Chapter 3
Note: I intend for this Ichiruki fanfic to be a slowwww burn so everything will progress slowly like a real romance does. This chapter is a bit longer than the previous ones but that is to push the progression of the story.
Anyway Enjoy and thanks for reading.
A week had passed since Rukia moved into Tokyo Grand City and things were looking up for her. She loved being free to do whatever she wanted, and she had a bucket list to fill which consisted of:
Becoming an actress
Staying up as late (Byakuya made sure she slept before 12:am which sucked for Rukia)
Staying out after curfew (The same thing applied here but she had to be home by 10:pm even though she was an adult
Buy fancy stylist dresses that tailored to her chic style (Byakuya only approved on classy dress which were nice but Rukia wanted to expand on that) and,
Find true love (at this point of her life Rukia never had a relationship, a first kiss or been in love because boys were a distraction and education came first under Byakuya's rules. Rukia felt embarrassed about this and wanted to experience it herself without being forced in a marriage)
So far Rukia had only achieved b and d those things were the easiest thing on her list. Rukia didn't know anyone in the city yet so she wouldn't have anywhere to go to stay out late, she was working on step a, and she hadn't come across anyone she liked in the City. But nevertheless she was happy as she was able to get to audition for credible acting agent who goes by Yoruichi to book an acting audition to join her agency: Talent of Soul. Rukia found out the news 4 days ago and today was her audition.
Yoruichi made way for the best of stars in Japan who even make it in Hollywood like Rangiku Matsumoto who goes only by Rangiku, (the golden girl known for her work in romantic flicks), Shūhei Hisagi (an actor known for making action/thriller movies) and Momo Hinamori (she was a breakout star, starring on a TV sitcom about a young girl finding love). Aside from her acting agency Yoruichi also runs a modelling agency scouting out new modelling talent to bring to Vogue Japan.
Rukia was sent an email from Yoruchi's secretary informing her about what time and place the audition will take place, and how the audition would go. All Rukia knew is she would be assigned to play a character by Yoruchi and act that out to her on the spot.
Nerves crept up in Rukia's body on the taxi ride to the agency. Although Rukia considered herself to be a great actress she never acted in front of anyone before.
''Are you ok miss you look like somethings bothering you.'' Said the Taxi driver staring at Rukia through the mirror
''I'm fine you see I have an audition so I'm quite nervous.'' Rukia said honestly
''I'm sure you'd smash it. Have faith that it would be ok.''
''Thank you that's real nice of you.'' Rukia smiled and she spent the rest of the car ride calming her nerves.
/
A tall tan purple haired woman with yellow cat eyes was sitting down front seat in a huge auditorium. The lights illuminated and brought the stage to live. Red curtains were kept to the side of the stage to showcase each person's audition. She held piece of paper close to her face that read 'no.14 Rukia …' Beside her was a man dressed eccentrically with a white/black hat, sandals and green kimono.
''Text Ururu to usher our next guess Kisuke'' Said Yoruichi
''Of course my lovely'' Kisuke replied giving Yoruichi a cheeky grin before she slapped the back of his head
After a few seconds Rukia walked onto the stage scared out of her mind. Her heart beat was on overdrive and air was stuck in her throat. This was it, it was a chance to go after her dream and she had to take it.
Breathe Rukia just breathe she thought to herself.
Rukia was practically shaking in front of Yoruichi and Kisuke that she didn't even hear them talking to her.
''Hello, Miss Rukia are you alright?'' Yoruichi projected
Rukia snapped out of her daze quickly answering back that she was fine.
''Ok good. So Miss Rukia do you have a last name? I only have your first name on your application. Or is it a stage name, like Rangiku who dropped the last name?''
Rukia intended to drop her last name to cover up the fact that she was a Kuchiki. She didn't want people to think she only made it as an actress because of her family, and she did it to show her resolve. She could never be an actress as a Kuchiki under Byakuya's rules, but her running away shows she's no longer a Kuchiki.
''Yes miss, it's a stage name that I'd like to go by'' Rukia answered honestly
''Ok I understand. Let's get on with it shall we? I will assign your character and speak to you while you act to bring the audition along. Understood?''
