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Chapter 2: Decision

The atmosphere in the dining room felt more rigid than usual. Mostly, both Rukia and Byakuya did not talk much while eating. Sometimes they discuss about their Shinigami duties, but not every time. They were more often to eat their meal in silence. Still, this was the most rigid and tensed dining atmosphere that they had experienced. Both Byakuya and Rukia looked busy with their thoughts.

Rukia chewed her food without spirit. For some reason, the food was bland on her tongue. Her appetite has disappeared due to talk with the elders. Until this moment she still did not believed what she had just heard. She let out a soft sigh when the events in the meeting room returned in her mind.

Flasback

Rukia looked at Kaito quizzically. If she was not mistaken, Kaito was talking about her Nii-sama's wedding and also about the clan's heir. But she had just heard that Kaito asked her to marry Byakuya. No. I must have misheard.

"That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard!" Byakuya said aloud. Rukia winced. She stared at her Nii-sama who was staring at Kaito with a piercing gaze.

So, I am not misheard! They are really serious about marrying me with Nii-sama!

"This is the most sensible thing, Byakuya sama. Rukia sama has all the criteria as Kuchiki family suitor." Kaito said calmly. He seemed unaffected by the cold stares from Byakuya.

"She is my sister." Byakuya said sharply.

"But you two are not related in blood. So there is no problem. Moreover, in the past, the marriage between relatives in a clan is a natural thing for the sake of maintaining the purity of the clan."

Byakuya closed his eyes. He was seen trying hard to drown out all the emotions that raged inside him. Fortunately, he had been practiced for decades to be able to hold all of those emotions, if not this room would have destroyed by his Senbonzakura.

"We both still do not agree." Byakuya said. His voice was very cold, as cold as his grey eyes.

"That is your opinion, Byakuya sama. We have not heard Rukia sama opinion on this issue." Kaito glanced at Rukia, who had been silent, watching the debate between her Nii-sama and Kaito. Rukia instantly felt nervous when all eyes were on her.

"I-I'm..."

"Rukia does not need to say anything. Our decision was final. There is no marriage between the two of us." Byakuya cut before Rukia said a word.

"I am sorry, Byakuya sama. But what we need now is an answer from Rukia sama."

"So, what do you think, Rukia sama?"

Rukia gulped. She turned her gaze on Byakuya, who apparently was watching her. His grey eyes gazed at her sharply, making her heart beat faster. She immediately lowered her head.

"I-I don't know." Rukia replied honestly. It was so sudden and so confusing for her. Half of her inner hoping all of these just a dream because she never imagined in her mind that the Elders would ask her to marry Byakuya. Her Nii-sama. It was really not make any sense.

Kaito looked at Rukia and smiled. "We know this news really shocked you. But we hope Rukia sama can give an answer..."

"She does not need to give an answer. We're not going to get married." Byakuya cut. Kaito sighed as he looked at Byakuya.

"You really do not be impatient, Byakuya sama. The problem is if you two do not agree to get married, we are forced to choose the second option."

"We all know how much is your love for Hisana sama, so you reject all the candidates that we offered. We greatly appreciate your feelings. But, our clan really needs an heir. Marrying Rukia-sama is the first option that we submitted to you. But if you refuse, then Rukia-sama had to take over this task."

Rukia stared at Kaito with wide eyes. What does it mean by taking over the job? What that means she must marry one of the nobleman's sons whom she did not know to produce an heir to the clan?

"You mean if I did not marry Rukia then you are going to marry her with someone else?" Byakuya asked sharply. Kaito smiled again.

"Excatly, if she married a candidate that we have set then we will not bother you with the heir problem anymore."

Byakuya closed his eyes and clenched his hands tightly. He was trying hard not to punch Kaito because he had already made two choices that absolutely no sense to him and Rukia. Marrying Rukia was impossible, but he also cannot let Rukia marry an unknown person just for the sake of generating Kuchiki clan heir. He will never let that happen.

"Rukia will not marry any one of the candidates!" Byakuya raised his tone. He gave a death glare towards Kaito.

Kaito sighed again. "Byakuya sama, we've been trying to provide the right choice for both of you. Why is hard to choose between two options. After all, you can't hold Rukia sama forever. One time she has to get married."

"She's still not ready." Byakuya replied coldly.

