A/N: Hi all! This is a really early update from me so I hope you like it! And if you do, please remember to leave a review! ;)
I have some PM regarding about how much the card and fountain pen actually cost as I put them all in yen and some readers would prefer me to put them in USD instead. I've thought about it before if I should put all currency in either Pounds or USD but it just doesn't fit the story as this takes place in Tokyo and well, they're Japanese. So I've decided to stick to using Yen. Sorry, but from now on, I'll trying to put the estimated conversion from Yen to USD so you guys don't have to go through the trouble of converting yourself.
So, the electronic card costs around $12 and the fountain pen costs about $138. And below you will notice there's a 85 million Yen which is about 1 million USD.

Warning: Colourful language/Slight profanity.

Rukia opened her eyes the next morning to find herself staring out of a huge window. Snowflakes were drifting down outside and for a moment, Rukia stilled. When did her bedroom have such a huge window?
She sat up immediately and recognised that she was in Kuchiki Byakuya's bedroom. She groaned to herself as the memories from yesterday came flooding back into her mind. She hadn't meant to fall asleep and why didn't Byakuya wake her up? And why was she in his bed?! Frantically, she turned her head around and sighed with relief when all she found was an empty bed. Good, she couldn't trust him after what had happened in his study yesterday.

Rukia slipped out of bed and opened the bedroom door. The corridor was empty and taking the chance, she ran down the steps and arrived at the foyer. She remembered she had left her handbag with one of the waitresses yesterday. Now, where do they normally put the guests' bags? The sound of Rukia's heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she walked around quickly. The last two times she had been here, she had only been upstairs and in his room. Unsure of where she was going, Rukia tried to peek into each rooms that she passed by. She was hoping she could grab her handbag and just leave. She didn't want to face Byakuya after what happened yesterday.

Rukia hurried past a huge room that seems to be like a ballroom and then a room where several expensive looking paintings and sculptures were in it. Rukia continued walking but to her dismay, she found herself at the back of the house as she came face to face with a set of back doors that leads to the back garden. The back garden was spectacular. If Rukia wasn't in such a hurry, she would have flung the doors open and stepped outside. There was a gigantic pool and a fountain and tall trees all around. Pity it was winter as all the trees and grass were now just covered in snow and icicles but Rukia bet it would all look beautiful during spring. Snapping out of her reverie, Rukia hurried back to the foyer and was just about to give up on her search when she heard footsteps coming down the marble steps. Panicking, she tried to make a dash to the doors but it was too late.

"You forgot this." Byakuya's voice said.

Rukia grimaced as she slowly turned around to see him coming towards her with her handbag. He looked as though he was about to leave the house as he was dressed in a suit and his chauffeur was behind him.

"T-Thanks." mumbled Rukia as she opened the door and stepped out into the cold.

Damn, she had forgotten that she had no coat on! Rukia braced herself as she rushed towards the automated gates. Just as she was about to call for a cab, Rukia noticed Byakuya's limo stopping in front of her and his window rolled down.

"Get in." He ordered.

"No." replied Rukia stubbornly as she walked out of the compound. "I can find my way home myself."

"Do not be ridiculous." Byakuya said as the limo moved slowly to keep up with Rukia. "Your fingers are turning blue and your make up is smeared. I will not allow you to face anyone like this."

"It's none of your business." retorted Rukia as she turned away and started walking in the opposite direction.

She soon heard the car door open and hurried footsteps advancing towards her.

"I said, get in." Byakuya repeated as he grabbed her wrists and yanked her back.

Rukia flinched immediately and gasped as she felt the throbbing pain on her wrists. Byakuya let go of her as his eyes landed on her bruised wrists.

Before he could say another word, Rukia rubbed her wrists angrily, "Don't say a thing. Nothing happened. I injured myself, that's all."

Byakuya did not reply as he simply stared at her as though he was trying to figure her out. Feeling uncomfortable with his intense staring, Rukia turned around and was about to leave when Byakuya called out to her.

"Get in the car, Rukia. I will not let you walk home like this."

