A.N.: Hello! I present Chapter 10 of "No Regrets"! :] A big thanks to those who reviewed (PAMILA DE CASTRO, andyantopia, Amahlia Shen Qui-yan Dong, Guest, Nyanmaru94, Lilian Violet, ReckoningDay, Yuki-onna 0, Aii Sakuraii, MitsurugiChire, arlingtonsteward, Lilith's Heart, DRUON, Violet, vicky73, ra7matigorti2, Jasmine, LuciL06, seras3791, and aria), viewed, favorited, and followed. I really appreciate your patience and support. :]
Onwards now! ;]
Warnings: Some IchiRuki
Disclaimers: Bleach belongs to Kubo Tite, but I own everything else (plot, universe, OCs, etc all included).
Byakuya stirred and groggily opened his eyes. What time was it? It can't be morning yet; it is dark outside...
Something moved against him and he looked down to see Rukia. For an instant, he wondered how she had got there and whether he was dreaming, but recalled her sneaking into his room the previous night. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her.
Still too hot.
He had to wear his night robe for Rukia's sake or else she would never have climbed onto his bed. But she was sleeping now, wasn't she? He could deal with her fit when they woke up later. It wouldn't hurt to take it off.
Byakuya released Rukia and slipped out of his clothes. Pulling the sheets over himself, he gathered her back into his arms again and fell asleep.
Cherry blossoms...
Rukia nuzzled her face closer to the fragrant smell, inhaling deeply. She didn't think she could ever have enough of that scent... maybe she was becoming addicted. It was so comfortable too; the best sleep she had in her life. Her bed was soft and she felt... protected. What time is it... She opened her eyes.
Byakuya had her tucked against his body, his arm draped over her. Her heart thumping loudly, Rukia fearfully glanced downward. Her fears were confirmed: other than his blanket, he had not a stitch of clothing on him. She gave out a cry and shoved him to the side, squeezing her eyes closed. She made to leap off the bed, but Byakuya was too fast and his fingers latched onto her wrist.
"Rukia, is something the matter?" He actually sounded concerned. Rukia couldn't believe him.
"Byakuya, you- you..." She covered her eyes with one hand and pointed at him. A soft sigh and a rustle of cloth.
"You may open your eyes now."
Rukia peeped through her fingers and saw he had loosely put on his night robe. Better than nothing...
"I... Did I- Were you like that the whole night?" she asked. Oh, please say no...
Byakuya deigned not to answer, the limpid gray eyes observing her. She gave a small wail and ran a hand through her hair. This was awful. She, a married girl, sleeping in another man's bed when he was nude. And here she was saying that she was not going to form any relationships with anyone at the palace. Any respect Rukia had left for herself dissipated.
She sank down on the floor. "What am I going to do?" she whispered. There was no way she could regain her dignity after this. Why had she been so stupid to fall asleep last night?
Byakuya knelt down beside her and placed his hands around her shoulders. She looked up at him. "Rukia, I was clothed for the greater part of the night," he said, but she shook her head.
"It still is bad... you aren't my husband." Rukia stared miserably at her hands. "I know I haven't even met the Duke's grandson and I don't like him, but this..." Her voice trailed off.
"Why do you not like him?" Byakuya asked, his voice suddenly hard.
"I don't know... I just associate him with bad things which happened to me." Why was he becoming so defensive all of a sudden? Rukia had the distinct impression that her mind was failing to grasp something, something which should be obvious to her, but wasn't. What was it? It was as if her mind purposefully blanked out.
"Like what?"
She couldn't tell Byakuya about what happened with Aizen. "Nothing," she replied, not meeting his eyes. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Did he..." He paused, searching for the right words. "... hurt you in some way?"
"I guess so, but it isn't his fault; he doesn't know about anything which happened to me. It isn't as if he purposely tried to hurt me. But still..." Rukia smiled weakly at him. "I must admit I do blame him, even though it is unjust."
Some emotion passed through Byakuya's eyes, but was rapidly gone. "Is there anything he can do to ease the pain?" Rukia shook her head at his question.
"No, he can't do anything."
A pause. "I see." Then-
"I am sorry." She stared at Byakuya, shocked by the sadness and remorse in his voice. She had never seen so much of his heart before. He almost seemed... human. It hurt her to see him this way.
"Why?" she asked. "You've done nothing wrong."
"I am apologizing on behalf of Kuchiki Byakuya." For a second, Rukia was confused, then she understood.
"You don't have to." She smiled. "It doesn't have anything to do with you."
"Do you hate him?"
"What?" she asked, taken aback. "Well... no, I don't. But I don't like him either." Rukia chuckled. "Then again, I've never met him, have I? So it would be wrong of me to judge him too harshly." Byakuya was silent.
