Hello readers, I know this looks like a harem for Rukia at the beginning, but she's going to fall miserably in love with one of them.
Disclaimer: Bleach belong to Kubo.
Holy Crap! Rukia thought, rushing towards the train station while fastening her hair with a spare clip from her bag. She ran as fast as she could in her pumps. She ran into the station only to see the train pull away. !! This is not really happening. She thought frantically. Jesus! Now what was she supposed to do? Rukia looked around the empty station angrily, as if to summon a train immediately. This is insane. Rukia ran back out. It would truly be a miracle if she could catch an empty taxi during the peak hour. She doubted it. Man oh man. Kuso!
Kaien and Ichigo were still standing at the doorway, unable to get the last few images out of their head. Thinking the same thing...
That ass…that tight juicy ass. Black cloth. Black STRETCHABLE cloth. That body…that hair…that face…I WANT HER!
Both Kaien and Ichigo look towards each other at the same time. Each could quite easily see the lust and determination in the others eyes. Neither was going to back down. For the first time in their life, they were going to compete with each other FOR A GIRL.
"I guess, if I were to call dibs on her, you wouldn't acknowledge it?" Ichigo asked, with a cool smile.
"Damn straight! And I guess you won't make it easy for me?" Kaien replied with the same smile.
"Damn straight." Ichigo smirked.
"What about your Orihime?" Kaien asked with a hard edge to his voice.
"What about your Miyako?" Ichigo retorted.
They glared at one another trying to force the other to back down by intimidating stares alone.
Kaien thought about his estranged wife. Miyako and he had married just out of high school. Both their parents had protested, saying they were too young and must wait awhile. But their advice fell on deaf ears. They were high school sweethearts. Prom King and Queen. The perfect couple. They thought their (puppy) love would conquer everything and overcome all obstacles thrown in their way. Needless to say the reality was far from the truth. During the few years when they went to college, everything was fine. Miyako had studied fashion. Her dream had been to open a clothing line of her very own. And Kaien wanted to become a reporter for a major newspaper after he had got his bachelor's degree in English and journalism. It wasn't that easy. Miyako's parents had passed away at that time leaving a huge amount of debt. The couple emptied their savings to repay that. Kaien could've asked for money from his family side, but he didn't want to give them the satisfaction and a chance to murmur that they told him so. If given some time each would've realized their dreams. But money was tight and they had to get jobs immediately. That's how Kaien ended up joining the police force and Miyako ended up being a model. They were able to survive with that and had to keep their dreams on hold.
Being deprived of their desired careers made them cranky. They would start to squabble over every silly thing. Soon, these squabbles turned into little fights and finally ended up as shouting matches. But they would usually make it up to each other.
Things really went out of hand one day, when Kaien went to her studio to pick her up. He thought it'd be a good surprise and she might enjoy a ride in his cruiser. He walked in to find his wife in her panties, clutching some muscle-bound hunk in a towel on a stage. Then he heard the bloody photographer ask the muscle-bound jerk to lose his shyness and grab her bottom. Kaien was ready to beat that photographer to a pulp when he heard his wife laugh flirtatiously.
"Come on Jake, you have a beautiful, almost completely naked woman in your arms, and I know you aren't aroused. This can only mean one thing…. You must prefer bananas to beans", she said in a loud voice and began laughing. The crew joined in as well. 'Jake' got pissed off. "I don't need this shit," the young man yelled before running towards his studio.
"Well, there's a shooting ruined because of you my dear" the photographer said walking up to Miyako. "I guess you have to be punished." He grabbed Miyako in his arms and kissed her passionately on her lips.
"Oh Arro" she moaned into the kiss. It would've gone on if someone hadn't yanked Arro by his collar and began punching him. It took Miyako a while to realize it was her husband. Her mind became numb due to shock. What was he doing here? Why did he come? Oh god! Nobody knows I'm married here. And he's in his stupid uniform. He could ruin my career. I MUST GET HIM AWAY. "Kaien stop it," she said grabbing onto his arm. Preventing him from punching Arro's already smashed nose.
Kaien didn't remember how he'd reached them or when he started punching the assbag.
It was either him, or his cheating wife. He turned towards her. "Put some fucking clothes on", He yelled and stormed out to his cruiser. He fisted his hands and brought them down onto the cruiser's bonnet, leaving dents. He clutched his car and tried to calm himself down. He had been breathing deeply for a few moments, when Miyako came out. "Get in the car", he bit out. Moving towards the driver's side, he got in and waited for her to climb in before driving off. Once they got home, Kaien, who'd expected his wife to immediately start apologizing to him, was stunned to find her yelling instead.
