A/N:
Finally update! I'm sorry because I said I will update soon, but due to some personal reasons I couldn't update faster, but I still keep maintain to update once a week and mostly on the weekend ^^
Woops! Maybe you all bored to read this, but I never tired to say Thank you for:
- All the readers who visit my fiction! Thank you so much! And of course I will be more happy if you could give me a review too! xD
- You guys who made this story as their favorite and who follow this story, thank you very much! It's really an honour for me! *bow*
And for you guys, who are giving me a reviews and send me PMs about my story and asking me when I will update, thank you so much! Now I'm updating! I wish you can enjoy this story! xD
-DinieLuvYunho:She will be healing soon! There is a bit info about Masahiro at this chapter too! And... It's been three times now... T^T *Grab tissue*
-corvusraven: I update now! I don't want to say that too... although something has happened... I still keep in faith T^T
-AiiSakuraii: Aii~~ You have a ton requests, I lost count now lol xDD, Kalau chapter ini kurang panjang nggak tahu lagi sudah xD
-PAMILA DE CASTRO: Yes, I hope she will come soon. I wish miracle happen.
-Gritten-Tells: Yes! They're back home now and I hope you like their interaction in their home ^^
-Araiae4u: I wish you don't mind if it's bit late from what I said in PM and lets keep in faith about him... T^T
-Yuki-onna 0: I'm glad you like that chapter and I wish you like this chapter too x3
-Supergirl waiting for Reamonn: Yes, love in the air, that's what I need now ^^, sadly for now I could only update weekly but if I have more free time I will update soon ^^
-animefunlover23-bree: Once again, thank you bree! I still couldn't find the name, but I find it I will tell you soon xD
-mochiusagi: Here is the update! Hope you enjoy this chapter! Yes, I think he's cute? when he's not realize it xD
And, Here Chapter 10: (Un)Expected Presents
It's a bit long chapter, but I wish you still survive to read this chapter and of course I wish you can enjoy the story ^^
Please forgive my grammar or spelling mistake, I'm not the best but I will do my best
Disclaimer: I wish at shooting star every night if I could own Bleach and all the characters...
Chapter 10: (Un)Expected Presents
Rukia finally allowed to go home after staying overnight at 4th division, although she must still rest for a few days to recover completely. At first, Rukia had refused because she did not want to just lie in the bed along this weekend. Moreover, she still felt responsible for her failure, although no one says if she failed.
Fortunately, Ukitake taicho who visited her this morning was assured her and gave permission to rest. Moreover, Byakuya's words about he would train her on condition that she should recover first get her to agree to rest over this weekend to heal her wounds.
So, this is where Rukia now, lying lazily in her bed. It was late afternoon and do not be surprised if she looked so bored because since she came home from the 4th division this morning she was just lying and lying. Moreover, she was alone in the room because Byakuya still had not returned from the Soul Society.
Rukia blushed slightly when she remembers Byakuya and the last night event. She still overwhelmed with happiness because Byakuya likes to receive her gift. She turned her head toward the window where furin bell from her hanging freely. During the rest of the day, the sound of the bell furin was enough to make her feel comfortable in the middle of her boredom. And while she heard the sound, she secretly hoped that Byakuya would come home immediately, so they can hear the sounds together. Although very quickly as well she dismissed the thought away out of her mind.
Rukia sighed and then she touched a bandage on her head. She really wished her wound would heal faster and she could get back to work soon. Although she did not much like paperwork but it was still better than lying without doing anything. In addition, of course, so she could start training with her Nii-sama.
A smile appeared on her lips. It's been a long time since she did practice along with Byakuya. The last time they practiced together was when she will be appointed as fukutaicho. But after that they never practice together again and it makes Rukia felt a little disappointed because she wanted to show the development of her ability to Byakuya and wished to get advice from him. For Rukia, Byakuya is her role model as a shinigami. And deep inside, she hoped to be as strong as her Nii-sama.
And finally that opportunity comes again. This morning when they came home from the 4th division, her Nii-sama informed her if starting next week he would train her so she was asked to provide a few hours of her time. It was not only surprising but also made her spirits recover immediately. She really could not wait for next week, although inevitably she must obey Byakuya's requirement to take a rest over the weekend. But if it means she could come back trained by her Nii-sama, of course she will carry out his requirement.
