So, I have overhauled, shredded, and re-written this story, hence why I deleted all the chapters. I couldn't bring myself to delete the whole thing and start again, so I'm doing it this way. I want to thank the anonymous reviewer who tore it to shreds a while ago. It made me realize I was not investing in becoming a better writer and had gotten complacent. Thank you so much for your albeit harsh, but helpful criticism. I'm sure there are still minor mistakes in it, but I think it's far improved from what it was.
This is a reverse harem story that will contain sex scenes, however they will be edited out and linked to AO3 and Tumblr.
Rukia adored the beautiful landscape. The trees were thick and tall, the leaves matching the lofty grass. The sun was high in the sky, ivory clouds billowing with the gentle wind. The weather remained cool enough to wear long sleeves without sweating. The birds were chirping as they flew in their familiar formation off to the east. It was such a beautiful location, and it felt like paradise. A loud car horn broke the daydreaming woman from her thoughts. She looked around to see tall buildings; the streets lined with cars, and pedestrians scurrying to get to where they needed to be. Someone brushed against her shoulder, almost knocking the shorter woman on her butt.
"Watch where you're walking!" the male hollered at her before continuing on his hurried way.
"You jerk!" she shouted after him. "Why do people have no manners?!"
Thoughts on a quiet, nature-oriented lifestyle was a faraway dream. Rukia hoped one day she could live like that, but her current life did not allow it. Rukia's nursing prerequisites ensured she couldn't relax. Both she and her high school best friend, Orihime, lived the typical college life. They didn't have the best apartment, but they made it work. She was on her way to work at a little coffee shop called Nejibana's, thankful for her break between semesters.
Soon she was walking through the door and welcomed the coffee and pastry aromas. There was someone setting up for open mic night and people were in different areas using their laptops or drawing. It was an appreciated artistic place. Rukia enjoyed coming to work. She got to listen to music and converse with the patrons. Despite nursing being her major, drawing was something the dark-haired woman had always enjoyed. That didn't mean she excelled, but she still loved to pick up a pencil and let her mind go to work on a blank sheet of paper.
"Hey, hey Rukia!" her boss shouted at her while cleaning a plate. His turquoise eyes brightened the room. "Ready to start the day?"
The woman heard him, but that idiot who bumped into her still plagued her thoughts. Why be an asshole when it's your fault you ran into someone?
"Don't you hear me talking to you?!"
Her manager's booming voice ripped her from her thoughts. She blinked at how fast he moved from around the counter and now towered over her. He placed a hand on top of her head and leaned down.
"You know," he deadpanned. "It's impolite to ignore someone when they speak to you."
"Sorry!" she blurted. "Morning Kaien!"
He smiled. "That's more like it!"
It was easy to fall into the flow of working. Visitors to Nejibana's were a different breed. They were artistic and abstract which made it much easier to converse with them whether it was about different styles of art or music. She loved the surroundings, too. The wood paneled walls gave the shop a relaxed atmosphere and complimented the calculated placement of small tables. Each table had a different pattern etched into its resin design; the royal blue swirled one got the most compliments. There were microphones and amps for Poetry and Vibe night. A young man took advantage of the small area with his equipment. People were laughing and drinking coffee beverages or sipping on Moscato. That brought a smile to her face. How many coffee shops served alcohol? Rukia also could have alcohol while on the job. The limit was one drink every four hours to make sure no one got intoxicated, and she was long overdue for a can of peach Chu-Hi… half a can anyway. She was taking A&P I. This teacher was a tyrant with homework, but it was clear she wanted to make sure that her students familiarized themselves with the material.
"I will go check if anyone needs plates brought up," Rukia called to her co-worker. "Can you watch the front?"
"Sure, thing Rukia!" a dark-haired girl called as she ran up. "I'll take care of it!"
Momo's enthusiastic attitude border lined infectious with how she brought out calmness and joy in others. Rukia wished she had her limitless optimism, but people made it hard. Rukia wiped her hands on a cloth and made rounds to the tables, collecting empty plates, cups, and bottles from the customers. She returned, walking behind the counter to put the dishes in the sink and toss the bottles when she saw someone walk in.
"Rukia! Yoo-hoo!"
Rukia smiled when she saw her friend Rangiku waving at her. The grin vanished when she saw how much cleavage she had exposed. It wasn't usual. Rangiku loved to flaunt her curvy figure, and that was clear from the low-cut tie around shirt she had on and tight jean pants. She pulled her long tangerine hair up into a high ponytail and thick sunglasses were on her face. She pulled them off and moved over to where Rukia was standing with a bin full of dishes and bottles.
