It had been nearly two weeks since the Young Master Kurosaki and I had argued over that ridiculous matter. I slept in a guest bedroom as my current bedroom was being fixed. I heard that the Young Master explained to his father that the wind knocked over a few things and that Misses Yuzu and Karin slipped and fell out of bed. Master Kurosaki had seemed to believed it. Nothing has been happening lately except for the fact that the snow falls have been becoming lighter as the days came.

My swordsman practice has been put on hold because getting outside of the esteemed Kurosaki manner is bothersome and tiring. Sometimes the wheels are so caked with frozen dirt and half-melted snow, somebody has to kick it all out before we can go anywhere. Kisuke, Yoruichi and I all agreed to stay inside the castle.

Aside from all of that, Kisuke also said it was okay for me to start confronting the Young Master. I did as so and he was not in his office when I entered. However, Lady Inoue was.

"Oh, why hello Rukia! Long time no see, how have you been?" She greeted warmly. I smiled as she hopped off of the desk. It seemed like she was looking at a few papers. "I have been well, thank you, Lady Inoue. How about yourself?"

I hadn't heard of the Inoue family. Were they as prestigious as the Kurosaki's or Kuchiki's? As I pondered this, Lady Inoue sighed and I turned to face her. "What is wrong, Lady Inoue?" She giggled and shook her head, "There is no need to be so formal, Rukia! Just call me Orihime," I nodded, taking a seat on the plush sofa.

"So, Orihime, do you know where Master Kurosaki went?" I asked out of the blue. It was dreadfully silent and it was bothering me. "Um, yes, he said he was going to visit a client really quick to clear a few things up," She answered quietly. I nodded. The silence came back.

As I thought about it, I had only seen Orihime when she was with the Young Master. Could something be going on with them? There was another awkward silence when Orihime asked, "Rukia? Would you like to accompany me to a cafe nearby? One of my friends had declined my offer and I was looking forward to going there," her voice trailed off.

A cafe? I hadn't been to a cafe in such a long time. I believe the last time I went to a cafe was with Hisana a week before I was sent away. Would it be okay if I went out for a while? "Well, I would love too... but am I allowed to leave during this hour?" It seemed foolish to ask Orihime whether or not I could leave on a small break but it was worth a try. Orihime giggled and waved her hand at me, "Oh no, it wouldn't be a problem! We won't be there long," she said reassuringly.

"I suppose so, if it only for a little bit. I have been away from Master Kurosaki for quite some time and I believe it is time for us to get reacquainted..." I muttered. As I glanced at Orihime, her face saddened slightly but she quickly put up a smile and nodded. "I see. Let us get going then," I nodded and we were off.

The ride to the cafe was short and quiet, and as we entered the cafe known as Pink Frosting was crowded with the noble women of the country. Orihime, who I suspected was a regular, got a seat before the other women who seemed like they were standing in line for a long time. The place was noisy with chatter and plates making contact with each other, the smells of freshly baked sweets were intoxicating. As we took our seats, an annoyingly cheery woman set down menus and two glasses of water.

"Hello, my name Chizuru, and I'll be your server for today!" I wasn't quite sure, but I thought I had saw Chizuru's eyes fixed on Orihime's breasts. A chill ran down my spine as I took my seat and picked the menu up. My eyes scanned the rather expensive menu, picking at the various cakes. Orihime took a sip of water, watching me awkwardly. I cleared my throat and returned the gaze before I blurted out, "How do you know Master Kurosaki?"

She laughed at my sudden out burst. I looked away sheepishly before she answered modestly.

"My family was great friends with the Kurosaki's, my father being a large benefactor for the Kurosaki hospital actually," she paused for a sip of water. I nodded, placing my hands that were folded together in my lap. Orihime let out a soft sigh before going on, her grey eyes softening. She let out a soft sigh as she gathered her hands into her lap. "Being the daughter of a benefactor such as my father's gave me a high title, and sparked interest in other wealthy households. Before I left my family's title, my father insisted on marrying young," I drowned out her voice for a moment. Her family's title? What did that mean?

