Chapter 12: Until You're Big Enough
Hey I'm back! OMG guys I saw Kimi no na wa or Your Name and I swear to god it's sooo good! It kinda reminds me of IchiRuki. I highly recommend that! And we've got Attack on Titan season 2 which I'm totally hooked at the moment. I LOVE IT!
It's summer vacation and I'm gonna be going out so I hope I update this chapter before I go!
So I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. This chapter mostly has A LOT OF PAST! You might find something interesting so I please drop a REVIEW if you want!
I'm actually a very lazy ass so THANK YOU for REVIEWING ON THE LAST CHAPTER, SHOUTOUTS will be done next time. My apologies but thank you! Thank you to BloodyME, RukiYuki, achalida, jobananasan and merjs for reviewing! So without further ado I'll begin with the chapter! Enjoy~
jobananasan: Thanks a lot I appreciate that! For most of the things you have mentioned I have a answer ready but telling you that will spoil it. So just know that all your questions are going to be answered maybe not that soon but they will definitely be answered. This story has a long way to go Rukia isn't going to fall in love that soon. And now that Kaien is here... I hope you enjoy! hehe.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, Kubo-sensei does and handles it very badly as well. I would have done better (Just kidding)
"I'm not scared of you! Fight me instead of going behind girls younger to you!" His words betrayed his actions as his legs trembled. In the heat of the situation, he had selected the most inconvenient thing he could protect himself with, a wooden stick. He sweat dropped, he was sure he had no chance in front of those strong senior boys. His 9-year-old self was forced to mature quickly because of these things. It was okay till they were troubling him but now that they had started to trouble his sisters, he wasn't going to be one to keep quite.
The 4-year-old fraternal twins clung to their brother's shirt as he stood bravely in front of the boys who were troubling them. It started with them coming and snatching Karin's lollipop and then pulling Yuzu's pigtails. Karin reacted vigorously trying to to do something while Yuzu cried. That was when Ichigo came and covered them up. Yuzu was still crying silently behind her brothers back while Karin just observed her brother a little bit scared of the consequences. The boys roared in laughter at Ichigo's mere attempt to protect his sisters.
"Yuzu, Karin run go away fast!" He looked at his sisters from the corner of his eyes. Yuzu had opened her mouth to reason when Karin took her hand and pulled Yuzu taking her along with her. They had ran out of the park, he noticed that the sun had almost set and he should have been home by this time. He looked at the boys angrily who beckoned him to come and attack.
There were two of them, he alone had no chance. Ichigo was aware of his lack of power but still he threw the stick away balling one of his tiny fist and launching towards one of those boys.
His eyes widened as his fist was caught midway then a surging pain in his back followed by him falling down on the ground with a big thud followed. He winced the other guy had kicked him. Wiping his dusty face Ichigo got up again, he had bruised his cheek due to the fall. "Give up orange hair, you look like a punk what else have you got?" One of the boys said.
"Don't you... dare trouble my sisters again" He threatened them, he walked near them limply.
One of the boys raised his fist to punch Ichigo on his cheek when-
"What's going on here?" The two boys along with Ichigo turned towards the side to see who the voice belonged to.
"Run!" One of the boys said and both of them with scared looks ran as fast as they could out of the park. Ichigo looked stunned, his eyes following the running boys as they vanished from his eye sight. He then realised his company and looked up at the man "Tha- Kuchiki-san!" Ichigo suddenly felt embarrassed for the way he looked. He was all bruised and dirty, he brought his chubby hands to his cheeks and started rubbing the dirt of them.
"It's okay calm down Ichigo" Byakuya said, kneeling down in front of Ichigo. Ichigo looked down, not able to face the noble. "What's the matter?" His usual emotionless tone had a tinge of worry and softness to it. Ichigo took a peek of Byakuya's face and continued to fidget with his t-shirt.
"Those boys... were troubling Yuzu and Karin so I..." he trailed off and looked up at Byakuya. "It wasn't my fault I promise"
"I know Ichigo calm down" he said in his stone voice
Byakuya ruffled the boy's orange hair and said "Ichigo... there are times when you fight for protecting yourself and then there are times you fight for protecting your pride. Ichigo you know why older brothers are born first?" Ichigo slowly shook his head no "It is to protect their little siblings who come after. I don't want you to recklessly put yourself to fight but when you are fighting for the right reason then you should give your all" he stood up and looked down at the now wide eyed Ichigo "Come on I'll drop you home in my car"
"But Yuzu and Karin?"
"Don't worry about them. I say them on my way here, they told me about you" Ichigo nodded and followed Byakuya outside the park.
"Kuchiki-san" Ichigo called out and Byakuya 'hmmed' showing his attention "Thank you"
...
"Psst Momo, you awake?" The said girl stirred in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes, her eyes glimmered in the moonlight
"What happened Ru-"
"Sshhh! You'll wake others up" Rukia placed her index finger on her lip, her large purple orbs moving cautiously. "I just checked, Beast-basan is asleep I just checked on her" Rukia quitely stood up.
"What if we get caught Rukia" Momo asked, she was always scared of the especially their main care taker a lady in her late thirties who hates indiscipline. The lady who they lovingly gave the pet name as 'Beast-bachan' because she sure was one beast for them. Momo quitely got up as well, sleep still on her eyes. "We'll get shouted at" Her usual timid nature made Momo one of the quietest in the orphanage, she was a very good girl but had spoiled to some extent due to her company.
"It's okay Momo, I'll take the responsibility" Rukia said banging her fist lightly on her proud chest "Besides they'll just shout at us and maybe not give dinner for one night. Now come on" Rukia stepped carefully on the futon's of the other kids sleeping, making sure not to wake them up. They passed the sleeping Beast and quietly went out of the room.