"Hey Rangiku," Rukia greeted. "What can I get for you?"
"I came to see you," she cooed, ice-blue eyes glistening with mischief. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Um, studying?"
Rangiku laughed. "Oh, come on. You've been putting me off for weeks now! Hang out with me and some friends?"
It was a Friday and Rukia had nothing planned other than studying. Rangiku had been on her ever since the first day they met on campus. It was Rukia's first day of English class and she got lost. Shinigami University was an enormous campus and the map she had read like a foreign language. After walking around the same building for the third time and getting ready to rip the stupid map in half, she heard giggling.
Rukia turned around to see Rangiku standing behind her with a gentle grin. Three other women were with her. Rukia's first thought about Rangiku was that she was beautiful, and her body was fantastic. Rukia wasn't into women, but she could appreciate… or harbor jealousy of Rangiku's assets.
"Let me guess," she said while stepping closer. "You're a newbie, huh?"
"Something like that," Rukia responded, still turning her map over.
"Here, let me help."
Rukia handed the taller woman her class list. "I'm looking for Mr. Ukitake's English class."
"Aw, you are a freshman," Rangiku chided in a kind voice. "Come on, I'll show you where it is."
She loved how friendly Rangiku was and how welcome she made her feel. Many of their evenings spent together began with Rangiku attempting different hairstyles on her. She studied to be a beautician and she excelled so far.
Rukia took a deep breath. "Sure, it can't hurt."
After her eight-hour shift was up, Rukia walked back home. She only lived about a block away and her trek included well-lit sidewalks bustling with people at all hours. The weather was getting cooler at night. Winter was Rukia's favorite season because of the snow. There was nothing more beautiful than looking at a white wonderland with a cup of hot chocolate in her grasp. However, getting dressed for the club that night would prove…uncomfortable. Nervousness fluttered in her belly. She'd gone to a club only once and her experience of having a drunk spill his drink down her shirt made her shy away from them. Orihime didn't bar hop either so Rukia didn't have a reason to go. It was different with Rangiku. She was a party girl into drinking and mild illegal drugs. She often planned parties at her frat's building and the cops almost always ended up getting called because things would get too rowdy.
Rukia reached the stairs leading up to her apartment and frowned. That stupid dog was barking again. It barked nonstop for a week straight now. No matter how many times she complained to the after-hours, the dog would bark again, and the owners wouldn't do anything about it. Rukia didn't want to confront them, but if it kept up, she would bang on their door demanding an explanation. After fumbling with her keys for a few moments, Rukia pushed on the front door to open it after twisting the lock. The lights were off so Rukia assumed Orihime had to work late. She worked at a local 24-hour supermarket. Sometimes they could get groceries discounted if they expired soon. Rukia headed down the hall and into her room. It was a little after nine o'clock. Rangiku was coming to pick her up at 10:30 so she had to get dressed. Rukia felt a little adrenaline move through her body as she shuffled to her closet to decide on what to wear. A few drinks with Rangiku didn't sound horrible and what was the worst that could happen?
After rummaging for a few minutes, Rukia decided on a black dress that stopped mid-thigh. She loved that dress because it hugged close to her body and showed off what little curves she had. It had long sleeves to help with the cold atmosphere. Her violet gaze moved over her shoes and she pitied how few she had. Rukia found a pair of black boots she had that matched with everything. Those would work for tonight.
Rukia entered the bathroom with a towel and underwear. She hummed while placing her things on the marbled counter. The brunette took her phone out of her pocket and placed it on its dock. She liked to listen to music any time she was getting ready to go out with friends. It helped change her mindset from work and school to fun. Rukia bobbed her head to the beat and sang along with the Three Days Grace song that blared through the speakers.
She took twenty minutes to shower and wash her hair. Rukia stepped out and dried off, feeling goose bumps rise on her skin from the cooler atmosphere outside the shower. She towel dried her hair as well and began the process of applying lotion to her skin. Rukia didn't need it, but it was sweet pea, her favorite scent. She inhaled the sweet aroma for a moment, tempted to wear her perfume that matched the lotion, but she didn't want to overdo it. Rukia put on her undergarments and pulled the dress over her head, which made her hair messier than it already was.
"I swear, you suck sometimes," she muttered to her locks as she picked up a brush and ran it through her damp locks.
