Gods & Monsters
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Outside, it is barely light but within the walls of Silbern, the list of restless souls who find rest and sleep to be elusive and fickle as Lady Luck is never short.
Masaki sits at the kitchen table, stifling her yawn with the back of her hand. There is steam still rising from the spout of the silver teapot. The tea in front of her is freshly boiled and hot enough to scald her tongue if she isn't careful. She lets it cool while her mind strays.
Faded memories about moonless skies and a man in black linger at the corners of her mind; strange dreams about a motherless boy and the girl he befriends- a pact sealed in blood and red ribbons that she forces herself to push away from her thoughts and instead focus on the present.
Rukia is settling in well. Her clothes are coming along nicely and Ichigo kept his promise, returning Shirayuki to her and making sure that she is eating her meals regularly. Between the two of them and their combined efforts, Masaki is happy to note that each passing day adds a bit more shine to the Shinigami's eyes. Her colours are returning to her cheeks. She is coming out of her shell bit by bit and learning to trust them. Rukia's first week within the walls of Silbern is almost over, with little to no major upheaval and Masaki is eager to keep it that way, eager to keep the Shinigami away from trouble and those who would do her harm. Politics in Silbern can be a messy thing but the threat of Ichigo is usually potent enough to stay their hands. Her son is powerful enough to deter most troublemakers and she takes comfort in that.
However, there are limitations—
The sharp raps on her door make her jump. Her eyes narrow. It is too early for Ichigo to drop by with Rukia and she is not expecting anyone else. Unease pools at her gut but she hastily drapes a heavy shawl over her shoulders, making her way to the doors briskly. There are only a handful of people within Silbern who are arrogant enough to call upon the birth mother of the Crown Prince unannounced, this early in the morning without fear of retribution from the latter.
None of them, Masaki is in a particular rush to get on the bad side of.
"Coming!"
She opens the door to see a black-haired man standing outside. His black cloak trails behind him, the tattered ends nearly touching the ground. The polished silver of his cloak clasp catches the light as he straightens to his full height, smiling winsomely at the shell-shocked woman.
"Good morning, Masaki."
"All Father!"
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The All Father hangs his cloak and takes over her seat. Masaki stands ramrod straight in deference to her king but Yhwach gestures to the seat opposite him instead and tells her to sit.
Recovering from her shock, the expression that Masaki wears when she raises her eyes to meet his gaze is serene and calm, as befitting of a woman of her station. Her back is straight and she is more than composed, her hand doesn't so much as shake as she lifts the teapot by the handle.
"Would you like some tea, All Father?"
Yhwach nods and accepts the tea with a brief inclination of his head as thanks. He takes a tentative sip, savouring the taste of it, and then another. He takes his time. Masaki plays hostess by dutifully refilling his cup when it is empty and says nothing else. For a while, there is only silence. Masaki keeps her hands folded on her lap, waiting for Yhwach to begin and state the purpose of his visit.
"How goes the Shinigami? I take it that Ichigo is still quite taken with her."
"She is doing well, All Father. She keeps him entertained, I believe."
"Hmm. And what do you think about her?"
Masaki lets a smile curl along her lips, simpering. "I think that she is a bright girl who knows that her chances of survival are better with us in Silbern. She is aware that the Wandenreich has the upper hand in this war."
"I see. And she has never expressed any home sickness, any desire for revenge for her fallen comrades?"
"She is a survivor, All Father," says Masaki simply.
"Yes. I am sure you can relate to that well, Masaki- being a survivor yourself."
Masaki stiffens but forces herself to relax, willing herself to appear calm as she meets Yhwach's gaze openly. She feigns nonchalance, allowing a hint of incredulity to creep into her voice to show her confusion.
"A survivor? Me? All Father?"
Yhwach continues, pausing in between sips of what is now lukewarm tea, "Ah, do not be so alarmed. I merely meant to say that you survived the Auswählen. I never intended for anyone from the Human World to survive it. I thought that the handful of Echt Quincy left behind would have died out by then. The bloodlines of their offspring would have been too diluted for them to survive. Yet, against all odds, you showed up on the front doors of Silbern. An Echt Quincy and two Gemischt Quincy- two young boys who have somehow managed to survive the impossible! It's a miracle!"
