Winter heart
Chapter-7
Rukia sighed in contentment at her reflection in the mirror. It was finally the day of the concert and she was at her waiting room. Rangiku just left after transforming her into Giselle, the village peasant girl with a weak heart from the romantic ballet, Giselle. She loved the tutu ballet dancers wear, especially for romantic ballets. It was tea length, in pastel pink and had a spaghetti strap and the bodice was decorated with lots of glittery ornaments that clung onto her torso tightly. Her hair was up in the usual tight bun with a ribbon around it. Make up was customary, not too shabby but not too extreme either. That was what she loved about romantic ballet. There was no need for much make up.
She smoothed the tulle skirt and stood up to put on the shoes. The raven haired ballerina looked up when the dark wooden door opened, followed by a soft knock.
A huge grin broke on his face when he looked at her from head to toe. His orange hair was vibrant in the dimly lit room.
"You look handsome." Ichigo smirked at her who raised an elegant brow at his comment.
"Must I say thank you?" Rukia asked, putting the white pointe shoes on.
"I think so." he took a step inside, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants.
Rukia couldn't help but think how incredibly handsome he looked in a navy blue Italian suit with a black tie and a white button down shirt underneath. His hair messy like always. Rukia had to summon every ounce of willpower to restrain herself from blushing.
"Well then, Mr. CEO I gotta run. I'm getting late for the concert." He patted him on the side of his chest twice and hurried to walk out of the room that suddenly felt too hot for her to stay in.
But before she could, Ichigo grabbed her upper arm and forced her to retrace her steps until she was in front of him. Without warning, Ichigo crashed his lips on hers in a quick and soft kiss that wouldn't smear her lipstick.
But Rukia had to remind herself to breathe.
"Good luck." He said in a low voice, almost in a whisper.
God, she was going crazy.
She was a Kuchiki for god's sake and a Kuchiki never fail to conceal her emotions.
Rukia nodded and quickly walked out of the room, trying to calm the erratic beating of her heart. They did more than kiss and she wasn't supposed to be like this. There wasn't supposed to be jolts of electricity running throughout her body. Her cheeks weren't supposed to burn at just the mere sight of him.
Damn Ichigo for looking too hot.
She was acting like one of his crazy fan girls, swooning at the mere sight of a strand of his hair.
Ichigo thrust his hands deeper into the pockets of his pants, a light smile playing on his lips. He shook his head at the sight of her flushed face and walked out of the room, ready to join everyone else at the concert hall.
The orange haired man walked towards where Rukia stormed off to, oblivious to the auburn haired director on the other side, by the door of Rukia's waiting room, hands balled into fists by her sides. Her grey eyes filled with tears, ready to fall any minute.
Inoue Orihime was searching for Ichigo to inform him that all preparations were complete and that they were allowing people inside now. She had found Ichigo walking towards the waiting rooms. At first, he thought he was going to check something backstage since that hallway consisted of the waiting rooms. She was confused when Ichigo opened Rukia's waiting room door without even knocking. Being the curious persons she was, Orihime walked closer until she could take a glimpse of what was happening.
When she did however, Orihime felt like her heart was ripped to pieces. She had thought that the kiss at the bar back in Kurosaki Resort was only a mistake –to make herself feel better, of course. But there actually was something going on between them?
XXXX
By the time Ichigo reached the concert hall after checking the preparations, stage formations, lightings and the music for himself, everyone was seated and waiting eagerly. He took a VIP seat where his family, the Kuchiki family and some other VIPs of Kurosaki Opera were. Yuzu was grinning widely and Karin had a barely evident smile on her face. His father was there too, sitting next to his beautiful mother.
Giving them a nod, Ichigo turned to face the stage when the lights turned off. The VIP seats had the best view. So, when Rukia stepped on the stage, it almost took his breath away. The way she danced like the professional ballerina she was, it was the first time he was watching. It was fascinating.
She was fascinating.