"Are you sure it was there"
"Yes I had scene, it was nice and round" Rukia whispered as the two walked the dark corridor and to the their small kitchen. Tip toeing through as to not make the old wood creak the two reached the refrigerator. Rukia looked at Momo with a big grin on her face, Momo still seemed hesitant. The silent eight-year-olds opened the fridge and looked at the thing they had been waiting for the whole time. There sat a big, green, fresh watermelon just ready to be feasted on. The two kids just stared at the thing awestruck for a whole minute, Rukia snapped out first and shook her head. "Momo, help me take it out" Momo nodded, her hesitance gone as she was reminded of her empty stomach.
Whenever something good was brought to the orphanage, it was never for the kids but their caretakers. They were given just a small portion of the stuff and they weren't allowed to ask for seconds. It wasn't the first time that the children at the orphanage were stealing food. It was mainly the boys doing that but the girls used to do it too. Taking the watermelon out of the fridge, they safely closed and sat down with the watermelon in between them.
Rukia sloppily used the knife to break open the juicy fruit.
Rukia was tough and rowdy, some said she acted like a boy but they knew she had a really nice heart. Everyone at the orphanage were obstreperous and a handful, they were not well groomed as no one got proper guidance.
It was pretty obvious for kids who grew up without parents...
They were like untamed creepers growing wild. No one liked them... Who would? It was okay when they were small but the only kids left at the orphanage were five and above and those who came searching for children to adopt would leave disappointed seeing no one small. That was just one thing but the thing Rukia hated was the pity, bushels of pity given to them, she didn't want that. Not at all... she wasn't distressed or in pain, she was strong and she did not need pity.
"Let's dig in" Rukia cheered in a small voice. Momo grinned happily and the two besties began to munch on the delicious treat. It tasted really good, way better than normal. It was the taste of accomplishment, they weren't worried that they might not get dinner the next day that's why they ate like they weren't going to get food for months after this.
Momo wiped her lips "Rukia let's clean up and make sure not to leave many seeds on the floor" Rukia nodded and started to clean up, a smile on her face she had enjoyed the juicy fruit to the fullest. "Maybe if Komamura-san comes to visit us tomorrow he'd spare us our punishment" Momo said hopefully.
"Yes he's come and save us" They washed their hands and with big smiles walked back to the room where everyone was sound asleep and carefully slipped in bed once again.
That day they had enjoyed themselves but the next day Beast-bachan gave them a nice scolding, getting Momo and Rukia to tears. She was going to punish them and not give them dinner when Komamura came with a plastic bag with a big round watermelon for the kids. Everyone rejoiced and their punishment was long forgotten.
Ichigo sighed, he glanced at the wall clock hanging in his office room. It was about time that Rukia came back from her Law school. Yesterday was her first day, he hadn't asked Ashido how she was doing but he knew she was happy. She seemed content with it. He stood up from his soft chair and stretched his arms trying to remove all the kinks from his body. He gazed outside the large glass windows overlooking the city, it was a cloudy day today... it made him feel dull and sad. His morning was ruined today anyway.
He had met Senna in the morning, she and Rukia had fought verbally yesterday. The conversation didn't go pretty well, it had Senna lying two three times and getting mad at every mention of Rukia. He had no choice but to tell her to stay away from Rukia if they weren't able to get together, he had known Senna had always liked him to some extent. He misunderstood that as gratitude for rescuing her and buying her in the auction to give her a chance at life. Senna used to cling to him and try to get in his pants, he used to just let it go and let Senna entertain him for the night, she took it as a sign that he liked her. He had stopped having that kind of relation with her for a while but she kept coming back, when Rukia came his reason was back.
His love was back. Senna didn't like that.
He knew the reason behind her disliking Rukia but everyone knew how important Rukia was to him yet she was trying to hurt her when here he was desperately trying to make her feel comfortable so she won't run away again. Senna still was not going to change her behaviour towards Rukia so it was best to keep them away.
He went near the coffee machine and started to make some for himself. Yesterday Rukia was rather calm in his office, she wasn't complaining when he was working nor was she sulking. He had thrown a little question here and there about her day and she replied to him without having an offensive comment attached to it. He thought she seemed different and not herself but then she got up and started looking around his huge office room. She seemed unimpressed he assumed Byakuya might have really furnished his office with expensive, noble looking stuff or anything which could be described as rich or noble for that fact. He had kept his office simple with a lounge and a coffee table, a bookshelf, many racks and his desk and chair in front of the huge glass windows. The decorations being small charts having quotes, his degrees, a few potted plant and small vase in the corner. She had glared at all his degrees framed on the wall as if trying search for signs of them being fake.
He couldn't argue when she asked him how he was able to become such a huge business man at such a young age. He was 24 and owned the airlines, a number of 5+ star hotels in japan and other countries and had many more things coming up. He didn't go in detail to explian her- actually he didn't even explain her he just said "Scholarships got me through college, when I started work at an early age and easily climbed the steps up in that company. I started keeping the best deals for myself then started of with my own business, luck was with me and here I am now" She had nodded still a bit unsatisfied about the half information he had given her disinterestedly.
He sat back down with his mug of coffee... it all seems so easy now... it was hard to reach here.
He had been in depression for three weeks since he had come here. It wasn't like it was any better back at home, he had just passed a month which seemed more of a nightmare than actual days. He was at the edge of insanity, if he was going to continue further, he might have done something everyone would have regretted. His eyes were blinded by anger, sadness, hurt, guilt, sorrow, hate and revenge. All those vices together weren't something good. He felt like shit each day, they say time heals all wounds- he was getting crazier each passing minute.
His mind was like water, a slight ripple would lead to a series of disruptions. This thing-this wound wasn't just a ripple, it was a drop of jet black ink, one drop enough to darken the pure water. It had just cracked his walls. He swallowed a lump in his throat... that's why he had taken this decision and here he was now... Don't run away from your problems they say.
But he ran away, literally.
