DISCLAIMER: What...? I made Bleach episode 342: Thank you and Death and Strawberry 1&2 as well as Deathberry returns 2 and Death and Strawberry reprise...? I must be God... Oh wait... My bad, that's Kubo.
"Rukia... If I was in your position, I don't think I'd ever be able to go through with this..."
Rukia stared at the wall limply as she grasped Momo's shirt. She hurt so bad, it was this kind of pain she hated the most. The tears kept pouring, would they ever stop? She buried her face in the crook of Momo's neck and sighed softly. Momo's hand went through Rukia's hair comfortingly. The kind of strength Rukia had was one of a kind. Where did she find such strength?
"Momo... I envy you... You're marrying Toshiro. Nothing's stopping you." Rukia sobbed.
Momo showed a pained looked as she looked down on Rukia. Heck, even she felt like crying. No, she needed to be Rukia's pillar of support. Momo's hand began to shake slightly. "Every relationship has it's obstacles..."
"Then tell me... What's my obstacle Momo? What do I need to do to end this!" Rukia demanded.
Momo couldn't answer.
There was no messing with the Kuchikis. That was a fact the whole world knew. Rukia's relationship with Ichigo made world view the Kuchikis as irresponsible for having the next head of the family dating an actor with such a reputation for being a bad boy. The whole family sans Byakuya was filled with selfish anal retentive bastards. Byakuya Kuchiki was spared because his father Sojun was such a kind soul and he supported Hisana since their college days until his untimely demise in the same year Byakuya and Hisana met.
"Only time can tell Rukia... Because even I can't see how this will turn out..." Momo said weakly.
"I'm sorry for lashing out."
"That was only one sentence Rukia. And besides, you deserve it after years of holding yourself together. You need a break." Momo said.
"But..." she replied as she buried her head further into Momo's comforting embrace. It was so good to have friends in times like these. "I love him... I just can't do it but I have to..."
"Momo, I don't want to cry when I do it..."
"You won't."
Momo honestly didn't know what to say. She couldn't do anything to help Rukia, she couldn't comfort her and she couldn't stop the tears. There was only so much Momo could do for Rukia, she hated this feeling of powerlessness. She didn't want to feel useless when Rukia needed someone to stand by her.
"Rukia... It's going to be fine."
"How do you know?"
"Because you're the girl Ichigo fell in love with after losing Senna. He's the guy you fell in love with after the KS-5 incident."
Rukia couldn't even smile for that sentence. "My whole life, I've felt like I'm in a pitch black hole. Sometimes, there would be some light shining out and eventually, a hand to help me out of the hole... But... As soon as I grab hold of that hand, I slip through their fingers. I'm waiting for the day that of be able to keep holding that hand so I can get out of the hole..."
"Rukia... Me, Renji, Tatsuki and Orihime are here... You're not alone in that hole..." Momo said warmly. "Ichigo's with you too... So is Hisana, Byakuya, Kaien and Grimmjow."
"Then what's the point of my analogy if we're all down there..." Rukia scoffed.
"Point being... You were never alone..."
"Momo..." Rukia said as her grip slackened. "I still see no way out of this. We can't run away."
"I know."
"I... Don't know what to do anymore."
If anyone was the most in control of her life, that was Rukia. Having those words coming from her mouth was a big thing.
"Oh Rukia..."
"What did I do wrong? I got good grades, I fell in love, I became a lawyer, I got engaged, I have my own cafe, I fell too hard... What's wrong with that! I've never done anybody wrong... Why am I condemned to such cruelty... Why?"
Momo found it hard to answer that.
"Maybe I wasn't meant to fall in love... Whenever I do, bad things happen..."
"Everyone's made to love, you're no exception." Momo said to reassure her but it didn't do anything to improve the situation.
"Hey Momo... Think you can stay for the night... It's just... Tomorrow's a Friday and Ichigo's planning a rather special date... It's our monthsary and he's still ecstatic about us dating..."
"Of course I would..."
Rukia withdrew from Momo and wiped her tears. She sighed fitfully as she pulled out a silver necklace from underneath her shirt. No matter what happened, this necklace would be something she would wear forever. That was how important Ichigo was to her. Ever since she got it, she never took it off.
She clutched the necklace tightly in her hand.
Ichigo sat on the couch looking extremely nervous. Then he stood up and began to pace around the room. Then he sat down nervously again. Tatsuki stood up, grabbed the pillow and threw at at Ichigo, the speed and strength of the throw rivaled a professional pitcher's baseball throw. A strangled oof escaped his throat as his head hit the hard part of the couch. Ichigo clutched the back of his head and felt a small bump there.
"What the fuck Tatsuki!"
Tatsuki gritted her teeth and glared at him. "Those are my lines! Stop pacing around my apartment! Why don't you man up already for tomorrow you idiot!"
"Look! I'm just nervous!"
"Nervous! Since when did you get nervous! Did you get nervous during your debut? Did you get nervous modeling for underwear! Did you get nervous for that nude photoshoot!"
