Thanks ever so much for the following for leaving me a review, and who took me at my word when I said give me your opinion: Ity, happygirl24, Bella68, Empress-Dragon, SweetYuya, and Nelly Orlik. Thanks so much to all you guys, even those of you who read but didn't review, as I appreciate you all just taking the time to read it.
Disclaimer: See the first chapter.
Note: This chapter is pretty long, which was unintentional, but it just happened that way. The next chap will be pretty interesting. In fact, I think I'm going to start on it within the next day or so. :)
A Noble Heart
Chapter 3: Confliction
The next morning brought the answers that Ichigo wanted and needed. Yara's voice faltered, then teared, as she recounted the painful memory of her encounter with the two thugs in the alley.
She looked away from him as she said, "If it hadn't been for unit six's taicho and fukutaicho...I wouldn't have made it intact, or alive", her voice faded to a whisper. So uncomfortable with it's retelling, Yara's hands fisted tightly in the sheets, her knuckles turning white. That's when she became angry. Not just at the perpetrators, but herself.
"How could I have been so stupid, Ichigo? Why didn't I fight back harder? I have the capability, but I froze! What's wrong with me?" Her questions quickly flowed, leaving her cousin no time to answer one when the next came.
Ichigo, just as uncomfortable with the situation, despite his loving her greatly, told her, "Yara, you're not stupid, never have been. In fact, you're one of the most intelligent people I know. Further more...I'm sure you did the best you could, even though you were outnumbered."
Brown eyes gazed softly into green. Feeling somewhat awkward, he leaned forward, wrapping his taut arms around her, while giving her what comfort he could. Before this recent incident they'd always been close, but now he wasn't sure if by touching her would cause bad memories to resurface, upsetting her yet again; causing guilt on both sides. Her, for the remembrance, and his... to cause her pain on his behalf, regardless of the best intentions.
Despite her cousin's efforts to relieve her mounting frustration and guilt, Yara decided to turn the conversation away from her situation.
"Ichigo", she began, "How is Uncle Isshin, Karin and Yuzu?"
"They're fine", he remarked, relieved at the subject change. "They're all eager to have you home again. But for now...they're still unaware of your whereabouts. Only I, and my Shinigami friends, know the answer to that."
Brown eyes turned towards her, warm and reassuring, "We will protect you, Yara. I swear it!" He vowed to her fervently that no one would hurt her again and live. Reluctantly he stood, her smaller hand held tightly in his. "I must go, for now. Our family will be concerned for me if I don't show up soon; besides you need your rest. Sleep well, cousin, and I'll return for you soon."
Tears blurred her sight as his tall, thin form turned and walked away, leaving her alone and sad. I'd hoped he could stay longer, only I'm being selfish, she thought. She'd mainly wanted him to stay to keep her from being alone, and from being scared. The Shinigami wouldn't harm her. This she instinctively knew, yet it didn't stop the loneliness from assailing her as she sat in her bed, alone, trapped within four walls, and wishing for a certain someone. A certain tall, gorgeous and obscenely strong someone.
--
A tall, dark form entered Yara's room, watching her sleep, and a smile, a very small smile, crossed his lips. He hadn't thought of another since his wife's untimely passing. He'd just began to get to know her when she left, however, it wasn't her choice. Fate had declared otherwise.
Now, maybe, he'd gain a second chance. He could only pray fate wouldn't be so fickle as to dangle this extraordinary creature before him, only to steal her as well. If so...fate be damned! He'd fight it tooth and nail, whatever it took to keep her here. Besides, no other female had intrigued him this much since Hisana's death, and no other had the courage to make him smile as she had, once upon a time.
Dark blue eyes took in the beauty that greeted him. It wasn't just her physical attributes that drew him in, but her soul as well. She had courage, honor. Possessed so much love and care for her family. He even glimpsed the light of hope in her soul, however darkened for the moment because of the trauma recently suffered, yet it was there waiting.
