A/N: Hi guys! Had been really busy with school now that summer break is over and I fell sick a few days ago. It seems to be getting worse so please spare me if you guys find this chapter a little not up to the usual standard. I tried my best, honest. :(
And sorry for not having the time to reply you all individually as I spent the free time I had to finish up this chapter so that you guys wouldn't wait too long! Thank you all, so so much! I wish I can ring each of your door bell and give you all a big hug. That's how happy I am when I'm reading your reviews. But unfortunately, I'm sure you guys wouldn't want to catch my cold so here's some virtual cookies instead! *throws Byakuya shaped cookies around*
And for my US readers, I hope you guys stay safe. Hurricane Sandy sounds like a big mean bitch (She seems even worse than Regina George). Hopefully my update will cheer you guys up. Please, please stay safe and hope Sandy the bitch disappears soon.
Warning: Slight bit of profanity.
When Byakuya spotted Rukia standing awkwardly at the corner of a bakery shop as people bustled past her, the first thing he noticed was her puffy and red eyes. Had she been crying?
He instructed his chauffer to pull to a stop as he rolled down his window.
"Get in now." He ordered as he scooted over to let Rukia in.
"What happened?" asked Rukia immediately after she closed the door behind her.
Byakuya took out his mobile phone and showed it to Rukia. He heard her gasp as she continued to scroll down.
"Why are there pictures of us in these magazines?" asked Rukia shocked. "This photo was taken that day we were about to have dinner… and this one was of us exiting the Hong Kong airport when we first arrived. Why are there so many pictures of us?"
"The paparazzi from Hong Kong took them. I was too careless this time. These magazines were out for sale this morning after we left for Tokyo." Byakuya replied.
"What do they want with us… or me?" Rukia asked, panicked.
"All they want is news, gossip, whatever that will get buyers to buy their magazines and newspapers." Byakuya replied hotly.
"I didn't know you were that famous in Hong Kong." Rukia muttered.
Byakuya did not reply but instead, continue to frown as he looked out of the tinted window, irritated. Apparently, Renji had emailed him the photos half an hour ago and according to Renji, the news had quoted a "reliable source" saying that Byakuya and Rukia were engaged. Byakuya believed that someone who had attended the Changs dinner party must have heard of what happened and decided to provide more information to those blasted reporters. Byakuya had never expected that things would spiral out of control.
"So, what are we going to do?" Rukia asked worriedly. "It'll be fine, right? I mean, this news will just be circulating in Hong Kong."
Byakuya shook his head. "I am certain it will be out in the news here by tomorrow morning."
"What?!" shrieked Rukia, her eyes going wild with panic.
Byakuya stared at her, slightly surprised. "Is anything wrong?"
"Is anything wrong?!" repeated Rukia who was almost shouting now. "How can you still ask me that? Of course everything is wrong! What will happen to me? And Ichigo will… What will Soi Fon Tai-
Byakuya noticed that Rukia have stopped talking immediately as she quickly took a deep breath as though trying to calm herself down.
"Do you mean Kurosaki Ichigo?" asked Byakuya. "He is your ex-boyfriend, is he not?"
Rukia nodded silently next to him.
"Who is Soi Fon then?" Byakuya asked.
"I… Look, does that even matter?" Rukia asked, her voice desperate. "I can't let this happen to me. I'm not even supposed to be out of this country."
"Why?"
There was no reply from Rukia this time but Byakuya noticed the tension in her eyes. She seemed deeply troubled by this incident. Byakuya had expected a reaction from her but he never expected her to get so angry and troubled by it.
"Can't you try to buy back these photos from the publishers and pay them to stop publishing?" Rukia asked, her tone pleading. "Or maybe you can threaten them if they decline!"
"It does not work that way." replied Byakuya, his own patience wearing thin. "It is already over the internet."
He heard a frustrated sigh from Rukia as she handed him his phone back.
"W-Well, maybe the news will start to fade after a week and we can all return to our normal lives." Rukia said.
"I hope so." replied Byakuya. "But in the meantime, I need you to do something for me."
"What?"
"Resume our contract. The one we had in Hong Kong."
Byakuya saw Rukia's eyes went wide and then she blinked, as though trying to digest his words, and then he saw her face went pale as she opened her mouth and simply gape at him. Byakuya had no time for her silliness.