Masaki keeps her eyes downcast, dropping to her knees. "Forgive me, All Father. I did not mean to dishonour you by sullying my bloodline. In my youth, I was foolish enough to have fallen in love with an ordinary human and married him but I am loyal to the cause, as are my son and nephew. They are both brought up under the tu—"
Yhwach raises his hand, stilling her spiel and bidding her to rise instead.
"There is nothing to forgive. All's well that ends well. The two princes- Ichigo and the Ishida scion are certainly the best surprise that I would have ever imagined receiving. As a father, I love my children- all my children equally. But there is something about those two boys—" he grins, trailing off to tap a finger against the wooden surface of the table, a wistful expression on his face—"The Anomaly and the Antithesis. I cannot thank you enough for your service, for bringing them to my attention, Masaki. Who would have known that a Gemischt Quincy would have the ability to achieve such magnificence, such growth when bestowed upon a schrift?"
"It is a feat only made possible by the grace that is your blood, All Father and the fine tutelage of the Quincy," murmurs Masaki.
"Perhaps," mulls Yhwach, "perhaps not. Either way, you have given me much to think about. Thank you for the tea. It has been an enlightening conversation."
Masaki rises and trails behind to see Yhwach out.
Once the door is shut, the woman drops to her knees, her fingers shaking uncontrollably. This is her second time having a private audience with the All Father and experience has not taken the edge away at all. She can feel her heart racing and fear coils about her heart, making it hard to breathe. It feels as though she has years taken off her life, her hair turning white from that single encounter. When her breathing evens, she pushes herself up. Yhwach is up to something or perhaps he is beginning to suspect that something is amiss.
She must speak to Ichigo about it later in the evening. Her heart sinks, her fingers gripping the edges of the wooden table tightly. The grimace on her face is fierce and she curses soundly as she stalks into her study, ready to draw up a letter.
There is a storm coming and she fears that Rukia is going to be swept up in the drama and chaos no matter how hard she and Ichigo try to keep her out of it.
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Sweat trickles down Ichigo's forehead but he ignores the taste of salt in his mouth, opting instead to keep silent and focus his eyes on the swirling pattern of the marble slab beneath his feet. He comforts himself with the knowledge that he is not being singled out for the humiliation.
Members of the Schutzstaffel, with the notable exception of the Grandmaster, are kept kneeling on the cold marble floor, their eyes downcast and made to wait until the All Father bids them to rise. It has been a good few hours now and still the Emperor makes no sign of letting them up.
The air in the throne room runs thick with tension. Jugram makes a note of it with a frown as the Wandenreich Emperor props his head up in his palm, sweeping a sharp look across his Schutzstaffel gathered in the throne room. The All Father is in a rare mood today. He is taciturn, the corners of his mouth downturned, appearing to be deep in thought. It does not bode well for anyone.
At length, Yhwach breaks the silence with a loud sigh, beckoning at them. "Rise!"
There is a chorus of thanks coming from his Schutzstaffel but he waves it off, still frowning as he grumbles, "I find myself displeased as of late."
As his right hand man and trusted advisor, Jugram is naturally the first to react. He leads the Schutzstaffel into a deep, sweeping bow and kneels by the All Father's feet, asking quietly, "What is it that displeases you, All Father?"
"I am concerned that some of my Sternritters have become too complacent in their positions. I feel that they may have enjoyed their positions in power a little too much, becoming self-serving as they forget themselves. They forget that I was the one who bestowed the prestige upon them."
There is a collective chill going down their spines. The silence is overwhelming and uncomfortable; enough to suffocate them, but the All Father does not elaborate more.
"Lille!"
Yhwach barks out sharply and the bald man drops to his knees, lying prostrate on the floor. His head is bowed low, his expression unreadable; but Ichigo has no doubt that the man is shaking in his boots despite his best attempts not to. A reprimand from the All Father isn't just humiliating; it can also be painful. The Schutzstaffel members have enough scars on their body to prove it. The All Father's love needs to be earned and there are lessons that He imparts through pain and pain alone.
