Apologies for all the errors in my last chapter! I will try and replace all mistakes towards the end of this book to get it all nice and perfect for it's completion ;) To make up for it, I wrote an extra three pages than I usually do – so here you go!
The windows were looking mighty dirty.
It was certainly time to give them a good old polish.
The old maid of the Kuchiki mansion pulled out her rag and began to wipe the dust and grime from the glass.
She was sure she'd already told Asako to sort them out... but that girl always had her head way up in the clouds... But... most young girls did nowadays.
Take Miss Kuchiki for example.
When she wasn't with her beloved Captain, she was usually thinking about him.
The old maid had never seen such passionate love between two people.
There was a loud crash as a small, hurtling bundle charged through the door, breaking her train of thought, "Is my Mama home?" Hiro asked, his eyes landing on the maid.
She looked down at the little boy, "I... believe so. I think I can sense her reiatsu coming from upstairs somewhere." She replied, "You're home early, Sir. Is everything okay at the academy?"
"I was sent home because my tutor found out that Renji was ill and I got told to go home because my Mama would want the family to be together or something. I have no idea what they're talking about – but hey, who am I to refuse that sort of offer? So I set straight off, and here I am!"
The maid shook her head. Of course, the other shinigami still thought that Renji was the boy's father, "Well, she is home, but I'd wait a while before going up to her." The maid knew exactly who Miss Rukia Kuchiki was entertaining up in her quarters and thought better than to let her son walk in on her.
"But I really need to see her though, and tell her what's happening." He insisted.
"Hiro, Mama is in a meeting with her captain and is really quite busy."
"That's alright. They won't mind." Hiro replied, knowing that everything would be fine if he were to sit in on the meeting with his parents.
"Well, it is a very important meeting, and they asked not to be disturbed."
"Yes, but I'm her son. I have rights that others don't. Supposing I'm sick or something? She'd have to know, wouldn't she?"
Of course, the maid wasn't allowed to stop Hiro from seeing his mother, but she wished she could prolong the potentially hazardous event from taking place for as long as possible, "Listen, I don't think Uncle Byakuya would want you to disturb his sister when she's busy. Hasn't he told you that before?"
"Why, is Uncle Bya here?"
"Well, no, but–"
"–See? I'm going in there now and he can't stop me!"
"Well, just give me a hand with this window, will you?"
"That's not my job! Besides, I have much more pressing matters to attend to." He informed her, delicately.
The maid laughed, wondering just how many times Hiro had heard Byakuya use that phrase.
"Well, I can't stop you, dear, but enter at your own risk." She told him, continuing on with her cleaning.
"Sure, that's fine! Thanks!" He fled up the stairs and the maid hoped that the two lovers would recognise the boy's reiatsu so they could make themselves half decent in front of the poor child! Not two moments later, Byakuya strode though the door, looking uncharacteristically perplexed, "Where is my nephew?"
Oh, things just got better and better..."If you please, Sir, he's gone up to his Mama. I should like to go and fetch him down for you, if you wouldn't mind."
"That won't be necessary. It'll be too late by the time you get there."
The maid vaguely speculated what would happen if Byakuya discovered the happy couple. Was he even aware what was going on with the Captain and his Lieutenant?
Flash-stepping up the stairs, Byakuya followed Hiro's reiatsu. He paused once he'd reached Hiro and saw him open the door to his Mama's room.
"Hiro, come here this instant!" Byakuya pointed to the space before him.
Hiro looked up, a little guiltily, "Sorry, Uncle Bya. I won't do it again."
"Good. Now come here."
Hiro trailed towards his Uncle and decided that the gloomy cloud hanging over them both should be lifted. To make matters a little lighter, he asked, "Have you ever wrestled without clothes on, Uncle Bya? It looks really fun! I always thought that fighting with clothes was a bit annoying, anyway. They always seem to get in the way of things."
"I – what?" He stared hard at the boy before him.
"I said: Have you ever wrestled without clothes, Uncle Bya? It looks really fun." He repeated, very slowly as though his Uncle was mentally challenged.
"What on Earth makes you ask that?"
"Well, it's just that Mama and Da–" He immediately cut himself short, realising his critical blunder. He almost gave away that the Captain was his Father! To distract the disgruntled Byakuya, he tapped him on the arm, "Tag! You're it!"
Byakuya reached out and grabbed his nephew by the elbow, "Stop charging around, Hiro, and tell me what's going on. Mama and who are what?"
"Nothing!" He replied, cheerfully, "Come on! Catch me if you can! You're such a slow-poke!"
"Hiro," Byakuya asked, quietly, "Who is in that room?"
Confusion crossed his features. But didn't Byakuya already know that Mama and her Captain were having a meeting?
