It's finally time for an update for 'Demons from My Past'. :D I apologize for the late update, it's been more than a month since the last chapter but do know that this story is never far from my mind. ;) I'm currently having a semester break and have been busy soaking up all the old, fun things in my home country. :D
If some of you have noticed, I have been doing some non-Demons related writing, with two new fics out under my name. :) One of them is the sequel fic to 'To Win You Back' and the other one is for another Bleach pairing. Do have a look at these new works if you are interested in reading in a different premise. :)
I also have plans for more new fics soon, probably two more. I know it's a lot, but I guess I just want to put some ideas out instead of holding them back, and then develop them where my interests go. I think that would give me more free rein and not constrict my writing to just one story. We will see how it goes. :)
I thank you all for the reviews of the last chapter, I hope a lot of you had loved it. :) This here is Chapter 25, hope you enjoy.
Completeness… and bliss…
A pale hand hovered over the oval face, before reaching down to gently sweep stray strands of hair from the gentle slope of a cheek. Byakuya watched Rukia sleeping next to him, his grey eyes soft and filled with subtle wonder. He had been lying in this position for the past three hours with his face propped up on one arm, staring at the small beautiful angel sleeping so close to him, and occasionally touching her gently at places. It was approximately three in the morning but Byakuya could not bring himself to sleep, not when he could do something so wonderful as looking at Rukia as she slumbered. He had dreamt many times of such a moment, when he could hold her in his arms in bed and just feel her breathe next to him. Right now, her eyes were closed and her chest lifted peacefully with each breath she took. The white sheets covered her chest, but barely reached up to her smooth bare shoulders.
If he could, Byakuya wanted to wake up everyday to see her the first thing in the morning. Wake up and get ready for work, and watch her sleeping happily in their bed. Every morning like this, for the rest of his life. Forever.
Byakuya reached out and put his arms around Rukia, before gently pulling her closer to him. She stirred just slightly but did not awake, the energy drainage was still a bit too much. Byakuya bent closer and kissed her softly on her nose. Unable to control himself, he kissed her on the nose again, chuckling as he did so. Rukia shifted slightly again but her eyes remained close. Instead, she buried her head deeper into his chest and slept on. Byakuya smiled and kissed her one more time, but on the top of her head.
And bliss…
xXxXx
Rukia opened her eyes slowly and blinked slightly, her senses cloudy. Where was she? She was lying on something very soft and she felt very warm and it was very dark around her. It all gave Rukia a sense of comfort, slowly lulling her back to sleep…
Bya…
Byakuya…
Rukia's eyes opened a little wider, but only a little wider. Her whole body felt tired and lethargic, she couldn't even open her eyes fully. Even her senses appeared dulled. "Hmm…"
Rukia started to move but a strong arm immediately wrapped around her waist.
"Where do you think you are going?" The deep, husky voice whispered close to her ear.
Rukia then realized she was lying on a soft bed and sleeping so close to Byakuya, both of them covered by soft blankets. Now, his misty grey eyes stared easily at her.
"I…"
A sexy smile curled Byakuya's lips. "It's Sunday and still early out, Rukia. Go back to bed…" He pulled her closer to his warm body under the sheets. Rukia felt her bare skin press against his and a slight blush tinted her cheeks.
"I…"
Byakuya bent his head down to nuzzle his face into her hair. "It's comfortable like this, is it not?"
"Ah…" Rukia felt her cheeks grow even hotter. But it was true, it felt so nice like this with Byakuya… and so… so sleepy…
"You are still tired, Rukia..." Byakuya's low voice was like a baritone hum already making her drift off.
"Sleep now. I will wake you up when it's time…" Rukia was already fast asleep before Byakuya finished his sentence.
xXxXx
Sleep now…
You are still tired…
Rukia shifted slightly on the bed as she burrowed deeper into the thick, warm comforter. She shifted again and opened her eyes groggily. Bright, white light splashed across the room, making Rukia blink a few times for her vision to adjust.
It was already morning.
Rukia gasped, and hurriedly got up in bed. She stared down at the bed she had been sleeping on. It was white and soft, and the thick comforter was a matching light cream colour. The bed was huge and bouncy and Victorian-styled, with high wooden bedsteads and a beautiful white bed canopy tied up overhead.
Rukia looked around the wide bedroom for the first time, taking in the huge study table and chairs, the oil paintings on the wall, the three big cupboards and the huge glass doors which opened out onto a white balcony. From the balcony, Rukia thought she could hear the sounds of waves crashing on a shore.
She remembered that she had been in this room just the night before but she hadn't been paying much attention to the articles in the room. Not when Byakuya's lips were persistently nipping on her neck and his warm hands roamed over areas where no one had ever touched her at before. Not when he had her pressed up against the cupboard, his mouth moving dangerously down her chest as her legs straddled him near the waist. Not when he moved passionately over her on the bed, their hips bucking in urgency together.
Rukia felt a horrible blush coming on and shook her head furiously to clear those thoughts away. She moved slightly and noticed that she was actually wearing something. Rukia looked down at the thin white cotton dress she was wearing and blushed slightly. So Byakuya had put some clothes on her while she slept. What was worse, she was even wearing a proper pair of bra and panties! Rukia momentarily flashed on a Byakuya putting on her undergarments for her, and felt more heat rush to her face.