Fifteen minutes later, she was ready. Rukia gave herself a once over in the mirror. Silver was her choice for jewelry. Her necklace accentuated her neck and the silver dangling earrings made her eyes appear brighter. She grabbed a gray parka and headed for the living room. Rukia didn't party much although she liked to drink every now in then. Maybe she was overthinking things.
A knock at the door caught her attention. Rukia jumped up, purse and keys in hand, and headed to answer it. Rangiku looked flawless. The green halter top dress she wore was form fitting. It stopped mid-thigh, showing off her long and toned legs. Her orange hair was in waves that caressed her face and shoulders. Rukia almost felt intimidated. Her two friends were beautiful, too. One was exotic looking with bronzed skin and bright golden eyes. Her purple hair was in a high ponytail that brushed her lower back.
The second wore hardened expression as if she'd rather be somewhere else. Majority of her hair was short, but she had two longer pieces that came down to mid-back. Her conservative attire still enhanced her features. She locked eyes with Rukia for a moment with a gaze she couldn't place filtering over her features.
"Well don't you look beautiful," Rangiku cooed. "This is Yoruichi." She pointed at the woman with the lavender hair.
Yoruichi gave her a smile. "Nice to meet you, Rukia. You're as cute as Rangiku said!"
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you too," Rukia responded, gazing up at the taller woman and returning her smile.
"I'm Soi Fon," the other woman stated.
Rukia gave Soi Fon a wave. "Nice to meet you, too."
"Likewise," was her short response.
"All right ladies!" Rangiku exclaimed while clapping her hands together. "Let's get going! The boys are already waiting."
"Boys?" Rukia questioned.
It took less than fifteen minutes for the group of women to arrive at Club Soul Reaper. Rukia didn't know if she liked the sound of the name. It sounded dreary… and dangerous. She surveyed their surroundings as they got out of the car to see a line wrapped around the building to get in. How popular was this place? Music blared so loud, they could hear it outside the building. Despite the chilly weather, many women were wearing revealing dresses. Rangiku grasped Rukia's hand and headed towards the front of the long line. A bouncer stood at the front. Rukia found him very unattractive with his receding hairline, large lips, and nose. He turned to leer at them while they approached. He held his arms out and gave a wide grin.
"Rangiku! Didn't expect to see you here tonight."
"Of course, I'm here Yammy!" Rangiku answered. "Who wouldn't be when Kensei graced us with his presence?!"
"He has quite the reputation, doesn't he?" Yammy unhooked the rope that was separating the girls from him. "You and your ladies head on in. I know you're on the guest list."
"You're such a sweetie Yammy." The orange haired woman shot him a flirtatious smile. "See you later!"
"What connections do you have for us to waltz in here?" Yoruichi questioned as they walked down the darkened hallway lit with black lights.
"I did him a favor, that's all," Rangiku stated, throwing her cascading locks over her shoulder. "Come on ladies!"
Rukia didn't know what "boys" her friend was talking about. She knew no men other than Kaien. The brunette focused on her studies and everything else took a backseat. She had a few guys try to approach her, but she turned them down. She would have time for dating when she finished nursing school. Right now, she wondered who Kensei was. Yammy and Rangiku made him sound like he must be someone important. Rukia never heard of him, but she lacked a social life. Violet orbs studied her surroundings. It was a massive two-story area with people dancing everywhere. The bar had every drink imaginable on dozens of shelves. There were Go-go dancers in cages dancing high above the dance floor and a large water fountain with rainbow changing lights glittered through the water. Rangiku led them through the busy dance floor to an area that had couches viewing over the nightclub.
There were two males already sitting down having drinks. Rukia didn't recognize them. One had two females on either side of him, his arms on their shoulders. He spiked his white hair, and he had his black vest open, exposing stacked abs.
He looks like a douche bag.
They climbed the stairs to join them.
"Kensei!" Rangiku exclaimed, moving to sit in the man's lap. "It's been too long since I last saw you."
Kensei moved his arms from around the other girls' shoulders to place one in Rangiku's lap and the other behind her back. The two females frowned. He grinned before leaning closer to her. He ran his fingers down her neck.
"I don't like it when you make me wait, Rangiku." He looked over at Yoruichi, Soi Fon, and Rukia. "Who are your friends?"
"Who are you?" Soi Fon snapped.
Yoruichi brushed a hand down her shoulder to her lower back. "No reason to be mean Soi Fon dear," she spoke. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yoruichi."
"Same to you Yoruichi and you as well, Slick Mouth."
Soi Fon's eyes narrow. "You must be out of your-"
"So!" Rangiku interrupted before things escalated too far. "It's time to get drinks going!"
