A/N: Well, a lot might be revealed in this story -- at least the family background of Rukia and Ichigo. I hope this chapter can answer some unanswered questions about their life. And oh, especially for 0nakimaz0, this is the official answer for your review on chapter 3 (or 4?). Hope you all like this chapter. Oh, and as I promised in the last chapter I'll submit longer chapters since this one. Enjoy…
PS: I changed Rukia's family. She was not adopted. Byakuya is her real brother, while Hisana is her sister in law. I'm so sorry if I offended some of you, because I changed this basic fact.
Important note: The improvement in grammar and structure are the courtessy of ksko81. Yes... you read right. I found my self a beta-reader (or more likely she found me). Lol... Thank you ksko81
Appreciation Corner: (Argggghhhh... I won't do the reply the reviews on the last minute again... it's troublesome -- sigh -- started from this chapter I'll reply your review as soon as I get them. promise! ^^)
Like usual, thanks for reviewing my story to:
Theoracle-san (my first reviewer on this chapter);
gnarley- (last chapter also my favorite chapter too, glad you feel the same ^^);
headyzest (sweet review as always ^^);
khfan forlife (thanks for the drawing things and of course the small cute rabbit in the end of your review. I love it);
solstice442 (yeii... you reviewed. lol... of course you did... ^^);
forever-will-love2112 (i'm loving it too... lol);
0namakiza0 (stop thinking you're butting into my business. lol...);
ashezo (here is your answer. ^^);
soudesu (I will ^^);
darklover (lol, yeah... what do you expect from a guy like Ichigo. He'll take a simple way. lol);
LeyCoo (I updated. Can't wait to read your review -- and everyone's-- ^^);
ksko81 (look at what you've done to this chapter. ^^ you made it better);
zxGenesisxz (triple reviews? wow...); and...
Luminous Snow (let's see how romantic Kurosaki can be in the next chapter... lol)
Next thank you goes for those who added this story to their alert:
ksko81; NamikazeFan; LeyCoo; Paradox K; zxGenesisxz; and Luminous Snow
Disclaimer: Do I need to repeat the things I've said from chapter 1 to chapter 6? ^^
Chapter 7
Their date on Wednesday was cancelled. There were important things needed to be taken care of by Kurosaki, so that he didn't have choice but to cancel their date.
Rukia didn't complain. In fact, she felt relieve. She was reluctant to spend her time with that guy more than she needed to. She even thought of some reasons to cancel it before Kurosaki called and did the favour. But, missing the chance to meet on Wednesday meant that they didn't have time to prepare for tonight's occasion.
The trip to the party became an express course about their life's background.
"My mother name's was Masaki," said Kurosaki.
"Was?" Rukia asked.
"She was died when I was nine."
Rukia let a small 'oh' before saying "I'm sorry to hear that."
Kurosaki nodded in response.
Rukia felt like she was cramming for a test in the last minutes when she tried to digest the information about Kurosaki along the way to the party.
"So, her name was Masaki," said Kurosaki again. "My father's name is Isshin. He lives in Sapporo along with my twin sisters. Karin and Yuzu. They moved there because Karin and Yuzu got accepted in a local college there."
"Right, Isshin is your father. You have twin sisters, Karin and Yuzu. All living in Sapporo." again, Rukia repeated the information.
Kurosaki nodded again. "Karin and Yuzu are fraternal twins. Karin's hair is black, Yuzu's is brown. They both are in their junior year in college."
Rukia muttered to herself about the information. Kurosaki glanced at her and continued, "My father opens a clinic at our house. He's a doctor. But he is also a weirdo. You won't meet him, so I guess it won't be a problem."
Rukia ignored his last statement. She figured Kurosaki loved his family so much. She wondered why he didn't want to settle down yet, if he had such wonderful family wasn't he supposed to have a family of his own?
"I grew up in Karakura," Kurosaki continued. "Graduated from Karakura High School, and then went to Karakura College. After I got my license, I joined Seireitei Firm. I didn't have any serious relationship with women before. Oh, and I currently live in Zangetsu Condos."
"Can I ask you one thing? Why Seireitei Firm? I mean… with your reputation…" Rukia paused.
"As ice man. It's alright, you can say that."
"It's just, it doesn't seem to match your personality... Why would you choose a law firm that is family oriented. A place that would require you to be married first before you'd get a chance of being a partner?"
Kurosaki was silent. It was the second time Rukia asked that question, but she still didn't get the answer. The silence was enough for an indication that this time, she won't get the answer either. Rukia sensed that this man was angry or thinking, but she realized that wherever Kurosaki worked was none of her business. However, this thought didn't make her stop thinking about the man's choice.