But he'd already nearly said 'Daddy' so he couldn't take the risk, could he? After all, Uncle Bya was quite clever and might have been able to work it out.
"Mama." He replied.
"Yes, Mama and...?"
Hiro looked up at Byakuya as innocently as he could, "Mama."
"Yes, I know mama is in there, but who else is in there?" Byakuya was trying to distinguish another reiatsu, but he couldn't work out if there even was one there or not. That alone was very suspicious. Even with skills as advanced as Byakuya's, being confused about whether there was a second reiatsu or not was very disturbing.
"I already told you. Mama."
"Yes, I know Mama is in there. But I want to know who else is." He closed his eyes in aggravation.
"Nobody."
Byakuya sighed and walked towards the door to which Hiro jumped in front of him, and told him in an attempt to sound excited, "I've been learning how to activate Shikai!"
"Yes, you have been doing so for a few days now." Then he was momentarily distracted, "Why are you home? You should still be at the academy."
"They sent me home because of Renji – but I don't know why – and I was going to tell Mama but she's–" Once again, he cut himself short, inwardly kicking himself.
"But she's what?" Byakuya prompted, narrowing his eyes.
"But she's doing work and I don't want to bother her." He recovered, smiling sweetly.
"Just tell me if your Mama knows about Renji."
"No. I haven't told her." Hiro replied.
Closing his eyes in relief, Byakuya nodded, almost satisfied, "Right. Don't tell her, alright? I'm going to get back to work now before–"
Just then, there was a loud thud coming from the regions of Rukia's bedroom.
"Tell me, Hiro, is there somebody else in that room?"Byakuya asked Hiro, his posture rigid.
Shaking his head, Hiro replied, "Not... Not that I know of."
Byakuya walked towards the door and pressed his ear against the hard wood, sick of the silly boy's disjointed explanations.
"–Oh, get inside already."
Byakuya froze the minute he heard his little sister instruct in a low voice to what must have been a second presence in her room.
He didn't want to hear whatever the reply may have been as he stood, completely shell-shocked, "What on Earth do I do?"
...
"Oh, get inside already." Rukia demanded as Ichigo rolled on top of her, Brutus Maximus poised at the ready.
He paused, his body pressing gently against hers, his hand caught in her raven locks.
Something didn't feel right.
He placed his lips by Rukia's ear and whispered very quietly, "Byakuya is outside the door. I'm going to have to run as fast as I can."
"Why? He already knows we're together, doesn't he?"
"I don't want him walking in on something that may possibly scar him for life." Ichigo replied, avoiding her question, "Pretend you're tidying up or something. I have to go or you'll be in a lot of trouble – and so will I for that matter."
Hurriedly he grabbed his cloak and flung it over his body before escaping to the window. Walking brusquely towards him, Rukia grabbed hold of his arm, "Come back soon...please?"
"Of course. I'll come and finish this business tonight. Sorry I never got chance to do it. See you soon. Love you." He pressed his lips to hers before dropping from the window, disappearing instantly and leaving Rukia alone.
...
"You know, I'm getting really bored of waiting for you to move. You're it! I tagged you." Hiro said, gleefully
Byakuya wasn't stupid. If he walked in the room at that particular moment in time, he would definitely see something that he would definitely regret. But all the same, he couldn't stand by while his younger sister was being defiled. Extending his hand, he knocked firmly on the door.
"Hello?" Rukia answered, not sounding perturbed in the slightest.
"Are you... decent?" He asked, cautiously.
"Of course I am. Come in."
Byakuya hesitated before pushing the door open. He was completely relieved to see his sister fully clothed... and alone. She was trying to force some of her clothes into her drawer and growling, "Why – won't you – just – get in?!"
Ah, that would explain what she was talking about earlier... and possibly what the loud noise was, too.
Thank goodness.
"Rukia, tell me... what's going on?" Byakuya needed to know exactly how much of the whole Renji situation she was aware of. Clearly, she wasn't fully enlightened, or she might be behaving differently. He had rather expected her to be in tears if she had found out about his injury.
She looked up and sighed, "Listen, Byakuya, I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier but I just didn't know how you'd react."
"It's just that – wait, what?"
"I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier. I guess I was just worried how you'd react." She closed the drawer and stood up to face her brother.
"React... to what exactly?" The smallest flicker of confusion passed across his eyes.
"What?" Ichigo did tell him, didn't he?
Oh, for his sake, he had better have told him! Or there would be serious trouble.
"What are you talking about?" Byakuya asked, suspiciously.
"Well, what are you talking about?" Rukia cocked her head to one side.
"Renji of course."
Rukia couldn't stop her confusion and she chewed on her lower lip, "What about him?"
