A/N: Not sure if anyone is still reading this. But if you are, do leave a review and if the response is still good, I will continue this story!
"Taichou, what should we do?" Renji exclaimed frantically as he paced around the study. "What's going to happen to Rukia? What if they hurt her?"
"Be quiet, Renji." Byakuya ordered sternly and Renji shut his mouth immediately.
It had been an hour since Aizen had left with Rukia and Byakuya had went back home. Byakuya had called Renji to fill him in the details as soon as he left Aizen's club and Renji had been blabbering nonstop. Byakuya was worried sick and Renji's constant speculation on how Aizen might hurt Rukia was not helping one bit.
"I will look for Aizen now." Byakuya said as he stood up from his armchair. "I need to get Rukia back."
Ikkaku who was leaning near the door looked up, "I advise you to wait until tomorrow, Taichou."
"What are you talking about? We can't wait any longer!" Renji demanded furiously.
With a serious expression, Ikkaku explained, "Taichou, what are you willing to give up for her? If you head over to Aizen's place without any plans, you would be finished. Aizen will know how desperate you are to get her back and will demand everything from you. The entire Kuchiki organization will be gone just like that."
Byakuya stared at Ikkaku and then turned away. Ikkaku was right. If he goes charging into Aizen's place and demanded for Rukia without a plan, Aizen would have the upper hand.
"Aizen would not do anything to her in the meantime," Ikkaku said. "You should rest, Taichou."
Byakuya said nothing as he watched Ikkaku and Renji leave the room. How was he supposed to rest when Rukia was taken away by Aizen? Byakuya was so furious and worried with Rukia. Why did she have to sacrifice herself?
"Taichou," Renji appeared at the door holding a thick brown envelope. "One of Aizen's men dropped this over, saying that you left this in his club."
Renji walked in and placed the envelope on Byakuya's desk.
"What is that?" Renji asked. "Could it be some sort of contract for you to hand over your organization?"
Byakuya stared at the envelope and from one look, he knew it was the envelope from earlier. The one that contained everything about Sakuya. Rukia traded herself for this…
In a fit of anger, Byakuya grabbed the envelope and flung it across the room.
"Remove it from my sight." Byakuya ordered as Renji stared at him, wide eyed.
Renji then picked up the envelope and scurried off after sending curious looks at Byakuya, wondering what had made him lose his temper like this.
Rukia expected herself to be locked in a cell or something similar to a dungeon but instead, she found herself locked in what looked like a guest room. After leaving the club with Aizen, he had brought her to his mansion and dragged her personally into this guest room. He had ordered his men to search her and had taken her phone away.
"Funny how Kuchiki hasn't come charging here by now. Not even a call from him." Aizen chuckled. "Maybe he really isn't that into you."
Rukia ignored Aizen but she was certain he could see the hurt in her eyes as his smile widened.
"Please enjoy your stay here, Rukia-san." Aizen smiled as he closed and locked the door, leaving her alone in the room.
Was it true? Why hasn't Byakuya contacted Aizen yet? Rukia knew she should not let Aizen get into her head but she couldn't help it. What was Byakuya doing now? Was he perhaps, looking through the contents of the envelope?
Rukia felt her chest ache as she dragged herself to sit on the edge of the bed. Before she could stop herself, she felt tears trickling down her cheeks at the thought of the envelope. Byakuya still loves Sakuya, doesn't he?
Rukia didn't know how long she had wept but when she had finally stopped and looked up, she noticed that it was already three in the morning. The room door clicked open and Rukia gave a start as she leapt up from the bed.
Aizen, wearing his usual smirk, strolled into the room after shutting the door behind him.
"Not asleep yet?" Aizen grinned as he slowly walked over.
Rukia said nothing as she stood firmly on the ground. She very much wanted to run in the opposite direction but there was no way to escape and she believed that Aizen would enjoy seeing her panic.
"Shall we start?" Aizen smiled and proceeded to sit down on an armchair.
Rukia did not reply and Aizen asked his first question.
"What is your relationship with Kuchiki Byakuya?"
Before Rukia could answer, Aizen warned, "Answer me truthfully."
Aizen was not smiling anymore as his eyes focused on Rukia. It was making her feel uncomfortable as she tried to look away.
"There is no relationship." Rukia replied.
