Welcome to Chapter 2 of The Omega Project!
Please keep in mind that the pairings COULD BE ANYONE! The direction of this story will be to keep you guessing, so with that in mind please relax and enjoy it :D
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Massive thanks to Bookist, Nejes & Emman214 for leaving reviews on the last chapter!
!Warning for some inappropriate language in this chapter!
Byakuya wasn't pleased.
Rukia could tell from the way he moved as they walked across his grounds. He only took strolls to clear his mind when he was dutifully annoyed.
The sun had almost completely set, the grounds lit by bamboo lanterns placed around the perimeter. The soft warm glow from the lights glinted off the water of the pond, where the koi fish slapped the surface to catch the last of the food from their evening feed. Rukia walked a few steps behind her brother, not daring to step up beside him until he was ready to speak to her. Byakuya's back was tense, his shoulders square and his arms folded into the opposite sleeves of his haori as he moved.
His strides were slow, less purposeful than when she'd first arrived. It gave her the sense that he was drawing to a final conclusion. Byakuya did nothing without purpose, said nothing without purpose and Rukia could see purpose in every line of his face as he finally turned toward her.
'Rukia,' he started and the Omega bowed low.
'Nii-sama,' she replied.
'I'm sorry,' Byakuya said softly.
The anxious ball that had been residing in Rukia's stomach broke with his words. She blinked dumbly at the grass for a moment before she straightened up and looked at her brother's face properly. The lines of concern were woven across his brow as he gazed down at his pond, the face of a man who looked like he'd aged very quickly in a very short period of time. Though it was rare for Baykuya to smile, the light from his steely grey eyes that usually indicated his own content seemed to be dulled.
'Nii-sama?' Rukia questioned, 'why are you sorry? I should be-'
'You're not to blame yourself for this Rukia, do I make myself clear?' his eyes flashed a warning in her direction and she flinched back from his gaze before he sighed.
Rukia had always had a habit of apologising for being an Omega. She often felt like she was a burden on the great Kuchiki household, whether it was stealing her brother's clothes for her nest, eating too much food before and after he heat or some other Omega related incident.
Each time her brother would scold her for it, remind her it wasn't her fault but it was in Rukia's nature to not wish to be a burden on those she cared for.
'I should have been able to stop this, to protect you,' as he spoke he flexed his hand, palm facing upward. Rukia was sure he was questioning his own abilities as an Alpha now and wished to challenge him on them but knew she couldn't. 'As soon as Ukitake told me what was going on, I made an appeal directly to Central 46.'
'You did?' Rukia gasped. She knew as a member of a noble family, Byakuya had a lot more influence on the higher authorities.
'Yes of course I did,' Byakuya sighed, tucking his hand back into his sleeve and gazing out across the pond once more, 'however they denied my request. Every high ranked Omega soul reaper is to take part in this project.'
'Lieutenant Ise has been told she doesn't have to by the Head Captain,' Rukia said, it was asked as a question because she was curious as to what kind of sway the Head Captain had in this situation.
Byakuya turned to gaze at her intently. She felt those steely grey eyes boring into her for a moment longer before Byakuya shook his head.
'The Head Captain won't be able to keep her out indefinitely, I think maybe he has plans to make a final plea but it will be futile. Lieutenant Ise will be forced to cooperate just as you are.'
'We're not forced to do anything against our will though,' Rukia said, remembering the Head Captains promise.
'No you will not be forced to mate,' Byakuya seemed to relax at these words himself then scowled, 'but you may be forced to give a sample.'
'If it helps the Seireitei wouldn't that be for the best?' Rukia asked curiously.
'I suppose,' Byakuya frowned and continued to look out across the water. Rukia had so many more questions for him but knew better than to burden him with them. Instead she stood quiet and waited nervously as he gathered his thoughts.
The tension was only broken with the sound of approaching footsteps. Rukia and Byakuya turned at the same time to see one of the servants of the house bowing low for his interruption.
'Begging your pardon, Captain, but I have a letter for Lieutenant Kuchiki,' he straightened up and handed Rukia a scroll sealed with the wax seal of the 1st Division. The servant bowed low again and departed.
Byakuya took a few hesitant steps closer before collecting himself and planting his feet. Rukia could feel his energy, now as anxious as hers was prior to visiting her brother. Rukia slipped her small finger under the red seal and broke it, unravelling the paper she decided to read the letter aloud.
"Lieutenant Kuchiki,
The first test of The Omega Project will begin tomorrow. You're to report to Captain Kotetsu for a full medical check-up. Your timeslot has been allocated between the hours of 3pm and 4pm. Further instructions will be given in due course.
With Regards,
Lieutenant Ise
Head Captain Kyoraku"
Rukia let the bottom of the paper go, where it sprung back up into a partial role making it easier to tuck inside the pocket of her uniform. Byakuya's face looked impassive and smooth, but his jaw was set with a hard line to it as though his teeth were clenched.
'A medical isn't anything new at least,' Rukia said in a bid to lighten the mood. Byakuya fixed her with his gaze again and Rukia shifted uncomfortably.
'I wish I could stop this,' he finally sighed.
'There might be a chance for us to continue the Kuchiki line here though nii-sama wouldn't you like that?' she asked.
'Not if it means forcing you to do something you'd rather not do,' he rubbed his temples with his long fingers then his eyes were back on Rukia's again. 'Do you have a desire to be a mother?'
It was a very personal question, but one Rukia had been expecting him to ask. The Lieutenant took a moment to ponder the idea and really try to visualise it. The thought of a tiny child running around the gardens and Byakuya as an uncle, helping her to raise the child even if the father didn't wish to be part of it…
Rukia liked the idea that she could continue the Kuchiki line, she felt like she was providing something back to the family who had taken her in and helped raise her.
'I- wouldn't be opposed to it…' Rukia finally stated.
Byakuya considered her for a few moments. It seemed this hadn't been the answer he'd expected and took a moment to gather his thoughts.
'What were everyone else's reactions in the meeting?' he finally asked, tucking his hands back into his sleeves.
Rukia contemplated for a moment before answering.
