I didn't mean to confuse my readers at the previous chapter. As an apology, I write this revelation chapter. This chapter will be the premonition of ByaRuki relationship. After reading this chapter, I hope you're not mad at me again^^.
Please enjoy reading.
Special thanks to: isara-love, Rukes, 1SuperKawaii, Reiha no Arashi, C.A.N, BlackBurningHeart, Yuniee, Vicky73, xdayanarax, DRUON, silverqueen, for the reviews.
ByaRuki Luv, isara-love, Reiha no Arashi, KunoichiDoll, Jana LC for the add of favorite story and story alert. Reiha no Arashi for the add of author alert. Thank you so much.
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Disclaimer: Bleach is not mine. It's Kubo-san's. I am merely Byaruki's fan.
I apologize for the lack of spelling and grammar.
Please reviews or send me an email so I can improve myself. Thank you very much.
DANCE UNDER THE MOONLIGHT
10
Silver Moon
Kuchiki clan's mansion – March 16, Night
Kuchiki Byakuya was a distrustful person. He won't trust anyone except he had put them on a test with an extreme caution or knew all about their past. He has been doing research to Shiba Hisana since he knew that she was his future wife. He saw through all about her hobbies, skills, strong points, weaknesses,… all of it.
He couldn't accept the fact that all his knowledge from his research was useless. She was nothing like he expected. She was spontaneous, clumsy, honest (he would notice if she lied), and… pure. He loves to see her awkward or mad expression when he teased her. She was so… alive. She also the one that introduced to him something called 'fun' and 'jealous' which he never knew that he has it.
Byakuya opened a file folder that consists of Hisana's data and another file folder named 'Rukia'. He knew…. He knew that the girl who slept in his room wasn't Hisana. He knew since their official meeting. Her sudden changing attitude, even she masked it carefully, he still noticed it. Also,she has undeniable relationship with Kurosaki Ichigo in the past.
After the koto's incident, she gained more suspicious from Byakuya. He skilled at sharp weapons and he knew the object that severe the string of her koto and her index finger was a kind of razor. A lady such as Hisana would never brought dangerous object even just a razor.
The ultimate truth was something he heard yesterday, something that answered all his question at once.
Kuchiki clan's mansion – Guest Room, March 15 (yesterday), Evening
In the evening, when he wanted to talk with her, something stopped him. He heard Kurosaki Ichigo's voice in front of her room.
"I want talk with you, Hisana-san…no, Rukia…" Ichigo said.
Rukia? Did he just call Hisana as….'Rukia'?
Byakuya heard all their conversation beyond their awareness. He knew about Ichigo's betrayal toward her and her past. He didn't understand why, but he had urgency to punch Ichigo's face somehow.
"I know it's too late because you're going to get married. But there is still a chance… Rukia, marry me, run away with me. We'll marry somewhere far away from here," Ichigo said again.
Run? Is he trying to steal my bride? Kurosaki Ichigo, you're a dead man.
Byakuya almost stepped out from his hiding place to face them, but his stopped by Rukia's answer.
"No… I can't go with you, Ichigo… I'm sorry."
Once again, he didn't know why, but it felt so relieve after he heard what she said.
"…. I will marry Kuchiki Byakuya."
She chose me…. She's in love with that brat but she still chose me… why?
"...Shiba clan is in the edge of obliteration. If I'm not marry Byakuya-sama, there will be a war between two clan. This marriage is the only way to save them from slaughtering…."
So, she did this for Shiba clan. Didn't she know that deceived Kuchiki's leader is a heavy crime? She will sentence to death if the elder knew about this. How brave, yet so… reckless.
"….Four years ago, the bride from Shiba clan ran away before the wedding and turned around their relationship to be a cold war. This is the last chance. If I run away, it will repeat the same mistake. No, it will make the situation worse, like pouring salt water to a fresh wound."
Indeed, it's all because of Shiba Kuukaku who ran away from her wedding with one of the elder's son. This marriage is the only way to save the two clan's relationship.
"You're so…selfless. You always think about someone else before yourself. That part of you I like the most…" Byakuya heard Ichigo's voice.
I've never met someone who sacrifice herself for someone else like she was. Rukia, I wanted to know more about you…
"I will wait for you."
What is he talking about?
"It's not that I want your marriage ruined, but if you're…separated…with your husband, I want you know that my offer is still valid."
He's…actually…proposed my fiancée? You do have some guts, Kurosaki Ichigo. You may wish, but I won't let you have her, not even in your dreams!
He saw them expressing their farewell and watched until Rukia closing her door with a smile. He walked away right after her door closed.
I knew your secret,
...Rukia.
