Loving Humanoid (AU) Ch.11
Ichigo helped Rukia with her summer homework and when she finished, the both of them spent the last of their summer vacation swimming at pools, relaxing, going on dates, and spending time with friends. Sadly, as soon as summer vacation was over, school started. That meant getting back to homework and waking up early. All of these daily issues were already a pain, but there was a new problem when Rukia got back to school. It seems that Chizuru, Mahana, Ryo, and Michiru, couldn't keep their mouths, or cell phones, shut. One summer day, when the girls were out shopping, they saw the two lovebirds on a date. Curious (and interested), they spied on them. The girls watched them eat ice cream cones and saw that some of Rukia's strawberry ice cream dripped down to her chin. Ichigo took advantage of this by licking it off and then trailed his tongue to her lips, where he then kissed her. Not being able to take the fan-girl seizures, they recorded the whole scene with their cell phones. Afterwards, they forwarded the video to other friends, who sent it to other friends, and vice versa, till the whole school knew that Kurosaki Ichigo was dating Kuchiki Rukia. Once Rukia heard this, she chased her so-called-friends around campus and hit their heads. Rukia wanted to go home and hide in a corner out of embarrassment. After hearing that, she expected a bunch of angry Ichigo fan-girls giving her glares, but after Ichigo's death threat to the mean girls that made fun of her, no female attacked her with the fear of God. Instead, they bombarded her with questions. Millions, of annoying questions, which went like this:
"Kuchiki-san, you're dating Kurosaki-kun?"
"Kuchiki-san, what tactics did you use to catch Kurosaki-san's eye?"
"Kuchiki-san, it must be heaven to be dating Kurosaki-sama!"
"Kuchiki-san, how does it feel to be held in Kurosaki-sama's strong embrace?"
"Oh Kami! Kuchiki-san, you're so lucky! The gods must have blessed you!"
"Kuchiki-san!"
"Kuchiki-san!"
"Kuchiki-san!"
"Damn it! If they say 'Kuchiki-san' one more time, I swear! I will go into their houses, tie them to a chair, gag them, and-"
"Rukia, it's not healthy to think like that," said Ichigo.
The two were having lunch together, and when they finished, Ichigo brought her close to him, so that she was kneeling in between his legs.
"I don't care. I really didn't want people finding out that we're dating, and of all things, my friends showed everyone a video of us on our date!" she said clearly annoyed.
"I don't mind," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her temple. "This means that I get to hug and kiss you more."
Rukia blushed as he started to kiss her on the lips.
"Other people will see," she said, still blushing as they kissed.
"Hm?" he said smiling in between the kisses he was giving her.
"Never...mind," she responded as she got lost in his continuous kisses.
But even with Ichigo's awesome and breathtaking kisses, it was still annoying to hear 'Kuchiki-san' almost everyday. In fact, one time when she heard it in class, she finally snapped and said "WHAT?" out loud. It turned out it was her teacher, taking attendance.
"You must have went to bed late Kuchiki," said her teacher. "And I hope it was because you were actually studying math."
The entire class laughed at Rukia, while she tucked her head away in embarrassment.
The weeks passed by quickly, and questions that pestered Rukia about her relationship with Ichigo, died down. One night, while Ichigo was cooking dinner, Rukia was checking her email.
Let's see, manga updates, read them, odd YouTube videos sent by Orihime, saw them, and- Oh! A message from Nii-sama!
She quickly clicked on the icon and read the email. Rukia stared at the computer screen in shock, for the email read:
Dear Rukia,
I am to inform you that I will be coming back to Japan on the Saturday of this week. It is to meet my boss for a meeting with other colleagues of mine, but I will be able to stay with you for a week. I look forward to seeing you.
-Kuchiki Byakuya.
"Ru, dinner's ready," said Ichigo as he came into her room.
Rukia jumped at the sound of Ichigo's voice. She stared at him in horror.
"Rukia, is something wrong?" he asked.
How am I going to tell Nii-sama about Ichigo?
"Your brother's coming back to Japan?" asked Orihime eating her lunch.
Rukia and the girls were eating lunch outside. They could faintly feel autumn's cool breeze, even though the sun was out.
"Yeah. I'm happy that I'll be able to see him again, but there is a bit of a problem," she said as she bit down on her onigiri.
"What's the problem?" asked Ryo, not taking her eyes off her new book.
"My brother doesn't exactly like a person of the opposite sex near me," she said embarrassed.
