Hey readers :) I've recently started two new stories on Byaruki, it isn't out yet though. Still have a long way to go with the plot ;D But I assure you that it will be released soon. Was struck with an unexpected news yesterday. Could've finished this chapter yesterday and upload it today but I guess I just didn't have the mood to do so. My junior had an operation in the hospital and had amnesia when she fell and hit her head afterwards. I'm worried sick so pardon me for my grammer mistakes. Thanks lovelies ! :D - ANF-Byaruki
"Here you go, Kuchiki-san.", Urahara handed the air tickets and a big envelope to Byakuya.
Byakuya opened up the envelope and found two passports as well as some credit cards. "How'd you get this done?" Byakuya questioned with not much interest in his voice.
"Well well.. I have my ways of doing things, Kuchiki-san. Just enjoy your time in Osaka with your sister.", Urahara grinned. Byakuya could sense that something is wrong by his smile. However he didn't pursue the matter.
"Please be at the airport one hour before the stated time. Do bring me back some souvenirs, considering that I've helped you with these procedures.", Urahara jokingly remarked.
"Oh yes! I have forgotten to inform both of you that Osaka is experiencing a drastic drop in temperature. Karakura Town would most likely experience it soon as well. This afternoon would be a good time for you to shop for the necessary items."
"Thank You, Urahara Kisuke.", Byakuya bowed slightly, indicating his appreciation.
"Rukia, we will have to go shopping again. Urahara Kisuke mentioned that Osaka is experiencing low temperature."
"Hai Nii-sama.", Rukia responded, grabbing her backpack and putting whatever is needed in it.
"OOHH! This is nice !" Rukia made her way towards the dark grey coat where its collar is nicely pressed down, making whoever is wearing it look astute. Six black buttons lined up parallel to each other made the coat look all the more stylish. A fabric belt is looped past the waist of the mannequin, detailing the built of the person who is wearing it. The two ends of the belt hung at the front of the coat. It was certainly a coat fitting for Byakuya.
"Nii-sama what do you think of this?" Rukia asked gleefully.
"It's nice."
"You think so too?" Rukia laughed. "Miss! We'll have this coat.", Rukia politely exclaimed.
Rukia grabbed Byakuya by his arm when she saw a coat that caught her eyes. The inside of the coat was checkered and it was just the right size and length for Rukia. It was a pure white colour. It really sets both of them apart if Rukia and Byakuya were to stand together. Either way, it would intensify the glamorous and charm they are already radiating.
When Rukia suddenly caught Byakuya by his arm, he was slightly taken aback. Upon seeing her cheerful expression, he wouldn't want to be the one dispersing it. When Rukia picked out the coat, Byakuya felt a tinge of pride at her eye for things. "No doubt a Kuchiki.", Byakuya thought to himself.
"Nii-sama, I have to go somewhere, can you go back on your own?" Rukia asked.
Byakuya looked at her for a brief moment before nodding his head.
Rukia rushed to the Winter Shop and picked out a few items she deemed necessary for them. She chose a winter hat which is lavender in colour. She then selected a fingerless glove and a leather glove for themselves. When she was about to pay for the items she saw ear muffs and immediately hurried to the section and randomly chose the ones which she liked. She smiled at hers choice and then hurried back to Urahara's shop.
"What is that, Rukia?" Byakuya queried, looking at the plastic bag she was carrying.
Rukia smiled and reached into the bag to pass Byakuya the leather glove and the ear muffs. "I didn't want to trouble you to purchase such little things.", Rukia blushed a little. "I'm not sure if you like it..", Rukia said meekly.
"I like it, thank you Rukia.", Byakuya reached for the stuffs in Rukia's hand and placed it in his luggage.
Rukia let out a yawn and immediately covered her mouth and blushed fiercely as she momentarily disregarded Byakuya's presence.
Byakuya heard a yawn and his eyes travelled up to Rukia who looked…adorable.. as she immediately placed both her hands over her mouth and blushing madly but so.. beautifully. He pried his eyes away from her and told her to catch some sleep.
"Get some sleep Rukia. I will wake you up later on."
"H-Hai.. thank you Nii-sama..", Rukia walked towards the closet.