She really made it look like she was the most elegant and beautiful being in the world. How she moved effortlessly without any flaws. Ichigo had to try very hard to keep the awe he felt at bay. Because if he did, he knew his jaw will be on the ground and his eyes would probably be shining, twinkling like the Sirius star.
And he didn't want that. Besides, he didn't want to give Rukia the satisfaction that she was capable of making him feel those types of things that would probably force his dignity on the line.
He couldn't look like a lovesick puppy.
But what can he do, when she was literally forcing him without as much as an effort?
XXXX
The first show of the concert was a success and Ichigo was able to walk inside the room with his held up high and ready to answer the questions that was going to be bombarded on him the moment he sits on the chair. Ichigo took the steps up the stage and took a seat. Just like he predicted, the camera flashes blinded him to the point he saw black for a moment.
The questions began after a moment and he was praised until the press conference ended. Ichigo felt a lot better after it was done and over. So, this was how an accomplishment felt like. Nel was by the car when he stepped out of Kurosaki Opera. She slipped inside the passenger seat while Ichigo took the back seat.
"You have lunch with the chairman and the annual meeting of Kurosaki Enterprises later where the CEO of Kurosaki amusement park, CEO of Kurosaki Engineering and crafting, CEO of Kurosaki constructions and CEO of Kurosaki Hotel will be attending. All the other details are in here." Nel handed him a file and he took it from her, opening it the moment it was in his hands.
The chauffer drove away to the restaurant his father had asked him to meet. The ride was short, maybe because he was too engrossed in the file Nel had given him. The green haired woman snapped her fingers in front his face and Ichigo blinked like he had just broke out of a trance. He nodded at her and stepped out of the car, buttoning his blazer.
One of the waiters showed his destined table. Ichigo walked towards where he saw the back of his father's dark hair, sitting beside the glass balcony overlooking the city.
The lunch was about business, hence there were no awkward comments or loud laughs that would sometimes have the entire restaurant looking at them. He was grateful that his father decided to be the disciplined businessman today. He was complimented for his achievement. It was quite the surprise, according to his father that he was able to make his first project a success. Ichigo mentally rolled his eyes. He was talented, that was it. Besides, it was the ballet dancers and their instructors that played the most important part. He barely did anything. But it felt good though.
"Dad…" Ichigo began when silence fell between the two men. He paused his lunch and stared at the glass of wine.
Isshin looked up and frowned when he noticed the far-away look on his son's face.
"I don't know if I should be saying this to you but my schedule is pretty much packed right now…." He trailed off, not understanding what he just said.
Isshin looked at him in confusion. "Are you asking for a holiday, Ichigo?"
Ichigo raised his eyebrows. No, that wasn't even close to what he wanted to say. "I well, we haven't established anything yet but I think we will soon though I don't really know when since I'll be busy for the most part of the week." He felt so nervous. His heart kept thudding madly in his chest and his palms were sweaty. He gripped the napkin tightly.
"What're you talking about, Ichigo?" his father looked like he was about to burst laughing.
Ichigo looked at him and dropped his gaze to the table once again.
"I…" he had no idea, no freaking idea how to say it. "There is…." He bravely looked into his father's eyes. "…someone I like." There. He said it.
Ichigo watched as the words processed in his father's mind. "Very much." He added silently and looked back at his almost finished plate.
"Is that why you look like you're constipated?"
Ichigo didn't reply. It took almost all his courage to tell his father that. Then, the unexpected –at least what he thought was –happened. His father started laughing madly, attracting all the attention to their table. Ichigo sighed, rubbing his temple. What did he expect? There was no way Isshin Kurosaki would be his father if he didn't embarrass him one way or other.
"So, does this mean I'll be getting a grandchild very soon?" he said quietly, leaning forward.
A vein ticked on his forehead. "I think the most appropriate question would be to ask who. Don't you think?"
"I don't think you wanna tell me that yet." He grinned sheepishly. Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Well, that was very accurate guessing on his part. He didn't want to tell him yet. "But are you sure you really like this girl?" his voice was serious now and the embarrassment and frustration Ichigo felt vanished.
