Hey. sorry for taking so long. new term just started and now i have stupid pw. and hell...i'm supposed to come up with preliminary ideas but ended up finishing this chapter. oh well...enjoy. :)

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach.

Byakuya

The moon illuminates the room, reflecting the shape of the window on the hospital bed. My mind kept drifting to Skye, wondering how she was doing. Some shinigami from the 4th division told me that Skye's physical condition is stable, though the injuries are not completely healed. However, he made no comment on her mental stability when I asked.

I was worried for her. How would she take in the news of Ichimaru's betrayal? They were a pair previously, I wonder if Skye still wants to maintain their relationship after he's gone. I won't forgive you, Ichimaru, for what you've done to Skye. I vowed.

Rukia

"Skye chan, how are you?" I poked my head into her ward.

She looked blankly at the white wall facing her. I walked in and placed my flowers a vase at the side of her bed.

"I just wanted to say thank you for saving my life. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you."

Still, no response. She doesn't even look like she's heard me. I fumbled with the fabric of my shihakusho, not knowing what to do. After telling me about Kara, I realized that Skye is not like what everyone's described. She's troubled.

And she looked even more tormented now. I saw her crumble under Ichimaru Gin, begging him with her eyes. I saw her pain and anguish at Gin's silence response. I heard it. I heard her heart shatter. I'm not someone that pries into other people's problems, but there's something between Skye and Gin. They are definitely closer than a captain subordinate relationship.

How Skye is this close to Ichimaru Gin, I have no idea. I don't even know how anyone wants to be close to him. He scares me. Not to mention my unfortunate encounter with him on the day of my execution.

"You need to rest. I will visit you again tomorrow, Skye chan." I moved towards the door. I don't understand her feelings, and I can't help her. There's nothing I can do for her, I thought sadly.

Turning back my head, I realized Skye haven't moved from her position. Didn't even blink. Then I had an idea.

Moving again to sit next to Skye, I hugged her. "There's a story I want to share with you. It's about my futaicho, Kaien Shiba."

Skye

Listening to Rukia's story, I felt slightly comforted. It's like knowing that someone had shared somewhat the same experience as you, felt somewhat the same feelings as you. It meant a lot to me, knowing that I'm not alone.

She didn't cry when she recounted her past to me, nor did she cry when she finished. Perhaps she felt exactly like I did when Gin betrayed me. We cried so hard deep inside that all the tears dried up.

Finally focusing on Rukia, I brushed my fingers gently against her cheek. "Thank you for telling me this."

Byakuya

"You probably wish that I were dead…"

"No…If you were to die, I would no longer have a reason to become stronger." Renji replied me from across the room.

Seireitei is as busy today. Everything looked quite the same. Any outsider would not believe that a few days ago Seireitei was betrayed by three captains. I observed the streets from the window as Renji informed me of the administrative matters in the 6th division.

"Taicho, I need to tell you something important." Renji's voice suddenly became softer. I looked at him to give him my acknowledgement. "It's about Skye."

That draws my attention. I inhaled sharply, preparing for what he had to say. "She's not talking or eating since she's woken up. Rukia told me last night that Skye looked better after she talked to her. But as far as I'm concerned, she is not better at all…"

"What is your purpose for telling me this?"

"I thought…I thought you cared for…you know…her…" Renji gulped, sensing that he's spoken something wrong.

"That is none of your business."

He scratched his head. "Yeah…I know…I'm worried about Skye. A lot of people are worried for her. I hope…you know…that you can talk to her…"

"What makes you think that I could knock some sense in her?"

"I know." Renji smiled at me reassuringly. "I just know."

"…"

"Besides, you are her captain. Shouldn't you make sure that your 3rd seat is capable of completing tasks?"

I sighed. "Go and see whether Skye is fit to see me now."

Skye

Byakuya was wearing a white hakama, exactly like mine. His scarf and kenseikan are nowhere to be seen. But I like him this way. He's just Byakuya, not the Byakuya from the Kuchiki family.

"I should…erm…give the two of you some privacy?" Renji hurried away from Byakuya's ward. I came because I was ordered to, not because I wanted. I kept reminding myself as I gave Byakuya an onceover.

"Byakuya taicho." I greeted him.

He glanced at me. "How are you?"

I was slightly surprised by his question. "My injuries are almost healed…and I am feelin–"

"Renji mentioned that you are neither eating nor talking these few days."

"I talked to you, didn't I?" I tilted my head to the right. "I never eat much, so there's no need to worry."

Byakuya stayed silent as he looked outside the window. "What about you, taicho?" I can't help but feel happy that he looks normal now. Like he and I are at the same level.