"Rukia, you can use the bed.", Byakuya pointed towards the bed.
Rukia blushed again, "Nii-sama's bed?" Rukia thought to herself. "Hai Nii-sama."
Rukia hurried towards the closet and grabbed something before proceeding to the bed. She tried not to think about Byakuya who was watching her. "Baka.. why am I so self-conscious.. relax Rukia.", she gave herself a mental slap.
Byakuya caught a glimpse of what she took as she walk quickly to the bed. "A rabbit?" Byakuya mused. Byakuya felt his lower lips threatening to lift up to a smile but he soon suppressed that feeling.
Rukia stretched herself upon waking up. It has only been a few hours since she slept. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. She lazily scanned the room and something took her by surprise. Byakuya was leaning against the closet. "Is he?.." Rukia gently plodded towards Byakuya and knelt down in front of him.
"No doubt, Nii-sama is sleeping.", Rukia smiled but soon hurried to retrieve a blanket for him.
"I guess I will be the one waking him up.", Rukia smiled to herself. She chanced a look at his sleeping face and without her realizing, she had been openly staring at her brother's face. Not for a moment but for a long time. She had sunk down to the tatami mat and gazed at him in admiration as well as this… strange adoration. "Hot.. and beautiful..", Rukia unknowingly mouthed the words. She glanced at his facial features and her hand lifted up slowly wanting to touch his face. "Such long eyelashes.. sharp nose and.. soft-looking lips.", Rukia flushed. Her hand was almost in contact with his face when she realized with horror that she had those thought about her Nii-sama.
"For god's sake..what was I thinking!" Rukia scrambled away from Byakuya.
"Rukia.", Rukia didn't respond. Byakuya decided to call her again. "Rukia." When Rukia didn't respond again, Byakuya threw aside the blanket and strode towards her and knelt down on one knee. Byakuya lifted an eyebrow when he saw her face almost as red as a tomato. "Is she having a fever?" Byakuya placed his hand on her forehead. Suddenly, Rukia snapped out of her reverie. "N-Nii-sama!" Rukia immediately stood up and Byakuya followed suit. The distance between them was so close that Rukia sunk down onto the bed behind her bringing Byakuya down with her.
Rukia's and Byakuya's face was a few inches apart from each other. Rukia flushed ferociously even to the extent that her ears were red as well. Byakuya's hands landed on both side of Rukia. His eyes burning into that of Rukia's violet ones. Their nose close to touching each others. Rukia leaned back a little. Her mind was in a mess, she could feel blood rushing through her head. She couldn't think of anything that could get her out of this dire situation. Normally she would be a drama queen but this is Byakuya she was dealing with. "Oh my god..", her heart and mind raced.
Byakuya was stunned when Rukia's leg tangled with his, bringing him down with her. He was lucky that he reacted fast or they would have crossed the boundaries of being a brother and sister. But now, his heart was racing madly. His face was just a few inches away from her.. When he looked into her vibrant violet eyes, he could not tore his eyes away from it. Time seemed to stop for that moment. "Move Byakuya.", but he could not abide to what his mind tell him. He was simply stuck in the moment with Rukia. He told himself to move for the umpteenth time yet.. he just couldn't pry his eyes away from her.
"Got to move.." Rukia shifted but it seemed like a bad move as she accidentally tripped his legs again and knocked against his elbow causing it to buckle. Both their eyes widened as Byakuya's forehead now pressed against Rukia's. He could practically feel her breath on his lips. Then he noticed this fragrance.. a sensual and soothing aroma from Rukia. It smells like Azalea. He never particularly took note of Rukia before. But of course that's no surprise.. He hardly communicate with her or even spend long hours with her.. Most of all.. he was always avoiding contact with her since Rukia reminded so much of his late wife. Now looking closer, she seemed somewhat different. Rukia's eyes is a deep vibrant violet and Hisana's was a slightly shaded blue. She seemed shorter and stronger.. Her outburst and rash personality was nothing like Hisana who always abide to Byakuya's request.
