Her Missing Piece
Summary: Ichigo and Rukia couldn't ask for anything more. Life is but fine and dandy well not until Byakuya found out about them.
A/N: My first Bleach AU fic…
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach because if I did…it would be a shoujo manga
Chapter 14 Accidental Sleep Over
"Rukia may I have a word," it was more of a command than a request but that would be expected from Kuchiki Byakuya. He was after all the head of one of the few noble families left in modern Japan.
The raven haired teen didn't like the tone of her father's voice. Growing up with Kuchiki Byakuya as a father basically made her keen of people's behavior, possibly because it was required of her being a Kuchiki and all. She was set to be of proper demeanor at all times, especially in the presence of their elders or of people of high society. As much as she would admit for the frivolities as superficial, she knew that they are part of her life as the daughter of a man of noble stature and the least she could do is not embarrass herself and the Kuchiki name. After years of training herself in the art of distinguishing her father's expressions, she was able to read through her father's actions, she knew if her Oto-sama disapproved of something. Her many years of training was telling her that she was about to engage in a very serious talk. She went to follow her father in his office just the same.
Rukia knew that a day like this would come and she sort of figured that she would have to face her oto-sama no matter what. She braised herself for what was coming. She sat across from her father desk. She was actually surprised that it took this long before she was confronted by her father. A Month had already passed and the dance was just a few days away. She was a tad bit surprised that her father didn't give her the talk earlier but then again it was just too close for comfort.
"I think you know why I asked to speak to you?" Byakuya started.
Rukia felt her hands sweating, she gulped and then nodded. She kept telling herself that everything was fine and that Ichigo was someone she should be proud off and true enough he was everything she hoped to have for a boyfriend although they did argue about the stupidest things at times mostly because of his callous ways with others, or his unwavering hero complex, which was both endearing and annoying to her. But they also share a lot of values and ideas not to mention they uncannily have the same sense of taste whether it was on fashion or music. She also could not deny the fact that she felt safe around him not to mention that she can let her guard down when she's with him. The past month was like a walk in the clouds for her.
"Rukia are thinking about something?" her father's voice brought her back to reality.
"Sumimasen," she replied. She looked at her father and mustered a meek smile.
"I have observed that you have been spending your weekends away from home not to mention that you often miss your 1 am curfew. I have been meaning to talk to you but it your mother said that you should be the one to tell us in your own time. As you know Rukia, I can only spend so much time in waiting," Byakuya said in a very serious tone.
"I've been hanging out with a friend," the words escaped out of her mouth all of a sudden. Why she didn't say she was out studying or doing her usual activities she had no idea.
"Are you taking about a certain boy with spiky orange hair? Are you seeing this person without formally introducing him to us? Who is he? What family is he from? Do we know his parents," Byakuya's questions were just as she expected them to be.
"Ano… I didn't mean to hide it from you or okasan but I am seeing someone," she admitted. There was no point in hiding it from her father anyway.
Byakuya was still composed. His hunch was in fact true much to his dismay. He only hoped that his daughter was seeing someone from a noble family.
"He's a new student but we met by accident even before school started," she admitted. Rukia told her father about Ichigo and his family and that they migrated to the United States after his mother died but eventually came back. "Kurosaki Ichigo is a very wonderful person I'm sure you and okasan will like him," she added. She observed her fathers expression.
He had that stoic look on his safe as usual and she anticipated what her father had to say.
"Then you can introduce him to us in the Gala. I would expect that he would bring his family along. I have to say that I disapprove of the fact that you did not tell me and your mother about him, not to mention the fact that you have been dating this boy before even introducing him to us. You may leave now," he said.
And with that Rukia stood up and bowed to her father before completely stepping out of the room. She felt as if she was telling her father that she got pregnant out of wedlock when in fact she was just admitted that she was seeing someone. She sighed in relief. The situation can't be changed and the only thing, she can do is talk to Ichigo and tell him about his impending doom, well that was the worst case scenario.
