Chapter Ten:
"You're still grounded?" Miyako shrieked over the phone. "Jeez! Your dad must be pissed!"
"You don't know the half of it," Hisana blew stands of her hair out of her face. It had been eleven days since she had last snuck out, sixteen since she had come home, but Reiko refused to relent. He mandated that she be home when he got off work, that she not leave the apartment at night, and there were absolutely no visitors. Not that she listened to him, but he did not need to know that.
Now she was truly restricted by that damned Kuchiki. Somehow Kobaru had found out about her nighttime rendezvous (she had an inkling it was the mysterious street vendor Keigo), and had made good on his threat of a body guard. His name was Ueda. Though she had never spoken more than a passing hello to him, she was never far out of his sight. Even Dad had noticed him loitering in the hallways and had called the front desk to investigate. They assured Dad that Ueda was a temporary tenant on their floor, and though he would be gone soon, he had every right to be in the hallway. Literally, he just stood around and waited for her to leave for the day. Dad did not know that part, either.
"You were gone a whole year! Doesn't he have any empathy for our friendship?" her best friend lamented loudly. Hisana could just see her with her head tossed back and a hand dramatically on her forehead.
"Not particularly," the prisoner kept dicing the onions. "He's still on me about the guy thing,"
"Speaking of which," Miyako's voice dropped sharply. "Why did you never mention this boy before? Did you meet him when you were still dating Gai?"
Hisana flushed and was thankful that Miyako was not in the room to see. Her best friend knew her too well, and took her silence as an affirmative. "Oh my god! Hisana!" she squealed. "Why did you never mention him?"
"It's nothing, really," Hisana tried to keep her voice even. "We've only talked a bit,"
"It is obviously a huge deal if you are sneaking out at night to find this Romeo," the girl argued over the phone. "He has to be something special,"
Pulling a bowl down from the cabinet, she shrugged. "Maybe. That's what I want to talk to him about,
"I need to meet him! I'm the best friend! There are protocols that need to be observed! Privileges that I'm invoking! I have to meet him!"
"Well, when I find him, you can," she agreed. She had not left the apartment yet, today. There was very little to do in the outside world, except to look for Byakuya. She refused to falter, to lose faith in him. He would not be swayed by Noemi Fujimika.
Yes, Dai had told her all about the engagement during her weekly trips to Tokyo. He did not know the details, but he was sure that everything would work out. That was why Byakuya had not come to see her: she was a secret. Apparently, the Court of Pure Souls frowned on fraternizing with the living, something that made quite a bit of sense. Byakuya was still as sly as a fox; he would outsmart the Fujimikas and his own family. He would come back to her.
Did she sound as stupid as she felt?
"You call me immediately. Before any smooching or talking, understand? I get to meet him first!"
Hisana laughed. "That sounds ridiculous. But fair. If I find him, I'll handcuff him to a bus bench and call you immediately."
Miyako harrumphed. "I'll hold you to that, missy,"
"All right, Mi. I have to finish making dinner before the Warden comes home,"
Her best friend clicked her tongue. "Don't talk about your Dad like that. You snuck out at night. He's allowed to be mad,"
"Whatever you say," Hisana was really ready for the conversation to be over. Miyako could never meet Byakuya, and nothing was gained from living in a dreamworld. "I'll talk to you later. Night,"
"Bye," Miyako's phone clicked off.
As soon as she set the phone down, it rang again. Hisana glanced at the clock: 4:08. Dad was not due home for another two hours. That left only one option: telemarketers. The bane of housewives everywhere. "Hello?"
"Hey, Princess," Dad's voice reverberated in the speaker. "How has your day been?"
Hisana shrugged. "Pretty boring. I'm really missing school, though,"
Dad chuckled. "You were never one prone to idleness,"
"Wonder who I got that from?" she quipped. "What about you?"
Dad let out a huff. "Not good, Princess. Maslow et. al, are coming in tonight. Their flight landed early and they want to get started pronto,"
"How late do you think you'll be?"
"Late. Beyond that, no idea," he sighed.
