Hello everyone! Didn't think I'd update so quickly, huh? Merry Christmas to you all!

First off, a big thank you to SenSen-chan, grakei and Guest for reviewing! I didn't expect all of the love and I really appreciate it!

Chapter 19

Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

The air was still and empty; a chill was weaved into the mist.

In her tea house, Miyako laid curled into a fetal position on her futon. Moments later, she slowly opened her crusted eyes. Her eyesight blurred, she questioned the recent events as her vision cleared. Cold and stiff, she forced herself to sit up. It all rushed back to after seeing her blood and dirt stained sheets. Her breathing quickened as hot, stinging tears rolled down her cheeks.

'It wasn't a dream, was it?'

No, not a dream, but a horrible nightmare. Last night's events rushed to her like a speeding shakkahou. Byakuya had broken her heart again - and what a fool she felt like she was. What was she thinking? Byakuya Kuchiki - The Ice King - even consider herself as a potential love interest? He used to think that Miyako was the bane of his existence. Sure, they had repaired the broken relationship and became friends, but that didn't mean that it had to blossom into something more than that. So many women had vied for his affection; what made her seem like she had a better chance than the rest of them? And now there was no surprise why no woman could get close to him - they couldn't compare to Hisana - better yet, they just weren't Hisana herself and that's who he truly desired. No one else could fit into that tiny, perfect box, not even her, just like he said. Miyako felt like she should've known better. Hisana's ghastly memory began to haunt her again. She had spent the night sobbing and questioning everything.

'Hisana…' she thought bitterly. 'Dammit…'

Wiping her tears away, something white and shiny caught her eye - it was the music box that she was gifted by dear old Byakuya. Picking up the music box, she stared at it in an intense gaze. Miyako didn't know what to do, going back and forth contemplating on chucking it or staying frozen in time. Gripping the music box tight, she couldn't help but cry again. How could such a lovely and thoughtful gift become a reminder of heartbreak overnight?

As her eyes stung, she quickly tossed the box aside and ran for the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she saw an anguished shinigami, with a tear stained face, bloodshot eyes, disheveled hair and an injured body. Miyako quickly splashed cold water on her face and tried her best to wash any evidence of her grief. Looking back to the door, she knew by the daylight that it was almost time for her to report to the barracks.

She was desperately tempted to stay in bed all day and shut out the world. Taking a deep breath, she thought about the situation that had transpired. Although she was sorrowful, Miyako was not going to let Byakuya or that nosey, jealous monster Rika get the best of her.

Grabbing her wooden brush, she began to start getting ready. It was time to channel her inner noble and conceal the heartache.

Meanwhile, Rika rubbed her stiff shoulder as she walked to the barracks. Miyako had managed to do quite a number on her, injuries that left her barely able to shunpo. She was sure that Miyako had broken a few bones and tore some ligaments. It was the worst injury she'd ever had. Rika thought that Miyako was a pushover to a point, but Miyako definitely proved her wrong. The pain still lingered fresh in her mind.

Getting closer to the gate, she scoffed. After returning to the Seireitei, shinigami on patrol had found her and escorted her to the Fourth Division for treatment. It was hell to try to lie to the Fourth Division staff about her severe lacerations. That "hollow" that attacked her was pretty strong, but she managed to "kill" it, is what she told them. Luckily for her, they believed her and patched her up with healing kido. Captain Unohana on the other hand, wasn't nearly as naive as her staff. After examining Rika, she found traces of Miyako's reiatsu on her body - she was familiar with all of the noble clans members' health records and the like. There was no doubt in her mind that there was some sort of power struggle between the two. Captain Unohana knew of both of the shinigami's temperaments - Rika, loud, spoiled, entitled and boisterous. Miyako - calm, yet had many layers to her - none that would lead the woman to think that she would fight in this manner just for kicks and giggles. Rika was petrified when the captain gave her her famous smile and whispered some wise words to her.