"I will give you one more chance, Rukia-chan," Aizen warned. "If you are lying to me, I will have to punish you."
Rukia flinched at his threat and realised that he was not kidding. His gaze was very serious and Rukia felt her self slowly backing away from him.
"You don't have to be scared," drawled Aizen. "Just answer my questions truthfully and I'll send you back to Kuchiki Byakuya very quickly. All I need is for you to cooperate with me."
Rukia didn't realise she had been biting the inside of her cheek this whole time until she tasted blood on her tongue.
"Answer me, what is your relationship with him?" Aizen asked again.
"Nothing." Rukia managed to choke out.
Aizen shook his head and got up from the chair. He slowly advanced towards Rukia as she could only stare at him, terrified of what he was going to do.
Aizen was so close to her now she could smell his cologne.
"I said there would be punishment, didn't I?" Aizen whispered as he fingers flew to Rukia's neck.
Before Rukia could push him away, his grip tightened and he was squeezing... and squeezing...
Rukia spluttered and her hands flailed around uselessly as she fought to push Aizen off. She was starting to see dark spots and flashes. Just when she thought this would be the end for her, Aizen released his grip and Rukia tumbled onto the carpet floor as she frantically gasped for air.
Aizen kept silent as he watched her with a perverse smile.
"I know that you are Kuchiki Byakuya's lover." Aizen stated. "That was just a test to see how cooperative you would be."
Rukia looked up at Aizen as she curled her fists in anger.
"Now, for the next question." Aizen said as he hauled Rukia back to her feet.
Rukia stumbled after Aizen released his hold on her and Rukia took a few steps back away from him.
"Where does Kuchiki keep all his documents? Those relating to his organization and investments." Aizen asked seriously.
Rukia swallowed as she recalled three safe in the Kuchiki mansion. One in Byakuya's study, one in his bedroom behind that ridiculously expensive painting and one in the wine cellar. Byakuya never specifically told her he had been storing his important documents there but he never hid the fact from Rukia either. Sometimes when she was in the same room with him, Byakuya would simply access the safe, storing and retrieving whatever he needed. Rukia tried not to pry too much into his business and Byakuya gladly left it at that.
"So?" Aizen's voice brought her out of her stupor. "Being Byakuya's lover, I'm sure you know the location of the documents."
"I don't know." Rukia lied.
Aizen's gaze hardened instantly as he walked slowly towards Rukia as she backed away in fear.
"Tell me." He said slowly. "Where the documents are. Tell me and I will release you."
Rukia stared back at the man who was advancing towards her and she instantly knew that this was the most important information Aizen needed. Which means if she told Aizen about the safes, it might be the end of Byakuya's organization.
"I don't know." Rukia repeated defiantly as she stared back at Aizen.
Perhaps Aizen wasn't expecting the same response as his eyes widened in anger and before Rukia could anticipate it, Aizen had brought his hand down and slapped Rukia across the face. The loud smack reverberated through the room as Rukia found herself slumped to the carpeted floor, her cheek smarting. She shook off the spots that were dancing in her eyes to see Aizen towering furiously above her.
"I try not to hit women, Rukia." Aizen said warningly. "But you are testing my patience. Perhaps after a night of thinking, you will be ready to tell me what I need to know tomorrow. After all, Kuchiki has given you up for that envelope, has he not? Why are you still protecting him then?"
Rukia could taste the blood in her mouth as she watched Aizen exit the room. Even though Aizen has left the room, his words continued to ring in Rukia's ears.
Kuchiki has given you up for the envelope... Kuchiki has given you up for the envelope...
No. That's not true at all! Byakuya rejected the envelope. Byakuya loves her. Not Sakuya... Rukia was about to seek comfort in that thought when a nasty voice came into her mind.
If Byakuya isn't still in love with Sakuya? Why was he still looking for her?
Unable to contain her tears anymore, Rukia wept silently. Was she just a replacement for Sakuya? Was Byakuya's love for Sakuya so strong that Rukia couldn't even compete with her shadow?
Rukia didn't know how long she had slept. She definitely knew it wasn't much as she had sat on the floor the entire time, refusing to sleep on the bed. She needed to stay alert and sleeping on the bed would just let her guard down.
The first ray of sunlight was spilling into the tall window as Rukia stood up shakily. Her feet were numb. A knock on the door startled her and she looked up as a man entered. It was one of Aizen's men.
