Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 4

Rukia spent the next few days nursing Senbonzakura and making sure he followed Dr. Unohana's orders, but things didn't return to normal. Whatever discussion Rukia interrupted between him and Byakuya the other day caused Senbonzakura to withdrawal from her. He wasn't his normal talkative, I-want-to-have-a-good-time-and-make-Rukia's-life-hell self. Oh, no. He was the I-would-rather-be-silent-and-suffer-a-1,000-tongue-lashings-from-his-favorite she-devil. In what mind did a man like that quit talking?

The only conversation that Senbonzakura willingly had with Rukia revolved around answering a handful of questions about him and Byakuya since she wouldn't leave him alone. The brothers had agreed to remained silent about on their history, but Rukia kept hounding him so he caved. She learned the reason why brothers looked so much alike was because they were twins! Yes, twins! Granted, fraternal twins, but they were almost identical. Many people mistaken them for identical twins all the time, but close family members could point out the differences in looks. Not only did their looks match, but their fighting skills as well. The only thing they didn't have in common was their personalities.

Quite a few things made more sense now with this revelation. Senbonzakura's training, natural grace and pose, even his fantastic brain when he chose to use it all hid one of the Kuchiki lords and heirs. God forbid anything happen to Byakuya because the Kuchiki Clan couldn't handle Senbonzakura. But what Rukia really wanted to know was what made him become a bodyguard. It frustrated her that she couldn't fully understand her best friend after all these years, especially after learning about his past. Some things were clearer while other pieces of his life just became a murkier to her.

In the days following Senbonzakura's release from Dr. Unohana's "prison," he fled to the solace of his old room. He needed to be away from Rukia to think of solutions for their problems. The little woman clouded his judgement at times. He knew that he was hurting her, but he couldn't do anything without consulting Byakuya first. Poor Rukia couldn't understand why he was avoiding her like the plague. But Rukia knew was that something was wrong with him, but her beliefs as to why he retreated were wrong. Right now, she needed to think that Senbonzakura refused to speak because he was a stubborn male not wanting to consult her about his troubles. When in reality, he and Byakuya were trying to figure out what to do with her and how best to keep her alive.

So Senbonzakura did the only thing that made sense, he withdrew from his distraction, plotting what should be done. This also allowed Byakuya time to gauge the situation better and spend more time with Rukia. If anyone could come up with a suitable solution, then it was his twin.

On this night, Rukia found herself in the library. The large, comfy sakura covered chair was calling her name throughout the awkward supper. Dead silence had filled the room as the brothers very rarely talked to each other or herself. She wanted to ask them what they thought about her predicament, but Senbonzakura only made mention of wanting to go out and Byakuya wanted to catch up on work.

But neither brother asked Rukia what she wanted. She wanted… no needed to talk to someone to ease her mind. Her heart was burdened like most nights, but especially tonight. Unbeknownst to them, she would cry herself worrying about her future and the clan that she was supposed to lead. But she refused to let them let alone anyone see her insecurities in the light of day. A leader had to be strong in the mist of everything, and she was trying her damn hardest to be that leader.

Although, she couldn't help but worry about her troubles? Where was she going to live? Who would coach her on running the clan? Would the Murakami elders marry her off? Would Byakuya continue to help her or was he just doing this for the sake of his twin? Could Senbonzakura remain bodyguard after his injuries? Would he even want to stay with her after all these horrific events?

Rukia just wished that Senbonzakura would just talk to her like they always did. Maybe he could clear up all of her questions and doubts. Besides no matter how much she hated it, Rukia had to return to the real world sooner or later. Even though she loved it here, it felt wrong imposing on Byakuya so much. She couldn't talk to him like she did with Senbonzakura, but Byakuya did become a silent rock in her life. He hardly talked, but his presence reminded her of Senbonzakura – steady and strong. He was even her companion – if you could call him that – through these rough days since Senbonzakura's withdrawal. Byakuya took time out of his hectic days to share meals and accompany Rukia on walks. Even in the rare moments, Byakuya provide a nice distraction by telling Rukia about stories of his childhood.

Her head warned Rukia not to get too attached to this handsome carbon copy of her bodyguard. Byakuya was a clan leader for crying out loud, and he had his own life. He didn't have to entertain Rukia, but he did anyway. But things would shortly change. Rukia had to leave this place, and it broke her heart a little. Somehow, the Kuchiki Manor had quickly become home, especially when she had no home to return to.

With her heavy heart, Rukia left the library in search of something calming and familiar. She knew just the place - the lavish Kuchiki Gardens. They spanned close to an acre with wild flowers, a maze, numerous benches along the way, and sakura trees. Serenity practically flowed through the place like a winding river.