This was so embarrassing!
Rukia got off the bed and was about to peek out the door when it suddenly opened. She watched with wide eyes as a fresh-looking (and very handsome) Byakuya stepped in, dressed in an unbuttoned black shirt and loose white pants. A smile curled his lips as he caught sight of her.
"Good morning, Rukia."
"G-Good morning."
"I put some clothes on for you because I thought you might wake up cold." Byakuya motioned slightly to her dress. "The seaside breeze can be rather icy sometimes."
"Oh… arigato." Rukia bowed politely, not knowing what to say.
A flash of surprise crossed Byakuya's grey eyes but his smile only got a little wider. "Would you like to bathe first?" he asked, striding easily to a white door and opening it. "After you have bathed, breakfast will be waiting downstairs."
"Oh… okay." Rukia gingerly stepped past Byakuya into the bathroom, which held a white polished sink, a white built-in jacuzzi bathtub, a glass shower stall and a full-length mirror.
"If the dress is not suited to your taste, I can get you a selection of other clothes to change into," Byakuya spoke, starting to turn away.
"No!" Rukia reflexively reached out and tugged on his hand to prevent him the trouble. Byakuya stopped and turned to her with a soft smile. Rukia hurriedly let go off his hand.
"I mean… that won't be necessary. The dress is fine, it's very pretty."
"I'm glad." Byakuya smiled and closed the door gently behind him when Rukia had stepped in completely.
Rukia leaned back against the door and let out her breath. What was wrong with her? She was being so stiff and formal with him… after they had shared so much together last night. But just the thought of what they were doing last night… Rukia felt the heat easily rush to her face. They had been so passionate… so fierce, aggressive… so… so erotic. Rukia had never been that way, nor felt that way with any man before.
The petite girl shook her head again like a dog trying to clear stubborn flies around its ears, and stripped off her clothes in front of the mirror. Rukia gasped as she caught sight of the bright red marks on her body.
Love bites.
So many of them.
Oh my…
Rukia put her hand to her mouth and hurriedly made her way over to the shower stall and turned on the warm water. As the steam fogged up the glass, Rukia started to scrub hard on her skin, experimentally trying to wear down one mark with force. Or reddening her skin enough to camouflage the bite mark somehow, whatever that could make the marks disappear.
It was to no avail.
Her skin would eventually return to its porcelain colour except for the hickey, which bloomed an obvious red on her skin.
Oh no no…
Then something even worse happened. She heard the toilet door open and saw Byakuya walk into the bathroom.
Byakuya exited the bathroom, a tiny smile playing around the corners of his lips.
Rukia… you are so adorable.
He had made his way down to the dining hall before realizing he had not provided Rukia with the one single necessary apparel… a towel. The Incubus had then retrieved a fluffy white terry from the linen cabinet before going upstairs. He had not bothered knocking on the door or calling out to Rukia. But the minute Byakuya entered the bathroom, his eardrums immediately told him that he should have done so first.
Byakuya first heard a very funny squeak coming from the foggy shower stall, and he would have thought his showerhead had malfunctioned had it not been for the apparent jump the little figure in the shower stall made at his entrance. Then she had started to shout at him in a panic, the jumbled words barely making sense to him. Also, as she shouted, Rukia did not realize that she had moved closer to the glass and made her own body even more apparent to him.
Byakuya just smiled at her and hung the towel up before exiting the bathroom quietly.
She was so… so endearing. Byakuya did not know why but there was something in her… something in this girl… which fulfilled, completed him.
Rukia was natural, a fresh rainbow in a woman's body. She was lively, fierce, clumsy and adorable. She could make him smile or laugh so easily, and she was not afraid to put him in his place, even if the end result was funny.
He could take a thousand sexy women from his promiscuous past and have sex with them simultaneously and still it would not even compare to this. Being with Rukia. Having Rukia move beneath him in rhythm together, hear her moans, feel her hands scratch at his arms as he pinned them on either side of her. Feel her needing him. And making her his. It was unbelievable.
And it wasn't purely sexual. He loved watching her sleep next to him, her adorable hands pulling him close, her even more adorable face tucked near his chest. He loved playing with her hair as she slept, letting the soft strands flow through his fingers again and again as he weaved them gently through her hair. He loved hearing the little grunts she made as she snored… sometimes. Byakuya would chuckle and press a kiss onto her nose each time that happened. But most of all, he loved watching her awake, watch those beautiful purple eyes slowly make their appearance and widen as they locked on his. Watch the deep red bloom on her cheeks as she realized they were in each other's embrace, their bare skins touching.
And she was beautiful. Her eyes, her hair, her perfect body that fit into his, even her adorable blush. The sight of her semi-visible wet naked body behind the shower stall just now had been terribly arousing. Byakuya could just make out all her ample curves dotted with water droplets, it was a feat of heroic nature that he could walk all the way out from the room looking so unperturbed. But if he hadn't been… satiated last night, he would probably have barged in the stall in a second and made love to her under the shower.
A mischievous smile appeared on Byakuya's lips as he walked into the dining hall. But there would be plenty of time for that.
xXxXx
Rukia peeked into the huge dining hall, feeling a little nervous and awkward. After practically shouting at Byakuya for coming in the bathroom while she was bathing (and then finding out that it was only because he came to give her a towel), she was very embarrassed and guilty. Also, it was her own mistake for not locking the bathroom door in the first place.
