Author's Notes: Not that anyone noticed, or said anything, but I forgot in the previous chapter that I made all the Kurosakis, Shibas in this story. I went back last chapter and edited the name from "Kurosaki" to "Shiba" to reflect my choice. Hopefully I won't forget again! :3

I received two positive quest reviews for chapter 6: THANK YOU GUYS! :D

To the one that asked for Karin to be paired with Toshiro, I can only say, "maybe?" I have thought of who to pair her with, but haven't been able to fit a romance in for her (yet). So, no promises, but no "No" either.

Final Thought: this will most likely be the last chapter of the year. By now, we all know I'm supper slow (apologies). Still, hope this chapter is enjoyed!

Tremolo: "A rapid repetitive variation in the volume (or pitch) of a tone." / "From Italian: quavering, from Medieval Latin tremulāre to tremble"

Slowly, party goers and guests bid their adieus and left the park. Once again, Lord Kuchiki stood at the entrance, being a good host and sending guests off on a good note. Those who stay behind mostly take off in pairs to walk around the park; some with sparklers, some with jugs of plum wine. To Byakuya's mild surprise, Yuzu Shiba had bashfully requested to stay beside him when both he and Karin chose to talk to others. Every now and then, Byakuya would look to the side to find the young blond seated where he had left her, lounging and relaxing in the light of paper lamps.

He wondered if she used him as a scarecrow, keeping unwanted suitors away. Or if she truly wished to remain around a stoic older man. He frowned, really wishing the twins had remained together, though he could not fault Karin the desire to talk to one of her professors, and mentor, in the Central 46. While Yuzu had been engrossed with everything a squad captain could tell her about his daily life, Karin had looked bored to tears; it was only right she got something out of this outing rather than being her sister's keeper.

Seeing a lull in the departing guests, Byakuya stood in front of Yuzu once more and offered her his hand. "Walk with me?" A blush, smile, and an accepting small hand was her reply.

Not long into their walk around the park, he stopped, releasing her hand from his elbow and moving to stand before her, creating distance. "Ms. Shiba," he stated formally, "I cannot in good conscious continue further without making a few things clear. I am not without sympathy, but I know when a woman, or indeed a young girl, has... admiration for me. I need you to know that I am not now, nor ever, looking for a wife."

Slowly, her smile faded, fell, and eye contact was lost. She lowered her head, hiding the embarrassment and blush she no doubt felt. He was glad she did not deny her affections, nor her subtle plans; they were quite clear in his eyes, only the motive eluded him. Still, he wished he could have avoided hurting her feelings, dismayed to see that her shoulders had started to quake with quiet emotion. "It is not your character, nor your beauty, which is lacking," he tried to assuage her pain, "but my own failings. I have already gained and lost a beloved wife," he admitted, "there will be no other. I am... not able to give you all that you deserve. And you deserve much."

Sniffing, she managed to give a reply. "She must have been amazing, I can feel your love for her, even now. I wished I could have met such a woman to have had your love so completely." She barely finished her sentence, trailing off with a whisper.

"Yes." He replied, frown marring his features, not liking what had to be done, to prevent further misunderstandings. It would hurt worse later on if not nipped now. "She would have liked you, too." He admitted. It was as close as he could get to saying he liked Yuzu as well.

She took a deep breath, looking up to her host with a shiny eyes and blotchy cheeks. Smiling at him in reassurance, she bowed to the Kuchiki lord; "I will forever be grateful for the kindness you have shown me. Thank you again for the invite to this party" She stood straight again, though didn't make eye contact, "I see you have a few more guests waiting to say 'farewell', so I'll make my own way around the park." And when Lord Kuchiki looked to the side to see that, yes, there were a few people waiting patiently for him, Yuzu murmured a quiet "Good night, my lord."

"Let me get you a..." Byakuya started to suggest an escort for the young girl, but when he had turned back to face her, Yuzu had already started walking away from him. Sighing, he relented that she would be fine. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he fortified himself to continue as he had always done.

Orihime, escorted by Renji, walked behind Rukia, escorted by Ichigo. They walked the perimeter of the inner park, lit by paper lamps and nodding to Kuchiki elders, those seated within the Central 46, and some of the Shinigami still in attendance. The temperature was falling, but it was still comfortable, especially as they were walking. In fact, most of the party goers who remained were either standing or walking for warmth.

Sora, Orihime had spied, gave his outer kimono to Kukaku, whose stylized haori was not meant for colder weather. It was quite a romantic gesture, causing the younger sister to sigh in appreciation.

"You alright, Ms. Inoue?" She heard from Ichigo, suddenly at her side instead of Renji. Startled, she could only look around for the tall redhead instead of give a proper answer. Hearing the man of her affections chuckle at her antics, she pouted at him. "Sorry for the confusion." he said, "Renji and Rukia just wanted to catch up. They thought it would be funny to make the switch without telling you."

"Ah. Ok." She replied, blushing at her ability to easily be confused, and at the fact that she was in the arms of Ichigo! She giggled in happiness.

Ichigo just patted her hand in kindness, smiling down at her though she wouldn't look at him. Nothing brought this girl down, and her positivity lit up his world like a golden sun after a rainy day. They had now walked to the outer edge of the park, where the paper lamps couldn't fully reach. Both took advantage of the darkness.

Orihime took the privacy to daydream and blush, since no one could see or demanded her full attention. How romantic could this be? A man taking his lady love out under the star, away from prying eyes, to make the most of an opportunity to be close and make declarations of affection. Though Ichigo was a silent man, Orihime had no problems imagining conversations.

