Hello hello! it's been a while. I AM REALLY REALLY SORRY TO ALL MY READERS! I was super busy with school and everything. Anyway i just finished my exams, which i am positively sure that i'll fail, so...there you go, a new chapter. [:

I can't promise that I'll post the next chapter soon, seeing I will be super busy AGAIN. So I just hope that you can wait patiently. I know, I am really sorry.

Well, enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach.

Skye

She cleansed herself in the river. She felt a riatsu approaching, but could not be bothered to hide her body from the intruder.

"Minori."

She leaned her head back to wash her hair.

"Minori."

Her fingers gently massaged her scalp.

"You have been washing for almost an hour." He stated quietly.

"…"

"You'll get a cold if you continue submerging yourself in the waters." His eyes glistened in the moonlight. "Get out of there, Minori. Please."

"…"

Finally registering his futile attempts to convince her to stop bathing, he became serious. "Skye. Get out of the river now."

She turned her head, staring blankly at his dark form leering in the shadows. After a minute, she continued her administrations.

"Fuck." He swore under his breathe. With angry strides, he came in front of her and pulled her up forcefully. "Get out. Now." He tossed the towel to her, averting his gaze from her naked form.

Her lifeless eyes gazed right through him. She stayed like that, staring at nothingness, until he got irritated again. He grabbed the towel and dried her himself, blushing slightly when he touched her intimate parts. She didn't resist. In fact, she didn't even seem to notice his actions. When he was done, he wrapped his cloak around her, knowing that her clothes were bloodied.

"Skye." He grabbed her shoulders and shook her violently. Snapping back to her senses, she took a while to register her surroundings. Realising that she was wearing his cloak, she snarled. "How dare you."

"You didn't object."

"Fuck you, Taeda." She proceeded to remove to cloak and dipped her foot into the cold river water again, only to be stopped by him.

"Let go." She glared dangerously at his hand grabbing her wrists.

"Stop torturing yourself, Minori." He said quietly.

"LET GO."

"It's not your fault. She only did that to protect you."

"DAMN IT! LET ME GO!" She twisted her wrists in every way possible to get out of his grasp, as if his hands were burning her skin.

A frown appeared on his face. "I understand your feelings. Why don't you cal–"

Her face, livid with anger, tilted up so that she can look him in the eyes. "Calm down? Would you care to tell me how the fuck do you think you understand my feelings?"

"I…"

"How did you feel when you killed your sister, by your own hands? How did you feel as you watch her die?" Her eyes glistened with tears. "Enlighten me."

His face was distorted in pain as he watched her silently as tears began pouring from her eyes.

"Oh I forgot. You don't have a sister." She spoke sarcastically, trying in vain to protect her pride. He did not allow himself to get angry with her comment. He saw through her weakness. Instead, he pulled her towards him and enveloped her into a hug. "It's okay to cry sometimes." He soothed her. "Shh…It's okay."

I shot up from the comforts of my bed. Heaving, I calmed myself down. 'It's just a dream.' I repeated over and over again.

Rubbing my head, I walked towards the bathroom.

"You do realize that I am naked, right?" she arched her eyebrows.

He blinked. "Oh." Blushing from embarrassment, he let go of her and turned, allowing her some privacy to change.

She chuckled softly as she wiped her cheeks of her now-dried tears. "Where did your decency come from? The last time I remember, you were practically prying off my clothes."

He groaned. "You are indescribable. I'll be waiting for you at the hut."

Sensing that he is really gone, her smile disappeared. She looked at her reflection in the still water. 'Who is she?' She wondered. Just then, a droplet of rain fell into the river, forming ripples in the water. Her reflection blurred. Looking up at the sky, she signed. "The sky is crying."

"Stop it! Stop it!" I banged my head against the wall. Why can't I stop thinking about it?

"Skye. Are you in there?" Knock. More Knocks. "Skye! I'm coming in!"

"Argh…I'm fine…I'll –" Before I get to finish my sentence, Renji barged in.

