A/N: Hello! I haven't updated for ages but I'll get on with my other stories after my exams! I just need to post this one since it's my entry to IR contest at BA 3 I hope you'll enjoy reading it... I'm not going to ask for reviews, it's up to you. It was fun writing this; well, good luck to me~
Gratify
Preamble:
A woman named Lira is a regular customer at the butler café. She had always been looking for a butler named Chigo, gazing at Chigo. She likes all the butlers but he attracts her in a very odd, but affectionate way. He seems kind even if he has this "bad guy" look that makes him cooler than ever. She can't help but be appealed at him. That is why; she plans to confess her feelings for him after his shift which is by sunset or before, depending on the circumstances.
Why does she know?
She's been… well… following him. In a safe distance anyway.
"Uh, Uhm…Ch-Chigo-kun…I…I made this for you!" she exclaimed, bowing down to hide her embarrassment.
He was simply standing before her form; one of our regular customers… what's going on? Is she okay? What's the gift for? There's no special even happening today. This must be…
The orange-haired butler took hold of the gift in his hands smiling, "Thank you. I'm glad you appreciate my services to you as a butler by giving me a gift!"
The woman almost tumbled downwards but held herself up and gawked at him, "Eh?"
"Really, thanks. It's hard working but what you did with this makes everything lighter somehow. I'll be going then, later!" he said, running towards the road leaving her behind.
She simply beamed with tears that strolled down her blushing cheeks, "He mistook it for another; the rumors were kinda right: You are dense…"
I wonder, if there would be someone who'll finally catch those tawny eyes of yours.
Ichigo slowed down from running and simply walked on his way home. Harsh wind continuously strikes his face but didn't care as he again looked at the gift that was given to him. He should give this to Karin and Yuzu as a treat.
Thinking too much of his sisters' happy smiles if he would give it to them, he was instantly pushed down hard.
Thankfully, he hadn't loose them.
"Hey! What was that for!" he yelled in complaint, frustration and hurt on how he landed pretty hard on the ground. His eyes widened in shock when a raven-haired woman was facing him, eyes closed. She simply stood up, dusted off her dress and turned around, "Seriously, you were so much in thought that you didn't hear our warning."
"What are you talking about?"
As she pointed out the reason, he looked and saw a huge branch that should be attached to the old tree but now, it's lying limply on the road.
He was about to reply but no words were coming out of his mouth. He could've been injured or probably died but she saved him. Before he knew, the small woman ran towards her acquaintance, which is an old lady and started walking ahead of him. The old woman shouted back holding her cane a bit high, "Thank goodness, that was close! Good thing this woman is fast enough to get you away. Stop daydreaming kid!"
Ichigo basically scratch his head and continued to trudge back home. Whoever she was, he was grateful.
Maybe, he can thank her someday of ever they'll cross paths again.
...and he should remember to be careful from trees, especially the old ones, in a ridiculously windy day…
Ensue:
Kurosaki Ichigo has always been saving people.
Well, not really helping people when they are in need but simply making them happy. And it's not actually people in general for most of them are girls. He's not sure on what makes their butler café popular ever since it opened a few weeks ago. However, their manager, Kuchiki Byakuya simply said that it occurred when he started working. That of course was surprising though after hearing it from him in a more or less I-hate-it-but-I-have-to-tell-the-truth-to-you-anyway manner, he continued to work harder.
After all, this is for his family…
…and for himself too.
"Nii-sama, how can I not help at the café? I can cook!" Kuchiki Rukia complained calmly at his big brother Byakuya, after declining her services at one of their family businesses, their butler café.
"Rukia, you must understand. You don't need to work; the staff can handle it. I don't want to overwork yourself."
Rukia pouted and then sighed heavily.
She really wanted to help him. He has done a lot of things for her so she can't just stand by idly and do nothing. She was never one of those who were born with a silver spoon. She grew up in the outskirts of Rukongai with Abarai Renji only to be adopted by him, years later when he found her as a final request from his wife –who was her sister– Hisana. Going back from time traveling, she envied Renji that he was able to work as a butler. Remembering his appearance before, he was practically good-looking; the hairstyle must've been a nice touch. She had worked part-time with an old lady named Kaze. She was nice to her but because of her health that she had to close her business and take arrest at her family's home. She laughed at herself thinking that her name suits the weather that time. Now, she can't avail jobs as much as she wanted to. Sighing again, she took a card from her side pocket and called the numbers printed on it. It can't be helped then; she really can't act highly.
Wearing her maid uniform on, Rukia took a good look at herself. She was not used to this kind of outfit but hearing her co-maids squealing "Kyaa! Kawaii!" it was inevitable to not blush; she surmised that she looks okay. She made sure that her hair is tied in a neat bun so no one would notice her signature hairstyle that would mark her as Kuchiki Rukia.