"Rukia-san, Aizen-sama requests your presence in the dining room. Perhaps you would allow me to show you where the bathroom is?" The man said politely.
Rukia almost scoffed. If someone didn't know the situation she was in, that person would have definitely thought that Rukia was an important guest in this place.
Rukia wasn't hungry and was reluctant to face Aizen but she needed to go to the bathroom so she followed the man.
When Rukia stepped into the bathroom, the man stood guard outside as she closed the door behind her. After a shower and a brush of teeth, Rukia reluctantly put on a new clean dress that was provided for her. As much as she hated it, she really didn't want to wear the clothes she had on yesterday. Rukia purposely took her time inside until the man outside rapped on the door, reminding her that Aizen-sama was waiting and if she doesn't come out soon, Aizen would most definitely come and fetch her himself.
When she emerged from the bathroom all fresh and clean, the man led Rukia down the grand stairs and towards the dining room.
"Aizen-sama, Rukia-san is here." The man announced as Rukia stepped in reluctantly.
"Good morning, Rukia-san." Aizen said pleasantly as he stood up from his chair and proceeded to pull out a chair next to him. "Why don't you sit next to me?"
Rukia stared at the man and then at the seat warily, "I'd rather not."
"Sit." came Aizen's stern voice, leaving no room for argument. "Or shall I make you sit?"
Having his hands on her was definitely not worth the defiance so Rukia obliged and sat. After Aizen sat down next to her at the long dining table, Rukia noticed another set of tableware laid out at the seat opposite Aizen. Is someone else coming?
Her question was soon answered as the door opened once again and Rukia heard a man annouce, "Kuchiki-sama is here."
Rukia's eyes widened as she turned to the door immediately, watching Byakuya, clad in a black suit, walking in. She saw Byakuya's eyes swept the room and then he stiffened when his eyes landed on her.
"Ah, I thought Rukia would like to join us for breakfast." Aizen smiled as his hand swept to the chair opposite him, indicating that Byakuya should sit.
After Byakuya had taken his seat, his attention was on Rukia.
"You hurt her." Byakuya said, his eyes flashing in anger at Aizen.
Rukia had almost forgotten about the bruises on her neck and the one on her cheek from the slap last night.
"Oh, this?" Aizen smirked lazily as his hand came up to carress Rukia's neck. Rukia flinched but was too frightened to move as she felt Aizen's fingers curl around her neck. He hasn't applied any pressure but his lazy strokes and carress was making Rukia shudder. She was tempted to smack his hand away but knew it wouldn't be the wisest thing to do.
"Rukia wasn't being cooperative at all so I decided to teach her a lesson." Aizen replied calmly.
Byakuya's eyes hardened as he watched Aizen's hand on Rukia's neck.
"You want to talk business?" Byakuya asked, turning his attention to Aizen. "Let's talk business and get this over and done with."
Aizen's lips curved into a smile as he released his hold on Rukia, "I like how you're so efficient, Kuchiki."
Byakuya slid a file across the table to Aizen and then a thick envelope.
"I'm also returning this." Byakuya said, referring to the envelope. "The seal is still intact as you can see. I have not read it nor am I interested in it."
Rukia froze when she realised that was the information about Sakuya. Byakuya never read it? Rukia looked up at Byakuya but his attention was solely on Aizen now.
Aizen shot Byakuya a thoughtful look, "You didn't even sneak a peek? Aren't you at all interested in what happened to Sakuya?"
"No." Byakuya firmly replied. "Just sign the document and-
"It will shock you, Kuchiki." Aizen smiled. "I was surprised too."
Rukia caught the slight look of uneasiness in Byakuya's eyes.
Aizen grinned as he too, noticed the look in Byakuya's eyes, "You know, Kuchiki... I've heard so many rumours about Sakuya. Most people said she changed her mind about marrying you so she disappeared. Some even said that she changed a whole new look and identity and left the country so you wouldn't be able to find her..."
Byakuya's fists clenched as Aizen continued, "I'm sure you must have believed in those rumours to a certain extent as well... It all seems very possible, isn't it? Girls are always so curious about us, Yakuza leaders but then when reality hits them, they become scared wondering what will happen to them if they fall out of our grace. Perhaps Sakuya heard about how the other Yakuza leaders got bored of their girls and how these girls ended up traded and passed around by other Yakuza leaders...?"
