Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
AN: Hi guys, thank you so much for reading and leaving kind reviews and comments. Thanks guys, they mean a lot to me. You guys' comments keep me going actually, so how this simple fic with simple plot line turns into this 140K something story is on you guys XD
Anyway this is the LAST chapter but...like usual...my usual bullsh* again XD I fail *again* at writing shorter chapter hahaha (sometimes I think my narative is too long, sorry...) So, I decided to just separate this final chapter and the epilogue. That's also the reason I am updating midweek, I am already 85% done too with the epilogue, so I promise I'll try to update the epilogue on #FanFicFriday this week *trying hard to make it* so we will be done with this story for good, I hope!
Warning: This is a long chapter (9000 wordish I think), so you're all welcome to pause reading to I don't know, cooking, studying, getting back to work, but please come back to it and finish it XD Ichigo and Rukia are like glued to each other in this chapter, they're so disgustingly in love XD
Kaien Shiba has a youthful appearance. He is very tall and beneath his fancy well-fitted tuxedo, he is all muscles. In contrast to Ichigo himself, this guy has dark hair, although they share similar stubborn spikes, sharply-cut jaws, and a pointed nose.
"Kaien! Grown-up already from the little squirt I used to know?" Isshin teases and pats his nephew adoringly on his back. He hasn't seen Kaien in years. "Congratulations, my boy, I'm so happy for you,"
Kaien smirks, "Thanks. Congratulations to you too, old man. Find your way back eventually?" the groom teases back lightly.
Isshin laughs, looks like his nephew hasn't stopped being witty. "Don't be a smartass,"
The groom shifts to the younger Kurosakis, the twins first, and his face beams with excitement. "Alright, these must be the twins," he grins, wide, happy, and cocky at the same time.
Ichigo almost lets out a grunt when Yuzu definitely blushes.
Kaien asks, "which one is Karin? Which one is Yuzu?"
Goddamnit. Ichigo clicks his tongue. Karin is blushing too for God's sake.
Just what is so dreamy about this guy?
Kaien shifts to Ichigo next. For the first time, Ichigo's amber eyes meet his aquamarine-green eyes and–
Kaien tilts his head slightly and smirks, "Okay, okay, I get it now," he turns to his dad. Just like Ichigo, Kaien has heard a lot about his supposed-to-be doppelganger.
"Yeah?" Ichiei laughs, "I told you. You two are like twins, even more twins than Yuzu and Karin here,"
"Nah, my Ichigo is just a little bit more handsome, don't you think?" Isshin jokes, patting Ichigo on the back.
Kaien laughs again, "Uncle, please,"
The older Shiba holds out his hand to Ichigo, formally introducing himself for the first time, "Kaien Shiba,"
Ichigo, being the arrogant teenager he always is, eyes the groom from head to toe and Kaien raises an eyebrow, and ever the arrogant man he, too, is, Kaien returns the favor–also eyeing Ichigo from head to toe.
Ichigo hates that Kaien is taller than him. He also hates that Kaien is all toned and muscular and he is just leaner.
Ichigo finally takes Kaien's hand in a firm handshake, "Ichigo Kurosaki," He puts an emphasis on the word Kurosaki, to set a clear difference between him and the guy.
Kaien smirks. He can feel it. Ichigo shakes his hand a little too firmly for his own good.
"Okay, Ichigo," there is something in the way Kaien says his name that implies he is trying to put Ichigo in his place and showing his dominance and superiority. "You can call me Aniki,"
Ichigo scoffs rudely.
Yeah, right. There is just no way in hell he will ever call him that.
Kaien almost lets out a chuckle. Just what the hell is this kid's problem?
Ichiei and Isshin look back and forth between each other, and Ichiei looks amused. There is tension here, between the two cousins. Isshin very well knows what the reason is.
Ichiei begins, loving what he sees, "Look at you two, already bonding,"
These two are the perfect faces of Shiba men. The head of the clan is already dreaming to have their clan and enterprise led by Kaien with Ichigo as his right hand. Both are smart, bashful, and will take no shit from anyone; surely the two will drive other noble families crazy and Ichiei is loving the idea already.
"Ichigo," his uncle says, "second year, are you?" Ichiei knows that. Ganju is also going to Karakura High after all. "Third year coming up, yeah?"
Isshin sighs, he knows this will come up somehow, "Don't put any pressure on my son like that. Ichigo is free to choose whatever career paths he wants,"
Ichigo raises an eyebrow at his dad and uncle, "what's this?"
Ichiei replies, "I'm not pressuring my nephew anything. I'm just saying," he turns to Ichigo, "it's time to come back to your roots, my boy."
Ichigo's eyebrow is still raised and Ichiei continues, "Our big family business is calling you," Ichiei adds, "it's where you belong as a proud Shiba man, Ichigo."
Hearing that, Isshin sighs, "enough, Ichiei. I stand by my words, all of my kids are free to choose what they want to be,"
Isshin knows Ichigo wants to be a doctor. And Ichiei wants Ichigo to take a business major, preferably at prestigious universities, Harvard (like Kaien), or Stanford, and when he graduates he can claim his place reserved for him at the big Shiba enterprise.
Kaien pats Ichigo's shoulder then and Ichigo quickly turns his head to look at Shiba's hand on his shoulder. He shifts his amber eyes to the man himself and there is an annoyed, but amused glint in the groom's aquamarine eyes. Seriously, what is this kid's problem?
"Look, if you need a pearl of wisdom, one or two, about how to write essays to get in, or some crap like that, feel free to reach me, Ichigo,"
Kaien is being nice. And Ichigo starts to feel like, maybe, he is indeed acting like a brat just because of the petty jealousy in his heart.
But again. This was the guy who tried to court my girlfriend, what the hell.
Ichigo knows he really shouldn't act like a jackass towards him without knowing him better. Maybe Kaien is a nice guy, after all.
"You know I can help, kid. I'm kind of a genius myself," the groom smirks and squeezes Ichigo's shoulder harder than necessary.
Or not.
Being an arrogant asshole himself, Ichigo just can smell bullshit from another asshole, his asshole radar is tingling and he just knows Kaien Shiba is just definitely one of them.
