Hey there! Welcome to Chapter 3 with most of the characters being shocked. Haha. Enjoy! Sorry that it's shorter than the last but with Chapter 4 written out, I think you guys won't mind. Shoutout to Dalia2 for the review! Thanks!
The next day, the small raven haired captain entered the Kuchiki mansion, greeted by the old butler. The butler bowed, "Good morning, Rukia-sama." Rukia nodded, "Good morning. Is Nii-sama still here?"
The butler nodded, "Yes, Rukia-sama. He's in the dining room. Would you like me to prepare you breakfast?" Rukia looked around, "Did he just started?" "Yes, Rukia-sama." "Alright, I'll join him." The butler bowed, "Understood." The older walked towards to the kitchen to inform the cook.
Rukia then walked towards to the dining room, "Damn that Ichigo. I wonder where he is? He didn't even visit last night." She sighed and shook her head. She said to herself, "You know what? I shouldn't even bother. He seems to survive anyways."
She then slowly opened the door to the dining room and bowed, "Good morning, Nii-sama. If you don't mind, I would like to join you for breakfast." She took in her surroundings and was shocked when she saw a bundle of orange in her view.
"What the fuck Ichigo?!" Rukia exclaimed. Ichigo turned around and gave a toothy grin, "Yo, Rukia!" Rukia frowned, "Don't "Yo, Rukia" me! Why the hell are you here?" She then eyed the younger man. He was wearing a simple light blue yukata that seems quite loose on his body. He looked like he just got up from bed.
"Language, Rukia." Her brother simply stated as he drank his tea. Rukia bowed, "I apologize, Nii-sama. I was just... surprised." Ichigo looked at Byakuya, "Wait, you didn't tell her?" The older man raised his eyebrow, "I thought you were the one to give that information to her."
Rukia crossed her arms, "Tell me what?" Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously, "I was kinda stayin' here since last week?" Rukia walked over to Ichigo and smacked him, hard, "You dumbass, you had the opportunity to tell Renji and I yesterday! Why didn't you tell us?"
Ichigo groaned, "God, I'm sorry, okay? I wasn't sure if Byakuya was alright in letting me say about where I sleep." Rukia sat in between Ichigo and Byakuya with a huff, "Did you forget he is my brother and we are best friends?"
Ichigo sighed, "I didn't. I'm sorry, Rukia." Rukia rolled her eyes, "Fine, forgiven. Renji and I had our suspicions. I didn't expect to be correct." A servant then entered to place Rukia's food on the table.
"What were your suspicions?" Rukia pondered, "That you were staying here." Ichigo raised his eyebrow, "How?" "You have Nii-sama's scent." Byakuya suddenly stiffed, stopped midway to drinking his tea while Ichigo choked on his tea.
"What the fuck? Why do everyone say that?" Ichigo croaked. Byakuya set down his cup and looked over at him with unreadable eyes. Rukia coughed, "Let's face it. You smell like sweat and blood and the sun most of the time." Ichigo glared at Rukia offended. "Then Nii-sama-" Byakuya cleared his throat, "Could you two please drop this unique topic? "
"I apologize, Nii-sama." Rukia looked over at Ichigo who could only give her a shrug. Byakuya stood up from his seat, "I will be taking my leave. Good day." He already left before the two could say anything.
Rukia and Ichigo looked at each other for a few moments before laughing. "God, you made your brother so uncomfortable." Ichigo said in between laughs. Rukia shrugged, "It is true though." Ichigo scoffed, "I must smell like him because I use his similar products."
The captain raised her eyebrow, "Seriously, Ichigo. Why are you freeloading off my brother? What are your intentions?" Ichigo raised his hands defensively, "Oi, midget. He's the one who offered me a place to stay. And what do you mean by intentions? Are you suggesting something?"
Rukia's mouth dropped slightly, "He... offered you? You didn't push him?" Ichigo shook his head, "I might be lacking "manners" but I didn't force him!" Rukia patted her cheeks lightly, "Wow."
The latter raised her eyebrow, "Why?" Rukia shook her head, "It's just that Nii-sama isn't that kind. I mean he is kind but to offer a freeloader like you a place to stay?" Ichigo huffed, "Seriously, what's with you and calling me a freeloader?"
