There she was glamourous, with proper traditional etiquette manners and a beauty not common amongst the wealthy. Rukia Kuchiki at the ripe age of 22 heir of the famous Kuchiki Corporation and future clan leader, was nothing but a caged bird on display.
Being the only and last heir to Byakuya, he was extremely protective and harsh on the young one. From the time she could speak till now was always busy. However, now times has changed, and priorities have shifted.
"Your branches seem to be doing fine" Byakuya spoke breaking the silence between the two. Causing Rukia to worry about what is to be expected from him. "Which is good that you are able to manage multiple departments as well. However, I believe it's time to arrange you a partner."
Leaving Rukia dreading the idea, the thought of marriage was too soon. One minute she is working preparing to take over all past Kuchiki hard work, now it is to find a partner.
Before she could speak her opinion, Byakuya interject "I will arrange potential marriage interviews and expect you to attend all. But if you have someone in mind, please introduce him to me."
"Yes, Nii-sama." Rukia replied, processing all the information needed. "However, I believe it is too soon. I just graduated and is still a trainee. I think it's best for me to find someone at my own pace" persuading another proposal. Hoping he would agree.
"No, I expected an answer till the end of this month, plus the Osaka sales report in our Automotive department and that's final." Thanking the meal, Byakuya got up from his seat and left in anger her alone.
"Waiter, a whole bottle of vodka please." Rukia called.
On the other end of the spectrum was Ichigo, working 2 part-time jobs and still in school. He was struggling with money. From a decent background, life was good. However, when his little sister Yuzu got sick things turned.
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late." Ichigo entered the room only to be greeted the most precious smiles. Yuzu and Karin.
"No, but do you have the goods?" Karin grinned looking for the sweets, only to be out of her reach.
Holding the bag up high, Ichigo playfully scoot Karin to the side then placing the bag on Yuzu lap to reveal a cake. "Happy birthday Yuzu, make a wish." Closing her eyes tightly and making a wish, she blew out the pretend candles.
Watching the twins eat, Ichigo just wished he could have provided better. Walking out to his father's office, Dr. Kurosaki. Where he spent days researching the disease that took his mother and now fearing the worst, Yuzu.
"You should take a break and have some cake with us." Ichigo disrupted Isshin concentration, causing Isshin to stop his work and focus his attention to something else besides research.
"Taking you Ichigo, I'm sorry that you got to go through this" Isshin apologized joining Ichigo on the walk back.
"No dad, it's fine we are all doing the best we can." Knowing his father is a very dedicated and family oriented, Ichigo did not care for the reasons he made his sacrifices. He only cared that they were together, and Yuzu was still strong.
"My lovely daughters!" Isshin cried out practically launching himself to the girls.
Watching them, he wished for their smiles to stay.
Walking out of the hospital, Ichigo had little time before he could get to his next job. He had notices what he assumes to be a couple arguing from afar, but the closer he got he saw that it was a girl struggling.
"Let me go" she barked, shifting her arm and body weight from the guy holding her. Clearly it was visible she was drunk and Ichigo was not the type to let this happen.
"Hey, I'm with her." Towering behind the guy, cowering in fear. He let her go and left the two.
Shit Ichigo thought, now he was responsible of her and late for work. "Hey, do you live around here?" checking on her to make sure everything was alright. Grabbing her shoulder was the worst choice before you could have known she uppercut him without any warning.
Pulling back and feeling the pain, he did not expect that much power. "Alright midget, this is not what I needed from saving you." Taking a step back, he saw she was about to take another swing but missed. Causing her to fall and hit the ground.
Staring at the body on the ground, Ichigo had hope she gotten back up and recovered fast for a drunk. However, she did not. Why me, picking her up from the ground he knew an adventure waited for them tonight.