Rukia stopped as she slowly turned back to face him. She was very, very cold and her heels were killing her. Sighing in defeat, Rukia followed him to his limo and he let her get in the car before him. Byakuya then instructed his driver to turn on the heater. Feeling awkward at his sudden change of behaviour towards her, Rukia scooted further away from him. She was more used to him being cold and uncaring towards her. What had brought the change in him?

Rukia stared intently out of the window as she tried to avoid having any eye contact with Byakuya. In less than twenty-four hours, this man had stolen her first kiss, touched her in places no one had ever touched before and then proceeded to make her feel utterly humiliated with herself.

They rode the rest of the journey together in silence and when the limo finally pulled to a stop outside Rukia's building, she leapt out and dashed into the building. Another minute with him and Rukia might have gone berserk. Throughout the ride, she could smell the faint smell of his expensive cologne and the smell immediately brought back images of what happened last night.

Shaking her head, Rukia stepped into her apartment and proceeded to take a warm bath.
Twenty minutes later after her bath, Rukia heard her mobile phone ring. Not recognising the number on the caller display, Rukia answered cautiously.

"Rukia! Where have you been?" An unfamiliar voice asked over the line.

"I'm sorry but you are…?"

"Oh, I'm Miyo. Miyo from the club!" Miyo answered cheerily.

Rukia chuckled. "Sorry, I didn't know you had my number."

"I'm sorry, Rukia, but the manager asked me to give you a call since you had disappeared for days. He wants to know if you are still coming back. He seemed very mad at you." Miyo replied apologetically.

Rukia grimaced. "Well, I'll head down later in the evening and inform him that I will be quitting the job."

"Quitting?" Miyo echoed. "Why? Is everything alright?"

"Um, yes, everything's fine, Miyo, don't worry. I'll explain everything to you later." Rukia replied.

"W-Well, alright, I'll see you later then, Rukia." Miyo said, her voice full of disappointment.

Rukia hung up, feeling extremely guilty. She had actually clicked with Miyo and Miyo seemed genuinely upset that she is leaving. Groaning, Rukia rubbed her temples as she trudged back to her bedroom.

Rukia stepped into the club and flinched at the loud pounding music. How she hated it here. Thankfully this will be the last time that she will ever set foot in this place. Rukia made her way to the manager's office and opened the door after a knock. The managed looked up and upon seeing Rukia, he scowled.

"Where the hell have you been?" He shouted angrily.

"Sorry," Rukia replied. "I had an emergency."

The manager glared at Rukia. "Go, we have no need for you anymore."

Rukia brightened. She never expect him to let her go that easily. She had even prepared a speech after she had hung up with Miyo that consists of finding her dream elsewhere and such.

The manager seemed to notice the look on Rukia's face as his frown deepened.

"Why the hell are you grinning?!" He barked. "Get out now!"

Rukia immediately scurried out of his office and closed the door behind her. She then proceeded to the kitchen and look for Miyo. As soon as Rukia stepped into the kitchen, she spotted Miyo cutting up the fruits. She was the only one in the kitchen and she looked extremely busy.

"Hey." Rukia called out to her.

Miyo turned around and smiled as soon as she saw Rukia.

"Are you really leaving, Rukia?" asked Miyo tearfully. "I won't have anyone to talk to if you leave."

Rukia gave an apologetic smile as she nodded. "I'm sorry but I have to."

Miyo sighed as she gave Rukia a hug. "Okay then, take care, alright?"

"Thanks Miyo." Rukia said as she hugged her friend back.

The two girls broke apart and Miyo sniffled. "You had better go, Rukia, if the manager sees me, I'll get in trouble. We're so busy today as one of the girls fell sick."

Rukia felt bad as she watched Miyo getting busy with the fruits again.

"Why don't I help you for a bit?" suggested Rukia as she looked at the order slips.

Miyo stared at her, surprised. "Oh, it wouldn't be good, would it? You're not working here anymore and I really don't want to put you out."