"Rukia sama, I beg your permission to enter." Ayaka said from outside the room.
"Yes, Ayaka. Come in."
"What is it, Ayaka?" Rukia asked after Ayaka entered the room.
"There's a letter for you, Rukia sama." Ayaka said as she approached Rukia and handed an envelope to her.
Rukia took the envelope with wonder. After Ayaka went out of the room she opened the envelope and read the letter. It was from Nanao.
'
"
Dear Rukia,
How is your condition now? We heard you were injured while fighting hollows in the world of the living. We hope you could get well soon and come back to work as usual.
Along this letter, I would also like to remind you that the deadline for taking the photos of Kuchiki taicho will end next week. You do not forget your job, right? We really count on you, and we believe you will not disappoint us and the thousands of Kuchiki taicho's fans.
We will wait for good news from you and once again we hope you will get better soon.
Hugs and Kisses,
Nanao
Ps. The good news is next weekend your Chappy will decorate your room. Of course, if you're successful.
'
"
Rukia stared at the letter with a blank expression for a few moments.
Take her Nii-sama's photos. A task from SWA. Her another burden.
"Arrgh! How could I forget that!" Rukia yelled. She actually almost forgot about that task considering the number of problems and events that happened to her during this week. The second mission, Byakuya's coldness, their bracelets that still did not work and many more. Due to think that all, she almost forgot about her other duties. Take some pictures of her Nii-sama.
"What should I do? It's only remains one week to do this task." Rukia talk to herself when she read that letter once again.
The image of where SWA to be bankrupt, Byakuya's fan girls who would go bluster and her Chappy limited edition which was devastated crossed back to her mind. If she does not take action soon then her nightmare a week ago would come true.
Rukia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She knew that her condition now did not allow her to do much. The most she needed was a strategy. Without the right strategy she could never take pictures of her Nii-sama in the rest of the week.
And did not forget to check the condition of the camera! Yes, until this day she still has not found the right answer, how could she fail twice in a row to take her Nii-sama's photos? For this time she really had to make sure the condition of the camera is in the great condition.
Rukia grabbed a piece of paper and a brush from the desk right next to her bed. There was not much time anymore, while her Nii-sama had not returned yet, she would try to draw up some plans that can be executed after she recovered later.
Byakuya did shunpo heading to Kuchiki manor. Today he was late more than an hour because he had to attend the tahico's meeting. Actually he wanted to go home early and left the meeting halfway, but he knew he would only raise a lot of questions and he did not want to answer any questions now. So he kept following the meeting although deep inside, he could not wait to get home.
Today was very slow for him and he almost could not concentrate on his work. Not to mention that Renji continued to annoy him by asking Rukia's condition and if he could visit her at Kuchiki manor. For that he only answered if Rukia still could not be visit yet. Moreover, he did not want his fukutaicho to come to his manor today, considering Rukia was still need a lot of rest and he was reluctant to look at the interactions between them.
"Welcome home, master." Ayaka greeted.
"How's Rukia? Has she eaten?" Byakuya asked as he walked towards his room.
"Rukia sama condition has started to improve, but she refused to eat her dinner first because she wanted to wait for you to go home."
Byakuya stopped his step. It's been more than an hour of their evening meal schedule. Why didn't she eat first?
"Prepare the dinner and take it to my room." Byakuya command as he continued his journey.
Arriving at the front door he paused for a moment before sliding it. He walked into the room and headed straight toward the bed where Rukia was lying.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia called as she rubbed her eyes. She yawned a bit before she got to sit on the bed. Apparently she had fallen asleep while waiting for his arrival.
"How's your feeling now?"
"It's pretty good, Nii-sama. I rested all day according to Unohana taicho's order." Byakuya nodded curtly to her explanation.
"Excuse me, master. I brought the dinner." Ayaka said from the outside.
"Enter." Byakuya commanded. Ayaka opened the door and brought a tray which contained their dinner. After putting it on the table she bowed and walked out of the room.
Rukia gets rid of the blanket and getting out of bed, but Byakuya's hand prevented her. Rukia looked at Byakuya in confused.