"I am sorry Byakuya sama, but the decision of the elders was final. We can't wait any longer. Moreover, the candidate for Rukia sama has been set if you two aren't ready to get married. You definitely know Masahiro from Takama clan, right? "

"I have rejected his proposal so he will not be a candidate for Rukia's husband. "

Rukia stared at her Nii-sama in confused. She did not know if there's a guy who submitted a proposal of marriage to her. And what more puzzling was the fact that he had rejected the proposal without discussed it with her.

"But it looks like Masahiro did not give up. The proof is he came right up to us, asking for permission. In addition, he is willing to be a member of our clan when he was married to Rukia sama. So, if Byakuya sama still refused to marry Rukia sama, we will accepted his proposal."

Byakuya looked at Kaito sharply. It can be seen there was anger in his eyes. It was rarely happened, because no matter how annoying was the attitude of the elders Byakuya was still able to resist. But their attitude this time has really gone too far. They dared to make decisions outside his approval.

The atmosphere in the room seemed increasingly tense. Rukia did not even dare look at her Nii-sama because she could feel tremendous anger from him.

"Brother, Byakuya sama," call Okuni, sister of Kaito who had been silent, watching the talk between them.

"Why do not you calm your mind first. Brother, this is a difficult choice for both of them. This issue cannot be decided in a minute. Look at Rukia sama. She looks very nervous and confused. How about, we give them three days to make a decision." Okuni suggested. Kaito thought of the advice from his sister for a moment then he nodded with a smile.

"You're right, Okuni. I'm getting ahead of myself. Alright you two will have three days to make a decision. To further clarify, if you decide to get married then you will be given five weeks to prepare. But if you decide to choose the second option, then Rukia sama will immediately married to Masahiro."

"W-what? I would be married without an introduction?" Rukia asked. Her panic looked clearly in her eyes. Okuni gave the calm smile on Rukia.

"Takama clan already prepared the wedding for a long time. They are just waiting for a decision from us. It does not matter if you got married, right? All noble ladies married without a lot of meetings. But this is a different matter if you choose Byakuya sama. We are still able to tolerate time for both of you, considering that for the past fifty years you have been living together as brother and sister. The sudden changes will definitely feel weird. So we think five weeks are enough time to fix your feelings." Okuni said softly. Rukia could only nod weakly at Okuni explanation.

End of flashback

Rukia breathed slowly. She knew that one day she would get married, but she did not think that it would be so soon. She never even saw the figure of Masahiro. How could she marry a stranger? But on the other side she could not imagine if she must marry Byakuya. For the God sake! He is her Nii-sama. What exactly was in the minds of the elders!

Rukia looked up when Byakuya suddenly rose from his seat and he walked past her toward the door. Seeing that, Rukia instantly put her chopsticks and stood.

"Ni-sama," Rukia called. Byakuya stop his footsteps.

"Re-regarding the earlier di-discussion. W-what..."

"We will not discuss this issue now, Rukia." Byakuya cut while still backs her.

"B-but, Nii-sama…"

"We'll discuss it tomorrow. If you've finished your meal, you should go to bed." Byakuya commanded as he walked away from Rukia which could only be silent and stared at his back.

Byakuya looked at the sight of his garden in silence. Tonight, the moon shines bright enough. It made his fish pond glowing beautifully. The night breeze blew softly, stroking his long hair. It was nearing the beginning of spring. Time for Sakura trees to re-bloom, but it seemed he would difficult enjoying the moment.

Byakuya let out a small sigh. The meeting with the elders today was really beyond his expectations. He did not think that the elders would use Rukia as a weapon to pressure him. He would never let Rukia to marry Masahiro only to produce an heir. But he also could not marry Rukia. The girl was his sister. Hisana's sister. Where did the elders get the idea to marry him with her?

But you two have no blood ties. Kaito's voice came back in his head. She is the best suited as your wife.

One time she had to get married. Byakuya stared at the reflection of moonlight on the surface of the fish pond. He knew that someday Rukia would marry. But it's not now.

If you are not willing to marry Rukia sama. Why do you prevent another man to marry her? Rukia was ready for marriage. Kaito said before Byakuya left the meeting room.

Why do I prevent it?

Rukia is still not ready. That's the reason. Yes, that was the reason why he has rejected every proposal for his sister. The number of applications that had received by him has increased dramatically since Rukia served as Fukutaicho. All the noble families seemed to scramble to make her as daughter in law. The reason was besides she was a prominent clan member in Seireitei and served as a fukutaicho and also a powerful Shinigami, she has grown into a very beautiful noblewoman. Her new look with short hair just made her appearance more beautiful. That's what made her the target of the noble men from different clans.