I quickly slipped on my shinigami robes and walked out of the bathroom. He almost choked on his own saliva. "What the hell! What are you…nevermind."

I thought his face can never get any redder. Hiding back a smile, I hurriedly arranged my robes so that my skin is properly covered. "You can turn around now. I look decent." I said monotonically.

"Whoa whoa…and you can't get any more enthusiastic then this." He mumbled sarcastically.

"Do you have a reason as to why you are barging into my room early in the morning?"

"Yeah…"He began to look serious. "Someone wants to see you."

I looked at the door with the big "one" printed on it. 'It's now or never,' I thought. I pushed the wooden door and stepped inside the shaded room.

Before I even got the chance to greet, Yamamoto soutaicho coughed. "Well, let's get to the topic, shall we?" He turned to a petite figure standing next to him.

"Minori Skye." The figure slowly walked out of the shadows. "Are you willing to share whatever information you hold, or do you wish to be forced?"

I tilted my head. "What do you mean, taicho?"

Yamamoto soutaicho raised his hand. "I'll explain, soi-fong." He peered at me. "You see, we called you here as of regard to the commotion a few days ago. Everyone is well aware of Kaname and Ichimaru being Aizen's apprentice. And there has been some concern over the last couple of days raised by various captains questioning your loyalty…"

Soi-fong narrowed her eyes at me. "I would like to personally interrogate you, Minori san."

It's Skye, not Minori. Without batting an eyelid, I nodded my head in resolution. "Well then, the sooner we finish this, the better."

"Another thing. Considering the state of soul society at this stage, we cannot afford any hiding of information by you. So if you could collaborate with us…."

"I would need Tsuki to help with the interrogation." Soi-fong interrupted again.

This time, I couldn't help to form a glare.

"You don't even trust me enough to tell you the truth that you need Tsuki san to infiltrate my brains?"

"We can't afford to take risks." Yamamoto soutaicho affirmed. "And it is also to your best interests that all doubts towards you are cleared."

"Fine." I avoided revealing any emotions to them.

At my consent, Soi-fong hands me a blindfold. "You are not supposed to know the location of the Executive Militia headquarters."

Byakuya

"Do you think she's alright?"

My hands twitched, itching to slap Renji just to get him to shut up. "She is fine." As I opened the door to my office, a shinigami covering his face kneed in front of me, holding out a piece a paper.

Glancing through the contents in the paper, I drew back a sharp breath. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Taicho requested your consent over this. Minori san already signed the agreement."

At the mention of Skye, Renji immediatey focused on the piece of paper. "What does it say? What did Skye agree on?"

"Get out of my office, Renji. This is not matters concerning you." I replied harshly. Making sure that he is out of earshot, I questioned the shinigami again. "Why is there a need to ask Tsuki to interrogate her? She had not committed any serious crimes."

"Soul society needs assurance, especially in times like this. I'm sure you understand Soi-fong taicho's rationale. If you could kindly give your consent, the whole process will be over soon."

I couldn't believe that Skye would willingly give her consent without a fight. Did she even know what Tsuki can do to her? Hesitantly, I signed the papers.

Shaking my head, I started on my paperwork. 'I hope you are alright, Skye.'

Skye

"AHHHHHH! STOP IT! GET OUT OF ME!" I screamed. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD, YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH!" Losing whatever control I had over myself, I screamed and cursed during the entire interrogation process.

I can hear Soi-fong ordering her troops to restrain me. I can feel Tsuki slashing her way through my mind, messing around with my memories.

After an agonizingly long time, I felt myself slumping onto the ground. Breathing deeply and trying to ignore the scotching feeling inside my brain, I reached out desperately to grab my sword for some reassurance.

"I thought you said it would only take an hour." I strained my voice as I said that.

"It only took half an hour." Soi-fong looked at me. "I will report everything to the Soutaicho tomorrow morning. Other than that…Tsuki! Bring her back."

I tried to stand, but my knees buckled under me. Who would have thought it would be this painful? It felt like someone riping my head apart as Tsuki advanced in my brain just now.