"I'm fine." He replied. "I need you to eat more and take extra care of yourself. We are currently short of officers and you will be extremely busy after you return to work."

"Hai. If there's nothing more, I will leave now."

Byakuya held out a hand and motioned me closer instead. After I moved beside his bed, he cleared his throat and said, "As your captain, I need to know whether you are emotionally capable of working the next few days."

"Of course I am." I said each word slowly, slightly confused by what he meant. "What do you mean by that?"

"It is concerning your relationship with the ex third division taicho, Ichimaru Gin." He refrained from looking at me when he said that.

I cursed silently. "What is my relationship with Ichimaru taicho?"

"Do you treat me as a fool?" Byakuya narrowed his eyes at me.

"Then there's nothing to talk about." Not wanting to argue anymore, I left without his consent.

Byakuya

"You may leave this evening." Unohana said to me a few minutes ago.

I can't get Skye's question out of my head. 'What is my relationship with Ichimaru taicho?'

To think I actually found this girl attractive. Spending my time resting these few days gave me plenty of time to think about what happened. I had to admit that I felt attracted to Skye. I wanted her to feel the same way about me. I wanted her to see only me. I wanted to protect her. Mentioning about Ichimaru made my blood boil.

I closed my eyes. This is what I feared to admit all along.

I love her.

Skye

Hitsugaya looked at me with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged. "Unohana taicho said that I was free to go."

"No, I mean what are you doing here, in my division?"

I spotted Matsumoto. "Ah, there she is! Matsumoto san!"

"Call me Rangiku. Want to drink sake with taicho, Kira and me?" She raised the bottle in her hands.

"Of course!" I clasped my hands together. "That is precisely why I wanted to find you!"

As I walked towards Matsumoto, Hitsugaya sighed. "Whatever. Count me out of this."

I burped. "Do you have anymore, Rangiku? Rangiku?" I shaked her body.

"She's out." Kira mumbled as he slumped onto the table.

I giggled as I stood up shakily. "I needa go now…there's no more sake. Nah uh. And I'm not even drunk yet…"

As I walked towards my division barracks, I felt lightheaded. My brain can't seem to think properly and I actually love this feeling. Screw it. This feels great! I raised both of my hands in the air. "Weeeeeeee!" I shouted into the empty streets as the wind carried my voice away.

"Skye chan, are you feeling okay?"

I turned around abruptly. "Yeah yeah. I feel more than okay. I feel great! Haha." I danced around. "Who are you?" I stared at the blurry face in front of me.

"Hisagi. You are drunk, Skye chan. Let me escort you back." He grabbed my arm and led the way. I continued giggling as I staggered along.

"You know something, Hisagi? Guys are jerks. All of them. Take my advice and don't ever get a boyfriend."

He stopped and looked at me weirdly. "I am a guy."

"Oh…Hisagi, you are a guy?" I giggled again. "You are a guy! I am a girl, and you are a…" I paused and pointed at him. "You are a guy?"

He nodded.

"Stay away from me, Hisagi!" I screamed as I ran away from him.

"Skye chan! Why are you…You will get hurt like that…Drunk and alone on the streets at night. Skye chan!" I ran even faster after realizing that Hisagi was chasing me.

"Stay away from me! Stay away…" I felt something pull my hand. I almost fell at the appearance of that sudden force, but something grabbed my waist and I balanced.

I turned around to see Hisagi pause a few feet away from me. "Skye chan…"

"Stay away from me, you are a guy!" I spat as I hid behind the something that grabbed me a few seconds ago.

"What is going on here?"

This voice is oddly familiar… "I'm sorry, Byakuya taicho. Skye chan appears to drunk, and I am trying to escort her back to her division."

"I could hear the both of you from a few blocks away. You can go now. I will escort her back."

"Hai." With that, Hisagi disappeared and I felt myself being dragged again.

"Wha…Are you a guy?" I looked up at the person.

"Do you not recognize me?" I continued to stare at the person. "I am your captain."

"my captain? But my captain is Byakuya Kuc…ano…you are Byakuya taicho?"

He stopped. "Why are you so drunk, Skye?"

I covered my mouth in surprise, all signs of my lightheadedness faded when I realize who he is. My brain started to function again, to my disappointment. Shit shit shit. I cringed away from him, hiding my face with my hair to prevent him from seeing me in embarrassment.

"Answer me." He said authoritatively.

"…forget…" I mumbled.

His grip on me tightened to prevent me from swaying. Though my mind is clear, my body is still in a trance. "What?"

