A/N: Back with an update! I tried to update by Valentine's Day but couldn't as I wasn't done with this chapter. This chapter was so hard to write! Gahhh! But I finally did it despite my busy schedule.
Thanks to all the brilliant reviewers who took the time and effort to review! Your thoughts are very much appreciated! ;)
Words to note: Baka - Idiot/Fool
Note: You will notice a ¥600,000 later which amounts to roughly USD$6,400.
Warning: Some sexy times.
The moment his lips were on hers, Rukia felt as though someone had just electrified her body. She felt her skin tingle and getting hotter by the second. Her hands were pressing against his chest as one of Byakuya's hands that was previously on her back had travelled to the small of her back as he held her in place.
Rukia tried to push him off but found out her hands weren't obeying her mind. They simply stayed put on Byakuya's chest. Rukia felt his tongue skim across her lips as though asking for permission to enter and reflexively, Rukia opened her mouth as she felt Byakuya's hot tongue invade her mouth.
He kissed her deeper and before Rukia could stop herself, she let out a moan which seemed to encouraged Byakuya further as he pushed her down on the bed as he hovered over her. The kiss never broke as Rukia felt her hands slowly creeping up to Byakuya's back as she held him in place.
His kisses were getting urgent and suddenly without warning, his lips had left hers and ventured to her neck as Byakuya slowly rained butterfly kisses up her neck and when he reached the behind of her ear, Rukia felt him giving her a playful nip as Rukia squeaked in surprise.
Byakuya then lifted his head up as he stared at her, his grey eyes had turned a few shades darker as Rukia blushed under his gaze. Rukia propped her elbows against the bed as she tried to push herself up but failed as Byakuya pushed her down gently again and smoothed back her hair.
He was so gentle, so unlike the previous time in the study and Rukia felt her heart thundering against her chest as Byakuya bent down and kissed her neck with playful sucks and nips in between.
"B-Bya…" Rukia moaned as she felt him kiss behind her ear again. "D-Don't…"
There was no reply from Byakuya as Rukia felt his body lowering and then she was fully aware that their bodies were now touching and she flushed.
"Do you feel that, Rukia?" He asked huskily as his lips went to place a kiss on her lips.
Rukia was about to ask what when she felt it. He was incredibly hard and she can feel it. She felt Byakuya press his body against her harder and Rukia felt an ache between her legs as she squeezed her legs tight.
"Rukia," he murmured against her ear. "This is what you do to me in such a short amount of time."
Byakuya placed a kiss on her lips. "So, never say that-
Another playful nip on her lips as he continued.
"You are not attractive."
Upon hearing her words, Rukia felt her eyes snap open in attention. Had he just told her that she turns him on and he finds her attractive?
The ache in between her legs was starting to throb now as Byakuya's hands ghosted against her thighs. Rukia was wearing pyjama pants but Rukia could almost feel his hands on her skin. His kisses were slowly traveling to the small 'v' of the dress shirt she was wearing where the first buttons were.
Without warning, Rukia felt him press his palm against her throbbing area as she mewled and threw her head back. It was so satisfying but his touch seemed to have fuelled her need for them more. She felt herself grow wetter by the second as Byakuya's other hand unbuttoned the first of the buttons of the shirt. She felt his hot kiss there as his hands continued to work its way down.
Byakuya's lips never left her skin as every button was undone, his lips was on the skin immediately. Once the third button was popped open, Rukia's black bra was revealed and she felt his palm pressing harder against her sensitive flesh and she arched her back at the overwhelming sensation.
Byakuya kissed the swell of her breasts that was uncovered by the bra and then his lips continued downwards. His lips trailed lower and lower and Rukia's hands went to his head immediately. She gently tug on his hair and heard a small moan of approval from him and feeling braver by his response, Rukia gently massaged his scalp as his lips continued their journey downwards.
His hand that was resting on her crotch was now kneading the flesh and Rukia heard her moaning growing louder by the second as her legs clamped his hand in reflex as though to keep him there.
Rukia was getting so hot she could feel a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. She was thankful that the room was not bright as she felt her face blush again when Byakuya finally undo the last of the buttons and the shirt was opened up to reveal her body to him. She felt Byakuya's hand that had been on her crotch left her and she groaned in dismay.
Rukia was almost naked and realised that Byakuya was still fully clothed. She reached out and pulled him towards her for another kiss as her hands began working on the buttons of his shirt. It wasn't an easy task as her hands fumbled with them. She closed her eyes as Byakuya's tongue explored her mouth. She felt his hands helping her with the buttons as one by one, they were heading down south.
The air between them was getting heavy as Rukia panted. It was much too hot. She watched as Byakuya's lips left hers as he took off his shirt and threw them on to the floor. Rukia's eyes widened at his perfect physique.