"I have heard reports of you massacring the villagers of a district in the Rukongai. Explain yourself!"
"They were found to be giving aid to some Shinigamis," says Lille, swallowing thickly before raising his head to make his case, defending his actions. Surely the All Father must see? All that he does he does for the glory of the Empire, for the Greater Good!
"I took it upon myself to teach the villagers a less—"
He is interrupted by a swift kick from the All Father, striking him at the centre of his chest. There is a loud crack and Ichigo winces at the sound. That's at least two cracked ribs, he muses. Lille splutters, coughing up blood as the hit connects and his body goes sailing through the air. The other Schutzstaffel raise their heads in alarm but none of them make a move to approach him. None of them are interested in incurring the All Father's wrath or shifting any of its focus onto themselves.
"That is senseless violence! I am appalled! Let this be a lesson to you," Yhwach gives a stern glare at each of his Schutzstaffel. "To all of you. We are after the Shinigamis and the Shinigamis alone. There should be no need for senseless murder. None of that in my presence, is that understood?"
Then—
"Ichigo!"
"Yes, All Father!"
Ichigo masks his unease as he comes forward to kneel by Yhwach's feet, steeling himself for the same treatment. He has a good idea of what the All Father can find fault with. Following the conversation he had with Jugram the other night, he shouldn't even be surprised. The case of the missing Arrancar is an annoyance to the All Father and it would displease Him that the fugitive has not been caught yet to be made an example of.
Whatever punishment that the All Father deals out, Ichigo must accept with a smile on his face and thank Him for it. He knows his place. He is the Crown Prince. Flinching would have been tantamount to insubordination and what counts as insubordination to others, is treason for him.
"I realize that it may be a little belated but good job."
Ichigo stiffens, trying not to show his surprise. "I have not done anything that would merit such praise, All Father."
"Oh but you have, my son. Royd Lloyd gave up his own life for the cause, but alas, he was cut down a little too early. Your attack and battle with the Old Man was what brought us time so that I may arrive and finish him off. That man had a millennium's worth of experience on his side but you held your own admirably going toe-to-toe against him. That is no small feat, my child!"
Ichigo bows his head even lower. "The All Father is too kind."
The doors to the throne room are suddenly pushed open and a thin bespectacled man slips in. His raven-black hair is parted on the side and the uniform that he wears pressed and pristine. The dark blue cloak that he drapes over his shoulder is held in place by a golden chain, the two buttons of the metal clasp emblazoned with the Quincy Zeichen. His footsteps echo loudly and everyone else in the room turns to him as he makes his way forward to pay homage to the All Father.
Yhwach grins widely at the sight of the newcomer, bidding him to rise and stand.
"Uryu," he says, "how nice of you to join us. I trust your mission was a success?"
Ichigo has fire running through his veins. He is wild and untameable, brash on a good day, insufferably wilful on the others, but Uryu is his counterpart. He is like water- cool, calm, collected but water takes on many forms, and under the necessary conditions, water freezes to become ice. It becomes sharp and unforgiving, every bit as formidable as the destructive forces of fire.
Fire and water. The two Princes of the Wandenreich Empire.
"Yes," replies Uryu, "the sweep at Hueco Mundo is a resounding success. We managed to round up the stronger Hollows, mostly Adjuchas that we might have missed during the first raid. The Menos Forest is being cleared as we speak."
"Excellent!" Yhwach grins. His gaze flits between the two young men, between Ichigo who is still kneeling and Uryu who stands tall and proud. He beams proudly and then steps off from his throne, reaching forward to grasp Ichigo by the shoulder, pulling him to his feet. Ichigo's widening eyes betray his surprise, more so when the All Father's hand reaches out to give him a firm pat on the shoulders.
Jugram notes it with a distinct frown but says nothing more. The half-breedit seems is still the All Father's favourite.
"The future of the Wandenreich depends on you two. You have done the Empire proud, my sons."
