Summary

On an off chance, Kagome bumps into Rukia...

A/N: And here we have another One-Shot. And don't think I haven't noticed that these are getting longer. Trust me, I see it. I just don't know if it will be continued. I hope you enjoy this!

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Since the entire ordeal of almost being executed for what she thought was a petty crime, Rukia Kuchiki had been ordered, not only by her Captain but her brother as well, to take it easy. It had been almost two months since then, and she still hadn't fully regained all of her shinigami powers.

'Damn that Ichigo. He drained me dry.' Shaking her head at the annoyed thought, the adopted noble continued back to her home. Things were looking up though, in her opinion. Byakuya wasn't nearly as strict as he used to be. He even spoke on several occasions to her. When her older brother wasn't busy with Squad 6 work, he was even somewhat amiable.

He'd had quite the confessional with her; seeing as he revealed that his late wife, whom Rukia resembled greatly, was, in fact, her true blood older sister. The only regret the young shinigami had was that she hadn't had the chance to meet her. Rukia couldn't lay all the blame on Hisana, though. Life in Hanging Dog was hard. Had she not possessed the abilities that she did, she wouldn't have even left the slums.

'And I probably would have ended up a prostitute.' She couldn't hate Hisana for wanting a better life. And babies were hard to take care of. They were almost always crying because they wanted food or shelter or even love. She understood why she'd been left behind.

'Nii-sama said that she searched for me every day. That she felt horribly guilty for leaving me behind. She wanted to be a family still. She just didn't have the strength to carry on,' the dark-haired girl thought sadly, large violet eyes staring at the ground. So busy was she in her thoughts, Rukia didn't see the other person turn the corner and run right into her. The two went tumbling down in a tangle of limbs.

"Owww! That hurt!" a feminine voice whimpered to the right. Rukia glared over at the girl, intent on giving her a verbal lashing. She stopped though, when she locked gazes with a pair of brightly sparkling blue eyes. "I'm sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going. Lost in thought, you know?"

The noble blinked for a second and tilted her head. "... Huh?" Great. How eloquent.

"I really do apologize."

"It's okay!" Rukia replied quickly, scrambling up and dusting herself off, "I was caught up in my musings as well." She decided to forgive the girl and held out a hand. Those blue eyes blinked in surprise at the gesture. Then she smiled and took the offer.

"I guess we both need to pay better attention, eh?" the girl giggled, standing and brushing the dust from her robes. Shinigami robes. "My name's Kagome Higurashi. What about you?"

"I'm Rukia. It's nice to bump into you," the noble joked, smirking in amusement at the pun. Kagome laughed and shook her head.

They talked for another few minutes as they gathered the noble girl's things off the ground. One topic led to another, which then kept them in eachother's company for far longer than either girl anticipated.

Soon enough, they were discussing hard-headed friends- and their tendencies to just jump in to things without ever thinking- over lunch and afternoon tea.

It was weird, but for once, she felt like this conversation wasn't awkward or stilted at all. When she'd been in the world of the living, the people there, aside from Ichigo, had been difficult to talk to. The smaller shinigami had been starting to warm up to Orihime, and Chad had been easy to deal with, but most everyone else didn't always understand her humor or her quirks.

With Kagome, there was a sense that she wouldn't be judged or thought of as strange. Ever. It was... comforting.

Thunder rumbled overhead, startling the two girls from their laughter. Peeking out of the tea shop, Rukia noticed the ominous clouds and repressed a sigh. "I need to get going. It's supposed to rain today, and I still have to finish my list."

"I could help you finish it, if you want?" Kagome offered, smiling genuinely when the noble girl blinked at her, then nodded in silence, "Right then! Let's hurry! Otherwise, we'll get caught in the rain!"

The two shinigami quickly managed to gather the rest of Rukia's supplies and had started back to her home when the sky rumbld loudly again before opening up and dumping rain on everyone outside. They shrieked and ducked under the nearest awning, laughing at their bedraggled appearances.

"Oh! I'll be soaked by the time I get back to the barracks," the former priestess grumbled, ringing out a little water from her sleeve and twisting more from her long hair.

"My home is just here," Rukia offered, pointing in the direction of a grand looking building that was surrounded by a sturdy wall. Kagome almost gulped. She had no idea that Rukia was noblility, and here she was, acting like they were friends. The shinigami sighed inwardly and slapped her head.

'Stupid Kagome!'

"I don't want to intrude-!"

"Nonsense! If you trek all the way back to the barracks, you might catch a cold, Kagome!" the smaller girl protested, giving a short glare and taking the other girl's arm, "It's logical to stay with me for a while. Besides, it's also better to be safe than sorry."

