In a graveyard, far, far away, a coffin opens and a zombie-like corpse stands up in the darkness.
Me: I LIIIIIIVVVVE!
Yes, hello everyone! I have been resurrected from the dead. VERY long time, no see~ I just like to say that 'Raven Soul' has gone on a very long vacation and may be put up for adoption in the near future. But, eh, I'm not here to talk about that, this is my new story! :D
I've had this idea in my head for months and so I've finally decided to write it down. Apologies for the grammar mistakes and all that shiz, but reviews are welcome!
This story is AU, but with recurring themes such as Shinigami and Arrancar and all that. It's based in a time that's not present - it could be the future, it could be the past - I'll let you decide :3
As a warning, this story will contain a very LARGE amount of Ichihime - but the underlying couple of the story is ICHIRUKI! Will true love provail? I'm such a sucker for these type of stories hahaha
It also may contain scenes of abuse, swearing, future lemons and rape, so this isn't a story for the faint hearted.
"Women fall in love with words. Men fall in love with looks. That's why women wear make-up and men lie."
-Anonymous
1
Morning light trickled through the small apartment window. It crawled over several discarded books and a few articles clothing thrown carelessly crumpled on the floor. Sunday morning approached the cream colored sheets on the bed, diving and creeping up the folds until it rested warmly on the left cheek of Rukia Kuchiki.
She was not at all ready to get up just yet. With a moan she pulled the sheets up over her face.
But she wasn't getting away with sleeping in that easily. Somewhere in the depth of her dreamless state she heard her bedroom door open. It was her sister, Orihime, ready to wake her little sister up.
Orihime. Hime. She was the world that Rukia revolved around.
Rukia felt her mattress dip. "Psst! Rukia! Wake up! Wake up!"
Orihime tried to fish the sheets away so she could see her sister's face. "I have something important to tell you!"
The sheets moved aside and a very tired and ruffled looking Rukia gazed slowly above her. Using the same hushed tone as Orihime she replied, "where were you last night, Orihime? I stayed up waiting for you!"
"You heard me?" Orihime was slightly surprised.
Rukia rolled her eyes. "We sleep in the same room. I heard you escape out of the window and creep across the roof top."
Her cheeks slightly darkened. "Oh…well I left at midnight. A perfectly reasonable hour, mind you."
"It was four in the morning."
Orihime batted the subject away with her hand as if it wasn't why she was here. "You know why."
All Rukia thought of at that moment was to go back to sleep. She tried to imperceptibly snuggle back into her pillow. "Was it to see him again?"
Him, being that stranger that Orihime met a few weeks ago by the river and couldn't stop talking about. Orihime knew that Rukia was…a little worried of the thought of her meeting up with him, alone, in the dark, by themselves…away from anyone if things went terribly wrong. But she also entrusted her little sister to keep it a secret. Not even her father knew. Yet.
At the mention of 'him' (Rukia actually didn't know his name), Orihime started swooning. She clasped her hands together, pushed out her large bust and fluttered her eyes lashes with a dreamy look upon her face. And for the thousandth time, she said, "He is so handsome, Rukia."
"That's what you said about Renji, when you tried to make me go out with him." Rukia made a gagging noise and looked the other way. Oh God, that was an experience she didn't want to have ever again. It was lucky enough after the second date when she broke up with him that they still talked.
"Hey!" Orihime pouted. "Renji was handsome in his own way and he's your best friend. You shouldn't talk about him like that."
"I've just seen you're definition of 'handsome', Hime. No offense, but it's not really that great." To be honest, I think you just randomly picked him so you wouldn't feel guilty that I was alone. But she would never say that out loud.
Orihime huffed. She was, a part of her, slightly hurt that her little sister had such little faith in her judgment. So she did what she always did when she got hurt, she got defensive. "Well, Renji doesn't come anywhere near as handsome as him! He is beautiful and kind and brilliant and strong. He is tall to! And nicely built! He is like a god compared to anyone else."
Rukia fully turned onto her stomach and muffled, "I'm glad."
Orihime pouted and looked down at her sister who was currently trying to ignore her. She leapt up on the bed and straddled her sister suddenly, squeezing her body with her sun-kissed thighs. Rukia yelped and twisted around. "What the hell are you doing?"
Then an onslaught of tickles attacked her and Rukia bucked and squirmed, giggling – yes, giggling – and crying out in angry laughter. She clawed at her bedding to try and get away from Orihime's wicked hands but collapsed in defeat, half-heartedly tugging her hands away. "H-Hime! S-stop! AHAHAHA! Stop! Please! HAHAHAHA! OKAY! OKAY! I'm listening!"
They both pulled away, one holding a victorious grin. Rukia inwardly seethed inside, yet her heart softened. Damn her for knowing she was ticklish.
"You promise?" It was such a childish thing to say, but somehow in the moment it was right.
Panting, she replied, "I'm listening."
And so Orihime went on and talked about the stranger who had wooed her. It was when she was talking, that the sunlight had hit her in the right spot.
It was that moment when Rukia saw her sister as something truly beautiful. Her auburn-burnt locks curled shapely across her cheekbones and rolled like a river down her back, lit up by the sun as if it was the sun itself. Her skin glowed a soft peach-honey color, sun-kissed and blessed by the summer. She was shapely too; her skin from her bare calves and exposed thighs shimmered slightly, peeking from the short yellow hem of her summer dress. The dress itself accentuated her assests, wrapping around her small waist and the flare of her womanly hips. It tightened hard against her large breasts, almost to the point of tearing the cotton-fabric apart, yet was done up by a simple bow. If Rukia new any better, if she tugged it, the top part of her dress would fall open.
She felt insignificantly small again, in more senses than one. Her sister's beauty was something that all women craved, that made her father proud, that made people like herself more self-conscious and aware of how they looked. And it was because of her effortless and accidental beauty that made Rukia jealous to the core.
She loved her sister to a point where she would just do anything for her. Rukia looked up to Orihime, like a puppy to its master. In her eyes, Orihime is perfect, a gem among the coal. She knew how to cook, sew, dance (several ways in fact) and to love. She was the perfect lover, woman, mother and sister. And for what she had did to Rukia almost several years ago that changed her fate, she was ever in debt to Orihime.