From a distance sitting at his desk, Byakuya saw a thoughtful Rukia walked into the gardens. She looked radiant in the moonlight in her bright pink sweater and white pants. He smirked at her figure. His guest was supposed to be in her room or the library, but she didn't listen. Byakuya couldn't blame her though. Being cooped up in one place without an inkling of one's future would cause him to seek out the calming effects of the garden as well.

Due to their story tonight, Byakuya was supposed to be finishing up his paper work while Senbonzakura guarded Rukia from afar. But Byakuya's mind didn't want to focus on work. It kept wandering to his petite house guest with violet eyes and a fighting spirit.

Logic told him to avoid Rukia for she was his brother's… whatever the hell she was. Instead of listening to his logic dominated brain for change, Byakuya decided to silently stalk Rukia as she walked through the garden.

"Just to make sure Zakura kept his word." Byakuya justified his behavior to himself. He was concerned for Rukia's wellbeing – just her wellbeing. It wasn't as if he had a crush on the young, feisty lady. He was Byakuya Kuchiki for Kami's sakes. Crushes didn't exist in his world – only arranged marriages did.

After arguing with himself for a minute, Byakuya climbed out the wind and quietly snuck into the garden. He followed glimmers of Rukia's pink shirt through the twist and turns of the maze. But Rukia's little gasp startled him, and he came to an immediate stop. Byakuya grabbed one of his hidden knives ready to take out the unseen foe.

Soon, a figure dressed in white with a sword by her side came into his view. She ran toward Rukia scooping her up … in a hug or was she trying to strangle Rukia? Byakuya didn't know.

Rukia mumble something to the lady in white, and she placed Rukia on the ground. Loudly, Rukia asked, "Please, don't hurt Shirayuki. She is one of my other bodyguards and family."

Byakuya assumed Rukia knew that she was being followed all over the manor, but to sense him was a miracle. He could be stealthy as a cat when he wanted to be. Instead of leaving to give the two ladies privacy, Byakuya watched a breath of relief escape Rukia's lips as a hidden blow never came.

His breath hitched when he heard his name. "Byakuya, I promise you that I will be fine. Go back and finish your work, and let Zakura's men do their damn jobs." Rukia said as she looked into the shadows.

It felt like she was staring directly at him. Could she see him in the dark? Did he actually under estimate her skill?

Shock crossed Byakuya's face. The little minx was going to tell him how she knew he was there, but for now, he stepped out of the shadows with a grim look firmly in place. "As you wish, Rukia, but first, are you going to introduce me to your friend?"

A raven eyebrow arced at his superior attitude. "Lord Byakuya Kuchiki, this is my cousin and part-time bodyguard, Shirayuki Murakami." Shirayuki bowed in greeting to him while Rukia stood there as a protector of this new puzzle piece.

Byakuya refused to allow any confusion cover his face. "Cousin?" He asked seemingly uninterested. Why didn't Senbonzakura take Rukia to this young lady then? Was she a possible successor to the Murakami Clan if something were to happen to Rukia? Was this woman in on the attack?

As if reading his mind, Rukia told him, "Shirayuki is my cousin, but I consider her more of a sister. She was adopted by my aunt and uncle when I was three. She was my companion and partner in crime until she went off to a different college. Zakura trained both of us after my kidnapping, and Shirayuki liked it so much that she decided to be my bodyguard when she's in town. Although, aunt and uncle still have a cow where someone brings up her chosen occupation." Rukia laughed and linked her arm through Shirayuki's as if she dared Byakuya to think for a minute that his girl was a threat.

Byakuya noticed the attachment to the ladies shared, but he was still suspicious. For heaven's sake, the woman appeared out of nowhere, and she expected to be greeted with open arms?

"What a lovely story…" Byakuya gritted out of his teeth. He was going to strangle Senbonzakura later. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Shirayuki." He bowed to the lady in white.

"The pleasure was mine, my lord." Shirayuki replied with a smile.

"Where you planning to stay?" He asked curiously her curiously before he left.

Shirayuki threw Rukia a questioning look. "She's staying with my aunt and uncle, but they do not know that I am here." Rukia replied cryptically.

Byakuya thought that it was interesting for Rukia to trust Shirayuki, but not her relatives. He had to seek Senbonzakura out immediately. "Well if you will excuse me ladies, duty calls." He bowed one last time locking his steel grey eyes with her violet ones. They warned her to be careful. Everyone was a threat to her right now, even if she didn't believe it.

Byakuya made it a few steps before he stopped and looked over his should. "Rukia, I would love a word with you later. I'm afraid it cannot be discussed with outsiders. You understand?" He told her.

"Yes, sir. I will be happy to discuss your security protocols later." Rukia told him coolly. She smiled as he slightly flinched at her words. Byakuya knew that he was in deep shit for the stunt that he pulled.