'Lieutenant Matsumoto seemed pleased, I think she's wished to become a mother for a very long time,' Rukia started and Byakuya nodded his head as if agreeing with her assessment. 'Lieutenant Hinamori seemed happy with the idea too because she has Captain Hitsugaya as her mate.'
'They're not mated,' Byakuya stated, and Rukia blinked at the interruption.
'They're not?' she asked.
'No,' Byakuya shook his head and Rukia burned with the desire to know more. How did her brother know that? Lieutenant Hinamori wore patches over her scent glands so that her bond mark wouldn't be on show. Rukia had always assumed it was because she didn't wish other people to see it.
In the Seireitei all souls had a total of six scent glands. Two on the inside of the thighs close to the groin for secreting mating cycle hormones. Two on the wrists, which were often used for scenting objects, and the final two were located on the throat just above the collar bone. When mating and bonding a pair would usually bite each other in this final spot to mark a claim. It wasn't uncommon for Beta's dynamics to do it to each other but was far more common between Alpha and Omega dynamics.
Rukia wanted to ask how Byakuya knew. Perhaps he'd spent enough time with Captain Hitsugaya to see the man without his scent patches on? But Rukia knew better than to question her older brother, especially when he was still expecting answers from her. Rukia decided to skirt the topic for now and maybe broach it with Lieutenant Matsumoto later.
'Third Seat Kiyone Kotetsu seemed apprehensive at first, but with her sister beside her, she seemed willing to cooperate,' Rukia said finally.
Byakuya was silent for a moment before asking, 'and what of Lieutenant Abari?'
Rukia blinked in surprise. Her brother hadn't specifically asked about all the other Alpha's, only his own Lieutenant. Again she wished she could question her brother without coming across as rude. Did her brother only wish to know so he could make plans for how his own division would be affected if his Lieutenant was off frolicking with an Omega?
Rukia held her tongue and sighed internally when he shot her a questioning look.
'I wasn't really focusing on Lieutenant Abari, Nii-sama, I'm sorry,' Rukia replied, 'But he didn't vocalise displeasure at it, he seemed rather keen actually.' Rukia was recalling his reaction to Lieutenant Matsumoto most of all.
Her brother's face contorted in displeasure before he sighed and turned away from her. Rukia was burning with curiosity. This was what it meant to be an Omega for the noble Kuchiki clan… constantly wishing for more information and hating that you couldn't ask for any.
'Very well, I suppose we will have to wait and see how things unfold.' There was a dismissal in his voice and as much as Rukia wanted to stay and speak more, she knew her place. With a low bow to his back, the younger Kuchiki turned and made her way back toward the manor.
She would report for her check up at the appropriate time stated on her invitation and take each day as it came. Rukia had no real thought on the matter at the moment, it all still felt unreal.
The next day dawned bright and early. Rukia groaned and nuzzled down into the sheets of her nest. It was a challenge every morning to leave the nest and many Alpha's had no idea of the daily battle that an Omega started their morning with. Rukia glanced around the raised edges of her large bed, the warm air hugging her pleasantly from all sides. She kept an incredibly cold room so that her nest would always be the perfect temperature.
Sticking a bare leg out into the cold air, Rukia shuddered as the lower temperature caused her leg to prickle. She pushed herself up and yawned, checking the clock on the wall opposite. It was just after six in the morning and, as always, if she didn't leave her nest that exact moment she wouldn't be ready in time. Rukia groaned, resisting the urge to flop back down into the warm pool of scented blankets and pulled herself out from her nest.
The cold tiles against her warm feet woke her quickly and it was followed by just as cold of a shower. Rukia functioned better in the cold than she did in the warm, the perks of having an ice type zanpakuto. The frigid water hit her skin, causing her to shiver with pleasure. After wrapping herself in her towel and sticking her toothbrush in her mouth there was a knock at her door.
Rukia paused, glancing back at the clock which now read the time to be just after seven. The knock at her door sounded louder.
'Give me a second,' Rukia called, pulling the toothbrush from her mouth and quickly scampering around to get dressed.
'It's not like I haven't seen you practically naked before, Rukia,' came an amused and familiar voice. Rukia fled from the room in only her shitagi and hakama pants, the obi loosely tied to keep them from slipping down.
'Ichigo?' Rukia asked pulling the door open to reveal the tall strawberry standing in her doorway looking entirely too happy to be awake at this time.
'That's me,' he ducked into her home without being invited but at least had the decency to discard his waraji before making his way further inside.
'It's seven in the morning, what on earth are you doing here?' Rukia's brows knitted together in confusion. She closed the door behind him and followed him inside. Unlike the relationship she held with her brother and higher ranked officers, she could question Ichigo as much as she liked.
'Oh I've not slept,' Ichigo replied dropping himself unceremoniously onto her couch and looking like he was ready to fall asleep there. Now Rukia could see the dark circles under his eyes and she frowned.
'Did you have a row with Nii-sama? Or were you out drinking with Renji again?' she asked.
'Both,' Ichigo perked and Rukia sighed. 'But I'm also here to ask you out on a date.'
The words took a while to be processed by Rukia's brain. She blinked dumbly at him while he looked politely back, the same soft smile still on his lips.
'What?' she asked.
'You're not deaf, Rukia,' Ichigo chuckled and glanced around her space instead. Rukia tried not to study the way his eyes took in the pile of books on her table or the teacup she'd forgotten to put away last night.
'You're asking me out on a date?' she clarified.
'That is what I said, yes,' Ichigo nodded and quirked a brow at her.
'Why?' Rukia was still too in shock to properly process the information. It was true that most of the things they'd done in the world of the living could have been mistaken for dating. It had often felt that way, but none of their outings had ever felt romantic. Ichigo always kept his distance, had never once tried to make a move on her. Though their constant teasing of each other was often considered flirting by his friends, it was undeniable that Ichigo and Rukia held a bond that ran much deeper than what was on the surface.
'Well,' Ichigo chuckled, 'we were asked to by Head Captain Kyoraku.'
'Ichigo, if you don't start explaining everything now, so help me God I'll freeze-'
'Okay, okay,' Ichigo laughed and held his hands up in a defensive pose, his white grin standing out stark against his olive skin. 'Remember when all the Omega's were dismissed at the meeting but the Alpha's were asked to stay? Well Shunsui asked us all to spend more time with you alone. He made it very clear that we were to each take you out on dates so we can all get to know one another.
