PROMISE ME TOMORROW

-Never Had A Dream Come True-

CHAPTER FOUR


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"Hello little sis."

Rukia had opened the door for her and was standing openmouthed at her. Mom had told her to call and let the Kuchiki siblings in advance but she hadn't. She'd been feeling jittery the entire time on the airplane.

"Hello Sis," responded Rukia then they hugged. "I missed you, Sis. Brother too."

"Your brother did?"

She heard Mom ask from behind and only then Rukia realized they weren't alone. Rukia moved around from her, greeting her family. "Oh, hello. How do you do?"

There were ten pairs of eyes staring from Rukia to her then back to Rukia, openmouthed like Rukia had been earlier.

"Oh, my child, you're just as beautiful as your big sister." Mom enveloped Rukia in a big hug then kissed her forehead, saying. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. But Hisana told us your eyes are in shade of blue and violet."

Out of Mom's tight hug, Rukia smiled and replied cautiously. "They are. I'm wearing contact lens. Brother said my unique eyes stand out too much."

She mouthed a thank-you when Mom nodded, not pressing the matter even though she knew Mom was dying to know the real reason behind Byakuya's precaution. Just then she heard the others move behind her, probably from excitement and waiting for an introduction. And so stepped back and introduced her family one by one. Rukia was very courteous, shaking hands with all before inviting them inside.

"Please do come in." She stepped aside and had the door wide open. "I'm sorry I didn't greet you sooner. Brother and I don't usually have visitors."

She was tempted to ask Rukia where Byakuya was, but modesty stopped her. She made do with studying the living room, which was open to small dining area then the small kitchen. Her family on the other hand had excused themselves and walked outside around the house, giving her time alone with Rukia. As she surveyed the kitchen, she saw a small pot on low, steaming up.

"Are you making dinner, Rukia?"

Rukia smiled shyly. "It's nothing much, Sis. I'm only steaming some veggies to go with sautéed bean curd. I know my dinner sounds plain, but I would like to invite you and the others stay for dinner."

"Will there be enough for all of us?" She chuckled before explaining the situation to Rukia. "We're a like an army dropping on your with no notice. And that pot looks very small to contain enough veggies for eight servings."

"Don't you worry, Sis. I'll order pizza, wings, and salads for Tatsuki, Toshiro," said Rukia, counting her brother and cousins, "and Karin and Hanatoro. Do you think they will like that?"

Rukia had gotten all four names correctly after a brief introduction. No wonder Rukia graduated at the top of her class, she thought. Rukia hadn't mentioned Byakuya. "Is your brother on a business trip again?"

"Yes, Brother has been gone since Tuesday morning. He'll be back tomorrow afternoon." Rukia winked. "Please wait here, I'm going to call and let Brother know you're visiting."

Rukia darted off to the kitchen and checked the steamer before heading for another room. Probably it was Byakuya's office. Oh right, Byakuya. She called after Rukia. "Rukia, please don't call him. He may be in a meeting or something."

"He's not, Sis." Rukia said from the room on the side of the condo. "I was on the phone with him when you rang the bell. He told me he just got out of a meeting and was heading back to the hotel."

"Oh. But Rukia, I hate to disturb his rest. He must have had a long day with meetings and all."

"You won't. He'll even thank me for calling him. Come on, Brother. Pick up the phone already."

She heard Rukia's mumble then the mumbling stopped. So Byakuya had answered the call.

"Brother, guess what." Rukia asked and immediately went on. "Sis, no, your fairy is visiting. Sis came with her family. Yes. But Brother, we have only one. Yes, I understand. I'll do it right away. Alright, Brother, see you tomorrow. You have a good night too."

Her heart almost stopped when Rukia's report talk stopped. And when Rukia came back to the living room, her eyes twinkled like when Mom was about to tease someone about something, she became anxious.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yup." Rukia looked at her, searching her eyes then said, giggling. "Brother told me to be a good hostess and not run you off with my worm friends."