But there were times that Rukia wished they weren't sisters. For she would always compare herself with her and feel like she was never enough.
"Rukia," Orihime's voice was soft, just like a summer breeze. She tipped her head up and spied on the look of her sisters own grey eyes. Even her face was perfect. Full lips and a button nose with wide, large grey eyes filmed with black lashes. She couldn't help but to smile. Orihime was a jewel that Rukia would give her life up to protect.
Orihime blushed, if it was possible for her to blush even more. She looked down at Rukia, a small smile bloomed across her lips. At that moment, Rukia didn't realize that the next set of words that her sister was about to confess would change her life forever.
"I think I'm in love with him. He's the one. I-I just know it, Rukia. I can see myself getting old with him and having a family."
Rukia's eyes softened. The look on her sisters face was so warm and beautiful. "Are you sure?" Rukia replied. "Are you really willing to give yourself to him?"
Orihime nodded. "I would do anything for him."
"Anything?" Rukia teased.
She pouted again – oh how fitting it was on her face. To have an attention span of a child. "Like you would know! You're only a child and you've never been in love!"
"What happens if I don't want to?" Rukia said, dramatically being dramatic to prove her points. "All those far-away stares into the sunsets. Being all gooey and kissy-kissy in public and saying mushy things like 'I wuv you, honey-buns~'"
Orihime tugged on Rukia's bang in the middle of her head. "That was just one time!" she hissed. "Hisagi and I never spoke since! He broke up with me!"
Rukia slapped her hand away. "That's what I'm trying to get to, Hime. You told me you two were in love. You said that it was going to last forever. Didn't you give your virginity to him?"
Orihime looked down, embarrassed and annoyed. "I-it's not the same thing. I didn't truly love him…" she paused, sighed and replied, "you just wouldn't understand."
"No, I wouldn't." Rukia watched at the crestfallen look on her face. She knew what Orihime was thinking – she doubted herself again. Rukia wanted to laugh and sit her in front of a mirror. Yes, Orihime got self-conscious too – she was human and Rukia hated the fact that she didn't know how truly blessed she was. In a softer voice, one full of compassion and sibling love, she asked, "Hime. You truly love this guy, don't you?"
Orihime nodded and whispered, "I would die without him."
Rukia tensed. She never liked it when her sister overreacted, but somehow it felt like Orihime truly meant those words. Rukia smiled. Her sister deserved so many things and this was one of them. If God was kind enough, he would let this love last. "Then, I congratulate you both. When will I meet him?"
Orihime beamed. To hear those words from her little sister sent her heart soaring. "Soon, Rukia," she promised. "Soon."
Sunday was all about chores.
The week following would always consist of the two sister's bargaining to each other with who did what chores. It would involve betting, placing money ("I'll give you twenty dollars if you do my chores this week!"), or giving the other something that the other one craved. ("You know those strawberry puffs I make at work? I'll give you one if you do the laundry!") It was how they chose who would do what.
This week, Rukia had to get the groceries.
It was Orihime's job to begin with, but the older sister had forgotten that she already made plans with her friends and begged her little sister to do her shopping.
And because of that confession Orihime made to Rukia this morning, that was payment enough. Her sister's happiness was more valuable than anything anyone could give her.
So Rukia had dressed in the only Sunday dress she owned. It was pale blue, with beautiful white cotton flowers that bloomed along the hem. Small pearl colored buttons lined together and did up the dress down the front. The dress itself was sleeveless, with thin braided straps. It was tight around her bust and flared at her hips. It matched her pale skin perfectly. It was one of the rare dresses that didn't make her look sickly white. And if she twirled enough, the hem of the dress would billow up like a parachute.
She left her hair down, brushed it and clipped back the insufferable bang that hung stubbornly between her eyes. She slipped on some nude ballet shoes and gave her reflection a long, hard, stare.
She was petite for her age, but she wasn't midget sized. Yet, she hated how her body looked. Secretly loathed the way her breasts weren't as large as Orihime's or her hips weren't as full as hers. But she did have curves. She had a tiny waist, with the soft dip of womanly hips. Her breasts weren't large, but modest. The only thing she liked about her body was her legs. They were long for someone with her height and shapely from all the exercise that she did.
And her face. Don't get her started on her face. Her lips were full yes, but her nose was disproportionally small and her eyes were too large. They weren't as soft and caring as Orihime's. She had a look of steel, with eyes the colors of twilight violet. If she angled herself in the right way, it would look like they held a thousand stars in them, sparkling in the light. But that always took practice and she didn't bother.
Rukia grabbed the money that the family kept for food and grabbed the shopping list that they all wrote down on during the week. She glanced down at the writing, all different from everyone who wrote on it. Milk, bread, eggs, tomatoes, canned ham, noodles, chocolate syrup, vodka.
She caught the train into town. Karakura wasn't the prettiest of towns. It had its fair share of crime like any other city, but it was a good place. The streets were clean and the people were nice. You could tell that the government tried to keep it pretty. There were a lot of plants everywhere. The city park was the icon of Karakura.
She got off the train after lunch and walked down three blocks. There were a lot of people out, enjoying the summer and shopping. She wondered if she would bump into Orihime down at the mall, or see someone she knew from school. Her stomach growled and Rukia frowned. She forgot she didn't have breakfast this morning.
At the corner of one of the streets, was a newspaper boy. He was standing on a box with one hand above his head, holding the latest Karakura Times and the other cupped around his mouth as he bellowed, "Extra! Extra! The Winter War still goes after thirty years! Both the Arrancar and Shinigami still at War! Is the War coming to Karakura? Read all about it!"
War? In Karakura? Rukia thought as she walked up to the boy. Most people were walking past them, ignoring them both, too busy with their work to even bother to give them a second look.
As she approached, she noticed that the boy looked barely eleven years of age. His face was smudged with dirt and his cotton top, trousers and bracers were dirty as well. He was wearing a chimneysweepers hat, grey and faded. Rukia couldn't help but to empathize with him. She used to be just like him when she was a little girl.
Rukia pulled out four coins and gave it to the boy. "Just one please."
He blinked at her, obviously confused. Can't she know how to add up money? "A newspaper is just one coin, ma'am."
Rukia shrugged. "I don't really need it."