"I don't know, though," she continued. "Even if he is a good person, I would still be hesitant toward him, if you know what I mean. Because he's hurt me, albeit unconsciously, I would be uncomfortable around him, I suppose. Yet, I haven't met him, so I can't really tell you what I feel about him." He remained quiet, composedly watching her.
"But, Byakuya, is the Duke's grandson your friend?"
Another pause. "Yes, he is."
"Oh..." Rukia felt embarrassed for speaking that way about the man. "Then I'm sorry that I said all that. But if he's your friend, then maybe I'll have a better impression of him. A little better."
"Why is that?" Byakuya's mood seemed to lighten somewhat.
"Well... because I have a good impression of you." Discounting the flirting.
"And what is your impression of me?"
She should have known he would ask that. Perhaps it was best to be honest. "You always can handle any situation that comes up and you do it with class. Yet, you aren't brutal either and you have concern for other people's well being. You're smart, too, and confident." Rukia wasn't about to say "arrogant". "I know people say you're stiff and cold, but I don't see you that way at all." She beamed at him, her cheeks a little pink. "You're a good person and you can fight really well! I've never met anyone like you."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah! So if you're friends with the Duke's grandson, that means he can't be a really bad person. You aren't the type who keeps bad company."
"You are an observant woman, Rukia," Byakuya remarked.
"Really?" Rukia smiled happily and he nodded.
She had never thought that being able to discern people's character was a good thing; the only reason why she had been trained to do that was because of her profession. However, here was Byakuya, saying it as if it were a compliment. She almost felt... proud of herself.
Byakuya gently tidied her robe (or rather, his night robe), preparing to pull the neckline together. Rukia glanced downward at his hands.
Her robe had slipped completely off her shoulders and was hanging precariously above her breasts. Oh my god.
"NO! NO!" She leapt backward from his hands, crushing her clothes back together.
I—I'll do it!" In her haste, a white cloth fluttered to the floor.
"What is this?" Byakuya delicately picked up the silk and straightened it out in his hands.
Oh no! He saw my stupid handkerchief!
Rukia snatched it out of his grasp. "D—Don't look at it! It's just my handkerchief."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
The slate eyes searched her unflinchingly. "I assume anything with my name belongs to me."
He saw his name! Stupid, stupid Rukia! Why did you have to embroider his name onto the handkerchief?
"O—Oh... Errr..." Rukia was so embarrassed she didn't know what to say. Byakuya calmly retrieved the silk from her hands and began examining it again.
"It has a rabbit," he stated, his gaze still contemplating the handkerchief.
"I like rabbits..." she muttered sheepishly, stretching out her hand. "Could you give it back to me?" Byakuya ignored her.
"You sewed this... for me?" he asked, raising his eyes to meet hers.
"Y—Yeah... but if you don't like it, you can give it back." Rukia attempted to take it from him, but he shifted away.
"I like it."
"You do? But... it's a pink rabbit. You don't mind that?" He shook his head.
"Oh, then you can have it if you don't care." Rukia cast a glance at the closed windows and remembered she had to return to her quarters.
"Byakuya, I need to be going now," she said. "My maids will create a ruckus if they discover me missing."
"We are not finished with our conversation."
"No, no. I have to go." Staying here with him could never be good. She had to distance herself. "I'll see you around-" Rukia gave out a little cry of surprise when Byakuya scooped her up in his arms, carrying her back to his bed.
Not the bed again. How was she going to leave now?
"Byakuya! Put me down." She pushed against his chest, watching the dreaded bed come closer and closer. "I can't stay here without creating problems at my rooms!" Byakuya disregarded her struggles and laid her down on the bed, climbing in after her.
"Byakuya, don't," Rukia protested. "I told you I can't-"
"You may inform your maids that you left for an early morning stroll," he said calmly. "They will not doubt you."
"But I still can't stay here with you! I—I already slept here accidentally; I can't make the same mistake again."
"Mistake?" Byakuya frowned.
"I—I don't mean it that way," she hurriedly amended her statement. "It wouldn't be fair to-"
"I am quite certain that your main concern about staying here has nothing to do with your marriage to Kuchiki Byakuya," he stated. His intelligent eyes seemed to pierce into her soul. "I would like to know what that concern is."
Oh no. "But it is about Kuchiki Byakuya!" Rukia persisted as convincingly as she could. How could she possibly tell Byakuya that she didn't want to get close to him because she would betray her country? Even if she needed to do so to save her family, he would never understand.
"Do not lie to me."
"I'm not lying!" She felt awful about lying to him, like tearing out her insides.
"I would like to know." Byakuya's smoke gray eyes grew hooded, she noticed helplessly. "What is your reason for not confiding in me?"
"It isn't like that... I'm not lying."
"I am not a fool, Rukia." The slim fingers stroked her hair, entangling themselves in her short locks.