"Hello." The deep voice greeted her and Rukia jumped, looking to her left. She caught sight of a beautiful long wooden oak dining table, with at least ten chairs. Byakuya sat at one end where plates of food had been laid out. He motioned to the chair opposite him. "Come, Rukia."
Rukia hurried over to the table and bowed. "I'm sorry for overreacting just now. I really didn't-
"That's alright, Rukia. It was my mistake for not knocking on the door beforehand. Please sit."
"No, it's not like that!" Rukia shook her head stubbornly. "I was very rude, I'm sorry."
Byakuya rested his chin on his hand as he fixed his beautiful grey eyes on her. "If I accept the apology, then will you sit and have breakfast with me?"
"Oh… of course."
Byakuya spoke, "Then I accept, Rukia."
Rukia nodded and seated herself at the dining table. She saw that there were silvers plates of fried sausages, ham, eggs, baked beans and salad laid out. It all smelled delicious.
"I hope you would not mind a Western-styled breakfast, Rukia."
"Ah?" Rukia looked up. "No… not at all. Western food is fine." To reinforce her statement, she took up her fork and promptly took up a piece of sausage onto her plate. Byakuya also started to take some food onto his own plate.
Rukia quietly lifted her eyes to look at Byakuya. He was chewing his food easily with his eyes fixed on his plate, both his hands expertly manipulating the fork and knife to cut through some meat. His hair fell down to his collars in an elegant manner and even his-
Rukia's eyes widened as she caught sight of a red something on his neck. A red something that looked terribly like…
Unknowingly, she craned her neck slightly to better look at Byakuya's neck. No no… could it be…
Rukia drew in her breath sharply when she was finally sure of what it was. A fresh love bite, right on Byakuya's neck!
Did she… actually do that?
"What is it?" The deep voice spoke and Rukia jumped. Her eyes immediately locked on Byakuya's grey ones, which were now staring intently at her. Rukia's eyes betrayed her as they traveled back to the hickey on Byakuya's neck.
Byakuya easily followed her eyes and Rukia watched as he lifted a pale hand to his neck. Then he lifted his eyes to hers and a sexy smile curled his lips.
"This? This is something you have given to me which I love very much… and will wear proudly for all to see."
Rukia's cheeks burned and she hurriedly shoveled food into her mouth so she could bend her head down. She wondered in a horrible panic how many of those had she given Byakuya last night. This was so embarrassing!
"Why are you so shy all of a sudden?"
Rukia looked up from her plate at the question.
Byakuya only gazed back at her. "You weren't so shy with me last night."
Rukia was amazed smoke didn't make it out of her ears, considering how hot her face felt. She dug more into her bowl, wondering if she could just emulate an ostrich, make the bowl a hole in the ground and just stick her head in. She heard Byakuya chuckle softly before he resumed eating.
The human and Incubus both ate breakfast for a while in silence.
Finally, Rukia took a deep breath and looked up. "Byakuya, I…" Rukia stopped slightly as she deliberated, as if trying to weigh her words.
"What is it?" Byakuya asked.
"I wanted to tell you… it's us, Byakuya. I…" Rukia stopped again as Byakuya stopped smiling. He recognized that look in Rukia's eyes, that fierce serious look. Whatever she said after that usually culminated along the lines of telling him that they were not meant to be.
"Tell me what is bothering you, Rukia," Byakuya spoke. "Did I hurt you last night? Was it bad?" he added, though he highly doubted that those were the reasons. He knew his own skills in bed, and he had taken extra care not to bruise her so much, though that could not be helped in those overwhelming passionate moments.
Rukia breathed in and then she looked up at Byakuya. "No, it's not that at all. What I wanted to say was that I… didn't get off to a good start with your family. I was upset… after what they told me and I cowardly ran off. I didn't know what to say, they were all these…" Rukia waved her hand around the dining hall, as if to make a comparison with the expensive, artful woodwork. "… elegant, beautiful people, so rich… and I felt very… small. Byakuya, you were very kind to come after me…" Rukia looked up and a small smile played on her lips. "I did a lot of thinking in the shower just now and I…"
The sharp sound of glass shattering overhead jolted Rukia and her words stopped. She looked up at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, puzzled to see that one of the crystals had suddenly chosen to break without any external trigger.
"It's not going to be like the last time."
Rukia's eyes widened at the deep voice, and her eyes moved back to Byakuya. He was looking straight at her, and that was when she noticed his fists were clenched near his plate.
"I'm not leaving you after a bed session, like it's all money and business. I do not care anymore if you think that this gap is too big to bridge, or too difficult to overcome. I will never leave you… and I have already told you the reason before. What I want from you is not sex." Rukia did not look away from Byakuya as his eyes leveled on hers.
"I want... you, Rukia."