He jumped off the box he was standing on and pulled open the wooden lid. Inside were more than a dozen freshly printed Karakura Times. He fished one out and passed it to her. He was almost shy. "Ah…thank you ma'am."
"You'll find that having a break and eating something will do you good," Rukia said, tucking the newspaper under her arm.
The boy gave her a quizzical look and Rukia's eyes softened, "I used to be like you when I was a kid. I know what it's like."
"R-really?" the little boy replied, obviously gaping. How can a woman so pretty like her used to live on the streets? "W-well I've got work to do…so…"
"What's your name?"
"Ah… Yukio," he replied shly.
"Thank you, Yukio."
His face was now a shade of deep red. He gave her an awkward bow and stood back up on the box, clearing his throat. Rukia started to walk again, hearing the boy shouting out his call with a slightly squeaky tone. She smiled but for some reason couldn't help but to shake off the bad feeling she suddenly got by Yukio.
Before she could think more of it, her stomach gave a loud growl. To her embarrassment, a few people passing by looked her way. Okay, okay! I'll go get something to eat!
Rukia fanned herself with the newspaper and ducked across the street and through the park. It was hot – boiling hot. Even sitting in the shade it was still warm. She was becoming dizzy, both from the heat and not eating. Her eyes scanned the park as she walked through it, her stomach protesting. She was so hungry, she almost contemplated eating some of the berries off the bushes but thought against it. I should've just gone back to one of the stores near the train station.
But there was something about this place – the time. A summer breeze ruffled her hair and Rukia glanced up to the sun filtering through the leaves of the trees above her. There was something in the air. Am I going to remember this day forever?
If she was pulled by the strings of fate, she wouldn't have known. If it was chance, she would have no say. So many things she remembers, yet equally there were those that she had forgotten. She remembered the first time she stole a piece of bread. Remembered the first time she was alone during a thunderstorm. She remembers the searing pain of being tattooed with a Death Number on her lower back.
Rukia remembers the day when the Inoue's adopted her.
Funny how those memories came with emotions that were so strong that she couldn't forget them even if she tried. Exhilaration, when she stole the bread. Fear, when she was alone. Pain, when she was cast out. Being loved, when she was welcomed into a family. Was it because of the extreme emotions that were etched in her mind and scarred on her body that she remembers?
Would today be the same? Would something happen that I will remember?
Rukia bypasses a couple cuddling on a bench and her thoughts fall back to Orihime. Her sister is happy, she can tell. Rukia is happy for her too. When am I going to meet him? She said soon, but how soon? Is father going to approve?
Speaking of her father, she hadn't seen him much during this week. He had been busy with work and didn't come home much so Rukia and Orihime had to look after the house. Will he be home tonight?
Finally, the park path turns into a street. There is a bus shelter underneath some trees several feet away and an ice-cream van parked on the curb. Once again, her stomach growls and Rukia suddenly craves ice cream.
She waited in line, behind three other children who were waiting just as eagerly for their cold sweet. The man in the van was finishing the third ice cream so Rukia took the time to look at what flavors were available on a little blackboard nailed to the side of the van. When it was her turn, she stepped up to the counter.
"Hello, miss, what can I get for you?" the ice-cream man asked.
"Can I have a double scoop of the boysenberry and chocolate," Rukia said rather breathlessly. "Please."
"No problem," the ice-cream man replied and disappeared out of sight to make her ice cream.
Rukia waited patiently and stepped to the side to let another kid behind her up to the counter. No sooner, the ice-cream man came back, holding out her treat. "5 coin please, miss."
She fished out the money from the purse and exchanged it for her ice cream. She thanked him and hurried off to find a spot to sit down and eat.
The bus shelter was a perfect place for her. It was shaded and had an empty bench. She walked over; licking the ice cream that had already began to dribble down the cone and paper napkin. Sitting down, she placed the newspaper and purse to the side, licking proudly at her ice cream in peace.
Then she gazed up across the street.
He was standing there, a striking contrast to the pale bright wall lit up by the sun. He was wearing a soldier's uniform that Rukia had never seen before. It was a deep navy color, military jacket with two rows of black buttons, all done up to the top. The collar was pressed flat and up, with a thin gold trimming. The pants were the same color as the jacket, close fitting, with a blood red sash hanging on the side. The black boots were lazily tied. Across his chest was another black sash, clipped with a broach that Rukia had never seen before – holding a very large and menacing Zanpakutō behind his back.
But it wasn't his uniform or the size of the Zanpakutō that caught her attention.
It was his hair. It was bright orange, like the sun, burning like a flame in the darkness, luring all to its light. At first Rukia thought, how absurd. Who the hell dyes their hair that color?
Da-Thump.
Was it getting hotter? Rukia lifted a hand up to her cheek, surprised to find it burning. She felt like she was suffocating, even though the air was calm and fine. She couldn't take her eyes off of him and was he… was he staring at her?
She narrowed her eyes before reluctantly moving her gaze carefully around her so she didn't look like a fool. There was no one else anywhere around her. She sliced her vision back to him, his calm stance, leaning against the wall with him hands in his pocket. Just staring.
It was unnerving, but Rukia couldn't help to feel butterflies in her stomach. It's absurd. What the hell is he looking at?
Rukia jumped when the bus suddenly stopped in front of her. She instantly stood up; her heart racing to look for him but the bus obscured her view. "Dammit," she muttered darkly. A sense of panic fell on her. She couldn't see him, she wanted to see him. For reasons she didn't know.
"Hey lady!" snapped the bus driver, through the open door, which startled Rukia even more. "Are you getting on or not?"
"Ah…" she took a step back and shook her head. The bus driver snapped something and slammed the door, roaring off back into traffic.
Rukia sat back down, her head spinning and heart racing. What…the…hell…is…happening? Is she sick or something? Did that guy put something in her ice-cream? She lifted her gaze back across the street, but her heart suddenly dropped. He wasn't there anymore.
Rukia searched the other side of the street some more. Maybe it was her imagination, yes, her imagination. She didn't know she was very imaginative. Or maybe it was the heat. Yeah, it could be the heat…
She felt an ice cold sensation on her hand and glanced down to see that her ice cream had melted everywhere. "Shit!" she cried, taking the cone in the other hand and licking the melted substance off the other. But the ice cream continued to drip, ruining her dress and Rukia cursed again, stood up and threw the blasted thing into the bin.