Until now Byakuya did manage to drown out the situation. He rejected all the applications on the grounds that Rukia still wanted to pursue her career and had numerous of busyness as a shinigami. Besides that, he thinks Rukia was not ready and he did not want her to go through life as the wife of the son of a nobleman whom she did not know. Byakuya had seen many noble princesses who lost their spirit and identity, due to marriage matchmaking. He did not want Rukia through the same thing. But the elders have messed it up. He did not know how long he could protect his sister.

Now, the only choice left to protect Rukia was to marry her. Should he choose that option? No. It still does not make any sense! I had to find another way!

Byakuya sighed again. He looked up at the sky for a few moments before finally turned and walked out of the garden. He will think about it tomorrow. He believes that he would find the completion of this problem. If there was still no resolution, maybe he'll use Senbonzakura as a final choice on the elders, to get them to stop bothering him and Rukia.

Byakuya let a faint smile on his face when that thought crossed his mind while he kept walking toward his room.

Rukia breathed slowly. She tried to focus in her meditation. It's been almost thirty minutes, but she still looked difficult to focus her mind. Every time she tried to focus, the event that happened yesterday always appeared in her mind.

It always came to haunt her and made her barely to sleep. So many problems which she should to think last night and once she realized the day was already morning. Rukia sighed. She really wanted to meet her Nii-sama to discuss this issue but she did not find Byakuya in the dining room. Apparently he had gone early in the morning without told her.

Rukia closed her eyes and tried to concentrate again.

What should I do? Do I have to choose to marry Masahiro and replacing Nii-sama's place to produce an heir to the clan? Or is it better to marry Nii-sama?

No! What do you think, Rukia? Although you chose the first option, Nii-sama not necessarily chose you. Did you forget? Yesterday he had refused firmly in front of the elders?

But ... yesterday Nii-sama also rejected the second option. He did not agree if I married Masahiro. Actually, what is in his mind? I really do not understand him.

Rukia sighed again. So this was a condition that always faced by her Nii-sama when he had to attend meeting with the elders. This was the reason why his mood getting worse every time he had just finished the meeting. Every time he had to face the pressure to find a replacement of Hisana-sama and also produced an heir.

"Rukia san!" Rukia opened her eyes and saw Rangiku was walking toward her. Rukia got up from her place and smiled at Rangiku.

"What is it, Rangiku san?"

"Here, Yachiru asked me to give it to you." Rangiku said as she handed Rukia a box.

"What is this?" Rukia asked as she stared at the box blankly.

"This is a ninja costume for you." Rangiku replied as she winked. Rukia gaped in shock. Why did Yachiru send her a ninja costume?

"Ninja costume? Why did Yachiru give a ninja costume to me?"

"Of course to make it easier for you to take Kuchiki taicho's pictures."

Rukia felt like she was struck by lightning in broad daylight. Because of her clan crisis, she forgot about SWA's problems.

"I am sorry Rangiku san. Could you tell Yachiru san I cannot do this job?" Rukia begged. Moreover, at this time she might not be able to take any pictures of her Nii-sama. Not when her clan wanted her to marry him.

"What happened to you? Didn't yesterday you have promised to take pictures of Kuchiki taicho?" Rangiku asked inquisitive.

"There are few problems. I really cannot do it now."

"Are you afraid to be caught by Kuchiki taicho and he'll get mad at you?"

"It's one of the reasons." Rukia replied softly. Although she wanted, but she still could not share this problem to Rangiku considering it was internal problems in Kuchiki clan. Rangiku sighed, and then she put her hands on Rukia's shoulders.

"Look, Rukia san. I'm going to ask a few questions to you and you have to answer them honestly." Rukia nodded her head.

"Did Kuchiki taicho know about the poll which we did last month?" Rukia shook her head, "Does he know that the SWA Monthly Magazine will release a special edition for Valentine where he will be a model?" Rukia shook her head again, "Did Kuchiki taicho ever read our magazine?"

"Nii-sama never read our magazine since the first edition."

"Exactly, I bet he even did not know our magazine still existed. So, as long as you do not get caught then you can take his pictures without feeling fear and guilty. Understand, Rukia san?"

