All this rain…, Stark was running errands for Ukitake-Taichou. The straw hat and rain coat scarcely covered his black shihakusho. But, he was fast. He didn't mind truthfully. Rukia disliked the rain. He had seen her scowl, her avoidance of it. She wouldn't speak of her reasoning, but he believed she would eventually.
"Here you are, sir." He remembered the sir, with the indication of respect in his voice. Kotetsu, a smallish blonde, brought tea and candies.
"I hope you weren't terribly inconvenienced," Ukitake said worriedly.
"Of course not," he scoffed. He had learned mannerisms from the Shinigami, perfected nonchalance. Stark could never say he didn't lack emotion. When had pretending become an earnest desire to learn Shinigami ways? He was just as surprised when Ukitake invited him to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.
"It's days like these that I remember him most." Ukitake said sadly.
"Sir?" Stark prompted, brow tilted. The man was a stone's throw from death. He could sense it on him.
"Ah…the former Fukutaichou, Shiba Kaien. He died on a rainy day like this. Rukia-chan was most affected by the loss." The candies resided between their cups on the small table, each one a brightly colored foil wrapped star. Ukitake unwrapped one, placing it in his mouth. The sweetness failed to alleviate the sorrow in his eyes. "It was after his death that Rukia ran away."
Briefly, Stark's eyes widened. He had known of a Shinigami kept by one of the Vasto Lordes, the knowledge common to the lesser Hollows who wondered at one of their own maintaining their natural enemy as a companion. After his own recruitment by Aizen, he had gone in search of this Vasto Lordes.
…threatened her. How bitterly he regretted that action now.
"She and Shiba-san must've been close." Slowly everything fell into place. Rukia had run away from Soul Society, she had abandoned her former life to embrace death of the self in Hueco Mundo. In a way, Ulquiorra had saved her. He could see it now, gradually understanding the reason for their closeness, the bond she shared with no one else.
"She is close to you now."
"No, no." He thought of the times when he had let her down. Her wildly foolish attempt to protect him from Chryse resulting in her near demise.
"I can see how fond you are of her." The Taichou said gently. "It's alright, I'm glad Rukia has someone devoted to her."
"What…ah…no. She's annoying, sir." He disclaimed awkwardly. "I respect her, but she and I...,"
But, the Taichou chuckled, changing the subject. "Have some candies. The tea is particularly delightful." Even as Ukitake chattered about inconsequential things, Stark's thoughts circled around one inescapable truth.
If things had been different…if he and Lilynette had found her instead of Ulquiorra, she would've been their companion. She would've belonged to him.
…
Rukia had returned from Soul Society after a brief run through of the reports coming from the living world. Because of her position, reports were delivered on her desk without a specific request. She had discovered in the short time Ashido had transferred to the living world, his competence and skill in slaying Hollows went unmatched by previous stationed Shinigami.
In any ordinary time, she would've had him suggested for a seated position. If that hadn't raised suspicion. She wasn't surprised to find Shinigami opinion low on his character. Many remained suspicious of his reappearance coinciding with increased Hollow reports. Aizen couldn't keep them so quiet anymore, she guessed. Whenever she happened to see him during her visits to Fifth Division, his jovial expression was strained; worry creased his mouth and brow.
She had half a day in order to prep her report. In Aizen's absence she was going to call a meeting of the Espada. Tosen hadn't said much in passing him earlier in the afternoon. She wasn't sure if she was thankful he was letting her hold court or unsure if he expected her to fall flat on her face. Either way, she prepared all the same, showering the sheen of dust and sweat from her skin from the training field. Finishing quickly, she fluffed the wet ends of her hair out.
Ulquiorra stood at the foot of her bed, looking down at the conservative tunic and hakama she had chosen. Hands in pockets, she thought he was mildly interested in the meeting since she was going to officiate. "I didn't want to appear soft." She hadn't wanted a white version of the shihakusho. Rukia fingered the white cloth; the material was softer than her standard black shihakusho and more form fitting to the body.
"The garments suit you."
She smiled slightly and picked up the clothing. Retreating behind the folding screen she doffed the white robe. "Has anything happened while I've been gone?"
"There's been talk, Rukia."
"What are they saying?"
"The Segunda is planning a coup to replace the Primera."
"That again?" Rukia complained, fidgeting with the tie on her under-robe. The thin fabric clung to her almost nude body. "He's always….," she tangled her fingers in the low belt. Frustrated, she stalked out, mumbling. "Can you help me?"
