Chapter 10
When she woke, it was bright outside. The sunlight was flooding into her room through the balcony door and she realised she had forgotten to close the curtains last night.
She was about to stretch, when she remembered she wasn't alone in her bed. All her drowsiness disappeared instantly as the events of the night before came rushing back into her mind. She turned on her stomach and found him sleeping on his side, facing her.
He looked peaceful as he slept. His long messy hair covered part of his face and his pale skin looked almost luminous.
Once again she was in awe of how much she was in love with him. It practically paralysed her. She resisted the urge to touch.
He moved a little and frowned in his sleep and she realised the sun was on his face. She got up with as little movement as possible, and pulled the curtains shut,then found him turning to his other side after that, still sleeping. A smile played across her lips. She could hardly keep her eyes away from him.
Slowly she sat down on the carpet with her arms on the bed next to him and rested her head on them, her eyes on him. She can look at him all day.
Buzz!
She jumped up straight from her little dozing off and turned to find her phone.
"Mom!" She answered. She heard her mother's voice carrying a whole lot of worry, blabbering out questions.
"I'm fine Mom." She whispered, being careful to not to wake him. "Stop worrying so much…Everything's okay. I haven't even gotten a scratch. Byakuya needed a little stitch on his head…He's fine…Umm… yeah… he's still here..."
Her eyes automatically darted towards his sleeping face and she almost choked in surprise. He was staring at her. She blushed instantly and looked down at her lap.
"Umm... ok. I'll make sure he eats well. Okay Mom. Tell dad not to worry and gramps too. Fine. I'll wait to hear from him. I'll see you tomorrow when you return. Love you. Bye."
She sighed as she put the phone down and jumped again. He had reached out to brush few strands of her hair from the side of her face and tucked them behind her ear.
She stuttered shyly. "Mom...called... sorry I woke you..." she didn't know how to act now that it was all sunny and bright, and there was nowhere she could hide in the absence of darkness.
"I was awake."
"You were?" She was surprised.
"I woke up when you left the bed to close the curtain."
"Oh. Why didn't you say something?"
He smirked, "I wanted to see what you do when you thought I wasn't looking,"
She blushed furiously, looking away. He saw her staring at him while he was sleeping, like a creepy stalker.
"Be careful Ran, at this rate your face you turn red permanently."
"Argh… whatever..." she stood up heatedly to hide her blushing, when he grabbed her wrist.
"It's still early. Let's sleep in for a bit since we won't have to go to school today." He removed the sheet that was covering him, scooted back a little and gestured towards the small space next to him.
Her heart trembled, but she complied without resistance.
It was a perfect fit. His arms around her waist, her leg around his, his face on her shoulder, her face on his neck.
She closed her eyes and hummed in satisfaction. "Byakuya..." she whispered.
"Yes Rangiku?"
"Thank you."
"What for?"
"This moment."
She felt him smile. "For you, anything."
She couldn't believe how happy she was. It was like a dream. She feared she would wake up and everything will disappear. She sighed.
"Why are you sighing?" His voice was clear and deep next to her ear. His unshaven face was brushing against hers.
"No reason. I'm just really happy. It doesn't feel real."
"Of course it's real. Let me show you." he moved and found her lips.
It was a soft, sweet kiss on her lips, and it made her fall in love with him even more. He was back to brushing his cheek against her, breathing out on her shoulder.
"So I guess it isn't a dream..." She asked again.
"If it was, things would be happening differently now."
"How?"
"Oh you know..." he moved again a little and kissed along her neck, his tightened around her.
"By... Byakuya...what are you doing?" she stuttered bashfully, trying to hide her blush.
Suddenly, everything had changed between them, like someone had flicked a switch. She felt the butterflies in her stomach had tripled in number.
"I'm just teasing you a little. Last night, you thought I only wanted this from you."
"I was just caught in the moment. I thought I was losing you forever."
"I'm never going to leave you Rangiku. Unless you want me to."
"I'd never want something like that."
"Why didn't you stop me last time?"
"I thought you wanted to leave."
"If only you knew."
"Tell me. Tell me what I didn't know."
