Different Side of You
Rukia sat up on the bed that she was currently sharing with Senna. The latter couldn't sleep the previous night, so she'd crashed on Rukia's bed. After what seemed like forever of staring at the ceiling, contemplating the events at the arcade a few days ago, Rukia sat up and looked over at Senna.
"I'm heading to the cafe before work, are you coming too?"
Her best friend sat up in her pajama shorts, wiping her eyes. She shrugged, "I don't know."
Rukia gave Senna a questioning glance, and examined her. Senna's eyes were red, her hair very messy, expected of course, she just woke up, but she looked…down. Which for Senna was saying a lot.
"Senna, are you alright?" Rukia asked, suddenly aware of how much she'd babbled about her problems, without seeing to hers.
"Hey, I'm fine." She said waving her hand. "It's just that I haven't had the best sleep these past few days." She smiled weakly.
Rukia's stiffened. "Are you having dreams again?" She asked gently.
Senna laid back down, and stared at the ceiling. "It's no biggie. They're not as bad as they were back in the day." She let out a short laugh at Rukia's expression. "I'll be fine, alright."
"Are you sure?"
"They'll go away." she waved a hand absently. "And anyway, I'm having more stress from trying to put the line together. Ugh, there's so much I have to so. Finish up the dresses, buy more fabric since I didn't like a lot of the shit I made the first time around, do more sketching, and of course, I have to met with all those bitches today, to fit them for their outfits." Senna smirked in reference to the models she'd chosen for the show. She'd basically went up to random people that she could see in her clothes, and asked them if the wanted in.
Rukia snickered "They are your bitches, though."
"Yeah I know."
Rukia smiled and lay back down. "You'll do an amazing job, Senna. I know it. This is the right thing for you."
Senna grinned and turned on her side to look at Rukia. "I know, that's why I'm freaking out. But then again…maybe its not just sleep or work."
"What do you mean?" Rukia asked.
Senna groaned, and looked at her fingers. "My bed is way too big for my liking." she paused. Rukia knew she wasn't talking about getting a smaller mattress. "Sometimes I feel anxiety being in it, or just looking at it." She admitted.
Rukia scooted closer to her, and pulled swept some hair out of her face. "I know, sleeping alone gets…old."
Senna sighed dramatically. "I guess we should hire some hookers then."
"Senna!" Rukia said, laughing. "I'm sure Hisagi wouldn't like that much."
"Hmph, this has nothing to do with him." Senna replied stubbornly.
Rukia threw a fluffy pillow with Chappy's likeness on it, at her. "Bad girl."
"Hey, it's just a suggestion…" she shied away from the pillow like it was contaminated. "And get this hideous thing away from me." She said, nudging the pillow away with a toe.
Rukia giggled evilly, and picked up the pillow, Senna hopped off the bed and ran away, Rukia chased her out of the room and downstairs.
"But Chappy loves you, Senna!" She called, holding at the pillow.
"No he doesn't." she replied, skidding across the living room carpet and over to barge into another room.
Bang. Clatter. Crash.
"Oi….!" said a very sleepy and now annoyed Kira. "What the hell-!"
"Get the crazy woman from me! Hey… stay back…I have a guitar…"
"No…don't hurt him….Chappy…!"
Ichigo stood behind the counter an hour later with the goofiest grin on his face, looking at the woman who sat on a stool in front of him. Maybe that was an effect she was having on him…he'd have to ponder that idea later.
But for now, Rukia Kuchiki was beaming, and looking incredibly sexy, as she toyed with the menu in front of her, watching him.
He could feel the invisible balls of fire ricocheting off of her, as they were thrown from other women in the vicinity, but she didn't care-and neither did he.
Ichigo tapped his hands on the shiny black counter top, watching her right back.
She was different today.
He knew it from the minute she walked in.
And he certainly didn't mind. Maybe she took what he said to heart…gods, he hoped she did.
"So," he began. Ichigo didn't know why the hell he couldn't stop grinning in front of her today. "What can I get for you?"
Rukia smiled and held the menu up, it covered her face from the nose down, and Ichigo found himself staring into her eyes.
God, they were beautiful. She was beautiful. Especially today, when she just seemed more…resolved, if you will, to go with the flow.
He snapped out of it when he realized that he was staring, and she giggled at him. Of course even her laugh sounded perfect to him, that was a new one.
"Well, I would have the pancakes, but I'm thinking of trying something new, today." Rukia said, smiling back.
Ichigo felt his chest tighten as she continued to floor him with her radiance this morning.
"I…uh…" Great. Now he couldn't speak.
"Kurosaki, you gonna stutter all day, or take the order?" Grimmjow asked with a smirk. Ichigo scowled at his coworker, who went back to whistling by the deep fryer.
"Yeah, I will." Ichigo mumbled. He looked back to Rukia who was watching him quietly. "What would you like?" He asked.
"Hm, what about a simple croque-madame?" Rukia said, looking back up. "And please put some jam on the bread, strawberry please." There was no mocking in her tone, but her eyes were teasing.