"Stay here." Byakuya said as he walked over to the table. Rukia's eyes continue to follow Byakuya's step and she could not hide her shock when she saw Byakuya carrying that tray and walk to her.
"N-nii-sama... I-I could eat on the table, y-you did not need to..."
"It's not a big deal, Rukia." Byakuya cut as he put the tray in front of her.
Rukia looked very confused by Byakuya's actions. She could only stunned and staring at the food in front of her with silence.
"You will not be able recover immediately if only silent and stared at the food like that." Byakuya's words awaken Rukia from her reverie. Her face flushed slightly. She hastily took chopsticks and began to eat her food.
"Nii-sama, do you not eat?" Rukia asked after realizing that Byakuya just stood and stared at her. From the amount of food she knew that Ayaka provide dinner for them both.
Byakuya paused for a split second in his place. He just realized that he had said nothing and only stood there while staring at Rukia who was enjoying her meal. And now she looked back at him with her innocent eyes, waiting for him to sit and eat with her.
Byakuya cleared his throat a bit before he sat on the bed with Rukia, but still maintaining his polite demeanor. Rukia smiled when she saw Byakuya finally sat down and began eating his food.
They ate in silence, but both felt relaxed with this quiet atmosphere. From the window, furin bell began to ring with harmonies due to wind blowing, making the atmosphere felt more comfortable.
Rukia glanced at Byakuya to see his reaction about this harmonic sound. But he did not show any reactions. He remained calm and just focused at his meals.
Rukia lowered her gaze and bit her bottom lip. What do you want? This is only a simple sound. Do you want him to react like what? Stop expecting the impossible thing. Rukia chewed her food without spirit when all those thought came into her mind.
"The sound is beautiful." Byakuya said as he put his chopsticks and turned his gaze to the window. Rukia raised her head to look at Byakuya. Her eyes widened with surprise due to his statement.
"Does… Does Nii-sama like the sound?" Rukia asked carefully. Byakuya gave her a brief nod and then turned his gaze to her.
"You're right. The sound of furin bell could calm our minds. I like the sound."
Rukia felt warm when she heard his sentence. A smile appeared on her lips. She nodded her head before continuing to finish her dinner with a sense of excitement that began to creep inside her. Not long after they were finishing their dinner, there was a knocked from the door.
"Master, Kaito sama and Okuni sama came to see Rukia sama." Ayaka informed from outside the room.
"Come in."
The bedroom door opened slowly, and then Ayaka followed by Kaito and Okuni entered the room. Ayaka bowed before approaching the bed and took the tray. She smiled softly at Rukia, before returning bowed and left the room.
"Good evening, Byakuya sama, Rukia sama." Kaito greeted them. Byakuya nodded briefly to his greeting.
"How is your condition, Rukia sama? We heard you hurt pretty bad." Okuni asked with concern.
"I've been better now, thank you." Rukia replied politely.
"We're glad to hear that. You need a lot of rest in order to recover." Rukia just nodded at Kaito's words.
"Well, we have an important announcement for you two..."
"Can we not talk about the mission and the other issues at this time." Byakuya cut coldly. Kaito shook his head as he gave a slight smile at them.
"Unfortunately Byakuya sama, everything must go by the rules. We do feel uncomfortable with Rukia sama's conditions, but we can't delay the mission. But we give a little remission to both of you."
"As we know, tomorrow is the weekend where you should have a date on the outside, but based on Rukia sama's conditions that still recovering and needs a lot of rest, then you are allowed to remain in the mansion, but of course you need to spend time together during tomorrow." Kaito explained as he looked at Byakuya and Rukia.
"Umm… about holding hands… does it still remain to be passed?" Rukia asked curiously, considering that until this time, the number of their bracelets still did not increase.
"Of course. We're still waiting for the results after the weekend is over."
"We believe if the number in your bracelets will increase soon." Okuni said as she smiled at them.
Is it true if the number will be increase soon? How did she know? And why she looked so sure? Rukia thought while staring at Okuni in bewilderment.
"I think it's time for us to get back. Good evening Byakuya sama, Rukia sama." Kaito said as he bowed before left them alone. After they left, Rukia immediately turned to Byakuya and asked him about their missions.