Rukia smiled. "It's alright. I'll just help you with a few orders and I'll be gone before the manager has a chance to catch me."

Miyo broke into a smile. "Thank you, Rukia!"

"Miyo, um, can I ask you something?" Rukia asked seriously.

"Sure." Miyo replied.

"Is there by any chance Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez is here tonight?" Rukia asked softly.

As much as Rukia wanted to help Miyo out, she didn't want to risk bumping into Jaegerjaquez.

Miyo shook her head, much to Rukia's relief. "Nope, I haven't seen him at all."

Rukia smiled. "Okay then. I'll take this bottle of wine to room eight."

Rukia placed two glasses on the tray with the bottle of wine and made her way through the dancing crowd to room eight.

Rukia knocked on the door softly and entered but as soon as she saw a pair of misty grey eyes staring at her, Rukia yelped in surprise. The two glasses on her tray almost toppled over but Rukia quickly steadied them as she stared at Byakuya.

"What are you doing here?" Byakuya asked angrily.

Quickly placing the tray and wine bottle down, Rukia tried to explain. "I came back to quit and I saw how busy they were and decided to help."

"Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" Byakuya asked. "Go home now."

Hearing his words, Rukia glared at him. "Why are you ordering me about? I was just helping a friend."

Rukia could see that Byakuya was very angry although his face remained impassive. It was something about his eyes and Rukia could see how cold they were.

"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez is arriving soon." Byakuya said as he grabbed her arm and moved towards the door. "You have to leave."

As soon as Rukia heard what Byakuya said, Rukia's jaw fell open and thankfully Byakuya was leading her out if not Rukia might have been just standing on the spot, frozen.

Byakuya opened the door and was about to push Rukia out when a snarling face appeared right in front of Rukia. Rukia looked up just in time to see Grimmjow Jeagerjaquez smirking down at her. Immediately, Rukia felt herself being yanked backwards again by Byakuya and she gladly stood behind his tall frame.

"Kuchiki," Grimmjow drawled out, smiling in a menacing way. "Sorry to keep you waiting but it seems as though you have your hands on my employee."

Grimmjow then sauntered to the couch and plopped himself right there, smirking at Byakuya. Rukia then realised that Byakuya's hand were still on her wrist. And it seemed as though he had no intention of letting it go. Byakuya seemed unfazed by Grimmjow as he calmly took a seat opposite Grimmjow, pulling Rukia to sit beside him.

Rukia was terrified as she noticed that Grimmjow was now eyeing her like a prey. Instinctively, Rukia's hand which was grasped by Byakuya on the wrist slid upwards and to Rukia's embarrassment, she realised that the position of their hands now looked like couple who were holding hands instead. Rukia was about to pull away but she was slightly surprised to find Byakuya's eyes flick over to her for just a second as he held on to her hand, gently giving it a squeeze as though to assure her that everything will be okay.

Their little exchange didn't go unnoticed by Grimmjow as he was now eyeing them curiously. Grimmjow's eyes were now back on Rukia as he sneered, showing her his sharp set of teeth to Rukia's astonishment.

"You've disappeared from work for about a week, didn't you?" Grimmjow snarled.

Rukia made no reply as she felt her grip on Byakuya's hand tighten.

"Don't you remember we still have some unfinished business thanks to Kuchiki that day in the car?" Grimmjow asked as he chuckled.

"I am here to make a deal with you." Byakuya interrupted coolly.

Grimmjow's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he leaned in, intrigued. "What deal?"

Byakuya retrieved a briefcase that had been lying on the floor and placed it on the table.

"This eighty-five million yen can all be yours if you stay away from Rukia from now on." Byakuya said.

Grimmjow opened up the briefcase and Rukia gasped as she saw the amount of money inside.

"Trying to buy her for eighty-five million yen?" laughed Grimmjow as he stared at Byakuya. "What is so special about her, Kuchiki?"

"For this money, Rukia will quit her job here and you will stay away from her from now on." Byakuya replied, his gaze fixed on Grimmjow.