Ichigo's hands were sweating, he had no idea that she could be so charming when she felt like it. "Liking strawberries, are you now?" He asked leaning on the counter. "What changed?"
"Nothing, really." She replied. Rukia shrugged, and he noticed the fabric of her sleeveless blouse, the same color as her eyes, ride up a little to show more of her milky shoulders.
His mouth watered a little.
That would be the perfect place to put a hickey….damn it! Why doesn't she have a boyfriend? Actually, why isn't she married, period?
Ichigo then remembered how feisty Rukia could get, and smirked.
"That so, midget?" He said, just to see her reaction.
Rukia frowned, and sat up straighter.
Then she leaned in, setting her smaller hands close to his. He lips were so pink and delectable, he wasn't sure if he could keep from kissing her right there. A lock from her dark hair fell from behind her shoulder, and she said.
"Don't call me that Strawberry, or I won't tip you." He'd been looking at her lips the whole time, and barely heard her.
Rukia pulled back with a smirk, daring him to call her that again. For added emphasis, she glanced easily at her napkin of silverware, particularly at the butter knife. She grinned, and Ichigo was sure that she'd shank him if he called her midget again, in spite of her good mood, so he took the hint.
Instantly, his brows furrowed, but not out of annoyance, he was just trying to figure out how the hell she had suddenly become more attractive to him today than before.
Ichigo took a step back, and nodded. "Yeah, sure." He turned to go make her food in a hurry.
As he made up her fancy sandwich, Ichigo glanced back up at Rukia who had since picked up her phone, and was talking on it. He burnt a piece of bread from staring at her too long, and had to toss it.
He didn't know what it was, but she was making him…unsteady.
Since they'd met, he'd been the over-the-top, flirtatious one, and she wouldn't budge. As of late though, he'd been slowly softening her up. And since their last meeting at the carnival last week, which gave him a heated feeling whenever he thought about it, he'd decided to give her some space to let it all sink in.
And now he wanted to pick things up again.
Ichigo walked back over to Rukia ten minutes later with her food. He noticed that her friend wasn't present, and wondered why, until he looked to his right, at the side door that was open a bit, and saw her outside with Hisagi… talking.
He looked back down at Rukia who was cutting her sandwich in half, and scowled.
"Rukia." he said, Ichigo noticed that her hand shook a little when he spoke her name, but he kept from smirking about it.
"Yes, Ichigo?" she replied, focused on her plate.
His eye twitched a little. Did she always say his name that way? Because he liked the way it was sounding on her lips right now.
Soft, and beckoning, and real.
Ichigo took the fork out of her hand, and set it down on the plate, Rukia looked up at him, and amidst all the noise and ruckus in the bistro he saw the two of them.
Mostly he saw her.
In that moment he realized again why she'd become the inspiration and target of his artwork. He saw why he'd being thinking about her every damn day this week, and going through those pictures he took like it was absolutely normal for him to do so.
He wanted her.
Ichigo wanted her more than he could have ever imagined. But the attraction wasn't purely physical. He wanted to know her. He wanted to know who Rukia Kuchiki was on a personal level, all the way down to the most minuscule speck of her very character.
Frankly, he'd never had such a realization before, and while it was something a guy like him usually shied away from, Ichigo just kind of went with it. He wouldn't be satisfied until he felt like he'd had enough.
Ichigo looked deeply into her eyes, and heard the intake of her breath.
"Go out with me."
Rukia blinked a few times, and then lowered her head.
No, no, they couldn't have that.
Ichigo tilted her head back up, until she was face to face with him again. His scowl deepened as he felt the lingering fear of rejection in his mind.
"According to you, we've been out twice before already." she said.
"And according to you, that first time doesn't count. And the second was a double date. I meant something with just us." He said quickly, feeling his face redden.
Rukia blushed too, and bit down on her lip. Did he mention how adorable he thought that motion was? Damn it, he was getting soft.
"I'm really busy with the art festival coming up so soon, and all. I don't know if we can…"
"We're off around the same time, right? We can figure something out." He offered, undeterred.
Rukia tapped the edge of the plate, and Ichigo could tell she was debating in her head.
"Well, ah, alright." She said hesitantly. Rukia looked up and smiled, and his chest tightened a bit more. He really hoped it was only a passing sensation. Now was not a good time to go into cardiac arrest.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow when she began to laugh. "Since I'll be busy, I won't have the time to think of any places to go, so you can decide." She held out her hand. "Your phone."
Ichigo held it out but didn't release his grip yet,, curious as to what she wanted with it.
She smirked at him. "Dirty pictures, Ichigo?"
He scowled, "No, midget. Take the stupid thing. What do you need it for anyway?" He asked.
"Nothing much." She said, typing in some things, then handing it back to him. Before he could say anything in reply, her phone rang and she pulled it out.
Rukia glanced up at him with a smile. "Hisana's calling, I have to take this." With that, she bounded off the stool, and headed over to the ladies room.
Ichigo watched her walk away, admiring her figure, before he looked back down at his phone. The contacts had been pulled up, and he scrolled through, until he found something that made him grin like an idiot.