…
Rukia looked cross. Half-undressed; she stood there relinquishing the twisted belt. Ulquiorra studied the slim pale column of her throat, the slight jump in her skin when she swallowed. Tosen had taken to hand the program Ichimaru had been instigating prior to his timely demise. The blind man had spoken of relationships, explaining the need for companionship many of the Shinigami felt. This something was lacking in the Hollows except for rare cases like the Primera.
Although his form was and as far back as memory served, similar to a male, he had never experienced the kind of sensations Tosen had unflinchingly talked about. Even so, he had an unassuming curiosity concerning them. The visible intents of lust, the physical copulation of body, they were all things his eye would be capable of seeing. If he was so inclined and Rukia willing… he would never force her into anything. But, this so-called intimacy, was it a manifestation of heart or body?
Instead of answering Rukia, he gathered the ends of the belt together, deftly tugging the sides free. As the robe loosened up, the sides fell open to her throat and chest. Rukia colored and made a move to tug the robe closed out of some sense of modesty. He stopped her with a touch to the hand; the robe fell open again around her left breast.
Pink and puckered, her nipple pebbled in the cold from the small white mound. He had seen her in the revealing white bikini, in tattered Shinigami robes. It was different seeing her flesh exposed surrounded by copious quantities of white fabric, framed almost, and begging to be touched.
Did he want to touch her?
Yes.
Her body was tangible, real and interesting. Rukia had a heartbeat that he would feel. So he released her hand and moved his fingertips to her breast, lightly stroking the nipple. She shifted under his touch, almost flinching from the unexpected sensation. She seemed to like it, relaxing. Her reiatsu emanated in steady soothing waves. He pinched the nub between his fingers, refraining from outright pain. Rukia moaned softly, her hand moving to his free hand.
He half-believed she would lead his hand between her legs. The expectation was unusually high for his experimentation to continue. An almost need, a hunger if you will asserted itself in his senses. Instead, she smirked, stretching on tip-toe to brush his lips.
"You're going to make us both late for the meeting."
…Soul Society…
The meeting had been called by jigokucho.
"Now?"
The slightest hint of irritation clouded his pleasant tone. Aizen set aside his paperwork, dutifully sending off a reply. They were calling a meeting of the Captains, some address of the situation in the living world was sure to come.
When he arrived, he noticed the lineup of his peers; the unusual stern nature affected by some of them had him momentarily concerned. Something was afoot. Were his suspicions well-founded?
Aizen took his place beside the Kuchiki elder. Byakuya afforded a slight nod of respect, the only indication he was aware of his presence.
"There have been strange occurrences happening in the living world." Yamamoto called the meeting to order with a stamp of his cane. "If we are to believe the assumption of Twelfth Division, then these incursions are not Hollow related. I propose the sending of a team comprised of competent officers to the living world to investigate and report their findings."
It sounded as if Yamamoto had decided on a course of action without their approval. Sosuke's mouth twisted in a slight grimace. It had been like this for as long as he had been a member of Soul Society. Rank and file meant nothing; the old man's rule was absolute, the rare exceptions being the jurisdiction of the corrupt Central 46.
"Who will the party consist of?"
No one else had spoken. They were all under the old man's thrall. Decades had passed since anyone had questioned his directives.
"The Fukutaichou are conducting their own meeting as we speak. They'll decide among themselves who will be chosen. As for the rest of you…,"
…Hueco Mundo…
"Good evening to you all." Rukia stood at the head of the table. Tea had been served by the Arrancar servants. Nine of the ten ranked Espada had arranged themselves around the long table, most appearing exceedingly bored. "I trust you have had sufficient time to get settled." Her eyes flickered to the pouting face of Stark's other half. Lilynette had attended in his place, she mostly looked bored. Rukia didn't miss the glance of loathing Barragan sent the young girl.
"Alright, now I'll begin by presenting my latest discovery…,"
Aware of her words, she was careful on how she presented her latest find. Aizen had agreed she should discuss the Hogyoku and its properties as well as her concept of a potential strategy. He had mentioned also Squad Zero dwelling in the king's realm. Distantly remembering Kuchiki Ginrei, Byakuya's grandfather had been elevated to those ranks. Rukia thought that could wait. He had also mentioned the educational classes the deceased Ichimaru had been advocating in order to teach the Hollows society.
Now that was a thought.