"You don't know?" He was sure that somebody had told her. He had that gut feeling she knew something.
"Listen, if you're thinking that it was him in here – you're quite mistaken. I don't know where he is. Honestly, I have barely spoken to him since the last time we discussed him."
Byakuya narrowed his eyes, distrustfully, "I believe we are both having complete misconceptions about what the other is talking about."
"Oh." Rukia creased her forehead, "You do?"
"I do." He hesitated before taking a step forwards, "Rukia... I really think we need to talk."
"I see..." Utterly bemused, Rukia nodded.
"Let's take this to a more... appropriate setting." Her brother suggested, indicating towards the door.
"Of course. After you."
Byakuya to exited the room first, and when he did, Rukia closed the door behind them, wondering what could possibly be going off and why Ichigo seemed to be on edge all day.
What the hell had he been keeping from her?
Well, she had a feeling she was about to find out just about everything.
"Mama, where are you going?" Rukia glanced in surprise at her son who was standing before her, eyes wide.
"What are you doing here so early?" She returned, raising her eyebrows.
"Never mind that." Byakuya interjected, irritably, "Hiro, go to your room."
He sent a silent plea at his mother who could only crouch down and pull him into a quick hug, "We'll talk soon, okay, baby? You can tell me everything then. I just need to talk to Uncle Byakuya about a few things first, alright?"
"Yes, Mama." Miserably, he turned and trudged off to his room.
"Oh, and Hiro?" Rukia called after him.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Please behave while I'm gone."
Smiling sweetly at his mother, Hiro replied, "Of course, Mama."
She shook her head and turned to follow Byakuya to his office.
They walked in total silence which was broken only when the office door swung shut.
"Take a seat." Byakuya instructed as they entered his office and Rukia complied, suddenly feeling guilt consume her.
Why she felt that, she had no idea. But she felt sure that she would find out soon enough...
"Tell me what you know about Renji."
"Sorry?"
"Tell me what you know about Renji Abarai."
"I see... well..." A look of confusion passed over her face and she hesitated before answering, "He's your Lieutenant?"
"Really? I had no idea." The lack of emotion in Byakuya's voice made it almost painful to hear him talk.
"Please, I really don't know what you're talking about. What's going on with Renji?"
Sighing, Byakuya rolled his eyes, "I suppose I'd better start from the beginning."
…
Dammit, dammit, dammit.
Ichigo paced his office backwards and forwards, chewing manically on his lower lip.
Rukia was going to be so pissed!
Why was he such an idiot? He could have told her anything? He could have just told her that Byakuya wasn't available and he'd tell him everything later! But no, he had to go and lie to her face!
Okay, he didn't exactly lie but – oh, what did it matter?
He promised he'd return later...
It was later now, right?
Everything would be fine...
Just brace yourself, waltz in through the front door and – yeah, that would be a stupid idea.
Okay, sneak in through the window and tell her everything. Who cared what Byakuya told him to do?! Rukia might be unhappy about Renji, but she could cope, right?
"You really screwed up this time, didn't you?"
"Not helping." Ichigo grumbled, "Oh, what am I doing with my life?" Rolling his eyes, he marched from the office, slamming the door shut.
Beginning at a fast walk, Ichigo was well aware his legs were speeding up. Charging past other shinigami on his way, Ichigo received hurls of abuse as he carelessly knocked them out of his path. He had to see Rukia. He needed to know she'd be okay.
Of course, it wasn't like she was in any danger or anything...
"Watch where you're – oh, hey, Ichigo!"
Ichigo slowed his feet and turned to see Rangiku tangled in the arms of another man, "Uh... Hi."
"So, where are you off to in such a hurry, hm?" She asked as Ichigo tried to ignore the way her friend was sucking on her neck.
"I'm... going to see my lieutenant. We have some things to sort out."
She winked, a slow smile forming on her lips, "Such as how many items of clothes you will be discarding before midnight?"
"Rangiku!" He exclaimed, indicating to the man she was wrapped around.
Snorting, she responded, "Oh, don't mind him. He's so drunk he doesn't even know where he is!"
"I know exactly where I am..." The man mumbled into her neck but Rangiku just narrowed her eyes at him.
"Shush. I wasn't talking to you." Shaking her head irritably at her companion, she looked back up at Ichigo, "Anyway... have a lovely night, won't you? I know I will. This particular shinigami might not be an official seated member of a squad... but he's sure good with his hands–"
"–Details, Rangiku! Too many details..."
"Oh, you're such a prude, Ichigo. Lighten up. I'm pretty sure you're off to do something similar, anyway." She winked, knowingly, "I haven't offended you, have I?"
"Good night, Rangiku..." Ichigo turned on his heel before he did something he would regret...