"I was nervous at my debut, I had issues modeling for underwear and for your information my dear manager, a blanket was covering my private regions thank you very much!"
Tatsuki gave an exasperated sigh as she grabbed the little blue box from the table and opened it. She wouldn't dare touch it of course. She couldn't touch it. "But it sure is beautiful... Do you think Renji could ever afford something like this?"
"Of course he can, he's a bestselling author. His royalties are huge." Ichigo replied casually before looking back at Tatsuki with wide eyes. "You want to marry him!"
Tatsuki glared at him. "Of course I want to... Didn't I tell you I was in love with you all these years until Renji changed my mind... Why wouldn't I want to marry him!"
Ichigo shrugged. "Well I'm sorry... I'm not too comfortable with the topic."
Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "You are such a sissy Ichigo... What are you going to do tomorrow anyway!"
"Kneel down?"
Tatsuki threw another pillow at him. "Be more decisive... This is Rukia we're talking about. Do you think she'll accept some half assed proposal! She's already been engaged once you idiot!"
"Do you know how she was proposed to?" he asked.
Tatsuki nodded. "From what I heard from Renji... Kaien initially planned to propose to her after this really hard trial but things were looking grim and the defense was winning. Out of frustration, Kaien cheered Rukia up and he accidentally used his proposal to do it. It kinda worked and it was the most ridiculous proposal ever. They won the trial."
Ichigo looked at Tatsuki's face for about three seconds before grabbing a pillow and burying his face in it. He began to sulk. "At least it was memorable! I don't want my proposal to be compared to it!"
Tatsuki threw another pillow at him. "As I said, man up! She'll accept any wholehearted proposal from you!"
"You sure?"
"Of course I'm sure... As a girl, I'd want that from a guy. Be sincere and honest, your feelings will get through to her. Then your instincts will do the rest."
Ichigo managed to steady his breathing and his pulse. It took a lot of effort but he did it. He took the box from Tatsuki and opened it. It really suited her. It suited her too well. The ring was just like her, sophisticated, elegant, stronger than it looks and there's more to it than meets the eye. Silver white and deep amethyst. It was perfect.
Imagine how beautiful it would be on her finger.
"Ichigo... Do you love Rukia?"
Ichigo looked at Tatsuki straight in the eye. His amber eyes burned with a unique clarity. "Of course I do... I love her with all my heart and I don't know what I'd do without her."
Tatsuki smiled. "Then it's all good... That's all you'll ever need."
"I'm sorry for crashing..."
"It's fine... I'm your friend."
Ichigo smirked. "You should've seen your face when you opened the door... You thought I was Renji didn't you?"
Tatsuki flushed red and averted her gaze. "I did not... Don't assume."
Ichigo just stared at her accusingly.
"Okay fine! I was looking for Renji! Happy now!"
Ichigo began to roar in laughter as his best friend grew extremely red in the face. Tatsuki literally growled at him and that only made him laugh more. Tatsuki finally lost her patience with him and sat stubbornly next to him.
"Yeah yeah, I got the picture already Ichigo..." Tatsuki sighed as she stole the pillow he was clutching and threw it off to some corner.
"I like that pillow."
She raised an eyebrow. "Sure you do."
"Still... The idea's still unreal to me... But I have no hesitation... I want to propose to her..."
"Knowing Rukia... She'd accept it."
Ichigo smiled as he looked out the widow and out to the night sky. He would do it tomorrow and it would all be perfect. He felt so happy; he smiled so much his cheeks hurt.
"You never know Tatsuki... I'm just hoping for the best."
"Good luck Ichigo." Tatsuki smiled at him as she went around her little island for a counter and opened the refrigerator. She pulled out a bottle. "Champagne?"
He shook his head. "You know how I dislike sissy alcohol."
Tatsuki smirked. "Thought so..." she said before pulling out a couple of bottle of Guinness. Ichigo smirked.
"Now that's more like it."
"Men and your beer, Renji's gonna have a fit if he sees he's missing a few bottles." Tatsuki chuckled as she found a bottle opener and popped it open before handing it to Ichigo.
Ichigo took it gratefully. "A Guinness huh? Renji's got good taste."
"Now guess his whisky."
Ichigo thought for a moment as he to took a swig of his beer. Damn that was good. "Jack Daniels?"
"Yeah."
Ichigo smirked. "Good taste indeed."
"I could go on but then if I gave you too much alcohol you'd go piss-ass drunk and tell all of your dirty little secrets. I've got some Absolut vodka, Kahlua, some red wine and some Gin... I keep forgetting the name..."
"Beefeater?"
"Yeah that one... I see it all the time but the name escapes me... Renji's good with alcohol you know... He picked up a few tricks from Rukia." Tatsuki smiled.
It was pleasant actually. Tatsuki would kind of glow whenever the topic was about Renji. The girl really was in love. "He's the quiet drunk unlike you... He can be quite romantic too and I wouldn't really know much in that department but the sex part's good too. He's doesn't screw around so it's just pure talent I guess."
