Hello everyone! I'm sorry for the long break in updating. During that time, I wrote a one-shot about our favorite couple. If you haven't checked it out, go and read Sweet Sakura.

Thank you to grakei, SenSen-chan, and Amaryllis-lover for reviewing! As always, please enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 25

Bridge the Gap

"I'm sorry."

His words continued to ring in her ears, to her mind and finally to her core. She could feel something break within her. She couldn't defend herself any longer - the tears started flowing. The feelings of comfort and freedom were something that eluded her since their falling out, but now it came back to her in the form of Byakuya.

Byakuya stood there with her as she cried her heart out, promising not to let go until she was finished. When she grew quiet, he finally noticed how damp his clothing was and decided to look at her face to face. Her hair was still damp and framed her face beautifully. A couple of lone strands covered her eyes, prompting Byakuya to gently tuck them behind her ear. He finally looked into her big eyes that were clear and bright, just how he liked them. He smiled at her again as he reminisced about his first time in her compound.

"I apologize, Miyako. I've disturbed your bath once more. You must be cold."

Before she could respond, he quickly removed his silk scarf and wrapped it around her.

"This should keep you warm until you decide to return to the onsen."

Byakuya looked over at her once more. He gave out a low chuckle; what had fit him perfectly was big enough to cover the top half of her body. It almost looked like he was protecting her, like she was wrapped in his arms again. She was so cute as she stood there; he wished that he could have her to himself again. Silence quickly fell over them again.

"When you're ready, you should return home. Everyone is searching for you."

Miyako still stood silent, but gave him a small nod.

"I'll be taking my leave now," he said. "Farewell, Miyako."

As Byakuya turned and started to walk away from her, she tried to find the courage to speak up.

"...Byakuya!" she called out, a hand extended out to him. He turned around and waited for her to speak.

"I…I…"

She quickly grew embarrassed; it was rare when she was rendered damn near speechless. Curse her swirling emotions! Seeing her frustration, he took her hand and hugged her again.

"You don't have to say anything right now…only when you're ready. I'll wait as long as you need, no matter what you decide."

She thought with those words that he would leave, but he surprised her again as he planted a tender kiss on her forehead. Mouth agape, it was safe to say that Miyako was clearly stunned by his display of affection. Byakuya turned his attention to her lips. He reminisced how plump and soft they felt against his, her sweet lips akin to honey nectar. His lips suddenly tingled with desire. It was almost tempting him to help himself to the only sweet thing he liked and show her how he really felt about her, but he had to restrain himself - this was not the right time. Giving her another yearning look, he bid her farewell again, leaving her by her lonesome and completely spellbound by what happened.

'He came for me…he actually came for me and apologized…he held me and…'

Her forehead grew hot when her hand had grazed where he had kissed her. Now her face was as hot as her forehead, along with her heart. That look in his eyes and that gentle, vulnerable smile…it really was just for her.

'Dammit, Byakuya…'

"Miyako!" a voice called out. "Miyako!"

Miyako finally snapped out of her trance at hearing the voice. Looking to her right, someone was smiling at her that she hadn't seen in a while.

"Unabara!" she cried. "I can see you…I can hear you again!"

Miyako found herself on the verge of tears again while Unabara smiled at her master warmingly. "Welcome back, Miyako."

"Welcome back, Unabara!"

Unabara looked her up and down with a mischievous grin. "Nice scarf."

Miyako groaned. "Leave me alone, Unabara! Seriously! We just reunited two seconds ago and you're already causing trouble!"

Unabara giggled. "I couldn't resist! It was difficult not to tease you about it."

Unabara's expression quickly turned serious. "So…what will you decide after this turn of events?"

Miyako grew silent. "I'm not sure…my head is still spinning…I can't believe that it happened to begin with…"

"Well, Miyako…eventually you will have to decide what to do - bridge the gap or burn the bridge. I know that you'll do what's best for you."

Miyako remained silent with pursed lips. Not wanting her master to dwell too much longer, she pushed her along.

"Let's hurry back to the onsen before you get too cold, Miyako. Go ahead, finish your bath and get some rest. You'll need all you can get before you return home."

Her stomach almost turned at the mention of returning home. She knew her father and Soifon were liable to give her a thousand lashes for going awol.

But that thought was fleeting as Miyako clenched Byakuya's silk scarf, taking in the aroma of his cologne. Just inhaling it was enough to make her warm. "Okay."

