Undertones
By: WhisperedSilvers
X
.
.
.
I don't know what's on your mind
But it's like you became a part of me
.
you couldn't handle it
Rukia was in a predicament. It was situations like these that made her even more baffled than she originally was. She was currently making a mental list of things that made her life a laughable mess—first off there was the strange behavior of Captain Hitsugaya of the Tenth Division—the behavior or rather the actions of Captain Hitsugaya—he basically demanded her to have dinner with him. Which was quite odd and out of character for the ice-user to do.
The second bullet-point on her list was the way he seemed to get annoyed with her respectable tone and actions—she knew first-hand that Captain Hitsugaya ordered everyone in the Soul Society to address him as Captain—he worked hard for the title and would not have anyone address otherwise. He berated Ichigo to call him Captain—constantly, now—now she didn't know what to think. He dragged her next to him wanting her to walk either beside him or in front of him—never in the back. Even with the respectable amount of distance between them, he called her out on it—which confused her even more.
The third was his mannerisms—which was completely different from the first bullet-point on her list. When he touched her—she felt so sensitive—she didn't understand why. His eyes were so intense—burning with ice and searing like sapphires. Every movement, every breath was deliberate—he was fully conscious of how he was acting and it terrified her. She was so conscious of him—that stupid memory of hers was not helping matters of all! Distance, she needed so much fucking distance—she wouldn't fall victim to that flash—she didn't even know what she would do if he faced a Menos and saw something—she would run for the hills screaming.
That dreading scene brought her back to reality.
Apparently Hitsugaya has been to this restaurant before because the hostess greeted him with a deep bow, his captain's haori bright against the ambient lighting—when had he slipped on his haori? She shook her head mentally, not the time for such distractions. He asked for a private table—Rukia nearly swallowed—this place was fancy.
Wine-colored booths and mahogany tables shined with a dark cherry polish, glittering with white candle-like lanterns. The hostess led the both of them to a private sector of the restaurant, with a curtain. She felt underdress. With sweat-glistening skin and a cut down her kimono sleeve—she felt so little.
She felt like she didn't belong here.
"Here you are Captain Hitsugaya," The old lady smiled, her arm motioning for them to be seated. "I'll have your waitress be with you shortly."
With a deep bow she exited, closing the sheer gold curtains and Rukia felt her heart rate increase considerably.
Rukia stood wide-eyed at the restaurant. There was the soft sound of a flute playing, the sweet melody bouncing off the walls and it soothed some of the nerves gathering in her stomach.
"You act like you've never seen such a restaurant before, Kuchiki." Hitsugaya commented as he tilted his head to the side.
She wrinkled her nose, "I have." She licked her dry lips, "Just not to this caliber, Captain."
"Hitsugaya."
She stopped breathing, "What?"
"You're off duty, address me as Hitsugaya." His teal orbs watched her intently, wanting to pick up any slight emotion that flickered across her face.
Despite the manners that were engraved into her, she scoffed, "We are never off duty."
Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes and replied dryly, "Humor me."
This time Rukia really did swallow. She wasn't going to allow him to use her first name; she wanted to keep that distance—he didn't even allow Matsumoto to call him by his last name—even when they were in their office.
Rukia asked a question without even thinking, "Why do you not want me to call you by your title?"
If Hitsugaya was surprised by her question he didn't show it. He looked at her for a minute before lazily placing a hand under his chin, leaning onto the table before simply stating, "You're too polite. Even coming from a noble clan, you must feel like you shouldn't address everyone—everything with the same mannerism."
He wasn't answering the question and that annoyed her.
"That didn't answer my question."
"I know." He had the nerve to smirk at her.
She bit her tongue from letting a scathing insult it's confines. Suddenly, the curtain opened, a waitress with blue hair—darker than the ocean with eyes gold as the sun appeared, she was holding a tray of tea and from the smell of it—it was jasmine. "Welcome to Imperial," She smiled gently, her white kimono tucked neatly under her knees as she kneeled. She placed the tray onto the table, two cups of steaming tea and a kettle filled with extra, "I am Mimi."
She placed a menu in front of each customer before adding with a gentle tenor, "Take your time and place an order. I will return shortly."
Rukia looked at her with something akin to envy, she looked so graceful, so elegant, and so beautiful—she felt like a piece of trash next to her. With her grimy, messy—wild night locks and mismatched clothing.
She left effortlessly, leaving the snow-haired Captain with the little Kuchiki.
"You shouldn't compare yourself to her," Hitsugaya opened his menu, scanning the contents.
Her eyes widened, how did he pick that up?
She replied quickly, "I didn't say anything."
His eyes caught hers just for a moment before he flickered them back to the menu, "You didn't have to."
Rukia visibly scowled, deciding that the best option to keep her sanity in tack was to ignore him and focus on the menu. Her eyes widened at the prices, it was expensive. She mentally calculated how much money she had in her satchel—she nearly sighed, she was supposed to go shopping today—fortunately she had enough.
"Kuchiki," Hitsugaya started, she paused mid-sentence at very interesting salmon dish—she looked at him.
"What is it?"
He leaned over the table and she nearly slammed her head back against the booth in surprise—what the hell was he doing? The nerves in her stomach tightened into knots, she was nearly shaking—he was too close! He grabbed her face with his hands and brought it close to his and she couldn't stop the flinch then, "Captain Hitsugaya, what are you—"
"Shut up."
Rukia snapped her mouth shut.
His hands were warm and they scratched her face deliciously. Hitsugaya turned her head gently to the side; "You have a cut on your face."