Byakuya clenched his fists and maintained his calm exterior, despite the horrible sick feeling welling up inside him. Was this what rejection felt like? So Rukia was going to tell him he was better off with those stupid Succubi and to just forget everything that happened last night? That his family was just too much for her to handle? Run away from him again... because she believes she is not the best for him? Byakuya had tried his very best to make last night a night Rukia would never forget. He thought he had been really good last night. Scratch that, last night had been mindblowing. Maybe the overt sexual experience had terrified her? But it didn't seem so then, she had been so responsive and passionate… and had even been aggressive on him at moments (the latter aroused him to no ends).
Byakuya spoke. "You told me one thing last night, Rukia. One priceless thing I have waited months to hear." A second's beat before he spoke again. "You told me you loved me." He fixed his grey eyes on hers. "Did you not mean it?"
"Then did you mean what you said to me last night?" Rukia asked back.
Surprise flitted across Byakuya's eyes but he nodded. "I do, Rukia."
"Because I haven't finished talking, Byakuya." Rukia looked up and she smiled a bright smile. It was honest, a little hesitant but a strong bright smile. "I want to try. I love you, Byakuya. So what I wanted to tell you… about us… I want to try."
I really want to try.
The pair of violet eyes were bright. "I would like to meet your family again someday."
Byakuya's eyes widened but Rukia had already looked down and started sipping her orange juice. She looked up at the momentarily stunned Incubus and it was her turn to motion to the food.
"Eat, Byakuya."
"Rukia."
"Hmm?" Rukia looked up from her juice as Byakuya leaned closer to her across the table.
"Arigato." He moved in and kissed her softly on her orange juice-moisted lips. Then he drew back slightly and ran one finger gently down her cheek. "Would you like a tour of the house after breakfast?" Byakuya's voice was just slightly husky, as he leaned in again for another kiss. "And we could… make the drawing room our final stop."
xXxXx
"Thank you again for the dress. Are you sure you don't want to-
"Rukia."
Rukia tucked the bag containing the expensive green evening gown in her arms as she shifted slightly in the passenger seat of the car. She knew there was no dissuading Byakuya when he used that firm tone of voice. "Okay. Arigato."
After they had finished breakfast, Byakuya had taken Rukia for a tour of his beachside bungalow. It was a very beautiful and spacious luxury house, and he had even drawn a little for her in the drawing room. He also had a music room that housed a grand piano and Byakuya showed Rukia that he could expertly play the piano and seven other different kinds of musical instruments. Rukia could only listen and wonder in awe how he managed to acquire so many talents throughout the years of his life. And then, it was finally time to go home.
"It was my pleasure. You can tell me anytime you would like to go over there, we can do a weekend outing or something."
Rukia smiled and nodded.
"And I would like to go in and see Otousan, if you don't mind," Byakuya spoke.
Rukia looked up in surprise. "Oh?"
Byakuya smiled at her confusion. "You might have told him after the Nagoya gala night but I haven't personally formalized our relationship to Otousan. I feel a need to do that…" Byakuya reached out and touched his hand to Rukia's cheek. "… especially now that we have taken it to another level."
Rukia's cheeks warmed but her eyes remained wide. "What are you going to tell him?" Her tone betrayed her nervousness, and Byakuya chuckled softly.
"Nothing that will cause a father to whip out a rifle and shoot the unsuspecting boyfriend." Byakuya smiled but then he grew serious. "I just want to be really clear and transparent about you to Otousan."
Rukia nodded slightly and looked to the front gate. "Okay, but I think he's not in yet. He's probably still over at his friend's house."
"I see. Can you invite me over for dinner tomorrow then? Or shall I invite myself?"
Rukia chuckled and nodded. "Okay."
Byakuya smiled and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. "I will see you then, Rukia."
"See you."
xXxXx
"This must be a lie." The cold voice spoke in the even colder room. "To even begin to contemplate this possibility… no one would even do so."
"I know. But it is what I have seen, with my own eyes. It is also the urgent issue circulating around the Kuchiki inner circle. The higher-ups are trying very hard to cover the matter up with strategically-placed faux information."
"Kuchiki Byakuya…" The smooth voice toyed on the syllables, dancing with a tone of mild amusement. "I would not have believed this of you." The long fingers swept through the paper, and a clear glossy photograph. "So the reason you left Seattle… and the homecoming dinner your beloved clan set up for you…
"… was for a single human girl."
The fingers toyed with the photograph again and the dim light played on the features of the person in the photograph. Black hair, an oval face, and violet eyes.
"Does this girl have some use for you?" The voice continued playfully, yet thoughtfully. "Since the lion… appears to have fallen in love with the lamb?"
xXxXx
"Good morning, Mister Kuchiki." Byakuya nodded curtly in response at his secretary as he arrived at his office suite in the morning.
"Mister Kuchiki?" His secretary called again as he walked past her.
"What is it?" Byakuya turned, masking the slight irritation behind a calm exterior.
"Oh. Madam Unohana has requested for your presence in her office upon your arrival." The secretary appeared to bristle slightly at mentioning Unohana's name.
"Thank you, Miko." Byakuya nodded and walked into the office suite. He placed his suitcase on the side of his desk before moving to retrieve the paper lying on his desk. It had been personally written by Unohana herself, and no doubt been delivered by her assistant, Isane.
Byakuya, please meet me in my office when you come in today. Thank you. Unohana-sensei.
If the note did not look like an incoming disciplinary action meeting at a principal's office, Byakuya did not know what else did. But Byakuya was never an Incubus to fear such a meeting, especially not when the "crime" in question was something he would never ever regret doing.