"Hell yeah!" a male with shocking blue hair moved towards them with a bottle of Tequila in one hand and shot cups. "Who's taking shots?"
"Grimmjow," Kensei started. "Grab the ladies something classy."
"I'll take a Tequila shot," Soi Fon interjected.
"I like your attitude," Grimmjow said, giving her a fanged smile and placing the items on a clear table. He adjusted his plaid shirt around the collar and moved closer to the brunette. "You should take a shot with me, beautiful."
"Tch," she scoffed. "You're barking up the wrong tree."
Yoruichi laughed at that statement. She leaned down and poured five shots, handing them to each person. The two women Kensei sat with left when he started ignoring them. Yoruichi held out her hand to give Rukia a shot, which she declined.
"Sorry, but I hate tequila."
"Aww," Yoruichi said, voice lacking in sympathy. "The bar will have drinks more suited for you."
That sounded like a good idea. Rukia noticed she was a third wheel… or a sixth. Their company didn't acknowledge her, and she was a little hesitant to jump into being involved with new people. Rukia was a skeptical person, and it took a while to open up. She was a loner, someone who worked fine on her own. Still, friends made life easier. For now, a drink would hit the spot and help her to relax. She informed Rangiku of where she was going before heading to the bar. She sat down on the tall bar stool, having to step up to do so. She crossed her legs and placed her elbows on the clear counter. Her eyes turned to the dance floor again. half-naked women were grinding their bodies to the beat, some with a partner and some just by themselves. Rukia wasn't much of a dancer, but she enjoyed watching people socialize. Social interactions were interesting to her. Now, she watched as a male approached a female from behind and tried to dance with her. The woman frowned and moved away. Rukia snickered at his misfortune.
"Why don't you tell me what's so funny?"
She turned to breath taking cinnamon-colored eyes. Rukia's gaze moved over his features. His orange hair spiked in different directions, angular jaw, clear skin, and when he gave her a sultry smile, Rukia felt her heart speed up in her chest. He was very attractive and the small stud earring in his right ear seemed to bring out his features even more. Her eyes dropped to his exposed muscular arms and glued to the sight of his biceps flexing.
Rukia blinked to bring herself out of her trance. "Just watching people get rejected on the dance floor."
"Sounds interesting," he said while wiping the counter in front of him with a white washcloth. "Can I get you something to drink while you watch?"
"What would you recommend?" Rukia linked her fingers together as she waited for his answer.
"Well," he started. "Tell me what kind of week you've had."
"Okay… um."
"Ichigo," he finished for her. "And you?"
"Rukia," she answered. "Well I'm a nursing student and I had a tough exam in Anatomy this week, one in Nutrition tomorrow, and another on bone structures two days after that."
"Sounds like you need a break, something to relax your nerves."
Ichigo turned his back to her and mixed drinks together. Rukia watched as he raised bottles high over the glass and poured them without splashing the contents. After a few moments, he placed a drink that looked like tea in front of her. Rukia picked up the glass and examined it before taking a sip.
"Wow, this is delicious," she commented. "What is it?"
"It's mango peach sangria." Ichigo leaned over the counter. "It's a favorite. I like it myself, but don't tell anyone."
Rukia laughed while continuing to drink her beverage. She an Ichigo continued to talk, and she realized he was easy to get along with. They joked, poked fun, and just enjoyed each other's company. Two more sangrias had the brunette buzzed. She had grown comfortable enough around Ichigo to where she decided not to join Rangiku and her friends. Still, they were her ride home, so she'd better make sure they didn't continue drinking. Someone had to drive them home. It wasn't far, so she could walk, but she'd rather not.
"Well, I better go see what my company is up to," Rukia said as she stood, holding onto the counter so she didn't trip over her feet. "It was nice talking to you."
"Nice talking to you too Rukia," Ichigo called.
The orange haired male moved to another area of the bar to help someone else. Rukia returned to Rangiku and the others. They clearly drank more than she had from all stumbling and giggles she witnessed. She climbed the stairs and Soi Fon ambushed her, red blush on her cheeks.
"You're beautiful?" she slurred, placing her arms on each of Rukia's shoulders. "Such beautiful skin and your eyes are amazing."
"Thank you," Rukia stated while assisting the drunken woman to the couch. "I think you've had enough Soi Fon."
When Rukia sat Soi Fon down, the taller woman pulled her into her lap and wrapped her arms around Rukia's waist. "I've had just enough, and I can tell from the alcohol I want to kiss you."