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"Rukia?"

Mom and the others had left and she and Rukia were sitting on the swing, talking. Rukia had been sharing her childhood memories excitedly then turned quiet. She was concerned because Rukia was laughing one minute then became quiet the next. She touched Rukia's shoulder gently but Rukia's reaction startled her. Rukia stood up so fast that the cushion on the swing fell off. Almost shivering, Rukia looked at her, eyes dazed and hurt.

She walked to Rukia and Rukia stood still and avoided her touch again. In a gentler voice, she spoke, "My little Rosemary, did someone hurt you?"

And just like that, Rukia wrapped her skinny arms around her, holding on tight. Her breathing was coming short but she didn't move from Rukia's death grip. Instead, she stroked Rukia's back in the same way as Mama and Mom used to when she herself had been hurt and scared. She felt tears down her cheeks and yet Rukia wasn't shedding a single tear. Rukia's small, cold body was warming up a little and shivering had also stopped. She found Rukia's warm breath against her neck comforting and so they stayed like that until the grandfather clock stroke twelve.

Rukia moved back and smiled, reassuring. "The bad man tried but he failed, Sis. I was scared then but I'm fine now. For a while, I believed his words and thought myself was at fault."

She put the cushion back on the swing then tugged Rukia to sit down with her. She knew whatever had happened must have influenced Byakuya's decision to move back East. He'd told her he'd planned to join his mentor's law officer as a partner after Rukia's graduation from middle school. But things hadn't gone as planned and he thought it would be better off for Rukia to go somewhere new. He hadn't told her what had really happened, but her gut instinct had told her he was protecting his little sister. And she found herself fall under his spell even deeper. Rukia wasn't her biological sister and yet he'd cared for Rukia like a real brother. Rukia was lucky to have such a dedicated big brother. Rukia's adoptive parents had been great to her as well according to the stories Byakuya had shared during their brief outing before their flight out to D.C. With a big brother like Byakuya, she didn't wonder how much in control Rukia was of her emotions.

Like now, Rukia looked so calm and the turbulent sea in her natural violet eyes had also disappeared. Rukia held her gaze while recounting the incident. "That day I went to bed for a nap after taking some cold medicine when he broke into my room. I thought Brother was home and came in to check on me and then I reasoned Brother always knocks before entering. But I didn't hear a knock before the knob turned. I fought my dizziness and sat up, intending to see if I was just hallucinating. I'm so glad that I had a cold that day and was wearing double layers. If I didn't, he would have succeeded. I told him to get out but he just stared at me, laughing and saying that he had enough of my teasing. It was time for me to give him what I promised me. I told him I didn't promise anything and that he should get out. I said that he was my parents' friend and it was wrong of him to be in my room, uninvited. He came at me, tearing at my clothes while saying such things that I don't even understand. But I knew they were vulgar for his eyes looked evil. His breath reeked really bad and he was drooling. I-"

Rukia's voice lost its steadiness. She squeezed her hands. "Rukia, you don't have to tell me if it's too much for you."

"No, Sis." Rukia shook her head. "I need to tell someone to be rid of that horrible day. Even though I told the lady doctor who examined me after reporting to the police, I only told her that the culprit ran off before he could violate me. For the first time in my life, I didn't hate the stink of alcohol. He was too drunk to even get undressed himself. And I was too small and slippery for him to grab hold of my person. He could only grab my clothes and ripped them. Brother thought the worst seeing me in such a stage. I've told him time and time again that I wasn't harmed, but Brother berated himself for not changing the code to our garage after our parents' deaths. He said the whole thing wouldn't have happened if he'd been less selfish and more considerate of me, his only sister and family."

"Your brother is a great brother. Even I who only met him twice know he's a serious and responsible man." She held Rukia's face and wiped tiny teardrops at the corners of her eyes. "You're very fortunate to have a brother like your brother."