Kaien nods, "they could use a guy like you in the Ivy League," he jokes, "you play lacrosse? Rowing?"
Ichigo snorts rudely as if Kaien has just asked him the most ridiculous question on earth, "I can play any sports I want,"
Heh, this little shit.
The older cousin pokes Ichigo hard on the chest, "eat more protein bar, will ya? They'll eat you up with a lean body like this,"
What the hell. Ichigo looks down at Kaien's hand on his chest, and his eyes go back to the man's aquamarine eyes again and there is still that amused, annoyed glint in them.
Ichigo is lean but he has got muscles too. From his football training.
Yeah, sure, Kaien has more bulks.
But Ichigo has got six-pack abs. Or maybe eight.
Kaien has eight-pack abs. Definitely eight.
"Sixteen?" Kaien starts again, raising his eyebrow cockily, having more amusement in this than he lets on. "Still can grow taller, I assume?"
Kaien knows Ichigo is throwing him beef for whatever reason. That's why Kaien is trying to rile him up and try to stand a little bit taller next to him.
"Sixteen and seven months," Ichigo corrects him, his jaw hardens again.
Kaien pretends to wince, "Ah, that's close. Don't boys stop growing at seventeen?"
This bastard. What is he going after his height for?
"It's eighteen," Ichigo corrects him again. Some boys' growth plates fully close at 21, even.
Isshin and Ichiei start making eyes at each other again.
"How tall are you?" Kaien asks, hands shoved in his pockets, looking at Ichigo, again, from head to toe. "Not taller than 5'5?"
Bastard. Just what the hell did Rukia see in this guy?
"5'11," the orange-haired Kurosaki corrects his cousin, again. At this point, he knows Kaien is doing this on purpose. "How tall are you?" he challenges back.
Kaien is 6'0".
Isshin laughs, "oi, oi, should I stop you two boys before you start comparing which one of you has the bigger dick?"
Hearing such a vulgarity, Yuzu blushes and almost faints (she is pretty sure she is having a crush on the groom) and Karin is holding back snickers. Her Ichi-nii can act like an asshole sometimes. Ichiei roars in another laughter. This is it. This is what he wants. Someone who can challenge Kaien.
Kaien is still smirking as if to say, 'should we?' and Ichigo's glare on him is kind of saying he will accept the challenge if he has to.
Kaien is not stopping, he's a natural trickster, and teasing a brat like Ichigo is always an amusement for him, "So, Ichigo. High school, huh? Any girlfriend?"
Uh. Oh.
Wrong question, Isshin muses.
Ichigo lets out a sarcastic chuckle. The audacity of this man.
"It's none of your business," he replies after his chuckle subsides
Kaien laughs. Of course, there is. Kaien may be making fun of Ichigo, but he, too, notices his cousin is pretty handsome and cool for boys his age. If Kaien did have his share of fangirls back in the day, he is pretty sure Ichigo does too.
"Is she a pretty one?" Kaien teases again.
Ichigo just scoffs rudely and thinks maybe it's time for him to leave. It's so clear that this guy is trying to get under his nerves. A brawl with the groom is surely going to get him arrested by security.
Isshin wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, "oh, of course. My third daughter is the prettiest."
Isshin can't help it. If Kaien is making this a competition, surely Ichigo is winning by the miles. He is the one who gets the girl in the end, after all.
Ichiei asks, confused, "your third daughter?"
Isshin puffs his chest out proudly, "My beautiful, sweet, kind, and compassionate third daughter. She's already so welcomed in our family,"
Kaien grins again. That close already?
"Really? Is she coming here then? You know you're allowed to bring a plus-one?" Kaien asks, raising his eyebrow.
Ichigo wants to retort back but his dad, again, beats him to it.
"She is coming. She is coming."
Isshin knows things are just going to be interesting, he can't help it. His dear Rukia-chan is definitely coming with her family and Ichiei is going to lose his shit.
Kaien raises an eyebrow again and Ichigo scowls deeper. "Make sure you introduce her to the big family, yeah?" Kaien jokes, "if she's that close to the fam already, I may as well get to know my future sister-in-law,"
Uh. Oh.
Just the wrong thing to say. Again.
Isshin thinks he is enjoying this drama way too much.
Ichigo is still only standing tall across from Kaien, his hands shoved in his pants pockets–give him credits where it's due–Isshin admits his son does know how to stand his ground. Ichigo doesn't even blush when Kaien brings up the marriage bit even though he always turns red when Isshin makes suggestive remarks about it.
"Don't worry," Ichigo replies simply, there is a clear arrogance in his voice, "You will."
There is his arrogance again, Kaien muses, when the Kurosaki boy pats him multiple times on his broad and hard chest, "congratulations on your wedding, by the way," Ichigo says, a little bit coldly, "Shiba,"
Ichigo, being his usual arrogant little shit, leaves just like that, with his hands still shoved in his pants pockets.
He calls him Shiba.
"Try to sound more sincere next time," Kaien is still smirking. He likes the guy. He really does, "Kurosaki,"
Ichigo leaves the scene, sending Kaien a half-hearted wave without turning his back.
Ichigo is in the wedding. Something that he just found out 15 minutes before the wedding ceremony begins when his dad asks him to play the part because one of Kaien's best men misses his plane and can't make it to the wedding on time. He complains about it–let's be honest, Ichigo does complain about a lot of things–but he still does it anyway.
So, that's why, when the wedding ceremony begins, when all guests are already seated and getting ready to stand up at any time to greet the groom and the bride, Rukia is surprised to find Ichigo walking down the aisle with one of Miyako's bridesmaids.
He hasn't read and replied to her texts in the last three hours.
There are whispers and dreamy sighs from some random noble girls sitting next to Rukia ("oh my God, who is that best man with the orange hair?", "how come we've never seen him before?", "is he a Shiba, too?", "oh, Kami-sama, he's so hot,").
Rukia sees it too. She has seen it before. Ichigo looks that good in the tuxedo and dress shirt she picked for him, although his bowtie is a little bit lopsided. Fool. Rukia has taught him to put it on like three times during their video call last night.