"Ah," said Tatsuki
"Well that is a problem," said Chizuru taking a sip of her iced tea.
"And you're dating Kurosaki-san, so how do you think your brother will react?" asked Michiru.
"If my brother was in a manga where shinigamis are the characters, had epic, kick-ass powers, and he was a captain, he'd obliterate Ichigo leaving no trace," said Rukia sweat-dropping.
"I think you're reading too much manga Rukia," said Mahana.
"But think about it Rukia," said Orihime. "If Kurosaki-kun was the main character of the story and you were his queen, he would defeat your brother."
"That would actually make a good story," said Chizuru.
"And you can call it 'Bleach' because Kurosaki-san's hair looks like it's bleached," said Michiru.
"Guys could I concentrate at the problem at hand? I'll think about making manga in the future," said Rukia.
"Oh! Right!" said Orihime finishing off her ramen mixed with corn flakes, chopped banana, red bean paste and popcorn.
"Well how about this, while you and your brother are having a nice conversation, just casually bring up the idea of a boyfriend and see how he responds," said Chizuru.
"But if her brother hates males, then he's not going to react kindly," said Mahana.
"But maybe he'll trust her enough since he lets her live by herself," said Michiru.
"It's not like Kurosaki lives with you," said Ryo peering over her book.
"Uh,...yeah," answered Rukia nervously chuckling.
"Moving that aside, I need to ask you an important question," said Chizuru as she eyed Rukia. "How far have you gone with Kurosaki?"
Rukia started to choke on her onigiri, that Tatsuki had to hit her on the back till she stopped coughing.
"Nani?" said Rukia in shock.
"This stuff is very important Rukia! We already know you guys kiss, so do you do more than kiss on the lips? Does he kiss you down-"
Chizuru was interrupted when Tatsuki tackled her and started to stomp on her.
"Stop with the dirty talk ya pervert!" said an infuriated Tatsuki.
"Ignoring that earlier comment," said Ryo in monotone. "Do you at least tell him you love him?"
"Ryo, even though you try to sound uninterested, you honestly are. I even know that you're reading a romance novel, even though you've hidden the cover of the book," said Rukia annoyed.
Ryo quickly stowed away the book in her schoolbag.
"Really, Ryo? Let me see!" squealed Michiru.
"It's nothing!" she responded angrily.
"Do you Rukia?" asked Orihime.
"Do I what?"
"Tell Kurosaki-kun that you love him?"
All the girls stopped their arguing and fighting as they looked at the amethyst-eyed teenager. Rukia clenched her hands and looked down at the grass.
"You haven't?" They said in unison.
"Well it's not like-"
"What? That you don't have to?" said Chizuru, clearly annoyed with her arms crossed.
"Rukia, it's very important to say those words! Even once!" said Mahana.
"Those words mean the world!" exclaimed Michiru.
"I thought that was only for girls," said Rukia confused.
"Well when Kurosaki tells you he loves you, how do you feel?" asked Chizuru.
"Guys that's enough questions on someone's personal life!" said Tatsuki irritated.
"Fine! Fine!" said Chizuru.
Geez things are never private among these people, thought Rukia.
That night, Hisagi called Rukia's house to ask how Ichigo was doing. He couldn't come to do a check-up that night because he had to work late and didn't come home till 11 at night. Rukia said he was doing fine, but she needed Hisagi to take care of Ichigo because Byakuya was coming over.
"Hmm, well, I'll try to fit him in at my place, but only for a few days."
"That's all I need," she responded.
"Alright, when do you want me to- Hey wait! Cifer-kun! Don't eat that! That's not food!" Hold on a sec," said Hisagi, putting the phone down.
Rukia could faintly hear Hisagi's voice saying, "It looks like fruit, but it's wax."
"Okay I'm back," he said as he picked up the phone. "So when do you want me to pick him up?"
"Tomorrow at ten or eleven in the morning, because Nii-sama's coming to Japan in the afternoon."
"Alright see ya," he said before he hanged up.
"I don't wanna go!" whined Ichigo when he heard the news the next day that he was going to have to leave the house.
"Ichigo it's only for a week. Besides, I'll still see you at school," said Rukia.
"Still! Can't I just hide in your room?" he whined.
"No," she responded sternly.
"Ru, I don't want to leave."
"Ichigo."
Ichigo looked at his small girlfriend, who was glaring at him as a mother would to her child.
