man he had become and she was standing before him.

His arm wrapped around her and his hand ran along the side of her body and down to her thigh as he pulled her to his lap as she put her arms around his neck, her body half twisted to face him. It all could still seem so innocent if need be, but it was far from innocent. He wanted her near as possible but the restraints between them kept him from doing to her what he wanted.

She rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek for all of the special attention she had been receiving. His insides filled with heat as her lips met his flesh and her body signaled him for more contact. No part of her moved away as her brothers hand gripped the inner part of her leg. They both knew a brother should not touch his sister in such a way. As they sat together he couldn't stop looking at her eyes and lips. How they would look if those puffy lips were wrapped around his arousal and those large violet eyes were looking up at him.

He couldn't take it any longer and she found his left hand at the bottom of her already short night dress being slowly pulled higher on her legs while the right had moved up her body and cupped her breast.

"Rukia go to bed." He put his hand on his forehead and breathing was out of control as he nearly took her there.

"Ni-sama?" She was confused when he stopped.

"I said go to bed and do not walk around in such outfits." He really didn't want to say that last part but they way she looked was making it hard to keep himself together and if she wore something like that again there was no telling what he would have done to her.

He would not disrespect her by taking her unwed. She was too pure, too sweet. As much as he wanted her he was still a gentlemen and could not do that to her unless he could offer her more. One thing was for sure no one else would have her but him, not unless they wanted to brutally murdered. Just thinking about someone else touching her pure body made him want to kill. She was his and he was the one who was going to taint her. But first there were some politics to work out not to mention she would have to agree to a lifetime of duty and rules.

Rukia felt rejected, like she did something wrong. She tried to seduce her brother, he was touching her and she let him. After all he was still a man and any man could only take so much. What she wanted from him would never be hers, he was forever in love with the grave. Shame overtook her and she cried in silence and watched the rain fall from her room.

Luckily the next morning wasn't difficult because he didn't act like anything occurred, not that he would have. He engaged her in conversation, it calmed her nerves and made her more comfortable then she had been in all the years they had spent in awkward silence.

Byakuya and Rukia still met evenings in the garden. Rukia kept a notable distance which was good because he could spend time with her without things getting too out of hand. Rukia just wanted to be near him, it seemed they were going to be stuck in the realm of friendship and nothing more. She could deal with that as long as he was near her.

Senbonzakura and Shirayuki seemed to have disappeared around this time. Choosing to spend every moment together they had no interest in training unnecessarily with their masters.