Ichigo laughed. "Maximum?"
"Four."
"Been there done that."
Tatsuki threw at pillow at him weakly. "Shut up, he's not the problem. I'm the lacking one." Tatsuki chuckled.
"Ah well... Proves to show how tough and stubborn Rukia really is..." Ichigo smiled softly. He didn't get drunk fast with beer strangely enough.
"She's the only spontaneous Kuchiki I know. It's only natural." Tatsuki replied.
"Spontaneous my ass, she's a prude."
"Or so you say."
"Okay fine... She can be spontaneous albeit a little prudish."
Tatsuki laughed. "See?"
"Shut up..."
He shook his head softly. "Am I ready for this Tatsuki?"
"Of course you are."
"It's just that... If she accepts... We'll have to plan a wedding then we'd get married... Then, naturally we might have to think about having kids and if we decide to have kids... How many? We'll have to go through nine months... Then there's fame issues and the paparazzi trying to get in our lives..."
Tatsuki hit him with a pillow again. "You're thinking too much... The way you talk sounds like Rukia... Overanalyzing things and worrying too much as well as thinking too much... These are all Rukia's traits... She's growing on you."
He laughed. "Why am I not surprised..."
"The same way Rukia can scowl the way you can." Tatsuki replied jokingly.
Ichigo laughed through his nose. "Yeah..."
Tomorrow... He would put his whole career and his life on the line just to propose and marry the woman he loves.
"I-Ichigo... If you keep doing that th-then we'll never l-leave..." Rukia gasped as Ichigo assaulted her neck with his talented tongue. Maybe she went a tad bit overboard with dress but she didn't seriously think he'd end up kissing her against the hallway wall. Again.
Still though, she wanted to enjoy her last day with, why the hell not?
"One more minute." he said huskily as he continued on.
Rukia bit her lip hard before speaking. "Y-you said that five m-minutes ago..."
Still though... He was being his usual self thinking that it would still be like their usual special occasions... Rukia didn't even want to think about what would happen if she refused to do what they wanted her to do. She had already cried enough tears. Enough was enough.
Though she could always defy them like she usually did.
Though then again, if she did that she would cause the both of them eternal damnation courtesy of the Kuchiki family. Ichigo wouldn't mind, Rukia would. The risks were just to high.
High risk, no return.
Are there such things like happy endings Hisana?
Finally, he stopped and gave her his signature smirk. He offered her his hand and she took it with a smile. How long would it be until she broke down again. She spent yesterday sterling herself. Today was already Friday and she still couldn't go through with it. Damn it all, why couldn't they just simply disown her and leave her and Ichigo alone. She finally found a guy who was most definitely going to stay with her, now the issue wasn't him. It was her.
They walked downstairs and the only ones left were the usual gang.
The shop was closed for the night and they were all there to do some celebrating though naturally, Ichigo kept Rukia upstairs for the most part so she didn't know they would surprise her in her own home. Rukia smiled a genuine smile as she nearly squeezed out a few tears. Ichigo helped her down the stairs.
Momo was there with Toshiro, Renji was there with Tatsuki, Orihime was with Ulquiorra and Kiyone was there too wearing a honest to goodness dress. Kaien was there in an excellent suit with a blue tie will Grimmjow also came with his new... Er... What's the term he used? Right... Friend. Heck, even Yuzu and Karin were there. Even Uryu took some time from his busy schedule to be there with his girlfriend Nemu.
It was fantastic really.
Momo looked at Rukia and Rukia simply nodded. Momo sighed as she clung tighter to Toshiro's arm and apparently, she told Toshiro why. Though knowing him, there was no way he was telling Ichigo. Renji knew it too but he didn't tell Tatsuki. Ulquiorra, bring the keen observer he was understood a lot of things his girlfriend didn't have the intuition for.
In the corner of her eye, she even caught Rangiku and Gin together. Those two have been going strong, it truly was love.
Rukia smiled at them as Ichigo stood by her side. "Glad you all could make it..."
"We had to come; it's a special monthsary after all." Uryu said as he fixed his glasses the way his father did. Their resemblance was striking.
"Yeah yeah, just don't get all kissy on us... Too much of you two is sickening. I had to watch you two sneak off from the red carpet and I had to watch you two before any paparazzo finds you." Tatsuki groaned angrily as she crossed her arms. Renji just laughed.
"Tatsuki... Let's lay it off the hating shall we?"
She shrugged. "Fine..."
"Ichigo... You okay with Kaien and Grimmjow?" Momo joked as she witnessed him turn slightly.
"It's an act of goodwill." Ichigo replied.
"Goodwill my ass... This is so that Rukia would stop nagging..." Grimmjow said out loud as he scratched the back of his head.
"We have a mutual relationship right Ichigo? If you hurt her, I'm sending you to Hades and if I do that then I'm going straight up to St. Peter." Kaien said with an innocent smiled on his face.
