Hey there, it's me evenstar lady with chapter 10 for 'Demons From My Past'. I hope you're enjoying the progress of the story so far, and it is guaranteed to deepen some more with the ruthless Byakuya and a headstrong Rukia. :D I thank you all for the beautiful reviews the past chapter 9, they kept me up and motivate me to write occasionally so I could get at least an update out. :) Thank you once again.
Here is chapter 10. I hope you enjoy. :)
Byakuya swept noiselessly up the stairs, one pale hand on the ornate staircase handrail. He emerged on the landing and headed down the hall to the white bedroom door. As he reached for the doorknob, Byakuya felt his heart pace quicken, almost as if in excitement. Shaking himself slightly, he opened the door and looked into the room.
Rukia was fast asleep on his bed, looking very much like she did the time he watched her from her balcony at night. Her hands were curled up near her face, the rest of her small body under his black covers. Her chest rose up and down peacefully, as she slept on.
Byakuya watched her for a while, before slowly reaching for the buttons on his white shirt. As he unfastened them, Rukia stirred slightly before rolling over on her side and continued slumbering. The soft grunting noises broke the silence in the bedroom, but peacefully so.
'So she snored sometimes.'
Byakuya stood over the bed, looking down at her, his shirt now open down the front. She was apparently a very active sleeper. As she had moved just now, the covers had fell away slightly, exposing her back where the blouse was hiked up to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of fair skin at her waist that dipped away into the black sheets.
'This girl is such a tease.'
Byakuya allowed very creative thoughts to fill his head for a moment as he stood over her, bare-chested. Chuckling softly, he slipped out of his shirt before walking away from the bed. He lifted the Clive Christian bottle from one of his room cabinets and spritzed the fragrance onto himself. Despite it being the most expensive male fragrance in the world, Byakuya highly doubted it was all that special, except for the crystal bottle and 24-carat gold-plated sterling silver collar.
He glanced once at the luminescent clock on the wall. 6.00 a.m. Byakuya strode over to his walk-in wardrobe which took up four enormous white doors, and extracted a light grey office shirt. He slipped into it easily and then reached for a set of black office pants.
Byakuya normally took a shower every morning before he headed off to the office. Today was different, however, because the sound of the shower would definitely wake Rukia up. He would take one in his office suite, it wouldn't differ much.
Byakuya lifted a single black tie off his multi-tiered tie holder and walked over to the bed. As his expert hands easily fixed the tie at his collars, his eyes stayed on the small girl amongst the covers. He watched her silently, her face, her hands, her chest as she slept.
Then the final knot on the tie was set and Byakuya lifted his expensive office coat from the hanger in his room. Throwing it over himself, he cast one more look at the sleeping girl before sweeping out of the room.
xXxXx
Rukia stirred slightly in bed and stretched. No, she didn't want to open her eyes…. this was so comfortable… this massive, delicious bed…
Her eyes flew open. Rukia took a moment to take in the unfamiliar cream-coloured ceiling lined with beautiful wallpaper at the edges. Her eyes traveled downward to the countless cupboards and the luminescent clock on the wall.
Byakuya's apartment.
Rukia hurriedly got up in bed. She stared at the clock again, taking in the numerals this time. 10.00 a.m. She had overslept! What about class? What was Byakuya doing now? What am I going to do?
The minute she threw the covers off herself, Rukia realized she had a day off in the university today. If she remembered correctly, there were no classes or laboratory work scheduled on campus. Rukia took a moment to calm herself, before the questions began all over again. Where was Byakuya? Had he gone to work? Had he come in here?
The violet eyes widened as Rukia caught sight of a piece of bright yellow paper on the bedside table. A blue toothbrush and a hairbrush flanked either side of the yellow sheet. Rukia reached over and picked it up.
Rukia, the toilet is free for your use and you can use these toiletries. They are brand-new. Breakfast is defrosting on the kitchen table, you may use the oven. If it does not suit your palate, there is food in the cabinets and fridge. Do help yourself. I will be back before six, and then we can discuss the next step. I have left you a set of spare keys on the table.
-Byakuya-
Rukia read and re-read the note, all the while marveling at the arrangements he had set out and also mortified at the very thought that he had really entered the room while she slept. When she had taken it all in, Rukia gingerly stepped onto the carpeted floor and made her way into the bathroom. She gasped as she opened the white door.
Like the rest of his apartment, the bathroom was a magnificent sight to behold. The sink and toilet were the finest of white, their sides lined with gold. Even the mirror had its complementary gold running down the edges. A massive whirlpool bathtub with a built-in jacuzzi stood a way off in the corner, with the alternative of a wide shower stall behind sliding glass doors. Rukia slowly stepped into the bathroom, jumping slightly as her feet contacted the cold marble floor. She turned on the tap and started to wash her face and brush her teeth, quelling the curiosity in her as she stared at the countless bottles of shampoo and body wash and glass pots and vials of unknown liquids and creams mounted on the silver rack.