"I do apologize for interrupting, but what do you mean you had left your family's title?" I burst aloud. Orihime smiled and pulled a stray hair out of her face. "Oh silly me, I had forgotten to explain. Well, you see, after a... mishap if you will, my brother and I were disowned as children," Orihime's eyes grew more sad as she mentioned her brother. I chewed my lip nervously, feeling as though I brought up too tender of a topic. "If it bothers you too much to speak of it, Lady Inoue, you do not have to continue," I whispered, watching as the tears bubbled in her eyes. Swatting invisible bugs in front her as she wiped away little tears, she shook her head. "No, no, it is okay. If you would like to hear the story, I will graciously tell it to you,"

I swallowed the guilt in my throat and nodded for her to continue. Taking a shaky breath, Orihime continued.

"As I was saying, my father had wanted me to marry young to a wealthy family such as ourselves and let our family name grow and prosper. My brother had been set out to marry a fine lady, who had later become a princess actually, but by then it was a little too late. Anyways, my father had told me to get married to the next head of the Kurosaki household," she paused to smile at me quietly. Lady Orihime was to be married to the Young Master? That explains so much! The soft tone he used around her, the sudden protectiveness, all of the 'gentleman' business he pulled.

"Alas, something came up and you could say everything was ruined. My brother and I were banished from our manner and the marriage was called off for the both of us. Even so, if I were to stay in my household, I wouldn't have been able to marry Ichigo," Orihime said, batting her eyelashes. I turned my head to the side slightly, raising an eyebrow.

"Although his father was fond of our family, he didn't approve of the decision. He had put it in the nicest way he could, but stripped down and simply, he didn't want this to happen. He had backed up his reasoning with that we were too young – the both of us were only thirteen at the time, so I would wholeheartedly agree with him on that point – and that marrying into this household would put too much weight onto my shoulders. I didn't understand this point, however. It didn't make sense to me. Was it because they were very popular all along this country or was it because our name was not as great as theirs? I would never understand, I believe, though it was a sad day to find out I wouldn't be able to marry Ichigo.

I'm sure you would have noticed already, Lady Kuchiki," Orihime paused and smiled innocently as she addressed me formerly. "I am in love, so in love, with Ichigo. To the point where it hurts me. But, I do know that he does not love me. He is very secretive of it, however, I had to learn this truth in the most bitter of ways. Going over for tea one day, I nearly stepped into his office only to be stopped when I heard his father say to him with genuine sincerity towards me, 'Ichigo, I know you do not love her, and that is why I had carried out to cancel the marriage between you two. It would not be good for her or for you in the future, I can feel it deep within my bones.'" Orihime set her lips into a straight line as I stared at her quietly. Oh goodness, what have I done bringing out all of these feelings. It must have pained Orihime to speak of this, I am a terrible person.

I couldn't say anything as she glanced at the ground, the hurt rising in her eyes. She loved him a lot, I could see it now. It must have pained her to not be able to marry the man she loved, but it must have been even more painful to know that he didn't have any feelings like that towards her. One thing I couldn't fathom however was how could anybody have feelings for that ignorant fool? I don't mean it in a rude way towards Lady Inoue, but there was nothing to like about him. Except possibly his looks but besides that he was nothing. Shaking that thought away, our waitress came by once again with that dirty look smeared across her face. We ordered a few little cakes and some tea to go along with it and the rest of our time went by smoothly until it was time to leave.

As we stood up simultaneously and gathered our things, Orihime let out a deep sigh. "Well, Rukia, it was a pleasure to spend this time with you, it really was. Don't worry too much about anything I said. It is better to let more people know than keeping it bottled up inside, correct?" Orihime murmured as we exited the cafe whilst her driver paid the tab. The rest of the drive back to the Kurosaki manor was near silent and a bit tense. Was it okay that I had deliberately made Orihime pour her heart out like that? I suppose so; she had said it herself as well, that it was better to let it out than to keep it inside of yourself.

I thanked the driver and Orihime once more as I hopped out of the carriage and headed through the gates to the admirable Kurosaki manor. I greeted the guards who stood like statues at the front door and entered the warm castle-like building. I hurriedly made it down the narrow, maze-like hallways as I simultaneously reminisced my first time walking through this place. That was when I also remembered running into the Young Master for the first time as well. History had decided to repeat itself as I walked head first into a familiar build and was suddenly swept away by a intriguing scent.

"Goddamn it, watch where you're going!" I heard that same voice burst into the air as I tried my hardest to free myself. I didn't want to see him now, of all times. It had not been long enough to avoid him just quite yet. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was terrified of seeing him for some odd reason. It probably started after he had found out about the sword. Had he told anybody this? I hope he hadn't. If word got around... if word got to brother I'm sure Renji and I would be dead in a matter of minutes.