Ran away from his problems, his identity, his life, himself, he had ran away from his house and was now staying with a long lost friend of his Dad who was like an uncle to him. Urahara Shoten, a small shop three towns away from where he lived. Three weeks ago he had come here panting with a large backpack on his bag and body drenched from the cold rain. Urahara Kisuke had taken him in and asked him questions, he answered them all honestly. Ichigo was ready to leave again in the pouring rain confident that no one was going to take someone like him in. He had stood up and was about to exit when Urahara said "Wait. Where are you going? I thought you would have figured it out that I'm letting you stay... man you're just like your father"
He was staying in the attic, a small bed and desk were provided to him. And three weeks in, he was still depressed.
It all happened because of her.. I trusted her. And this is what she did? She is the reason I'm going insane. Yes it's all because of her. He silently blamed her each night in bed while he looked at the cloudy night sky- the worst part about the attic. It had a huge glass window to it's one side and all he watched were depressing, black clouds cry all night. He hated it. He hated her... For a sixteen-year-old he wasn't very forgiving or understanding.
It wasn't until one night he was on his normal routine on hating her and surging deeper through the pools of anxiety when he looked outside the window- a habit that he had now acquired. He was getting used to these sleepless nights, it wasn't like he was forcing them its just whenever he closed his eyes all he used to see was pitch blackness. Jet black, he was getting absorbed into the blackness and slowly loosing himself in his dilemma. The dark clouds were similar but at least they were pouring their emotions out. He turned around and stopped.
A clear starry night.
A clear fucking starry night? He winced... why was it so starry on such a sad day? He got up and walked towards the window, they had no curtains. He cursed and sat down there on the cold floor. The beautiful night sky was out shined by the luminous stars that fell like glitter all around. He never had appreciated the beauty of the night sky before, it was always sad... today, it didn't relate. He felt colourless in front of the celestial adornment. It all seemed to fade in front of the pure white moon which dominated the space. It was just breathtaking...
And for a minute he forgot about everything.
It was just him and the lonely moon stood in between the cluster of stars, staring right back at him. The moon always reminded him of her... Rukia. She was pure and beautiful like the white moon... she just fit in it's character and he loved that about her. He missed her... he missed her a lot.
But he missed his Mom too, all because of her.
The thought didn't last long when it was practically on his mind for weeks now. He wondered how everything was back home. How were Yuzu and Karin coping up, how was his old man doing. It was his decision to run away but he had one regret... He just wished the last image of his family he recalled where with their eyes down either sad or angry. He had fought with his Dad and had said a lot he shouldn't have, he disappointed Yuzu and Karin... 'sorry your brother isn't strong... he's just a coward who tried to put up a facade that he's strong' he thought... something he couldn't tell his sisters. They were suffering too but he was so lost in himself he couldn't be there for his sisters, he had failed as a brother. What he did, his Mom was definitely not proud of... he was messed up. But life doesn't give second chances. Lastly, he wanted to ask her why she would do something like that he wouldn't forgive her but he just wanted to let her know that he loved her so that she actually would feel bad for doing something like that. Not just for that... but he truly still loved her.
He raised his hand up, he placed it on the moon and tried grabbing it "I'll get to you again, Rukia and this time I'll make it work properly" He knew that wherever she was, she was also suffering as much as he was. She deserved it but still-
From that day he had made up his mind. He put everything aside and started studying, he studies day and night. He studied to the point he would forget all about the past. He pilled studies on top of his past so they'd bury deep inside the parts he didn't want to hinder in. He applied for scholarships, he easily got them. He spent most of his time studying, he didn't socialise... just studied cause he was forgetting the past through it. He graduated as the Valedictorian and started studying for syllabus higher that his age. He skipped college through different exams and by the age of 19 he had started working. He was started to get famous and known as a genius... He never felt boastful or extremely proud of himself though... he tried forgetting it but he knew he had come from a past. And that would remind him what he had came from and how undeserving her was. But he still moved on because one thing he knew time does not heal wounds and life does not give second chances.
It had been three years since the Kurosaki Corp. was started by him, he made it to the top quickly. He had climbed his way up to number one, it felt like yesterday was the day when he left his house in agony. And today... he had even managed to find Rukia. Time flies by so fast...
He sighed taking a sip of his now cold coffee, his door swung open without a knock which meant only one thing. "Rukia" he said looking at the girl in front of him. She came in and stomped her way to the lounge and sat down. She didn't seem like she was in a good mood. He didn't dare ask her the reason why, she might get mad at him for no reason then and he's spoil his already bad day further. He sighed for the upteenth time that day, keeping his mug down he went to the coffee machine. Some coffee might help her too.
Rukia plopped on the lounge and let her head fall back on the head rest, she closed her eyes and started to breath slowly. She saw Kaien today...with a girl. Okay she accepted that they both had just stopped seeing each other, or more like she had stopped because of various reasons but it was the feeling of jealousy that she hadn't felt in a while which bubbled up seeing him with another girl. It wasn't like that they were making out or something, they were just simply talking but the way she laughed at something he said and her hand patted him chest staying for a second too long for her to not notice. It made her heart ache, she denied the pain.
Is this how jealousy feels...
A Kuchiki girl like herself hadn't got many chances to feel that particular emotion. It felt strange mainly because Rukia thought all her feelings for Kaien had just faded away leaving just a thin layer of love and affection for someone she previously loved but seeing this her heart responded weirdly. Luckily Ashido was taking her to another class and she could see the god awful display for less than a minute which she was happy for because her chest would have just caught fire from the burning if she saw that scene for a while.
She tried to distract her mind, she was in Ichigo's office again.. Wow this might really be a powerful feeling because it lasted even when facing Ichigo. Usually when she was with Ichigo she couldn't think of Kaien properly maybe their two personalities and similar looks might be messing with her brain to malfunction in this way. Ichigo was really quite for some reason he wasn't doing a great job of distracting her. She opened her eyes to see a mug in front of her, the next thing that struck her was the aroma of hot coffee. She looked up to see Ichigo offering her a mug of coffee "Drink some" he said.