Next to Rukia, Hisana elbows her sister lightly, her eyes fixated on Ichigo who is now talking to Ganju–waiting for Kaien, the groom.
"Rukia, isn't that…" Somehow Hisana wonders if the reason why Rukia never wants to tell her Ichigo's last name is because he is a… Shiba?
"I didn't know," Rukia answers her sister right away, "Ichigo's last name is Kurosaki,"
Hisana's eyes widened slightly, a little bit surprised, "Kurosaki? As in the son of Kurosaki Isshin, the head and co-owner of Karakura General Hospital?"
Rukia nods, why does it matter?
"Oh, Rukia honey, how come you never tell us this?" Hisana whines, "You know, as the head of the hospital, Isshin-san helps me so much with my treatment–providing us the best team of doctors, the best support, the best resources. Oh, dear, now I am embarrassed for not knowing–it's like I am being ignorant,"
Hisana shakes her head, showing her disapproval. But maybe Rukia has her reasons. She knows how protective Byakuya-sama and herself act around her.
Hisana's eyes are on Ichigo again, "Aww, now that I get to see him in flesh, he is really, really cute, Rukia,"
"Stop saying that, Ichigo isn't cute," Cute isn't the word Rukia will use when she describes Ichigo. Rukia feels warmth on her cheeks but she looks away.
Hisana laughs softly, knowing her sister all too well. A few moments later, Byakuya–having just taken a business phone call–gets back to his seat next to his wife, Hisana. When the cold man's eyes look toward the wedding chapel in front and notice Ichigo there, he quickly turns to face Rukia.
He knows that kid.
"Rukia, care to clarify this matter?" Byakuya's voice is calm and composed as always, his eyes still on Ichigo. It's neither a question nor a statement, it's somewhat in between.
Hisana touches Byakuya's arm gently and adoringly and whispers, "Kurosaki Isshin's son,"
Rukia can't miss the way her brother shakes his head slightly as if he was showing how absurd it is that Rukia has tangled herself again with another Shiba man.
Rukia holds her chin up and looks at the front. In the last couple of minutes, Rukia has been trying to catch Ichigo's eyes, to make eye contact. Does he know she is here? Does he realize she is in the crowd? But he just keeps talking to Ganju, and at one point, Rukia is pretty sure she catches his amber eyes, but…
Did Ichigo just look away?
Looking at his 'last-seen' status, Rukia wonders if Ichigo is ignoring her texts, but she tries to let it go–maybe he gets busy, and it turns out, he really is, since he has to step up as back-up groomsman, but now–
Now, Ichigo clearly avoids looking at her and Rukia just knows something is up.
Rukia is still in her own thoughts not realizing that all the crowds' heads turn to a certain someone.
Here comes the groom.
Kaien-dono.
Rukia hasn't seen Kaien-dono for months. And now he is there, in front, with Ganju and Ichigo next to him slightly behind.
Seeing the two of them. Together. At the same time, at the same place, the resemblance between Kaien and Ichigo really is uncanny to the point it's almost ridiculous. Ganju is showing Kaien that he's prepared with his ring, and Ichigo waves a piece of paper nonchalantly with a deeply annoyed expression he sends to the groom, telling him to chill, he's got his vows right here.
Kaien-dono looks dashing, and cool, as usual. The tuxedo looks great on him, and the hairdresser must give up taming his stubborn spiky hair. His aquamarine eyes are still the same, overflowing with confidence and off-the-charts charisma.
Rukia used to think–used to wonder about the moment she gets to see Kaien-dono again for the first time. She thinks it will be something dramatic. Seeing him get married, Rukia thinks she will finally shed some tears.
Rukia replays some moments. Moments when she hugged Kaien's waist dearly on his motorbike, hiding her face on his leather jacket after he told her he was getting married, or that moment on the plane, when she tried so hard to cry over break-up songs and songs about the one-who-got-away.
Rukia knows that at those moments, she felt something–something deeply unsettling and heavy in her chest but not enough to make her cry.
Why couldn't she cry that day? She knew she was sad, but why couldn't she cry? Did the Kuchiki part of her really get the best out of her?
But Rukia realizes it now. Now that she is with Ichigo–Ichigo who makes her feel so strongly that sometimes Rukia thinks her heart will just combust just by the sight of him. He makes her feel something so incredibly different she has never felt before.
Rukia has never had answers to the questions of why she never gives a slight reaction whenever Renji tells him there are boys who like her. Rukia has never known the answers when Renji asks, 'why Ichigo?' After all of the other people, why give him a chance? Why Ichigo?
Rukia doesn't have the answer to that. Why Ichigo?
Rukia can explain why she had a crush on Kaien-dono; he is a cool and smart older guy, with a handsome face, kind, charismatic, friendly, witty, and funny personality, and he is the one who first introduced her to what normal felt like, he's the first one who treats her like Rukia, not Kuchiki Rukia, just Rukia. So, yeah. Rukia has explanations for that.
But with Ichigo. There's something about him Rukia can't explain. She can't explain it no matter how hard she tries, but whatever it is, Rukia knows Ichigo makes her want him in ways Rukia can't even describe. That's when she realizes something is just to be felt, the mind can't explain it, but her heart can. And something that comes out of the heart is undeniably much, much stronger than the mind.
So, that's why Rukia knows where she can draw the differences.
That's why Rukia realizes, the reason why she didn't shed tears over her broken heart, wasn't solely because of her clan's doing tricks on her.
That's why Rukia realizes now why with all those times wondering what she would do, what she would think when she gets to see Kaien-dono in person again, and yet, in the end, the moment that she does see Kaien-dono again, all she can think about is Ichigo. Ichigo. Ichigo. And not Kaien-dono himself.
That's why Rukia realizes what makes Kaien-dono and Ichigo so different–that she never confuses her feelings for one and for another.
Rukia might have a crush on Kaien Shiba.
But she is in love with Ichigo Kurosaki.
Rukia shifts her gaze from Kaien to Ichigo and at the moment she notices, Ichigo's amber eyes have been following her violet ones all this time–watching her watch Kaien-dono and get so deeply in thought.