Her long, thick red hair all askew, colored flames atop the pristinely white pillow, a sign of the fire that would burn when her temper became aroused. Full lips, still slightly pale after the trauma she'd endured, parted slightly in sleep as if waiting for another to kiss. In all honesty...she appeared a sleeping angel. For a moment, she seemed peaceful. No harsh memories playing through her mind, causing pain or emotional or physical feelings of degradation. Nothing. Nothing but sleep. That and hopefully dreams of him.
Broad shoulders filling the doorway in which he stood, he turned to go, unwilling to disturb a peaceful rest.
"Wait".
Her soft voice called out, stopping him in his tracks.
Turning back towards her, he found himself speechless for a moment. Yara was now sitting up, the sunlight streaming in the window illuminating her form, red hair adapting the color of flame in the early morning light, skin glowing softly. She was enthralling. He couldn't speak, couldn't move. Byakuya found himself hoping the spell wouldn't break if he spoke, or if he approached her.
Yara smiled at him, encouraging to stay, to come closer and sit by her. "Please don't go", she asked. "Stay with me", she whispered. "Please?"
She was afraid as well. Afraid that he was just a dream and that he'd disappear, leaving her alone. Also, she wondered how she'd managed to become attached to him in such an extremely short time. In her heart she knew that it was almost impossible to fall for someone that fast, but she also knew that in Soul Society...anything is possible. So Ichigo told her.
Green eyes widened, their depths taking in his mountainous, muscular figure approaching. Light danced around his form, causing her breath to catch in her throat. His black outfit, complete with white robe and scarf, swayed gently with his movement, slow and confident. Ebony hair, long and thick, held in place with his kenseikan, fell past his shoulders; the strands streaming behind him as he came ever closer.
So many feelings assailing her at once, she couldn't separate them. Most of all...she felt happy. He was the only one aside from Ichigo to make her feel this simple emotion. Hopefully they'd have more time to talk today, more so than the last few days. He'd been so busy, and truthfully, she'd felt neglected. Could it be that he was here to rectify it? She could only hope.
Sitting beside her, the usually stoic taicho inclined his head slightly while blessing her with a smile, small but meaningful. An overwhelming urge to take her hand appeared, yet he didn't feel ready. Where was his ice, his reserve of steel, when he needed it most? Had they deserted him? Left him to fend for himself?
He couldn't explain it, but it seemed whenever he was in Yara's presence that his once useful allies left him. Seemingly, the light she exuded melted each and every protestation his will could provide. Worse yet, the young girl had no idea of it. And further more, she had no idea that she tortured him with every breath, every smile, every touch. Dark eyebrows shot up as skin pressed lightly to skin. She was a gentle temptress alright.
Feeling his dilemma, Yara reached out and took his hand, her thumb rubbing the back of his hand slightly. "I've missed you."
Her declaration caught him off guard. "You did?"
"I did", she stated with absolute certainty. Her gaze slid down to the ground, unable to hold his. Shame. She couldn't believe she'd admitted her fault so easily. What was it about this man, able to make her confess her feelings without effort?
Her head shot up as she felt his thumb massaging her hand now, in turn. "It's alright, Yara. I understand."
Yara smiled. Her hero never said much, but when he did it always had tremendous meaning. "I'm so confused."
"As am I." He admitted this readily, a minute blush flaring across his cheeks. Feeling like a schoolboy, he scolded himself, his feelings, his thoughts, an open book for her to see, to read. Not even Hisana had been able to discern him with such ease, and certainty. And that compiled his guilt further, feeling he was being unfaithful to the one he'd loved so long ago, and still did.
Biting her lower lip, the redhead felt conflicted, knowing what he was thinking, unsure how to approach this breach. A thought struck her and she realized one subject he could converse willingly, and without restriction.
"Have you been training this last couple of days?" A gleam of hope entered her eyes, fingers mentally crossed; praying that her question would help him to open again.
Relief broke out across his handsome face, and he released the breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "Yes. Renji and I have been working with our newest recruits, preparing them for the battles they'll encounter in the real world." Blue eyes twinkling he quickly told her of the progress.
