A/N: AAAAAHHHH SORRY EVERYONE! I'm really, really sorry. I didn't update. I've been so out of it because the day when I finally step onto university is so near and IDK I just don't feel like doing anything lately. Please forgive my childish excuses T_T OH And I also got hooked on Tetris Battle in Facebook so... "orz
Also, I'm proud of the image I'm using for this fanfic. I edited it (in Paint) especially for this fic. I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.
I posted the original one I made, in my blog. (Not really made, I just edited it) Please accept it as my token of apology.
Enjoy!
How many days had it been? How many weeks had it been?
Rukia sighed as her hand swiftly turned to the next page of her lecture notebook. She read the content of her notes and grimly went back to the previous page. And the one before that, and the one before that one. She closed her eyes tightly, brows creased in frustration. Her hands tightened her hold on the material before she finally let it go.
Her mobile phone, where could it have been? It had been... three months since she lost it. She had no means of communication with her friends, and it was quite too much for her.
How had Ichigo been? Renji? I miss them. The manager, too.
It was all too new for her. And ever since that day, she was disallowed to go her part-time job. She wondered if it was alright for her to stop working and if it might anger Urahara but Byakuya assured her that everything would be fine.
"Grandfather had already taken care about your matters regarding that job," Rukia could almost hear the icy tone in his voice as he spoke that time when she humbly asked for an opinion.
If only I wrote their numbers on some paper then I could just borrow someone else's phone and talk to them...
She thought of what her best buddies could be up to now. They would probably be arguing like always, and she missed the action so much. She was hoping that she could see them again, but here she was, treated like some sort of majestic guest and yet her freedom was clearly being taken away from her.
But she was thankful for having Hanatarou by her side. The kind worker was too amiable and she felt at ease whenever she talks to him. She only sees him for no more than three times a day, though. It seems that he was always up to some scheduled job or another.
There was another person with whom her thoughts had been calming up to lately. She was afraid of expressing it physically, afraid of whatever rejection it may be for her and so she kept silent about it. Her feelings seem to escalate with his presence and it always took her huge amounts of self-denial and self-control to overcome the urge to do some reckless moves on him.
She was unsure of it but there was something about him, even the silent trips to and from school was enjoyable for Rukia, despite his cold demeanor. No matter how much he answers her too frankly and too deprived of expression, she could never find it in herself to loathe him.
Come to think of it, it was quite nice to have him around every morning.. and well, every time I go home. His presence was... some sort of fulfillment..
Byakuya ceased working as the guidance counsellor in her school. "I have no more business there," was his statement. He had gone back to his glorious office and resumed his position in their company. She rarely saw him now, and she felt awkwardly sad as she religiously hoped for their paths to cross every single day. It was in vain, mostly.
Rukia felt the cold wind softly brushing her skin. She must have left the window open again. It does not matter much, though. The Kuchiki property already has enough security and a single open window could'nt do much harm.
"Rukia." She could clearly imagine the way her name rolls off his tongue every time he calls her. His voice was beautifully deep, reeking of authority and devouring respect. Would it sound as good if he whispers my name?
"Rukia."
There it was again. Maybe her imagination was getting her so caught up in it that she could already, literally hear his calling.
"Keep me waiting and I will enter using this window if you don't lock it."
Rukia got up as soon as she opened her eyes. There he was. Brooding outside the window, and who knows what brought him there in the first place. Cheeks blushing, a mixture of surprise and glee was conveyed. She hastily ran to the window.
"A-ah, s-sorry Byakuya...-sama." She reminded herself to call him properly.
Silence was what met her words, as his gaze locked upon hers. He looked down on her face and observed her lips, slightly open and blissfully pinkish.
He averted his eyes as he licked his lips quickly. "Congratulations."
Rukia looked at him, not fully understanding what he meant. Her expressive eyes already gave away her confusion and before she could ask, Byakuya was already speaking.
"According to grandfather, you showed great results in the beginning of your training, and your aspiration of getting top marks in school was already accomplished. He hoped that nothing gets in your way as you strive until the end."