"Sorry," Rukia finally said after the silence became more unbearable. "I didn't mean to be annoying like that. You don't have to answer it. It doesn't have anything to do with us. Let's just finish all of this family background thing."
Rukia started talking about herself. "My father's name was Kanata and my mother's was Saya."
"Was?"
"They both died on a car accident when I was 15." she said.
Kurosaki was a little bit taken aback.
"My brother was my legal guardian until I turned 18, but he still acts as my guardian until now. Few years ago he married a woman named Hisana. She is just like my older sister, if you happen to meet her, you will know why. Oh, speaking of which, I just realize I don't know your first name."
They were driving through Senbonzakura Drive, and according to Rukia, one of the most beautiful places in Karakura. The cherry trees were standing in both sides of the road, and the elegant and expensive houses were facing the bay. It was easier to admire the scenery rather than worried about what they were going to do at the party.
"My full name?" asked Kurosaki. "I won't permit you to call me by my first name anyway. So, it's not important."
Rukia raised her eyebrow. "I don't say that I want to call you with your first time anyway. But I still need to know." She insisted, just because that thing made Kurosaki seemed uncomfortable, rather than how important it was to have the information. And oh, how she enjoyed that.
"It couldn't be that bad," Rukia added. "If you don't tell me now, I'll just keep bugging you until you tell me that. So, you better say it now and save yourself from a useless argument. I can keep asking, and asking, and asking, and…"
Kurosaki stopped her. "My name is Ichigo. Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Wow," said Rukia tried to hide her laugh. "Ichigo Kurosaki."
"You won't make fun of my name, will you?" Kurosaki asked, well more like commanded from the tone of his voice.
"Ichigo Kurosaki? No, of course I wouldn't laugh at your name." Rukia reassured but a small chuckle managed to escape her lips..
Yep, this would always be the scenario when he would tell his name.
Kurosaki glared at her and watched her intently. And instead of scared, Rukia's laugh went louder…
"Ichigo… that is so… feminine." She laughed again.
"Ichigo,"
Kurosaki growled.
"Kurosaki," Rukia corrected, trying to suppress her laughter, but can't stop herself from smiling. "I prefer calling you strawberry," Kurosaki sent dagger glare at her, "Oops… I meant I prefer calling you Ichigo rather than Kurosaki."
"Listen, the meaning of my name is not Strawberry. It's nowhere near feminine. My name means 'the one who protect'. And now, drop the subject about my name and tell me other things about yourself. We're almost there."
"Like I told you, my brother never stops acting as my guardian. I lived with them until I graduated from college. Now, both Hisana Nee-sama and Byakuya Nii-sama are in Europe for some business."
"Business?" Kurosaki repeated. He was sure he heard of that name somewhere... His eyes lit in realization.
"Wait. Do you mean to tell me that you are one of 'THE' Kuchiki. The one who owns Kuchiki Corporation?"
"Well… sort of." she brushed his question nonchalantly. "After I graduated from college I worked in Black Cat Design, owned by an acquaintance of my brother, Yoruichi-san. My parents left me a deposit which can be used after I turned 25, and I saved my salary when I was still working. I know I always wanted to be the boss of my own business. So when I got the chance, I took it. I moved here so that I could be with my sister and brother again, but their business keeps on growing rapidly and it always makes them busy and because of that, they always travel abroad. Starting Shirayuki Design made me spend all the money I had, and for that reason I'm having my financial."
"Can't your brother help you? I mean… he's the owner of Kuchiki Corporation for God's sake."
"He can, and he will if he knows my problem. But I don't want to ask for his help. Shirayuki Design is mine. And I want to develop it with my own effort."
Thanks God, her brother and his wife were travelling to Europe until few months ahead. By that time, Rukia will already have a place of her own, and they wouldn't need to know that she lived in her office.
Rukia didn't even want to think about their reaction if they knew her current living status. Hisana Nee-sama's face would turn pale and she'd turn into panic mode, and though Byakuya Nii-sama's face would be as expressionless as usual, but deep down, he would be concerned as hell as to why his sister was living in an office... and God knows what he could to the Jaegerjaquez jerk if he ever found out about her problem. They'd force her to accept their help, and they won't understand why Rukia wanted to go through all this alone. Well, Hisana Nee-sama will at least understand, but she'd still worry too much. And that's reason was more than enough to nudge Byakuya Nii-sama to do anything in his power to change Rukia's mind.
Not to mention if they'd find out about the fake engagement...
Rukia was saved from the image of her sister and brother's rage when Kurosaki stopped at the parking lot and parked his car in an empty space.
Before he get off from the car, Kurosaki said, "We've arrived, but there's one more question left, how did we start dating?"