"Do you know what you did back there? You beat up one of the most well known photographer in the industry. You should be glad I convinced him not to press any charges against you." She screamed.
"What the fuck? You were kissing him while only in an underwear. Did you forget you were married to me? I came there to surprise my wife only to find out that she's cheating on me!" Kaien yelled.
"I've never slept with anyone other than you during our marriage. Nudity is nothing. It was a lingerie shoot, so what did you expect? Trench coats? And kisses are like
Handshakes. It doesn't mean anything." She said scornfully, as if he wasn't polished enough to understand.
"Oh yeah? Well, how many times have you shook hands with him? That's it. You are not going to model for men anymore. Don't you have a shred of decency? And about how you humiliated that boy. How can you flirt so shamelessly? You are not the Miyako I knew and loved." Kaien ended coldly.
"WHAT? Newsflash Kaien. I'm a famous model now. I don't have to explain myself to you. You are so behind times; no amount of explanation would suffice. If you can't comprehend my work life, then, that is your problem. Not mine. I've had enough of this dump. I'm signing a contract with Arro. They'll provide me with everything. A penthouse suite and a good hefty amount. You can enjoy yours here." With a haughty turn of head Miyako was about to head towards the door when she felt Kaien's arms around her, holding her tightly.
"You can't leave. You are my wife. We'll work this out somehow. I'll even apologise to the photographer." Kaien whispered. He was scared now. He didn't want to lose her. He shouldn't have acted upon his jealousy. She's his wife.
"Whaat? And have everyone find out I'm married to a cop? That is going to drag down my image." She said in a disgusted tone.
Kaien withdrew his arms; he caught her elbow and turned her to face him. "Do you mean to say" Kaien said in a soft deadly tone "that you have told no one in your INDUSTRY that you are married?"
"Of course not. Who'd want a model who's married to a two-cent husband? I wouldn't get recognized." Miyako said.
Kaien stepped back and looked at her as if seeing her for the very first time. She was ashamed of him, his job. He had been so hopelessly in love with her. When did she change? When did she start hungering for fame and money? And she called him a two-cent cop. He had flushed his own dreams down the toilet so that they could live comfortably. What had changed? All he knew now was, he did not know anything about the new Miyako. People changed. The elders were right in asking them to wait. Right now, he didn't want anything to do with this shallow creature.
"Get out. Don't ever show your face to me ever again." He said very softly. Anger and hatred coating every word.
"Oh! Don't worry, I'm leaving. Don't even try and start you journalism career with me as your story. My lawyers will have you for breakfast otherwise." She warned before opening the door and walking out.
"You have nothing to be concerned about. As of now, I don't have a wife." Kaien said, before slamming the door.
"Another two months. Then, Miyako and I would've been separated for two years. I can ask for a divorce. And she should be ecstatic to give me one. She couldn't wait to disassociate herself from me because of her precious career." Kaien told Ichigo, trying to suppress his resentment towards his wife from showing. "What about your fiancée?" he looked towards Ichigo.
"EX- fiancée", Ichigo gritted his teeth. "Why does everyone keep forgetting that?"
"Well bro, she's kind of ready to murder us if we do that." Kaien chuckled at his cousin." why don't you sit her down, and explain it to her?"
"Oh right! Why have I never done that?" Ichigo asked sarcastically and slapped his forehead," maybe because she's always trying to jump my bones when we're alone".
"Hey! What's the harm in that? She's not bad looking you know. And well, to be honest, nobody bothers with the face one they catch the sight of her b-…. Well. Her assets." Kaien said sheepishly. "Any guy would want her", he finished.
"Yeah. It would've been better if someone else liked her. Things would have been easier if she wasn't jealous of everything I came in contact with. Did you know, she threatened Chad to stay out of my life when I'd crashed at his place one night?" Ichigo shook his head. "In school, she was very timid and shy. She became possessive when we started dating. Heck, she even made Yuzu cry once when she came home. She said I would always choose my family over her. What did she expect? Hell, I've never cheated on her. But, she doesn't seem to be satisfied with that," Ichigo bit out.
"Then why did you propose?" Kaien was genuinely curious, never having bothered to find out the story before.
