Good Parenting

Disclaimer : I do not own anything from this story. Entertainment and educational purposes only.

A/N: CHANGE OF TIMELINES FROM HERE ON OUT.

Segment inspiration: listen to "Sometimes when we touch" by Dan Hill. The song is killing me with its sweetness❤️ [in Byakuya's defense]

Chapter 10: There is no such thing as perfect parenting. But there are millions of ways to be a good parent.

[The Past: The grand Kuchiki Wedding]

At the center of the stage, Byakuya and Rukia were saying their matrimonial vows in front of the priest and of the wedding audience, which are mostly Kuchiki clan members and business partners.

Though Rukia was trembling inside, due to overwhelming feelings she felt inside, none of it surfaced on her face, and yet Byakuya knew.

Though their union was for convenience and security, deep inside, he truly cares for her. So much for that matter, and yet, he had never shown, except… maybe now.

Byakuya reached out for Rukia's hand, and held it tightly in order to calm her nerves, to send a message that he is always there to protect her. And that she had nothing to worry.

At this gesture, Rukia looked up at the owner of the warm hand enveloping her cold one.

Rukia never knew what true love is, despite having tons of crushes in the past, and her feelings for Ichigo certainly made her question if she should allow the clan to dictate her marital choices.

But in the end, her gratitude for the clan won over. And decided to repay them, through alliance.

But marrying Byakuya had never crossed her mind, even in her wildest dreams. Though she had wondered at some point what it would be like to be loved by a man like Byakuya.

Knowing how loyal and fiercely in love he was, to her deceased sister.

At that thought, Rukia shook her head slightly to gain her focus on the event.

Then after sometime, the wedding ceremony ended. Everything went according to plan.

And now they were alone in their bed chambers, Byakuya's room.

Rukia was uncomfortably seating on Byakuya's bed, waiting for her husband's instruction.

Though they had agreed to marry as a pose, they didn't talk much about what to do inside the bedroom.

At the thought of sharing a bed with Byakuya, made Rukia tremble.

Though she had shared sleeping quarters with Renji when they very young as street rats, and slept in Ichigo's closet in the past… but this is different.

She's married to Byakuya!

And now she's panicking. Because the word marriage finally sunk in into her skull.

OH. My. God!

We were definitely expected to perform marital stuff.

At that realization, Rukia jumped out of Byakuya's very comfortable and huge bed- an upgraded bed for two.

At that action, Byakuya finally looked at his new wife, his adopted sister and her deceased girlfriend's younger sister.

Though, he looked calm and collected externally, but deep inside he was shaken.

Especially since he had held unto her hand at the altar, the entire time they were saying their vows.

Though he intended to comfort her initially and show his support, but that touch sparked something in him.

Something he had fiercely crushed in the past.

For yes. Rukia looked so much like Hisana.

And their likeness had always been a deterrent to him, that's why he had distanced himself from her before.

But in the end, his initial attraction to her due to her strong resemblance to Hisana, became a 'sibling care' as time went on.

But who was he lying to…

When he knew that he desired her… why else he would be uninterested in marrying despite him being way past marriageable age.

Because she's the only one in his eyes. He knew it.

But he also knew that it was impossible, because he is the one who had decided to adopt her as his sister, many years ago.

As he watched her grow into a very desirable lady in front of him.

At that thought, Byakuya closed his eyes, trying to mentor himself on remembering what they had agreed.

And to not betray her trust.

Because as sad as it might be, he knew that Kurosaki had already owned apart of her heart. And they owe him a favor.

The one who saved her from her doom, when he was the one blinded enough to not do… initially.

At that fact, Byakuya regained his composure as he walked towards his bed as though, there was nothing extraordinary happening.

"Let us sleep, Rukia. The day had been tiring" Byakuya stated stoically as he removed his wedding apparel, and tucked it neatly on the bedside table.

Seeing this, Rukia could not help but gasp.

What a naïve fool she was, Rukia had thought.

And yet despite that, Byakuya didn't even seemed to notice, as he carefully lied on his side of the bed, and turned off his bedside table lamp.

While Rukia could only observe in wonder.

OH. He's asleep.

Well… I better be sleeping too. There are tons of obligations we had to do tomorrow.

At that thought, Rukia bit her lower lip in anxiety.

Then she proceeded to remove her wedding clothes as well, after surmising that Byakuya was indeed asleep. Well after she had stood beside the bed for hours, just to calm herself.

To believe that this is nothing. And they were just acting according to what they had agreed.

So beat it.