He sighed and said, "Fine."
"Good boy," she said.
"But before I go," he said.
Ichigo pulled Rukia close to him as he captured her lips. Surprised, but used to his spontaneous kisses, she allowed him to kiss her. Both of their mouths moved at the same pace as they kissed. Soon Ichigo moved her to the couch where he laid her down and got on top of her. The more they kissed, the more intense it became. Ichigo began to nibble on Rukia's bottom lip and she moaned in pleasure at this action. He repeated this motion to receive more of her sweet moans that were driving him to the point of blissful insanity! He loved Rukia so much, that he wished to pleasure her so badly. Soon his tongue asked for entrance as they kissed, and Rukia opened her mouth in compliance. Their tongues clashed, slowly, but passionately. This was actually the first time Ichigo had kissed her like this, but she was in heaven. Her arms tightened around Ichigo's neck as he brought her closer and soon she wrapped her legs around his waist as their mouths continued to move. Rukia started to think that maybe Ichigo could hide in her room. No! That's not possible! Where would he sleep? she thought to herself. That last thing I would also want, is for Nii-sama to find me in the arms of a man in my bed! Aww man! I am gonna miss him! Ichigo never wanted to let go of Rukia or this moment. I want to continue to please you, hold you, and shower you with affection, he thought to himself as they kissed. I love you so much. Sadly, their intimate moment was interrupted when the doorbell started to ring, making them stop. Ichigo grunted as he looked at the door, angry at the noise that came from it. Rukia blushed, but not wanting Ichigo to be mad, she touched his cheek and had him face her as she gave him a small kiss on the lips. He smiled at her action. Rukia got out of his embrace and headed towards the door as she looked through the peephole. She expected it to be Hisagi, but she was dead wrong. What she saw was a tall man with long, black, neatly kept hair, white skin, a serious demeanor, and was wearing a professional suit. It was Kuchiki Byakuya.
Nii-sama? Why is he here? I was supposed to meet him at the airport! thought Rukia panicking in her thoughts.
She ran to the couch and said very quietly, "Ichigo, it's Nii-sama! Hide in my room under the bed now!"
Ichigo ran as silently as he could to her room and closed the door softly. Rukia quickly ran to the door and opened it.
"Nii-sama!" she said giving him a hug.
Giving a small smile, he said, "Hello Rukia. It's good to see you again.
Kuchiki Byakuya was a strict and very serious person, but when he was around Rukia, he would allow himself to hug her back, as a sign of his brotherly affection. Although Rukia had just hidden Ichigo away from her brother, and was still a bit flustered from their serious make-out session, she was happy to see Byakuya after two years. Talking on the phone just wasn't enough, but having him here in person, made her one of the happiest people on earth. Time had not affected her brother, for he looked the same. Byakuya, on the other hand, could tell that his sister had changed, for she was indeed growing up to be a fine, young woman. When they finished hugging, Rukia commented, "I thought I was supposed to pick you up at the airport Nii-sama."
"I was able to catch an earlier plane ride," he responded stoically.
"I see. Are you hungry from you flight? Is there anything in particular that you would you like to eat Nii-sama?" asked Rukia trying to sound casual in her speech, but was honestly freaking out as she helped him with his bags.
"No, that is quite alright. I had a long airplane trip from New York, so I am going to retire for the day," said the serious Kuchiki as they carried his bags into his room.
Before his arrival, Rukia made sure that Byakuya's room was exactly the way he left it. She washed his pajamas, making sure that not a single strand of orange hair was on it.
"Okay Nii-sama. I shall let you rest," she said as she set his bags down.
"Thank you Rukia," he responded as she exited his room, closing his door quietly.
Rukia then quickly tiptoed to her room and closed her door silently.
"Ichigo?" she whispered as softly as possible. Said teenager came out from under the bed, slowly getting up.
"Don't make a sound. I'm going to try and call Hisagi and-"
Ding Dong
Rukia jumped at the sound of the doorbell.
Ding Dong Ding Dong Ding Dong Ding Dong Ding Dong
Rukia ran out of her room and bolted towards the door. When she opened it, she saw Hisagi, wearing his usual, weird uniform. Ulquiorra right next to him and was for some reason, continuously pressing the doorbell.
"Hey Kuchiki-san! We're here to pick up-"
Rukia covered his mouth with one hand and grabbed Ulquiorra's hand from the doorbell with the other.