She tries to match Ichigo's gaze on hers. There is something in his sharp amber eyes; annoyance, fury, jealousy?
Rukia is the one who turns away first. She always does.
After the vows, the guests scatter in the huge ballroom to enjoy the food and drink the Shiba has provided. Rukia pays no mind to approaching Kaien-dono since he is also still busy taking pictures with the bridesmaids. Rukia quickly makes her way amongst the crowd to find Ichigo and she finds him in a more deserted area, just when he gets out of the restroom.
Rukia isn't in the mood to tiptoe around the problem and just cuts to the chase, "What's the matter with you?" She quickly blocks Ichigo's way, standing so close in front of him, and Ichigo is caught off-guard.
Ichigo's amber eyes rake over Rukia–drinking in her very beautiful face that is even more beautiful now that she puts efforts to emphasize her effortless beauty with natural makeup, her pink lips, her low bun bridal up-do, the milky white bare skin of her neck and shoulder he gets to see now that her hair's pulled in an up-do and she's wearing a lilac one-shoulder dress.
And just like every time he looks at her, dressed up or not dressed up, standing so close in front of him or back then amongst the crowd, Rukia always, always makes it to take his breath away. Just how lucky is he to be able to call her his?
Her lilac dress brings out her darker shades of purple eyes. And just with one look, Ichigo knows she is not amused.
Despite his silence, Rukia takes a step closer to him, and her slender hands adjust Ichigo's bowtie and straighten out the lapels of his tuxedo.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asks again, her voice is kind of soft, somehow knowing if she is not approaching this carefully, things may not end well.
Ichigo puts his hands on her waist, looking at how beautiful, how perfect she is, he really finds it hard to restrain himself from pulling her into his arms, "do you?"
Rukia now knows what this is about, "I do," she answers. "But can we do that later? When we are alone at least?"
Ichigo looks around the empty hallway. He wants to contradict her, saying that they're alone right now. But then a guy, a random noble guy their age, gets out of the restroom too and eyes them weirdly, and gives Rukia a-too-appreciative look, and that's when Ichigo glares at the guy and takes Rukia's hand in his and says, "Fine," he sighs in defeat but there is still an annoyance in his voice.
Making their way back to the grand ballroom, Ichigo protectively never lets go of her hand ever since.
When they get back to the huge ballroom, it looks like their family has already claimed a huge round table in the VVIP section. There Isshin, Urahara, Yoruichi, Karin, and Yuzu from Ichigo's side of the family, and there's Byakuya and Hisana from Rukia's, enjoying their dinner together. Isshin calls Ichigo and Rukia to take a seat with them and the two are seated next to each other.
Isshin has a nice time talking about everything with Hisana, and Hisana is making excuses like 'oh I didn't know they were together, Isshin-san,' and Isshin is reassuring her that it's okay, 'No worries! No worries! I had no idea either. Kids these days, Hisana-san, they never tell their parents anything!'. It's really no surprise if the two have ideas about being in-laws already.
Byakuya is sitting next to Ichigo, and the cold Kuchiki has indulged Ichigo in a one-on-one conversation that nobody else on the table gets to really hear clearly what they're saying. Byakuya talks in a calm, low, composed voice.
Isshin smirks slightly that his son is having his first ever pep talk from his girlfriend's older brother. Ichigo is seen listening quite intently to what the stoic clan leader's saying. It's like seeing his boy being briefed by his football coach, really, with the way Byakuya clearly instructs him on what he can and can't do.
From the corner of his eye, Isshin catches quite a few times when sometimes, having a little patience that he does, Ichigo looks like he has had enough and kind of wants to argue and punch the man in the face. Isshin knows Byakuya sometimes acts like he is asking for it, so he's not at all surprised.
When his son kind of looks like he's riled up, Isshin watches as his dear third daughter (who is actually having a decent conversation with Karin and Yuzu) still manages to touch his son's arm to calm him whenever he needs that, and just like that, Ichigo behaves again.
This. This is what Isshin always wants, he knows that his son acts like a stubborn brat sometimes and Isshin wants a girl that will take none of his bullshit, keep him on his toes, and shape him into a better man. Not a weak girl who will just say yes to everything he does or says when he has his shitty moments. Not a girl like that.
Yoruichi, sitting across from him, almost laughs seeing her godson being prepped by Byakuya like that, "oh, just let the kid eat in peace, will you, Byakuya-boo?"
From across the room, on the round table reserved for the groom, the bride, and their intimate family members, Kaien's aquamarine eyes are watching–he watches the moment his little Kuchiki prodigy comes into the ballroom, walking so close with Ichigo and having her hands intertwined with his cousin's. Kaien watches when the two sit at the table reserved for the Kuchiki and the Kurosaki. Kaien watches the way Kurosaki keeps leaning closer to Kuchiki's ear when he wants to tell her something. Kaien watches how much the two families enjoy their dinner together as if they're in-laws already.
Kaien watches as Kuchiki smiles when Kurosaki looks annoyed. Kaien watches as Kuchiki calms Kurosaki when that cousin of his with a fiery temper almost loses it with her brother.
Kaien watches just the glimpses of their dynamics and he just knows.
Miyako touches Kaien's hand and the newly-wedded groom breaks away from his deep thoughts in an instant when he hears his wife's sweet voice, "Hey, everything okay?"
Kaien clears his throat, and his aquamarine eyes glance slightly at Rukia again, he takes his wife's hand in his and answers, "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay,"
It is a good thing that Kuchiki isn't lonely anymore, that she finds someone who can bring warmth to her ice-cold life.
It is a good thing that Kaien ends up with Miyako and Kuchiki moves back to Japan.
It is a good thing for both of them and it all works out for the best.
It is all a good thing. For now.
Byakuya finally listens to Yoruichi and lets Ichigo enjoy his dinner. The quiet, stoic, older brother is now talking to Isshin. But the torture is not over for Ichigo. Byakuya is done, but Hisana is not. She asks questions nicely, calling him, 'Ichigo dear,' or 'Ichigo sweetie', the complete opposite of the way her husband calls him.
