A/N: Hi! This is an early update from me! Hope you guys are happy with your little thanksgiving treat!

Rukia barely slept the previous night. After Byakuya had left her apartment, she grabbed her mobile phone which was in her bag and realised there were a total of fifteen unread texts. Taking a deep breath, she opened them.

Rukia,
Ichigo called a while ago and he seemed to have heard something about it. I told him what happened and he was furious. He's coming over to grill me now. Will let you know what happens later.
Kira

Rukia read through the rest of the messages and apparently Kira had said that Ichigo had been so angry that he almost punched Shuuhei in the face. The remaining messages were from Ichigo and he had told her to call him back as soon as possible and then saying how he did not believe a word that Kira and Shuuhei had said.

Rukia had no choice but to explain to Ichigo about what happened. After the first ring, Ichigo picked up, as though he had been waiting for her call.

"Is it true? Tell me honestly, Rukia." Ichigo said as soon as he picked up.

He sounded strangely calm but Rukia knew better. He was deadly serious and his voice sounded heavy.

"Y-Yes." stammered Rukia.

"So I guess that makes sense when he came to look for you earlier."

Rukia did not reply and Ichigo continued.

"I don't understand why you're with him when he's treating you like this."

Rukia raised her brows and was about to question Ichigo when she remembered how Byakuya had flung her bag to her and Ichigo had seen it.

"He doesn't usually behave like that." Rukia replied. "W-We just got into a fight…"

"Then are you guys breaking up?" Ichigo asked immediately and Rukia didn't fail to notice the hope in his voice.

"No, of course not. We're fine now." said Rukia quickly.

There was silence from the other end and for the first time in her life, Rukia felt uncomfortable talking to Ichigo.

"Ichi-"

"I have to go," interrupted Ichigo. "I guess I will see you tomorrow."

"Ichigo, wait! About tomorrow…" trailed off Rukia.

"What?" asked Ichigo.

"Um, I have something on so I can't make it to Matsumoto's barbeque." Rukia said.

Again, there was silence from Ichigo. Rukia was about to call out to him when Ichigo finally answered.

"That's fine." He said coldly. "Goodbye."

Without waiting for her reply, he had hung up on her and Rukia stared at her phone in dismay. Of course she didn't expect him to start congratulating her and then throw a "I'm so happy you found a boyfriend" party but she had expected him to yell, scream and kick up a fuss. He did that to Kira and Shuuhei so why was he so cold towards her now? Rukia wasn't used to Ichigo treating her like this. In fact, she hadn't seen Ichigo treating anyone like this and it worried her. A lot.

After an hour deciding if she should call Ichigo back, Rukia decided not to and headed straight to bed hoping that an early night might make her feel better the next day.

Rukia stared at her reflection one last time as she made her way to the door. A few hours ago, she was ready to start her afternoon with a tub of ice cream and a movie but she had gotten a knock on her door instead and three women had burst into her flat informing her that they were sent by Kuchiki Byakuya to help her get prepared for the dinner party. Since then, she had her hair blown and her fingernails shaped and painted and then finally they had asked her to try on four different dresses. Rukia was exhausted. She liked the black dress that they had put on for her but the ladies had insisted that the red strapless dress looked better.

"Kuchiki-sama will not keep his hands off you in this dress!" one of the ladies had said.

The other two ladies had agreed and Rukia wanted to protest but of course, she was no match for the three ladies who had finally convinced her that the red dress was the perfect choice.

The red dress had somehow magically enhanced her chest and Rukia noticed that for once she actually had some cleavage and the dress hugged her body perfectly and stopped mid-thigh. The ladies had then shoved a very high pair of heels on her and finally after putting make up on her, they bustled off.

Rukia now understood why the ladies had forced her into this dress. She couldn't help but admit that she looked breath taking. The dress was a little revealing with the slight V along her chest but it wasn't too slutty and it didn't make her look like a prostitute or a high class call girl. Rukia grabbed her handbag and wobbled out of the flat as she heard a honk from a car downstairs, indicating that Byakuya's chauffeur had arrived.

"Good evening, Rukia-sama." The chauffeur greeted as he opened the door to let Rukia in.

"Please, just call me Rukia." Rukia replied as she smiled at him.