"Gotcha. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine here," she reassured him. Already, she was dumping the onions down the garbage disposal, and rinsing out the mixing bowl. There was no way that she was going to cook a huge dinner for just one.
"You sure?" he sounded skeptical.
"Yeah. I'm going to run down to the store and grab takeout. I don't really feel like cooking,"
He paused. She could hear him thinking it over in his head. How long had it been since she last snuck out? Did it seem like she had an ulterior motive? "Okay," he seemed a little reluctant. "Do you need money?"
"Nah. I've got my card," the used knives were dropped into the dishwasher.
"Okay then. I'll see you tonight,"
"Okie dokie. Talk to you later. Love you," she smiled.
"Love you too, Princess," he hung up the phone.
Grabbing her keys, Hisana did not bother with a jacket. She would be quick, in and out. Kobaseki rarely had a wait. The girl nodded to Ueda as she passed him in the hallway. It was the typical count to seven before he started to follow her. She wondered if it looked strange to others: a thin, middle aged man trailing after a teenager. There was not much traffic and the resting bitch she currently had spurred most to get out of her way. One older gentleman smiled and tipped his hat. She returned a flashing simper before hurrying on.
"This is unexpected," a familiar voice chuckled.
"Gai? Are you working here now?" She blinked. Hisana had just turned into Kobaseki, minding her own business. It was more empty than usual, but then again, it was an odd hour of the day.
"Wow, Sani. How long has it been since you've come in here?" he chuckled and leaned on his broom. He was sweeping; how cliche. "I've been here almost two years. My uncle owns this place,"
Check this off the list of places she could eat at. "Huh, no way," her laugh was forced and her smile brittle. Was this as awkward for him as it was for her? He seemed at ease, like there had never been any intimacy between them. Miyako mentioned that he had dated Jun briefly.
"Gotta do something with graduation just around the corner," he grinned. "Any big plans?"
"Med school," she chuckled, eyes dancing around the store. "I'm thinking surgery or research." Not that it was any of his business. Hisana did not think that it would be this awkward after being apart for so long. She was almost nineteen, a legal adult. She was apartment hunting in Tokyo, had her pick of the universities there or anywhere in Japan. This boy only made her think of her femininity. She was just a girl in his eyes.
Gai winked. "That's my girl, but I'm not surprised. You spent the last term at some medical internship in the Netherlands, right?"
She raked her fingers through her hair. "Something like that,"
He made her uncomfortable. The warmth was still in his smile, his grin flashed cockily. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and she realized that he knew he still made her feel this way. The heat emanated from her cheeks, which were doubtlessly cherry red. He might be with Jun, she really did not know, but he was still flirting with her.
"So, anything interesting happen over in Dutchland?" She hadn't gone to Germany, but he remembered enough, and that was disconcerting. Gai leaned closer to her. His breath was warm, ghosting over her skin. Goosebumps peaked on flushed cheeks, and her fingers danced nervously on the thick column. Five inches separated them, but the heavy wood seemed so fragile. If he put any more weight on it, it would splinter and their bodies would collide.
"No," Hisana played with her hair. Maybe, it was her nervous tick, but he found it seductive. He always had, but she could not stop it. "Listen, I have to run. My dad is waiting on to me to get dinner. He got off work early tonight, and I'm in trouble as it is. He won't like me taking longer than I should,"
"Just tell him you ran into an old fling," Gai chuckled. "He always liked me. You still get the usual?"
She was going to. The fact that he remembered her eating habits freaked her out. No, she would get something random tonight. "No. Europe changed my taste buds,"
"Huh," he shrugged. "That makes sense." He watched as she grabbed something from the ice cooler. She didn't even look to see what it was.
"I'm not sure if that's enough for two people, Sani…" Gai looked down at the container.
"It's a side dish," she said quickly. Why did he make her so flustered? She kept rambling, and lying through her teeth. He certainly kept her on her tippy toes.
"Weird side dish," he commented as he accepted her money.
"You know how weird I am," she accepted the bag. "Thanks,"
"No problem. See you later, Sani," he waved.
"Bye," she hurried into the cold afternoon.