"Rest assured, I will pay you well for your part. We do not even have to interact much, actually. If there is anyone who ask about our relationship, all you have to do is just tell them that we are indeed together." Byakuya said.
Rukia seemed to have snapped out of her trance as she tried to tuck her stubborn bang behind her ear but to no avail.
"But what about my job at the club?" She asked.
"You are not allowed to work at the club in the meantime but once this thing blows over, you can resume work."
"Then what do I do in the meantime?"
"Nothing." Byakuya simply replied. "Just do not say anything to any reporters. Let me do the talking."
"I need to think about this." Rukia replied worriedly. "Just give me a little bit of time."
Byakuya gave a small nod. "Remember, this contract is just between the two of us and Renji."
Rukia nodded. "I will give you an answer tonight."
The sky was turning dark as Rukia made her way to the police station. It had been two hours since Byakuya had his driver dropped her off at her apartment. Rukia had spent the time avoiding calls from Ichigo and all her friends and had thought about the situation very carefully. She knew that there was no way she could keep everything a secret anymore. She would have to tell Soi Fon Taichou and pray that she would let her stay on the job.
As soon as Rukia stepped into the station, she was thankful that there were not much people around. The few police officers who were present didn't seem to notice her as they were bent over their desks, busy with work.
Rukia quickly made her way to the door of Soi Fon Taichou's office and knocked. She heard Soi Fon Taichou's voice ordering her to come in and she stepped in and closed the door behind her.
"Rukia, what are you doing here?" Soi Fon Taichou asked, slightly alarmed. "It's dangerous to show your face around here."
"I have a confession to make." mumbled Rukia. "But please let me finish explaining before you decide to fire me."
Soi Fon Taichou raised her eyebrows as she told Rukia to take a seat first. "Did anything happen? Are you in trouble?"
Rukia pondered for a moment. Is this considered trouble?
"Did someone find out your real identity?" Soi Fon asked, this time panicked.
Rukia quickly shook her head. "No, no, no. Of course not."
Soi Fon frowned as she studied Rukia's expression. "Tell me what it is then."
And Rukia found herself spilling every single detail to Soi Fon Taichou. From Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez's attack to how Byakuya saved her and how they ended up in Hong Kong with a contract to the dinner party at the Changs and how the paparazzi will leak everything to the press tomorrow.
As soon as Rukia had finished, she stared at Soi Fon Taichou guiltily. Soi Fon was now frowning very deeply as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"So, basically, Kuchiki Byakuya wants you to be his pretend-fiancée now?" Soi Fon Taichou asked to which Rukia nodded.
"Am I going to get fired?" asked Rukia. "I swear I didn't know things were going to turn out like this. I was afraid to tell you Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez attacked me because you might fire me for causing trouble like this… Honestly, I tried to think of other ways to solve the problem but I was also afraid he would come after me because Kuchiki Byakuya said he would and I-
"Shut it, Rukia." interrupted Soi Fon. "You're rambling."
Rukia closed her mouth immediately as she watched Soi Fon Taichou. Finally after what seemed like five hours which Rukia was pretty sure it must have been only five minutes, Soi Fon slammed her fist on the wooden table and stood up.
"You will continue with this mission, Rukia."
Rukia heaved a sigh of relief and was about to thank her when Soi Fon Taichou continued, "But this time, I want you to focus on someone else instead."
Rukia's eyes widened. "Who?"
"Kuchiki Byakuya." replied Soi Fon Taichou gravely. "He is an even bigger catch than Jaegerjaquez and it seems as though you have gained quite a bit of his trust."
"What?" Rukia shot out of her chair. "I can't do that!"
"And why not?" Soi Fon Taichou asked.
"W-Well, he saved me so isn't spying on him kind of wrong?" asked Rukia, as she felt her heart starting to race.
Soi Fon Taichou rolled her eyes. "Rukia, this is the game of cat and mouse. You should know this once you've decide to join the force. All these mice needs to be wiped out. There is nothing wrong with it. Do you need me to explain further?"
Rukia shook her head as she noticed the impatience in Soi Fon's voice.
"The question is, do you want to do this, Rukia?" Soi Fon asked seriously. "Before you agree, I have to warn you that Kuchiki Byakuya is a hundred times worse than Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. If you were to be found out, he will not hesitate to kill you and he will also make sure that your body will never be found. Or worse, he will not kill you and be done with."