Awkwardness avoided. Thanking Kami for that, she smirked as she teased him. "I bet by the time you two were through there were some very colorful things the recruits said about you, right?" Giggles spilled from her before she could stop them.
"If so, they don't dare speak them within our hearing", he warned, posture slightly tensed.
Still laughing, she said, "That's right. They don't want to rouse the almighty, fierce tiger. Although, the one I've met can be rather like a teddy bear, his growl worse than his bite." Green eyes gleaming with laughter, she fell forward, her body racked with amusement.
"Is that right?"
His tone should've warned her, yet she ignored it. Ice and steel momentarily flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced with a warm glow. The sound of her laughter warmed him as no fire ever could. Many feelings and emotions pelted him. He wanted her. Wanted to touch her, to kiss her, to make her his own. At the same time, however, his confliction slammed home, his shields rising, making everything difficult. It all returned to his feelings over Hisana. Would she continually haunt him for eternity? Would peace forever elude his grasp?
You just have to let her go, his mind whispered. Was it really that simple? She'd been his obsession for years. Could he let her go so easily? Could he do it with the girl sitting so near in proximity? Would she be the one to free him and end his loneliness?
Noticing that Yara's laughter had subsided, Byakuya's concentration centered on her again. She was watching him. She was watching him very closely, and the expression on her face, sad and disheartened, as if she were aware of his thoughts.
He's thinking of her again, she sighed with a heavy heart. How can I ever compete with that, she asked herself, tears on the brink. The beating in her chest pounded. The constant, weighty rhythm an incessant reminder of her feelings and the most prominent reason of his denial. Damn! All she wanted now was to be alone, to begin her solitary trek once more with only her family surrounding her. Wanting or needing no reminders of her time here, she wished Ichigo would return and take her home. To wait. But for what or who her mind refused to acknowledge, yet her heart eagerly replied.
You'll wait for him. You'll wait for eternity. His soul calls to yours whether he realizes it or not. Your soul cried out, longing for a great love, and he answered. Patience. Just have patience. He'll come around.
Inwardly sighing over her mind's proclamation Yara felt the first of her heart's tears well, then spill over the rim, raining freely, giving her body permission to follow.
Eyes narrowed, lips pressed together in concern over the change that rapidly occurred within her, he spoke quietly, his voice edged with uncertainty. "Care to accompany me for a walk?"
So much hung in the air between them. So much needing to be said yet remaining unspoken. The silence stretched thin, he stood fluidly to his feet, his height easily towering over her, his hand held out, waiting for her answer. Dual blue pools of emotionless expression stared at her, unreadable and masked. The planes of his face smooth and blank.
"Will Unohana taicho allow it?"
His posture seemingly tense he replied confidently, "She will."
Yara decided to take a chance, regardless of future possibilities. This was the here and now. Her heart was in the here and now, here with him, though his was elsewhere; would probably always be thus. Aware that her heart would more than likely be destroyed should she continue this path...she didn't care. She'd much rather have memories with him, of him, than nothing at all.
"And just how do you know she'll allow me a brief stint away from the infirmary?" To put it mildly, she had a hunch what he was going to say, and she was positive it would sound very arrogant.
"You'll be with me. What more does she need to know?"
Wow! She was right on target. Arrogant and all-assuming, his words were exactly what she'd expected. Typical of Kuchiki, Byakuya. Nothing more, nothing less.
"Will you come?"
Once again he asked. His question, more than a simple request, struck deep. No matter what he said...he wanted this, needed this. His soul was reaching out to her again; who was she to deny him? For to deny him would be to deny herself. And she couldn't force herself to take that path, hurting both of them in the process.
"Yes." Her voice came out as a whisper, the sound barely reaching his ears, yet he knew the answer by the smile on her face.
Pushing back the sheet which covered her lower body, her hands jerked the sheet in place as she noticed that from her waist down was completely bare! Horrified, her face red as a strawberry, muttered, "First I need some more clothes."