Her hands reached out again and she gently touched his chest. He didn't seem to mind as he stared at her nervous face. His heated gaze on her made her all the more wetter as he came back down to claim her lips.
As they kissed, Rukia lightly scraped her nails against his nipples and she was surprised when she felt him shudder a little. Rukia was new to this. She didn't know a simple touch like this could evoke such a reaction from him.
"Rukia," He moaned breathily as his lips left hers.
They both took the chance for some air and Byakuya slip the straps of her bra down her shoulders. Embarrassed, Rukia's hands shot to her chest to cover herself up.
"T-They're not…" She stammered, afraid that she will face disappointment in his eyes.
"They are perfect." Byakuya replied huskily as he gently pried her hands off.
Rukia swallowed thickly as she felt him unclasp the bra behind her and in less than a second, the bra had joined the heap of clothes on the floor.
Rukia was about to cover herself up again but before she had the chance, one of Byakuya's hands had grabbed her wrists and held them above her head.
Rukia's eyes widened as she watched Byakuya's head dip as he captured one of her nipple with his teeth as he tugged on it softly. She felt his tongue darting out as he gave a sluggish stroke. Rukia arched her back as she moaned.
His other hand was on the other breast, massaging, as his mouth continued the assault.
Rukia was so desperate to touch him and with enough strength, her hands wriggled out of his grasp as they found their way to his back. Byakuya didn't seem to mind as his eyes remained close as he continued to pleasure her.
Rukia dug her fingers into his back as she felt the throbbing between her legs getting more intense than ever. Byakuya's ministrations on her breasts seemed to have intensified it.
Squeezing her thighs tightly together, Rukia felt her legs rubbing against each other on their own, as though trying very hard to soothe the ache. Byakuya seemed to have noticed it too as one of his hand rested on her flat stomach as though trying to calm her down.
It didn't work as his touch made the ache worsen and Rukia gave out a groan. Byakuya finally stopped his assault on her breasts as he looked up.
Rukia squirmed under his heated gaze as she looked up at him. He was so handsome, with his hair falling down his face. Rukia's hand reached out and she touched the side of his face gingerly. How could she ever think of leaving him when he was looking at her like this? Unknowingly, a tear slipped out of the corner of her eye as she looked at him.
Byakuya's cold mask was finally gone. The man in front of her wasn't just a famous Yakuza leader. He was simply a man that was looking at her as though she was the most precious thing on earth.
Rukia lifted herself up, closed her eyes as she kissed him softly on the lips. She could feel her tears mixed between the kiss. She felt Byakuya pull apart reluctantly as he looked at her.
"Rukia," he said softly. "We can stop here if you want to."
"No, don't stop here." Rukia replied as she opened her eyes to look into his grey ones.
"Am I your first?" Byakuya asked as he brushed her tears away.
Rukia nodded as another blush came to her cheeks.
"I will be gentle." Byakuya promised as he kissed her.
Rukia trusted him. After all that has happened between them, she could trust him not to hurt her. And most importantly, Rukia wanted this to happen.
Byakuya's kisses travelled downwards as his hands tugged her pyjama pants down and soon, Rukia was clad in nothing except for her soaked panty.
Byakuya's lips stopped at her hips as he looked up to seek a final approval from her. Rukia gave a nod and in a swift, her panty was discarded on the floor.
Rukia felt her face grow hot as Byakuya started stroking her. She gritted her teeth and clamped her eyes shut as the overwhelming sensation threatened to push her over the edge. She fisted the silk sheets beside her and finally moaned when she felt Byakuya's finger enter her.
The feeling was so foreign yet it felt right. She felt him stroke her insides as Rukia jerked in surprise. Byakuya was slow and Rukia had a feeling he was doing it on purpose. Her eyes flitted to his face just in time to see a small smirk leaving his face.
Rukia was about to groan in frustration when she felt him adding another finger in and slowly speeding up. Arching her back, Rukia bit her lip to keep her voice down as her grip on the sheets beside her tightened. She hadn't expected that a few thrusts of his fingers could deliver such pleasure to her. Pleasure she had never experienced before.
"B-Byakuya," Rukia moaned. "Please."
Rukia could feel it. She was so close but as soon as she thought she was finally going to have some release, Byakuya's fingers left her and this time, she didn't hesitate as she groaned in frustration.
Byakuya smiled a little as he kissed her on the lips and that was when Rukia felt the tip of his manhood dangerously close to her entrance. He was not in yet but as his manhood brushed against her sensitive flesh, Rukia swallowed thickly as she stared up at Byakuya.
She could see how hard he was trying to control himself as he slowly eased himself in. He was definitely much bigger than his fingers and Rukia hissed when she felt him slide in slowly.
He paused for a moment and Rukia knew that he was waiting for her to adjust to the pain. It was painful but Rukia wanted this. Finally feeling the pain subside, Rukia nodded slowly as she felt him going further.
