Chapter 26: You slept with him!
Ya-hoo! 404 freakin' reviews! I'm lovin' this! I'm glad you guys like this story so much. I've been kind of pressed for time, but I'll try harder to update faster. Oi…. It's about 6:59 a.m and I'm just about to leave for school, but no worries. I have early release so I'll be able to come home and write more. Ooopse- 7 o'clock, Gotta go!
Yoruichi passed by Urahara many times as she paced a line on the dance floor in front of his desk. Rukia and Ichigo both were running late, and this didn't please her in the least bit. Urahara had a content smile on his face as he watched his new girlfriend puffed up and annoyed.
" You're very cute when you're pissed." He commented in a loving mumble, leaning on his desk with his chin in his hand.
Yoruichi flashed him a look over her shoulder before continuing on her way. "They're both ten minuets late. That's very unlike Ichigo and even more unlike Rukia. It's annoying as hell! And they picked a fine day to be late, too. Now that we're in the contest, we need every second we can get."
Urahara raised an eyebrow at her even though her back was turned, knowing that she wasn't just angry with them. About two seconds after his brow lifted, Yoruichi stopped dead and turned around on one heel, a look of concern on her face.
"Do you think they're okay?"
Urahara closed his eyes gently, as if to savor a song sang from a beautiful throat, than he sat up and leaned in his chair. "They're just fine, love." He patted the desk surface, that amused look still on his face. "In fact… I would say that they are wonderful." He said this as he made his way around the table and up to Yoruichi. He was nearly nose-to-nose to her… well more like nose-to-throat because he had a good foot and a half on her.
She liked him up close like that, right in her face, breathing on her skin. It was something that made her feel protected. Like he was a security blanked held in front of her to hide her form the cruelty of the world. With a pouty face, Yoruichi wrapped her long arms around his neck and pushed his face down to her level.
"What makes you so sure?" she asked as she pressed his forehead against hers. They began to sway to unheard music when Urahara replied.
"I don't know but… they had a night alone for each other. Something had to have happened between them."
Yoruichi snorted softly, enjoying this moment too much to really make a noisy effort. "You dirty mind."
Urahara lifted his head and looked down at his girl with a smirked. "Now I wasn't implying that kind of thing. But I wouldn't be surprised if they did." Yoruichi starred up at him for a second, taking in his words as she weight the options. Would those two really go that far on their first date? Oh well. Why did it matter to them? It was none of their business, anyway.
Urahara put his hand on the back of her neck and gently pushed her head down onto his chest, smiling evilly as he said, " Not that we have room to talk. We had a little fun that night as well, didn't we?"
Yoruichi's turn to smirk. "Twice."
Urahara hummed a laugh deep in his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her tightly against him. Yoruichi rolled her eyes closed when the sound of heartbeat invaded her ears. The steady rhythm reminded Yoruichi of thunder in the distance. Powerful, thick, his life force, and the object that kept his eyes open, his lungs breathing, his blood warm. And knowing that this significant creation was now hers to love or to crush, it made her want to keep him happy.
Just then, the bell above the door chimed to life and they both casually turned their heads in its direction. Ichigo was holding the door open for Rukia, who strode inside with a brilliant smile and even brighter skin. With the light gray storm outside it made her alabaster skin glow. Ichigo's bronze skin only deepened in color, making him look almost Native American, if not for his hair.
Yoruichi pushed against Urahara's chest, leaning out from his grasp as she eyed Ichigo suspiciously.
"Ichigo!" she yelled to get his attention. He looked up calmly after bending down to put his duffle bag in its usual place by the door. "You did something new to your hair."
Ichigo stood up strait and put his palm around the small ponytail in the back of his head.
"Oh yeah, that. My hair's getting kind of long so I decided to pull it back for today."
Yoruichi nodded in approval. "You look nice like that."
Ichigo flushed red, "Uh… thanks." Yoruichi turned and playfully winked at Rukia, sealing any doubt that she might be going back on her word to not touch Ichigo again. Rukia flashed her a calm smile, letting her know that she was not suspected.
Urahara came up then, a large, white envelope tucked under his arms as he walked up to stand by Yoruichi's side.
"Get close, you two because I have some news," he announced as he flipped the packet into his hands and slid out it's contents. Ichigo and Rukia skidded forward, standing shoulder to shoulder as they pressed to get as close as possible. Urahara flipped through the stack of papers form the packet, but paused half way, starring at the two with a crooked smile.