She sat back down defeated and sticky, wiping the ice-cream to no avail off her dress. She leaned her head back and groaned. This wasn't her day at all…
A movement caught her eye as a figure approached the bench. The hairs on her arm rose like hackles and she curiously looked over before doubling over in a fit of coughs.
Sitting there casually like nothing was wrong was the soldier from across the road. Rukia had only taken a second to look at the side of his face and instantly felt herself get wet. He was handsome – no h-he was absolutely, mouthwateringly sexy! Rukia covered her mouth, eyes wide with realization as the butterflies caused havoc in her body and her face heated up quicker than the core of a firework. Oh my god! What am I thinking?
"Hey, are you alright?"
Oh GOD! Even his voice is sexy! Rukia – still averting her gaze nodded once. Okay, Rukia. You need to calm down or he's gonna freak out. You're not a pubescent teen – you're a woman! Get your head straight! Mentally, Rukia nodded, feeling herself calm as she gave herself the pep talk. When she felt like she was in the safe, she straightened herself up and cleared her throat, resuming a very lady-like and controlled stance. Hoping her voice didn't crack, which it did…several times, she replied, "Yes, I'm quite fine, thank you. I just get an allergic reaction to some of the flowers they have here in the garden."
"Then perhaps you should sit somewhere that doesn't give a reaction to your allergies?" he asked, still remaining to stare straight ahead.
Rukia glanced over to him more calmly, hiding her fists in her lap. She quietly studied his face and replied softly, "well yes. But there isn't any other shade around."
"You can always go sit in a nice cafe. I passed several on my way here."
His skin was absolutely flawless, sun-kissed and tanned. Rukia's eyes slipped to his jawline, strong and chiseled, against the thick tendons of his neck. His nose was sharp and sculpted, just like the rest of his features. His skin stretched over his high cheekbones, crinkling beautifully in the soft scowl he wore. Even his eyebrows and lashes were perfect. His dark lashes feathers his eyes beautifully. She searched his face again, her eyes falling on his lips, full but not too full, but still beautiful. Even his hair fell against his face perfectly, ruffled and wild, slightly long that it covered his eyes but parted perfectly in messy bangs from his vision. Rukia wanted to reach out and touch him, to see for herself what he felt like underneath her.
She didn't realize she was staring until she felt his heated gaze on her Her breath was caught in her throat, they were like the color of honey-gold, like pools of his soul that drew you into their depths. He smirked a little and Rukia snapped her gaze away, frowning. "Wouldn't you get in trouble if you're not working on patrol?"
"Who said I was going to join you?" he replied slyly, the smirk still there.
Rukia blushed hard. Dammit, she slipped. She turned away awkwardly. "Forgive me, but that was the impression I got."
He chuckled, drawing Rukia in again and leaned back casually on the bench. "Well, conveniently enough I already finished my patrol today until I head back to the barracks."
"Oh." 'Oh?' Rukia? Is that ALL you can come up with? Mental slap.
He yawned and stretched out. Rukia looked down at his legs. They were thick and strong and very long. Propped up against the bus shelter was his Zanpakutō and it was very large. She couldn't help but to gulp inwardly. The soldier looked over to her and asked, "What are you up to this evening?"
Her memories flooded back. "Shit!" Rukia jumped up and grabbed her wallet and paper. The soldier stood up too, his brow furrowing and Rukia turned to talk to him – but his chest came into view. She took a step back, her cheeks burning.
Damn. He's tall too. "I forgot, I was meant to get some groceries. For tonight. My sister was meant to get them, but I promised her that I will. Shit! Do you have the time?"
Amused by her panic, the soldier pushed the cuff of his jacket up on his left arm to look at his watch. "It's almost three."
"Great! Just great!" Rukia threw her hands up into the air. The only local grocery store closes at 2:30 on a Sunday. Why? She had no fucking idea. She slumped back onto the bench in defeat. Her family is going to kill her when she gets back with no food.
The soldier sat down next to her, closer than before and leant over so that his elbows were on his knees. Rukia didn't even feel how his jacket brushed against her arm. She was too busy trying to calm herself down to even notice. Besides… the closeness felt…right with him.
"Hey, hey, hey," he reminded her softly. "Look, here's what I can do. The grocery store is two blocks away, right? I can come with you and talk to the owner and you can get your groceries. Deal?"
Rukia lifted her head up and looked at him. "You… you would do that?" Then she narrowed her eyes. "What's the catch?"
"I'll help you carry the groceries home." The cocky smirk returned.
"Does this always work with every woman you meet?" Rukia asked, feeling a little self-conscious at how close his face was from hers.
He chuckled and stood up. "You tell me. You're the first."
Rukia scoffed and stood up stiffly. "Do you always get this cocky?"
He shrugged again. "Only when the women are difficult to read. Come on, let's go."
They walked together down to the grocery store, Rukia making sure she kept a good distance from him on the pathway. A few people stopped and stared when they passed and Rukia inwardly sighed. So I'm not the only one that finds him attractive.
They arrived at the grocery store, and to Rukia's luck it was closed. But the soldier just knocked on the door and talked to the owner, who reluctantly agreed to open just for them and let them inside. They both scavenged through the aisles, Rukia shopping as quickly as she could so the manager wouldn't have to stay longer than was necessary. The soldier helped too: he also bought a few more things that Rukia rose a brow at. Matches, canned vegetables and even some sugar and flour. He also bought a chocolate bar specially for Rukia. When Rukia asked him what they were for, he just told her that the War was closer than everyone thought.
They argued at the counter at who was going to pay for the items, the soldier eventually won the argument and paid for the lot explaining to Rukia that she needed to save that money and he had plenty of it to cover for her expenses. They got the groceries and Rukia bowed and thanked the manager before they both headed out, the soldier carried two paper bags of food while Rukia carried one.
They were heading back to the train station when Rukia passed the corner where Yukio was now sitting on the crate, tired and exhausted.
"Hey! Yukio!" Rukia called. The little boy's head snapped up to his name and searched the crowd. His eyes eventually landed on Rukia's approaching form and smiled. But the smile faltered when he laid eyes on the soldier.
"Oh, uh, hello again," Yukio replied shyly, standing up and looking nervously between the pair. Rukia smiled.