Byakuya tucked away the note as he took out the documents from his suitcase and laid them out on the desk. He had predicted this reaction ever since he left the dinner party on Saturday night, and all that was left to be seen was how bad it actually was.
The handsome Incubus stood up from his desk, brushed off his coat and exited the office suite.
"Byakuya."
"Unohana-sensei."
"You seem to be in very good spirits," Unohana remarked as Byakuya closed her office door and walked up to her desk. "Take a seat."
"I am, thank you, Sensei." Byakuya settled down elegantly into the armchair.
"Did you have a good weekend?"
Byakuya lifted his eyes to the long-haired Succubus. "Let us not play the pretend guessing game when we both know why I am sitting here, Sensei. But my weekend was absolutely terrific, thanks to Rukia."
A flash passed through the dark blue eyes of Unohana. "Rukia."
"Rukia." Byakuya repeated, his expression devoid of emotion.
"That unexpected exit you did on Saturday was definitely shocking, Byakuya. You left so many guests confused and I had to use the usual appendectomy excuse for your absence at your own celebratory dinner. After the dinner, I had the inner members of the Kuchiki clan stem the rumours, so as to limit the speculations on your absence."
"We both know the reason why I left." Byakuya did not look away from Unohana. "Yumichika should thank the Heavens that he is still alive. Nevertheless, I sincerely thank you for covering for my absence, Sensei."
"You know that the both of you will not have a good ending as a couple, Byakuya," Unohana replied softly.
"Do I?"
"Then do I have to mention the vast difference of age between the both of you?" Unohana put her hands together in front of her. "The girl probably doesn't even know this supposed man she is in love with."
"She knows him. He is Kuchiki Byakuya."
"She does not, because she does not even know that he is not human," Unohana pointed out.
Byakuya kept silent but he did not look away.
"And she does not know… that he feeds from her."
The grey eyes widened but the dark blue ones remained calm. "I know, Byakuya. An Incubus and a Succubus are both similar entities, only differing in gender. When a Succubus think she has found her soulmate, she will only choose to feed from that one demon. An Incubus should not be any different. I presumed that is what you have been doing with the human girl Rukia?"
Byakuya kept silent.
"You cannot call that a real relationship when the man lies to the woman about his real identity, and is frequently leeching off her energy."
"Then what if I choose not to lie to her anymore?"
Unohana looked at Byakuya. "You know you cannot do that. A human is never allowed to know of the existence of demons. The minute a mortal catches wind of such information, he or she will be exterminated by our clan, you already know this, Byakuya. It is a checkmate for you either way."
Unohana stopped for a while to let her statements sink in. "You have only one action to choose, and that which should have been done a long time ago." She leaned back in her seat. "You must break up with Rukia."
Byakuya elegantly rose from the chair. "Is that all you have to say to me, Sensei?"
"I think that is about it, Byakuya."
"Then I shall take my leave now. Thank you."
"Thank you." Unohana looked at the retreating back of Byakuya.
xXxXx
"Byakuya!" Rukia smiled happily as she opened the glass door of the flower shop, causing the bell above to tinkle merrily.
"Rukia." Byakuya leaned down to kiss a surprised Rukia squarely on the lips.
"Oh, this…" Rukia looked Byakuya up and down in happy surprise.
"What… this?" Byakuya fingered the grey knitted sweater he was now wearing over a white long-sleeved shirt. "I like this sweater very much, I think it matches my eyes." He cocked his head to one side, causing the black strands of his hair to fall over his grey eye.
Rukia long knew that this sweater would match his eye colour. She knew that this shade was perfect as she chose the particular wool colour in the shop, knew it as she sat down to knit that very sweater. The sweater that she had never managed to give to him on the painful night he left for Seattle. The sweater that she passed to Renji, thinking that it might be the last of him she ever saw. The sweater that Byakuya was now wearing, as he smiled down at her.
"It… matches you."
"Perfectly, I shall add." Byakuya bent down and nuzzled his face into her hair. "Arigato, Rukia."
"So… shall we?" Rukia smiled and turned to head back into the house after locking the glass door and turning the "Closed" sign to face outward to the street. She reached out and once again took Byakuya's hand to lead him, causing his grey eyes to soften as he looked down at their fingers intertwined.
"Otousan is finishing the final touches on his secret dishes and wouldn't let me in the kitchen for the final few ones!" Rukia laughed. "He has been planning the recipes from yesterday, when I told him you wanted to come over."
"I feel very happy to hear that."
Rukia stopped in the living room and turned around to face him. "Did something... happen again?"
A flash passed through Byakuya's grey eyes but he cocked his head to one side. "No, why did you think so?"
"I don't know." Rukia shrugged. "You just seem… melancholy somehow." She smiled again. "Or maybe I'm just trying to look into you too much."
Her eyes widened as Byakuya suddenly pulled her close. "E-Eh?" Before she could react, he bent down and kissed her on her lips again as his arms tightened around her. Rukia's eyes slid close and she gently returned the kiss.
"You can look at me all you want, it's never going to be too much," Byakuya softly whispered into her ear when they broke apart.