His hand retracted. Swiftly turning on his heel he commanded, "Wait here." Then, he was gone.
What the hell was happening? Knowing full well she couldn't leave, she waited, confused and agitated. Where was he going? And when would he be back? Never being a patient person, Yara despised waiting, just as she hated being in that room alone.
Somewhere, a clock ticked away the seconds and the minutes, which dragged, increasing the ever present anxiety, looming a solitary's breath away. Closing her eyes, she allowed her mind to dream, fantasizing about the man dominating her thoughts and who'd forever be above her; she'd never be good enough for him.
"I wish..." Something landed in her lap, startling her from her imaginative interlude; her eyes snapped open to see the offending object which hit her. A black outfit, akin to the one that female Shinigami wore lay stretched across her legs. "I can't wear this", she protested.
"Why not?" His tone, icy and unyielding, unused to being questioned, booked no arguments.
"B-Because... this is for Shinigami, and I'm sure you've noticed, but I'm not one. Won't I get punished for impersonating one?"
"Not yet, you're not."
Intrigued and further confused, eyes wide in shock, she exploded, "What? How can that be? I don't possess none of the requirements or skills! I don't feel right wearing this. I'd feel like a fake, someone playing a game where the rules are above my head, as are the players. Wouldn't I get in trouble for wearing this? I'm just a regular person, no one special, and certainly not one of you, " she cried out, worried and afraid. Trouble was the last thing she needed here.
Arms crossed, he explained impatiently. "You aren't impersonating anyone. You're only borrowing the clothes, which you have Matsumoto to thank for that." His eyes adopted a mirthful shine. "If you plan on going with me you'll need something to wear." Byakuya's eyes twinkled brighter. "I don't believe, though, that you'll be allowed to run around half clothed. Do you?"
Yara whispered a brief word of thanks to the busty female fukutaicho. Clutching the material close to her chest she gestured for him to leave her, enabling her to change.
Upon his exit she called out, "No peeking either!" Grunting, he replied, "As if I'd ever stoop to that sort of behavior."
The door closed. Unable to resist she yelled, "Maybe not, but Renji, Kira and Hisagi would."
Outside the door his eyes narrowed in anger, blood boiling at the thought of those under him behaving in such a cowardly, perverted manner, he fired back, "They'd better not ever let me catch them." His words were the only warning given on the subject.
The door opened and she stepped from the room, her feet a little unsteady, her body visibly exerted from the effort, yet nothing would stop her from seizing this moment. Nothing. Not even unit four's taicho, who hurried towards them, her face appearing rather displeased.
Before Unohana could speak Byakuya silenced her with a look, and a flash of his palm held upwards. "I'm taking her for a walk. We'll return shortly."
Ignoring the shortness of his words Unohana shut her eyes and shook her head. "I doubt she is ready for such exercise, Kuchiki taicho. She is using most of her energy just to stay upright." Unohana quickly glanced over her charge, knowing the young girl was far from ready from leaving, or taking a walk.
"I'm taking her with me whether you authorize it or not, Unohana taicho. She needs to breathe, not to be trapped between four walls, no way to escape." Eyes of steel glared at the gentle natured taicho, daring her to force his hand.
He could feel Yara's suffocation as she was made to stay within the confines of her room. It weighed heavily on him. Even worse, it was hard on him watching her suffer from the lack of society, and the inability to be outdoors. He'd been forced to stay in the infirmary, rarely, but he knew what it was like. Despite the visitors he still felt alone. Cold and alone.
Unohana opened her mouth to speak, but Yara beat her to it. "Unohana taicho...please. I'll be alright." Her hands held tightly to her tall savior's arm, "Kuchiki-sama will watch over me." Her breath came in small gasps, already she felt the clutches of weariness reaching out. "Besides", she smiled widely, "What could happen? I've got one of the most powerful Shinigami taicho's watching over me and escorting me. I'll be perfectly safe. I promise I'll be careful."
With pleading eyes the redhead stared at unit four's taicho, willing her to understand. Yara waited with baited breath.