"I didn't mean you had get that close."
Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other, than took a step to the opposite side, putting a foot sized gap between themselves. Urahara held that crooked smirk, but shook his head and turned in attention to the papers.
"So anyway… I'm sure you're both aware of the Dance World Cup, correct?" He flicked his eyes up to the two teens who nodded back at him at the same time. He let his eyes drop again. "And I'm right to assume you know when the contest begins?"
The two shook their heads at the same time and Urahara bit his tongue as he forced down a chuckle.
"Well today is November 16th… the last day to sign up was yesterday."
Rukia and Ichigo let out a stunned breath at the same time, but thank God Urahara's sake that they didn't start talking at the same time.
"We missed it?" Rukia squeaked as she stepped forward. "Oh… damn it all to hell and back!" She yelled and stomped her foot. "I can't believe we missed it!" she said to Ichigo, who stood a safe distance away from the fuming female.
Urahara's crooked smirk grew in a devilish grin. "Well… actually…" He didn't have to finish when he held up two packets of papers- the criteria and rules and deadlines for the Dance World Cup. Rukia gasped long and loud, her eyes growing wider and her arms raising higher the longer she breathed in. Without a warning, she snatched her packet and turned to the side to stare in awe at it.
"GYA! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!" She clutched the thing to her chest and bounced up and down, up and down like a little child, than she pivoted and threw herself on Urahara, locking him in a choke hold that was supposed to be a hug. "Oooohhhh! Thank, thank you, thank you!"
With Urahara doing Riga mortise buy Rukia's death grip, Ichigo took the other packet from his outstretched, ridged arm. He scanned over the first page, reading only a few things before nodding his approval.
The bell above the door rang, and it was a saving grace for Urahara because Rukia let go to see who just walked in. Her sudden silence in curiosity was quickly replaced by the glee she had two second ago when she noticed who walked in through the door.
"RENJI!" she squealed again, the shrill making Ichigo cringe into himself as the hyper little girl darted past him, up to her old friend.
"Hi- Oop!" Renji grunted when she rammed into him, arms around his neck so she forced him down to her height. He let out a gentle but bewildered chuckle as he pried her arms off him, his red hair falling into his eyes.
Renji held her at arm's length, looking down at her in surprise. "Well… I missed you too." He said it like a question rather than a statement, and Rukia laughed at that.
"Yeah, I'm having a wonderful day so far, so I'm happy."
Renji raised an eyebrow, it lifting into a handsome arch on his skin. "Oh really… so how was your date last night?"
Rukia's hyper ness was quickly replaced by bafflement. "Who… told… you?" She was hesitant to ask because she suddenly got a horrible feeling in her gut. Who all knew that she an Ichigo had gone out last night? Oh hell… did Byakuya know?
When Renji cleared his throat and gestured with his head behind her, Rukia slowly turned on her heel. Yoruichi was whistling a tune as she looked anywhere but at her, and Urahara stuffed his hands into his pockets and shifted back ad forth on his heels. Rukia shot them a glare before turning around again.
Renji, sensing the uneasiness that followed, sucked in a breath before trying to change the subject. "Yeah so, we heard about you signing up for the contest and we came to wish you good luck. We as in Byakuya and me. He'll be here shortly to share in the joy." He made it sound like Byakuya didn't want to come and congratulate her. Which sounded totally like her older brother because he was definitely not what you'd call a social butterfly. More like a social vampire bat.
Rukia felt a twinge of fear grab her throat, and she forced the knot down as she thought of what her brother would say when he found out that she went out with Ichigo… and is now dating him… and also slept with him. Rukia went ridged as she pictured Byakuya screaming at her.
"Rukia? Are you alright?" Renji tapped her shoulder, making her jump.
"What? Yeah, no I'm- I'm cool. I'm fine, why'd you ask?"
Renji was a bit hesitant to ask after that reaction, but he tried it anyway. "You suddenly went ridged… I was just wondering what crossed your mind."
Rukia pinched the bridge of her nose as she silently cursed herself for not hiding that better. "Oh its nothing. When did you say Byakuya was coming?"