"You'd do your best not to start something that you know that you can't finish. Understand?"

Rika's voice seemed to be stuck in her throat and she nodded in response.

"Good." she replied with a less intense smile, promptly excusing herself.

After being told that she would heal in a week, they discharged her. She gnashed her teeth - this was Miyako's fault. If she didn't put her slimy lips on Byakuya, this never would've happened.

Speaking of the noble captain, a shiver went down her spine as she thought back to his threatening words. She didn't come this far to fail and slander her name - she had worked too hard and had to be a little more considerate of her actions from now on. Rika scoffed.

Her curiosity had gotten the best of her last night. She could feel the tension between Miyako and Byakuya and wondered where it had stemmed from. After seeing Miyako make her way towards Byakuya's office, she quietly followed behind her. Her stomach dropped when she heard their conversation, and even more so when she heard the faint kisses exchanged. She was appalled until she heard Byakuya reject Miyako. She had hid away afterwards and blindly chased Miyako after she bolted out of Byakuya's office.

She didn't realize how furious she was until she saw Miyako in the clearing last night. Although elated at Byakuya rejecting Miyako, she had to punish her rival for trying to steal what she wanted. She didn't care about Miyako or Hisana - Byakuya was hers.

Now inside, Byakuya was seen walking towards the courtyard ahead of Rika. Sensing her reiatsu, he stopped, causing Rika to stop as well. She knew that she had to do damage control, so she put on her best smile.

"Good morning, Captain Kuchiki!"

He didn't even bother to look her way, hurting her. She could feel the ice in the corridor.

"I trust that you understood what you were instructed to do last night." he stated quickly.

With a clenched fist, she held her head down. 'Damn!'

"Yes, sir."

He acknowledged her answer by walking away.

'Damn everything!'

Looking up to his fleeting form, she calmed herself down. 'It doesn't matter if you're still upset with me…I'll show you what I can really do and you'll be mine...one day soon…'

Byakuya stood in the courtyard as everyone started to gather for the morning meeting. Eyes closed, he tried to search for Miyako's reiatsu. After a few more minutes, it seemed like she wouldn't be attending, no doubt still injured from the night before. He grew worried until he sensed her reiatsu approaching slowly, but surely. Right before the next hour, he saw her walking into the courtyard looking perfectly normal, happy and healed...with Isshiki in tow. Worry quickly turned into a low rage as he saw Isshiki chatting Miyako up once again. Not only was he angry, he was confused; how did she heal so promptly and walk in with a pleasant smile on her face? It was like nothing happened. After a moment, he realized that just like himself, she hid her emotions from the world. Miyako was better at hiding them than he thought - she was always the one between the both of them to wear her heart on her sleeve.

He locked eyes with his friend, hoping to somewhat begin to mend the damage that he caused the night prior. The regret that he was experiencing was heavy. He hoped that she would hear him out, despite her telling him to stay away. That hope went away when a shiver went up his spine as she shot an instant, cold glare at him before anyone could notice.

Yes, it was confirmed - he was on Miyako's shit list for sure. Now even more determined, Byakuya was set on rectifying everything, no matter what protests would come his way.

Two weeks had passed since the fateful incident. Byakuya tried his best to solicit Miyako's attention, only to be glared at and ignored. It didn't help that Isshiki wasn't always too far behind her most of the time. Isshiki had managed to maintain the sweet smile that he had become fond of, inciting her delightful laughter.

She arrived everyday with a smile on her face. When it was time to leave, she always made a hasty departure.

With every failed attempt, Byakuya grew desperate. He craved everything about Miyako; her laugh, smile, her companionship. He wanted to be close to her again and have her to himself. The distance was killing him. It didn't take long for the stoic captain to grow agitated and distressed. He began to realize how much of a light Miyako was in his life; he missed his friend.