Rukia's cell phone number.
He'd have to immediately change her contact name to "Midget." Of course.
Rukia rolled her eyes as she stood in front of a mirror in the nice bathrooms of the bistro. She suppressed a groan as Hisana continued to bombard her with questions.
"Yes…alright I know that, Hisana…what do you mean? Ok, ok. I get your point. Yes, tomorrow is fine."
She held her cell phone away from her ear as Hisana squealed, no doubt planning to invade her and Senna's personal lives once more.
"Hisana, I thought you and Byakuya were going back to Hong Kong ….what?….no I'm not trying to get rid of you…" Rukia sighed, pacing up and down the squeaky clean tan tiles of the bathroom floor.
"Yes, alright, fine". She held the phone away again, as her sister loudly told her how much she loved her, and how anxious she was to see her again, since that time in the park was brief, because Rukia had been so "occupied."
Rukia cringed and gave a curt goodbye, before pressing the end button on the phone, and putting it back in her purse.
"That woman has entirely too much time on her hands." Rukia grumbled, as she turned to the door to leave.
Before she could open it, the door came flying open, and she barely missed a serious whap to the face. She stepped back with a startled look, as the only waitress came in with a roll of paper towels
She jumped upon seeing Rukia, and blushed as the door shut.
"Tatsuki, right?" Rukia asked catching her breath.
The other woman nodded, and looked at the floor. "Yeah. Sorry, I didn't see you there." She looked back up, redder than before. "You're, Rukia."
"Yes." Rukia extended her hand, and Tatsuki took it in a short but firm shake. They stood there for a few second, Rukia bemused at her awkwardness.
"So, Renji ask you out yet?" she decided to ask. Tatsuki looked back at her, and coughed, she shifted from foot to foot, which was interesting, seeing as the woman didn't appear to be the nervous type.
"We…um talked, you know. He's cool."
"That's it? God, that Renji always was slow."
"N-no, its not bad. He's busy and stuff, but we talk a lot. Um, I don't mind."
Rukia smiled back at her. "Well that good, I'm happy for you two."
"Wha? It's not like we're really going out or something." she said proudly. "I'm just testing the waters, that's all.
Rukia giggled knowingly, and Tatsuki gave her a bigger smile back. "There's no hard feeling right?" she suddenly asked.
"For what?" Rukia said confused.
"Um, Renji. I know that you two were really close before. And I feel bad for that time in the morning-"
Rukia held up a hand. "Please, don't worry about it. Renji and I were only friends, that's all. We'll always be just friends."
Tatsuki sighed in relief. "Whoo, great then." She piped up grinning. Rukia laughed, and Tatsuki juggled the roll in her hand. "So…you and Ichigo, huh?"
Rukia nodded. "Yeah, I guess."
Tatsuki snorted and went over to the counter. "I don't know what you see in him, really. If I could put a scowl on an orange, that would be what he looks like to me. Just a scowling mass of orange-ness."
Rukia laughed "He's not that bad."
Tatsuki glanced back at her, snickering. "He's still a freak nature."
"Very true." Rukia agreed, still laughing.
Tatsuki exchanged the empty roll of paper towel for the new one, and turned back around. "But if you can handle him, then go ahead." she paused. "Ichigo really needs a woman like you."
Rukia blushed and gripped her purse. "I don't know how or even if we'll go that far."
"Doesn't matter. You can kick his ass right?" She said raising an eyebrow.
"Of course." Rukia replied with a grin.
"Then good. That'll whip him into shape." she said bluntly. "Then maybe he'll see what's in front of him."
Rukia's face burned so much from her words. She didn't know what to say after that, so she decided to leave, and save herself the embarrassment.
"Well thank you, Tatsuki. Um, I have to get going." She said, going over to the door. "Good luck with that pineapple head."
Tatsuki laughed. "Thanks. You too."
Rukia and creaked the door open. "See you around."
"Yeah, see ya." Tatsuki said, as the door shut.
"Hisagi." Senna said quietly. She looked down at her book of sketches, and sighed heavily.
"Senna." He said slowly, picking up on her demeanor. "Is everything all right? You look a little—"
"I'm fine." She cut in, looking back up at him.
Hisagi was in the middle of helping the delivery guy load crates of milk and eggs into the back of the bistro. He wiped a trickle of sweat from his forehead with the back of one hand, gripping an empty crate tightly with the other.
Senna had opted to skip the bistro today, and head straight to the gallery, since Momo was already there. But she'd left the key to her workroom at home, so she had to come back and get the master key from Rukia.
Hisagi had initially been happy to see her, but now he looked taken back and confused.
"You have bags under your eyes, that doesn't seem like 'fine' to me." He replied, tone even.
Senna held her head and looked away. Hisagi took a step to her, reaching out to cup her cheek. The warmth of his touch was exactly what Senna needed, but she was too jumbled in the head at the moment to say so.
"Shuuhei, please." She said, pushing his hand away.
"Senna, I…"
"It's alright!" she snapped. Hisagi narrowed his eyes, and his mouth looked tight. Senna held her temple this time and closed her eyes. She didn't want to show her bitch face to him, but she just wanted to be alone for a bit.