Hisana saw her daughter leave the study and dashed down stairs. She knew that her daughter was probably in a hurry to see that boy. Unlike Byakuya she was able to ask about who her daughter was seeing. She asked her other daughters about the boy since they mentioned meeting him in the park. The two were hesitant at first but they eventually gave into her, thanks to a sleepover over at Shizuka's for Ririn and handful of chocolate bars for Nell. She also asked her nephew and his girlfriend about Kurosaki Ichigo and they seem to approve of him. She of course would want to meet the boy in person. She knew that Rukia was not the type of person who gets easily drawn to people unless they really make an impression to her and to actually have a relationship was certainly a big step especially for her seventeen year old daughter.
"Where is Rukia heading to?" the delicate looking woman who looked like a grown up version of her daughter. She made her way inside her husband's office and on the same seat her daughter occupied a few minutes back.
"Probably to inform her friend that we've been meaning to meet him and his family," Byakuya replied to his wife.
"I see. So you finally want to meet him. I hope you have no intentions of meddling into your daughters affairs. She's no longer a little girl you know," she said calmly.
"She's my eldest daughter and I have every right to know who she is seeing. She would be the future head of our clan and the heir of the Kuchiki Corporation and I would not let my daughter get involved with just a mere commoner," Byakuya retorted. He looked outside the window and watched Rukia drive off.
"I will pretend that I did not hear you say such hypocrisy. You do realize that you married a commoner, not to mention the fact that those were the same words your father said to you when you asked permission for us to get married. I hope you think very carefully and not be rash about your actions or your words," Hisana said. She stood up from her seat and made her way to the door.
"Hisana, I… I didn't mean to," Byakuya tried to apologies but his wife didn't even look back and went out of the room.
He knew that his wife was correct. He was in no position to impose rules to his daughter specially those he himself broke when he was young. He asked himself whether he was doing the right thing but one thing was clear to him, he was just looking after his daughter.
"Ichi-nii, Rukia-neechan is here!" Yuzu called out from the bottom of the stairs. "Sumimasen, Rukia-nee. Ichi-nii is probably just changing clothes. Are you planning to go out tonight?" the blond girl asked.
"Oh no, we were together the whole day in school and he just started cramschool today with me. I just want to tell him something really important," the raven head replied then took a sip of the tea Yuzu gave her.
"Ano Rukia-nee, Ichi-nii said you can go up to his room. He's just taking a quick shower. He said you can wait for him there," Karin yelled from the up stairs.
Rukia slightly blushed.
"Go on Rukia-neechan. I will be busy making dinner anyway," Yuzu suggested.
Karin ran down the stairs and sat on the coach. "Ichi-nii's room is the attic. The stairs to his room is at the very end of the hallway," the tomboyish girl exclaimed then winked at the older girl.
Rukia's blush deepened but she went up the stairs and made her way to Ichigo's room. This would be the first time she would be in his room. She had been in their house and the clinic a few times but she has never actually been in his room.
She found herself at the front of the steps leading to his room. She stood there frozen.
"I can assure you that my room is pretty safe." She heard him say from behind him. He was thankfully decent with his pants and shirt on. He was drying his hair with a towel and was about to come up to his room when he spotted her by the stairs.
"You think I'm scared of coming up to your room," Rukia hissed as she tried to hide the blush on her face. She stomped up to his room as Ichigo followed behind.
Rukia was surprised by how neat his room was. The bed was made, his school bag was placed a top his study table. His books are all in his shelf. His CDs were stacked properly. All in all his room was very orderly. Except from a corner desk that had sketchbooks and coloring materials scattered. She smiled to herself.
"Hey shortie, here take a seat," Ichigo said as he offered the chair from his study table.
Rukia slightly whacked him on the head for the nickname but sat on the chair anyway.
"You're seriously a very dangerous woman," he commented as he nursed his now aching forehead. "What brought you here? We've just been away from each other for approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes and 45 seconds and counting, so spill," he said.
"It's my dad," she replied with uncertainty.
This got Ichigo's attention. "What about him?"
"Well, he knows about us and he wants to meet you and your family. You think your dad and your sisters could attend the Gala," she asked him.