"Tell me all about the sex tomorrow!"
Actually... maybe he wouldn't regret throwing Rangiku off a cliff, after all.
…
Staring at the mansion from the grounds was one thing. Getting into the mansion was another.
He could just knock and hope the maid answered, or he could risk using a window.
"Captain Kurosaki?"
He knew that voice!
Glancing up, he saw the old maid poke her head out of an open window.
"I would advise you to leave..." She informed him, her piercing eyes conveying a small but meaningful warning.
"Yeah? Why's that?" Ichigo asked, curiously, "See, I really need to see her."
He knew that the maid would understand 'her' was Rukia.
Sighing, she replied, "It's your choice. But don't say I didn't give you a heads up. She on her balcony."
Ichigo nodded, "Thank you." making his way round the back of the mansion, he saw the beauteous woman herself leaning on the balcony as though she was Juliet or something, her raven hair dancing in the light breeze.
Well, now was his time to be Romeo.
Flash-stepping his way to the balcony, he propped himself up casually against the wall, his arms crossed.
She turned to see the new presence, her violet eyes wide and full of passion.
It was either a good passion, or a bad passion – but judging by the way she was setting her jaw and clenching her fists, it wasn't the good kind.
"What are you doing here?" She growled, stepping towards him.
Shrugging, Ichigo told her, "I promised I'd come back."
"Well, you came back – and now you can go again."
"Why?"
"Because you're in big trouble!"
"Why?" He repeated.
Narrowing her eyes, she snarled, "Because I'm very... annoyed with you."
Obnoxiously, he tipped his head to one side, "Why?"
"For goodness sake, Ichigo! Don't you know any other words?"
He knew he was pushing it but he couldn't help himself, "...Why?"
"I am not in the mood for that right now, Ichigo." She said, touchily.
He was going to say 'why' again, but the look on her face clearly told him that she would very much like to chuck him over the edge of the balcony, "Alright, alright. What's the problem?"
"Oh – like you don't know!" She exclaimed, "You are the problem."
"How come?" He asked, furrowing his brow, obtusely.
Grabbing hold of his collar, she dragged him into her room and shoved him backwards as though he was carrying a disease, "First off – you didn't even tell Byakuya!"
Rubbing his eyes, restlessly, he pointed to the bed, "Sit down, Rukia."
"What? You can't tell me to sit down in my own house!" She shot back, slapping his arm away.
The familiar complaint he often thought of left his lips, "Oh, women!"
Utterly appalled at this outburst, Rukia slapped his arm again.
"Hey – don't hit me!" Ichigo shoved her shoulder and she looked positively outraged.
"How dare you poke me?!"
"I'll give you more than just a poke in a minute..." He threatened, pushing his face down to level with hers.
"Yeah? Why don't you just try me, Captain?"
"Maybe I will... Lieutenant." He raised his hand up, with no intention of actually doing anything to his lieutenant, but she leapt at the opportunity and managed to twist his arm to lock behind his back. Forcing him to the floor, she straddled his back.
For a small, petite lady, she was undoubtedly the most lethal being Ichigo had ever met.
She was strong, yes. But Ichigo was stronger.
Rolling onto his side, Rukia fell off him and landed her back on the floorboards. Ichigo swung his leg over her thighs and loomed over her. His confidence wavered however, as Rukia delivered a look only she could deliver.
It was an expression of sheer contempt and loathing which she reserved only for those she truly hated – which were only a very small selection of people.
Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, she lifted her hands up and took hold of his wrists. Pushing him backwards, she had successfully reversed their positions, ensuring her Captain's arms were pinned either side of his head.
Shrugging in defeat, he spoke, "I guess you can be on top this time."
"I'm not in the mood."
"Fine. I'll be on top if it bothers you that much." Before she could even think, let alone respond, Ichigo had deposited her on the bed, leaving her sprawled out vulnerably beneath him.
In her weakened state, Ichigo ran a hand through her hair, "Now listen to me. Don't be angry."
She was about to protest, but he held a finger up against her lips.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I never talked to Byakuya about us. But there was an interruption. He received a message about Renji saying–"
"–I already know about Renji. Byakuya and I had a word about that..."
"What?" Ichigo pulled Rukia to sit upright, his hands moving to rest on the bed, either side of her legs.
Rukia explained the misunderstanding both she and her brother had experienced when he found her tidying in her room. She then went on to say, "Don't be mad with Hiro... but he accidentally gave away that we've... had sex before." She averted her eyes, that familiar blush springing to her cheeks again.
Running the edges of his fingers across her cheekbones, Ichigo creased his eyebrows, "And how did he do that?"
"Well... you know when we were... about to do it, he apparently walked in on us and asked Byakuya if he'd ever wrestled naked just like Mama and Daddy."