Neliel would probably appreciate Ikebana or tea service practice. Bemused, Rukia had wondered at the use of civility was it possible? Whatever, she had her own agenda. As soon as she figured out the location of the Hogyoku, she'd begin training to achieve her Bankai. If anyone outside of Soujun was aware of her dream, she knew they'd mock her for wanting to achieve the highest level of power known to a Shinigami. Rukia wasn't a quitter, thankfully. In a way, she thought Kaien in his over the top spirit might've approved of her goal.
"On the subject of the Hogyoku, I've discovered pertinent research into the making of the orb of distortion. The orb eliminates the barriers between Shinigami and Hollow thus creating a perfected hybrid being." Some perked up at this. Grimmjow likely hated her, but couldn't restrain his curiosity. Curiosity killed the cat after all, she thought.
"Does this mean, we'll be more powerful?"
"Yes." She tried not to answer too quickly. The Sexta wasn't that sharp, but he might detect a lie. Aizen hadn't said what he would do when the Hogyoku would fall into his hands. The Privaron Espada were his former numbered soldiers. She couldn't imagine anyone stronger than Stark and Ulquiorra not ever having had the chance to test Tia Halibel or Barragan. Something about the cantankerous old man made her not want to spar with him.
What would Aizen do with his current Espada if the chance came to gain more powerful warriors?
She loathed the thought of demotions. That would cause ill feelings. If Soul Society hadn't remained so militant and rigid in their opinions, she might've begun to feel sorry for them.
…Soul Society…
"You've been spending time with Kuchiki-san." Aizen had returned from the meeting, inwardly seething behind his placid expression. The unpleasant sensation of his options narrowing came to mind more than before. Perhaps he should begin implementing extraction. Kuchiki-san wouldn't complain much about ending her excursions between worlds. As he had spoken, his scattered gaze had taken in the homework he had brought from the academy spilled across his desk. He taught a class there occasionally and brought the homework from the students back with him into the Fifth Division office. Momo bowed from the waist, "yes. She was telling me about Kano-san yesterday. He's stationed in the living world and seems to be doing well with his assigned duties. I told her she should consider him for a promotion when the time comes again."
He seemed content with the answer and Momo changed the subject. She genuinely liked Kuchiki-san; she had thought she was reticent and not very outgoing in the beginning. Her senpai had even suggested Kuchiki-san was stuck up, a notion that wasn't fair to the girl because no one knew her. Sometimes, Kuchiki-san wore a closed off expression, her mind was somewhere else far away. Momo didn't think she knew her entirely, sometimes not at all. Kuchiki-san seemed to be holding back something that Momo couldn't even begin to grasp.
"Have you said your goodbyes?" She shuffled over to her desk. She had been there for so long that an extended mission made her sad. She would miss the squad members, gossiping with Rukia every day. Most of all she would miss Aizen-Taichou. But, she could never say that.
"Yes."
"Be careful, you have others on the team to support you, but don't underestimate anything."
Right. She was going on a three week mission to the living world to investigate reports of Togabito breaching the veil. All of it spoke of the Hell Gate being compromised. Secretly, she hoped the rumors amounted to nothing and she would be able to return to Soul Society quickly. She had been surprised Yamamoto-Soutaichou would choose her out of all the Fukutaichou to lead the mission.
Momo thought of her meager amount of possessions packed up and sent to the Senkaimon. She looked around herself at the office where she had spent the better part of twenty years after working her way up through lower seated positions. Why did she suddenly have the feeling this was the last time she would ever see it?
…Hueco Mundo…
After the meeting, Rukia had a word with Neliel about increasing security around the underground pool. She hadn't liked the idea of there being a chance of a vent or opening to the surface. Sure she could handle herself, but if intruders ever came…
Neliel sent two young Arrancar out of the ring. She had been watching their swordsmanship. "The pool goes on for miles, Rukia. It's not really feasible to cover so much ground. Even I've never gone so far down there."
She hummed thoughtful. It was true she didn't know for sure. Maybe it would better to seal off any potential entrances with low level kido that could act as a warning in case of a breach. She had been thinking about that line of defense for a while. Aizen had said he would send her a message through the usual channels if she was needed.
"Hey," Neliel said, patting her shoulder; she looked up. "You're doing a good job. Right now, no one knows about Las Noches' existence."
For now, Rukia thought darkly. All Ashido had to do was mention the name and the area could be crawling with Shinigami. "I guess you're right. Would you spar with me?"