Byakuya stopped again and without warning, his lips found hers and as the kiss intensified, Rukia felt Byakuya push himself forward as he thrust into her. She gasped into his mouth as her eyes flew open at the new feeling of pain.
She felt Byakuya still as his lips continued their work as though in an attempt to distract her from the sudden pain. It was working. In a few moments, Rukia felt the pain slowly turning into a dull ache as she shifted underneath him.
Gathering that she was ready, Byakuya started moving and Rukia bit her lips as Byakuya's lips went to her neck. His pace was controlled at first as he slowly pumped in and out of her and Rukia hands found their way to his back as she gripped his back, urging him to go faster.
Byakuya complied and with every thrust, Rukia felt herself moaning in ecstasy as she clawed his back. She was certain she was going to leave scratch marks on him but she didn't care. Byakuya continued pounding into her and before she knew it, Rukia felt a shudder and came and with one final thrust, she felt Byakuya came too as he burrowed his face into the crook of her neck.
They were both panting heavily as both of them tried to catch their breath. Byakuya finally rolled on to his back, lying beside her and then pulled her to him as the both of them stayed silent, each of them knowing that everything has changed between them.
Rukia laid her head on his shoulder as Byakuya wrapped an arm around her waist.
"W-What does this mean?" Rukia whispered.
"This means that you are mine." Byakuya answered as he kissed her on the top of her head.
Hearing him say the words, Rukia felt a smile grace her lips as she snuggled against him, letting sleep consume her.
The annoying buzzing sound woke Rukia up the very next morning as she cracked open her eyes to find herself staring at a very naked torso of a man, namely Kuchiki Byakuya.
Eyes widening as what happened the previous night came flooding back into her mind, she carefully scooted away from him as he continued sleeping. Sliding herself off the bed, Rukia quickly put on his shirt that was on the floor as she gazed at his sleeping form.
He looked so peaceful and so very ordinary. The sudden buzzing snapped Rukia out of her trance as she hastily looked around the room. She spotted her mobile phone lightening up on Byakuya's couch as she quickly tip toed towards it.
She flipped open her phone to find three text messages in her inbox. Noticing that it was only five-thirty in the morning, Rukia opened the texts to find all of them were from Soi Fon Taichou.
Rukia, where are you? We need to talk. Call me.
I have information. Call me.
Come by if you have the chance.
Rukia knew that something must be wrong. She knew that Soi Fon Taichou must have some important information and of course, she could not text her anything that would reveal her identity. It seemed urgent. Rukia looked back at the sleeping form of Byakuya and headed to the bathroom. She quickly changed into the dress that was in the paper bag from yesterday and after grabbing Byakuya's blazer that was draped on the couch, Rukia snuck out of the bedroom.
Twenty minutes later, Rukia had managed to hail a cab and was now staring at Soi Fon Taichou as the both of them sat in her office in the empty police station.
"Taichou, what's wrong?" Rukia asked worriedly.
Soi Fon Taichou slid a photo across the desk and Rukia's eyes widened as she recognised the figure that was slumped against a wall, a gunshot wound on his head.
"Do you know him?" Soi Fon asked gravely. "We found his body two hours ago."
Rukia continued to stare at the gruesome photo of the man as her head started pounding. The brightness of the fluorescent lights above her made it worse as she pushed the photo back to Soi Fon.
"Y-Yes," Rukia mumbled, as though in a daze. "But he promised he wouldn't kill him."
"Who?" Soi Fon asked sharply. "Kuchiki Byakuya?"
Rukia felt herself nod as he eyes stayed on the photo.
"What happened?" Soi Fon asked.
"Yesterday at Kuchiki Byakuya's party, this man attacked me." Rukia replied. "I was saved in time before he could drown me and Byakuya had his men took him away."
"And then?"
"But before we left the scene, I begged him not to kill the man." Rukia replied. "And he agreed."
"Well, looks like he did kill him after that." Soi Fon replied.
Rukia looked up frantically. "He couldn't have done that!"
"What makes you so sure?" Soi Fon asked, surprised.
"Because I was with him the entire night!" Rukia blurted out.
She saw the expression on Soi Fon's face and Rukia bit down on her tongue. Soi Fon looked shocked as she stared at Rukia.
"Rukia," Soi Fon said slowly. "What is your relationship with Kuchiki Byakuya?"
Trying to calm herself down, Rukia replied as she kept her voice even. "Nothing. I'm just spying on him. He believes that we're just friends."
Soi Fon raised an eyebrow. "Why were you spending the night with him then?"
Forcing a laughter, Rukia replied, "It's nothing! We were only talking."
"For the entire night?" Soi Fon asked sceptically.
Rukia nodded. "He had a few drinks and was awfully chatty so I realised it was a good time to see if I could dig up some information."