"Y—You aren't!"
"Then explain to me why you deny that you enjoy... this?" He gently kissed her, pressing his lips over hers.
"Byakuya... please..." Rukia gasped as his tongue entered her mouth, sensually kneading her pink muscle. Her brain began shutting down, her hands moving down his neck and into his clothes.
She couldn't do this. Not when Byakuya was kissing her in this way.
His night robes, jostled in their movements, slid down his shoulders, but Rukia did not realize this, preoccupied with Byakuya's mouth slanting over hers. All at once, he pulled away from her.
"Explain why you are denying me." Rukia was about to speak, yet he placed a long finger against her lips. "I desire your truthful answer."
What was she going to do? She couldn't tell him the truth- he would kill her.
"Understand that I am not denied often. Those who are foolish enough to refuse me... reap the consequences." His eyes were cold, but she saw something simmering behind the detached attitude. Something dangerous.
"I... I..."
"You are brave... Rukia." A shiver shot down her spine listening to the way Byakuya swirled the syllables of her name on his tongue. "Tell me what drives your determination to refuse me."
"N—No..."
"I can punish you... easily." He looked meaningfully at her and she knew what punishment he was referring to. Rukia shuddered.
"I... I'm afraid," she said finally and Byakuya's eyes narrowed.
"Afraid?" he asked. She said nothing, not meeting his eyes. Hopefully he would not ask anymore questions. Why did he have to be so curious? He didn't even seem to be the type that was curious.
"Tell me," he ordered. "I do not like waiting." In a softer tone, he asked, "Are you fearful of me?"
Rukia shook her head. "I am afraid of myself," she said, thinking this was the best she could do. "I am afraid that I will hurt you."
He frowned. "You could never hurt me."
She firmly met his eyes. "No, I will. I don't ever want to hurt you, so I must stay away. I don't want to feel anything for you and you shouldn't feel anything for me. We were meant to be this way." Her heart throbbed painfully just from saying those words to him.
Byakuya regarded her that impassive stare of his. "You are mistaken," he said coolly.
"I'm not!" Why did he have to keep objecting? He was making her feel even worse... "Trust me when I say I'm not good for you. I will hurt you."
"How can a person like you possibly hurt me?"
"You have no idea..." she muttered. In all her life, Rukia had never hated her occupation as much as she did now. It was ruining her and the people around her.
Byakuya pulled her against him, resting his chin on top of her head. "Byakuya, please don't do this..." She struggled against him, but he held her tighter.
"Sleep, Rukia."
"N—No... I have to go back. Let me leave." She had to go before he dissolved her will to stay away from him even more.
"I am not allowing you to leave. You will stay here with me."
It was impossible for her to escape now- she wouldn't be able to wriggle out of Byakuya's steel-like arms. She couldn't beg him to let her go either; he was too stubborn. Rukia didn't know what to do anymore. All she could do was resign herself to lying in his arms. Yet his very presence was intoxicating.
"Are you... happy as Kuchiki Byakuya's consort?" His unexpected question caused her eyes to pop open. She had thought him asleep.
"I guess so... but I miss my father and Renji. I wish they could be here with me," she responded truthfully.
"I see." They remained silent, enjoying each other's warmth.
Rukia found her defenses breaking down piece by piece each time she spent in Byakuya's company. She couldn't afford to be this way, but she was. She couldn't help savoring the manner in which he embraced her, so unlike his cold, aloof self. She couldn't help smelling his sweet scent, feeling his bare skin beneath her fingertips. His bare skin...
Oh no. She had forgotten his robes had become undone and slipped off his shoulders.
This was bad. How was she going to survive this? His skin was everywhere; Rukia didn't even know how far down his clothes had fallen- she couldn't see them anymore. It wouldn't be useful to wake him- Byakuya probably wouldn't bother to do anything. But she couldn't let the situation continue like this...
She slowly extended her hand under his arm, taking care not to wake him, and feebly patted the mattress. Rukia carefully peeped over his shoulder and saw nothing. There was no sign of his clothes anywhere.
They have to be somewhere... it isn't like he took his robes off...
She tried to sit up, but only succeeded in rubbing her head into his neck, to which Byakuya responded to by drawing her even closer. What to do?
Rukia groped about the bed, yet still could not find the blasted article of clothing. She sighed in frustration and moved her hand closer to his body, thinking that she might have better luck.
She squeaked loudly when her hand accidentally smacked his hard stomach in her haste.
He moved and opened his eyes. Rukia froze, hoping that he hadn't known it was her.
"Are you searching for something?" Byakuya asked placidly.
"Ye- No." Rukia shook her head, trying to be convincing. If he noticed his robes were missing, he might try certain things...
"You were patting the mattress."
"Oh." Her eyes darted shiftily around, trying to think of an excuse for herself. Byakuya lifted his arm off her and reached down.