Ichigo keeps his head bowed low at the praise in deference. Uryu's expression likewise betrays nothing safe for the gleam from his glasses as the light catches on them, though they both murmur their thanks.
"I think that we should have a party."
The sudden change in conversation takes everyone by surprise.
"A party, All Father?"
"Yes, Jugram. A party! A celebration to congratulate our victory over the Shinigamis and their beloved Seireitei!"
Yhwach lets his lips curl. "We should have a ball!"
The blonde splutters but is unable to get a word in edgewise as Yhwach continues, "It is long overdue. Our Sternritters have worked hard on the frontlines to ensure victory for us. I'd say we all deserve a bit of cheer to reward ourselves, and the other Quincy should share in the merry-making and give thanks to our warriors for their efforts, wouldn't you say?"
At the sharp look that the Emperor gives him, Jugram has no choice but to concede. It wouldn't do to contradict him in public. Lille's curled up body at the far end of the room is a good example and deterrent. The man is still conscious and fighting to hold back his painful groans to avoid earning more of the All Father's ire.
"As you wish, All Father. When—"
"It shall be in three days' time."
Jugram's eyes widen. His face pales at the thought, the sheer magnitude of the work and logistics involved. Planning a ball is a thankless job. There is the food for one and no celebration is complete without the supply of alcohol. It does not give their attendees enough time to prepare for it either. Jugram is sure that the female Sternritters within the ranks of Wandenreich will be throwing a fit at being asked to put together a worthy ensemble for the ball in so little time.
He has to put his foot down somewhere. Jugram bows his head in deference but says, "All Father, it's too soon! Three days' time is too short of a notice to host a ball. The caterers! I would need to make the necessary arrangements for the wine! And the guests will need time to prepare adequately as well."
"It shall be in three days' time. I trust in your abilities, Jugram."
With a strange grin on his face, he turns to the other Schutzstaffel members, announcing loudly, "All are invited."
Then, wine-red eyes zero in on Ichigo and Yhwach smirks. "Ichigo, you should bring your Shinigami to the party."
Ichigo manages to compose himself in time to speak up, his tone blithe and candid. "She is just a pet, All Father. Her presence will offend the guests in attendance. I'd hate to undo Jugram's hard work and ruin the party for everyone else. Besides, she doesn't have the clothes fancy enough for a ball."
"Oh but I insist! Anyone else who has a problem with her presence can speak to me about it in person and as for her clothes, name your seamstress and her price! By My word, it shall be done! Consider it a special request from the All Father. No seamstress or tailor worth their salt with enough pride in their craft would be able to refuse the honour."
Yhwach is determined to have Rukia attend the Ball. Ichigo doesn't like it but he is unable to veto the All Father's decision. He has managed to keep her out of harm's way thus far by putting distance between her and the Sternritters, carefully keeping her out of sight in hopes that the others would forget about her soon. Yhwach's order for her mandatory attendance sets them back to square one. He is dragging her back to the centre of attention, setting her up as a target for Sternritters who may have a bone to pick with Ichigo personally or those like Lille, who just can't stomach the idea of breathing the same air as a Shinigami. It completely undoes all that he and Masaki have tried hard to accomplish for the past week.
"The All Father is much too kind. It will be her honour!"
Ichigo clenches his fists tightly but outwardly betrays nothing of his reluctance and frustrations. He knows a lost cause when he sees one and he isn't about to waste his breath, trying to change the mind of the All Father. It will only earn him more suspicions and make things harder for Rukia.
He bites down on the inside of his cheek hard enough to draw blood. He will have to find another way to protect Rukia and keep her safe during the ball. He will have to remind the others that Rukia is under his protection. Any slight against her, anything so much as a glare in her direction, will be paid back tenfold. The Crown Prince of the Wandenreich Empire does not make idle threats.
Jugram meanwhile is aghast. For once he is inclined to agree with the brat. This is madness! A Victory Ball for the Quincy is no place for a Shinigami pet!
"All Father, I must insist—"
Yhwach holds out his hand and the room falls silent. Jugram knows to hold his tongue in the face of such forcefulness. The All Father presses closer towards Ichigo.
