Author's Note: Firstly, I have to apologize about my leave of absence. I had ran out of chapters after that overwhelming sex scene because I was simply deciding what to do or whether I should have posted that. But, it doesn't ruin anything for me since I have gone back to writing my chapters in a slower pace, that is. :3

Secondly, I would like to raise a discussion. I know all of you hate Ichigo and I cannot deny that was the original effect that I was going for but as an author that is responsible for Ichigo's behaviour, I am feeling that I should speak up for him. D: I am not condemning Ichigo's actions towards Rukia but I also feel that he is not entirely to blame in this story. To prove my theory, I will use a Guest Review, hoping that this review will change your views of Ichigo Kurosaki in this story.

Chapter 18 - It's an interesting Chapter because we get to see more inside his head. I may be wrong but, to me, it seems as if he doesn't really hate Rukia (but he wants to) and what he truly hates is the image he formed of her in his head based on what he's been through in life; he seems like a wounded wolf, who learnt to be weary of people, ready to lash put at anyone who tries to get too close to him. It's interesting to see that he doesn't mind making Rukia uncomfortable, or even intimidated but, the second he sees she's getting truly afraid, he refrains himself. (The detail whereas Rukia shaking was involved in Toshiro's art gallery) There's hope for him still. About him taking women to his house... I think, with his actions, he's trying to punish Rukia 'The Goldigger' and telling her that she won't deceive him and get what he believes she wants (Money and a luxurious life) and he hasn't realized he's truly causing her pain. This doesn't condone his actions but it would probably help in his way to redemption.

Chapter 19- For someone who was betrayed many times by the people he trusted the most, it would be difficult for him to trust anyone. Betrayed by his best friend, ex-lover and in a sense, even his Father (Who threw a stranger in his path and made him marry her), things are hard for him too. Again, I'm not justifying his actions; he doesn't know Rukia so he doesn't see her like we do. (Eh, that is probably my fault for putting so many scenes on Rukia'a POV. Haha...) And, in a sense, I believe he's also in a path of self destruction and loathing for letting those he loved take advantage of him.

Chapter 20 - So, the attraction goes both ways, that's good, it's needed in a relationship but the emotional side still hasn't caught on yet. (Yeah, working on it although it's pretty hard. D: ) It seems that his subconscious is moving faster than he is. I think he's also afraid of trusting, much less loving someone again. Probably, it would be good to start seeing more of his pain and less of his rage (though they are connected), because that's all Rukia seems to see in him. And, they definitely need to interact more, see other aspects of each other, (Working on it as well) something that shakes and starts to break the image they formed in their heads about each other. Because yes, both of them have a lot of prejudices towards one another.

In conclusion, because I am the author that have written both Ichigo and Rukia, I felt as if it was my responsibility to put Ichigo in a better light. To better understand Ichigo, I even took a few days analysing him as well before the above-mentioned review hit my heart as it was what I was trying to convey through Ichigo's action, whether it be successful or not, that is. :3 I know I couldn't see the review in FanFiction App so I meant to bring this review to all of your attention, hoping that it can change your viewpoints about Ichigo Kurosaki, at the very least. I am not saying that his actions are right but both of them are not to blame for this tension that they had been having. I would rather blame it all on 'Misconceptions'. Oh, another point. Paris bring painful memories for Ichigo so when I was writing it, I could somehow understand his lashing out at Rukia when I wrote it. Because, it's like someone invading your sweetest memories without even intending to and Rukia, having not known of this, reacted in a way that only a clueless person would react. Things would definitely get worse before they get better again, for both Rukia and Ichigo, I hope all of you don't give up on Ichigo and stick with me through the rest of this journey. :3 Eh, chapters might be slow-paced because I am always running our of Chapters but I will try my best to have a schedule. :3

N(Guest) - I understand what you mean but, I honestly feel for Ichigo. How should I say it? It's like... You have been hurt so many times that you close yourself off from the world. It may not be the right thing to do, but in Ichigo's mindset, to prevent himself from getting hurt, it seems like it was the only thing he could have done. About the Paris thing... It has to do with his ex so that's why he reacted in such a harsh manner. I wrote it in one of the Chapters. :3 I know it may seem out of place for Ichigo to be lusting over Rukia but I wanted to show the clashing of his subconscious (The dream) and conscious (The part where Ichigo hates her to the bone). Yes, he has made it clear that he doesn't want to know her, we can only see if it changes afterwards. :3 And, that was the reaction I was afraid of when I posted this Chapter. :3

Guest - First and foremost, I have to apologize for making you the limelight of the Author's Notes. After the reviews from previous Chapters, I knew I had to make it right somehow, it was a nagging feeling in my mind and your previous review gave me a consolation that I needed. It's as if you understood what I was conveying. I was rushing out Chapters as well but I knew I had to do something for Ichigo Kurosaki in the story. Enjoy the Chapter. The trip to Paris... No spoiler but you will be surprised, that's all I can say. :3