"Ehh-hmmm…" The sound of someone clearing his throat at the living room doorway made Rukia jump. Both of them turned around to see Ukitake standing there, wearing an apron.
"Otousan!"
Byakuya walked forward and bowed to Ukitake. "Otousan, thank you very much for having me over for dinner again."
Ukitake smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "It is not a problem, Byakuya-san. Please, have a seat at the dinner table, dinner will be served shortly!"
"So I heard the Seattle business meeting was a success. Congratulations to you and the company, Byakuya-san!" Ukitake smiled at Byakuya as he helped himself to some spicy seafood stew.
Byakuya nodded. "Thank you. We did make the deal with the overseas company, it promises a lot of potential for our own business expansion abroad."
Ukitake smiled and helped himself to more food.
"Otousan?"
Both Rukia and Ukitake looked up. Byakuya bowed his head slightly for a bit, before lifting his eyes to the white-haired man. "You must be wondering why I seemed so secretive over my actual position in the company the last few months. I remembered I introduced myself rather subtly as a company worker without elaborating further on my real status in the enterprise."
Ukitake smiled as he took a bite of smoked eel. "I had to admit that when Rukia told me about your conference in Seattle, I was a little surprised."
Byakuya nodded. "I did not mean to cover up, Otousan. I just wanted to be able to approach you properly without any perceptions of economic status which might influence our interactions."
Ukitake nodded in turn. "I see. All is well, Byakuya-san, you need not worry."
"I deeply apologize for that, Otousan."
Ukitake smiled as Rukia looked at him. "Rich men don't scare me easily, Byakuya-san." Rukia chuckled slightly.
"And about Rukia…" Rukia stopped smiling as she looked up when Byakuya mentioned her name.
"We have just formalized our relationship about a week ago, but I did not personally inform you about that, Otousan. So I told Rukia I needed to come see you today so I could do so."
Ukitake smiled. "Byakuya-san, there is no need to be so uptight about the rules. All is fine, all is fine."
"Otousan, I also wanted to openly express my sincerity for your daughter, Rukia." Rukia's eyes widened as Ukitake smiled in surprise. "I covered up my position in the company because I wanted to be able to interact with you properly, and hopefully to bond with you in a positive way. I understand that a parent's approval is crucial to a relationship and I wanted to win your favour, because I wanted a relationship with Rukia very much. I love her and I will take care of her to the best of my abilities. I hope you will never have any worries when she is with me, Otousan."
Rukia turned slightly pink as Ukitake turned to look at her. "Byakuya-san, I know you only want the best for Rukia. I'm not worrying."
"How can you say such embarrassing things?"
Byakuya cocked a perfect eyebrow up. "Embarrassing?"
Rukia nodded as they walked side by side. It was after dinner and she had decided to go out to buy some cold beverages at the nearby mart. Byakuya had dutifully got up and followed her, a smiling Ukitake waving them off at the door. Now Rukia looked up at Byakuya. "Yes, it was! You sounded like some traditional man…" The light pink tinged her cheeks again. "… proposing… or something." Rukia hurriedly mumbled the rest of the words in a hurry to get them out.
"Would it surprise you if I someday do?"
Rukia's eyes widened but then they relaxed easily. "Ah… I don't know."
Both of them smiled as they walked on.
"Rukia?"
"Hmmm?"
"I would like to tell you everything about me someday."
Rukia smiled and nodded. "And I will listen when that day comes."
"Arigato… I'm sorry."
Rukia chuckled softly. "A thank you and an apology together." She wrinkled her nose. "Doesn't mix well."
Byakuya stared at Rukia quietly. She was smiling contentedly as she walked alongside him.
"Rukia, you are welcome to come to my office anytime."
"Oh?"
Byakuya smiled slightly. "That is, if you ever find yourself wanting to visit me."
"Oh." Rukia smiled back at him. "Okay then." Her eyes lit up as she looked ahead. "We are here! You wait outside, I will get those drinks in a minute!" She dashed into the mart and Byakuya watched the small figure disappear down one of the line of racks.
Rukia, what do I do?
Do I keep you in the dark, in this beautiful warm bubble we are floating in? Or do I tell you the truth… and risk everything in the moment? I do not fear the threats my clan will pose on you at all. With me around, no one can ever touch you. But I am afraid… I am afraid of how you will see me. Most of all, I'm afraid you will run away. I am afraid of seeing the fear and disgust in your eyes when you look upon the real me, something which I have never seen and never wish to see.
I have become afraid… because I think I love you too much now.
Because I am so afraid… at the idea of losing you forever.
xXxXx
RING!
"Moshi moshi!" The bright tone of voice exploded on the line.
"Geez, Matsumoto. No offence but your voice annoys me."
Matsumoto laughed merrily again as she drove her BMW down one of the streets in town. The Succubus had suddenly decided on the spur of the moment to have a picnic-themed lunch and drove down into town to pick up some food. In her passenger seat was a bottle of apple cider, turkey-and-ham sandwiches, salads and some nice pastries. To top it all off, a cute woven basket housed all the food. Matsumoto was never one to tone down the festivities.
"And yet you called my number somehow," she spoke playfully.
"Of course." Renji's voice was grumpy. "Who else can I speak to after I just got grilled by Unohana-sensei? Byakuya?"
"That's very logical." Matsumoto nodded. "So how was it?"