"But..." Rukia tried to resist. But the grip on her shoulders stopped her speech.

"No buts. You have promised to all of us. Do you really want our SWA destroyed because we run out of money and the angry fans?"

Rukia shook her head. She did not want anything bad happened to SWA. And as a member she could not let SWA in any troubles.

"So, do you agree to keep helping, right?" Rukia stared at Rangiku for a moment before finally nodded weakly.

"Good. Then take this costume and you can begin to take his picture anytime soon." She said with a smile. Rukia could only receive that box with resignation. She could not retreat. Inevitably, she must figure out how to take pictures of her Nii-sama.

Suddenly a question came to her mind.

"Umm... Rangiku san, there is something that I want to ask."

"Yes?"

"Talking about Nii-sama. What will happen to him if he decides to get married?"

Hearing the word of Kuchiki taicho and married made Rangiku's eyes widened. Her face looked excited at Rukia's questions.

"Is Kuchiki taicho getting married? So this is a problem that burdens your mind before? Who is the candidate?" She asked excitedly.

"It's not. Nii-sama has no candidate yet, and he is not getting married in the near future. But you know how the elders in my house looks like. This is just supposition. I'm just curious. That's it." Rukia replied as calmly as she can, trying to hide her panicked.

"Oh, I think he's getting married in the near future. Well, instead of thinking about how the condition of Kuchiki taicho when he got married because I guarantee it will not diminish his popularity, I feel more sorry for his bride." Rangiku replied.

"Why?" Rukia asked curiously.

"Of course I feel sorry for her. First, she will face more attacks from Kuchiki taicho's fanatic fans. My advice, if Kuchiki taicho decided to get married, he should keep his bride secretly because we do not know what will happen with her bride. You know, sometime fangirls can be crazy toward their idol." Rukia gulped and nodded. Rangiku's words sounded very sensible in her ears.

"The second one, she would not be able to escape from the shadow of Hisana sama." Rangiku said as she stared at Rukia. After hearing Rangiku's words, Rukia felt a strange feeling appeared in the deepest corner of her heart.

"We all know the reasons why Kuchki taicho is not married untill now. It was all because of his deep love for Hisana sama. If not, why would he stay alone for fifty years, although he was surrounded by a lot of beautiful noblewoman. So when Kuchiki taicho decide to marry because of matchmaking, the most affected is the bride because she will never be able to get the heart of Kuchiki taicho."

Rukia pondered after hearing Rangiku's explanation. Her friend was right. The reason why her Nii-sama did not marry until now was because of his very deep love to her Nee-sama. Their love was eternal. There will be no single woman who can enter into their lives and changed Nee-sama position in his heart.

Nee-sama, you are truly a lucky woman.

"Thanks Rangiku san. Because of you, I know what I should do. Tell Yachiru san, I will deliver Nii-sama's pictures as my promised. Ja ne." Rukia said before walked away back to her division.

Rukia stared at the door of her Nii-sama nervously. She had already taken a decision about the answer she would give to the elders tomorrow. But first, she wanted to announce her choice to him. She hoped, with her choice he could feel happily in the future.

Rukia took a deep breath before knocked on the door. "Nii-sama," Rukia called.

"Enter." Byakuya answered after a few moments.

Rukia slid open the door and entered the room. There, she saw her Nii-sama looked busy with his papers.

"Nii-sama," Rukia said as she bowed after she was standing before him, "There's something I want to say."

"Sit down." Rukia then sit in front of him who still looked busy with his paperwork. Rukia seemed to be trying to hide her hands which looked shaking.

"I've made a choice." Byakuya looked up from the pile of papers and stared at her. It was obvious that she was very nervous and tense.

"I would choose to marry Masahiro san. Although I did not know him, but I know most of noblewoman married without knowing and know each other, right? Anyway, if I am going to marry him, the elders will stop bothering Nii-sama. Nii-sama also does not need to be burdened with the problem of finding an heir because I'm going to take this job. Please do not get me wrong, but this is my responsibility as a member of the Kuchiki clan. Besides, I want Nii-sama live in peace and happy. Nii-sama does not have to worry about another woman who will replace Nee-sama as a lady in Kuchiki Manor, and also in Nii-sama's hearts." Rukia explained in one breath. She blushed immediately lowered her head so that he could not see her nervous face.