"Rukia who is it?"
Said Kuchiki jumped at the sound of her older brother's voice as she quickly removed her hands from the salesman and his companion.
"Um, um, I'm sorry sir! But I'm not interested in anything your selling!" she said very quickly.
Right after she said that, Byakuya opened the door wider, so his appearance was made. Hisagi looked at the elder Kuchiki brother, but he kept his cool.
"Good day sir! My name is Hisagi Shūhei and I work for Kurotsuchi businesses. Would you be interested in-"
"No," said Byakuya instantly with his serious demeanor.
"Are you sure sir? Because we offer-"
"No. Now get off my property before I call the police."
Hisagi sweat-dropped and said, "Thank you for your time. Come along Cifer-san."
The salesman and his companion both left, but Rukia knew that Byakuya had used his 'serious-but-scary-as-hell-glare', because she could see that Hisagi's legs were shaking as he walked.
Nii-sama's glare can even make criminals beg for their lives, thought Rukia as she shuddered.
"I'm terribly sorry if that stranger ruined your rest Nii-sama," said Rukia.
"It's alright," he said as he walked back to his room.
As he closed his room's door, Rukia looked out the front door, but no one was there.
What was I thinking? That they would just wait there till Nii-sama went back to be-
Immediately, Rukia heard a tapping noise. As turned around, facing the back window, she saw Hisagi. Opening it, she saw him and Ulquiorra kneeling on the grass.
"thank Kami you guys didn't run away," she whispered.
"Jesus! Your brother's scary!" screamed-whispered Hisagi as he trembled.
"I'll go get Ichigo," she responded.
"Hurry!"
Running to her room, she grabbed a hold of the orange-haired humanoid's wrist (who was waiting in her room), and went back to the window. Once he went through the window he turned to his small girlfriend and said, "Rukia."
"Yeah?"
Ichigo gave her a quick kiss on her lips and smiled, "Je t'aime."
Rukia blushed and Ulquiorra stared.
"Come on lover boy! Let's get going before her brother gets back! You too Ulquiorra!" said Hisagi grabbing both of their wrists as he ran off with his creations.
Rukia, making sure they were out of sight, closed the window and sighed. One problem down, one more to go, she thought to herself.
The next day, Rukia and Byakuya talked as they shared a traditional Japanese breakfast of steamed rice, miso soup, and tamagoyaki, made by Rukia (since Ichigo taught her how to cook healthier foods). Rukia knew her brother loved traditional Japanese customs and she knew this would make him feel right at home.
"This is a delicious meal Rukia," her brother responded as he sipped his green tea in satisfaction.
"I'm glad you like it Nii-sama!" said Rukia enthusiastically.
"Americans eat fast food and grease each day. I feel as if I have gained weight. It's not easy finding fresh and healthy foods at a convenience store," he said disgusted.
Poor Nii-sama, thought Rukia as she took pity on her brother. Okay, focus! How am I going to say this?
"I am proud to know that you passed your final exams in both math and science Rukia," he said as he picked up his bowl of miso soup.
"Thank you Nii-sama!" she said as she ate her rice.
"Did you have help studying?" he asked.
"Yes, he's a great tutor," she said. Oops.
"He?" said Byakuya as his bowl was set down with a clank.
Crap! she thought freaking out.
"Um, yes. He's a school tutor and he helped me study perfectly," she said very quickly at the half-truth.
"I see," he responded looking straight at her.
Rukia gulped down her rice nervously.
"Um, Nii-sama, how about we go outside today for some fresh air?" she said changing the subject.
"That would be nice. I do not have to see my boss until tomorrow."
Rukia smiled. Throughout the rest of the day, the siblings walked through the town as they talked about their separate lives. Byakuya's was a bit negative, for it was mainly about how New York City was crowded, dirty, and polluted. Rukia's view on her daily life was vivacious as she talked about school, her friends, and her summer jobs.
"I can give you the money when we get home Nii-sama!" she said proudly as they sat on a park bench.
"There is no need," he said simply.
"Why not?" she asked confused.
Byakuya sighed and said, "Rukia, when I left for the United States, I knew you would be alright by yourself. You are a very responsible and smart girl. If I didn't trust you, staying here by yourself would have been out of the question. There is no need for you to pay me back."
"But Nii-sama-"
"No buts," he said firmly.
"Okay," she responded. Aw man! Ichigo was right! Crap! Speaking of Ichigo...