"It was all Tatsuki's fault. I was ready to break up before starting med school. Orihime at that time was trying to make me jealous by flirting with everyone around. I was fed up. Tatsuki must have known what was about to come, because she warned Orihime. They are best friends, you know that right?" Ichigo looked at Kaien and Kaien nodded. "So, Orihime got Tatsuki to help her propose to me. It was during my birthday. They gathered everyone for a surprise party. Orihime proposed at the party in front of everyone with a lot of mushy words and feeling. Saying 'no' wasn't an option in that situation. So I said 'ok' planning to break it off after the party. But she never gave me the chance. She might look all sweetness and brainlessness, but she's really cunning. Every time I would begin, she'd start the waterworks or change the subject or leave. Finally I lost it two weeks ago and told her I never meant to marry and I just didn't to humiliate her in front of everyone. I told her there isn't going to be a wedding.
But what I should have done was, record the conversation, or had it witnessed by a few people. Because now, she's pretending like it never happened". Ichigo said glumly.
Kaien started to laugh. He couldn't help it. Ichigo glared. "So I guess you chose the hospital on this end of town to do your internship at because… ", Kaien trailed off.
"Yeah" Ichigo admitted. "I wanted to get away from her drama. My family's keeping mum about my whereabouts. This was the only way. She'd even come to my med school many times. It was horrifying," Ichigo shuddered. After a while, he said" I can't believe I have to move in with you. Stupid dad. He told me I'd finally be able to live alone."
"Oh yeah? Well, this isn't a bed of roses for me either, pal. I can't believe I have to baby-sit you now," Kaien muttered.
"What the hell?" Ichigo spluttered. "You're just two years older than me. Why did you volunteer then?"
"I didn't volunteer, you dumbass. It was either this or move back in to the main house with my sister."
Both Kaien and Ichigo winced. That was not much of a choice.
"Well, we're here now. So, what do you plan to do?" Ichigo asked.
"I don't know. I have to report for duty at the station in this district. Transfer went through without a hitch. I really don't know… I'll try and find someway to get into journalism, as I always wanted to.
"Good luck man". Ichigo slapped him on the back.
The both turned back inside to go up, when they saw the open juice container and Rukia's hair clip on the floor. Both of them reached for the clip at the same time, but Ichigo snatched it first. Kaien narrowed his eyes.
"Ok, so neither of us is going to back down. Well. Let's set up the ground rules, then. No underhanded means. If she chooses one, the other bows out and won't butt in to cause trouble". Ichigo said pocketing the clip. "Shake on it". He held his hand out.
"Done", Kaien, said, shaking his hand. But before Ichigo could pull his hand away, Kaien yanked him forward and tumbled him to the floor.
Before Ichigo could register what had just happened, Kaien was running up the stairs.
Ichigo was confused. He patted himself down, checking all over. When he reached his pocket…
"KAIEN!" came the bellow from below. Kaien grinned and tossed Rukia's clip into the air before catching it.
Rukia was still running on the footpath, unsuccessfully trying to hail a taxi. Not a single empty one. It was now 8:25. She's going to screw this interview up. She looked around and her eyes moved onto to the vehicles which had stopped at the red signal. She spotted a black Ducati. Men would have stared to admire the perfection of the bike. A Ducati 1098. They would have died due to envy. The women would have admired the bike for maybe a second. Two at the most... their eyes would've been glued to the rider after that. He appeared to be tall and well built. All over. With blue faded jeans and a black leather jacket, the 'bad boy' image was perfectly attained by the man. And add a super-hot bike to the equation; you have more than one woman with wet panties.
However Rukia was neither looking at the bike nor the rider. Her eyes were riveted on the insignia at the front side of the bike. It was just below 1098. The Kuchiki insignia.
Desperate times called for desperate measures. Rukia herself couldn't believe she was even considering this. He might be a maniac. But he couldn't be a criminal if he had a Kuchiki insignia on him. The Kuchikis' were much worse than the cops if anyone in their employment were to commit a crime. And he couldn't have stolen the bike. He seemed much to calm. Ignoring the looks directed at her, Rukia ran, making her way towards the bike. She reached and tapped the rider on the shoulder.
Shuuhei Hisagi was waiting for the green light to come on, when he felt someone tapping his shoulder. He turned to find a beautiful, tiny woman with beautiful violet eyes. He smirked. Ladies always came on to him. Be it in a bar, at work, anywhere. But this was the first time he was approached at the traffic signal. His friends are not going to believe this. He took off his helmet, placing it on his thigh, expecting her to give a flirty smile or become shy after seeing the tattoo on his cheek. Chicks loved his tattoo. He waited for her to speak.
"Do you have a police record?" the little lady asked.
Huh? This must be a new line. I've never heard this one before. He thought to lie and say yes. But looking at her face, he just shook his head 'no'.