The raven haired captain held her chin, "This is very interesting. I must inform Renji." Ichigo's eyebrow twitched and he pinched the latter's cheek, "Oi, don't ignore me!" Rukia glared and swatted his hand away, "You're too noisy, Ichigo."
Rukia looked at him intently, "Do you like Nii-sama?" Ichigo looked at her incredulously, "What kind of question is that, midget?" "Just answer me!" Ichigo rolled his eyes, "As a friend? Yeah."
The latter rolled her eyes, "Huh. Interesting. I thought for sure." Ichigo raised his eyebrow, "What?" Rukia shook her head, "Nothing. Let's just finish this breakfast before it gets too cold!" She turned to the food on the table and started eating, ignoring the younger's questioning stares.
Later in the afternoon, a knock from Byakuya's office door could be heard by the captain. His calm face could almost hide the fact that his eyebrow was twitching in annoyance. "Come in." He stated. He couldn't care less to ask who was on the other side of the door.
The door slid open and Renji and Rukia entered the office. "Taicho!" Renji's booming voice echoed in the room. The older man sighed and looked over at the couple. He saw his sister smile and bow, "Good afternoon, Nii-sama."
"What is your business, Rukia? Abarai taicho?" Byakuya inquired. He was not in the mood for silly banters. Rukia stepped up, "Well, nii-sama. We would like to borrow our dear friend." She looked over at the couch to where Ichigo was sleeping soundly.
"And this is where you first suspected him to be?" Renji laughed nervously, "Ah, well. Taicho. Doesn't he usually stay here in the afternoon?" The older man's cold gaze looked over the sleeping boy and his eyes almost softened. Almost.
"I see. If you could wake him up, by all means, take him." Byakuya stated as he put his finished work on the stack on his right side of the table. Rukia looked at Renji and the latter just shrugged. She then looked over to her brother, "Nii-sama, would you like to join us for late lunch? That's the reason why we came to get him."
Byakuya raised his eyebrow, "Late lunch?" The younger captain nodded, "Yes, Nii-sama. Ichigo does not eat properly so we sometimes force him to join us so we know he ate." Byakuya looked back at his papers. He was getting sick of seeing white for a while.
He looked back up at his sister, "I think I will. I will just inform my lieutenant." Rukia nodded, "Of course, Nii-sama. We'll wake up Ichigo here while we're waiting." Byakuya stood up from his desk and walked towards the exit, to the direction of the 6th Division training ground where his lieutenant trains their members.
Renji then walked towards to the couch where Ichigo sleep. He clasped his hand on the latter's shoulder and shook him lightly, "Oi, strawberry. Let's go out for lunch." No response. The latter shook Ichigo harder, "Oi, Ichigo! Wake up already, damn it!"
Ichigo stirred, "Fuckin' hell. 5 more minutes, Byakuya." Renji rolled his eyes, "I'm not taicho, you dumbass. Wake up!" Rukia sighed in annoyance and walked over to the couch. She smacked Ichigo on the head to make the latter shot up in surprise and fell on the floor.
Ichigo was clutching head as he kneel on the floor, groaning, "Fuck! What kind of a wake up call is that, B-" He looked up from the floor and he didn't expect Rukia and Renji looking at him with annoyance and amusement.
"Why do you keep on calling us with taicho's name?" Renji mused. Ichigo slowly got up with the help of the couch, "Well, this is his office, pineapple. What do you expect?" Rukia huffed, "Let's eat lunch, Ichigo."
Ichigo looked at the clock, "Huh. Pretty late." He eyed the two, "How did you two know I was here?" Renji crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, "Oh, please. Unless sotaicho asked you to do something, you always stay here."
The orange haired man rolled his eyes and fixed his shihakusho, "Where's Byakuya anyways?" Rukia looked over the window, "He's informing Takashi-fukutaicho that he would join us for lunch. I invited him." Ichigo raised his eyebrow, "You what?"
Rukia eyed him with a knowing look, "Any problem?" The younger shook his head, "Nothing, nothing." Just then, Byakuya reappeared in his office and looked at Ichigo, "Awake, I see. Sadly, my peace did not last long."