Rukia's breath hitched at her throat as she slowly surveyed his silvery grey eyes. She had read a book concerning colours and their symbolizations. Silver/grey represents, security, reliability, intelligence, composed, reticence, conservative and sadness. It all seemed to describe him.. always giving Rukia this sense of security. He was always composed no matter what circumstances he was facing, always so silent, and somewhat sad. Rukia's hand sub-consciously travelled up, almost touching Byakuya's face when suddenly..
"Erhem!" Urahara cleared his throat the door. It sent Byakuya back to reality and almost immediately he regained his composure. An unnoticeable pink shade decorating his cheeks.
"Sorry to disturb your moment but I think you should set out now.", Urahara laughed in his awkward manner, behind the fan he always carried with him.
"H-hai, arigato Urahara.", Rukia composed herself as well. Unlike Byakuya, a shade of pink tinted her cheeks.
When Urahara left the room, there was an awkward silence between the both of them.
"Nii-sama.. I apologise for my previous foolishness."
"It's nothing Rukia, don't be concerned about it.", Byakuya replied monotonously, facing the closet. But in fact it really did matter to him. It was the first time he come face to face with Rukia in such abashing situation. He couldn't suppress the long-forgotten feeling in his heart and a ghostly smile formed on Byakuya's face. His heart was still beating wildly, even though he shouldn't think of his sister this way.. he just couldn't help. Rukia.. what have you done to me
Rukia's heart was beating as wild or maybe even wilder than that of Byakuya. "I'm such a fool. I shouldn't have moved. Oh my god.", Rukia tried to push out all these thoughts from her mind but it just kept coming back to her. She shook her head and slapped her cheeks. "Okay, just forget it.. for now.. Arghh!" Rukia felt tearing her hair out. "He's my brother and I'm here thinking about him. Okay Rukia forget what happened.. it was just an accident."
The crowded sight greeted both their eyes. "No wonder Urahara wants us to leave earlier.." They board the plane and waited for lift off. Byakuya sat by the window and Rukia attempted to view the sight below them as the plane with dimly lit.
"Rukia, do you want to switch places with me?"
"N-no, Nii-sama, it's perfectly okay.", Rukia blushed again, thinking about the incident at Urahara's shop.
When supper was served, Rukia compressed her annoyance at how the air stewardess was behaving like a slut towards Byakuya. She closed her eyes and let out a little bit of reiatsu.
Byakuya noticed the change in her reiatsu, it had turned to that of annoyance as the air stewardess asked him in a manner he really detested. "Sir, would you like champagne or coke?" The slut winked several times at Byakuya. By then Rukia's annoyance was no longer suppressible, "Miss, will you just give us our spaghettis and two cups of packet juice and continue serving the other awaiting passengers?" Rukia said through slightly gritted teeth.
"Such outburst and impatience.", Byakuya smiled to himself, looking at Rukia. If Rukia wasn't attentive enough she wouldn't have spotted the ghost of a smile on his lips. Her eyes widened. "Did he just .. smile?" Rukia's annoyance completely dispersed into thin air when she saw him smiling. She stared at him with mouth agape.
"What is it Rukia?"
"You..You smiled!" Rukia grinned.
"Did I look weird?" Byakuya asked, since he didn't smile for a long period of time.. he probably looked damn weird.
"Hahahs ! Yes you looked kind of weird, but handsomely so.", redness crept to Rukia's cheek again.
"I-I.. didn't meant to say that."
"Rukia you don't have to be so formal with me."
Rukia blinked, "Really?"
Byakuya nodded and began eating.
"Handsomely so.. huh?" Byakuya thought and a smile appeared on his face again. "You have no idea what you're doing to me right now, Rukia."
Rukia tucked in to her food, still watching her manners. She glanced through the side of her eyes and saw Byakuya trying to figure out the packet of juice in his hand. "It's pretty simple, Nii-sama.", Rukia exclaimed vivaciously and took the packet from him.
"You see this?" She pointed to the straw pasted on the juice packet. Rukia tore the straw away from the packet and poked the sharper end into the aluminum hole at the top of the packet. She handed it to Byakuya. Byakuya looked at the drink for a second and put it into his mouth. "Now what?" Byakuya asked himself, "What a troublesome drink.."
