I know I should be working on my other byaruki fics, but there I was minding my own business when this crazy plot bunny came and bit on the... well anyways. I know this is a bit weird, but I promise it is not as crack as it sounds. It's just cause I love this pairing, so I keep thinking about them in the most unusual situations... XD And then they make me work to make it real... But I gladly obey!

This is unbeated, I apologize for any mistakes.

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Kuchiki Byakuya was walking calmly in the halls of the Kuchiki mansion when he heard a distant sound. The sound of music. Needless to say, music was not a very common sound between the walls of the old clan, which in general were remarkably peaceful and silent. In the rare and specific occasions when music was heard, it was mostly of the traditional type, appropriate to the ceremony that was bound to justify its existence.

However, the one he was hearing now was definitely not the type he was used to, nor was it possibly accompanying any ceremony in that Saturday evening. Intrigued and slightly disgusted by the impropriety of it, Byakuya moved in the direction of the sound. Following corridors, he noticed it was coming from a far room in an unused wing of the mansion. He also noticed the song's melody sounded foreign and intriguing, with unusual instruments. Now why would that be playing in his house in the first place? Who would be listening to it? Hiding his reiatsu and his presence, he reached the door where the sound was coming from and looked curiously inside, since the door was partially opened. The vision he found was definitely far from anything he was expecting.

Rukia was dancing to that song. And not only dancing. She was wearing a bizarre outfit that was… unknown to him, way too revealing for a noble to wear, he noted, and… alluring, if he dared to admit. But he did not. Improper, that was the word to describe it. Indecorous even. Definitely not something she should be seen wearing in public. He quickly checked for the presence of others around but concluded he was alone. He looked back at her, who kept dancing undisturbed. She was holding a transparent veil that would hide and show her moves and he noticed particularly that she wore a skirt with something that looked like coins in it, which followed the movement of her hips in sync with the beat of the song. The scene in front of his eyes was shocking to say the least, and also surreal, inexplicable. Yet, Rukia looked completely familiar with the dance and very concentrated, absorbed even.

Now the dance… it was something particular in itself. He would have problems in finding the appropriate words to describe it, had someone asked him to do so. The moves were feminine, gracious, soft and delicate… yet mysterious and alluring. Designed to be seductive, he analyzed, following her figure with his eyes while she danced, precise and lightly, across the room.

What would be the meaning of this? Why would Rukia be dancing like this? With these clothes? It had to be something she learned during her time in the living world, he concluded. "Probably when she was living with the orange-haired boy, when she got too involved in humans affairs" he reasoned, disgusted.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, followed by a hint of anger: Had he… seen this? He felt a sting of jealousy at the thought. She was a noble, she shouldn't be seen like this by other men, he justified himself, unconsciously excluding himself of this rule. He felt the urge to question her about it, but obviously decided against it. It would be too awkward. He was glad she had her back turned to him and didn't seem to have noticed his presence.

She seemed concentrated, yet, he could see a smile in the corner of her face, she was clearly enjoying her dance. He liked to see her smile, he realized with simplicity. He stood there a little, intrigued and entranced by her moves. He couldn't help but wonder who was in her thoughts while she danced like that, and a second sting of jealousy crossed his heart. It seemed like something you dance for a lover.

He noticed, detached, that his heart started racing without a proper reason and before he lingered more on this inspection he realized he should turn around and go back to his affairs, leaving Rukia to hers. Spying her was not a proper behavior for a Kuchiki, nor was witnessing something that was probably meant to be intimate. Even less when the person involved was one's adopted sister. And… his mind didn't want to acknowledge the shame he felt for looking at her with the eyes of a man, instead of a brother.

Just before he turned his back to leave, she spinned around and noticed his presence, stopping completely, a look of shock in her face.

"Nii-sama!" she exclaimed, turning off the sound player. "I-I'm sorry I disturbed you, I thought I was far enough, low enough, in a place nobody ever comes…"

"What is the meaning of this, Rukia?" He asked, ready to lecture her on the impropriety of it all.

"Oh, the dance? It's called belly dancing, something I've learned in the living world, in my dancing classes at the gym. I just wanted to keep up the practice."

"Dancing classes?"

"Yes. I started doing them to help me get in touch with my zanpakutou, so that I can eventually develop my bankai. Nii-sama told me to do so, remember?"

"I… remember telling you to reserve some time to develop your connection with your zanpakutou, indeed." He conceded, slightly annoyed.

"That's what I've been doing" she nodded innocently.

"I see." He gave a brief pause. "Proceed with it then. But do so with doors closed, so you don't disturb anyone." He turned around to leave in his usual cold fashion, decided not to look at her anymore.

"Hai, nii-sama" she agreed meekly, turning on the sound player again.

He closed the door after leaving, but before, with a brief look, he noticed she was back to dancing again. It would be hard to forget those images. Given that her zanpakutou abilities were released in the form of "dances", he could see how her training could lead to this as a way to develop their connection. He just needed to be around and ensure that no one else sees her "practicing" like that. Yes, that would be for the best, and even his duty as her brother, he nodded inwardly. For some reason, this decision gave him a warm, comfortable feeling, and he almost smiled to himself.

With the door closed, Byakuya couldn't see the smirk forming on Rukia's face, mirroring his, while she danced joyfully across the room.

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Like it? Hate it? Plz review (but be kind or I cry :P). I still feel like writing more, but the rating would have to change haha, I guess I'll leave it at that.