"Forget." My voice hardened. "Don't touch me." I don't want to break down in front of Byakuya.

"Look at me." His voice was harsh. Unwillingly, I willed myself to turn. "What do you want to forget?"

"You." I stared at him defiantly, not wanting to show him any weakness. "I want to forget about you."

His eyes narrowed. "Don't pretend you don't know anything. You are the one who called me a slut, caused me to bleed, and deemed me unworthy to be in your division. I couldn't have hated you more."

My wrists, still held down by Byakuya, felt like they are about to break, but I didn't stop babbling to Byakuya. "Yes you heard me. I hate you, Kuchiki Byakuya. Now, let. Go. Of. Me."

I tried to pull away, but within a second, Byakuya threw me against the wall, his body pressing onto mine, forcing me to stand. My heart automatically pumped faster, blood rising to my cheeks.

"You know what I think of you? You are pathetic. You just ran away every time something happens. You hide in your shell, pretending nothing happened, and now you blame me for your pain. The 6th division does not need someone as weak as you." He stood back and looked at me in distaste. "You need to face reality. Ichimaru Gin is gone. He left. If you want to stay in my division, make sure you deal with your emotions and treat him as an enemy the next time you face him, not as a lover."

I pushed him away from me and let myself get taken away by anger. "SHUT THE HELL UP!" I screamed. "You don't know a damn thing about me! And how many times must I tell you: THERE IS NOTHING GOING ON BETWEEN ME AND ICHIMARU! Ichimaru…Ichimaru….he's…I can't believe it….he just left me…he promised…HE PROMISED NOT TO LEAVE ME!" I wailed. That's when I noticed that I am crying. And I thought I was incapable of shedding tears.

I wasn't aware that Byakuya is witnessing my hysteria. It's just me and my pain. Each sob didn't release pain, it brought more of it. More of the things I'd hidden from, had pushed away, pushed down, push behind me were cascading out in an embarrassing mess. Mess. I was making a mess. And I couldn't stop. I covered my mouth with my hands and knelt down on the ground, my legs unable to support the heavy burden. I didn't know how long I stayed in this position, when my weeping became little hiccups, because after crying my eyes out, I collapsed.

Rukia

I was walking back to my room when I saw onii sama carrying an unconscious Skye into the guest room. What happened to her? Why did he bring her to the manor?

"Onii sama, what is Skye chan doing here?"

He was looking at the servants covering Skye with a blanket as he spoke to me. "She will be spending tonight here." He turned his attention to one of the servants. "Take care of her. She will be here in this bed tomorrow. Do not let her wander out of this manor." He took one last look at Skye before leaving.

I waited until onii sama and the servants left the room before approaching the sleeping girl. She reeked of alcohol, and her face was stained with streaks of dried tears.

I smiled lightly as I thought about what I've seen a few minutes ago. Was that affection I saw on Byakuya's face when he looked at Skye?

Skye

I tossed and turned. My head is unbelievably pain. I tired to remember what happened last night. Drunk…I was drunk…then something about Hisagi and Byakuya…Oh shit. Byakuya. My eyes shot open. I embarrassed the hell out of myself in front of him. I sat up, glancing at the surroundings.

The room is big, with rosy pink walls. I hate pink. It took me a few minutes to locate the door. I slid it open and came face to face with a middle aged woman. She was carrying a tray and looking at me curiously.

"You've woken up, Minori san. Please get into the room, I've prepared some medicine to ease your pain."

"Please call me Skye." I watched her walk in and place the tray on the table stand. I shaded my eyes from the Sun as I swayed back to the bed. I'm having an awful hangover. I thought as I sat down on the futon. "Where am I? Who are you? What time is it?"

"Take it easy, girl." She passed me a glass of water and a white pill. "You need some sleep." After making sure that I ate my medicine, she answered my questions. "I'm one of the servants, you can call me Juuri. You are currently staying in the Kuchiki manor. Byakuya sama brought you here last night and instructed us to take care of you. You are not supposed to go to work today, so I suggest you get some sleep and wait for Byakuya sama to come back. It won't be long, I suppose, as it is already four."

I am in Byakuya's house? I gasped in horror. After what happened last night, I don't want to see him anymore. Gosh, he must have thought I'm an idiot. Actually, he already made that point clear.

Filled with dread, I let myself be overcome by drowsiness.

Rukia

Nothing could describe how I felt when I saw that. I clasped my hands around my mouth in shock. Was that real? Taking a few seconds to calm down, I replayed the whole scene in my head again.

"Dinner is ready, Rukia san. Could you please call your brother to come too?"

"Hai. Arigato, Mizuki san!" I smiled at the servant.