"Shut up Kaien..." Ichigo growled.
Kaien shrugged. "Just saying..."
"See? goodwill my ass..." Grimmjow scoffed as he fixed his tie.
Rukia sighed as she watched the three men bicker. Would she be able to pull this off in front of everybody else? This was her home, where would she run to? Would she have to go back to her old apartment for a night? Though technically, she kept it for emergency purposes. She was actually planning to sell it until this predicament arose. It would have to do... But still, throwing away so many memories of this place.
It was painful.
The evening was quite pleasant since they had the twins handling the catering and since they actually had access to Rukia's booze. Rukia served a few cocktails while Renji handled the rest. It was such a pleasant evening. All of her friends were there. Though that's what made it much worst. All Rukia could do was smile and pretend that nothing was absolutely wrong.
That's it, keep talking to them and be happy for these last few hours.
Yes... Be happy...
No shit Sherlock, be happy? How?
Majority of her life, she thought she was already trained for things like these courtesy of the Kuchiki family. Hiding her emotions and not displaying them was a Kuchiki trait she had already mastered yet why? Why now did she falter so? Of all the times to be undergoing a breakdown it had to be now. Who was she kidding? It was only natural for her the entirety of her insides to collapse into a heaping mass of grief.
But then here she was, smiling like there was nothing wrong.
"You know Ichigo, this studio big wigs want to put us together in another film..." Orihime joked as she sipped some of her wine.
He groaned angrily. "Again? What are they? Causing a scandal?"
"That's showbiz for you." Tatsuki commented dryly.
"I know, its such a pain. They've been pestering me for days, if it weren't for Ulqiorra, I'd be trampled over." Orihime sighed.
"At least I'm not in the limelight twenty four seven." Renji commented with a grin on his face before Tatsuki elbowed him in the gut.
"Oh shut up Renji, you pretty much are since that award show... I've been reading fifty disturbing fanmails everyday... You don't call that popularity?" Tatsuki said bitterly.
"I'm a Kuchiki so I'm always a target." Rukia sighed as she consumed Yuzu's heavenly Risotto. All hail Italian food.
"Do not look at me, I have been bombarded at my concerts by very... Enthusiastic female fans..." Ulquiorra defended himself as soon as he felt the gaze of everybody on him.
"You do! Why didn't you tell me Ulquiorra?" Orihime whined.
A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. "Why? Are you jealous Orihime?" he asked teasingly though he managed to retain his monotonous tone.
She flushed red and shook her head. "Not really..."
Silence came.
"Okay! Maybe a little..." she admitted.
"Okay... That just leaves Momo, Kaien and Grimmjow as well as Yuzu and Karin..." Rukia stated as she counted on her fingers.
"That's incorrect actually... Grimmjow is quite well known in the industry for being good looking yet hard to get..." Orihime sighed.
Rukia laughed as she faced a certain girl. "You are one lucky girl Nel..."
She flushed red. "Thank you..." the green haired girl replied softly. She was the odd on out of the group but she'll warm up eventually.
Momo laughed and whispered to Orihime. "Don't you think it's amazing how Rukia can be some comfortable knowing that Grimmjow and Kaien are all there when Ichigo's the one she's dating?"
Orihime nodded. "It's a talent. Though I'm not worried about Grimmjow, he has Nel. I'm worried about Kaien because he still hasn't moved on." she replied in nothing more than a whisper.
"So you've noticed." Momo stated, it wasn't a question.
"I'm still a girl; women have a natural intuition for these things." Orihime replied.
"Yes well your boyfriend seems to be more intuitive than you." Momo remarked sarcastically.
"Shove off... It's not my fault that I was born... Er..."
"Dense?"
Orihime sighed fitfully. "Don't you happen to have a better way of saying it?" she crossed her arms with a stubborn frown on get face.
"How about occasionally unaware?"
The two girls turned towards the pale yet handsome man. He was being his usual bitchy arrogant Robot Mozart self. The kind of arrogance that made Orihime a bit mad but she loved him that way anyway. "That's a bit better, thank you Ulquiorra."
He managed a smirk but it quickly faded into his usual flat line mouth. "Still though, Rukia is... Different. That smile does not feel like it has any soul into it. It lacks the usual quality that makes it uniquely hers... It is just the standard Kuchiki smile now."
"Geez, you two are far too observant. You two are quite dangerous, should I have you eliminated?" Momo joked.
"Momo, even I've noticed her behavior..." Orihime said softly.
Momo gave the couple a weak smile.
"It's not up to me... It's up to Rukia... I just pray she won't regret it."
The evening was reaching its climax and it was finally time. Ichigo breathed in and out deeply. He didn't drink too much alcohol and he only stuck to the champagne and the wine so that it would be perfect when he did it. There was only one reason why he invited Grimmjow and Kaien aside from the fact that every single person in the room were all friends, their presence was a sign of moving on and reassurance to Rukia. No one held grudges; it was a rare circumstance to be in.