Rukia got off from the car and said, "You saw me in the park, and that's the truth. We made eye contact. Okay, let's exaggerate a bit and say that you asked me to dinner, and the next thing you knew, you realized that you couldn't live without me, then you proposed me. That part is also true, unless the dinner was happened right before you proposed me."
"I won't make a comment about can't live without you part. It's good enough." Kurosaki remarked, as he guided her through the pathway toward a large front door.
"Favourite colour?' Rukia whispered when Kurosaki knocked at the door.
"Black."
"Black? That's not even a colour. It can't be your favourite colour." Who loves Black? Rukia looked at the man beside her. He wore a black tux, complimenting his bright orange hair. He looked handsome and intimidating at the same time.
Yes, it's sensible if he picked black as his favourite colour. It indeed matched his appearance and his mood.
"What's yours?" asked Kurosaki.
"White." It also matched her cocktail gown. She wondered if Kurosaki noticed that she bought a new gown to impress his friends, a gown that she couldn't really afford in her current situation.
Maybe not. 'Maybe he thought that a Kuchiki would be able afford to buy this dress.' she sighed mentally.
"White?" Kurosaki snorted. "And you said that black is not a colour?"
The front door was opened and a silver-white hair man went out and greeted them. "Kurosaki. So, it's true after all. You've finally found a woman who can stand you." He stretched out his hand. "Juushiro. Juushiro Ukitake, Miss… Kurosaki didn't tell me your name, but you look familiar."
"I'm Rukia Kuchiki, Ukitake-san. I owned a small shop near your firm. Shirayuki Design? We passed each other several times."
"Well, I'm glad I finally have a chance to know you tonight. Come on in, I'll introduce you to the other guests."
Rukia didn't know what she to expect, but she sure didn't expect that Juushiro Ukitake himself would be the one to escort them to look around his house, and back to the back patio where a lot of people gathered. Juushior stood right outside the entrance gate, his arm encircled Rukia's shoulder.
"Attention please, everyone?" Juushiro almost shouted so his voice can be heard through the buzzing sound.
All the conversation was almost stopped not long after that, and all the guests turned around and looked at their host expectantly.
"I want to announce something important. Some of you may know Rukia Kuchiki who owns Shirayuki Design. But there is something about her that you might not know yet. So, tonight I will introduce her, not as our firm neighbour, but as future wife of Ichigo Kurosaki."
'And the games has officially started', thought Rukia, waiting for the guests' reaction.
The guests didn't know how to react. All went silent, so silent that even a falling clothes pin would sound like a bullet.
Rukia glanced at Kurosaki who stood beside her with an unreadable expression, then she looked at the people who stared back at them. Rukia gulped…
Out of sudden, like a broken dam, all the guests started gave a big applause and Rukia found herself in the middle of people who wanted to congratulate her.
"How did you do that?" looked like the main question that night.
The first time she heard that question, Rukia asked in return, "Did what?" but just that once.
She soon realized the subtle meaning of the question, which was, "How did you melt the ice man?"
She felt embarrassed when she told them their story, she wasn't lying though, she just… picked the words carefully so she didn't slip the real truth from her tongue.
The women were admired her ring and the history behind it.
"So, will he take you to Ireland for your honeymoon?" asked Neliel Tu Schifer, the daughter of Juushiro. Her sisters, Orihime and Kiyone nodded repeatedly as if Rukia had already said yes.
"Um... we haven't made any plans for our honeymoon," answered Rukia. There'll be no honeymoon. Moreover, there wouldn't be a wedding either. She didn't tell that to those women. But she will keep reminding herself that the truth was: this whole thing was a big fat lie.
"What about the wedding? What have you planned? Tell us. In details," added Kiyone, emphasizing the last two words.
The daughters of Ukitake had hilarious hair colors. Rukia didn't sure it was their natural or they died their hair (If they were natural, Rukia wondered from whom they inherited them). Neliel (or Nel, she insisted Rukia called her that) had green colour hair, Orihime Ishida had unusual brown (almost dark orange) hair, while Kiyone Sentaro's was bright yellow, nothing like blonde. But... just yellow. Their age differences were about two to three years from the other. All daughters were married and lived happily with their own family. They were very enthusiastic welcoming Rukia to their family.
"Actually, we haven't made a detailed wedding plan. This engagement was just happened recently and we're trying to adapt to our new relationship before adding more stress with wedding plan and honeymoon."
Orihime raised her perfect eyebrow, "You haven't made any plans?"
"Even wedding date?" asked Nel. "I mean, I always wanted to have a wedding in July. And that's what I got – a wedding at the beach during sunset. Come on, Rukia... Every little girl has their own dream about their wedding."
"In autumn," said Rukia, she really wanted to give them something, hoping that it can fulfil their curiosity. "When the leaves are in their most fascinating colours."