"Ah..."
"Well, he realised his mistake and tried to cover it up as best as he could... but anyway... we had a little chat about that... and now Byakuya knows just about everything."
Ichigo exhaled, "Want to tell me what happened?"
Rukia pulled her captain to sit against the headboard beside her – a little forcefully – and clicked her tongue, "Fine... But, I'm going to tell you now... it isn't a happy ending."
"Oh, I hate spoilers..."
…
"Well, I'll explain about Renji and then we'll get onto you later... So... I received a message about Abarai. He's injured. He'll be fine, I'm sure... but I didn't want to tell you because I knew it would hurt you seeing as though I expect you both still..." He wrinkled his nose in disgust, "...Well, never mind that, but I must implore you to be careful. Particularly around Hiro... You'll never believe what he said he saw you doing. He actually walked in on you and him... He asked me today if I had ever wrestled naked!"
"Wait... You think I'm still with Renji?" She asked, confused.
"It's obvious. I know you are." He replied, coldly.
"But... Ichigo told you..." She began, creasing her brow.
"No," Byakuya almost rolled his eyes, "Ichigo didn't tell me. I worked it out on my own..."
Shaking her head, Rukia stammered, "No – I meant... Look, what did Ichigo tell you?"
"Nothing..." Byakuya raised an eyebrow.
"There are a few things I think I need to tell you."
"Oh, do go on." He told her, his voice monotonous.
"Okay... right... you know what? I'm just going to say it outright. I have never had sex with Renji."
Byakuya blinked in shock at her blunt statement, "So... the Father of my nephew is...?"
"The father is... Captain Kurosaki."
Rukia could see the silent anger bubble deep within Byakuya and his lip curled, "So... you mean to tell me that my nephew is not actually my lieutenant's son... but your own Captain's son?"
"Yes." Rukia almost made it sound like a question.
"I should have known. His mannerisms... his looks... everything about him! I can now see the unmistakable resemblance."
Letting loose a sigh, she gave a small smile, "So... now you know."
"Yes, I know. But the question is... who else knows?"
Weighing this question out in her mind, Lieutenant Kuchiki replied, quietly, "I'm not entirely sure... Hiro, Ichigo, Rangiku... Ikkaku and Yumichika... Unohana... a few others, perhaps."
His eye twitched involuntarily, "I see. And you waited this long to tell me... why?"
"Because I was scared. I shouldn't have been. As my brother, I know you should have understood."
"How can I understand this? Rukia, this is a disgrace! This is an absolute disgrace!" He stood up, suddenly breaking his Kuchiki façade.
Rukia bowed her head.
It was rare he ever showed emotion – but when he did, she knew it must have been serious.
She was in deep trouble and was fully aware of that fact.
"You've been letting Renji pay for his mistake! Have you no morals?"
"I'm sorry."
"Clearly you're not."
Rukia felt her cheeks burn, "I'm sorry about the situation. Everything happened in the wrong order."
Byakuya wiped his forehead and sat back down, "Tell me when this started between the two of you."
"Well, Hiro was conceived the night Hiroki was defeated...I was drunk. I know this sounds awful. It is. It shouldn't have happened like this."
"Like this?" He repeated, "It shouldn't have happened at all. Then of course he left you. You didn't even have the decency to tell Renji about this, did you?"
Rukia shook her head, "No."
"Renji is an honourable man! I know this now! You never deserved him, Miss Kuchiki."
"I know." She replied, weakly.
"And... this trip you went on to Earth with your Captain...I suppose you made another mistake, did you?"
She shook her head, "No. I didn't make any mistakes."
"Good. So, this means you've made one slip up with him. I suppose that isn't as bad. Fair enough you were both drunk, I assume. I'm still severely unhappy about that and there will be consequences. But for now... at least we can still manage to cover all this up."
Rukia looked at her brother and bit her lip for a moment before speaking, "No. Here's the thing. I don't want it covered up. I didn't make a mistake when I went to Earth. I made two very confident decisions."
"And they were?"
"I made love with Ichigo twice."
Gritting his teeth, Byakuya responded, "You mean you chased after lust on two occasions, breaching your moral standards."
"Partially, yes. But I am in love with Ichigo. Although... I am currently a little annoyed at him for not telling you when he said he would."
"I don't like him. Rukia, I forbid you to continue seeing him."
"That would be impossible seeing as though he is my captain." She told him.
"Oh, he is?"
"Yes." She replied, confidently, "You can't take that responsibility away from him."
"No, I can't take it away from him. But I can take you away from him. You are no longer his lieutenant or in his squad. I will place you back with Ukitake."
"I refuse."
"You don't have a choice."