"Were you looking for this?" He held up the limp collar of his robes.
"Errrr..." Rukia felt color flush her face. "Yeah." For an instant, she thought she saw a small smile lift up the corners of his lips. However, she may have been mistaken, as Byakuya was pulling his robes on in that chilly fashion of his. He lay back down on the bed and draped his arm over her again.
"Sleep."
"H—Hai," she found herself saying and almost smacked herself. Who would reply 'yes' when told to sleep? Rukia stared into Byakuya's calm face.
This time, she was certain that he had smiled.
Byakuya replied curtly to the document in front of him, yet his mind was focused on only one person.
Rukia.
He had an incredibly wonderful, albeit unexpected night with her. If only Rukia would consent to always spending their nights together... He had enjoyed that experience tremendously and would love to repeat it again. Which currently brought him to his more prominent concern.
Rukia was hiding something from him. Byakuya did not know what that secret was, but he knew it that it was somehow linked to his true identity.
What had she meant by him unknowingly hurting her? Other than their past few encounters, he did not believe that he had met her before. How could he have hurt her so badly that she became fearful of his real self? Had he affected her family indirectly by passing a law that bankrupted them? This grew even more confusing by the possibility that her father and friend were kidnapped. It made no sense.
"I am afraid of myself, that I will hurt you."
What had she meant by that? Why was that conviction preventing her feelings for him? How could one sweet, innocent girl possibly hurt him? However, it was strange that Rukia was proficient in martial arts and carried that strange, flat dagger. Was her father a martial artist? It must be so, for it was clear that her family had no money to pay a master to teach her. Byakuya was again faced with the uncomfortable fact that he hardly knew anything about her background.
Rukia was an enigma, an enigma he had to unravel, one whose end result might be something he wished he had never discovered. That thought struck cold in his heart. Yet, Byakuya had to know more about her, regardless of what he might find. It wasn't good for either of them to continue like this.
"Byakuya-sama, these are the memorials from the Department of Agriculture." A servant laid the stack of documents on his desk. Suddenly, Byakuya was struck with a plan.
"Inform the Duke that I desire to have a tournament held the week before the Mid-Autumn Festival."
"What sort of tournament are you thinking of, Byakuya-sama?" Byakuya opened one of the new memorials.
"A martial arts tournament."
"Hai, Byakuya-sama." The servant bowed and began to retreat out of the study.
"Do not forget to mention that the tournament will exempt no one proficient in martial arts- not even women."
The servant nodded respectfully and withdrew.
"You were taking a morning walk, Ukitake-san?" Orihime asked as the two girls sat together in one of the lakeside pavilions. "But it was so early!"
"Don't ask..." Rukia mumbled and took a sip of tea. Orihime just had to ask about that, didn't she? But she supposed her maids must have made a large enough fuss about her disappearance for the girl to hear about it.
"Are you sure, Ukitake-san?" Orihime persisted, laying her head on the table.
"Y—Yeah... I'm sure. I wanted air." Rukia frowned in a desperate attempt to keep from blushing. Images of their night together flashed through her mind.
It seemed that finding Byakuya unexpectedly had a deep impression on her. She could picture him lying in his huge bed, his pale skin enhanced by the blackness of his hair and sheets. To think that that perfect skin had been so close to her...
Rukia began to wonder whether he had been wearing anything at all when she found him. She became overcome with the urge to paint that memory of him, despite her limited artistic abilities. Ivory against jet black... an ethereal contrast of colors.
"I know! You visited that noble last night!"
Rukia spat her tea out all over the table. She choked, her face scarlet. "I'm so sorry, Inoue! I didn't mean to do that!" She hastily began mopping up her mess.
"So you did!" Orihime crowed. "I knew it! Nobody takes walks so early in the morning!"
"I—I never said that!"
"But you spat out your tea. So that means it's true!" Orhime nodded and Rukia sighed.
"If I say it's true, does that make me a bad person?" She sighed and refilled her cup.
As much as she treasured the experience, spending the night with Byakuya also made Rukia feel awful. Awful because she would eventually betray him and because she wasn't married to him.
"Huh? Why?" The long-haired girl was confused. "Don't you like him?"
Rukia shook her head and lifted her eyes to her friend's. "Inoue, I'm going to tell you a secret, okay? You can't tell anyone I told you anything, alright? It's very important, so you have to promise. I'm trusting you on this."
"I promise. I never sell my friends out, even if I die!" Orihime moved her wooden stool closer to Rukia.
Rukia lowered her voice. "That nobleman... is the other Kuchiki Byakuya."
"Byakuya-sama?" Orihime gasped loudly in shock and Rukia hushed. Then the other girl frowned.
"But, Ukitake-san..." Orihime whispered slowly. "You're married to Byakuya-sama."