When she had freshened up, Rukia headed downstairs to the kitchen. Here, she was awed again by the silver metallic wonder with its modern polished sinks, stoves, cabinets and massive refrigerator. After popping the food into the oven, she brought the hot bowl out into the living room to eat. Rukia saw the set of house keys on the coffee table but chose not to touch it and took a seat on the couch. As she spooned the food into her mouth, she awkwardly looked about the luxuries around her. The small feeling of insignificance began to creep over her again as she stared at his world, at Byakuya's world. She shook her head slightly.
It's okay. It's just for a couple more hours. You'll be out of here in no time.
Rukia had checked her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She did not look that bad, the bruises on her arms were still a little dark but those she could hide under the sleeves of her jacket. Her face seemed good enough.
She could leave today.
Rukia ate quickly. When she was done, she washed up in the kitchen before heading back to the living room. She wanted to talk to Otousan, that would make her feel better in this foreign place. Flipping her mobile phone open, she dialed her home number.
xXxXx
Ukitake put down the phone, smiling. He had just had one of those lovely conversations with Rukia, and she had told him she was going to come home from the dorm today. Sometimes, even though she could live on her own by now, Ukitake still worried after her as the little girl who hugged the rabbit plushie as she lay on the hospital bed.
He looked up at the clock mounted high on the wall. 12.00 p.m. He was going to start planning on dinner in an hour, and surprise his daughter with some good food when she came home tonight.
The doorbell over the shop lot tinkled as Ukitake was pondering the possible choices of recipes. He walked over the flower shop lot to the entrance. Ukitake's brown eyes widened in surprise as he pulled open the glass door.
"Otousan." He watched the handsome man with those familiar grey eyes bow politely to him. "We have met before."
Ukitake smiled. "Byakuya-san, this is a nice surprise."
xXxXx
Rukia looked about the magnificent living room, feeling awkward. She wasn't going to touch anything, she really wasn't. She stared at the flat-screen TV and tapestries on the walls and then to the countless mysterious cabinets.
No, she wasn't going to touch anything of his. Hopefully, nothing had gone missing previously that he hadn't noticed. Because if he suddenly did, he would think she stole them or something.
'After all, he already thinks I am some cheap, money-hungry girl.'
Rukia sighed slightly as she turned a page in her notebook. Byakuya had retrieved her bag from the pavement right after the fight so at least she could read now while waiting for him to come home. Rukia had decided that she was well enough to go home today and she would leave when he returned as it would be very impolite to do so without his knowledge. And so she had resorted to sitting out the hours here in the living room as she did some studying.
xXxXx
"It was very nice of you to visit me today, Byakuya-san, despite Rukia being out at the moment."
Byakuya smiled at Ukitake, who sat opposite him from the small tea table, two cups of tea as their ceramic companions. The older man had invited the young executive in and before long, both were exchanging anecdotes and making small talk.
Ukitake chuckled and took a sip of tea. "It's not often that young men like yourself love to bear the torturous company of grouchy old men like me."
Both men laughed.
"Rukia has been staying at her dorm for a day and will be back this evening." Ukitake smiled and placed the cup back on the table. "Well, don't tell her but sometimes I still treat her like a six-year-old and can't help worrying about her. All the pleasures of being a parent." Ukitake leaned back and smiled.
Byakuya nodded. "Otousan, Rukia loves you very much and you have cared for her almost her whole life." His deep voice took on a slightly wistful tone and Ukitake looked up.
"Yes, she does. She's a blessing, the little angel in my life. Do you know she is actually my adopted daughter?"
Byakuya nodded. "Rukia has mentioned it to me before."
Ukitake laughed. "I wouldn't put it past her. She likes to talk a lot. And she can be quite the mischievous devil at times."
Byakuya laughed.
Ukitake chuckled as well and drank some more tea. "But Rukia is a very strong girl or shall I say, woman."
Byakuya turned to Ukitake with a serious expression. "I know…" He deliberated slightly, as if pondering his next words before his lips mouthed them out. "… which is why I love her."
Ukitake's face was startled for a moment at the boldly honest statement, before it relaxed into a happy smile. "I thought so the first time I saw you in the shop, Byakuya-san."
Byakuya smiled slightly. "Then you must also know Rukia does not take very well to me."
Ukitake laughed and he coughed slightly. Byakuya reached for the tissue box on the coffee table but Ukitake waved his hand dismissively.
"I have certainly heard some cold mentions. May you enlighten me why?"
"We… had a scrap the first time we met. Over some fruit ice."
Ukitake laughed. "Hell hath no fury like a woman offended, Byakuya-san. Rukia loves fruit ice very much."