Kuchiki clan's mansion – Byakuya's room, March 17, Morning
Rukia's eyes fluttered open. Firstly, she noticed that she wasn't in her room, and then about her nightmare. She didn't remember about it at all. It seems like her unconscious mind prevented her from remembering those memories. Instead of her nightmare, she remembered memories about yesterday. Her cheek flustered when she reminded how Byakuya calmed her down until she fell asleep.
"Hisana-sama, may I come in?" she heard Hinamori's voice.
"Yes, Hinamori." she gave her permission.
"You look so fresh, Hisana-sama. Did you have a nice dream last night?"
"Well, not really. Anyway, I must look presentable for breakfast today, could you help me?"
"It's my pleasure…. Ah, I forgot to tell you, your brother and his wife came yesterday."
"W-what? Kaien nii-sama? Why?"
"Maybe he worried about you. Last night he insisted to meet you, but Byakuya-sama didn't allow anyone to disturb you. So now, they all waiting for you in dining room."
"They all…? Did you also mean my brother?"
Hinamori nodded with smile. Rukia's palm flew to her temple.
This is a mess. Kaien-sama would never in rush come here at night to meet me, except…
He knew…! He must have known that I am not his sister. What should I do?
Calm down, Rukia. Miyako-dono is here too, right. She will do something to help you.
"Yesterday, Kaien-sama and his wife came with Toushirou-sama."
"Who?"
"Eh? Hisana-sama didn't know him? I thought he was your childhood friend?"
"A-ah…Toushirou… yes, of course I knew him. He was like a brother for me." Rukia said in cold sweat.
She had no idea who was Toushirou, but she feigned knowledge about him to avoid bigger problem.
Kuchiki clan's mansion – Dining Room, March 17, Morning
Today, the dining room of Kuchiki mansion more cramped than usual. In the centre sat Byakuya and Ginrei, the right row were Retsu, Ukitake, Soifon, Shihouin Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke, while in the left row were Kaien, Miyako, Gin and Toushirou.
"Food supposedly tastes better when you're with a big crowd. Isn't that right, Shirou-chan?" Gin started the conversation.
"Don't call me that, Fox-eye!" Toushirou snapped angry. It seemed Gin never failed to cause resentment on him.
"How about your job lately? I wonder if you're here as Ukitake's nephew or as a detective?" Gin just loved to tease him.
"None of your business!"
"Aw, you're so mean, Shirou-chan. Then, please tell my regard to Rangiku."
"For the one hundred and sixty-three times I warn you, stay away from her or I'll make you stay in prison for a century."
"Gin! Stop it! Didn't I tell you not to make commotion when we have breakfast?" Soifon cut their dispute.
"Yare-yare…, jealous, aren't you, Soifon?" Yoruichi grinned at Soifon.
"No, I'm not! I'm just pissed. That woman surely takes her time, huh?"
"Omatase shimashita."
Byakuya smiled inwardly to see a beautiful lady who had arrived. She never failed to make him amaze by her appearance. Today she wore a light pink furisode with peach colored peony pattern. Her silky hair tied to the right side and decorated by fresh peony flower. She looked utterly charming.
Toushirou, in the other hand, dropped his jaw when he saw her. Last night Kaien had talked to him and told about the shocking truth. He never expected that Hisana's substitute would be this similar with the real Hisana.
"This woman… Is she really Hisana's substitute? She's more like her twin sister."
"Hisana, how are you today? You looks graceful as ever." Ginrei compliment her.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Ginrei ojii-sama." Rukia bowed politely.
When she rose her head, her eyes met a pair of captivate grey orbs. Their eyes locked for a moment before she looked down with blushed cheeks. She sat next to Toushirou and when she saw him, she gasped in shock.
"You…!"
The entire people in the room stared at her with questioning gaze.
"What's wrong, Hisana?" Byakuya asked her concernedly.
This boy… he was the stabbed boy that I met three months ago. What is he doing here?
"W-what are you doing here? How about your wound?"
"She knew me? Why? When? How?" Toushirou confused by his own questions.
"Hisana, Toushirou was come here with me," Kaien said with a code in his eyes.
This man is Toushirou? Hisana-sama's childhood friend?
"Why you look surprised to see your best friend here?" Soifon asked suspiciously.
"I.. I just surprised that he would come to see me in his condition. He was hurt badly three months ago." Rukia tried to convince them all.
"How can she know about my condition when I was hurt? Don't tell me…." Toushirou reached his conclusion.
"You're the one!" he yelled at her.
Rukia startled by his sudden action, but she wasn't the only one who surprised.
"Me?" Rukia pointed at herself.
"What do you mean, Hitsugaya-san?" Byakuya asked curiously.
Toushirou was in a pinch. Kaien have had told him to keep a secret the fact that the woman next to him is an impostor. By this time, his acting was about to ruin by himself.