"Are... Are you sure?" Kagome asked uncertainly, glancing from the impending walls to the deserted street in the direction of the Squad 6 baracks.

"Yes. Now, come on! The faster we get in, the sooner we can get out of these wet clothes!"

"Ohhh... All right. Lead on, o great one!" Rukia snorted inelegantly and elbowed the other girl. Gathering their bags and tying off what could be ruined by the rain, they counted to three and dove into the downpour.

"This way. If you don't follow me, you might get lost," Rukia started, taking Kagome's wrist and dragging her in the direction of the manor. A few minutes later, they were underneath the roof of the large building and dripping water on the gleaming wood floors. Both were soaking wet at this point, but neither seemed to mind either. "I'll get us some towels and a change of clothes. It would be a good idea to take a hot bath too. You can stay until morning. I'm sure my brother won't mind."

"I don't want to be an inconvenience, Rukia," the former priestess replied, giving the other girl an awkward smile, "As soon as the rain stops, I'll make my way home."

"Didn't you hear?" the other girl asked, elicting a head shake from her new friend, "It's supposed to rain like this all night. You'll have to stay." Kagome blinked several times, then finally sighed and nodded as she followed the other girl into the intimidating mansion.

"I guess I have no choice." Looking around, she noticed something in the distance that had her stopping and staring. Rukia nearly pulled her over, but caught herself and turned to see what the other girl was looking at.

"That's... an archery range... right?"

"Yes. My brother uses it. He's very good. I'm not so adept at archery, though," the smaller girl admitted sheepishly, rubbing her wet hair and meeting Kagome's bright blue eyes, "Do you know how to use a bow and arrow?"

"Oh yes! I love archery! I just don't really have anywhere to practice without accidentally shooting someone," Kagome replied happily, smiling wistfully in remembrance of open fields and miles of hills. The Feudal Era had been a perfect place to hone her skills. Not to mention killing demons had made her quickly learn to be as accurate as possible. Otherwise she would have been eaten. "It's kind of ironic. I used to do archery when I was alive, and my Shikai takes the form of a bow."

"Does it? That's different!" the adopted Kuchiki asked, surprise etched on her features. She didn't know souls that crossed over could remember their previous lives? Then she got an idea. "Say, when it's not raining, do you want to come back and use the range?" The priestess turned to her and looked like she'd been offered the world on a golden platter.

"Are you serious? You'd let me do that?" Kagome squealed, happiness overflowing from her.

"I'd have to double check with Nii-sama, but I don't think he'll mind," Rukia answered smugly, not expecting for the other girl to hug her tightly suddenly.

"Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Rukia, you're the best," the priestess chanted, swinging the smaller girl around in joy and flinging water everywhere, "Thank you so much!"

"You... You're welcome, Kagome." Eventually, the two girls continued on into the stately manor, Kagome trying not to stare openly and Rukia humming happily under her breath. She directed the priestess to a set of rooms, instructed her on how to use the surprisingly modern bathroom, and told her she'd bring her a change of clothes in a moment. Kagome thanked the noble girl again and immediately threw off her wet robes to sink into a hot bath with a sigh.

"This... is nice."

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"Nii-sama? Are you there?"

"Yes. What is it, Rukia?" Byakuya suppressed the urge to sigh at the hesitant tone in the young girl's voice. He still needed to fix that. After what had happened to her, he wasn't surprised that his adopted sister was still so wary around him. Standing from his desk, he started over towards the door to open it. He didn't want to talk to her through the rice paper.

'Hisana, I am a terrible older brother, but I will try to make it up to Rukia.'

"I have a guest here. She was caught in the rain with me, and I offered to let her stay until morning. Are you all right with that?" Hand inches away from opening the screen, he froze, a look of dawning comprehension on his face. Did this mean... Rukia had made a friend?

"Is she a friend?" After another moment of hesitation, the girl replied.

"I'd... like her to be, if it's all right?" Byakuya swung open the door and stared at his little sister. She seemed afraid, for the most part, but there was an eager glint in her eyes that he hadn't seen in a long time.

"If she is your friend, then she may stay," he replied quietly, reaching out and patting her wet head. He immediately noticed that she'd left a puddle and was still dressed in her wet clothes, "You need to get out of those. Otherwise, you'll get sick. Go." A happy smile lit up the solemn girl's face and she nodded eagerly, turning and sprinting down the hall. Byakuya watched her go with an air of amusement, then thought of something.

"What's her name, Rukia?"

"Kagome Higurashi!" The noble blinked, hiding his shock fairly well. So, his most secretive subordinate had befriended his sister. This was bound to be interesting.