"Show the Sternritters and Quincy how civilised your new pet is. Prove to us that even the lowest of Shinigami scums, a member of their precious noble clan can be re-educated and redeemed under the tutelage and guidance of the superior race! Prove that there is a purpose for the Shinigamis after all. To keep them alive for no other reason than to amuse us as pets—" Yhwach's lips twist into a cruel smirk— "seems like a worthy cause, no?
"You are all dismissed," Yhwach declares as he makes his way towards his throne and reclines against it as he watches his Schutzstaffel shuffle out of the throne room in silence, the expressions on their faces inscrutable.
"Pernida," he calls out to the figure seemingly drowning in his white Sternritter coat. The Schutzstaffel is humanoid in his outward appearance but no one would ever make the mistake of confusing him as a human. He has no face, no openings for a mouth and no features identifiable save for a pair of glowing yellow eyes. Most Sternritters avoid him like the plague. His method of communication is … unsettling at best. He is the last to leave the room and he cocks his head to the side, glowing eyes blinking in confusion. Yhwach doesn't think twice about foisting the unwanted responsibility upon him.
"Take Lille with you. Tell him to come back and clean up his own mess later. I don't need blood stains in my throne room."
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Inside the Schutzstaffel training room, the atmosphere between the remaining Schutzstaffel members is noticeably lighter but Uryu has been in the same situation long enough to know that this truce is an illusion. Peace rarely lasts in the presence of volatile men. As to whether the Schutzstaffel members are more men than beasts or otherwise- well, that remains debatable.
He is nursing his first cup of coffee in weeks. Ichigo sits opposite the kitchen table from him. Askin and Gerard are seated comfortably in red leather seats not too far away, playing a game of cards on the low coffee table. Neither of them is particularly invested in the game or the outcome, taking it as a means to pass time while they wait for Pernida to return from the Infirmary with news about Lille.
"So the rumours are true then—" says Uryu from behind his cup, eying his cousin— "You really did capture a Shinigami from the battlefield and took her back to Silbern alive as your pet. I thought it was just a story made up by the others, but knowing you I guess I really shouldn't be surprised."
He adjusts his glasses and asks, "Did you really go so far as to threaten the Schutzstaffel, to I quote-unquote 'hands off of her or I'll cut off your hands and feed them to you?'"
Askin's annoying voice pipes up as he looks up from his cards, a sly grin on his face as he snickers. "You left out the best part! What was it that he said again, Gerard? Oh yeah, I believe it was 'Hands off or I will cut them off and feed them to you, one fucking finger at a time!'!"
The small man chortles with maniacal laughter at that. His impersonation is funny enough that the other two men laugh, earning themselves a collective growl and a rude gesture from Ichigo.
"Fuck off!"
Askin's eyes gleam with mischief. He is sleazy-looking with his oily hair and gaunt face. There is a lone strand of hair hanging down the front of his face and his pants are baggy, adding to his unkempt appearance. He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively as he continues, "So tell us, Ichigo. Is she good in bed? The Shinigami looks tiny. Did you break that tight pussy the first time you hit it?"
Ichigo's knuckles are fisted white and nearly bloodless. His posture is tense and taut like a drawn bowstring. His silence in this case does not bode well. Uryu eyes it all with a frown.
"Askin! Keep your vulgarity to yourself. It's unseemly!" growls Uryu, shooting the other man a sharp glare.
Askin shrugs it off, taking his game up a notch just to see Ichigo squirm. He is having too much fun riling him up. He ignores Uryu's warning, cackling loudly.
"What? Don't be shy now! So you like to fuck Shinigamis, I don't, but if that's your kink, I can respect that. Or maybe it's not really a kink!" Askin leers, "No self-respecting Quincy would fuck a filthy half-breed even if they are the Crown Prince. You had to get your itch scratched elsewhere. Was the Shinigami the first woman who didn't find herself disgusted by the idea of fucking an animal?"
"Askin," Gerard calls out gruffly, in an attempt to draw his opponent's attention back to the game, "your move."
