She walked quickly along the cobblestone road. Her boots made a slight clanking noise as she walked over the cold stone. She knew this wasn't a good idea. She just wanted to get away from her noble life and find a place to go where no one would recognize her. She even took a basic dress and cloak from a servant. Now, with the hood up, she wished she had brought something to shield her from this rain. It had been drizzling for a while, but now was pouring, and she didn't see any places she could shield herself. She took another look around. The street lamps were still on, but they seemed dimmer to her. A fog must be rolling in.
"Oh great, now I really won't be able to find my way home." She spoke softly aloud, cursing herself for even thinking it was a good idea to venture out of her mansion at night. She shook the hood and pulled it over her head again.
Twenty minutes had passed, and she had found temporary shelter under a tree. She pulled out her pocket watch and checked the time.
"Already midnight, I hope no one checks up on me and find me missing from my quarters." She sighed as she realized she was talking aloud to herself again. She looked around the dimly lit road. As she looked to her left, it almost looked like there were stairs hidden behind a planter. The rain did not seem like it was going to let up, so she ran towards the staircase in the shadows to have a look.
Sure enough, there was a staircase there. She ran down, and knocked a few times on the door at the end. When there was no answer, she tried the door. It was unlocked, and led into a foyer where there was another door. She took the moment inside the foyer to take off her cloak and wring it out. She shook it, and noticed that there were shadows dancing from the single lamp attached to the wall. The foyer itself was rather small, but it was nice to get out of the rainy, cold weather.
She took the next five minutes to listen for any sounds of the rain stopping and shake out her clothes. When she heard no sign, she relaxed on the bench. As she turned toward the inner door, she could see light coming from the small crack under the door. She could also hear a cough and some quiet voices. She tensed up for a moment, but the voices died down.
In an instant, the inner door was swung open, and two men staggered out. She looked with amazement at what was inside. It was a fairly large room with small tables with lamps on each. There were day beds and cushions close to the floor and brightly colored tapestries she had never seen before. The whole room was covered in a fog and seemed to have a strange smell to it.
She got up slowly as the door was closing and held it open. She peered in slowly. There were about ten people inside. Many seemed to be sleeping. "What is this?" She whispered to herself.
"You there. Don't be shy. Come in."
She looked over to see the owner of the voice. He was to her right about halfway down the room in front of a large table with a very ornate couch behind it. They too were low to the ground and seemed to be a little better quality. She then shifted her gaze back up to the man. He had long red hair that was braided and over his right shoulder. His open shirt appeared to be ivory colored and silky. His extensive black tattoos apparent through his open shirt. He wore more bangles and rings than Rukia could count. The large gold necklaces around his neck and ear piercings mesmerized her. She had never seen anyone like this before.
"Come in my lady. Do not be afraid. We won't hurt you." The man spoke in a low tone. Her heart seemed to skip a beat. She felt compelled to walk through the door and head towards the man. "What's your name?" The man asked as he took a bottle from under the table.
"Rukia." She dare not utter her last name.
"I'm Renji. Come closer. Would you like a drink?"
"No thank you. I was just trying to get out of the rain. If you don't mind, can I hang up my cloak and wait here for the rain to stop?"
"Of course." He took out a slotted spoon from a wooden box and placed the spoon on top of the glass with bright green liquid in it. She watched as he put a sugar cube on top of the spoon, then poured what Rukia assumed was water over the sugar. It danced inside the glass and eventually became cloudy. He put the item down and looked up, amused at seeing her stand there watching him. "You've never had absinthe before?"
She shook her head. "I haven't."
"It is an anise-flavored spirit. This bottle I got from a friend in France. It is very popular right now at French cafés." He paused. "Some people are trying to outlaw it due to their claims that it is some kind of drug. It's just any other alcohol." His face changed to one of disgust. As he was about to place the glass to his lips, he looked up. "Want a sip?"
Rukia took the glass and almost subconsciously took a sip. It was sweet and was not a bad taste. She was used to wine, so this was a nice difference. She handed it back. "It's nice."
He smiled. "Good, I'm glad you like it." He took a big drink, then set it down as two women walked by him. She could tell they were from the Orient and wore the traditional dress. They picked up some items on the table. Their hands roaming Renji's upper body as they glided away. He held out his arm and caressed one woman's arm as she walked away, his bracelets making ample noise. He turned back to see Rukia looking away.