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"Kagome?"

"Yes?"

"Nii-sama said it was all right for you to stay. You can use anything in the bathroom and the bedroom. The servants have started dinner, so I brought you a kimono to wear," Rukia explained through the door, setting the kimono on the dresser delicately, "If you need help with the ties or anything, I'll be just two doors down the hall."

"Okay! Thank you, Rukia!"

"You're welcome." The adopted noble turned and padded out of the room, ready for her own bath.

Back in the tub, Kagome rinsed the conditioner from her hair and scrubbed herself down until she was pink. She really liked the way the hair products had smelled; like sakura and plum blossoms. Then, draining the tub, she pulled herself out and wrapped up in a fluffy towel. Glancing in the mirror, she noticed that her cheeks were pink from the heat and had to grin. The last time she'd had such a nice bath had been... well... a while ago. All of her hygene moments nowadays consisted of quick showers in between training and missions.

Carefully brushing her wet hair out, she squeezed the excess water out and wrapped it up into a messy bun with a pale green hair ribbon. She'd fix it later. For now, she wanted to make sure she didn't get her borrowed kimono wet.

It felt like it had been eons since she'd dressed herself in a kimono. In truth, she'd always enjoyed getting dolled up to go to the festivals back when she was alive. Kagome grinned at her reflection in the mirror and smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in the spring green color. It was a simple kimono, but elegant and beautiful, nonetheless. A dark green splattering of ivy leaves and vines crawled its' way over her left shoulder and peppered the bottom of the traditionally wide sleeves. The inner robe was a simple cream.

"Now if I could just tie my obi..." she muttered, picking up the yellow silk and sighing quietly, "I think I'm going to take Rukia up on her offer for help." Folding the delicate fabric and making sure that all the ties would hold so she wouldn't expose herself accidentally, the priestess stepped out of her temporary room and glanced down the hall in confusion.

'Did she say two doors to the left? Or right?' Shrugging and deciding to try both ways, she started down the left and came to the second door.

"Hey Rukia?" she started, sliding the door open and stepping inside, "Can you help me with my obi? I'm not very good at the knots and-!" Kagome stopped when she noticed that the person in the room was not Rukia, but her Captain. He seemed just as surprised to see her; and considering he was clad in nothing but a pair of low-slung dark grey hakama, he certainly wasn't dressed to be expecting someone to barge in.

"Ca-Captain Kuchiki?" the shinigami squeaked, trying extremely hard to not stare at his pale toned chest, "W-W-What are you d-doing here?" And why wasn't he wearing all his clothes?

'Okay, that is a very bad idea to be thinking about.' Kagome wasn't blind. She knew that the handsome noble was very sought after by most of the female population in the Seiretei and the wealthier houses. She just wasn't supposed to think that way of her superior officer.

"I live here, Higurashi. Why are you standing in my doorway," Byakuya replied, schooling his expression after a moment of wide-eyed shock, "dressed up like that?"

"You-you live here?" Kagome spluttered, face dark red in embarrassment. At his nod, she thought she would faint, but then, another thought presented itself. "Is Rukia your sister?"

"Yes." The aristocrat took a step towards her, which seemed to suddenly snap her out of her daze because she backed away a few steps over the threshold.

"Oh. Okay." And then she slammed the door shut. In his face. Pivoting on her foot, Kagome started down the hall again in a disoriented fashion.

'He's Rukia's brother... I just saw him half-naked!' Her face flamed the color of a tomato. This was bad. She wasn't supposed to have seen that! He was her leader! She wasn't supposed to think he was handsome and want to run her hands down those muscles and-

'No! Stop it right now, Kagome-girl! Unattainable!'

Byakuya blinked when she shut the door and grabbed the matching haori he'd planned on wearing. It was an oddly surreal experience to have a woman just walk away from him like Higurashi did. He wasn't quite sure whether to be impressed or annoyed. Throwing it on quickly and not taking the time to ensure everything was properly situated, he cracked the door open and stepped into the hall after his obviously embarrassed subordinate.

She'd only made it a few steps away before a hand grabbed her wrist. "Wait!"

Well, there went her dignity. Byakuya turned her to face him, an air of interest surrounding him as she resolutely refused to meet his eyes. Which meant that she was staring at his chest. Again. Changing her mind, she looked up to meet his gaze, cheeks red in shame and eyes wide and dark.

"I-I-I'm sorry, Captain! I didn't know! Honest! I just... I couldn't remember if Rukia said left or right, so I started left and I didn't mean to walk in on you and I-!" Was that amusement hidden in his eyes?