He squirmed again and tightened his grip. "I never wanted to change school. I just didn't know how to be a boyfriend to Hisana with you around. I had to get away from you. Your matchmaking with me and Hisana was the ultimate rejection for me."
He sighed loudly.
"It was more like a test for me." Rangiku admitted meekly. "To know how I really felt about you. When the unattainable you became even more desirable, I realised what I wanted. But it was too late."
"You're right about one thing. This is like a dream. I had never imagined you'd love me back."
"I've loved you since then day you had held me with your knuckles bloody from punching Gin and told me that I was special. And that I was stupid to let that loser have my heart. And you were right, I was stupid. I should never have wasted my time on him. I should've realised that what I wanted was with me all along." She brushed her face on his neck affectionately.
His fingers found her hair and ran them through the length slowly, "We're all a little foolish at times. I used to think I was a fool to let you in, to let you become close to me and… make me weak for you. But I know now I won't trade it away for anything. The moment you came into my life, everything turned upside down. You've changed my world."
"You should've told me about your feelings. All these mess is your fault."
"You never would've accepted me would you? I was nothing more than a bookish nerd who suddenly became good at sports. I was never in your radar."
"That's not true. You're Byakuya Kuchiki, smart, intelligent, cool, caring and most of all my best friend. If you told me, I would've thought about it. You already knew that I have never cared about anyone as much I care about you. I always did."
"You just didn't love me."
"I think I did, I just didn't know. When I did realise you are the one I wanted to be with, I was scared out of my wits. I thought if I ever tell you how I feel, I'd lose you as a friend. I couldn't bare that. I missed you when you left. I've missed you so much Byakuya. All of last year, I went to bed every night wondering how much I wanted you to hold me."
"Well, I'm here now, holding you."
"Yes. Yes you are." she slipped her arms around him tighter.
After a moment of silence he continued, "Hisana knew."
"Huh?" She was surprised.
"She knew that I loved you."
"She did and I didn't? How?" she was surprised.
"I'm not sure. I guess our hour long chats were dead giveaways."
"Hmm. I'm sorry Byakuya. I didn't want to cause trouble between you and Hisana."
He smiled a little, "why are you apologising? Do you want me to go back to her?"
"No. I mean unless if that's what you want…"
"Ran" he exasperated irritably. "I want you. I had always wanted you. I've wanted you from the moment you slipped that tiny lizard down my shirt because I won't let you have my copy of a bleach volume."
She giggled.
"When you made Hisana come to me and confess her feelings, then you told me that I should date her that was the moment I realised I have to give up on you. I thought I could move on with Hisana. Didn't work."
She quieted down. "I'm sorry. I wanted you to be happy. And if you were single and available, I wouldn't have trusted myself around you. Also, I thought Hisana was perfect. I'm nothing like that."
"Was she?"
"Yes? Good grades, rich parents, pretty, and you liked hanging around her."
"Is that all? You're beautiful and I like hanging around you. And if you only tried a little harder you'd get better grades than me. I think you're kinda perfect too."
She felt her chest swelling in happiness after hearing those words from him. Still, she continued playing innocent, "you know what I mean. You had that whole compatible personality thing going on."
"Does that even matter? You don't calculate who you fall in love with."
"I guess you're right." she nuzzled her face on his neck.
"Why didn't you ever date anyone last year?"
"I did."
He pulled back and looked into her eyes, "you did? Who?"
"Few seniors. None lasted very long though."
"Oh." He looked strange but he remained stoic.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I mean I didn't expect you to stay single for too long."
"Are you jealous Byakuya?" her eyes narrowed teasingly.
"Maybe." He pulled her in and kissed her again on the throat. She giggled shyly. "As long as I'm the last person you're with, I'll be glad with that."
"Umm... Byakuya. "
"Hnn?"
"I haven't actually been with anyone yet." She stated awkwardly, blushing.
"Ha?" He looked at her again, eyes wide. "What about Ichimaru? You've dated him for over 6 months."
"Yeah. I know. I suppose I never trusted him entirely. I guess that's why he hooked up with his classmate."
He stared at her in silence for a while, "I'm sorry, if it sounded like I was pressuring you. I won't..."
"It's ok. It's you. I trust you." She smiled.
"Are you telling me it's okay for me to pressure you?"