"What do you mean?" asked Rukia softly, her big eyes fixed on Soi Fon Taichou.
"I'm not trying to scare you, Rukia, but it is a well-known fact that some of Kuchiki Byakuya's enemies suffered fates worse than death. He had them begging to be killed in the end." Soi Fon Taichou said.
Rukia shuddered as she sank back into the chair. She knew the Yakuzas were scary but had never expected Kuchiki Byakuya to be this scary.
"Rukia, I want to tell you that this is a matter of life and death, so please think through before giving me your answer. These missions are normally for the higher level cops and not even all of them made it through. It is just that Kuchiki Byakuya seemed to have trust you a little and this may be an advantage to us. But your safety is still important so you have to think carefully."
Rukia continued to stare at Soi Fon as she allowed her words to sink in. She had no other choice. She had decided to accept all danger and consequences ever since she agreed to take on the Jaegerjaquez mission so why let someone else, namely Kuchiki Byakuya, thwart her plans?
"I'll do it." Rukia said finally. "But can I make a request?"
Soi Fon Taichou nodded. "What is it?"
"Can we keep this mission just between the both of us?"
Soi Fon Taichou raised her eyebrows. "Yamamoto Sou-Taichou has to know about this."
"I know. I mean from Ichigo and everyone else. I never told them about the contract I made with Kuchiki Byakuya and he instructed me to keep it a secret. If more people were to know, I'm afraid it might put them in danger." explained Rukia.
Soi Fon nodded. "Of course, Rukia, this matter will only be known between the both of us and Sou-Taichou."
Rukia smiled gratefully. "But with the news coming out tomorrow, what should I say to Ichigo and the rest?"
"Play along and tell them you've fallen in love with Kuchiki during the trip and of course, tomorrow afternoon, you will receive a call from me and you will come down to the station and I will "fire" you." replied Soi Fon.
"What?" asked Rukia, alarmed. "Isn't that too drastic?"
Soi Fon Taichou waved a hand impatiently. "Of course not. I will force you to make a decision tomorrow. Either you stick with us and break up with Kuchiki or you leave. And of course, you choose to leave. And don't worry, Rukia, I will make sure the news of you and Kuchiki Byakuya "getting together" will be constantly on the news so that the two of you will have to keep on the facade longer, hence, giving you more time to interact with him."
"Won't the news of me as a cop gets out?" Rukia asked, bewildered.
"Other than your friends and those few from this station, no one actually knows of your existence, Rukia." replied Soi Fon matter-of-factly. "And of course, I will order them not to divulge this information if not what will happen to the police force's reputation?"
Rukia looked at Soi Fon Taichou amazed. How can someone thought of everything in such a short span of time? No wonder she is leading them.
"But will Ichigo and my friends believe that I will leave my job for a guy?"
Soi Fon smiled. "That is for you to cook up, Rukia. I can't possibly think of everything for you, isn't it?"
Rukia nodded as Soi Fon's attention went to her computer. "Now, sneak away and I'll see you tomorrow."
With a soft goodbye, Rukia slipped out of her office and dashed out before any of the officers could make out who she is. Rukia quickly took out her phone and called Kuchiki Byakuya. He answered at the fifth ring and Rukia could feel her heart banging wildly against her chest as soon as she heard his voice.
"Have you decided?" he asked.
"Yes." Rukia replied. "Let's do it."
"Rukia, what are you doing here?" Kira asked, putting his mug of tea down on the table before rushing towards her.
Rukia mumbled. "Soi Fon Taichou asked to see me."
Upon seeing her arrival, Shuuhei who had been yakking away with another office at the corner, quickly rushed forward.
"It was all over the internet, Rukia! What's going on?" Shuuhei demanded. "Why did they say that you and that scum are a couple?"
Before Rukia had a chance to reply, Soi Fon's head popped out of the office.
"Rukia, come in." and then she turned to Kira and Shuuhei. "You two, get in here too."
As soon as the door closed behind them, Soi Fon turned to Rukia angrily.
"What the hell is going on?" she demanded. "Explain yourself!"
"I… It's true." replied Rukia softly as she turned away.
"What?!" Shuuhei hollered as Kira gaped at Rukia.
"I don't want to lie anymore, Soi Fon Taichou, please try to understand." Rukia pleaded as she forced a few tears to form. "It wasn't intentional."