"Rukia, it's getting late. Let us leave," said Byakuya as he rose from the bench.
"Huh? Are you sure Nii-sama? It's not even dark yet-"
"So sexy!"
Rukia turned around and saw, what looked like young college girls, fan-girl squealing as their eyes looked upon the stoic faced Kuchiki.
"You're right Nii-sama. Let's go," said Rukia, annoyed as the fangirls kept squealing over her older brother.
"Orihime I'm the worst!" said Rukia as she whined over to her friend when she got to class, Monday morning.
"What's wrong Rukia?" she responded as she held her friend's hands.
"I couldn't tell Nii-sama about Ichigo!" she whined.
"Aww, it's okay," she said patting her friend's head.
"No it's not. I can't even tell my own flesh and blood that I have a boyfriend," she said as she dropped her head on her desk with a bang.
"Rukia, this isn't something to beat yourself up about," she said lifting her friend's head up. "But if you're that sad, do you want some of my snacks?"
"No thanks," she said. "I'm not hungry."
"Okay, but Rukia, he's staying here for a week right? Then you don't have to worry about it. You still have time," she said.
"But what if I-"
"No buts! Just do it!" said Orihime pumped up.
"Okay," she responded in a not-so-confident voice.
Rukia pondered throughout the day, on how to tell Byakuya about her boyfriend, but because of that, every time Ichigo came near her, she would shout, "Not now! I'm thinking!" Poor Ichigo thought he did something wrong.
"Maybe her brother found out I'm a humanoid?" said Ichigo to Hisagi as he cooked dinner at Hisagi's house for the three of them.
"Of course!" declared the co-creator happily.
"You're encouraging this?" exclaimed Ichigo, shocked as he turned from the stove to face him.
"No! I said of course because I realized If I increase the amount of copper in this new security gadget I'm working on," he said as he patted the small titanium box that was on top of the counter. "It'll be malleable enough to cut a person's head off!"
"Why would you want to do that?" asked Ichigo weirded out by Hisagi's statement.
"Well, maybe not cut his head off, but the copper arms will increase the chances of the circular razors to, at least, cut off some of their hairs. That way, we'll have DNA samples and we will be able to locate them, if they get away," he said as he put on goggles and collected his tweezers.
"Did he ask for this?" said Ichigo annoyed.
"Yes. The alien's been tightening security lately because once his project comes out to the public, he has the assumption that people are going to attempt to break into the lab and steal one once they realize the price for one of your future brothers or sisters," said Hisagi as he connected two blue wires together.
Ichigo sighed and looked at his younger brother, who was lying on the couch asleep. As Ulquiorra slept, he looked so peaceful. No pain or stoicness appeared on his face. In fact, he looked like a regular, sleeping teenager, with both of his legs on top of the armrests and one arm on the top of the couch.
If only he was a regular human, thought Ichigo. If only we all were.
"Ichigo the food's burning," said Hisagi, who wasn't taking his eyes off the security experiment he was working on.
"Wha- Ah crap!" he exclaimed as the black smoke hit his face and nostrils.
"So anyways about your problem, don't worry about it," answered Hisagi as he closed the titanium box.
"Why not?" asked Ichigo, fanning the smoke away before it got to the fire alarm.
"Well for starters, you worry too much when it comes to Kuchiki-san, second if her brother did find out you weren't exactly human, I'd get a call from my boss, and third, just don't worry about it," he said as he took a piece of the slightly burned eggplant and ate it. "Not that bad."
"How can I not worry when it comes to Rukia?" questioned Ichigo as he tasted the eggplant as well.
"Very true lover boy," said Hisagi. "Now come on, let's eat."
Poor Rukia was getting nowhere at telling her brother about Ichigo. One day, when she was confident enough and was going to tell him as they walked home together, an eighteen year old boy accidentally bumped into her, causing her to drop her books. When he helped her he said, "I wonder why I didn't see a pretty girl like y-" he was never able to finish his sentence because Byakuya's foot met his face. The name Ichigo never came out of her mouth that day.
"Rukia, since tonight is my last night here in Japan, I'd like for the both of us to go out to dinner tonight," announced Byakuya as they shared breakfast, Friday morning.
"Of course Nii-sama! Where are we going to eat?" she asked as she picked up her plate and went to the sink.
"At the restaurant called Shogun. So when you come home from school, just change into acceptable clothing and we shall go," he said, finishing his food.
