A/N: Another installation, this time in less than a week! Aren't you proud of me:D Thank you for your kind words and I promise I will get back to each and everyone of you personally for making my day with the lovely reviews. I just noticed I forgot to respond to the glitches such as Nata-SHA Bedingfield (I know, I know, too much caffeine does that to you!) and also James Lafferty's bum is so OTH-owned. Sorry for the techies and for pointing them out.
And to make this chapter work, Senna is a British-born Japanese with a British name of Sienna Miller. I know it's whacked, but what the heck. :D And nooo, no sharp objects my way, please. I'm very fragile :D
Disclaimer: The closest I've ever gotten to those celebrities and the astoundingly-priced designer clothes is through my Elle magazine. Thank you very much.
Terminology:
TMI – acronym for Too Much Information
PDA – acronym to Public Display of Affection (and of course, the less-gagworthy Personal Digital Assistant :D)
New Bond Street – an upscale shopping district in London
Plastic – British slang for credit card
Fag – ciggie in British slang
Knackered – tired, also in British slang
The Ivy – one of the most famous restaurants in London
Kate Moss – like, hello? The goddess of stick-your-finger-down-your-throat anorexic
Giggsy – a nickname for Ryan Giggs, the Manchester United team captain.
XXXXX
"Onii-chan!!"
Both Rukia and Ichigo spun on their heels.
"Onii-chan! We're here!"
Ichigo scurried to the landing of the staircase, holding his towel securely between his fingers. He peered down the stairs which directly faces the main entrance of his bachelor pad.
"Onii-chan!"
Two girls, identical in height, began racing up the stairs after dumping their heavy suitcases by the door. After tipping his hat to the Asian footballer, the doorman pulled the door close and left.
Panicking, Ichigo cast a look at Rukia, who was gaping at the sudden commotion. Both were aware of the thunderstorm of footsteps paddling up the stairs, and both were deathly aware of Rukia's grip on the foreign white undergarment.
"Ichi-nii!"
Snapping out of her reverie, Rukia acted fast and shoved the bra deep between the burrows of fluffy cushions. She retracted her hand just in time to tug on out-of-place hair strand and to smooth some wrinkles on her T-shirt.
"Ichi-nii! Surprise!" cried the orange-haired one out of the two, as she threw her hands around Ichigo's shoulders once she ascended to the second floor. Ichigo almost stumbled backward due to the impact, and braced himself when another pair of arms joined the human chain.
"Omph. I think you just gutted my kidney, Karin," Ichigo grunted, doubling back in pain.
Karin grinned as she released her grip on her brother. She turned on her heels and came face to face with a sheepish Rukia.
The older girl grinned nervously as she gave a little wave. "Hi there."
Ditching her older brother behind, Yuzu dashed for the petite singer and clamored her with a bear hug. Karin followed suit, somewhat a bit calmer than her twin sister.
"Easy, Yuzu. I think you just about squeezed her lungs out," Ichigo joked, leaning against the railing as he observed his siblings fussing over his wife. His erratic heart beats had calmed down significantly, and he thanked God that Rukia opted against creating a scene.
Although he couln't say that he's not anxious of her reaction behind closed doors later.
He neared the little family union and placed an arm around Rukia's shoulders, who seemed to tense under his touch. He couldn't blame her, after all, she was the one with the aftershock of discovering another woman's lingerie in her husband's apartment.
"Girls, meet Rukia," he introduced, squeezing Rukia's shoulder gently. The girls' eyes shone brightly as they beamed at her adoringly. "And Rukia, meet the kids. That's Yuzu," he continued, pointing to the orange-haired. "And that's Karin."
Rukia smiled warmly, pulling both girls by the arm towards the couch, at the same time slowly, but deliberately escaping Ichigo's grasp on her shoulder. "You girls must be tired," she started, sitting the girls down side by side.
Yuzu nodded with a smile on her face. "It was okay. We heard you coming with Ichi-nii to London so we jumped on the next flight to Heathrow. It was all Karin's idea though. She's ecstatic to meet you!"
Grinning, Rukia diverted her gaze to the blushing girl. "Really?" she asked. "Well, guess what, Karin? I was anxious to meet you too."
Feeling a little left out, Ichigo proceeded to stand next to his wife and scowled. "Already hogging the limelight, Mrs. Kurosaki?"
Karin cringed at her brother's choice of wardrobe. "Ick, Ichi-nii. Go and put some clothes on."