As I untangled myself from the Young Master, I hastily made it past him without making any eye contact. He was the last person I wanted to see as of right now. I drew in breaths shakily heading down the hallways as I stared at the ground before I pushed open the kitchen doors and hurried into the warm and welcoming room. "Miss Rukia, where have you been?" Kisuke asked as I shed my coat. Reading my mind, Yoruichi handed me a glass filled with water and I drank it all in one sip. What was going on right now? My mind was in a haze; why was I so worked up after seeing him?

"Miss Rukia, are you okay? You seem a little distraught, might I ask what is wrong?" Kisuke tried again. I shook my head.

"It's n-nothing, Kisuke, nothing I assure you," I managed to choke out. Kisuke might have said it was the right time to confront him once again, but I did not feel ready. There was something churning within the depths of my mind at the moment regarding the Young Master. Something about him drew some kind of feeling inside of me. A little terrified and shaken, I set the glass onto the marble platform and stormed out of the kitchen without a word. I heard Kisuke call after me but proved useless as I continued down the hallway. Why I am so worked up, I shall never know, though I knew at this moment I needed to be alone.

Meandering through the narrow hallways, my footsteps echoed as I made it to the back entrance of the castle where Miss Yuzu's frozen garden laid preserved in the chilling atmosphere. There was a light snow that descended from the white background of the sky and surprisingly enough, I didn't feel cold. In fact, I felt warm and welcomed. It was quiet, the giant trees created a barrier from the outside world only showing little sight from beyond their strong hold. A small pathway from the backdoor had been made where the brick walkway shown underneath the light coating of snow and I followed it silently. I heard briefly from Kisuke that this whole garden was established for Miss Yuzu and her mother, both of which shared an immense love for gardening. This was Miss Yuzu's secret sanctuary where she would lock herself away with a book in hand and would not be heard from until somebody came out to fetch her – that somebody being myself in most cases.

"Let me use this sanctuary for the day," I whispered the request despite the fact that I knew she could not hear me. My light footsteps echoed in the emptiness of this quiet space as I continued down the walkway before I made way to a small bench that sought refuge beneath a small canopy that left it spotless and untouched by the falling snow. My breath cast a ghostly reflection of the loneliness I was engulfed in. This was what I needed at the moment. No human interaction at all.

I took a seat on the bench, the wood letting out a soft moan as I settled my weight onto it. A small insignia from the man who hand built the bench was engraved into the glowing glossed wood. I sighed, the only noise beside me. It was so silent in that moment that I swore I could hear each snow flake fall gracefully to the ground. That was when I let my mind wander over what was bothering me. So many thoughts and ideas flooded my mind in that second I released the gates that held them back I felt as though I was drowning. Thoughts swam throughout the ocean in my mind at this moment when one stuck out the most. It was a little unsettling to capture that thought within my mind, but it was too late as it deluged my mind. What was the Young Master doing to me. I wasn't quite sure where to start with that thought, however I knew its staggering truth would be a little too much for me. What was he doing to me?

I released another sigh, turning my head so my eyes were looking directly at snow free ground. Many things churned within my mind and as well as my heart when I thought of him, especially after the confrontation regarding my sword. There was something daunting about him and his way with words, though it wasn't associated with fear. I was not sure what he was doing to me, however I would not like to know as of right now. I knew very well whatever it was would be too much for me to handle and I did not need to know that right now. Besides that, something else spurred in my mind; the fact that I needed to find a teacher. Kisuke kept pestering me about finding a teacher the past week and a half it left me thinking who would be suitable for a teacher.

I didn't know very many other swordsmen other than the people I knew right now. As I asked myself that question – well, to be clear whenever I asked myself this question – the Young Master's face appeared in my thoughts. I was not aware why my mind found it appropriate to cast such images in my mind, however I did not think much of it. I already overruled the idea of asking him to be my mentor in the art of sword wielding for a number of reasons one being the fact that he did not enjoy the actuality of me being able to hold a sword. Two; the fact that is in impatient and ready to yell at something if nothing went accordingly. He had so many faults and so much disbelief in my ability it was discouraging. It made me want to not pick up a sword anymore. But I knew better than that; to give into that dismay that is tossed around so nonchalantly by a man who believes women shouldn't even dare to gaze at a sword.