The nerves eased back as ice-cold water swirled in her stomach, she could take care of her small wound by herself—she didn't any freaking help! He didn't need to invade her personal space! "I can take care of it—"
Hitsugaya leaned closer to her, so she was now also leaning against the table—somehow they met in the middle—his eyes, glowing sky blue and his mouth was slanting ever-so-slightly to her face and she felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest.
In a moment of weakness she closed her eyes shut—so locked that her eyes crinkled. She felt a cold breeze on her face—it was pleasantly cool—like an icy wind caressing her cheek—she smelt something, something good. It smelt like rain and mint, with a hint of musk—woodsy even and her eyes snapped open.
He was healing her.
The reiatsu was ice-blue, he was exhaling gently on her cheek—the small puffs of air sparkled when it touched her face, the ice itself was closing the wound—her cheeks burned under the intensity of his stare and closeness of him.
Once the wound was covered, he leaned back and observed her reaction.
Instantly Rukia's hand came to her cheek, brushing her skin, and all she felt was smooth skin. There wasn't even a scar and she blurted out, "That wasn't kido."
Hitsugaya nodded, "It wasn't. I used Hyorinmaru's reiatsu."
She tilted her head to the side, "Reiatsu?"
Before he could further his explanation Mimi entered, "Are we ready to order?"
Hitsugaya pointedly looked at the dark-haired woman, "Kuchiki?"
"I'll have the chicken chahan*." She replied quietly, as the woman wrote down the order, grabbing her menu.
"That comes with a side of zongzi*." The small shinigami nodded in acceptance, the waitress turned her head, "And for you sir?" Mimi blushed prettily when she addressed the young Captain and Rukia coughed to hide her snicker.
Hitsugaya was not amused; he sent a one eyed glare at his companion before replying quickly, "An udon bowl and yakitori."
"Of course, sir." She stood up swiftly, "Please do not hesitate to ask if you should need anything."
It wasn't the actions of the waitress that made her want to snicker, but the tone of her voice. It was sweet, sickeningly sweet and she could hear the implications that lie in her tone. When she closed the curtain Rukia could've sworn she saw a scowl on the waitress's face—she grinned.
"I'm glad to see that you're amused." Hitsugaya stated humorously, he sipped his tea delicately.
Rukia really did snicker, "Please," She sipped her now cool tea, "It was funny."
"Really, I find it unfortunate." He said his tone calming.
"Unfortunate?"
Hitsugaya leaned against his hand, his elbow sitting on the table, "Unfortunate, because I cannot reciprocate her feelings."
Rukia, despite herself couldn't help but snort un-ladylike. She would've scolded herself for such manners—but this wasn't her Nii-sama, "What feelings? Do you even know her?"
"Of course not—"
"Then I fail to see how that is relevant." She declared flatly, "You don't know her, she doesn't know you—you don't owe her anything. Not even a rejection."
She poured herself some more tea—trying to curb the hunger pains that were now beginning to form, her headache now growing more pronounced. "Attraction isn't always a two-way street."
Hitsugaya looked at her carefully, "Speaking from experience?"
Rukia almost dropped her cup. When had the conversation turn personal? She didn't know Captain Hitsugaya and because she didn't know him—there were some things—most things that she shouldn't be talking to him about. But here she was, sitting with him over dinner, having a conversation about things that were perhaps mundane and then to personal and maybe back to mundane.
She thought about Kaien. She didn't know if she felt an attraction to him, she knew she greatly admired him—him and his wife. But that was the thing—he was married. Even if he weren't, would that have changed things?
"Unfortunately," She grimaced at the irony, "No." She swallowed some tea, "I think that would be more along the lines of common sense."
Now that sounded like an insult.
She hoped that he wouldn't take that way and if he did—what would he say?
Hitsugaya was now showing a hint of smile and she let the tea in her mouth deliberately scald the back of her throat. "Are you saying I lack common sense?"
She blinked quickly, before replying, stumbling on her words, "N-No Captain—"
"Kuchiki," He glared at her and she winced, "What did I tell you to call me?"
She amended her mistake slowly, "Hitsugaya," The word sounded funny, "What I meant was—it's clear that feelings aren't always shared."
His eyes softened, "I suppose."
She had to stop herself from asking who—was he thinking about—because the way his eyes softened made ice grip her heart and she was wondering why did the ice feel the need to encase her heart.
"I mean, you are clearly uncomfortable with me—even though I'm perfectly content in your presence."
That was uncalled for. Hitsugaya called her out on her cautious behavior, her too polite demeanor, just her distant mannerisms in general—
"I am not uncomfortable with you!" Rukia snapped, then she realized what she said and how she said and she felt her ears burn at the implications.
He used his left hand to cover his smile, "Really?"
Her response was meek and shy, "Yes."
"Signs point otherwise." His teal orbs twinkling, it took a while for Rukia to realize he was teasing her and she felt her tongue go limp. She didn't understand and just what is her life.
Rukia Kuchiki was blushing and she had no idea how to put an end to this blasphemy.
Mimi rushed in, carrying a tray of the little Kuchiki's long awaited chahan and zongzi. She placed the plates onto the table before placing Hitsugaya's yakitori and udon before him, "I apologize for the wait." She smiled at him—her teeth just a touch too white, "Is there anything else I can get you, Captain Hitsugaya?"
Rukia sipped her tea to hide a chuckle, her eyes glittering with mirth.
Hitsugaya's response was flat, "No." He turned to Rukia, his eyes searching hers in a warning and a question, "Kuchiki?"