Byakuya continued to stare at Rukia, which was now being lowered her head. He had suspected that she would choose the second option. She always put the concerns of others compared to herself.

"Although you chose the second option, I would still oppose it." Rukia raised her head and looked at him puzzled.

"I've made a decision. We will choose the first option." Byakuya's words made Rukia gaping involuntarily. Her violet eyes dilated. She did not believe what she was hearing. Nii-sama chose the first option? Does he want to marry me?

"B-but Nii sama, the first option is..." Rukia could not finish her sentence. Her face flushed, she still did not dare to think that she and Nii-sama will get married.

"I know, but for this moment it's the right choice." Byakuya said calmly then he got up from his chair, and walked to his open window, which showed the view of his favorite garden view.

"If you choose the second option, then you will instantly be married and there will be no time to turn. But if we choose the first option, we still have five weeks to find a way out of this problem."

Rukia blinked her eyes, trying to capture the meaning of the words of her Nii-sama. Then a small gasp came out of her mouth. Finally she understands the reasons why he chose the first option.

"Nii-sama means, over the next five weeks we will try to find a way out so that the Elders stop bothering us?" Byakuya nodded curtly.

"Yes, for this moment, it is the only way that we can choose. But for the next, we will have five weeks to find a way to convince the elders that they would retract their decision."

Rukia nodded knowingly to Byakuya explanation. Her Nii-sama was right. Five weeks is enough time to find a way out.

"So do not even think to take the second option. I'll never let you marry an unknown guy." Byakuya said sharply as he turned his gaze from garden to Rukia. Her face immediately turned red due to Byakuya's words.

"Ha-hai." Rukia said as she lowered her face.

"Now go to sleep. Tomorrow we have to meet with the elders to give the answer."

"Yes, Nii-sama." Rukia said as she bowed before left Byakuya.

After Rukia left, Byakuya give a small sighed. Silly girl. How could she think to marry an unknown guy? Does she not care about her future? Byakuya stared at the view of his garden for a few moments, and then he walked back to his desk to finish his job.

Kaito looked at Byakuya and Rukia in turn. A smile appeared on his face. This was the day that was anticipated by everyone in the Kuchiki clan. Any options to be selected by the Kuchiki sibling will bring a positive change for the future development of the clan.

"So, Byakuya sama, Rukia sama. Do you already made a decision?"

"Yes," Byakuya said calmly, "We chose the first option. I'm going to marry Rukia."

Both Kaito and Okuni exchanged smiles after hearing hid answer.

"We're happy because Byakuya sama and Rukia sama chose the first option. According to the two of us, you're perfect together." Okuni said, smiling softly. Rukia blushed when she heard Okuni's words, but she hurriedly reminded herself that it was just an act.

"We've given the answer, so we excused to go now."

"Wait Byakuya sama. Our talk is not over yet. We still have to explain some of the rules."

Byakuya looked at Kaito with a frown.Rules?

"As we explained yesterday, if you choose the first option then you're given five weeks to fix your feelings. Therefore, we the elders decided to give some help so the feeling between both of you will grow faster." Rukia stared at Kaito quizzically. What does he mean?

"What do you mean?" Byakuya asked sharply. He began to feel uncomfortable with this conversation. The help of the elders were not including in his calculations.

"We've discussed this. Both of you will undergo a mission. It called Love Mission."

Rukia looked stunned. Love mission? What does he mean?

Meanwhile, Byakuya only closed his eyes. "Explain this mission." Byakuya asked coldly.

"Every week you will be given different missions which you have to finish. Every missions is aim to grow a feeling of love inside you. The duration of each mission is one week. The first mission will be given tomorrow. Oh, and you have to run special mission too. Every the end of the week you have to out for date like a couple." Kaito said with a smile.

"D-date?" Rukia asked with disbelief. I'm going on a date with Nii-sama?

"Yes, Rukia sama. Isn't that what is always carried by every couple who are in love when the weekend comes, is it?" Rukia's face flushed at the words of Kaito.

"What would happen if we refuse to do this mission?" Byakuya asked coldly.

"Well, you must perform this mission. If you refuse or fail to fulfill the missions that have been given Rukia sama automatically will be married to Masahiro san." Kaito replied with a smirk.

Oh, no. It's really a serious problem.

Thank you for reading, If you have time please review my story so I know if I have to continue it or not. I really Apprecite your opinion, constructive criticism, or anything that could improve my skill.