For a few of my lovely readers who want Rukia to get back in the game, I added some chapters! Get ready to meet the nobles because the matchmaker and the Elders' threat is coming true! But first let's see where Toshiro found Rukia….
This chapter is dedicated to that1person! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 24
Steam poured from Rukia's ears as she walked down the hill. She was ready to strangle Ichigo's neck for being a idiot and for making her look like one as well. Onward, she walked into the night not knowing exactly where she was going, and she didn't really care. Right now, she was madder than a banshee.
"Who the hell does he think he is anyway?" Rukia muttered to herself. Mimicking Ichigo's movements, she mocked him to help alleviate her anger. "Rukia, you don't know what you're talking about. Rukia, you don't mean any of this. You'll regret this in the morning, Rukia! I swear if I hear him say my name like that again he's going to stay a giant popsicle."
Angry tears threatened to pour from her eyes, and she refused to let them fall in case he even decided to follow her. Rukia needed to find her level head again soon. She knew all of this emotion was from whatever was in the lemonade, but these feelings were overwhelming her. The best thing would be to go to Kisuke's shop to return the gigai and go home. Her heart wouldn't allow her to. It was still reeling from the rejection. "Uh! Damn him! Why did he have to act like that? It's not like I didn't know what I was saying! He should have known I meant what I said!" Rukia kicked a rock at a nearby tree. With a huff, she asked loudly, "How can he be such an idiot?"
A voice from behind her froze Rukia in her tracks. She was so caught up on venting her frustrations that she didn't feel her visitor approach. "If you're referring to Abarai or Kurosaki, they are always idiots in my book." He replied. Rukia didn't even need to see his pearly white smile. She just knew he had one plastered on his face by the melody of his voice.
"Toshiro! What are you doing here?" She whirled around to face him coming almost nose to nose with the captain. "Did he send you?" Venom laced Rukia voice as she questioned her white-haired friend.
His breath was caught in his chest. Tears stained her face and more threatened to shed judging by the glimmering in her eyes. Rukia Kuchiki was the epitome of grace even in a losing battle. This version of her tore at Hitsugaya's heart. She seemed so insecure; yet, she was trying to hid her weakness from him.
"It depends on who you're referring to…" Hitsugaya trailed off carefully watching Rukia. His teal eyes were laced with concern. Where was the fire in her eyes? "What the hell did Kurosaki say to her?" Hitsugaya asked himself.
"Toshiro…" Rukia growled. She was not in the mood for his elusive manner.
He seemed to sense her thoughts. His trade mark smirk widened as a random thought popped in his head. "I came because I'm your next date."
"What the hell do you mean! It thought I was through with that for a while!" She yelled at him. Don't lie, Rukia. You know damn well a date with him would be fun and there wouldn't be any pressure.
"Relax, Rukia. I was kidding... sort of. Anyway, Byakuya sent Renji and I collect you. He figured Kurosaki slipped you over here when no one was looking after the fight."
Large, amethyst eyes blinked at him like reminding Hitsugaya of an owl. "Oh…Well good! Let's go home then! I don't want to keep my brother waiting." Rukia replied automatically. At least she could go back home and sleep in her room for a few hours. She dreamed filling up on a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream then crashing in her comfy bed.
She turned to leave, but Hitsugaya stopped her by gently grabbing her wrist. He remembered those gleams of dried tears on Rukia's face in the moonlight. "Why were you crying earlier, Rukia?" He asked. The coldness of Rukia's spiritual pressure washed over Hitsugaya trying to push him back, but he refused to move. He left his own spiritual pressure flow around her - ice comforting snow. After a few moments, her spiritual pressure receded when it realize he wasn't a threat.
Putting on a calm face and a small smile, Rukia turned around to face Hitsugaya. "Me crying? No, I'm fine. You were seeing things, Toshiro." She lied.
He gave her a knowing look that made her want to laugh. Instead of saying anything else, Hitsugaya pulled her into a big hug wrapping his arms around her pulling her into a big hug. "When you decide to tell me the truth, I'll let you go." He simply stated.
Rukia huffed while Hitsugaya squeezed her tighter. In all honesty, the hug felt nice, and she needed one. If this was under normal circumstances, she would try to beat his head in for this little stunt, but his reassuring presence automatically made her feel better.
She tucked under his chin as she hugged him back. Rukia was barely able to captured a giggle that tried to escape. Of all the times to really pay attention to their height differences, she had to pick now! All she could think about now was how a few years ago Hitsugaya was as short as she was, but now he was at least 6 inches taller - still short by soul reaper standards though.