She took the mug from his hands and slowly took a sip, the warm liquid calmed her body and she felt relaxed. Her eyes fell on Ichigo, he was looking at her... he looked calmed and as if he were thinking about something. "What?" she asked, it came out ruder than she thought it would be but never mind, she didn't want to show kindness to Ichigo.
He shrugged "You seem to be in a bad mood" he said, he didn't want to ask her but it was better than just staying silent.
"You're gonna make it worse" she said.
"Why are you so mean to me, a few days ago at the carnival you were just fine" Ichigo sat beside her.
Rukia didn't know what to reply to that, she stared at her mug trying to come up with a comeback. "It's because it was a carnival and I had got lost"
"Nice reasoning midget"
"Hey!" Rukia punched him on his jaw earning a low cry of pain from him. "Don't you dare tease me about my height!"
"Fine princess" He looked at her, something was definitely on her mind. His mind was preoccupied as well, he just didn't feel right. May be I'm getting a fever... he thought. "Let's go back early today. I'll talk to you tomorrow I need to get clear with my price for you going" Rukia scowled hearing this.
"I'm not going to agree to any of your games and sick pleasures" she stood up.
"Don't worry, the choice is going to be yours I won't force you into anything" he said, his tone of talking made her blood boil What did he think of himself? That he owns the world! It was infuriating, her head was paining... her days weren't going very well from the time she joined Law school but that was the only way she had some access to plan her escapade and make it work. Whatever happens her going to the Law school shouldn't be ceased.
...
She entered her room once they had returned to the pent house and fell on the bed. Her arms wide and eyes starring at the ceiling, who could that girl be...? Rukia smacked the back of her hand on her head, she was still thinking about that. I am a shame to the Kuchiki name if mere feelings are getting to me... but they had long gone out of control since I was forced in here... her eyes slowly closed. She was exhausted.
What was she going to even tell Kaien once they meet...? How are you? Who was that girl? No... Was it even a good idea to meet him in the first place. She wanted to officially end things with him properly. Her mind drifted thinking about Kaien.
"Happy birthday Kaien" Rukia gave him a present, it was neatly wrapped in gift paper and tied with a ribbon. "I'm sorry for meeting you so late but Nii-sama's here and he might catch me. I've somehow snuck up"
Kaien smiled and ruffled her hair. "Oh Rukia, you didn't have to do so much I'd understand. Besides what if you got caught, I can't be without you"
"But that didn't happen right! I'm really good at sneaking out. One day I might sneak out and just live my life freely the way I have always dreamed of. Then I wouldn't have to hide out relation" Kaien pecked her lips.
"I'm looking forward to that, Rukia" Kaien kept the gift down "But now that you're here... let me enjoy and get my real birthday present" His hands circled around her waist and pulled her flush against him. Rukia blushed but circled her arms around his neck, pulling herself even more closer to him that they already were.
"Fine. It's your birthday so I guess you can do whatever you want today... just don't go to far"
"I won't" And with that Kaien captured her lips in a hot kiss. His lips dominated hers, he wanted her so bad. Rukia gasped at his sudden attack but kissed back with equal urgency. He nibbled lightly on her lower lips and she took the sign and parted her lips enough for Kaien to slip his tongue in her waiting mouth. He was being rough but the want behind his lips, the way his tongue languidly licked hers made her feel lightheaded. They continued their little intimate battle for a little longer then they finally realised the increasing need for oxygen and begrudgingly parted their lips.
Rukia was panting hard "...I..love you.." she said between pants.
"Love you too..." he said and gave her one last smooch. "That was the best gift I got" he hugged Rukia. Their relation was weird, it was a secret because Rukia would have been died if her brother got to know about them. It was fine for most of the time, it would just get tough when Byakuya would return from his business trips. Rukia sighed...
"I need to go Kaien" she looked away sadly.
"Yeah, take care Rukia" she nodded.
"Yeah, you too. Happy Birthday again"
Sigh... and now she was even dreaming about Kaien. What the hell has got in you Rukia Kuchiki? She got up and walked towards the mirror. She looked at herself from head to toe in he full length, she looked tired... as always. She turned around and changed into something comfortable sitting on the soft bed she sighed once again. One short nap before dinner wouldn't hurt...? Right? She lied down on the bed and shut her eyes, she still had Kaien on her mind, she tried to think of something else. And slowly sleep and exhaustion got to her body making her lost in her dreams.
"How is she?" The voice was urgent and had a lot of concern behind it. Komamura looked at the lady, she looked so much similar to Rukia... any one could tell their related but still the genetic tests had to be done. His gaze shifted to the man beside her, he never thought someone from the noble family would ever come to their orphanage though they used to always donate to all the orphanages in the area, he never expected Byakuya Kuchiki to come here himself. None the less state that his wife's sister was here. He looked at the lady again she was Hisana Kuchiki, age 21 married to Byakuya Kuchiki from the noble Kuchiki family, his age the same as her's. He nodded to her previous question.
"She is doing well. She's a quite girl and well behaved... she is a smart girl she would reach your expectations" Komamura stated the truth. He looked beside him Ayase-san who was a caretaker here at the orphange who Rukia lovingly called Beast-obasan looked surprising sad. Rukia and her wouldn't really get along that well but over the years they had grown an unspoken bond. She hadn't look so sad in the while... the last time being when Momo left the orphanage.
Ayase-san nodded and went inside.
Rukia was sitting in one of the playrooms in the orphanage, a drawing book in hands and a crayon. She was drawing her favourite thing, Chappy! Few of the boys were playing outside and few had were playing with dolls, today was a Sunday... no school they were going to enjoy. But she sat alone knowing that outside Komanura-san had come. She loved Komamura-san, every time he came, he would get everyone something and she would sit beside him and tell him to narrate a story. She really liked his company, but today he was here just outside talking to some people she was soon going to be introduced to.