She shook her head trying to fight off a smile.
Mimi frowned, "Please let me know if there is anything I can get you."
She bowed before leaving, closing the curtains slowly—almost regretfully.
Rukia was grinning quite visibly, before saying her thanks and scooping up a spoon of rice and plopping it into her mouth. Unconsciously, she rolled her eyes at the first taste of heaven—oh it tasted so good. But if Hitsugaya had been watching her he would have noticed her slightly sensual display of affection towards the food.
"This has got to be the best chahan I have ever had." Rukia sighed contentedly, her headache diminishing.
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow, "Chahan and zongzi are peasant dishes and I assume that your brother doesn't have these things made in his home."
She paused mid-bite, before placing the utensil in her mouth and chewing thoughtfully. After swallowing she looked at him, her amethyst orbs guarded, "He doesn't."
He looked at her curiously, but he didn't ask and she was grateful that he didn't. The meal was eaten in silence, she preferred it to silence, her Nii-sama usually ate in silence and it just became a habit—though, bad habits do tend to break.
"When I healed your scrape," Hitsugaya started, his chopsticks peeling off a piece of chicken stuck to the bamboo skewer, "I was using Hyorinmaru's reiatsu."
"His reiatsu?"
"As you know shinigami that have elemental reiatsu can summon their zanpakuto's powers without drawing their blade," He neatly placed a piece of chicken into his mouth, chewing it quickly before swallowing, "We call it shinsei sainou* it's a form reiatsu." He scowled before he spoke, "I can't really use his power with my hands—my control isn't good enough."
Rukia's eyes widened, she didn't expect him to give her that information so freely.
"So imagine my surprise when a no-seat-officer," His eyes burnt sage into hers, "Managed to find a weakness in my swordsmanship and have me demonstrate my shinsei sainou."
She picked up a zongzi and dipped it in the condiments, before taking a neat bite, and narrowed her eyes at him, "But you used it to heal my scrape."
"I meditate." Hitsugaya said a-matter-of-factly, "My breathing is always under control."
"So you can only use the shinsei sainou—from your mouth?" She asked blankly, her mind going a million miles a minute.
"For now," He finished the last of his udon before moving onto his last stick of yakitori. "Until you figure it out."
"Me?" She asked baffled, she finished at least three quarters of chahan before moving onto the savory zongzi. She wasn't quite sure where he was going with this.
"Tell me the dome you made from your Hakuren was completely made up on a whim." Hitsugaya declared boldly.
Rukia blinked, "Not necessarily. It was a theory I thought of last night, I wasn't sure if it was going to work—"
"And if it didn't work, were your prepared to let the blow destroy you?" His words were dark and commanding.
"If it didn't work," She rubbed the side of her neck, "I would have used Flash Steps to the sky, and use Hakuren giving the strike a heavier and more powerful advantage."
"Which is why training with you would be beneficial." He stated clearly interested in her strategy, "Using your instincts and analyzing your opponents movements—it's a very convincing tactic. You barely even had a chance to train with your shinsei sainou and managed to use it."
She was still shocked at his very detailed compliment, "But?"
"No buts, Kuchiki." His mouth curled slightly, "You are doing quite well. I'm going to set up our training in different methods to work on each of your weaknesses, and you're going to have to show me how to strengthen my own weaknesses."
Rukia looked at him and it was if she were looking at a different person. He was cold and icy—aloof and true to his nature. But she was slowly learning that there were many different sides to Captain Hitsugaya. He appreciated integrity, he was open-minded and very compassionate and she couldn't help but feel her heart beat a little faster when his gaze locked on hers—and oh, she was in so much trouble.
She didn't look at him after and she didn't see anything—she was trying to fight the blush that was appearing on her cheeks. She was so very flustered and when he picked up on it—he had to swallow a chuckle. She was just so very amusing.
"Mimi, I would like the check." Hitsugaya called her over and Rukia sipped her drink to avoid speaking and when she placed her cup down to grab her satchel—as she turned back Mimi left carrying a portion of coins and she sputtered.
"Captain Hitsugaya—"
The snow-haired captain placed her empty chopstick against her lip and she froze. His aqua-colored orbs glistened with delight, "What kind of man would I be if I let a lady pay?"
Rukia couldn't stop the full on blush that exploded onto her cheeks and that was the scene when Mimi walked in—the young captain with a chopstick placed against the dark-haired woman's lips and eyes locked in an intimate stare.
"Your receipt sir," Mimi placed the parchment onto the table and bowed gracefully before she extended her thanks with a bit of acid lacing her tone, "Have a good night."
.
.
.
As I look into your eyes
It's like I'm staring into another galaxy
.
.
.
It wasn't cold when Rukia exited the restaurant; it was pleasantly cool—the air nipping against her bare arm, but it wasn't uncomfortable. She wasn't exactly aware of why Captain Hitsugaya was taking his time walking. It wasn't a long way back to the Kuchiki estate—she thought he would've been glad to get rid of her.
"Cold?"
"The cold doesn't bother me, Cap—Hitsugaya," Rukia quickly amended her slip-up; she wasn't going to get used to this.
"I know," Hitsugaya crossed his arms under his chest, "Our elemental reiatsu is to thank for this."
The way he said the word our, shouldn't have been stuck in her brain for so long, it was completely inappropriate.
"So why can't you control your shinsei sainou with your hands?" She asked curiously, it didn't make sense for a Captain to have that much difficulty over an ability.