She had a lot to think about. Heading back to the onsen, she was ready to welcome another hot bath and a deep, restful sleep.

The next morning surprisingly came slowly, but surely. Miyako slowly opened her eyes, slightly dazed after the previous night's event - it all felt surreal, especially when the scent of Byakuya's cologne entered her nose. Closing her eyes again, she reminisced about the time she had awoken to him sleeping beside her the night after Rika's drinking party. He looked so peaceful and relaxed whilst he slept…and so vulnerable with his lips slightly parted. Back then, she wondered how his lips would taste and feel against hers, having him all to herself…but now she knew…

Opening her eyes, the light showcased the iridescence of the music box that Byakuya had given her. She sat up and realized that she had fallen asleep with his scarf wrapped around her, playing with the idea that it was akin to a warm hug. She couldn't resist blushing at the thought of Byakuya being so thoughtful as to cover her up in what seemed like a blanket. Without part of his iconic look, it was almost like he was naked. The scarf was very silky and of high quality; she could see why he wore it.

Miyako let out a sigh. The scarf immediately reminded her of her predicament - to forgive or not forgive Byakuya Kuchiki. Emotionally exhausted, she didn't ponder too much on the situation the night before. All she wanted to do was sleep. Luckily, today was the intern's day off, so she didn't have to rush to get ready to go anywhere in particular…but she knew that she had to leave to halt the search for her from the Onmitsukido. Thinking about it made her shutter; there was no telling what kind of a scathing tongue lashing she was going to get from Soifon. Her father on the other hand…she could care less.

'Well…time to make an appearance…'

After freshening up, Miyako found her tattered kimono that she had worn to the dinner. It was a shame; it was such a nice kimono. She definitely was going to have to replace it. To hide the gaping hole in the back, she decided to let her long hair act as a silky robe. Luckily, the tear in the kimono had stopped right above her obi.

Next, she folded and neatly tucked away the very nice reiatsu cloke that Kisuke and Yoruichi had gifted her in a cabinet. She took one last look at Byakuya's scarf, staring at it for a few minutes as she pondered about everything. Her eyes swirled with emotions; she couldn't think straight. It wasn't long before she hid that away with the cloak. Lastly, she tied her zanpakuto to her obi, completing her runaway look.

Unabara appeared beside her, giving her a motherly smile. "Are you ready?"

Miyako paused for a moment. "As ready as I can be."

Unabara replied with a loving hug before retreating back to Miyako's inner world. Feeling her love, Miyako couldn't help but smile. She really had the best zanpakuto.

Very quick on her toes, Miyako had successfully snuck out of her compound and outside of the Division Two barrack grounds. In a corridor around the corner from the gate, she could see Soifon standing inside the gate with a few members of the Onmitsukido, who were kneeling at her feet. Miyako winced once she heard the petite woman give out a tongue lashing to her subordinates.

"How hard is it for you to find ONE person! I know that I trained you all better than this!" she screeched. "Now double down and find her!"

The soldiers could do nothing but nod and leave with her tails between their legs. Soifon rubbed her temples in clear aggravation, letting out a sigh.

'Maybe I trained Miyako too well…didn't think this would come to bite me in the ass, especially with her parents incessant bit -'

"Hello, Captain Soifon." Miyako said in a monotonous voice.

Soifon's eyes shot open when she heard her voice. Miyako had instantly stood about two feet from her. Soifon wouldn't admit that Miyako's sudden appearance almost made her jump; she had so many questions. She didn't know if she should sigh in relief or give the girl a piece of her mind, especially with that emotionless look on her face.

"My quarters. NOW." she growled.

The two quickly flash stepped to Soifon's quarters, the same room where Yoruichi used to rule from. Soifon hastily locked the door behind them and sealed the room away from the world in a kido barrier. This time, the atmosphere of the room didn't change, but Soifon made sure to conceal any sound and their reiatsu. Glaring daggers at the princess, Miyako avoided her gaze.

"So you've come out of hiding," a familiar voice said.

Miyako let out a gasp when Yoruichi emerged from behind her old captain's chair in her usual orange and black outfit. Now it was Miyako's turn to twist her lips.

"Yeah, because you let him in when I locked him out! I still haven't decided whether or not to strangle you." she spat.