"I'll allow this on the following conditions: one, you will rest when you feel you're on the verge of exhaustion, two, no vigorous activity, and last", she instructed while handing Byakuya a wooden whistle, "you will contact me, through this, should there be any immediate problems. Are these conditions understood?"
Yara nodded as Byakuya took the whistle and answered, "They will be adhered to, I promise. And I promise to take excellent care of her."
"You'd better, Kuchiki taicho", the woman softly warned. "You won't like me angry should you endanger the health of my patient."
With that, unit four's taicho returned to the infirmary as the duo set off in the hopes of a refreshing walk, along with some peace and quiet. Somewhere they weren't constantly observed and listened to.
"Yara, hold on", was all the warning she received.
Suddenly finding herself swept up into the gorgeous Shinigami taicho's arms, her arms held snugly around his neck as he held her bridal style while he flash-stepped their way to freedom.
Watching the scenery blur around them, Yara held her breath in excitement. The speed at which he ran astonished her and a squeal of glee escaped her, causing him to smirk somewhat then increase his momentum.
"Byakuya, thank you so much for this", she said breathlessly. But what she couldn't tell him was that she was also thanking him for holding her so close, no space between them, yet not so much that it hurt, and essentially, thanking him for this moment in general. This would be a beautifully perfect memory to take with her.
Finally they arrived at a lake surrounded by Sakura trees, multiple pink blossoms adorned every tree, some of them floated gently in the teasing wind, landing on the water, also stirring by the lazy breeze.
Suddenly he slowed, then stopped. Setting her down, feet touching the ground ever so lightly, he announced they were at their destination.
"It's so beautiful here", she exclaimed. "Where are we?"
"Kuchiki land. I've kept this hidden for many years. Couldn't have just anyone wandering around." His eyes shuttered and he murmured, "The only other person besides myself, and you, to come here was Hisana."
Already seeing the windows to his chaotic soul closing, she teased him, "I'm sure you tell all the girls that."
Angrily, he barked, "Never! There's never been anyone for me but Hisana!" Icy blue orbs pierced her, "I would never dishonor my wife's memory. Especially not for a short-lived liaison that's destined to go nowhere, and mean even less."
His words, a verbal-laced barb, striking the center of her heart, bleeding it worse than any weapon, cut swift and deep. She chose, however, not to show it. Not to let him see how he wounded her. To lighten the mood, or appease him one, she spoke reverently, "I apologize if I have offended you. I only meant to tease you, not to blacken the memory of your wife, nor cheapen your relationship."
Small hands released his arm and her feet moved under the sheer power of her will. Stumbling away from him, she admired the majesty and picturesque scenery surrounding them. Better to focus on that than hurt feelings. She waited for him to speak but silence continued to reign.
"You have no idea what we overcame just to be together. Our relationship, the very nature of our marriage was illegal, went against everything the Kuchiki house was built upon, and was frowned upon by my family, and by the nobles of Soul Society. And just when we believed we'd surmounted all odds...Hisana became sick. All of our healers did their best, but to no avail. She grew weaker and eventually died, leaving me alone."
He paused as if caught in a brief remembrance. "A year later I located her younger sister, Rukia. Hisana made me promise to find her, protect her with everything I had in me. Of course, I did. The outrage it stirred as, once again, I brought a peasant into the noble Kuchiki house.I swore then that I'd never disobey the law again, and that meant never bringing another of no rank into my home."
His story moved her to tears. Walking further from him, she grew closer to the water's edge and whispered painfully, "I wished someone cared for me that much!" Why hadn't she listened to her head when it'd told her that the hold Hisana exhibited over Byakuya, even in death, would live forever, and would never die. She was so foolish. So naïve.
Glancing over her shoulder she gasped as the sun began its descent from the sky, brilliant hues exploding around the sinking celestial body, the horizon darkening with the oncoming night. Had that much time passed? Boy, Unohana taicho would be pissed!
"What occupies your mind, Yara?"