Her reason seemed to satisfy Soi Fon as Soi Fon finally relaxed in her chair. "Well, if it isn't Kuchiki who killed this man, then it has got to be his men. Kuchiki must have given them orders to kill him."
"But he promised he wouldn't!" Rukia said.
"I wouldn't believe the words of a Yakuza leader, Rukia." Soi Fon warned.
There was nothing else Rukia could say. She had no proof that Byakuya hadn't sent his men to kill that man and Soi Fon's warning was still burning in Rukia's mind.
In frozen realisation, Rukia realised that Soi Fon Taichou was right. Rukia was supposed to be the cop and yet she had believed every single thing Byakuya had told her. She was supposed to be manipulating her enemy yet she had allowed herself to develop feelings for him and had even slept with him.
For all she knows, Byakuya might have really sent Renji or someone to kill that man. How could she have taken his words seriously?
Feeling very disappointed with herself for allowing her feelings to take control of her, Rukia swallowed the lump in her throat and got up hastily.
"Taichou, I have to go, but I'll let you know if I find out anything more on him." Rukia mumbled as she dashed out of the office.
Rukia was thankful that it was still dark outside as she bundled herself into a cab and headed back to her apartment.
The first ray of sunlight crept into her apartment as Rukia let herself in. She shrugged Byakuya's blazer off her shoulders and the familiar smell of cherry blossoms brought a tug to her heart. How could she have let herself get into this mess? What was she thinking?
He was her target. Her enemy. And yet, she had allowed him to worm his way into her heart and had even given him her virginity, something she had always thought she would give to her first boyfriend or husband.
During all this time, she hadn't manage to find out anything on him but only manage find herself getting sucked into this hole that seemed deeper and deeper that she was unable to crawl out of.
Staring at his blazer on her hands, Rukia decided she needed to get away from him. At least for a little while to clear her head. Dumping his blazer on the chair, Rukia headed into her bedroom and pulled out her bag.
She needed to go somewhere where he couldn't find her. If she needed to think properly, she needed to stay away from him to sort out her thoughts.
Byakuya opened his eyes to find himself staring at the clock on the wall. It was eight-thirty and feeling very alive and refreshed, he sat up to find himself alone on the bed.
His eyes glanced around the room to find it empty. Where is Rukia? For a second, he stilled, thinking that everything that had happened last night must have been a dream but when he noticed a small patch of blood on the sheets, he knew everything did happen.
Thinking that perhaps she was downstairs. Byakuya washed up and changed into a set of new clothes as he made his way out of the bedroom. It had been so long since he had slept so soundly and he had a feeling that it was due to the girl that was sharing his bed last night.
Making his way down the stairs, Byakuya realised that the mansion seemed incredibly quiet as he walked around, trying to find Rukia.
Finally, after combing the entire house, Byakuya realised that she was gone. Byakuya could not help but felt a small tug of disappointment in his heart but he finally convinced himself that Rukia must have left as she might have something to attend to.
Ten hours later and after two successful meetings with another two Yakuza leaders, Byakuya found himself checking on his phone again as he sat in his limo. He wasn't really sure what he was waiting for but he felt unsettling that Rukia had left without saying a word.
Finally deciding to make the first move, Byakuya dialled Rukia's number. He waited patiently as the phone rang but felt his patience wearing thin when he reached the sixth ring. The call eventually disconnected after ringing for a few more times and there was still no answer from Rukia.
Byakuya finally flipped his phone shut in annoyance as he instructed his driver to send him to Rukia's residence.
As Byakuya stepped out of his limo, the evening sky was turning dark as the cold winter wind howled. He made his way to Rukia's apartment and rang the doorbell several times. There was no answer and he couldn't hear a single thing from the inside. It seemed as though no one was home.
Irritated but still managing to keep his face impassive, Byakuya texted Rukia.
Where are you? Call me now.
He waited outside her door for about ten minutes and finally retreated back downstairs to his limo when there was still no reply from her.
A sudden thought seized his heart as Byakuya stared out of his tinted window. Was Rukia in trouble again?
Taking out his phone from his breast pocket, Byakuya immediately made a call to Renji.
"Rukia, are you sure everything is okay?" Matsumoto asked worriedly.
Rukia nodded as she gave her friend an assuring smile.
After she had packed her bags four days ago, she had decided to crash at Matsumoto's place as she was the best option compared to her other friends. Crashing with Ichigo was out of the question although Rukia would have preferred that. She found herself missing Isshin's coddling and Yuzu's cooking and how Karin would always liven up the whole place by fighting with Isshin. She missed her family, especially Ichigo. But with everything that has happened between Ichigo and her recently, crashing with him wasn't really the best idea.
Kira and Shuuhei lived together and as much as Rukia love them both, staying with a girl was definitely much better than staying with two guys. Besides, she knew how Matsumoto would never judge her or force her into telling what was wrong if she didn't felt like it.