"I know. I do too."
Ukitake smiled. "I see." He lifted the cup of tea to his lips and drank slowly.
Byakuya stayed silent for a while before he spoke again. "It might seem very unrealistic and dodgy to you, Otousan. But I have fallen very hard for your daughter within the few weeks I have known her, and I know it will not fade in time." His grey eyes were firm, as was his deep voice.
Ukitake's kind smile stayed.
"I love her… and I intend to go all out to be the man in her life, besides you of course, Otousan."
Ukitake placed the small cup back on the table. "Byakuya-san, you know I'm not the type of father to dictate who my daughter goes out with. It is entirely a matter of her preference."
"That is not it, Otousan."
Ukitake raised his eyebrows in puzzlement.
"I am obligated to tell you, Otousan. Because from this day onward, I'm officially wooing your daughter."
Ukitake smiled, before reaching over to pat Byakuya on the shoulder. "Good luck then, Byakuya-san."
xXxXx
Rukia jumped slightly hearing the lift tinkle as it reached the apartment floor. She had been too engrossed in reading her book that she had not paid attention to anything else. Now, she hastily held her book up to her chest as she watched the doors of the elevator slide open.
"Rukia." She watched the first steps those elegant long legs made as the handsome man stepped out from the elevator, his black office coat at his arm. Rukia clumsily got up from the couch, not knowing what to do or say.
"I'm not late, am I?" Byakuya asked in his deep voice as he strode easily into the living room. He saw the keys lying in their original spot on the table, untouched. He chuckled as he looked at his watch. "5.59 p.m. Bang on time, shall I say?"
"Ah." Rukia could not think of a proper reply. She watched as Byakuya walked a little nearer to her. She wanted to tell him that she was going home. After all, she had already let Otousan know. Steeling herself, she opened her mouth. "I think... I can go home today."
Byakuya lifted his grey eyes to her but he did not say a word. Rukia felt horribly awkward as she stood there, Byakuya standing just opposite her.
"Umm... I can just catch a cab back home today." Rukia felt her throat starting to dry and she cleared her voice. "I mean-
"I will drive you over."
Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya moved to the staircase.
"No, it's alright! You just got back from work. I can-
"Give me five minutes, Rukia." Byakuya stood at the foot of the stairs but he did not turn to her. "I will be down in no time."
xXxXx
Rukia sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clasped in her lap. She cast another sideway glance at Byakuya who was driving but his grey eyes were fixed on the road ahead.
Byakuya had not spoken a single word as they had left his apartment. He had appeared back downstairs exactly after five minutes and ignored Rukia's request that she take a taxi ride home by herself. He had led her out to the Porsche parked at the side of the driveway and gotten in without another word. Was he angry? Upset? After all, it had been a little impolite that she asked to leave his place as soon as he got home. Maybe she should have waited a few hours before making the request.
"How was your day?"
Rukia jumped slightly at the deep voice. She turned to Byakuya but he wasn't looking at her, his eyes ahead of him.
"I... Good. I did some reading in the living room mostly."
"I see."
"How... was yours?"
She watched a smile curl the corners of his lips. "You wouldn't want to know."
Rukia lifted her eyebrows at his answer. It sounded sarcastic and teasing, yet rationally true all at the same time. Why was he always talking in metaphors and code-like sentences? It often left her perplexed and helpless, with all the guesses swimming in her head. Did he managed to snag a major business deal for his hotel chain? Maybe he had just attended a glorious ceremony? Or maybe an encounter with a beautiful woman?
Rukia kept quiet and turned her head towards her side of the car window, away from Byakuya.
xXxXx
"Here we are."
Byakuya hit the brakes and the car slowed to a stop. Rukia had secretly wanted him to stop the car a long way off so she could walk home but she realized it wasn't necessary. Otousan wasn't waiting in the flower shop anyway so he wouldn't know how she got home or who was with her. And Byakuya would probably just ignore her anyway and pull up at the front of her house, as he did now. Rukia looked out at the familiar front gate and could not resist the smile that spread across her face. It felt good to come home… after such a fiasco.
She turned to Byakuya and he was watching her now. Rukia blushed under his gaze. "I… err…"
"Here…" Byakuya reached into the back, where he retrieved a small bag and placed it into her lap.
"This-
"They are the two types of medicated oil Unohana-sensei recommended. You should continue their application for a few more days."
"I…" Rukia lowered her eyes. "I- Thank you."
"And…" Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya leaned towards her. But he moved slightly sideways, and his hand reached past her into a small compartment on the passenger side. "... here's your toothbrush and hairbrush, I daresay you will be uncomfortable if you left them at my house." He dropped the said articles into the bag as well.