"Good. Do you work at the Kuchiki Corporation? Are you on your way there now?"
Shuuhei was a mite confused, but nodded to say yes.
"Ok, I don't know how many times people have asked you this, but..." the little lady looked uncomfortable. Shuuhei grinned. She was too innocent to pick up strange men. Suddenly he was irritated. What if he was a maniac? She didn't look like she could fight off a woman, let alone a man. What was she thinking? He was about to reprimand her for her behaviour, when…
"Can you give me a ride till there?" she blurted.
What? Now, Shuuhei was thoroughly confused. She didn't have the dreamy look girls did when they asked for a ride. That's why he thought she must be asking him out. Now that he is looking at her expression, he can see she's a nervous wreck, her shirt undone, a few hair escaping her knot. She was ADORABLE. Man, I've never come across anyone like her. She's looks so damn innocent. Damn. She's like sinful sweetness. What'll she do if I flirt? Will she blush? Making her cheeks redder? He decided to find out.
"What are you willing to do for me in return, sweetheart?" he drawled.
Her cheeks got redder all right. "Listen up buddy; I'm not going to do any of the perverted things running through your mind right now. The light is going to turn green in a few seconds. You will be doing this as a Good Samaritan act. I could offer you a hundred bucks, but judging by expensive get-up, it would be chump change to you. So, what's it going to be?" she glared.
What the hell. Shuuhei thought. First of all, she wants me to do her a favour. And now, she's demanding it. And yes, 100 bucks is chump change for him. But she needn't put it like that. I'm not going to take this. "Listen up sweetheart," he bit out the 'sweetheart' part.
"You can walk to the Kuchiki Corporation for all I care." He huffed out and was about to put his helmet on.
"Oh! I see, you're scared. You can't make it there in twenty minutes in this heavy traffic. You must be a lousy rider. That machine must be crying for a real man to ride it. Not some shallow city boy", Rukia mocked.
Shuuhei was ready to pounce on her, ride her and show her a real man. But the light turned green and the vehicles behind him started honking. "You asked for it, babe," he said, quickly removed the spare helmet on the back and putting it on her. "Strap on," he said, doing the same with his. "Hop on and close your mouth, though I know that it'll be difficult for you. And hold on tight. I'll get you there in ten minutes." He waited for the girl to hop on. The moment he felt he weight behind him, he zoomed off. Her "gahhhh" made him smile an evil and triumphant smile.
Rukia held on for her dear life. Her bag was at her right elbow and her coat on the other. It was difficult to keep them and herself form flying off at the same time. Even roller coaster rides hadn't scared her this much. She closed her eyes and clutched the stranger's jacket. At one point, she guessed it was turn, because she was too afraid to look, she felt like she was going to slip off from the vehicle. She hugged the stranger tightly around the middle and tried to clutch his legs as well. She pressed her chest to his back, hiding behind its vastness. She felt something rumble through his chest. He sped up then, making her squeeze him with all her might. Oh, god, when will this end? I don't think it's crazy to choose life over a stupid interview. Her priorities weren't that screwed up. Oh god! Oh God! Oh god! Oh god! She chanted mentally. And began praying for her safety.
Shuuhei's thoughts on the other hand were as unholy as could be. When he felt her clutch him while turning around the corner, he moaned and closed his eyes, almost making him lose control. He sped up, and once again felt her squeeze his chest and the outside of his thighs. Damn, she had strong thighs. It made him wonder, how it feel around his waist, while he pounded into her. She would be tight, and a virgin. He was ready to bet his darling Ducati on that. Damn, this is no place to get a woody. He thought to himself as a certain part of his anatomy became active due to his fantasizing. He groaned in agony. He finally saw the Kuchiki skyscraper appear. He felt sorry that the ride was over. It was the sexiest time he's ever had on his bike. Now, he's going to want to feel her behind him, every time rode. "Damn," he said, coming to a stop in front of the building.
As soon as Rukia felt the bike slowing down, she looked up. She saw that they were in front of the Kuchiki building. She hopped off and checked her watch. It took him ten minutes like he said. It was eight forty now. She had 20 minutes to repair the damage on her appearance. She began to remove the helmet and saw the stranger doing the same. Now, she could see his face again. The 69 tattoo confused her.
"So, admit defeat?" Shuuhei grinned smugly.
"Yes, Oh Mighty Lord of the Streets. I shall never again commit the folly of doubting you." Rukia said in a regal manner, making Shuuhei laugh out loud. Rukia handed him the helmet, "you honestly saved my ass today. I have an interview at nine here, and I really need this job. Since you work here, maybe I'll get to see you again and thank you properly. Assuming I get the job, of course." Rukia bit her lip.