"Nii-sama... what if until the last moment the numbers..."
"It will not happen. You do not need to think about this issue now. Just focus on your healing." Byakuya cut her words. Rukia fell silent for a few moments.
"Alright, Nii-sama." Rukia replied faintly. She sighed and felt upset again at her current condition. She hopes her wounds could be healed soon so she could focus and help her Nii-sama to find a way out of their problems.
"I'll call Ayaka to change your bandages, after that drink your medicine and go back to rest."
"Hai, Nii-sama."
After Byakuya out of the room, Rukia took an envelope and a paper from under her pillow. She stared at it for a few seconds and then her gaze turned to her bracelet.
"If I do not get well soon, I really could ruin everything." Rukia sighed gloomily. Since this afternoon she still had not found the right strategy to take her Nii-sama's pictures. Not to mention the problem of their bracelets. Rukia felt that her head ached by all these problems.
She sighed again before hide the letter and the paper under the pillow. Her Nii-sama's right, she should be cured first and after that she could focus to finish the problems. Rukia then lay down in the bed while waiting for Ayaka to change her bandage.
The atmosphere that day was pretty cool. Gentle breeze stroking the branches of Sakura trees in the garden resulting a melodious rustling sound, combined with the sound of furin bell, which hung outside the window making the atmosphere calmer and comfortable.
Rukia put the manga on her lap and closed her eyes for a few moments to enjoy the melodious sound of furin bell which blown in the wind. After satisfied, she started to continue the reading. There were several piles of manga and novels that brought by Ayaka from her old room so she would not get bored during her healing time.
There were not many things that she and Byakuya did during this weekend. They just spent their time silence in the room. She read manga on the bed while Byakuya busy with paperwork on his desk.
Rukia glanced through the manga at her Nii-sama who was busy examining the file on his desk. He looked very serious and since he brought the paperwork into the bedroom three hours ago, he showed no signs of going over, he even looked more lost in his concentration.
Rukia returned her attention to the manga. But her mind was no longer focused on the story. Currently, you could say she was a bit bored. She wanted to do other things, not just lying on the bed and saw her Nii-sama who like being in another world with his work.
Rukia let out a small sigh from behind her manga. Surely she was really happy because Byakuya no longer avoid her by locking himself in his office likes the previous days. She felt this was a good start to reduce the distance between them. And last night she had hoped that they would do the fun things this weekend likes last week where they went to Chappy Land. She knew if she's still recovering, but that did not mean they could not do other things like chatting or drawing or maybe plays some games.
Rukia glanced back at Byakuya. Still no sign of when his work will be completed. Oh my god! It was a weekend. Why does he still working at weekends? He did not even speak a word since touching his paper.
"Is there anything you want to ask, Rukia?" Byakuya asked as he reached for a new file to be checked. Rukia immediately hid her face behind the manga as she shook her head.
"No, Nii-sama. I'm just curious, are we going to spend all day in the room?" Rukia asked as she lowered the manga a bit so she could return to see his expression.
"Do you have a problem?" Byakuya asked again, his eyes were now focused on a new file.
"No, Nii-sama..." Rukia murmured. She sighed again. It was clear this would be the most boring weekend she ever feels.
Rukia turned her attention back to the manga, hoping this boring feeling may disappear soon. Not for a while, she heard a knock from the door.
"Who's there?" Byakuya asked without distracting his attention from his file.
"It's me, master. There is a present for Rukia sama."
Rukia looked up from the manga towards the door with a little surprise. A present for me? Who sent it?
"Enter." Byakuya replied.
Ayaka opened the door and entered the room while carrying a present. It was a chappy's doll wrapped in clear plastic and there was a small card tacked on it. Rukia's eyes immediately widened when she saw the gift. It's not really often she got Chappy as a gift, though she did not know who sent it. She received the present with a bright face and sparkling eyes.
"Who send that present?" Byakuya asked as he frowns.
"Someone from Takama family delivered it. He said this present from Masahiro Takama for Rukia sama."
Masahiro Takama? That man again. Why he did not give up already. Byakuya thought.