What? What was she talking about? Rukia shook her head. "No, no. Not the Duke's grandson. The other Byakuya." Why was Orihime still looking so confused? Wasn't she clear enough?
"Ukitake-san... there isn't another Kuchiki Byakuya. There's only one and he's the Duke's grandson. You're his consort." The warm gray eyes looked worriedly at her.
"But there are two!" Rukia insisted. Did Orihime not know about the other Byakuya? "The one I'm talking about is tall and lean, with long, black hair, gray eyes, and fair skin. He's young, too." Had Orihime never met Byakuya before?
"But-"
"I think he must be a minister or something like that, but I'm not sure." Rukia was thoroughly puzzled by Orihime's reaction. She had been so certain that her friend would know who Byakuya was; the girl's brother was a magistrate. "You've never met him before?"
Orihime shook her head. "Nope. I didn't know there were two of them. I always thought there was only Byakuya-sama..."
"But I feel really bad because I spent the night in Byakuya's room," Rukia said, her hands twisting together in her lap. "I wanted to leave after speaking with him, but Byakuya wanted me to stay with him. I wish that I put up a bigger fuss, but I didn't."
"It isn't like you originally wanted to stay with him, though." Orihime paused. "But... does Byakuya-sama know about this?"
"Byakuya says he does and that he wants us to be together. I still feel really bad though."
"But that means Byakuya-sama will let you go!" Orihime smiled and clapped her hands together. "You should be happy, Ukitake-san! You'll get to be with the man you like!" Rukia did not answer.
"Ukitake-san?"
"Yeah, Inoue?"
"I know I said I wouldn't tell anyone, but you wouldn't mind me telling Ichigo about the good news, right?" Orihime put her hands together and Rukia smiled.
"Ichigo is okay." Then she grew serious. "But you can't tell anyone else. Especially not Ulquiorra."
"Okay, I won't."
As Orihime happily congratulated her, the many reasons why she couldn't be as glad about this floated through Rukia's mind.
"... and that's what Ukitake-san said." Orihime finished relaying the good news to Ichigo, who scowled grouchily as he listened.
"But Kurosaki-kun, I didn't know there are two Byakuyas. I thought there was just Byakuya-sama."
"That's because there is only him," Ichigo answered as he straightened himself. He had been leaning against a pillar. "Byakuya tricked Rukia by saying that he isn't the Duke's grandson."
"Really? But why?"
Ichigo sighed and ruffled his hair. "He said something like 'it's best for her not to know'. I'll have to ask him about this later."
"Oh, okay."
"You know, Inoue, don't you think it's a little strange that Rukia hasn't figured it out by now? I mean, you told her that there was only one Byakuya and you said just now that she visited him this morning." Ichigo shook his head in disbelief. "One look at the setup of his chambers should have told her that Byakuya isn't just a random noble or even a minister. All his rooms are decked in black, not to mention they're freaking huge. And nobody other than the Duke can have such extensive use of the color, right? How come Rukia didn't realize any of this?"
"I don't know." Orihime put a finger to her chin in thought. "Maybe she's afraid of liking someone so powerful."
"No, Rukia isn't like that. She's not easily scared or intimidated by people, even if it's Byakuya. She's respectful of him and she admires him, but I don't think she'd be afraid to like him. There's probably some other reason that we don't know about."
"Maybe."
Ichigo scoffed and gazed across his manor's courtyard. "If I were Byakuya, I would fix this misunderstanding soon. I can just see Rukia being furious with him." He laughed.
"Actually, that wouldn't be such a bad thing, come to think about it."
"Kurosaki-kun, don't say that!"
"Hey, Byakuya, what are you doing?"
Byakuya deigned not to reply. Was the brat so stupid he couldn't see that he was replying to memorials? Ichigo plopped himself down on a chair and carelessly crossed one leg over the other.
"Che. Always the same, aren't you?"
"Why are you here, Kurosaki Ichigo?" Byakuya finally said. "If there is nothing of importance, you are dismissed."
"Actually, there is something important." Ichigo frowned. "It's about Rukia." Byakuya slowly raised his eyes up from his document.
"Why aren't you telling her your real identity?" Ichigo asked. "I think you should tell her."
"Do not bother me about such insignificant things." Byakuya did not want to discuss this with Ichigo, of all people.
"Byakuya, don't give me that. You care about Rukia, don't you? So why aren't you telling her? Inoue said that she told Rukia that there is only one Byakuya and Rukia didn't believe her. Don't you think that's weird?" When Byakuya did not respond, Ichigo plowed on.
"And Inoue also told me Rukia visited you this morning." This was said accusingly.
"Rukia spent the night with me," Byakuya placidly replied, taking in the way Ichigo's eyes narrowed angrily.