Rukia knew see needed to talk this whole situation out, and who better to do that than with Hitsugaya? At least he understood her. With a deep breath, she decided it was time to tell him. "Toshiro, I did something stupid tonight."
"I'm sure it's not that bad, Rukia. You always tend to think matters worse than what they are." He continued to hold her gently.
"Nope. This one was bad! I basically told Ichigo that I liked him, and he rejected me." She said softly. He heard her heart crack after admitting that to him. Hitsugaya knew that Rukia tried to hide that little gem from everyone, but too many people already saw it because of their bond.
"It'll be okay." He hugged her even tighter. "Ichigo is an idiot if he doesn't feel the same way about you. He'd be lucky to be even in this competition. I know plenty of other soul reapers who would love to be in his shoes, Rukia. So don't give up." He told her reassuringly. Hitsugaya wanted to slowly freeze and refreeze the orange haired soul reaper.
As if sensing, Hitsugaya's murderous thoughts, she told him, "Don't go kill him, Toshiro. Please! I never ever even planned to bring him into this mess to begin with! This all started because he saw me date other guys. Then after the battle, Ichigo had to go and plan that stupid date. Of course, the drink didn't help..." Rukia trailed off as she stepped out of his arms.
"What drink?" Hitsugaya asked as his spiritual pressure started to flare. "He tried to get you drunk?" He asked with anger lining his voice. Inwardly, Hitsugaya promised himself he'd find Ichigo and kick his ass into next week. To hell with what Rukia asked!
"Don't be mad, Toshiro. He didn't knowingly give me alcohol. I felt drunk, but thank Kami the feeling is fading. I don't know what caused it. Ichigo swears there was nothing was in my drink, and he even tasted it. Part of me thinks that the drunk feeling was some sort of side effect from earlier. If that was the case, then Ichigo wouldn't have tasted anything out of the ordinary only I would."
"What do you mean by side effect?" He asked curiously as he arched an elegant white eyebrow at her. Hitsugaya did not have any information of Rukia being injured earlier.
"When we slipped out of Soul Society, we used a different way than normal because too many people were guarding all the gates. Captain Ukitake gave us an invisibility potion to get to a hidden tunnel, but whatever was in there made me extremely sick."
"You were sick and drunk in this trip? Seems like Kurosaki is slacking at his promise to protect you." Hitsugaya growled.
"Yes. I was, but not everything was Ichigo's fault." She countered.
"He didn't take advantage of you when you were in either condition right?" Hitsugaya asked calmly, but Rukia could see his little vein starting to pop.
"No!" She loudly shouted. "Ichigo took care of me when I was sick. Once I was well, I remained fine until I drank the lemonade."
He nodded to her. "Do you think the drink could have been tampered with any way?"
"The drink was in plastic bottles, Toshiro. There was no way for him to add anything to the lemonade unless he could undo the top then reseal it."
"Interesting… I'm sure Kisuke was the one to help you escape Soul Society and sold Kuroasaki the drinks?"
"It's possible, but I was too drunk and pissed off at the time to ask. But Kisuke did tell Ichigo how to make me better. His "cure" worked. I felt wonderful when I woke up!"
"You must haven't gotten all the drugs out of your system yet or this wouldn't have happened." Hitsugaya concluded. He wondered what Kisuke put into the formula for Rukia to have such a weird side effect though.
"Well, you solved one of my mysteries..." Rukia told him.
"Damn right, now its time for me to solve your heart problem. Come on." Rukia arched her raven eyebrow at him but she followed him none the less.
Rukia walked with Hitsugaya through the streets of Karakura Town. "Toshiro, where are we going? Shouldn't we head back to the Soul Society?"
"You'll see!" He replied with a knowing gleam as he grabbed her hand. She had no clue where he was leading her. Only a few places were opened this late at night.
They continued to walk hand-in-hand until her stopped in front of an older building. Hitsugaya held the door open for her. "Hello!" He called out as they entered. "Mrs. Nakamura?"
An lady in her late 50s emerged from around the corner with a scowl on her face until she saw Hitsugaya. "Toshiro, how are you?" She asked before her glance swept over to Rukia. "Who is this lovely thing?" The older woman asked causing Rukia to blush.
"This is Rukia Kuchiki, Mrs. Nakamura. She is a special friend of mine." He replied sending a wink to the older lady. "I was wondering if we could use your studio?"