Grimmjow's eyes flickered from Byakuya and then to Rukia and then he gave a bark of laughter. "I didn't know that she can be bought with money. Is that why she did not let me have a good fuck? Just because I haven't paid her enough?"

His words made Rukia clench her fists in hurt and anger and of course Byakuya noticed it as Rukia was now clenching on to his hand rather tightly. Byakuya made no attempt to withdraw his hand from her as he continued to stare at Grimmjow, his face impassive.

"Do we have a deal or not?" Byakuya asked, annoyed.

Grimmjow didn't seem to have heard Byakuya as he was still staring at Rukia, appearing very interested in her.

"So, are you Kuchiki's woman now? Did you let him fuck you because he is paying you to do so?" asked Grimmjow as he laughed. "You could have told me from the start and I would have just paid you. How was she, Kuchiki? Was she good? How about letting me have a go after you are done with her?"

Grimmjow's last sentence seemed to have struck a nerve on Byakuya as he stood up suddenly and whipped out a gun and was now pointing it at Grimmjow. Byakuya's sudden action seemed to have caught Grimmjow by surprise but he quickly masked it with a cocky smile.

"Take the money and leave her alone." Byakuya said as his other hand on Rukia tightened.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez stood up as well as he looked at Byakuya seriously.

"She must be worth much more than eighty-five million yen if my little speech has got you all riled up, Kuchiki. Shouldn't you be giving me more? Perhaps, double of this amount?"

"You burnt one of my clubs down, Jaegerjaquez. Take the money and never bother her again if not things will not go easy for you from now on." Byakuya threatened.

Grimmjow thought for a minute before closing the briefcase and tucking it under his arm.

"Fine, Kuchiki. Take her." Grimmjow said and Byakuya pulled Rukia out of the room with him.

Byakuya didn't understand but he felt rage consume him when Grimmjow had talked about Rukia as though she was just a cheap woman who slept around. He got even angrier when he recalled how Grimmjow was leering at Rukia and saying how he would wants to 'have a go' with her.

Byakuya continued to drag Rukia out of the noisy club and as soon as the pounding music died down, Byakuya realised that they were at the entrance of the club and people who were queuing to enter were now staring at them and some girls were even shamelessly gawking at him. Byakuya calmed himself down as he turned to Rukia.

Rukia's head hung low and her curtain of black hair hid her face away from his sight.

"Can you please take me to somewhere where it's quieter?" Rukia asked softly.

Byakuya almost didn't catch that but he did and led Rukia to a nearby park. It was only a five minute walk and Rukia didn't speak but just allowed Byakuya to pull her along.

Byakuya was surprised with himself when he allowed himself to grasp onto Rukia's hand earlier in front of Jaegerjaquez. The first thought that popped into his mind was how afraid she must be feeling and Byakuya did not want that for her and wanted her to know that she would be okay with him. Just like now, as he led her to the park as her eyes continued to stare at her shoes as she walked behind him.

The park was deserted and Byakuya led her to a bench. Rukia sat down and finally releasing her hand from him, Byakuya heard a sniffle and suddenly, Rukia was sobbing so hard that Byakuya had no idea what he should do.

Byakuya contemplated if he should move away and give her some privacy but her sobbing was so heart wrenching that Byakuya could not bear to leave her alone.

"I'm not that kind of woman…" Rukia cried out as her head continue to hang low.

Byakuya remained silent as Rukia continued sobbing. He noticed that her tears were now falling on her hands that were in front of her as she clasped them.

"Rukia," Byakuya said softly and Rukia looked up.

Whatever Byakuya was about to say next got stuck in his throat as Rukia's huge watery eyes were now on him and with the moonlight that was now shining on her face, Byakuya thought she looked absolutely breath-taking. He did notice quite a few times that Rukia actually look pretty; like last night at his party but with all the make-up gone from her face, Byakuya thought she looked even better. Her pale skin shone under the moonlight as her violet eyes continue to stare up at him.

Before Byakuya could stop himself, he sat down on the bench next to her and pulled her towards him. Her face lay buried in his chest as he heard her sobbing.