"I just need to see Rukia briefly and get back to the gallery." She said.
Hisagi nodded and looked away. "I see."
Damn it, she felt like shit for being so cold. "Shuuhei…"
"Did I do something to offend you, Senna?" He asked suddenly.
She shook her head. "No. It's just that I…you…"
"I what?"
"You confuse me." She blurted out. He didn't say anything for a minute, and she knew this conversation was heading in the wrong direction.
"I confuse you, Senna?" He asked calmly, but his tone was different.
"Yes."
"How is that? What have I done?"
"Nothing, ah, everything." She said shaking her head.
Hisagi stepped directly in front of her, and lifted her chin carefully. Her golden eyes shown with varied emotions. When they met his, she felt tears try and fall when she saw the upset expression on his face. He wasn't mad, just disappointed. Hurt even.
"I think you confuse yourself, Senna." He replied quietly.
"Maybe." she said bitterly.
"What is it that confuses you the most about me?" Hisagi asked. "Tell me the truth."
Senna swallowed and glanced away. "I don't know. The words you say, the way you act…"
He tilted her face back to his. "How so?"
"I don't know." She repeated lamely.
"Senna." he said quietly, his nose brushed hers, and he lowered his head. Hisagi brought his free hand behind her neck and brought her face closer to his own.
"It's not you. You're not doing anything wrong." She whispered, unbelievably drawn to him right now.
He sighed. "If I wanted to confuse you Senna, I wouldn't kiss you the way I do." He tightened his hand behind her neck slightly, and his breathing picked up. "I would kiss you without restraint…like I didn't care what might happen."
"Shuuhei…" she began, but he had already pressed their lips fiercely together. He leaned in, and completely took her mouth with his own. She lost the control over her own lips, as he brought them together in a rush of heat that made her want to faint.
There were gasps and hoots from around them, but Shuuhei did not stop, and Senna's heart was about to jump the hell right out of her chest. His tongue was exploring her mouth with this expertise she never thought possible, he tugged at her lips, and she almost moaned, actually, she probably did.
But it was the power behind it that knocked the wind from her. Their kissing was always hot, but Hisagi was gentle about it, and that alone was enough to make her lose her speech. But this, this was turning her brain into nothing by the second.
It was the type of kiss that was meant to disrobe a woman in record time.
They'd get into a lot of trouble kissing like that.
Finally, Hisagi pulled back, breaking the kiss, and Senna was panting as though she'd just ran from Satan around the corner. She put a hand up to her lips, and Hisagi griped the crate he was holding tighter. The look in his eyes was painful restraint….and something else. Something stronger. Something she was very familiar with.
He ripped his gaze away from her eyes once he knew that she saw it, and clenched his hands tightly.
"I shouldn't have done that, Senna. I apologize." He said through grit teeth.
Without another word, he picked a few more craters up, and walked past her through the side door, and into the bistro's store room.
Senna felt the book slipping out of her hands, but she grasped it tighter. With her other hand, she leaned against the side wall, trying to regain coherent thought.
She always did this.
It was the same self-sabotaging of the courtship she was in, because of her own fears of the past. She promised herself that she wouldn't be like this anymore, but here she was again.
A mess.
So how did she fix this? How could Senna fix herself before she lost a good thing?
Later, around seven that night, a disgruntled Grimmjow sat in private booth, in the five star restaurant, across from his gorgeous, but upset looking date.
He set the shiny fork down on his plate of half eaten food with a clatter, and sighed angrily. He'd gotten dressed up for tonight, and was going to pay the tab for this expensive shit, and she wasn't even happy.
He glared at her through the candlelight, focusing his piercing blue eyes on her, as she avoided his gaze, staring into her glass of red wine.
After another minute of this, Grimmjow was fed up. He frowned and barked out her name.
"Hime! What the fuck is the matter with you?" He said unashamed of such language in public.
She didn't reply at first, but then she turned to him, and her nose crinkled in a tell tale sign of being upset. Grimmjow let his head fall back against the seat, and groaned.
"Don't tell me you're still mad about that."
She looked up at him, and her jaw tightened. She set the glass down, and folded her hands in her lap. "How can I not be?" He groaned again, and stared at the table. "I don't understand, you have money already, what is the point of this?"
He sighed, "It's not about the money, Hime." He said tightly.
Grimmjow immediately regretted letting it slip about the sudden death match he'd accepted with the current champ from Shinjuku. The winnings were double the usual, not that he needed it, since he made plenty from all the matches he won.
But this was different, this was a hell of a lot more dangerous, violent, and all that jazz. But of course he took the challenge, why wouldn't he? But since this afternoon when she found out, Hime had been freaking out.
"I already said I'd do it, so that's it." He met her pleading gaze, but steeled himself against it. "Hime, don't ask me to stop, because I won't." he said flatly.
Orihime shook her head of auburn hair, done up in an elegant bun, a few tendrils in the back curling past the nape of her neck. She really looked beautiful, and he just wanted to let all of this go, so he could get back to softening her up for later on.