"Of course! Anything for you, Toshiro!" Mrs. Nakamura stated as she motioned for the couple to follow her. Behind the two closed doors at the end of the hall was a large room filled with costumes.
"Toshiro, what is this?" Rukia whispered as her glaze ran wild throughout the room. The bright colors catching her eyes.
He tried not to laugh at her amazement. "You needed some fun so I thought a little photo shoot would loosen you up!"
"Photoshot? Come on, Toshiro! Have you lost your mind?" A blushing Rukia was utterly confused. How could a photoshoot be fun?
"Don't worry! It's not that type of photo shoot. Mrs. Nakamura is going to let us dress up in whatever costumes we want then we will take some pictures."
"How is this supposed to be relaxing?" Rukia asked skeptically.
"Quit complaining, and go pick out a costume! Captain's orders." He said with a smirk.
Rukia wondered over to the Women's side at Hitsugaya's insistence. She was amazed at all the choices! You could be a saloon girl, a geisha, a Victorian princess, a superhero. You name it, Mrs. Nakamura had an outfit for it. For their first picture, Rukia chose to be from the Victorian era. Mrs. Nakamura helped Rukia put on a hoop skirt then she pulled the dress over her head and laced up the back. "My dear, I'll be right back! I am going to make sure Toshiro picked the right outfit!"
Before Mrs. Nakamura could leave. Hitsugaya emerged from the doorway wearing a Batman costume. "Of come on! I was sure you'd go for the superheroes first!" He complained.
A loud laugh escaped Rukia, followed by a snort. Now, she understood what Hitsugaya meant. This was going to be fun!
After numerous grumblings and moanings, Hitsugaya changed it an older style tux with a frilly shirt sticking out of a dark blue vest -much to his dismay-, a black top hat, and a cane to top off his look. He looked so handsome even with the grim look on his face.
"Oh, Toshiro!" Rukia exclaimed.
"Don't even start!" He growled at her causing Mrs. Nakamura to laugh.
"Now, Toshiro, you look adorable. Stop being grumpy, and go stand next to Rukia." The older woman placed Rukia in a window seal while Hitsugaya was over by the piano. They took a classic "family" style photo where Rukia was holding a lacey umbrella in front of a park scene while Hitsugaya looked like a stoic statue at her side. Then the next scene showed them dancing. Unfortunately, all those pictures captured Rukia laughing uncontrollably at Hitsugaya's pout that he was adamant he was not making.
Finally, their Victorian shoot was over. "What do you want to try this time?" Hitsugaya asked.
"How about we become superheroes?" She replied causing her partner's eyes to light up. "Consider this as a thank you for making tonight better." She replied and gave him a kiss on the cheek before she went to find her superhero costume.
Hitsugaya came back out in his Batman costume. He didn't see Rukia so he went to check on her. He saw that the curtain was open so he figured it was safe for him to go in. Rukia was standing there in her robe looking overwhelmed at all the costumes. "Having trouble deciding?" He asked her from the door way.
"Yes!" She exclaimed. "Why don't you pick one for me? I want something that will go with yours."
Hitsugaya scratched his head. He didn't want her to kill him for suggesting the classic Wonder Woman costume, but he definitely did not see her as Cat Woman or Poison Ivy. Then he saw the outfit another outfit. "How about you be Zatanna?"
"What can she do?" Rukia asked as she watched Hitsugaya get slightly animated about his hidden love of comics.
"She is a powerful sorceress, and one of Batman's best friends. Zatanna verbally cast spells, kind of like we do with kido, but she doesn't use her hands. In times when she can't use her voice, she can write the spells in her blood. I'll let you in on a secret though. Not many people like to admit this, but she could kill Batman or Superman with a handful of words if she wanted to."
"When did you start liking comics?" Rukia asked as she watched Hitsugaya pull the Zatanna costume from the rack.
"I've always liked them, but I didn't get into reading them much till after I became a captain. I have to keep my sanity some how! But don't tell anyone! I even have a hidden stash in my quarters for when I get desperate." He said with a smile.
"I just may have to borrow one then!" Rukia said excitedly. She figured that the superhero comics would be similar to her beloved manga.
"Ah! Great choice, Toshiro!" Mrs. Nakamura stated. Hitsugaya blushed and handed Rukia the outfit before he flew out of the room. "He's adorable when he gets fluster." Mrs. Nakamura followed Hitsugaya out to harass him some more.
"Most people think he's adorable all the time." Rukia said off handedly as she began to slip on pieces of the outfit.
