Life is really crazy at the moment, writing bits and pieces of segments here and there *shakes head* ...In truth, I've wanted to write this chapter since Chapter 3. Lemon spoiler... About time, right? *smiles* Which brings me to this; Please, it's quite simple; If you don't like the pairing, then don't read. As much as I appreciate any feedback and constructive criticism, there's not alot I can do with an 'OMFG why isn't this IchiRuki?!' message. This is a ByaRuki fic and they're the main characters, so yeah...
Anyway I hope you enjoy this latest installment, thanks for reading and feel free to leave a review. All feedback, criticism, suggestions and any general comments are always appreciated.
Warning: Will contain at times; coarse language, drug and sexual references (lemons), occasional violence and OOCness. Rated M for suggestive themes.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its Characters.
~ TWENTY-ONE ~
Closing the door with slow deliberateness, Rukia took a deep breath and trailed behind Byakuya and Sakura down the length of the corridor. The apartment seemed different somehow... More familiar... More like home. Which was weird, because nothing had changed. Not in the material sense of the word. It was still too big and sterile.
She thought back to the first time she was here two and a half weeks ago. It felt so much longer...
Embedded in the white hallway walls, laser-emitter points were cleverly disguised as speckles of polished limestone. The frames had been the trickiest obstacle to her entry. Byakuya proved to be her undoing - Strange to think on it now... Even stranger was the first thing he said to her. "Don't make me kill you." It had shocked her when he spoke. At the time she didn't know why. She was trained for escaping from enemies but that simple statement uttered with such apathy shouldn't have made her stop.
But it did.
In retrospect, Rukia wondered if that wasn't in part still truth; that he was killing her with his voice, his touch, his very being. Her emotions in a perpetual state of flux, to the point that she felt as if she couldn't breathe. Yet here they were, still together. From that moment onwards her world turned upside down. For good and bad, wondrous and torturous.
Rukia realized then what had changed. This wasn't just Byakuya's apartment anymore; It was hers too. She had the key to prove it. And coming from someone who'd never had a girlfriend before her, it had to be a daunting concept. For both of them.
Just then Rukia was dragged back to the present time by the touch of a hand on her shoulder, making her see that she'd stopped in the entryway to the living room. She looked up at Byakuya next to her, then at their uninvited guest.
Oh, damn. Miss Pop Princess' untimely intrusion wasn't a figment of her imagination.
This seemingly innocent gesture didn't escape Sakura's notice. She was mesmerized by it and couldn't tear her eyes away. Suddenly her expression changed, and comprehension set in. Wearing high-heel sandals she was only an inch shorter than Byakuya. Without her mask, her soft, fine features were a perfect blend of natural beauty. Her almond-shaped eyes shone a dark, radiant blue and coral pink lips pressed together in a thin line of quiet contempt. The rising color on her cheeks showed her discomfort, and made her look sullen.
Sakura wasn't the only one - all three of them were uncomfortable. The air thick and tense. Then leading Rukia by the arm, Byakuya whisked her off to the kitchen. He was livid at Sakura for sticking her nose in where it didn't belong, and would deal with the J-Popstar himself.
"Stay here," He commanded.
"Forget it!" Rukia spat, shooting him a filthy glare. Extracting the truth from him was sometimes like siphoning blood from a stone. "You still haven't given me a decent explanation- Or anything for that matter!"
Raising a finger to his temple, Byakuya could feel a headache coming on. Never had he met a more maddening, yet so intoxicating woman in his entire life. He wished there was a 'Girlfriend 101' instruction manual.
"Rukia. So help me- Do as you are told!"
"Or what?!"
She shouldn't have said that. Byakuya left the kitchen and shut the door. Rukia heard the bolt slide across, though she didn't quite believe it. Did he just lock her in? Reeling, her jaw dropped to the floor, spinning. A quick check told her that he had.
'BASTARD!' Rukia screamed in her head.
Thumping back to the countertop, she gripped the edge so tight her knuckles turned white. Hurt and confused, Rukia desperately wished she could talk to Rangiku, her dearest friend and soul-sister. The voice of experience, the bubbly blonde always knew the right thing to say. She fumbled with the folds of her date-jime belt and pulled out her cellphone. Her hands were shaking so badly she couldn't dial properly. The cellphone slipped from her fingers and fell on the countertop, bounced, then ended up face-down in the sink. But not before setting off the trip-failsafe sequence for the phone to implode. It would've been funny if she wasn't feeling so sour.
Rukia let out a frustrated cry. Pushing back the tears...
...Glancing at the kitchen door, Byakuya walked back out into the living room secretly hoping Sakura was no longer present. Sadly, no such luck. She did however, now hold in her hands a cellphone, appearing as if she'd just made a call. Byakuya strode up to her and plucked the phone from her grasp, checking its recent activity.
Sakura stood by and watched, her cobalt stare locked on him with a new bitterness that wasn't there before. She had seen the floozies come and go, without saying a word, content in the knowledge that when the time came she would gain what was rightfully hers. All of the Kuchiki wives were selected by the Council, with the Head CEO entering into a marriage contract when they resumed control of the family Enterprise. Like Byakuya's father before him, so would he. As was tradition. No other woman had stood as a threat to her impending nuptials before.
"I do not recognize her. What House is she from?" Sakura asked. Byakuya just glared darkly as he continued to scroll through call logs, mailbox and web history. But silence sometimes said more than words. "I see. You would bring shame on our name by breaking the rules for a commoner?"
Byakuya looked at her then. With nothing but a call to her driver, he disassembled her cellphone and handed the pieces back. Having half a mind to break her face with it, only he didn't assault women.