"Well, did you do what I told you to do?" she asked him. Yukio nodded reluctantly, his eyes only staring at the soldier. The soldier narrowed his eyes at him.
She shifted the bag so it rested in one arm and turned to the soldier. She peeked into the top of one bag. Getting the notion quickly, he leant over as Rukia quickly explored the belongings.
He was rather curious as to why she was suddenly rummaging through the food he bought for her and her family. Was she going to give the homeless kid something to eat? Out of her own food? Didn't she realize that she would be scavenging for food herself in the next few months?
Rukia noticed his hardened gaze and cocked her head. But she didn't ask him why because at that moment her hands wrapped around the hard small package of chocolate bar. She smiled and turned to Yukio with the treat in hand. "Here, have this." She nudged the bar towards the boy who only looked up cautiously at her, hands twitching as if he was contemplating whether to take it or not. "I don't need it," Rukia coaxed in a tone that mean finality.
The smiled spread across Yukio's face. "Really?" he gasped, taking the treat of chocolate. "Wow! I've never had chocolate before! Uh, thanks ma'am!"
"Rukia," she said, grinning crazily back. "My name is Rukia."
"Thanks, Miss Rukia!"
They walked back to the train station in silence. The sun was beginning to set as they stood waiting for the train. The sky was inked in blues and pinks and the first pale stains of the stars bloomed in the distance. Rukia sighed and closed her eyes as the summer breeze blew gently against her. Cicadas had begun their song of twilight near the foliage between the wire fence and the train tracks. All Rukia wanted was to go home and put her feet up.
"Rukia."
Her eyes flew open and she blinked back at the soldier. He was still here? For a second, she had forgotten that she had company. He was staring right ahead at something unseeingly with a concentrated look on his face as if he was trying to solve a math problem. Then he looked at her.
He smiled at her with such warmth that Rukia lost her breath. Her knees became wobbly and her heart raced. "Rukia." He repeated, his smile widening as he started to like the way her name rolled off his tongue. It just felt…right. His bronze eyes were now liquid gold, filling Rukia with hope and desire. He nodded once, to himself as he gazed back to the horizon in front of them. "Your name suits you," he commented absentmindedly.
"What's yours?" she croaked, still recovering.
"Hmm?"
She took a breath and moved her gaze. Anywhere but on him. "Your name I mean."
"Kurosaki Ichigo." Even his name sounded sexy. Damn.
"Nice to meet you, Kurosaki-san."
"Just call me Ichigo. It's only fair since I called you by your first name."
"Alright…" she sized up his name before speaking it. "Ichigo." For some reason the name slipped off her tongue with comfortable ease, as if she had said his name several lifetimes before. Their eyes locked. A spark flickered.
A comfortable silence fell between them as they waited for their train. Rukia kept her gaze glued to the tracks, listening to the hum her body made. She never felt this happy before.
Then she closed her eyes and prayed. If there was a god out there, anywhere, she prayed that she would feel this happiness forever. To keep this feeling with her. Please, please, don't take this away from me.
A blare of the train's horn startled her. Rukia frowned. She was never this jumpy. Flushed and breathless, they waited until the train came to a stop and boarded. Rukia took the seat by the window. Ichigo placed their groceries on the seat opposite to them. He tugged off his Zanpakutō and leant against the said chair and sat down next to Rukia, his boot leaning on the flat side of the blade.
He's too close. Rukia pretended to readjust her hem and shifted closer to the window. God, she was acting like she had never been in love before.
Wait.
She had never actually been in love before.
Shit.
The doors closed after a few minutes and the train started. It would be a twenty minute lift and a two block walk until they reached her house. She mused at how her sister and father would react when she brought home a soldier. Rukia's chest swelled with inner pride. It was her first time bringing someone home that didn't require Orihime's 'intervention'. She obviously can make good judgment calls herself.
Ha! Take that, Orihime!
The comfortable silence began to grow into an awkward one on Rukia's side. She cleared her throat – a habit that had quickly become her. "So…Ichigo." Her heart suddenly picked up pace from his name coming out of her mouth. "Are you new to Karakura? I've never seen an officer with a uniform like yours around."
Many of the soldiers that went on patrol through the city had dark emerald uniforms – mimicking the design and style that Ichigo wore. Only, they wore officer caps and a red sash that held their Zanpakutō's.
"Nah, I'm a special one," he smirked.
Annoyed with his answer she muttered darkly to herself, "Obviously."
"What was that?" Ichigo's jaw ticked.
Rukia whipped her head to the window, hiding a smirk. "Nothing."
He sighed and shook it off. "I've only been patrolling Karakura for a month. This was my first patrol on this side of the city. I'm usually stationed by the bridge near the river on the other side of the city."
"Why did they position you on the other side?"
Ichigo looked out the window, keeping his voice low as they talked. "I guess to get to know the city a little bit better… in case the War came here."
Rukia's eyes widened. "You think the War could come to Karakura?"
"It's a lot more closer to the city then everyone believes," he replied quietly, turning his head to look at her reaction. "Even the newspaper is not being one hundred percent truthful. They don't want everyone to go into a state of panic."
Could it be that the War was just on their doorstep and no one noticed? Her hands gripped the bottom of the leather seat which was warm and sticky from being in the sun all day. She looked up, their noses almost touching as she whispered, "How close?"
She could see the speckles of the sun in his honey-gold eyes. His warm breath fanned her face as he replied just as quietly. "Close."
Rukia moved away, her head spinning. "Isn't that confidential? Aren't you going to get in trouble if they found out you told someone?"
"I couldn't really care less how they react," he replied half-heartedly. "But… for some weird reason, I trust you. Don't judge me or anything… but I know you're one of those people that will keep their word."
Rukia didn't know whether to feel embarrassed or flattered. "I wouldn't judge you."
She shifted again, her back against the glass as she fixed her eyes on the buttons of his jacket. They were black, with the engravings of a sun in the middle. She wanted to reach out and trace them with her fingers. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him. She had always been interested in the War, far more than anyone in their household. Orihime would always call her a 'kill-joy' for bringing up the subject.
"But you still didn't tell me why you're wearing that uniform," Rukia teased. Ichigo chuckled.
"You're a curious one, aren't you?"