Ichigo scoffed, "Maybe next time, I'll stay up the whole time." Byakuya side eyed, "Maybe next time, you won't be allowed to stay here, Kurosaki Ichigo." The younger groaned, "I'm just kidding, Byakuya. I promised that I won't be too annoying."
"And you keep your promises, correct?" Ichigo nodded silently which made the older man slightly smirked. The couple looked at each other, amused by the scene before them. "Did taicho just smile?" Renji mouthed. Rukia nodded, "I think he did."
Byakuya put on his cold mask once more, "Where do you suggest we should eat, Rukia?" Rukia faced her brother, "There's a small place in Rukongai with great food. Would that be alright, Nii-sama?"
Byakuya closed his eyes, "Very well." Rukia smiled enthusiastically. She wasn't so sure if her brother would accept so she was slightly taken aback. Ichigo stretches his arms, "Wouldn't it be best if you guys leave your haori? I think having 3 captains and a shinigami with a huge ass sword is too much for one place."
Renji raised eyebrow, "Wow, you got a point. I'm surprised, strawberry." Ichigo scoffed, "I have the brains and brawns, unlike you." Renji headbutted the latter, "You wanna fight, huh?" Ichigo headbutted back, "Bring it on!"
Rukia glared, "Boys." The tone in her voice immediately made the two stood up straight. Rukia sighed, "Nii-sama, could we leave our haoris here?" The older man nodded, "Of course." Rukia and Renji took off their haoris and put it over the couch while Byakuya took off his and put it over his chair.
"Wow, you guys look normal without it." Ichigo commented. Rukia rolled her eyes, "Well, let's head out already. I'm too hungry." Renji and Ichigo grumbled while Byakuya simply followed his sister.
They quickly arrived in the 8th Rukongai District with shunpo to not waste any time. Rukia lead the way with Byakuya beside her. Renji and Ichigo were behind them, following slowly.
"Y'know, I'm surprised taicho agreed to join us today." Renji mumbled, only audible to Ichigo. The latter shrugged, "He probably agreed just because it was Rukia who asked him. If it was you or me, he would decline."
Renji looked over his friend knowingly, "Huh." Ichigo raised his eyebrow, "What?" The red head shook his head, "Nothing." Ichigo grumbled but decided to say nothing. He then focused on Rukia who was talking to Byakuya with a smile on her face.
Byakuya was looking at his sister with warm eyes and a small smile tugging his lips. Ichigo sighed and decided to look at the older man's broad back. "When will he look at me with warmth in his eyes?"
"God, you really have it for him." Renji commented that made Ichigo snapped away from his thoughts. Ichigo glared, "What do you mean?" Renji rolled his eyes, "You like taicho, don't you?" The orange head blushed different shades of red and looked away, "What the hell? I don't!"
Renji smirked, "Yeah, sure. You're so oblivious that only you and taicho can't see that you like him." Ichigo closed his eyes to compose himself, "I seriously don't, you dumbass. Even if I did, it's not like I would admit it."
"Because you think he would reject you?" Renji raised his eyebrow. Ichigo shrugged, "Yeah. You know he's not exactly into people like me." Renji snorted and mumbled under his breath, "I doubt that."
"What did you say?" Renji waved it off,"Nothin', dude." Ichigo looked at him with questioning eyes but he just patted the latter's back,"C'mon, let's catch up with Rukia and taicho." Ichigo just sighed in defeat and nodded.
Renji and Ichigo quickened their pace to follow the other pair. When they managed to catch up to them, the Kuchiki siblings were already waiting for them by the entrance of a small restaurant between two quite large buildings. It was a busy street but the two shinigamis stood out with their shihakusho and even off-duty, Byakuya's authorative and noble presence stood out.
"What took you two so long? Catching up on gossip?" Rukia raised her eyebrow. Renji grinned, "Somethin' like that." Ichigo glared at Renji which the latter simply ignored. Rukia simply shook her head.
They all entered the establishment. The dining was surprisingly quite spacious. There are three booths by the wall and five tables with four chairs each were slgihtly scattered around. The place was empty of other customers.