"Well, don't you think it's strange why she hasn't realized who you are? Your whole quarters is dressed in black. It's so obvious, but Rukia hasn't realized it."
And Ichigo was right. Rukia's behavior was indeed strange and unlike her. It worried Byakuya greatly. It was as if her mind was glossing over those important facts, as if she couldn't face the truth.
Does Rukia truly hate my real self that much?
"Byakuya? Did you hear anything I said?" Ichigo peered at him.
"I have not informed Rukia because she is... uncomfortable with my identity as the Duke's grandson."
"Uncomfortable?" Ichigo gave a sharp laugh. "You've made quite a reputation for yourself, huh, Byakuya? Congratulations." Byakuya shot him a glare that would have withered flowers.
"But when do you want to tell her, though?"
A pause. "I do not know."
And Byakuya did not. With Rukia's confessions the previous night, he was even more hesitant to reveal his identity. Besides, she also admitted that she had no plans of ever becoming closer to him, relationship-wise. It frustrated Byakuya to no ends. All he could do was keep persisting and hope that he could change Rukia's prejudice against him. He would have to convince her that a future with him was possible and would not hurt either of them.
All this he had to accomplish quickly, for Byakuya knew very well that his self-control would give out one day. Rukia had worn it thin.
"Just to let you know, the longer you put this off, the madder Rukia will be when you finally decide to tell her." Ichigo flashed him a meaningful smile. "You should think about that."
"Kurosaki Ichigo, that has already crossed my mind."
"Then good for you." Ichigo turned to leave.
"I have scheduled a martial arts tournament a week before the Mid-Autumn Festival." Ichigo spun around and stared bewilderedly back at him.
"You actually want a tournament?" He scoffed loudly and Byakuya frowned in disgust. "Why?"
"I have my reasons." When Ichigo looked at him in confusion, he continued, "Ready yourself and your best men to compete. It would be a disgrace if you all were to perform badly."
"Whatever you say." As Ichigo left, Byakuya heard him mutter, "Why is everyone behaving so strangely all of a sudden?"
Why indeed...
Byakuya decided then that he would use the tournament as an excuse to visit Rukia again tonight.
"Yo, Rukia." Ichigo sat down on Byakuya's cushion.
"Ichigo, what are you doing here?"
Although Byakuya did not mention whether he was coming to the little island today, Rukia nevertheless liked to sit in the pavilion at the hill's summit, watching the lake ripple below her. It was calming, like his presence.
"Are you doing anything tonight?"
Rukia shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Why?"
"I was thinking we could go out into the city tonight. You've never seen it before, right?" Ichigo grinned at her. "Do you want to have a tour of it?"
"I'd like to, but I don't think I can leave my rooms to go outside. It'll be risky."
Ichigo scoffed. "Seriously? Rukia, you can sneak out of your rooms in the early morning without anyone noticing just to see Byakuya, but you can't escape from the palace? What kind of logic is that?"
Rukia laughed. Ichigo was right; she had forgotten that slinking quietly around places was her specialty. "Oh, okay then. We can go into the city tonight."
"I'll wait for you outside one of the small gates on the western side of the palace, alright? Make sure you come because I'm doing you a favor."
"I'll be there. No worries." They sat in silence for several seconds.
"You know, Rukia, why did you visit Byakuya last night?" Ichigo unexpectedly asked. Rukia looked up, slightly surprised.
"I offended really badly him yesterday, so I wanted to apologize. It had been on my mind the whole day." Not quite the truth, but it had to suffice. "But, Ichigo, why are you asking about that? I didn't think you would care."
"No reason. I'm just curious."
"Oh, okay." Then-
"But... you only went there with the intention to say sorry, right?"
What was up with the man? "Yeah, I did." Rukia frowned. "Really, Ichigo, you're acting strangely today."
"So are you," he muttered.
"What did you say? I didn't catch that."
"Nothing." Ichigo paused. "Rukia, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"You said you haven't met the Duke's grandson yet?" When she nodded, he continued, "What do you plan to do if you do meet him one day and... he decides he likes you?"
Of all questions, Ichigo had to ask this. "Well... I'm not sure," Rukia said, even though she was. She would have to do her job. "I don't really want to meet him, though."
"Oh? Why?"
She shrugged. "I like how things are right now. I don't want things to become complicated by meeting him. I don't want him to love me."
"Why?"
What was wrong with Ichigo? He was being insanely curious about things Rukia wished he wouldn't ask about. "I just don't want that to happen. I just want to be friends with everyone, nothing more."
"Oh. I see." At this, Ichigo stretched and stood up.
"I'll see you later, Rukia. Remember to be at the small gate."
"Yeah!" He waved and made his way down the steps.
Byakuya dressed himself in a set of dark blue robes and overcoat, glancing at the water clock by his bedside. Rukia would surely be alone in her room by this hour.