"Masahiro Takama? The man who has sent a propose to me?" Rukia asked in surprised. She never thought if he sent her this gift because she has never met him in person and only ever heard a bit of him. Besides that, How would he know if she likes Chappy?
Rukia took the card that's attached to the present and opened it. Apparently he sent a greeting and hope she will get better soon. Did Kaito and Okuni who told him if she was injured?
"Bring back the gift and return it to them." Byakuya command coldly.
"Huh? But why?" Rukia asked in wonder. She had already started to open up the plastic wrap, but immediately ceased her activities after hearing his command.
"There is no particular reason. Ayaka, take the parcel and send it back to Takama family." Byakuya ordered Ayaka again.
"No. I don't want this to be returned, Nii… I mean Byakuya sama..." Rukia bit her lip briefly as she was about to call Byakuya as Nii-sama in front of Ayaka. She hugged that Chappy when Ayaka walked toward her.
"It's a pity if we returned this present. It's Chappy!" Rukia said as she tightened her embrace. She did not understand why Byakuya wanted to return the gift. There was nothing wrong with this present. After all Masahiro was only sending a gift and wishes her to get well soon. Nothing strange with that. So why her Nii-sama seemed did not like it?
Byakuya stared at Chappy that was in Rukia's embrace with dreadful gaze, and then his eyes turned to other Chappy's doll which was lying on their bed right beside Rukia before his gaze looked back at Rukia who was waiting for his answer.
"My tolerance only until the third person, I do not want that fourth person to sleep with us too." Byakuya said without expression.
Rukia stunned for a few seconds after she heard his words. She looked at Chappy in her hand and then at Chappy on her side. Her eyes widened when Byakuya's remarks repeated in her mind.
'My tolerance only until the third person, I do not want that fourth person to sleep with us too.'
Rukia could not hide the blush that immediately crept on her cheeks after she realized his words. "T-That's... about the t-third person, the f-fourth... it's... b-but this..." Rukia looked trembled when trying to explain her point.
"No buts. Ayaka, take the doll and send it back directly." Byakuya command sharply. Ayaka took the present from Rukia's hands. She smiled slightly when she saw pink color that appeared on Rukia's cheeks. Then she walked out of the room, leaving Rukia and Byakuya alone.
The atmosphere in the room began to turn into an awkward silent. Rukia looked dazed on the bed. She still confused with just a brief scene. Meanwhile, Byakuya returned to continue his work, which had been stopped due to the unexpected present.
Although from the outside Byakuya seemed to fully concentrate on his work, but from the inside he felt very disturbed by the actions of Masahiro. What does he mean by sending Rukia a gift? How did he know if Rukia love Chappy? And from where he knew that Rukia was injured? Does Kaito have something to do with all of this and...
"Nii-sama." Rukia's voice brought him back from his own mind.
"Yes, Rukia. What is it?" Byakuya replied as he tried to focus his mind and get rid the person named Masahiro far away. He returned to write on his paper to make some notes.
"Masahiro Takama... What kind of person he is, Nii-sama?" Rukia asked innocently.
Byakuya barely crossed his paper when he heard Rukia's question. An uneasy feeling started bothering inside him.
"Why do you want to know?" Byakuya countered. He tried to make his voice toneless as possible even though he did not like to hear Rukia mention that person's name. He glanced at Rukia who looked a bit embarrassed.
"N-no particular reason. I-I just a little curious b-because... well, because he offered a marriage proposal and..." Rukia was not continued her sentence, because they were both now, if they fail in this mission then automatically she will be married to a man named Masahiro Takama. But of course, he would never let that happen.
"I don't know much about him. I just know he is Takama clan's successor. I only met him once when I had to attend a noble gathering a few months ago, but I never have a long conversation with him so I can't tell you much."
"And, I hope we don't discuss that person again" Byakuya said when he saw Rukia was about to ask him again. He really did not like to discuss about that person.
Why does he seem to not really like Masahiro? Rukia thought as she stared at Byakuya who was back immersed in his work.
Rukia let out a small breath before lying down on the bed. Her mind spun back to the mission they'd been doing and the consequences if they fail. Then she glanced at her bracelet that still has not changed the numbers. What will happen to them if until the last minute they did not find the answer? What will her Nii-sama do to resolve this problem? Does she really will marry to the man named Masahiro? All these questions ticking in her mind until she fell asleep involuntarily.