"Jeez..." she snapped bashfully.
"I'm just kidding…"
She giggled a little then went back to snuggling up to him.
A moment later she whispered, "Kiss me."
"Hm?" He was wide-eyed for a moment before smiling. "Gladly."
He captured her lips instantly. He was gentle, soft and careful, as if she was made of cotton.
"Umm...Byakuya..." softly, she ran her palm on his face and looked deep within his eyes. "Are you hungry?"
"A little."
"Okay. I'll get up and see if there's anything to eat."
"Stay here for a little longer." he muzzled on her neck.
She kissed him this time.
...
"Umm... scrambled eggs and half burnt toast. Nothing is better than this." He sat down on the table. "You will make an okayish wife after all."
"Hey. My husband will be fending things for himself. I'm not cooking for anyone."
"You cook for me" he grinned. "Deep down inside you're just dying to be a devout wife aren't ya?"
"As if! And you're not my husband."
"Be careful not to tempt me than." He took a mouthful and she blushed again.
"So what are we going to do all day?" He asked. "No school no homework, it's Saturday tomorrow."
"Hmm how about we play video games all day. Or how about a Game of Thrones marathon?" she replied.
"How about a day in the pool?" He replied. "You can come to my place, and stay there until your parents return tomorrow."
"Ah" she fidgeted uncomfortably. "Your aunt won't like it."
"Who cares if she doesn't?"
She rolled her eyes. "Can't we just stay here? There are too many people at your house."
He looked at her thoughtfully then nodded. "Fine. You and me, it is."
She grinned.
It was still early when they finished their tea.
"What are you doing?" She swung her legs from the backyard porch.
"Reading a book" Byakuya had already found a book to shove his nose into.
She sighed loudly.
"I can hear you sighing, don't worry." He retorted without removing his eyes from the pages.
"I wasn't worried." She stuck her tongue out.
"I know how fidgety you get when you think no one is paying attention to you." he looked up from the book.
"You don't know everything about me."
"I kind of do actually."
"Yeah..." she gave up and looked up at the sky.
Few moment passed quietly until she restlessly stood up, walked to where he was sitting and craned down over his shoulder to look into the book."Where did you find this?"
"Your dad's bookshelf."
"Oh. Any good?"
"Yeah."
Another brief pause and she lazily stretched and yawned loudly. "Oh it's so boring. There is absolutely nothing to do. If only I had some company..."
He sighed, dropped the book on the table and turned his chair towards her. With a slight yank on her top he pulled her in, she fell on his lap.
"Stop being cute Rangiku. You never know what I might do. Now that everything has been said and done, there is nothing stopping me."
"You won't do anything to me, I know." She gained her balance as she sat on his lap and wrapped her hands around his neck.
"Is that right?" He leaned forward and touched her forehead with his.
"Hmm". She blushed and smiled. He brushed the messy hair from her face.
"So..." she smiled at him. "What's your plan?"
"Plan for what?"
"I don't know, us I guess?"
"Us?"
She nodded.
"What plan do you want?"
She sighed. "You said you love me."
"I did."
"And I said it back too."
"You did."
"What does that make us?"
"Two people in love?"
She sighed again loudly. "What does that make you to me, and me to you?"
"It makes you the girl I love and me the boy you love."
"Byakuya!" She snapped, "Be serious for a second."
"Rangiku! I am serious."
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Do I?"
"Of course..."
Buzz
Both turned towards the phone on the table.
"Hello?" Rangiku answered the call.
"Rangiku! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Gin?" Byakuya face stiffened when he heard her saying that.
"Yea. Who else?" He sounded irritated.
"Why are you calling from a blocked number?"
"Cause I know you won't answer."
"Well maybe you shouldn't call me then."
"God. All that later. But what the hell are you doing with that Kuchiki boy? He was the one you were telling Starrk about last night, right? Are you seriously dating him?"
"How do you... "
"It's in the bloody papers. About the attack last night. And why... why him? You turn me down and hook up with that nerd? "
"Gin..."
"Listen. You're wasting your time with an uncool, weirdo like that. Don't you understand he had been pretending to be your friend all these time? He's a creep, just wants to get in your pants..."
"Like you?"