Despite looking forward to seeing her again, nagging suspicion gnawed relentlessly in his heart. It felt awful to be suspicious of Rukia, but he couldn't help it. He knew there was a large part of her life she was hiding from him. It hurt Byakuya to realize that Rukia did not trust him enough to confide in him.
The upcoming martial arts tournament would help identify who Rukia really was. When she sparred, she would definitely use some moves that would reveal her master's- or maybe even her own- identity. Byakuya did not like to use such underhanded methods to find out more about her, but he didn't have a choice. Rukia was unwilling to let him know too much about herself. It hurt him a lot.
He sighed and straightened his clothes. Yet, he would not think about all this tonight. Tonight was solely about visiting Rukia. Seeing her always created a warm feeling which spread throughout his cold soul. After a long, tedious day, Byakuya did not want any of his suspicions to ruin their time together.
He checked his appearance in the bronze mirror. Satisfied, he fastened his sword to his belt and leapt out of the window.
"This is so awesome!" Rukia exclaimed, unable to keep from admiring the glamorous city.
"Pretty cool, huh? I thought you would like it." Ichigo smiled and she nodded.
Everything was lit up with glitzy lights and banners. Crowds of people pushed past them, some pausing to shop or enter restaurants. Street vendors shouted out noisily, bragging about the quality of their food. It was as if the capital never slept, its streets forever bustling with a blur of people and lights. Completely different than her smaller, suburban home town.
Rukia jumped when Ichigo stuck a steamed bun in her face. "You scared me for a minute," she said, accepting the bun. "I didn't even notice you left."
"Che. You're blind, that's why." They continued to walk down the street.
"I am not!"
"Whatever you say, midget." Ichigo yelped when Rukia punched him in the stomach.
"I am NOT a midget!" she retorted furiously. "I'm petite." She bit into her bun and gasped.
"Ichigo, this is good! It's sweet, but not too sugary."
Ichigo smiled indulgently. "Yeah, the vendor I bought it from makes really savory buns. You owe me one for letting you try one."
"I do, don't I?"
Up ahead, crowds of men entered and left a pleasure house. Courtesans' tinkling voices flattered their prospective customers from gaudy balconies. As they strolled by, Rukia was momentarily distracted by the loud noises and bright lights. Some courtesans stood at the grand door of the brothel, asking their customers to come back soon.
"You're playing a dangerous game. You can't keep carrying on like this," a flirtatious voice said worriedly to her client.
"I have a reason for what I do," said a male voice. Rukia looked over at her shoulder, slowing her pace. The man's back was facing her, but she could see that he was tall and had silvery hair. Have I met him somewhere before?
"But, Gin..."
Rukia froze in place, her eyes fixed on the man's back.
It was Gin. Ichimaru Gin. The cunning, fox-like man who she had encountered with Byakuya in the gardens.
"Rangiku, I'm going now." Gin turned around and left, revealing the courtesan's stricken expression. Rukia thought that the woman was pretty- a humongous bosom, blond hair, and plump lips. The courtesan wore her beautiful, showy robes exceedingly low to bare her ample cleavage. But why was Gin at a pleasure house-
"Rukia? What are you looking at?" Ichigo asked, coming to stand beside her.
"I think I saw Ichimaru Gin," Rukia said, watching Gin's back disappear through the crowd.
"Really?" Ichigo followed her gaze through the crowd. "Well, what do you know? Didn't know the man hit brothels. Then again, I'm not really surprised... with his facial expression." Rukia nodded, yet was puzzled.
It appeared as if Gin had some connection to the courtesan Rangiku, one that went beyond mere business.
"You know, Rukia," Ichigo suddenly said. "Make sure you don't go into those places, especially by yourself." He pointed at the brightly lit pleasure house. "I heard some of them kidnap girls and force them to be prostitutes."
"I know." Rukia gave him a smack on the arm. "I'm not dumb enough to go in there."
"Just making sure." He smiled. "Come on, let's go have a look elsewhere."
"Yeah."
Byakuya opened Rukia's window and crept into her rooms, closing it behind him. He frowned at the darkness of her bed chamber.
Where was Rukia? She usually was in bed by this time of night. Concerned, Byakuya walked out of her bed room into the sitting area, then int her study. Rukia was no where to be seen. His heart began thumping harder within his chest.
Where had she gone? Had she gone to the gardens? Yet, why would she go to the gardens in the middle of the night? Even though consorts could not leave their quarters after a certain hour, Byakuya knew Rukia was very capable of escaping out of her rooms. She had gone to his rooms last night after all...
He stopped. Had Rukia gone to his quarters again? She had said she did not want a relationship with him, but perhaps she couldn't resist the temptation. Had he missed her when he left to come here?
Byakuya opened a window and leaped out, making his way to his chambers.