"Yeah. It's different with her. I feel different with her."
"I never knew you could be so cheesy."
See? The moment he turned serious, all his father wanted was to make jokes on him, tease him. Ichigo stood up and glared at him. "I'm leaving."
"I look forward to meet this different girl."
He didn't reply as he walked towards the elevator. He wasn't even sure if Rukia even wanted to start something between them. But after all the happened between then? He wasn't so sure she won't agree. She wouldn't have kissed him back if she didn't feel the same. He'd just have to ask right? They can't just go on making out forever without even discussing their feelings.
The elevator dinged as it reached the ground floor and Ichigo stepped out, hands in his pockets.
Nel was already waiting for him in the car. He slipped inside and the chauffer drove away to the Kurosaki headquarters. He had a feeling that the meeting will be long.
::
Rukia was in one of the practice rooms, dancing with Grimmjow. It was only the first show. There were still three more to go for the concert to finish. With the achievement they managed to acquire in the first show two days ago, she was sure they had a very good chance of making the concert a complete success. Besides, it was a huge step towards the international competition. She couldn't have been happier that they have been doing so well. But there was a part of her that wasn't quite satisfied and she knew it had nothing to do with the concert. It was about a certain orange haired man that seemed to be in her mind all the time. She couldn't help it. She should be concentrating on the how but she couldn't do it. She kept thinking about him, wondering how he was, and asking herself why he wasn't calling. Rukia, being the stubborn woman she was, had decided not to call him as long as he didn't. But was it really okay for her to do that? Was it really okay to be stubborn? If she missed him why won't she call?
But she was scared. Scared that whatever they had between them was nothing but a fleeting moment of lust. They were both adults and it was natural for them to feel that way towards the opposite sex. But why did she feel something more than that towards him? It if was momentary, why did she keep wanting to see him? Even if it was to exchange a few words only. Rukia wasn't someone who doubted what she felt. She knew what she felt, no questions asked. But when it came to Ichigo, everything felt so confusing and so crazy. It took barely a couple days and she was already smitten with him. She wasn't even sure if her feelings, so crazy feelings would last. It might be temporary for all she knew. It might be because he was there when she felt like giving up. He gave her support when she disappointed her brother and sister. It was only kindness on his part that had her attracted to him on such a level. He was just being kind. She wasn't even sure he felt the same way.
He was just being kind.
But why would he suddenly turn kind when the first time they met, she almost took him to the police station? They had been arguing and insulting each other before she knew he was her superior. She was going to be so embarrassed if he didn't even feel a single thing towards her. How could she give in to her feelings so easily? She wasn't the type to do that. But why did he kiss her then? But why did they almost have sex in his office then?
It probably was the carnal desire. She, who had yet to be touched by a man like that and he, she wasn't sure why gave in to the moment of pleasure they probably craved for. That was it. There was nothing more.
"You're losing focus." Grimmjow's voice brought her back.
"Huh?" before she could get a grip on what was happening, he let go of her and she fell on the floor.
"What's up with you?" asked the blue haired man as he bent down to pick up his water bottle.
Rukia blinked once before sitting up. "Nothing."
"You lost focus because of nothing? C'mon butterfly, that isn't Rukia then."
Rukia sighed as she leaned back on her arms, stretching her legs. "I don't know. I can't concentrate."
"I'm listening if you want to share." Grimmjow said leaning against the barre.
"I don't think you'd want to listen. It's girl stuff." The raven haired ballerina smirked at him.
Grimmjow snorted and crossed his arms across his chest. "Then I don't want to listen."
"See." she resisted the urge to stick her tongue at him.
"But seriously though, you can't do that. If Senjumaru was here she'd have buried you under the ground."
Rukia nodded slowly. "I know."
Silence fell between the two, the only sound coming from the neighboring practice rooms. It was broken by a knock on the glass by a green haired woman. She sent a kiss flying towards Grimmjow who caught it quite dramatically. Rukia rolled her eyes though a small smile spread on her face at the lovebirds.