For now, she would be called RukiRuki: Your average maid in service.
Inoue Orihime, aka Ori-Mei, one of the first maids in the business, talked to her in private, "Kuchiki-san, I didn't expect that you'll take the offer; I thought that you're going to persuade your brother to hire you in the butler café."
She whispered back, "It's okay Inoue; there weren't any jobs available lately. There may be some, but it's not within my abilities anymore. Do keep it as a secret between us, okay?"
Her bubbly friend nodded gladly and talked to her more about the new work she'll be doing.
Rukia was tired but seeing their customer's satisfied and jovial faces made her heart warm in delight, ridding her exhaustion away. At first, she was nervous as she delivers various pastries to the respective tables through a metal cart, carrying a tray at her right with grace (though she felt a bit shaky), but with all of the staff's support, she managed to gather attention from the café's usual customers. The manager said that she was welcomed and accepted very well; it was a great start indeed.
Volunteering herself to take care of the trash, she took the garbage bag and placed it in the bin near the backdoor, outside. She didn't know that it was almost sunset; oh, how time flies.
She was yanked back from deep thinking when suddenly, two men approached from behind. One of them spoke that made Rukia's body tense a bit, "You're the new maid, RukiRuki right? You know, despite it all, you look really pretty and damn cute."
Another answered, "Isn't it? You should come with us; you'll be able to earn a lot so long as you follow what we say. We are your masters–"
A loud grunt escaped from the man's lips as the petite woman used her combative skills to defend herself and replied, "As if I'll do that!" She was about to punch the other but he had cope to grab her wrist fast and held it tightly and twisting the other one so she was completely trapped.
"Do any moves and I'll make sure you won't be able to serve with two hands again!"
Rukia's brows furrowed in an angry tirade; she can't fight in this position, his grip is too tight.
There should be a way…
"Now, how about getting in 'touch' with the little pretty maid?" The said man snickered together with the other, all "fired" up.
Ichigo was heading back home when he felt something was odd. He took a few steps and his instinct was right: In an alley, there was small woman in a maid outfit, struggling from the clutches of a man and another simply watching in amusement. His feet began to pace fast when the other one was traveling his hand under her skirt whilst the other use his camera phone to capture the "pleasuring" moment. Without a second thought, he beat the crap out of them both in a split second.
The maid simply breathed a bit heavy and afterwards, she retorted, "I was waiting for the right timing on defeating them."
He only blinked in surprise. No wonder why she wasn't screaming. But still, it was insane; she should act like a damsel in distress even for a bit and yet, she was…different.
"How can you say that! This guy is already touching you!" He immediately replied, stepping his foot on the man under him.
"Well, I want him to let their guard down caused by their enjoyment and a good kick to the shins should do it. I don't need to be saved!"
Ichigo crossed his arms and scowled stubbornly, "Whether you like it or not, you have been saved so accept it okay!"
The woman averted her eyes somewhere else and closed her eyes and opened them again, "I won't say thank you, idiot" and went inside.
Hearing the loud bang of the backdoor, Ichigo loosened his arms but his deeper scowl didn't leave his face. He felt smug from her final words, accepting his protection finally.
This woman's personality is amazing.
He shook his head; why am I pondering about her? I don't even know her.
No, wait… she looks… familiar… Her hair, that voice…
It's her!
Subsequently, he felt the man under him, slowly getting up and so, he removed his foot. He watched the said man back away a bit and that's when he felt someone else grab his ankle, "Teme, you'll pay for this…"
Dark aura surrounded him that he got up and backed away with his friend and retreated. As they left, he came across with a clamp lying on the ground. "They must've been gotten it from her."
Nevertheless, he can't bring it back considering that she was gone and returning it if ever could be quite awkward. He would've notice her easily if it wasn't for this. As far as he can see, she's kind…strong…and stubborn as well.
It fascinates him.
He never expected that they'll meet again. He wondered if she remembered him.
He simply ruffled his hair and exited the alley to head back at the café, wearing a smile on his face unknowingly.
"Kuchiki-san, your hair!" Inoue cried when she saw Rukia entering with her hair down.
"Oh yeah, thanks Inoue."
I didn't notice that! Still, it was close; eh, what about that orange-haired guy? Did he saw her like that? What if he knew her even if she didn't say anything?
She then took a spare pony tail and let her hair up again.
"Good thing you were in an alley. At least no one would see and easily recognize you. But how did you lose your clamp?"
She lied so as not to cause any more worry, "It broke all of a sudden for no reason at all. Must be my hair's will to escape."
The auburn-haired girl laughed and beamed, "Oh I see, let's go change then and go home together then, ne?"
"Ah. Thanks for the hard work!" She answered back, bowing down.