Rukia grinned triumphantly. "Exactly my thoughts," she said. She pushed her husband by the shoulders, her palms making contact with Ichigo's bare skin. "Go get dressed. I'm gonna feed the girls breakfast."
Ichigo skidded on his walk, resisting against his wife's push. "How about your husband?" he insisted, flashing his puppy-dog pout.
Rolling her eyes, she gave another gentle shove. "Yeah, yeah. Just go get decent, okay?"
Satisfied with her answer, Ichigo turned around briefly before capturing his wife's lips in a soft kiss. "But I thought you were liking what you see…" he murmured, sighing against Rukia's luscious lips.
Startled, Rukia barely responded before Ichigo pulled away, grinning like a dork.
Karin and Yuzu respectively covered their eyes. "Eww, TMI, Ichi-nii!" Yuzu wailed, ducking her head behind Karin's shoulder.
"Wrong acronym, Yuzu. This is a definite PDA," Karin muttered, shaking her head slightly but nevertheless, a smile was tugging at the corner of her lips.
Laughing, Ichigo retreated back into his bedroom before winking at his blushing wife.
XXXXX
"Uh-huh. That top is rad. You should totally grab it."
Karin scrunched up her nose as she held the dress hanger away for distant scrutiny. "Chill, Rukia-nee. It costs half of my monthly allowance. What are we doing here anyway? They barely have anything for us carnivores in here," she complained, turning the top over and over again.
Nodding, Rukia took a lick of her Sherbet lollypop. "Point taken. I believe it was all Yuzu's doing," she replied, winking her eyes at the orange-haired girl.
Yuzu blinked, temporarily forgetting a yellow tote in her hand. "Me? I thought you said the tote on the display was cute," she said, frowning. "It was Rukia-nee!"
"It wasn't me! All Yuzu!" Rukia denied.
"Nee-chan!"
Grinning, Rukia lifted herself from the leather couch and strode over to Yuzu, taking the tote from her. "Alright, alright. But the tote is cute, ne?" She then turned her attention to Karin, who was still holding up the top to herself in front of the vanity mirror. She nodded her head with approval towards Karin's reflection. "And that top, very chic."
Karin turned a sickly white. "Chic? I prefer 'rad' earlier."
Rukia laughed. She wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulders. "Alright, alright. That top is rad," she repeated, rolling her eyes. "So guys, grab em."
Karin shuddered. "Uh, no thanks. I'm not up to confining myself to instant ramen for the rest of next month," she replied, putting the top back on its rack.
"Yeah, I still have to pay for my violin lesson too," Yuzu added.
Rukia raised an eyebrow, her hand on her hip. "Hey, then what's the purpose of my existence if not for being the ever-cool money-producing cashier?"
The twins exchanged glances. "No way."
"Yes, way," the older girl argued. She grinned before grabbing both girls by the arm. "I think I see a few credit cards with both your names on it."
Karin looked up with a skeptic look. "Ichi-nii will kill us."
Rukia rolled her eyes. "Oh, relax. He owes me. In fact, maybe I'll get around talking to him to give you guys extra pocket money. How does that sound?"
Yuzu was quick to shake her head in disagree. "Uh-huh, no way. That will quicken his pace to the knife."
"You guys need to chill. Today is my treat. Go grab whatever you want, alright," she conceded, retreating back to the couch to finish her lollypop, much to the twins' dismay. "I'm here if you need a second opinion," she added as an afterthought.
Yuzu pursed her lips. "Are you sure? You have time to back out now, you know."
"What, and chicken out from the ultimate shopping experience? No way."
"Don't say we didn't warn you," Karin added.
Grinning, Rukia crossed her legs as she leaned back to settle herself. "Surprise me," she challenged. "And oh, if you guys are fast enough, maybe we could grab lunch at the Ivy."
"Are you serious?"
She smiled. "Only if you hurry."
"I love you, Rukia-nee!"
XXXXX
The Sun
Special Sunday Edition
Kurosaki Klan Hits the Bond Street
It was a perfect weekend for the Kurosaki Klan to douse under the sun and enjoy the day out shopping to their hearts' content.
Latest Arsenal's WAG, Kurosaki Rukia was found hand-in-hand with the Gunner's ace's twin sisters while walking down New Bond Street with multiple shopping bags.
Armed with plenty of plastics, the trio was spotted to hit the boutiques early Sunday morning.
Rukia may be the freshest of all WAGs to shop with plastics of her own name.
Our expert eyes estimated that day's 2-hour shopping spree netted to be around £13,000.