"You know how it was." Renji's voice was knowing. "You went through it just a few days ago, haven't you?"
"Of course." Matsumoto nodded again, even though Renji could not see her. Then the Succubus put on a fake, merry tone. "But how would the cute, lost Rangiku know anything about Byakuya's dinner date at Azaris?"
"Geez." Matsumoto heard Renji slap a palm to his forehead. "You have it easy, with that no-brains front you have on. She didn't let me off so easy, knowing I'm one of Byakuya's closer friends."
"It's not a no-brains front, idiot." Matsumoto spoke easily. "It's hidden brilliance. And everybody knows I'm also one of Byakuya's closer friends. The fact that I was let off the hook so easily compared to you just proved who the smarter demon is."
"Ahhh…" Renji's voice came out exasperated. "So did she tell you the same thing she told me?"
"That it was important that we gave out all the information we know because it was going to be for Byakuya's best interests?"
"So it was the same," Renji replied. "What did you tell her?"
"I faked all dumb and lost, and then suggested innocently that perhaps Byakuya knows what's best for himself?"
"Actually… that was what I was thinking." Renji's voice came out hesitant.
"What?"
"That maybe Byakuya doesn't really know what's best for him."
"Come on, Renji," Matsumoto groaned. "You didn't eat up her holier-than-thou goodness speech, did you? She's just out to separate Byakuya from Rukia!"
"Well… maybe that isn't such a bad thing-
"Renji." Matsumoto's voice was warning.
"What I'm saying is… well, we can't really see both of them heading anywhere good! That's all I'm saying!" Renji protested.
"Then why did you call Byakuya back from Seattle that time?"
"I-"
"Why did you allow him to escape the dinner party then?"
"I-"
"Can you see Byakuya heading anywhere good… without Rukia?"
There was silence on the end of the line. "No… no, I don't."
"It's because you know how much she means to him."
More silence.
"Matsumoto?"
"What?"
"This is going to be big. This small issue… about one human girl… is going to turn demons against demons. It's going to turn us against our own kind."
"Then you would rather fight on Unohana-sensei's side?" Matsumoto's voice was serious, but her eyes were twinkling slightly. It was because she already knew the answer. "You would rather hurt Rukia's feelings and watch her cry, and then force her to tell Byakuya she never wants to see him again? Even if you don't mind hurting Rukia, would you be able to look at Byakuya when he comes in for office? If he even comes in for office?"
"I never said I would hurt Rukia!" Renji's voice was firm, and Matsumoto smiled. "And of course I will fight for Byakuya!"
"So?" Matsumoto chuckled. "I think you are just in a bad mood over the questioning. Tell you what, I will buy you drinks at the usual pub tonight, how about that? Now, I'm heading off for my picnic lunch, I will see you back at the office!"
She pressed the 'End Call' button and hit the brakes slightly as she watched the traffic light turn red up ahead. The BMW slowed to a stop as the pedestrians started to make their way from one end of the street to another.
The blue eyes widened slightly as the Succubus caught sight of a familiar figure crossing the street.
Speak of the Devil.
"Rukia!" Matsumoto stuck one perferctly-manicured hand out and started waving.
"Rangiku-san, it's very nice of you to ask me out for lunch. What were you doing in the area?" Rukia asked as she munched on some sandwich.
"Getting the feast prepared." Matsumoto gestured at the food spread out all around them. The Succubus had stopped the human girl who had been coincidentally in the area as she headed back after purchasing some cheap wrapping paper for the flower shop. They had then travelled out to Matsumoto's intended destination, a nearby park where they then laid out all the food underneath a shady tree.
"I just decided I wanted a little picnic for lunch today but nobody wanted to follow on the idea." Matsumoto laughed as she poured herself a glass of apple cider. "You can run away anytime when you feel like I'm embarrassing you, Rukia."
Rukia smiled. "I actually like it."
Matsumoto smiled back and poured her a glass of cider.
"So how are things between you and Byakuya? I assumed you two got hot and heavy after Renji and I helped him leave the dinner party?"
Rukia blushed slightly but then smiled. "We are very good, thank you." She tore off a small piece of bread to munch. "Actually, Rangiku-san, I've wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Are you and Renji a couple?"
"No, we are not!" Matsumoto waved her hand, laughing. "I already have a partner."
"Oh." Rukia smiled in surprise. "I remembered Renji telling me no but I thought he might be joking, because the both of you are very close."
"We are. But just very close friends."
"I should meet your boyfriend sometime then." Rukia smiled.
Matsumoto snapped her fingers. "You are right! We can double-date or something, you and Byakuya and me and Gin!"
"So Gin's his name?"
Matsumoto nodded. "Ichimaru Gin. But Byakuya doesn't really like him much."
"Oh?"
"But Gin's alright, he's very protective and dependable of his loved ones." Matsumoto smiled. "Once you get to know him, I'm sure you will like him."
"I'm sure I will too."
Matsumoto chuckled and offered Rukia the salad. "Gin and I, we work under Byakuya in the company. I don't know but Byakuya doesn't really seem to trust Gin much. But then again, he doesn't trust most people, save those in his closer circle of colleagues."
"Oh, I see."
"But he's getting better now."
Rukia blinked at Matsumoto's reply.