Urahara, Isshin, and Yoruichi are having great amusement at this. It's like Ichigo is on trial for dating the Kuchiki princess and it's like another episode of meeting the in-laws. Rukia can only mouth a silent apology to her boyfriend, thinking that this–this is exactly why she never wants to tell her brother and sister about Ichigo.
During dinner, Ichigo gets to see more sides and more sides of Rukia's life.
He has to realize it not-too-nicely when more than once older snotty noblemen approach their table with sons their age in tow.
There are like six or seven different people, but on the fifth, Ichigo gets the pattern already.
The older noblemen will greet Byakuya with fake politeness and respect, they will introduce themselves and the business they're doing, and with fake laughs and fake chit-chats about nothing, they will shove their sons down there.
"This is my son," the fifth nobleman says, "I believe he's the same age as the beautiful Kuchiki Rukia-chan there. With all due respect, Kuchiki-sama, we would be lucky if you let us provide you our most heartfelt company for the rest of this beautiful evening,"
The son is an obese rich boy with freckles and offside teeth. He's eyeing Rukia darkly with that lewd look on his face, already eager to shake her hand and probably has a dream to be betrothed with her already.
It's all clear what they're trying to do. Weddings for noble families are never strictly just weddings. The business must go on. This is the golden time to seek alliance and look for opportunities; new business deals, new partnerships, and new courtships between the inheritors of the families. All of that bullshit.
"I believe we already have pleasant company from the Shiba right here with us," Byakuya gives the same answer every time. And he's telling the truth, he already welcomes the Kurosaki (the Shiba) on his table.
The bothered and cold voice of the head of the Kuchiki clan and the mention of the Shiba successfully led the fifth nobleman and his son to stutter and walk away. The Shiba is one of the biggest five noble houses. They're not stupid. They're not going in for a losing battle.
Rukia acts as if nothing happens. She acts like the noblemen and their rich boys don't exist. She keeps eating her food elegantly and doesn't even spare a glance at the boys. Sometimes Ichigo wonders how she does that. Just how many times has she endured this to actually be able to handle it so well?
"Is it always like this?" Ichigo asks her, he can't even hide his jealousy, and his frustration is clear in his voice.
First Kaien, and now this. Why can't he rest tonight?
"You can't seriously be jealous over that," Rukia scolds him, unbothered, and feeds him a spoon of her chocolate mousse and cheesecake.
"I'm not jealous," Ichigo replies stubbornly and Rukia rolls her eyes.
Yoruichi looks at the two, amused. They just look good together. She thinks it is just the right time for his godson to know just how big of a deal is the girl he is dating, and how much of a prize she actually is. Ichigo has never accustomed himself to this noble tradition, and maybe it is a good thing that he does, to finally know the life his father left behind.
Isshin is amused too, for a slightly different reason. His son is tested big time, with the revelation about Kaien earlier, and now these noble pests are clearly on Rukia-chan's feet. Isshin knows jealousy is never pretty in a guy with temper issues like Ichigo. But he is actually glad this is happening, so Ichigo can learn how to act maturely about it.
After all, this is the life Rukia-chan is accustomed to, this is her reality. And if anything, Isshin knows this will help Ichigo understand that whatever it is with Kaien is not something to fret about. This thing happens. He shouldn't be punishing Rukia-chan for something she can't control, he can't blame Rukia-chan for having this life destined for her. Isshin hopes Ichigo will handle this jealousy well, and that Rukia-chan can make him understand. It is important that he does.
The grand wedding continues. There is the bride and groom dance. And after that, here comes the time when the bride and the groom go around the ballroom, approach everyone and thank the guests for their lovely time. Kaien and Miyako reach their table first. After all, the Kuchiki has always been their VVIP guests.
They all stand up when the bride and the groom approach. Rukia gets to see Miyako from up close for the first time ever. She is a really beautiful lady, and her long, black hair is styled in an elegant updo, and she is also wearing a really beautiful wedding dress. Miyako Shiba is the perfect bride. The perfect wife.
Kaien talks to Hisana and Byakuya first, and Hisana gives him a warm hug. She really is fond of Kaien and she is glad that Kaien finally finds the one.
Kaien turns to Rukia next. And this is the first time the two look at each other for months. The groom very well can notice the way his cousin shifts slightly closer to Rukia as if he wants to mark his territory. Kaien smirks a little. This Kurosaki kid is something.
"Congratulations, Kaien-dono," Rukia says with so much sincerity.
"Thanks, Kuchiki," he replies, smiling, flirty and witty, and playful like the way Rukia always remembers.
He acts disappointed, tilting his head slightly at Ichigo, "what's this? Not even a hug for me? I must say I'm wounded, Kuchiki,"
Rukia's eyes warn Kaien as if she's telling him, 'not funny, Kaien-dono,'
Kaien laughs and turns to Ichigo. "Kurosaki. Not going to introduce me to her?" Kaien teases. It is completely harmless. Kaien has always been playful after all. "You didn't mention it to me your girlfriend was my prodigy,"
"Why should I? You know her already," Ichigo replies, not backing down a little bit.
Rukia rolls her eyes. If anything, this just confirms her thoughts earlier about what could have transpired between Ichigo and Kaien before the wedding that makes him ignore her.
Karin mumbles something like, "God, not this again,"
Isshin and Ichiei are also in a debate on their own, "you sneaky snake," Ichiei punches Isshin's arm a little, "you made me look like a fool back then," in front of his nephew no less.
How could Isshin just let him keep talking and talking nonsense about how much he moped on what could've been when Isshin's own son clearly has been keeping a Kuchiki for himself.
"Now, now, that's to teach you a lesson, brother," Isshin scolds his brother, "enough with the business this and business that, just let the kids decide their own life,"
Ichiei gets it. He does. The head of the Shiba clan sighs, "you're just not going to let me pamper your son into joining us at the enterprise, are you?"
Isshin nods. "Just let him decide for himself, Ichiei,"
No one is going to force Ichigo into taking a business school in the States like Kaien. No one is going to force Ichigo into applying for a medical school like Isshin either. It is all up to him. Whatever Ichigo wants to do after high school.
