As Renji walked me home after our date had ended, everyone seemed to know that we were now going out. And I do mean everyone. Even the most stuffiest of people who cared little about such things as gossip, being Hitsugaya Toushiro for one example, knew. Renji and I didn't care though. We finally had each other, so we were content. However, some whispers did ruffle our feathers. Or my feathers at any rate. Iie, the rumors that got us were the ones involving Byakuya.

Some said he knew, others said he didn't. Some said I was cheating on Byakuya with Renji. One even said that Renji was cheating on Byakuya with me. One or two said that I was doing this merely to make Byakuya jealous for various ends, not excluding murder, romance, and even marriage. The rumors that swirled were so numerous, even Byaukya's Senbonzakura would fall powerless.

"Sayuri, you and I know the truth, so that's all that matters," Renji told me, holding my hands outside the door of the Kuchiki estate.

I nodded, "I know,"

"Shh, my Sayuri, soon enough they'll find something else to go on about, and I'll still be by your side,"

I blushed, "You just called me yours,"

Renji too blushed and struggled to find an excuse.

I hugged him, "It's fine. As of now, I am yours, and you are mine,"

He nodded and hugged me back, "Yeah,"

The doors opened and Byakuya stood waiting for me to join him, "Sayuri,"

I gave Renji a quick peck on the cheek, "Oyasuminasai,"

"Oyasuminasai," He held the spot I just kissed.

I ran to join my aniki just before the door slammed shut, separating myself and Renji. He glared down at me and instantly killed my joy.

"Sayuri-"

"Before you start, I want to admit my wrongs for the day and apologize for them," I cut him off before he could nag me out.

He stared at me in thought, "Iie, that was not about any of that. I want to make sure you won't let your relations spill into work,"

I raised my eyebrow at him, "Surely you know me well enough to know that I keep my interests secret?"

It was his turn to raise his eyebrow, "Interesting word choice,"

I scoffed, "Like it matters to you what I say or do, as long as it doesn't besmirch the Kuchiki name,"

He was silent, but I could tell he wanted to say something. Instead, he walked one of the many hallways, waiting for me to join him. I sighed, wondering what he wanted now. I followed him to the inner courtyard, where mysteriously, he sat down. I sat next to him, waiting for him to speak.

"Vice-captain Abarai, is he speacial to you?"

That certainly was not how I expected him to start this conversation, though I thought it was the point, "Hai,"

"You do know that he harbors not only a deep love for you, but your sister too?"

I looked down, "I know. I know that he loves Rukia more, but-"

"You are not someone to be settled on. You're better than that, and I just hope you can see that,"

"Byakuya-nii-san, you are not yourself tonight,"

He smirked, "I was open with you once, and I see no reason to not do so again,"

I smiled at him, "Hai, it is nice to have someone to talk to,"

"Then permit me to say that you would only have limited happiness with Renji,"

"Then who would you see making a better match for me?"

He looked up at the flickering stars, "That is for you to figure out, not me,"

I looked up at the stars as well, "They are beautiful, like always. I wish I could be as half as gorgeous as even the ugliest star! Or as free,"

Byakuya looked at me, "Sayuri, you are a thousand times more gorgeous than all the stars combined, and you are free, you just don't realize it,"

I blushed, "Byakuya,"

Then, unexpectedly, the moment being perfect, Byakuya kissed me. I regret to say that I kissed him back. He kissed me again, and I found that my back was to the ground and my eyes were to the heavens.

"Iie, I can't do this!" I sat back up.

"Why?" He demanded.

"Renji!" I was about cry.

"Sayuri," Byakuya tightly embraced me, "Believe me, I wish I didn't feel this way about you, but I do! I love you with all my heart! I never thought I could feel this way after I lost my wife, but I love you more than I ever loved anyone else, even her, a hundred trillion times over! Sayuri, I love you, and I know you love me too!"

Another chapter up and running, like always. Well, if it's a story I'm attached to. Anyways, thanks for reading, I hope you're enjoying the story and continue to enjoy it, I don't own Bleach and I believe that there is no new vocab for this chappy.