The man in his forties just smiled and shook his head. "Rukia-sama is Kuchiki-sama's fiancée so Rukia-sama deserve the same amount of respect too."

Rukia smiled and climbed into the limousine and the chauffeur closed the door behind her.

"Rukia-sama, you look very pretty today. Kuchiki-sama will be pleased to see you." The chauffeur complimented as he started the car and drove.

"I don't really like it. It's uncomfortable." grumbled Rukia as the chauffeur chuckled.

"Since it's Kuchiki-sama's birthday, most of the guests will be dressed like that."

"What? It's his birthday?" asked Rukia, surprised.

"Yes, Rukia-sama. Don't you know that?" The chauffeur asked, puzzled.

Clearing her throat, Rukia replied, "Of course I know that… I was just testing you."

The chauffeur nodded and Rukia cursed Byakuya silently. Why didn't he tell her that today was his birthday? As much as Rukia didn't like him, she knew it was common courtesy to buy a gift since she was attending his party.

"Can we swing by somewhere else first before heading to the party?" Rukia asked to which the chauffeur nodded immediately.

Fifteen minutes later, Rukia hopped out of the car before the chauffeur even had a chance to open the door for her. She had instructed the chauffeur to swing by the nearest gift shop that was located near her apartment. Cursing herself for forgetting to bring a shawl, Rukia quickly made her way into the gift shop.

She knew how ridiculous she must have looked in the expensive dress and how she wasn't in something warmer in this weather but thankfully the shop was empty except for the cashier. Rukia knew this wasn't a fancy gift shop but this was the only place she can think of at the very last minute and besides, she couldn't afford to buy him something expensive. The chauffeur had informed her that she only had five minutes to make her purchases if not they would be late for the party. Quickly, Rukia made her way to the birthday cards section and glancing through, she picked out a card that had the word 'Happy Birthday!' on the front. Rukia then rushed to the counter and fished out her wallet as the cashier told her the amount.

"Is that all?" asked the lady at the cashier.

The card alone seemed pretty miserable as a gift and Rukia's eyes did a quick search around and they landed on several fountain pens that were located in the display glass.

"Can I have one of that too? The black one." said Rukia and the lady retrieved it for her.

"That would be a total of 12,380yen."

"What?" shrieked Rukia.

"Hey, lady, this card itself already costs 990yen! This card is the electronic singing type. And the prices of fountain pens are like this!" The lady replied, annoyed.

"Fine." Rukia said reluctantly as she handed over the money, grabbed the card and pen and left.

Why of all cards did she have to pick out the electronic one? Now, she's paying for something more that will make her look incredibly stupid. Annoyed with overspending, she put the card and pen into her handbag and wished that the night would be over already.

"I still can't believe Rukia's with that guy." Kira said as he took out some meat from the fridge.

"I still can't believe I'm throwing a get-together and she's not here." grumbled Matsumoto.

"Not so loud, guys." hissed Shuuhei as he shot them a look and then pointed at Ichigo who was standing alone in a corner of the kitchen.

"No, seriously, why isn't she here?" asked Matsumoto, her voice softer than before. "I still cannot believe she told the both of you what happened and didn't tell me!"

"Well, we were there when Soi Fon Taichou fired her so of course we knew what happened." Kira explained.

Matsumoto pulled a face. "I guess… I texted her last night and asked her if she wants to talk about it but she said she's fine. I mean, come on, we're her best friends and I feel as though she isn't telling us everything."

"I still don't understand how she can fall in love with Kuchiki. And no offence to Rukia, but why in the world will Kuchiki fall in love with her?" Shuuhei asked.

Kira nodded. "Maybe because he hasn't tasted any of Rukia's cooking."

Matsumoto and Shuuhei laughed.

"I feel as though she's still keeping something from us." said Matsumoto. "But I just don't know what."

"Well, since she's back, all of us didn't have a chance to get to sit down and talk. Maybe that's why she hasn't had the time to tell us the whole story." replied Kira.

"That's why I had this barbeque! So we can all sit down and talk!" exclaimed Matsumoto exasperatedly.

Shuuhei shrugged. "She's not here so I guess we'll have to wait for another chance and anyway, what's up with Ichigo? He hasn't said a word since he arrived."