Rukia nodded dumbly and she looked up at him. She realized instantly that it was a mistake. Byakuya had not moved back as he had placed the brushes into her bag, his one hand leaning against the door on her passenger side, his body faced towards hers. And as she had lifted her eyes to look at him, the unbearably close distance between the both of them became much, much more evident.
Too close.
As she had looked up at him, they were almost nose-to-nose. Byakuya did not move back.
"Well... I guess that's it," he spoke slowly, and Rukia could not stop her eyes from moving down to his lips, which moved smoothly as he dragged out each word. And as she watched, they curled into a knowing smile.
"I-I guess I should get going." Rukia tried to make her voice firm.
"You should." Rukia gasped as Byakuya's hand suddenly grasped her arm. Slowly, his own grey eyes moved down her face… to her lips. "You... should." The deep voice was now almost husky.
"I…" The alarms going off in Rukia's head, she moved back slightly, only to hit the car door. Byakuya moved a little closer.
"Y-You said you wouldn't try anything!"
Byakuya smiled. "I did say so… yesterday."
She was trapped, she had no way out.
"S-Stop…"
Byakuya leaned in closer to Rukia as her eyes widened. His hand gripped her arm tight, so she could not move.
"Shhh…" His voice was a deep whisper as he moved closer. Rukia squeezed her eyes shut… and her lips, for good measure.
And then she felt it.
Rukia's violet eyes shot open.
Byakuya had moved to the side of her face at the last moment and now, his lips pressed against her cheek gently. He moved slowly to her ear and Rukia's eyes widened some more.
"Don't be so nervous, Rukia." Byakuya kissed the sensitive spot below her ear, his voice low. "It… excites me. And then it gets harder for me to control myself."
Rukia gasped as Byakuya drew back slowly from her. A lazy smile was now playing on his handsome features as he stared at her. She knew her face was already on fire.
Byakuya smiled. "I really liked… having you over."
"I…" Rukia hurriedly bowed her red face and clumsily opened the car door. "G-Good night."
Byakuya smiled as he watched the flustered girl run up to the gate and clumsily attempt three times to open the door, before letting herself in and out of sight. He thought back on this morning, when he had watched her sleeping peacefully in his bed, as he got ready for office. Byakuya could feel the steady pounding in his lower regions right now, despite only kissing Rukia on the cheek. When his lips had brushed her warm skin just now, his body had instantly reacted to their contact and the flashes of heat and electricity easily told him that he needed much, much more than a peck on the cheek.
Byakuya stared out the windshield at the flower shop.
I'll really miss you.
xXxXx
Rukia closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she leaned against the wall of the flower shop. Her heart was pounding so fast, and her face felt very hot. 'It's alright now, Rukia. Get a grip on yourself.' The faint familiar smell of roses and lilies slowly helped her relax and she felt the tension in her muscles ease slightly.
'That's it. A few more breaths.'
She lifted her right hand and touched the side of her face. Yes, she must be very red now, her cheek felt really hot. Heck, her entire body felt hot. She would need a few more minutes to recover before going to see Otousan, he would easily be able to tell that something was off with her if she went to him now. As she leaned against the wall in the dark, the thoughts began swimming in her head again. Of the soft touch of his lips at her ear... at his whispered words... that husky voice...
'Stop it! Don't think of him!' Rukia put her hands to her head. She should have known he'd have some 'stunt' planned out again, the pervert. She wasn't going to fall for anything the next time.
There wasn't even going to be a next time.
Shaking herself, Rukia slowly made her way across the threshold to her house.
xXxXx
"Otousan, I'm home!" Rukia walked down the hallway, her bag slung over her shoulder.
"Rukia." She watched her Otousan appear at the doorway to the living room, the smile she loved so much upon his kind features. Rukia could not resist rushing forward and enveloping the taller man in a hug.
"I missed you." Rukia smiled into his chest, the wool from Otousan's jacket tickling her nose slightly. "And something smells absolutely delicious!"
Ukitake laughed. "It was just a day at the dorm, Rukia. You stayed over there an infinite number of times already. Now… what is it my daughter wants?" He drew back slightly and tapped her nose.
Rukia grinned back. "Hmmm… let's see, an outing? Just you and me, Otousan?"
"Or maybe some more quality time with Byakuya-san?"
Rukia's eyes widened in shock as her body froze. What? Had Otousan just mentioned Byakuya's name? A million thoughts immediately flew through Rukia's head. What made him say that? He couldn't have… known? What did he know? Did he know she got into trouble and stayed at his apartment? Or… did he somehow find out… about that night?
Rukia began to feel sick to her stomach. The steady facade she had constructed around herself before she walked in the hall began to waver.
"Rukia, are you okay?" Ukitake peered at her worriedly. Rukia wore an expression of shock on her face, and she had gone slightly pale.
'Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned Byakuya-san.'
"I was just joking," Ukitake smiled quickly.