Ichigo delighted in hearing Orihime's giggles and snorts, knowing she was unaware of her doings. It was cute and unlike any other girl he had been around, and he had been around some wonderful women. His sisters, his fellow Shinigami students like Tatsuki, even Rukia; he appreciated their candor and strengths, and was used to their traits. Even Yuzu, in her quiet unassuming way, was a model genteel woman of poise and grace, of which he saw time and time again (though not as humble as his little sister).

Orihime was bubbly, tripped a lot, her imagination belonged in a fairy tale, and she lacked proper grace. He never thought he would like such a strange personality, but she was so unassuming, kind, patient, gentle, and unpretentious. A breath of fresh air. From the servants to stuffy Lord Kuchiki, Orihime acted with the same deferential smile, seemingly unaware of status or importance (but don't let that fool anyone, she had a brain in there underneath her bright orange hair). She kinda reminded Ichigo of his mother...

His smile slowly faded, he now looked at the giggling girl with somber eyes.

Also out of the lights of the paper lamp is another couple taking advantage of the privacy afforded by the darkness.

"Ngh!" Moaned Rukia, arching into Renji's touch. "Be careful of the fabric." She whispered, knowing that a little wrinkling would be alright, but anything worse would be noted by the servants.

The hand over her chest smoothed over her stomach and waist, mirroring his other hand on her hips. His lips pecked her lips, wanting to bite but not daring. "Rukia..." he moaned, maneuvering them to the ground, him on the bottom. Rukia watched his face as her lover gently worked at the hem of her kimonos, folding them aside just so for maximum opening with minimum wrinkling. It was amusing seeing him engrossed in such a stupidly mundane task, but she loved him for it. Grasping his jaw within her hands, she kissed him.

Moaning together, her hands moved to his hair, losing the tie and grasping strands to hold on to. His large hands engulfed her face, framing her gently, not daring to upset her hair or her makeup. It was difficult, but the rewards far outweighed any frustration hindering his access to his beloved ex-wife. It had been long enough. He was content to kiss her for hours, to be in her presence and smell the plum perfume she wore for the occasion, and gently caressing her. It was enough.

But not for Rukia. Her hands left his hair, darting down his chest and waist, finding the folds of his loose kimono and yanking them apart. No one would care how rumpled Renji looked; in fact, they would expect it of him, unfortunately. At that thought, she abruptly stilled, frowning at what had become of them.

"It's alright, Rukia." Renji muttered, sensing where her thoughts had trailed. He continually caressed her, soothing her and reacquainting himself of her wonderful presence.

Eventually, as the night drew on and Rukia would be expected at her brother's side, they moved things along and had a good, stolen moment recreating their wedding night.

"That is not our target." The black haired, emerald eyed spy said, pointing to the limp girl in his partner's arms.

"What?" Was electric blue's short response.

"You... moron." Was the mono-toned rebuke. "Our target has dark hair; the girl in your arms has light hair. Our target is wearing blues decorated with butterflies, this... child... has pink. What is your excuse?"

"Fuck!" The other exclaimed, dumping the girl to the ground inelegantly, her body creating a "whumping" sound that, thankfully, didn't included loud cracks or snaps. "I saw all four friends enter the shadows, and then they started switching partners and shit! I thought I heard the red head fucking a woman, and assumed it was the big breasted girl, since she's not betrothed to anyone. I didn't try to follow the boy heir, since our target split from him. Then I ran into this chit huddling in the shadows, and I couldn't see shit! The lamps were behind her, and she was a fucking silhouette!" The loud spy waved his arms as if that would help things. "She's the same size!"

His partner stared at him blankly, yet disapproval and exasperation were clearly conveyed.

"Wha...?" The young female stirred, glancing at her abductors through hazy eyes. They stared at her, unsure of what to make of her. She stared back in shock, eyes clearing and brain starting to make frightened assumptions. In the background, crickets chirped.

"Quickly." The bored spy gestured to the excitable man, and the girl was knocked unconscious once more.

"Well, what the hell do we do now?"

"Continue our search."

Captain Isshin Shiba, attending the Plum Blossom Viewing in his Captain's robe, quickly walked up to his peer and host for the evening. "Lord Kuchiki, have you seen Yuzu lately? Karin said she was nearby you..."

Startled, Byakuya quickly assessed the older man. "You mean, she has not made her way to you, or others of your family, by now? We had parted nearly ten minutes ago."

"No." Isshin replied, distractedly glancing around. "This is not like her, and none of my family have spoken to her since you." He stopped to stare pleadingly at Byakuya. "I know it's been relatively such a short time, but I have a bad feeling about this. Would you mind ordering the servants and guards to form a search? I will organize the remaining guests, with your assent."

Byakuya naturally agreed, and soon the serene party had become a worried ruckus.

The two spies walked in the opposite direction of an approaching lamp. "What now?" whispered the electric blue spy.

"We retreat." Was the whispered answer. "And we bring the girl. She saw our faces, and will know what we are."

"Wouldn't it be less trouble to leave her?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. Without her, the Seireitei will just fear a missing girl. But with her, they might guess to our purposes. Especially if they find her still knocked out. Our Leader will know better. Besides, he did say not to come back empty handed."

There was a grunt of agreement from the other; the two spies gathered up Yuzu, and snuck away into the night.