Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters, Tite Kubo does. I am simply writing this for my own amusement.
Chapter 11
A Day at the Beach, in the Evening
Rukia had just taken the last sip of her milk when Byakuya placed his napkin down on the table and turned to her.
"Would you like to go dancing tonight?"
Rukia stared at Byakuya like a dummy for a few moments. He sighed slightly, honestly did she always have to stare at him whenever he suggested something new?
"D-dancing," she sputtered stupidly.
"Yes. Every night numerous establishments stay open late to accommodate the resorts guests."
"Um… alright, but are you sure you feel up to it?.. With your injury and all.." Rukia muttered, glancing at the bandages that were slightly visible due to his somewhat unbuttoned black shirt. It had only been a couple of hours since they had returned back to the hotel after their trip to the beach. They had just finished dinner in fact, and were still sitting at the circular glass table. The sun had just recently set and a few stars were visible though the large window.
"I would hardly call these scratches injuries," Byakuya muttered, standing up and carrying his plates to the sink.
"Ya, but-"
"Go on and put on something smart but that's still easy to move around in."
"W-what… alright," she said murmured when he turned around to regard her.
Still incredibly surprised that he, Byakuya Kuchiki, would suggest going dancing, she hurried to the bedroom to look for something to wear.
...
She was just in the bathroom when she heard the bedroom door open a crack, then after a moments pause, heard footsteps within the room.
Setting her brush down on the counter Rukia tiptoed to the closed door. Leaning down, she pressed her ear to the door and listened. The carpeted floor muffled his footsteps but even so Rukia could clearly tell her was by the closet.
Acting rashly, and without thinking about the consequences, Rukia reached for the doorknob and opened the door a crack. Peering across the room she could just make out Byakuya's form standing indeed by the closet. The light was out and the room was fairly dark but she could still see his pale skin when he suddenly slipped his shirt off of his shoulders. The first thing that caught her attention was the bandage covering his shoulder, but then her eyes drifted to his slender, but muscular back. His loose midnight hair stood out starkly against his skin, and with the darkness of the room it distinctly seemed whiter. Her eyes traveled over his one visible shoulder blade and down his spine. She licked her lips unknowingly.
Suddenly realizing what she was doing, Rukia quickly, and as quietly as she could, closed the door and moved back to the sink. Looking up at her reflection, she found that her cheeks were fairly red.
Was she just spying on him, Byakuya of all people, while he was undressing? It wasn't possible…and yet, why was she blushing like a love sick puppy? Rukia suddenly had the urge to hit her head against something very hard.
She emerged from the bathroom sometime later, finally ready, to find the room empty. Giving one last glance at her reflection as she passed the dresser, she opened the door and headed down the short hall to the living room. It to was empty. She was just about to go to the kitchen when she heard a throat clear from behind.
Spinning around, she gasped as her eyes fell on him.
Byakuya was standing in the doorway adjusting the cuff of his shirt. A dark purple almost black silk shirt (unbuttoned at the collar and showing off his lovely neck and collarbones) was enchanted by a pair of perfectly form fitting tailored black dress pants. His midnight hair was freshly brushed and hung slightly over the side of his face and across his broad shoulders. She even noticed the trace of a black chain around his neck when he moved slightly causing the collar of his shirt to shift, making her wonder how long it was and if there was anything hanging on it.
"Nii-sama, you look simply gorgeous!" she gasped her mouth agape.
A perfectly shaped eyebrow rose slightly but he didn't look up, apparently having difficulties with the button on his cuff.
Rukia, suddenly realizing what she had said, clamped a hand over her mouth and her face immediately went beat red.
"Again, I believe it would be more appropriate, at least from others perspectives, that you should address me simply by my first name, especially tonight."
She blushed harder. "Sorry, Byakuya."
Finally succeeding with the stubborn button he looked up and his eyes widened.
A knee length strapless dress hugged her petite body perfectly. It was the same shade of purple that her new swim suit had been and its light floaty fabric swirled and floated around her body enchanting its perfect hourglass shape. Small, dainty, black high heel sandals gave her a touch more height and only enchanted her tiny feet. Her shoulders and arms were bare and, although they still held the trace of her sunburn, still gave her an ethereal feel. In fact her sun kissed skin only made her look healthier and more alive. She had even taken the time to put her hair up into a quick bun, but had left several portions of hair to hang around her face, which seemed to frame her pretty face perfectly. He also couldn't help but notice, that she was wearing the bracelet he had bought her days before.
Standing before him, with a trace of her blush still evident on her face, and with her eyes downcast, at that moment, Byakuya thought she was the prettiest woman he had ever laid eyes on, which would also explain why he was unknowingly holding his breath.