"Rukia sama, please come up. I'll help you change the bandage and prepare yourself for dinner."
Rukia opened her eyes slowly and yawned. Her eyes were still heavy, but she managed to sit on the bed. Her sleepy eyes observed the room to find Byakuya, but he was not there, the table has been already tidy, free of paper piles.
"Where is Byakuya sama?" Rukia asked as she turned her gaze at Ayaka.
"He is waiting for you to have the dinner together. I have been asked to help you to get ready." Ayaka answered while helping Rukia stood up and walked to the bathroom.
After she finished cleaning up and changing her bandages, Ayaka began to put on a kimono at Rukia. She wore a purple silk kimono and white obi with Sakura patterns embroidered on it.
"Why should I wear a kimono?" Rukia asked as she stared at her appearance in the mirror. She rarely wore a kimono and did not really like it because it made her difficult to move. She tried to remember if there was a special event today or maybe her Nii-sama invited important guests. But nothing came into her mind.
"Does Byakuya sama invited important guests at dinner?" Rukia asked confused. Ayaka just smiled at her question, she smoothed her kimono before leading Rukia out of the room.
"Why do we go to the garden?" Rukia increasingly looks confused because Ayaka led her to the garden where her Nii-sama used to do his night-time walk and not to the dining room. But Ayaka, once again, just give her smiled and kept bringing Rukia into the middle of the garden.
Rukia could not hide her surprise when she saw the scene in front of her. There, under the Sakura tree there was a picnic table complete with dishes for their dinner on it. Then she saw Byakuya's figure was standing next to the tree, looking at the sights.
"Good evening, master. Rukia sama already here."Ayaka greeted. Rukia kept her gaze at Byakuya until he turned around and looked at her for a moment before start to walk towards her.
"You may go." Byakuya said to Ayaka after he arrived in front of Rukia. Ayaka nodded and bowed before leaving them.
"Good evening, Nii-sama." Rukia said as she bowed.
"Good evening, Rukia."
"What is it, Nii-sama? Is there a celebration?" Rukia asked as she lifted her head to look at Byakuya.
"There is no special occasion. I just think that you'll get bored because spending time in bed whole day, moreover this is the weekend." Byakuya replied as he helped Rukia walked toward the table.
Rukia looked at Byakuya with surprise after hearing his answer. Is he aware that she was bored all day?
Byakuya helps Rukia to sit down before he sat beside her. Rukia stared at the dishes on the table in awe. Suddenly her stomach groaned without warning. Rukia gasped and touch her stomach immediately to make it silence.
"I-I'm sorry, Nii-sama... I-I..." Rukia looked so red with embarrassed. She never thought if her stomach could groan louder like that especially when Byakuya sat beside her.
"This is already the time for dinner, let's eat." Byakuya said quietly as he picked up his chopsticks. Rukia nodded as she made a lot of mental notes at herself.
The feelings of embarrassment which previously surrounding her vanished immediately when they start eating, replaced by a sense of comfort because it was the first time she ate together with Byakuya in the open place, and she liked this change. They did not talk too much at dinner, but she was quite enjoying this tranquil atmosphere.
Rukia glanced at the Sakura trees that shade them. It would have been nice if Sakura has been blooming. Maybe they could eat outside again like this. Maybe...
"What happen?" Byakuya asked when he saw Rukia stopped eating her food and focused her gaze on the Sakura trees. Rukia snapped out of her reverie, she looked back at Byakuya briefly before turned her gaze at her food.
"I just thought, maybe we could eat in this garden again, when Sakura has blossoms. If... if Nii-sama does not mind." Rukia said almost in a whisper.
"If you like, we can eat here again later." Byakuya replied. Rukia's eyes widened when she heard his answer. She really did not suppose that Byakuya would accept her suggestion.
"Thank you, Nii-sama." Rukia said happily. She resumed her eating with enthusiasm. A sense of relief started flowing in her especially when she felt again the distance between them began to decrease little by little. The proof was her Nii-sama want to listen her suggestion.