She adjusted the white shawl around her shoulders, and finally commented.
"Are you doing this because I won't tell anyone about us?"
This threw him off for a minute, before he frowned, and laughed shortly. "This has nothing to do with that."
"But you want me to tell Tatsuki right?"
He did. No lie. He'd rather everything be out in the open. It wouldn't bother him at all, regardless of how badly karate girl reacted, because she didn't have a say in this.
Grimmjow, ran a hand through his hair, and turned his intense gaze on her. Her bottom lip was trembling some, but she kept her face otherwise straight.
"You think I'm do this to get back at you? For what?" He raised an eyebrow. "For being so damn afraid of saying that we're sleeping together?" He finished harshly.
She swallowed, and turned away. "Somewhat."
"Babe, if I wanted to do something like that, I'd just go up to Ichigo any time, and tell him what night you stay at my house and for how long." He said with a straight face.
She stiffened at that, biting her lip.
"Hime." Grimmjow said in a less harsh tone, reaching out for her hand, but she pulled it back to her chest
She shook her head again, she stood up, straightening out her dress. His hand clenched on the table, as she picked up her purse, took wads of cash out, and set it on the table.
"What are you doing?" he asked dangerously.
"Paying for the meal, you do that enough." She said softly. Hime had set about 200 hundred dollars down, which was pretty much the cost of eating here, and he also knew that was likely her meager waitress salary for the week.
Grimmjow stared at her so hard, it would have scared any grown man out of their socks. She looked at him, her feather shaped earrings dangling to her jaw line, shining in the dim light.
She didn't say a word, but he was getting that empty feeling in his stomach that always made him sick. She stood up straight, and turned away.
"Hime," he said her name again, calmly as possible. He was trying not to make a scene, but if she made him, he would chase her down.
She stopped, and turned back to him. "If I told them… if I told everyone about us…would you stop fighting?" She asked quietly.
Grimmjow hands balled into fists. He didn't have to think about the answer to that.
"No."
She looked at him sadly for a minute, before spinning around again. She walked off down the deep red carpet, her gown trailing behind her, this beautiful silhouette getting further away from him away.
"Fuckin' shit." He cursed as he watched her. "Hime." He said loudly, getting dirtily looks from nearby couples. She continued to walk away, and he slammed his hand on the table. "Fuck!"
Grimmjow, held in most of his anger as he stood up, and dug into the pocket of his slacks. He pulled out his wallet, and took out three hundred dollars, setting that on the table, while picking up her money, and shoving it in his pocket. He looked up when a waiter came into view.
"Waiter." He hissed, motioning to the kid.
"Y-yes, sir."
"There's the money, save this table for us. We'll be coming back. You can take the food." He said stuffing a fifty in the teenaged kids shirt pocket, and walking away.
He made his way down the long hallway of the restaurant, which was actually set in some vintage hotel. He got to the end of the first hallway, and turned right, seeing Hime walking down toward the double glass doors. The shawl on her shoulders, was now in her hand, and dragging across the carpet.
Grimmjow stood there, watching her walk slowly away, and he took a second to get himself together. There was no way he was just going to let her leave like that. His pride wouldn't take it, and neither would his hea-
He shook his head at that last thought to clear his head. He couldn't be getting soft now, he knew how to handle this, even if it meant playing dirty.
Grimmjow called out her name again. She paused a little, but continued walking. "Have it your way then." He said under his breath. Grimmjow spent the next few seconds jogging down the hall where she was, ignoring the looks he was getting from the few people around.
He easily caught up to her, and stopped about a foot away. She stopped as well, but didn't turn.
"Come back to dinner." He asked, well, told her actually, but in an easygoing way.
"I'm going home, to my apartment." She said, but her voice was shaky.
Grimmjow walked directly behind her, an index finder grazing the nape of her neck, and he felt her shudder at his touch. Good, now just reign her in. He leaned down, and pressed an intimate kiss to her exposed neck, and let his lips linger there. She turned around on him, face red, and hands shaking.
"Stop! A simple kiss, is not going to make everything better, Grimmjow." She said obviously angry with him, but flushed as well. He put a hand under her chin and smirked. He honestly did like it when she said his name all angry-like.
He held her chin, and looked her dead in the eye. "Who said a kiss was going to solve anything? I had other things in mind." She huffed, and pulled away from him, turning around. "How are you going to get home?" He asked, as she began to walk away.
"I'll take a cab."
"You don't have any money."
"Then I'll walk."
Grimmjow "tsked" at her stubbornness. He walked up to her, grabbing her upper arm, and pulled her down some empty looking hallway to the left. "You should know better than that, Princess." he said huskily in her ear, before continuing to head in some random direction.
She stopped several times, and tried to pull away, but he just turned around to her with an exasperated look, and raising an eyebrow. "Are you going to make this difficult?"
"Let me go."
He laughed at her demand, and kept walking with her in tow, stopping to look at some random door. He turned the knob and it creaked open. Grimmjow looked around, and then pulled her inside.