"Is Karakura treating you well, Kuchiki?" Kaien asks again.
Is he treating you well?
Rukia nods, smiling. "All is well, Kaien-dono,"
And Kaien notices the way Rukia takes his cousin's hand in hers, probably to reassure and soothe him and calm his jealous energy.
Kaien's gaze flickers back to Ichigo and then to Rukia again. He sighs, "well, the States hasn't been the same without you,"
"Come back soon, okay?" Kaien smiles brightly again. He does miss his little Kuchiki friend. "Still on the track about going to Harvard, right, Kuchiki?"
"I already talked to Ukitake Juushiro, one of the professors there. From the way I talked you up, he likes you already, Kuchiki. He can help you with the essays and the recommendation you need," this is Kaien, not Rukia's old crush Kaien, but Kaien, her tutor and mentor.
Rukia is going to the States again?
Ichigo watches the change of expression on her face again. And something feels heavy in his heart.
What's this?
Another thing she doesn't tell him?
This evening has not been easy. It is like watching Rukia from different goggles. This is the life she never shares with anyone at school. This is the life she never shares with him.
And Ichigo can't help but wonder, in this part of her life, is there him?
Is he a part of it?
The way Rukia hesitates to answer is just typical. She is like this when she doesn't want to talk about things.
Ichigo looks away. It is clearly another thing she doesn't tell him.
"I will… I will talk to you later about it, Kaien-dono," she replies, careful.
Kaien smiles. And he really wishes he can just ruffle her hair affectionately like he used to. But he is married now. And Kuchiki is with the boy she loves. "I'll be waiting for you there, Kuchiki," then he corrects himself, "me and Miyako, we are going to wait for you."
Rukia nods and they just stare into each other's eyes.
Rukia whispers, her voice is soft, and there is something affectionate in the way she calls his name. Romantic or platonic aside, Kaien has always been an important figure in Rukia's life. "I am happy for you, Kaien-dono,"
Kaien pats Kuchiki on the head, careful not to ruffle it and ruin her pretty updo. "I am happy for you too, Kuchiki,"
"So, a happy hug?" Kaien asks, laughing.
And Rukia smiles, all amused and pretty and she hugs him back, thinking she can just deal with her irrationally angry, jealous boyfriend later.
It is a brief hug. They both pull away and Kaien grins and shakes his head a little when Ichigo looks away, clearly, he doesn't want to see the closeness between the two and the way Kaien shows affection to Kuchiki (his face clearly says 'you gotta be fucking kidding me,').
But Kaien must admit he likes his cousin. He really does. Ichigo has that vibe. The typical arrogant jerk that will do anything for the girl he loves.
Before he moves to another table and leaves, Kaien pats Ichigo on his shoulder, "you take good care of her."
Ichigo scoffs. Like he needs to be told that. To think about it, this is the third time he has been warned by a guy to take good care of Rukia. First, there is Renji, second, there is Byakuya, and now third there is Kaien.
Ichigo knows Rukia is loved by many. She must be shared. He knows that. But somehow his possessiveness won't just go away.
The groom moves, but Kaien stops again, "oh, and," he pauses, "I'm waiting for you too, in the States," he grins, cocky and proud, "we really could use a guy like you in our business, Ichigo,"
The moment Kaien leaves, before Ichigo snaps, Rukia quickly takes Ichigo's hand and leads him to another deserted area of the ballroom and wraps her slender arms around his waist as if to say, sorry I hugged him but here I hug you too.
Her beautiful face is looking up at him, her chin rests on his hard chest, and Ichigo is still annoyed, still jealous, still sulking, and still furious but he just can't stop himself from wrapping his arms around her too.
Ichigo looks down at her, his scowl has never been deeper. "I don't like him,"
Rukia smiles. Why is she smiling?
"You don't like anyone, Ichigo,"
"He pisses me off," Ichigo replies stubbornly.
"Everyone pisses you off,"
"I can smell his bullshit from a mile away,"
"Stop being so jealous, Ichigo,"
"He hugged you, Rukia," Ichigo whines again. Really sometimes he just acts like a child. "You hugged him back,"
"And? I am hugging you right now,"
She smiles at him again. Rukia's smile is distracting him. He is supposed to be angry at her. They're supposed to have their first lover's quarrel, not hugging and staring dreamily into each other's eyes.
"Stop it," Ichigo knows what she is doing. She knows he is weak for her smile and her touch and her really, all of her. And she is using it to win him over.
"Stop what? I'm making it up to you,"
Ichigo scoffs. "Nah, this doesn't make up for it,"
"Okay, what does then?" She asks. At this point, Ichigo pretty well knows that sometimes Rukia does flirt and tease him on purpose and just acts all innocent about it when he gets flustered.
He steals a quick peck on her pink lips.
But he still complains. Because Ichigo always complains. "I'm still mad at you,"
"That's too bad," Rukia is doing it again, Ichigo knows. She is a minx. A cunning little minx. And he falls for her every time.
"Ichigo," Rukia tiptoes on her feet to nuzzle her nose with his and whispers, "Do you want to go somewhere just the two of us?"
Rukia smiles again and God, she is just so beautiful tonight. Can't hold it anymore, Ichigo captures her lips with his. He has been wanting to do this ever since he saw her tonight. He has been wanting to do this ever since Kaien and those guys showed up. Kaien and those noble asshats can go eat dirt.
Rukia pulls away, "are you still–" Ichigo catches her lips with his again.
"Aa, still mad–" he kisses her again.
"How mad?" Rukia pulls away and smiles against his lips.
"Very, very mad,"
And Ichigo kisses her again, and again. Rukia laughs and she thinks she loves this dork.
They end up sitting on the beach not far from the hotel, under the moonlight, watching the shores. It is quiet, too quiet, almost like confessional-quiet and Rukia knows Ichigo may need some quiet right now. They watch the waves break gently into white foam on the black beach.