"Enough." Byakuya warned.
Aizen merely ignored Byakuya and turned to Rukia, "Can you guess what will happen to these girls, Rukia?"
Rukia felt her throat go dry as she struggled to come with a reply, "I..."
Aizen smirked, "Let me tell you the answer. When a Yakuza leader gets bored of the girl, and that is very common, he will trade this woman away in a deal and these woman end up getting fucked unwillingly by other Yakuza leaders. Some unlucky ones end up dead... or actually maybe death would be much better for them for the torture they had to go through."
Rukia paled as Aizen continued, "Didn't Kuchiki tell you about what happened to this woman? I remember her. Such a pretty woman with a pretty name, Akaya... She fell in love with this Yakuza leader, Kazama. They even got married but a few years later, he grew tired of her and traded her off to some other gang for a drug deal. Oh, and you know how everyone wants a taste of the woman who had captured a Yakuza leader's heart. The more powerful a leader is, the more desirable his woman becomes. Be careful there, Rukia... Kuchiki Byakuya is very very powerful in Japan."
A loud slam on the table made Rukia jump and her frightened eyes turned towards the sound. It seemed like Byakuya had slammed his fist on the table. This time, he didn't bother to conceal his anger as he stared at Aizen.
"Enough with the story-telling, Aizen. Just sign the document and we can be done here." Byakuya said.
Aizen smiled serenely at Byakuya, "Come on now, I was just telling Rukia about what she should expect being with a powerful man like yourself."
Aizen opened the file and flipped through the papers inside and then looked up, "You sure, Kuchiki? You're giving me these clubs and deals in exchange for Rukia?"
Rukia's eyes widened as she stared at Byakuya, "Byakuya, why did-
"This is what you requested so just sign and I can take my leave." Byakuya interrupted as he stared at Aizen.
"Byakuya, don't!" Rukia protested.
The two men ignored her and Rukia watched helplessly as Aizen signed his name on the papers. With a satisfied look, Aizen said, "Well, these clubs belong to me now and I thank you for that, Kuchiki. Now let's stop our business talk and I'll have my chef whip up some breakfast, shall we?"
Byakuya stood up and replied, "There is no need. Rukia and I will take our leave now."
And with that, Byakuya marched towards Rukia, grabbed her wrist and was about to head to the door when Aizen stood up and walked towards Rukia with a brown envelope in hand.
"Thank you for being a wonderful guest, Rukia. A little token from me." Aizen whispered as he put the envelope in Rukia's hand.
With a jerk, Rukia felt Byakuya pull her away from Aizen and soon they were out of his mansion. Byakuya's grip on her never loosened until they entered his limo that was waiting outside.
"Why are you still holding that?" Byakuya snapped as he stared at the envelope in her hands.
Rukia swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat, "You should have it. All your answers about Sakuya is inside."
Byakuya stared at her furiously, "Are you fucking serious, Rukia?!"
Rukia flinched at his outburst. Byakuya had never been so angry with her before. She watched Byakuya turn away from her angrily as he stared out of the window. She couldn't understand his outburst but she kept her silence throughout the car ride.
When the car stopped at Byakuya's mansion, Rukia got out and the next thing she knew, Byakuya had grabbed her wrist and led her straight to his bedroom. After closing the door behind them, Byakuya turned to Rukia, "How did Aizen hurt you?"
"What?" Rukia looked up to see Byakuya staring at her with concern.
He was still mad, she could tell but right now, he was more concerned about her.
"Why were there bruises on your neck? And he slapped you, did he not?" Byakuya asked again.
"It was n-nothing..." Rukia stammered as she recalled the previous night. "He just choked me a little."
"A little?" Byakuya seethed in anger. "Look at the bruises!"
"I'm fine." Rukia mumbled.
"Did he..." Byakuya looked at Rukia carefully.
"What?" Rukia questioned and then realising what Byakuya meant, she quickly replied, "No, no. He didn't r-rape me or touch me in any sexual manner."
Byakuya swallowed and then nodded.
The both of them stood in awkward silence for a while until Rukia spoke up timidly, "I'm sorry you had to save me from him... How much did you give Aizen? Will the organization be okay?"