"Otousan, w-what made you say that?" Rukia looked up at him.
"No, it's nothing," Ukitake smiled uncertainly. "Well, Byakuya-san, he… was just over this afternoon and well…"
Rukia's eyes widened. What? Byakuya came to see Otousan today? He couldn't have… told him everything?
"Just for some chitchat, you know." Ukitake was now placating his daughter. "Just light, fun stuff. I get lonely sometimes."
"I see."
Ukitake smiled and hugged his daughter again for reassurance. "It's nothing, Rukia. Don't be so uptight."
"O-Okay."
"Now, let's have dinner. I've made a lot of your favourites this time."
xXxXx
Rukia wished her Otousan good night (and gave him a childish hug again) before ascending the staircase. It was after dinner, and it soon became apparent that Otousan did not know any of the horrible truth. Rukia was able to relax and enjoy much of the dinnertime talking and joking, though the questions still nagged at the back of her head. Now, she wished Otousan goodnight and walked up the stairs. As soon as she reached the landing out of her father's sight, she broke into a run and dashed into her bedroom. She placed her bag down on the table and picked her mobile phone up. Heart pounding, she scrolled to her message inbox and located a single message. She dialed the number and lifted the phone to her ears with trembling hands.
Rukia waited as the phone rang on the other side, her heart pounding.
Then someone picked up.
"Rukia." His voice was deep as always. Rukia closed her eyes momentarily, taking a moment to calm herself. This was the first time she had called him over the phone.
"Byakuya?"
"It's been barely three hours since we last saw each other." His voice was light. "To what do I owe the…" The deep voice deliberated. "… pleasure?" He spoke the last word, almost sultry.
Rukia felt the thrills run through her body, and cursed herself for them.
"I… Thank you for yesterday."
Rukia waited but Byakuya was silent on the other line, leaving no choice but for her to continue.
"I…" It was horribly ungrateful after what happened but Rukia had to do it. She had to stop… they had to stop. "I… Please..." Her voice dropped a little in tone. "Please leave me alone."
Byakuya was still silent on the other end. Rukia's heart was thudding so hard in her rib cage now. Was he shocked? Angry?
"I… I heard that you came and talked to my father." Rukia felt her voice get a little more forceful as she continued talking. Yes, she had the right. He had come into her life once again, without permission. She had every right to tell him not to nose into her matters. "I don't know what it was all about, but I hope you will not do it again. It is for the best-
"And why is that?"
Rukia was caught off-guard. "Why what?"
"Why do you tell me, time and again, to leave you alone?"
"I…"
"Do I repulse you that much?" Byakuya's voice was soft. "Do you really not like seeing me? Or are you perhaps afraid of what you actually feel… when you do?"
Rukia felt the emotions toss around her body. No, she didn't want to face these questions. "I don't-
"I'm wooing you, Rukia." The words cut her off.
Rukia's eyes widened, as she stuttered. "W-What?"
"I'm officially wooing you from today onwards," Byakuya spoke simply. "That was what I went to talk to your father about. To tell him that I am."
Rukia's mouth dropped open in shock. "Y-You-
"I will drop by after classes to see you, and I will ask you out for dates. During weekends, I will come to your house just to know how you are going. That is, if we are not out dating at that time. I will buy you gifts and take you out." Byakuya's tone was deep and easy.
Rukia was flabbergasted. She opened her mouth but only a strangled noise came out. "NO!" Rukia shouted before she covered her mouth, praying Otousan hadn't heard it. "Don't buy me gifts or... or take me out!" She hissed into the phone desperately. "Most importantly, don't come to campus! And I don't date!"
"You will."
Rukia's eyes widened at the deep voice.
"Because it's me you are dating."
"I…"
"About yesterday, it was my good fortune to have helped. I appreciate you answering my questions. I learned a lot about you then." Byakuya paused on the line. "But I think you should rest now, you are still recuperating."
"No, you-
"Sleep, Rukia." The deep voice was a little commanding, a little soothing.
"Please, Byakuya…" Her words came out, one last desperate plea.
She heard the deep chuckle. "Good night. Sleep tight… Rukia."
The line went dead.
xXxXx
"RUKIA!"
Rukia looked up. "Huh?"
Hiyori snapped her fingers in front of Rukia's violet eyes. "Man, you have been spacey this week! What happened?"
"Sorry." Rukia looked up at the students milling about the cafeteria. It was the next day and she was having lunchtime with her group of friends.
"Stop bugging her, Hiyori," Ichigo said, and took a bite of his burger. He lifted his eyes and winked at Rukia.
Rukia smiled back. 'Ichigo looks so cute even when his mouth is full. Like an orange-haired chipmunk.' Her attempt to hold their smile exchange longer was disrupted as her mobile phone beeped.
