AN: For PaperPlane.

Title: Going under

Requested pairing: one-sided Rukia x Ulquiorra and Ulquihime even though I can't stand Orihime in this one. Also hinted IchiYoru.

Rating: T

;.;

It was like going under. Of losing your breath and being unable to catch it. It was horrible the feeling that gripped her in vise-like claws until her eyes were welling with unshed tears and her heart was being ripped apart.

Tears of joy, everyone would think.

Tears of pain, of frustration, Rukia thought sardonically. Helplessly she watched her best friend walk up the aisle resplendent in a white satin gown. The style was simple yet she was as radiant as a princess. Of what might have been.

She didn't want to look at him receiving the woman whom was to become his wife.

It's too late, Rukia told herself, the flash of Tatsuki's digital camera a multi-hued flash blinding her eyes blessedly as He extended his hand toward her best friend. He was attired in a plain dress shirt with black stovepipe pants and loafers. Nothing could've suited his dark good looks nor vivid green eyes other than such a monochrome canvas.

Those eyes that when they looked into hers, she felt like she was falling, drowning in their vast depths.

Even then his very image was engraved in her mind-her thoughts. Rukia couldn't remember a single moment when they hadn't been together. Inoue, she and him. Every memory, every fourth second of her life was filled with this remembrance or that touch. His voice sent chills up her spine even when it wasn't meant for her. "Orihime..."

In her fantasy.

her dream of so long..

He was saying Rukia.

he was giving her the smile he gave to no one else.

It was Inoue in the fuchsia bridesmaid dress on the sidelines and it was she-Rukia in a white summer dress taking his hand.

The snap and flash of another of Tatsuki's picture-taking moments drew Rukia to look across to him. So close. The minister was saying, "..in sickness and in health." Orihime was smiling contentedly at the world. The princess always got her happy ending. Rukia switched her agonized gaze to his face framed by layered black hair. She remembered Orihime's observation on the situation of both of their bangs being just so.

She remembered the squirming-happy-fluttery sensation at being compared to the boy who was their mutual friend. She hadn't understood its source then. That other feeling that accompanied his quiet dismissal of any comparison between him and the cootie girl.

Hurt.

Rukia didn't show her feelings the way others did. She punched his shoulder and screamed they were nothing alike, storming off to hide and cry alone. That was her first rejection. Because, a then five-year old Rukia reasoned. Didn't Orihime have cooties just like her?

The second came when a ten-year-old Rukia received a Valentines' day heart from him. Only then was she starting to barely understand the concept of her emotions and why she felt the blissful happiness when she looked at the white paper heart pinned to the wall above her bed. Orihime showed her the next day, the one he gave her; it was red.

The third was when they were in high-school and Rukia realized what her feelings were.

She was in love with him. She even remembered hiding all day from him, afraid he'd see the emotion written in her eyes. She didn't want to be another silly cow chasing after a boy. Oh, no. She was going to talk it over with her other dear friend, Orihime. Surely the orangette could tell her on best how to approach him...

It was at Orihime's brother's apartment while Sora was at work; that Orihime confessed she was in love too. Rukia at first was ecstatic and admitted she was too. Now they were the same! In her mind she was already planning all the perfect double dates Orihime and mystery guy along with she and Ulquiorra would go on.

"So, how do you think I should approach him?"

"Who?" Rukia was sure it was Ichigo Kurosaki whom was also an acquaintance, but lived across town so they didn't see each other as much."Why, Ulquiorra-kun, of course." Orihime said happily.

Rukia still remembered Orihime's innocent reply that made her feel as if she was drowning. In her stupidity. Anguish. Jealousy and pain. Rukia still remembered the bitter bile rising in her throat and the urge to vomit as wave after wave of intense emotion gripped her. Everything spun out of focus all...except for her friend's lovely rounded cheeks and large worried eyes.

"Are you okay, Rukia?" Innocent, pure Orihime who didn't know it was the very same boy whom Rukia was going to ask. Whom it was the very same one they both loved. Orihime could never know. Even though Rukia wasn't good at showing how she felt except through kicks/hits/ punches; it still felt like she was going under.

"Yeah, hime-chan." Rukia lied, affecting the smile she gave to the world.

Orihime never knew the difference.

Another might've done something, spoken up, gone behind their friend's back.

But, Rukia-a Kuchiki by adoption couldn't do that. She wouldn't shame herself nor betray her friend's precious trust even though it hurt something fierce waiting only a few feet away from him and her as they conversed in low tones after Track and Field.

Rukia could still see him the way he was then.

Slight color adorning his pale features like the dusting of blush, eyes the color of precious emeralds framed by raven lashes lowering then widening as Orihime threw her arms about him in a spasm of emotion while Rukia secretly died a little more inside in a paroxysm of misery.

-It was for her friend-

-for the happiness of two dearly loved friends-

She barely heard Orihime's call to her not to wait up; giggling she added they were going to walk home together. No, Rukia couldn't hear her. Not with the sound of the ocean crashing in her ears. Only some feeling remained in her body as her head turned toward them. Leaving the field side by side. Tentatively Orihime's hand brushed his and he accepted.

So, they went hand in hand.

In her fantasy.

It was Orihime looking after she and Ulquiorra.

It was her hand that reached for his and was clasped so gently.

It was..it was Orihime he didn't take a second look at and not she-Rukia.

She muffled the broken sob in her shoulder, pressing her mouth against the cashmere of the tan sweater. In the crumbling dream, she-Rukia, was beautiful and Orihime had all the qualities that made Ulquiorra turn away.

Rukia hated herself then.

;.;

As she did now.

"...and forever hold your peace." The minister announced.

The small church became silent as the assembly sat in serenity, knowing no one would dare to steal the princess's happiness away.

I have an objection! In Rukia's mind she cried it.

Orihime would turn to her, shocked.

Tatsuki would glower and threaten with her snapping black eyes.

Ichigo would smile and secretly give her a thumbs up of encouragement since it was long since that she had told him of her secret unable to bear keeping silent anymore. Ichigo's girlfriend, the kick boxer, Yoruichi would smirk as well and look to Tatsuki in meaning. Rukia still had friends and backing.

And...and...

He. Ulquiorra would look at her and see what had been in front of him all that time.

But Rukia didn't say anything.

Her dream cracked into a million pieces as Ulquiorra didn't turn to her, didn't look at her. Why should he? Beautiful Orihime was on his arm and looking up into his face with her own expression shining with adoration.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Ulquiorra did look at her.

Like always when their eyes met, it was like she was falling all over again.

Before reality made her crash down as Orihime claimed what was hers.

Now Rukia felt like she was drowning. Going under in the ocean of pain that was her sacrifice.

It was as if the very air was water filling her lungs, choking her with ugly, loathsome feelings as she watched every touch and nuzzle and caress of his lips on her friend's.

She closed her eyes to the scene and rushed out, running from everything.

Tatsuki's accusing face.

Ichigo's face scowling in worry.

Yoruichi's understanding look. She herself knew what it was like to be left for another.

Orihime's aglow with happiness, ever selfish in her own little world.

But, it was his face.

His was the only one that mattered.

That and the emotion Rukia's engulfed mind filled with so many intense, painful feelings clung onto like a lifeline that buoyed up her anguished soul.

In his eyes there had been regret.

~Finis~

AN: ;.; thanks for reading! /thanks to everyone who reviewed last time too! Voidy: sorry, I didn't realize it wasn't you whom had requested UkitakexRukia :p

No flames-haters-stupid comments!

Reviews appreciated! ^^

Ps: there maybe another bonus chapter sometime this month, WonderweissxRukia! Squee! Such crack! ;p