"Speaking of which," continued Kira. "He took the rest of the day off yesterday after he spoke to Rukia."

"Can't blame him." replied Matsumoto as she opened a can of beer. "Watching the girl you love for so many years suddenly going off with another man isn't easy."

The three friends fell silent as they watched their brooding friend continue to stare out of the window.

Just then, Shuuhei's mobile phone rang and he picked it up. Apparently, it was just another officer from their department and about five minutes later, Shuuhei hung up, his face serious.

"Who just died?" asked Matsumoto worriedly.

Shuuhei rolled his eyes. "No one died. I just got a call from Shino from the station and-

"Oh, so you're leaving my party too?" shouted Matsumoto. "Great! Rukia's not here and now you're leaving too and-

"Let me finish!" interrupted Shuuhei.

Their little commotion had captured the attention of Ichigo who was now walking over.

"What's going on? Do you have to leave?" Ichigo asked Shuuhei. "Did something major happen?"

Shuuhei shook his head slowly. "Not really. Nothing major happened."

"Then why do you look so serious?" asked Kira.

"I… It was nothing." replied Shuuhei.

"Oh, spit it out, Shuuhei!" scolded Matsumoto.

"Fine! I know why Rukia isn't here." Shuuhei said finally.

The look on Ichigo's face didn't go unnoticed as Rukia's name sprung up. His face had hardened immediately.

"Shino said he heard that Kuchiki is throwing a dinner party tonight because it's his birthday so I'm thinking…" Shuuhei trailed off.

"That Rukia is there too." Ichigo continued.

"Well, it doesn't matter where Rukia is at, right?" Kira said uncomfortably. "Let's just continue our barbeque and we'll talk to her another time."

"This barbeque seems pretty dead to me already." replied Matsumoto as she grimaced.

"Do you think we can crash the party?" Ichigo asked suddenly as everyone gaped at him.

"Are you crazy?!" Shuuhei asked. "We're not invited and you know they're not people we should be messing around with!"

"I don't want to mess around." replied Ichigo truthfully. "I just need to speak to Rukia."

"You can always just call her." said Matsumoto.

Ichigo shook his head. "I can't. I need to talk to her face to face. I just need to understand everything."

The pain is his voice was so evident that everyone stopped talking as they simply looked at him.

"Okay, I'll go with you." said Shuuhei finally. "But we'll just try our luck and see if we can get Rukia to come outside."

Ichigo nodded.

"But what if she can't come outside or she isn't answering her phone?" Matsumoto asked.

"Then we'll sneak in and pretend we're part of the guests and find her. Kuchiki's mansion is so big, I'm sure we can easily find an empty room where we can talk to Rukia privately." Shuuhei replied.

"Okay then!" Matsumoto shouted gleefully. "What are you guys waiting for? We have a party to crash!"

"Only if she can't come outside, Matsumoto!" Kira reminded.

Rolling her eyes, Matsumoto pushed the boys out of her apartment. "Who cares? I'm hungry and I bet there'll be lots of food inside!"

"Can I take your handbag?" asked one of the waitresses as soon as Rukia stepped into the mansion.

Rukia smiled politely as she took out the card and fountain pen and handed her handbag to the waitress. Guests were already milling around and Rukia set off to find Byakuya to pass him his present.

It wasn't difficult to spot Byakuya. Several important looking guests were crowded around him and wishing him a happy birthday. Rukia didn't want to interrupt so she stood quietly in a corner and waited for the crowd to disperse. As soon as Byakuya was alone, Rukia advanced towards him. Rukia couldn't help but notice that he looked incredibly handsome tonight in this suit.

"Hi." She greeted.

As soon as Byakuya's eyes landed on her, Rukia felt herself blush and she quickly handed him the card and the fountain pen.

"Y-You didn't tell me today was your birthday so I didn't had time to wrap the gift." stammered Rukia.

Byakuya's eyes were now on the card and pen and he accepted it sceptically.

"I will put them in my study." replied Byakuya as his interest was now on his glass of champagne.

"Aren't you going to read the card?" asked Rukia as she watched Byakuya take another sip of his champagne.

"I will read it later." Byakuya replied as he finished off his champagne.

Rukia wasn't sure why but she felt slightly hurt and disappointed that he paid no interest in her gift at all.