Rukia was never a quite girl, she was confident and had fun all the time. She never felt like she was missing a family, parents or siblings her orphanage was enough. Her best friend Momo alone meant the world to her along with a few more people. It was when around last year at the end of summer, a rich man came to the orphanage. He was humble, just like Momo... he was her Dad. Apparently Momo's died when she was born and her step-mother hated Momo, she was sent to the orphanage for 8 years of her life. Her step-mother too died and now Momo's father had come here to take her back. Momo finally got a family.
For some reason... it just got quieter after Momo left.
Rukia had cried all day and night even Momo had, she threw a tantrum. She tried to understand... now Momo would be happy, she got a family! But she was leaving her... Momo was her family. She slowly started to lose the grip she had on herself and it all started to fall off her hand. Momo was staring at the man who was here to take her home, her home-her father! Rukia hid behind the door and saw the whole exchange between Komamura-san and Momo's father. They gave her a farewell party as Komamura-san suggested... Rukia told Momo how lonely she was going to be without her.
Stupid Rukia.
Momo had cried, she no more wanted to leave. Her father looked sad and nodded when Komamura-san tried to explain, he said "It's okay she's just a kid...". Rukia spent most of her time with Momo that day, sharing some fun times and sad ones. Farewells are never easy...
That night after Rukia had calmed down she had approached Komamura-san, she sat with him and told him that she was going to miss Momo a lot. He told her that her Dad promised to bring her back to visit time and again. Lies. A small ghost of smile graced her chapped lips, "You promise that, last time you said the same thing for Hiro but he never came to meet us" He laughed and ruffled her hair.
"I promise" he said, Rukia instinctively raised her small pinky up and so did Komamura. "Pinky promise" he said as his large finger intertwined with hers.
She wasn't surprised that Momo never came back.
Since the day she left, the notorious, playful Rukia had turned to a quite, shy girl. She didn't talk to new kids who came in and didn't make friends. She separated herself from everyone and stayed alone, seldom talking to others and shutting herself up. The sudden change in Rukia had worried Komamura-san, she no more used to pounce on him when he came or ask him to tell her stories. She just used to smile and acknowledge his presence by having a small conversation which barely lasted five minutes.
So he thought it was about time he asked he had a heart to heart conversation with her. He had called her in the living room once everyone had gone to bed and made her sit down. "What's the matter Rukia?" he had asked in his general humble voice. She shook her head no, telling him everything was fine. He told her that since Momo had left she had drastically changed. She kept quite and listened to him.
"Yes... but, But you said she'd come to visit us" Rukia questioned him instead of answering his question.
"Yes Rukia, but it's her father's decision in the end right?" He tried to reason.
"So then why did you let her go when you knew he wasn't going to let her come visit us!" She looked up angrily, he tiny fists shaking "You lied to me!"
Komamura-san froze... he forgot.
He forgot that Rukia was just a kid.
Her childish reasoning made sense. For someone her age who never had a family, the concept wouldn't make sense. How will she understand what it is to live in a family. He looked down, for the first time he was at a lose for words. He had taught Rukia a lot of things... how to never lie or break anyone's trust. He told her the world was cruel so she shouldn't trust anyone easily. Yes indeed, she was right... he lied to her. He knew there might be consequences but he never knew that Rukia could have seen through the pretty dream he made for her.
"Rukia... I know you are lonely. But try to make new friends as well, Momo will always be your friend right but will she like it if she knows you're sad and alone?"
Rukia was quite for a while "...No.." She looked down to her feet "She cried last time I told her this... and, and then her Dad gave me a weird look" Her small body started to tremble, she felt like her legs were going to give out when she felt something warm. Her eyes widened as she realised Komamura-san had engulfed her in his warm embrace. Her eyes shut... she had enough. All the piled up emotions and feelings just fell out of her control. She burst out crying, Komamura-san's hold on her just tightened. She cried her heart out. Yes, yes she was lonely, she was sad...but was it wrong? was is wrong to miss you family?
She buried her head on Komamura-san's chest and cried a little longer. His light pats on her back calmed her down and her sobs slowly died down. Komamura-san released her from the strong embrace, she was still not facing him after a minute she sighed and looked up. Her deep innocent purple orbs stared at his old form... "I get it... I understand... I understand everything Komamura-san. Don't say that I'm still young and don't get what I say!"
Komamura stilled. He remembered saying that...
He sighed... he remembers that scene very well. He looked at Rukia and thought 'Rukia... my dear Rukia you are so innocent. What world have you seen to know it's truth, it's cruelty? Your just a bud who yet has to bloom you need protection don't go alone yet you have a long way to go...'. "Rukia... I know you are a big girl now" He kept his hand on top of her head giving it a small pat. His eyes were shimmering as his water line filled, she had grown so much. "I know you understand well now but, there are still some things you don't know. You don't need to know... just enjoy in your childhood you don't want to grow up and regret when looking back on them" His tender voice, soothed her fast heartbeat. "You have grown so much but still you are my little angel. You will not get it"
He had once again told her something which she might not get now. It's like telling an infant that smoking is bad. She won't get it now, she has still the world to explore and a whole life to live.
"You won't get it, until you're big enough"
...
"Rukia let's go outside" Beast-obasan called out. She had a smile on her face but her eyes betrayed that. Rukia wordlessly got up and kept her drawing book inside before going to Beast-obasan. "You excited to meet your family?" she asked holding her hand. Rukia didn't respond, she didn't know what to feel about it. She knew she had a sister and that she had abandoned her for some unknown reason that was all the information penned down in a hurry on the note beside her cradle. She was found at the doorsteps of the orphanage the sad truth never seemed to bother her at all. She looked at Beast-obasan who was looking down at her.
"Why are you sad?" she looked through her facade.
Ayase-san shook her head "I'm not sad... I'm happy for you." She looked ahead. "I hope you stay happy Rukia" Selflessness.. something that didn't hit Rukia at that time. Ayase-san let out a small chuckle and with a distant look in her eyes she said "Fist Momo and now you... who is going to trouble my bored self now?" she looked down at Rukia once again "Behave well okay Rukia and please... come and visit us once in a while"
"Rukia come in" she heard Komamura-san say. She hadn't realised that they had already reached the room. She looked at Beast-obasan for one last time, her nod reassured her to go in.