Rukia stopped by at her brother's business after separating ways with Inoue so that she can go with him together on the way home. In time, Byakuya stepped out and as soon as a man with a ginger hair's eyes landed upon hers, they both yelled,
"It's you!"
Renji butted in, "We're about to introduce you and you already know her?"
Rukia lied smiling, "Of course not, she must've mistaken me by someone else. This is the first time we encountered each other."
"This is Kuchiki Rukia, the boss' sister-in-law by the way, Chigo, er, Ichigo." Ichigo gritted his teeth as he mentioned his butler alias.
"Rukia, Renji and I would be heading out to discuss some matters with our other investments, I'm sorry if we can't walk home together. I'll leave Kurosaki Ichigo to walk you home safely."
Renji patted him in the back, "Watch it Ichigo or you'll get it. See you then, Rukia!" Rukia was about to object but they bid their goodbyes and went off.
Ichigo was in front of her figure. There were no words to say for both were shocked on their…second encounter (at least for her, at least, if she still doesn't remember him). Who knew that she was the sister Renji and the others were talking about? He supposed that he didn't care about her as a member of a noble family. Or maybe he was pre-occupied that she was the one who saved his life back then.
"You lied to your brother you know," he said and began to walk first.
She started walking faster, "I know that. Even so, don't tell anyone about this, especially him."
"Ok… So why work in a maid café?"
"There were no more other job options. Inoue suggested and I accepted."
He slings his bag behind his shoulder, "Inoue…Ah, Inoue Orihime? So you work in that café huh?"
She looked at him in query, "You know her?"
"Yeah, she's a friend of mine together with my childhood friend Tatsuki."
Rukia only nodded, "I see. I met her along the way a few days ago and instantly we became friends; she's nice but somewhat an airhead." She tried to tease him, "So…tell me, why you worked at my brother's café? You don't have much the charm, especially with that scowl of yours."
He furrowed his eyebrows deeply in annoyance, "Shut up. College people are chosen more than high school students. And besides, this is just a part time so that I can survive college. Aren't you doing the same?"
Her eyes were filled with uneasiness, "uh, kinda. I'm planning to. I was working before in an inn owned by Kaze-obaa-sama but closes because of her health. I don't want to be burden to my brother."
Looks like she doesn't remember. Never mind.
Walking along, they talked some more. It was a long silent walk afterwards but somehow, time went by fast. The stillness wasn't really awkward and the next thing she knew, they were in front of the Kuchiki house. "I guess I'll stop here. This is my house."
Ichigo gazed up to see the giant walls covering the residence in front of them. "Seems to be heavily guarded. You two are the only ones who live here?"
"Ah yeah. There are a few maids and guards though."
"Yosh, I'll be going then… maid."
A vein suddenly popped out of her head but she grinned anyway and replied mockingly, "It's not 'maid', it's Kuchiki Rukia, Chigo!"
"Yeah, very funny, and it's Kurosaki Ichigo, not Chigo, just so you know. Now, get inside Rukia." He shouted as he turned around and made some sort of a waving gesture.
Rukia entered the house and smirked lightly thinking on how he treats her normally. She was glad. "Idiot Ichigo."
A few weeks later:
Ichigo didn't know why he suddenly got used to walking home with Rukia, whether Byakuya asked it or not. He even stopped by the alley where they first met and would meet her as she exits from the backdoor every now and then. She wasn't complaining either; her brother somehow got busy almost every day. Moreover, he seemed to have known her in short time. They would bicker because of teasing and other random stuff but their relationship sailed smoothly.
She was… a precious nakama.
Yeah, I think that's the right term.
Later, Rukia was behind him, which made him surprised a bit (he didn't feel her coming which was odd). "Sorry, we had a meeting."
"Meeting, what's it for?"
"They mentioned about a yearly café battle. Nothing special, I supposed."
To some extent, her words strike him. He heard that somewhere but he had forgotten where. Oh well, it's best not to think about it, he thought as they began to walk home together.
"I hate it when I forget certain things." he muttered as he, together with his fellow butlers, Toushiro, Ishida and Renji sat comfortably in a bench together with the café's competition for this year, the maid café under the supervision of Yoruichi Shihouin. It's the first time he would see her in a maid uniform, fully. Last time, it was somewhat of a glimpse; he didn't really look at what she was wearing for he was too busy beating other guys and eyeing… at her…attitude.
And then, he had spotted them. Not that he was excited, nope.
Not at all.
The ones he only knew were Inoue and Rukia.
Well, he's not going to blurt out the last part though.
He promised her after all.
To his relief and hers too, no one seems to notice. When he saw her getting up, he followed her secretly. "Oi Rukia, Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah, competition between maids and butlers are separate so the possibility of recognizing me is not that great. It'll be over before you know it. You should worry more about yourself Ichigo."
"Tch. What are you talking about?" He scratched his head, "That's not the reason I followed you!"