"You smell really nice, Sis." Rukia sniffed, hugging her. "Brother likes you and I think you like Brother too. Will you marry Brother, Sis? I think he won't be lonely anymore if you two are married."

"Your brother doesn't like me."

"He does." Rukia giggled. "He used to tell me there is only one lady who can help him with his needs. And I'm certain that only lady is you. He calls you lady and his fairy. Brother said women and men have needs. What are those needs, Sis? I asked…"

Rukia kept on talking, obviously oblivious about the beating heart against her ears. She in the meantime felt herself choked and whole face went up in flame. What was she to say? Although Rukia went through such experience, Rukia was still a little girl and innocent. And why was she feeling happy to hear that only she herself was able to help Byakuya with his needs as a man?

Mentally smacking her head, she sidestepped the question. "You'll know when you're older and get married. Little and smart girls like my little sis shouldn't let her brain cells wasted on such matter."

"You're just like Brother." Rukia pouted and she found her pout very cute. But she didn't comment and let Rukia voice her complaint. "I thought I could ask you any questions and get them answered. I asked Brother to marry you. Still, I would like you to be my sister-in-law. Once you're married to Brother, I get to live with you seven days a week and fifty two weeks a year. Isn't that great, Sis?"

She bent and quietly said, kissing Rukia's hair. "I would like that more than anything, my little Rosemary. I want to be with you and your brother."

She expected a worthy teasing from the girl in her arms but none came. Rukia was quiet and breathing became soft like she'd been as a baby sleeping. Yes, she must be really tired after keeping four young guests entertained. And it was past midnight. They were lucky it was summer or else she didn't know what to do. Although the patio was built like a green house, it would still cold in the winter. Rukia didn't move when she swayed her shoulders, telling her to go inside and sleep. Rukia only mumbled, wishing they had been real sisters.

She tightened her arms and told Rukia what she couldn't when Rukia had been awake. "We're blood sisters, my Rosemary."

"Hisana?"

She recognized that voice. Wasn't he supposed to at some hotel? She didn't know what she could have done if she hadn't taken caution and lowered her voice telling Rukia they were biological sisters.

"Hello Byakuya." Her voice sounded weak and she felt weak. Did Mom and Aunties feel the same when Dad and Uncles say their name? How would it feel like if- No, stop right there, Hisana. She told herself then turned slightly to him not to wake Rukia. "Rukia said you wouldn't be home until tomorrow afternoon."

He moved from the sliding door and walked to stand beside the swing. He raised a hand then dropped it when it almost touched her hair. He coughed, looking up at the sky. "I intended to stay longer to check out MIT, but I can check it later someday. I caught the earliest flight home. To see you."

She'd felt weak earlier but when he said he'd come just to see her, she felt weightless. She'd never been in the situation that she was in at the moment, talking to a male in a hushed voice in the middle of the night. She found it exciting yet anxious. She went through her brain for something to break off the silence, but her thoughts seemed to be mumble jumble. Luckily, he'd opened a channel for her earlier.

"Why do you want to check out MIT? You want to pursue another career?"

Gaze back on her, he showed her yet another caring side of his. "I'm planning to have Rukia study there. I have a good friend back in San Francisco. He used to attend MIT and is working at Google. He said MIT has good learning environment and offers great graduate degrees. With Rukia's intelligence, I think MIT is perfect for her."

"I think Rukia will be a great lawyer too."

"You noticed that too." He chuckled, looking at their sleeping sister. "I think she read my prelaw texts just to bug me. She used to quiz me code after code. But I doubt she understood any of them."

She looked at him, not understanding. So he explained while giving another low chuckle. "She was five."

"Five?"

She laughed then stopped and made do with a low chuckle like him. She wasn't surprised as she should have been. But it was Ruki they were talking about. She wondered if Rukia ever parted from her books for long. Rukia had even had a book in her hand while entertaining her guests. And she'd seen shelf after shelf of books in her neat bedroom. The only childish side to Rukia was the stuffed bunny on the headboard. She was reexamining Rukia's faultless manners when she felt Rukia move. She swung the swing and Rukia went back to sleep, sighing. Rukia hadn't changed. Baby Rosemary had been the same and would have gone to sleep with her cradle rocked.