Rukia rummaged in her bag before flipping her phone open.
'Did you sleep well last night? -Byakuya-'
Rukia's violet eyes widened. Was there no end to this... to him? She shielded her phone screen from Orihime and Ishida sitting next to her and hastily typed:
'What do you want? I made it clear yesterday.'
In a flash, the next message appeared.
'I miss you. And I'm coming to pick you up at campus after class today. -Byakuya-'
Rukia blinked once before her eyes widened in shock as the message sunk in. Picking her up? At campus? Today? Her eyes shot up to look at Ichigo, who was laughing amicably with Orihime. She felt the fear take over her. Ichigo can never know about her and Byakuya.
Rukia jumped as her phone suddenly sounded, this time a ring tone. She could not ignore it, she never did have a choice. Rukia quickly brought the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Rukia." The deep voice spoke. "Are you having lunch?" His tone was conversational but Rukia was so scared.
"Y-Yes."
She heard him chuckle on the other end. "You're so much more subdued in the presence of your friends." Then he continued. "I realized my proposition might be too sudden. I'll park my car off the west intersection off your campus entrance. I'll have to trouble you to come to me then."
No… I…" Rukia lowered her voice so her friends would not hear. "Please."
Byakuya continued as if he had not heard her. "Your class ends at three, am I right? Meet me there then. If you perhaps run into… difficulties, I'll come to campus and page you."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock. No… no… no… Her eyes immediately flew to Ichigo.
Byakuya chuckled some more. "I'll see you in a couple hours' time. Oh, and try not to look at Ichigo all the time. Even though I'm not there to see it, the mere thought of it angers me."
Rukia's eyes widened.
His tone was back to being deep and emotionless. "I will see you then. Goodbye, Rukia." The tone clicked off.
This man had once again left her at a loss for words.
xXxXx
"Hey we got off fifteen minutes early! It's still 2.45 p.m.! Drinks anyone?"
"Yeah, let's do that. My Prof grilled me good just now, I need something fun."
"Let's do it!"
"I..."
Everyone turned to stare at Rukia. She fought the blush threatening to overwhelm her cheeks and cleared her throat. "I think I'm going to make it an early day today."
"Really?" Shinji's face fell. "Why's that? Nel and Grimmjow will join us later, after their classes."
"Yeah... but well, I'm a little... tired..." Rukia subconsciously held her books up to her chest, like subtle defense.
"You okay?" She turned to Ichigo when she heard his voice. "It's not really like you to turn down an outing, even if you don't drink."
Rukia could only speak the words, a white lie. "I'm fine. I'm just really tired."
"Leave the poor girl alone." Hiyori had her arms crossed. "Okay Rukia... but you are DEFINITELY coming with us this Saturday. Deal?"
Rukia smiled gratefully. "Definitely."
"Okay, now go get some rest."
Rukia laughed slightly and could not resist giving the tiny girl a hug. "Thanks."
She waved to her friends and started to strike a path towards... the road leading to the west intersection. Her heart was already pounding so fast.
xXxXx
"Ukitake-san's acting a little strange, isn't she?" Orihime asked, a hint of worry upon her pretty features.
"I'll bet it's the proposal deadline that's just been moved up. Rukia takes her research work very seriously." Hiyori nodded.
"She needs to submit it earlier now?" Ichigo looked out into the distance where Rukia had just disappeared around the corner.
"RU-KIIIIAAAAA!" The friends turned in surprise at the high-pitched shout. They watched as a breathless Nel stopped just in front of them, her hands on her knees as she tried to slow her breathing. Grimmjow was sauntering casually behind her.
"Nel, what's wrong?"
Nel lifted her eyes and they were filled with excitement. "W-Where is R-Rukia?" Her hand lifted a single green hardcover she had been holding. "I got her the one thing she's been dying for to write her proposal! The book just came in the library and they gave it to me!"
"Rukia's just left though." Shinji patted her.
"W-WHAT? But-"
"You know what? I'll take it to her." Ichigo held out his hand for the book. "I think she might want to start on her proposal tonight and this would certainly help."
"Arigato." Nel smiled, still panting. She passed the book to Ichigo and he began to run in Rukia's direction down the street.
xXxXx
Rukia walked on, her steps strangely stiff and mechanical. She cursed her fast-beating heart with each step.
'Just see him and tell him again you will not do what he says. Then walk off. No... better yet, run.'
"Rukia? Wait up, Rukia!"
The blood in Rukia's veins turned into ice water as she heard Ichigo's voice. No, no, no! What was he doing, following her?
Without turning around, Rukia picked up her pace as she reached the intersection. She hurriedly looked left and right.
And then she saw him.