"Fine," Rukia mumbled as she turned to leave. "I'll just stand somewhere else then."

"Wait." Byakuya said as his hand suddenly shot outwards and grabbed her hand.

Startled by his sudden touch, Rukia jumped and stared back at him, her eyes wide. He ignored her as he continued to hold her hand as though it was the most natural thing to do.

Rukia could feel her face getting hotter and just as she was about to pull away, she noticed a man in his sixties coming towards them with a gift in hand.

"Happy birthday, Byakuya." The older man said.

"Glad to see you here, Himitsu-sama." Byakuya replied respectfully.

The old man's eyes are now on Rukia and Rukia smiled back politely, unsure of what she should say or do.

"This is your famous girlfriend, I presume? The one who made it in the news?" The old man asked as he chuckled.

Byakuya nodded.

Himitsu-sama nodded in approval as he handed Byakuya his gift. "This is your birthday gift, Byakuya. I hope you like it. Your grandfather gave one of these to me back when we were younger."

Byakuya accepted the gift and opened it. Rukia turned to look and noticed that it was a very expensive looking antique pocket watch.

"This is specially flown from Switzerland." The older man continued and turned his attention back to Rukia. "And what did you get for Byakuya?"

Rukia was about to open her mouth to reply when she felt a tug on her hand from Byakuya.

"She has not presented her gift yet." replied Byakuya.

Rukia noticed that Byakuya had shifted his other hand that was holding her card and pen behind his body, an attempt to hide it from Himitsu-sama. Himitsu-sama smiled at Rukia and then at Byakuya.

"Well, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever she has prepared for you."

Byakuya smiled back politely. "I am sure I will and thank you for the wonderful gift. Now, if you will excuse me, Himitsu-sama, I need to put your gift in my study."

Himitsu-sama nodded and smiled and left the two of them alone.

"Why did you do that?" Rukia asked, her tone accusatory.

"What?" asked Byakuya as he pulled her along with him.

They were now walking up the marble staircase as Rukia tried to keep up with him.

"Let go of my hand." She hissed as she pulled away.

Byakuya ignored her as he opened the door to his study and stepped in.

"Come in." He said. "And close the door behind you."

Rukia did as she was told and she stared at Byakuya as he simply put the card and pen down on his desk without looking at them and proceeded to open his drawer to place the expensive watch inside.

"Why did you do that?" Rukia asked, this time, the hurt evident in her voice.

Byakuya seemed to have notice it too as he looked up wearily and raised his eyebrows.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Why did you have to hide my present instead of telling Himitsu-sama that I bought them for you?" Rukia replied.

"Why should I tell you?" Byakuya retorted as he poured himself a glass of scotch.

"You're embarrassed of my gift, weren't you?" Rukia asked, this time her voice soft as she sat down on the couch.

There was no reply from Byakuya as he continued to sip on his scotch. Rukia turned her eyes away from him as she inhaled deeply. She didn't know why it was bothering her so much to see him did that and she didn't know why she wanted an explanation from him either.

"Why are you drinking so much?" asked Rukia as she tried to keep her voice neutral.

"Why are you asking so much?" Byakuya retorted as he poured himself another glass.

Rukia didn't reply as she continued to sit there and watch him drink. He seemed upset and frustrated and she wasn't sure if she should ask him if he was okay.

The silence was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Kuchiki-sama, there is a box for you that arrived that says it is urgent and needs you to open it as soon as possible."

"Bring it in." ordered Byakuya as he put down his glass.

A waiter brought in a box the size of a shoebox and handed it to Byakuya. Without another word, the waiter left and closed the door behind them.

Byakuya set the box down on the table and opened the lid. Feeling rather curious, Rukia made her way over and peeked at what is inside the box. Another expensive gift perhaps?

Rukia frowned as all she saw inside the box was a handwritten note. Byakuya picked up and began reading. In a few seconds after reading the note, Byakuya looked furious as he crushed the note and flung it across the room.

Although he hadn't spoken a word after reading, his actions shocked Rukia as she had never seen him so angry before. He was always so calm. What could be inside the note?

"A-Are you okay?" Rukia asked softly.

Byakuya ignored her as he now picked up his glass of scotch and all of a sudden, flung it across the room. Rukia cringed as the glass shattered into a thousand pieces.