Hime struggled against him, but he held her tightly, until they were alone in the small room. He locked the door, and watched her figure move around and bump into a cart of laundry filled with table covers.
She looked at him, as he stepped closely to her, the rise and fall of her chest giving away her discomfort. He placed a hand on the wall above her head, the other on her hip.
"You can go ahead and scream now if you want," he said, bending down to kiss her cheek. Hime shook her head away, raising her hands to put against his chest, as he stepped even closer. His kiss deepened, and both hands went to her waist.
She shifted around trying to move away, but they were way to close for that to work.
"Now what were you saying" He asked, kissing her neck.
"Y-you…just let me go."
"Why?"
"Because your profession means more."
"And your 'dignity,' doesn't?" he hissed, pressing up against her harder. She gasped, and pushed against his chest, but to no avail.
Grimmjow began to lift the bottom of her dress, caressing the skin on her leg as he went. "Your argument is weak, Orihime, and you know it. Because in spite of my profession, I betrayed my friend's trust, all because I can't seem to stay away from you."
He lifted the fabric more, bringing her against his waist, and holding her tightly to himself. "What have you given up, Hime?" He asked her deeply. If she wanted to play this game with him, then he'd go there. She stuttered something but failed to reply.
He pushed them both against a wall, and moved his waist slowly up and down, she whimpered into his dark shirt, clutching it tightly.
"You don't want to risk anyone disliking you or thinking badly of you because you're with me. Because I'm me. Because you wanted me, even while you pretended to love him." He kissed her chest in between licks. "So you don't acknowledge our relationship." He lowered the top of her dress, to kiss a breast, and she moaned softly, pulling his shirt more. "So are you sure, that you should be the one to give out an ultimatum?" He asked, her.
"I…I…" he put a finger to her lips, kissing her face
"It doesn't matter. Because I don't ask you about this, and so you don't have to worry about my fighting."
Grimmjow pressed into her again, hearing her breathing become erratic. "And that's it." He pressed his lips to hers, his fingers messing up her hair. He pulled back, and felt her lean into him, and smiled to himself.
When it came to willpower, he had a lot more then she did, and knowing her so well, offered him an advantage in situations like this. Because the truth was, that although he acted as though her non-acceptance of what they had didn't move him, it did. While he'd never give up the fight, Hime would likely end up telling Tatsuki about them anyway. He'd nearly done it for her a few times, but decided against it.
He stroked her hair softly, and lifted her up onto his waist. "Hime…"
And now, an hour later, they sat at their table again. A completely flustered Orihime stared into her cup of ice water, unable to look up at him or else she turn redder. Her hair had been let down, since it was too tousled to keep in a bun anymore. Grimmjow chuckled, and smirked at her skin that was tinted pink all over.
The kid waiter came over and looked between them cautiously, before clearing his throat. "Will you be needing anything else this evening? Dessert perhaps?" he asked.
He glanced at Hime who was still looking at her water with this dazed look on her face, as she held her cheek. He chuckled again, and turned back to the kid.
"What's the best dessert around here?" He asked, an evil plot in his head.
"That would be the Supreme Cheesecake Lover's Delight. Very delicious."
Grimmjow nodded. "Two orders then, to go." He said, taking out more cash to give to the kid, the boy scurried off, amazed at how much money he had in tips tonight.
When they were alone again, she looked up at him with her gray eyes that made him want to drag her off right there.
"You never eat dessert." She said plainly. He smirked at her, and leaned back in the seat.
"Doesn't mean I can't start. You like cheesecake, Hime?" he asked, leaning towards her, a grin on his face. She turned back to her water again, and nodded.
"Well then, I hope you don't mind if I lick it off you later."
She choked on a sip of water she just took, blushing red again. Grimmjow smirked, satisfied with her reaction of what was to come.
He had to admit, that he just couldn't get enough of seeing her cheeks tint, or of hearing her moan his name, or even when she was being her usual, slightly weird, self everyday.
And he'd keep it that way. Because he knew there was no chance in hell that she'd ever leave him.
None.
Senna entered the bistro around 7:30, hoping someone was still there. Luckily, Ichigo was just exiting the back, and he raised an eyebrow when she walked in.
"Hi." She said shortly, and he walked around the counter to stand in front of her, his apron over his shoulder.
"Hey."
"Um, well I need a favor."
He smirked. "Does it involve an employee here?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Look it's important."
"Go on."
"I need Hisagi's address."
Ichigo snorted. "Why don't you just call him."
"I would, but what I have to say should be said in person."
He scowled. "You're not breaking up with him, are you?"
"No," she sighed.
He rubbed his head. "You know, Shuuhei's a good guy, he's not going to hurt you."
She didn't say anything.
"Did you hear what I said?" Ichigo asked seriously.
"I know that." Senna snapped back.
"Then why'd you piss him off?"
"Because I….you know, it's none of your business. Look, just give me the address so I can make this right, ok?" She said annoyed.
Ichigo frowned at her, but then went back to smirking. "Fine." He took out a pen from his pocket, and she handed him a piece of paper. He wrote down the address, and handed it back to her. "Be safe, now."