"Boss wants to see you." She said to Rukia and her heart skipped a beat.
She stood up nervously and made her way towards his office. She knocked hesitantly and she heard him say a curt 'enter'. She willed herself not to tremble as she opened the door. She closed it behind her and walked towards his desk. His face was buried in the papers scattered all over his desk and he kept writing furiously, whether it was signing or doodling, she wasn't sure.
"What is it?" he asked not looking up.
Rukia didn't know how to start. Wasn't he the one who called her? Was Nel lying again? The last time she did that, they ended up….
Ichigo looked up to glare at whoever interrupted him when he received no response. He almost looked back down before he caught himself. Of course, how could he forget that he had called for her? the paperwork was overwhelming him to the point he was beginning to have short-term memory loss.
"You called for me?" she asked in a low voice, avoiding his gaze every other second.
"Yeah." Ichigo replied just as slowly.
There was a moment of silence, both of them hesitating. He waited for her to ask while she waited for him to tell.
"I have something to tell you."
"I have something to tell you."
They said at once.
"You first."
"You first."
Again. Rukia chuckled while Ichigo smirked. "You go ahead." She said softly, tapping her fingers on his nameplate and lowered her gaze to her shoes.
"I was wondering…." He drawled out, not knowing how to continue. He kept his gaze locked on her face. "…if you'd like to go eat with me?" it was more of a question than a statement but it was his best. His intelligent mind could barely come up with anything that made sense.
Rukia ran her fingers over the length of the glass nameplate, her eyes glued on it. A smile spread across her face but she bit her lower lip to stop it from growing further into a grin.
"Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Kurosaki?" it was almost a whisper.
"Yes, if that's what you want to call it." He searched her face.
"Okay." She looked at him and smiled prettily. Rukia felt like a schoolgirl all over again. She felt so giddy and excited. Well, it was her first date so she had every right to feel that way.
"I'll pick you up at seven?" he raised his brows, forcing himself to remain cool.
"Okay." She said again.
Silence fell over them once more. They shared a glance before quickly averting their gazes.
"Well then…" Rukia looked at him. "…I'm going to leave." She pointed to the door.
"I guess so." she nodded and turned around. "I'll see you later."
When the door closed, Ichigo released a breath he had been holding since the moment he saw her. He clenched his fist and banged it on the papers and files with a triumphant grin.
Rukia bit her nails as she stood leaning against the door, oblivious to Nel who stood up when she walked out. She glanced at the door once more and tried to hold back a squeal. Yes, she was definitely feeling like a schoolgirl. After all, she just realized that her affection wasn't one-sided. She was sure now that he liked her the way she liked him. Why else would he ask her out on a date in that super lame way sweating like a pig?
She would need a dress. A beautiful dress. He said he'd pick her up at seven. She'd need to find a proper one before that. She pulled out her mobile phone that was tucked under the waistband of her high-waisted tulle skirt and dialed her wardrobe manager. She waited anxiously as she listened to the phone ring. After what felt like hours, Rangiku picked up.
"Whoa, is this really Rukia Kuchiki calling me?" she asked in a disbelieving tone. Rukia decided to ignore it.
"Rangiku!" she almost screamed as she began to walk down the hallway, back to the practice rooms. Nel leaned forward, intent on listening to her conversation. "I need a dress."
"Why?"
"I'm going on a date." She said with barely contained excitement.
Behind her, Nel gasped and her eyes grew wide. A huge grin broke on her face and she cheered. Not a minute later, she heard another cheer coming from her boss's office. She couldn't help the grin from turning wider.
::
Rangiku sighed for the umpteenth time that day since the sunset. She crossed her arms across her chest as she stared at the pacing woman, refusing to pick a dress from the bundle she brought with her. She had picked the absolute best but she wasn't willing to try anything out. She even got pretty decent ones fit for a candle dinner date. She really must be pretty nervous for her to turn down her dresses.