"This dress must be the staffs doing too, as I had never seen it before." she said staring down at her dress and missing Byakuya's still stunned face.
Clearing his throat Byakuya quickly regained his composure and moved towards her, offering an arm.
"Shall we?" he said.
She smiled meekly and placed her delicate hand in the crook of his arm and together, the pair left the room.
"Wow," Rukia exclaimed, staring at the open air dance floor.
After leaving the hotel, still on Byakuya's arm more or less, he had lead her straight down a bustling street to a festive restaurant and dance establishment.
After passing thought a wooden archway they walked along a short stone path, lit with small torches, to emerge on a lovely and only semi crowded real stone dancing area. Large torches decorated the edges and illuminated the exotic setting. A few tables were scattered around in a corner decorated with large leaves and small stone carvings. A live band was set up on a small stage in the corner, playing instruments Rukia had never seen before, and already vacationers were laughing and dancing to the exotic yet pleasant songs.
"I should have bought a grass skirt and warn that," Rukia giggled at seeing some of the staff dressed in similar outfits.
"Don't be foolish," Byakuya muttered slightly and motioned for them to claim a table.
Sitting down at a stone table they both ordered drinks. Rukia was just looking around, taking in all the new surroundings when Byakuya suddenly stood again.
She blinked in surprise, and colored a bit, when Byakuya suddenly offered her his hand. Trembling slightly, she gingerly placed her own small hand into his own. Guiding her out into the crowds of people he suddenly moved close and placed his hand on the small of her back. Staring down at her he watched as her face colored. He still couldn't help but notice the way she always seemed to blush around him.
Pushing those thoughts from his head, he simply focused on the rather lovely music. Effortlessly guiding her around the floor he allowed his mind to calm and simply enjoy the sensation of having her small frame in his arms. Glancing down, he found that she finally seemed to have fallen completely at ease.
The song ended then, just as they had relaxed a bit and eased into each others dancing rhythms.
"Come, I think our drinks are waiting at our table."
...
"Oh, I recognise this song!" Rukia exclaimed jumping to her feet. They had been sitting comfortably at their table sampling the new and exotic refreshments when a new song had started to play, a song that apparently she had recognised.
Byakuya blinked, surprised by her obvious excitement. Setting his drink down, and knowing there was nothing to do about it, he stood and followed an excited Rukia out onto the dance floor once again.
The song started out smooth and rather slow, as Byakuya had liked it, but moments after he had turned to her it had changed to a fast popish sounding tune. Rukia seemed to have anticipated this as her smooth dancing changed drastically, staying in tune to the song. Sighing inwardly Byakuya picked his own pace up to match hers.
She laughed happily when he spun her around. Guided by the music he pulled her back in, and in a moment of surprise, he found her pressed right up against his body. Rukia who didn't even seem to notice their close proximity just giggled again as she moved her feet with the rhythm of the music, leading him more now then he was her.
Her fluid movements carried him along and guided his own body. Moving together as one, he slowly allowed the feel of the music to take him away. However, his eyes momentarily widened when he felt her hips move sensuously against his own. Again she seemed to not notice. Feeling himself warm considerably, and his body beginning to react, Byakuya suddenly moved back. Rukia took this as a cue to spin again and she laughed loudly and held her arms up above her head and twirled around.
To say Byakuya was momentarily mesmerized was an understatement. With the blazing torches behind her, and setting her form ablaze, she danced to the feeling of the music alone. Her pretty dress only accented her small hourglass shape, and when she began to move her hips to and fro with the music Byakuya felt his head spin. To him she simply looked like a Goddess. Dressed in fire and magic she danced her way into the depths of his pounding heart. Nothing could possibly ruin this moment. But with all things time can not be stilled.
The next moment it was over. The torch behind her suddenly went out and the music ended. She stilled and stood staring off towards the stage, her hair shifting slightly in the breeze. She stayed that way for a moment, unaware of Byakuya's still stunned expression.
After a pause she turned to him, a smile on her flushed and happy face.
Byakuya stared at her for a moment longer, then growing uncomfortable, turned and headed back to their table. Rukia still blissfully unaware of his unease, bounced after him, gulping down her waiting drink thirstily when she finally sat down.
...
They remained at the table for a some time. Byakuya was happy to sit and gingerly sip at his drink. Rukia who was on her third one (non alcoholic of course since Byakuya was there), watched the dancers with wide eyes. Occasionally she would glance in his direction but she found that he seemed indifferent to his soundings. Eyes closed and with a perfectly calm expression, he sat with his legs crossed and back straight. If only she could have realised the thoughts that were running through his troubled mind.
Rukia was about to let out a obvious sigh, when he suddenly stood, nearly startling her.
"Its getting late-"
"Just a couple more dances," she pleaded interrupting him.