"I mean…, she is the one who brought me the Daisy bouquet when I was in hospital. I was still unconscious when she came to visit me that time."
Toushirou didn't know that he was a natural liar until this day. Now, he fully noticed it.
"Well..well…, you really surprised us, Shirou-chan. I thought you meet her just now." Gin was teasing him again.
"How can that possible? We're a childhood friend after all." Toushirou patted Rukia's back.
"Yes, it's just misunderstanding." Rukia patted back at Toushirou's shoulder with a wide smile.
"Enough with this meaningless conversation! I'm hungry! Let's begin the breakfast." Soifon said.
"Good idea." Kisuke said while took his chopsticks.
Yoruichi smiled after she saw Byakuya who couldn't take his eyes away from Rukia's figure.
"Byakuya-bo, if you stared at her so much, she'll loose her appetite, you know?"
Rukia, who feigned ignorance, continued to chew her dish with redden face. Byakuya coughed.
"I would like to announce something to you all" Byakuya said in a sudden.
He got all the attention, except from Rukia. She still pretended to ignore him.
"What is it, Byakuya?" asked Ginrei.
"I had canceled today's press conference and….we will marry tomorrow."
Rukia coughed hard after chocked by her food. The others shocked enough to drop their jaws.
"WHAT?" Kaien and Toushirou screamed together.
"I won't say it twice. I will marry Hisana tomorrow."
What the hell is going on here? What was he trying to insinuate? What should I do if I'm Hisana-sama? This should be my mission, right? To married him…
"May I take my excuse for a moment?" Kaien suddenly arise from his sitting position.
"Of course…" Ginrei gave his permission.
Miyako also arose and walked behind her husband.
"Hisana, come with us." Kaien ordered Rukia.
"Hai, Nii-sama." Rukia answered obediently.
"Now, Byakuya, explain to us about your plan. You do have a skill to shock your own family," Retsu said to her nephew.
Kuchiki clan's mansion – Guest's room, March 17, Afternoon
Rukia felt like a death-sentenced prisoner at this moment. Shiba Kaien was surely frightening when he was angry. And now, he was furious. Rukia would rather to meet the death than she has to confront Kaien's wrath.
"Miyako said your name is Rukia. Is that true?"
"H-hai…" she answered with trembled voice.
"Rukia, you know about our clan's difficult position, are you? Do you sincerely want to help us? Or did you plan to destroy us?"
"W-what? Of course I want to help Shiba clan, Kaien-dono."
"Then why you're not trying hard to be Hisana? You're totally someone else with the same appearance as her, but your attitude… you're nothing like her!"
Kaien's words were like thousands blade that stabbed her heart.
I'm not trying hard? I'm nothing like her? Despite I have done so much for them… Why I'm trying so hard to be Hisana-sama for ungrateful person like him? Of course I was nothing like her. I'm just a vagrant to begin with. What do you expect from a person like me?
"I'm sorry…, I don't think I would capable imitating Hisana-sama perfectly."
"What's with your attitude? Don't be conceited because our life depends on you, damn it!"
"What I'm trying to say is…. I can't do this anymore!" Rukia almost screamed in anger.
"What did you say?"
"I want to quit my poor acting as Hisana…"
Kaien's hand was raising, almost slapped Rukia's face. Miyako held his hand to prevent him.
"Rukia…, you can't quit. They'll kill you for fooling them around."
"I don't care… Ginrei-sama and Byakuya-sama are very kind to me. I felt guilty by lying to them. Please, let me tell the tru-…"
SLAP!
Rukia's body was landing with a loud thump after Miyako slapped her with all her power.
"Are you finished? Stop joking around! Don't sacrifice hundreds people's life for your own satisfaction! Guilty? Don't make me laugh! If you felt guilty, you should feel it to our sister! She had beaten because of you! You're the root of this trouble, so don't you dare played as a victim here!"
"I...don't understand..."
"Hisana almost killed because they thought she was you! She never had an enemy, you are!"
Suddenly, her nightmare came back to haunt her mind.
"They did this to me because of you…" Hisana's voice echoed in her ears.
"…I'll make you more suffer by hurting all your beloved persons…" now she heard a man's creepy voice.
"I… It's all my faults..?" she didn't want to believe it.
"Yes, it is! And if you insist to quit, I'll kill you by my own hands."
"Miyako…, that's enough. We have to go now… I'll have a meeting with the elder to discuss about this. We can't let our clan annihilated."
"Rukia, think carefully about this matter. We'll talk again tonight. Remember, don't choose stupid option." Miyako said.
They left Rukia alone in the guest room with depressed state. She never felt this desperate before. She felt so empty and hurt inside. She walked out without known her destination. Her steps stopped when she bump into something. She looked up and saw a boy with turquoise eyes.