Guest - I know Isshin is a good man but sometimes... He pisses me off, you know? Like: Seriously, dude, how can you not see Rukia is suffering? How the hell? Okay, I have to calm myself down. XD

reesen555 - That was entirely the reason I was afraid to post. Like I would destroy Ichigo's growth development but at the same time, I wanted to show that his heart has accepted Rukia for who she is, it's just his head that is messing with him. Unsuccessful attempt of showing that, I am sure but... D: Paris has a special type of memory for Ichigo so when Rukia invaded his memories just like that without even intending to, he was pissed and said some things that didn't even make sense to Rukia. I can somehow understand that. I think the dream is the starting of Ichigo's struggle towards Rukia as shown in the moment when Rukia teamed up with him to convince Isshin. :3

Guest- Thank You for your review. I needed that kind of encouragement seeing that I was unsure by the previous Chapter. I didn't know whether I had done the right Chapter previously but I know that it was considered the turning point. As I said, things will definitely get worse before it gets better, for both Ichigo and Rukia. I hope you don't give up hope on Ichigo as well, he will come around. Eh, eventually. -.-' No, don't hate him more~ D:

Ichirukitrash4ever - I can't say I entirely blame you for thinking that way. Because when I had written that Chapter, I thought of the same thoughts myself. But, as I started analysing why Ichigo would be having that dream when he absolutely hates Rukia, I know things weren't as I thought it would be and I calmed down myself. You are right, Ichigo would definitely deny the lust he's feeling but I think you would want to see more of Ichigo's struggles after that dream. And, it would be the starting of Ichigo's redemption. Eh, I hope... -.-'

FafaCute - Ichigo is a work in progress, I can only say that. I know Ichigo's attitude towards Rukia is terrible, unforgivable even but... If I get Rukia a better man, it wouldn't be an IchiRuki story anymore, I hope you know that. XD I feel that Ichigo is quite handsome myself. XD I am more than glad that I could make you really into this story and I hope you stick with me throughout the journey of Ichigo's jerkiness. :3

Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters. :3

It was Tuesday morning and Rukia had to meet Ichigo at the airport in an hour's time. She was feeling scared, upset and frustrated. Scared because the idea of being alone with Ichigo in a foreign city was something she had never thought of when she had signed this contract with Isshin. Upset because since Isshin had came over on Sunday, Ichigo had neither looked at nor apologized to Rukia. Even though Ichigo was the one screaming at Rukia about Paris, even though Ichigo was the one that had confused Rukia with his yelling, it was now as if Ichigo had difficulties looking Rukia in the eye and was actively avoiding her. Frustrated because she was still annoyed that her life had to go on hold whenever the Kurosakis' needed her. Worst still, Ichigo had never acknowledged that it was hard for her as well, pushing Rukia's frustrations to the top. Although, what Rukia couldn't deny was the fact that she was going to Paris, the one city that every little girl dreamed of going. She had told Ukitake about her trip to Paris on the phone last night, she hadn't told anybody else yet though. Ukitake sounded raspy and weak, just like he had when Rukia had gone to visit him last week. Nevertheless, Ukitake was still Ukitake, cracking jokes about Rukia eating frog legs.

"If I don't hear you ribbit when you get back, I will be disappointed." He had said.

Rukia had wanted to call Shuuhei and tell him as well but things were still weird between them as it is. Both of them had talked briefly about Ukitake, promising to schedule a time with Yumichika and Ryuken to go over all the options, but Ryuken had recommended keeping Ukitake on the trial until the end of the month. Therefore, it wasn't required for Rukia and Shuuhei to see each other. Deciding that she would call him the second she landed back in Japan, Rukia sighed. Shuuhei was her best friend and brother, all in a package deal. As long as Shuuhei was happy, Rukia would be. Ino, on the other hand, had been calling Rukia a lot. They had spoken a few times this week, each conversation being short. Rukia hadn't asked any pressing questions, Ino han't gave any detailed answers. Rukia had pretended everything was normal and nothing had happened but for some reasons, even though they had spoken Sunday Night, she hadn't told Ino about going to Paris. Realizing she had wanted someone else besides Ukitake to be excited for her and share her joy, Rukia pulled out her phone, sending Ino a text.

I have news. Big news.

Spill.

Starts with a 'P'...

PREGNANT?!

OH MY GOD, INO! NO!

Then, I would need a bigger hint.

A... R... I... S...

Paris? Oh my GOD! PARIS?!

Yes! I am leaving in an hour.

Rukia. We used to dream about Paris.

I know! I'm so excited!

How are things with Ichigo?

They are... Ok. Up and down.

Well, at least you will have Paris.

Reaching the airport, Rukia found Ikkaku waiting for her by the doors of Terminal 3. "Ready?" He asked, taking the rolling suitcase from Rukia and Rukia simply nodded in response, following Ikkaku to an elevator by the side wall. Said elevator was manned by a guard in a black suit, wearing sunglasses even though they were inside the airport. The man nodded at Ikkaku and pushed a few buttons. As the doors opened a few moments later, Rukia and Ikkaku walked through the floor until they had reached a pair of doors, Ikkaku holding the door open for Rukia as they stepped outside. They were on a runway, that much was clear. Okay, nobody had told Rukia that she was taking a private jet, although she should have expected it, that is. Ikkaku rolled ahead of Rukia and she had to keep up or she would have been left behind.