The world felt like it was falling in pieces. Everyone was moving on with their lives, the world kept spinning during her absence. Miyako and Himura found each other; Gai was still hooking up with Jun. Even Dad was looking at another job: Bingam was asking after him again, and Hitochora was causing him too much stress. She had the option of moving forward, investing years into medical school. She would become a doctor, and hopefully advance medicine in some astounding way. Now she faced the decision of what school to attend, and what apartment to rent.
It was time to let go, and move on. She knew that she could not stagnant. "I'll wait for you," she whispered to no one. "Just not in Nagoya,"
He had found her before. She would be waiting in Tokyo, and she would be ready.
***BH***
The Kuchiki–Fujimika wedding was causing an uproar. The invitations were embossed with gold filigree, and scented with peony. Every noble had been invited. The wedding costumes were silks and satins, heavy and ornate. Rukia once complained that they were so heavy that she would not be able to walk. Abarai immediately promised to carry her, if need be, and Byakuya knew that Rukia's infatuation with him swelled immensely. It was a good thing that Bunko had not wanted to marry her.
"Are you nervous?" Rukia asked from her cushion on the floor. Half of his noble family gathered in his rooms as he prepared for the lengthy ceremony.
"This isn't his first marriage!" His aunt, Tomomi chortled. She sipped on tea with Rukia and his grandmother. They had finished readying themselves, and were supposed to be assisting him. They were drinking to calm their nerves, or so Tomomi had claimed. "He knows what's coming,"
"Be quiet, woman!" Chiharu snapped. His wife simpered and poured more tea. His uncle knew what was at stake. The Fujimikas were a lesser family, but they had a vast wealth, and ran solid businesses. This marriage would benefit the Kuchiki clan. If everything went smoothly, that was.
"You worry too much, Husband," Tomomi laughed. "Boy," she called to Renji who was pacing near the windows. "You'll put a hole in the floor. Come sit with us,"
"He doesn't need to be with the women," Iruka, another uncle, told her. "You three shouldn't even be here! This is a man's time,"
"Pish posh," his aunt waved him away. "His mother can't be here for him, so we are. I won't fail Aija, Iruka. Our Byakuya agrees with me,"
"You should be with the bride," Iruka argued. "Welcoming her into the family. Goodness knows the entire Soul Society fears us as icy lords, stone faced and concerned only with money,"
"Aren't we, though?" Chiharu offered a small smirk. "That's the entire reason this marriage is happening,"
Rukia winced. Her brother's face remained as impassive as ever. A servant fixed the kensikan in his hair––he would wear all of them on this prestigious day. She had his scarf wrapped around her waist instead of the traditional obi; it was her way of keeping the past mixed with the present. Their family chatted around them, talking about the celebrations that would last for days, how many children would come, and how beautiful the bride would be. Rukia had never spoken to the woman, but she knew her brother well. He had been quiet these past few weeks, and frowned so much that he was developing a crease between his eyes. He was not in favor of this marriage.
He would go through with it, for the sake of the family. He had to remarry sometime; Lady Noemi was kind. Rukia had only seen her at formal functions, but she seemed sweet and patient, steadfast and not airheaded like some of the other bimbos the family elders paraded past Byakuya. Frequently, her thoughts had drifted back to her sister, and the love Hisana had shared with Byakuya once upon a time. Her brother must be missing his first wife. Soon, the elders would win the battle, and Hisana would be blotted out of the Kuchiki family history. Only Rukia would remain, a silent shrine to her sister's memory.
Her brother had not put up a fight during the engagement. He had been the one to propose to Lady Noemi! He must have been comfortable enough to marry the girl, and Rukia would get along with her for his sake. He had accepted Renji into their lives, and she would return the kindness. Family always stood together.
"We'll make the boy one of us before long," Tomomi raised her glass to Renji, smirking as he flushed and gaped like a fish. He was the perfect match for their Rukia: prominent within the Seireitei, but not of noble blood. No matter what Byakuya Kuchiki decreed, she was not of noble descent. No one outside the family would consider marrying her, even if it came with Byakuya's blessings.