"And yet here you are humiliating yourself by intruding in my personal life, when clearly I have no interest in you." He said in a withered tone. It was enough to wilt weeds. "Her character alone is worth more than you could ever have to offer."
Feeling the full-blast of his death glare, Sakura went cold.
"When the Council learns of your reneging on the stipulations of your inheritance-"
"-That still wouldn't make me choose you." Byakuya said matter-of-factly. "Now get out. If I never see you again, it wouldn't be too soon."
Moving in closer, she raised a hand to touch his face. Such a fine man. Byakuya caught her wrist in mid-air. Slate grey eyes flashed dangerously. They read; 'Don't you dare touch me.' Sakura flinched at his strong grip, saddened. When Byakuya cared, he made you feel like the luckiest woman alive. But when he didn't, he was colder than the Arctic circle. Affronted, every shred of dignity fell from her youthful face. She'd never seen that look of pure loathing on his face before. And she knew he was deadly serious.
"Sakura, the door. Use it."
"Enjoy your little plaything while it lasts," She said with all the pride she could muster. "We would've been great together. I could've made you happy."
"Not even close."
Dropping her hand like a hot coal, Byakuya remained staunch, vowing in his head to make her life an utter misery if she came near him or Rukia ever again. Sakura didn't have to be told. She knew. In that moment it hit her; Byakuya Kuchiki would never be hers. The realization was strangely more liberating and hopeful than she would have thought. Sakura walked away and didn't look back.
...
Glad to see the back of her, Byakuya sighed, finally taking off his coat and unbuttoning the clasps of his suit collar... One situation dealt with, one to go...
Then suddenly he frowned and sniffed the air as the acrid smell of smoke reached his nostrils. Byakuya bolted to the kitchen, his mind ticking over what possible trouble Rukia had gotten herself into this time. Flinging the door open, he saw the sink smoking with Rukia flapping madly with a hand towel. She looked up at the sound of him entering and scowled purple bloody murder.
"The next words out of your mouth had better be good," She said through gritted teeth, "And don't give me any of that 'I don't want you getting involved' crap! Because I swear, you can shove that up your-"
"-Watch your mouth!"
Before she could finish her sentence, Byakuya was over like a shot. Rukia clammed up and stepped backwards out of arms reach. Never had he seen her so furious, hurt and confused all at the same time. Casting a quick sideways glance into the sink, he saw the fizzing congealed mess of burning plastic and electrical circuitry. A mere mishap. Then he looked back at Rukia, regarding her calmly. She too had her sights on her cellphone, commiserating over the lost data. It looked how she felt.
"I'm still waiting..."
Byakuya sighed. There was no getting out of this one.
"Sakura was to become my wife."
Taken aback, all color drained from Rukia's face. Had she heard correctly? 'Your- WIFE?!' Her mouth formed the words but no sound came out. All she could do was stare at him like he'd sprouted a second head. Byakuya reached out again but she dodged his advances, brushing up against the counter's corner edge. Her head was swimming, thoughts running rampant as she fought to comprehend his latest revelation. Kaien's warning on the traditional ideals of the Kuchiki family rang in her head. Byakuya himself had told her about his obligations and some of the restrictions put on him. In truth, this shouldn't be all that surprising.
It just hurt - Beyond belief.
"When were you-? Were you even-?" Rukia stopped and started. She shook her head and tried again. "Do I really mean that little to you? Why, Byakuya, why didn't you tell me?! YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!"
"It's not by choice!" Byakuya raised his voice, then lowered it. He knew she had every right to be angry. And nothing he could say would take that away. "In my family, that is the way it has always been, prearranged from my birth. Besides, I have another four years before I'm expected to wed a suitable candidate."
Suitable candidate? How horrid.
"If that's suppose to make me feel better, it doesn't. It just makes me a Promised man's whore!" Her retort stung like a poisoned barb. "And apparently one of many... Seriously, I'm getting a little tired of fending off your harem."
Byakuya was shocked. Until it occurred to him that he wasn't the only one in his position. "Is it any different to the promise you made to Hisagi?"
Rukia stifled a gasp. She'd forgotten all about Shūhei. All of the Subjects were engineered in pairs for the purpose of recreating their enhanced DNA in future generations. Her motivation for keeping to her promise was that Shūhei was a good man and cared for her, which was more than she thought she deserved. Of course, that was before Byakuya found her again... And before she fell in love.
"It's very different!"
"How so?" He growled. Inching closer, Rukia kept backing away. He didn't like that. Nor did he like her involvement with his replacement. The thought of that peasant having her in any way that he couldn't made his blood boil. If he could wipe Shūhei Hisagi off the face of the earth, he would. "Rukia, stop that and come here."
"No."
"Rukia." Byakuya repeated.
"I said No!" Rukia was adamant. She really wanted to, but it would only make things harder. So stubborn. "And don't look at me like that."
"Why not?" He said, bemused.
"Because I'm still mad at you."
"So, your solution was to set fire to the sink with a cellphone?"
"Pfft, no. That was an accident." Shooting him a wry, apologetic pout, she made the mistake of looking at him. His expression was one of smug amusement. Damn arrogant...gorgeous...arrogant jerk. "Please, stop. It's hard to stay mad at you when you give me those sexy eyes-" Rukia broke off. Her mental beating turned into an all-out brawl. She hadn't meant to say that.