Tatsuki gave him an encouraging pat on the back while his sisters gave him the encouraging thumbs up. Even Uryu gave him an encouraging smile though having smile like that was a bit weird and it became something he would rather avoid. The sentiments were well appreciated though.
Ichigo closed his eyes and silently prayed to his Mom up in heaven for some much needed guidance. Hell, even he could've used some advice for his good for nothing father Isshin who hasn't exactly been present for the past two months. He was unusually busy lately. It shouldn't concern Ichigo, hospitals were definitely not his thing.
Ichigo cleared his throat and steadied his heartbeat before standing up and calling everyone's attention. He was sweating bullets and everyone in the room knew it. Although, a nervous Ichigo was a cute Ichigo and was a sight Rukia could learn to enjoy a little more often.
"Before I begin, I just wanted to ask if you wanted me to be formal for cordiality sake..."
"Who the hell cares Kurosaki, just get it over with." Grimmjow shouted from the back with an annoying and taunting grin on his face.
Everyone laughed as Ichigo shrugged his comment off. "Shove off Grimmjow."
"Ah well... So to start of I would like to thank everyone for coming and taking time out of their busy schedules. It means a lot to me and based on that idiotic grin of hers, Rukia's quite happy too."
"Hey!" she snapped at him.
"Just deal with it Rukia... Now then carrying on. It's been a while... Months back, I remember running in here just to shake of some photographers and the first thing I get is Rukia's bitching. I was so pissed then it's so funny thinking about it now. Then I remember... It's been that long already? Yeah, well it has. Upon meeting Rukia, I became friends circus freak over there."
Renji laughed. "Same goes for you berryheaded freak."
"Shut up Abarai... I met Momo and Toshiro... Because of Rukia, I learned how to forgive Orihime Inoue... She's now a good friend of mine. Ulquiorra also became my friend but more importantly... Me, Grimmjow and Kaien are all in a mutual agreement. My time spent with you Rukia was such a whirlwind of events. You saved me from the grave I dug for myself trying to reach Senna. I'm sure Senna is smiling right now or insulting my hair again... Regardless... I've met a lot of good friends because of you Rukia..."
Ichigo walked over to Rukia with a wry smile. "I honestly didn't think I would be able to fall in love again let alone fall this hard for just one woman. And to think's she's a Kuchiki."
Rukia chuckled as she gazed at him blazing amber eyes that had never ceased to melt her insides into a mushy pile of goo. What surprised Rukia the most was when she saw him fall to his knees with that confident smile he had when he asked her to be his. The same smile he used when he told her I Love You. Her heart froze and her breathing followed suit. Then time froze.
"I love you Rukia." he said plain and simple yet it carried so much emotion.
Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a little blue box. Rukia's eyes began to tear up when saw it and her hands went to her mouth accompanied with a genuine gasp, Ichigo made it a point to tease her about that later. He opened it and Rukia saw the most beautiful ring in the world. It was silver band with a small amethyst germ encrusted on it. It was silver white the way the ring glowed and the gem was just simply breath taking.
Then those words came.
"Will you marry me?"
It was just so simple. Yet it felt so grand despite its simplicity. The tears just kept falling down as she looked at him. His confidence was overflowing; it had a profound effect on her. When he was like this, it was so hard for her to lie to him.
"Because I can't imagine waking up next to another person. I want to spend every millisecond of my life standing by your side."
Rukia couldn't stop smiling.
She began to burst into more tears before speaking. "You... Y-you are such an idiot..." she croaked as she held her tears back so she could speak.
"H-how...? How can I say no to that?" she laughed weakly as he took her hand softly.
"Yes... Yes I'll marry you." she declared, her voice was obscured with tears.
Ichigo just smiled as he placed the beautiful ring on her ring finger. It was so perfect on her hand. He was right, she was so beautiful with that ring. It matched her perfectly. "It's really beautiful Ichigo..." she said in nothing more than a whisper.
"I think you're more beautiful Rukia..." he replied as he held her hand with the ring on it and kissed it softly like a prince would do to his princess.
He helped her up and she was the one who kissed him, not he. Everyone just smiled at the sight while Momo simply watched. She couldn't tell what Rukia was thinking at this point and that was saying something. If she couldn't predict what Rukia was thinking, Ichigo could never predict it. She just prayed that Rukia would have no more regrets.
Everyone applauded and had fun as the real celebration started. Dessert came along with some more festive alcohol. They were gonna party and drink tonight. Rukia couldn't help but smile every time she looked at her finger. She didn't deserve something as gorgeous as this ring. Renji snuck some music and said something about dancing with the bride-to-be.