"It will be fine." Byakuya replied matter-of-factly.
"Here." Rukia handed the envelope to Byakuya. "You should take it and I'll g-get going."
"I do not want it." Byakuya gritted his teeth in anger.
"But you have been searching for her! Isn't this what you have wanted for a very long time?" Rukia's voice trembled as she spoke.
Her tears were threatening to fall as Byakuya stared at her angrily.
"Is this your way of telling me you want an out, Rukia?" Byakuya asked.
"What?" Rukia stared at him, the first tear slipping out of her eye. "This is about you and Sakuya! What has this got to do with us?! Don't you need answers, Byakuya? They're all here so you should just read them!"
"I do not want to read them!" Byakuya shouted furiously.
"What if she's alive? Even if she's n-not, you should know what happened, Byakuya!" Rukia shouted tearfully.
"I don't care! I don't care about that anymore!"
Rukia stared at Byakuya through her tears and before she could respond, Byakuya advanced towards her and pulled her body against him as he crashed his mouth onto hers.
Rukia almost melted into his embrace as his hot mouth devoured hers. She felt his tongue slip into her mouth as he steered her towards the bed. She felt the back of her knees meet the edge of the bed and she fell back, bringing Byakuya along with her.
Rukia responded to his demanding kisses as she felt his hands reaching under her dress. When he pulled the fabric off her, leaving her only in her underwear, Rukia put her hands on his chest as she sobbed out, "S-Stop..."
Byakuya complied as he stared at her.
"Don't do this to yourself, Byakuya..." Rukia cried. "Just read the information then decide what you want to do... If Sakuya's still alive then... I don't want you to regret what you are about to do to me."
"Stop it." Byakuya commanded, his weight still pinning her to the bed as he hovered above her.
Rukia stopped talking as she stared at Byakuya.
"Rukia, I don't want to know what happened to Sakuya. I don't care about that anymore. While you were at Aizen's. I spent the whole night thinking about you." Byakuya whispered. "I was not thinking about Sakuya or that envelope. It was you I thought about."
Rukia's eyes widened, "B-But what about Sakuya?"
Byakuya leaned in and kissed Rukia on the lips and then murmured, "She's my past and you are my present, Rukia. I think it is time to let Sakuya go. Both you and me."
Rukia nodded as another tear slipped down her eye. Byakuya brushed her tears away and then kissed her softly on the mouth again.
Rukia moaned into the kiss as she felt Byakuya squeeze her breast. His kisses continued south to her neck as he started kissing the bruises there softly.
"I'm sorry I could not stop him from hurting you." Byakuya said regretfully.
"I'm fine." Rukia whispered.
Byakuya's hand was on the clasp of her bra now and she felt him unhook it before tossing it to the floor. Raining soft kisses on her skin, his mouth found its way to her breast and Byakuya gave it a long sensual lick as Rukia shuddered in delight.
Byakuya took off her underwear next and when Rukia felt one of his long fingers stroking her clit, she arched her back and moaned his name.
"B-Byakuya..." She panted as she felt another stroke from him.
"That's it, Rukia." Byakuya murmured. "Call out my name..."
Rukia then felt two of his fingers enter her and she could already feel how wet she was. Her breath hitched when Byakuya started thrusting his fingers in and out of her. Byakuya's mouth went back to her lips and he softly tugged at her lips and then slipped his hot tongue into her mouth.
"Nghhh..." Rukia whimpered as she felt herself almost near the edge. Byakuya's fingers were still thrusting in and out when she suddenly felt him pull out and stopped.
Rukia groaned and opened her eyes to see Byakuya smirking down at her, "Not yet, Rukia. I want to taste you. Every drop of you."
Rukia blushed as Byakuya's mouth went down and the next thing she knew, she felt Byakuya's tongue enter her.
Rukia had to bite her lip to keep herself from screaming as she felt his tongue drawing lazy circles inside of her. The sensation was too much for Rukia. A few more strokes from Byakuya and Rukia threw her head back as her orgasm took over her. Dazed, Rukia lifted her head to find Byakuya licking his lips as he stared at her.
Rukia's face heated as she watched him taste her. This was the first time he had done that. When Byakuya came back to nip her softly on her ear, he whispered, "You taste divine, Rukia."