As I was deep in thought, I hadn't notice the brass gates open with a singsong creak that echoed down the narrow pathway down to where I was seated, staring into the white oblivion. Staring and falling more and more into thought, I didn't hear the foot falls until they stopped right in front of me. "May I take this seat?"

I knew eyes had landed on my person, piercing eyes that were hot with a sense of daring curiosity. But when I glanced upward, all I saw was a wasteland of near emptiness, a crisp bitterness and pure worry. It was none other than Toshiro. I smiled but there was no humor. He took that as a 'yes' and sat down right beside me, the wood creaking beneath our combined weight. What was he doing here? How he knew I was out here would be the better question, however.

He stole glances at me occasionally and I wasn't sure what he was looking at. "Aren't you cold?" Toshiro finally asked. It was quiet, almost silent, as I turned my head to face him. "No," I answered simply, rather monotonously as well. The snow kept falling, and it was reticent; Toshiro was being so well reserved I had forgotten he was there until he released a short breath.

My thoughts were interrupted by his arrival, though I was not angry. I was grateful, actually. I knew I would drown especially if I didn't know how to swim in an ocean like that. I settled into a trance like state again, steadying my breath and forgetting the world. There was a rustle of cloth and a huff of cold from the body radiating heat beside me. A warmth piled onto my body as the smell of shoe cleaner and leather engulfed my sense. My head automatically turned beside me to stare at the white haired male who only gazed ahead.

"I said I wasn't cold," I reminded him briefly, Toshiro nodded and pointed at my ears. "You may not be cold, but your body is. Your ears are red," he mentioned and by instinct I reached back and touched my ear which was freezing. I curled my lip in defeat, the sound of Toshiro's laugh making me feel uncomfortable. It got quiet again. The snow fell, and fell, and fell and I was sure that we had sat out there for hours on end. The silence made my skin crawl, and the mind race. My lips were dry and cracked with each lick of wind that breathed past my face.

"Why are you out here?" Toshiro finally asked. Why was I out here? What would I say to him? That I was clearing my mind? That I had ran into the Young Master and was overwhelmed with unknown feelings? That I was stressing over finding a swords master? Before my mind could make up what it wanted to say, my lips opened and blurted out something completely irrelevant.

"I like the snow," I muttered softly. That sounded completely idiotic. Why I even shared that statement was beyond my comprehension but Toshiro had seemed to like it. He grinned, though it lacked humor, and agreed. "The snow is nice. Being out here makes it seem beautiful and surreal," he described in short. I nodded.

We sat in silence again until a bell rang from afar and I knew that was the sign to go back in. Somebody – or Kisuke, I would presume – must have worried and wanted to make sure I was okay. I stood up abruptly and handed Toshiro his worn jacket. "I must bid you a farewell now, as it is time to head back inside," I said to him quickly. He stared at me carefully with his cerulean eyes before pushing his coat back into me. "Take it with you," Toshiro suggested, standing up as well. Was he out of his mind?

"You need it more than I do. I only have to walk a few mere steps. Take your coat back," I commanded. I shoved the heavy coat into his hands though he didn't catch, leaving it to tumble to the ground. The two of us stared at it simultaneously and neither of us did anything about it. I frowned at this. "I am going to leave now, it was nice seeing you," I announced briefly. Without waiting for a response, I started off in the direction of the Kurosaki Castle. In the background as I left I heard Toshiro bend down to pick up his coat that laid limp on the snow dusted pavement.

Before I could get any farther, his voice called from behind me. "Kisuke told me something when I was in there. He said you're still looking for a teacher," he said simply. I stopped in my tracks immediately. I heard him lick his lips, carefully choosing the words. What would Toshiro suggest? That I become his student? I already was, wasn't I? His personal student, perhaps? I didn't want that. Not at all. "Have you thought about who'd you would like as a teacher? A candidate, if you would," he continued, the jacket sloshing onto his body as he pulled it on. I didn't respond to his question. The chills were starting to permeate through my body and I would liked to hurry inside as soon as possible.

"I'm taking that as a 'no'?" he inquired, taking a seat on the bench. I was sure he crossed his legs though I wasn't going to turn around to confirm that. "Anybody you'd favor? How that Kurosaki?" he suggested. My mind skipped and my heart began to fumble when he uttered that. "He's a great swordsman, I'm sure he would take you as a student."

