AN: Since I forgot to put it in the last chapter,

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, or any of the characters. They all belong to Tite Kubo. T_T Believe me, if I owned them, there would be some CRAZY happenings in Soul Society/ Hueco Mundo/ Las Noches/ Karakura. XD

Thank you for all the follows, reviews, and favorites! It's one of the best feelings EVER to check your email and see that you have about 20 notifications from people reading your story *sniffs happily*. And if you've read this far down the AN, kudos to you! Pat yourself on the back; you deserve it!

Chapter 2

It had been a week since Rukia had entered Byakuya's home, and he still didn't understand why he had taken such an interest in her. It wasn't like he was attracted to her physically at first glance. No, he had felt a stirring in his heart upon seeing her broken and shivering, all alone. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop thinking about her. So he decided to take a walk in his garden to get a chance to breathe and relax.

The sakura blossoms fluttered down along the well-worn path in his small garden. He tilted his face towards the moon, and let a brief smile grace his face as he thought of the perfect night it was. However, he sensed a presence behind him. Without turning around, he said softly, "Come out. I know you're there." Slow light steps behind him kept him on the alert. Out of the corner of his eye, Byakuya saw a small figure come to stand next to him. Rukia. He turned marginally, taking in her presence.

"Rukia, is anything wrong?" The girl shook her head quickly. He nodded and remained quiet. Rukia liked that he didn't force conversation upon her. She wasn't ready for it yet. And even if she did want to speak, she didn't have the confidence that she could keep her composure. She reached up and tugged on the sleeve of his kimono, asking a silent question. "Yes, you can stay out here with me. Couldn't sleep again?" Rukia nodded.

Byakuya started walking again, and Rukia trailed slightly behind him. He sat slowly on a bench, and motioned for her to take a seat. She did so, and gazed up at the moon with reverence. Byakuya couldn't take his eyes off of the vision that sat before him. Her rosy lips were parted slightly, her face pale in the moonlight. Her violet eyes sparkled happily as her face tilted up, basking in the moonlight. He sighed, relieved. She turned slightly, hearing his exhalation.

"This is the first time I've seen your eyes smile," he said. Realizing the oddness of his statement, he blushed. The 28th heir to the Kuchiki branch of the Gotei 13 blushed. He tried to make up for this statement, and coughed. Rukia made a noise, and he quickly looked up at her. She had a smile on her face. For the first time in over a week, she had smiled. He weakly smiled back, embarrassed.

"Ano.. What I meant to say was that you had a look in your eyes that I hadn't seen this week. Before, you looked desolate and hopeless. But while looking at the moon, you had a look of contentment, and dare I say, peace." He looked at her delicate features, and reached out a hand to brush away a stray bang from her face. Before reaching it, he realized what he was doing, and paused, a pained look flitted across his face. She tilted her head, and lightly touched his extended hand with her own. She brought it to her face and let go. Byakuya nodded, her reassurance obvious through her simple gestures.

He tucked her hair behind her ear and lightly caressed her cheek with his thumb. She closed her eyes and released a sigh that she didn't know she was holding. As she dozed, her head leaned to rest upon his shoulder. He remained stoic, knowing that her falling asleep in his presence meant that she had some trust in him, no matter how miniscule it might be. He shut his eyes, hoping to get some rest before sunrise.

The sun was rising, and Rukia was sprinting towards it with all of her might. Despite how fast she ran, her feet seemed bogged down in mud, and she could sense someone nearing behind her. She couldn't seem to make herself turn around, and she cursed as she tripped. She heard a harsh chuckle, and shuddered as she realized to whom the voice belonged. The tattooed man flipped her over, shoving her aching muscles into a forced position. She tried opening her mouth, but now words would come. She willed away the tears behind her eyes; she refused to cry now. Her voice wouldn't come to her. But then she remembered; Byakuya. He would help her, she remembered, and so she let out a piercing scream!

" ..kia. ….ukia! Rukia!" A voice jolted her from her sleep. She reached out her arms, shaking from fear. A warm hand held onto hers, and she opened her eyes to meet concerned slate grey ones. He rubbed her back as she trembled. "A nightmare?" Rukia nodded, unable to meet his eyes.

"Gomenasai." She mouthed. His tense shoulders relaxed, and he stroked her hair.