She hesitated as she entered the room, she say Komamura-san's broad back and then she noticed the two new occupants in the room. Both of them turned to face her once they heard her footsteps. She stopped. Her eyes wide... what in the world was happening? Did someone trick her using a mirror? Cause she was very sure that she was seeing a lady who was s spitting image of her except she was a full grown woman. They ladies eyes widened, she momentarily forgot that other person present there. In a flash the lady had got up and was in front of her and in a wink she was hugging her, very tightly. Rukia didn't move, she remained still. The woman smelt like vanilla with a dash of coffee, her silky black hair's similar to her's brushed her cheek... they were longer and more shinier.
"Rukia... I finally found you" her voice was just as graceful as herself.
She slowly let go of her and came face to face with her. Rukia's heart beat paced up and she gasped, on closer look she could see their differences. Like how her eyes were a bit more blue whereas her's were purple and how she had two bangs in middle of her eyes and how she looked mature and was shining with happiness. She stood up straight, Rukia looked up Komamura-san was beside her.
"Rukia, meet your sister Hisana Kuchiki" he smiled "Someone who had the same blood as yours."
Rukia shifted her gaze to Hisana... her sister "My.. sister..?"
Hisana nodded enthusiastically "Yes, my little sister" Rukia got distracted by the presence of a third person. He was a tall man with black hair and slate grey eyes, his features showed no emotions and Rukia felt intimidated just looking at him. Hisana elbowed him in the chest "Oi Byakuya, smile a little you'll scare her" she whispered to him.
"I'm Byakuya Kuchiki your brother-in-law" he stated.
"Rukia they are your family do you want to talk to them for a while?" she couldn't find her voice, how was she supposed to answer. Unconsciously she nodded her head. Komamura-san smiled "I'll leave you with them for a while then"
Byakuya sighed, he was safely inside his office room where no one could see his display of emotions which everyone thought he didn't have. He sat down on his chair and rested his elbow on the desk with his chin restng on his fist. It was a lot for him to take in as well, he was done with it. He had just lost his wife a few months ago and now he might even lose his sister if he didn''t do something fast. More than three months had passed since that incident and Rukia was still had no improvement. Instead she was getting worse with each passing day. He sighed and massaged his temple something a Kuchiki would never do but the events that had occured had him at the edge.
He knew that it was hard for her too after all she lost her sister as well but she lost herself too. He would never blame his sister but situation was too weird to handle. His poor sister had to go through all this trouble, something new came up to make things worse, she got a fear of crowds. With how she has been treated it was obvious something like this would happen... He wished thiis man could make things better.
Byakuya had called one of the best psychologist Jushiro Ukitake. He hoped he could get Rukia out of her depression and do the main task he wants to be taken care of.
Erasing. Erasing Rukia's memories of that incident.
She doesn't need them... She should forget what happened, forget the name, the person, the thing which happened, the death- She should forget everything. That part of her life should be completely erased, selected and deleted. He completely blamed the Kurosaki family for Rukia's depression especially that brat. Byakuya's face scrunched into one of disgust, the audacity of that boy to do this to Rukia. He should have seen this coming, he should have stopped it while he still could have but his loving wife. She said to let it easy on her- that she was in love with that boy. Love? Is this what you do to the person you love? Byakuya cut all connections with the Kurosaki's but if he got a chance to see this boy, Ichigo Kurosaki he'd make sure he'll make up for the time he made his sister suffer.
It's because of him that he almost is at the verge of losing his sister. He can't see her like this.
The phone on Byakuya's desk began to ring. He straightened himself and picked up the phone after certain amount of rings to make sure it was not too early or not to late. "Hello Byakuya Kuchiki speaking?" his voice showed authority and nobility.
"Sir, Ukitake-san is here to see you" the other line said.
"Send him here" Byakuya said.
Hopefully, Rukia can be treated. Ukitakee-san was his last hope, hr would do anything for his sister to be happy. Once she is completely cured and erased of those memories he's make her a Kuchiki. She'll continue the legacy and join the Kuchiki Company, he'd make sure that nothing comes in the way. This time he'll be extra sure, Rukia is safe and sound in the four walls of the house. He'd satisfy her with everything that she'll never feel like anything is missing. Now going out is going to be minimised and achieving the goals is going to be the focus. He'd make sure her friend circle is safe, Hinamori is there for her all the time she's not a problem it is the men who are behind Rukia who are the real problems.
She'll have to endure it, she'd have to make sacrifices but in the end it is all for her. Rukia I hope I will make sure that you will be happy.
Ichigo was conflicted, this sudden reminiscence of the past had disturbed him. He didn't really look back a lot but he was forced to when Rukia came into his life. He wasn't sure about his feelings towards getting Rukia back, at first it was all he wanted but now that she was finally here and getting comfortable it was all changing. He wanted revenge, to hurt her he did that but he felt guilty. He felt fucking guilty. He still wants revenge but it isn't as bad as before. Things have changed... maybe Ulquiorra was right his opposite feelings can't go together. He should have seen this coming.
He sat down on his bed and loosened his tie, he took his blazer off and threw it on the bed not bothered if it crumples. He lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted of to a certain midget who was making him think about the decisions he was making more than he ever did. He didn't want to ...hurt her anymore. He wanted to be with Rukia, he wanted her to want him. He closed his eyes, all the times that they had sex the feeling was euphoric. It was irrevocable how she made him feel. He knew that she didn't want it and he had done those in the fit of anger but deep down he just wanted to do it properly. Solely for the purpose of being together, make love to her like she was the only thing worth it in the whole world.