''Yes I do. Thank you'' Rukia said quickly
''Alright! I want you to act like a…person struggling with an addiction'' Yoruchi said slowly
''Nod at any time to tell us your ready. Take all the time you need. Good luck.''
Rukia nodded quickly thinking of how she would convey the character given. It almost took her 2 minutes before she started her audition. Rukia started to walk closer towards the edge of the stage. She looked straight at Yoruichi and nodded.
''Where were you last night Rukia? I looked everywhere for you until day break just to come home and find you in this state?'' Yoruichi pressed on
''I...I was with a friend mom I told you I would be at Clarissa's house for a sleepover. I'm fine okay? I'm going to go to bed.'' Rukia voiced rose displaying agitation; waving her hands in frustration as she turned to walk away.
''Don't you walk away from me? Am I supposed to believe that?'' Yoruchi sat up eying the hell out of Rukia, ''you haven't given me one reason to think your clean Rukia, so why should I trust you?''
Rukia turned around as she lifted her left arm placing a hand on her head whilst shaking it in defeat
''Because I'm your daughter mom, I am your daughter. '' Rukia continued on prancing around the stage before stopping as she broke out in a frantic laugh.
'' Your lack of faith in me displays to me that you think you're a failure.''
''What are you talking about?'' Yoruichi questioned
''You raise me from the womb until today. You taught me everything I know. Right from wrong, good and bad, so why did I end up this way?'' Rukia cracked, she felt tears sting at the corner of her eye. Rukia started to think of her mother whom she never got the chance to meet. She took the hurt from that to put it into acting her piece for inspiration.
''Your right I did raise you, but you have the power behind your choices. I've supported you, given you all the resources and care you need but you never listen to me.'' Yoruchi's voiced rose and Kisuke noticed that.
If that happened in auditions it normally meant she likes the piece.
''I don't listen because it's not easy. It's not easy to cut the thing that's help you have a peace of mind when everything is going wrong. Sometimes it just gets too much that I can't breathe.'' Rukia choked as tears fell down her face.
She started to think about her life before running away and how she felt in a cage because she had no control over it. She only talked when spoken to, she studied business like her brother wanted, she could only associate herself with people her brother could trust, and how her opinions always got shot down. Like how she taught of her mother, Rukia drew inspiration from the sadness from her life.
''If I could be a better person I would.''
''Stop!'' Yoruichi said calmly
She rose up slowly standing up from her seat, starring at Rukia for a long time
Rukia's heart started beating faster as she thought whether she did anything wrong. She was confused waiting for a response before she heard applauding.
Yoruichi was clapping and Kisuke joined in with her. Rukia was shocked, she didn't think she would get a reaction out of them like that but she did.
The taxi driver was right. All Rukia had to do was have faith.
''Welcome to Talent of Soul Rukia, I'd love to have you in my agency. I haven't seen raw passion like yours in a long time. Great work! There are some areas that you can improve on but that are a part of the learning experience. I will make sure my secretary calls you when we find an audition for a role that suits you. Congratulations.'' Yoruichi said honestly.
Rukia beamed and shock with anxiety. Her dream was on the way of finally coming true.
Leaving Byakuya to run away was the best decision she ever made.
/
''Ok guys here is this week's task. Each person will come out into the front and say what they've learnt over the past 6 months. You each have 10 minutes to present yourself alright!'' said a gentle middle aged women with long jet black hair. She smiled with her eyes and mouth standing in a hall before 20 other people. The atmosphere was foggy and darkened with a hug of blue.
''Ok, first up to present will be Ichigo. Everyone give him a hand.'' the women said as everyone clapped. Ichigo stood up and walked sluggishly. His body felt weak and he could barely see. He stood before everyone nervous as he forgot why he was even up there.
''I...I don't understand what's happening.'' Ichigo said feeling sweat drip down his face. He started to feel hot, his memory was foggy and he could barely stand.''
''It's ok Ichigo. All you have to say is a recap of what you learned at your time here.'' The women said happily in a creepy manner.
''What I learned? I, I don't know, I can't do this I'm sorry.'' Ichigo tried to walk away before his legs gave in causing him to collapse onto the ground as the whole room span around.
''You're an alcoholic, you need help''
''Don't you care about anyone other than yourself?''