At the sound of Rukia undressing, Byakuya squirmed a little, though unnoticeable to Rukia.

For he never thought that she would sleep on the bed with him, because he knew that Rukia knew that there was an extra bed at the secret compartment of his bedroom.

Though he secretly hoped she would stay.

But this.

Byakuya could only swallow at the uncomfortable sound of his sanity being peeled off.

But he remained still, because it would be a crime to go against his words. Their unspoken vow.

After a torturous amount of time, Rukia finally settled down on her side of the bed to sleep, as she turned off the light on her side.

Then they were plunged into the darkness. With only there breathing that could be heard, aside from the sound of the air conditioning unit in the room. Each other's senses heightened.

Rukia even wondered if Byakuya could actually hear how her heart beats like a drum inside her chest, just because of their sleeping arrangement.

Byakuya remained very still, knowing that sleep will probably never come, especially since Rukia's presence was so near, and all for him.

At this thought, Byakuya closed his eyes more harshly. To stop himself from thinking further down the abyss that might cause him their trusting relationship with each other.

And soon, Rukia finally closed her eyes after winning her internal debate of wither she should just sleep in the secret compartment or remain.

The latter was kind of stupid, but she was too tired to move an inch… and that she trust Byakuya above all people.

The one person she respected the most and highly thought of.

I trust you, Byakuya.

Then sleep had overtaken Rukia.

After hearing Rukia's calm breathing, he knew that she had finally fallen asleep. Thus he opened his eyes, to free him from his uncomfortable rigid lying position.

As his eyes fell unto Rukia's sleeping face, he could not help but felt relieved.

To feel this calm in his heart, as peace settled in.

He was in truth incredibly grateful that she had agreed to marry him, because the other option would not allow him to be able to protect her as close as he could, as he wanted… craved.

Then he slowly reached his hand to her face, and tuck away the stubborn bang that neatly framed her beautiful face.

Oh.. how he wanted to see her eyes up close, like this.

As he carefully observed her face. Appreciating her fair skin, her long and thick eyelashes, her shapely nose, and her cherry pink lips-the ones that were heavily painted with red hue during their wedding ceremony.

And yet, her lips at the moment were the definite temptation he should not be staring at, or should touch.

But he did.

And his heart had beaten like crazy, when his lips finally touched her incredibly soft ones.

Byakuya Kuchiki!

Byakuya spelled his name in his mind, to remind him of who he is. Because at the moment, he was about to break her trust.

Thus he abruptly moved away from her, which in turn made Rukia squirm at the loss of a much welcomed heat surrounding her unconscious.

Because of that, Byakuya decided to sleep in the secret compartment himself.

And yet, he couldn't bring himself to do so.

Thus he settled on lying beside Rukia, and hugged her instead.

The one thing he truly wanted to do, ever since he finally admitted to himself that he really loved her as a man. Though he had fiercely fought himself against falling for her in the past.

"I will protect you" Byakuya said lovingly, a vow to shelter the one person he loves the most in the world.

As he embraced her tightly in his arms, imprisoning her to him. Savoring the heat emanating from her warm body.

At this comfortable feeling, Rukia unconsciously returned Byakuya's embrace, as she encircled her arms to the source of the wonderful warmth enveloping her. And rested her head to the crook of his neck.

Byakuya almost could not breath, because of how fast his heart was beating. As the smell of Rukia's flowery shampoo assaulted his nostrils.

And the feeling of her embrace.

It was… like he is dreaming.

Maybe he was dreaming.

But no… he knew that this could never amount to a dream.

Thus he embrace her tighter, never wanting to let go, hoping that their relationship would become more than a mutual agreement. More than 'platonic' or forbidden.

Because… he loves Rukia, so much it sometimes left him breathless.

.

.

After sometime, he finally fell asleep.

At this point, Ginrei decided to checkup his grandchildren, knowing that the two must have agreed to sleep in separate beds.

But the view certainly shocked him, and yet pleased.

Because he knew… he knew that Byakuya loved Rukia so much he wasn't willing to marry another.

And his decision to force them to marry one another, might be a good thing for their clan.

[Reasons why Billionaires get divorced]

Rukia waked up the next morning, nestled in Byakuya's arms, a surprise, she never knew or even imagined to happen.

Whilst a pleasant feeling engulfed her heart, which she couldn't understand the reason of… or rather, she does not want to acknowledge the reason of.

Because she might have considered Byakuya as her brother in the past, but their current situation was slowly encroaching her overall view and feelings towards him.

To something that resembles belonging.

Like she belongs to him.

Well technically, she was. After all she was his wife on paper.