"I don't think Rukia ever slept like that since Mom passed away." He commented as his hands went under Rukia and lift Rukia from her. "Let's get monkey back to her jungle."

"Jungle?" She asked, following closely behind him.

He looked over his shoulder at her then turned back, resuming walking. "Yes, Rukia likes nature and says her room is her jungle. She used to climb trees like a monkey back in San Diego."

She liked walking behind for it gave her the opportunity to study him. He was so gentle. If she hadn't talked to Rukia or witnessed what she was seeing, she would have thought him a cold brother and mean man. His cold facial expression during their first encounter appeared in mind, she smiled comparing that look to the current look on him. They were like opposite poles, North and South. She was blindly following him and didn't know they had made it to Rukia's room. He gently put Rukia down and she pulled the comforter over her, tucking its corners underneath. Then quietly, they left the room.

Standing in the hallway, she bid him goodnight and headed for the guest room. Rukia had prepared the guest and Byakuya's room for the guests for guests, but Mom had said they had rooms reserved at a hotel nearby. But Rukia had insisted that her brother had instructed to get the rooms ready for their guests and so Mom had told her to stay while the rest would go to the hotel as planned.

"Hisana."

She didn't turn to him but stopped, waiting to hear what he wanted to say.

"Do you think we can whip up something for supper? I waited at the airport for a standby ticket and couldn't leave the spot for a meal. I almost begged one of the passengers to sell me the ticket. Luckily, one passenger was late for boarding." He patted his stomach. "Please, my fairy. I'm very hungry."

His fairy's lips turned up into a smile and he thought she had to be a real fairy. He wanted to smile when she smiled. Rukia seemed to share the enchantment for Rukia became more sociable when she was around. He'd noticed that during the few hours they had been together after Rukia's graduation. And earlier, he'd seen how clingy Rukia toward her. Rukia had had her arms around her like vine.

"Alright. I have to do as you wish. Other fairies wouldn't forgive if you went around and badmouthed that fairies couldn't grant wishes."

He knew she'd wanted to laugh but didn't. He saw the light reflected in her eyes dancing. He wanted to keep that light dance for a little longer and so he made a deal. "You grant me a wish and I'll use my magic to give a surprise."

They are in his kitchen and he started to go through the pantry while she checked the fridge. She asked, taking something from the fridge. "What is that surprise? I hope not a toad on my plate. Fairies get hungry too."

"Nothing fancy, just omelets." He stood behind her to take the asparagus. "Not just some omelets, but great omelets."

"Do they teach cooking in law school too?"

He laughed. He could get used to do this routine, coming home after work and cook with his fairy. "No, they don't. However, a poor student couldn't afford eating out or ordering in. I learned how to cook and managed to live through a few failed attempts. I was glad to have helped Mom while growing up. Dad used to say men need to cook sometimes too."

"Your dad was a wise man. My dad cooks too." Hisana laughed at something she was thinking about. "Actually Dad is a better cook than Mom, but Dad doesn't like anyone's cooking but Mom's."

"Your dad knows how to keep a woman. Women appreciate men who can cook more than those who don't. Your parents seem to be a happy couple."

"Yes, they're." Hisana turned from her task of cutting tofu. And by the look on her face, he knew he'd dug a hole for himself commenting about men kept women with their cooking. He wanted to take back his comment when Hisana asked him. "Do you keep your women that way too? With your cooking, I mean."

He dropped his own knife on the cutting board. "No, my fairy. I don't have any woman to keep her with my cooking. At least not yet. I hope there will be one soon."

"Oh."