"Okay Nii-sama!" said Rukia cheerfully. It's now or never!
At school, Rukia told her plan to Orihime, who was encouraging her.
"Now Rukia, don't chicken out of this one because this is the last day to tell him!" declared Orihime, pumping her up.
"Yes! I'm going to do it Orihime!" responded the encouraged Rukia.
"Oh! And by the way, since your going to Shogun, can you save me some of their tofu? I hear it's really good and I want to put it in a new dish I'll create. It'll have honey, tomatoes, red bean paste, plums, and soy sauce!" chirped Orihime happily.
"Um, but if I save the tofu, by the time I get home, it'll probably be all moldy," said Rukia shivering at the thought of Orihime's cooking.
"Aww! You're right!" whined Orihime.
Unbeknownst to the two girls, a certain orange-haired humanoid was listening to their not-so-quiet conversation.
Shogun, eh?
"Nii-sama this place is amazing!" said Rukia astonished as the waiter sat them at their table.
Shogun was a traditional Japanese restaurant that was very high class. Rukia knew her brother would want to go here, before returning to America.
"Why don't we share the sukiyaki Nii-sama?" asked Rukia looking at her menu.
"Yes, that would be nice," responded Byakuya calmly.
Still looking at the menu, Rukia heard a waiter place down glasses of iced water on their table. Taking the water in her hand, she sipped it.
"Thank you very mu-" Rukia never got to finish her sentence because she spat out her water, in shock, all over the orange-haired waiter's shirt. Byakuya looked at his younger sister, surprised.
"I-I-I-I-I'm sorry I-sir!" said Rukia as she grabbed her napkin and started to wipe is white uniform shirt.
"It's quite alright miss," said Ichigo holding back a laugh.
"Uh, Nii-sama! I'll be right back. I'm going to help this man clean up!" said Rukia as she rushed out of her chair, grabbing Ichigo by the wrist.
"I don't believe that's necessary-" Rukia didn't let Byakuya finish because she ran to the restaurant's kitchen with Ichigo. Once in, she went to the farther back, opening the back door. Once outside, she looked at Ichigo in shock.
"Hi Ru," he said happily.
"Ichigo, what are you doing here?" she said in an angry tone.
"I got a job!" he said smiling.
"I can see that, but why here?" she asked still angered.
"Because your boyfriend was worried about you," said a voice.
Rukia jumped in shock as she turned around and saw Hisagi, Nemu , and Ulquiorra. Hisagi was grinning like an idiot as both him and Ulquiorra were wearing the company uniform and Nemu, for the first time, was wearing a regular long sleeve navy-blue shirt and dark blue jeans, rather than her usual Gothic Lolita dresses. To Rukia, this felt as if the world suddenly stopped moving and decided to be mean to her by making the shock last longer.
"What are you guys doing here?" said Rukia even more shocked.
"Tagging along looked like fun!" said Hisagi, still grinning like an idiot.
"I was dragged here," said Ulquiorra with a hint of annoyance.
"Safety reasons," said Nemu stoically.
Rukia face-palmed and then sighed. "Can I talk to Ichigo privately?" she said slightly annoyed.
"What are you gonna talk about?" asked Hisagi grinning mischievously.
"That's why I'm asking you to leave," she responded as the annoyance in her voice became higher.
"Fine," said Hisagi.
As soon as the three Kurotsuchi associates were out of sight, Rukia turned to Ichigo and said, "I'm going to ask you one more time Ichigo. What are you doing here?"
"Like I said, I got a job," he responded smirking.
"Are you sure it's not for any other reason?" she asked irritated like a teacher would be to a student in trouble.
"Well there might be another reason," said Ichigo smiling awkwardly.
"And that reason would be?" asked Rukia irritated by each passing second.
Ichigo sighed as he said, "Ru, why have you been ignoring me for the past few days? Did your brother find out about me?"
Rukia started at him, dumbfounded. That's what he was worried about?
Rukia face-palmed and said, "Ichigo, why do you always have to wor-"
"Well, did he?" asked Ichigo once again.
Never let me get to finish do you?
"No Ichigo. He didn't," she responded with a sigh.
"Then why have you been avoiding me for the past week?"
"You know me. When I'm deep in thought I ignore all my surroundings."
"Oh yeah. Well what were you thinking about?"
"Ichigo, I don't have time for this. I have to go back before Nii-sama starts to wonder why I've been gone for so long," responded Rukia as she headed back to the door.