"He knows I have a sword and is not very happy about it," I told him quietly, embarrassment clouding my face. That's preposterous! Ask that ill-tempered fool to my mentor? No. Besides that, I don't think I would have the courage to ask him. God knows what he would do. Maybe he would tell Brother. If Brother doesn't know already. Oh goodness, the thought of Brother knowing would be enough for me to jump off a building.

"'Not very happy about it?'" Toshiro echoed, leaning back onto the bench. I turned slightly to glance at him, eyes narrowed. "I don't want to die, that is why I haven't considered him being my teacher," at this Toshiro stood up immediately, alert.

"But that is beyond the point, Miss Kuchiki," he began, hands outstretched in a explaining manner. "He is stubborn, but if you appeal to him –"

"So what you are saying is I beg?" I snapped, cutting him short. His arms went limp to his sides, eyes becoming shallow. "I am a Kuchiki, and we do not beg. If I wanted a teacher so badly, I would search farther than to some self-centered boy that cannot handle the fact that women can wield a sword just as good, if not better, than a man," I told him with my arms folded across my chest. He heaved a sigh, crossing his own arms.

"Begging is one thing, appealing is another. Have you noticed nobody has came to get you? If if really bothered him that a woman held a sword he would have notified the Royal Council or somebody by now. Do you understand?" Toshiro explained, one eyebrow arching questionably.

I thought about it for a moment silently, blocking out the noise behind me. "What would I appeal to him?" I asked carefully, having my voice steady so it didn't seem that I would succumb to the idea of asking the Young Master. The corner of his lip threatened to tilt upward as he bit down onto his lip, deep in thought. "Explain it to him. Present the proposition, and explain it. He actually is a lot more bright than you give him credit for," Toshiro said quietly. I bit my lip. Would this actually work? What did Toshiro know about the Young Master anyways? He had only met him briefly, why could he say these things and be so sure of them?

"I must leave now, I will see you soon. Thank you for visiting," I said without giving him any hint of what I was thinking. Toshiro said nothing as I walked away. It was quiet after that, though my mind was bustling with noise. There would be a lot of decision making tonight.

"Where were you Miss Rukia? Yoruichi and I were worried sick!" Kisuke exclaimed motherly, hands thrown up into the air to add emphasis. I waved my hand at him.

"Nothing to worry about Kisuke. I assure you, I was fine," I reassured.

"Dinner will be served early today as the doctor has to make a trip tonight," Yoruichi announced, beating the meat on the counter with a large mallet. I raised an eyebrow, a perplexed look sprawled across my face. "Is that so?" I asked, though I already knew that Yoruichi had been telling the truth. She didn't answer my rhetorical question as I began to saunter out of the kitchen. "Where are you headed off to now, Miss Rukia?" Kisuke called frm behind me. "To my bedroom," I lied, pushing the large doors. Heading down the hallways, I bit my lip and thought about it carefully. Toshiro's words sloshed around in my head messily, creating a wave of consideration that drowned any doubt that appeared. Would it really work?

Without further thought, I heard soft rustles coming from behind the nearly closed door that I stood in front of. I peered into the well lit room, the smell of a burning fire mixing with the intoxicating scent that filled my senses. The Young Master sat at his large desk while he filed papers and held a pen between his lips. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the room without knocking. Feeling my presence I watched the Young Master set his amber eyes onto my person immediately. "What is it?" he asked carefully, words muffled by the pen. Dinner would be soon so I supposed I would have to make this quick. Hopefully, Toshiro would be correct with his assumption and I'd be alive by the end of tonight.

"I have a proposition to make,"

AN: WOW I'VE BEEN GONE FOR SO FUCKING LONG I ACTUALLY WANT TO JUMP OFF A CLIFF BUT yanno I finished freshman year with a bang (A honor roll wooooo) and shit so yeah. I'm not really gonna tell you guys why it took so long to write this besides the fact that I was really in a rut for a REAL long time and I finally managed to climb out. I won't promise updates will come along quicker like I did in the past because I might not follow through with them but I really do hope that not everyone has given up on this story. If you've given up on the story well then I'm sorry for being a disappointment but to those who will still follow along, I'm glad you've stuck around this long! It makes me feel like you still have faith in a half-baked author like me c: so thanks for those who have stuck around. And tell me what you think :D