"I never like being left in the dark. I like to know my facts about someone before I get closer to them."
"Oh, really?" he teased lightly back, his mouth twitched up into a wicked grin as he cocked his head to her. "Then tell me, 'oh curious one' who do you think I am?"
Rukia smirked back. He wants to play this game? Fine. I can play. She scrutinized and took in every detail of him. "Well," she breathed, starting on his clothing. "You don't wear the same color uniform as the rest, but you're obviously an ally if you're stationed at Karakura. So it must mean you're from a different rank."
Ichigo couldn't help but to feel amused by their game. "You're good. But are you good enough? Any typical person can tell that I'm from a different rank."
"You have the symbol of the "Shinigami" on the broach on your sash across your chest, which means that you're of higher ranking. A captain no less."
He was surprised at this. Not all commoners knew what the "Shinigami" symbol meant. "Better. But you're still not there."
"On the left breast of your jacket is the symbol of the King. A Black Sun," Rukia breathed, her eyes glazed over in thought. "It represents the Royal Guard and the Royal family. So either you're a part of royalty, or you joined their legion."
Rukia glanced up at him and was surprised to see his expression completely unreadable. What was he hiding? But her eyes moved towards his Zanpakutō, wrapped in cloth yet still managed to look deadly and sinister all the same. "And with considering the size of your Zanpakutō, you are a very powerful Shinigami Captain."
"Alright. I guess you're good."
But Rukia wasn't finished. Oh, no, not at all. She turned to meet his squarely, locking her violet hues to his golden gaze. "And considering the way that you carry yourself, you know that you're a powerful Captain." Ichigo smirked at this.
"I'm flattered."
"But you're cocky. You know what you are and you use it to your ability. You're rash, reckless and half the time you don't know the real reason you do things. Most of all, you probably act like an idiot because no one really taught you how to be reasonable with others."
"Oi-!"
"But," Rukia cut in, eyes gleaming. "You're modest when you need to be. You don't like drawing attention to yourself when it's unwanted. You're kind and thoughtful but very protective. You like things to go your way but you also compromise when the situation calls for it. You do the right things for the right reasons and if no one else fights, you fight alone. You're independent, but you don't want to be lonely and you make up with what you can't get."
Rukia blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. She frowned and took in Ichigo's reaction. Yep, he pretty much looked like he shit his pants. Rukia bowed her head. "I-I'm sorry. I got carried away. Please forgive me."
Ichigo was stunned. She got all that about him just after meeting him a few hours ago? Holy shit. She's good. Really good. Or was he just that readable? He blinked a few times, registering what she just told him. He leaned back into the chair heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, you pretty much told my life story." He chuckled darkly and looked away.
Rukia cursed herself. She knows she made him uncomfortable. Trying to lighten the mood, she did what she always did when she was nervous. She teased. "So you think you can do better?"
He looked over at her and smiled. "Is that a challenge, I'm hearing?"
"I know for a fact you can't. You're too busy stalling."
"Watch your nose there midget, a plane might crash into it."
Rukia's eyes gleamed deadly. "What did you call me?"
"You heard me. A loud, sticky-nose, curious, annoying, little midg – SHIT!"
Rukia had punched him hard in the arm, her eyes sparking as he rubbed the injury tenderly. "Captain or not, no one calls me that!"
"Like you could really take me," he scoffed but quickly regretted saying it when she kicked him in the shin. He barked out a swear word that made several heads swivel to their direction.
"I can take you any day of the week, Kurosaki," Rukia seethed.
Ichigo's eyes darkened, the hint of playfulness and menace lingered in his orbs. "I'll take you seriously when you grow a few more inches, kid."
"I'm seventeen!" Rukia snarled. "And I'm a woman, thank you very much. But then again you attention span is the size of a twelve year olds. I know six year olds that come up with better insults than you."
"You're seventeen?" Ichigo replied, surprised.
"What did I tell you about calling me a midg-! Wait, what?" Woah, hold on there Rukia. She couldn't believe it. Out of all that she said, he only caught her age. "Yes, I'm seventeen," she sniffed, collecting the remaining amount of honor she had left. Which was close to none. When she looked up in the carriage, it seemed everyone was looking away on purpose.
"Only barely…" Ichigo murmured quietly to himself, the scowl returning.
She propped her side to the back of the chair as she faced Ichigo fully. "How old are you?"
"I'm twenty six." Their eyes met.
"You're young for a Captain."
"Second youngest actually," he corrected. "There's one other that looks after the thirteenth division. He's barely nineteen."
"What division do you look after?"
"Fifth."
Rukia rested her head on the chair. "Do you like it?"
"It's not too bad. I don't hate it. My subordinates are good men and women."
"What's your position in the War?"
"I protect Karakura," he replied, his arm brushing against her head. When did he move his arm to wrap around the back of the chair? "I'm the last line of defense if War ever threatened the city."
"Where are all the other Captains? Isn't there thirteen of them?"
"They all have their orders to go about. Some have infiltrated the borders of Hueco Mondo. It's been a long year, but there has been some progress. Our side is slowly taking over the Arrancar."
Rukia had never been to Hueco Mondo. It was a land of desert and isolation, home to the people and monsters known as Arrancar and Hollow. She never really wanted to visit there. After all, the age of War was everywhere in that barren nation.
"You think the War is going to end soon?" Rukia asked.
Ichigo's face was emotionless, apart from the permanent scowl he wore. Even his voice was calm and toneless with a hint of venom inked in his words. "The Captains are doing all we can."
Rukia nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence. If she were to dip her head even more, she would be leaning against Ichigo's chest. They listened to the sounds of the train's wheels klacking against the iron rails, swaying the carriage slightly. She could fall asleep if she really wanted too. After all, she tried to stay up all night waiting for Orihime to come home.
Even Ichigo fell into a calm rhythm. His arm hung lazily behind her on the chair, the fabric of his jacket brushing against the back of her head. He was even humming quietly to a tune Rukia never heard of before, but was comforting all the same. She liked it here, sitting in the back empty row of seats on the train with Ichigo. She felt at peace and safe.
And whole.
"Rukia," Ichigo asked quietly. "What do you want to do with your life?"
She didn't think much of the question. "I want to join the Shinigami. But most of all, I want to travel. Why?"