'I just decided that it would be easier to start familiar,' Ichigo said nonchalantly, 'so that's why I'm here, after battling Renji for the privilege of course. That may have had something to do with the argument with your brother.'
Rukia felt like her head was reeling.
'So, I'm expecting to be asked out by every Alpha on this project?' she finally clarified.
'Pretty much,' Ichigo shrugged his large shoulders, his dark eyes darting toward the kitchen and back to her face. 'What's a guy gotta do to get offered a cup of tea around here?'
'Not come barging in at seven in the morning to ask me out on a date,' Rukia scowled at him as he flashed his trademark grin back at her.
'Not had your morning cup of tea?' he asked and Rukia scowled.
Ichigo knew her so well.
Rukia made her way over to the kitchen to begin making the brew. As she worked, her brain seemed to process his words. Each of the Alpha's would take each of the Omega's out on dates. This meant that Rukia was expected to go out on a date with Renji, with Captain Hitsugaya? With Yukio…
She shuddered and placed the metal kettle back down on the stove a little harsher than she'd intended. The clang drew Ichigo's attention, but he decided against questioning her.
'I thought this would work better,' he said as she made her way over to put the tea down on the table, 'we both know each other well. Heck we've been on dates before technically, so it seemed best to start with something familiar.'
Rukia had to agree with him. She'd be so much more anxious if someone she barely knew like Yukio had asked her out before the rest.
'When is this date happening?' Rukia asked, taking a sip of her tea and letting the honey infused matcha settle the unease that had begun to prickle at her stomach.
'Well, tonight?' Ichigo shrugged, 'the sooner the better I suppose, I know Renji is eager to ask you out so figured I should get in there sharp, charm you first.'
Rukia snorted into her tea, 'charm me? Really?'
'Hey, I can be a pretty charming guy,' Ichigo grinned and Rukia rolled her eyes at him.
'For snakes maybe,' she sighed and put her finished cup down on the mat.
'Ouch,' Ichigo made a mock face of shock at her, his hand clutched over where his heart should be, 'that hurt, Rukia.'
'Don't be an idiot,' Rukia huffed, though amusement now laced her tone. She'd forgotten how much she'd missed him.
Ichigo put his cup down on the mat too, his chuckle being stifled by a huge yawn that broke over him. Rukia watched the way his body shook with it. His face looked so much darker than when she'd met him, like he'd aged more than a few years since they'd first met. Ichigo looked older, even if he didn't act it.
'I need to go to work,' Rukia said, 'but you're welcome to stay here, I have some leftover katsudon in the fridge. You can have that then you can sleep on the couch.'
She had to make that last part clear, else he try and make his way up toward her nest instead. He'd never nested with her out in the world of the living, the space in her cupboard being too small for the both of them to sleep in. But he'd provided most of the items that made up her nest while she was stuck there. Alpha's who provided something to an Omega's nest often felt some kind of ownership toward it, or so Rukia had read.
Ichigo nodded, looking entirely ready to pass out and Rukia stood up, picking the throw blanket from the other couch and putting it down near him. He thanked her as she made her way back toward her room to finish getting ready.
This day was already setting up to be a bit of a disaster. When Rukia finally made it into her office it was with side glances from most of her squad members. She'd carefully applied her scent patches and took her suppressants, the same as most Alpha's and Omega's in the Seireitei did, so she was sure it wasn't her scent that was causing them to stare. Which meant it was only one of two possible options, either the news of this silly Omega Project had carried quickly through the Seireitei or the news that Ichigo had asked her out on a date had.
'I will freeze the next person who looks at me like that,' Rukia whispered to her third seat.
Kiyone turned to glance back at the squad members who were now whispering behind their hands and she giggled as they made their way toward the office. 'I don't think Captain Ukitake would like that.'
'I don't get it, did the news of the project travel that far already?' Rukia asked as they slid the doors open to walk inside.
'Good morning Rukia,' Captain Ukitake greeted, 'Kiyone.'
They greeted Captain Ukitake with a low bow each but the amusement was still evident on his face when the two of them straightened up. The older man was looking at Rukia the same way everyone else in squad was.
'Is it rude of me to enquire what young Ichigo was doing at your house in the early hours of morning, Lieutenant?' he asked casually and Rukia started, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her skin as she realised what all the staring had been about.
Rukia spluttered under her Captains patient gaze, the lines of his face twitching in amusement as he worked hard to keep a straight face. Beside her, Rukia could feel Kiyone cast a curious gaze in her direction.
'It's not- I didn't- he's not-' Rukia spluttered helplessly, 'it's for that bloody project!' she finally settled.
'Ah, young Kurosaki-kun came by to ask you on a date?' Ukitake said, his body visibly relaxing and the smile spilling out over his features, making him look significantly younger.
'Yes,' Rukia worked hard to keep the exasperation from her voice.
'Yukio and I are going out later,' Kiyone said and Rukia blinked at the other girl in surprise.
'Really?' she asked.
'Yeah, he came by to ask, I bet that means that Lieutenant Abari will ask Rangiku out since Captain Hitsugaya will be with Lieutenant Hinamori?'
'It seemed young Kurosaki was eager to get your attention first Rukia,' Captain Ukitake said as he walked toward the small office fire where they made tea. Kiyone rushed forward to aid her Captain as Rukia stood digesting the words. She raised a hand to her head and rubbed her forehead as vigorously as she could.
She'd not properly had time to contemplate the matters in which she now found herself. A huge part of her seemed to be repressing them, trying not to overthink the current task they were all expected to perform.
Rukia had found, in her time of conscious thought, that overthinking was one of the worst poisons for the soul. Meditation was the only real coping mechanism for this destructive process and Rukia had far too many things on that day to allow herself the chance.
'Fuck,' she muttered under her breath, knowing that the other two souls were out of earshot.
'Hm?' Captain Ukitake turned with a tray of cups in his hands, 'what did you say Rukia?'