A month ago, Rukia was called by Ginrei and was commanded to participate in some activities to practice her strength. Self-defence was an essential part of the training and her skills had greatly improved in the past few days. Swordsmanship was also included and she just started that a week ago. Her talent was promising and she was thankful to the person in charge of her training. She was under the instructions of Jyuushiro Ukitake.
To Rukia, he was the best father figure she could get. He was extremely friendly to the point where she thinks he might just befriend future enemies and start a club with. His smile was always encouraging her to do better and he even informed her that if her skills were good enough, she could join the Special Forces under the Kuchikis. It would be a grand opportunity for a person like her, since her position in the household was still that of an honoured visitor.
She was also aware that she might just have the chance to undergo a program for future employees in the main Kuchiki company. She could either further her knowledge to be used in positions of accountants, executive officers and such. That would be nice, if only she knew her relation to the Kuchikis. As far as it had been, she was still a stranger to them, someone for them to be wary of. The only solution for her is to be officially named a Kuchiki, so she can be part of the main corporation. For now, it remains a wishful subject for her.
"I-I see. Thank you, Byakuya-sama..." she said shyly. She clutched on the side of her window and was adamant about closing it. She wanted to talk to him; anything would do, as long as their time together lasts longer.
"Yes, that is it. I shall -"
"NO!" Rukia looked at him, waiting for his reaction. He remained standing, not leaving his spot, though his back was in front of her. "I mean, uhh, don't.. go yet? Because it's cold and maybe, I think it's better if you go in here, but not through the window because that would be weird, so uhmm.. T-the door, if you may..?"
She sounded like a fool, stuttering every word and saying them so diffidently. She covered her face with her cheeks as she mumbled a short apology.
Byakuya would not hear it and he strode off, with a faint smile on his face.
The cold wind threatened Rukia and she closed her window albeit forcefully. A moment later, a knock was upon her door and she welcomed the figure behind it.
"Well?"
Excitement welled up inside her, and she could no longer hide the foolish smile she so wanted to show since he arrived uninvited near her window.
Byakuya eyed the objects on her table. There were a couple of notebooks, two books and an empty cup. It was already late and tomorrow would be another school day for Rukia. She caught him staring at the pile of her mess.
"Sorry about the mess; I was.. studying.."
Some papers were stuck between one of her books and he reached over to take a look at them. He quietly read the elements on them.
"Satisfying. You are a bright one, I see."
Rukia blushed at his comment. She was proud that someone noticed her hard work. Those were some of her test papers, all with perfect scores. She had always been a diligent student though her grades failed miserably last year. This time, she was positively doing her best to regain her rank in school.
"T-thanks.."
Byakuya walked a bit further and took comfort on her couch. He was sitting straight, too formal for Rukia's taste. She considered sitting beside him but if she did, what would happen next? The atmosphere was too still, too remote, too awkward.
To pass the time, she slowly picked up her items and inserted them in her school bag. She was thinking of topics to talk about, those that would catch his attention but her brain was failing her with his presence. Her palms had already begun sweating.
It was indeed too inelegant. It was almost the middle of the night and Rukia was having someone over. Sure, her place was inside the Kuchiki grounds, and their rooms (Byakuya and hers) were inside the same large facility but it felt too odd for her to have someone with her at this hour.
"A-Ah, would you-" she started but was once again cut off.
"Rukia." She glanced at the source of the voice and felt her blood rush to her head when she saw him staring right at her. "You should sleep. It is late and I am fully aware of your schedule for tomorrow."
She bit her lower lip before speaking. "Eh, uhm, I will. Y-yes, it's late. Sorry for taking your time Byakuya.. Byakuya-sama."
She waited for him to leave. He stood up and walked to the door, yet he did not open it.
"Is there any problem?" she asked curiously.
"Is there anything you wanted?" he asked her back.
Rukia remembered her missing phone and that was the only thing she would need for now. She wanted to tell him that, but she doubted if her wish would be granted. Who was she anyway, to be granted something so easily? They have no relations, no ties, and she marvelled at the small possibility of her hope to be answered.
Byakuya touched the door knob, thinking that she might not be in need of anything.