''Do you see the state your sisters are in. They've had it with you and so have I''
Voices continued to rush into Ichigo's ears, as he began screaming them back.
''LEAVE ME ALONE!'' Ichigo yelled but it was no use.
He could hear crying that was similar to him. It sounded like his sisters.
He could hear sadness and compassion. It sounded like it was from his friends.
He could hear disappointment and heartbreak. It sounded like it was from his dad.
He could hear rage, anger and frustration. But he couldn't explain who that was from.
The room was spinning out of control and Ichigo kept screaming in return until it stopped.
Ichigo eyes came back into focus as he looked before him to see himself. He was on the ground, pale and yellow surrounded by nothing but alcohol.
The Ichigo before him eyes shot opened as he jumped up before—
Ichigo woke up screaming the life out of him, he was drenched in sweat breathing heavily at the dream he just had. His wife beater top clenched onto his slender muscly built body, adding on weight onto Ichigo which was all in his mind. Ichigo felt boggled in thought as he felt guilt eat up at him.
His thoughts became wild. He thought about his terrible experience in rehab, the breaking news that just hit about him and Riruka and how he'd have to face the press, his friends and family, he thought about everything.
He had failed everyone, just like he failed his mother.
Ichigo's hands became to shake, the anxiety built up in him to the point that he could no longer control himself.
Ichigo got out of his bed and ran to get some alcohol. After the incident with Riruka he managed to use his disguise to buy a stash without being noticed. He kept the stash looked up in a vault so no one would be able to open it but him.
Ichigo opened the vault with a key, and rushed to open a bottle of vodka before drowning himself in it.
It burned his throat to the core but Ichigo couldn't care less. He drank the vodka under 1 minute chugging it down like a little kid drinking their favourite soda. He forgot all about rehab and all the things he learned there.
Ichigo tossed the empty bottle after the liquid was gone and continued drinking until he was drunk enough to stop thinking.
/
It was the day of Kurozaki family gathering. Each year the Kurozaki's and Shiba's plus extended family and friends meet up with to catch up with each other. This year's gathering was pushed forward because Ichigo had just got out of rehab, and the Shiba's wanted to give as much support as they could.
However Isshin was tired and wanted to get this over with. He hadn't seen or called his son after his release because he didn't know what else to do. He tried everything with Ichigo. He talked to him to reassure his son that he was never the cause of his late wife's death. He tried to comfort Ichigo, stayed by his side to listen to him, Isshin is even the reason Ichigo became famous as a writer as he continued to courage his son even in the darkest times. But that wasn't enough.
Isshin placed soba on a white long table alongside beverages, non-alcoholic drinks and bunch of other food Yuzu made. It would be an hour before the guests arrived and Isshin wanted to make sure everything was ready. The living room was clean to the tee, the walls shined bright with light yellow, the door to the garden was open to bring in fresh air and for anyone to go outside and relax in, and there were white plastic chairs spaced around for guests to sit if they didn't want to be outside.
The Kurozaki home was a 2 story red brick house so there was enough space for them to hold a gathering.
Yuzu came to place a red velvet cake onto the table, next to some tuna and spicy rice balls.
''Dad, do you think Ichigo will show up today?'' Yuzu said looking downwards sadly. She knew that they were supposed to be giving him tough love, but she couldn't help but care for her brother. Isshin and Karin were fine with this approach since she believed it was their only option of saving Ichigo and preventing her family from tearing apart. Yuzu however couldn't do that. She felt like if she is betraying her brother to get better on his own without her support.
Isshin walked over to his daughter giving her a warm hug. He kissed her head and sighed. ''No honey, but don't be disappointed remember it's his choice if he wants to show up... He hasn't called me at all since he got out, and frankly I'm not going to call him, he will just shut me out most likely, or just not pick up. But you remember why we are doing this?'' Isshin asked
''Yeah I do, to help Ichigo we have to show tough love or he'll never change'' Yuzu said in a voice mocking her twin sister Karin.
Isshin's face turned into a huge grin just like the Cheshire cat in Alice and Wonderland.
''What's with the face dad?'' Yuzu laughed.