The cashier by the counter greeted them, "Welcome!" The four shinigamis bowed and greeted back. The server, an old lady, approached them, "Good day. How many are you today?" Rukia spoke for them, "Only four, Tsubaki-san."
The old lady's eyes brightened in recognition, "Oh, Rukia-san! Glad to see you here today and with Renji-san." She looked over to Byakuya and Ichigo, "And a new couple?" Ichigo coughed, "It's not like that, Tsubaki-san." Rukia and Renji held their laughter.
Byakuya looked over at Ichigo with an unreadable expression or is it just something Ichigo couldn't identify as he looked at the older's gray eyes. Tsubaki simply smiled, "I see. Well then, you can seat by the booth to be more comfortable."
"Thanks, Tsubaki-san." Renji grinned. They went to the booth where it is more hidden than the other two. Renji immediately slid inside in one side and Rukia followed suit, sitting beside him.
Ichigo sighed, "No choice, huh?" Ichigo dejectedly slid inside in the other side and Byakuya slid beside him. The booth was a normal size with Renji and Rukia sitting comfortably but with two grown men like Ichigo and Byakuya, it was quite small.
The two shifted in their sit awkwardly, shoulders and hands brushing lightly which made both of them rest their arms by the edge of the table. Byakuya has his eyes closed which made him refrain from showing any emotion meanwhile Ichigo was looking at the amused pair with pleading eyes but all they could do was snort and shrug.
Tsubaki handed them the menu, "Please call me when you are ready to order." And walked away to give them their space. "You guys are regular, huh?" Ichigo inquired as he scan. He wanted to distract himself.
Renji nodded, "Yeah, we usually go here for dinner when you're not crashing at our place." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "I wouldn't mind if you guys left me for your dates." Rukia scoffed, "Nonsense, you wouldn't eat a thing that way and we won't let that happen."
Byakuya suddenly spoke, "Rukia, Abarai. Please choose whatever is good." Rukia raised her eyebrow, "You don't mind me choosing for you, Nii-sama?" Byakuya simply nodded in response. She looked over at Ichigo, "You don't mind spicy food, right?"
Ichigo shrugged, causing light brush against Byakuya's shoulder again, "Ah, I don't mind. Yo, Renji. Choose for me." Renji glares, "For the love of g- fine, fine." Ichigo grinned in victory which earned a sigh from the red head.
Renji called for Tsubaki to take their order. Rukia listed the food they chose and when she was done, she looked at Byakuya and Ichigo, "Do you two want sake?" They both shook their heads. Rukia raised her eyebrows, "What do you want then?"
"Tea." Byakuya and Ichigo spoke in unison which made them look at each other. Rukia rolled her eyes, "Tsubaki-san, one sake and 2 teas please." Tsubaki nodded, "Is that all?" The small captain nodded, "Yes."
Tsubaki repeated the order, "Please wait for a few minutes." They all mumbled their thanks. Renji rested his elbow on the table, "You two are kinda alike." Byakuya uttered, "I am appalled by your statement, Abarai."
"I'm that bad to you?" Ichigo glared at the older shinigami. Byakuya side eyed, "In manners, yes." Ichigo scoffed, "You still won't let that go, huh?" Byakuya grunted in response which made the younger man roll his eyes.
Renji muttered, "Am I witnessing a lovers' quarrel?" Rukia elbowed Renji's side which made the red head groan in pain as he clutch his side, "Ah, fuck. Rukia, what the hell?" Rukia started poking the red head's nose, "You are too nosy."
Renji's eyebrow twitch and mirrored the action, "You too." Ichigo looked over the pair on the other side and saw their string going shorter by the minute. A few moments later of taunting, Renji's and Rukia's eyes widened in shock.
Ichigo felt Byakuya's body tense as he also look at the couple. The couple looked at their pinky in finger in awe. Renji's eyes followed the string and the journey was short as his eyes landed on Rukia's finger. "What the? The string is short!" Renji exclaimed. Before Rukia could even react, the string turn white and suddenly broke off.
"What? Why did it break?" Rukia's voice was filled with panic. Ichigo was about to answer when an invisible force seems to hit the couple and they hit their heads together with a liud thud. Both howled in pain as they held their foreheads.