"I'm sorry, Minori san." I felt someone pulling me up. Forcing my eyes to open, I saw a dark-haired shingami around my height.

"There's nothing to apologize about. You are merely doing your job." I growled at the sudden pain in my head. "Would you just get me out of here so I can rest?"

The thought of lying down in my bed appealed to me so much that I forced myself to endure the pain and shunpo together with her.

"Don't push yourself too hard." She said softly. "Where do I leave you?"

I tried to tell her the directions to my barracks, but nothing came out of my mouth. Noticing my difficulty, she squeezed my arm, as if it can make it all better. "It's okay. You will feel better after you sleep. I'll leave you in your division then. Your taicho should know where put you."

"She is…hai…I am aware…hai…hai…" I vaguely heard the conversation between Tsuki and Byakuya as I laid there on the office couch. As soon as I heard the door slam, I tried to get up. "I'm sorry, taicho. I can –"

"You need rest. I'll wake you up later." Upon hearing his deep, velvet voice, my mind drift away from consciousness.

She sat on a rock, scrutinizing the blonde hair guy in front of her. He is staring at a small yellow flower growing among the tall grass.

There is something off about him. Something different that she can't point out. He's been acting like this, ever since her sister died. She has finally come to terms with her sister's death. It's not her fault, like he said.

"Taeda." She called out softly.

He didn't respond. She gave a small frown. Things are really looking weird. Taeda is the sharpest guy she has ever known. But his mind kept wondering off these days. He is not with her, even when they made love.

"Everything is okay." She gently slapped her cheek. "Stop thinking too much. Taeda probably just misses Kara as much as I did. It's okay. It's okay, Skye."

"Skye." I looked up. "What are you doing, talking to yourself like that?"

"Oh. I was just…" She smiled. "Nevermind. Can you train me now?"

He walked towards her and pressed his lips against hers. She responded immediately. He kissed her hard, hands in her hair, not giving her any time to catch her breath before sliding his tongue into her.

"Mmm…ahh…Taeda…mmm…" She tried to push him away. As much as she wanted to continue, she has to train. "Hey…train me…remember?"

Finally removing his tongue from her mouth, he went on to kiss her jaw, nibbling it gently.

"Taeda…we need to train…ummm…."

He growled and moved on to kiss her ear. "I want you, now." He whispered seductively. She shuddered under his breath.

"Ummm…"

He bit her earlobe while roaming his hands all over his body. .

"Ta…ahh.." She moaned. Unable to resist the temptations any longer, she pressed herself onto him. "Uhh…yeah..i'm sure it can wait…"

Upon hearing her give her consent, he bit her neck, hard, drawing blood. She screamed.

"I love you so much." She panted into his ear.

He froze, stopping his administrations. Slowly, he looked at her, his eyes unreadable. After a few moments, he smiled. "I know."

As he continued kissing his way down, she can't help but feel a pang in her heart. Did she imagine it, or did the smile on his face look forced? 'Stop thinking so much.' She scolded herself inwardly.

I woke up in sweat. Looking around, I noticed that I'm in a very familiar room. And that's…Byakuya's office. Great. The last person I want to see.

"Taicho…"

"You are awake." Byakuya was sorting out his paperwork, not even bothering to glance at me. "How is your head?"

I rubbed my temples. "Yeah, it feels better. Thanks for…you know…letting me rest here." I tilted my lips.

He stopped and looked at me. "Do you want me to accompany you back to your room?"

No, I don't. "If it's alright with you…"

"I will be finished with this shortly."

As I sat there waiting, I analyzed him. His black hair frames his face perfectly. His slate grey eyes never once blinked as he scanned through the documents. His mouth, twitching in…

Wait what? His mouth is twitching?

Before I can comprehend the situation, he broke the silence. "It's rude to stare." His mouth twitched again.

My eyes widened. Oh god, caught in the act. I could feel my face redden in embarrassment. I covered my face with my face as I shook my head. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's alright. There is no rule in seireitei that forbids anyone to stare." His mouth twitched again.