He searched through every single room his quarters afforded him, but still no Rukia. A cold feeling swept through his gut and his hands grew numb, his heart pounding frantically.
Had someone drugged her and kidnapped her? Byakuya understood that Rukia could take care of herself, but sometimes accidents happened. He left his rooms and headed back to her chambers.
If she had gone out, perhaps she would already be back.
However, when he finally returned to Rukia's quarters, she was not there. Where had she gone? A knock on the door disrupted Byakuya's frazzled mind.
"Rukia, I know you said not to bother you tonight, but here is some tea." It was her maid.
"Enter," he said.
"Who's this? Where is Rukia?" Yumi sounded panicky.
"Open the door and you will see who you are speaking to." The girl, scared to do otherwise, obeyed. She dropped to her knees upon seeing him.
"Byakuya-sama, I wasn't aware it was you. Please forgive-"
"Where is your mistress?"
Yumi stared at him, slack-jawed. "What... What do you mean? Is Rukia not here? She asked me not to disturb her tonight, so-"
"Search for her immediately."
"H—Hai, Byakuya-sama." The maid turned to leave with the tray of tea.
"You may leave the tea here."
Yumi's face blanched and Byakuya frowned. "I—I couldn't. It isn't good to drink anymore... I jostled it when I came in and it isn't good for this tea to be jostled."
A pause. "Very well. Commence the search and report your findings to me. I will remain here." The maid's behavior puzzled him, but he had not the time to concern himself with her.
"Hai, Byakuya-sama." Yumi rushed out of the room, the tea tray in her hands, and shut the door.
Byakuya seated himself on Rukia's bed, trying to control himself from shaking.
Rukia... where are you?
"What's going on in the palace?" Rukia stared down at the commotion taking place beneath them as they crouched on one of the halls' roof.
"I don't know," Ichigo said. They watched the guards and servants rushing about the alleys waving flaming torches. It would be difficult to sneak back to her rooms again. "Come on, Rukia. I'll walk you back to your rooms."
"You don't have to. What if you get discovered?"
"Me?" Ichigo laughed. "Rukia, you aren't the only person who can come and go without anyone knowing."
"I never said that! Byakuya can do that, too." Rukia stopped.
Byakuya. She had forgotten to tell him she was going out with Ichigo. What if he sent for her, but she wasn't there? She shook her head.
Why was she worrying about him? Hadn't she told him that she didn't want to become closer to him? She didn't need to tell him everything she did. So why was she thinking like this now? Rukia looked down at the shouting people below.
Will he... be worried about me?
"Rukia!" Her head snapped up at Ichigo's voice.
"Yeah, Ichigo?"
"I've been calling your name three times already. What's up with you? You looked like you spaced out or something."
"Sorry."
Ichigo shook his head. "Let's just bring you home. Uh-uh." He waved a hand at her when Rukia opened her mouth to protest. "No buts. Let me be courteous please." She smiled.
"Alright."
The pair traveled quietly on the roofs and through the shadows, hiding whenever a guard came close. Before long, the roofs of the Inner Palace became visible. They leaped over the walls and lightly padded over to Rukia's window.
"Ichigo, you can go now," Rukia whispered. "These are my bedroom windows. I can get in by myself."
"I'm just going to wait until you open the window and climb in, okay? Then I'll go."
"You're being so nice all of a sudden." Rukia glanced suspiciously at Ichigo. "What's your deal?"
Ichigo shrugged carelessly. "I feel like it, so enjoy my niceness while I'm in the mood."
"Whatever." Rukia slipped her knife through the sashes and opened the window.
"See you tomorrow, Ichigo." She waved at him.
"Yeah. See you later."
Rukia smiled and hopped into her bedroom, closing the window behind her...
And froze at the sound of that cold, baritone voice.
"Rukia."
Ooohhhhh~ It's a cliffy again! I'm such a mean author. ;] I try to update as fast as I can, but I'm late again *sigh*. Wonder what will happen to Rukia in the next chapter? She has set a very angry and jealous Byakuya upon herself. That certainly can't be good, can it? Or maybe it can ;]. Nevertheless, this chapter was more for plot development (and foreshadowing) than anything else.
So those of you who were wondering why Byakuya isn't telling Rukia his true identity hopefully have your answer now. After what Rukia said to him about being uncomfortable with the Duke's grandson, he doesn't know whether her opinion of him will change (if he tells her the truth). And we also see Byakuya beginning to become suspicious of her background and Rukia in denial. If I could put more tags on this story, I would list it under "Psychological" as well, since Rukia is unconsciously blocking all information about Byakuya's real self. So sad... Their relationship has so many problems, courtesy of me. ;]
Oh, and please review! I ask for reviews every chapter, don't I? But they honestly make me happy and I always look forward to hear what you all think. Goodbye! :]