Byakuya's mouth twitched as he tried hard not to smile. No one had told him he had 'sexy eyes' before. And she looked so adorable when she was mad. Taking advantage of her slip of the tongue, Byakuya closed the distance between them. Rukia resisted, but she could feel her resolve waning under his spell. With one hand clasping the back of her head to his chest, and the other firmly holding her waist, she would have to fight her way out of his clutches.
Eventually, tempered, she stopped struggling. But that didn't change the fact that they were going in circles - And he was to marry someone else. That was too much to bear.
"These past two and a half weeks has meant so much to me..." Rukia said. Taking a deep breath, she felt Byakuya tense. "...But I can't do this anymore. And the last thing I want is for you to think you have any obligation to me whatsoever."
Struggling to comprehend her words, Byakuya was positively and utterly confused. "You're not saying what I think you're saying...?" When Rukia refused to meet his gaze, he knew then what she was about to do. It cut him like a knife. "You're leaving me?!"
"What do you expect?! I just met your future wife for heaven's sake!"
But he wouldn't accept it - He couldn't.
"You swore you wouldn't run from me again."
"I'm not running. I'm making this easy...on both of us." As Rukia spoke, her bottom lip trembled. Walking away was going to be the hardest thing she would ever do, but it was the right thing. "I can't stand by and watch you make a commitment to another woman, and if you cared about me at all, you wouldn't want me to."
Staring up at that handsome face for one final time, Rukia waited apprehensively for him to say something. But he didn't. His expression was a pure blank slate. Resigning herself to reality, she fought a fresh wave of tears. Oh god. She never imagined it would feel this agonizing. Taking no comfort in the thought that she was most likely the first and last girlfriend Byakuya Kuchiki would ever have. But she had to stay strong. Rukia bit down on the inside of her mouth just hard enough to make it hurt; Pain displacement. Byakuya still remained silent. Then she turned away.
Rukia put one hand on the doorknob, and turned the handle.
This was it. It was over.
'You were but a fleeting dream in a nightmarish world.'
The door opened.
And then-
-BANG! The door slammed shut. By a lean, muscled arm that was inches from her face. Rukia was astonished.
"What do I have to do to prove to you that you're the one I want?"
She looked deeply into his eyes. It was quite simple.
"Don't marry Sakura, or anyone else." Rukia said with calm conviction. "Give me something. Anything. Give me one good reason why I should stay, and I will."
"No one else. I will fight the Council." He met her level-headed gaze, resolute. "Don't give up on us. "
"That's all I needed to hear."
To know. To have him say that he would fight for her - For them.
Rukia raised up on her tippy-toes and linked her arms around his neck. Her eyes fluttered closed as the aroma of his musky cologne touched her senses. He dropped his arms to her waist and hugged her tightly, pressing her up against the door.
"It won't be easy, but I will find a way."
She smiled at him tenderly. "Thank you."
Byakuya dipped his head and brushed her hair to the side, grazing her cheek ever so tenderly. They kissed deeply and full on the mouth, hungry and urgent with desperate yearning. Then Byakuya lifted her up and kicked the kitchen door open with his foot. He had to have her right now. More than anything he wanted to feel himself inside her. Rukia shifted in his arms, surprised.
"The door opens both ways?" She asked.
"Yes. Though it only locks from the outside," He replied in mock-seriousness. "You're going to have to know these things since this is your house too."
"Well thanks for pointing that out, Mr Smarty." Quirking an eyebrow. Byakuya just gave her a knowing smile. Passing through the living room, Rukia stopped him and gestured towards the phone. "How about we kill the phone, so there's no more interruptions."
"My version, not yours," He smirked.
"Ha-ha very funny." Poking her tongue out at him, she blushed. "And who set the phones to self-destruct, huh?"
"A necessary precaution."
Balancing her on his hips, Byakuya reached down and pulled the phone cord out from the terminal socket, then headed for their bedroom.
"Any chance there's a can of chick repellant in your box of 'necessary precautions'?"
Rukia was rewarded with a 'What the fuck?' expression, and on a man like Byakuya, that had to be the funniest thing she'd ever seen. She cracked up laughing, then he dumped her on their cushiony king-sized bed. Byakuya sidled up on top and gave her a perplexing look.
"I'm- Sorry." She stammered in between giggles.
"It wasn't that funny."
"You didn't see your face."
Yet she was seeing it now. Laughter subsided as something shifted inside her and she could feel that all-familiar irresistible pull drawing her in. That wonderful place where only they shared; Their happy place. Now they were older, it was a more surreal kind of happy. Sexual.
Rukia couldn't keep the smile off her face. How he adored that smile. That was the look that had won his heart. He leaned in and kissed her again. Slow, teasing at first, then more passionately, tugging at her bottom lip, seeking entrance with his tongue. A hand slid up under her kimono fondling her thigh. But then Rukia hesitated and placed a hand on his chest to halt him.
"What's wrong?" Byakuya asked.
"You don't have to kidnap me, or lock me in a car or the kitchen... Just talk to me."
He sighed, closed his eyes and buried his head in her chest. It wasn't an unfair request. It was just hard for him. All these feelings were so new and deep down it scared him, though he didn't want to admit it.
"I'm trying."
"I know," She replied softly. With his head down, Rukia entwined her fingers in his hair, absorbing the feel of their sweet embrace. And in that moment what she wanted more than anything was to give in. To let him have his wicked way with her. "I want to try...um...you know..."
Biting her lip, she didn't know how to ask, but she didn't have to. He knew exactly what she meant. Which made him feel primal, a devilish glint in his eye. She knew enough to know that look. It was the look that made her feel wanted. Desired.
"Are you sure?"
Rukia nodded. "Yes, I'm sure."
"No questions asked." Byakuya stated, arching an eyebrow.