"Autumn? We're already nearing the end of September and next week will be October already. It takes months to plan a wedding. How can you make the whole plan just in few weeks?"
Damn. She should have said Spring. Or even Summer. Yes, summer next year would've been better. "Well, maybe we can wait until next year."
Yes, that would be the best solution. Just fix the wedding date a year from now. No one would ask the details at this moment.
How wrong Rukia was. Orihime sighed and said, "Oh, no. You can't make Kurosaki-kun wait that long. Just by seeing you two, anyone can tell you love each other very much."
Rukia, right at this moment, decided that she should forget her whole interior designer carrer and turned into acting, because only an Academy Award winner actress could keep a straight-emotionless expression after hearing that statement.
"I'm sure Kurosaki will be understand and be willing to wait until I plan my ideal wedding. In the open garden, and my bridesmaids will wear autumn colour gowns. The trees will compliment any decorations designed by the..."
"Well, we won't let that happen," Kiyone cut Rukia's words. The woman looked around the room and finally focused her attention to the room opposite their spot and waved her hand. "Dad? Can you come in here?"
Juushiro Ukitake walked toward the small group. "I see you've met with my daughters," he gave her a genuine smile while saying that.
A feeling of guilt stabbed deep into Rukia's heart. Juushiro was a nice man. So were his daughters.
Everyone she met tonight was very sincere and kind. Warm and welcoming her. And she lied to them. Even though the short engagement was real, it didn't lessen the guilty feeling she felt.
"Dad," said Kiyone. "Rukia always dreamed to have a wedding in autumn and she plans to wait until next year to make it happen. Everyone with a good sight can see how waiting too long can kill her and Kurosaki. But it is rather difficult expecting her planned the wedding in few weeks alone, but..."
Nel smirked and continued, "Yes, but if Rukia couldn't do that alone..."
Orihime started to talk, "And she gets any possible helps and also a place to hold the wedding, a place with amazing trees and beautiful scenery."
"Like in here." Said Kiyone.
"Here? That's a great idea." Said Juushiro
"You all are too kind, but Kurosaki and I don't want to be a burden for you."
"Non sense," cut Juushiro. "Let me call... oh, there she is. Retsu."
His wife, a beautiful black hair lady with a genuine smile plastered on her face all the time walked toward them. She hugged her husband's waist. "Yes, dear?"
"The girls found out that Rukia always wanted to have a wedding in autumn. But as you know getting a reservation on such short notice would be impossible. She plans to wait until next year, but the girls suggested to hold the wedding here."
"We will take care of everything, Mom," Nel promised.
Retsu Ukitake's smile was getting brighter when she said, "Oh, no way. It's been a long time since I planned a wedding – three years actually, since Kiyone's wedding with Kotsubaki."
The older lady suddenly looked worried and looked at Rukia. "Of course we don't mean to disrespect your mother. Maybe I can call her..."
"My parents have already passed away. My brother now acts as my guardian."
"Oh, then maybe we can call..."
"It will be incovenient. My brother and her wife are in Europe for some business. They won't be back to in Karakura until mid-November."
"Oh, it's perfect. I mean, I'm so sorry about your parents, but..." Retsu paused, and then she continued. "Apart from that, it would be nice if your brother and his wife will be returned exactly few days before the wedding. Oh... this is going to be fun."
Another woman joined their group. "What is going to be fun?" asked her when she saw Rukia was in that group. "Rukia, I'm sure you've met a lot of people tonight and couldn't remember them all. My name is Nanao. I am a lawyer from the firm."
"I've seen you a lot," said Rukia.
Tatsuki then came closer. "Hey, looks like I have to join this group. What's up?"
"Rukia is going to get married," said Kiyone.
How did the conversation run this wild? Rukia felt like she was being thrown into the sea without any buoy. "I'm really grateful for your intention to help my wedding, but..."
"No buts," said Retsu. "We will gladly help you. So, what's your plan?"
"She wants to have a garden party, Mom," said Nel.
"When the leaves in their most beautiful colours," added Orihime ever so bubbly.
"Of course, we will need some tents in case it's raining," Retsu suggested.
And the plan kept on going. What will be the theme? How many the bridesmaids will be needed? How big is Rukia's family? What about Kurosaki's family?
Rukia tried hard to protest, but suddenly she was in the middle of the Ukitake family and the colleagues, planning about the bridesmaid's dress and invitation.
Rukia's eyes looked around the room, hoping Kurosaki will come and save her.
A/N: Ooooppppsss... what happened? Or better yet what will be happening in the next chapter? Will they reveal the truth behind their engagement? Or will they keep on their plan and break the engagement? How will others react?
And btw, I put a poll in my profile, please vote ^^