Deciding that she should reciprocate, Rukia flipped a surprised Byakuya so that she was now straddling him, with him at the bottom.
His eyes flashed in surprise as Rukia boldly unbuttoned his shirt and threw it to the floor.
"I'm naked and you're still fully clothed." Rukia said as her hands came to undo his pants. Byakuya cast her an amused glance as he helped her get his pants off.
When all that were left was his black boxers, Rukia could see how aroused Byakuya already was. When she pulled down the last remaining fabric off him, his cock sprang to life and Byakuya groaned when Rukia's hand wrapped along his hardness.
Rukia had never pleasured Byakuya like this before and she wasn't exactly sure how she should do it. It was always Byakuya who was pleasuring her and Rukia decided that she should return the favour.
Rukia's thumb skimmed the head of his penis gently and Rukia felt Byakuya shudder beneath her. She watched Byakuya's head fall back onto the bed as his eyes fluttered close. So, it seemed as though he liked that.
Feeling a little bit braver, Rukia opened her mouth licked his hardness. Byakuya's eyes shot open in surprise as he stared at Rukia.
"R-Rukia, you don't have to..." Byakuya said huskily.
"I want to." Rukia replied as she wrapped her warm mouth along his length.
She heard Byakuya moan in delight. She somehow remembered that Matsumoto had mentioned something about how men likes it when girls do that and boy, was she right.
Rukia continued, her mouth sliding up and down Byakuya's length faster and faster, as she sucked. She felt Byakuya hips jerk and then a loud groan came from Byakuya as he leaned up to push Rukia gently away.
"S-Stop," Byakuya said breathily.
Rukia's eyes widened instantly, "Did I do it wrong? I've never done this before so-
"It's not that." Byakuya replied thickly as he turned them around so that he was now on top of her.
"What's wrong then?" Rukia asked worriedly.
Byakuya cleared his throat, "Nothing is wrong. I just need to get inside of you now."
His straightforwardness stunned Rukia as she blushed. He was so erect right now and when Byakuya put Rukia's legs over his shoulder, he grasped onto this length and slowly eased himself into her.
Although they had done it a few times, he was still afraid of hurting her. She was so petite and tight and the last thing Byakuya wants was to make this a horrible experience for her.
When Rukia moaned at the contact and arched her hips, Byakuya knew she was ready and entered her. Although it was Rukia's first time giving him fellatio, Byakuya almost blew his load right into her mouth had he not stopped her in time.
Byakuya continued thrusting into Rukia as he watched her writhe and moan beneath him. God, she looked so erotic. When she finally shuddered and found her release, Byakuya came shortly after her and he pulled out of her to lie next to her in bed.
It was a few minutes later when Rukia came down from her high and noticed that Byakuya had gotten up to get dressed.
"Are you going somewhere?" She asked as she walked to his closet and pulled out her favourite Versace blue dress shirt of his.
"I have a few things to attend to but I will be back in the evening." Byakuya replied as he took a crisp black shirt from his wardrobe and started buttoning it.
"Oh." Rukia's face fell as she slipped into his shirt and started buttoning.
"Why don't you get some lunch and catch up on some sleep here?" Byakuya suggested. "We can have dinner when I get back."
Rukia nodded as she watched Byakuya put on his watch.
"See you in a few hours." Byakuya whispered and bent down to place a kiss on her lips.
Rukia smiled and watched him leave as she headed back to bed. Her eyes scanned the room and then her gaze fell onto the brown envelope that was still on the floor.
Byakuya said that he was no longer interested in whatever information was inside. Did Byakuya really mean what he said? Even Rukia herself was curious as to what happened to Sakuya. Did she really leave Byakuya because she was afraid of him? Byakuya was so in love with Sakuya. He could never hurt her... right?
"When a Yakuza leader gets bored of the girl, and that is very common, he will trade this woman away in a deal and these woman end up getting fucked unwillingly by other Yakuza leaders. Some unlucky ones end up dead... or actually maybe death would be much better for them for the torture they had to go through."
Aizen's words came back to Rukia and she shuddered at the thought. She knew it was the truth. She had heard of such stories in the past while in the police force but it had never occurred to her that she may end up like one of these women.