Rukia untangled herself from Soi Fon's arms. "Maybe when you're sober."
She turned her attention to the others and realized she might never go anywhere with them again. Rangiku was busy making out with Kensei while Yoruichi was giving Grimmjow a very interesting lap dance. Grimmjow's hands linked behind his head as he watched her movements. This was not something Rukia was expecting. Why did she bother branching out? Rukia looked over her shoulder at the bar but didn't see that tuff of orange hair. She was disappointed about that.
Rukia glanced at her watch. It was late and everyone she came with, including the DD, was drunk. Rukia moved over to Rangiku and tapped her on the shoulder. She ignored her, and that ticked Rukia off.
"Hey!" she shouted in Rangiku's ear.
The woman jumped. "What the hell Rukia I-"
"I'm leaving," she interrupted. "You all need to call a cab. Don't drive home."
"Kay," Rangiku answered before Kensei pulled her mouth to his once more.
Rukia frowned in disgust. Rangiku had a sweet side, but she lacked modesty in her affections for Kensei. All the sexual tension was making Rukia uncomfortable, so she headed towards the door. Outside, the temperature dropped as the night progress. Her teeth chattered, and she wrapped her arms around her body to stay warm. The frosty air felt as if it was whipping at her skin. Her eyes watered, and her fingers numbed. Rukia gazed down the bright street, wondering if she should walk home or get a cab. If she did, she'd have to stand there for another twenty minutes in the cold and pay someone when she could make the trip home on foot in twenty. After contemplating it for a while, she took the chance and headed home by herself.
The wind whistled in her ears and the crunch of leaves sounded under her feet. Once again, her mind wandered to Ichigo, and she wondered if she would ever see him again. The brunette refused to return to the club after tonight. She sighed. Her conversation with Ichigo was the only saving grace. Rukia cleared her mind from her thoughts and paid more attention to her surroundings. She was always on edge, always staying focused so if something happened, she wouldn't panic. Five years ago, a man attacked her older sister Hisana and dragged her into a van where he drugged her. The man took her to his house, raped her, and shot her in the head before turning the gun on himself. Hisana had been looking down at her phone at the time of the attack so Rukia made sure she was paying attention. She was nervous and decided next time she should take a taxi to ensure her safety. The street bustled with others enjoying the nightlife, so Rukia believed she'd be fine.
She arrived home without incident. Rukia bounded up the stairs, excited to be so close to warmth. Trying to unlock her front door with numb fingers proved to be harder than she imagined. After dropping her keys once, Rukia opened the door and moved inside while closing out the cold. She blew into her hands as she walked to regain feeling in them. She walked into her room and changed into pajamas before diving underneath the covers. It only took minutes for her to fall asleep.
An awful noise jolted Rukia out of her sleep. She looked around through bleary eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger. It was the stupid dog barking again. Turning over, she looked at the clock on her dresser to see it was three o'clock in the morning. She'd slept for four hours.
"That's it," Rukia seethed, jumping out of bed and reaching for her large black jacket.
She put on some slippers and stomped to go confront the douche bag who was not considerate enough to make their dog be quiet this early in the morning. Rukia opened the front door and moved across the hallway to where the irritating barking was loud and clear. She banged her fist as hard as she could on the door. At first, no one came, but she continued to hit the door, fueled by anger.
She listened to someone shout, "What the fuck!" and the door unlocked.
A male was standing there in a black muscle shirt and grey sweatpants. He leaned against the door frame, long red hair slipping over his shoulders. Dark tribal tattoos covered his arms. He glared at her, but she was too livid to care.
"What do ya want this early in the damn morning?!" he snapped.
"How about you shut your dog up and I won't have to come over here at ass crack a.m.!" she shouted. "I know you can hear it barking! Have the decency to see what it wants!"
"She doesn't want anything, she just barks!" he shouted back. "She's just a damn puppy and doesn't like when she's in her kennel! The only way to get her used to being in it is by ignoring her whining when I know she's fine!"
"I don't care!" Rukia yelled. "Had you been polite enough to tell your neighbors you were kennel training, I wouldn't be standing here!"
"Hey! It's too early for this!"
Someone else shouted that from the inside the house. Rukia lowered her stance and yelled underneath the guy's arm, "Do something about the dog and we can all go back to sleep!"
More shuffling reached her ears, and the door flung open. "Why don't you go the hell away you screeching bi-"
He stopped mid-sentence and Rukia's eyes widened. "Ichigo?"