He looked at her with thinly veiled marvel, "Ever since I was a child I had trouble controlling my spiritual pressure," The trees shivered and whistled in the wind, "It's gotten much more manageable as I've gotten older, yet there are times when it will flicker and leak out of control." He glanced at her, she looked straight ahead her purple-colored orbs calculating, "But that rarely happens. I do not know why I cannot control the shinsei sainou."
And that bothered him greatly. It was annoying to have such an ability and not being able to use it. It irritated him that he was having such trouble with this—what bothered him even more was that he had to depend on this girl to help him. But she wasn't just any girl, now was she?
She was a girl that had trouble wrapped around her small finger—misfortune practically following her around with a leash.
"Captain Ukitake told me that my shinsei sainou is connected by emotions, perhaps yours is connected differently." Rukia simply stated.
Hitsugaya had contemplated on a theory about how it connected to him—he knew for a fact it didn't join with his emotions.
"I know that," His voice was flat.
She nearly flinched at his arctic tone—he never spoke to her with the tone of voice. His voice was always polite and if it was anything—it was warm and velvety like deep chocolate. She didn't say anything for she was scared of adding fuel to the fire—she didn't want him upset with her. The moon was glittering silver, shining down with beams full of light—it reflected in the trees—flickering in a slow wisp in the wind.
It was quiet, the sound of their footsteps scuffling along the cobblestone pathway.
"I apologize."
Rukia snapped her head and for the first time since they were walking, she finally looked at him. "Sir?"
"I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, I apologize." Hitsugaya looked uncomfortable saying something so remorseful.
It was a kind gesture and Rukia was smiling before she noticed it.
"It's alright." She spoke without thinking, "I kind of expected it."
Oops.
Her and her big fat mouth.
He paused mid-step before continuing to walk, his tone sounded casual but there were threads of interest drenching his voice, "Expected it?"
Rukia was trying her best to explain it in a way that didn't sound insulting, "Well, sir—there are rumors."
He raised a snowy eyebrow, "Rumors?"
She allowed a smirk to grace her fine features; it looked so delicate in the moonlight. "Of Squad Ten's Captain's infamous temper."
He chuckled under his breath, "Infamous?"
"Of course."
"My temper only comes in contact with those who show signs of annoyance and disrespect." He replied casually.
"Then you get annoyed quite easily," She stated hesitantly, she really didn't know where she was getting all this courage to ask Captain Hitsugaya all these personal questions.
Hitsugaya stopped in his tracks and looked at Rukia with a calculating expression. When she didn't hear any footsteps fall behind her, she turned her head to look back to see the man with hair the color of clouds, look at her with an unreadable expression. She stopped. Did she say something wrong? No, she didn't—so why was he looking at her like—
"Do you believe that you annoy me, Kuchiki?"
Her eyes widened, just how was she supposed to answer that question? Some part of her, some deep part of her wondered if she did bother him. She didn't necessarily mean for him to pick up her hidden accusation—nor did she mean to insult him in anyway—even if it did sound like she did—she was just confused. He didn't act like—like how she thought he would act, he didn't act like this in front of anyone—from what she could observe—from what she could observe.
Rukia didn't know Captain Hitsugaya and because she didn't know him—she couldn't define him. And it made her uneasy—he was just so unpredictable—she couldn't handle unpredictable because she was rational.
It was just so complicated.
"I didn't say that."
"It's written all over your face."
"You can't read my face," Rukia snapped defensively.
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow, "Really?" He took his time walking up to her and despite her conscious screaming at her to get the hell away, her feet rooted itself firmly onto the ground. His walk was lazy, feline almost. He was close, way too close.
Turquoise locked onto violet.
Rukia stood so close to him, she was terrified if she blinked that her eyelashes would brush his cheek—why the hell was he so close anyway? She didn't want him invading her personal space to prove a point.
She was going to yank away from his captivating gaze, but Hitsugaya sensing that she was going to run, placed a hand behind her neck and every single cell in her body froze.
"Your eyes have so many secrets," Hitsugaya murmured and Rukia had to stop herself from using Flash Steps, "You are cautious, so very cautious. You are nervous at our proximity, because you are terrified of me—"
Rukia scoffed, "I am not scared of you."
She was scared of what he will do.
Hitsugaya's voice was hard when he silentely whispered, "Then why do you shrink away from me?"
Everything was just a misunderstanding—at least in her eyes. Because she knew things that he didn't and the thing was—she just didn't know what the hell to do with that specific piece of information.
And something inside of her cracked, with irritation and hostility she wrenched herself away from the hold on her neck, she didn't get far, but she had enough space to think. Rukia was slowly starting to lose her sanity; this man was going to have her put in a psychiatric ward.
She couldn't take it anymore; she shattered, "Because you are not acting like Squad Ten's Captain!"
Rukia did not notice how Hitsugaya visibly pulled away in surprise.
"You aren't yelling at me. You aren't patronizing me. You aren't emotionless and detached. You aren't prideful and you aren't criticizing my lack of manners towards your status. Instead you're demanding me to cross the line of respect and call you by your last name without your prestige, you took me out to dinner—you paid for my meal!" She was nearly screeching with skepticism, "You praised me. You're polite. You purposefully try to provoke me and—and I don't know what kind of point you're trying to prove, but messing with my head is not going to help you!"
You're not who I thought you were.
Hitsugaya laughed. He actually threw his head back and laughed. Rukia watched him with wide eyes. Here she was, yelling at him and all he could do was laugh. He should be screaming at her, telling her how insolent she was, how she was such a hindrance and how he should have never agreed to this pathetic arrangement.