But then again, it hurts him to think about her. "Rukia why did you do that to me?" He covered his eyes with the back of his hand, flashes of a certain image haunted him. It was his mom... cold and dead on the floor, blood pooling around her. Then there she was, the girl he loved so much with a gun in her hand. If it was some other circumstance then he would have actually reached to her and comforted her. Her eyes looked like they would come out of their sockets any time soon, her body was trembling badly. Her lips quivering and hands covered in blood. what was happening? He tried to process this, Rukia, Rukia what's going on? Rukia-
Ichigo opened his eyes, he sat up with a jolt, his breathing was heavy. He rubbed his eyes, he didn't want to think about this. He wanted to hurt Rukia every time he thought about it. But it hurt him to see her hurt and the worst being if he was the reason behind it. He knew he had issues with his temper, but how could he live knowing that she did something like this to him, much less love her. He didn't like excepting the fact that he loved her... it made him feel like shit. To love someone you should hate. She doesn't remember any of this, he was thankful that she doesn't. She'd probably hate him tenfold if she remembers who he is.
Ichigo pulled at his hair "Why does all this have to happen to me...?" His chest was burning, if he hadn't quit years ago he would be puffing clouds of smoke right now, the stress was getting him. If he had a chance to go in the past and fix things he'd rather never have him meet her rather than facing all this. He didn't want to fix things he just wanted to remove the reason of his suffering. He wouldn't be here if he hadn't met Rukia, he'd be some normal employee or a doctor. He became who he is for her, to prove himself to everyone... his dad, mom, everyone.
He had achieved the best yet he felt useless.
Useless as a son, a brother, a lover, a friend he was useless.
He had abandoned his family, he hadn't met them in years. He used to send money for Yuzu and Karin's university but then he got to know his old man had not accepted it, of course he won't. He didn't know if his family was going in loss or if his sisters were happily achieving their dreams. It was almost like he didn't have a family... though Urahara, Renji, Shinji, Yoruichi and others were like his family he missed his small sisters. Damn he even missed his old man! He missed his mom... maybe that was the reason why he hated Rukia back then, she broke his family. It was only years later that he realised that it was him to broke it not her but he liked it better when he blamed Rukia for it, now he had one more regret pilled in his heart, as if there were less to start with.
He rubbed his eyes, if he ever has kids... the first thing he wants to tell them is to not fall in love. Never. It just hurts more and more over time. He chuckled darkly, if he had told this exact thing to his 16 year old self, he'd put up a fight. He'd try to prove how that thought is so wrong and that his love is boundless for his girl. Wait will you see what's ahead.
"Hey Ichigo"
"Hmm"
"Did you ever... think about your future?"
"Huh" he tore his eyes from the beautiful scenery to look at her. He had his permanent scowl stuck to his face, he looked at her as f she had just grown another head. She pouted, not happy with his reaction.
"What? Did you just see a ghost?" she looked at him annoyed.
"Um... no. I was just surprised by your question. Why would you be asking me that all of a sudden?" He scratched the back of his head and looked back ahead. "I thought you had told me once that, you'd rather live the moment than worry about the future" He unfolded his legs and spread them, leaning back on his arms he looked up at the beautiful night sky. They were sitting on the roof of his house, he had invited her over to his house for dinner. His mom and dad wouldn't stop pestering him until she came, apparently his mom wanted to cook a new recipe she had just learned and she wanted Rukia to try it too.
"Yeah I know. But can't I just ask you a simple question for once, you fool!" She punched him on the head, he winced in pain. She felt glorious doing that... such a sadist bitch. "You ruin everything, I can't believe how I even handle you" she folded her arms and turned around resuming to admire the lovely canape above. Ichigo just stared at her for a minute then sighed and looked to the same beautiful sky they were under.
"...The future, huh?" he whispered slowly. Rukia turned to look at him, his eyes were warm pools of amber, thinking about something. "I actually don't know about it" he chuckled and looked at her "I might just end up like my father or do something normal. If I wanted to do something different I'll definitely do but for now I'd rather enjoy my present than worry about it"
"No, I mean- yes but like... Sure you have some dreams of becoming someone but. But is profession everything? I asked you 'did you ever think about your future' not what job you want to do-"
"But won't most of the people think about profession when you ask someone something like that especially around this age when people start thinking about what they want to do!" he snapped.
"Yes okay I get it, jeez calm down, idiot. I was just trying to explain"
"So do you expect shit like I want to be happy and accomplished and all? That's basic"
"No! Ichigo I thought you were poetic and your thought process and vocabulary is better than that" Rukia had a smug look on her face.
"Wha- You know what? I'm not even going to argue with you!" he looked away, there was a small silence between the two. No one dared to break it. The smell of curry and something being fried could be smelt from their position on the rooftop of his house. Dinner was almost ready Yuzu might come anytime soon to call them down for dinner. Light banter with funny remarks and witty comebacks would fill the dining room along with Isshin's stupid antics and Ichigo's annoyance. Masaki's kindness and the twins innocence. The silence right now won't last long, it was going to be disturbed soon, so she thought of saying what was on her mind before the mood switches.
"I... want to be free" this caught Ichigo's attention, she continued. "For all my life I have been dependant. When the puppet strings would snap I would be helpless and of no use" Rukia thought back to the bitter times when Momo had left her. "Right now I'm happy, actually I'm more than happy... Things got better at home you know it was hard in the beginning to except my family but then now I can't believe it's been six years. And then I got back with Momo thanks to nii-sama.." she looked up at the sky, her orbs shining with a glimmer of something he didn't know. A beautiful smile graced her lips as she turned to meet his eyes "Then I met you.."
His eyes widened, it felt like time had stopped for them. Her voice kept echoing in the depths of his mind, illuminating the dark corners and filling his chest with a warm feeling. Damn... why was his stomach somersaulting? He became aware of his fast heart beat... Rukia seemed to glow in the moonlight. Was she always this beautiful? Yes she was but she looked breathtaking right now. His eyes softened, he smiled shifting a bit closer to her. His arm wrapped around her waist pulling her closer there was no need for word, their eyes spoke enough.