'Nothing,' Rukia straightened up and sighed, 'Ichigo is impulsive and reckless, but he's one of my very best friends, as is Renji.'
'You don't want this to get in the way of your friendships?' Ukitake asked as he set the tray down on his desk and handed a cup of tea to Kiyone.
'No, I don't. I love them like brothers,' Rukia said.
'Sometimes from the bonds of friendship, the most beautiful relationships can be born,' Captain Ukitake said cheerfully, 'or maybe one of the other Alpha's will sweep you off your feet.'
Rukia tried her best not to scoff. She could hardly see Yukio caring enough to sweep anyone off their feet given his tiny stature and non-existent spiritual pressure.
'Ah don't be so quick to judge, Rukia,' her Captain scolded, her face obviously giving her thoughts away.
'How do you feel about all this, Captain?' Rukia asked, wanting his honest answer. Kiyone, who was putting an obscene amount of honey in her tea, paused to cast her eyes toward the older man.
A shadow passed over Ukitake's face for a second and he seemed to be working hard to gather his thoughts. He brought his cup to his lips and took a sip. 'Well, I can't say that I'm entirely thrilled by the prospect. But we've had so much death and destruction recently, if this project works and we can successfully have new souls born into the Seireitei to parents who want them. Then I will admit, I'll find it hard to be displeased by the situation.'
Rukia could tell he'd worked hard to phrase it in a way that didn't discriminate his two Omega officers and she felt her affection for the older man deepen. Kiyone seemed pleased with his response too and went back to adding honey into her tea. Rukia stepped forward to pick up the cup he was now offering her as she processed what he'd said.
Most excitement in the Seireitei came from fighting, from work, from achieving goals. Very rare was excitement found in normal day to day acts, other than drinking. New souls being born into the Seireitei would certainly spread a new kind of energy around the divisions and officers.
'I know Rangiku really wishes to be a mother,' Kiyone said, finally drinking her tea.
'Yes, Rangiku would make a fine mother, as would either of you if it is what you wish,' Captain Ukitake said.
'I'm excited,' Kiyone said with another casual shrug of her shoulders, 'I never really gave it much thought before but now I am interested.'
Their chatter faded out into the distance as Rukia sipped on her tea. Her eyes gazed out of the office window, looking out over the Seireitei where the sun had now risen higher in the sky to cast blinding rays down onto the cobbled roofs. There was still so much damage from the previous wars, but in the brilliant sunshine of the early morning, even the rubble looked less devastating.
'Rukia?' her Captains voice brought her back to reality.
'Sorry?' Rukia turned back to him and he offered her a kind smile.
'What time is your medical appointment? I know they were all scheduled for various times today.'
'Mine is at 3pm,' Rukia recited and he nodded his head.
'Well if Kiyone helps, we should be able to get through enough of the paperwork so you may both leave earlier today.'
That's exactly what they did. The three of them got their heads down and worked together through the stack of recruitment transfer documents, lost soul forms and other various reports. By the time half two rolled around, Rukia couldn't feel the tip of her index finger and sat massaging her hand as her Captain dismissed them.
Though Kiyone's appointment wasn't until after Rukia's, as the sister of Captain Kotetsu and high ranked officer in her own right she was warmly welcomed to wait at Squad Four. The entire fourth division was always one of the first to receive priority rebuilding, so as Rukia made her way through the gates it was like stepping back in time to when the Seireitei had less war. It was comforting to know that if she were to go through with this plan, at least the medical centre was prepared to cope with it.
Captain Kotetsu greeted Rukia warmly and did all the pre health checks. It was nothing that Rukia hadn't experienced before in her full medicals. There were a little more questions surrounding her heats, her nesting habits before the entire checklist sitting on the Captains desk seemed to be complete.
'That's you, Rukia,' Captain Kotetsu said with a smile, 'you're all set.'
'Thank you,' Rukia stood up from the medical bed and stretched her muscles out.
'How are you feeling about it all, not too stressed?' she asked.
'Honestly? I've been trying not to overthink things.'
'I think that's incredibly healthy, it seems like you and Kiyone are the only two Omega's relaxed in this whole ordeal,' she shook her head.
'What do you mean?' Rukia asked and the Captain shook her head.
'Not my place to say, but I can imagine you'll find out for yourself anyway.' She held up a small scroll of paper, 'Lieutenant Matsumoto has asked me to pass this message onto each of the Omega's after their medical has been completed.'
Rukia took the scroll and unravelled to see an invitation to one of her favourite restaurants between the tenth and ninth division. Lieutenant Matsumoto was calling all the Omega's together to discuss the project and to spend some time getting to know each other outside of a formal setting. Rukia felt a bubble of affection for the taller Lieutenant in her stomach. She'd always been fond of Rangiku Matsumoto but had rarely got to spend any personal time with her.
'I think it could be good for you all to spend time getting to know each other,' Captain Kotetsu said, 'goodness knows you'll need a support network dealing with those Alpha's.'
'I suppose you've heard of the date thing?' Rukia asked, tucking the scroll inside her uniform. Captain Kotetsu smiled warmly at Rukia from over her desk.
'Yes, my sister told me all about it when Yukio asked her out last night.'
'It seems obscure, almost out of place with the original orders of Central 46,' Rukia shook her head and watched the Captain wince.
'Yes we all know if they'd had it their way how this would have went,' the Captains face turned grim, 'But honestly Rukia? I'd have loved to see them try.'
There was something closer to a growl in the Alpha's tone and she bared her teeth at Rukia. It sent a shiver of concern down the Omega's spine.
'What do you mean?' Rukia asked with a frown.
'Well, do you think I'd have let them use my sister like that? Do you think Captain Ukitake would have let you and Kiyone be used like that? Your brother? Captain Hitsugaya? Kurosaki? Lieutenant Abari? The Head Captain? No,' Captain Kotetsu shook her head, 'they'd have had a new war on their hands. This time their very own soldiers would have been the death of them.'
Rukia stared, blinking at her. She was right. The Gotei 13 were the soldiers and if they turned on Central 46… then they wouldn't have stood a chance.
'I suppose you're right,' Rukia said thoughtfully, she could see the events unfolding in her mind. Central 46 would have been decimated within a few hours, perhaps that's why they were more lenient with their orders this time around.