"Rukia should still be with the bride," Iruka huffed. "Misa is there,"
Of course Misa was there. Perfect Misa, the epitome of the name Kuchiki, who could do no wrong, was with the bride. No doubt they were buddying up. Misa may have married and left the clan, but she remained a favorite in her cousin's life. Even now, she could be poisoning Noemi against her. Rukia rose, hands clenching at her kimono.
"No," her brother's voice was firm. "Rukia stays here,"
Relief flooded her as she fell back to the floor. Her brother would not forsake her for this new bride. Their strange relationship was well-known to the entire court. Noemi hopefully had not formed any conclusions about the reclusive Kuchikis. For his part, Kuchiki refused to let Rukia get her hopes up, to become too close to Noemi. Today's plans were tenebrous: one wrong move would topple well-laid plans to the ground. Rukia was a meddler, and though he loved her, he could not trust her with this marriage.
Tomomi threw her head back, shoulders heaving with laughter. "I think someone is getting the prewedding jitters! He wants his little sister to stay with him!"
The elders slowly chuckled. Fingers tightened around cups, shoulders stiffened, smiles did not quite reach eyes. Rukia was still a touchy subject among the family, treated with respect and kindness, but they kept their distance. It had been decades, but she was still an outsider. Still of common blood, and impersonating a noble lady––never truly one.
The family prattled on, about the feast and the clothes, who showed up with who, and who brought what gifts. They even discussed the bride's grace, her family, and how well she would fit into the Kuchiki clan. They had already accepted her. Had they reacted to Hisana this way? Rukia doubted it.
In the distance, bells chimed gaily. Renji jumped as the family stood in unison. "It's time," Uncle Chiharu's voice rang with finality.
***BH***
Her palms were sweating like a rainstorm as Renji walked her down the aisle. Eyes peirced her like arrows, the whispers hung in the air like music notes. She looked like a Kuchiki, but the mutterings would never cease.
"Don't let it bother you," Renji squeezed her hand. "Let them talk,"
"I'm used to it by now," she kept her voice low. The Fujimika matriarch glared at them as they sat on the groom's side. She kept her head high, chin lifted. She was a Kuchiki, she loved her brother, and would support him through anything. Even this. Renji sat next to her, his large frame obstructing her from the Fujimika clan. Rukia flushed; after all this time, he protected her.
Her brother stood on the dais, shining in the sun. He was dressed in deep reds and burnt golds, soft layers wafting in the wind. It was sweltering hot outside, the wind only stirring the heat around. Sweat dripped down her neck, but she did not move. Rukia could only imagine how uncomfortable her brother was, though he did not show it. He was the stone image of serenity, and she admired him for that.
A harp began to play, and all heads turned to watch the bride walk down the aisle. Her brother had chosen their cousin, Bunko, to escort her down the aisle. It was the beginning of her transition in the Kuchiki clan, leaving her family behind. Uncle Iruka swollen up like a peacock when Brother announced who would escort her through the transition. It was a great honor to bestow, and Uncle Iruka would interpret it as her brother's consideration of her marriage to Bunko. That branch of the family was slowly becoming more prominent.
Where Lady Noemi and Bunko should have stood was empty. The harpist played on, fingers never stumbling over the chords. The families and the guests––almost the entire Court of Pure Souls, began to whisper. Heads turned, necks arched as they searched for the bride. Nearly three minutes passed, and there was no movement, no sign of the bride.
"Boy!" Aunt Tomomi hissed. She reached across her husband and Rukia's laps to claw at Renji's arm. "Go find her,"
"Yes ma'am," Renji flashed away. He moved effortlessly, barely stirring the air. His power had grown such much since her brother had accepted him under his tutelage.
"Calm down, dear," Aunt Tomomi patted her arm. "It will be fine,"
Rukia had not even realized that she was not breathing. Her heart was not beating, that was certain. This wedding had to go smoothly. Her brother was never one to deviate from the plan, something Lady Noemi may not have realized. Life in the Kuchiki compound ran on a tight schedule, and he did not appreciate it if someone broke the timetable. This marriage was pivotal, and Lady Noemi was not starting it off well.
Where was she?