…
Rukia swung sharply, her fast footwork matching Neliel's sonido. She was winded, almost whipped. Neliel was a fast learner, light on her feet. She knew her sword well, Gamuza she called it. Wielding the light green hilted blade like a whip. Rukia could less see it then feel it cutting the air currents. When it materialized, she saw the light shine off its edge, carving a path toward her. Rukia sidestepped fast, parrying her unreleased blade.
Neliel was taller and heavier than her. Sparks flew from the metal as the blades slid up and outward. Rukia switched grips temporarily, using her speed to put distance between them. Flexing her fingers, she tried to regain feeling in them. Glancing up, she caught the shadow of the former Tercera bearing down on her.
She dropped fast, hitting the white tiled floor. Neliel skimmed the air where she had been standing. Rukia tucked her legs up, pushing reiryoku into her sudden kick. Neliel grunted, her graceful sonido staggering into a full body sprawl. Gamuza left her hand, clattering beside Rukia's zanpakuto. For minutes neither spoke, and then Nel burst out laughing.
"Very good! Was that Hakuda?"
"Kind of," Rukia admitted sheepishly, she was sweaty and exhausted, but felt good at the same time. She had felt nervous energy building in her system since Aizen had told her she would be addressing the Espada. "I was improvising." Now, that it was spent, she lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling.
"What was it like before?"
"What do you mean?"
Before I came along. When I was subsisting in the wilderness, trying to atone for my sin. Those were words she couldn't put into being because they hit too closely to her true heart.
"Barragan called himself King of Hueco Mundo. He had a roofless palace and many Hollows under his command."
Chryse- Soujun's face flittered through her mind's eye. How many Hollows had he swayed to his side? Ashido had seemed to suggest Chryse meant to make himself Lord of Hueco Mundo, his motives although altruistic concerning other Hollows she wasn't sure they could ever coexist in any kind of realm even one of Aizen's making.
"He called them ants, his opponents. He and Tia Halibel tangled once. She was cornered supposedly by some of his Hollow army when Aizen-sama saved her."
"What about Grimmjow?" The name came to her from the blue-haired terror asking if they would become stronger during the meeting.
"He and his band," Neliel's tone held some disgust. "Were seeking to become stronger. His Fracciones are fiercely loyal, Rukia. They allowed him to consume part of them in order to evolve himself. What kind of Hollow does that, let alone more than one?"
"I…I don't know." What kind of Hollow takes in a Shinigami and watches over them? Feeds them, almost like a pet but not. "I suppose we're all different." Rukia sat up, she was beginning to feel stiff.
Neliel got up too, picking up their swords. Holding out Rukia's, she smiled. "I don't know about us being different. I do know there is a difference from when Ichimaru was alive." Rukia clasped the hilt of her sword and sheathed it in her scabbard. "huh, why?"
"We have hope now, you gave it to us."
…
The figure watched from a distance. She had gotten lovelier with time, developing from the gauche young girl fresh from the academy into a hardened warrior. He left the training hall, thoughts filled with the image the Shinigami had made with her exquisite dances.
Someone small leaned up against the column ahead, arms crossed over his narrow chest, a smirk crawled across the boy's effeminate face.
"Stalking Kuchiki-san, are we now, Aaroniero?"
The masked Espada hardly paused to give the Numero any consideration. "What business is it of yours, Antenor?"
"None," Luppi huffed. "I'm only a fly on the wall, looking out for those whose interests mirror my own."
…
Rukia showered in the stalls adjoining the training hall. Neliel was toweling her shoulder-length celadon hair when she came out, wrapped in a large white towel. Rukia had glimpsed her Espada tattoo before, situated on her lower back, the black three had faded with time. She felt some pride at being able to keep up with the former Tercera Espada.
"You're going back so soon?" Neliel glimpsed the black kosode and hakama piled up neatly on the bench. Rukia had finished tying her white under-kimono.
"I need to let Aizen know how the meeting went."
"I understand - but, awww-" the easily excitable woman grabbed Rukia suddenly, burying her face in her huge chest. Rukia struggled to free her nose for breathing. "Can't -breathe-Nel-!"
"Oh, sorry! I'll miss you!"
Rukia hugged her back, surprised that she felt something akin to regret. "I'll miss you too." One of these days, my mission to Soul Society will end and this is all I'll have. When she thought of the time for fallacies to fall aside, she couldn't feel much regret. In Neliel, she had found a true friend.
…Soul Society…
It was still raining.