"Rukia, please tell me you are kidding right now." Soi Fon Taichou said angrily.
Rukia shook her head. "I promise I won't let my relationship with him affect my work."
"Now you have a relationship with him? I thought you were at least going to say that it was just a fling!" Soi Fon asked angrily. "Rukia, how did this happen?"
"We fell in love… during the Hong Kong trip." replied Rukia as her two friends stared at her in horror.
"You left that part out yesterday!" Shuuhei said as he walked to Rukia and shook her. "What the hell, Rukia?"
"I have no more to say to you, Rukia, either you stay in the force with us and leave him… or just return your badge and leave." Soi Fon replied curtly.
"Please, Soi Fon Taichou, I'm sure Rukia has an explanation for this." Kira said.
Rukia shook her head as she allowed the tears to fall. "I'm sorry. I love him."
Before her friends could say another word, Rukia took her badge and placed it on the table and left the room. Rukia felt incredibly guilty as she thought of what just happened. Her friends were so horrified and confused and even concerned as to what came over her. Rukia could hear hurried footsteps behind her knowing that her two friends would definitely demand an explanation. She quickly exited the station and turned left into a deserted alley and stopped there, allowing her friends to catch up.
"Rukia, what's going on?" Shuuhei demanded. "Why didn't you tell us this yesterday?"
"I didn't want to say anything. I didn't know the news would be leaked out like this." replied Rukia.
"So it's true." Kira said solemnly to which Rukia nodded.
"How did all these happen?" Shuuhei asked, his eyes boring into hers.
Rukia fidgeted nervously and she leaned against the brick wall behind her. "I don't know. He saved me and we just felt that there was something more during the trip. And in that one week, we just kind of fell in love…"
"Just like that?" Shuuhei asked. "That isn't like you, Rukia."
"I know but it happened and I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys yesterday." Rukia said. "But with Ichigo there…"
"Fuck," cursed Shuuhei. "Ichigo… He had been busy with a case since early this morning before the news came out. I don't think he knows of it yet."
"I'll call him now." Kira said as he took out his phone.
"Wait." Rukia said as she quickly stopped Kira. "Call him when I'm gone. I know he is going to be livid with me… and not to mention disappointed. I failed him as a sister…"
"As a sister?!" echoed Shuuhei. "Jesus, Rukia, he's going to be fucking mad because you are with someone else. Don't you see after all these years? He's in-
"Stop." interrupted Kira as he shot a warning look at Shuuhei.
"Stop what?" asked Rukia as she stared at the boys. "He is in what?"
"H-He is in…" struggled Shuuhei. "In deep shit, of course. How is he going to explain to Isshin that you've fallen in love with the big bad?"
Rukia noticed the tension had disappeared from Kira's face as she sighed. Shuuhei is right. Rukia shook her head in frustration.
"Rukia, the most important thing now is, does Kuchiki Byakuya feel the same way towards you?" asked Kira seriously. "Does he really care for you?"
Rukia gave a slow nod.
"But it has just been a week. Is it worth to throw away your job just like this?"
"Actually, it's been more than just a week." lied Rukia. "I met him when I started my job at Jaegerjaquez club and we already felt a connection back then."
Rukia's face fell as she noticed the last bit of hope disappeared from Kira's face. He finally nodded in defeat and again, Rukia felt the overwhelming surge of guilt.
"I'm sorry, guys, please try to understand."
Kira nodded but Shuuhei was just staring ahead. Rukia turned her eyes towards him. She knew Shuuhei was more stubborn than Kira but she didn't want her friends to stay mad at her.
"Shuuhei, come on…" Rukia pleaded.
Finally, Shuuhei sighed and turned to look at Rukia. "Fine, but that doesn't mean I am okay with him. But Rukia, we are worried for you. This Kuchiki Byakuya, nothing good can come out of it to anyone who cares for him."
"What do you mean?" asked Rukia, curious.
"Don't you know about his ex-girlfriend?" Kira asked.
"Sakuya?" Rukia asked. "What about her?"
"That's the thing. One day, she just disappeared. We have always been keeping tabs on her because of Kuchiki and just all of a sudden, she disappeared from the face of the earth." Shuuhei replied.
"Do you mean, he killed her?" Rukia asked, shocked.