'I suppose we should just be thankful that our Head Captain is Kyoraku and not someone else who would have been fond of the idea of forced mating,' Captain Kotetsu said with a sigh. Rukia agreed with the woman as she made her way toward the door to leave.
'You know where I am if you need anything Rukia,' the taller woman said kindly, catching the door as it made to swing shut behind Rukia.
'I will, thank you, Captain,' she gave the healer a low bow and made her way out into the brilliant light of the Seireitei with a sigh.
Kiyone Kotetsu was waiting for her and beamed as she approached.
'Are you going to get ready for your date tonight?' she asked.
'I suppose I should,' Rukia couldn't be bothered. She hated the idea that this was to be a formal thing. She couldn't just meet up with Ichigo in her uniform and hang out like they used to do. Either way she knew she could relax and be herself around him, there were so few people she could do that with.
It took Rukia a surprisingly short amount of time to get ready. She stepped out of her bathroom an hour later, adding the last touches of hairspray to her hair and secretly thanked the beauty package that Lieutenant Matsumoto had put together for them from the world of the living. The purple dress stopped quite high on her thighs so to allow herself a bit more dignity she'd paired them with a pair of black shorts.
Ichigo had asked her to meet him at the senkaimon, which meant they were heading into the world of the living. It gave her a rush of excitement to know she was going back, that they were getting out of the Seireitei for a while.
The sun beat down on the large stone arches, the senkaimon stood tall and imposing between them. The light from the brilliant blue skies above, paled in comparison to the blinding white light that was flooding from the entranceof the gates. It crept across the gleaming off-green tiles and came to a stop just in front of Ichigo's booted feet.
'You ready?' Ichigo grinned, smugness radiating from every corner of his being, 'We're going to have a little fun.'
Rukia picked up on the way his voice lingered on the last word and a soft smile stretched across her face. In the world of the living they'd always gotten up to things that should have been illegal. As an older soul and warrior, Rukia should have known better, but always found herself going along with his manic ideas.
It seemed that tonight they would be revisiting this.
Ichigo's white shirt reflected the light of the gates they were about to walk through. He took her hand and she felt his skin scorch hers. It was another familiar feeling.
'Let's go,' Rukia hummed, a similar note of excitement in her voice as she realised this wouldn't be quite as formal as she'd thought.
She'd been right.
It only took them five minutes to locate the theatre. The seats at the back were almost entirely empty due to some kind of virus raging the world of the living. They'd snuck in without tickets, because they'd gone without their material form. Ichigo had left his living body behind and Rukia had not taken a gigai with her.
The snacks were a little harder to steal, and Rukia refused to leave the cinema out of pocket for that too, so she threw some cash down into the till when it opened for another customer.
They made their way through the walls, chuckling at the prospect of someone actually being able to see their forms materialise before they found the right screen number.
'So what are we watching anyway?' Rukia asked, glancing up to the large screen which was showcasing some trailers for upcoming movies.
'I remembered that you're a sucker for a good animated movie,' he smirked at her like this was a bad thing. Rukia huffed at him, as they sat their ghostly forms down onto the seats at the back of the cinema.
'Well, if you'd spent over a hundred years of your life chasing the dead, don't you think you'd appreciate something a bit more colourful in your life?' she defended.
'True,' Ichigo said, passing the popcorn across the floor so no one would see a box floating through the air, 'So no 28 Months Later movie then?' he asked.
'No,' Rukia shot him a look and he grinned as he flicked a bit of popcorn at her. Rukia resisted the urge to freeze it and aim for his temple but at that moment the lights dimmed and the story began. Rukia had forgotten how nice it was to forgo the world she was so accustomed too and get lost in another story for a couple of hours.
The tale of two brothers journey through magic to spend time with their father left tears prickling at the edge of Rukia's eyes. At points, she could feel Ichigo's gaze on her face, likely as he tried to anticipate her very "Omega" response to the scenes on the screen. Rukia didn't cave and by the end of the movie, her eyes remained dry, an exceptional feat for a Pixar movie.
'What are we doing next?' Rukia asked him and he shrugged.
'Thought we could just take a walk around the old neighbourhood,' he offered and Rukia nodded. Ichigo wasn't ever much of a planner, but his ideas, though simple, were always effective. Rukia reminisced as they wandered the streets of Karakura. How they'd met, how they'd spent their time together in the world of the living.
'Inoue misses you like crazy,' Ichigo said.
'Yeah?' Rukia asked as she glanced up at the familiar houses of the tightly condensed streets, 'I miss her too. What's she doing with herself?'
'She's studying medicine too,' Ichigo smiled, 'I think she's looking for an outlet to hide her healing abilities in so she can help more people.'
'That sounds like Orihime,' Rukia chuckled, 'what area of medicine is she studying?'
'Cancer, she's trying to get into the children's unit,' Ichigo replied as he stretched his hands above him. Rukia listened to the groans and cracks of his body as she considered how different their lives were.
'Will you take over your father's clinic?' Rukia asked.
'Maybe,' Ichigo shrugged and there was a hard edge to his voice that Rukia understood without needing to ask.
'You're still mad at him?' she asked.
'He lied to me my whole life, Rukia,' Ichigo's voice felt like a whip in the air and Rukia flinched from his tone. It was against the nature of an Omega to upset an Alpha, even though Rukia had done it many times in her life.
'I know, but he did it to protect you,' Rukia tried to defend the old Captain.
'From what?' Ichigo nearly snarled and Rukia realised she was wrong to get into a conversation that was still so emotionally raw for him. Alpha's usually struggled with their emotions, lashing out in favour of accepting feelings of hurt or abandonment.
There was always one sure fire way to diffuse an Alpha's building rage… Rukia had learned very early on with Renji and her brother.
'You're right,' she replied and Ichigo deflated. 'He lied and hid so many truths from you that you deserved to know. I fully believe he thought he was doing the right thing but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt you.'
'Yeah,' Ichigo sighed and ran a hand down his face, 'can we change the subject.'