"My sisters are definitely coming, they told me that your sister asked them to come and she even invited my bratty cousin a long. I can ask my old man but I can't promise you anything," he replied. In all honesty he didn't want his dad to come a long. It was rather an impertinent thought but if he was to make a good impression to Rukia's father bringing his goofy dad doesn't exactly cut out to be a good idea.
"It would really mean a lot to me if you do," she muttered. "I think your family is really fun to be with. Your sisters are lovable much like my own and I'm sure my mom would really have a laugh when she meets your dad. I mean that in a good way," she added.
"I know what you mean but my dad isn't a big fan of social gatherings. The only social gathering that I'm aware of that my dad attended with us was a barbeque with some neighbors. It was Sen… It was someone's birthday," he said. He almost said her name out. It was something he hasn't opened up to Rukia yet. What would she say to him if he told her about Senna.
"Well, you guys are somewhat new here so it would be a good opportunity to meet with the people here in Karakura," she exclaimed.
Ichigo plopped a pillow under his head. He was still thinking of what could happen if he mentioned Senna to Rukia. He wondered how she would react. He was still blankly staring at the ceiling when a pillow hit him square on the face. It was all thnkas to his girlfriend who for a minute he had forgotten to be in the same room. She was standing right beside his bed.
"What was running in that head of yours," she asked.
Ichigo suddenly pulled her next to him in the bed. Rukia's back was pressed to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist. She initially stiffened because of their closeness but eventually relaxed at his touch.
"Stay right here for a bit," he whispered to her.
Rukia soon felt his light breathing as he nuzzled through her hair. His warmth and slow breathing eventually lulled her to sleep.
Left in Rukia's car was her mobile phone that would soon be running out of battery.
"Karin, have you seen Ichi-nii or Rukia-nee? I haven't seen them since a few hours ago?" Yuzu said
"Nope, I haven't seen any of them since she came up," Karin replied non-chalantly.
"My son and his girlfriend are inside his bedroom. Just the two of them," Isshin exclaimed. His eyes were gleaming with delight. He forgot all about his dinner and run up the flight of steps in such a hurry that none of his daughters or his nephew noticed.
When Isshin made it to Ichigo's door he was having second thoughts about opening it. He knew that his son was not stupid to leave the door unlocked but then again a horny teenager can't think right. He braised himself with what's inside. His head was flooded with nosebleed inducing thoughts but they all went away when he saw the two teenagers sound a sleep on his son's bed. He sighed in relief. He silently placed a blanket on the two. He quietly went out the room and made his way back to finish his dinner. "I can't believe he's no longer a little boy. I hope I can protect him from being hurt like you did Masaki," he muttered.
When Isshin reached the bottom of the stairs he was greeted by three expectant faces.
"Don't get your panties in a bunch kids, the love birds were both a sleep," he said.
Karin turned to Kon with a grin. "Thanks dad. Ichigo just earned me Kon's lunch money for a week. Bless him," the girl exclaimed.
"That retard he's such a wimp," Kon muttered to himself. This however earned glares from the rest of the people in the room. "I guess we could leave something for them to eat later," he countered then gulped real hard.
She was lying in bed with Ichigo's arms wrapped around her. This could only mean that she was having the best dream ever. She gently moved to face him. He looked so serene and calm. She lovingly traced the contours of his face. She smiled lightly at herself. She wondered how gentle he looked while he was sleeping. It was such a contrast to his often scowl-painted face. Her gaze fell on his lips. They looked too inviting for her not to so she kissed him gently. She felt him returning the kiss and deepening it. She soon realized or rather both of them snapped at the reality that they were both not dreaming.
Amber eyes bore into to amethyst ones.
"We slept too long I didn't realize that I'm still here in your room," she said first. They both sat up and looked at his night stand. It was 1:15 in the morning. "My parents must be worried about me," she fretted. She stood up hastily.
"At least eat before leaving," Ichigo said as he sat up then ruffled his orange hair.
"No, I'm okay I'm not hungry," she replied but her stomach betrayed her because it growled loudly.
"Yeah nice try," he said then he pulled her down stairs with him. They could rummage through the fridge and he can cook for both of them.