"Alright, yes. No questions." She smiled, making an exaggerated motion of zipping her lip.
"Good, because if you do I will gag you."
"Something tells me you'd like that."
Rukia raised an eyebrow of her own to which Byakuya was quick to point out, "Not quite. Then I'd miss out on kissing you."
She blushed deeper crimson, secretly pleased. He was such a wonderful kisser.
"Will it hurt?"
"No." He was quick to put her fears to rest. Afterall he would only go as far as she allowed. This experience was designed for pleasure, not torture. "We start off small. Now, choose a safety word."
'A safety word?' Rukia fought hard not to balk. It made it sound a bit dangerous. Then she thought about it and saw it for what it was; A necessary precaution. The perfect word came to mind.
"Blossom."
"Blossom?" Byakuya questioned.
"Ahuh." She affirmed. Fingering the buttons of his shirt, she traced a circle over the blossom scar above his heart.
"Appropriate."
Smiling broader now. "I thought so."
Byakuya moved into a kneeling position and placed his hands on one of her legs, then the other, taking off her stockings. The sheer hosiery wouldn't chafe her wrists. Next he loosened her belts holding her kimono in place. Discarding the date-jime belt, he held onto the koshihimo belt. A suitable blindfold. The kimono came off next. Rewarded with a full view of her lithesome body and cream lace lingerie, Byakuya licked his lips. Violet eyes danced with lust. He looked so hot when he did that. Then crouching over her, the belt blindfold was put in place first.
"What-?"
"-No questions," Byakuya interrupted in a slightly exasperated tone.
"Okay, sorry."
Tying the blindfold tight, he waved one hand in front of her face and snapped his fingers. Her head turned in the direction of the sound. Satisfied that she couldn't see, Byakuya unclasped her bra and took it off. Rukia instinctively folded her arms across her chest. With a click of his tongue, he moved her hands away.
"Don't do that."
"I'm sorry."
The corners of his mouth twitched up. "You apologize too much."
"Sorry-" Rukia giggled. She really couldn't help herself.
Byakuya then positioned her on her knees with her head to the headboard, and took her stockings, using both pieces to bind each wrist to the bedpost. Testing its tautness, he watched her body language carefully for any signs of distress.
Running his hands down the length of the stocking to her wrists, he asked, "How does that feel?"
"Um...nice..."
Rukia's breathing had increased slightly, coming out in little puffs. Attuned to the sound of his voice the daunting and insecure feeling slowly ebbed away.
"Good."
Then Byakuya got off the bed and stepped back to admire the view, removing his shirt, watch and belt and placed them on the dresser. He waited. Feasting his eyes on the physical perfection of his Lover, his Soulmate. Blindfolded and bound, quivering in anticipation of his next move. Thumb and forefinger ran over his bottom lip. He grew stiff and hard, his erect member pressing against his pants, pulsing and throbbing, desperate for release.
'Patience'.
He coaxed himself. Opening and closing his eyes as if etching snapshots of the ravishing vision before him. Burning it to memory. He would take every piece of her to the edge and back again.
Her beautiful eyes the rarest shade of violet sealed away behind the blindfold. Her head bent, strands of raven-colored hair falling in choppy waves over a perfect oval face. A hint of red rouge still visible on her delectable cupid's bow mouth he had not yet kissed. But he would. Cheeks flushed crimson as she waited in suspense.
His eyes roved further. Down the nape of her neck to the love-bite he'd given her earlier. Dark red, turning purple, in stark contrast to her pale creamy skin. Down over the shallow rise and fall of her chest, her panting breath puffing out in short gasps. To her bare breasts, supple and pert. Pink nipples hardened at the cool air. The length of her navel dipping down to her most sacred part and the curve of her lower back leading to that glorious round rump of hers. Ripe and sweet against the cream lace g-string and garter belt she wore. Suspenders swaying loose down shapely legs that he couldn't wait to wrap his head around.
He would take his time. Bit by bit. Every inch. She was all he could ever want in the world. All of his desires, needs and dreams. She was his...and only his.
She was right where he wanted her - On her knees.
Quietly he went closer. The throb in his groin almost unbearable. Leaning in, he blew gently in her ear, hot and soothing. It sent tingles down her spine. Her body went on high alert. A low moan escaped her lips petering out to a whimper when the sensation stopped...
...And she waited. That first taste. A teaser. Rukia shivered, expectant. She tried to visualize how she looked to him, but coherency gave way to a state of bliss. She could only feel the sensations of what he was doing to her and react. Funny how a picture of being a leather-clad whip-wielding dominatrix appeared in her mind. A craving set in. She involuntarily clenched as she felt the low rumblings of desire began to build down below. Her breathing increased, coming out in short, shallow puffs.
'Oh my!'
She thought as the color rose on her cheeks. He hadn't even touched her yet. A dampness spread in between her legs and thighs locked together. Byakuya pried her legs apart.
"No. Never be ashamed of being wet." His deep baritone voice rang in her ear. Even his words felt like sex.
And she wanted him. More than she thought was humanly possible and more than she ever wanted anyone in her life. She wanted him to touch her.
Moving to her heightened sense of awareness, Byakuya traced his fingers down the small of her back, around and over her backside, thighs to the cleft behind her knees, feeling her body shudder to his touch. She didn't even know that was a 'thing'. But it felt so good. Her head swooned and she thought her knees would buckle.