"A phone.. I need one.. If it's alright, that is. I can just buy one anytime anyway," she almost ate her words while speaking. "And I want to see Ichigo."
Byakuya's eyes almost flared at the sound of the name. "And Renji.. They are my best friends and I kinda miss them.."
She heard an audible sigh from the man and she looked down, rubbing the back of her head. Stupid, why would you blurt them out like that? Stupid, stupid! Look, he's just looking at you, because you look like a freaking dolt!
The man cleared his throat. "Tomorrow then, I will pick you up after school." With that, he left the room and went back to his quarters.
Rukia was glad that he received her words positively. She went to her bed and dozed off, contentedly awaiting tomorrow.
"Matsumoto Rangiku, proceed to my office quickly." Byakuya put down the phone the moment he breathed the last word of his sentence.
He was impatient. He wanted to leave now. Half an hour before Rukia gets out of school and Byakuya wanted to get to her as soon as possible. He was indeed intolerant of tardiness, but if it would be this girl's late coming, he would be more than willing to wait however long it may take.
He wanted to be with her right now. He had already cancelled his meetings for the rest of the afternoon and now would be the right time to hand the files to his secretary.
He tapped his pen on his table unknowingly. His mood was getting worse.
He was looking forward to the moments he would spend with Rukia. He did not want to comply to her at first, but the girl already touched his soft spot and he could do nothing to object.
Better if she did not ask to go meet with Ichigo, that wretched teenager. To hell with him. And Renji. How dare they.
"Kuchiki-sama, I'm here!" the energetic blast of voice warded off his thoughts.
"About time. Take this and I will be leaving now." He handed the files swiftly to the busty lady and stood up. He threw his fountain pen on top of his desk, not caring whether it rolls to the floor or not.
Rangiku was at the door when she slyly asked, "Kuchiki-sama, you off on a date?"
She even managed a loud laugh as she inquired.
"I believe it to be none of your business."
"How cold. Well, whatever, enjoy!" With that, she left, slamming the door while giggling.
Byakuya went out of his office and located his car. Just a few more minutes and she would be beside him once again.
She would never know the happiness he felt when she held him back last night, even inviting him to her room. It was delightful, though embarrassingly cumbersome to him. She was still wary of him, evident in her stuttering words. He was irate when it comes to stutters, but whenever he listens to Rukia, he never found the emotion to show frustration. He actually found her way of speaking to be comfortably endearing.
What is there to not like about her?
Last night, when she was telling him about wanting to have a new cellphone, a pang of guilt came over him. It was his fault to start with. Not only had he pried on her personal matters, he even threw the phone away. He took her job away from her and he didn't realize how much it affected her.
She could just easily ask anything from him, and he would do everything to comply to her wishes. He was willing to do anything for her. But right now, he was worried about her. She might be under a lot of pressure lately, with the training and studies.
What could his grandfather be thinking? She was still untitled, a stranger, a nobody in the Kuchiki. She would not be trained for nothing. As far as the Kuchikis were concerned, involvement in such activities means something. It is a preparation. But to Rukia, what would she be prepared for? Is Ginrei planning to make her become a Kuchiki? To be one of them, to hold the same surname? But how? And in what sense? Surely, he wouldn't think of making her become a sibling or cousin.
If only Ginrei would wait for some more years, Byakuya was confident that he could Rukia to be under the same surname, but in a different approach. An approach that he had been doing ever since he found her.
It was yet another boring day for Ichigo. Renji was back at the shop, but their friendship seemed to be a bit off lately. It had been a few months since Rukia was gone and the manager, Urahara, would'nt even give them hints about her whereabouts.
He and Renji had been bickering a few days ago and it came to the point where they started blaming each other for losing Rukia. They were best friends, the three of them; and with Rukia gone, it seemed like things went down. It was not fun anymore. They were best friends and Renji was attached to Rukia like a big brother. Ichigo felt the same way years ago, too, but not until it went to the point where he realized his deep feelings for her.