"I'm really fine, I promise!" Rukia smiled as she looked up from her manga.
"Alright, I have a mission tonight so I won't be home until tomorrow." Matsumoto replied as she put on some lipstick.
She took a moment to pucker up her lips at the mirror and then finally satisfied, she turned to Rukia. "Cheer up, alright? I'm sure everything will work out."
Rukia nodded and smiled as she waved goodbye to Matsumoto as she left the apartment.
It had been four days since she had last spoke to or seen Byakuya and Rukia missed him. She missed him so much that she had found herself staring at his texts that he had sent her over the past few days. He had called several times but Rukia had fought to control the urge to answer. She was so desperate to hear his voice and at one point, she found her thumb pressing the answer button and when she heard Byakuya calling out her name, Rukia almost bawled and quickly disconnected the call without saying a word to him.
Rukia thought she was almost going crazy and she finally decided to switch off her phone. She never knew she could ever think of someone so much and it frightened her. There was no doubt she was in love with him. She had tried to sort her feelings out in these four days but nothing came out of it.
Rukia had even resorted to writing the pros and cons of being with Byakuya on a notepad and it eventually led to a long list of cons and no pros at all.
She initially wanted to add 'Incredibly wealthy' to the pros section but finally decided that she couldn't as most of the money Byakuya make were illicit.
After the list, Rukia had found herself more depressed than ever as she tore up the paper and flushed it down the toilet.
Rukia closed her manga as she stood up from the couch. It was almost eleven and deciding to take an early night, Rukia made her way to the Matsumoto's bedroom. Before Rukia could reach the bedroom, Matsumoto's home phone rang and Rukia made her way to answer it.
"Rukia," Soi Fon said over the line. "Can you come over to the station now?"
Rukia's eyes widened. "Why? Did something happen?"
Rukia heard an annoyed sigh from Soi Fon before she replied, "Yes, Kurosaki that idiot is injured and refuses to go to the hospital. You're the only one who can make him go so come over now."
"O-Okay, I'll be right over!" Rukia stammered as she slammed the phone down in a hurry and dashed out of the apartment.
Hopping out of the cab ten minutes later, Rukia raced to the station to find only a sleepy policewoman at the station who was almost drooling at the desk. Rukia snuck in and slipped into Soi Fon's office and as soon as she closed the door behind her, she found herself facing an angry Ichigo and an exasperated Soi Fon.
"Taichou, I told you I'm fine!" Ichigo insisted. "Let me go back to the scene of the crime!"
"What's going on?" Rukia interrupted.
Rukia noticed that Ichigo seemed to have calmed down as soon as he saw her and he shot her a quick smile.
"I'm fine." Ichigo replied. "Just got a cut on the arm."
Rukia's eyes immediately went to Ichigo's arm to see a deep gash and blood streaming down.
"You have to go to the hospital, idiot!" Rukia scolded angrily as she walked towards him.
In a moment of anger, the tension they had previously seemed to have slipped Rukia's mind as all she could see was a very stubborn and injured Ichigo who was refusing to visit the hospital.
"It's really nothing, Rukia. Don't worry!" Ichigo smiled as he swung his injured arm around. "See, I'm fine!"
"Baka!" Rukia shouted as she pounded her fist on Ichigo's head.
"Ow!" Ichigo hollered. "What was that for?"
A familiar feeling resurfaced inside of Rukia as she stared at the scene before her. This was how it always was. Fighting playfully with Ichigo as though nothing had happened between them. Rukia missed all of this and most of all, she missed him.
Both Soi Fon and Ichigo seemed to have noticed Rukia's glazed expression as her eyes started to water. Soi Fon muttered something about getting coffee as she slipped out of the room just as Ichigo peered at Rukia.
"Oi, you okay?" Ichigo asked.
"Of course I'm not, you idiot." Rukia said furiously as she felt the tears prickle. "Why do you have to be so difficult?"
Ichigo stared at her, his eyes wide. "Rukia…"
"Don't you dare Rukia me!" Rukia scolded tearfully. "Why can't we just stay like this forever? I miss this, Ichigo, and I hate it when you're ignoring me. Aren't we supposed to be best friends?"
Ichigo's eyes soften and then finally, he replied, "You're right. I'm sorry, Rukia. About our fight, let's just forget about it okay? Truthfully, I miss bickering with you too."
"Really?" Rukia asked hopefully.
Ichigo laughed and nodded. "Yes, midget! Didn't you say I need to go to the hospital?"
Rukia nodded as she smiled. "I'll go with you."
But as soon as Rukia opened the door, her smile died as she spotted Kuchiki Byakuya staring straight at her.
Byakuya never thought he would ever step into this place voluntarily. But he had no choice. It was the fourth day and he had no clue where Rukia was. He had instructed his men to be on a look out for her but to no avail. Byakuya was at his wits end, therefore, he decided perhaps he needed the help of the police.