Renji stepped up first and danced with Rukia for old time's sake. It was all for fun especially since Renji didn't really know how to dance. Toshiro walked up to her with a smirk on his face and danced with her too but it was more of a competition between two midgets. Ulquiorra came up as well after being forced into submission by Orihime. He was quite a talented dancer though Rukia figured his face would only change for Orihime. After Ulquiorra came Uryu along with some questions like he was interrogating her. After all, an interview with a Kuchiki was rare though naturally Rukia refused him.
Grimmjow walked up to Rukia and asked for a dance and naturally Rukia obliged him.
"You're an excellent shoulder to cry on."
"I'd say thank you but the compliment makes me feel gay."
She laughed. "I think Nel's getting jealous."
He glanced to the side. "That means I'm getting laid tonight." he joked softly.
Rukia chuckled. "Have fun..." she said.
They danced for a couple of more minutes before Grimmjow returned to Nel and to reassure her. It was quite a funny scene though. Kaien walked up to her with a smile and she began to dance with him with no conversation at all. It was terrifyingly awkward with Kaien but as soon as her "customary" dance with him was over, Ichigo was the only one left.
He approached her with his usual charm and offered her to dance for formality's sake. She took his hand and from that moment on, they were in their own world. Apparently, Rukia wasn't the only one dancing. Ichigo had danced with Tatsuki, Orihime, Momo, Nemu and Nel. Gin had left early because his girlfriend Rangiku got drunk too soon. But they managed to stay for the proposal.
Though this night had to end. After all the merriment was done and over with, the newly engaged couple bid their friends farewell however, Momo and Orihime stayed the longest. They spent some time wishing Rukia good luck before leaving. Rukia had forgotten her problems for the rest of the evening and she wished to keep forgetting them. Unnecessary, that's what those problems were.
Yuzu being the neat housewife-ish person she was absolutely had to clean up so Ichigo and Rukia needn't lift a finger. Rukia took a few steps back and sat down on the chair and melted on it. She felt extremely tired and she could've used a good night's sleep. Screw her problems, they could wait for tomorrow couldn't they?
"I'm just gonna crash... Feel free to stay the night." Rukia said as she forced herself upstairs and out of these shoes. As much as she loved these heels, they could be tiresome.
"Alright..." was all he replied even after she went up.
Still though, they were engaged. She felt tired but could she even sleep? She was grinning like some mad clown and that was saying something. She unzipped her dress and found herself a good pair of pajamas.
Little did she know that her fiancé intended to jump her.
"Ichigo!"
She felt him smirk from behind as she felt his hot breath glaze over her bare skin. She was such an easy target for him right now considering the fact that she had forgone wearing a bra. She only had her underwear now and that was slowly becoming molded with her cunt due to her increasing wetness. She gasped as she felt his slick tongue play with her pulse before smothering her back as well as he shoulders with passionate open mouthed kisses.
"I-Ichigo..."
"I thought you were tired Rukia..." he whispered in a voice made for sin.
"Y-your f-fault..."
He chuckled deeply as she felt his hands beginning to run all over her body. They went past her tight abdomen in a sensual manner before heading north and playful teasing her small yet supple breasts. Ichigo wasn't exactly the type to go for huge racks all the time rather, he loved Rukia's breasts. After all, they were still boobs nonetheless.
Fuck, his hands were incredible.
Rukia was weak and limp against his assault. He always had that kind of effect on her. Not that she didn't enjoy feeling vulnerable against him. Ichigo managed to get Rukia to face him and she could tell he was feeling rather horny. The dress did do it's job. Rukia smirked as they kissed each other.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she allowed the both of them to fall on her bed. Rukia angled her head to the side to further taste him. It was stance though, every single time they kissed or made love it felt like the first time.
Then the though entered her mind again. It came from nowhere.
"Rukia... I want you to leave him." said Byakuya. That was already his best kindness to put it that way. If he was being cruel, he wouldn't have looked an inch remorseful.
I don't want to leave him.
Rukia grasped his head and shoved her tongue in. He complied and fought with her with such ferocity her grip on his hair weakened significantly. Rukia let out a growl as she tried to dominate the kiss only to find them equal as usual.
I don't know what to do anymore.
She usually wasn't this aggressive but Ichigo didn't seem to mind. He was to enthralled with her to care. Ichigo finally stopped kissing the every loving daylights out of her and began to pleasure her nipples which were all ready so raw and hard as pebbles under his touch. Rukia desperately tugged his tie off and he grunted a bit but once again, he didn't mind. She pulled his buttons off without a care and pulled of that stupid blazer of his. As much as she loved him in a tux, she enjoyed tearing it off him even more.
The pleasure he was inflicting on her was enormous.
Still though, Ichigo knew something felt wrong but Rukia wouldn't have suddenly acted this way if she didn't need it. He feigned ignorance because that's what Rukia... No, his fiancé would want. Ichigo gave her exactly what she had wanted. Just pure carnal sex, no playful teasing or emotions attached.