His voice, deep, carrying sexual undertones, smooth and no longer angry, stretched out, attempting to eliminate the distance between them. He could see her exhaustion: dark circles under her eyes, pale skin, legs trembling under the strain of standing, all the signs were there. He knew that soon they'd have to go. It would be time to go back to his world. Somewhere she didn't belong, although his heart said otherwise.
"It's nothing."
"It's not nothing. Your eyes are troubled; you seem withdrawn. You won't even look me in the eye. Tell me." He purposely held his distance, afraid if he approached that she'd close off completely. Just like another Kurosaki he knew. Stubborn and damned willful, it was apparent in her stance, and the subtle lift of her chin.
Byakuya sighed. This wasn't going to be an easy task. "You may speak whatever is on your mind, Yara. I'll listen."
"It's no good..."
"What's no good. Tell me. If I can somehow correct it, I will, I swear."
"Don't promise something you can't deliver, Kuchiki-sama", she stated bitterly.
Suffice it to say she must be very hurt or angry with him for her to revert back to the form of address given her upon their first meeting. No, this problem wouldn't be an easy fix. Strange how it was easy to screw up, but never easy to straighten out. He wondered if anyone could tell him why.
"Fine then", she muttered fiercely, seeing his implacable resolve. Turning to face him, tears welling, falling down her wan cheeks, she said, "If you refuse to darken the door of your home with a peasant why are you associating with one? I never stood a chance, did I? And I never will. Not as long as Hisana holds your heart, which will probably last until death."
Wiping her tears, only to be replaced with more, she cried, "What's so wrong with me? Am I so unlovable? Is there a defect that all men, with the exception of my cousin and uncle, can see? Why is it I never get the guy or fall in love? Why is it that men like you never notice me?" Her insecurity shone bright, shedding light on part of the reason for her mood.
"Maybe it's because you're so special that the right one's out there waiting, somewhere", he promptly answered. "Maybe he hasn't found you yet. He could be before your very eyes only you've never given him an opportunity. And just maybe...maybe he could be close to you, could be in love with you even now, and doesn't even know it."
Byakuya's words only served to stab the proverbial knife deeper, cutting her soul with his remarks. She felt such strong feelings for him and all he felt was friendship. Now she knew how the girls around Ichigo felt. Her cousin was in love with only one person. Rukia. Always had been and always would be. Truly, she understood now how Inoue felt every time she glanced Ichigo's way. Constantly reminded of the unattainable, incessantly longing for it, always reaching for it despite what her heart and head said.
The last vestiges of sunlight grazed her form, softly highlighting her features, accentuating her sad eyes, and the tears that flowed. They both fell silent for a moment. Yara staring longingly at Byakuya, and he at her. His will was all that kept him anchored in place. He couldn't give in, not this time. He had to remain faithful.
"Hisana." Whispering her name as a prayer, and as a guide, he shut his eyes, not seeing the despair in Yara's eyes. All the muscles in his body so tense he felt they would rip apart, sending him to his knees, although, figuratively he was already there.
Realization struck her. "You brought me out here to tell me this, didn't you", she stated accusingly. "Knowing all along what you planned to say, how I felt, and you brought me here... to your special place", she blurted quietly while throwing her arms to her sides, gesturing at their surroundings. "Why?"
"This was better than the infirmary was it not?" Byakuya replied earnestly, coolly.
"How kind of you, Kuchiki-sama! At least I can have my hysterics without an audience, right? Isn't that what you wanted? No one to see or hear the truth of things? No one to witness my embarrassment? How magnanimous of you", she said, her voice bitter.
She wanted to cry, to scream, but she refused to show him the brunt of her emotion. She refused to give him that. She refused to let him win, to give in. She'd show him.
"Yara?"
Nothing. The sounds of her sobbing had faded. She didn't answer him either.
"Yara, talk to me. I had no intention of hurting you."
"Well you did. Screwed it up big time."
"Talk to me", he demanded. His statuesque form towered over her, even from several feet away.
"There's nothing left to say. You've had your say, made everything clear. Just leave me." Her voice, tired and fighting to remain neutral, served only to sound weary. No other emotion surfaced. Nothing.