"Well, there was no body…" Shuuhei trailed off. "But a person doesn't just disappear like that, Rukia. He must have something to do with it."
Rukia stilled as she felt goose bumps forming. Why didn't anyone tell her these sooner? If so, she would have never jumped into that plane with Kuchiki Byakuya and now she is stuck in this situation.
"They had been together for so long and one day, she just disappeared and nobody knew what happened to her." said Kira.
"I'm sure they broke up and she just left the country or something…" replied Rukia, trying to convince herself at the same time.
"No records of her leaving the country."Shuuhei said. "Whatever it is, Rukia, just know that you have to careful around him. I will never understand why you picked him but well, maybe love is something I will never understand… And I really hope you will be happy."
Although Rukia knew things between her and Byakuya are never like that, she could feel the tears prickling at the corner of her eyes again. Shuuhei and Kira seemed genuinely concerned about her.
"Don't say stuff like that." Rukia choked out. "This sounds like you're saying goodbye to me."
"Well, I guess Kuchiki Byakuya really does feel something for you since he knows you're a cop and he is still dating you." Kira said.
"A-Actually, I haven't told him yet." murmured Rukia.
Rukia could see the horrified faces on her friends' faces for the second time that day and if the situation wasn't so serious, she would have taken a photo of them like this and tease them about it afterwards.
"This is so messed up, Rukia!" hissed Kira.
"I know, I know." replied Rukia. "I will tell him when the time is right. For now, I'm still the waitress who previously worked in Jaegerjaquez's club."
"Well, I'm really worried for your safety." Kira said. "If you think that there will be a chance he will kill you after you tell him the truth, then I suggest you better keep that secret with you forever."
"This is ridiculous." mumbled Shuuhei who was now running a hand through his hair nervously.
"Don't worry, I'll deal with it. I'll be fine." Rukia said.
"You better be," growled Shuuhei. "If not we're going to hunt that bastard down and kill him."
"I have to go. Can you guys help me let Ichigo and Matsumoto know what's going on?" replied Rukia. "I can't deal with Ichigo when he's mad."
Kira nodded. "We understand, Rukia. But don't be surprised if he floods you with calls and texts."
Rukia nodded as she waved goodbye to her friends. As soon as her friends disappeared from sight, Rukia exited the alley and made her way to the nearest bus stop to catch a bus back to her apartment. Soi Fon Taichou had agreed to let her continue use the apartment as she was still on a mission but she was sure Ichigo and the rest would question why she was still using the apartment. Deciding that she will cook something up when the time comes, Rukia brushed that thought out of her mind.
Rukia noticed a news stand beside the bus stop and did a double take when she suddenly noticed her face along with Byakuya's face on a few of the magazine covers.
"Miss, wanna buy a copy?" The news vendor said just as he looked up.
His face looked confused for a second and then it was as though something clicked as he scowled and shoved the magazine towards Rukia.
"You are her, right?" he barked. "So, you're the girlfriend of him!"
Rukia felt herself flush as she shook her head politely, magazine still in hand.
"I don't understand! What do you see in him? Money?! He is evil, I tell you!" The news vendor yelled.
Startled with his outburst, Rukia quickly threw some money towards the vendor and walked away, stuffing the magazine in her bag. She stared at the pavement in front of her as she hurried, avoiding all eye contact from strangers who bustled pass her. She quickly pulled her hood up of her coat, silently thanking the winter cold that she would look less suspicious like this in this weather. Just her luck, her bus rumbled to a stop as Rukia reached the bus stop and quickly boarded. The bus ride home was thankfully more normal than the day she just had.
Sitting by the window, Rukia took out her mobile phone from her pocket just as it rang. She frowned at the unknown number but picked up anyway.
"Yo, Rukia! How are you holding up?" A strangely familiar voice shouted.
"Umm… Who-
Before she could finish her sentence, the caller yelled, "It's Abarai Renji, you idiot! Did you forget about my existence already?"
Rukia laughed as she relaxed. "Of course not. Sorry."
"I heard from Taichou about the deal. Don't worry, Rukia. These things will die down soon."
Rukia highly doubted it since Soi Fon Taichou had told her she would find ways to keep the news going as long as possible.
"Are you back in Tokyo?" asked Rukia.
"Nah, still in Hong Kong. Just called to check up on you. We'll talk when I get back, okay?" Renji replied and the phone went dead.