From Hermes Birkin bags to Badgled Mischka's summer dresses with price tags ranging from £300 to £800 per dresses, Rukia topped the collection with accessories from Prada and CD.
The petite beauty splurged on gadgets too for her in-laws as she was seen purchasing the swanky Sony Cyber Shot Digital Camera DSC-T20 worth £350.
The sweet lass did not forget to grab Zegna suit for hubby, costing around £2300. And while at that, she matched it with a silk neckie from Hermes, £250.
The body workout did not end there as the three cruised for lunch at the Ivy, and were spotted puckering up to the likes of WAG Coleen and Kate Moss. Kate and Rukia were said to hit it off during the last YSL Fall campaign.
All in a day's work of fabulous WAG and in-laws.
XXXXX
"That can be a new Brady Bunch pin-up."
A lady in indigo let out a throaty laugh. "You'd think?"
The blond in a pant-suit with a D-cup bust line raised an eyebrow. "You know I'm not going to lie and say that you could pull it off, Miller, cause you can't. You can't stand kids, especially teenage girls."
The British-born Japanese actress flipped her wild purple hair over her shoulder. She gave her best friend a pointed look. "Maybe I could prove you wrong, Matsumoto. Maybe I could do teenage girls."
Rangiku laughed. She took a sip of her latte before smiling wanly. "You're just kidding yourself."
"I'm not. He loves me. I know it."
"Oh yeah? So he tied the knot with her just for the heck of it?"
Holding a perfectly-manicured hand to her chest, Senna looked back in mock trepidation. "I'm miffed, Rangiku. You're supposed to pat me on my back and pump your fist screaming 'you go, girl!'."
Rolling her eyes, Rangiku pushed the tabloid with a certain raven-haired singer making the front page to her friend for a dose of reality check. "No, I'm gonna be that best friend who said 'I told you so' when you screwed Jude behind Kurosaki's back. That boy's never taking you back, luv. Deal it with."
"Ouch."
"Yeah, ouch."
They sipped their respective mocha and latte in silence before Senna broke the reverie. "Gotta fag?"
Rangiku shook her head in disdain. "You know, Rukia would never take a drag. Maybe it's time you quit too."
"Why are you flaking on me? What's so good about that goody-two-shoes bitch?" Senna demanded, breaking free of her cool composure.
"Don't be bitter, Senna. Just move on."
The actress snorted. "Nah. I have my plans all laid out."
Rangiku took a sharp inhale. She knew her best friend all too well. "What do you mean?"
"I just planted a little something in the target's quarters, that's all," Senna replied as she blinked lazily to her blond friend.
"Do I even want to know?"
Senna gave another thought before letting out a small laugh. "Nah, you'll find out soon enough. Anyways, I'm knackered," she decided, finishing her cup of mocha before lifting her Nina Ricci off the table. "Thanks for dinner, luv. Holler if Lancome needs a new face," she added, grinning coyly.
"Uh-huh. You don't drop off the earth surface. Don't do stuff I have to bail you out from," the blond added before bidding farewell.
"Psht, I'm hurt. Taa."
XXXXX
BBC Exclusive: The Weather and Football with Kurosaki Rukia
We have dropped by the Emirates Stadium today hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest WAG of Kurosaki Rukia.
She did not disappoint us when she and the ace's twin sisters appeared with a picnic basket filled with sandwiches and munchies for the whole team.
Rukia is reported to be spending her Spring Break with husband, Arsenal's hottest star striker. Joining the troop are Kurosaki Karin and Yuzu, who hailed all the way from Osaka for the family reunion.
Rukia was spotted chatting and laughing together with the in-laws when our Angie approached the bench for their 2pm date.
The petite singer handed a turkey sandwich to Angie, who described it as scrumptious and tasted like those which come from expensive gourmet restaurants. For a WAG, she definitely has some cooking skills.
After shooting a few snippets of the pop star with her in-laws, the two sat back and discussed the weather and football.
She was used to the New England weather in Princeton, therefore London's sunshine after a drizzle is definitely tolerable for her.
They talked about her finishing up her degree in Neuroscience, and the beautiful Asian was excited at the prospect of graduating soon. "It's the next best thing after Baskin Robbins. No more books!" she grinned impishly.
When inquired whether she would be interested to delve into Masters or perhaps a PhD someday, the lady solemnly nodded. "So many women out there are fighting for their rights to higher education. I should not pass up my chance when I have one," she said, naming a few UK universities as top choices.