Is he holding back a smile? Ha, who is caught in the act now, huh. The great Byakuya Kuchiki, almost smiled at my actions. I snorted at the thought.

"What is so funny?" He raised his eyebrows.

"You can laugh, you know. There is no rule in seireitei that forbids anyone to laugh." I repeated what he said.

He gave me a strange expression. "Let's go." As he passed by me, I swear I saw him smile. A full smile. Not a half-hearted twitch of the lips, but a smile. And damn, he looks so hot with the smile plastered on his lips. I can't help but stare.

"So…are you coming or not?"

Dumbfounded, I run towards him. "Of course." .

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I can't sleep. I can't sleep. I can't sleep. Insomnia is the worst. It is torture. While everyone in Seireitei is asleep, my mind is buzzing with all kinds of random thoughts. And sometimes the thoughts reach a standstill, and my mind goes blank. I become more aware of the silence. It is precisely during this moment that I realize how alone I am.

Unable to take the loneliness any longer, I decided to go for a walk. I left Hotaru no Hikari behind as I do not want her messing with my mind. Don't get me wrong, I love my zanpakuto. But sometimes, she gets all smart and philosophical, making me doubt and question the world, and right now, I am not the mood.

I followed the moon. Each step I take, I am closer to it, yet it still seems so far away.

Byakuya

I can't sleep. My mind keeps drifting to somewhere else. Or more specifically, a person. She held so much power, but she doesn't know how to use them. She is independent yet she can't seem to take care of herself. She doesn't want to form bonds with people but yet she can't avoid being friendly and protective of them. She is perfectly imperfect.

And I am in love with her.

I can't sleep.

Skye

"Hey."

He turned around. He narrowed his eyes when he saw me. "Minori san."

"It's a pleasure to see you too." I murmured.

"What are you doing here?"

I stared at the moon. "I can't sleep." I confessed.

"Me too."

We continued looking at the sky. 'There are almost no stars tonight.' I noted. I was lost in my thoughts until I heard someone calling my name.

"Yes?"

He looked at me. "Are you disappointed?"

My eyes glazed over the tattooed 69 on his face. "What are you talking about?"

"You are crying." He pointed out. "So I just assume that you are disappointed."

Surprised, I rubbed away the tears. "Oh, I didn't notice. Don't worry, futaicho, I'm fine."

"Hisagi will do."

We lapse into silence yet again. When I was so sure that he won't continue the conversation any longer, he spoke up. "You're lying."

"Huh?"

"You are lying." He repeated. This time, more firmly.

I paused. "Yeah. Yeah, I did." Looking over his shoulder at the panoramic view of Seireitei, I told him how I feel. "I feel horrible. I want to trash up the place. I am so disappointed in the world that I have nothing to live for. I want to cry until all my tears dry up. I need to…" I continued rambling about every little thing that made me angry, sad, and betrayed until I finally acknowledged the fact that I need to breathe.

He spoke, almost too quietly. "I feel this way too."

"Arigato, Hisagi kun."

"I can't believe Tousen taicho would do this. I never known that the justice he perceived would be this. He…He shown me hope in this world and then he destroyed them. I…I honestly do not how I feel. When the time comes, I am going to defeat him. I am going to show him what is justice. But I don't hate him."

I smiled at him. "I don't hate Gin too." Right now, at this moment, all my worries are gone. It is the feeling where someone shares the same burden as you, and you know that you are not alone anymore. I feel…lighthearted. And I haven't felt this way since forever.

I walked over to Hisagi. "Would you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

I smiled, feeling the happiness from deep in my heart. I put my arms around him buried my face in his chest. I felt him go stiff, but after recovering from the shock, he hugged me back. We stood like that, on the hill of Seireitei, with the moon watching over us. Nothing was on my mind, but this time, it feels peaceful.

I closed my eyes.

There you have it. This chapter don't really have much interaction between Byakuya and Skye, so I apologise to those who are dying to see them together. I want to develop Skye's character first before slowly building up their relationship.

Anyway, please review and tell me how you feel! Thank you so much! I love you guys o.o