Rukia soon realised that it was her stop and she quickly got off the bus. She sighed as she walked towards her apartment with the snow crunching beneath her feet. She had spun so many lies in less than twenty-four hours and they are to people that she cared the most about. Rukia turned a corner and gasped as she noticed the familiar orange haired male standing below her apartment. Rukia was about to duck when Ichigo noticed her.
"Rukia!" He called out and Rukia had no choice but to force herself to walk towards him.
She couldn't decipher the expression on Ichigo's face as she neared him.
"Hey, were you just trying to avoid me?" Ichigo asked, his tone normal.
"N-No, of course not!" laughed Rukia nervously. "I thought I dropped a coin."
Ichigo nodded and Rukia noticed he seemed slightly nervous as he stared down at the pavement.
"Look, Rukia, I'm so sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have acted that way. Don't stay mad at me, alright?" said Ichigo.
Rukia's eyes widened. She wasn't surprised at the apology but is that all he had to say? Rukia was pretty sure Kira and Shuuhei have not told him the news.
"I'm not mad anymore, Ichigo." replied Rukia cautiously. "H-Have you talked to Kira or Shuuhei?"
"No. Why?"
Rukia shook her head. "Nothing."
Ichigo raised his eyebrows at her but did not say another word.
"Is that all, Ichigo?" asked Rukia as she shivered from the cold wind.
Ichigo nodded sheepishly and smiled. "Yea, that's all. Tomorrow's Sunday, Matsumoto is throwing a small barbeque at her place. You'll come, right?"
Matsumoto had texted her the night before but she had forgotten to give her reply. Rukia was pretty sure Ichigo would get hold of the news very soon and she wasn't sure if he would still want her to go.
Ichigo seemed to notice she seemed to be hesitating.
"Come on, Rukia," he cajoled. "You said you're not mad at me anymore, right? And all of us missed you when you're gone."
Sighing, Rukia gave a small nod. Ichigo broke into a grin as he tousled Rukia's hair affectionately.
"Great," he replied. "I'll see you tomorrow then."
Rukia nodded and forced a smile on her face as she waved. Ichigo turned and was just about to leave when a shiny black Porsche swerved into the street and stopped in front of them.
Rukia could feel her blood turn cold as soon as she saw Kuchiki Byakuya stepping out of his car. Unfortunately, Ichigo spotted him too as he stopped in his tracks and watched. Rukia quickly turned around and pretend to be absorbed in searching for nothing in particular as she tried to bury her face in her bag. Maybe Byakuya wouldn't notice?
But of course, lady luck wasn't shining on her as she noticed the tall shadow of Kuchiki Byakuya behind her.
"Rukia," he called out to her.
Rukia gulped and ignored him as she continued to bury her face in her bag. Maybe he would take it as a hint and walk away? Rukia was certain Ichigo would be making his way over soon.
"What are you doing?" asked Byakuya, his tone clearly annoyed.
Again, Rukia refused to lift her head up as she tried to walk away, head still in her bag.
"Is there a problem?" Ichigo's voice called out and Rukia heard him hurrying over.
She cringed as she continued to stare blankly at the contents inside her bag.
Byakuya seemed to be ignoring Ichigo as there was no answer from him. Suddenly, Rukia felt a sudden jerk and she realised Kuchiki Byakuya had yanked her bag away from her.
"What the hell are you doing?" asked Ichigo angrily as he stared from Rukia to Byakuya.
Again, Byakuya ignored him as he turned to face Rukia.
"Did you not hear me calling out for you?" He asked, irritated, her bag still in his hand.
"Sorry," Rukia mumbled. "I was busy searching for something."
There was no reply from Byakuya and Rukia quickly turned towards Ichigo, a forced smile plastered on her face.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow, right? Bye then!" Rukia said as she started pushing Ichigo away.
"Rukia, what the hell?!" shouted Ichigo as he brushed her off, confused. "Why is he here?"
"I… I don't know." replied Rukia, as she turned away her eyes from Ichigo.
"I am sure it is of no concern to you." Byakuya said finally, acknowledging Ichigo's existence.
Ichigo glared at Byakuya. "Of course it concerns me. I'm her fam-
"Ex-boyfriend!" yelled Rukia suddenly, interrupting Ichigo as she stared pointedly at him. "You're my ex-boyfriend, remember?"