Byakuya turned to her.
"You were the one to suggest dancing after all, surely that means more then only two dances."
"Well-"
"Come on," she said and boldly took his hand.
Byakuya paused for a moment before finally giving in.
Unlike the last dance, that had left Byakuya uncomfortable and uneasy after, this dance was calm and relaxing, much like their first. They both fell into each others rhythms easily and Byakuya finally felt himself growing calm again.
When the music died a few dancers left the floor, joining the others that had already called it a night, but Byakuya remained where he was, apparently waiting for the next one to begin. Rukia who was pleasantly surprised waited patiently with him, her hands still resting in his and when the music started up again, sure enough they started dancing again… then again…
How long they danced Rukia could not say. Never before had she felt more at ease and more relaxed. Not a fear stirred her heart as she stood protected in his arms, the feeling of his hand on her back completely relaxing.
So it was that as the time waned and the night deepened the music became slower and more romantic. The large crowds had thinned considerably, leaving mostly just a few couples lost in each others arms.
And, as with most of the other couples, Rukia nor Byakuya noticed the change. Having unconsciously moved closely, Rukia now danced quietly with her head resting right on his chest, the sound of his heart beat guiding her steps now more then the music itself. Her eyes were closed, her hand resting up on his arm, and she happily breathed in his lovely sent, a scent that smelled distinctly of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms… she decided that's what the pendant hanging on his necklace had to be as she could feel it under her cheek through his shirt…
So it was that they, and a most of the other couples still left, didn't even notice when the music ended for the night. Rukia was almost asleep herself and Byakuya had to call her name in order for her to respond.
She blinked once then twice, staring up at him with dreamy eyes, her chin still resting on his chest. His dark, almost black looking eyes stared down at her, a sense of unease suddenly reappearing within them. Rukia seemed to sense this finally and after a moment and suddenly shot from his arms, her face bright red.
"S-Sorry," she muttered, mortified.
Byakuya said nothing as he turned, and with her following silently beside, the pair left.
"What time is it?" Rukia asked when they had arrived back at the hotel.
"3:00," Byakuya replied, snapping the bedroom light on.
"Damn," she muttered sleepily and without thinking, began struggling to undo the back of her dress, not seeing Byakuya's slightly startled expression.
He was just about to hurry to the bathroom to give her some privacy when her voice stopped him.
"Can you help me?" she said, annoyance now in her voice.
Turning Byakuya found that she was unable to successfully undo the knots on the back of her dress. They were apparently meant for decoration but without realizing it Rukia, when getting dressed, had knotted the line of ribbons down the back of her dress as tight as possible.
"Honestly, I don't know what moron designed this thing," she muttered angrily as her tired fingers refused to budge the knots. At least the walk back had eased her embarrassment from before, although it had apparently been replaced with annoyance.
She stopped struggling when Byakuya's warm fingers gently pushed hers aside. Holding her arms up over her head she tried to keep her eyes open and stay standing as he slowly began work on the stubborn knots.
"Next time you wear this, make sure you put them in bows then this wouldn't happen," he said getting rather frustrated himself.
Byakuya had managed to get three undone when she suddenly started swaying. Looking up in alarm he found that she was on the verge of falling asleep completely.
"Why must these be so tight?" he muttered.
"If they weren't it would fall down," she muttered.
"Don't be foolish."
"If I had the boobs for it maybe…" she trailed off yawning and not noticing Byakuya's slightly widening eyes.
His nimble fingers quickly made work of the remaining knots. Without thinking he reached up and gently unzipped the zipper under the line of now open ribbons. He was just about to inform her that it was done when the back of her dress, due to the fact it was all open, parted slightly giving him a perfect view of her beautiful bare back.
Something came over Byakuya then, something that had not stirred within him for a very long time. As he stared a her perfect skin he unknowingly leaned in closer, his face growing close to her right bare shoulder. His hot tongue slipped out between suddenly dry lips, lips that were mere inches from her delicious looking skin. Closing his eyes, his body leaned in closer, his hands were reaching to slide around her waist, to pull her tightly against him when…
"Nii-sama?" Rukia asked feeling an unusual warmth against her shoulder.
He suddenly snapped back to reality and jerked back.
"Its done," he said his voice suddenly hard.
"Thanks," Rukia muttered now holding the dress up with her hands. Yawning, she turned and headed into the bathroom to change into her pajamas. Byakuya stared after her, shocked and appalled by his own actions. What was going on? Why had he leaned in like that? And why did it almost seem like he was going to kiss-. Running his hand through his hair he turned, annoyed and frustrated at himself, and on slightly shaky legs headed to the closet to get his own night clothes.