"She was ready almost an hour ago," Lady Misa hissed to her mother. "She should not be late,"
"Nerves, maybe?" Cousin Ryu posited. "I was nervous before my marriage,"
Misa elbowed her brother. "Shut up," she glanced at Byakuya on the dais. He was as stoic as ever, hands relaxed at his sides. He was not worried at all. He was calm, and the family should be as well. Her eyes met Rukia, and they both straightened their shoulders. He was not worried, did not betray the Kuchiki facade, and neither would they.
They did not have to. Renji did. The lieutenant slowly walked down the aisle, brideless. His face was bloodless, and he carried a note in his hand. The paper was stiff, like a board. There was nary a crease on the solid white slip that stood firm in his convulsing hand.
"Boy!" Aunt Tomomi snapped her fingers. Renji did not even look at the noble. His gaze was glued on his captain. Kuchiki held it, shoulders squared. "Captain," Renji stepped up, arm extended.
Kuchiki took it wordlessly. Rukia watched hims can it quickly. His face was impassive as his eyes scanned the paper. He read it once. Twice. And then his mouth, which had been a flat line, turned up.
"Everybody out," he snapped.
"What?" Lady Noemi's father jumped to his feet.
"Get out of my house. All of you," her brother strode down the steps to thrust the note into Lord Fujimika's grubby hands. "Now!"
"What's going on?" Uncle Chiharu jumped to his feet. "I demand you tell us!" He was not shouting at the head of the Kuchiki clan, who was quickly leaving the ceremony space, but Renji, who had yet to move from the stairs. "Where is the bride?"
"This isn't possible!" Lady Fujimika was shaking. "What was that girl thinking?"
"What did Noemi do?" Misa cried. She was out of her seat, legs tensed. Given any prompt, she would take off after her cousin. "Where is she?"
"She's gone," Renji's choked out. He swallowed audibly and tried to keep his voice steady. "She is eloping with Bunko Kuchiki,"
The gasp was synchronized. Hands went to breasts or covered mouths. Men swore; others jumped to their feet. Misa took off running down the aisle, chasing Byakuya. And the shouting started.
"This is all your fault!" Chiharu was shaking his finger under Lord Fujimika's chin.
"I don't understand! She did what?" Aunt Natsu, Iruka's wife, threw her hands into the air.
"This is your damn son's fault!" Aunt Tomomi wheeled on her sister-in-law. "Your husband put grandiose ideas in his head, and now he's stolen the Kuchiki bride!"
"This is most certainly not my Bunko's fault! That hussy seduced him!" Natsu screamed. "And he is as much of a Kuchiki as your ruddy offspring!"
"Get her back here right now!" Chiharu howled. "We are having this wedding!"
Renji rushed to Rukia's side. Shouts were getting louder, people were starting to shove. Many spectators were starting to pull away, fleeing or drawing to the sidelines to watch. He knew that she could take care of herself, but he still wanted to be around if anything did happen. "We should get out of here," he took ahold of her elbow.
"I think my brother knew," Rukia was running, trying to keep up with his long strides. "He didn't seem surprised at all,"
"I don't really want to know what's going through his head right now," Renji threw the door open. "Let him cool down before you try to talk to him,"
"He does not need to cool down," she watched the door close quickly. "He knew it was coming,"
***BH***
"Byakuya!" Misa pounded on his door. "Open this door! I know you're in there!" He was obscuring his spiritual pressure, but she knew her cousin well. It would be socially acceptable for him to withdraw from society for a few days, take the leave he had requested for his honeymoon. The Fujimika girl had jilted him, she brought this shame to the family. But the smear would be on his name, would always reflect on him, and Misa hated her for that.
"Is he in there?" Rukia ran up to her, Renji on her heels. "Is he okay?"
"I can't get him to open the door!" Misa threw her hands up.
"No one is allowed in his rooms," Rukia banged her fists on the wood. "Only his personal servant! Brother! Brother!"
Kuchiki tore his robes off. He had one week of freedom before he was expected to make a social outing. One week to grieve, to try to save face. His family would not disturb him; no servant would enter his quarters. He had spent months planning a false wedding to smuggle to lovebirds on an elopement and honeymoon. Now it was his time: time to see Hisana again.