Renji, as the good guy he is, supported him in his decision. Yet, Rukia would not even bother taking a second glance at him. She was always "Kaien this, Kaien that". He was too stupid in trying to make her jealous, by dating a girl he barely knew and that was a big mistake. Renji still couldn't forgive him for that but they managed to stay friends like always.
Good old times, or maybe not. Dammit, I miss Rukia.
"Oi Ichigo, stop spacing out! Sorry for the fight last time, ok?" Ichigo turned around and saw Renji approaching him. He took a deep breath before talking.
"It's fine…"
"Deep shit is fine! What's with that tone, you punk?"
"What the hell! What are you calling me punk for, and we're of the same age so don't go acting like an old man!"
"Old man? You think I look old? Huh? Is it because of my tattoos you bastard!"
Their playful fights started again and the shop got lively once more. Not to the manager's taste, though.
"Silence, Ichigo and Renji! You're disturbing everyone." He had a grin on his face and he was eyeing the two in a sinister manner.
The two kept quiet and went back to their jobs.
As Ichigo was working on the counter, he spotted a car stop in front of the shop. A petite girl got out of the car and Ichigo undeniably thought of Rukia. His eyes brightened for the first time in months and he called Renji, just to make sure that his eyes were not playing tricks on him.
Rukia entered the shop and the two could not help but smile. There was a person with her, but Renji didn't seem to mind. Ichigo did. But he decided not let his thoughts get the better of him.
The two boys welcomed her with a hug. Rukia laughed at the two as they pulled her to get a seat. Rukia talked to the person with him and went back to his friends.
What is that person doing here?
Ichigo observed him for a short time and saw him take a seat somewhere far from them.
Renji had tears in his eyes and could not help embracing the small girl. She gladly complied and even used her fingers to dry his tears.
"Man up, Renji!" Ichigo slapped him at the back causing them to start another senseless argument. Ichigo got to embrace her, too and he started questioning her about her sudden disappearance.
The three talked for quite a long time, and Rukia blabbered about her current living conditions which she deemed excellent for someone like her. Renji was amazed at the sudden turn of events in her life and could only embrace her a few more times, telling her that he would be there for her in times of need.
Ichigo proceeded to ask her some more questions but he was saddened by the fact that Rukia did not even talk about her last message to him. He wanted to ask her about that, the reason why she would send a horrible message to him and yet he could not find the courage to do so. She looked so joyful and he doesn't want that cheerfulness to disappear.
Byakuya watched her from afar. He felt ridiculous at the current situation.
He shared the same happiness with Rukia right now, when he saw her upbeat attitude around her friends. A part of him was thankful that he took her here and yet a bigger part of him felt torn. This was unacceptable to him. He was astonished at how her personality shifted easily at the sight of those two buffoons and yet he was unsatisfied at the turn of events.
He scrutinized the scene, taking in every expression from Rukia. It took a lot of his willpower to remove the red-haired, tattooed brat from her. How come he could easily do that to her, and what's worse was that Rukia did not even flinch at his actions.
The atmosphere was pleasant, but Byakuya's feelings were in turmoil. He viewed her with the two guys and a pessimistic thought came over him – Doesn't she look better with either of them? Doesn't she feel more at ease with them? Doesn't she look gladder with them around? Unlike when she's with you, she always stutters, looks away from you and avoids physical contact.. Isn't it better for her to be with them?
Byakuya's expression became a distorted frown and he turned his head to face the other way. He was pleased to see her contented, but he was saddened by the realization that she would always be happy with her friends.
He cringed at the thought of letting her go, just when he was already becoming conscious of his attraction to her. He was anxious, that she might be easily taken away. It vexed him and his supposedly fun time with Rukia became a disaster for him.
It was almost evening when Rukia and Byakuya left the shop. They were now on their way to the mall.
Rukia had a satisfied look on her face and Byakuya couldn't help but smile upon seeing her face. He disregarded his apprehensions and decided to keep himself in control.
She kept telling him about how grateful she was for giving her the chance to see her friends. She looked like an obedient little girl who was given treats by her mother. She looked so adorable and Byakuya's troubled expression was gone instantly.