"What was that?" Renji groaned. He were confused as the events seems rushed and they could barely react. Even Byakuya broke his stoic mask and his face was plastered in shock.
"Honestly, I would laugh right now if the Soul King didn't make sick jokes like this." Ichigo said. Rukia was still shocked by the events, "It broke?" Ichigo looked up, as if remembering, "Didn't Urahara-san said that it will appear when it's close to its breaking point?"
"What happens when it does?" Byakuya inquired after he recovered from the initial shock. Ichigo shrugged, "I think it shows that they bonded enough and their fate is tied, ironically. We could ask Urahara-san later?"
Renji sighed in relief when he heard that and hugged Rukia tightly. He didn't let go even if he felt Byakuya's ominous aura bursting. "I'm happy that it was with you, Rukia." Renji said as he kissed Rukia's head. The smaller captain hugged Renji tighter with a smile on her lips, "I'm happy too, you moron. If it was anyone else, I don't think I'll be able to handle that."
Renji slowly released her from his tight grasp and grinned, "I'll kiss you later when taicho ain't here to kill me." Rukia's face flushed and giggled, "You're probably right." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Yeah and spare me your sweetness. I might die from diabetes."
Renji snorted, "You're just single as fuck, strawberry." Ichigo glared at him, "Do you want to fight, pineapple?!" Renji taunted, "Bring it!" Ichigo was about to grab Renji using his left hand when he was stopped by Byakuya who held his wrist.
"Do you not have any restraint, Kurosaki Ichigo?" Byakuya seethed. Ichigo glared but sat back down, not wanting to cause any trouble for Tsubaki. Byakuya slowly let go of the younger's wrist and sighed in annoyance.
"What the fuck?" Renji uttered. Byakuya raised in eyebrow, "I must say, Abarai. Your language is quite appalling. Be glad that I am not angry due to the event that has just occurred." Renji laughs nervously, "Sorry, taicho."
The red head looked over at Ichigo who had a confused look on his eyes but Renji darted his eyes to his partner which had the shocking look on her face as well. "What's with you two?" Ichigo complained. Their faces were frozen when Byakuya grabbed his wrist -which Ichigo enjoyed, by the way.
Their faces plastered with an indifferent look. "Huh." They said in unison. Ichigo rolled his eyes, "That's really becoming a habit with me, you two." Renji waved his hand, "We just saw something... amazing?"
They were interrupted when Tsubaki brought them their drinks. She put the sake and cups on Renji's and Rukia's side and the two cups of tea on Byakuya's and Ichigo's side. "Tsubaki-san, can we have another bottle of sake?"
Tsubaki nodded, "Of course." She bowed and went back to fetch the sake. The three looked at Ichigo in shock. "Yo, Ichigo. I thought you won't drink?" Ichigo huffed, "I changed my mind. Kyouraku-san said that it's best to drink in the middle of the day anyways."
Renji snorted, "That really sounds like sotaicho." Tsubaki then returned with the sake and two more cups, assuming that Byakuya would drink as well. Ichigo immediately poured some in his cup and downed it just as fast.
Rukia glared, "Hey, hey. Calm down. We got the whole day." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "I'll be fine." He poured himself another, slower this time. Rukia slightly jumped when Byakuya spoke, "Don't expect me to help you go home, Kurosaki Ichigo."
Ichigo chuckled, "As if you'd leave me alone, Byakuya." The older man simply grunted and drank his tea calmly. Renji raised his eyebrow in amusement, "How you say that is like as if it happened before."
The orange head, "Well, I-" "Don't." Byakuya interrupted. Ichigo chuckled, "Right, right. Sorry." Rukia eyed the both of the suspiciously as she drank her sake. "They really act like an old couple."
She looked over to Renji, "We should go over to Urahara-san tomorrow so we can actually confirm." Renji nodded, "Sure. I got questions too, anyways." Tsubaki and another server slowly walked over to their table to serve their food. Once they were done, they bowed and left the group alone. The four sat in silence as they eat their food and boy, did Ichigo and Renji drank. A lot.
I hope you all enjoyed! I'm sorry if you find the romantic part lacking and it turned into more of humor but behind the scenes, they had a fun night ;)