"I loved you. I still ..."
"Oh shut up." she had finally found her voice. "I didn't say a word. Not a single word to you when I found out you screwed someone behind my back. It tore me apart, still I kept quiet. Then you thought it would be ...fun... to parade that girl in front of me in public, and still didn't say anything. And now that finally I've moved on, you thought you'd talk crap and guilt me into taking you back? You're stupider than I thought. Also, if you ever dare to utter a single word against Byakuya, believe me I will make sure you never screw anyone again."
"Rangiku. I'm sorry. I said I'm sorry. I had never stopped loving you. She was just someone I was using for sex. I really love you. Did that loser touch you...?"
"He did. And I let him. I've done it with him millions of times and I will million times more. And so you know, I loved every second of it... "
Byakuya snatched the phone away from her.
"Oi Ichimaru. If you ever try to contact my girlfriend again, be sure that this time, it won't only be your nose that'll break. Ja."
He hung up.
She panted angrily as he pulled her into a hug while still sitting on his lap. Softly he patted her head.
"Girlfriend ha?" She asked finally.
He smiled. "Yes"
"I like it."
"Me too."
She reached up to gently kiss him on the cheek.
"Oh and what was that you were saying..." his hand rested on the back of her neck, "millions of times?"
She blushed. "I didn't mean to lie..."
"It doesn't have to be a lie. Millions of times seems doable."
She blushed once more but quickly she recovered, and pinched his cheek hard. "Always with these thoughts."
"17 year old high schooler with a hot blonde girlfriend. What else do you expect?"
"Hot ha?"
"Of course."
She giggled.
His hand on her neck pulled her in and his lips were almost touching hers when the doorbell rang loudly.
...
"Nii san" Rukia exclaimed as Byakuya opened the main door. He refused to let Rangiku answer it. "Are you okay?" She grabbed her brother's arm.
Rangiku popped her head out from behind him.
"I'm okay Rukia. Why aren't you at school?" Byakuya replied irritably.
"I was. I left early." She looked at Rangiku, "Rangiku san. It's been a long time."
"It has hasn't it" she shyly scratched her neck.
"And you're already monopolizing my brother away from his school and family." Rukia retorted. She suspected it wasn't as innocent as it looked.
"Rukia" Byakuya warned her. "Don't talk like that."
"Classic Nii san. Always picking Rangiku sans side."
"That's not true." Rangiku feign politeness. "He picks your side too."
"As if." She rolled her eyes then looked at Rangiku, "anyway, are you okay? I've heard the man attacked you..." Rukia's large dark eyes were full of concern.
"I'm okay. Byakuya has a little cut..."
"Oh my god, Nii san" Rukia almost screamed as if he was lying on his deathbed, "I didn't see the bandage on your forehead. You're injured. When are you going to stop getting hurt protecting her? Every time you're with her you end up with bloody knuckles and bandaged forehead…"
"It's nothing Rukia…" His snappy reply was interrupted.
"What is all these fuss over a bug bite?"
All of them turn to the front door that was still open. A white haired boy walked in with the attitude of a grown man.
"Toshiro kun?" Rangiku jumped in glee. "You came to see me? What a thoughtful fake boyfriend!" She instantly grabbed and pulled him into a hug.
With his head stuck in between her bosoms, he blushed scarlet instantly, while Byakuya frowned deeper.
"Fake boyfriend?" Rukia forgot Byakuya's injury instantly. "So the rumour is true. Or should I say not true?"
"Yes," Rangiku smiled brightly. "This here is my fake boyfriend. Isn't that right Toshiro kun?"
"Getoffme" he managed to rescue himself from her grasps and stood at a safe distance away, eyeing her suspiciously.
"Hitsugaya! What are you doing here?" Byakuya frowned and tried to glare at Rangiku who was busy trying to reach out and pull on Toshiro's hair.
Toshiro shielded himself behind Rukia while swatting her away and answered, "I didn't hear back from you yesterday and Rukia mentioned last night's accident."
Byakuya locked the door with a grim face and ushered them into the living room. Rangiku made sure to seat close to Toshiro. Every time he blushed, it made her light up like a thousand watt bulb.
"So Toshiro kun. Did you get any presents for your girlfriend?"