Byakuya was leaning easily against the door of his Porsche, dressed in an immaculate cream-coloured office shirt and sleek black pants. He had removed his office coat and tie and his shirt was unbuttoned at the top, making him look much like a male model in Porsche advertisements. His black hair fell over those mysterious grey orbs, but his lips curled into a smile as he saw her.
Rukia dashed toward him. She saw his eyes widened a little in surprise but she could not bother with the embarrassment, she had no time to lose. Rukia dove into the passenger seat of the Porsche and closed the door, thanking heavens that Byakuya's Porsche windshield was heavily tinted. Byakuya got in beside her just as Ichigo dashed out onto the pavement.
Both of them stared out at the boy, the orange hair a bright sight in the streets.
"So, that's the reason." The deep voice spoke, jolting Rukia as she tried to catch her breath in the car. "I've never seen you more eager to get in my car." She looked up and Byakuya was staring right ahead at Ichigo, who now stood on the street and looking confusedly in both directions. "So that is... Ichigo."
Rukia turned to Byakuya in surprise. How did he know Ichigo? Granted, Rukia had mouthed out his name during that... night, but he could not have known how Ichigo looked like. Or... could he?
"I-
"Rukia? Rukia?" They both turned to the front again as they heard Ichigo start to shout out her name. Rukia felt the warm heat blossom in her cheeks. Oh, what would she have given to hear him call her like that, and then to answer happily to him? She wanted so much to answer but she could not, she was with... Byakuya.
xXxXx
"Rukia? Rukia?"
"He's calling out for you." Byakuya's voice was calm and measured. Rukia looked over at him nervously. Byakuya's grey eyes were fixed right ahead… on Ichigo.
"You sure you don't want to answer to him?" Byakuya's voice was almost like cold wind. "After all, Ichigo is your boyfriend, isn't he?"
Rukia's eyes widened, before looking back at him nervously. Before she could speak, she suddenly felt the air in the Porsche get much colder.
"I should introduce myself," Byakuya spoke quietly and Rukia watched with wide eyes as one long hand reached out to the car door handle.
"No!" It was the only thing Rukia could do. She reached out and clutched onto Byakuya's left hand. Byakuya slowly turned back to look at Rukia, his grey eyes emotionless.
No, he could not go out. Ichigo could not…. know. Rukia's heart was pounding so fast in her chest.
And it stopped as Byakuya spoke the words. "Kiss me."
xXxXx
Byakuya watched Ichigo silently as the orange-haired boy stood on the street and scanned the vicinity for the girl now sitting in the passenger seat of his Porsche. He could feel Rukia's tension and could almost see her body move forward, the desperation in her evident to answer to the boy as he called out her name.
The fury inside Byakuya tossed around like treacherous waves in a thunderstorm. And all he wanted to do was to hit the gas pedal and ram the car into that boy.
But his mind easily worked out what he wanted, and Byakuya opened his mouth to speak the words.
xXxXx
"Kiss me."
"W-Wha-
His hand started to push open the car door. Rukia threw him a look of pure panic.
"I'm really jealous now." Byakuya's voice was deep and she could almost sense a tinge of anger underneath the emotionless tone. "Kiss me."
"I-I-
Rukia heard the slight click as Byakuya slowly pushed against his car door. Her hand tightened on the sleeve of his office shirt and he turned to her.
She had no other choice. No other choice.
Rukia leaned towards Byakuya, her eyes wide. He stared back at her, his expression emotionless.
A second's worth passed as the shades of grey locked onto violet. And then Rukia tilted her head up… and touched her lips uncertainly to Byakuya's.
xXxXx
Rukia tilted her head up… and touched her lips uncertainly to Byakuya's.
So you would do anything… for him.
You would do anything for that boy… Ichigo.
But Byakuya felt the bitterness dim just then as Rukia's lips touched his. Yes, she could affect him this much. She could make all the hate, all the vengeance, all the bad things in his own bloody world diminish just by a smile, a touch, one kiss.
Every breath she took, breathed life back into him. Byakuya forgot his anger, forgot Ichigo. He forgot the enormous paperwork waiting back at home for him in the study, forgot the three scheduled meetings with the members of his demon clan.
It was just the both of them right here, as Rukia kissed him. She had kissed him, even if not of her own free will.
But Byakuya kissed her back softly, and told her in his lips that he could love her. That he could love her even if he wasn't her high-school crush whom she watched on the bleachers time and again. That he could love her even though he wasn't around her for the twenty-two years of her life, when he had walked the Earth much, much longer than that. Told her that he could love her more than any man could. Told her that he would walk through Hell for her. Told her that only he could walk through Hell anyway.
Byakuya slowly pulled back from Rukia, ending the kiss. He watched her violet eyes slowly open, her cheeks beautifully rosy.
You cannot be anything… but mine, Rukia.
xXxXx
How could he… how could he do this to me?
This man was terrible. He humiliated her, forced her to do everything he wanted her to do. And what was worse, she was powerless to stop him.