"Hei, are you okay? You're hurt…"
Toushirou wiped blood in her lips. She accidently bites her lips when Miyako slapped her. Rukia wasn't suppose to do this, but she hugged Toushirou and cried desperately.
"O-oi…calm down… Someone will misunderstood if we're staying like this."
Rukia won't listen. She couldn't stop her tears and didn't want to let go of him. Not right now…
"How dare you!"
Suddenly Rukia felt someone pulled her from Toushirou and slapped her left cheek, the same place where Miyako slapped her a few minutes ago. She fell to the wooden floor in a loud thud.
"You…you…!" Soifon almost lost her ability to speak, filled by anger and hatred. "How could you cheat on my brother like this? He was too kind to marry a filthy woman like you. How could you?"
"Ojou-sama…, calm down." Gin held her so she won't able to hurt Rukia more than that.
"You're wrong… it's just a misunderstanding. I just want to calm her." Toushirou explained.
"Did you expect me to believe all that crap? Just die!" Soifon shouted in anger.
"Somebody, explain to me what happened here?"
Soifon and Toushirou froze when they heard Byakuya's voice.
"Onii-sama, please don't marry this filthy woman. She's cheating on you!"
"No, she isn't. I can explain this…." Toushirou almost panicked.
Byakuya walked through Toushirou and lifted Rukia to his arms. Once again, he took Rukia in bridal style as if it was natural for him to do it.
"Let me down." She said between her sobs.
Rukia struggled with all her might so he would let her down. Instead of fulfilling her demand, he embraced her steadily.
"Can you hear me? Let me down!" she repeated with louder voice. She kept on struggling; even pounding on his chest a few times, but he didn't even flinch.
"No, I don't want to." he said in serious tone.
In the end, she gave up and encircled her hands around his neck. She buried her face in his chest helplessly. She hated that he always see her fragile side, but she didn't has another choice.
"Onii-sama…" Soifon tried to convince her brother.
"Soifon, please, respect my decision. She is the one and only woman who will be my wife. Do not say anything bad about her because it means you offend my pride."
Rukia tightened her hug at him after heard his statement. While Soifon turned around and walked away with painful expression, Gin followed her. Toushirou just stood and watched him walk away with Rukia in his arms. He didn't believe what he just saw.
Kuchiki Byakuya was a different person. The old Byakuya never showed any kind of affection toward a woman. He never wore such a soft expression in his face for a woman. He never scolded his only sister in order to defend a woman. That Kuchiki Byakuya was no longer exist. A woman named Rukia had changed him.
At that moment, Hitsugaya Toushirou got one important conclusion:
Kuchiki Byakuya is in love with Rukia.
Kuchiki clan's mansion – Byakuya's room, March 17, Afternoon
Byakuya put Rukia down on his chair while he took a medical toolkit from the closet. She stayed in silent as he kneeled down in front of her to treat bruises in her face.
"Why…? Why you're so kind to me?" she stared at him with her teary eyes.
Her voice was so sad that it broke his heart. She asked him a question as if she never treated nice by someone else before.
"Is that question requires an answer?"
"Yes, it is. Please, tell me." she insisted.
"You are my future wife. It is my ultimate answer."
"What if… if I'm not the person you expected? What if I'm someone else? Are you still nice to me?" she asked hopefully.
Please answer 'yes'. If you do, I will tell the truth. I can't continue this act any longer.
"No. If you're someone else, I will treat you the same as the other people." He told her the truth.
"If you are someone else, Rukia, I won't do this for you."
Rukia looked away with sad eyes.
He will hate me… He won't be so nice if he knew I'm not Hisana.
Byakuya reached her chin and brought her gaze back at him.
"To be honest, you are the first woman who made me feel this way. I won't let you go and I won't allow you to let go of your hand too. I'm a very possessive man, so don't you dare to look at the other man. I'll trust you no matter what you say, so you must also trust me with all of your heart."
Rukia captured by seriousness that reflected in his eyes.
"Shiba Hisana…, I love you."
Rukia gasped when he pulled her face closer to his. Before she could comprehend or deny, he claimed her lips for the second time. She closed her eyes and let her tears flowed in her cheeks. His last words were so honest…so sincere… Even when he called Hisana's name in the beginning, she still felt that those magic words dedicated to her, not Hisana.
That was the reason she cried with tears of happiness.
I love you too, Kuchiki Byakuya…
I added some parts of the story, if in a case someone re-read this chapter. Thank you so much for reading this story so far.
Thank you very much for waiting the update. I'm terribly sorry because I made some of readers confused in previous chapter. Honestly, I didn't mean it. I hope you like this chapter^^