Renji let his mouth hang open as he thought about it, and before he could get any words out, the door rang again. Rukia leaned to the side to look past Renji, than instantly snapped back when Byakuya sulked in. Renji and the others went to go greet him, but Rukia pivoted on her heel, putting her back to the group as she hoped feebly that they wouldn't notice her standing there. She gulped, fiddled with her fingers, hunched over a bit to make her seem smaller, and prayed like no other that Byakuya didn't know the news.
"Hey Rukia!" Renji called. Rukia's shoulders bunched up to her ears, the fear like a wave filling her bones. "Aren't you gonna come say hi?" Well she couldn't very well just stand there now that loud mouth Renji announced where she was, but damned her if her legs were jelly now. She gulped again and forced herself to stand upright, turning ever so slowly as she tried to morph her face into what she hoped look like a pleased grin.
"Byakuya! Uh… how are you today?" Her voice was shaking, and she new by how the others looked at her that her attempt to not look worried didn't work.
Byakuya seemed especially distant today, but at least he was looking her strait in the eyes. "Not bad. And you?"
Rukia shrugged, looking elsewhere. "Well, you know… busy, busy!" she waved her hands and laughed, hoping the gesture was enough to put him off.
Not so lucky.
Byakuya raised an eyebrow, his cold eyes not convinced. Rukia sucked in a breath, her laughter replaced by that 'oh crap' squeak. She knew that Byakuya found out, it was there in his eyes. Nothing got past Byakuya, especially with Renji around, and the knowledge of him knowing somewhat made it easier on Rukia… in a way. Because now she didn't have to tell him herself, now if only he could find out about the other two without her having to tell him.
"Rukia…" Byakuya's silk voice called in a low tenor. Rukia looked up in defeat, not trying to hide her fear any more. Byakuya tilted his head to the side, to a door behind Urahara's desk. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Rukia nodded and walked forward, coming into step beside Byakuya as they glided out of the room, through that door.
The others fell silent as they watched- Byakuya standing more erect than usual and Rukia slumped down into a ball like a puppy with its tail between its legs. Urahara and Yoruichi looked down at each other, pity in their eyes before looking back up. Renji chewed on his lip, as if suddenly realizing that Byakuya knowing what had happened was not a good thing. Ichigo watched with a fixed jaw and narrowed eyes. He trusted Byakuya only because he was the brother of Rukia, but should he do anything to harm her- screaming or otherwise- there would be hell to pay.
He felt a lone pair of eyes on him, and he looked down to see Yoruichi looking up at him with scared eyes. When they shifted downward, he followed, only to realize his hands were gripped so tight, they were shaking. He instantly released them, flexing his fingers in an attempt to calm himself.
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Ichigo?"
He looked down at her again.
"Can I speak with you alone, too?" She gestured with her figure to the farthest corner of the studio. Ichigo nodded and followed her to the crook.
Rukia walked inside first, Byakuya holding the door open for her, not paying any heed to the group starring his way. He let the door shut behind him, locking the crowd out and them inside. It was dark for only a second before he flicked on the light. They were in the shower room- six quaint little tiled rectangles lined against a wall with clear shower curtains and a large drain in the center of the room. Rukia was standing right over it. Just in case her tears would need to be sucked up.
The second the lights turned on, Rukia turned and faced her brother. "Before you say anything, I need to make something clear—"
Byakuya's hand shot up against her plea, and she silenced herself on impulse. His head was bowed, the reaction he always gave her when he was angry. Rukia never understood why he had such a hard time looking her in the eyes when he was angry. She waited patiently, a new kind of strength steadying her bones like concrete.
After a few moments of silence, Byakuya looked up at her with steady contact. "Its alright, Rukia… you don't need to explain that."
Rukia was surprised when she didn't feel relieved about that. She guessed she was so used to him screaming at her that it was a bit scarier that he didn't.
"Why?"
"Because it's your decision, and now that it's done, what can I say to you?"
Rukia glanced around the room, bewildered. "Uh… how about ' you idiot, you're not supposed to go out with your partner. You promised me, you fool.'… How's that?"
Byakuya cocked his head, taken aback. "Is that what you want to hear?"
Rukia shrugged. "Not really. But its what I was expecting, so you might as well do it while I'm composed."
Byakuya frowned. "I don't want to scream at you."
"Why not?" Rukia raised her voice.
"Because its pointless now." Byakuya stated bluntly.
Rukia growled aloud, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "Than why are we locked in the shower room?"