Then he trailed upwards with his tongue and brought his mouth down in between skirting the outside of her thighs with lips and teeth, grasping and squeezing at the triangle of lacy fabric with his fingers. Coaxing and goading her rim. A low moan escaped from Rukia's mouth. With one swift movement he tore off her g-string and kissed her thighs again. His tongue darting in and around, licking and sucking, exploring her juicy sweetness. Rukia started panting like a lioness in heat as wave after wave of passion crashed over her, then screamed as his hand came down hard across her bare buttocks. Back arched, she fisted her bound hands and dug her nails in, cleaving bloody crescents into her own flesh.
Holding her hips taut with his hands, Byakuya slipped his tongue inside, sucking and licking her sweet spot, in and out, over and around with slow deliberate lashes, sending her into overdrive. She cried out as her body rolled like a volcano about to erupt, dancing the line between almost-pain and erotic pleasure. Oh yes, she was singing now. And suddenly she shuddered and convulsed, gripped in the enthrall of a mind-blowing orgasm.
"Ah... Ahh! ...AHHHH! OH MY GOD!"
He wasn't just fucking her, he was fucking her mind. Her very soul. And it was magnificent...
...Byakuya held her hips steady as she climaxed, reveling in it, then he rose up, pressing his groin into her backside. He put his hands on her. Sliding and kneading over her tiny waist, around to the dip of her belly button and then upwards. Kissing, sucking and biting her back while fondling her supple breasts, taking it in turns to roll her nipples between his fingers, pulling and tweaking harder and harder. Rukia was plunged back down into the depths of heady desire and her body ached in lustful craving. If he wanted her to beg - She would.
"Please...please...!"
"Say it." He growled.
"Please, Byakuya! In. Me. Now!" The word 'now' came out as an incoherent squeal.
Byakuya unzipped his pants and shoved them down around his knees, inching them off with his feet. Feeling the relief of release, he let out a low groan. Solid and stiff, his member throbbed in his hand. Holding her steady, he slipped into her tight, juicy wetness. His eyes closed and his lips pulled back baring his teeth. Rukia snapped her head up and teeth gnashed as she hissed, bucking her hips to adjust to the feeling of fullness. Oh... So... Big... Mindful of his well-endowed size, he inched in with his tip. Slowly and deliberately at first, plunging deeper a little more and more with each stroke, working up into a frenzied rhythm.
Building... Blinding... Hard. And fast. Fast. And hard. The bed creaked under their rocking bodies. Gripping the back of her head, Byakuya's eyes slammed shut, savoring the sensation as he drove in and out of her relentlessly. Consuming and reveling in the ultimate intimacy and feeling of being inside her. She belonged to him. Pants and moans ripped out of Rukia's mouth and her pelvis bucked in rhythm to their loveplay. Nearing the precipice once again, she yearned to gaze upon that beautiful face of his. To stare into those bottomless pits of slate grey and see...in that glorious moment when their souls touched.
"Please...I want...to see...you..." Rukia murmured in between ragged gasps.
Without losing pace Byakuya shifted himself so that he was taking her from a sideways angle and rolled Rukia over. He pulled at the pantyhose binding her wrists to the bedpost, then she yanked her blindfold off. Her sight exploded. A film of sweat clung in beaded droplets over his toned muscular body, sculptured to perfection. Long locks of liquid ink spilled over his broad shoulders. And his eyes - Those eyes - A deep smoking grey. Seeing him as he drove in and out of her sent her spiraling out of control. Rising up to meet him, Byakuya held her face in his hands, eating her moans and devouring her with kisses. Rukia could taste herself on his lips, yet she was too enraptured to care. Her nails raked into the muscles of his back, drawing thin trails of blood. It only spurred him on. Byakuya growled in his throat, slamming into her with primal ferocity.
And then the rip-roaring explosion caught her by surprise, forcing a guttural moan from her mouth. Their gazes locked on one another. Byakuya's palm slammed into the headboard as he ejaculated, filling her in sweet release.
"OH HELLL!"
Cradling each other, they crashed down on the bed and lay there basking in the afterglow. Spent in the most sinfully delicious way. Byakuya raised the sheet over them. Gazing down at his Lover, his chest swelled with pride. He would scale mountains and crest oceans if it meant keeping her with him.
'I tasted heaven tonight and she was divine.'
Curling into him, Rukia rested one hand on his chest and smiled broadly. She felt weightless as a feather. Satiated.
"We are definitely doing that again."
"Is that so?" Byakuya teased, his voice husky from their lovemaking session.
"Yes, it is." Rukia affirmed, positively buzzing in delight. "Practice makes perfect."
"As long as I'm the only one you practice with."
"Says the guy with a trail of past notches." She pouted up at him. "You do realize that I practically have to beat them off with a stick."
"A stick? Now that's a thought."
"Kuchiki, you are incorrigible."
He smirked. "Impossible to incorrigible. I've moved up a notch."
"Anything's possible." Rukia smiled impishly, then her curiosity got the better of her. He was her first but what about him? "Byakuya, who was the first woman you slept with? Have I met her?"
"Do you really want to know?" Tensing, he searched her face.
Taking a moment to think on it, she decided that she was certain. "Yes, I'd like to know. If we're going to do this properly then we should talk about these things. And that way there won't be any surprises."
"A logical assumption." Byakuya chose his next words carefully. "You know of her."
Rukia took a deep breath. She had a feeling he was going to say that. And she had an inkling of who it was. "It was with Kukaku, wasn't it."
"Yes."
Her stomach turned. Funny how the confirmation made her feel jealous. But she was okay. She had to be. Past was past, and she'd asked.
"How old were you?"
"Sixteen."
She choked. 'Oh my god. So young!' Then again compared to her it was. It was also the age he was when his parents died. Rukia sensed there was a connection between the two factors.