Rukia emerged from the fitting room a little self conscious with the amount of leg that she was showing. "You look great." Hitsugaya told her, which settled her nerves some.
Mrs. Nakamura directed them to another area where she had prop bad guys set up. "Now, look like your fighting them." She said before she started clicking away at the camera. Hitsugaya and Rukia gave each other a knowing smirk. They fought all the time, but Mrs. Nakamura didn't know that. The couple fought fake foes and mildly destroyed the set on accident. Mrs. Nakamura then directed them over to an operations based screen where she took plenty photos of them arguing and laughing.
"One more set, Toshiro? It's getting late." Mrs. Nakamura stated.
Hitsugaya looked over to Rukia to see her smile brightly at him. She had a blast. "I think we'll change, Mrs. Nakamura. Thank you for everything." he said as he slipped her a large amount of yen.
"Toshiro, you don't have to pay me!" She exclaimed. Rukia's smile broadened at the woman and at Hitsugaya's generosity.
"Well, I feel bad for destroying your set..." He concluded, but he would have paid her anyway. He always left her a little something to help the older woman get by.
"It's okay. Thank you for coming by. I miss our visits." Mrs. Nakamura said with a sad smile on her face.
"I'm sorry that I cant come by more. Work keeps me busy, but I'll try to stop by soon!" He promised. Hitsugaya looked over to Rukia. "Well, we best go change. You're brother is going to kill me for keeping you out so late."
Rukia nodded at him as she left. "She's really something." The older woman stated.
"Yes, she is."
"Go get dress, Toshiro, before your lovely lady decided to leave you!" Mrs. Nakamura cackled.
"Wait ... what? My lady?" He stuttered.
"Go get dressed." With that comment, Hitsugaya headed back to get dressed in his normal clothes.
Hitsugaya and Rukia emerged fully dressed from their dressing rooms. They bid Mrs. Nakamura a good bye then headed out back into the cold night. "Where to next?" Rukia asked sleepily. All of the adrenaline finally left her body.
"We're head to Kisuke's. I need to ask him something, then we'll leave."
Hitsugaya heard a "mmmhhm..."
He looked down to see Rukia using his arm for a pillow. Poor thing had had a trying last few days. Hitsugaya proceeded to stop. "Rukia, climb on my back." He stated. She did as he asked without any objection. Rukia was just too tired to really care. "Sleep well, princess." She heard Hitsugaya mumble as darkness welcomed her into her sweet embrace.
Hitsugaya walked up to Kuchiki Manor only to be greeted by an angry Byakuya. "Where the hell have you been? It's been hours since I sent you and Renji after her!"
"Long story short, Kurosaki screwed up big time. Your sister needed to let off some steam so I helped." He glanced over to the sleeping woman on his back. "She's better now, but I'd give her a week before you threw her in the dating pool again, Byakuya."
"Was he really that stupid?" Byakuya's fiery emotions were seen in his grey eyes. The man cared deeply for Rukia.
"She'll be fine. Just let her be. I expect he'll come around shortly, but I'd advise to keep him away from her unless you want a war of banakais on your hands. If she has the chance, she'll turn him into an ice statue."
Byakuya arched a brow as held in a laugh. The idiotic carrot top didn't know who he pissed off. "Thank you for bringing her home and taking care of her, Hitsugaya."
"Where can I put her?" Hitsugaya asked.
Instead of taking her from Hitsugaya, Byakuya shocked him. "Follow me, and I will show you to her room." Silently, Hitsugaya followed Byakuya through the front door and down winding corridors of doors until they stopped at a room with snowdrops painted on the door.
Rukia's room was covered in a presiten white like her zanpukto with brilliant pinks, blues, and purples from her art work and fans on her walls. Hitsugaya gently laid her on the bed. The men heard sleeping beauty making noises in her sleep, but they both shared a rare smile as they left the room.
Thank you for reading, reviewing, following, and adding my story to your favorites!
So I know a few of y'all are asking why a photoshoot? Well, have you ever been to the old timey photos? It's a blast to dress up! You laugh and have fun with all the props on various sets. If you haven't been, you should try it! Also, I apologize for geeking out on the superhero part ha!
I decided to wait to add the noble's date until next time. This chapter just took on a life of its own. But y'all should get the next chapter sometime Monday! Our noble is someone based on another anime series so do y'all have any guesses? I'll give you a hint - he's a very talented warrior. Yeah, I know like that limits it right? I'm just curious of your guesses.
To that1person, I know you are fangirling right now! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! :D