Ichigo blocked the door before she could touch the handle.
"Come on Ru. Tell me," he said. "Because I'm not letting you through till you do."
"Ichigo, move," she said as she glared at him.
"Nope!" he responded.
Rukia tried to push him away, but Ichigo stayed where he was as if his feet were glued to the ground.
"Damn it Ichigo! Move!" she said infuriated. The amethyst-eyed girl was so mad that she started to punch his chest.
"You know, if you keep hitting me, eventually your hands are gonna get tired," he said nonchalantly.
"Ichigo! Why the hell are you being so difficult? Don't you realize that this is the last day I get to see Nii-sama before he leaves to Japan?" screamed Rukia as she continued to punch his chest. "I have to tell him about you so he'll accept you! I'm not going to tell him about you being a you-know-what! I want to tell him that you're my boyfriend because I hate keeping so many secrets from him! Don't you understand that-"
Ichigo engulfed her in his arms and held her tightly. Rukia continued to struggle, but he kept his hold.
"Damn it Ichigo! Let me go!" she yelled.
"I'll let you go when you calm down," he responded mildly as he started to stroke her hair.
Rukia continued to struggle and even started to kick his legs to be free of his embrace, but Ichigo didn't budge. He simply continued to caress her hair. Finally, when she realized her efforts were getting her nowhere, she stopped struggling and became limp in his arms.
"Are you calm?" he asked
"Yeah," she murmured.
Ichigo chuckled as he put his petite girlfriend down. Giving her a kiss on the cheek and smiling, he said, "Thanks Ru."
"For what?"
Ichigo placed another kiss on her forehead and said, "You called me your boyfriend."
That makes him happy? she thought to herself. Then again, even the simplest of things make him happy.
Ichigo placed a third kiss on her lips. "I love you Rukia," he said as he smiled.
"Kurosaki! This is no time to be making out with your girlfriend!" boomed a loud voice that came out of the door that slammed open. Ichigo and Rukia both jumped at the sudden surprise and saw what looked like one of the chefs.
"We need more waiters! You can't be slaking off and WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR SHIRT?"
It got wet," responded Ichigo.
"I can see that! Go get a dry one from the locker room!" shouted the cook as he dragged the amber-eyed humanoid back into the restaurant. Rukia ran in as well and went back to the table where Byakuya was.
"Sorry Nii-sama! After I helped the waiter, I needed to use the restroom," said Rukia calmly as she sat back down.
Byakuya looked at her, trying to find any hint of a lie, but Rukia held up a Kuchiki poker face.
"I see," he responded leaving the subject at that.
Soon the sukiyaki was served (by a different waiter) and they both ate in silence.
I have to tell Nii-sama, thought Rukia. "Nii-sama, there is something I have I have to tell you."
"I have something to tell you as well."
"Oh, well, you go first Nii-sama," said Rukia as the waiter took their finished dishes away.
"Do you remember when you were young and I promised I would work my hardest to provide you a good life?"
"Of course Nii-sama! I could never forget that!" responded Rukia. I still remember when he would stay up late, studying to be accepted by Tokyo University.
"When I was young, I was very rambunctious and easily annoyed as an adolescent, but I changed after...that day," said Byakuya in a melancholy voice.
Rukia stayed quiet, for she knew what he was about to say.
"I was a third year in middle school at the time, and one day, mother was ill with the flu. Father decided to take the day off work, to take care of her. I still remember that we had rice for breakfast that morning, and it was a little burnt because father cooked it," reminisced Byakuya as he chuckled slightly. "That morning, you drew a picture of Chappy the Rabbit and gave it to mother as a get well gift. Everyday, after school, I would pick you up from preschool. Like many older siblings, I didn't particularly like you."
Rukia didn't respond. She simply listened to the memories that formed into words as they came from Byakuya's voice.
"I still remember, it was the afternoon when my teacher came up to me and said, something happened at my house. I...ran as fast as I could, and when I got there, the house was...gone. Other houses were gone as well. The firemen said there was a gas leak and that I was lucky to be at school."
Byakuya paused and looked down at his hands. "We were going to be sent to live with different relatives, because they were...more concerned about the Kuchiki male heir." Those words came out with anger.
Why is Nii-sama telling me this? thought Rukia.