.

.

Then Byakuya began to take her for 'romantic dates', these had left her confused.

Especially since he would shower her with attention and affection, she doesn't believe she deserved.

Though Byakuya had been kind and caring towards her in the past, but these gestures were too out of the ordinary.

She's unfamiliar with it, and a bit anxious… because for some reason… her heart starts beating for him.

It was foreign in a way, unlike anything she had ever felt before. So much different from what she had felt for Renji, for Kaien… and even for Ichigo.

It was different, and more amazing.

But he didn't say a word to her, while she stood on the edge of the boundaries they had agreed upon.

For Byakuya just keep making her heart skip a beat and played with it, just like what he had done to the hearts of his fangirls.

And he seemed to not know about it, as he remained cool just like how he always have been.

And it shaken Rukia, because she believes that it was all a pretense.

But it sure made her heart beats like a drum, and sent her to the kingdom of lala land. Like a stupid girl.

And when the clan asked them for a heir, Rukia could not deny them their request, especially since Byakuya personally asked her, as though he had forgotten what they had agreed.

How could she make sense of all of these?

It's not like Byakuya had fallen in love with her.

It couldn't be.

Impossible.

She's just an ordinary and plain girl. There's nothing very remarkable about her.

So why? Why is Byakuya giving her too much attention?...

Ah… Hisana… She looks exactly like Hisana…

At that understanding, Rukia conceded. Because her life will never be enough to repay Byakuya and the clan for their kindness towards her, towards her older sister.

[Mismatched financial values]

Byakuya was ecstatic to say the least. And yet, he remained stoic about it, not letting anyone know how pleased he was at Rukia's approval.

How he had craved to take her, and make her completely his. There will be no more man in her life. Kurosaki had already left, and canceled the agreement automatically by his absence.

He was now allowed to truly love her.

And he will have her tonight.

.

.

Rukia was showered with all the luxury money can buy. And now she looks incredibly expensive.

While the restaurant reserved only for them, was the most expensive hotel in the world.

An experience every girl in the world covet. But will never be able to, except the love interests of the 1% of the wealthiest people.

And Kuchiki clan surely belongs to the top.

But Rukia does not approve of such extravagance, having known poverty through experience, believe that such luxury is a thief to the mass.

Though she was grateful to Byakuya, but this expense is unnecessary.

For his presence alone is more than enough for her.

[Bigger budget, Bigger problems]

When the dinner ended, Byakuya and Rukia were now standing inside the extremely luxurious bedroom, decked with romantic essence, a substitute to the honeymoon they never had, because of time constraints.

While Rukia was standing naked except for the translucent blue kimono, beside the bed, trembling in suspense and inexperience, watching Byakuya's every move on high alert.

This is crazy.

Rukia thought feeling incredibly anxious.

What should she do?

But such thoughts banished the moment Byakuya came near her with such overwhelming presence. Almost like a predator to a prey.

That Rukia unconsciously stepped away from him in response, while clutching her robe tighter to herself.

At noticing this, Byakuya slowed down his advance. Chastising himself for losing control.

Then reached out his hand to her hand, just like what he did during their wedding day.

Seeing that, Rukia reached his hand.

Byakuya held Rukia's hand, as he stepped inside her personal space. Exuding a non-threatening presence.

Rukia relented and felt calm, as Byakuya softly caress her face with his elegant and long fingers.

Byakuya carefully traced Rukia's face, as though he was a blind man trying to make himself believe that his dream wife was here with him for real, unlike his fantasies of her.

Feeling the tenderness in his touch, Rukia closed her eyes to savor his touches.

Then Byakuya leaned in to kiss her lips, so softly that Rukia almost felt like the Sakura petal that were falling from one of the trees in their estate garden, touching her lips instead.

Thus Rukia opened her eyes, and saw Byakuya's closed eyes, as he kissed her so tenderly. Feeling the tingling in her body caused by his body so close to her own.

Then Byakuya opened her eyes, and Rukia was overwhelmed by the emotions reflected in them.

So beautiful and bewitching.

Looking at him, she no longer see her esteemed Nii-sama. All she could see is the man she had married.

An incredibly desirable man beckoning her to become his woman.

And Rukia will not deny him that.

After all, that is her duty.

Rukia stepped closer to Byakuya, and touched his face.

She was instantly assaulted with this animalistic feeling, the moment his masculine presence overwhelmed her.

Rukia leaned up and held unto his nape to pull him down to her. Then claimed his lips on her own free well.

Though she was inexperienced, Byakuya helped her do her job, by showing her how it's properly done.