Rukia scowled, "You don't have that right!"
Byakuya raised his eyebrows, "Don't I? As you superior, I order you to– "
"– Oh, you order me?" She stood up, blazing hot fury controlling her every sense, "Guess what? I'm not your servant. I'm sick of you telling me what to do all the time. Is that how you got Hisana to marry you? Did you order her too?"
Pain flashed across his eyes and although Rukia knew it was a low blow, she had never felt quite as angry before.
However, it wasn't just pain that she saw. It was something much... deeper – as though he was reliving a certain memory.
Well, now he knew exactly how she felt.
Byakuya couldn't take her new family away from her. It was the only thing keeping her going.
She may have looked strong to others. The perfect soul reaper, they called her. She was the model to Seretei.
Would good would a broken mannequin do to the Soul Society?
If her and Ichigo were forced apart, she would break.
She had tried so hard to be solitary. She knew it was the only way to keep herself from heartache.
Everybody she loved was taken from her.
Although she never knew her sister, it still hurt.
Hisana, Kaien, her best friend, Renji... and now Ichigo.
She couldn't face that again.
The only time Rukia ever heard Byakuya shout was right then, "How dare you bring her into this?! I loved your sister! More than you can ever fathom! I'm trying to keep you from feeling the pain I felt! You don't understand the meaning of the word 'love'. Just because he gave into his carnal side and took your purity away from you – it doesn't make you lovers! You're confused, Rukia. Don't you see?"
"How dare you stand there and tell me I am confused?! I think you forget that I lost Hisana too. Before I even got to know her! At least you had the pleasure of knowing her. How dare you suggest I have no idea what it's like to feel love?"
"You don't know what it's like. Kurosaki is immature. He is irresponsible. You are everything he doesn't deserve. You deserve to be with someone respectable – not that orange-haired clown."
"You weren't calling him a clown when he saved your life! And I'm pretty sure you just told me I don't deserve someone like that..."
"Look... he's a – a human! You know you're not allowed to talk to the humans, let alone have children with them! Do you not see the offence? You are two completely different classes of beings. He should be bowing to you – not bowing over you!"
Rukia could see the choice she was faced with.
Byakuya or Ichigo.
It was as though her insides were wrenching apart.
Either way, she had to lose somebody.
Byakuya stared at her through stone cold eyes, "Rukia – just forget he ever existed. Everything can go back to the way it was. Please."
"I don't want it to go back to the way it was. I want to be happy for once in my life! I've been alone for so long..." She could feel what may have been tears threatening to fall, but she blinked them away, determined not to show her weakness.
"You can be happy – but just without him."
She shook her head, "You know something? There are very few differences between you and Ichigo. Besides the fact you are my brother and he is not – you have never stood by me and defended me to the bitter end. Ichigo has and he will. Always. I will also stand by him no matter what you do or say. I respect both of you so much but it hurts me to see you treating him in such a derogative way, when all he's trying to do is care for me. Don't be bitter towards him just because he loves me. I was never once bitter to you for loving my sister."
"I've already said to leave her out of this."
"That's not fair." Rukia replied, "You can talk however you damn well please about the man I love, but I can't even try and make you see reason by using my sister as an example."
"Silence." He instructed, darkly.
"Listen, whether you like it or not, I am in love with Ichigo Kurosaki and nothing will change my mind."
Before he could reply, she turned from the room, angry at everyone.
Angry at Ichigo for being a coward and lying to her face.
Angry at Byakuya for reacting the way he did.
But most of all... angry at herself for acting like an idiot.
She should have remained calm and polite – but instead she did the worst thing imaginable.
And now, she was about to lose everything.
…
Resting his head back against the headboard, Ichigo gave a short laugh, "Well, you really dropped yourself in it, this time."
"Not helpful, Ichigo." Rukia replied, irritably.
"So, what do you think happens now?" He asked, carefully.
Shrugging, she closed her eyes, "I don't know. I really messed up."
"Oh, like I haven't in the past."
"Irrelevant." Rukia told him.
"But still true..." He mused, scratching his chin.
Rukia closed her eyes, exhausted, "Oh, Ichigo, what do I do? He hates me. I can't let that happen. I don't want him to hate me. I just want to keep everyone happy."
"Well... remember what you told me to do? I mean – it's totally something I wouldn't do in this scenario. But I think it'd make you happier."
"I apologise. Right." She twisted her fingers together, distractedly.
"What?"
"It just doesn't feel right. I hardly ever get angry with anyone–"
"–Besides me–" Ichigo interrupted, inclining his head.
"–Yes... besides you. I don't know what came over me. I just got really angry."