"Good night ladies. If you need anything Zakura is around her somewhere." Byakuya replied. He heard a deep intake that was not Rukia's. This Shirayuki must be in his brother's fan club. Shaking off his thoughts, Byakuya continued until he turned a few corners into the maze.

Senbonzakura emerged out of the shadows with a damning grin on his face. "She bites, doesn't she?" Senbonzakura asked laughing at his twin. "Now, you understand why I call her the she-devil."

"If that was her worst bite, then you are slipping, brother." Byakuya replied to Senbonzakura's taunt. Yes, Rukia's words did sting slightly, but that was more to his ego than anything.

"I wouldn't be so smug. She's made grown men cry before, Byakuya. Her tongue is sharp as a knife when she wants it to be."

"That little slip of a girl made men like us cry?" He asked in mock astonishment. He knew Rukia was strong, but he did not see her as cruel. Those men probably got what was coming to them.

"Lesser men have fell to her powers, but I doubt us Kuchikis could." Senbonzakura replied with a grin.

"Speaking of your she-devil, do you know her cousin, Shirayuki?" Byakuya asked.

"Getting down to business as usual I see. I had hoped that Rukia would mellow you out by now. She had me wrapped around her finger in less than 24 hours." Senbonzakura said with a smile that only brightened at his twin's frown.

"I don't care for intruders in my house, Zakura. You forgot to mention a player to me. How can we manage all the chess pieces without knowing who's on the board? Don't you know that you're supposed to protect the queen at all cost?"

Holding his hands up, Senbonzakura explained everything to Byakuya. "Don't get crabby on me, brother. Shirayuki is Rukia's cousin and part-time body guard, like she told you. I started training her for when Rukia got married. I didn't think any male would have a dashingly, handsome bodyguard, like me, around his wife."

"You think mighty highly of yourself." Byakuya concluded.

"Have you looked in the mirror lately? We look almost exactly alike!" Senbonzakura almost yelled.

"I always do when I fix this damn kenseikan in my hair almost the morning." Byakuya said with a smirk on his face.

"You're never anyway fun to argue with." Senbonzakura huffed. He expected more sarcasm or something from his brother.

Byakuya turned back to hear the sound of laughter flutter through the air. "It seems like they are having fun."

"Why shouldn't they? Shirayuki is like a sister to Rukia. She'd do anything for her since it was Rukia who talked her aunt and uncle into adopting her."

Reading between the lines, Byakuya asked, "Did you tell her where Rukia was?"

"Of course, I did. Shirayuki won't tell her parents about Rukia since at the time of the attack, they were scheduled to be in the Mediterranean on a cruise."

"Wait, you said scheduled…" Byakuya eyed his brother wearily. "You think they're involved somehow?"

"I can't prove anything and neither can Shirayuki. Without evidence and Rukia missing, they could easily gain control of the clan, which is why she's here. She was alerting me to changes within the clan. I doubt the Shiba Clan allow Shirayuki's parents to just take over. They have too much invested into the Murakami Clan to allow that to happen though."

"Please continue." Byakuya gave Senbonzakura a knowing look when he paused in the middle of his tale. "You're holding out on me. What else did you learn?" He asked.

"When I put a few feelers out, I learned that two members of the Shiba Clan - Ichigo Kurosaki and Kaien Shiba - have been trying to find Rukia." He concluded.

"Who are these men? Could they be involved with the attack?" Byakuya asked.

"Don't fret, brother." Senbonzakura scoffed. He liked watching Byakuya sweat a little. His twin was still easy to read, especially when it concerned a woman. "Ichigo Kurosaki is Rukia's childhood best friend. He's a brother figure to her that's all. On the other hand, you might want to worry about Kaien Shiba. Rukia's father was in talks to arrange a marriage between her and the Shiba heir before he died."

"Does she know?" Senbonzakura looked away sheepishly. Byakuya's blood was boiled. "Zakura, why the hell haven't you talk to Rukia about any of this yet?"

"I was hoping to have solved this by now and keep the other clans out of this." Senbonzakura stated.

"Yet, you involved our own clan." Byakuya scolded him for his lack of thought.

"Of course, I did! You're the only one I could trust. Granted, I like the Shibas, but I am not a 100 percent sure that they can be trusted. The only one that I know that did not go after Rukia and her family was you, Byakuya. Do you understand why I involved our clan now?"

"As grateful as I am for the vote of confidence, we need to bring her into this discussion. We can't make her decisions for her." Byakuya's voice held an underlying warning – tell her or I will.

"I can keep her out of this till we have a plan, and I will." Senbonzakura said with a voice of authority. "She means too much to me to screw this up for her."

Byakuya looked thoughtfully at his brother for a moment as he contemplated asking him the nagging question ever since he's met Rukia. "Do you love her?" He whispered.

"Love is a complicated term, Byakuya." Senbonzakura replied with a hidden smirk.