That was all she said then went back to her preparation. Somehow the sound of the knife on the wood cutting board sounded louder. He knew any conversation wasn't welcomed and so he cracked two eggs then beat them up with a pair of chopsticks. He tested the frying pan to see if it was ready before pouring beaten eggs into it. They worked in silence and time seemed to drag on until he heard a clanking sound at the sink. He turned around and saw Hisana having one finger under the water. He turned off the burner to check on her. When he was closer, he found some drops of blood on the side of the basin, trailing from the cutting board.

Without thinking, he took her hand and put it between his lips, pressing down to stop the blood flow. He pulled her to him with his free arm and headed for the bathroom. He removed his arm around her waist to get the first aid from the cabinet.

"Hisana, would you please take one Band-Aid?"

He asked her but she neither moved nor let him know that she'd heard him. Worried, he glanced down at her. Her cheeks were blushing while eyes looked shocked. He wondered why then looked at her outstretched arm and followed it to where it ended. Her index finger was still between his lips. He turned on the water on hot and rinsed her cut. Then he took some bathroom tissue and pressed it against the cut. He temporarily dropped her hand to open a Band-Aid. Done, he picked her hand up and applied it over the cut.

"Almost as good as new."

He smiled at his accomplished and couldn't resist himself, he kissed her bandaged finger. Hisana seemed to be awaken from her trance and yanked her hand from his. She left the bathroom and him.

"I think I'll pass supper," said his fairy.

Oh no, she wasn't going to leave him to eat supper alone. "What would other fairies say if I complained about them?"

"I don't care. I'm sleepy and so going to bed."

"May I join you?"

"No, evil sorcerer, go back to your cave and sleep there. By yourself."

He heard a huff. So, the teacher had forgotten etiquette and lost her patience with him. For the first time ever, he laughed to his heart's content. His whole body shook and stomach ached. He heard her ask as he choked on his own laughter.

"Are you dead yet, evil sorcerer?"

"No, my fairy, I can't die before having you try my cooking. I need to put a spell on you so you'll always crave for my cooking. You won't leave my side ever."

"What about your other women?"

"Which other women?"

"The ones you said you keep them with your cooking."

Was his fairy jealous? Was that why she'd lost concentration and cut herself back in the kitchen? Overjoyed, he said, walking out of the bathroom. "I also remember saying I hope to have a woman to keep her with my cooking."

Hisana was leaning against the wall by the door and touching her cut finger. She acted like being caught while doing something she shouldn't have and forcefully dropped her hand. She yelped when her injured finger banged against the wall.

He went to her and picked her hand. He blew on it, scolding her. "You should be careful. I didn't know fairies can be too clumsy. First she ran into a stranger and just now she cut herself while preparing supper. What am I going to do with you, my fairy?"

"Dad used to blow on Toshiro when he tripped and bruised." Hisana smiled fondly at the memory then the emotion in her eyes changed into something he couldn't describe, gazing at him. "You'll make a great dad like my dad someday, Byakuya."

He knew the forming thought in his mind was daring and sudden. But he knew it was the right and best decision he'd never made. "Will you give the chance to become a great dad that you said I'll make someday, my fairy?"

Again, she yanked her hand away and would have run for her room if he wasn't in the way. The only escape was either the living room or kitchen. She chose the kitchen as she told him, walking way. "I'm hungry but my soup is a failed mission. I'm going bite the bullet and try your concoction, evil sorcerer."

"Bullet? Should teachers not know about bullets?" He teased then issued a warning, playfully. "I warn you fairy, I can undo my own spells. I only cast spells. There is still time to change your mind and not taste my co-"

He stopped in his track seeing the look of wonder on Hisana. Chopsticks still in her mouth, she turned to him. "This tastes as heavenly as Mom's miso soup."

She had his omelets on a plate then scooped rice into two small bowls. Once done, she placed everything on a tray and walked to the dining table. "Byakuya, either come now or you'll eat your rice by itself."