''Oh nothing…I was thinking about your birthday present gift I got for you and how happy you would be. But I can't tell you before you even try to ask.'' He giggled
''Dad! Don't do that now I want to know what it is now. I'm curious.'' Yuzu whined
''Then I will tell you if you give your big old dad a hug'' Isshin said before getting punched dead in the face by Karin who held her fists out.
'' Stop acting stupid dad are guests will be here any minute and I can't have you embarrass me.'' She said angrily walking away as Yuzu attended to her dad's injured face.
/
The family gathering had started and everyone was present from the Shiba's to close family friends such as agency executive Yoruichi and her director husband Kisuke. The atmosphere was nice and warm as everyone was in conversation with each other, but Ichigo remained the centre of topic which became lingering.
Yoruichi was talking with Isshin alongside Ichigo's aunt Kuraku and uncle Kaien. Kaien resembled Ichigo in looks strikingly but the only difference was his hair colour (which was indigo black) and eyes (that were light sea blue). Kuraku shared the same hair and eye colour as her brother and resembled her younger brother. The 4 of them were sat down around each other discussing Ichigo.
''Do you think he drank since he's came back? It's all over the news but it could easily be fabricated for the media to capitalize off him '' Yoruichi asked Isshin with some concern
''I have no idea actually, but I'm not going to hold my breath until I see some change. I have not been in contact with my son as of yet. I and my daughters are not on good terms with him'' Isshin said sadly
''You're really going through with this Isshin? Giving that boy the silent tough love treatment isn't going to work. My nephew needs a beating.'' Kuraku ruffed on
''That isn't going to work Kuraku. My son is at the deep end and I don't know how to get him back. We shouldn't even be doing this gathering, since we know he wouldn't come and only take it as a way to think we've forgiven him for what he put us through, and that what he's doing is ok, when that isn't the case. '' Isshin breathed tiredly
''Well he's contacted us.'' Yoruichi said casually gesturing to her and Kisuke as causing everyone's heads to turn to her. They were all confused.
''What did he say, is he ok?'' asked Kaien
''He didn't say anything about how he's doing, but he wrote us an email saying he got a deal to create a movie out of a piece he wrote in rehab. It's a fictional story inspired by his time in there. He wanted me to cast some actors and Kisuke to direct it.'' Yoruichi said taking a sip of iced tea
''What? Why would he decide to do that?' Just a few days ago he was found in a bar and the media caught it. If he wanted to do this movie to say he's changed, he wouldn't be in a bar in the first place '' Kaien questioned.
''When I asked him about the incident at the bar, he said it was a misunderstanding. I don't' know his motives, but he says rehab really changed him and that this project was for you, his sisters, friends and his fans. I hope that's true. Anyway I've found an excellent actress who I want to play the lead; she's a new and rising talent that will blow your breath away. She will really help bring the move to life and this will be a good way of cleaning up Ichigo's image. He scheduled a meeting with me to discuss the movie tomorrow.'' Yoruichi smiled
''Well that's all dandy but I'm still not buying this.'' Kaien said now standing up
''I think it's time for me to visit my nephew.''
Ichigo was driving within the brink of rush hour as he made his way to the Talent of Soul Agency to meet Yoruichi. He honestly wasn't going to go since he felt out of it, but he already signed the contract so he had to go through with it. Yoruichi had told him she found an actress spot on for the job that will blow him away, but Ichigo honestly didn't care. As long as she did her job well enough to convince everyone a false perception of his experience in rehab then he could fool everyone into thinking he was fine. Ichigo hadn't slept well for the past two nights based on the nightmares and anxiety eating up at him, he so he decided to drink it away. Though he planned on going to his family gathering he couldn't summon the courage to because he couldn't face them again knowing he had been drinking. He was tired of lying to them knowing they would see through him, so he decided it was best if he stayed away.
Rukia sat in Yoruchi's office in front of her black desk beaming with a smile on her face, waiting for her boss to get off the phone to whomever she was talking to. Rukia made sure to dress her best, wearing a purple armless slim fit dress, white high heels and pearl earrings. Now that she was an actress in the making she had to look the part. She couldn't stop smiling after she joined the agency, to then get a call from Yoruichi informing Rukia about a role she had in mind for her to act for a movie. Rukia didn't know what the movie was about but Yoruchi said she was perfect for the job, and that the movie would be a directed by her husband Kisuke. Any more Kisuke directed was a box office hit, so Rukia knew this opportunity will kick start her acting career.