"Because I need to ask you something. Something important."
"Like what?" Rukia heard the annoyance in her voice echo through the room, so she toned it down a bit.
Byakuya shifted his weight and looked down again, rubbing the rim of his nose with his thumb and pointer finger. After a second of him composing himself, he spoke in an almost whisper.
" Did you sleep with him?"
Rukia felt her composure leek out of her in two full seconds, leaving her woozy and numb as she swayed on her feet. "W-why do you ask?"
Byakuya looked up under his long, black lashes, sorrow in his eyes. "Just tell me." He whispered.
Rukia's jaw moved, but nothing came out- not even breathing. After a moment of nothing but "…" she let out a loud gust, and bowed her head.
"Yes… yes, I did."
She could hear Byakuya's teeth scrapping against each other, and she didn't want to look up to see the tortured look he might have.
"Byakuya… Please try to understand. I made this decision on my own and it's my life to do as I please, so why are you so concerned—"
"Have you told him yet?"
Rukia's train of thought derailed. "What?"
Byakuya was still looking at her from below his brow, the sorrow replaced by anger. "Did you tell him about your leg yet?"
Rukia felt her heart stop. So that's why he's angry with her. She bowed her head low. "…No…"
"Damn it, Rukia…" Byakuya was going very well in keeping his voice low, put the anger was as loud as if he was screaming again. He turned away, his hands in a fist as he hit the tiled wall to his side.
"Byakuya, I will tell him! I promise it's just... harder now."
"And whose fault is that?" His head snapped around to peg her with a glare. "Who made it harder on themselves to tell him the truth?" He pushed away from the wall and began to walk toward her, and she began to back away, that horrible anger she was used to back with a vengeance. "Was it me? Was it Urahara?" She hit the wall, and his hand slapped into the tile right by her ear. "Or was it you?"
Rukia felt the tears pushing against her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. "It was me…"
Byakuya's eyes narrowed, but he didn't lean any closer. "You said you'd tell him, but when? How can I trust you, now?"
Rukia tried to search for the words, but nothing came. God, he was right. Rukia felt the tears run down her cheeks endlessly.
"I love you, Rukia. You're my little sister… but I can't condone what you're doing. And I refuse to be a part of this any longer." Rukia's body jerked as the sobs began to ravage her. With a lid cry, she buried her face in her hands and wept aloud. Byakuya circled his arms around her and brought her close, holding her tight against him. Rukia didn't refuse, instead she openly cried as he rocked her gently back and forth, just like when she was a little girl.
He kissed her head than rested his cheek on her hair. "Tell me what I can do to help you, Rukia… I want what's best for you… how can I help you?"
Rukia licked her lips, wiping away her tears with her tongue. "There's nothing you can do… it's all up to me…"
Byakuya clenched his eyes shut, the pain he felt when his sister suffered was unlike any pain he had ever felt.
"Than I will be here should you need me."
"Thank you… so much." Rukia sighed into the warmth of her brother's embrace. A sensation she missed greatly from her childhood.
They stood in the shower room for what felt like hours, just rocking back and forth with each other, Byakuya waiting for his sister to stop crying and for the evidence to dry up before they walked back outside.
"You what!?" Yoruichi's shriek shook the very foundation of the studio, and Ichigo's hands whipped up to cover his ears. After the echoing died down, Ichigo repeated himself.
"I asked her out."
Yoruichi wasn't shocked angry with him, she was shocked damn right grateful! She squealed again and grabbed Ichigo's neck and wrenched him down into a hug.
"OH! That's great! I love you two right now, I hope you know!"
Ichigo grunted when he felt his rib protest, but his eyes flickered up to Renji, who was leaning against the wall across form him. Renji narrowed his eyes before turning his head away sharply. Ichigo suddenly felt a little worried about the relationship between the red head and Rukia.
Ichigo pried her arms off of him, feeling a little torn now. He stood back up, rubbing the back of his neck to rid it from the sting, when he heard a door creak open. He looked up past the head of Yoruichi and Urahara to see Rukia walking through the door, Byakuya in toe. Renji pushed off the wall and looked at the couple with just as much concern, which made Ichigo's heart race. Renji had known those two much longer that he did, so if he was worried about those two being alone in a room together, than it must be a bad thing.