"You're not my girlfriend."
"Of course I am. Do you want me to prove it to you again? Don't tell me you've forgotten the passionate kiss we've shared." She winked and Toshiro redden so fast it would've surely broken a record somewhere.
Byakuya was on his feet instantly and he dragged Rangiku out of the living room. Rukia was meanwhile interviewing her young classmate about what the hell Rangiku was on about.
"What's up?" Rangiku asked once they were in the kitchen.
"Nothing. Help me make some tea."
She frowned for a bit then her face lit up." Byakuya! Are you jealous?"
"Why would I be…"
"Oh my god. You are, aren't you?" She giggled.
"No."
She slipped her arm around his and looked up through her eyelashes with an adorable pout. "Are you telling me you're okay with your girlfriend flirting around with another?"
"I don't really care about Hitsugaya." he was as grim as ever. Rangiku released his arm after a moment.
"Well I guess I was wrong." she walked towards the kitchen cabinet, looking for some snack. "You don't really care if I kiss other boys."
Byakuya silently gathered the things for making tea as Rangiku pulled out some snacks.
"Ran" he suddenly called her.
"Um?"
"Don't kiss anyone else but me"
She giggled. "Okay."
"There is something else I want to ask you,"
"What?"
"Would you like to go on a date with me? Like maybe be dinner tonight?" He focused his attention on making tea, avoiding her eyes. She gasped in surprise.
"Yes" she squeaked and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I would love to."
A slight smile ran across his lips and he returned her hug.
She rested her head on his chin and sighed happily. "Where are you going to take me?"
"You'll see when I take you. Umm I'll need a change of clothes, can't go on a date in your dads PJs."
"No. I guess you can't."
"I better go back home with Rukia. But I don't want to leave you alone here."
"I'll be fine Byakuya. I'll get Mia Yamada to come over. She loves playing with my makeups."
"If you let another stranger in the house, I doubt she'll be able to do anything."
"I won't."
"How can I trust you? You kiss Hitsugaya in a whim, let a complete stranger into your house..."
"Oh? I thought you said you didn't care about Toshiro."
"I don't" he replied irritably, "just promise to be safe when I'm away."
"I promise I'll stay safe."
"You better." He leaned for a kiss.
"Nii san!" Rukia walked in and froze on the spot. Rangiku was just about to jump away from him but he held her tight.
"What is it Rukia?"
"What the hell is going on here?" Rukia seemed angry with her hands on her hips.
"It nothing Rukia... we were just..." Rangiku tried to come up with an explanation but Byakuya completely ignored her actions and strongly held her against him.
"Rukia. Rangiku and I are..."
"You are with her? Her? Why? After what she did?"
"What did I..."
"You're the reason Hisana Nee san was hurt. You just couldn't keep your hands off my brother could you?"
"Rukia!" Byakuya bellowed. "Don't talk to her like this."
"I'm telling the truth. She was the reason Hisana Nee san left you."
"Hisana left because she knew I wanted to be with Rangiku, not her. How is that Rangiku's problem?"
"But you loved Hisana nee san. She was so pretty and smart, and not a loud annoying old giant like this one."
"Hey!" this time Rangiku complained.
"I didn't love Hisana. And why am I even discussing this with you? Your tea is ready. Come."
He carried the tea to the living room while Rukia eyed Rangiku suspiciously. "What are doing with him Rangiku san? You were never interested in him and now that he had saved you from a situation again, you're in love with him? Is it because you need a boyfriend and he was the first one available?"
Rangiku bit her lip in confusion and replied softly, "Rukia. First of all, he didn't save me, I saved myself. Secondly, if I needed just a boyfriend, there would be plenty willing boys for me to pick. And finally, I've loved your brother for a very long time. And I agree with you about the fact that I'm not good enough for him like Hisana was." She met Rukia's eyes, "but now that I know he feels the same about me, I will never ever let him go, no matter how much you, and your family despise me."
Rukia watched her for a moment before turning away and leaving the kitchen angrily. Rangiku let out a breath.
"Such drama!" Rangiku found Toshiro looking at her from the door. "So I was right. You were stalking Kuchiki?"