"That was how old you were when your parents died...?"
"Kukaku was there when I needed someone. That time has long since passed. You needn't concern yourself about it anymore. I have you now."
"And don't you forget it." Rukia was adamant.
But deep inside, she couldn't help but feel it was a little wrong. What kind of woman, and an older one at that, stooped to take a grieving sixteen-year-old's virginity. Sure it was obvious that at the time Byakuya needed someone. Anyone in that position would. Only, that didn't seem to justify Kukaku's actions. She should've known better. Rukia vowed to have a lengthy discussion with the Special Forces Director in the very near future.
Then her reverie was broken by the touch of his hand on her cheek. Byakuya's expression was one of concern. "You're overthinking again."
"And you're still cheating." Rukia smiled lightly and closed her eyes, burying herself deeper in the crook of his arm.
Byakuya said nothing. He too closed his eyes, and together they fell asleep.
Rukia stirred awake at the gentle prodding. Blinking hazily up at Byakuya, it took a moment to register that he was out of bed and fully dressed. A small frown creased her forehead. Jumping to the conclusion that he was about to leave on an emergency, her stomach clenched.
"Do you ever sleep?"
"Someone once told me 'sleep is overrated'," Byakuya replied with a hint of humor.
Rukia didn't find that very funny. She meant what she said. Afterall, he wasn't a machine.
"It's also necessary." Hazy violet eyes shimmered in worry. "Honestly, I never see you rest."
"Just as well you are accompanying me then."
That got her attention. Normally she had to fight him to tag along. "You're serious?"
"Yes. So get dressed and be quick."
Byakuya sounded unusually sombre. Odd. It got Rukia's curiosity tweaked, but she jumped out of bed and made a mad dash for the bathroom before he changed his mind. In her haste she forgot to care that she was completely naked. A murmur caught in Byakuya's throat at the most delicious visual. The shower turned on and off. With the bathroom door left open snatches of her movements could be seen in the mirrored reflection.
It was in the little things...He could watch her all day. Just how... so alive she was-
"-Earth to Kuchiki?"
Rukia stood in the doorway eyeing him curiously, waving her toothbrush around like a firework sparkler. A glob of toothpaste seemed ready to fall off. On reflex, Byakuya arched an eyebrow. "Where are we going?" She repeated the question and resumed brushing furiously.
"Somewhere you'll be needing a coat."
He then went to the wardrobe and plucked out a white woollen faux-fur lined coat just for her, missing the exasperated eye-roll at yet another evasive answer. Rukia put it on over her favorite ivory off-the-shoulder blouse, dark purple leggings and white suede heel boots. Going back into the bathroom, she ran a quick brush through her wet hair and frowned at the mirror. It would have to do.
Five minutes later, Byakuya left the Pavilion behind them in his black Lexus LFA. Rukia sat in the passenger seat watching the scenery whiz by in a blur. It was still dark. The forest-lined winding roads turned into dotted city lights then into rolling countryside. She didn't recognize the area at all.
Soon they stopped outside of a thick stone-walled gate. Six guards appeared out of nowhere and surrounded the vehicle. Dressed head-to-toe in purple ninja garb, the name 'Kuchiki' written on their headbands. The Kuchiki Contingency Squad. Byakuya gave the Captain a nod. Without a word and moving with the efficient grace of flickering shadows, the gate was opened and the Lexus LFA waved through.
"This is my home. Kuchiki Manor."
It had to be the single most largest Estate she had ever seen. So vast, the Mansion itself was barely visible from the gate. A river ran along the grounds of the right side of the cobbled stone drive. Its crystal-clear waters sparkled a deep turquoise in the dawning dusk. A ripple and a splash in the river. A flash of brilliant gold dived in and out of sight. Rukia's mouth fell open.
"Koi. A particularly rare pedigree," Byakuya answered her unspoken question. "My family has bred them for generations."
"But they're so big."
"Yes. Three times larger than the common variety."
Driving on, they eventually came to a wide open courtyard.
Kuchiki Yashiki.
It was exceedingly overwhelming. Gargantuan. Rukia shivered at the sight. She couldn't imagine ever living in a place like this. On auto-pilot, it barely registered as Byakuya got out of the car and led her to the front entrance. A familiar face opened the door. Complete with nightcap, wearing sleeping robes and holding a burning candle in a brass stick holder the Kuchiki Butler could've passed as a character in a period film piece. His wizened face crinkled into a happy smile.
"Master, Miss Rukia, what a pleasure it is to see you again. Please excuse my informal disposition." He bowed and stood aside to let them in. Rukia smiled back. His warmth and pleasant manner was hard to resist.
"It's fine. All is well, I trust?" Byakuya said, his cool gaze sweeping the spotless interior made up of multiple fusuma partitions, the fullest luxury of traditional Japanese decor. Rukia felt like she'd stepped back in time.
"All is as it should be."
Giving his butler a cursory nod, Byakuya stated further, "Have Rukia escorted to the Archive room. You know what to do."
"Very well, Master."
He bowed again and motioned for Rukia to follow him. Byakuya meanwhile strode off in the opposite direction without another word. Rukia gaped after him, then stopped. There was no telling what was going on in that beautiful mind of his, but she guessed she was about to find out. All in good time.
"You look lost, Miss Rukia."
"Overwhelmed." She replied, thinking would it have killed Byakuya to warn her? "I've never known anyone so honest yet guarded at the same time...I never know what he's going to do next."
"And therein is the complex nature of my Master." His words were kind. "He has endured much. Your presence here gives me hope."