"What's wrong?" asked Rukia worriedly. "Did something bad happen?"

Again, Byakuya ignored her as he continued to stare ahead at nothing in particular. Gingerly, Rukia went to pick up the note and read.

Byakuya,
I'll be at the jeweller's getting the ring fixed. I still can't believe you thought my finger was so fat! But it's alright, I'll make sure you pay for it for the rest of your life.
Happy birthday and I love you!
Sakuya

Shock engulfed Rukia as she dropped the note on the floor and stood up. What was going on? Didn't Kira and Shuuhei said that Sakuya disappeared? If so, what is her note doing here? And why is Byakuya looking so angry? A million questions raced through Rukia's mind but she finally realised that Byakuya seemed very affected by it.

"Who is Sakuya?" Rukia asked.

Rukia knew the answer but she still had to ask anyway. She watched as Byakuya took another glass and poured himself more scotch.

"Sakuya is… someone special." Byakuya replied as he polished off the glass of scotch.

Rukia felt a tug in her heart but quickly brushed it off. She was surprised that Byakuya had answered her and Rukia didn't want to miss this chance.

"What happened to her?" asked Rukia.

"She disappeared." came Byakuya's reply. "We were supposed to… But she just disappeared a few years ago on my birthday."

"Why? Did she leave a note or something to explain?" Rukia asked softly.

"There was no explanation. I've sent people to look for her but I could not find her." Byakuya said, his tone bitter.

Rukia didn't know what to say. On one hand, she was glad that Byakuya didn't murder Sakuya and throw her remains into the sea or something like that but on the other hand, it seemed as though before Sakuya left, they were planning to get married.

"I received another note like this last year on my birthday." continued Byakuya. "I thought she had returned and I searched for her but nothing came out of it."

Rukia noticed that Byakuya must be slightly drunk as he seemed to be divulging more information than he would want to if he was sober. Rukia wanted to know more but there was a party downstairs and she couldn't see him get anymore wasted.

"You should stop drinking." said Rukia as she took the glass of scotch away from his hands. "You have to go back to your party."

Byakuya ignored her as he reached for another empty glass and was about to pour himself another glass when Rukia snatched the bottle of scotch away.

"Seriously, you can't get drunk now. Your guests are waiting for you downstairs." Rukia said.

"I do not care about them." replied Byakuya as he glared at Rukia. "All of them are just after my money. All of those scums down there are the same."

Rukia was taken aback by his words.

"Himitsu-sama doesn't seem to be like that." Rukia said.

"Just leave me alone." Byakuya said.

Rukia stared at him helplessly as she continued to hold on to the bottle of scotch. She didn't want to leave him like this. Not when he was so upset and drunk. He was now standing beside his desk as he shoved the box that previously contained the note away. The box fell to the carpeted floor with a soft thud and Rukia went to pick it up.

"What are you doing?" He asked, his voice angry.

"I'll help you throw this away." replied Rukia.

"Leave it. Do not touch anything and get out." Byakuya said, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Are you going to drink again if I go?" asked Rukia angrily. "What would your guests think if they see you drunk like this?"

"Stop talking." Byakuya warned as he advanced towards her.

"I know you don't care about them but most of them are your business partners down there. Why can't you get a grip?" Rukia continued.

"What do you want from me?" shouted Byakuya angrily as he grabbed her wrists and shook her.

His actions shocked Rukia and the bottle of scotch slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor with a loud smash.

"I just…" Rukia struggled to reply as Byakuya's face came dangerously close to her.

"When I tell you to leave, you leave. Do you understand me?" He asked.

His grip on her wrists are starting to hurt and Rukia tried to twist away.

"I just want to help…" Rukia replied.

"Stop trying to act as though you are my girlfriend." Byakuya replied as he pushed her down on the surface of the table. "You are nothing to me."

Hearing his words, Rukia felt her eyes starting to prickle and she quickly tried to blink her tears away.

"I don't want to be your girlfriend." replied Rukia, her voice breaking. "I just don't like to see you like that."

Their faces were inches apart and Rukia was suddenly aware the position they are in. She was facing the door of the study with her legs apart and Byakuya standing in between them. To make matters worse, she was now lying on the desk as Byakuya held onto her wrists with her head in between.