"No I wasn't." She crouched down to his eye level and smiled, "I am just desperately in love with him." She messed up his hair a little and walked out of the kitchen.
Rukia sat grumpily with her arms crossed in the living room and the tea laid forgotten on the table.
"Have some tea Rukia."
She grunted and ignored Rangiku, who rolled her eyes and wondered where Byakuya went.
"So, I left the dirty clothes in the basket" few minutes later Byakuya appeared, wearing his uniform that he came wearing originally.
"You're leaving already?" She pouted.
"Yea. It's almost lunch time. By the way..." he looked serious, "don't order pizza or anything okay? There is some chicken in the fridge I saw, just make a sandwich..."
"Byakuya! I told you, I'm not a little child."
"You do sometimes act like one."
"At least I don't act like a hero."
"I don't act like a hero... and what else do you want me to do when you let in a stranger in to your house."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know he was a weirdo" she yelled.
He sighed and ran his finger through his hair and walked to her. She instantly hugged him back when he pulled her into his arms. "I'll come and pick you up around 7."
"Okay" she breathed out.
Both Rukia and Toshiro were watching the whole thing with a look of shock in their eyes. It was as if they weren't even there. Rukia almost gasped out loudly when Byakuya kissed Rangiku. Toshiro mumbled an awkward farewell and pulled Rukia out the main door.
The kiss lasted for few minutes. "They're gone." Rangiku spoke after catching her breath.
"Hmm."
"What a great way to shut them up, ha?" She giggled a little.
"And you too."
"Me? If you don't want me to talk...umm..." he had kissed her again.
"I love you." She muttered before releasing him.
"And I you."
His smile was wide and brilliant. She waved him goodbye as he pulled out of the driveway.
"You really want to date her, Nii san?" Rukia asked from the passenger seat next to him.
"Yes." Byakuya replied, eyes glued on the road ahead.
Rukia frowned a little and sighed. "You look really happy. If she makes you this happy, than I'm happy for you."
"Thank you Rukia. She's a good girl."
Rukia turned to look at Toshiro at the backseat and retorted, "But, is she a good kisser too? What is your opinion Toshiro kun?"
At Rukia's words, Toshiro's eyes met Byakuya's on the rear view mirror and he quickly followed with, "Don't worry about that Kuchiki. I will never try anything with her. I don't like old loud women."
"But in reality, you're just dying for another kiss aren't you Toshiro kun?" Rukia grinned. "Isn't that why you've been asking about her yesterday and tagged along with me today?"
He barked at Rukia with a red face. "No I'm not dying for..."
Rukia broke into a giggle.
...
Epilogue
"Rangiku. You're on in 5 minutes" she breathed in and pressed the non-existent creases flat on her long flowing dress carefully. She was not going to pine after the fact that Byakuya wasn't here and give this play her best shot. Slowly, she took her first step into the stage.
Byakuya was panting when he arrived. The play was almost over. He made it in time for the last scene.
There she was, in a long flowing dress looking like a real life princess. She took her bow with the rest of the cast and crews, and disappeared behind the curtain. He shoved and pushed through the crowds and finally found the stairs to the backstage.
She wanted to check out the rest of the school festival stalls and presentations, so left the hall without the slightest knowledge that he was looking for her.
"Rangiku." A classmate stopped her, "I've heard a boy was looking for you."
"A boy?"
"Yea. No one could tell who he is. He might not be from our school"
"Hmm" she looked around. Who could it be? A part of her was hopeful.
"By the way, you look very pretty in that dress. The play was awesome. "
"Thanks. I've gotta go." She turned and left.
She ran back to the hall and found the change room where she had left her she dialled his number after retrieving her phone, darting past small stalls, looking around her for him.
"Byakuya."
"Rangiku."
"You've answered your phone. When did you get back in Japan?"
"This afternoon. Where are you?"
"Byakuya, Are you by any chance..."
"Where are you Rangiku? I'm at your school, looking for you. "
She gasped, she knew it. "I'm at the stall next to the popcorn vendor. Where are you?"
"I'm close to the swimming pool."
They ran at each other's direction.
"Rangiku, where are you?" He was panting on the phone again.
"At the pool."
"Why did you go all the way there? I was coming to you. Argh. Stay there... hello?"