The downpour had turned the streets into muck; the runoff flooded the interior of ground-level shops. Rukia didn't envy the unseated Shinigami of her Division, grimly going about their tasks. She had a lot on her mind, things she couldn't process with Ulquiorra's proximity. What had made him turn so…so aggressive? Sexually speaking, she hadn't expected him to touch her so boldly…not that she hadn't…well, she had…sometimes fantasized the eventuality of a relationship.
Intimacy.
Commitment.
She was already committed to him, wasn't she? So why was she running away? That was it…wasn't it? She had been afraid of him returning to their rooms, initiating more exploration of their bodies.
Rukia stopped trudging down the boulevard.
Was that it? She was afraid of exposing her need for him? Afraid he wouldn't find her physically attractive like that human girl, Orihime? Or that he would revert to the nature of a Hollow? What if he would decide the physicality of union was something unnecessary? Could she really handle having him once and then for him to turn from her whenever she needed something more?
She shook her head; she had been en route to report to Aizen on how the meeting went. Realizing she had been so lost in her thoughts as to necessitate backtracking, Rukia cursed herself and resorted to shunpo. "Have some tea, Kuchiki-san." The man said upon sighting her edging through the doorway. "But, please refrain from tracking in more mud than what is necessary."
Rukia bared her teeth at him, some of her hostility lessening when he tossed her a towel. "Thanks."
"None needed." He set out an extra cup, pouring the stream of pale amber liquid from a round metal teapot. Rukia kicked off her sands on the mat of dry grass near the door, noticing only his own sandals left behind. "Momo retired already?"
"She left on mission. Yamamoto nominated her for the position as team leader."
She eyed his closed off expression, uncertain if his downcast mood had anything to do with Hinamori's absence. "So you were right then, Seireitei has taken notice of the problem in the living world."
"Late as usual. Things are always going on right beneath their noses." He said with a trace of a sneer, stirring sugar into his tea. Rukia cradled the small bowl patterned with bamboo stalks between her cold hands. "I held the meeting earlier."
"Ah…and how was it?"
She tried to look confident. "It went fine. Or as well as can be expected. There is…a rumor that the Segunda plans on staging a coup to replace Stark."
"Simply fascinating! I would like to see him try."
"So you're not worried?"
"Worried, no. Barragan is a braggart, always has been. Stark can hold his own in battle." Aizen sipped his tea, observing Rukia over the rim. "But, you're concerned."
"I feel encouraging rivalries aren't in the best interest of the army." She said, gathering her thoughts in order. She stared down at the tiny reflection she made in the tea, unsure if she wanted to take a swallow. "Stark isn't competitive. He's so-so lazy that he drives me crazy sometimes." But, sometimes he made her feel good, feel better. Happier. The last was something Rukia hated admitting to herself as if that one spot of happiness she experienced with Stark was somehow cheating on Ulquiorra.
"I would rather find the Hogyoku and be done with it." She mumbled, taking a sip of the tea. Her eyes widened slightly. It was actually quite good.
"Oh, no, my dear Kuchiki-san. Finding and implementing the Hogyoku is only the beginning."
…
She left Aizen after finishing her tea. The liquid had only warmed her on the inside for a few minutes. The cold seeped in slowly as she walked through the muddied boulevards. She passed a few Shinigami who ran through the gutters, splashing through muck with sagging straw hats on their heads.
The beginning…, what had she gotten herself into? Seeking the Hogyoku was one matter. The orb of distortion peaked her curiosity, what did it look like? What could it do? What was her ultimate purpose? What was going to happen once they found the Hogyoku? The questions ran through her mind, none of them imminently answerable.
Lost in her thoughts, she narrowly collided shoulder - to chest with someone much taller than her.
"Whoa there…," Stark put out a hand to steady her. She blinked through her eyelashes, the water had made them clump together in thick fringe.
"Sorry."
"How was the meeting?"
"It was - Lilynette went in your stead."
Beneath the brimmed hat, she glimpsed the flicker of emotion in his eyes. "She should be careful."
Heedless words bubbled up in her. Aizen thought it was amusing to watch a power struggle among his soldiers. Rukia couldn't use the Exequias for anything other than palace safety, but Neliel could watch out for Lilynette. She didn't want to imagine what Stark would do if something were to happen to her. Then, again, the Espada was notoriously lazy.
"Come on, let's get out of the rain."
They went to the mess hall devoid of its usual occupants. Rukia heated water and found packets of cocoa, a surprisingly modern thing brought into the realm of death. Carrying the steaming cups over to the middle table, she accepted the white towel Stark offered her. She toweled her hair, tangling the longish strands.