Rukia couldn't be happier.
Rukia looked around the office to see all the movie posters with actors of the agency. One day she will be on a movie poster hanging on billboards, in magazines and buildings. Her acting will reach a million people and she will finally give Byakuya crow for not believing her dreams, and for suffocating her all those years.
Yoruchi got off her phone call and noticed Rukia was daydreaming. She found humour in this laughing as she went to her seat opposite Rukia at her desk straightening out her red blazer and pencil suit skirt. Rukia blushed asking what was funny but Yoruichi steered the conversation back to the main topic at hand.
'' The writer and producer of the movie is coming to my office to meet with us. I've told him that I had you in mind to play the main role in the movie. The movie is based off of his life and the issues he's facing. He wishes to share it with the world so they can understand his struggle and how far he's come.'' Yoruichi said as she continued on
'' I was just on the phone with him and he's in the building. He should be here at any moment. But before he comes I want to make sure that you are 100 percent on board with this? Remember you will be working closely with him and he is still recovering so he may be difficult to work with.''
As Yoruichi said that Rukia's mind started to think about why this all sounded familiar to her? A male writer who was recovering from issues who wanted to portray that in a movie?
It couldn't be him could it?
She saw the entire buzz on him on the news and how they would follow up on his condition. What Yoruichi said fit that description, but that would be too much of a coincidence. Would it?
Though she was a shoe in to get the main role, Rukia couldn't help but think why Yoruichi wasn't telling her the full details. Like who was the writer? Also Yoruichi was acting cautious which was odd, since she's known her (which isn't so long) to be confident and cool.
Rukia however dismissed her thoughts and accepted the offer before the door knocked.
''That must be him. Come in Ichigo.'' Yoruichi said
Ichigo?
Rukia froze in her seat getting all the conformation she needed to know she was right. She never thought in a billion years she would meet him again after that tragic day, and now here she is about to see him again.
Would he even remember her? He wasn't in the right state of mind on that day and it was raining heavily, so there's a chance he wouldn't remember how she looked, or that she saved him from ending his life. That commotion happened years ago so she hoped he forgot.
But she remembered him and if he remembered her he could very well be triggered to remember that day. Plus things would be awkward between them if he remembered, and Rukia dreaded that.
Ichigo entered the office door which was behind Yoruchi's desk area, so Rukia couldn't see him because her back was turned. She saw Yoruchi stand and walk over to give him greet him.
As Ichigo spoke Rukia's skin shivered as she got flashbacks of how his voice sounded years ago as he stood on the edge of a building. His deep voice was strained, tensed and filled with pain. Now it still sounded so deep, but it had a hue of gruffness to it. There was a huge contrast in his voice, to when she heard it years ago. Rukia thought to herself why she always kept the moment of that day with her for so many years when Ichigo was nothing but a stranger to her.
Why did such a moment hold a huge effect on her?
Rukia's heart started to beat quicker as she sat in her thoughts, until she heard Yoruchi call out for her, so she stood up nervously shaking a little turning around to look at Ichigo.
Amethysts met amber.
Her breath got caught in her throat.
His eyes widened slowly.
Everything stopped.
Byakuya stood near a huge window in the living room of the Kuchiki Mansion, staring at the landscape before him as his mind ate up at him. He stood in deep thought thinking about his dear sister. He never knew Rukia would have the courage to run away, he thought she was happy living with him as a family. He had read the letter she had left him a million times and it stung to the very core to see how depressed she was. But that didn't excuse the fact that her decision to run away is reckless. Byakuya couldn't sleep or do anything since he got consumed with worry about Rukia. She could be very well dead, hurt or taken advantage of by some older man, which made his blood boil. He needed to find her but he couldn't leave the family business behind without anyone in charge. And he didn't trust anyone enough to be in charge if he left.
He had one option. To call the person who knew Rukia inside and out. The only person who knew her well enough to know where she may have gone. The one person who he could trust to find her and bring her home, Renji.