"Hello Byakuya. I can't hear you… did you charge your phone? Bya..."
Rangiku ran around the whole school in various direction for 30 mins and she couldn't find him anywhere.
Beep. Her phone sounded of an incoming text message.
My battery is dying. I'm at the open stage. Come here. The fashion show is about to start.
The crowd was so thick she could hardly see her own limbs, late alone recognize anyone.
An idea popped inside her head.
"Please let me on Iba san." She pleaded. "Only for a sec. Please?"
He looked from under his sunglasses and grunted.
"I'll give you a kiss." She bargained.
The guy startled and flushed then hesitated. She took it as her queue to run past him on the open stage and grab the microphone.
"Hey wait" Iba's protests went totally unheard.
"Excuse me everyone. Sorry to interrupt." The crowd quieted and all the eyes were on her.
"I'm really sorry to interrupt and it won't take too long. We'll start the fashion show right on time. But I'm looking for someone. His name is..."
"Rangiku!" She turned and saw him standing at the end if the stage, panting, looking at her incredulously.
"Byakuya!" before she could move he was there with his arms around her. She shoved her face on his chest.
"I found you" he hid his face on her perfectly fashioned hair.
"I missed you Byakuya. It's been over 3 weeks."
"I'm sorry. I left before everyone and still couldn't make in time for your play. I only saw the last scene."
She smiled, "oh I hope you aren't not going to punch Izuru for playing Romeo against me."
"Oh I wanted to. I thought you promised to kiss only me."
"I did, didn't I?"
Kiss kiss kiss kiss.
All of a sudden they noticed the commotion happening in the crowd below the stage. The crowd was chanting for them. Both were perplexed.
Kiss kiss kiss kiss.
She looked up at Byakuya and smiled, "what do you think?"
"Do you really want me to think?" He leaned forward and kissed her.
The crowd cheered as they shyly left the stage, holding hands.
Blending into the crowd was easy. Byakuya pulled her into a corner, dumped his bag next to his feet and poured all his affection into the next kiss.
"That was crazy." They finally parted.
"Yes." She comfortably rested her head on his neck. "I can already hear Nanao shouting at me in my head..."
And to echo that thought, a shrill voice shattered their perfect cosy moment. "Rangiku! What the hell!"
Rangiku scratched her neck nervously and turned to face her. "Hi Nanao…"
"You never told me. Why?"
"Well you know, because I wanted to get free things for you. Did you see the long list free stuff I get from the clubs? Best seats during any games, free lunches most days. Now that they know my flirting with them was just an act, it would all stop."
"Did you just say flirting?" Byakuya didn't sound very happy.
She smiled guiltily. Nanao was angry again, "I never asked for all that. And You…" she stomped towards Byakuya whose eyes went large in surprise. "What the hell were you thinking? Kissing her like that in public? Do you know how much people talk?"
"Nanao. It was only a kiss." Rangiku cut in.
"You. Shut up." She turned towards Byakuya. "Listen here, Rangiku had been through enough. And if you ever try to do any sort of funny business with her, you'll answer to me. Make sure you remember."
He took a moment to himself then nodded. "It was nice to see you too Nanao and yes, I know what she had been through, I was there the whole time. And don't worry about it. If I ever do any funny business with Rangiku it would be for her pleasure only."
Nanao instantly blushed, so did Rangiku. "Byakuya, what are you saying?" She pulled on his arm and found herself wrapped in them again.
"Now if you would excuse us, I haven't seen my girlfriend for almost a month and we would like some privacy." He announced grimly.
Nanao stared at them red faced and looked at Rangiku. "You'll tell me if he ever does anything creepy, right?"
"Nanao it's okay. It's Byakuya. I've never been in safer hands."
"Are you sure about that…" Byakuya grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in. Rangiku squeaked like a kitten shyly, then giggled. He leaned forward, touching her lips with his gently.
Nanao was staring wide-eyed, blushed red like tomato, and stuttered out, "okay guys… I'll see you…later…"
She quickly turned and ran the moment Rangiku's fingers tangled themselves on to Byakuya's hair and she realised neither of them would give a single crap if the whole world was watching them right now.
…
The end.