"Seriously, Zakura." Their duel shades of grey eyes challenged on another. Until Byakuya spoke again. "Your answer determines how we proceed here." He warned.

Finally having enough of his twin's righteous attitude, Senbonzakura gave up. "Of course, I love her! She's smart, beautiful, and deadly when she wants to be." Senbonzakura replied as a stormy look crossed his face as realization dawned on him. The simplest things would be an arranged marriage, and that did not fly with Senbonzakura, especially if Rukia was forced to marry a stranger. "But you better not be thinking about marrying her off, especially to some asshole. I'll kill you and him. She deserves better than a marriage sentence, Byakuya." He replied.

Byakuya's lip twitched slightly at his twin's animated moves. He was glad that he finally hit a nerve "First, I'd like to see you try to kill me, Zakura. You're in worst shape than ever right now. Besides if we fought, I can think of a certain short, black haired woman who would have my head. Second, you were the one who mentioned the arranged marriage first, but it does have merit."

The brothers were quiet for a moment. "Do you really think marrying her off would solve our problems?" Senbonzakura asked. At least for right now, Rukia's problems were his problems, and he'd find a way to save her the greedy clans and idiotic elders.

Byakuya shook his head. "I think it would solve some issues as well as provide protection for her… that is unless you want to marry her. Then everything would be solved." Byakuya stated as he looked up at the stars hiding the emotions on his face. Somehow, he became attached to Rukia in the past two weeks. Maybe it was her constant smiling face in this dark manor, or her delight in the simple things amongst the mist of her doubles.

Suddenly, Senbonzakura laughed at Byakuya's suggestion. "Why would she wanted to marry me? Sure, we're great friends, but she'd try to kill me half the time!"

"I thought you said that you loved her!" Byakuya nearly yelled. How could his brother be so fickle?

"I didn't say how I loved her, Byakuya! Love comes in various forms, you know?" Senbonzakura countered, then a brilliant idea struck him. "Why don't you marry her?"

"WHAT?" Byakuya yelled.

"You can protect her and guide her. This is a win-win for everyone involved!" Senbonzakura stated proudly. He was smiling like he won the lottery. "I'd have two of my favorite people under the same roof - well three, if you could Shirayuki. I can be your 'bodyguard/double' when needed and Shirayuki will guard Rukia."

"Rukia doesn't want to marry me, Zakura. She doesn't even know me that well." Byakuya concluded.

"She finds you attractive. I've seen how she looks at you." Senbonzakura pointed out.

"We look exactly the same, Zakura!" Byakuya growled.

"She may think I'm hot, but when she looks at me, she sees the playboy that she loves. When she looks at you although, she sees a mature man rather than a large kid. It could work. You could make her safe, and happy." Senbonzakura replied with a hint of amusement in his eye watching his brother squirm.

With a sigh, Byakuya asked his brother, "Do you know what you're asking of me, right? The elders won't agree with this since I have an engagement contract with Rangiku Matsumoto."

"Rangiku will be happier without you. You're too much of a stick in the mud for that wild woman – noble or not." Senbonzakura countered. He remembered a time when he dated her. Never again! That woman was almost too much for one man to handle. Actually, Senbonzakura was pretty sure that Rangiku was also dating Gin on the side then.

"We are still contracted." Byakuya argued.

"You can get out of it! You're Byakuya Kuchiki after all. The most powerful clan leader in Japan, and Rukia is the heir of the third largest clan. I'm pretty damn sure that the elders would be okay with you upgrading." Byakuya raised his eye brow at his twin. "Don't get me wrong, Rangiku is a looker and nice as can be, but she's lazy and drinks too much. Rukia is a better fit for you. She's offers you what few women do - a challenge." A knowing grin crossed Senbonzakura's face as he watched the interest float through his brother's eyes. Byakuya was actually considering his suggestion.

"Before I agree to this, can you tell me more about your relationship with her?" Byakuya asked as he was trying to figure out how to tell Rukia their plan later. He prayed that she didn't kill them.

"I can't give away all my secrets, brother!" Senbonzakura replied with a smile and disappeared into the night. He was going to let his brother stew for a while before rescuing him from their beautiful, petite "problem." He was thankful that the idea of marrying Rukia put a spark back in Byakuya's eye, which said spark hasn't seen since right before Byakuya was named the clan heir.

Did you like the twist with the Kuchikis' decision on how to "save" Rukia? Zakura is trying to set his brother up ;) Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, favorited, and followed this story!

Anon: Thanks for the review and comments, and you're mostly right :)

Ghost Reader: Don't we all want a Byakuya or Senbonzakura for ourselves lol ;D Thanks for the review!

Jacjac: I read your review while working on this chapter! Don't worry, you'll be seeing more of Shirayuki soon rather than just this little clip ;)