He'd lost all reasoning but followed her voice and sat down across from her. He took the bowl when she handed it to him along with a pair of chopstick. Like a puppet on strings, he did what she did and they ate.

He almost dropped his bowl when she spoke, "Did you happen to put a spell on yourself, evil and incompetent sorcerer?"

"No, I think you cast a spell on me, my fairy." He shook his head to clear forbidden images from his mind. "Have you considered my request from earlier?"

Abruptly, she left table and grabbed a bottle of Arrowhead before escaping. She threw a reply at him, not slowing her pace. "I can't remember what that request was. Have a good night."

"You can run but you can't hind forever, my fairy." Laughing, he said after her. No response then he heard a soft click from within the hallway. "Have a good morning, my fairy."

It was two o'clock in the morning. He wanted to go bed himself but had to clean up first. If he didn't, his little sis would read him a riot act when she woke up and found her domain had been ransacked during the night. It seemed people with similar features also shared personalities. He looked at Hisana's workstation by the sink and smiled. The cutting board lied parallel to the edge of the counter top and the ingredients were neatly organized. He'd seen her tidiness earlier at the table. Even when she'd left in a hurry, her chopsticks had been placed next to her empty bowl, even. And so he rinsed the dishes then put them in the washer after throwing the blood tainted tofu away.

He gave the kitchen one last look then left. Instead of going straight to bed, he stopped at the guest room. He raised his hand to knock and dropped then raised it again. He wanted to wish her to have a wish dream and dream about him. She must be tired and sleepy as he was.

Palms flat against the door. "Sweet dream, my fairy."

"Sweet dream, m- my sorcerer."

A small voice spoke and it sounded very close. He wanted to ask if she was standing behind the door but heard her move away from the door. He knew then she'd been standing at the other side of the door and probably had her palm against it like his. His smile came naturally as he brushed his teeth then took a quick shower. He felt asleep as soon as he hit the bed, smiling.

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"Good morning, Sis."

She'd heard Rukia's footstep earlier but hadn't been able to break off the spellbound dream to answer the knock. Drowsily, she murmured. "Good morning, my violet rose."

As soon as she said that, her eyes popped open and searched for Rukia. Once they found Rukia, she hurriedly gave a lame excuse. "Your eyes are violet and rose is Rosemary, your middle name."

Rukia just looked her, the corners of her mouth kicked up then laughed. Perplexed, she asked, "Do I have drool on my face, little sis?"

Still laughing, Rukia shook her head and the short bang fell, covering her forehead and eyes. She pushed them aside for Rukia. "This is the expression I would like to you see on you, little Rosemary."

"Thanks, Sis." Rukia sobered, holding her hand. "I like it how you look at me while calling me violet rose. Mommy used to do the same."

She knew it was wrong to get jealous of the kind woman who had adopted and loved Rukia. In spite of that knowledge, she felt life had been unfair to Mama. Mama had given Rukia life and yet Mama hadn't been given a chance to hear her little violet rose call her Mama. And Rukia had no memory or even knowledge of Mama's existence. At the thought of Mama's death, she felt such rage and bitter hatred for the man, who had given her life. Why had he wanted another child with a woman he'd disliked? And when he'd gotten that child, he'd wanted to a boy instead of a girl his wife had borne for him. But the most important question was why he'd married Mama in the first place. Why hadn't he married the woman that he'd fallen in love with? She'd heard many stories about Papa and his other woman. She'd hated that other woman. Why? She had so many whys, which she hadn't had the vocabulary as a child to form questions and ask Mama or Grandma. She'd asked Mama a few times then Mama had cried every time, and so she'd stopped.

"Sis? Do you have a fever? Your face feels hot."

She turned to Rukia, half of her mind was still in the past. Dazedly, she whispered. "No, it's not a fever. I just remembered something not very pleasant from the past."

"Forget the past, Sis." Rukia hugged her at the neck. "Mama Yoruichi said our past may have made us who we're today, but we're in control of our future. Bad and sad memories only hinder us and pull us down."

