A Game of Love and Seduction
In the game of seduction, There is only one rule: Never fall in love.
What you can't have, you can't resist.
Old enough to know better, too young to care.
Fourth Chapter: The New Start
Ichigo stood still, eyes widened, staring at the person in front of him.
It had been some time since he last saw him and to be honest, Ichigo didn't think he would meet him again so soon… not that he had any intention to either.
Both people stayed silent, unmoving, just looking at each other.
"What, no hug?" the person at the door asked.
"What are you doing here?" Ichigo growled.
"Is that any way to great your guests, Kurosaki?" the person asked, a smirk playing on his face.
"Ichi-nii! Let him in already!" Yuzu came to the door quickly, pushing Ichigo to the side, "Come in, come in."
Shiba Kaien entered the house and the orange-haired girl embraced him.
"It's good to see you again! Welcome back!" she chirped.
"It's good to see you too, Yuzu. You've grown so much." Kaien hugged her back.
"Welcome back, my boy!" Isshin came closer to them with hands spread wide and hugged the boy, but nor before Yuzu managed to escape.
"Ah! It's go-good to be back!" Kaien said.
"Dad, let him go or you'll kill him before he even got in." Karin's voice came from behind them.
"Karin? My, you've grown." Kaien looked at the black-haired twin, now free from Isshin.
"And you're still a liar." The girl said.
"I see your attitude hasn't changed."
Kaien smirked again and after a second so did Karin.
"Welcome back."
"Thanks."
"You probably haven't eaten, it's late but there's a lot of food and it's warm." Yuzu said and started pushing Kaien further in, "Come on, let's go to the dining room!"
"I've missed you cooking, Yuzu! Can't wait to try everything!"
Ichigo watched as his family made their way to the dining room with Kaien. His frown deepened and he slammed the door shut.
As he followed them, Ichigo didn't take his eyes off of the black-haired guy. He was angry, furious. No one from his family had told him that Kaien was coming back and they all knew.
Upon entering the dining room, Ichigo saw table Yuzu had prepared. Isshin was already sited at his usual place as head of the family. Yuzu showed the others the places she had chosen for them – Karin on Isshin's right, Yuzu on his left with Ichigo next to her and then Kaien. The orange head noticed that there was another set of utensils but he didn't have time to ask – and wasn't planning to – as Yuzu made her way to the kitchen, saying:
"I'll bring the food, you guys sit down. Oh, and Karin-chan–"
"Yeah, yeah." Her twin interrupted, "I'll be right back."
And she exited the room. Ichigo could hear his sister as she climbed up the stairs.
Ichigo and Kaien took their seats without a word to each other. The black-haired guy carried a bag with him, which he put next to his chair.
"I'm back." Karin had just returned to the room and took her place next to her father, who was about to ask her something before she added, "Coming."
"Who–" Ichigo got interrupted.
"I hope you like the food!" Yuzu came in with a big plate of food in her hands, "I wanted to try something new and I'm not really sure if it turned out okay."
"My sweet daughter got up early in the morning to prepare everything. I'm so lucky to have her." Isshin squealed.
"Dad, would you sh–" the orange-head boy didn't get to finish again.
"Sorry, I'm late. I hope I didn't make you wait long."
A gentle but strong voice carried out through the room and suddenly all eyes were on its owner.
Ichigo's eyes widened as he saw who was standing at the entrance of the dining room. He had never thought he would see that person again so soon, hell, he wasn't even sure if they would even meet ever again.
Kuchiki Rukia stood in front of everybody. Her long raven black hair was flowing down her shoulders in total contrast to her clothing. She was wearing a simple but very beautiful and elegant short white dress that reached her knees. White straps, disappearing behind her shoulders, held the cloth tight to her body but from her waist down the dress flowed freely.
"Don't worry, I just put the meal on the table." Yuzu smiled at her, "Your seat is next to Karin's." and with that the orange-haired Kurosaki twin sat down next to her brother.
Ichigo took the pleasure to notice how the petite girl's eyes widened a fraction when she saw him while his sister was talking.
Recovering from it quickly, Rukia went to the table and took her place next to Karin and opposite of Ichigo, completely ignoring him.
"Ah, I believe introductions are needed!" Isshin suddenly jumped in his seat, "This–"
"Kurosaki Ichigo." His son interrupted him, standing up and holding his arm out, "Pleasure to meet you… Miss…"
"Kuchiki Rukia." The petite raven-haired girl, sitting across the table from him said, also standing now and taking his hand, "Pleasure's all mine… Kurosaki-san." She pronounced his last name through gritted teeth.
Rukia had a firm grip on Ichigo's hand and he was surprised someone her size could be that strong but he wasn't going down so easily. Swiftly he turned her palm upwards and bent a little over the table to press a light kiss to her knuckles, never breaking eye contact.
Rukia observed as Ichigo slowly lifted his mouth from her hand, eyes still locked on hers, and a knowing smirk appeared on his face. Her eyes narrowed and she took her hand from his grasp. She was about to say something when a voice interrupted her.
"And I'm Shiba Kaien." The black-haired boy next to Ichigo bowed his head to Rukia a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Kuchiki Rukia." The girl replied also inclining her head.
"Rukia-chan will be staying with us until her father comes." Isshin came in, "I expect you to be a gentleman, Ichigo!"
"Of course." The orange-head answered eyes on Rukia.
They stayed like that for a few moments, neither of the two of them moving.
"Well then! Let's begin before the food gets cold!" Yuzu said with a smile and everyone sat down again.
/ - / - /
The dinner went well. Most of the talking was done by Isshin and Yuzu were over joyed of having guests. They asked question after question, sometimes not even waiting to get an answer.
Rukia – not being the really talkative type – had no problem with that… she was having issues with something else – someone, being the right term.