But he was laughing. A deep, velvety laugh that was lost in the wind—but so loud that it vibrated off the walls of her ears.
"It's not funny!" Now she was embarrassed.
He was still laughing.
He has such a nice smile.
She nearly slapped herself for allowing such a thought to run through her mind. This man was going to drive her insane.
Hitsugaya's laughter was slowly coming to a stop, chuckles instead of the booming laughter he just displayed, "I'm not trying to mess with your head, Kuchiki." His tone was cheeky and it made her want to slap him. "I must say I am sorry if I'm not acting like the Captain you perceived me to be."
"Perceived," It wasn't a question, she raised an eyebrow that clearly meant, elaborate.
Whether he noticed or not was lost.
"You see me as Captain Hitsugaya." He stated and she nodded, "But what if you saw me as Toushiro Hitsugaya?"
Rukia's heart almost stopped. This was dangerous. Very, very dangerous. She didn't like where this was going—dear, Gods she did not like where this was going.
"What?" Her voice was flat, her face derived of all emotion as she tried to make sense of what the hell he was saying.
Hitsugaya looked her as if she were something he had never seen before, "Everyone who I've encountered in my life, from the first meeting have treated me with disrespect, mockery, belittlement, envy and perhaps many more things—but you,"
She swallowed.
"You are the first person who has ever shown me such sincere respect, gratitude and honesty."
She couldn't form words—words, what are words?
"Forgive me if I find myself being more of Toushiro Hitsugaya rather than Captain Hitsugaya with you." He said softly, his teal orbs flickering with tints of silver.
Rukia flushed. Heat raced up to her cheeks, to the tips of her ears and her heart thudded painfully. It was too much! He was too genuine and honest with her. She didn't want to act like this in front of her—he wanted to be himself in front of her, not Captain Hitsugaya.
Which made things just so much more complicated.
She couldn't think of a reply, so instead she released an annoyed sigh. This man was a real piece of work. "Whatever, I don't have the energy to deal with you."
Hitsugaya's eyes widened in surprise and huffed an amused breath, "Is that anyway to speak to a Captain, Kuchiki?"
"You just said you wanted to be yourself in front of me," She replied dryly, "Not Captain Hitsugaya." She ran a hand threw her grimy locks and frowned, "Make up your mind, already." Crossing her arms under her chest she asked, "How do you want me to treat you?"
He looked at her for a moment longer than necessary before smirking, the corners of his lips twitching in anticipating, he didn't answer—this man was so infuriating!
She scowled again, before she cooled her ire. "It doesn't matter sir, "
Rukia started to walk again before she finished her sentence; "You will always be Captain Hitsugaya in my eyes."
Hitsugaya felt something inside him twist with displeasure. For some reason he was bothered by that notion.
.
.
.
Take me to the garden of your ecstasy
Make myself a heaven from your fallen leaves
.
.
.
When Rukia's feet entered the Kuchiki estate, she could feel her brother's reiatsu humming throughout the area, alerting her that he was on his way and that he is very, very angry. With the way the moon was shining and how pitch dark the night was—it was nearing midnight.
She winced imperceptibility; this will not end well.
Preparing for a battle, Rukia squared her shoulders and walked up the steps of the estate, but the slight brush of reiatsu behind her alerted her—making the fine hair on the back of her neck raise—her brother's reiatsu darkened. She paled, what had she done to deserve this?
"Rukia Kuchiki!" Byakuya's voice raised and inwardly Rukia flinched. He arrived in a fraction of a second; she had never heard him raise his voice, "Do you have any idea what time it is? A lady of the Kuchiki clan should never—"
"Captain Kuchiki," Hitsugaya greeted from behind her and she so badly wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. His tone was so nonchalant and the complete opposite of her brother's—she swallowed thickly. "I apologize for the late visit. Your sister is very distracting."
Rukia's eyes widened—that smug—
"So I have you to thank for this, Captain Hitsugaya?" Her brother's tone was frosty, "Rukia should have been home hours ago."
"Unfortunately," Hitsugaya smirked, "Your sister is quite interesting; I demanded that she have dinner with me."
The fact that Captain Hitsugaya had the balls to talk back to her brother and wasn't even the slightest bit intimidated was a feat on its own. He wasn't the least bit apprehensive of the elder Kuchiki, not only did he admit to being the reason why she returned so late home, he also admitted that he was interested in Byakuya's younger sister—which regrettably Rukia did not comprehend, but her older brother was able to pick up the underlying message. The silence was which and taut with tension. Rukia sometimes wondered how she ended up in these situations.
"Dinner?" The question was directed at Rukia and she swallowed the anxiety before replying politely as she could.
"Yes, Nii-sama. Captain Hitsugaya took—dragged me to Imperial." She knew what she was doing and she could feel the snow-haired captain bore holes into her back—but there was no way in hell that she would be belittled by her older brother on account to someone else's actions.
If Byakuya was surprised by Rukia's annoyance at the ice-captain or at the way she blatantly blamed him for her tardiness—he didn't show it. But his eyes sharpened at the sound of the restaurant. Imperial was a high-class restaurant—only those with high-clearance can get into an establishment like that—very high-clearance—not even lieutenants can get into that eatery.
"I didn't hear you complaining," Hitsugaya's tone was light and charcoal eyes glimmered with something akin to accusing.
She scowled, that firmly placed mask of indifference cracking, "I objected, you threatened to pull rank."
"Insubordination isn't in your best interest, Kuchiki."
Annoyance caused a slight headache to form behind her right eye, "I told you that Nii-sama would not be pleased with that arrangement."
