AN: Hello! Once again, thank you to everyone who reviewed – they all brought a smile to my face. Though I was rather confused about the person who thought I might have abandoned this fic, even though it's been alive for a week and I've updated four out of those seven-ish days. For folks information, I've written twenty-six out of thirty chapter, so don't worry about me abandoning this! And now, number two! Enjoy!

2. News; Letter

The Kuchiki house was a constant place of wonder for Hisana. She could stay here for years and the novelty would never wear off, she was sure. When Byakuya had first brought her here, she hadn't remembered the event very well, being in a less than fit state to do anything. One of the few things she had remembered were words he had whispered in the night as she lay there, feeling like she was going to die, and the half-remembered, half-dreamed kiss placed on her forehead. But once she'd got back to her feet again, she couldn't stop wandering around and trying to restrain herself from touching everything she saw.

She remembered Byakuya watching her with that hint of a smile which was the closest he ever got to smiling as she kept reaching out and then pulling her hands away from the furniture, works of art and vases. Eventually he had picked up what he said was one of the most expensive urns the Kuchiki family possessed and placed it in her arms. Hisana had been pleased by his gesture; he really did trust her.

And now she was sitting in a room where food had been served. Hisana hadn't missed the slightly confused and dark looks she had received from servants. She was dressed in clothes provided by Byakuya simply because her original clothes were ruined. They were nothing special, nor did she want anything as embarrassing as an expensive flowery kimono.

And now she sat picking at her food, wondering what was going to happen to her now. It was too quiet. During the day she was used to the hustle and bustle of Rukongai, trying to live, trying to find Rukia. Byakuya's house had a feeling of unsettling stillness, of never changing.

Before she could develop her thoughts and thoroughly scare herself, Byakuya entered the room, looking grave.

"I have some news," he said, joining her at the table.

Hisana froze. Rukia had been found? Any news made her think of her sister. She was determined to right her wrong. But she knew he had no particular knowledge on her situation. What she had told him had been basic and curtailed, her guilt too much to fully confess her crime. Her mind was racing to think what he could tell her. Probably her time here had come to an end; she was healed up and back to full health, so there was no need for her to stay.

Her silence while she thought made Byakuya continue.

"The house has spoken with me, and they are not happy with your presence. They are worried my friendship with you is a threat to the integrity of the family," he said emotionlessly. As usual, his expression barely gave a thing away. Hisana understood; she was a burden.

She stood, giving Byakuya a bow.

"I'm sorry for troubling you. I'll go, Kuchiki-sama," she told him, and wondered how she got out of the house, when she was stilled by his hand on her shoulder. He turned her to face him.

"Hisana, you have not troubled me. You are welcome here whenever you wish, though I may not always be here." His words made her stomach flop. Did he really feel that way?

He removed his hand and turned to go.

"If you are not here, I shall see you tonight." And he left her.

She knew there was no place for her here, and so she too left. There were still many hours of light left to search Rukongai. Then they could talk.