Ichigo looked closely at Rukia's face, making sure nothing had gone wrong while they had been apart. Rukia seemed happy enough, a little tired looking, but nothing to worry about. Byakuya was looking…. right at him.
Ichigo locked eyes with him out of habit, going ridged when he noted the icy edge in Byakuya's face. Guess it was safe to guess what they had talked about, and Ichigo had no doubt in his mind that Byakuya wanted an audience with him now.
Without Byakuya having to request him, Ichigo gently pushed his way between Urahara and Yoruichi and stepped forward, stopping when he was right in front of him. By how Byakuya stood and waited for him showed that he was expecting this as well. Rukia stopped in her tracks when Ichigo came up to her brother, eyes wide with worry when she realized what was going on. She stood close by, ready to jump in should she need to.
"Byakuya." Ichigo greeted with as much respect as he could. Byakuya nodded once, eyes still sharp as blades.
"Ichigo."
"I suppose you want to talk to me, now?"
Byakuya nodded again. "Yes. I won't pretend to know what is going on between you and my sister, but knowing that don't mistake me for a fool."
Ichigo stood still, waiting for any bantering Byakuya might dish out, ready take all he needed. Just as long as he could walk out of here with Rukia on his arm, he'd do anything.
"My sister is my only family left, Ichigo. Should anyone take her from me, I will be forced to hunt them down and kill them."
Rukia felt her gut tighten. "Byakuya…"
He hushed her with a simple gesture of the head, the icy rim on his face suddenly melting away. He lifted his eyes fell back to Ichigo, something shining beneath the surface that no one had even seen before.
"But you're not anyone, Ichigo. You saved my sister when she needed it most. Not even intentioning it, but you did it, which is more than I can say in her stead." He seemed to regret saying that last part because he looked away for a split second.
He looked back up again, the resolve back like it never left. "You may have my sister. Protect her, keep her safe, treat her like you should- with love."
Ichigo smiled gently and nodded once. "Thank you."
Byakuya nodded back, than narrowed his eyes suddenly. "But know this; should you do anything to harm her… I will do worse than kill you."
Ichigo swallowed, "Yes, sir."
Byakuya smiled as much as he could than reached up and squeezed Ichigo's shoulder. "You're a good man…"
Ichigo heard an intake of breath behind him, than suddenly realized what magnitude of a comment that just was. Ichigo felt his chest swell with humble pride and he looked Byakuya dead in the eye, truly honored.
Byakuya noticed the reaction, and knew for certain that his choice was a good one… but a painful one still. He flickered a smile, fighting back mixed feelings before patting Ichigo on the shoulder, turning to look at the others, than to his little sister. She looked up at him with joyful tears lining her eyes, pride causing her to stand tall. He put both hands on either side of her face and leaned down, giving her forehead a gentle kiss before standing erect and walking out the door.
Rukia watched him go, turning on her heel to gaze at him pass through the door and walk to his car down the road. She pressed her fingertips to her lips than put them against the glass, kissing Byakuya's form as he leaned into his car and drove away.
Renji pushed his way past, stopping at Ichigo to grab him by the shoulder too, only not nearly as gentle as Byakuya had.
Renji turned Ichigo towards him, pegging him with a glare that burned with his red eyes. "That goes for me to, bub…" He hissed and poked Ichigo in the chest. "You hurt her, I'll castrate you where you stand, got it?"
Ichigo frowned and cocked his head, but nodded anyway. Than Renji release him and stomped to Rukia.
"And you, little missy!" He didn't touch her, but shot her the same angry look. " You treat him with just as much respect, or make your life hell too!"
Ichigo seemed to be a bit worried at how he was treating her, but Rukia laughed like it was just a joke. She leaned forward and punched Renji in the arm. "Oh shut you, you worry wart! You know me better than that."
Renji raised an eyebrow with speculation, than suddenly smiled and ruffled her hair up.
"Yeah, whatever, twerp." And with a playful smirk, he walked out as well.
Ichigo stood a little ways behind her, watching her reaction with a tender expression. A stunned Urahara and Yoruichi walked up behind him, coming to stand at either side.
"Wow…" Urahara stated after a beet of silence. He than turned and draped an arm over Ichigo's shoulders. "Welcome to the family!"
Rukia didn't take her eyes off the road as she watched her dear old friend drive the same way Byakuya drove, but she couldn't help but smile at that.