"Don't apologize, Rukia. After going through.. that.. anyone would have emotional trauma. It's okay. Just don't keep it all inside, ne?" Rukia nodded, and took a deep breath. She drew herself up and bowed deeply to Byakuya. He lifted her chin.

"No thanks necessary." He said sternly, but not harshly. She understood his message. He thought of a distraction, "What do you like to do in your spare time?" Rukia raised her brow and stared at him, confused. He smiled in response. "I'm just thinking that perhaps today we could do something different, instead of staying at the house. Of course, if that is what you wish to do, I won't hold you back." She nodded and bit her lip. She pulled the pad from her kimono and wrote:

'Would Byakuya-sama be interested in seeing a performance?' Byakuya chuckled lightly.

"I would love to see a performance with you, and there is no need for such formalities; just Byakuya is fine." Rukia flushed deep red and nodded her understanding. "Now, what did you want to see?" Rukia looked up hesitantly, and wrote down something else.

'There is a performance done by the local magician. It features a bunny named "Chappy". It's a free show, but it has many interesting magic tricks. It's not just for children, although it is a kid-friendly show.' Byakuya nodded. He then clapped loudly, and a servant came rushing to where they sat.

"Please assist Rukia in finding something befitting for today's performance. I assume it will be more casual than formal," He looked to her for guidance, and she nodded. "And if she requests anything, be willing to do whatever she asks. Immediately." The servant nodded and bowed deeply. "Ah, Rukia, this is Yuzu-kun, and she will help you with anything you need assistance with. She is one of the best servants I have, and I trust her explicitly, so no need to worry. And she will not pry into your business if you request." Rukia smiled again, faintly, and followed Yuzu to another wing of the mansion. Yuzu remained very quiet, and only spoke a few words in helping Rukia pose to fasten her clothing.

As Rukia slipped on a borrowed pair of flip-flops, she turned and bowed deeply towards Yuzu, who immediately requested, "Rukia-san. Please don't bow to me. Byakuya-sama hasn't taken interest in anyone for a long time. You.. are very different from anyone he has ever introduced me to. Everyone else has always been work-related. He has never brought a lady home, and you are a very fine lady. It has been a pleasure to serve you." Yuzu said, pink dusting her pale cheeks. Rukia felt the sincerity in the girl's voice, and nodded her thanks with a brief smile, as she left the house to find Byakuya.

Byakuya checked his watch; it had been almost a half hour. Did all girls take this long to get ready? He turned to glance at his porch, when he saw her walking towards him. Floating was a better word. She had minimal makeup, with a touch of lip-gloss and mascara to accent her wide, purple eyes and rosy lips. Yuzu had picked a light blue, floral print sundress that barely brushed her knees. Rukia stood, admiring Byakuya as well. His navy blue button-down accented his wiry frame and chiseled features well. She blushed when she realized that she was appraising him as much as he was appraising her.

Byakuya held out his hand to her, "Rukia, you look lovely. Would you care to lead the way to this magic show?" She fought her first instinct to run away, because he might take advantage of her, and took his hand in her own. She led the way, down the main streets, and turned into a unique shop that advertised candy. On first glance, Byakuya was very suspicious, but with a reassuring look from Rukia, he followed, albeit cautiously.

Several children sat in the rows, and Rukia picked seats near the back, so the magician would not see her. Since she knew him personally, it might be a problem if he chose her for a trick.

A man walked onstage, wearing a strange robe, with clogs and a pinstriped hat concealing his facial features. He introduced himself as Urahara Kisuke, and then began the show. Byakuya noted that Rukia's attention strayed little to none from the rabbit named "Chappy" during nearly the whole show. After the final trick, where he begged someone from the audience to participate, the lights brightened, and everyone began collecting their belongings so they could leave. Rukia grabbed Byakuya's hand and started to leave, when someone shouted her name. She froze, and turned.

Byakuya was surprised when he heard her voice murmur, "I-Ichigo."

AN: My first cliffie! *grins evilly* Sort of sorry about it, but not really XD

Ano: Umm, Excuse me

Gomenasai: I'm very sorry!

-sama: Royalty/ higher in ranking

-san: suffix to show respect

Ummm. I think that's about it! Oh! Sorry if it's a bit (really) dark and heavy. There will be some comedic relief. However, since this is a dramatic, realistic piece, I am unsure how light it will get. There will be PLENTY of fluff, however. XD Please R&R so that I can write better for you guys! It helps a ton! Thank you for your support! *bows* -jewelprincess7