"Nii-sama not like this.", Rukia took the drink and showed him that in order to drink the juice he will have to do it as if he's sucking… air. Then Rukia blushed again, realizing that Byakuya has it in his mouth just now. "Here, Nii-sama.", Rukia reached out for her packet of juice and gave it to Byakuya. "It's alright Rukia, I will have that one in your hand." Before Rukia could rebut, Byakuya took the drink out of her hand, brushing against the smooth skin of hers.
They started talking about their own experiences with their missions. Byakuya recalled that when he was he just became a Shinigami, he was already appointed the third seat in Squad Six. Rukia stared at him in awe, he was beyond comprehension. How could such a flawless person possibly exist?
"Nii-sama.. you're really great. Unlike you I committed crimes I can never atone for just after I'm a certified Shinigami."
That jolted Byakuya's mind. "Shiba Kaien.."
"Kaien dono's death.. was caused by me."
There was short paused before Rukia continued, "He treated me like every other individuals. Unlike others, who always referred to me as a Kuchiki member and treating me like a holy being. He was the only exception, along with Ukitake tai-chou and of course his wife.. Miyako-dono.", Rukia smiled a sad smile. "Yet.. I was the one who spoke to him when he was on the brink of death. The one who ended his life."
"Did you know?" Rukia's voice dropped to a mere whisper.
Byakuya listened intently. Perhaps they shouldn't have touched on this subject at all. He could still remember the night she returned to the mansion, with only a far-away look in her eyes. It was a tough process getting her to accept reality and accept Kaien's death. He never liked Shiba Kaien, even though the Shiba family is also one of the most honourable noble families in Soul Society. This man disregards rules and behaves boorishly. Yet he was the one Rukia hung on to in times of difficulty. He won't forget the night she seemed like an undead person.
"He thank me.. when I only raised the sword to protect myself. Ukitake-taicho mentioned that there are two kinds of fight. One to protect life and the other to protect pride. I fought to protect my life and he thank me because I protected his pride."
"If I were Shiba Kaien, I would've wanted you to do the same thing. And to thank you for protecting my pride.", Byakuya looked hard at Rukia's face.
Rukia's eyes widened, "What did he just say, there is just no way I'm going to do that to him even out of self-protection, even if it cost my own life!"
"How could you say such horrible things.. There's just no way I'm going to stab you even if you were after my life..", Rukia gulped. "I would stand there with arms wide open and embrace you as you attack me.", Rukia said, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Byakuya hesitantly embraced her and wiped away her tears, it made Rukia felt really good. "Arigato Nii-sama.."
"Listen well Rukia. There's nothing to be afraid of because.. I'm always going to protect you.", Byakuya told her seriously.
Rukia nodded against his chest and soon fell asleep. With Rukia's head on his shoulders and her arms around his waist, he embraced her to sleep. Resting his head on hers and thinking of the uncertain future.
"Rukia..Rukia..", Byakuya nudged her to wake her up.
Rukia slowly opened her eyes to see Byakuya looking down at her. She blushed furiously and tried to sit up but she found out that she couldn't because Byakuya's strong arm held her in his embrace.
"Look.", Byakuya lifted up the shutter of the small window.
Rukia leaned over to get a better view. Below them were lights which looked like sparkling crystals. She stared in amazement, with her mouth wide open and eyes wide opened.
Suddenly the lights were turned on. "This is Captain Inari speaking, we are approaching the runway soon. Passengers please buckle your belts and stay in your seats."
Did that got you? (Referring to the sucking ... part ) hahahs. I'm sorry if it's too rush. You can suggest what I should include in the next chapter. I will take all opinions into consideration :D Well you know if not for Urahara we could have got into the most exciting part. I guess he's a mood spoiler at times ! But I still love him of course. This time, I didn't want to include Ichigo and Clique since it's really based on Byaruki. But what do you know? ;D They might appear in this story hahas! Alright so I hope you had a good time reading this chapter. It's one of my longest chapter. Btw aside from promoting my own story, I would suggest that you read Evenstar lady's stories as well as many other authors I favourited :) Currently thinking about cosplaying and also considering of working in Japan one day :D Do leave some feedbacks, always appreciated :)