Rukia watched the way his body twitched, like he was looking for a fight and she felt for him. It must have been difficult being a male Alpha. Men were already prone to floods of testosterone without the need for the Alpha dynamic on top of it, and for a soul as kind and compassionate as Ichigo it must have been difficult to control.
But it was also what made him so strong, what made him such a good fighter and defender. If you gave an Alpha something to protect, they'd fight to the death rather than give up. Ichigo was born into this soul form, with a mother who was a Quincy and a father who was a noble Captain, any Omega who bred with Ichigo was likely to produce the strongest souls that the Seireitei had ever seen.
They walked on in silence and Rukia could feel the last heat of the sun prickling at the back of her neck. She glanced up toward the sky, the pale blue fading off to a dusty purple into peach and down into the lovely gold that licked the edges of the buildings in the distance.
Ichigo had set no time limit to this date and Rukia knew that Lieutenant Matsumoto and the other Omega's were expecting her soon but there was something about the ambiance that Rukia didn't want to leave.
'I think Renji has feelings for you,' Ichigo said.
Rukia tripped and nearly fell flat on her face.
'W-what?' Rukia managed to save her grace by using her reiatsu to push against the ground. Ichigo was blinking innocently down at her, his dark eyes boring into her own, trying to gauge her reaction.
'I think Renji has feelings for you,' he repeated.
'What, what makes you think that?' Rukia couldn't even fully process what he was saying to her. The idea was ridiculous. Ichigo scoffed, but the noise wasn't aggressive, it was actually a little affectionate.
'Come on, Rukia, you're not that obtuse,' he laughed. 'You've seen the way he looks at you.'
'He looks at me the same way you do,' Rukia huffed and Ichigo shot her a look that was hard to read, 'What's your point?'
'When they were getting the lodgings ready for Yukio and I, I got to crash at Renji's. He kept muttering your name under his breath in his sleep.'
'That, doesn't mean anything,' Rukia frowned, they'd started walking again and she kicked a stone across the path. Two people who were walking down the street towards them gazed at the stone curiously and started chatting to themselves and Rukia sighed.
'I'm just giving you a heads up, he seemed pretty keen to ask you out first too, I had to fight him for the privilege, remember?' Ichigo reminded her.
Rukia felt a twisting sensation in her stomach. She'd thought this stupid project wouldn't be complicated at all. It was just sex. She hadn't realised or even considered the fact that there may have been underlying feelings associated with the Alpha's and Omega's involved that would be dragged up as a result. Rukia thought about Renji and knew she cared for him. They'd grown up together, but Renji was much more like a brother to her.
Rukia didn't like this, didn't like having to analyse her feelings for the people around her. She didn't like having to think of them as anything more than friends or consider the possibilities of what would happen if this project went wrong. Rukia wasn't prepared to lose her friends over this, or drive a wedge between them.
'How did Byakuya react?' Ichigo asked, pulling Rukia from her spiralling thoughts. Rukia started and it took her a moment to process his question, as the bright gold light crept further along the skies to meet them. From somewhere above them a bird called out into the silent warm air and took flight, drawing Ichigo's attention as he waited on Rukia's response.
'Nii-sama was concerned,' Rukia sighed, 'he dislikes that he couldn't protect me from this.'
'Did you want to be protected from it?' Ichigo asked.
'Well I do not mind,' Rukia shrugged. It was partly the truth… she hadn't minded before but the conversation with Ichigo about Renji had suddenly made her realise what she could lose on the back of this. 'No matter what happens though we'll still be friends right?'
Ichigo's dark eyes met hers. His brows furrowed in the centre, the crinkle in his forehead the only observation of the deep contemplation as he tried to read whatever tone she'd spoken the words in.
'Of course,' he said finally, his words slow like he was measuring them, 'Why wouldn't we be?'
Rukia visibly relaxed under the reassurance and Ichigo's frown deepened.
'I just, don't want to lose friends over this,' Rukia admitted.
'You won't, at least you won't lose me. I can't speak for anyone else,' Ichigo shrugged. 'Are you scared of losing Renji?'
'I'm scared of losing everyone,' Rukia sighed.
'I didn't realise that you and Yukio were such good friends,' Ichigo teased and Rukia shoved him. He took two steps to the side and laughed, the sound echoing off the pastel walls of the buildings around them.
'I think Nii-sama would hate if I ended up with you,' Rukia said.
'What? Why?' Ichigo actually sounded hurt at her words and Rukia had to work hard to keep her grin hidden from her face.
'Because you're such a pain in his ass,' Rukia said her mask almost slipping as she bit her bottom lip.
'Is that because I call him Byakuya instead of Captain Kuchiki?' Ichigo asked.
'Well yes,' Rukia sniggered behind her hand. Ichigo shot her sideways glance as she continued, 'But also because you're just a disrespectful person in general.'
'How am I disrespectful?' Ichigo was clearly getting insulted now.
'You refuse to call anyone by their titles, you goaded him in your battles, you just goad him in general to be honest,' Rukia shrugged.
'That's just bullshit,' Ichigo huffed, 'what have I gotta do so he'll let me have kids with you? Give him flowers?'
'Who said I was going to let you have kids with me?' Rukia shot Ichigo a look of utter offence. Ichigo rolled his eyes at her.
'Flowers or do I have to marry you?'
'Both,' Rukia laughed, 'both is good.'
'You're such a little midget. I bet that's it, is it? Titles? Would he prefer it was Captain Hitsugaya who got to knocked you up?' Ichigo crossed his arms and ticked his eyebrow.
'Probably,' Rukia shrugged, 'though you've got way more titles than Captain Hitsugaya, but Captain Hitsugaya is much more charming than you are.'
'He is not!'
'He's mature.'
'He looks about twelve years old-'
'He calls people by their titles.'
'Titles are stupid-'
'He's much more attractive too.'
'Okay now I know you're just lying,' Ichigo laughed and Rukia grinned up at him. It was good to hear him laugh again. The carefree sound was one she didn't have the pleasure of hearing from him that often.
They laughed as they walked along the path together and stopped just outside Ichigo's house. Rukia felt the tightening in her chest. She hated this road, this was where she'd once had to say goodbye to him. That goodbye had been so difficult.