"I could say the same for you!" Soifon interjected. "Do you know how long we've been searching high and low for you?! How much your parents, especially Lord Shihouin has been constantly bitching and crying about you, Captain Kuchiki and his 'ruined' dinner and status?!"

Miyako rolled her eyes at the status comment.

"I don't give a damn about how he feels, especially when he never cares about how I feel! This has been his fault from day one! Byakuya and I wouldn't have never gotten close if I had just continued to train under you for my internship, but no! Noble's gotta stick together, right?! I didn't tell him that we have to keep up appearances and relationships with other nobles! I didn't tell him to invite the man and my bitchy, self-absorbed, captain tail chasing mortal enemy over for dinner! He and his feelings can kiss my -"

"Miyako!" Yoruichi interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand that you're upset and rightly so. Father was never the best one to reason with. You'll deal with him in due time. What's important is that you're safe and didn't get into any real danger."

Miyako rolled her eyes as she rubbed her neck, pulling her hair to her chest.

"Sure…so how do I explain my expensive ruined kimono because killing hollows is a part of a shinigami's job?" she asked as she displayed the nice gaping hole in her clothes.

An audible groan was heard when Soifon slapped her hand onto her face.

"You killed a hollow?!"

"Yeah! But don't worry, it was just one!"

Soifon narrowed her eyes. "Clearly, without your zanpakuto!"

Miyako nodded. "Crystal!"

"If you killed a hollow, someone should've been able to detect your reiatsu! How come no one could find you?! Even Captain Kuchiki couldn't find you after he detected your reiatsu from what I was told!"

Miyako scoffed. "Of course no one found me! I fled immediately afterwards!"

Soifon's pale face turned red. "MIYAKO!"

Miyako shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? You both know that I run pretty fast and I learned from the best." she added, winking at Yoruichi. "Plus, I was able to hide using the kido barrier techniques that you taught me, Captain. You should be proud."

Soifon narrowed her eyes again. She was going to have to decrease Miyako's training regiment now that she knew her skills.

"Listen…I hid away because I knew Captain Kuchiki was close to finding me. I just needed time alone to think...after everything that had happened between us, I had nothing to say to him."

An awkward silence filled the room. "So, it's true then? You and Captain Kuchiki -"

Miyako groaned. "YES! If it wasn't obvious before, it is now. We were involved with each other, but not as deep as you might think…but not so much now."

"So now that he's offered to make amends, what will you do next?" Yoruichi asked.

Miyako held her arms as she pursed her lips. "...I don't know."

A snicker grew on Yoruichi's face. She figured that Byakuya's apology must've been something profound to leave her sister with little to say.

"Can you at least let me know if I can feed him to a kushinada or not?"

Miyako raised a brow. "Why are you asking me that?"

"I told him that if you didn't find his apology acceptable, that was going to be his fate!" she replied with a cheeky grin. "So I need to know if it was acceptable or not! Do I have to block my schedule?"

"Yoruichi!" Miyako squealed.

"What? It was important that I made him feel lower than the dirt he was groveling beneath my feet for what he did to my precious baby sister!"

Miyako rolled her eyes. "I still don't know what I should do to you for letting him in!"

Thinking about the situation gave her a headache. She let out a frustrated groan.

"If you both don't mind, I'd like to go and change. I need some time alone to think. I'd rather mother and father not know about my sudden reappearance until I'm locked in my room." she said while heading for the door.

She was quickly stopped when Yoruichi placed a hand on her shoulder. Looking up to her older sister, she was grateful for the hug that she found herself in.

"It's okay to not be okay when you're hurting, but don't let that keep you tied down for too long. You'll be holding your head up again soon, I just know it. I'm always here for you. "

Giving her a silent nod, she heard Miyako whisper a quiet 'thank you'.

Even though Soifon wasn't completely wasn't satisfied with the situation, she let it go and joined in on the hug, also reassuring her support.

Moving her hands swiftly moments later, Soifon released them all from the barrier and Miyako was quick to leave. Soifon gave a worried look as her pupils' footsteps could no longer be heard. Yoruichi started to make her exit as well.

"How long do you think this will last, Lady Yoruichi?"

"I can't answer that; it all falls on her, but don't worry about her too much, Soifon. She'll be okay; is she my little sister, after all."

Miyako was quick to shunpo across the courtyard and sneak past the front gate of the manor, making her way to the garden where her room was situated. The room had remained largely untouched from the moment she ran away. Shutting the beige shoji doors behind her, she was ready to make a beeline to the door that led out to the hallway, but not before she came in contact with someone.