"I can't do that. For one thing you have no idea where you are. Another, Unohana would have my head if I abandoned you, which I wouldn't do, regardless of your own feelings. We leave together and that's the end of it."
Turning her back to him, Yara approached the lake's edge, standing over the top of the bank. Looking straight down into the water she felt she was staring into a wet, dark abyss. It almost looked mesmerizing, inviting.
"Yara, step back from the edge. It isn't safe." Concern prompted him to move closer before an accident befell her.
"You don't care, so leave me. Just leave me alone. Go. Just go..."
With that last word the earth beneath her feet gave way and into the lake she plunged. The second before her head slipped into the water it struck a rock, sending her into the dark abyss she'd admired just moments before.
"Yara!"
Fear propelled the muscular Shinigami forward, faster than ever, his body a blur, speeding towards her, he leaped into the lake after her.
He found her quickly. Taking hold of her Byakuya climbed from the watery depths, both of them soaking wet, but she was safe. Or so he thought. Laying her slowly on the grass below, he felt the ice around his heart crack again, currents of fear erupted as he realized she wasn't breathing.
Without hesitation he placed his mouth over hers, breathing life into her, hoping he could rid her lungs of any water residing there. After several breaths he preceded to chest thrusts, applying what he believed to be the correct pressure; trying to avoid breaking her ribs in the process.
"Come on, Yara. You're stronger than this", he growled. "Come on!" An icy hand had taken place of the ice that encased his heart, squeezing tighter every moment she stayed under, her consciousness refusing to surface. Moments passed. Precious moments flew, decreasing her chances of survival every minute she didn't awaken.
Cough.
An inhalation, ragged and shallow filled her lungs. Coughs erupted, clearing her lungs from the liquid contained within. Her shoulders shaking terribly from the strain of coughing, pain centered in her chest, lungs aching, burning, she opened her eyes and saw him.
His efforts rewarded, Byakuya sat beside her and clutched her to him, afraid to let her go again. Finally he pulled back, face unsmiling, eyes grim. His appearance almost frightened her. Suddenly he seemed hard and unyielding, angry and relieved, simultaneously.
"What did you think you were doing, Yara", he ground out between perfect, white teeth, while hissing his displeasure.
"I-I don't know. I didn't do it on purpose! You saw the ground...it just slipped from underneath me." A horrible thought gave rise to an even terrible suspicion. "What, did you think I tried to kill myself? On purpose?" The look in his eyes said it all. He'd thought she'd done exactly that. "Oh, please, don't flatter yourself! I'd never resort to that, and especially over a man! How ridiculous", she muttered. " I do have pride, Byakuya. Give me some credit. I just don't believe this..."
Observing her, he saw the first shivers take her. Clothes sticking to her form, red hair heavy with curly ringlets, eyes flashing, she appeared every inch a wet temptress. "I have to get you warm before you get sick", he calmly stated. "Let's go."
Taking hold of her he stood slowly while allowing her to adjust her balance. Turning to glance at the last rays of light, she smiled weakly before it disappeared. And there on her left temple, a trickle of blood flowed, slipping languidly down her face. Feeling his movement change, she winced as he lightly wiped his thumb across the cut, clearing the bleeding streak from her skin.
Inwardly she cursed. Every touch, every caress, every sound of his voice, akin to a torture she couldn't rip herself away from, more importantly, she didn't want to.
"Let's go."
Picking her up bridal style, her arms clasped snugly around his neck, placing herself firmly against him, Byakuya took off quickly with a different destination in mind. Moments later he smiled at the surprised gasp she emitted as he arrived at his home.
"Byakuya, why are we here?" Yara found herself confused and at a loss for words. She'd believed they were going back to the infirmary, where Unohana could attend her and she'd be able to rest. Apparently that wasn't to be.
"My home was closer and you needed to get warm- and fast. I'll send word to Unohana for her to come here."