"You said you needed some help?" he interrupted, realizing that while he rather enjoyed making the young recruit squirm on a near daily basis, even this was probably more than enough embarrassment to last her for a week. At least.

"I can just get-!" she started to protest as he pulled the yellow silk from nerveless fingers.

"Nonsense. Lift your arms," Byakuya decided, smirking when she actually huffed and glared up at him. Did she even understand that she wasn't supposed to do that? Most women would have been thrilled to be in her position. After a moment, however, she finally lifted her arms and held them out. Stepping behind her, the young lord reached around and started winding her obi around her.

"I do realize you don't normally dress so... lavishly, but you can't even tie a knot?" He refused to comment on the fact that her hair smelled really good. It didn't help that sakura blossoms were a personal favorite scent of his. It was part of the reason he had so many of the trees around the manor. She huffed again in response.

"It's not that. On other people, I can tie some pretty intricate knots. I can do this one that makes the back look like a butterfly. I just... can't do them on myself," Kagome admitted, using every modicum she possessed to not twitch every time his fingers brushed against her sides. He was her Captain for crying out loud!

'Doesn't stop him from being sexy in a pair of hakama... I did not just think that!' She was sure her face was going to be permanantly red after this.

"I see. Well, this should do it." A simple bow would do for dinner, but then... "You almost look the part now."

"Thank you," the shinigami replied, then blinked, "Part? Of what?"

"Something is missing, undoubtedly," the Captain continued as though he hadn't been interrupted. An arrogant look flitted across his face as he reached over and plucked out the ribbon keeping her hair in its' messy bun. Kagome gaped at him as her long dark hair tumbled down her back in damp messy waves. What the hell was he doing? Stealing her hair ribbon again?

"Captain! Give that back!" He really did prefer her hair down, now that he thought about it.

"I think not," Byakuya replied, wrapping the pale green color around his fingers. He seemed far too smug. Was he... playing with her? She hadn't failed to notice that he seemed much more at ease in his own home than around the squad.

Well, two could play at this game!

"Fine then! It's not mine anyway. I was just borrowing it from Rukia." He blinked slowly, then reached over to pull her hair over one shoulder, unconsciously brushing his fingers against her cheek, and tied the ribbon halfway down the dark scented length. He then turned and started back to his room in a dignified manner, leaving an incredibly confused former priestess.

"Wha-! Why did you give it back?" Just before he shut the door, he glanced back and leveled her with an arrogant look. Arrogance was all he was willing to portray right now; especially when his mind was starting to become muddled over her. That... was bad.

"What would be the point in keeping it if it is not yours?" Then he shut the door, abruptly ending their conversation. Left there hanging with her mouth open, Kagome hissed the only thing that made any kind of sense to her.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Back in his room, Byakuya stared at the hand that had come into contact with her skin, then shook his head in denial.

'Do not do this to yourself, Kuchiki. She is out of your reach.' His heart, though, was still beating fairly fast in remembrance. Would her skin be soft like that everywhere?

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Dinner that night was a rather awkward affair.

Rukia, noticing the odd atmosphere, took careful note of the way her new friend acted around her older brother. Not to mention the smug air about said older brother.

'Does Nii-sama... like Kagome?'

If that was the case, then this bore further investigation. Perhaps there was a way to help her melancholy sibling be happy again? He deserved at least that much. Especially after all the pain he'd been through.

Kagome would be good for him.

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"And just where have you been, young lady?" Miroku immediately asked the moment Kagome walked into her room the next morning.

"Having dinner with my new friend Rukia, who also happens to be the younger sister of Captain Kuchiki," the priestess drawled, shaking her head as Miroku tried to physically check her over for possible injuries. The monk had turned into such a mother hen. "They made me stay the night because they didn't want me getting sick."

"Really? You know the Kuchiki name is practically royalty in Soul Society," the dark-haired male mused, rubbing his cheek when she slapped him errantly from an absent grope, "To actually be allowed to stay is quite the honor, my friend."

"Yeah, well, I didn't know that they were siblings until I accidentally walked in on the Captain shirtless," the girl muttered, blushing furiously in remembrance of alabaster skin and toned abs...

"See something you liked, milady?" Miroku teased, waggling his eyebrows suggestively when she gasped at him.

"He's my Captain, Miroku!"

"You're face is very telling though, dearest Kagome." What an intriguing notion!

That earned him another slap and a boot out of her room.

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A/N: Sneaky Byakuya and a little plot development! I've always considered Rukia to be the kind of person that is awkard and unsure of herself around people, but hides it behind a bossy facade. Now, once she warms up to them, she becomes someone you can really rely on. I love deep characters! Theyre so much fun to work with!

Please remember to leave a review. K thanks!