Rukia didn't know what to say to that. What hope could she possibly give anyone?
"Why?"
"Why..." He chuckled, amused by her apparent confusion. Ah, the innocence of the young and pure-at-heart. "I have seen much in my lifetime. Perhaps too much. What I have not seen until your arrival, is true love. You do not care for his wealth, his status. I see that you only care for the man behind all that. Behind every strong man is an even stronger woman. My Master needs you. And I know you will not give up on him. "
She went silent, too stunned to speak. Byakuya's earlier admission rang in her head. "Don't give up on us." His want, his need. The thing was, she needed him too... Byakuya was essentially; The other half of her.
"Through here."
Sliding the screen across, Rukia entered the Archive room. Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with precise and neat leather-bound volumes lined along three walls. A large intricately carved wooden desk stood in the center lit only by a led-light lamp. Next to it was a projection monitor used to view slides. The butler pulled the desk chair out for her.
"Have a seat, and take all the time you need. I will be outside when you are done."
Rukia nodded and did as she was bid. The butler left her to it. Flicking on the projection monitor, newspaper articles came onscreen. It didn't take long for her to realize the reason she'd been brought here. Byakuya was telling her a story. Of how his parents died.
One caption read; Millionaire Kuchiki Heir Dies in Tragic Plane Crash. And another; Kuchiki Sojun and Wife Now Dead. Family in Turmoil.
Her eyes roved the articles. Dated eight years ago. A 747SP Boeing airplane enroute from Itami Airport to Haneda Airport caught engine failure twelve minutes into their scheduled flight. All 330 passengers and 3 crew members onboard were killed. No survivors. Their own flight cancelled, the Kuchiki couple had jumped at the chance to board the doomed flight in an attempt to make it back in time for their son's belated sixteenth birthday party.
How did it happen? Surely there would've been steps to identify any mechanical mishap of that magnitude. Twelve minutes between life and death. Her gut instinct was telling her that something wasn't right. And yet further investigative records showed the accident to be what it was; A senseless, tragic accident. It wasn't the first, and it wouldn't be the last. It shouldn't have happened. But it did.
Now it made sense why Byakuya had become a Special Forces Agent. He blamed himself, and had spent the last three years overturning every stone he could to prove otherwise. But his efforts had amounted to nothing other than what was already there. Rukia's heart broke for him. No wonder he didn't talk about it.
She had seen enough. Rising to stand, her sight fell on a framed photograph on a bookshelf. In the picture was a handsome young man with long ink-black hair and exquisite bluish-purple eyes sitting in an armchair, smiling. A young boy the spitting image of him perched on his knee. Filled with the hope of innocence and unconditional love, he too smiled. The scene tore at Rukia's inner being.
Sojun and Byakuya Kuchiki. Father and Son. In a happier time.
It was too much. She left the Archive room with tears welling in her eyes. The butler held her gaze firm and steady. Sharp, almost-black eyes read; 'Now you know'.
"Thank you," Rukia whispered.
"No, thank you," He responded simply and led the way back down the passage.
Byakuya stood silent at his parent's gravesides. Mourning. Remembering. As it did so often, his mind replayed that awful memory ages past;
...
Lower District, Karakura. One Cold, Rainy Night; 14 years ago
A pewter colored Bentley Continental T pulled to a stop on the side of the round-stone paved road. The iron gates of the Orphanage loomed opposite, appearing ominous on a night dark and stormy. Two bodyguards in the front seats sat disquietly, both wondering if their salary was worth what they were about to do. The whir of the partition window sounded as the son of their Employer in the back seat wound it down.
"Why have we stopped?"
The men exchanged a pitying look. Even at ten years of age and disabled, the boy still had a proud quality about him that awed them. But their orders were clear - Silence.
"I don't like repeating myself," The boy scowled at the back of the heads of the security escorts. "Why have we stopped here? This isn't the Gallery."
"Master, I would strap your braces on if I were you," The driver advised, keeping his eyes on the road ahead and watching the almost hypnotic pelting rain. "You wouldn't want to crawl in this wet weather."
His partner sitting rigid in the passenger seat stifled a grunt. Calling the boy 'Master' just seemed cruel. Then he pushed the lock button controls. Three doors locked tight. There was only one way out. Slate grey eyes narrowed in suspicion and fear. He was supposed to meet his father at a Charity event being held at the newly refurbished Minamikawase Art Gallery. It was to be his first public appearance. His existence had so far been kept secret from the outside world.
But the agenda had changed.
Staring at the unlocked door, his anger intensified. Afflicted from birth with a degenerative muscle disease, it didn't do a thing to hamper his sharp, intelligent mind. These men who worked for his family obviously meant to leave him here. And he was helpless to prevent it.
"My Father-"
"-Haven't you gotten it yet, kid?" The driver cut in. "Your family is ashamed of you - A cripple. Nothing but a filthy stain on the Kuchiki name. This is the end of the road for you."
A cripple. Weakling. Faced with the awful truth, Byakuya's blood ran cold. But he wouldn't cry. He didn't cry. Even in his apparent abandonment, he wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing the final humiliation and pain he felt. Go with dignity, or shame.
Cowards. They didn't even have the decency to look him in the eye.
There was only one path left now.
Byakuya reached across to the adjoining seat and strapped on his leg braces. A rush of ice-cold rain flew inside as he opened the car door, momentarily shocking his system. Unsteadied, he attempted to keep a safe footing on the slick road. But barely a step clear, the Bentley's engine started up again and roared off. Byakuya fell backwards and landed in a big, wet puddle, soaking his braced trousers through and through.