"MIYAKO!" her father's voice boomed. "You've returned!"

Miyako cursed. 'What bad timing!'

Unfortunately for her, she was spotted as she was traveling to her room by a soldier that wasn't informed of her wishes from Soifon and said soldier had informed her parents of her arrival.

Nostrils flared, her father stepped into her room, ready to exert his authority; there was no question that he had a bone to pick with her.

"Where have you been?! The whole Onmitsukudo were searching for you day and night to no avail! Do you know that you've put this family through?! What you've done to our clan's reputation after you stormed out of our dinner?!"

"Father, mother, please leave and I'll talk to you when I'm ready."

Unfortunately, her words fell on deaf ears as her father tried to assert his dominance.

"Don't you dare try to dismiss me when I'm talking to you, especially after what you did! You embarrassed us in front of not only the staff and your classmate, but Captain Kuchiki as well! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Miyako's eyes narrowed with each sentence that came out of his mouth as she listened to him continue to talk down to her. Not anywhere in his screaming did he ask if she was okay. He didn't express relief that she came home safely. He didn't ask how they could listen to make things better and help her work it out. Absolutely no empathy and no accountability; it was amazing that he still didn't realize that none of this wouldn't have happened if he never interfered from the beginning. She had had enough. Miyako could feel the temperature of the room rise until she was ready to boil over.

"SHUT UP!" she bellowed. "I'M TIRED OF YOUR ARROGANCE AND DISRESPECT!"

Miyako didn't waste any time letting loose and allowing her reiatsu to fill her room. It was enough to bring nearby staff to their knees, some even started to gasp for air. It was even enough to put something in her father that she or even him had seen grace his face: true fear.

"Look father, I'm not asking anymore, I'm demanding respect from you! I'm not only the next head of the clan and the next captain of the Second Division, but your daughter and that alone should warrant respect! I'm not just an object you can order around and treat poorly!"

With each sentence, her reiatsu increased, bringing her parents to their knees.

"Now leave before we'll have more pressing issues to contend with…like you having to visit Captain Unohana to treat you for sudden physical exertion."

With those words, she halted her rampage and everyone was quick to leave, except one person who came around from the other side of the door, wobbling slightly, who quietly shut behind her. Miyako instantly felt guilty when she saw her smile and received a big hug.

"Are you alright, my dear?" she asked, her voice mixed with relief and worry. "I was worried about you."

Miyako let a tear fall as she embraced her.

"I'm sorry, Kimura. I didn't mean to worry you, but I'll be okay…" she replied, her voice cracking.

Kimura lovingly pat Miyako on her back, her doing so bringing her back to Miyako's early years. "You know good and well that you don't have to hold back in front of this old woman."

Miyako hugged her tight and let the tears flow again. Kimura hummed a nostalgic melody while she waited for Miyako to calm down.

"Miyako, dear, I know that you've been having a rough time and you need some time alone to yourself, but…I wanted to let you know that Captain Kuchiki ran after you the moment the other staff announced your disappearance. He joined the search to find you and looked for you tirelessly. I'm not sure what happened between you two, but it was very clear that he cares about you."

Miyako stayed silent for a moment. Kimura cupped Miyako's face in her hand and gave her a lookover, then looked into her eyes.

"Promise me that you'll take stock of what has happened and what I've said about the dear Captain?"

Miyako nodded after taking a deep breath. "I promise to think about it."

Kimura smiled sweetly.

"You know, I think a change of clothes and some food would do you some good. How does onigiri, fresh strawberries and tea sound?"

Miyako gave her a sweet smile. "You always know how to cheer me up."

"In the meantime, I'll also have Kumo and Kukimoto make sure to order you a new kimono to replace your tattered one. I'll be right back with your food."

Miyako gave her a smile of thanks as Kimura exited the room, closing the door behind her. After an audible sigh escaped her mouth, Miyako decided to change her clothes. She had a lot of thinking to do.

'Maybe I should ask Kimura if I could trade that tea for sake instead…'

"Welcome home, Master Byakuya."