"Who are all these people?" She said dryly.
Renji motioned to her to sit down. She walked over, placing her cloak on a hook, and walking back to sit an arm's length away from him. "I'm surprised you found this place."
"It was certainly by accident." She said. Her voice low as she looked around to the people in the room.
He smirked. "I understand that this may look strange, but I am simply a man knowing what the people want."
"Oh, and what do they want?" Rukia clenched her fist.
"They want a place to feel safe and a supply of what they need to have their otherwise horrible lives filled with a little peace."
Rukia stood up. "Well, thank you for letting me dry off. I will be on my way. Good evening." Rukia took her cloak and put the wet garment on quickly. As she walked past the table, he grabbed at her wrist. She stopped, looking at him with renewed distaste.
"Do you want everyone to leave? I'd like to talk with you more."
"I'd like to leave." Rukia pulled her wrist away.
"The rain has not let up. I promise, talk to me for a while and I will personally take you within a block from your house by carriage."
"I assure you Renji, I am not of the kind that would be seen in this type of establishment. I don't know if you think I'm some lady of evening or who you think I am."
Renji downed the last of his drink and sat back. "I know exactly who you are Rukia Kuchiki."
She froze. She didn't know what to do. If she started to run, he would surely catch up to her. Was she in danger? Was she now going to be a hostage? She started to tremble as she took a step back. Renji then began to chuckle. "I assure you my lady, I am not the man you think I am. I am not to the level of my clientele. I am simply a businessman."
"Why are you in this business?" She asked. Renji stood up, taking the cloak off Rukia's shoulders and placing it back on the hook. Rukia sat back on the couch.
"I am a trader my lady. Most of my goods have been taxed so highly by your family that I cannot keep a legitimate business going. So, for many years now, I have lowered myself to this level. Granted, I love traveling the world as you can see by my many souvenirs, but I wish I could sell them here without losing so much."
Rukia held her head low. She knew her family had made it harder for people to carry out business since her brother took over, but she didn't realize it was that bad. She wondered how other businesses were doing. Renji sat back down and put his hand under her chin, lifting it slowly. "Keep your head up my lady. You can do your part to change this. For now, though, tell me what a beautiful lady is doing out so late at night in this part of town?"
Rukia moved slightly closer to him as he lowered his hand. "I had to get out of that life. My brother has been trying to have many balls that are really for me to choose a husband. It is too much for me. I don't like any of them. I sneaked out tonight to see the city as it really is, not through my brother's eyes."
Renji nodded as he pulled another wooden box out from under the table. "What kind of man are you interested in?" He glanced at her before opening the box to reveal extravagant jewelry. He began to put away some of his rings.
Rukia felt flustered for a moment. Her heart was pounding and she didn't know why. "I don't know. I guess someone that is kind to me, generous, good with talking to other people." She trailed off. He closed the box.
"Most men would fit that description. Any man would seem to be those things on the outside. When the doors are closed behind him, what do you think most men become?"
She didn't know how to reply. As they sat in silence, a stringed instrument began to play. All of the clients rose slowly and began shuffling out the door. Rukia watched as the last person, except for the two women, had left. She assumed it was some kind of signal to leave. The women began cleaning up. She watched as within a few minutes, they were done. They walked over to Renji and kissed him before leaving out the back. Rukia looked around.
"You still didn't answer my question." He said.
"I don't know the answer." Rukia just realized she had been sitting in silence for several minutes.
"The answer is, they turn into monsters. Most of the women that come here are trying to escape their home life. Women have no rights here, or anywhere for that matter."
"Is this some kind of talk to get me to do what you want? I see those two women are acting like they need to please you."
"That is their decision. I don't force them to do anything. They came back with me from a trip to the Orient. They were trying to escape their own hard lives." He paused. "I am no crusader for women's rights, but I am for people in general. I hide here in the shadows, giving people the tools that they need to fight for a better life."
Rukia looked at the boxes under the table. "I'm sorry I said such things. I've never met someone like you before that says it like it is. All I get are flowery words sprinkled with ill intent." Renji took out a bottle of wine.
"Now you get it. May I interest you in a glass? After this, I can take you home before a search party is called out." Rukia nodded, smiling at seeing her favorite type of wine. Renji stood and came back with two small wine glasses. He poured the wine and gave one to her. "Cheers, my lady."