"I know you are not that type of woman." Byakuya said into her ear as Rukia cried harder.

"Jaegerjaquez knows nothing about you so there is no need to be affected by what he said." Byakuya continued.

He heard Rukia mumble something and then felt her nod against his chest. He could not catch that but about twenty seconds later and a lot of sniffling from Rukia, Rukia pulled herself away from him and gave a small smile.

"I know," said Rukia as she wiped her tears away. "It's just that the way he said it was just so…"

"People from the Yakuza are like that." Byakuya explained.

"But you're not!" Rukia retorted. "You will never say those words to me and at least you still respect me a little."

After hearing Rukia's words, Byakuya felt strangely pleased. At least to her, he was different from Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. She seemed to have caught him just staring at her as she quickly cleared her throat and looked away while she blushed.

"But you're still very annoying." She said to Byakuya's amusement.

Byakuya noticed that she seemed to have cheered up a little as there were no more signs of tears on her face.

"Thank you." Rukia said as she turned back to face him. "I'll pay you back the money somehow."

"And how are you going to do that?" Byakuya asked, his tone light.

Rukia frowned as she thought for a moment. "Well, if you don't charge me interest, I think by the time I'm seventy-two, I should be able to pay you back."

For a moment, Byakuya let his usual cold mask slip as a small smile graced his lips. His smile seemed to have caught Rukia's attention as she suddenly pointed at him.

"You're genuinely smiling!" She gasped.

Annoyed by her being dramatic, Byakuya quickly slip back his mask as he feigned ignorance.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Byakuya said as he looked away, pretending to look interested in a tree that was several feet away.

"Did I just make Kuchiki Byakuya smile?" Rukia smiled mischievously.

"It is late. I will bring you home." Byakuya replied as he stood up from the bench.

Rukia laughed as she punched him lightly on the arm. "Don't try to change the subject!"

The light punch on his arm surprised Byakuya. He continued to stare at Rukia as she continued to chuckle away, oblivious to his staring. Byakuya was not angry but was surprised at Rukia's boldness. Even Sakuya had never done something like that before. Truth be told, Sakuya was the gentle type and Byakuya hardly see her in a playful mood. Sakuya was very beautiful but sometimes, she reminded Byakuya of a doll instead. Yes, Byakuya had seen her smile but somehow, everything seemed restrained. Never once had Byakuya seen Sakuya shed a single tear and even when she is happy, she doesn't laugh or giggle or chuckle. All she did was smile perfectly just like a doll.

At that moment, Byakuya was slightly astonished. He had been with Sakuya for several years but he only came to realise it now. Was it because of Rukia? The way when she laughs when she is happy or the way she allows herself to cry when she is upset and perhaps even sometimes when she glares at him when he annoyed her? Byakuya's attention went back to Rukia as she was now gazing at him curiously.

"What are you thinking about?" Rukia asked, her eyebrows raised.

"Nothing." replied Byakuya as he started walking away.

Byakuya heard her footsteps as she ran to keep up with him. She fell in step beside him and spoke.

"About the money just now…" Rukia trailed off.

"Forget it." Byakuya interrupted her as they walked towards the car park.

"What?"

"There is no need to pay me back." replied Byakuya. "You still have to cover your medical expenses."

"My what?" Rukia echoed after him and Byakuya turned to look at her.

Rukia seemed baffled and Byakuya repeated again. "Your medical expenses."

A look of confusion flitted through Rukia's face and then she finally replied, "Right, my illness."

"Do they not cost you a lot?" Byakuya asked.

"I guess…" Rukia mumbled.

It seemed as though Rukia didn't want to talk about it anymore as Byakuya could see that she was uncomfortable. A small part of Byakuya chided himself as to why he had to remind Rukia of her illness and now she seemed upset about it.

"Thank you." He heard Rukia finally reply softly.

Byakuya did not reply as he continued to walk. He could still feel Rukia's gaze on him and he turned to her abruptly as he raised one of his eyebrows as though asking her what the matter is. Rukia seemed flustered that she was caught staring as she coughed and looked away but after a minute, she turned back to Byakuya, a hesitant look on her face.