This WAG edition is definitely of another breed. Just a day in Briton's soil, she has said to already make an appointment with the Dr. Hawden Trust committee members. A donation to the Alzheimer and meningitis research is in order, but she refused to disclose a figure. "I'm surprised how you guys dig things like that out," she joked. That, Rukia, is a part of our job.
She watched in amusement as the twins ran down the seats to greet the likes of Thierry Henry, Lehnmann, Ljungberg and Adebayor while hubby Kurosaki waved up to her from across the field.
When inquired about the game, she gave a comment of the ESPN level. "Gunners are on the track, but I'm still afraid for them cause I think the Reds are certainly stepping up their game. I watched how they played against Chelski last week in Anfield and it was a darn good show."
But her favorite team as a teenager was the good ol' Red Devils. "Ichigo knows, and let's just say he wasn't too thrilled," she laughed.
She named Giggsy as her favorite player, that is, before she has her own ace to gush on. "I may have married him, but I still kick his butt if he didn't make that goal," she disclosed, grinning conspiratorially. "Henry's been keeping him in line while I'm away, so I guess it's all good."
When inquired what team she would give her right leg to see making it to the FA final, she admitted it would be dash to see Arsenal up against Manchester United. "Maybe as some sort of closure for me," she added.
The rendezvous ended with a flask of Rukia's homemade fruit punch. After promising another interview in the future, this time as the studio's guest with Kurosaki as an added bonus, Angie bid her farewell.
XXXXX
Ichigo watched his wife like a hawk as the raven-haired woman in a pair of azure satin pajamas closed the door slowly behind her. "Did you just tuck them in?" he inquired softly as he neared her.
Rukia nodded curtly, avoiding his glance. "Yeah." She strode away from Ichigo towards the vanity mirror.
Disappointed with her cold shoulder, he let out a silent sigh. "Oh."
"What's wrong with that?" she inquired, staring back from the reflection on the dresser.
Ichigo squirmed. He tucked his hands into the pockets of his sweat pants. "No, it's just, I think they appreciate it," he stumbled, settling down at the edge of the king-size bed. "They haven't had a mother figure for awhile now, and I think having an older sister makes up for it."
"Sure," she nodded again. She brushed her silky mane in silence before asking again. "Do you have an extra futon?"
Ichigo stared at his wife's back, dumbfounded. "Are you for real, Rukia?"
She sighed, settling the hairbrush on the dresser. "Then what do you suggest me do, Ichigo?" she demanded. "I can't sleep in the guest room now can I if I don't want to risk blowing our cover in front of your sisters?"
"No, I meant -."
"Just, please. Give me the goddamn futon," she cut in before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Take the bed, Rukia. I'll take the futon."
The lady frowned as she heaved herself from the stool. "Please do not go all sexist on me."
"I'm not being sexist. I just think it's better for you to take the bed."
"I'm tired, I've been on my feet all day long, and I'd much appreciate it if you tell me where I can get the futon so I can leave you the heck alone."
"Rukia…"
"Ichigo, please."
Ichigo ran a hand in his disheveled locks and got off the bed. "No, do me a favor and just take the bed, okay?"
She raised an eyebrow, her hand gripping the oak of the dresser firmly. "Oh, now it's about doing you a favor?"
"Rukia -."
She let out a small groan. She stormed towards the bed and grabbed a fluffy white pillow. "Save it. I don't need the futon anyway," she replied before taking up the long couch at corner of the room.
Ichigo felt his blood boiling. "Rukia, just take the fucking bed! Goddammit!"
Rukia leaned up on her elbow after Ichigo's sudden outburst. "Why? Why are you pushing for me to take your stupid bed?" she demanded, her own voice raising an octave.
"Then why are you pushing to get the stupid futon?" he shot back, marching towards the couch.
She got off her back to sit with her legs dangling off the couch. "I don't know. Maybe because I'm tired of dealing with you and I want to sleep. Maybe that's why!"
"Then, what's wrong with the bed? I swear to God, if you don't get off the couch, I will… I will…"
"I will what, Ichigo? Tell me."
Exhausted, Ichigo ran a hand down his weary face. He inhaled deeply as he knelt down by her. "Rukia, please. Get on the bed. Or do you want me to carry you there?"
"I don't want your fucking bed! God!" she yelled, throwing her hands up, exasperated.
"Why the hell not?!"
She swallowed at Ichigo's angry expression. She felt a lump at the back of her throat rising. Amber met indigo, and she couldn't take it anymore. "Cause God knows how many girls you've screwed on that stupid bed! Cause God knows how many girls you had the liberty of undressing them there, taking off their bras, their panties, their whatnot. Cause God forbid, I don't intend to count how many freaking DNA pool you have got going on there cause I just don't fucking give a damn!" she burst, breaking free from the close proximity with Ichigo as she jumped off the couch.