"Cheers." She smiled and they drank. It was even better than she had remembered. As she sat the glass down, she looked to the boxes again under the table.
"Do you want to see some of the pieces I've collected over the years?" She nodded. "I do have them separated by gender. Some of the women like to buy jewelry off me to maybe help them remind themselves it's not all bad. I'm not sure." He took out a box and opened it. Inside, were several pieces of jewelry. She saw barrettes, broaches, pins, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Her attention was immediately on a small silver necklace with a purple flower at the bottom. Renji sat closer and looked at what she was looking at. Pointing to the correct necklace, she nodded. He took the necklace out.
"Turn around, I will put it on you." Rukia turned and he slowly put the necklace on her. She could smell his masculine scent now. She wanted to get closer to him, but resisted the urge as he pulled away. "Come this way to the mirror." They walked over to a mirror that was cloudy, but she could still see herself. He brought a lamp over, and she clearly viewed the necklace for the first time. It was beautiful.
"Where did this come from?" She asked.
"I believe that one was from Germany. I had traded several necklaces and womens items for coffee."
She touched the necklace, then smiled. "How much for it?"
"For you my lady, no charge."
"I cannot do that. My family has done so much to hurt you, I have to do something to help you."
"Talking with you is enough payment for me. I haven't been able to ever talk to you, so this is worth it."
Rukia wondered what that last comment meant. Had he seen her before? She contemplated this as her cloak was put over her shoulders. "We should get you home. It is very late. Please wait here while I get the carriage."
"Thank you." She let out softly before he ran off.
She stepped out to the rain soaked road. The rain had stopped, which she was thankful for. She could hear the sound of hooves as the carriage approached. It was rather loud compared to the overall silence around them. Renji got off the carriage and opened the door for her. She took his large hand and was helped into the rather nice carriage. As she rode past the buildings, she tried to make a mental note of where she was. Noting how many rights, how many lefts, how many blocks.
A short ride later, the carriage stopped within a block of her mansion. She was saddened to be home. He opened the door for her, but she didn't get out.
"My lady?"
"I can't go back to that. There is another ball in two days. I can't keep smiling when I feel no want to."
Renji put his hand down. "There will be plenty of people at the ball. I'm sure you will run into a few familiar faces and enjoy yourself this time."
"I hope so."
Renji smiled. "I know so. You are the light of London. Keep your beautiful violet eyes dry and sparkling, just like I've seen tonight."
She looked up at the man in front of her. She rose slowly and held onto his hand. As she was about to step down, she pulled him closer and gave him a hug. With the steps, she was only slightly shorter than him. Renji didn't move.
"My lady, are you alright?"
"Just hug me, idiot."
"Yes, ma'am." He embraced her tightly. Rukia nuzzled her face into his neck, breathing slowly as she took in the moment. Her attraction to him was evident to her, but she knew it was just from how he treated her, and his looks, and his personality. She hugged him tighter.
"I think you should head home now, my lady. You will smell like my cologne if you keep holding me, and I know someone will notice."
"I will bathe when I get back. I couldn't care less right now. You've been so kind to me. No one has ever spoken or acted the way you have around me. I want to see you again. Can I?"
"Of course you can, my lady. Let me give you directions to my place. It's right above where we were. Stop by anytime."
She wiped a tear from her eye. "Do it now." She told herself.
Renji had looked away to retrieve the card with directions on it from his coat pocket. As he looked back up, she took the card, shoved it in her dress pocket and grabbed Renji by the head and moved him closer. With one swift move, she had connected his lips to hers. She kissed him briefly before running down the stairs and down the street, not looking behind her. She heard the carriage slowly move away from her. She dare not let him see her red face. That was her first kiss, and she was not about to let it be spoiled by her intense blushing. She wanted to sing. She wanted to dance. She laughed softly to herself as she was filled with the most joy she has ever felt. She felt rebellious. Rebellious knowing that her first kiss was not with some suitor she had no interest in, and instead from a man her family would certainly hate for her to be associated with.
She hopped back into her room through the window and was happy to see her form made out of pillows was still in place. She quickly headed for the bathroom connected to her room and bathed herself, washing away the scent of him. She smelled her arm before wiping it away. She would always remember that smell. It was the smell of her freedom.
Note: Thanks for reading. I know, Renji's a bad boy. The bad boy with the good heart is kind of awesome sometimes.