He could sense that she was stressing over something and all she needed was a good fuck though being the boyfriend... er, fiancé meant that he would have to oblige her needs. Did she honestly think she could fool him for so long? He knew her like an open book, still though, her reaction upon seeing the ring was genuine and priceless yet Ichigo couldn't shake off that weird uncomfortable gut feeling in his stomach. That light playfulness from earlier was gone in an instant. This was a bit more raw.
Ichigo began to kiss hot open mouthed kisses all over her body with such intensity just the sight of him made her feel like she was on fire. Rukia had finally managed to pull of that shirt of his revealing his well sculpted abdomen. She didn't feel like teasing him today as soon as she gained control over him, she instantly latched her mouth onto his in an animalistic way resulting in a rough desire driven kiss. She could've sworn she tasted blood from mouth, probably because she bit him.
That demanding look in her eyes, behind them was conflict and pain yet there was also pure carnal passion. They were different from those playful teasing eyes from earlier. Ichigo growled as he felt her fingers rake down his back just as he flipped her on her back and pulled of her panties so hard he literally ripped it. Just the way she wanted it done. He lifted his legs and literally ate her alive.
A string of expletives came rushing from her mouth out of pure ecstasy. Though he wasn't really being gentle this time, he was taking it rough the way she demanded it to be.
Then he stopped and Rukia was seriously surprised. He looked up and sighed. "Rukia... We should stop."
"What's wrong with you? Something's been bothering you all day... I can tell... I don't think sex is gonna help you Rukia to be frank." he added hoarsely.
Rukia sighed, she was still throbbing down there though when he used that tone with her, she needed to be serious too. Though she wasn't the only one, he was still pretty much aroused. Ichigo forced himself up and plopped gently next to her. Rukia clutched her forehead and groaned. "Yeah... We should stop." she mumbled softly.
This was just plain awkward.
Too awkward.
Rukia forced her eyes shut as she pressed her hands against his lean chest. Her forehead was touching his chest before slowly grasping at what remained of his shirt. He scent was just comforting, it made the awkwardness go away. Still though, why feel awkward, there was no way to feel so strange. "You okay?"
She nodded softly.
She heard him breath heavily as he though of what to say. The adrenaline from earlier finally died down after minutes of silence. "Fine... Tell me tomorrow when you finally clear your head... This isn't like you Rukia."
If there even was a tomorrow.
His presence was such a great comfort. Most guys would never stop mid-coital just because their supposed significant other was a bit off. Ichigo was just so different from the average guy. Why wouldn't the idiot family see that? He truly cared for her.
"Listen Rukia Kuchiki... You're my fiancé now and I love you more than anything... If you don't want to get married then it's fine... Just being with you is good for me..."
"Wh-what're you saying? Of course I want to marry you..." Rukia instantly retorted.
"You don't sound so sure."
Rukia swallowed her words. She said something different instead. "It's just me... The idea's still unreal to me and I still need to get used to it. But trust me when I say you've made me happier than I have ever been in my life." Rukia said softly with a genuine smile. At least that was the truth.
He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. He inhaled her scent as she hugged him back despite their state of near undress.
It would be hours later that Rukia would apologize again leading one thing to another.
That would be the last ever time.
She took one final look at the ring. It truly was beautiful, too beautiful as a matter of fact. She didn't deserve such love nor did she deserve such a ring. Rukia took it off slowly and placed it next to Ichigo's nude sleeping form. She was lying in such loving heartfelt satisfaction next to him an hour ago but those sentiments were long gone.
She found her duffle bag full of clothes and other necessities as another duffle bug full of nearly the exact same things. She looked at her empty closet and spotted her scarf hanging. She took it and wrapped it around her neck. She doubted her coat would suffice for the early morning cold. She doubted any taxis were around so she would have to walk simply wait for the first train on the metro.
Rukia found herself glancing at him again. She took a few steps towards him and shut her eyes before opening them again. She leaned closer and pressed one final kiss against his lips and withdrawing. She went to his ear to whisper. "I love you."
Rukia had to exercise much self restraint to stop herself from crying again. She turned around and carried the bags before slowly opening the door. She closed the door softly as her hands touched the walls of the halls, her hands slid against the walls as she walked.
Rukia walked to the storeroom where her brother's stash of old Japanese swords was and remembered when she seriously tried to sever off Ichigo's dick with her favorite sword. That was really fun but that was the first time her chest stirred too, perhaps she was already slightly jealous of Senna then. She would have to apologize to her brother and they would need to find a new hiding place for it, the elders had never approved of her brother's hobby of collecting antique Katanas from the Edo period as well as the Showa period.
Rukia smiled as she closed the door to that and opened the door to the guest-room. She remembered just how many times she and Ichigo had kissed here and how she was also in her when he proposed that they go out. She now considered it her first date with him. She also cried in this very room with Momo.
She walked a little further and there was the bathroom. Ichigo walked in on her many times, both on purpose and accidentally but she didn't mind. Shower sex was also great. Especially when he was feeling especially playful, he always made her laugh. She spotted the familiar paper on the wall labeled House Rules and laughed at herself when she saw what she wrote on it as well as the post its she and Ichigo had posted all over for fun.
