*= definition located at the bottom of story
When you awaited the arrival of an older brother, or an elder in the Kuchiki home, it was only right to obey old fashioned rules. Kimono, bowing, tea, etc. was all part of the process. Rukia's pale hands glided over the mat on which she rested. Wondering if it had been there when she was young and growing up in the same living room.
Light blue cups, on creamy coasters. She didn't dare touch the drink offering, feeling skinny in the outfit she wore. A simple silk yukata she had still had from a formal meeting about 3 years ago. Though she felt uncomfortable in the clothing now, she remembered it had been her daily wear when at home in the mansion.
Her chose of pattern, was a simple black silk, swirls in the shape of waves and a dark green flower embroiled around the center. She smelled a sent of musk, and colon ans was signaled to stand up, and bow for the person who was coming was Byakuya.
"Rukia."
"Nii-sama."
He took a seat about 3 feet away, talking the fine china full of Gyokuro* to his lips. He studied her frame, for he did not ask her to sit. The blackness of his eyes traveled fast around the petite body, taking in all of the traits, finally he made a movement, signaling her to back onto the pillow. She also took a quick glance at him, who was in a rich, brown kimono with vibrant yellow cranes circling the gray clouds.
"How long sister, how long have I not seen you?"
"Two years, Nii- sama."
He gave a crisp nod. And leaned over to place down his drink.
"If you are concerned, I had not called you here to speak about what I had seen yesterday. I was actually to come see you to speak about Higo."
"Higo? I do not no of such a name."
"Of course, for that was his nickname. Tell me, do you have no memory of a boy that you used to play with when I was off on business?"
She straightened her back in shock, the boy in her flashback. Was this the Higo her brother was speaking of? She strained her mind, looking for some evidence. But all she knew was that her brother, who had actually been the husband of her older sister, was always out of the house. For the Kuchiki family was the head of the largest computer, and electronics manufacturers in all of Europe and Asia. He was out, weather in different countries or meetings, for weeks to months. So little Rukia was in the care of the maids, and usually got away with any thing.
Hisana, her only blood-sister, was the one who had brought her to this rich home. Byakuya had grown found of her at one of the chairmen gatherings in Gion, Japan. She was a simple woman, but something hit the man with her. After only a short summer he had asked to marry her, and she had conformed. On one condition. Rukia would be their child. And they, her gardenias. He had agreed instantly.
It was all luck. That was what Hisana would whisper to the girl as they stood watching her husband speak to a room full of dull men and woman. The most beautiful, clearly Ms. Kuchiki.
Rukia's hair was done in pigtails, and when she got awfully bored there would be on other child she grew up with, Higo was what she called him.
"Has anything happened to this Higo boy?"
Her voice was concerned, even though for a stranger.
"He's doing quite well. He runs half of Microsoft, while the other part is ours. Do you wish to acquire his name?"
"Y..Yes."
This was were, for once the cold stare of his flickered into a sort of unruly smile.
"Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Higo? Higo?"
"Rukia?"
The black haired female ran quickly into the arms of the male. Tears streaming down chubby cheeks. She felt him close the embrace and began to bawl harder into his collar. His hand running through her locks, whispering words of calmness.
"What's wrong?"
"Nii-sama."
"Yes?"
With the name out of his mouth, the girl only began to cry harder. Murmuring things the other couldn't comprehend. He took a handkerchief out of his sleeve, wiping her wetted features.
"Now tell me, Rukia what happened?"
Sniffling she rested her chin on his obi.
"he's angry with you...."
He pulled her back into his hands, picking her up, though only 13, and carried her home.
"Ichigo..Kurosaki..."
"The same man you had locked lips with, who you allowed to touch you. YOU DISGRACED OUR FAMILY NAME!"
The butler who was in the hallway yelped at the scream. Though no one noticed confused, she let herself up and looked at her sibling. Asking him what this person had done so wrong to their family. Why did Byakuya despise him so?
"I know you want to now. Why I hate him. What he has done. When he had done it. Who had he done it to. But the point is, it was his fathers fault, not his. Though it seems selfless of the Kuchiki's to blame Ichigo, who can we if he is the eldest Kurosaki, since his father retired?"
"But, what had his dad done?"
Their was a long pause after this. As if her stable, solid brother was slowly decomposing into water, from the ice he usually stood as.
"He killed Hisana."
"Killed?"
She stumbled a bit over the shock that overtook her.
"Isshin Kurosaki could not save my wife. And do you know why?"
Rukia shook her head, images of her small store, of Renji, of Orihime, of Yuki, of Ichigo, of Hisana rushed through like blurry prints.
"Because he came late from the birth of his first son, Ichigo Kurosaki."
Ichigo sat perched against the opening of the apartment complex. He was supposed to meet Rukia from her visit to her home, and help around the store for a couple hours. He heard the screech of tires, and smugly gazed from his position. The woman made way out of the Honda and blood shot eyes meet his own.
"Rukia?"
There was no answer, but he saw the sadness on her perfect face.
"Rukia?"
Renji came out also the greet his friend, but she walked past both men and straight up the stairs.
To be Continued in Chapter 9❤
Thank You and Review :)
*Gyokuro~ the highest level of Green tea in all of Japan