He can read the room even if the idiot can't. Uryu is known for being mild in his conduct, but being vulgar and disrespectful to women is a sure way of getting on his bad side. But it isn't just Uryu that Askin should be worried about. Ichigo is becoming too quiet in the background.
There are levels to Ichigo's anger, everyone knows that. Gerard sighs, feeling a headache brewing. He doesn't want things to escalate after that sharp reprimand from the All Father. Gerard is unafraid of conflict but it doesn't mean he is interested in getting involved in petty things like this.
Askin plays his turn but Gerard has clearly underestimated the other man's love and penchant for stirring up shit.
"Come on! Don't leave us in suspense! I thought we're friends. You wouldn't let us touch her so the least you could do is share the details! Is she a good fuck?"
Uryu leaps to his feet, Heilig Bogen fully formed but Ichigo's response is far more brutal and effective. He is a blur of movement, but by the end of it the coffee table is knocked over, playing cards flying everywhere.
"Ichigo!"
Gerard looks up to see Askin pinned to the wall. He is lifted above ground, held in place by a hand wrapped around his throat. He weakly raises his hands out, clawing at Ichigo's grasp on him as he struggles for air. Gerard can feel the murderous reiatsu spilling from Ichigo- a swirling mass of black that is sheer chaos. Ichigo's eyes are golden yellow, his sclera pure black and his reiatsu is chilling enough that everyone in the room wisely takes a step back.
It is the Hollow in him. The All Father believed that a schrift like his- a creature manifested with the powers of Shinigami, Hollow and Quincy combined, can be a formidable weapon when harnessed correctly. Gerard disagreed then, he still disagrees now. A Hollow is a Hollow, valuable tool or not; it needs to be exterminated. His hand reaches for the hilt of Hoffnung.
"I do not have to share any part of her with any of you," whispers Ichigo in a strange, rasping voice that makes Gerard shudder. "Rukia is mine. If I hear you or anyone else talking about her like that, I'll make sure to carve a new hole in you. We'll see just how you like it then."
Ichigo savours the look of fear in Askin's wide eyes, taking care to lean in and press a knee against his crotch, just to watch him squirm. Ichigo can feel the nervous gulp of his Adam's apple and watches as the man's lips turn blue with a widening grin on his face.
"Ichigo," says Uryu with a warning edge to his voice, "stand down."
Heaving a loud sigh, he does just that, releasing his grasp on his prey. Askin falls, his body slumping against the wall and breathing hard. He presses a hand to his chest as he wheezes, taking mouthfuls of air greedily. Gerard purses his lips. Askin is his least favourite member of the Schutzstaffel but in this case, the hulking man grudgingly helps him to his feet.
Ichigo seems to be himself again, seemingly unruffled and with a dispassionate stare that is almost reminiscent of the All Father's, turns his back to them. He carefully sets the table back and picks up the fallen cards. With that done, he settles back into his seat as if he didn't just snap moments ago, almost killing one of his own comrades.
Turning to Uryu who is still standing and holding onto his Heilig Bogen, Ichigo drawls, "So are we still taking bets?"
It is tradition among them. Every time one of them earns the wrath of the All Father, they take bets on the injuries sustained by the victim. Winner takes all. Uryu thinks it's a deplorable practice but Ichigo shrugs. They are a dysfunctional bunch. There is no sense in hiding or denying that.
"T-Twenty silver on three ribs," rasps Askin when he regains his breath.
Gerard recoils in disgust, his lips twisting into a grimace. He wants nothing more than to wash his hands clean off them. Who are these people that he is surrounded by? Were they all dropped on the head as a child?
"You crazy bastard!"
Askin merely shrugs, ignoring the marks on his neck. "Hate the player, don't hate the game."
Gerard sighs then adds, "Twenty… bronze on just one."
"Che!" Askin rolls his eyes, mumbling under his breath, "Miser!"
Uryu shakes his head. "Pass. He was already down by the time I got there. It wouldn't be fair."
Ichigo shrugs. He was standing the closest to Lille before he went flying, so he has a good feeling about this. "Suit yourself! Ten gold pieces on two."