Only a few days in Mom's company and already her little sis sounded like some grownup, whose life had been through many trials.

"Trying to become a philosopher, little sis?"

Both she and Rukia startled at the voice from the door. Byakuya looked so relaxed, leaning against the door frame with one foot on another. What captivated her was his genuine smile. He was smiling more than he'd ever smiled before, Rukia had told her the day before. She felt her lips curve into a smile at the thought. So she could make the sorcerer smile whereas no other girl or woman had been able to. And if she had to be under his spell for the rest of her life, she wouldn't mind. She had nothing against being cared by him like he'd cared for her cut five days ago either. Nor she minded his attentiveness toward her when they had been out sightseeing with her family. He hadn't left her side for more than necessary and sometimes she'd felt his fingers touching hers. She had no idea those times had been accidental or intended. She just knew she'd wished for him to take her hand in his. She hadn't minded or felt embarrassed when she'd heard chuckles from Mom and Aunties.

"Well, my fairy, the sun will set very soon if we don't hurry and join the others for one last tour."

She thought she was dreaming again to hear that voice so close. She closed her eyes and counted to thirty then pressed herself for disappointment, opening her eyes.

"I'm very real." He walked to the bed and lifted her chin to face him. "I feel your warmth. You must be feeling mine too."

Another spell from her sorcerer for she couldn't move when he bent and touched her lips with his. Although their lips were barely touching, she felt the heat from their contact all way down to her tiptoes. Her toes curled making a sound within the comforter and the spell was broken. She moved back and looked around, searching for Rukia. Rukia was nowhere in the room. When had Rukia left? How couldn't she not hear her move? Rukia had been hugging her when Byakuya had first spoken.

She heard a chuckle. "Rukia is very tactful. She left the moment I spoke up."

"Oh."

She managed just that then fumbled the comforter, hoping he would leave. She needed some time alone to get ready as well as to compose herself before leaving the room to meet up her family. My limbs can't fully function for they feel weak. It's all because of you. Please, my sorcerer, leave so I can break your spell on me.

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Byakuya hadn't meant to kiss her. Also, he shouldn't come into her room or sit on the bed with her in it. Still, he couldn't stop something like natural flow of air and picked her hands. He kissed them as he made his intention known.

"My good fairy, will you be so good as to reform this evil sorcerer?"

"How do I do that?"

"Be my girlfriend and eventually my wife."

"Are you proposing to me, evil sorcerer?"

"I would have if I had a ring ready, my fairy."

"You're sorcerer. Shouldn't that pose no problem at all?"

"You're right." He agreed then drew a circle around her right ring finger with his index. He sealed with a kiss on her finger. "There. I put a spell on it and only I can take it off. You're now my fairy, magically and officially."

He studied her, waiting for some reaction. Since she'd dropped her gaze on the ring, he couldn't read her eyes. He could only see pink cheeks and a smile teasing her lips. He thought she was going to call his act childish. She wasn't and took his left hand.

"Not only you can do magic, I do too," said Hisana, putting her magical ring on him. She gave him a smug smile. "Now you're my sorcerer and no one else's, both good and evil."

He stayed still for his hand felt good being in hers. As she followed his gaze and landed on their joined hands, her hold on him loosened. He wished he hadn't looked and gotten her attention.

He grasped her hand when she dropped his, reminding her. "Magic won't work without the seal."

"My magic works different than yours, sorcerer." She told him, somewhat doubtful. "But you're an evil sorcerer."

She said then kissed his ring finger. Hands still joined, they sat and gazed into each other's eyes. Neither said a word and their breathing seemed to wait on each other, beating together.

"Sis. Brother. Everyone is here."

Rukia called out. They broke apart so fast that he fell off the bed. Standing up, he straightened his shirt but his face was far from being straight. It broke into a smile. Before she could throw a comeback at him, he leaned down and kissed her.