"Can I ask you for a favour?" she asked meekly.

"What?" Byakuya asked.

"W-Well, I have a friend Miyo who is now working at Jaegerjaquez's club. Do you think you could let her work in your club instead? I'm afraid that… that he might try to hurt her."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, he tried hurting me so… I'm not surprised if he does that to some other girl." Rukia replied.

Byakuya thought about it for a moment as Rukia continued to stare up to him hopefully. Byakuya was reluctant and he seriously have no time to deal with a silly girl whom he doesn't even know. He glanced at Rukia and noticed that she seemed desperate and scared for that friend of hers. Byakuya wondered how can Rukia spend so much time worrying about others when she had worse problems like her illness to take care of. Feeling a stab of pity for her, Byakuya reluctantly gave a nod. Rukia jumped in delight as she thanked him profusely.

"I will let Renji handle this when he comes back." Byakuya replied.

"Oh, alright." Rukia said smiling.

They reached the parking lot and a limo drove slowly towards them. Byakuya opened the door and slid in and Rukia followed suit.

"Let me help you since I can't pay you back the money." Rukia said as she turned to face Byakuya.

"And what can you help me with?" Byakuya replied.

"Let me try to help you find Sakuya." replied Rukia seriously.

Byakuya turned to face Rukia and could tell that the girl was being serious.

"How would you do that?" Byakuya asked suspiciously.

He could see the hesitant look on Rukia's face before she replies, "I have my way. Don't ask. Just let me help you."

Byakuya was sceptical. He could not even find Sakuya. What makes Rukia think she can? What resources does she even have? But Byakuya was desperate.

"About the letter yesterday, did she really write that?" Rukia asked.

Byakuya gave a small nod. "That was the last note she left me before she disappeared."

Byakuya was reluctant to share such personal information but he could see that Rukia genuinely wanted to help.

"So, you get the same note like this last year too?"

Byakuya gave a small nod in response.

"How weird…" replied Rukia. "Who is behind that? And why would that person have Sakuya's last letter to you?"

Her ramblings were starting to annoy Byakuya a little and he instantly regretted telling her about it.

"There is nothing you can do." replied Byakuya. "Forget about it."

Rukia didn't seem to have heard him or even if she did, she was just plainly ignoring him as she seemed lost in thought.

The limo pulled to a stop outside Rukia's building but she didn't seem to notice.

"Get out." Byakuya said calmly to which Rukia stared at him surprised.

"I didn't mean to offend you!" Rukia replied, wide-eyed. "I really want to help!"

Feeling the urge to roll his eyes, Byakuya pointed to her building and Rukia smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, I didn't realise we're here." Rukia laughed as she opened the door.

She stepped out but before closing the door behind her, Rukia turned around. "And Byakuya, I promise I'll try my best to find her since she means so much to you."

Without waiting for his reply, she waved and shut the door as Byakuya watched her enter her building.

A/N: So how was it? Please leave a review and let me know what you think! I really love reading all your reviews and they actually prompt me to update faster. Oh, before I forget, huge huge thanks to everyone who reviewed and those that I couldn't reply personally because you have disabled your PM. Thanks!
I know this chapter is a little shorter than the rest but I feel like stopping here is pretty appropriate. Anyway, I guess you guys would prefer this quick update than if I were to drag it out til 3 more weeks, right? ;)
Please review and let me know your thoughts! Do you like the Byaruki developments? Or do you think they're going too fast/too slow?

AND GOOD NEWS, GUYS! I'VE DECIDED TO CHANGE THE RATING TO MATURE FROM NEXT CHAPTER ONWARDS! Not that there will be any mature stuff next chapter (I'm not too sure yet but I hardly think so) but there will definitely be mature stuff in future chapters. I know many of you have requested for some smutty stuff and I was thinking, "Yea, what's a Byaruki story without some sexy times?"
So yup, there you go! You can thank me by reviewing! ;)