Entering the famed Kuchiki house, still wrapped tightly in his strong arms, and pressed against his muscular chest, she sighed. The house so quiet, nothing, no one stirring, silence the only thing which greeted them. Finally he came to a door and pushed it open.
Green eyes widened in shock. The tall, dark, heartbreakingly handsome Shinigami taicho had taken her to his room, and abruptly, she felt somewhat unnerved and afraid.
The room, richly decorated in mahogany, a color which suited him to a tee, contained a huge king-sized bed, not that she expected any different with his size, a dresser, a wardrobe, and a low table with a pillow for each side. Unexpectedly, a fire blazed brightly in the fireplace, giving off a surreal haze, as if in a dream.
He handed her a dark blue robe. When had he gotten it? Probably while you were admiring his inner sanctum, you dummy, she scolded herself.
"I'll leave you to change, and I'll return shortly." With that he left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Quickly disrobing Yara shimmied from her wet clothing and wrapped his robe tightly around her, securing it around her waist, while enjoying the warmth it provided. Also, she couldn't help but inhale his scent from the material. Woodsy, yet intoxicating. Corny as it sounded...she could easily get drunk on his scent alone. Crazy, but true. Placing her clothes before the fire, she raised her hands to comb through her reckless tangles, separating the strands, helping them to dry faster.
Rising to her feet, hair drier than before, she stumbled over to the giant bed, the pull of sleep-unavoidable. Exhaustion claiming her, Yara climbed into his large bed, hoping he wouldn't mind. The mattress, soft, yet not too soft, embraced her weary body. His pillows just as comfortable. Pulling the light blanket over her, she snuggled into the bedding, feeling comfy and safe. Eyelids weighing heavily, tugging down, she succumbed to the sleep she'd been needing for a while. She never heard the door slide open and Byakuya reenter.
His eyes immediately went to the bed and the slumbering figure in it. Moving to the empty side of the bed, he removed his white robe and scarf and lay down beside her. Feeling tired himself, he cared nothing in regards to propriety.
A message had been sent to Unohana as not to worry her in regards to her patient. The quiet taicho had issued one in return: that she'd arrive in the morning to check on Yara and ensure she hadn't suffered further on her drawn-out "walk".
Taking her hand, studying her face, relaxed in sleep, softly illuminated in the flickering firelight, he felt something else take hold deep inside, something he couldn't explain. In her sleep she gripped his hand, pressing it to her flushed cheeks, the peaceful expression on her face, seeming to savor such a small action.
He whispered, torn between the woman in his past, and the one who could be in his future, the conflict returning, only not as strong as before, "Why have you come? Why now?"
"Because you called out to me. You needed me", she answered simply, sleep-laced tones speaking lowly, sensually, green eyes watching him, her orbs filled with sleep, yet awake. "You needed me just as I needed you."
A small grin touched the corners of his lips. "Maybe", he replied before drawing her closer, allowing her head to lay on his masculine chest, and he could've sworn he heard her sigh.
Resting her head on his chest, she listened to the steady pace of his heart beating, a reassuring rhythm, lulling her back to sleep. "Am I dreaming, Byakuya", she whispered dreamily.
She never heard his answer as she'd already fallen back into the depths of sleep.
This time it was Byakuya who sighed heavily, replying, "No, you're not dreaming, Yara."
Sleep evading him, he spent the next couple of hours staring into the flames burning within the fireplace, or staring at the sleeping beauty next to him. Some time later he closed his eyes, following Yara into a world of dreams, forgetting the world awaiting outside.
Deep in the night as he slumbered a voice whispered, "Let go, Byakuya. It's time. Release me and live your life...it's time."
His eyes snapped open, hearing the words, the voice of his late wife, and a solitary tear trekked down his angular face, quickly vanishing from sight as it fell to the sheets below. Maybe it is time, he thought. Just maybe.
A/N: Sorry about the really long chap...I just wasn't sure where I wanted to stop, and to be honest, I still could've kept going, but I'll save it for the next chapter. :) Enjoy and I hope this chap didn't bore anyone to death...