Soon Rukia finally learned the trick, and moved on to shower him with her affection.

Kissing his cheeks, his eyelids, his nose, and his forehead, before looking him in the eye.

Watching him tame himself, letting her take control.

At this Rukia closed her eyes, as she went to embrace him, with the intent of loosening his robe.

But when his robe fell unto the carpeted floor, Rukia chickened out at seeing him naked.

She was paralyzed by his manliness.

Never had she ever dared look at his body, never mind imagining him naked.

Seeing this, Byakuya smirked despite himself. Because his fitness routine finally paid off.

Impressing your woman is definitely worth the price, effort and time.

Thus he took it upon himself to teach her what she does not know.

The pleasure he knew, he is very capable of educating her. The knowledge none of her research compares to.

[A/N: I can't do this. Wait until I actually get married and I'll illustrate how it's actually done. Love making, not porn fest]

At the peak of their lovemaking, Rukia bit the skin on Byakuya's shoulder near his neck due to shear intensity of the sensations that has overwhelmed her.

Never had she ever experienced this kind of pleasure before. Mind-numbing and exhilarating.

As she lost comprehension of the words she uttered in response to his stimulation.

"Bya.." Rukia gasped as she grabbed his hair tightly, while he rode her to a destination so near but quite far.

More and more, she's losing her mind.

Hearing him pant was an unbelievably flattering experience, as though he was climbing a great mountain on the edge of precipice just for her.

By now, their skin were peppered with perspiration due to exertion and pleasure. Making their skin contact more fluid.

"Ru-kia" Byakuya grunted in sweet- sweet ecstatic pleasure.

Rukia followed suit, as she trembled in intense satisfaction.

The couple finally lied on the bed unmoving, but still connected, basking at the after-effects of their intense lovemaking.

Byakuya smiled at Rukia with all the love he had for her.

While Rukia could only stare at his incredibly handsome face, now that happiness painted his ever stoic face.

Then suddenly, Byakuya's phone rang.

And apparently it had been ringing for quite sometime now.

Thus grudgingly, Byakuya disentangle from Rukia's body to take care of the business.

"I have to go, Rukia" Byakuya said after sometime, with his face losing the glow it previously had.

At this Rukia could only nod in approval, as her husband left her alone in their hotel room.

Knowing that a big problem in the corporation must have occurred.

[Billionaires are busy]

And since then, Byakuya and Rukia were completely busy each night in their bedroom, the sounds and all.

Sometimes during the day, Byakuya would delegate his job to his assistant just to have some free time with his Rukia.

As they spend productive minutes in his office or in Rukia's office trying to create a heir to the Kuchiki clan.

After all, they were both busy with their roles in the corporation that they almost do not see each other for weeks. So whenever they had time, they preferred working out together.

[Social calendars are packed to the brim]

Especially now that the quarterly performance reports and deals were on the way.

Byakuya has to meet with the top clients and suppliers.

While Rukia was busy managing the image of the corporation, and the HR.

[Too much time apart]

At times, Byakuya spent days in foreign lands for an international expansion projects and acquisitions.

They were instances at which they could not be with each other for months on end.

During those long business trips, Byakuya usually flies on his private jet back to the Kuchiki manor, to steal some precious time with his pregnant wife.

[People hate on you]

Being a lady Kuchiki, wife to the most controversial man in Seiretie, Rukia certainly receives a lot of hate. Tons of it actually.

Slandering her and stuff. Trying to bring the Kuchiki name to the dirty mud.

And plastering fake smiles and short pleasantries, were skills, she was uncomfortably trying to master.

But she will endure them all, for Byakuya and their family.

[One wants to take it easy, the other wants to keep going]

Though at some point, Rukia find herself speaking to Byakuya about the aggressive way the corporation is trying to grow.

Conveying her thoughts on slowing down for a bit, because the stress of the work will definitely harm Byakuya more, evident of his lack of sufficient sleep and energy.

But time and time again, Byakuya kept telling her to endure for a while, because he was making it possible for the corporation to survive without him on the helm, by giving it as much time as possible for its growth now.

In that way, he could have all the time in the world to finally slow down on a beach with his growing family.

For he had secretly bought an island for Rukia and their children. And a super yacht for them to cruise the oceans.

A great retirement plan for him and his family.

[Billionaires have everything already]

Then there are times that Rukia find herself unable to gift Byakuya with anything, because she knew that he already had everything in his fingertips.

Knowing that Byakuya does not value expensive and luxurious items, because they were like disposables to him.

It is certainly a dilemma to gift a person like him.