"You've bottled it all up for so long. The anger, the sorrow, the sadness, the loneliness. Everything. I think you just snapped. I know how it feels. I snap quite a lot. I'm a bad influence on you, aren't I?"
"Probably. Anyway, I suppose I ought to apologise. I'd feel better afterwards." She concluded, still sounding a little indecisive.
He planted a small kiss on her forehead, "It'll be alright, Ruke."
"It just seems so trivial compared to what Renji must be going through." She sighed, despondently.
"Yeah... but he's facing it knocked out." Ichigo reasoned, managing to smile a little, "So it's easier for him to cope, right?"
"Well... in that case, why can't I be knocked out?"
"I could arrange it, if you wanted." Ichigo told her, smirking.
"Don't be mean."
"But it's fun."
"It'll be fun when you're laying on the floor in pain." Rukia told him.
Cocking an eyebrow, he replied, "It'll be fun when I'm laying on you."
In annoyance, she shook her head, "I already told you I'm not in the mood."
"I already told you, you can be on top if you want."
Although she scolded him and slapped his chest, she made no effort whatsoever to pull away from her Captain.
"Look... I don't know what else to suggest. I can only recommend an apology."
"I'm not... good at them."
Ichigo let loose a long breath, "I'm pretty sure you're much better than me. If you want, I can come with you."
"Yeah... yeah that'd be a good idea... if you want to be beheaded."
"Who knows? It could be fun." Ichigo attempted a smile and Rukia returned it, in spite of herself.
Why was he the only one who could make her smile in situations such as this?
"I had really best just do It alone."
"Well, you know best, Ruke."
"Of course I do." She snuggled closer against him before tilting her head up towards his, "You know... just to be on the safe side, I would suggest we keep our PDA to an absolute minimum."
"I can deal with that..." He told her, "...But what about when we're alone?"
"Also should be kept to a minimum."
"But why? The cat's outta the bag now."
"Yes, but not everything is sorted out. I think we'd better wait just for a few days until all this blows over."
Trailing his lips down her neck, he questioned, "So, not just a little... fun? To take your mind off things?"
"No." She said, firmly, shuddering nonetheless at his gentle touch.
"Well... you give the orders, Lieu."
"I'll remember that one. I thought you were supposed to give the orders seeing as though you are the Captain." She raised her eyebrows.
"Yeah? Well, I think we both know I can't do anything without you." Then he cleared his throat, and sang – a little off-key, "Everything I do... I do it just for you."
"What on Earth was that?" She asked, amused.
"Bryan Adams, of course. Didn't being on Earth teach you anything? It's a classic. But it's all true."
"No, I don't think it's entirely true, Ichigo." She reasoned.
Leaning his chin against her head, he spoke, "Oh, really? Think of a scenario where it isn't true."
"Fighting a Hollow." She held her hand out and began counting on her fingers the number of scenarios, "Eating your breakfast... brushing your teeth..."
"Well, to the first one – without you, I wouldn't even have any powers to fight Hollows with. As for eating my breakfast... I have to have a reason to keep me alive, don't I?"
"But what about brushing your teeth?"
Smirking, he leaned down and dropped a kiss on her lips, "Now, you wouldn't want me to kiss you if I had smelly breath, would you?"
"I'm sure you don't need me for everything, right?"
"Well, keep naming them." Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, comfortably.
"Fine. You need me for some things."
"For a lot of things." He brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and smiled, "For entertainment, comfort, peace, happiness, excitement... pleasure."
Rukia looked at him sceptically, "I'm sure you don't need me for pleasure. You have your right hand for that."
Quirking an eyebrow suggestively, Ichigo replied, "Oh, I barely even wank. I've only done it a couple of times. Let's just say the second time wouldn't have been half as pleasurable without you."
Exhaling and closing her eyes, she shook her head, "Please don't tell me you pleasured yourself over me..."
"Nope... I pleasured myself under you."
"Oh, you know what I mean!" She rolled her eyes, tediously.
"Look... I'm a boy, alright? I never appreciated what my hand could actually do until I was about sixteen. Sad, I know. I've not had a lot of time to do it to be honest. But alright... I was in the shower once and it was one of the days I'd seen you and I was just thinking about what we did – not in a creepy way. You know... killing Hollows and such, and then I got this sudden boner. I was like, trying to push it down and everything, but it just stayed put. So, I kind of just had to go with it."
"Hmm," she tilted her head to one side, "is that so?"
"Yeah – honest. It was only once. I rarely even do it, anyway..."
"Right." She clicked her tongue, "But, just out of curiosity... did you enjoy it?"
"Well, not at first because it was so unexpected. I couldn't help the fact that every time you popped into my head, it just sprang right back up again. I didn't really want to do it at first... but once I'd started, I sort of..."