He nodded, "You did," He stepped closer to her and Byakuya felt his hands tightening, "But I didn't care."
Rukia felt a bead of sweat roll down the back of her neck, just what the hell was going on? He was purposefully provoking her and her brother—
"Rukia, what happened to your clothes?"
Hitsugaya answered before she could get a word in, "I ripped it off."
Really, she just wanted to slam he head against the wall.
"What kind of man would have the audacity to rip off a lady's clothing?" Byakuya nearly snarled, his voice black as the night sky. The man was raising his blood pressure and he didn't even seem the least bit concerned.
He shrugged, "She cut off my shirt."
Rukia snarled, "A piece—not even a mere inch!"
Hitsugaya's glittered with mirth, "Clothes are clothes Kuchiki."
He said that last time. This man could get under her skin, She masked her emotions under a shield of apathy; she did not have the energy to deal with this man right now, Hitsugaya watched the transition displeased. Her facade was so very irritating, so very much like her brother.
Ignoring the very infuriating captain, she turned her head to look at her brother, she bowed before him and said, "I apologized for my tardiness, I shall prepare for bed, Nii-sama. Goodnight."
She was running.
Rukia was running. She wanted to get as far away as possible from these people—she wanted sleep, exhaustion burdening her shoulders.
Without waiting for a reply, she moved to the steps and a hand grabbed her bare shoulder. Byakuya's eyes widened fractionally. Rukia paused, the hand sliding—almost caressing her soft skin and she swallowed thickly. The hand grabbed her lightly toned bicep; she turned her head to see Captain Hitsugaya holding her appendage.
"Meet me in my office tomorrow morning," His tone was soft, almost gentle but still held the command of a Captain, Hitsugaya's eyes glanced at Byakuya's before searing into her own, "We shall have breakfast there, bring something easy to take off."
His eyes flickered downward to her clothing and she blushed with embarrassment.
"Scatter: Sebonzakura,"
Rukia blinked rapidly—was this really happening?
"See you in the morning, Kuchiki." Hitsugaya used shunpo to escape the wrath of Byakuya Kuchiki; she blinked unbelievingly at the scene before her. The reiatsu that surrounded her was darkening very quickly and she winced—her Nii-sama was not happy.
The next morning Hitsugaya was sitting behind this desk, almost twitching in anticipation. He didn't know what came over him yesterday. He teased her; he was so very light-hearted with the little Kuchiki, polite and honest. He felt himself be Toushiro Hitsugaya rather than Captain status. He dan't felt that way in a long time—it was refreshing.
She was so polite it bordered on the verge of being tedious, imagine his surprise when he managed to get under her skin and catch the glimpse of her temper, her amusement and her irritation. Her perfect, swell-bred mask was cracking. He was curious to know, what would happen if he pushed her—wanting to shatter that perfect facade of indifference—would he still feel that inkling of curiosity?
Hitsugaya was almost amused. The stoic, emotionless and courteous Captain Kuchiki was capable of being irrational. He didn't realize to get under Byakuya's skin, he had to get under his little sister's. He wasn't intimidated nor terrified of the elder Kuchiki. Hitsugaya prided himself into learning not to fear anything—for for will only bring misfortune.
He respected the elder Kuchiki and because he respected the elder Kuchiki—he'll keep an eye out on his trouble magnet-sister. Especially since he will be spending so much time with her. She was the key to unlocking his shinsei sainou, the power always seemed unstable in his hands—but now he had a model—he would have to be patient—sometimes, power comes with a price.
Hitsugaya was one hundred percent sure that he did not flirt with the little Kuchiki yesterday—this morning, maybe the slight teasing and goading—but nothing strange. The little Kuchiki was something more than polite indifference—there was another side to her and the snow-haired captain was just itching to shatter her mask.
"Captain~" Matsumoto slammed the door open and then shut, her blue eyes dazzling with secrets.
"This is the second day in a row that you are sober," He commented with surprise, "Are you alright?"
She growled before melting into a grin.
I know something you don't!
Oh, how she wished that she could rub it in his face—how she wished she could interrogate her very icy Captain—but all good things happen in time.
"Oh, I'm alright." Matsumoto plopped onto the couch, her grin widened into something that could be called feral. The emphasis on the word 'alright,' nearly had her howling in laughter. She had to keep calm—whatever the hell that was yesterday—she had to swallow a giggle—dear Gods, this was going to be fun.
He looked at her suspiciously. He didn't like that tone, that all-knowing-secretive tone; it made him feel at a disadvantage. "Is there something you would like to tell me?"
She smirked, "All in due time, Captain."
She beamed again, her teeth gleaming with white and Hitsugaya had to fight back a wince. She was extra sunny today. Rangiku took out two boxes that she discreetly placed on the table, "Before I forget," She paused opening the two wooden boxes, "I brought the goods, Captain."
Before her Captain could put a word in, she inquired curiously, "But why do we need so much food? There is no way we can eat all of this."
There was a knock at the door.
The corners of Hitsugaya's lips twitched and his lieutenant watched with wide eyes. Knowing exactly who was at the door, he controlled his voice into a light drawl, "Enter."
The door open revealing the little Kuchiki, a tick in her eyebrow and her lips placed into a tightly polite, controlled smile. She walked inside, she was wearing black training pants that cropped at the end, a deep blue tank top, with mesh covering her shoulders to the beginning of her elbows, white fingerless tekko—he raised an eyebrow—he raised an eyebrow, that was new and sandals.