Ichigo seemed to be thinking along the same lines, he'd gone quiet as he gazed up at the building.
'Whatever way this goes,' Rukia said, 'I hope we retain our friendship.'
'Always,' Ichigo said, his eyes flickering down to her.
Rukia smiled warmly up at him, her eyes taking in the sight. His skin looked much darker in the setting sun, casting shadows from his collar across his chest were he'd unbuttoned the top few buttons.
'Good,' she nodded her head, 'we should go back. I promised to meet with the other Omegas before it got too dark.'
Ichigo nodded and Rukia drew out her sword, twisting it in the air to reveal the gated doors of the senkaimon. They slid open and the two souls stepped through, the vivid orange light of Karakura to be replaced by a darker dusk of the Seireitei. Rukia glanced around the arches, where the lamps had been lit and turned to Ichigo.
'I'll see you again soon?' she asked and he smiled.
'Of course.'
There was a beat of awkwardness, where Rukia stood there staring up at him, watching the emotions flicker across his face. Eventually Ichigo seemed to decide on something and stepped toward her.
'Goodnight, Rukia,' he said and he leaned down. Rukia closed her eyes, prepared to feel his lips on hers but they made contact with her cheek instead. His lips lingered, scorching her skin before he leaned away and straightened back up. Rukia opened her eyes and gazed back up at him.
'Bye Ichigo,' she whispered as he turned and began to walk away.
Rukia stood watching him for some time before she remembered she had somewhere she needed to be. With great effort she encouraged her legs to turn and actually carry her in the direction of the restaurant.
The space was filled with the warm homely scent of Omega's as Rukia reached the right restaurant. She felt her entire body relax in a way it only did when it knew she was completely safe. The Anzen was one of few Omega only bars and restaurants in the Seireitei. A place where Omegas could go and eat in peace without having to worry about being hit on by Alpha's. There were plenty of Alpha only places too where the brutish could congregate and chat sports and drink themselves silly.
The Anzen felt safe. It was a large building, made of ancient looking wood with hot springs out the back. Omega's could sit inside at the little booths and order food and drink or go and socialise with each other out in the warm water. It was another of those annoyingly true characteristics of the dynamics that Omega's loved being kept warm. Thankfully for Rukia, that wasn't entirely the case.
'Rukia!' Lieutenant Matsumoto shoved her hand up into the air and waved enthusiastically in her direction.
Rukia wove between the tables, people glancing in her direction given her attire as the Omega's at the table slid to make room for her.
'Ohhh, Rukia you look so pretty,' Kiyone sighed happily as Rukia slipped onto a seat beside Lieutenant Ise.
'Thanks,' Rukia felt the heat creeping up her cheeks and picked a menu up to try and hide behind. She wasn't prepared for it to be snatched out of her hands by Lieutenant Matsumoto whose eyes were boring into her like a hawk who had just spotted a mouse in a field.
'Details, now, go!' she said.
'What?'
'The date, Rukia,' Lieutenant Matsumoto said with a suffering eye roll, 'we want all the details of it, now.'
'We just watched a movie and went for a walk,' Rukia scowled at the table and folded her arms across herself, 'so all I've had to eat is popcorn, I'm starving.'
'We already ordered for you,' Lieutenant Hinamori said, 'or at least, Rangiku ordered for everyone.'
Lieutenant Matsumoto's face contorted for a moment like she wanted to say something to Hinamori but decided against it.
'Did he kiss you?' Kiyone asked and Rukia felt the heat deepen on her face.
'Oh my gosh, you did?' Matsumoto leaned over the table into her personal space. The women's well-endowed chest seemed to engulf the precious inches of air around Rukia's head.
'Not really,' Rukia quickly said, throwing a look toward Lieutenant Ise who seemed to be looking at her with a mixture of pity and concern.
'Not really?' the third seat asked.
'He kissed me on the cheek,' Rukia shook her head, 'Ichigo and I aren't like that.'
'Well Toshiro and I will be kissing on our date,' Lieutenant Hinamori said.
'Has he asked you out then, Lieutenant?' Rukia asked, glad for a topic change even if it did seem to turn the tenth division Lieutenant various shades of purple.
'Not yet,' the dark haired Lieutenant responded.
'No, because he asked me out, and stop using titles Rukia, we're not in work,' Rangiku snapped. Rukia watched as Momo fired Rangiku a look of deep loathing over the table.
It appeared there was some drama going on and it seemed to centre entirely around the tenth division Captain.
'Captain Hitsugaya asked you out?' Rukia asked turning to Rangiku.
'Yes,' Rangiku flipped her long strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder, nearly hitting Momo in the process. 'He asked me this morning.'
'Yukio and I have already gone out on our date,' Kiyone said and the entire table turned to gaze at her in shock for withholding such vital information.
'Wait, why didn't you tell us this?' Rangiku asked waving her arms dangerously. Rukia moved her glass of wine away from the display to rescue the calories, since she couldn't be sure food was on its way.
'Well I thought I'd wait for Rukia,' Kiyone shrugged.
'What was it like? What did you guys do?' Rangiku asked, now very clearly interested.
'He took me to an arcade, I wasn't very good but we had fun, he showed off,' she shrugged and Rangiku blinked at her.
'Did he kiss you?' Nanao asked the question with a hint of a smile behind her own glass.
'No, I kissed him though,' she stated simply and the Omega's around the table stared at the third seat with a mixture of amazement and amusement.
'Way to go girl,' Rangiku chuckled.
'It's good not having to conform to the social norms,' Nanao nodded, 'why do Alpha's always need to be the ones to make the first moves?'
'Toshiro will make the first move on me-'
'Did Ichigo kiss you on the cheek Rukia or did you instigate that situation?' Rangiku cut across Momo who scowled into her drink.
Rukia wasn't sure whether to feel sorry for Momo or amused at the situation. She was still grinning at Kiyone who had gone a slight shade of pink behind her glass of wine.
'Ichigo kissed me,' Rukia said with a sigh.
'What's with the sigh?' Rangiku asked, 'did you not want him to? Did you want him to kiss you on the lips instead?'