"Do not pretend to care. Nobody cares." Byakuya whispered angrily.

"I'm not pretending." whimpered Rukia as she felt the grip on her wrists tighten.

"What do you want?" continued Byakuya, his lips now curled into a sneer. "Money?"

"I don't want your money." retorted Rukia as she tried to twist away but failed.

"Or is it this that you want?" asked Byakuya and before Rukia had a chance to ask what, his lips were now on hers as Rukia froze.

Rukia tried to struggle but he was too strong for her. She tried to open her mouth to protest but that only gave Byakuya the chance to slip his tongue into her mouth. Rukia whimpered in protest as Byakuya's tongue explored her mouth.

Suddenly, Byakuya's lips left hers as he travelled down to her neck and started kissing it while giving gentle bites to her neck in between those kisses. Rukia felt her breath hitch as she unknowingly arched her back to allow him more access.

"S-Stop…" Rukia pleaded but was surprised to find her own voice weak.

Byakuya ignored her as one of his hands released her wrist and found its way to her hair. He tugged her hair gently as he continued to kiss her neck. Rukia knew this was her chance to push him away but her free hand lay limp on the table as she allowed him to continue.

His hand was now on her breast as he gave it a squeeze. Rukia moaned as Byakuya was now placing kisses above her breasts. Rukia felt an unfamiliar dull ache in between her thighs as she struggled to breathe.

Just then a loud knock interrupted them and a familiar voice called out. "Rukia, you in there? We need to talk!"

Rukia's eyes went wide with alarm as she quickly pushed Byakuya off her and leapt up just in time to see Ichigo, Matsumoto, Kira and Shuuhei opening the door of the study.

"Holy smoke…" Matsumoto exclaimed as she stared at the sight before her.

Rukia's hair was tousled and her strapless dress looked as though it was slipping down.

"Are those hickeys?" Matsumoto asked.

Rukia's hands flew to her neck immediately as she felt horrified with herself. She turned away from her friends to see Byakuya taking off his coat and then draping it on her.

"Who are you?" Byakuya asked coldly.

"W-We're Rukia's friends." Kira replied. "We met at the hospital, remember?"

"We need to talk to Rukia." Shuuhei chipped in.

Byakuya turned to look at Rukia who was now staring at the carpet in shame and then he left the room.

Kira closed the door behind them and Ichigo said suddenly, "I think this is enough. I don't think there's anything for me to understand anymore. Let's go."

Rukia looked up as she continued to clutch on to Byakuya's blazer. "What's wrong?"

"Rukia, were you two going to have sex?" Matsumoto asked. "Are you guys really in a serious relationship?"

"We're not going to… We just…" trailed off Rukia as she stared at the sceptical faces of Matsumoto, Kira and Shuuhei. "B-But yes, we're in a serious relationship."

"Wow," Matsumoto breathed. "That was so wrong but that was so hot! I can't believe you guys were going to have sex in his study!"

"Matsumoto!" Kira and Shuuhei exclaimed as they darted a look at Ichigo who was now just staring at Rukia.

"Let's go." Ichigo said and was about to turn to leave when Rukia rushed forward.

"Don't go yet! What did you guys want to say to me?" Rukia asked, worriedly.

"Nothing that matters anymore." Ichigo said coldly.

"Come on, Ichigo, whatever you want to tell her, just tell her already." Matsumoto said.

Ichigo shook his head. "It's over. She is in love with him."

"But for so many years… Are you just going to let this slip by?" Kira asked.

"Should the three of us even be here for this talk?" Shuuhei asked as he looked at Matsumoto and Kira.

"What are you all talking about?" Rukia asked, exasperated.

Ichigo sighed. "Nothing, Rukia."

"Ichigo, please don't brush me off like this. Why can't you accept that I have a boyfriend?" Rukia pleaded.

Ichigo gave a dry laugh. "I just can't accept that it is Kuchiki Byakuya."

"I know it seems weird but it has happened and it is the truth. I can't change anything." replied Rukia.

"I understand." Ichigo replied bitterly as he opened the door. "Goodbye Rukia."

Rukia felt a tear slip off the corner of her eye as Ichigo left the room.