"Captain Hitsugaya," Rukia interrupted his very visible scanning of her attire. She felt slightly uncomfortable. She liked tight clothing; it wasn't loose like the standard shinigami attire, which meant more leeway and it didn't have the extra weight. What she didn't like was way it gave away her figure. Her Nii-sama wasn't exactly pleased with the way she left the compound; he nearly dropped his cup before scowling at the reason why she was wearing that apparel. Even Renji did a double take.
But now Captain Hitsugaya was very visibly examining her and she felt like flushing and scowling at the same time.
She blinked when she realized he suddenly stood up. Wearing a sleeveless, sage green shirt and black pants—he was wearing color—his arms—strong and muscular, bulging with toned—
She stopped that train of thought right there.
"Kuchiki," Hitsugaya greeted his eyes deliberately flickered underneath her chin, "I see you followed orders."
Rukia very nearly glared at the condescending captain, "Captain Hitsugaya, I believe you requested for me to wear something easy to take off."
The silence was deafening and Rangiku had to put a hand to her mouth to stop herself from squealing. Her Captain was just so bold. She couldn't wait to tell Renji!
"Curious?" He wanted to grin, picking up the thin threads of irritation that touched her voice.
She crossed her arms, "I believe I am past curiosity."
"But what kind of surprise would that be?"
"I don't like surprises."
Rangiku thought at that moment it would be a good idea to announce that she still exists and that she is still in the room, "Rukia-chan, I didn't know you would be joining us for breakfast!"
Slightly startled, Rukia looked at the person whom was sitting on the couch, "Lieutenant Matsumoto—"
"Rangiku, Rukia. How many times do I have to tell you?" She sighed in mock disappointment before grabbing her arm and yanking her downwards to sit next to her.
"Yes but—"
"She abuses her status as lieutenant. It would be for the best if you call her what she prefers," Hitsugaya cut in, he sat onto the couch opposite of the two women, "You are quite a pendant for manners, Kuchiki."
Rukia had to swallow the scathing insult that wanted to slip off her tongue, "Boundaries are quite useful, do you not think so sir?"
His jaw twitched and Matsumoto watched with thinly veiled glee.
"To a certain extent."
She lifted a dark eyebrow, "Oh? I think they are quite useful. I mean, etiquette can get you anywhere."
Hitsugaya tilted his head slightly, a twitch of the lips and his turquoise eyes sparked, "Perhaps. But only if the situation is favorable."
Rukia's fingers dug into the holes of her mesh, the pressure gave her a distraction—trying to show her frustration, she countered back, "What is there to be favorable? Manners show respect and space—it's polite."
"Yes," His gaze deliberately locked onto hers. "However, how can one earn admiration or affection throughout the use of manners? It creates restrictions."
Rukia's eyes widened, amethyst orbs almost child-like.
What.
Matsumoto looked at her captain in disbelief; did those words really leave his mouth? What in the world did Rukia do to him? His tone was light and teasing. Nowhere near the blank and slightly friendly tone he used with her and she was his lieutenant! He even said the word affection—will the Soul Society implode? She looked back to Rukia—her in a similar world of shock.
The implications were obvious and it was absolutely mind-boggling.
They didn't even know each other! At least that's what the blond believed, she had seen him yesterday—but that was yesterday, today the atmosphere seemed different.
Rukia was stunned into speechlessness and Rangiku decided to jump in before her Captain decided to say something that would really have her screeching like a rabid fangirl.
"Captain ordered some miso soup—although it is kind of bland—you know Captain's and their healthy taste—some dango and I think those are tamagoyaki* and anpan*." She interrupted enthusiastically, she opened the wooden chests and she could feel her teeth cut into her gum, "Are those onigiri, Captain?"
Hitsugaya looked at the rice balls, "Kurosaki gave me these a few times when I visited the World of the Living."
"Oh?" Rangiku grinned, "Would you like some tea, Rukia-chan?"
Rukia did not want Matsumoto to abandon her, leaving her with her Captain—but there was no way she could eat all of this food without tea—she blamed her brother for these habits.
"Yes please," She paused, "Would you like some help, Rangiku?"
Matsumoto brushed her off, "Don't worry Rukia. You are our guest after all."
Hitsugaya smirked at her crest-fallen face, "That's right."
Matsumoto almost skipped away from the couple—she snickered quietly, couple. Please.
Rukia was doing her best to avoid the teal eyes that were boring onto her person. He wasn't even saying anything and she was annoyed with him. She focused her attention on the seemingly loud rice balls; she wondered why the rice was colored. There were pinks, whites, blues and even green rice-balls.
"I didn't think you were capable of rudeness, Kuchiki."
She snapped out of her thoughts, "Excuse me?"
"I find it quite impolite to ignore me and show more interest in the rice balls."
She wasn't sure if it was a joke—he doesn't crack jokes, right? Or if it was an insult.
So naturally, Rukia had to go with the latter, "Trust me Captain Hitsugaya, I am capable of rudeness."
He didn't like her tenor—it sounded aloof. He looked at her, his eyes skimming at the mesh, how it was lighter in color in contrast from the darker cobalt of her was moving before he even realized it, he took his lieutenant's seat and Rukia's eyes widened, almost on instinct she tried to back away, but he grabbed her arm.
He wanted to try something.
"Captain Hitsugaya—"
"Silence," Hitsugaya commanded, he turned her hand so the palm was facing the ceiling, "Pour some reiatsu onto your hand."
Hesitating only for a moment, Rukia concentrated and pulled her reiatsu onto her hand. The spiritual pressure glimmering in a sparkling white, her hand covered in frost. Wanting to see her reaction and quite curious himself—he brought her hand near his mouth—the muscles in her arm tensing.