The air is a little bit chilly and Ichigo takes off his tuxedo and wraps it around Rukia's shoulders. He sighs as he does so, looking at her with warmth despite his deepening frown. He rolls up his white dress shirt to his elbows, and since Rukia doesn't want her dress to be dirty, Ichigo lets her sit on his lap. Being covered by his tux, and his arms, Rukia can't even feel the cold evening breeze on her skin.
They both stay quiet for a little while. Resting her head in the crook of his neck, Rukia thinks if she closes her eyes long enough, she can just fall asleep in the warmth and comfort of Ichigo.
Ichigo is the one who speaks first, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "So, I find out a lot about you today,"
Rukia hums.
Ichigo sighs, "To sum up," the annoyance is back in his voice again, "you were betrothed to him,"
What?
The way Rukia quickly takes her head off his shoulder to look at him in the face with those widening violet eyes somehow gives off an answer that she doesn't know.
She narrows her eyes at him, "what are you talking about?"
"You, and Shiba. My uncle said that," Ichigo is kind of confused by her reaction. Here he thought Rukia evaded talking about Kaien because she knew and just didn't want to be honest with him for whatever reasons.
"That's not true," at least that's what she knows of. Her face hardens and Ichigo realizes he is finally able to fish out some expressions out of her.
It is ridiculous, it sounds absurd in Rukia's ears. Kaien-dono wasn't betrothed to her. If he was, she surely would know that. Would she?
There are memories. Of Kaien-dono. Of their Fridays together. There are memories of the time Kaien-dono and his dad spent so much with her brother or sister, and the way silly, naive Rukia thought it was purely a business dinner.
Kaien-dono wasn't betrothed to her.
Was he?
Watching the expression on her face, Ichigo just knows that maybe it's true that Rukia didn't know. Now that she knows, what if she wonders the same as his uncle? What if she muses over what could've been too?
Ichigo scoffs and looks away, finding a stone near him and just throwing it roughly to the ocean.
Ichigo feels something ugly in him, like if he is being honest enough with himself, he knows it is something close to possessiveness. He wants Rukia, all of her. And he wants him to be the only one for her, just like she is to him. And Ichigo knows he can't think like that. He doesn't own Rukia.
There is no one before her, for him. But for her, there is this Shiba, apparently. Who looks like him? Only that he is a little bit taller. Ichigo snorts rudely and throws another rock again. Fucking hell. Why is he taller than him? And why does it matter anyway? He hates being jealous. He sounds so petty in his head.
"I am sorry," Rukia says softly. "I'm sorry, I should have opened up when you asked," she didn't open up and Ichigo now gets all the wrong ideas.
"But I have no idea of what you're talking about, Ichigo," Rukia always sounds that gentle whenever she tries to resonate with him, when she tries to make him understand because it's important that he does. Her voice is soft just like the reassuring circles she draws on his chest.
"All I know is there was Kaien-dono. And yes, he is an important figure in my life, and yes, I should have told you that when you asked, but I'm being honest now. I had no idea about what you said,"
Ichigo is about to counter her again but Rukia is not done talking, "and if I did, does it even matter? We were never together and I'm not marrying him,"
Ichigo is just that stubborn sometimes. "But he knew, and he tried,"
Rukia doesn't know the full story, but she is smart enough to put two and two together.
Did Kaien-dono?
"Yeah, but nothing happened. He met Miyako-san and they're married now. So will you just let that one go?"
Ichigo is still not talking.
"You can't seriously punish me for this, Ichigo. And you're taking it too far. I'm sure it wasn't a betrothal, not a real one at least, because if it was, I, for sure, would've known that."
"That's the word my uncle used," Ichigo knows he sounds like a really petty, petty man right now.
Rukia starts to lose her patience too, "Well, it is not. It is not a big deal. This happens. In noble families. Arranged marriage can even be planned since we are just kids, but it doesn't mean that anything has to happen."
Ichigo looks away again and Rukia touches his cheek to make him look at her. He needs to understand. This is her life. She wants him to be a part of it.
"I've been going to a lot of business dinners with Nii-sama since I was 12. There are potential suitors, our age, and we get introduced to each other but there is just it. Nothing will ever happen when we are still kids. It's just pure old noble family business, Ichigo."
Ichigo scoffs, he gets even more annoyed now that he is reminded of those snotty noble guys from earlier. "Okay, so how many more guys like this are lining up to court you? Should I get in line?"
Now, Rukia does seem mad. "Where is this jealousy coming from? The one thing that matters is I never have feelings for them,"
"You had feelings for him,"
There he said it. The hard truth that has been bugging him all evening.
Rukia's violet eyes are intense on his amber ones. There is no hesitation in her confession. "It was just a silly crush,"
Ichigo snorts. He looks away again and Rukia, again, takes his face in her hands, with both hands now to keep his eyes on her. He needs to understand. Rukia never loves Kaien.
"That's unfair, Ichigo. Everyone has their first stupid, little crush. It's completely harmless,"
Harmless.
"Yeah, and mine was you. Now, where are we?" He replies sharply.
Rukia is his first. He thought he was hers too.
But Ichigo is. He is her first love too. Rukia just doesn't have the guts to admit it out loud to him yet.
"I look like him. Everyone says I look like him," Rukia can feel his jaws harden under her touch. "Heck, even, I say I look like him;"
His eyes are sharp, the moonlight complementing his handsome features well. "Now look at me and tell me, Rukia, do you see him in me?"
Rukia is silent for a while and Ichigo knows he gets his answer. The answer he thinks he already knows but still wants to hear.
"I did,"
"Right. Splendid."
All this time he feels special. All this time he knows Rukia has never even shown any interest to any guy–just like him to any girl. Only to find out that she picked him because he looks like him.
Rukia's voice softens again, "I am not going to lie to you, Ichigo. I did. At first,"
She caresses his cheeks and he still leans into her touch, despite his sulking. "But so what if you look like him? Does it even matter? Do you think I am with you because of your face?"
Because he is painfully, breath-takingly handsome? Just because of the outer look? Like those shallow fangirls of his at school?
Rukia loves Ichigo for Ichigo. For what he is, for how he acts around her, and how he treats her. Not for what he looks like.
It is for the little things.