Throughout the whole dinner Rukia had caught Ichigo watching her with an knowing smirk on his face that irritated her to no end but she didn't want to ruin the otherwise nice dinner.
After all the meals had been tried and everyone had had their desert, Yuzu started cleaning off the table and Kaien announced that he should be leaving.
"Everything was really amazing but it's gotten really late and I should be going." He said politely, "Thank you, Yuzu-chan, for the amazing dinner. Before I forget this bag", he pointed to a big bag on the floor near the table, "is contains presents I brought from my trip. I hope you like them."
Kaien made his way to the front door and started dressing.
"Ichigo, lock the door after Kaien-san, alright?" Yuzu asked kindly.
"Whatever." He older brother got up from his seat and went to the door.
"I better be going to bed. It's been a long day." Rukia said and the bowed her head slightly, "Thank you for the lovely dinner."
"Oh, that's okay! You don't have to thank me, it's a pleasure." Yuzu blushed, "Good night, Rukia-san."
"Good night." Rukia wished to the whole family and exited the dining room.
To reach the stairs, leading to the upper floors though, required going passed the hallway where Ichigo still was, waiting for Kaien to leave.
Rukia was about to say goodbye and quickly go to her room when Kaien spoke.
"Kuchiki-san, I'm extremely sorry for not preparing a girt for you. I simply didn't know that you would be here."
Rukia was surprised to hear that. She wasn't some child that would get gloomy because she didn't receive a present – that was juvenile.
"That's okay, Shiba-san. I don't mind really. I wouldn't get mad for something as silly as that." She answered calmly.
"I would still like to make it up to you." The black-haired guy declared, "How about I take you out tomorrow?"
Rukia was surprised to hear something like that. She was about to answer but Ichigo beat her to it.
"Sorry, that's not gonna happen." He said with a firm tone.
"And why is that?" Kaien narrowed his eyes, looking at Ichigo.
"Because she's going out with me tomorrow."
"What?" Rukia almost yelled but Ichigo ignored her.
"See ya, Kaien." And he opened the door and pushed the dark-haired guy out.
Slamming the door shut in Kaien's face, Ichigo turned around to see a furious Rukia.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked dangerously, "I don't recall saying I'll go out with you."
"Relax, will you?" the boy said simply which only irritated the petite girl more, "We didn't really start well–"
"Ya think?" Rukia said sarcastically.
Ichigo glared at her for a second and then continued, pretending not to have hear her comment.
"And since you're gonna live here we might as well try to get along." He looked in her eyes, "How about we start over?"
Rukia wasn't really the rude type and she had to admit – but not to him – that the boy had a point. They were going to live together and it would be way easier if they got along. She thought about it for a few moments more before answering:
"Alright. Why not?"
Ichigo grinned.
"Great! Tomorrow after breakfast." He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, "Sweet dreams, sweetheart!"
He winked at her and straightening up, quickly left the hallway, walking towards the dining room… or was it the living room, Rukia couldn't tell. She was processing what had just happened.
"That jerk!" she tried not yell, not wanting the other family members to hear her.
After huffing, she turned to the stairs and went to her room for a well-deserved sleep.
A/N: So this is all for this chapter. I'm one day left with the upload but my mom said she couldn't sleep from the light last night so I couldn't finish and post this.
I hope you like it, I had a few problems with some scenes – the first thing coming to my mind it the dinner table and everyone's' seats. Sorry, if there are any mistakes, it's late (2:44am) and I wrote this in parts…
Rukes: You always are one of the first ones to review! Thank you and I'm glad you liked Ichigo's reaction.
Megami-Chan: I think you got your answer in this chapter, huh? I hope you still like it!
Personal Riot: I'm so glad you like it and thanks for reviewing!
Ruriri: I'm really glad you like it and thanks for being such an awesome reviewer! Your reviews are always amazing! And Hanatarou should also be thankful, he appeared thanks to you! XD I hope you like this chapter, too!
I'm not really certain about those… I'll think about it! ^_^
Rain: Thank you!
SunRises: Waa! Would you really do that? And yup, that's Rukia! Also I was going for cute… I think… it's late, can't remember… need to go to bed XD but I was going for cute, glad it turned out that way, too!
And about the guy, I guess this chapter answered your question. And I'll keep that in mind about Ashido.
And "wow", you actually read the answers to the reviews, too?
Pamianime: I'm really glad you like it and you were right about the guest… but I guess you already know that XD
Iloverukiaandichigoallofthem: No, no commercial.
Ishavcs: I didn't really like it either… hehe… and the reason I didn't make "a heated argument" is because it seemed too childish to me and not in Rukia's style. She slapped him and left, sometimes not saying anything has a bigger effect. And who said I'm not saving it for later? XD
Sarah1bleachfan: Really? Well I'm glad I made you happy! And they met! XD
SmilexForxBleach: One day late but still here!
Thesecretfromzaft: Well, it wasn't him but I never said it wasn't Rukia, now did I? XD
Loveyouso: Actually I think it was longer than the others… XD and I know, I also don't like it that much! About the descriptions – in my other fic they are longer but I thought people didn't like them so I shortened them here… and nope, I'm not mad, this is a way, I can get better! Thank you for the review and I hope you like this chappie!
Reviewer: First of all – cool name! XD and here's your update!
Milkykitty-chan: Aww, thank you!
Thank you guys for reviewing and remember: more reviews – more updates! About Kaien's appearance, if there are people who think it's always him, I agree but I always like to see Ichigo compete with someone and I really wanted to use Kaien! Tell me what you think!
Disclaimer: Rukia did appear in the latest chapter… yay! But did you see her and Ichigo hugging or something more romantic? No? Then I own nothing!