Upon arriving at the mall, Byakuya walked in a fast pace and Rukia followed him. They entered a shop and Rukia feasted her eyes on the newest brands and models of mobile phones. She looked around for a while as Byakuya waited for her. She went to the other end of the shop and Byakuya watched her inquisitively.
She asked for an old model of a phone and turned to Byakuya. "I-I want this one. I'll just pay for it and then we can go."
Byakuya did not reply to her but instead went to the lady behind the counter. He took out his phone, and showed it to the lady. It was one of the brand new models that Rukia had been staring at earlier and he could only wonder why she would choose an ugly phone over the better ones.
Rukia was unsure of what to do. She thought that he might be impatient already and so she followed him to the counter.
"Give me a phone exactly like this," he calmly told the lady in the cashier.
"A moment please," she smiled at him.
The lady then went to the very back of the shop and looked for the same phone model.
"B-Byakuya-sama, I don't want that, it's too expensive and I only need one for sending messages and for calling. Besides, I don't have that much money so I don't know if I can pay for that."Rukia's eyes casted down as she talked to Byakuya.
"Hn."
The lady appeared again and showed the phone to Byakuya. She then proceeded to turn it on and try its programs, to make sure that it was perfectly working well. After some more fuss by the lady, Byakuya handed her a credit card.
When everything was taken care of, Byakuya handed the phone to Rukia and they walked out of the shop. Rukia was adamant about it and she gave it back to him.
"I couldn't receive such a pricey object, please take it back. I can just buy one on my own and it would be fine for me so you really don't have to-"
"Rukia."
"Y-yes?"
"I believe it is up to the man to pay for the woman when they are out. Receive this properly. I would not allow you to buy one on your own, understand?"
Rukia was speechless. She did not know how to respond and before she knew it, Byakuya had already forced her hands to properly hold the item. She blushed at the gesture and looked away, mumbling "Thank you" once again.
They were walking for quite some time when Byakuya decided to bring her to a café. He asked Rukia if she wanted to eat but she declined. She just wanted a few doughnuts and that would be alright for her.
Byakuya wanted to make their trip a bit more like a date but since he does not have the heart to force it upon the girl, he decided to go along with her ideas. They walked some more and entered another establishment.
Rukia felt glee upon sighting the delicacies and she pointed which ones she liked to Byakuya.
She is really cute when she is excited about something.. Her eyes expresses her feelings really well..
He couldn't help but smile at her and he treated her once more.
"Would that be all you need?" he asked on their way back to the parking lot.
"U-Uhm, yes. Thank you very, very much. I got more than what I wanted in the first place. You… made them all possible, thank you so much Byakuya-sama." Rukia even bowed multiple times while hugging the box of doughnuts in front of her chest.
"No problem."
When they reached the car, Byakuya even opened the door for Rukia. She easily got in and Byakuya started the engine.
I have never felt so blessed in my whole life! I couldn't believe it.
First, I was able to see Ichigo and Renji. Though Ichigo looked a bit distant to me today… But whatever, he had always been some sort of irritable person. And Renji, I missed him so much! I almost cried too when he hugged me a lot of times. Many things had changed in my life and yet, they were still there for me. I love them so much.
Next, an extremely costly mobile phone was given to me. It was a bit over the top, and I couldn't imagine that I'll ever get my hands on this, but I did.
I even got to buy my favourite doughnuts. I got five, four strawberries and one chocolate. Byakuya is really a good person. Who would believe that my luck would be top-notch today? I love this day.
Not only because of those reasons, but because I get to spend some hours with him. If this is a dream, I wouldn't bother waking up. Everything's too good to be true. Kami-sama, I won't ever forget this day…
Everything was beautiful. The night sky, the stars shining brightly, the flawless road, the man driving right now. I would have embraced him already if I had the guts to do so… But I am a coward. I can't even get too close to him. Who knows how he thinks of me? I'm just a simple, lowly girl. And he's a successful man. The gap's too great and I wonder just what I can do to fill that gap. I wanted to get close to him, as close as possible, but every day, it seemed to be more and more challenging.
Let me just enjoy this few more minutes with him before I retire to my bedroom. I'm so happy….