He locked his eyes on hers. Whether she was blushing out of embarrassment or anger—he couldn't tell. But he wanted to try something—something different; he blew into her hand—his lips brushing her skin.
The air that exhaled from his mouth sparkled mint, shivering in the air it glimmered silver when his ice met hers—the ice turned black. Solid black—darker than charcoal and darker than soot—pitch black. It stunned the Captain because both of their reiatsus are pure white—so why did it turn black?
Hitsugaya looked at her, his lips grazing her palm. The black ice decorated her palm like dark lace and Rukia was trembling finely.
"Why—why did it turn black?" She asked quietly, her wrist still trapped around his fingers.
Slowly, he removed her hand from his lips, keeping her wrist chained to his hand, his teal orbs watched the lace in confusion, "I don't know."
They had so many questions and very little answers.
"We will figure this out," Hitsugaya promised her quietly, his tone was soft, almost gentle and Rukia's heart was throbbing.
He was reliable and it comforted her.
"Yeah," Her voice was a shade softer, but she understood. Captain Hitsugaya would not let her face her new abilities alone and she was grateful.
"Melt the ice," The reiatsu flowed into shades of grey before transitioning into clear water. Rukia allowed the water to slide down her fingers, her wrist and it lightly moistening her top.
"You could have asked for a towel, Kuchiki."
Were they really back to this?
"I know."
Teal eyes sharpened at the silvery trail the water left, glistening under the lights of his office. He didn't say anything, but he wanted to.
It was very interesting—the way their shinsei sainou reacted together. Both of their spiritual pressures were pure white, but when mixed they changed into the color of sin, clotting like lace. They would have got develop some techniques, perhaps an attack of some sort, maybe a defense?
"Are we going to the barracks to train today?"
Rukia's voice brought Hitsugaya out of his thoughts. He was pleasantly surprised that this time the little Kuchiki initiated the conversation, "No, I thought we should try something different."
She raised an eyebrow, "Different?"
"Yes," He smirked, "It's kind of like a secret training ground."
The dry question escaped her mouth before she could even fathom what she said, "Should really be taking an un-seated officer to a secret training ground?"
He glared at her half-heartedly, "Don't question me, Kuchiki."
"Hitsugaya," His thought process froze for just a moment when he heard his last name spill from her lips—was she acknowledging his request, because he most certainly did not demand.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going?"
"That would ruin the surprise," Hitsugaya replied casually, his pointer finger making a waggling notion.
"I already told you that I did not like surprises," She commented flatly, she used her hand to lay her head on, digging her elbow into the couch and curled a leg under her other thigh—giving him her full attention.
He mimicked her posture, "Guess I'll just have to," He moved closer to her,his hand grabbed her wrist and slid down her forearm, catching the water droplets that didn't absorb into her skin, very curious at the way her skin seemed to jump when he brushed his fingertips dragged over, he finished softly, "Change your mind."
Rukia was so stunned she didn't even realize that he released her arm, the droplets sliding onto his Captain's haori.
"You're quite confident." Rukia retorted heatedly, she did not enjoy—whatever the hell that was. No she didn't, she didn't care if her stomach felt like it practically fell to her knees—she didn't know what he was trying to pull—
"Yes," He agreed not taking the bait so easily, "Do you not think as a Captain I should have some form of confidence?"
"There is a difference between confidence and arrogance." Rukia wanted him to snap, she wanted him to draw the line—she wanted to be his subordinate—she didn't want to become attached.
Because he was like a spider, drawing her into his web.
What would she do once he caught her?
"That is true," He replied casually, he wasn't angry at the pointed comment. Normally, he would have snapped and spit cruel poison—but he saw what she was trying to accomplish and it only made his resolve to crack her mask stronger. "But, I'm just sure."
"Sure?" Rukia inquired, "Sure about what?"
"About you," Hitsugaya actually struggled to find the right words to explain to her, what he really meant, "I don't think I could ever regret meeting you."
There and the damage was done.
Matsumoto busted in carrying the really pretty tea set that her Captain had stashed in the lower drawer of the cabinet in the storage room, she nearly laughed at how feminine and ice-like it was. It was so very pretty.
She was just about to admonish her Captain about the pretty china, how they were supposed to be used—but when she looked at scene in front of her—she nearly dropped the extremely, fragile china.
.
.
.
Miles high, in the deep
Where you are, I will be
Anywhere, in between
.
.
.
Finals suck. Really, I just finished—pray for my grades, please and thank you.
We got some definitions—
*chahan: Fried rice
*Zongzi: Rice dumplings. Really good too.
*Udon: Thick noodles in a broth; kinda like a soup. It can be served hot or cold.
*Yakitori: Grilled chicken on a stick. What's not to like?
*Tamagoyaki: Omelette.
*Anpan: Bread with sweat bean paste. Like a sweet bun.
*Shinsei Sainou: Roughly translates to sacred talent. Basically, it's the ability to use your zanpakuto's reiatsu/power without drawing your blade. Only users with elemental reiatsu are able to use this ability.
You are all pervs, M it is.
Let me say this before pointless flames are inserted. This is my Toushiro. Shiro' isn't an actual ice-dragon. He is a person with feelings. Therefore, I can interpret Toushiro in any way I should choose.
I don't think I've mentioned this yet but, this is after the defeat of Aizen—minus the Zanpakuto arc.
Songs used are: Tinashe: How many times and Zella Day: Compass.
Please Review!