"Ichigo..." she leaned in, his lips seemed to be enticing her.
"HEY KIDDOS" Rukia and Ichigo jumped at the sudden call and moved a bit away from surprise. It was his Dad, he was calling from down. "ARE YOU TWO LOVERS GOING TO COME DOWN?" he screamed.
"JEEZ DON'T SCREAM OLD MAN!" Ichigo scowled, getting up.
"You're doing the same idiot!" Rukia got up, let's go your mom must be really excited to serve what she has cooked for us. Rukia started to get down, it was surprisingly odd how Rukia fit in his family so perfectly. Ichigo sighed, while his dad was screaming about how his 'third daughter' has made him a 'man' and something about grandchildren... he was going to have fun knocking the shit out of him. His mind was still a bit numb from the conversation he had with Rukia just a little earlier, she did have a point.
If being free was what she wanted then what was that he wanted...? Was it even necessary to have something, a goal of some kind. It isn't always necessary to have one, is it?
He shrugged, why was it even distracting him so much. He followed Rukia who had reached down.
Rukia enjoyed the food, she looked so happy every time she spent time at his house. With Isshin no one needs to ask him how happy every time he is when Rukia comes around, he goes even more crazy. That is something which would have normally made Ichigo pissed but Rukia used to pull him back and tell him to relax and just feel the weirdness for once. It worked every time. They had a small talk over the delicious food, with Rukia praising his Mom and she becoming very happy. Dinner was filling, he had stuffed lot of food down his throat, Rukia was with Yuzu and Karin, they wanted to show her something. It was getting pretty late, he was going to walk Rukia to her house.
"Oi Rukia! How long are you going to take" Rukia came running down the stairs, she looked very happy.
"Ichigo!" she shoved something in front of his face, it was a stuffed toy, more specifically Chappy the bunny. "It's Chappy! Yuzu and Karin gave me this" she hugged it acting like a four year old. She looked very cute, even though he hated that thing, Rukia seemed happy he was happy.
"Let's go" Rukia said bye to everyone and followed Ichigo. A cold breeze blew outside, it was just the start of winter but it had gotten pretty chilly. He shoved his hands in his pockets and began walking with Rukia beside him still hugging the soft toy. The dark night would always make him feel sad and mysterious but since Rukia came his views changed. Whereas he liked the sun, she liked the moon, he preferred day but she preferred nights. He liked summers, they were warm and bright whereas she liked the winters cold and white. They were different but listening to her million reasons on how it made her feel he too started to think about it, experience it. Maybe winter wasn't that bad.
"Hey Rukia"
"Hmm?" She looked at him.
"You know, you've kept me thinking. I don't know what I want for the future that is... I'm really happy I don't feel like somethings less. I did have problems like bullying before but Mom just supported me and I am really happy for that, I feel like our family revolves around her.." he looked at her, she was smiling at him. He turned back ahead a bit embarrassed, rubbing his neck he said. "I guess as long as I have my family, friends and the one I love with me then I don't need anything apart from that. I'm satisfied..."
"That's nice, I'll hope that you forever be with them" Rukia beamed.
"Yeah... don't you dare leave me midget"
"Wait I come in that list?" Rukia asked a bit dumbfounded.
"What? Are you serious" His ears turned red, was she actually clueless? Damn that midget. He didn't face her, he was happy that his red face wasn't being seen in the darkness of the night "I did say.. the one I love" he stopped, he was outside the gates of the huge mansion. Rukia had stopped as well. He turned around to tell her goodbye and just run out of the embarrassing scene when he stopped. He looked at Rukia's red face, she wasn't moving "Something wrong, Rukia?" did I say something wrong?
She looked up, her beautiful eyes were wide and her midnight hair blew softly to the silent wind. "I-Ichi..go" she took a few steps near him and then suddenly ran in his arms. He was taken by surprised but hugged her back none the less. He smelt the scent of her hair, her petite body fitting perfectly in his arms. He rubbed soothing circles on her back, she just tightened the hug. After a minute he separated them and this time took her by surprise by kissing her under the moonlight. It was an urgent kiss.
He place his hands on her waist pulling her flush against him, her soft lips teased his with the same amount of passion. He was slowly loosing his control as he kiss grew deeper. Rukia broke the kiss by pulling away, he frowned a little but then noticed her heavy breathing. Once she caught her breath she looked at him with a smirk "Aww that was sweet"
"Shut up midget"
Rukia laughed, he couldn't get mad at her with that cute face she was making "Me too Ichigo"
"What?"
"I love you too" The serenity in the way she said it made his breath hitch. "And I'm not going to be leaving anytime soon so you don't need to worry" she said, all energetic and excited again.
"I won't let you either" he chuckled at her playfulness. "Goodnight midget, take care"
I'm looking forward to that future...
...
Future huh? Love, family... what happened to that? What happened to his perfect life. He chuckled darkly.
"Yeah right a life with her..." he said out loud "She refuses to even see me in the eyes and I wanted a life with"
Thinking about if now, yes definitely his 16 year old self would fight him for proving him wrong. For himself from the past, love exists in a field of full bloomed cherry blossom trees. But for him in the present the field had burned to ashes. It's funny how things change so fast after a few incidents going in wrong way. He was too young to understand that back then... inexperienced.
There are somethings which need time to seep in.
It's how nature works. He was too young to be blamed.
"There are somethings which need time... you jut won't get it"
"...Until you're big enough"
DONE! Hey my macaroons be happy I updated early this time! I feel so accomplished to have updated sooner than usual.
Okay so reasons for early update cause it's vacations so I'm going out and I didn't want stress about completing the chappy so here it is! And the next ones going to be a long one and a really good one so look forward to that.
I was really happy with how this chapter turned out please tell me by REVIEWING how you found it. A lot of information in this one eh?
So that's it I'm going to have fun! Haha I'll miss you guys!
Ja ne, FunnyEasyMe~