Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Bleach or its characters; that right belongs to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: Author's Note: This chapter brought me much joy as I got to use the knowledge about flora I gained from my late grandmother. I repeat myself; I only post the pairing once it is revealed in the story. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you to turn around and leave now because I don't see the point in wasting your time and mine.

Kagome let a sigh escape. It was no May; she'd been a part of Squad Eleven for a year. And it had been a crazy year to boot. Not that she'd ever trade any of that crazy.

Kagome loved Squad Eleven. They were a bunch of idiotic, sometimes despotic, older brothers—all over-protective yet sweet in their ways.

"Miss Higurashi."

Pausing, Kagome plastered a smile on her face as she turned to the person who called out.

"Lord Kuchiki?" she replied. She was bowing perfectly as etiquette dictated.

"You may rise, Miss Higurashi," Genrei Kuchiki commanded.

Doing as bid, Kagome met Lord Kuchiki's gaze head-on. She refused to show this man(or any of the great clans) subservience. And her choice was rewarded with a smile.

"You are indeed insolent but not smug. Come, walk with me."

The words neither insulted nor complimented her. But Kagome did as commanded. Already she had an idea of what he wanted to talk to her about while taking a walk. She'd be having a long talk with Rukia, sitting on a lounge chair in the shade. Renji was hovering attentively. Then again, Rukia was due in roughly five weeks.

Silence hung between them as they walked. It wasn't uncomfortable, so Kagome enjoyed the view(and privilege) of the famous Kuchiki gardens.

"What do you think of our family's gardens, Miss Higurashi?"

Knowing this was a loaded question, Kagome gave it some thought as they continued to walk in silence.

"They are beautiful, and I'm truly honored to be here. Even if it's on the laurels of my Captain's invitation, Lord Kuchiki," she said, pausing before continuing. "But beauty is a double standard."

Kagome did her best to keep a smile on her face as Lord Kuchiki gave a sharp jerk of his head to look at her. It meant she had his undivided attention.

"Explain what you mean, Miss Higurashi."

At his abrupt prompting, Kagome stopped and pointed at an Aloe Vera plant.

"That 'Aloe' plant can be used to treat burns. And over there is 'Angelica' that is often used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders," Kagome explained. "Your garden, I noticed, has about twenty more plants used for traditional remedies. Like: Burdock, Arnica, St. John's Wort, to name a few."

"Indeed. But how is my family's garden beauty a duality?"

Kagome gave no response as she began to walk again. This time leading Lord Kuchiki to another section before stopping once more.

"That there is Fritillaria or Chocolate Lily. It's poisonous. And over there is a Horse Chestnut tree. It is pretty, but parts of it can cause nausea and muscle twitching," Kagome explained again as she pointed to each plant. "And to our left is a Wood Anemone Windflower. It can be used medicinally if correctly processed, like Belladonna and Witches Hazel. But that flower often causes gastrointestinal irritation when dried, ground and ingested. As well as vomiting or diarrhea."

Lifting her eyes to look at Lord Kuchiki, Kagome let her gaze become sharp.

"Everything here is beautiful, Lord Kuchiki, but not symbiotic. The layout of your garden brings out the beauty, yet it had to be plotted this way because not all flowers can cohabitate. Either due to the environment, temperament of the plant, or a slew of many other reasons, Lord Kuchiki," Kagome said bluntly.

She was glad his eyes shone with an instant understanding of her true meaning.

"You make a valid point. It's a shame, but I accept your view of our family garden," Lord Kuchiki said. "Though I do hope you can come to visit our residence in the future. My granddaughter is extremely taken with you. My grandson as well. But things will be as they are meant to be."

Kagome bowed deeply in thanks. The delighted laugh from Lord Kuchiki as he walked away muttering, 'it was a shame.'

Righting herself, Kagome turned her gaze to the upper branches of the Horse Chestnut tree. The dark, hooded gaze of her Captain glared back at her. Shaking her head, Kagome waited for him to jump down.