As if on cue, the door to the training room swings open and Pernida shuffles in. He is met with pointed looks from everyone in the room. There is money at stake here and they need to know. The creature looks up to them, blinking owlishly and then—
"Well," says Ichigo with a smirk, "A bet is a bet. You heard the man. Pay up, you losers!"
Grumbling loudly, both Askin and Gerard reluctantly part with their wagers. They watch sourly as Ichigo pockets the silver and bronze pieces and makes away with the money.
"What's your hurry?" asks Askin as he shuffles his deck of cards, "At least let us have a chance of winning our money back. Be a sport! Stay for a game of cards, won't you?"
Ichigo rolls his eyes, shutting the door behind him without a backward glance at them. "Not against you, I won't. You cheat!"
"Wise man," snickers Gerard, who earns a pointed glare from Askin.
Uryu stays back for a while longer just to finish his drink. Then, he makes a move to follow the other man, picking up his cloak on his way out. "That report isn't going to write itself. I best get started on it before Jugram gets on my case."
The departure of the two princes is not something that the others in the room seem to mourn as Pernida takes the seat opposite Askin and the latter starts dealing. Uryu hears an indignant squawk coming from Askin just before the door shuts, making him snort.
"No Perny, for the last fucking time, we are not playing poker! What do you mean 'why not'? You always win!"
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Upon exiting, Uryu easily catches up to Ichigo who hasn't gone too far ahead. The two are heading towards the same direction and fall into step with each other.
"Eager to get back to your Shinigami, I see," quips Uryu, making small talk along the way.
"Well," says Ichigo, running a hand through his hair, tussling it and making it even wilder, "You heard the All Father. Rukia needs fancy clothes. I need to make the necessary arrangements or at the very least, let Mom know about this."
"Indeed," murmurs Uryu, "just a random question; but have you considered if your Shinigami actually knows how to dance? It is a ball after all. Dancing is ––"
Uryu stills, noticing that Ichigo has stopped dead in his tracks. There is a distinct frown on his face as he stands rooted a few steps behind him.
Uryu sighs, looking amused. "You forgot, didn't you?"
"Shut up!"
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"And now… 1… 2… 3… And… 1…2… 3…"
Rukia sticks her tongue out from the effort as she focuses on the steps. They are practicing ballroom dancing in one of the practice rooms scattered about in the lesser known corners of Silbern. There is faint music playing from a music box, pleasant and sweet. Surrounded by panels of mirror, Ichigo leads them in a dance that he calls 'waltz' as they glide across the room, barely making a sound against the wooden floorboards.
Nii-sama and the Kuchiki Elders would have found it scandalous, clutching at their pearls with how close the dance partners are standing next to each other, yet Rukia finds it strangely enjoyable. Ichigo has described the ballroom and its glittering fineries to her in detail. She thinks she can see it with her own eyes, extravagantly decorated and opulent, crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, guests looking resplendent in gowns and suits, holding sparkling liquor in dainty glasses. Rukia wouldn't say that she is looking forward to the ball, of being in the same room as the Wandenreich Emperor and paraded in front of Sternritters and Quincy who would love nothing more than to see her dead, but she doesn't hate the idea of dancing with a partner, twirling in time to the music as they are surrounded by other dancing couples.
"You're a natural at this," says Ichigo softly. His hand on her waist and his hot breath fanning her cheeks is a little … distracting. "Have you taken lessons before?"
Rukia shakes her head.
"But I enjoy dancing," she tells him quietly when his hand slides to the small of her back. He pulls himself closer to her but she doesn't fight it. Her body relishes the heat thrumming from him. Ever since their visit to the Arrancar, Rukia has noticed changes to her, perhaps a mild side effect to the procedure.
She can't seem to stop herself from reaching out for Ichigo when he is near, likes to feel the brush of his reiryouku humming against hers. She is for the lack of a better word, attuned to it. She can feel it calling out to her as if it were an extension of her own powers.
"I don't. I never dance if I can help it."
It's true. Ichigo hates being forced to attend these balls, hates being called upon to fulfil his princely duties by dancing with the women of the ball and stays just long enough to be seen as polite, leaving his mother to fend for herself against social climbers.