Startled, Ichigo stared back at his enraged wife. "Rukia…"
She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. Screw yoga. Who says taking deep breaths calm you down? She scowled. Definitely not working for her as she felt her tears were closely threatening to make its debut. "Ichigo, I beg you. A futon, and I'll leave you the heck alone," she whispered softly in defeat.
He straightened himself up from crouching. He took a step nearer to her as she took two steps back. "I didn't know how that thing got in there," he started earnestly.
She opted to turn a deaf ear as she turned on her heels. "Cause really, I don't think it'd go well with your sisters if I take residence in the Marriot tonight. So please, for the sake of our sanity. The futon."
"Listen to me, Rukia."
"Oh screw it. I take the couch."
"Rukia, will you just fucking listen to me??"
"What, Ichigo? What? That the bra somehow magically transported itself from Victoria's Secret onto your couch? Or how about the temporary insanity argument? That's the oldest trick in the book. Maybe then I'd be tempted to believe you."
He took hold of her small hand and brought it close to him. "Rukia. Please. I swear on Kami-sama I have no clue on how that thing got there," he pleaded, his eyes searched hers for any sign of relenting.
"Do not take God's name in vain, Kurosaki," she replied coldly before shrugging off his hold on her hand.
"I am not! Will you just listen to me?" he yelled. Both of them stood facing each other when something dawned upon him. He let out a low curse. "Oh, shit."
She raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "What? Finally epiphany hit you square on the head?" she questioned. "Maybe if you're lucky you'd remember that night's name too," she added sarcastically.
"No, listen! The night of my game with the City? After I got back from Jersey? I had a visitor."
"Wow, of course, Einstein. The power of your brain piecing the puzzle together just throws me off," she replied derisively.
Ichigo ignored the tightening he felt in his chest. "No need to be snide, Rukia. Will you just trust me?"
"Try me."
He took a deep breath before launching into an explanation. He pulled her down to sit by him on the sofa, but the petite woman proved to be stubborn and stuck with standing. "Senna appeared in my bedroom. She had my spare keys from the time when we were still dating. We talked, she made her intentions known, but I swear, I declined. I even showed her the way out."
"Then what the hell was her bra doing on your couch??"
"Isn't it obvious?? She wanted you to get worked up over it and from what I see, she's succeeded."
She shot him with daggers. "Asshole," she muttered before turning on her heels, her pillow safely clutched in her hands.
Realizing his explanation did not etch into his wife's thick skull, he picked himself off the sofa and followed her hot on her trail. "Rukia, where are you going?"
"Anywhere away from you. This room is ass huge, there must be a territory somewhere which has not been polluted by your freaking semen yet. Maybe I'll try the balcony," she decided, sliding the balcony door open, letting the crisp May air blowing into the vast bedroom. She eyed the marble floor thoughtfully before shuddering. "No wait, who knows what you were up to during those hot spring nights," she spat, marching back in. "I'll just take the freaking wardrobe. I don't think you'd want your seeds on your Armani."
He had had enough. He grabbed her wrist and twirled her around. "Rukia, will you just listen??"
"Listen to what? To another one of your lies? To another one of your conquests? For your info, I am not interested. I don't care if you're screwing the Princess of Zulu or Julia Roberts for that matter, just get you hand off my wrist!"
He ignored her command and cornered her against the wall. His amber eyes were blazing in frustration. "No, I won't. Cause you're being a mule and not listening to me! Cause you're yelling without even paying attention to what I'm saying!"
"Let go, Ichigo! Why would I listen to you?? Why would I believe you??" she yelled, trying in vain to kick her husband on the shin.
Ichigo fastened his grip on Rukia's wrist as he pinned her to the wall. His eyes searched her indigo pools. He saw hurt, hatred, contempt. He even saw that she was on the verge of breaking down, and he felt a squeeze around his heart.
He berated himself for being the source of her pain. He saw her faltering beneath him, her breath came in ragged pause, a silent tear sliding down her porcelain cheeks. He swallowed nervously; his hand still had a firm grip on her. "Cause… I love you, Rukia," he whispered softly before pecking her on the lips. She quivered, using what's left of her energy to push him off. But Ichigo held on strong. "I fucking love you…" he repeated, changing the angle as he claimed her lips again. "I am so deeply in love with you…"