At times, her 'friends ' advices her to just wrap herself with a ribbon as a gift to her husband.

Which she considered to be an incredibly ludicrous idea. For all she knew… Byakuya might had enough of her by this time due to their active lifestyle.

Thinking so, it had actually been since, since they did an undercover magic.

And it's taking a toll on her, though she will never admit it to anyone.

[There's nothing more to do anymore]

At some point, the only time Rukia ever saw Byakuya was at the end of each month.

He was not even there a few months after their babies were born.

Was it selfish to take Byakuya's attention away from his passion, working at the company?

As what she heard from the rumors that, she was such a selfish bitch for monopolizing Byakuya's attention.

[The marriage was purely financial]

How the paparazzi called her a gold digger. That she was only with Byakuya for the money.

It was painful, and deep stabbing.

Because maybe, she was a burden to Byakuya after all. That she is a leech.

[It's hard to find true friendship and your lonely]

Ever since she was adopted to the Kuchiki clan, true friendship has never manifested amongst her and the nobles. It was lonesome being around the rich and influential people.

Every mistaken word and action were dangerous.

Suffocating.

Thus the only time she truly had a friend was back in Rukongai, and at the Karakura town.

Though she had few pals at the corporation, but still she could not fully trust anyone of them.

She felt lonely, especially since Byakuya isn't around anymore.

As she find herself staying in his office, and even falling asleep in his chair.

When is he coming back?

The question that always plagues her whenever he was away on a business trip.

Thankfully her children kept her mind from straying to the gloom of missing her husband so much, she felt like crying.

[Billionaire traits can be hard to live with]

As time passes, Byakuya became more sensitive and deadly silent, as though he was harboring an anger to someone.

But Rukia does not know to whom.

And his stress started to manifest crudely at the way he micromanage every word and action she take.

Byakuya became more controlling than ever.

At times, Rukia felt like she wasn't even allowed to breathe.

It was suffocating.

But still, Rukia cares for Byakuya too much that she let's his behavior slide without question.

Though deep inside her heart bleeds at his callousness. And yet he would not tell her anything.

And she was too afraid to ask.

[Traditional gender roles are often assumed]

Then later, Byakuya removed Rukia from her position in the company and delegated her as a permanent house wife.

The only place in the world where she finds comfort during his absence and neglect was now taken away from her.

But she would not let him do that to her.

Thus she debated Byakuya about her own value in the corporation.

But he only told her that "your service in the corporation is no longer needed"

This hurts Rukia more than she could endure.

How could he say that, when he knew that she loves her job so much.

It was like her own lifeline.

How could he?

[A Billionaire divorce is an expensive business expense]

Then finally, Byakuya filed for a divorce.

It shocked Rukia beyond belief.

Though they had agreed before their marriage that at some point they would separate, but this was uncalled for.

They now had children together.

Though her heart aches due to his attitude towards her, but admittedly, she no longer wants to leave him.

She wants to stay forever with him if possible.

Because now she knew.

She loves Byakuya.

He and their children were Rukia's home.

[Affair]

But then one day, Rukia saw Byakuya kissing a woman at the basement of the Kuchiki building.

So… you were tired of me… and now you had an affair.

Have I ever been important to you, even for a bit?

Have you ever loved me at all?

Rukia thought as tears fell from her eyes.

It was painful to say the least.

.

.

.

Then their twin was kidnapped, but Byakuya was not around, as he was away on an overseas business trip.

Thus she tried to rescue her sons on her own, knowing that she could not trust anyone at the Kuchiki clan to help her, despite the heir being in danger.

Because she knew that they want to take Byakuya down. For all she knew, they were the ones who abducted her sons.

With the help of Ichigo and Renji, they were able to save Rai… but her other son died during that incident.

And she could never forgive Byakuya for that.

For prioritizing his corporation over their children, time and time again.

Thus hate replaced all the love and respect she initially have for Byakuya.

And now he is nothing to her anymore.

To be continued…

A/N: Lack of proper and honest conversation can ruin even the strongest relationship, especially when trust and respect were lost in the process.

[I have no beta, and I am very busy, but still I love to write Byaruki from time to time to relieve stress. So please forgive my errors]

P/N

12/26/20

I had actually foolishly thought that maybe what I knew was enough to live in this reality...

What an incredibly naive notion... So ignorant, I wanted to cry so badly.

It's actually painful to think about it. But I have a goal to achieve... Thus... I must learn more, and use the tools. No matter how complex and out of my comprehension it may be. I have to. My time is ticking... Along with my life