Byakuya woke in the middle of the night. Blinking sleepily in the darkness he was just about to drift off again when his still sleep filled mind began to register the fact that something besides the bed was pressed against him.
Waking up fully, he lifted his head and what he found made his eyes widen. Rukia was no longer sleeping on her side of the bed. Instead she was curled intimately around him, with her face nuzzled against his neck, her breath hot on his jaw. How she had managed to get around that pillow barrier in her sleep left him confused and wondering… but at the moment he had more urgent matters to deal with.
One arm was wrapped protectively around his waist, while the other was actually resting under him, the hand resting on the mattress in front of him. But what bothered him the most was that her legs, legs that were distinctly bare, as her pant leg had ridden up while she slept, was now curled around and in between his own.
Eyes wide, and more then a bit alarmed at the invasion of his personal space, Byakuya tried to wriggle out of her grasp. Much to his dismay however her hold on him only increased.
"Stop wriggling, sexy," she muttered in her sleep causing him to freeze immediately. Had she just called him 'sexy'? Byakuya honestly didn't know what to think about that….Although he realized, that since she was asleep she could have been dreaming about anyone…
"Mmm, Byakuya, that tickles…."
Well there went that idea… so she was dreaming about him… but-
"Hunn, your so big… promise you'll be gentle with me… mmmm"
Byakuya's mouth fell open.
Surely she couldn't be… it wasn't possible… it-
"Take me, you sexy beast!"
She was! If his eyes could have gone any larger they would have simply fallen from their sockets. Byakuya immediately felt his face heat. Of all the…
Don't think about this now, he scolded himself. Now all that matters is to get out of this situation. He quickly pondered the idea of simply slipping out of her grasp but that had already failed once… that only left the option of waking her up.. Although, he wasn't looking forward to the awkwardness of doing that.
"Rukia!" he said his voice slightly higher pitched then usual.
She only moaned in reply.
Using more force he pulled his arms free and pushed himself up slightly. He was just about to shout her name when she suddenly reached up in her sleep and pulled him down. Although what happened next left him to stunned to think for a long time afterwards.
Reaching up, and with a pure luck, she pressed her lips right to his stunned ones in a rather hot kiss.
He stared at her wide eyed as she moved her soft lips over his hungrily. This was more then just a normal innocent kiss, this one was hot, intimate, and full of passion. Byakuya felt his mind slowly shutting down and his body slowly taking over. He tried desperately to fight back but it had been so very long since…. What saved him then was Rukia's own actions. She moaned one last time then, paused for a moment in her sleep, before falling back into the bedding. He stared down at her still to shocked to even move and watched as her mumbling stilled as she fell back into a deep dreamless sleep.
Arms shaking suddenly, he gave one sharp push which propelled him over to a free spot on the bed. Flopping on his back, Byakuya stared up at the ceiling. With his thoughts retuning to their usual pace he was now able to full register what just happened.
What the hell was happening to him? First at the beach, then the dance, then before they went to bed, and now again! For those few moments, with her in his arms, he had felt something that he hadn't felt in so long. A feeling that made him feel… content and…happy. It was that very same feeling he had had back those long years ago when he had met…
Running a hand over his face he sighed in frustration. A younger Byakuya had immediately knew what those feelings meant those years ago, and he had acted on them… but now with…the fact that she was…
God, why is this happening now? Tightening his fists Byakuya rolled over, facing away from the source of his distress, and squeezed his eyes closed.
It was going to be another long sleepless night.
Ohhh, things are finally starting to heat up just a bit and Rukia finally kissed him (even if it was in her sleep lol)
Rukia: *yawns* What are you talking about?
Me: Morning, have a good sleep?
Rukia: No! I had a nightmare… I think…I can't exactly remember what happened… all I know was that when I woke up I felt unusually tired and worn out …and that usually only happens when I have a nightmare.
Byakuya: *sweat drops*
Me: Indeed. *chuckles* Don't forget to review again everyone, it makes me write faster and we all want to know when Rukia's dream will become a reality.
Byakuya: What do you mean by that? *gets Senbonzakura*
Rukia: ?
Gosh, I am so sorry for the slow updates. When I started this story I had big intentions of updating weekly… well its obvious that that's not happening… ^^; (Insert all being busy excuses here). Well what can I say, I'll try and update again as soon as possible but in all reality who knows when that will be…. Again many thinks to: Keep Smiling It Makes People Wonder, Frozenhowl, onlyluna, 1SuperKawaii, sairypetshogun, BlackBurningHeart, Rukes, name-MADDIE, Kuchiki Rukia-taichou, vicky73, Mia. aka. Michan, ByaRukifan, Darth-Taisha, XxmichiruxX, Yorush, and piksie-nana who took the time to review last time. It was you guys that got me to keep writing again. *hugs*