"Don't cry, Rukia," Matsumoto said. "We'll get him to come around, we promise."

"Yes, Ichigo is stubborn. Just give him more time." Shuuhei said.

Rukia nodded as she hugged her friends goodbye and watched them disappear from view as they walked down the staircase.

Byakuya slammed his fist on the counter as he let the water from the faucet run. He was now in his bedroom's bathroom. He had locked himself in here after he had left Rukia and her friends. What had gotten into him? He doesn't usually do things like that. The last time he had even laid his lips on a girl was Sakuya. Why had he lost control today?
His mind replayed the images from before. How he had Rukia under him as he watched her chest rise and fall with every breath she took. How her big violet eyes stared back at him when she told him she wasn't pretending to care. And how smooth her skin felt as his lips caressed her. He remembered her moaning and not pushing him away. Byakuya cursed himself mentally as to how careless he had been. If it wasn't for her friends interrupting, Byakuya might have just taken her right there.

Byakuya was confused. Who was she and why did she have such an effect from him? Byakuya had experienced countless of girls and even beautiful models throwing themselves at him but he had always remained his cool and rejected all of them. Rukia was not even trying yet he was the one who had made the first move. He remembered how turned on he was as he was kissing her. The sudden thought of Rukia writhing beneath him made him harden again and he quickly splashed some of the cold water on his face. Finally managing to calm down, Byakuya exited the bathroom and made his way back to the study.

The door was slightly ajar and he pushed it open. Rukia was alone and she was now sitting on the floor, her eyes red and puffy. She seemed to notice his presence as she turned around and quickly wiped her tears away.

"I'm sorry. I don't feel very well. I need to go home." She said as she stood up.

"Not now." Byakuya replied sternly.

"Why?" Rukia sniffled. "I can't face any of your guests like this. I need to go…"

"People are going to see your face once you go downstairs." replied Byakuya. "Take a rest in my room. I will tell them you are not feeling well and after the party has ended, I will send you home."

Rukia nodded as she walked out of the study without looking at Byakuya. Byakuya followed her and realised that she knew the way to his bedroom. He had almost forgotten that she had been here twice before.

Byakuya followed her in and closed the door as Rukia took a seat on the armchair.

"About just now…" Byakuya said.

"Nothing happened." came Rukia's quick reply.

She was still refusing to look at him as she continued to stare at the wall beside her.

"Very well." said Byakuya as he turned to leave.

Byakuya was about to close the door behind him when he took another look at Rukia.

"You can rest on my bed if you want. The party will end in another three hours."

And without waiting for her reply, Byakuya closed the door and proceeded downstairs to his guests.

Three hours later, after the very last guest had left, Byakuya made his way back to his bedroom wearily. He opened the door to find Rukia huddled in the armchair, fast asleep. The room was now dark and Byakuya made his way to her. He noticed that her face was stained with tears. She had probably cried herself to sleep. Feeling very guilty of what he had done to her, Byakuya slipped his hands underneath her petite frame and carried her to the bed. She stirred and her eyes cracked open slightly as he laid her down.

"Byakuya?" She asked, her voice hoarse, probably from all the crying.

Byakuya was about to answer her but she continued, her eyes drifting close again.

"Am I really nothing to you?" she whispered.

Byakuya stood beside her as he watched her drifting back to sleep. He couldn't figure her out. What did she want with him? She seemed genuine when she said she wasn't pretending to care for him and Byakuya almost believed her. He couldn't understand why she would care for him when all he had been was a jerk to her.

With a sigh, Byakuya tucked her under the covers and left his bedroom, knowing that this would be another sleepless night for him.

A/N: How was it? I know there were so many emotions from everyone from this chapter but it's a turning point in this story! I hope you guys like the little thing that happened in the study before they were interrupted. I know most of you have been asking for the mature parts but the time is still not right yet. But I decided to throw that in for you guys as a little thanksgiving treat.
Speaking of thanksgiving, I'm so thankful I have all of you here with me and loving my story. Some of you from even back when I started my very first story. Seriously, I love all of you to death.
Anyway, let me know what you think! Happy thanksgiving! ;)

P/S: If you're curious, the costs of the card and pen total up to about 150 USD and the card costs about 12 USD. So the remaining $138 is the cost of the fountain pen.