'I don't know,' Rukia shrugged, 'I dislike having to think of my friends this way. It just feels so awkward. Ichigo feels like family, it just feels strange… like I'm being forced to look at him differently.'
'That's an interesting point, you and Ichigo do have a lot of history together,' Nanao said, her dark brows pulling together in concern before her eyes flickered to Rangiku's, 'What about you and Captain Hitsugaya? Do you think this will affect your working relationship?' she asked. Rukia turned to give Rangiku her full attention. It was a very good question.
'Nah,' Rangiku waved the question off with an air of total indifference.
'Of course it won't, Toshiro and I were made to be together,' Momo said, clearly hurt by the direction that the conversation went.
Rangiku's nostrils flared.
Rukia could see a bull about to charge and she held her breath.
'Actually, yeah it will. Toshiro is a total hottie and I plan on riding him until we've got at least six kids, maybe seven.'
There was a beats silence around the table.
Rukia felt her eyes fly to Momo's at the same time as Kiyone and Nanao likely did too. The girl in question was staring at Rangiku with her mouth open.
'I mean Toshiro is small but he's been well gifted if you get my meaning, been in a few compromising situations before with him and seen it. He hides it very well.'
'Rangiku!' Kiyone squeaked and Nanao tried to hush her loud friend because she'd spoken less quiet than they'd have liked for such a discussion. Rukia wasn't even sure how to react, she wanted to laugh, wanted to cover her ears against the information she was sure wasn't actually true.
The desired effect was achieved.
Momo stood up quickly from her seat, her eyes full of angry tears.
'You're such a slut, Rangiku,' she wailed and turned on her heel and fled from the restaurant.
'Oh well,' Rangiku shrugged, 'more food and wine for the rest of us.'
As she said it she took Momo's glass of wine and tipped it into her own glass which was almost empty.
'Shouldn't someone go and make sure she's okay?' Rukia asked but stopped abruptly at the sight the rest of the women gave her.
'You honestly have no idea do you?' Rangiku asked with a chuckle.
'What do you mean?' Rukia replied.
'I only know part of this story too Rangiku,' Kiyone said turning her gaze to the tall woman beside her.
'Momo is such a manipulative bitch, my Captain really despises her,' Rangiku shrugged and Rukia felt the shocked look cross her face.
'What?'
'Momo and him grew up together, cousins but even back then she had a thing for him. She was the reason he got taken in by their gran and she used that against him. Threatened to tell their grandmother that he would touch her inappropriately if he didn't go out with her.'
'WHAT?' Rukia felt the shock on her own face.
'It gets worse,' Nanao whispered.
'When she finally left for the Seireitei, Toshiro thought he got away from her. He presented as an Alpha while staying with his gran but that was also when his spiritual pressure started to become too much. He tried to supress it because he didn't want to enter the Seireitei after Momo, he wanted to live away from her. But when his gran got really ill I intervened and found him. I made it clear he had to join or risk killing her.
'Toshiro has never been one to chat about his feelings but I could tell, even then, something more was going on. He joined, progressed quickly and despite Momo trying to manipulate him into her division he joined mine instead. One night Momo blackmailed him onto another date and when he came home in such a foul mood he finally told me everything. He was scared that she was going to present as an Omega which is exactly what happened and started to hold that against him too.
'Fast forward several years and here we are, Toshiro has managed to build himself up a reputation that makes it very difficult for her to blackmail him with. She's tried and even wrote letters to his gran who wrote back calling Momo out on her lies and told Toshiro she was proud of him. He was the only one out of the two who regularly goes to visit granny.
'Anyway, that brings us here and now where Momo is utterly convinced that she can use this project to lock him down forever. She's over the moon with it and I've never wanted anything more than for a comet to come and kill someone I swear.'
'Rangiku, we don't want her dead… just… don't want her to end up with Captain Hitsugaya at the end of this,' Nanao scolded lightly.
Rukia was left processing everything Rangiku had said as several waiters arrived with their food. There were loads of little mini dishes that it made sharing easy and as the girls got stuck in Rukia was lost in thought.
'I honestly can't believe it,' Rukia said with a frown, 'I mean, I knew something was going on but I had no idea it was blackmail and manipulation.'
'Yeah it's bad,' Kiyone said with a frown.
'My dream, would be that one of you gets matched to my Captain,' Rangiku said with a sigh.
'What would you do if you got matched with him?' Rukia asked tentatively.
Rangiku shrugged, swallowing her chicken as she contemplated, 'I suppose that would still be better than Momo.'
'Anyone is better than Momo at this stage,' Nanao sighed. 'Could you imagine how much she'd manipulate him and blackmail him if she had his child?'
Rangiku shuddered and her eyes turned pleadingly toward Rukia and then onto Kiyone.
'God I hope it's one of us, Toshiro doesn't show it, but he's a huge softie and he's always wanted to be a father.'
'Seriously?' Kiyone asked.
'Yeah, he doesn't admit it, but I've seen the parenting books he has checked out now hidden in his desk drawers. He's even checked a book out on looking after a pregnant Omega mate,' Rangiku smiled fondly.
Rukia had never thought of Captain Hitsugaya as anything more than a stoic and icy Captain, but hearing all this was making her see him in a new light. She suddenly had a vision of Toshiro chasing a baby around his office while trying to get his paperwork done. Then she thought of Momo and a searing hatred rose in her.
'Not Momo,' Rukia nodded, 'no way.'
'Exactly,' Rangiku said with a sinister smile.
'So anyone of us?' Kiyone asked.
'Yeah, even myself if I have too, thought it might make our work a little more challenging,' Rangiku shrugged, 'But we'd cross that bridge when we got there.'
Rukia thought about how those two would get along, how easy it would be for Rangiku to put off doing paperwork if she had a little one to look after. Then she had to appreciate how strong a baby of the ice and fire element could become and she found herself enjoying the meal as talk turned to babies, making every Omega around the table feel incredibly broody.
The atmosphere lifted significantly and Rukia relaxed, it was easy to call these women friends now that she realised they were going to be taking a long and complicated journey together. At the back of her mind doubt prickled, she wasn't sure how her date with Renji would change their relationship, but she was interested in learning more about Captain Hitsugaya and even Yukio.
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