"Shut up!" She said, snatching the paper.
He grunted and she turned to leave. When she was at the door, Senna turned back to him, a partial smile on her face.
"Oh yeah… Rukia's not really doing anything tonight." he looked up. "So… I guess she'll be bored by herself, all alone, in that big old, apartment that we have. I mean, surely she'd like to get out, but what could she possibly do without any company-"
"Alright, I get it!" Ichigo barked, his face beet red.
Senna laughed and left the cafe, only to rush back in a second later. "But if you harm her, I'll kill you. Remember that." She said breezily, before leaving a scowling Ichigo behind.
Outside, she tightened the belt around her jacket and hailed a cab. It was chilly this summer evening, and the sun was gorgeously setting in the horizon.
I wonder if he'd like to watch it. That is…if he doesn't shun me for being a b-word earlier.
Senna really hoped he didn't dump her, this morning had just been all wrong. She had her problems, but she would try to fix them, she would.
Once she was in the cab, she gave the address to the driver, and it took about twenty minute to get to his street. The cab stopped, she paid the man. He pointed to a house in the middle of a quiet looking block, and she nodded her thanks.
She stepped out of the car slowly. "Well, here goes nothing."
When she was left alone, Senna examined said house, and immediately determined that she loved it. It wasn't new like their house, but it was cozy looking, and in fairly good shape. This was the older part of town, and the houses here had been around for a while, and where good quality.
She slowly headed to the porch and looked closer, the house was a dark blue, and currently being remodeled a bit. There was an antiqueness about the place that she adored, but it was still simple enough for a single guy like Hisagi to handle.
When she stepped foot onto the old wooden porch, there was a prompt amount of barking, and scurrying coming towards her. Senna looked around and then at the front door, when this tiny dog sprinted through the pet hole in front and began barking at her.
She put her hands on her hips and frowned. "You're awfully tiny to make such a fuss." she said, taking another step. The dog, which looked to be dachshund breed; silky black coat, with random brown spots across its fur. It was adorably cute, but made such a racket.
"Oi." She said, tapping her foot. The dog briefly stopped barking, and tilted its head at her. "Don't give me any attitude, Bub. Now where's your owner?"
A single bark was the answer, and Senna glared, ready to just call out to Hisagi and see if he was around, when a masculine voice came from the front door. It opened to reveal Hisagi, in old jeans, and a t-shirt stained with paint. He had a brush in his hands, and froze when he saw her.
Wow. Was all Senna could think. He looked even more handsome, she almost sighed. The little dog yipped happily upon seeing Hisagi, and went to running circles around him.
Senna spoke up first. "Hey, Shuuhei." She said pathetically, unfamiliar with how to go about groveling. That was more Kira's thing.
"Senna." He said with a tone of surprise. She took another step, until she was all the way on the porch, her ankle boots hard against the wood.
The little dog went back to barking at her, until Hisagi whistled ,and pointed inside. "Stop barking at her, now go." He took a plastic bag from his pocket and pulled out a biscuit, tossing it inside the house. The pooch went after it, tongue lolling out, and Hisagi closed the front door.
"Sorry, he's bad around other people." Hisagi said.
"S'ok. He's cute. You buy him?" She asked, making small talk and avoiding his direct gaze
"No, I found him a few weeks ago. Beaten pretty badly, so I took him in." He paused. "What, brings you here, Senna?
She pursed her lips. "Well, I kinda bummed your address from someone, um, and took a cab here." She shrugged, looking at her boots. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted this morning."
They were both silent for a minute, then Hisagi walked up to her and stared until she was looking at him.
"I just didn't think anything was wrong between us, I mean it hasn't been long."
"I know…it was just me. I tend to do that." She said embarrassed. But I, hope to, you know, ahem, fix that." She said with difficulty.
Hisagi sighed and set the paintbrush down, he looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry as well."
"You don't need to apologize to me."
"I shouldn't have…gone that far."
'It wasn't a bag thing." she said blushing.
"But for me to-"
"Hisagi." She said, holding up a hand. He looked at her deeply, and she added. "Why don't we just make it like this. I stay here to help you paint, and tame that obnoxious pup, and you…ah, forgive me for being bitchy."
He smiled a little. "Will you forgive me for the kiss?"
"No, because I liked it." She said bluntly, and almost kicked herself for saying that aloud. "Didn't you?" she asked, blushing.
He chuckled and beckoned her to the door. He opened it, and she walked to him. "I liked it a lot more than you can imagine."
She shrugged. "Then we're on the same page." He looked down at her, and she stood up on her toes, to kiss him lightly on the lips. She pulled back and noted the look in his eyes.
"You're too appealing for your own good." He said, leaning down to kiss her again.
She sighed when he pulled back again. He stroked her cheek and asked. "I was out back watching the sunset. You want to join me?"
Senna grinned. "Of course." As they walked into the cozy house being painted over, she smiled and took her jacket off. The Obnoxious Pup immediately came over and sized her up, she smirked at him and picked him up, heading over with Hisagi to the back porch.