It is the way he teases her. The way he always looks at her like she is the most magnificent piece of art he has ever seen. The way he says her name like she means the world to him. The way he waits for her extra classes, solely to spend time with her. The way he makes a fool out of himself when he tries to impress her. The way he always makes her his priorities. The way he wants to take care of her; her every little need. The way he wants to protect her. The way he willingly gets hurt just to defend her pride. The way he keeps making her worried about him. The way they argue until their faces turn blue. The way he acts like a dork when he tries to flirt with her with his lousy pick-up lines. The way he kisses her and touches her.
It's the little things. And the rest is just this huge number of things that she just can't describe with words.
"I want you for you," Rukia whispers.
"It doesn't matter what you look like, Ichigo. It never did in the first place,"
"That's why I told you, you have nothing to worry about," her hand moves from his jaw to his neck and traces down to his chest. "Kaien-dono has got nothing to do with what we have or what we are,"
Ichigo rests his head in the crook of her neck. He grazes his nose on the bare skin that connects her neck and shoulder, taking all her scent in. He always loves her scent.
"Okay, Ichigo?"
Okay. She wins him over.
"Okay," he sighs and murmurs against her skin, and Rukia almost shivers when Ichigo leaves a trail of kisses along her neck, up, and up until he stops at her pulse and kisses her harder there. It is new territory. Ichigo has never done this, he never kisses her neck before. When Rukia's breath hitches and she presses her body against him and digs her fingers into his hair, Ichigo faintly remembers that maybe Yoruichi-san's right. The Kuchikis are not at all immune to neck kisses.
His lips move up and up until he catches her lips with his. This kiss is nothing like the sweet kiss they shared back in the hotel. This time, Ichigo's kiss is more intense, showing his dominance. Through this kiss, there is his pent-up jealousy and possessiveness.
They pull away, equally breathless, and Rukia throws herself at him, hugging him while still perfectly seated on his left thigh.
"Rukia?"
"What?" She murmurs against his neck.
He chuckles and draws circles on her back. "I thought I was the sap in this relationship?"
Rukia blushes. She can imagine the stupid grin on his face. "Shut up. You still are," she suddenly becomes embarrassed and hides her face deeper in the crook of his neck.
"So… you want me for me?"
Rukia blushes even more. "Idiot, shut up," it is his fault. For being a fool that doubts her. She needs to say that. To make him understand.
Ichigo fully laughs this time, "it's okay, I want you for you too,"
"Stop it," Rukia scolds him. Sometimes she hates it when he acts this cocky. "Stop laughing,"
His laughter subdues. They are silent again for a little while, Rukia is still safely tucked in his arms. But this time her back rests on his front, she is fully enveloped by Ichigo and Ichigo is watching the shores.
"Anyway, Rukia, even though it's not my face that draws you in," Ichigo begins again, he looks down at Rukia and squints his eyes, "you still think I am attractive right?"
Rukia nods–just let him have his moment–and Ichigo chuckles again.
He raises his eyebrow, "I am more handsome than your Kaien-dono, right?"
Rukia hums.
Ichigo pokes her cheek, "oi,"
She nods again, and pats his cheek without turning to face him, "happy now?"
"I am also cooler than him, right?" Ichigo thinks Kaien is just a lame guy trying too much to be cool.
Rukia pretends to sigh this time, "I don't know…" she hums again and Ichigo just hates it when she does that, "Kaien-dono has a tattoo on his arm…"
Ichigo snorts rudely. Is that a thing? Is Rukia into it? "I can get a tattoo,"
Rukia chuckles. "No, you can't. You even hate having pen marks on your skin, Ichigo," she rolls her eyes, reminiscing the memory when Ichigo got mad like a nagging grandma when she drew on his skin.
"You drew misshapen rabbits on my palm," Ichigo pokes her cheek again.
"Kaien-dono wears a leather jacket and rides a motorbike,"
"Lame," Ichigo replies. Ichigo has Renji's old Vespa.
"And he is in a band,"
Ichigo scoffs again. "Still lame." Ichigo can play the guitar, and, "I bet he can't even play the Ukulele."
Rukia rolls her eyes again, "Kaien-dono–"
Ichigo steals a peck on her lips again to shut her up. "Enough, forget I asked."
Rukia smiles.
There is therapeutic silence between them. And Ichigo is reminded of the one thing he also finds out about Rukia today–
"Hey, Rukia, can I ask you something?"
Rukia is this close to falling asleep in his arms. "Hmm?"
"Are you moving back to the States?"
When high school is over, is it going to be their expiration date? Is 700 days after they first met each other going to be their expiration date?
Rukia turns to face him this time. There is a plan. Nii-sama's plan, her nee-san's plan, her plan–that was so strong before, but now it just becomes harder and harder to even think about.
"I… I haven't really thought about it, Ichigo,"
Ichigo hasn't thought about it either. If Rukia is going to the States, should he come with her? Should he take business school–just like his uncle and Kaien advised him to–and be with her so they won't have to part? Or why doesn't she stay? Why doesn't Rukia get to stay and be in Japan with him?
They both know there is this heavy and unsettling feeling in their chests. It's so heavy that it's even hard to just think about it.
Ichigo pulls Rukia closer again and hides his face in her neck again, he sighs, "we'll figure it out, right?"
Rukia leans her back against his torso and closes her eyes this time, "we will,"
They always will.
In the end, the two decide to go back to the hotel, and Ichigo carries her on his back–piggyback. It's so easy to carry her. She feels like air. Rukia whispers to him then, her voice sleepy, "anyway, what did Nii-sama talk to you about?"
Ichigo smirks, "nothing," he replies, "just that I have the mandatory dinner with the Kuchikis every Friday and Saturday,"
Rukia raises an eyebrow, "Huh, every week?"
"Every week,"
"Until when?"
Ichigo shrugs but he knows the answer to that question. Byakuya made it perfectly clear. It's until the day Ichigo puts a ring around her finger.
A/N: Kaien will return...in Little Miracle XD just kidding.
Guys see you on Friday for the epilogue (FOR REAL this time! XD)
Please tell me what you think :D
PS: Sorry for the grammar mistakes.