"They were more concerned about the family heir. However, I refused to let you go. So I told them that I would study hard enough, to honor the Kuchiki name, but you would have to live with me. We argued, but I told them that I would never ask for anything else, ever in my life. You were, and still are, the only family I held precious to me. In the end, they agreed and I kept my word. I care about you Rukia, and I wish to make you happy," he said as his eyes shone with brotherly affection.
Rukia stood up from her chair and came towards her older brother's side. She slipped her hand into his and said, "I care about you too Nii-sama. Thank you, for everything."
"Rukia, as you know, I will be returning to the United States tomorrow, but I won't be staying there for long," he said as he held his baby sister's hand.
"What do you mean Nii-sama?" asked Rukia with concern.
"Because I shall be the new boss of the company," he stated.
"What?"
"My boss has decided that I shall take over the business when he retires next summer," he said.
"That's wonderful news Nii-sama!" said Rukia, hugging her older brother. "Your hard work has finally paid off!"
"Yes, and in just a few months, I will come back home and we will be able to live together," he said as he hugged her back.
A few months? Oh no, Ichigo! thought Rukia.
Letting go of her brother Rukia started to say, "Nii-sama, there's-"
"Rukia, there is a concern I do realize. By the time I return to Japan, you will be a third year in high school. Soon, you will be in college as well. You are already a young woman and one day..."
Byakuya paused.
"Yes Nii-sama?"
"You will...find someone," he said as though the words came out of his mouth with disgust.
Rukia gulped in nervousness.
"I realize, that I can't hold on to you forever. You will eventually find someone whom you would want to live the last of your days with. Whoever he may be...and you truly love him, and wish to show him to me, you must show him to me with pride. If you believe you have found him, you need to ask yourself, do you truly and unconditionally love him?" said Byakuya, knowing that day would eventually come.
Rukia looked at her older brother. Byakuya's words flowed into her mind, repeating themselves.
Do I truly and unconditionally love Ichigo? she asked herself.
Memories flowed through her mind like a running faucet. The day she received Ichigo, their first date, his first day of school, his comfort, kindness, smiles, warmth, and kisses. Everything. Soon memories of her friends at lunch, saying, Do you tell him you love him?
It's very important to say those words! Even once!
When Kurosaki tells you he loves you, how do you feel?
As cliché as it sounds, It feels like my heart is going to explode from happiness,
I feel as if his love is all I need to live.
Fireworks continuously burst inside my head every time we kiss.
He makes me feel safe and loved.
I-I...I do love him. I love him so much that I want to show it to him in so many ways.
"Rukia?"
The amethyst-eyed girl was brought back to earth when she heard her brother's voice.
"Sorry Nii-sama, I got lost in thought," she responded.
"It's getting late. We should head home," he inquired.
"You're right Nii-sama," said Rukia.
As the stoic Kuchiki rose from his chair, the two siblings soon left the restaurant.
The international airport was large and crowded. As Rukia walked with her older Brother, she could see people of different cultures coming in and out of the shuttles, shuffling through the hallways, or waiting for their planes to dock. The siblings arrived at Byakuya's terminal with a few minutes to spare.
"Do you have everything you need Nii-sama?" asked Rukia as she straightened his jacket.
"Yes. I have made sure everything is in its proper place," he responded remotely.
"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. Flight 23 is ready to board. May first-class passengers please come first," said the female flight attendant on the microphone.
Rukia hugged her older brother for the final time.
"Bye Nii-sama. I'll miss you," she said giving him a hug and burying her face in his jacket.
"I wish I didn't have to leave, but I'll be back soon," he said as he hugged his little sister back.
They looked at each other and her brother said, "Be safe Rukia."
Rukia watched the elder Kuchiki leave her and go through the gates, knowing he was gone.
Thank you Nii-sama, she thought to herself as she watched the other passengers board. Even though I never got to tell you about him, I now know that Ichigo is the one I truly, and unconditionally love.
Byakuya Nii-sama is finally introduced! Poor guy. He had to suffer the loss his parents, listen to other Kuchikis pressuring him about being the male heir, and he's been overseas away from his baby sister. We all know that Byakuya does care for Rukia underneath that stoic exterior and wants her to be happy. Now...I wonder how Rukia's going to show her love for Ichigo. *blushing at the thought* You'll have to wait for the next chapter! Oh, and for you Byakuya fangirls out there, you know that was you in the crowd of squeling fangirls. :)
Reviews are very appreciated and I hope you enjoy this chapter!