For once in her life she'd made the right decision.
Rukia had the strangest feeling that she'd seen this before.
As the gallery was closing up for the night, she stared at the newest XV painting and racked her brain, trying to figure out why the scene in the picture looked so familiar.
Well of course it would be. The scene was bound to resonate with people for the beauty and simplicity of it, so the painting wasn't out of the ordinary in that respect. But there was just something else, something she couldn't quite put her finger on…
Rukia crossed her arms and frowned. "Why do I recognize this?" She mumbled as the janitor finished sweeping.
"Oh, it so beautiful." A perky voice said from beside her. Rukia didn't turn her head as Momo came and stood next to her, marveling at the painting, much like she was. "Do you think XV will ever show her face, Rukia?"
"He has to. There's too much speculation over these pieces." Rukia replied still staring.
She thought about all the fuss people were making over who this "unknown woman" was. Some thought it was XV's secret lover, or a random member of royalty in a foreign country, or a celebrity. Things of that nature.
"He simply must show us in the last painting." Rukia said, turning to Momo, and raising an eyebrow. She was dressed in black shimmery number, grinning widely. "Is that from Senna's collection?"
"Yes, I asked her to let me buy it, she's so amazing, Rukia."
Rukia laughed, and nodded. "That she is." Speaking of her, she'd better be apologizing to Hisagi or else. Rukia glanced behind her, when a male voice called out to Momo.
They turned around to see Toshiro Hitsugaya standing awkwardly, glancing from Momo, back to the floor, back to Rukia, and then Momo again. "Ms. Kuchiki." he said finally.
"Hitsugaya, nice to see you again. What do you think of the gallery?"
"You've done a good job. Nice touch with the stage and music. Plus you have Schiffer painting for you. That's impressive." He said with a nod.
"Well thank you, again I appreciate your advice, we must have a follow up meeting soon." Rukia said.
"I agree". He said, glanced over to Momo, who blushed.
Rukia smirked. "Well I don't want to hold you both up, have a good night. Momo, I still expect you to be here tomorrow morning." she said with a grin.
Momo laughed, and went to Toshiro, who was looking even more embarrassed. "Don't worry I will." She said, grabbing him enthusiastically by the arm. He cleared his throat, and they went to the door together. Rukia watched them for minute as they left.
"You look…ah, beautiful." he said lowly.
Momo giggled, and held his arm tighter. "Thanks Shiro, she said kissing him on the cheek." He turned a fierce red, and looked away.
"Momo you can't use my nickname in public." he whispered.
"But it's so cute." she said as they headed to the door. He opened it for her, and they exited, standing outside the glass doors.
Momo wrapped her arms around his neck, and they started kissing. Then they parted holding the other's hand and caught a cab.
Well, at least I saw that one coming. Rukia thought, as she walked over to the wall with the paintings on it. She chuckled, happy for Momo, and thought about her own love life.
I wonder what Ichigo's doing right now she thought. Switching off the main light switch, Rukia glanced back at the new painting once more. She would have been gushing over the loveliness of it, if not for the niggling feeling in the back of her mind. It was the same woman, but in a completely different disposition than the first piece.
She wore a flowery, short halter dress and a large floppy hat, on her head. The woman twirled barefoot in a green pasture of grass, the wind blowing against her small form as she reached one silky hand up to the blue sky, the other out behind her, in a pose of grace and freedom. She appeared very happy and at ease with the sun shining down on her, the lilies brushing her feet below. The painting echoed of happiness, the feeling of just doing what your heart urged you to do.
The only thing the viewer still could not see was her face. The hat she wore was tilted down partway over her dark hair, only revealing the hint of pink lips. She figured that XV meant to keep it that way until he chose to reveal the woman's face. The mystery of her identity was sheer genius.
As Rukia stepped into a cab to go home, her thoughts were still consumed by the painting. She couldn't figure out why it felt so personal to her, but it did, incredibly so. Maybe it was because she wanted what that woman had in that piece, she didn't really know.
During the drive home Rukia's cell phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID, not recognizing the number. She picked it up anyway, and was glad that she did.
"Hello?"
"Long night, midget?" A smooth voice said from the other line.
Rukia found her self smiling at his voice, opting to ignore the midget dig.
"It's been fairly smooth, actually." She replied.
He paused for a second. "Then…you won't mind going out with me tonight."
Rukia's hand froze on the phone. "What makes you think I don't have other plans?" she asked offhandedly.
"A little bird told me."
"You mean Senna," she said raising an eyebrow.
"Who knows." He replied easily.
"Well…I…" she hesitated.
"I promise you'll like where we go. Promise." He reassured her.
"What's open and decent at eight pm?"
"Plenty."
"You would know, wouldn't you?"
"Guess I do." He said haughtily.
Rukia sighed. She wasn't doing anything, so…
"Alright then. We'll go out."
"You won't change your mind" he ordered.
"Don't tell me what to do, Strawberry," she said annoyed. "Now be at my house by nine."
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't take forever to get ready."
"You'll eat those words, Kurosaki."
"Heh, We'll see."