"That's a shame," she murmurs, "You dance well."
Ichigo is a good dancing partner. His timing and rhythm is good. He is tall but shows none of the awkwardness that comes with the height and doesn't step on her toes by mistake.
"It doesn't mean that I enjoy it. But—" he suddenly dips his head low, thankful for the added height given to her by her high heels so he doesn't have to crane his neck too much— "I think I'll make an exception for you."
His grip on her tightens. Ichigo already knows that she is going to be the most beautiful woman that evening. Rukia is deadly on the battlefield but she is no less graceful on the dance floor. The fact that he gets to hold her close in his arms and dance with her is the only silver lining to Yhwach's ballroom invitation.
Rukia rolls her eyes at that. "You're so insufferably cocky, you know."
"Just stating a fact."
Ichigo stills his movement. His grin falters and his tone becomes serious when he stares down at her.
"I will try to keep close by during the ball but I might be called away. If that happens—"
"Stay close to Masaki. Don't react to the other Sternritters. Don't engage them in conversation and don't go anywhere alone with them."
The expression on Rukia's face is likewise dark and she can't help but let some of her annoyance creep into her voice. "I know, Ichigo. I am not stupid! And I am not some helpless damsel-in-distress. I can hold my own and I know how to protect myself!"
"That's what I'm afraid of. There are people who would hurt you to get to me."
Rukia frowns. "Why would they? I mean, I'm just a dumb pet. I obvious—"
Ichigo growls, sweeping her into his arms fully and silences her with a kiss. It is a heated exchange. There are tongues and teeth involved as he slides his fingers into her hair, mussing it up. Their noses brush against each other and Rukia reciprocates, paying him back in kind when her hands reach out and tug a little sharply at the hair past his nape.
His back hits the mirror solidly with a loud and dull 'thunk!' but he doesn't register the pain. He lifts her higher, pressing himself fuller against her, reaching out to wrap her legs around his waist before delving in deeper. Sucking at her lower lip, he can taste the sweetness of the strawberries she had for lunch and he decides that he needs to get a better taste of her. He can feel the pointy ends of her heels digging sharply against his back and hisses. What he wouldn't give to have her wearing her shoes like that in bed, mixing pain with pleasure, as he fucks her slow and hard into the mattress.
Ichigo has his teeth scraping against her lips and tugs a little harder at her hair when she wraps her arms around him, deepening the kiss, but Rukia doesn't say no to that. This side of Ichigo she is familiar with. He is carnal and wild, makes her blood boil hot and leaves her breathless, panting for more despite what rationality demands.
Maybe the Kuchiki Elders are right- maybe she is too wild and too uncouth to ever be a true noblewoman, but this liquid heat between them sizzles. It burns deliciously hot whenever he touches her and even when he is the enemy, she can't help but want more from him.
.
More, more, more.
.
The kiss leaves them both pink in the face, breathing hard when they separate for air. Rukia stares at him in stupor. Her lips tingle and there is a nip somewhere on her lower lip that stings when her tongue darts to lick at it. Ichigo is unrepentant. His eyes are dark, pupils blown wide with a golden ring surrounding them.
She gulps at the hungry gleam in them, at the heat of his palm as he hitches it higher on her thigh, rubbing lazy circles on bare skin under her dress. It casts a heavy weight on her, making her gulp as he brings her knuckles to his lips, kissing them soundly as he holds her captive in his arms.
"Don't be obtuse, Rukia. It doesn't suit you. You matter to me. I don't just make threats to the Schutzstaffel for everyone. You are my —" Ichigo suddenly sighs, pointedly looking away, leaving her in bewilderment at what he is trying to say— "You know what? It doesn't matter. Let's go."
He keeps her cradled against his chest, reaching over to grab the music box before leaving the room.
"It's almost time for your fitting. Let's not keep Mom and the seamstress waiting."
.
.
.
Author's note:
Ichigo: Damn it! At least let me finish what I was about to say!"
Me: N-o. XD
In other words, happy birthday to me!
Song inspo: Gods & Monsters (Lana Del Rey)