Kagome was well aware of when he arrived. And so had Lord Kuchikiand all the other Division/Squad Captains and their Lieutenants present. So Kagome was sure that was part of why Lord Kuchiki said what he did. Not just because of her subtle meaning but not wanting to cause friction with her Captain or the rest of Squad Eleven.

"Midget."

Rolling her eyes openly, Kagome smiled as she replied, "Captain."

"How many does this make now?"

"Oh, seven or eight. I'm not keeping track, to be honest."

"It's annoying. You won't transfer, so now they're trying to honey-trap you. Pathetic bastards."

Shaking her head, Kagome looked around. The dark looks being shot their way had her mouthing a silent apology.

"I'm not leaving Squad Eleven, Captain. Otherwise, it'd go back to being a den of savages. Intelligent savages."

"Midget, watch your tongue."

Throwing her head, Kagome laughed at his playful warning. Then began to walk through the rest of the Kuchiki garden. Spring would soon be over and summer starting.

000000

He did not understand the allure of these flowers. It seemed pointless for everyone to gather and watch them.

Letting his gaze drop to Kagome, he listened as she explained either the medicinal use or how to extract. Or how to appropriately extract and use the poison from the other plants. He was impressed and slightly scared.

With Kagome's knowledge, she could poison the whole Eleventh Division if she wanted. And he'd not put it past her with her temper and need for revenge when provoked.

"Captain."

Tilting his head, he saw his tiny squad member motion for him to bend down. Frowning as he complied, her hands slid into his hair, making him stiffen.

"There you go," Kagome whispered in his ear. "You had a flower stuck in your hair. A Fressia, to be exact. Not exactly your thing."

Seeing the tiny white flower, Zaraki reached out and took it from Kagome.

"What does this flower mean?" He asked.

"Captain Voyeur, it means friendship and trust," Kagome explained.

Arching an eyebrow, he tucked the little flower away. Zaraki was no fool; he got what Kagome meant.

"It's boring here. Let us leave so I can spare with you," He said, giving her a quick once over. "After you get out of those hoity-toity clothes.

The loud snort from Kagome had him smiling widely. Looking at everyone else, Zarake lifted his hand and waved before turning to leave. He had no doubt Kagome would immediately follow. He wanted her away from the scheming asses of the other Divisions and Clans. She belongs to his Division and Squad Eleven.

000000

Byakuya stayed silent as he watched the duo leave. His grandfather had already relayed what Kagome had said. He was not surprised by her refusal. Though her choice of method to deliver her answer was amusing.

He genuinely liked Kagome. She had(for the most part) a good temperament and was easy to be around. And while he still loved Hisana, Byakuya knew he needed to marry before becoming Clan Head.

The only solace came in the form of Kagome rejecting everybody else. And that Captain Zaraki Kenpachi would fight to keep her. As he should.

However, Byakuya noticed something from their interactions. But he'd put no stock in it.

000000

Shinsui smiled and sipped his saki. Nano had 'humphed,' but he could tell she was in a good mood. It had been amusing since Kagome returned from the human world vacation he had forced on her. Most everyone knew getting her to transfer wasn't a feasible idea.

So the new tactic was to woo her with the promise of marriage. Hell, his own family had brought it up to him. And Shinsui smartly, flat-out refused. Nano's cold glare on the back of his head helped him to be quick about refusing. Yet seeing the dignified head of the Kuchiki Clan being turned down was something. And how Kagome had done, it was eloquent.

000000

Mayuri looked amusedly at the departing backs. The tiny woman had intrigued him with how she'd stood up to them. And after catching wind of her answers and physiological reaction to the question after she was sent to the human world.

That and the data from the battle with the Hollows last year and how the painful light was still unaccounted for. It had the deep-rooted instinct in him telling him the girl knew more about it. And he wanted, no needed to study her.

TBC!