He looked down at her sleepy form, ignoring her question. "Why do you want to become a Shinigami?" he whispered.
"Because… I want to protect everyone. I don't like seeing people get hurt and not have the power to change it… I just can't deal with that."
Ichigo was quiet for a moment as he stared out the window. "Do you like cooking? Or sewing? Do you have any hobbies?"
"I don't mind it. I taught my sister a lot about cooking. She was hopeless. I taught her to sew too and now she can sew like a professional. You have to see her quilt work sometime, she's very talented. But…I prefer to read books. Shakespeare mostly."
"You like Shakespeare?" Ichigo asked gently.
"He was a man of his time and very talented at what he wrote. I love his work."
A warm smile graced his face as he turned to enjoy the peaceful view of the flickering houses and horizon whizzing past them. He couldn't help but to agree. "He was a brilliant writer."
The train finally slowed down to their destination and an automatic voice of a woman spoke over the speakers announcing that the train was about to stop. Rukia sat up straighter and Ichigo moved his arm away from the chair. He stood up and adjusted his Zanpakutō on his back and helped Rukia pick up the groceries. They headed out onto the small platform of Rukia's neighborhood. "Well," Ichigo turned to her. "Show me the way."
"You really want to come over, don't you?" Rukia asked as they began to walk down the steps of the platform. Ichigo just shrugged.
"I can't just let you carry this all to your house alone. Besides, I'm curious as to where you live."
Rukia snorted. Their apartment wasn't the nicest. "I'm sure you would just be thrilled about it."
"I'm sure it's not that bad."
"True. It could be worse."
They walked side by side down the path to her house and every closer step they took, Rukia grew more nervous. She was taking a man home –a captain at that – for the first time. How is father going to react? How is Orihime going to react? Was she going to go into rogue sister mode and demand to know every detail about him? Tie her to a chair and interrogate her until she is nothing more than a broken mess?
They came up to the block of apartments and Rukia took a deep breath in. Ichigo followed her up the footpath and to the front door. She went over to the light box next to the door and picked out the hidden key sitting on top. She took in a breath and pushed the key into the slot and twisted until the warm 'click' of the door sounded.
She exhaled. She was home.
"Come in," Rukia replied, moving to the side and allowing Ichigo to enter. She prayed to God that Orihime did her chores and cleaned the house when she came back from shopping. Rukia hated a mess. Awkwardly, she chuckled trying to lighten the mood, "It's not what you expect from a Royal palace… but its home."
Ichigo's eyes swept around the room. He tried his best not to gawk around everywhere, but something didn't feel right. Unsure, he shrugged it off and turned to smirk at her. "I've been to worse. It's not too bad in here."
"Oh, well…thanks. I-it's not mine," Rukia replied hastily. "It's father's. Here, I'll show you to the kitchen." She sped off down the hall and took a sharp right. Rukia had begun to panic. Orihime didn't do her chores, dammit! There was still a sink full of dirty dishes. She inwardly cursed her sister's bad timing for being lazy. Ichigo entered the kitchen behind her and placed the items on the counter.
"Ah, my sister was meant to clean up today," Rukia said quickly, her back turned as she quickly threw the dishes into the dishwasher. "I guess she didn't get back from the mall just yet." So fucking lucky right now. "Please ignore the mess. It's not normally this messy." It's usually messier with Orihime in charge. She whipped the last few dishes into the dishwasher and slammed the damn thing closed. Her heart raced erratically. God, she is going to kill Hime when she gets home.
"Do you want anything-?" Rukia turned around, only to see his chest. Her breath hitched as she watched him lean over, arms on either side of her, trapping her against the counter. His face hovered inches apart from hers, lips parted as his golden eyes watched her like a lion watching his prey. If Rukia wasn't leaning over the counter, she would've turned into a puddle on the floor. She couldn't think, all she wanted was to lean over and meet him. "I-Ichigo, what are you…"
Their noses touched and his warm, sweet breath fanned over her lips. His hair prickled her cheeks as curious fingers moved to grip her arms gently. His touch set her skin on fire, mesmerizing and tantalizing. He had the grip of a man but the caress of a lover. Rukia's eyes slowly closed as he nudged his nose playfully against hers before leaning lower and-
The sound of the front door opening down the hall resonated through the house. Ichigo froze, Rukia whipped her head away. She heard feminine laughter enter the house along with another voice. Orihime was home.
Rukia quickly pushed Ichigo aside, positive that her face was now fire truck red. Ichigo just scowled, turning back into his usual expression and sighed, crossing his arms. Damn. Did he make a move too quickly? "Ichigo…" Rukia's voice made him look up. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling and cheeks pink. There were no words said. But he knew.
"My sister's here," Rukia croaked and he watched as her eyes slightly drooped down. His scowl returned. "I'll go talk to her before she freaks out."
He chuckled and Rukia darted into the hall.
Orihime was down the hall, her arms full of bags with new clothes and items that she bought. But she wasn't the only one, her best friend Rangiku was with her as well. Rukia never had a problem with Rangiku, she actually liked her. But for some reason now that Ichigo wasin the house, Rangiku was the last person that Rukia wanted to see step through her door.
"Rukia! There you are! Rangiku and I were just talking about you," Orihime smiled brightly as she dropped her bags beside the door. Rangiku smiled and waved just as bubbly to Rukia. Rukia…reluctantly greeted back with a wave of her own.
Her violet eyes slid from one large-breasted woman to the other, hackles raised. She sighed, tired and crossed her arms. "I hope it was good."
"Oh, don't worry, your sister loves you too much to say anything mean," Rangiku teased, earning Orihime to dramatically roll her eyes.
"I think I've found the solution to your situation!" Orihime replied, clasping her hands together.
Rukia was momentarily confused. "What problem?"
"You know! You're boy troubles!"
Rukia couldn't mask the horrified look on her face. "Wait – Hime, that's kind of you but I'm not-"
"Yes! Rangiku and I have been discussing," Orihime continued, swatting away her comment. "That we should put you on a date with one of the boys in class. You should at least experience what it's like to have a boyfriend before you end high school."
"I don't think-"
"So you'll accept it, right? I even bought you a dress and everything for your first date! How awesome is that from your big sister?" Orihime held up several bags in her arms. Rukia's eyes widened. "It's pretty pink and frilly with glitter-"
"It's-"
"I even talked to that Asano boy. He's really into you, Rukia. You should go talk to him!"