Byakuya finished first and then he turned his attention back to Rukia who was busy enjoying her meals. Seeing her appetite he could be a bit relieved because it means her health condition has improved.
"Gochisousama deshita." Rukia said after finishing her dinner. She put her chopsticks and shifted her gaze to Byakuya who was staring at her.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia asked by puzzled because Byakuya kept his eyes on her.
"There's… rice on your cheek." Byakuya said quietly.
"Huh?" Rukia stared at him blankly for a few seconds. Rice on my cheek? Rukia gasped and immediately held her left cheek which already starting to change color.
"W-Where? Is it g-gone?" Rukia asked stuttered as she continued to caress her left cheek. She felt more embarrassed now because once again she did a childish thing in front of Byakuya.
"No, it's on the other cheek." Byakuya replied as he reached out his hand to touch her right cheek and took the rice of her skin which had turned pink now.
Rukia's eyes widened when she saw Byakuya reached out his hand and touched her cheek. She could not help the blush that appeared on her cheeks as she felt his warm hand on her right cheek.
"Next time, eat slowly." Byakuya said as he lowered his hand.
Rukia could feel her cheeks heat up and the heat began to spread throughout her body. She could only nod slowly at his statement.
"H-hai." Rukia replied as she lowered her face and tried to hide the blush that began to spread across her face.
"It's nice to see you guys so get along like a couple who are in love." A voice suddenly appeared near them.
"What are you doing in this place, were-cat." Byakuya said coldly, his eyes staring straight at the bush at the end of the garden. Shortly, a shadow darted near Byakuya and Rukia.
"Well, well, Byakuya-bo. Is it your proper attitude to welcome guest who came to visit you?" Yoruichi asked with a smirk. She took a place in front of them.
"A guest will be greeted with a decent, if they came from the entrance." Byakuya replied as he stared at her sharply. Yoruichi just laughed when she heard Byakuya's words.
"Do not be so cold. I come to greet you and of course to give a special present for you." Yoruichi said as she winked.
Byakuya gave a death glare to her. He really did not like it when that were-cat came to his mansion without permission. And he did not believe 'a special present' which she had just mentioned. Remembered his experience since he was young, 'a special present' means the worst present and always have a bad impact for him. But Yoruichi did not seem bothered by his death glare. She instead turned her attention to Rukia and smiled at her.
"Rukia, how are you? You really made us worry at that time."
"I'm getting better, Yoruichi san. I'm sorry to make you all worry." Rukia replied with a smile.
"Ah, I can see it. Did Byakuya-bo take care of you well?" Yoruichi said with a grin. Rukia glanced at Byakuya, her face flushed slightly before she nodded.
"Nii-sama took care of me..."
"Auch, stop calling him like that, Rukia. I know that you're engaged, and will be married soon."
Rukia's eyes widened when she heard Yoruichi's words. She looked shocked because she never thought Yoruichi would find out about their situation.
"How did you know about this?" Byakuya asked. His deep voice sound colder than usual as he gave an icy glare toward her.
"How did I know is not important. Moreover, there is no news that could escape from my ears, especially news about your engagement and also the mission that you have to carry." Yoruichi said playfully. She seemed to really enjoy the anger that appeared on Byakuya's face. This made her want to make fun with him again.
"Actually, I kind of disagree with the missions given by the Elders. Why did they not just make you two get married already? Why they like to make it complicated with give you this kind of missions. You also think like that too, right? Rukia? It is better to marry Byakuya-bo directly without going through these missions." Yoruichi's smile getting wider as she saw Rukia flushed due to her words. Nothing is more fun than tease these both Kuchiki.
"I-I don't... I-I mean..." Rukia looked stuttered and could not finish her sentence. Her face heated up and blush began to spread in her face.
"What do you want?" Byakuya asked with a slight anger in his tone. He did not like when he saw satisfied expression on her face every time she teased him and Rukia.
"Of course to help you guys." She said with a big smile on her lips.
"Stop kidding, we do not need your help. Just get out of this place." Byakuya forced sharply. Yoruichi just shook her head.
"Are you sure Byakuya-bo? Because I got an interesting info about the condition of your bracelets from Okuni." She said as she glanced at their bracelets.