"What if he won't like it?" Rukia asked for the umpteenth time, throwing her hands in the air.
"Rukia, honey," Rangiku called sweetly. "If you don't pick one right now I'll make sure you embarrass yourself tonight."
"I don't really care. It's not like I care about how I look. It's only a dinner."
Rangiku raised a finely shaped brow at that. She sighed once more and picked up a long sleeved, red body-con dress with a diamond shaped cutout on the back. She then picked a pair of black platform heels and a coat of the same color from her closet and placed it on Rukia's bed.
"This one has to do." she nodded her head in approval and turned to face the raven haired ballet dancer. "Stop being so fidgety and get ready!" she snapped.
Rukia sighed, wondering what in the world was wrong with her as she untied her robe and pulled a pair of black stockings on. She then grabbed the dress Rangiku was holding out for her and walked inside her bathroom. A minute later, she came out wearing the skin-tight dress and Rangiku beamed. She jabbed her thumbs in her way and jogged towards the dresser where a lot of makeup was scattered.
"Don't you think that's a bit too much makeup?" Rukia asked as she sat on the chair in front of it. "I'll be eating, you know."
"It's not silly. I won't be using all of this." Rangiku took a lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, some powder and set them aside. "The rest is just for show."
Rukia rolled her eyes.
She was all made up when her phone vibrated on the dresser. She picked it up and slid the screen unlock. A message from her date was displayed on the screen. She hid a smile behind her hand as she opened it.
Hey, might be late. So take your time to get ready.
"I don't even have to ask to know that it was a message from boss." Rangiku teased as she peeked over her shoulder. Rukia immediately turned the screen down, frowning.
She stood up and twirled once. "So?"
"Absolutely perfect. It was this Rangiku Matsumoto who made you up, what did you expect darling?" the buxom woman placed a hand on her chest, her expression overly exaggerated.
Rukia chuckled, shaking her head and put the heels on.
"Rangiku…" she started slowly as her makeup artist helped her put on the coat. "…why do you think he asked me out on a date?"
"Why do you think?" Rukia turned to face her. "He likes you. We've worked long enough since he became CEO to know how he's like. He never took an interest in girls. And from what I've heard about him from our mutual friends, he's picky. You must mean a lot to him if he asked you out."
Rukia stared off into space, thinking about what she said.
"So don't let anything else ruin it for you. Just enjoy tonight." she placed her arms on her shoulders with a gently smile.
Rukia smiled back as they headed out of the mansion.
::
Ichigo barely made it out of the office by the time it was six forty-five. He had no time to go home, shower and dress up, so he asked Nelliel to bring him another pair of suit and changed in the office before rushing down to the parking area. He sped up to the restaurant where he was supposed to meet Rukia. Though he was supposed to pick her up at her house, work had him staying up late at office and they decided to meet at the restaurant.
Ichigo turned a corner onto the pathway that led to the large restaurant sharply as his phone started to ring. He slowed down a bit to glance at the device on the passenger seat and frowned when it displayed Inoue's name. Hesitating just for a moment, he answered her call. The moment he heard her voice, Ichigo halted his car to a sudden stop.
"Inoue? Why're you crying?" Despite the feelings she harbored for him, he still considered her as a friend, as a sister.
There was silence on her end with an occasional sob. "My brother…my brother…"
"What happened to your brother?" he was genuinely concerned now.
"Can we meet, Kurosaki-kun? Tatsuki-chan isn't picking up."
He thought for a moment and glanced at the restaurant he was supposed to meet Rukia before answering. "I guess but what happened to your brother, Inoue?"
"I'm at Karakura General. He's…he's in the emergency room."
"I'm at the restaurant right next to the hospital. Why don't you come here?" He wanted to make sure she was okay before sending her off and joining Rukia.
He was on a date. There was no way he was taking Inoue in there with him.
He parked the car on a side of the large pathway and leaned against it. A couple minutes later, he saw her walking towards him, staggering slightly in the heels she wore. It was cold and snowing lightly but she was only wearing nothing but a dress.