Is Byakuya the same as the other Yakuza leaders? Will Byakuya get bored of her and trade her away for some business deal? Or worse... will Byakuya find out her real identity and kill her? But what if he doesn't kill her and has prepared something worse for her? Something worse than death? Soifon taichou had warned her before that Byakuya was a ruthless leader and if Rukia were to get exposed before completing her mission of apprehending Byakuya, Rukia would most likely suffer a fate worse than death.
Rukia drew her knees to her chest as she hugged herself in fear. Will Byakuya send her to the other gangs and let other men have their way with her? Suddenly, death doesn't sound like such a bad idea any more.
A few hours later with the sun setting, casting an orange overglow into the dark room, Byakuya returned to find Rukia sitting on his bed in the dark. She did not even lift her head in his direction when he entered and Byakuya wondered if Rukia had even noticed he had returned.
He shrugged off his blazer and draped it across the armchair as he walked towards Rukia.
"I heard that you did not eat your lunch. Did you just awaken?" He asked softly.
His voice startled Rukia as she leapt up and the fear in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Byakuya.
"Rukia," Byakuya reached out for her in concern. "Is something wrong?"
Byakuya's heart fell when Rukia backed away from his hand as she hugged herself tightly.
"I'm s-sorry," She stammered. "I didn't realise you were back. I didn't realise the time... I s-should go."
Rukia was about to pick up her clothes that were still on the floor when Byakuya held on to her arm, effectively stopping her. The fear in her eyes was also evident as she looked up at him.
"Rukia, is something wrong? What happened?" Byakuya asked worriedly.
He watched Rukia swallow and then tears started spilling from her eyes, "What if you stop loving me one day, Byakuya? What if you get tired of me? What if you hate me?"
"What?" Byakuya's narrowed his eyes in confusion.
"I'm scared, Byakuya..." Rukia cried. "I don't want to be traded off to some other Yakuza gang. I'd much rather you kill me instead. Promise me this, Byakuya!"
"Rukia!" Byakuya stared at her and then placed both of his hands on her shoulders as he shook her lightly. "What are you talking about?"
Rukia stared at him tearfully, "Promise me you will kill me. Don't trade me off like an object. This is all I'm asking!"
"Rukia!" Byakuya said sharply. "Why would I want to kill you? Why would I hate you or stop loving you?"
"What if I do something that will make you hate me? What if you get tired of me? I don't want to end up like Ayaka..." Rukia sobbed.
"There is nothing you would do that will make me hate you. And you will not end up like Ayaka nor am I like Kazama in anyway." Byakuya assured as he pulled Rukia into his arms.
"But what if one day you realise that... I have done something that will make you hate me?" Rukia continued hysterically as she pushed herself away from Byakuya.
"Why would you have thoughts like these?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "Calm down, Rukia. I know what Aizen said has affected you but I assure you, you will not be someone I intend to kill now or in the future."
"Will y-you trade me away, then?" Rukia asked painfully.
"No." Byakuya's reply was immediate.
Rukia fell silent and Byakuya pushed her to sit on the edge of the bed. He sat down beside her and said softly, "Stop overthinking things, Rukia. I will never kill you or trade you away just like how I believe that you will never hurt me deliberately in anyway."
Rukia sniffled and looked up at Byakuya.
"I love you, Rukia." Byakuya murmured. "Always remember that."
"I love you too." Rukia whispered as Byakuya pulled her into his arms.
"There is one thing I have to do." Byakuya said as he stood up.
Rukia watched him, puzzled as Byakuya made his way to the brown envelope on the floor. Picking it up, he briskly walked towards the fireplace and without any hesitation, he threw the envelope into the fire as Rukia gasped in surprise.
The both of them watched the flames eat up the papers as the papers that were once so valuable to Byakuya shrivelled and turned black into nothingness.
A/N: I know my last update was like 3 years ago. During my absence, I have continuously received reviews/PMs which I'm grateful for. I still love Byaruki but somehow in the last 3 years I got sidetracked with other stuff. As for those who have been asking if I still write, yes I do. I haven't stopped writing at all actually. I just moved to another writing site.
As to what got me back to this story, I was actually browsing Pinterest when a random picture of Byaruki caught me and my love for them came rushing back again. I'm not sure if it's the right move to pick up this story again since I'm not even sure if most of my readers are still here. So do let me know in the reviews if you're still interested to read on, okay?
Can't wait to hear from you all. :)