"You changed our Byakuya, Rukia."
Rukia looked up in surprise and Matsumoto smiled kindly at her. "I would say you changed him for the better. He smiles rather often now, not by much but you know what I mean. He reserves more respect for others, and he seems to let Renji and myself in to more of his private affairs. He is now less cold, less arrogant, and a little less guarded." Matsumoto took a drink of apple cider. "It's not to say these characteristics weren't in him right from the beginning. They might have been, but the hard training and work he had to undergo to become president of Azaris probably buried them deep down inside. I would say you are bringing them out again, Rukia." Matsumoto smiled.
"Ah." Rukia drank a little from her cup.
"We are members working for a very strict organization, Rukia." Matsumoto nodded. "We follow very tight rules and are expected to perform no less than above the expectations. In return, we get all these…" Matsumoto waved at her pretty dress and shoes. "But of course, there are many prices to be paid in exchange for the luxuries in life. Byakuya is right at the top, and so suffers the most of these rules. Even falling in love with the wrong person would be considered a crime in itself."
Rukia's eyes widened but Matsumoto went on.
"Of course, there are a lot of people who would prefer the old Byakuya, the stoic, cold and formidable chief of our company. Those are the ones who probably would be, and some who had already been hostile to you." Rukia nodded slowly, listening. "But there are also those, like me and Abarai, who think Byakuya is a much better person than he was previously. And of course, we do like you." Matsumoto winked and Rukia could only smile at the beautiful woman.
Matsumoto spoke up thoughtfully after a minute. "But if you asked me personally, I would agree that falling in love with the wrong person is indeed a crime."
Rukia's eyes widened.
"But this is where I believe Byakuya has done nothing wrong…" Matsumoto's eyes were firm. "… because I believe he has fallen in love with just the right woman for him."
Rukia looked up and her violet eyes softened. "Arigatou, Rangiku-san." Her voice came out soft.
"Such a silly girl." Rukia's eyes widened as Matsumoto reached out and hugged the petite human. "No matter what happens, Rukia, always remember this." The Succubus spoke quietly into Rukia's ear. "Byakuya loves you very much, he loves you more than his own life… and has never loved another or anything more than he loves you."
xXxXx
"Byakuya…" Rukia spoke in a warning tone, but a smile played upon her lips.
"What?" Byakuya's deep voice hid an underlying tone of playfulness.
"Don't talk like that," Rukia replied, keeping the phone between her ear and shoulder as she carried a vase of roses over to her work table in her florist shop.
"Okay… Rukia." Byakuya spoke her name a little slower, lingering slightly on the last syllable. Rukia felt shivers run through her spine momentarily.
"Not that," she laughed as she started cutting up stalks of roses, a sheet of pink wrapping paper next to it.
"Then what?" Byakuya's voice came out emotionless, but she knew he was teasing.
"That. You were talking about your work schedule just now and all of a sudden, you went 'Rukia, I really want to touch you'!" Rukia exclaimed, ignoring her silly heart that beat a little faster as she repeated the suggestive words Byakuya had just told her over the phone.
"What about it?" Byakuya's voice was easy. "I don not like to lie to my girlfriend. I really do want to touch you, Rukia… so I merely voiced it out."
"We just saw each other three days ago," Rukia spoke, her cheeks warm. She finished cutting the roses and started to tie a pink ribbon around the bouquet.
"Three days is a very long time, Rukia, and I get hungry easily."
Again, that tingle of electricity down her spine. "Byakuya!"
Rukia heard him chuckle on the line. "Are you almost finished with work? How many bouquets are left?"
"Just one."
"Finish and then lock up properly. Tell Otousan, I send my regards."
"You too, and don't skip dinner later," Rukia replied. "Bye, Byakuya."
"Bye, Rukia."
Rukia smiled and clicked the phone off. As she moved to retrieve the wrapping paper, the shop phone rang again. She picked it up. Was Byakuya trying to be naughty again?
"Hello," she sang.
"Hello." A smooth, male voice spoke. It wasn't Byakuya's. "Is this Amor Florals?"
"Yes." Rukia smiled. "Would you like to place an order?"
"Is this Ukitake Rukia speaking?"
Rukia blinked slightly at the strange question. "Oh. Yes, it is. I am Ukitake Rukia."
"I see." The voice was so calm and smooth, it could have belonged to that of a professional telemarketer. "I was wondering… if your shop does deliveries up to the Nishitama district?"
"Oh, I'm really sorry but we do not extend that far. We only do flower deliveries around central Tokyo," Rukia spoke in an apologetic tone.
"I see. Well, we'll have to do something about that then, won't we?"
"Ah?"
"I guess I will just have to come to you then... someday. Goodbye."
Rukia was about to reply but the strange caller had already hung up, leaving only a dead dial tone.
xXxXx
And that's it for the new chapter. There are no major events happening, but very important developments if you can detect them. :) A sweet morning after and Byakuya and Rukia cemented their love by declarations of some sort to each other, Renji and Rangiku have discussions on these two... with unknown events slowly starting to unfold for ByaRuki by the Kuchiki clan demons and a separate unknown entity.
That's it for the update, let me know of any comments/critiques and suggestions you have, and hope to see you all soon. :)
ByaRuki love.