Byakuya walked with his head high as he walked through the foyer of the Kuchiki Manor and the household staff. He had returned home late once more for the last week, burying himself in paperwork as a distraction. Miyako had yet to say anything to him since he left her by her lonesome in her compound. Never had he been this anxious for anything in his life since he asked Hisana for her hand in marriage. Each passing day brought more shame and guilt than he had felt in quite some time, dating back to being complicit in Rukia's execution. He knew that he said he'd wait until she was ready for her to make a decision and he would accept whatever decision she would make concerning their relationship. He knew that it was very unlikely that the damage would heal instantly, if at all. Now he was coming to regret what he said, because the only thing that kept running through his mind was the impending rejection and heartbreak…all because he was afraid to move on from Hisana. Byakuya narrowed his eyes; he was such an idiot when it came to relationships, but he had to give himself some credit. He honestly poured his heart out to Miyako in his apology.

'Perhaps my best wasn't good enough…'

"Lady Rukia just sat down for dinner a few moments ago," Harada said, snapping the family head out of his thoughts. "Would you like to join her or shall I have it sent to your private quarters?"

Byakuya had pondered what he had heard. Lately, he'd been eating in his home office, something usually uncommon for him. The home office was reserved for a cup of green tea and maybe a snack, not a full meal. At least in there, he could be as blue as the sky without showing everyone that he was wearing his heart on his sleeve and sulked about, no fuss no muss. He was pretty sure that he was on the lips of not only the gossipers in the manor, but everyone who resided in the mansion.

"I'll join her," he replied, trying to save face.

Nodding, Harada ran off to inform the chef and prepare for Byakuya's arrival in the dining room. Halfway done with her salmon, Rukia was surprised to see her brother join her.

"Oh, good evening, brother! I wasn't expecting you."

Byakuya kept his gray eyes focused downward as he sat across from her, taking a hot cloth from a servant to wipe his hands.

"For once, I wasn't preoccupied with something. Is it a problem that I'm joining you?"

Rukia waved her hands in protest. "No, not at all! It's just nice to see you since we haven't dined with each other in a week or so."

A low hum rumbled in Byakuya's throat. He closed his eyes for a moment. "It's nice to see you too, Rukia."

The two stayed in silence when he was served his meal. Byakuya quietly gave thanks and began to eat. Rukia quietly stared at her brother as he ate. She pondered on what Renji had told her a few days ago about Byakuya's wet mop behavior when they had to tend to their administrative duties in the office. The air seemed thick enough to cut at that time, according to what she heard and she could feel it now. They usually ate in silence with small conversation sprinkled in here and there, but it was slowly beginning to feel suffocating. Now that she had thought about it, she had overheard the gossip going around the manor that Byakuya had changed after having dinner at the Shihouin Manor. It was obvious that something went wrong. She knew that only Yoruichi had the power to irritate him and her relationship with her parents was tumultuous, so there was no way she'd be in attendance. She also noticed that his iconic scarf was nowhere to be seen, which was very unusual.

Rukia's eyes widened when she started to put the pieces together, but wasn't sure if she was wholly correct.

"So, brother…" she said, catching his attention. He quickly looked up at her.

"I was wondering how is it going with training the interns at your division? How are your top performers?"

Rukia swore she saw a glimpse of surprise that flashed across his face that he did well to hide.

"I heard that Yoruichi's little sister is in your group. Do you think she's doing well? Is she just as good as Yoruichi or better?"

"She's fine," he answered sharply. He cursed inwardly; that came out much worse than he had meant to. Byakuya avoided Rukia's questioning gaze and quickly drank some green tea.

"She's at the top of her class. Shihouin would be very proud." he added, his response laced with a hint of yearning.

Rukia nodded. "I see…"

With those words, the air quickly became sullen and the two continued to eat in silence. It wasn't long before Rukia finished her last bite and placed her chopsticks on her black ceramic plate. She pursed her lips as she watched Byakuya continuing to eat slowly.

"Forgive me for my forwardness, brother," Rukia quietly spoke up. "If you two are meant to be together, you'll be together at the right time…and when you get to that bridge, run and don't look back."

Surprised, he looked up to Rukia as she made her leave, not before giving him a smile before she exited the room and bid him goodnight.

Byakuya suddenly lost his appetite and sighed heavily. He hastily placed his chopsticks next to his half eaten food and promptly left for his room. Byakuya slammed the shoji door shut, sick to his stomach. Alone in the darkness of the night, he sank to the floor and buried his face in his hands, a lone tear fell from his eyes.

'If that's true, why does it have to feel like I have to suffer for an eternity before I hear even one word?'