It was eleven-thirty and he figured the police station would be quiet at this time of the night. As soon as Byakuya stepped into the station, the only figure he saw was of a policewoman who was at her desk, sleeping.
He had no other choice but to approach her. Byakuya stood in front of her as he cleared his throat. It proved effective as the woman jumped in surprise and blushed heavily as she quickly wiped the drool away from her mouth.
"I am here to report on a missing person." Byakuya said, straight to the point.
"Alright," The policewoman replied. "When was she last seen?"
"Four days ago. She left my place in the morning and there was no sign of her since."
The policewoman nodded gravely as she typed away on her computer. "What's her name?"
"Hitoshi Rukia." Byakuya replied.
Byakuya watched as the woman squinted at her computer screen but a sudden click of a door being opened drew his attention. He turned towards the sound and his eyes widened when he saw himself staring at a person none other than Rukia.
She seemed shocked as well as she simply stood there, her eyes wide as she stared at him.
Byakuya felt relieved to find her alive and not injured from what he could see but then he frowned when he realised that she had just came out of the room where the tag on the door read 'Soi Fon Taichou'.
What was she doing in a police chief's room?
Before he could ask her, she had beaten him to it.
"W-What are you doing here?" Rukia asked, standing as still as the door beside her.
"I came to make a report." Byakuya replied, his eyes boring into hers. "And what are you doing in a police chief's room?"
Byakuya thought he saw a flicker of fear pass Rukia's eyes but wasn't entirely sure because as quick as it came, it was gone.
Rukia was about to answer but was interrupted with a push behind her. She stumbled and turned to glare at the person as the familiar orange haired man stepped out.
"Move it, Rukia, I might bleed to death if you continue to make idle chit chat." Kurosaki Ichigo said, oblivious to the presence of Byakuya.
The sight of that irksome orange haired male together with Rukia made Byakuya frown in irritation and jealousy and he did not fail to notice the playful tone of the brat. Rukia had rejected him at the resort the other day, so why does it seem as though they were on friendly terms now?
Ichigo looked up and having spotted Byakuya, a scowl appeared on his face but said nothing as he simply stood beside Rukia.
Byakuya flicked his attention back to Rukia to find her white as a sheet as she made no reply to his earlier question.
"What are you doing here?" Byakuya repeated as he walked towards her.
Byakuya wasn't angry but he was truly baffled. He was glad Rukia wasn't hurt but there were so many questions in his mind right now. Firstly, why hadn't Rukia replied any of his texts and calls if she was fine? Secondly, why did she just come out of a police chief's office?
Byakuya stared at Rukia as she closed and opened her mouth several times to answer him but failed as every time she opens her mouth, only a choking sound could be heard.
Finally, Rukia cleared her throat, "I-Ichigo was arrested and I came to bail him out."
"What?!" Ichigo hollered as he turned to Rukia. "What are you-
"You really have to stop shoplifting, Ichigo!" Rukia interrupted him sharply. "I'm not going to bail you out the next time!"
Her sharp tone made Ichigo shut up immediately and Byakuya was somewhat glad. At least Rukia could make that noisy brat keep it down.
The female policewoman from earlier came forward as she frowned and stared at Ichigo.
"Isn't that Kurosaki-
"Kurosaki the criminal, yes." Rukia interrupted her as she suddenly turned to Byakuya. "Let's talk outside, okay?"
Byakuya nodded as he walked out of the station with Rukia, leaving Ichigo and the confused looking policewoman inside.
They left the warm station and Byakuya found himself back in the cold quiet street outside. It was dark but an overhead lamp provided sufficient light as Byakuya noticed how uncomfortable Rukia looked. She was not looking at him as she simply stared at the space beside him, fidgeting nervously.
"Are you unwell?" Byakuya found himself asking.
"N-No, I'm fine." Rukia replied as she avoided his gaze.
"Where have you been these past four days?" Byakuya asked, keeping his tone neutral.
He was anxious for her reply but he wasn't showing a trace of it. In the back of his mind, he knew Rukia was avoiding him, but for what reason, Byakuya was not sure. Had she regretted sleeping with him? Was the sex between them such a horrifying experience that she was now afraid of him? He banished the thought as it was not possible. Judging from the sounds of pleasure she had made that night, Byakuya was certain she had enjoyed it as much as he had.
"I had been really busy." Rukia replied quietly.
"Is that all to it?" asked Byakuya, unconvinced.
Rukia nodded hastily as she turned around and looked at the station's building. "I need to bring Ichigo to the hospital. He's hurt. Can we talk later?"
Byakuya was reluctant to stop the conversation but knowing Rukia, she would not continue their conversation until that orange haired brat gets patched up.
"Very well," Byakuya replied. "I shall send the both of you there and while we wait for him, we can continue our conversation."
"What?" Rukia asked and reflexively turned to look at him.