There he sat. In the pouring rain. Head held high towards the moonless, thunderous sky. Abandoned and alone. The Heavens mourned the loss of innocence.
A figure carrying an umbrella emerged from the Orphanage, and walked towards him. As the Headmistress, it was her job to care for the children until They came to collect. Standing over the newest arrival, and seeing him, her heart clenched. Grey eyes glinted hard as steel, startling in contrast to ink black locks clinging wetly to a pale white face. How anyone could cast aside this beautiful boy...
Byakuya turned his head and stared at the woman. Droplets of rain running down his cheeks made it look like tears, but they weren't. And she knew. This one was a survivor. Under the covering of the umbrella, she held out one pale, slim hand, beckoning. Silently, he rose on stilted feet.
Without uttering a single word, woman and boy went into the confines of the Orphanage. A bronze-gilded plaque rusting at the edges, nailed to the door overhead.
It bore the motto; Protect the Little Children. It should have read; Suffer.
...
That was before he learned the truth. And without his parent's sacrifice, he never would've regained his ability to walk. A simple thing people took for granted until it was taken away.
Byakuya hadn't even wanted a birthday party in the first place. To him it was just another empty celebration filled with the insincere smiles of the envious. Eat, drink and be merry. Tomorrow it would be over, and he would still be left wanting.
His actual birthday had been almost a month before, but his parents thought a party would be a wonderful gesture, if only to make up for the years past uncelebrated. They never made it.
On the night of his party, the 747SP Boeing flying from Osaka to Tokyo that Mr and Mrs Kuchiki were on, ended its fateful journey in the Miyagawa River, past Ise.
Byakuya had long since harbored the suspicion that the plane crash wasn't merely an accident. But the only ones who cared enough to listen to the grieving ramblings of the most wealthiest orphan in Japan weren't in a position to do anything about it. Without its Head, the Kuchiki Empire was plunged into a power struggle. It was Kukaku Shiba who offered Byakuya an outlet. Join the Special Forces Agency and gain the skills to go with the intellect.
And he'd never looked back... Only remembered.
Then he felt a small soft hand clasp his own. His Lover standing beside him. Her perfect oval face glistening with the trace of spent tears. As Rukia gazed at the faces of Byakuya's parents behind gilded gold frames set atop a marble dais, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
'Thank you. Thank you for giving him to me. I'll look after him, I promise.'
Byakuya felt torn. His decision to come here with Rukia was a joint one. The first was to pay homage to his parents and in some way seeking a sign...their permission for the path he was about to take. And the second was to show them that he had something precious and worthy to hold on to.
If only the dead could talk...
"My father would've liked you."
"If he was anything like you, I'm sure I would've liked him too."
Still holding hands, Rukia looked up at her Lover. His handsome face set firmly in a tight mask and his slate grey eyes appeared dusky in the early morning light. Always so guarded; The weight of a Strong man. She knew what an immense step it must've been to let her in like this. And she loved him all the more for it. It didn't matter to her if he didn't say it back. She understood. To live, To love, To lose. All that mattered was right here, right now. But for him it was clear now. No more fear. Not when life was so fleeting. She had seen the worst of him and was still here at his side.
If there was one thing she could say to them, that would be it...
"Byakuya, I love you."
"As I love you, Rukia."
Rukia's heart swelled, floating on cloud nine. She would've died a thousand times to hear those precious words. And he'd declared his love for her without her even asking. She would remember this moment... Forever.
Together they left the shrine, at peace. Each with an unspoken vow of unity. No matter what happened they would fight for each other.
But there was still something niggling in the back of her mind; Something unnoticed. One... tiny... detail... Then it clicked. It had been staring at her right in the face. One. The newspaper articles had claimed that all 330 passengers and 3 crew members onboard had perished in the crash. Yet the flight manifestation log that Byakuya had dug up stated there were 331 passengers. So one was missing. A lone survivor - And possibly the one responsible for that tragic accident.
She froze.
Sensing her sudden mood change, Byakuya stopped too. Rukia had gone white as a ghost.
"What is the matter?"
Taken aback, Rukia fought hard to dampen the rising dreaded feeling. "How long until you have to go to work?"
"An hour." Checking his watch to confirm, he kept calm and composed until she elaborated further on her odd line of questioning.
"Okay, I think you'd better come with me. We have one hour to find a missing passenger."
Rukia held his hand tighter and sped up heading back to the Archive room. Byakuya made no reply and just went with it. Time would tell...
Author's Notes: Kuchiki Yashiki - Kuchiki Manor. Minamikawase - Is a region in Karakura. For those of you who don't know this, Karakura is the town featured in the Human World in Bleach. Miyagawa River and Ise are real-life places. Itami (Osaka) and Haneda (Tokyo) Airport is the commonly referred to name for both airports. The crash scene that features in this story is loosely based on an actual plane disaster.
Extra Special Thanks to; CallMeSenseiKuchiki, Nyanmaru94, ra7matigorti2, YuzurihaNoRyuu, BexBlueDragon, CielDoll, Guest, vicky73, LuciL06, DRUON, Emily, Guest, arlingtonsteward, Lilith's Heart, ANONYMBYAKURUKIFAN, bxrfan, Yuki-Onna 0, Anne, seras3791, Jasmine, ReckoningDay, aria, silverqueen, Darth-Taisha & Tank for your reviews.
-Tank: Thanks very much for pointing that out, I really appreciate it. You're so right. I'll have it fixed on the next update.
Also a HUGE Thank you to all the new readers/followers of this fic. And for the favorites/alert adds! From the bottom of my heart, Thank you All!