She simply smiled in amusement and went ahead of him. He smiled shortly, oh well. There's no stopping her; he stretched his arms, I should also do my best then.
It was the final round of the competition. At the butler's side, Ichigo entered the finals together with Ishida. On the maid side, Orihime and Rukia were the ones who made it. Now, it was the time to merge the two groups and impress the final judges.
As the judges were revealed, Rukia and Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise.
They looked at each other and looked back again.
"It's been a while."
"Kuchiki-san, do you know who the other judge is?" Orihime whispered, nudging her form.
One of Ishida's eyebrows rose in suspicion, "Oi Kurosaki, he doesn't seem to like you. Did you cause trouble again?"
He half-lied at his friend, "Of course not!"
"Shall we start then? I choose the small woman over there. RukiRuki, right?"
Ichigo gasped and shifted his eyes to her figure. She doesn't seem to be fazed but he can tell that she's not doing okay. The reason? He just knew. He wanted to kick this guy to get him away from her but he's a judge. He just can't barge in like that; he's in the competition as far as he's concerned. He'll be dead meat if he tries something that could disqualify the group. I'll keep an eye on him.
Rukia…hold on.
She felt sick. She wanted to end this fast.
But why is time so slow?
These emotions were showed in front of him who was watching her doing her usual maid tasks.
"How's your pastry, Goshujin-sama? Do you want another one?"
"It's too sweet. Give me tea instead."
She was trying to control her temper. This guy is impossible!
"I understand. I'll be right back." Using a tray provided, she pushed it with grace to his side and poured some tea on a cup. As she offered it, the man pushed it away that the hot liquid poured onto her hands and her dress causing the cup to be broken into pieces.
"Are you clumsy or plain stupid? Good thing it landed on yours instead. You don't fit to be a maid!"
She winced as the liquid touched her skin. "I'm sorry, Goshujin-sama. This will take just a minute."
Not minding the sharp edges of the broken chalice anymore, she hurriedly picked it up. She cursed silently as blood oozed out of her fingers later.
Suddenly, a hand took hold of her wounded ones.
Ichigo didn't care if he'll be out of the competition. He didn't care about the rules. He just wanted to protect her from being further abused by this man for revenge. What he did back then and even now, are wrong.
He's going to pay for what he did to Rukia.
"Teme, just what are you planning to do with her?"
"You're not supposed to be here. You'll be disqualified if you intrude!" the unjust judge authorized and continued, "She's my maid so I have the right to do whatever I want. She has to follow what I say or she'll lose!"
Rukia, not wanting to make any further ruckus, said in panic, "Fool! Why are you here, Ichigo? It's okay. I can manage. It won't be much longer. I have to keep on–"
He silenced her midway, "Not anymore Rukia. I can't let you follow orders from a master who is selfish. Who doesn't care if the one who serves him would all be bruised, wounded or trampled."
His lips were only in a firm line, unable to say anything. "Ichigo…"
She lowered her head, hiding her eyes. In one swift moment, she punched the daylights out of his master.
"Let's get out of here, Rukia."
Then, they began to run together outside the venue.
They were running.
His hand was warm on hers, gripping it gently and securely at the same time.
As if he wants her to just keep running; look forward.
A few minutes later, he stopped and she stopped as well. "We should be at a good distance now."
She recognized her surroundings after a couple of heavy breaths; they were outside their butler café. "Let's go inside, there's a first aid kit so we can round up those cuts."
She can't speak until Ichigo began to mend her wounds, "What are you trying to do Ichigo? I'm sure by now, they'll find out and they'll tell nii-sama."
"Isn't that better than let you assist under that guy?" he growled, finishing the treatment.
"You don't have to; I didn't ask you to. It could jeopardize your position as a butler in this café. Nii-sama expects best from everyone and you, mostly. If that happens you'll–"
He couldn't take it anymore.
He moved his right hand upwards and cupped her cheek and gazed intently with his soft, amber eyes full of determination and affection, "I am awed at what you did there but I can't let it be like that. But I have to admit that was a good punch. Anyway, I 'm not sure as to why at first, but at this moment, I think…I know."
She couldn't take it anymore as well.
Rukia looked at him, her sapphire eyes twinkled unbeknownst to herself. Subsequently, his lips neared hers and both of their eyes closed slowly. A rare case to an extent: for a butler like him to save a maid who was supposedly a lady and yet they acted as a simple man and woman when they're at their own world.
Supposedly to serve a mistress, he wished to serve a maid, instead.
It was a completely peculiar thing.
The reason he could think of was his inner feelings and the same goes for her…only to be sealed with a passionate kiss.
Breaking from the kiss, she muttered averting her gaze somewhere else, "You saved me again."
He only laughed and hugged her.
Well, you're the one who saved me first.