Upon meeting his eyes, she realised her mistake and quickly looked away again. "I mean, it's fine. We can get a cab."
"Do not be silly, Rukia," Byakuya said, patience wearing thin. "It would be faster if my driver sent us there."
Rukia took a moment to ponder and finally deciding that what he said was the truth, she reluctantly agreed.
"Okay, I'll go in and get Ichigo."
And with that, she scampered back into the building as Byakuya looked at her retreating figure.
It was about ten minutes when a very disgruntled looking Ichigo emerged with Rukia and without a word, Rukia got into the limo that had been waiting on the street. Ichigo was about to get in after her but Byakuya swiftly entered as a seething Ichigo climbed in after him.
The ride to the hospital was silent and awkward as Byakuya sat in between the both of them. He noticed that Rukia almost had her face pressed against the window as she tried to pretend that she was interested in what was going on outside which truthfully, was nothing but a black blur as the limo sped along.
Ichigo was behaving the same and Byakuya was glad at least he wouldn't have to suffer hearing the brat speak in the next ten minutes.
Byakuya's attention went back to Rukia and he noticed that she seemed to have paled and the hollow of her cheeks had deepened. He caught himself wondering if she had been sick and felt a flicker of worry. Had her illness been acting up again? Even if so, it doesn't explain why she had been avoiding him.
The limo soon pulled to a stop and the three of them got out and proceeded into the hospital. Upon arriving, a nurse noticed Ichigo's arm and immediately bustled him off, leaving Byakuya and Rukia alone.
"Rukia," Byakuya said as he stared at her. "Since we are here, perhaps you should consult a doctor too."
Rukia's eyes widened as she stared at him confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Your illness has relapsed, has it not?" Byakuya asked seriously.
Rukia made no reply but Byakuya noticed how her shoulders have tensed up and her body seemed to freeze at his reply.
"I-I'm fine." Rukia managed to choke out as she turned away from him.
"You are clearly not." Byakuya said firmly and without warning, he took her by the hand and led her to the receptionist.
As soon as she felt Byakuya's touch, Rukia let out a small gasp as she allowed him to drag her over to the receptionist. Rukia stared at his hand on her small one. Funny, how they fitted nicely and how that just a simple touch from him could stir up something so strong from within her.
A sudden tug from Byakuya snapped Rukia out of her reverie as she snapped her head up in surprise to find that Byakuya had led her to a brown door. He knocked once and entered, pulling her along and Rukia blanched as she saw a man in a doctor's coat sitting inside.
"Which one of you is the patient?" The middle aged doctor asked.
"She is." Byakuya replied as he sat Rukia down on the plastic chair beside the doctor.
"What is the matter?" The doctor asked, peering at Rukia.
Rukia froze in terror as she clasped her hands tightly together, afraid of what was going to come. After everything and all the lies, she couldn't just let one small doctor uncover her lies. Not here and especially not now, when she had so many unfinished business.
Rukia finally turned to Byakuya and said, "Can you wait outside for me? I wish to speak to the doctor alone."
She watched as Byakuya frown but eventually nodded as he left the room.
"So, what's wrong with you, lady?" The doctor asked again. "Caught the flu or something?"
"How much do I have to pay for you to lie for me?" Rukia blurted out desperately.
"Wha…?" was all the confused doctor could reply as he stared at Rukia.
"Please, when he comes in later and ask about my illness, just prescribe me some medicine and tell him that my illness will go away soon." Rukia continued.
Rukia knew how desperate she sounded but she had no choice. If this doctor refuses to help her, she was finished.
But luckily for Rukia, the doctor seemed keen on the idea as he looked at Rukia, smiling, "So, if I request for ¥600,000, it would be fine too?"
Rukia stilled. That was almost three months of her salary! Rukia gritted her teeth and finally nodded.
"Alright then," The doctor smiled in triumph. "Let me just print out a report and you can ask the man in."
It took the doctor five minutes to print out the report and Rukia opened the door to find Byakuya standing outside.
"How did it go?" Byakuya asked as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.
"Ah, not so good…" The doctor replied as he squinted at the report on his hands. "If this girl doesn't eat the meds, then she will die in a matter of time."
"What?!" Rukia screeched as she leapt out of the chair.
This wasn't what they agreed on! Rukia stared at the doctor angrily but the doctor wasn't even looking at her. He was looking straight at Byakuya as he continued.
"She can be cured though," the doctor continued. "But these new meds have very limited stock…"
"Regardless of the price, I will pay for them." Byakuya replied.
"You said they cost ¥600,000, right?" Rukia interrupted quickly before the doctor could state the price.
The doctor smiled. "Ah, you're mistaken. That was just for a few of the pills. Just those few isn't enough to cure you."
"Just state the total price that is to be paid in order for her to be cured." Byakuya replied.