…..

"Nii sa…" The words were stuck in my throat. Byakuya was standing at the corridor, looking down so intently that he didn't even notice my riatsu. Curious, I looked down. And I saw Skye, standing under the cherry blossom trees. My breath caught in my throat. She is so beautiful and unreal. I glanced at Byakuya. Yup, he definitely feel the same as I do now.

"Nii sama!" I called out again. "Byakuya nii sama!"

Finally, he turned. I got a full view of his slate grey eyes. It was fading rapidly, but I caught it. His eyes were shining with indescribable light that I haven't seen before. The way he looked at Skye just now…something clicked in my head.

I gulped in large amounts of oxygen. My brother, in love with my friend? Something just doesn't add up. But somehow, I feel right.

Byakuya

"I specifically told the servants not to let you wander around. You should be resting." I put on my best façade and looked at Skye.

"I'm not tired." She replied simply, not looking at me. "Can I go back now?"

I frowned. "Why? Is the hospitality not good enough for you?"

"No…It's just that…it's just…" She hesitated before looking me in the eye. "My room is at the 6th division barracks, taicho. And I shouldn't be here anyway…Sorry for causing you trouble."

"If it is your wish to return, then you may. Make sure you are ready to work by tomorrow." I turned and walked away as much as my heart protests.

"Ano…Byakuya taicho. There's another thing." I stopped. "Could you forget about what happened the night before? Thanks."

In a flash, she was gone. "That was the first time I've seen the real you, Skye. How could you ask me to forget?" I murmured to myself.

….

"Nii sama, where is Skye chan?"

"She went back." I replied simply. Even though I didn't look at her, I know that Rukia is shifting uncomfortably as she sat there picking at her food.

"What is it, Rukia?"

"Oh!" Her chopsticks dropped from her hand as she registered my voice. "I…mmm…its nothing, nii sama. I was just…distracted…"

Sighing, I put down my chopsticks as I gave Rukia my full attention. "You are not very good at lying."

She finally caught my gaze, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Umm…it's really nothing. Please don't bother yourself, nii –"

"Rukia." I interrupted her with a dangerous tone. I was not usually this persistent with Rukia, but there's something about this that I didn't like.

Finally getting the hint that I am dead serious, she gave up. "I was…well…you know…" She started babbling. After what felt like hours, she finally got to the point. "I saw you…you…staring…oh I mean looking…or maybe glancing at…umm her…and…well something's…not right…I feel…or maybe…"

"You mean you saw me looking at Skye." I summarized for her. "And you think something is wrong."

Looking at me with hunched shoulders, as if I would explode any moment, Rukia nodded meekly.

I stood up and headed for the door, not giving her another glance.

"Byakuya nii sama…" I paused. "Do you?"

"Do I what?" I asked even though I had a very good idea on what she's going to ask.

"Love her."

My hands twitched at the rawness of those words. As I was contemplating on how to answer her, Rukia walked past me and turned back, giving me a small, all-too-knowing smile. "It's okay, I already know the answer."

Skye

Staring at the moon, I thought about what happened over the last two days.

'Apparently, a lot.' Hotaru no hikari mocked me.

"Shut up." I mumbled. I had gotten drunk, shouted at my captain, called him by his full name despite our huge difference in status, stayed at his manor, and just realized that I maybe…just maybe…have feelings for him.

'just maybe?'

"Argh." I silently cursed. Everything about this is wrong. I shouldn't feel this way. My heart shouldn't beat any faster. Maybe its just physical attraction; or curiousness. Whatever it is, it is not love. I can only love one person. Taeda.

'Do you? You don't even think of him now.'

I clutched my head in frustration. "You are not making this any better, Hikari."

'You are so dense, my dear.' She chuckled.

"Not funny." I put my zanpakuto next to the wall and jumped onto the futon. "I'm so confused. Argh…"

'Just follow your heart.'

"That's the last thing I'm doing." I mumbled through the blankets. "My heart is shit."

'…'

Just when I thought Hikari is shutting up, she spoke, so quietly, I thought I was dreaming.

'I've seen your heart break twice. I don't want to witness it again.'

Her soothing words, like a lullaby, sent me into a deep slumber before I could comprehend what she meant.

R/R please!

okay so i realised that i didn't really talk about my oc's background...resulting in some confusion...so i shall talk about it in the next chapter. The reason why i didn't write my oc's past was because i don't know whether you readers would like to read it. usually i would just skip the background when reading other fanfic so...please just tell me whether you would like to know Skye's past in great detail or something...so i can decide how long I should write.

yup, that's all. till next time T.T