"He's really cute," Rangiku interjected. "You should give him a chance. Who knows what might happen?"
Rukia sighed. Orihime wasn't going to take no for an answer. She nodded her head. There was no way in hell she was going to talk to that kid. He was rude and sexist, as well as he was a massive pig. Rukia repulsed him. There was no way it was going to happen. No. Fucking. Way. Ever.
Ever.
Rukia stood up for herself in front of her sister and her friend. Asking Rukia to go out with Asano Keigo was the last straw. "Thanks, but no thanks, Hime. I appreciate the offer," Rukia replied steadily, her hands suddenly turning into fists. She wasn't sure why she was so nervous. Was it because she was saying 'no' to her sister for the first time? She hated to see Orihime upset, but she would not tolerate being a doormat to her crazy ideas of 'boyfriend before high school ends'. Rukia will do what ever she wanted to, thank you very much. She lifted her chin up and folded her arms across her chest. "I have… I have already found someone."
The news caught both the girls attention as they gasped in unison. Yeah, Rukia thought power tripping, that's it. You heard right. Wait until you meet him.
"Who is he?" They asked together.
Rukia leaned over to whisper to them both. "I only met him today and I brought him over."
Rangiku slapped Rukia's shoulder playfully. "You go, girl! Look at you, all grown up! I'm so proud of you, aren't you Orihime?"
Orihime was happy, but she was also moving around. Something Rukia knew Orihime would do. She was instantly curious, and was on the verge of either tackling Rukia or demanding a thousand questions from the guy. She was a very protective sister. "Who is he, Rukia?" she asked, eyes moving around. "Where is he?"
Rukia beamed and took her sister's hand. "Come with me, let's go meet him!"
Orihime grinned excitedly, following Rukia. "He better be a handsome one, Rukia!"
Like you wouldn't believe.
It was at that moment when Rukia was halfway down the hall that Ichigo walked out of the kicthen. Rukia beamed up at him, but stopped when she saw the color drain out of his face. He looks like he saw a ghost. She jerked backwards when she felt Orihime suddenly stopped walking, almost tripping in the process. Rukia turned to her sister, alarmed, "Hime, what's-"
"Ku-Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime gasped, shaking her hand out of Rukia's suddenly loose grasp and covered her mouth in shock. Her eyes sparkled with tears. "It's you, Kurosaki-kun!"
"Wait…" Rukia looked back and forth between the pair, staring curiously up at Ichigo. But he kept his gaze fixated on the busty woman behind her. She was extremely confused. "Do you know each other?" Orihime had darted up the hall, dropping her bags and lunged herself at the said man. Rukia's heart stopped.
Orihime wrapped her arms around the pale man, quivering with joy, "Oh, Kurosaki-kun! I didn't know you knew where I lived! This is the best surprise ever!"
Ichigo finally found the ability to move and stiffly returned to gesture to hug her back. His bangs hid his eyes as Orihime pressed a kiss against his cheek. Noticing how he tensed at the sign of her affection, she frowned and cooed, "are you alright, Kurosaki-kun? Is something the matter?"
The smile he wore was thin and tight. In a voice that seemed warm and gentle he answered, "No, no. It's just a surprise to see you here out of all places."
Rukia remained stoic and indifferent, instantly wanted the ground to swallow her up. She couldn't react to the scene in front of her. She couldn't form words as the pain slowly built but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the agonizing truth.
It was so obvious.
"I know right!" Orihime giggled, wrapping a loving arm around his stiff frame. Ichigo avoided everyone's gaze. "It must be fate for us to be together! My little sister sent you here!"
Her mind screamed for her to move but her body was locked into place.
Rukia mumbled to the others that she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go to bed. She needed to get away, to sort out her thoughts. Orihime had pouted a little and asked her if she wanted to stay down and have something to eat with the four of them. She declined, "I'm really too tired, Hime' and went up stairs. Soon after, Ichigo thought it would be a good time to depart as well. Orihime kicked up a fuss, stating that 'you only just came here, Kurosaki-kun! At least have something to eat!' Both ended up talking outside by the front door, leaving Rangiku to look hungrily through their cupboards alone.
Rukia closed the door of her room, the sky blood red from the setting sun casting dark shadows across her bedroom. She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against the warm oak door. She's such an idiot. How could she not see it? Of course someone like him is a perfect match for her sister.
She was a fool. An idiot to think that she was 'in love'. What the hell was she thinking? Ichigo wasn't meant for her, it was so clear to her when the scene represented itself to her a few minutes ago. She wasn't a lovy-dovey shojo girl, unlike her sister Orihime. But she couldn't deny the pain that coursed through her body and threatened to make tears fall.
She retreated to her bed and collapsed on it, face first into her pillow and closed her eyes. Eventually the scenes of Orihime and Ichigo burned into her skull turned into a dreamless nightmare. She awoke when the moon was full and the sky was dark with the soft patter of rain against her window. She felt her mattress dip and Orihime wrap herself around her sister snuggly, whispering in a hushed tone to the back of Rukia's head, "Rukia! Are you awake?"
She pretended to sleep. She didn't reply, even though her wide violet eyes stared unseeingly out of the window. Orihime kissed the back of her head, "that was him, Rukia! The guy that would make me officially his girlfriend! I can't believe you two met and he was here – you don't understand how happy I am." Orihime lightly traced the goosebumps on Rukia's arm before settling the blanket up higher to cover her. "I'm so happy you two met, Rukia. Goodnight little sister." She got up and went to her own bed.
Rukia remained staring out at the window that night, unable to go to sleep, feeling more miserable and alone than ever.
How could you sleep peacefully when even God turned his back on you?
A/N: Done! So what do you guys think? I wanted to portray the underlying themes in this chapter for the entire story. So, Ichigo and Rukia meet and click, only to find out that Ichigo and Orihime are lovers. I know the characters are OOC in this, but bare with me, they kindda have to in this story until I sort my shit out.
But still, poor Rukia :( she finally decides to do something for herself only to realize he was always Orihime's.
Chappies aren't going to be this long in the future...or are they?
Please review guys / there's no point continuing the story if no one wants to read it.