AN: Hello, I decided to update the story today, due to noticing that I have received few followers. I had a review asking for a calendar on updates. So my lovely and mysterious Guest reviewer: I shall say this. I try my best to update as soon as possible. Sometimes it could be even twice a day sometimes once a week. I work currently from home so I am allowed some liberties on my time usage. However my updates usually have something to do on how many reviews and views in general I receive. When I get reviews I see that my stories are red and it gives me more confidence to continue. So basically the more feedback I get the more compelled I am to update. There are still times when I am not able to update in days or even weeks. (Due holiday, family matters, work etc...). I still consider myself a novice writer. I like to write twists in my stories and sometimes the greatest ideas just come from the feedback. And I am a person who likes to interact with my readers, so do not hesitate to send me PM either. So do not forget to review, they are my fuel and inspiration. Anyway, thank you for the reviews I have gotten so far.

Chapter 2

Renka was blushing still for the memory of her boss' face when the man had seen her first time at her house. He had obviously been surprised and the man had had an expression that Renka was not sure what it was. He had nodded approvingly at her attire, but his eyes were burning with intense fire that the woman had never seen in the man. Then man had complimented her on her looks and had taken her hand and given her a lovely Sakura corsage that matched the boutonniere that was on Byakuya's tuxedo. Ren had blushed and thanked him.

For a strange way it was like re-living her prom dance, this time her being much more prepared and older and in this case she was going to a ball with a prince rather than a an expressionless nerd man named Chifer Ulquirra, whom had actually been her chemistry tutor. Byakuya was known to be occasionally expressionless, but that man could never be compared with her prom date. Byakuya had actually smiled when wrapping the lovely artifact on her wrist. The mere sight of her boss smiling had made her knees shake. Takako had come back downstairs and when she saw them leaving, she had been compelled to play the part of grieving "mother" who was sending her daughter to the wolves. She had dramatically sobbed and laughed and made a few jokes to Byakuya to make sure that he would bring Renka safely to home. And as crazy as it was Byakuya had taken part to this little play and apologized in perfect manner for taking Renka away from her, promising that she would not be harmed in any way and that Renka would be safely escorted back to her kingdom. Ren was smiling for this interaction and she had promised her friend that she would be home before the curfew, not that Takako would be at home when she would return and that she would even need a curfew. The other woman would probably have to go back to work at the bar as the second owner was still on sick leave due of breaking his hand in a brawl with certain maniac frequent customer called Zaraki Kenpachi.

Byakuya had graciously walked her to his car and as a gentleman he had opened the car door and helped her inside the vehicle. Then they were off. There was a ball to attend to. First they sat in silence when Byakuya finally spoke.

"Thank you again Abarai-san for helping me. I do not usually go in to events like this, but this year it is a must. And again I am compelled to say that you look very beautiful and very different from the usual and I like it."

"Thank you sir and thank you again for inviting me. Oh, and I am sorry for Takako, she can be a bit obnoxious at times."

"Don't apologize. I actually liked it. To be able to talk to someone without restraint. It was actually fun. And I wish you would do it as well. And please, call me Byakuya this evening, and if you will allow me may I call you Renka?"

"Oh, sure... Byakuya."

When they arrived to Karakura Opera House where the Grand ball was held Byakuya opened the car door again. He smiled at her when he took her hand and leaving his car in the care of the valley. They walked together to the entrance and Ren noticed that she was more than nervous. Byakuya assured her that as long as she was close to him she would be safe. So with more confidence she walked inside.

The grand ball room was decorated in massive crystal ornaments, every where were shining objects making the room look like something out of a fairy tale story. She looked at the room and realized that she was definitely out of place. She was nervous. Never before she had been in a place like this and she was afraid that she would end up making herself a fool. Ren knew how to behave. When she had been in college she had taken every possible course to learn proper business and dinner etiquette and Rukia had taught her the rest. So in general she knew what to do. But she was there with Byakuya, a man she was secretly in love with and she did not want to disappoint the man in anyway.

Byakuya kept a hold on her hand whether the man actually realized it or not and walked her thru the crowd to greet the hosts. She walked beside the usually stoic man and smiled politely to the couple when they reached them. The hosts were standing next to each other near the back staircase of the room. Shihoin Yoruichi, the master mind of this event was dressed in tight black gown that showed every curve she had. Her hair was tide up on her head and she supported a small diamond tiara on her hair, next to her a blond man with black tuxedo looked them under an intense but mischievous glare. Then Byakuya greeted them politely and introduced her to them.

"Yoruichi, Kisuke, this is my secretary Abarai Renka. She has been working for me for few years and she is also a good friend of Rukia's. She was gracious enough to give me her time this evening and join with me to this event."