"So you knew all about this from Okuni?" Byakuya asked as he tried to maintain his emotion. He did not suggest if Okuni would tell about this problem to someone outside their clan members.
"Do not blame Okuni, just like me, she does not want you to fail in this mission so she contacts me to help you because she knows as one of the Kuchiki elders she can't help you directly."
Byakuya stared at her for a while. He felt a bit surprise because she came all of a sudden and offering help because until this moment he still could not find a way to make their bracelets back to work. It's just he still did not like the idea of asking help from that were-cat to solve this problem. But he also knew, if he refused her help, he and Rukia would fail this mission and the consequences would be much worse than he had to face the disruption from that were-cat.
Byakuya closed his eyes for a few moments to muffle his emotions and then he opened his eyes slowly and turned his gaze straightly at Yoruichi while keeping his stoic face.
"Explain it."
"I know you will not refuse my help." She took a few steps closer to Byakuya, then she leaned her body toward him until her lips only few mili from his ears before starting to whisper. Byakuya's eyes widened slightly when he heard her whisper. He could hardly believe what just he heard.
Yoruichi took a few steps back so she could observe Byakuya's expression. She grinned at him. Although his face was devoid of emotion but she knew her words had been made him shocked.
"What happened? How to make our bracelets back to work?" Rukia asked curiously. From earlier she kept silent, looking at the interaction between them. Yoruichi turned her gaze on Rukia and smiling.
"I've explained it to Byakuya-bo and he will explain everything to you later." Rukia stared at her in confused. Why did she not say directly to her?
"Well, I have to go now. Oh, Byakuya-bo, happy birthday and I wish you like my special present." Yoruichi said before did shunpo and left them alone in the garden.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia called when she saw Byakuya still silent on his place. It was the first time she saw him stunned like that.
Byakuya turned his gaze to Rukia, who was staring at him with worry. He watched her face intently for a few moments, while Yoruichi's words came back in his mind.
'Those bracelets only work if each of you have feelings for each other, even the slightest feeling and even both of you still didn't realize your own feeling. The only reasons why it's not working is denial. So stop denying your own feelings, Byakuya-bo.'
"What happen, Nii-sama? Is everything okay?" Rukia asked with worry. Byakuya eyes continued to stare down at her purple eyes for a few seconds.
"Everything is all right." Byakuya replied tonelessly.
"What did Yoruichi san said? How to make the bracelet back to work?"
"It's not an important thing, she just told us to hold hands as usual."
"Huh? Is it really just that? We've tried before and still failed." Rukia said with hesitation.
Byakuya did not answer her question. He just reached his hand to her.
"Are we going to try it now?" Rukia asked with bit surprised. Byakuya only gave a single nod to her.
Rukia slowly extended her hand to hold his hand. When their fingers were intertwined there was a sound appeared from their bracelets and number 32 is displayed on the screen. Rukia gasped in shock.
"Nii-sama, looks! Our bracelets back to normal!" Rukia yelled in surprise mixed with relief. She still could not believe that their bracelets will back to normal. And it meant they completed additional missions successfully.
Meanwhile, Byakuya immediately closed his eyes, trying to banish any form of those uneasy feelings that suddenly appeared in him.
"Nii-sama? What's wrong? Are you alright?"
Byakuya opened his eyes and turned his gaze to Rukia. Her violet eyes looked at him with afraid.
"I'm alright. Let's go back." Byakuya replied calmly. He led Rukia who still looked confused at his act back into the mansion.
She must be lying. It couldn't be happen between us, because… it's wrong.
A/N:
Wow, I wish you could enjoy this chapter..
And Joruri! Finally I can keep my promise! I hope you read this chapter too. The setting a bit different but who knows in the future when they visit the world of the living they can get 'help' again xD
Thank You very much and I wish you like this chapter ^^
Attention!
This Author make the biggest mistake in her life. She read Bleach chapter 513 and after that she lost half of her soul and spirit. So if you want her soul and spirit back please give her your review, opinion or constructive criticism about her story. And... before she think she get enough support... she will 'shut down' herself for a while.
Sincerely yours, from one of you all xD
-Noctis Vee Caelum-