The doctor's attention went back to Byakuya. "Ah, it's quite impossible, I'm afraid. These meds are from my private stock and someone had already reserved them."
"I will pay thrice the amount that the person has offered." Byakuya said immediately.
The doctor smiled as he finally nodded, "Alright, but everything costs ¥2,000,000. Is that okay?"
Anger coursed through Rukia as she watched Byakuya take out a piece of blank cheque from his breast pocket as he began writing.
"Don't give it to him!" Rukia cried out in frustration but Byakuya ignored her.
He signed the cheque with a flourish and handed it to the doctor who quickly accepted it. The doctor fished around in his drawer and finally took out a packet of what looks like vitamin C to Rukia and handed over.
"Here, take this once a week and you'll be cured in no time." He said grinning as he pocketed the cheque.
Rukia glared at him as she clenched her fists in anger, trying her best not to pounce on him and punch him in the face. The doctor must have noticed Byakuya was rich and willing to pay and decided to target him instead. Rukia was furious that the doctor had easily scammed Byakuya of his money but what else could she do? She couldn't possibly tell Byakuya that the doctor was just ripping him off as she was certain the doctor wouldn't hesitate to tell Byakuya that she was the one who lied to him in the first place.
Grabbing the pack of vitamins, Rukia stalked out of the room without saying another word. She heard Byakuya's footsteps behind her as he finally grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.
"Where are you going?" Byakuya asked calmly.
"Why did you pay him?" Rukia blurted out in anger.
"He can fix your illness." Byakuya replied simply.
His reply made Rukia silent for a moment as she swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.
"I don't need you to save me." Rukia finally replied.
There was no answer from Byakuya as they stood in the empty reception hall of the hospital. Rukia swore she could almost hear the ticking of the wall clock as the pair merely stood in silence.
"Sorry," Rukia murmured as she turned to leave. "I should go."
Before she could take another step, Byakuya's hand shot out and held her wrist.
"We have yet to finish our conversation." He said.
Rukia turned slowly around and looked at him. "Fine, then tell me the truth. Did you kill the man who had tried to drown me the other day?"
Her question caused Byakuya's frown to go deeper but he replied her coolly, "No."
In that moment, Rukia didn't know why but she believed him. She didn't care if it was because she plainly wanted to get back together with him therefore she chose to believe his words or because he had said it as though he really meant it.
All Rukia wanted was to be with him and the fact that he had been so worried about her for the past few days and how he had risked himself to step into a police station, Rukia knew that it wouldn't be easy for her to let Byakuya go. Everyone thought of Kuchiki Byakuya as a cold, heartless man but Rukia knew that his actions towards her proved that he wasn't as cold and heartless as everyone thought. At least not to her, anyway.
"I'm sorry," Rukia said as she finally allowed herself to step towards him and embraced him. "I'm really sorry."
She felt Byakuya's arms encircle her as he brought his face down to whisper into her ear, "You are not to leave without saying a word ever again, do you understand?"
Rukia nodded as she inhaled the cherry blossom scent she had missed so much. For now, she will just forget about her task and let herself indulge. At least for a while until she felt that she was ready to resume her operation.
A/N: Before you ask questions as to why Byakuya was being so dumb/oblivious/dense when the doctor was scamming him, it will be explained in the next chapter in Byakuya's thoughts! So sorry if you guys were confused or affected by this (got a few reviews asking about that) and as you can see, the last part was based on Rukia's POV/thoughts so we have yet to hear about Bya's thoughts. There will be an explanation for it, I promise! I couldn't write it all in this chapter as I will have to switch back to Byakuya's POV and it's gonna drag on for quite a bit as his thoughts on the matter will lead to something which I couldn't just type out in like 200 words. Plus, I thought it would be nice to end the chapter here. Really didn't know some of you will be affected by it. Sorry again for the confusion!
Btw, I hope this chapter doesn't suck. The part where they had sex wasn't easy to write as I don't write smut a lot so I hope I did okay? Ah, and the last part where the both of them were talking in the hospital. THAT WAS HARD. I didn't want to make either of them seem too OOC but the both of them really missed each other and Byakuya wouldn't be too vocal about that. :/
Well, I hope overall this chapter was okay? Feel free to share your thoughts! :)
And about this chapter's title, I was just thinking that most girls let their emotions get in the way most of the time and it's just like Rukia. At this point in time, all she wanted was to be with Byakuya. At the last part of this chapter, we could see how she let her emotions take over and didn't do the right thing (which is leaving him). I don't blame her though (Hell, I was the one who made her do that. How could I blame her? Lol). I would most probably do that too if I were in her shoes and well, she is just a girl who wants to be with the person she loves. Letting one's emotions take over isn't always a good thing and we'll see how Rukia will be dealing with it as this story progresses.
So, that's it for this chapter! Drop me a review before you go, wouldn't you? ;)