"Oh, how lovely she is. It is finally a pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you from Rukia. I would have never guessed that you are dating with Byakuya. See, Bya-bo. I told you that you should bring someone you liked here. See how nicely you suite together."

These words made Renka blush, and the shade of her cheeks almost matched her bright hair. Byakuya only frowned to the woman in front of him, but Ren realized that the man was not correcting what the hostess was saying. Byakuya nodded again and moved them to a more secluded area of the room.

Ren did not really know what to do or what to feel. It was strange that her boss did not correct the couple and tell them that this was only business and that they were not together. She decided to keep quiet. As long as she had worked with the man she knew that it was better to be quiet until he showed all his cards. Suddenly he looked at her and smiled. It made Ren shiver with strange anticipation. There was definitely something different at her boss tonight.

The ball continued and Byakuya had to introduce her to several patrons at the ball. There were some business associates whom already had met Renka during business meetings and there were some high socialites whom she had only heard about. They had shortly spoken with Rukia and Ichigo as well, but Ichigo had been in sourly mood and Rukia had not had time to actually enjoy the company of her brother-in-law and Renka due to this.

When Ren and Byakuya had taken a glass of champagne to salute each other for their evening they were approached by one of Byakuya's business partners. Aizen Sousuke whom was the second owner of a transport company Aizen & Ichimaru greeted them. Obviously his business partner had gone and vanished somewhere to the crowd as the two men were usually accompanying each other.

"Ah, Mr. Kuchiki and Miss Abarai, it is good to see you again. I am truly surprised to see you both here. And Miss Abarai you are truly an amazing sight to behold. I hope that you will give me the opportunity to have the next dance with you this fine evening."

The two men spoke for a while discussing few matters of the contract that they had recently made between their companies and when the next waltz began the brown haired socialite took Renka to the floor. She was not used to dancing and she was afraid that it would look clumsy. The man kept a tight hold of her and for a brief moment Ren had felt his hands touch had rear end, but the hand had disappeared as soon as it had been there.

"Now, Miss Abarai. Why is it that I have never been able to see you like this before. You do look amazing. It is rather shame that Mr. Kuchiki hides you. He must know that you are an extraordinary woman. Ah, how I wish to be him this fine evening."

"Thank you for your compliment Aizen-San, but we are not together. I am here only as his avec." Unfortunately, I wish I would be more than that.

"Well then, Abarai-Chan, I hope you would give me the opportunity to have a dinner with you someday. You do not need to answer now. I will ask you again another day."

They did not speak much after that and when the dance finally ended and Sousuke escorted Ren back to her boss who looked at them with strange expression in his face. The look changed immediately when Ren was back to his side.

Byakuya had been contemplating his feelings that had surfaced from inside him while watching the suave Aizen Sousuke dancing with Renka. He felt the spark of jealousy in him; he wanted to be the man Renka danced with. The moment he had seen the woman dressed in that fiery red gown at her house Byakuya had noticed the feelings of fire burn inside him. He had always been very comfortable with his secretary and now he wanted to know more about the woman and what she was like in her own surroundings. He had begun to crave her closeness the minute she had left his side to dance with another man. When Sousuke had returned her back to his side and commented something Byakuya had only nodded. The suave business man had gone and started to harass another poor associate of theirs. When Byakuya had looked at Renka he had noticed redness on her cheek.

"Did he do something unappropriate? Did he say something?"

Ren blushed the shade of her hair and looked at her boss. The look on the man's face demanded immediate answer and shyly Ren told him about Sousuke's invite for dinner and the touch.

"UUmh, well I thought I felt his touch on my bottom and umm he asked me on a date."

"Ah, I am sorry. I promised that there would be no harm done to you. And well if you actually like him then, well you should decide. Personally I think he is a man that cannot respect women at all. Now, let's forget him. Would you like to dance with me Renka?"

She only nodded and Byakuya walked her back to the dance floor. It was again a waltz, but Ren was more comfortable in Byakuya's arms than she had been with Aizen Sousuke. Byakuya kept his hands to himself and danced well. They were close to each other and Ren could smell the cologne Byakuya was using. The fragrance was almost intoxicating and she smiled. She could get used to the feeling of this man's arms around her. To her dismay the dance ended and they separated. She lifted her gaze to look at Byakuya and smiled. Somehow that moment was magical.

They stayed at the ball for an hour more and they decided to leave. The next day would be Saturday and for Renka it was a day off. Byakuya escorted her back to the car. However he did not want the evening to end. He wanted to spend more time with her; he wanted to get to know her.

"I am sorry Renka for what Yoruichi said back then. It is usually better to allow her to think whatever she has in her mind than begin to argue with her. I am certain that you would not want to acknowledge being as my date partner as you probably have many suitors, but I must say this. I enjoy your company. There is something about you that makes me feel new and it seems that I have taking a great liking to your persona. What I am asking is that is there a possibility to meet you again, outside work that I mean?"