Ichigo stared at her for a moment and then finally gave a small nod to which Byakuya smirked.
"I see." Byakuya replied. "Then I am right, this is none of your concern."
"I still care for Rukia!" Ichigo retorted hotly.
"Please, let's just go upstairs and talk." Rukia pleaded to Byakuya and then turned to Ichigo. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"
Byakuya seemed to agree as he threw Rukia's bag towards her. Rukia gave a yelp of surprise as she struggled to catch it but failed miserably as her bag fell to the ground with a thud and the contents spilled out.
"W-What's that?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia noticed that the magazine she had stuffed into her bag earlier was now in full view and before she could stuff it back into her bag, Ichigo had grabbed it and stared at the cover page in horror.
"Girlfriend?!" he exclaimed. "This is a mistake right? They simply mistook you as his girlfriend, right?!"
"Yes! It was just a misunderstanding!" replied Rukia as she snatched the magazine out of Ichigo's grasp and quickly stuffed it into her bag.
Rukia decided that it was not wise to tell Ichigo "the truth" now in front of Byakuya and it would be better to take the cowardly way of letting Kira and Shuuhei break the news to him. She wasn't proud of her methods but hell, there was no other choice.
"Rukia, I have something on later. Do not waste my time anymore." Byakuya said strictly as he glanced at his watch.
The sudden ring from Ichigo's mobile phone distracted Ichigo from them and Rukia took the chance to drag Byakuya into the lobby of the apartment and boarded the lift. She finally sighed with relief as the lift doors closed in front of them.
"Sorry, you had to witness that." apologised Rukia.
"Is he stalking you?" came Byakuya's reply and Rukia almost wanted to laugh at the absurdity but quickly bit down on her tongue.
"You should report him to the police if he continues to harass you." replied Byakuya. "He will know of the news within these few days and that might put you in danger."
Rukia looked up at him just as the lift stopped and opened the doors. Rukia stepped out and walked to her apartment. She fumbled with her keys before opening the door and as soon as Byakuya stepped in, she quickly locked the door, a little part of her afraid that Ichigo might run up and make another scene. She doesn't blame Ichigo. She knew how the situation must have looked from Ichigo's perspective.
"Tea?" asked Rukia as she threw her bag on the couch.
"No. I will be done in a minute." Byakuya said.
Rukia noticed that he was studying her apartment and suddenly felt very self-conscious. She poured herself a drink and sat down on the couch.
Byakuya seemed uncomfortable as he stood in front of her.
"You can sit down, you know." said Rukia, raising her eyebrows.
"I am fine." replied Byakuya to which Rukia shrugged.
"I need you to wear this." Byakuya said as he reached into the pocket of his blazer and retrieved the ring Rukia had worn when she was at the Changs dinner party. She had immediately returned him when they were back in the hotel.
"Are we going to another event?" asked Rukia as she took the ring from him.
"No. I need you to wear it constantly from now on. People are going to start questioning if you are not wearing a ring when you are supposed to be engaged to me."
Rukia nodded as she slipped the diamond ring into her finger. "Anything else?"
"I will be having a dinner party tomorrow and you are to attend as my fiancée."
"Tomorrow?" Rukia stilled. She had promised Ichigo that she will be going to Matsumoto's barbeque. On second thought, perhaps Ichigo wouldn't mind after he has gotten the news of Rukia's "new boyfriend".
"Tomorrow is fine." Rukia replied.
Byakuya gave a nod. "I will get someone to deliver your dress tomorrow morning and I will send a car to pick you up in the evening."
Rukia nodded as Byakuya turned to leave.
"Wait!" Rukia shouted as she leapt up from the couch and raced to the windows. She yanked the windows open and popped her head out. Good, Ichigo was gone.
"What?" Byakuya asked.
"Nothing." Rukia said as she smiled. "Now, you can leave."
Rukia was pretty certain Byakuya almost rolled his eyes and she unlocked the door to let him out.
A/N: I know there wasn't much interaction between Byakuya and Rukia here but don't worry, more will come in the next chapter! No cliffhanger here so you guys can relax and sit back. Haha. Did anyone expect that the news of their "engagement" will get leaked out?
Drop me a review if you can, okay? Would love to hear your thoughts! See you soon! ;)