"There's a rumor going around that Barragan means to challenge you for your position." Her voice was hushed, intent with meaning. Stark's gaze was absorbed by the frothy sweet-smelling liquid contained in the cup.
"Aizen sets the rules. He said I was the strongest."
They were both aware discussion of this sort was dangerous in any capacity. Rukia wasn't willing to let things stand. She wanted him to be aware at least.
"You are, I'm just saying I don't like this."
"It's been like this for years. He and I are at a stalemate, Rukia." He sipped at the hot liquid, the sweet warmth hit his tongue. She didn't touch her cup, glancing at him repeatedly. Stark knew she wanted him to say something. "There's nothing you nor anyone else can do about it."
She bit her lip and looked down at the table.
"I never said…,"
"But, you were thinking it."
"I'm just concerned…,"
"I know you are." That made him…happy. No one had ever been concerned for him. Lilynette was part of him, when she worried it was part selfishness for her own precarious grasp on existence. But, Rukia...
"Rukia," he observed the girl next to him. Something was bothering her more than the threat against his autonomy. Her mood was down and had been somber since the forecast had turned into gloomy skies. "Why do you dislike the rain?" Stark didn't dislike it or like it much. He was used to the slight coldness of the perpetual desert night, the false sunshine of Aizen's creating. Once in Seireitei, he had learned sunlight, the newness of spring air. The hot humidity of summer and the crisp breeze of autumn. But, the rain affected Rukia differently. He could see it in her face, prompting her gently.
"Rukia? Tell me, you know I won't judge you for it."
She wrapped her hands around the cup as if seeking to draw interior warmth from it. "I…I can't." Little did he know it was something she had never told another soul. Others had guessed at it, but never bothered to pry at the wound his death had become.
"Someone I was close to died in the rain." She began haltingly. "He was the first person who saw my shikai. He took me under his wing. He was the first person who took an interest in me as a person. He was the only one who said I ever had potential to become more."
Stark knew better than to touch her. Sometimes it was better to listen. He'd never had anyone like what Rukia described no one else until her that he would have to contend with losing. "What happened to him?"
"He died." She frowned, her hands trembling.
"But, that isn't all. I can see it in your eyes."
"He…he was married to another Squad member. She went on a survey mission to the living world and none of them ever returned. They had all been slaughtered by a Hollow."
Ukitake Taichou, Kaien and I went hunting for it. I wanted to go…didn't I? Why? Because I wanted to avenge Miyako's death?
"I was foolish. I had no place there."
The truth had always been written inside her heart waiting for acknowledgment. She had wanted to be there for Kaien and for no other reason at all.
"The Hollow was too much for us…it possessed Kaien and…," I was forced to kill him. "I killed him with these hands…my sword. I stained the ground red with his blood. I was the one who should've died." She clenched and unclenched her jaw, her lips working, forming the damning words. Rukia felt her tears overflow, tippling down her cheek.
She listened to the rain and felt it falling inside her, unceasingly. "I went to Hueco Mundo to atone and instead I found myself living day by day. I even learned to laugh and smile again - it wasn't right of me to forget." She took a sudden gulp of cocoa, the liquid was cold. "I even found someone to replace him."
"I think you've suffered enough, Rukia."
She looked up at him as always did with her steady gaze and slight noble hauteur ingrained since her adoption. But, this time there was a trace of wetness in her eyes. He had the sense that she was finally letting go of something held deep within her. Stark was only glad he was the one to help her along. With that sense of fulfillment in easing her burden, he moved close - too close to her. His lips brushed hers. Rukia tasted bittersweet like the rain, like sadness. She was a flavor he wanted to taste in all her different moods. The moment lasted the length of a heartbeat and he pulled back.
"You baka…," Rukia tried to laugh, trembling. Her hair was wet, her shihakusho soaked through. She was shaking because she was cold, wasn't she? "That was an accident, wasn't it?"
Stark resisted the urge to touch his mouth. "Yeah." With feigned nonchalance, he gathered up their cups. "Yeah, that's all it was…,"
-TBC
AN: Listening to selections of Ravel while plotting out stories. Apologies for not updating in ages! I would also like to thank schfifty-five for their detailed review and for pointing out a few things concerning Stark and Rukia's relationship, as well as everyone else who has followed, reviewed and read this story throughout the years. Domo Arigato!
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