"Umm, Byakuya are you asking me for a real date? I mean I don't have anyone special so it's ok to ask."

"Ah yes I am. I think. It has been years since I have even bothered to ask someone out, but yes. I think I am. As crazy as it may sound, but I wish I would not have to take you home now and so could spend more time with you, to get to know the real Renka, but your friend told me that you have a curfew." with the last words he meant Takako and he smiled. "

"Byakuya, I like you too and I would like to get to know you as well. And if you a really afraid of Takako, we could go out tonight and spend time under her supervision" Ren sniggered at the end.

"Under her supervision, are we going to sit in your living room drinking tea while she is staring at us?"

"Nope, I am going to take you to Grasshopper, but we can't really go there like this. We have to change clothes. Would you like to go there?"

"I will take you home to change. I have extra clothes at the trunk in case I have to stay late in the office. If those will suffice then we may go, and pray tell me what this "Grasshopper" is?"

"You will see."

Byakuya drove Ren back to her house. It was dark and obviously no-one was home. Ren allowed Byakuya to enter. When Ren appeared back to downstairs after changing her attire to more casual one Byakuya was already changed to a white button down shirt and brown khaki pants. Byakuya was shocked to see the "normal" Ren. When she had been truly a beauty in red now she looked free of etiquette and such demanding attire and to him she looked very sexy. She had her long red hair up in a tousled ponytail, her makeup still on, she wore a tight black a-cut t-shirt, that red "kiss me when I am sober", and tight jeans that hugged her curves. If Byakuya would have been a lesser man he would have drooled at the casual sight of his new love interest. Ren looked at him approvingly and ushered him out and back to the car. Their next destination: "the Bony Grasshopper".

When they arrived the crowd was on full swing. There was a long line and Byakuya noticed Ren walking towards the usher. The man whom she was talking was bald and crummy looking. He looked behind Ren and motioned Byakuya to come closer.

"Come on Byakuya, Ikkaku is gonna let us get before the line. We gotta hurry in." Ren took his hand and dragged to usually stoic man inside.

The bar was full. There were no seats available at the near entrance and Ren took him towards the open bar. There were couple of barstools empty and they waited for a waiter to get their order. Byakuya sat down after Ren and waited. Byakuya took a closer look at his surroundings. The bar was not exactly dimly lidded, there was light enough to see the faces of the other customers. There was an open karaoke stand where currently a spiky haired man with an intriguing tattoo on his face was singing a song obviously to a large bosomed woman who sat in front of the man. It sounded like a love song from the 80's but Byakuya was not quite sure, so off was the man's tune. There were several patrons sitting in secluded cubicles talking to each other. It was obvious that people here knew each other but did not bother to be too interested in newcomers.

"So the prince decided to corrupt ta princess and bring her here. I thought ya say ya taking her home ya fancy pants."

Byakuya was interrupted from his musings when he heard the voice from behind the bar.

"I am truly sorry, Miss Kuwahara, but it seems that this princess is the one corrupting me." Byakuya smiled with an answer.

"Aa, I see, well good. She needs ta go out. Now treat her well and I'll give ya a tap. So what can I get ya? Dark Lager is on special today. And forget the Kuwahara-san crap, it makes me feel like an old maid. So Takako it is. "

"Very well, Takako. I'll have one lager, and give Ren what she wants. My treat."

"Sure, two lagers then." Takako turned around and started to fill two mugs with premium English lager.

"Thank you Byakuya, but I could have gotten my own."

"No, I wish to do this, as we could say that currently we are on a date and a gentleman treats his lady."

Ren smiled and nodded.

They got their drinks after Byakuya had paid them and they began to have a simple small talk. They had fun time. Occasionally Takako came and harassed them with few jokes. When the evening had turned to midnight some of the patrons left towards the city to go clubbing and those who were more regular drunkards stayed. Ren had no wishes to go anywhere else so the couple decided to stay and enjoy the rest of the night.

"Yo, Taka! Your creepy stalker is here, should I let him in?" Ikkaku yelled from the door.

"Whatta fucking stalker? Which one? The fatso or the tall one? If it's the tall guy, let him in he's cute. At least Imma having someone else to talk to than these two lovebirds here."

Byakuya and Ren snorted at the dry humor and they were a bit curious of Takako's stalker. For a strangest reason Byakuya had adopted Takako as a friend as well. There were many new things happening to him and he was enjoying them to the fullest. But when the mysterious man came in and to Byakuya's range of vision he was surprised. The man was tall; he had long black hair that reached to the middle of his back and it was held in a loose ponytail and he had sharp blue eyes. The man smiled and suddenly he looked as surprised as Byakuya was.

"Hidehiro, what are you doing here?"

AN2: I'll leave this here. Let me know what you thought. In review please or in pm