"You will baby, don't worry, if they don't hire you, maybe we can tie them to my bike with a rope and go for a ride around the city." Shuuhei grinned.
Rukia laughed. "Thanks, I've 20 minutes left to become presentable. See you around…Mr.…."
"Hisagi. Shuuhei to you." Shuuhei smiled.
"Rukia Ukitake. Thanks again" Rukia dumped her spare helmet on his lap, and gave him a peck on the cheek, right above the tattoo, before hurrying up the stairs to the building.
Shuuhei's hand went to his cheek. Women always went for his lips. And they never made him laugh. But Rukia just did. Rukia. It has a nice ring to it. Shuuhei saw her running up the stairs. His woody came back to greet him at the sight of her shapely behind. Well, that's one ass I wouldn't mind saving any number of times. And if I get rewarded every time, it's more than worth it. Shuuhei grinned. He put the spare helmet back in its place, strapped on his own, and started his bike. On the way to the parking lot, his head was full of Rukia. Damn, I hope she gets this job. It would make coming to office worthwhile. He smiled. He was the one who was usually being chased by women. It is going to be fun to do the chasing for a change. It was evident Rukia wasn't the type to bend to his will. The struggle would make the chase all the more pleasurable; and the eventual surrender, delicious. I'm going to make her mine. You better watch out baby, I'm coming for you. his smile became predatory.
Rukia ran through the front door and looked around for a restroom. She found one a little further towards her right. She hurried to it. On entering, she found it empty. She quickly pulled out her brush and fixed her long hair into a neat bun. She made sure, not a single hair was out of place. She re-tucked her shirt properly. As she applied her lip balm, she thought about this morning. She should check her horoscope today. It must say something along the lines of '...And you are destined to get a huge dose of testosterone stuffed males today, you have been warned…' Rukia stared at her reflection. Her cheeks were red because she ran so much right? Right? Of course. What else would it be? She gave her reflection a once over and hurried out of the restroom. She approached the reception desk. She saw a strict looking woman with glasses. The nameplate on the desk read 'Nanao Ise.'
"I- I'm here for my interview ma'am. My name is Rukia Ukitake." Rukia couldn't help her stutter at the beginning. It's the damn nerves. She tried taking deep breaths.
The woman at the desk looked at her and smiled. Don't be nervous all right. Mr. Kyoraku will see you first." She picked up the phone, and dialed a few numbers. "Rukia Ukitake is here for the interview", she wait a second before yelling, "Stop that you sick pervert" and slamming the receiver into the cradle. She was gritting her teeth and breathing hard.
Nanao looked up to see Rukia staring at her. "I'm sorry you had to see that. My boss is a bit of a lazy ass and a pervert." Seeing Rukia's judgemental look, she hastened to correct it. "It's just with me though. He tries to irritate me all the time. But he is a good man. Just hasn't finished growing up yet." She grinned. Rukia returned it. "Take the lift to the eighth floor and go right. The door with pink flowers is his," Nanao finished in a disgusted tone.
Rukia grinned. With a "thank you ma'am" she was off. She took the lift and made her way to the door with pink flowers. She knocked politely. "Come in", she heard two deep voices say. She opened the door and stepped in. For the nth time that day, she lost her voice.
There were two men in the room. One of them looked as old as Juu-papa. And he seemed familiar too. She he was seated behind the des. From what she could see of his outfit, it looked like he was wearing a pink coloured, flowery kimono. He had a stubble. And he was smiling.
It was the other man who took her breath away. She didn't need any introductions to know it was Byakuya Kuchiki. The current head of the Kuchiki clan. The trademark long, black hair and grey eyes were enough to identify him. She didn't think that she'd get to meet the man on the day of her interview itself. From what she'd read in the business section, the man was an enigma. He was a brilliant businessman. Shrewd and calculating too. But never heartless. She was seen at many charity events too. Rukia was in awe of the man.
"This is the thing that was supposed to be my secretary? Look at her; she can't even close her mouth. I don't need another imbecile working for me." The Byakuya proclaimed, before walking out of the door.
Rukia stood there, stunned.
This was supposed to be the interview chapter, but I had a few kinks to work out on that. This has become another flashback-kind chapter instead. Sorry for that. Once the characters and their backgrounds are properly introduced, it'll be much more fast-paced. :) what do you think?
BTW, i want to thank sagittariusleo; your question helped me create Kaien and Miyako's situation. Thanks a lot. :)