When they reached the living room they were met by Isshin who was laughing really hard from the TV show he was watching.
"I see that you two are up. Help yourselves for some very late dinner. Ichigo, heat up some soup. Yuzu left some in the pot," the older man said.
"I see, I'll do just that," Ichigo said. "Stay right here," he told Rukia.
"No, I'll help," she replied.
"You can stay for the night. I called your house. They picked up your car and brought some clothes for you. I spoke to your mom. She's a very amiable woman as she always is. Fortunately for you your father went to an emergency business trip and would not be back until Sunday morning. You can use Ichigo's room and he can bunk with Kon for the mean time," the older Kurosaki said.
"You've spoken to my okasan. Sumimasen, I didn't mean to be a bother," Rukia bowed in apology.
"Nonsense, you're already part of the family," the old man replied. "As the future mother of my grand children I of course have the duty of looking after you."
This truly made Rukia's face bit red.
"Oy old man! That's uncalled for. Stop harassing her," Ichigo called from the kitchen.
"My son I'm just stating a fact. By the way do not sneak in your room later while she's sleeping. I promised her mother that you would be staying in separate bedrooms of course," Isshin added.
"I'm not a pervert you know," Ichigo hissed.
Rukia couldn't help but laugh. She loved watching the little exchange between her boyfriend and his father. For some reason she felt jealous of how open they can throw their opinions at each other.
After eating and then taking a shower, Ichigo walked Rukia up to his room with Isshin in tow.
"I will be staying down here while you two lovebirds talk but you can only stay there for 10 minutes and then I will have to drag you out of the room by force," the goat face man said.
"Just try old man and you'll have it," Ichigo bellowed before following Rukia up to his room.
"So I guess this is good night or rather good morning," she said as she sat on the bed. "I wouldn't mind if you stayed here but your dad is right. He did promise my mom that we can't stay in the same room," she added.
"I'll see you later then," he said as he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well."
"No way, I don't believe this. You slept in Kurosaki-kun's room. How did you get away with it? I'm surprised your parents aren't sending out wedding invitations yet?" Momo blurted. 'No wonder your mom kept calling all of us."
"I have no intentions of broadcasting it to the whole campus so I know that we're in the rooftop but I'd appreciate it if you quiet down," Rukia pleaded.
"Well, I'm sorry I just couldn't believe it," the girl muttered.
"I have to agree with her. I didn't think you had it in you Rukia," Nemu teased.
"Will you stop it? Nothing happened. We fell a sleep together so what?" the raven haired teen retorted.
"So did you find anything interesting in his room?" Isane piped in.
"I found out he's a very neat person. I also saw some of his art works. I also saw a sketch of a girl but I wasn't able to ask him about her. It totally slipped my mind," she said. "It was drawn a few years ago. It's probably someone he knew before."
The boys started coming up through the emergency exit.
"Sorry we took so long, the line in the cafeteria was long as usual," Ichigo said as he handed Rukia a bento and a juice pack. The other guys handed the bentos to the other girls in the group.
"I heard Ichigo spoke to your mom last Saturday," Shuuhei said, a smirk playing on his face.
"He had to, Rukia slept over at his place last Friday. It's a good thing uncle wasn't around," Toushiro said.
"It wasn't intentional. We just got sleepy so we slept," the girl in question replied.
"In the same bed? You gotta be kidding me? I hope you didn't try anything nasty," Renji directed his question to Ichigo.
"The hell, what, are you my dad? I didn't do anything. I respect Rukia for crying out loud," he said defensively.
"Will you guys stop harassing my boyfriend! Let's just enjoy our lunch okay. I have enough things to think about as it is. Drop the subject okay," Rukia blurted and for some reason everyone went quiet. "Thank you."
Ichigo and Rukia just exchanged smiles. They have a lot of things to face and things are just about to starts.
To be continued…
A/N: I know this took forever. I'm truly sorry. I haven't been writing for ages and things happened. But as a birthday gift for myself I knew I had to post a chapter. I'll beta this tomorrow I hope you guys read and review…. Thanks for your support. Love yah all. じゃね 可憐