But then, as Byakuya's lips touched hers, everything blanked out in Rukia's mind. He was so possessive and rude, and yet there was this tenderness, this longing in his kiss. Rukia didn't know if she was imagining it. After all, she had never been touched or kissed in her whole life. But she felt it… the softness, the sweetness he silently proferred as his hands gently cupped her face and his lips warmed hers. It wasn't brute force, it wasn't demands… it was a promise made. A promise of everything in the world, if she submitted to him.
And then as light and tender as the kiss had been, it ended. Rukia felt the warmth disappear as Byakuya drew back from her. She looked up, flustered, at him as her cheeks burned. It was the first time she had ever kissed a guy on her own initiative, even if she had been forced to.
Rukia hurriedly turned to the front, to check on Ichigo. He had already disappeared around the corner, no doubt having given up on finding her. Rukia tried to slow her fast-beating heart.
"Thank you for holding me in." Byakuya's deep voice jolted her from her thoughts. Rukia hurriedly scooted back to her side, feeling awfully embarassed.
"I…" Rukia half-wanted to scold him. And yet, there was the sincerity in his voice as he thanked her for the kiss. As if he acknowledged her consent in giving it to him. What actually does he want… with me?
"That boy should thank you." Byakuya shifted gears and pulled the Porsche away from the curb. "I could have killed him just now."
Rukia looked at Byakuya with wide eyes. His face remained easy, his grey eyes focused on the street. How could he say these words so easily? He didn't actually… mean them?
"You can't kill him anyway." Rukia intentionally let a hint of pride into her voice. "He's very strong."
Byakuya chuckled. "I can safely say my strength vastly exceeds his."
Rukia looked at Byakuya again in surprise. This time, he turned and gave her a smile. She felt her cheeks redden and immediately dropped her eyes to her lap.
xXxXx
"W-Where are we going?"
"Where do you want to go?"
"I…"
"We will take it easy today," Byakuya spoke, his eyes ahead of him as he drove. "We will just have dinner and I will drive you home. Would that be okay?"
"But I need to be back home to cook-
"A delivery from the best home-cooked diners in the district is making its way to Otousan now as we speak."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock. "NO, you did not! Otousan will know it's you for sure!"
Byakuya smiled quietly. "Of course."
xXxXx
"Arigato." Ukitake smiled to the polite young boy and closed the door. He frowned slightly in confusion at the two big plastic bags of food. Slowly he opened the letter which came with it.
'Otousan,
I will be taking Rukia out for dinner tonight. I sincerely apologize for not asking your permission earlier, and will definitely do so next time. I know Rukia cooks dinner tonight, so I have ordered these home-cooked food for you. While I know they cannot compare to her marvelous results, I hope they are to your liking. Again, I am sorry for the abrupt rudeness.
Byakuya.'
Ukitake felt his face relax into a smile as he finished reading the letter. He began to laugh as he took the plastic bags to the kitchen. He needed to have extra bowls out, he doubted he could finish this much food. He laughed again as he took the ceramics and plastic wrap out.
Rukia, my dear Rukia.
Ukitake opened each plastic ware. The food smelled delicious.
You have been so strong a girl… for so long. You took care of everything, never giving yourself time at life as a young woman.
Ukitake smiled as he took out the bowl of rice.
This man might just be what you need, Rukia.
xXxXx
Lol and there you have it! I hoped you enjoy this one chapter. Byakuya's pulling out all the stops this time, and not giving our poor Rukia any way out! :D And now he's whisked her away... for their first dinner together! :) And poor Ichigo. :P I spent a few hours writing this out because I had some spare time on my hands and I thought, 'Hey, why not Demons?" So here you go and i hoped you liked it enough.
Now, I have some announcements here. I've just set up a LiveJournal account (kid you not... plus I know, I'm pretty outdated yeah? :D) and still struggling on that site, I actually walk backwards when it comes to technology, lol. If you're a member, do add me as a friend. Or drop a comment or such, for feedbacks or just to nudge me along with my writing. Look forward to seeing you there. :D The link to my LiveJournal is (I have to type them like this so they don't get cleared up... remove the brackets anyway and replace the dots with real ones :D) (/) I have put the link up on my profile as well. :)
Second thing is, I've made my first complete AMV in September! It is not a ByaRuki vid sadly (the first one I was working on was wiped out when my laptop crashed back then), it's an IchiRuki one. Here's the link and if you do have fondness for this pairing... feel free to watch/comment. I feel it turned out pretty good for a first time but I think it's up to the watchers to decide that. :D The link to my AMV is (/) watch?v=exZ4Nio1SMc I have also placed the link in my profile. :)
And finally, please do review this one chapter and tell me what you like, what you do not... and also it motivates me to get more of Demons out! :D