"...Got into it,?" Rukia finished, expectantly.
"Well... yeah. Understandable, right?"
"Completely..."
Ichigo shifted position to get a better look at Rukia's face, "Why haven't you ever wanked?"
"Because I don't have a penis." She told him, bluntly.
"That is a disgusting thought." He wrinkled his nose, "But, after all this time of existence, surely you've felt some kind of physical pleasure before I popped into your life. I'm just curious – I mean... I am a guy, after all."
"Well, alright... when I've kissed other shinigami before, I never let it get too intimate. I've been really quite good in the past. Yes, the only pleasure I felt was from you. But... unlike some such as Rangiku, I don't exist purely to feel pleasure. I believe there's something better for me out there... until you came along, of course. Then I knew I had to have you." She gave a wicked smirk before continuing, "But I'd just prefer to fins someone who wants to give it to me and I want to give it to me, rather than resorting to do it myself. For another thing... supposing one of the maids suddenly decides my bed needs changing and they walk in, discovering that I'm laying on the bed, half-naked–"
"–I think I get your point." Ichigo interrupted, hurriedly.
Stretching that diabolical grin, Rukia murmured, "I think I get yours too. But it's hard not to when it's prodding me in the thigh."
"Does it bother you?" He asked, "Because I can prod it somewhere else, if you want."
"Yes... you can prod it downwards." She told him, expressionlessly.
"Aw, but I can think of at least two places I can prod it that are much more productive."
"You can? I'm impressed. But unfortunately, if you happen to be 'prodding' that thing anywhere except away from me and our darling son walks in on us... he'll probably wonder why we're wrestling naked again."
"You know... I've just realised something!" Ichigo exclaimed as if he'd just discovered the meaning of life.
Showing mild interest, she asked, "Really? What's that?"
"Just what a ridiculous word 'prod' is. The more you say it, the more it sounds weird." He shook his head in awe, "Prod. See?"
With a face as blank as a canvas, Rukia replied, "Sometimes, Ichigo, I wonder just why you were called as a captain."
"Sometimes... so do I."
They had drifted closer together, the negativity lifting from around them. Ichigo's hand crept up to rest on her hips and hers landed on his cheek. He kept his mouth away from hers, teasingly burying his face into her neck. She slid her fingers up to rest in his hair, directing him to settle himself between her legs. Obligingly, he pressed his body against hers, wrapping his arms around her waist, contentedly. His lips brushed hers for barely a second before the door flung open and a huge surge of spiritual pressure caused Rukia to freeze in her position.
Ichigo could have moved if he'd had thought about it.
But as it happened, he was taken rather off guard.
"I knew it."
Looking up, he beheld a furious Byakuya standing in his own whirlwind of sudden hatred towards Captain Kurosaki. Sparks flew from his outstretched hands and the anger burned deep into his metallic eyes, "Kurosaki, I sensed your spiritual pressure from a mile away."
He could have leapt up.
He could have denied what Byakuya was just about to witness.
He could have told him it wasn't at all what it looked like.
But he didn't.
He remained still.
He failed.
"Talented." He remarked, awkwardly, unsure of what else to say that would break the thick silence.
"First things first, Kurosaki – get off my sister."
Ichigo complied.
"Now, I really need to speak to you. Please, follow me to my office." He instructed and Ichigo sighed in relief inwardly.
It could have panned out so much worse.
Ichigo was about to take Rukia in his arms to give her a quick hug before meeting his fate, but Byakuya snapped, "Don't touch her."
His fingers were inches away from her robes.
If he was to stay in his good books, he'd better do everything that he was told.
Standing up, he nodded at Rukia, managing a half smile, "See you soon, Ruke."
She could do nothing but stare in total shock at the two men leaving her room.
As soon as the door closed behind them, she collapsed back onto the bed, hoping and praying that Byakuya would be kind to her Captain.
But she had never seen him look so angry.
It wasn't that bad! All he did was kiss her – and it was barely even a kiss.
Okay, maybe they were in a little bit of an inappropriate position for a brother to see, but still...
Oh, she sincerely hoped he would be okay.
But judging by the look on Byakuya's face, Ichigo's life expectancy was about 0.37 seconds.
…
"Hold up, this isn't the way to the office. Wait... what's Yamamoto doing? Why have you brought me here?" Ichigo asked, immediately feeling as though he had been set up like an animal being led into a trap.
Byakuya stared evenly at him, "Say goodbye to the Soul Society, Kurosaki. Say goodbye to it... forever."
Well, there you have it! The end!
Nah, just kidding.
So, Ichigo's in a mess. Please review and let me know what you think of my chapter! Hope it was better than the last one ;)
Thanks again guys, and don't forget to review! You know you want to.