"Don't forget that, my fairy. It doesn't matter if we'll live across the country, you're spoken for."

He told her then left as quickly as he'd come. His feet felt like and if he'd been a child, he would have believed his back had grown wings. Did she feel the same too? She must have for she called after him.

"You're spoken for as well, evil sorcerer. I have magic and so if your eyes wander, I'll know. I have a helper too. She'll keep tab on you, evil sorcerer."

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He laughed out loud until he came to the living room, where his guests were waiting. Six pairs of eyes studied him while their owners told one another that they had made a right decision not to bring the husbands with them. He heard them say who knew what would have happened if the sorcerer had used dark magic to clip the fairy's wings in five days like her Uncle Shuuhei had done with Aunt Fon.

"Good morning, everyone." He broke their intimate conversation for he knew they had been talking about him. "How did anyone sleep last night?"

Aunt Yoruichi turned to face him squarely. "And how did the fairy sleep last night?"

"She slept well and was still in bed when I left." He told them then realized he'd phrased his words the wrong way. And so he rephrased them. "I went to check on her earlier and found her and Rukia have morning girly talk."

He congratulated himself for quick response. He didn't dare to have the protective Mom and Aunties at his heels, mistaking his behavior. And yet his self-congratulation didn't last long.

The calm looking Auntie glanced at him then said to her friends. "Did he think we think otherwise?"

"I guess so," inputted Aunt Fon.

He felt uncomfortable calling them Aunt and yet Mom had been only fourteen years older than he. He had had no problem calling her Mom. He was going to marry Hisana and would be a part of their big family. He might as well try and addressed them accordingly. From what he'd heard about the Hisana's dad and uncles, he thought it was wise to stay on the ladies' good side. Hisana was an obedient daughter and model big sister, she wouldn't think twice about breaking off with him if her dad disapproved of him on the count of misconduct or improper behavior.

"I'm so sorry, Aunts." He needed to act the youngster. "I'm used to speaking my mind and sometimes I tend to be too straightforward."

"We already knew, young Byakuya." Hisana's mom said as the aunts nodded in agreement. "That's why our Hisana is still in this house."

He'd been right to keep himself in their favor. And so he offered, "Would any of you ladies like some tea while waiting for Hisana?"

"Little Rukia offered but we had some snacks before coming here. The kids were hungry as soon as their eyes opened." Aunt Yoruichi explained before turning on Aunt Fon. "And you, who always eats at dawn, didn't complain of hunger this morning. Retsu, I think her energy drainer is back home, that's why she still has calories from last night dinner."

"I don't eat at dawn. I eat at six."

"Oh, right. I forgot." Aunt Yoruichi corrected, laughing. "You're busy with something more urgent at dawn."

Aunt Fon punched her on the shoulder then said to him. "Byakuya, poking fun at others is your mother-in-law's pastime. Get used to it as soon as you can."

"Get used to what, Aunt Fon?"

He stood up when Hisana came to the rescue. She really was his fairy. While Aunt Fon and Hisana talk, he noticed that Aunt Yoruichi studied him intensely. He'd also noticed her apparent smile when Hisana had come and he'd stood up. What was he missing? It didn't matter for everything would be fine with him as long as the elder Urahara lady smiled and not scowled at him.

He was curious and wanted to ask Hisana what Aunt Fon had told her to make her laugh to tears. Unfortunately, his young guests' patience had worn thin and wanted to be on the move, going sightseeing again. It was their last day in D.C., it was the host's duty to make his guests' trip memorial. He also wanted more score from the Aunties. He escorted them outside then down the street, Hisana hanging back to be with him. He smiled his gratitude then intentionally brushed his hand against her as they followed the others from behind. He wanted to hold her hand but it was too soon to take that step. Thus, he made do with talking with her about things as they walked by.

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A/N

I can't recall my middle school graduation and so I wrote Rukia's graduation based on my high school graduation.

Thank you for reading and special thanks to my reviewers.