She looked back at the long hallway and remembered just how many things had happened in this hall. As soon as she took her first steps down the stairs, she remembered how Ichigo would look so amazed whenever she came down in a dress. Speaking of dresses, she wore a cast with a dress once didn't she?
He freaked out when he saw her bed ridden in the hospital, the thought made her smile. Even back then, he was already making her happy.
She got down and looked at her beloved cafe. She met Ichigo here. She confessed her love to him here and he did the same. They had a huge argument here. He tripped over a chair and kissed her in front of Momo and Kiyone here and that was when he began to live here as well. Too many precious things had happened here and they could only stay in her memories. This place had to go. She met a lot of friends and a lot of people here but more importantly... It was because of this cafe that she met Ichigo.
She walked further and saw how the sky was slowly getting brighter and brighter by the second. She didn't even place a finger on the handle when she heard him.
"Rukia!"
She didn't look back and simply continued to open the door.
"Wh-why! You left the ring... Those bags... Where are you going?"
She heard him swallow thickly. "Are you leaving...?"
He took one more step forward to grab her but that was when she looked back. Her eyes were watery but she maintained her glare at the one person she loved in the whole wide world.
Don't cry... Don't cry... Don't cry...
"Ichigo... If you take one step from there... I'll never forgive you." she said clearly.
God, he looked so handsome.
She was pretty sure he knew exactly what she was doing. Ichigo was smart, he wasn't dense and stupid. No matter what state he was in he was always too handsome for his own good. She would sorely miss that orange hair. She used to hate the black nights but because of him she learner to love them again. Now she hated the sunsets and the sunrises.
One tear slipped last her cheek as she face the door. He even had the time to get a bit dressed... Maybe if he woke up a little earlier he might've been able to stop her by calling her silly and kissing her senseless before making love to her and making her change her mind.
She pushed open and he was obedient for once as he fell to his knees and didn't even dare to follow her due to how much he was trembling.
She saw the sun rise from the building slowly illuminating and painting the sky with a familiar warm glow. In the distance, she saw too figures that were slowly approaching her. Her eyes widened as she accidentally dropped her belongings. The taller one of them bent down and picked up the bags while the shorter one hugged Rukia.
"M-Momo... Renji... Why are you two here?"
"We know how you think... Don't think you're going to do this alone... Come on let's go home." Momo replied while Renji watched a very broken Rukia.
"Hmm... We can't exactly walk all the way to your apartment considering that it's a few blocks away from the district attorney's office..." Renji commented dryly just as a black shiny Volvo came driving by them and honking it's horn.
The three of them looked and saw the window's roll down revealing a certain auburn beauty along with her pale emerald eyed companion. Orihime opened the door. "Hop in, we'll take you anywhere." she said softly.
"Orihime..." Rukia said with wide eyes.
She smiled. "I'm Momo's back up... Come on. Just show me the way."
Renji shrugged. "Why am I always the last to hear to the news. And isn't Ulquiorra suppose to be driving?"
"I love my Volvo, I can't possibly let him drive now come on."
Momo and Renji escorted Rukia to the car and entered themselves as soon as they placed bags in the back.
They drove and Rukia didn't look back.
The last thing she pictured in her mind as she sobbed softly was his smiling face in all his handsomeness whispering sweet nothings in her and saying I Love You,
Back in the cafe, Ichigo was on his knees, he was clutching the ring in his hand tightly and ever since his mother passed away, not once had he felt like crying so much until now.
"Rukia..."
AN: I think talking about streaks is bad for me because I lose them the day after. So sorry for the delay guys and here's a depressing chapter for you. Now halfway through that lemon... I was thinking... Do I want their last time to be out of frustration and so not heartfelt? So I had Ichigo stop... Was it awkward, I think it is... My lemons have yet to improve a bit more and I still am ashamed to write them with my current skill and I only show lemons I am confident in... So that's that...
Umm so Rukia's decision... Yeah, don't be too mad at me... I have plans...? I think...
Ah well, give me all your thoughts and suggestions guys! Please Review as well because I love hearing from you guys.
Asasininja4827- I appreciate your review but are you referring to lemons in general or just the idea of having lemons in this fic? Just a bit confused but fear not, I don't intend to make much lemons with my current abilities so the following chapters will have none of that and if I do put lemons, it's not full-blown in the very least. References, I'll male plenty of them because adult Ichi and Ruki are sexy.
Lol... So that's that...
I thank you guys from the bottom of my lungs... What...? It's deeper than a heart... -_- ugh... Fine... Figuratively speaking I love you all from the bottom of my heart since this is my first bleach fic and all and I intend to finish writing this first.
The countdown to the end starts now
Thanks as always teshichan, Katie K. Richardson, Tenshi-No-Megami, shnizlefritz, Moonlight's Shadow Warrior, Ghost2113 and Empress Minea.
AkaBaka-chan signing off!