"Rukia, you can eat if you want." I turned my eyes to look at him but he was looking directly at the road.
"Oh, right. Ok," I said to him as I reached for one of the doughnuts. I grabbed the chocolate one and ate it slowly. It was too quiet right now. What should I do?
"Would you.. Do you want to eat one?" I asked him. He did not reply so I continued biting my chocolate-flavoured doughnut.
I sighed while eating when I heard him again, "Let me taste one." His eyes never leaving the road, he spoke to me in a low voice.
"Sure, I'll get one for you." I started to open the box of doughnuts.
"I want a chocolate-flavoured one."
I stared at him blankly, irresolute of what to do. With my voice trembling, I quacked out the words, "B-but, I already had a bite on this, and it's already so small.."
"I want a chocolate one, Rukia." I froze at the way he spoke so I gingerly handed it to him. I almost slapped my face when I remembered that he was driving so it was up to me to feed him. He looked at me for a moment before returning his gaze on the road.
"Here then," I told him as I reached to him, feeding his the small piece of chocolate doughnut. I watched as he opened his mouth, taking in the sweetness of the food. My eyes couldn't stare away from his lips and I knew that I look incredibly foolish. As the small piece came in contact with his mouth, my fingers reached up to his lips.
I shivered at that, and soon, I felt his tongue lick my finger. I instantly grabbed my hand away from him and returned back to my previous position. I sat in complete silence, not knowing what to do next until we reached the Kuchiki grounds.
That was devious of me. I know. But what can I do? I only wanted to tease her a bit. I almost wanted to laugh at her reaction when I licked her finger. The redness of her face and the way she pulled herself back to her seat, it was quite a sight.
I want to devour her right now. Now that she looks like a harmless sheep. It's taking me more than it should to keep myself in control.
At last, we're home.
I got off the car quickly, as I want to open the door for her, but she managed to do it as fast as I could. She called my attention and began her "Thank you" speech once again. I don't need her gratitude. What I needed was… absolutely more than that.
"So.. I.. will go now to my room. Thanks again, Byakuya-sama," she bowed upon saying her last words.
"Call me Byakuya."
She seemed to be baffled at what I said. "B-but.. That would be disrespect-"
"Do it."
Her body stiffened at the sudden increase in the volume of my voice. She had no choice but to follow my order.
"Y-yes, Byakuya-sama, I mean, B-Byakuya.."
"Once more."
"Eh? Why? What for?"
She looks so lovely when she is clueless. I just can't help liking her in everything that she does.
"Rukia, do it, say my name. Just my name." I told her with even more force.
"B-Byakuya-sama," she said quickly. I gave no heed to her and she talked once more. "I-If that's all, I will be going to my room now.."
"No," I started. "Come here."
She walked to me self-consciously. When she was already in front of me, I didn't hold myself back anymore. I gave her a tight embrace. Tighter than the one in the garden before, and this time, I assure you that it is more passionate. I heard her gasp as I looked down on her.
I couldn't hold it any longer. I crashed my lips against hers, tasting her lips in all of its gloriousness. My hand moved to the back of her neck, supporting her as I kissed her even more deeply. I felt her returning my kisses back and soon as she opened her mouth a bit more, I plunged my tongue into her mouth, exploring the insides of her mouth.
She was returning the gesture and I felt even more pleasure. Her hands snaked their way on my body, holding me close to her as much as possible. She was giving me back the same intensity that I was offering her.
"Mmmhh…." I heard her whimper against me.
I then moved my mouth away from hers, and stared at her face. Her face was flushed with excitement and embarrassment. She was breathing heavily. Yet, her tight grab on me was still there.
"Rukia."
"Y-yes?"
"Rukia, don't spend the night in your room."
"W-why?"
I smiled at her before picking her up and carrying her to my room.
A/N: So I hope you like this! Please again post reviews and tell me what you think. And if this isn't too much to ask for, you can suggest stuff that I can add in the story to make it… spicier. Hahaha.
~I might be making a lemon next chapter~
Thank you so much for bearing with my tardy updates. I will be going to university tomorrow and I don't know if I could update weekly. But I will, if I can.
See ya!