Finally, the straw broke the camel's back during dismissal. He witnessed Isshiki walk up to Miyako, grinning ear to ear. He couldn't hear their conversation, but he saw red when he saw the little ingrate escort Miyako out as he placed an arm behind her back as she started walking away. Soon, the Kuchiki head was left alone in the courtyard.

Byakuya had had enough; he had to change his strategy.

"Great job everyone! You're dismissed!" Renji shouted.

After giving their customary bow, everyone started to head home. Miyako looked around; Byakuya had been absent for most of the afternoon. She sighed; for once she didn't have to run away like she was avoiding the plague. She was going to enjoy a nice walk home. As she started to take a few steps, she paused when she heard a voice.

"Miyako Shihouin,"

Gasping, she turned to meet the person in question. "Lieutenant Abarai!"

Renji stared her down with his narrow eyes.

"Yes, sir? What can I do for you?"

Renji's stare didn't falter. "Come with me." he commanded quickly, turning on his heels towards the barracks. Confused, Miyako quickly followed behind him. Several minutes later, they were inside, walking in silence. Miyako grew more nervous - they were getting dangerously close to the Captain's Office. If they were going where she thought they were, she didn't want anything to do with it, or him, per say.

"Lieutenant Abarai, what is this about? Did I do something inappropriate? What did I-"

Her heart sank when she saw the intricate double doors. She could feel his reiatsu on the other side.

"The captain wants to speak with you...something about your progress, I think…"

Miyako resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

'Oh please! As if!' Miyako clenched her fists as Renji informed Byakuya of their arrival. 'Dammit! That no good bastard trapped me!'

The doors finally opened as she stared at her feet. There was no time to prepare for this. Renji ushered her in and she reluctantly entered the office.

"Thank you, Renji. You may leave us now."

Bowing, Renji hurried out and shut the door behind him, leaving them alone.

She cursed mentally, she was not ready to face Byakuya head on. Forcing herself to sport a stoic face, she hid her emotions, just like he always did.

Keeping her fists clenched and standing at attention, she finally made eye contact.

"What is it, Captain Kuchiki?" she asked, her tone nothing short of being ice cold.

Byakuya, who was sitting at his desk, didn't falter. He could tell that she was putting up the wall that nobility had to muster when in uncomfortable situations. He waited a moment before speaking.

"I'm assuming that you know why I called you here, and no, it's nothing about your progress here."

Knowing what he was referring to, she pursed her lips.

"We need to talk," he continued.

With furrowed brows and a deep frown, she stated her protest.

"There's nothing that I want to discuss with you right now, especially when you used Lieutenant Abarai to get me in here! Pathetic!"

Turning on her heel, she was prepared to dismiss herself whether he liked it or not, but Byakuya's large frame prevented her escape when he had flash stepped between her and the door. Surprise briefly flashed across her face, but she quickly pushed it aside.

"You will talk to me, Miyako."

She looked up to him and stood her ground. She was not going to let him control her. Byakuya started to grow worried; he could see the resistance in her eyes. He gave her a desperate look.

"Miyako, please listen to me."

Miyako stopped momentarily. She could see the look in his eyes. A part of her wanted to stay to hear him out…but the agony rushed back to her, breaking her heart again. He had made his bed, now it was time to lie in it.

"I already told you that I don't have anything to say to you! Now move! I'm leaving!"

Miyako tried to push Byakuya aside and reach for the door handle, but he stopped her again when he grabbed her wrist. Her eyes widened at his response, prompting a surprised gasp. Clearly angry, she had to stop herself from reacting poorly so she could get a handle on the situation.

"...what are you doing?"

She looked up to him to give him the evil eye, but he gave her one in return that could easily trample hers in an instant, his cold gray eyes devoid of logic and warmth. Even he surprised himself with what was about to come out of his mouth. He knew that he had to get her attention, no matter what. They were going to talk and sort things out, by any means necessary.

"If you don't sit and have a civil talk with me, I will fail you."