"Kurosaki-kun…" her voice cracked upon seeing him.
"What happened?" he asked pulling off his jacket and wrapping it around, hoping that she won't mistake his kindness for something else.
He couldn't bring himself to throw away the years of friendship they shared because of a confession.
"My brother got into an accident a couple hours ago." Her eyes glazed over once more. "They finished surgery some time ago but he isn't waking up. The doctor said he wasn't sure he'll wake up soon." She explained in a shaky voice.
Ichigo thrust his hands into the warmth of his pockets and sighed.
"What do I do, Kurosaki-kun? He's the only family I have." She started sobbing. Ichigo was good at a lot of things but something he didn't know was how to handle crying women.
Her grey eyes flickered behind him for a second before throwing herself at him, arms wrapping around his waist.
"What do I do, Kurosaki-kun?" she sobbed harder. "I'm sorry for calling you but Tatsuki-chan wasn't picking up."
"It's okay." Ichigo replied, his hands itching to pull her away. "I'm your friend too." Instead, he patted her shoulder comfortingly.
::
Rukia decided to park further away from the restaurant doors. There was a long pathway that led to it and she wanted to take a walk in the snow. Ichigo told her that he'd be late and she wanted to take her time reaching there. She pulled the coat closer, and sighed.
It was peaceful. The sounds of the vehicles came from far away, breaking the silence around her. The road was dimly lit but she could see the familiar car and two people beside it. She stopped when she recognized one as Ichigo, with his infamous orange hair, his back to her. She tilted her head slightly to get a view of the person he was talking to. She didn't know what to make of it when she saw the female director of Kurosaki Opera.
She was even more confused when the auburn haired woman hugged her date. What were they doing? She was too far away to hear what they were saying. But it gave her some sort of relief when she noticed his hands in his pockets. It was however, shattered the next moment when he raised one hand and wrapped it around Inoue's shoulders.
She was confused. Very confused.
Didn't he come here on a date with her? To have dinner with her? What was Inoue doing here then? Was she wearing his coat?
Rukia frowned when she heard silent footsteps. She turned around and saw a man with a camera, walking very silently –more like attempting to –towards her. She quickly stepped aside, hiding behind a tree on the side of the pathway as she recognized the person as a reporter.
He had yet to notice her but she knew his goal wasn't her. He wasn't following her. He didn't even know she was there. Then who was he stalking?
Rukia cautiously glanced at Ichigo and Inoue, then back at the reporter whose camera was now pointed at the duo. She had a vague idea what the man was up to when he picked out his mobile. Not a moment later, a horde of reporters filled area.
She watched as they flashed their cameras at Ichigo and Orihime, her mouth slightly agape. He gently pushed her inside the passenger seat when they began to surround them and ran towards the driver's seat. He forced the reporters to make way for him as he turned around and headed towards the gates.
She felt a whoosh of wind as the car drove past her, the reporters hot on their tail.
Rukia forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat as she stared at the slowly disappearing crowd. She didn't know but happened but she was glad she wore black tonight. It helped her blend in with the darkness and nobody noticed her.
When the papers came out next morning, it consisted of the possible love interest between the heir to Kurosaki Enterprises and the Kurosaki Opera managing director, Orihime Inoue, with a picture of them hugging right under the letters written in bold.
A/N: I am very, very, very, very, very sorry! I didn't mean to leave this story for so long but you know, I got caught up in TMTETS. I am truly sorry.
I've changed the genre of this story from tragedy to drama. I changed the plot a little too and edited all the chapters published so far. There won't be any major changes. Now, I got a clear idea of where this story is going so updates might not be as late as it used to be but not too quick either. I can't promise anything. I already lied enough as it is :'D lol.
Anyway, thank you so much for waiting patiently. I didn't abandon this story. This is my first bleach work so I don't have the heart to do it (: I'll continue this story along with all my other works. Please bear with me okay? ^^
Thank you!
Ja!