"Is that... Is that just for us?" Rukia couldn't have kept the amazement out of her tone even if she had tried. Ikkaku simply gazed at Rukia and smiled, giving her the answer. Ichigo was already walking up the stairs to the private jet by the time both Ikkau and Rukia had reached. Ikkaku motioned for Rukia to follow him up the jet and Rukia did so without questions. Rukia was rendered speechless as she reached the inside of the jet, it was immaculate like nothing Rukia had ever seen before. The last time she was in an airplane, she was 7 years old. The trip was fuzzy but Rukia clearly remembered the flight being terrifying with lots of turbulence. Rukia hadn't been to a plane ever since but this... This hadn't looked like a plane to Rukia at all, it looked like a futuristic palace, with caramel-colored leather seats with throw blankets on top. Even the flight attendants had looked like celebrities.

Looking around the jet, she noticed Isshin on a chair, an eye-mask over his face. "I'm not sleeping." Isshin had declared and lifted a corner of the eye-mask off. "Hi, my dear."

Rukia couldn't help but smile at the sight of Isshin. "Hello."

"Ichigo went to the bedroom to get some sleep. You can join him if you like."

The idea of sharing a bed with Ichigo, whether it be back in the house or in the middle of the sky, wasn't something that Rukia had liked to imagine. "That's okay, I will stay out here with you."

"Pick any seat you like." Sitting down next to a window, Rukia did her seatbelt up tight. She just couldn't believe that, in a few hours, she would be in Paris, her dream country.

Landing in Paris and getting in the Mercedes G-Wagon that was waiting on the tarmac, Ichigo's car sped straight to the hotel with Rukia in it. It was the middle of the night here and Ichigo was more than ready to hit the town. Ichigo hadn't cared that he was supposedly required to show his face tomorrow morning. Paris was a city that never slept, Ichigo had decided to follow in Paris's footsteps as well. When they had pulled up, he had strode into the hotel without waiting for Rukia. Isshin took a different car to the hotel so Ichigo hadn't had to worry about his questions which was a relief for him. He just couldn't stand being in the same space with Rukia for one second longer. After that night and that particular dream, Ichigo had 2 more dreams alike that dream and it was as if Rukia wouldn't leave his subconscious alone. Oh, guess what? Now that he was on this trip with Rukia, he couldn't get away from her even while he was awake, as well. Ichigo wanted her out of his head and hopefully, out of his life. He knew that Rukia was a manipulative little gold digger who only cared about one single matter -- Using what the Kurosakis' had to her advantage. Since he had known that from the start, why was some part of his mind so viscerally captivated by her? Shaking these thoughts loose, he took the room key from from the front desk assistant and gave his Thanks before turning and heading for the elevator. Ichigo was already walking into the suite and putting his stuff into the Master Bedroom when the door opened. "Oh. We are in the same room."

Ichigo would have rolled his eyes if he could. "Of course we are. Old man made the arrangements."

"Right." Rukia bit her lips. Now, this was going to be awkward...

"This one's mine." Ichigo then slammed the door closed such that he wouldn't have to see her anymore. Ichigo heard the faint sounds of Rukia's footsteps, seemingly trying to find another bedroom. Taking off the clothes he had worn on the flight and putting on a different outfit, he walked back into the main area of the suite. "I'm going out. The gala's tomorrow at 7.30pm."

Rukia's door opened and she spoke softly. "Okay."

Making eye contact for a moment, Ichigo pulled the front door open and walked down the hall, leaving Rukia staring at his retreating back.

Currently in her bedroom in the hotel suite, Rukia looked out of the window. It was the next morning and Rukia had felt refreshed when she woke up. She hadn't heard Ichigo come back from his supposed 'Partying' and now, she was looking at the city that laid before her. It was slightly sad that she would be in a 'City of Romance' all alone but she was not going to dwell on that.

I'm outside your door. Please open.

Running out of her bedroom door to the front door and opening it, Isshin was at her door, looking very European in a blue blazer. "My dear, welcome to Paris!"

Rukia beamed. "It's amazing."

Isshin winked in response. "The first time always is." Handing Rukia an envelope, Rukia gazed confusedly at Isshin. "Take this and go to the address on the card."

Opening the envelope, Rukia found a bank business card, with an address scribbled on the back. "What is it?"

"A whole new world." Isshin had said, squeezing Rukia's arm. "Find yourself a gown for tonight." Watching Isshin disappear down the hallway, Rukia couldn't help but feel excited. Isshin always had a way for Rukia to feel like a princess while Ichigo was... Ichigo. Taking one more look at Ichigo's bedroom, Rukia wondered whether he was inside shaking her head mentally afterwards, walking out into the hall, purse on her shoulder and business card in her hand. When she had gotten to the address scribbled behind the card, it was a specialty gown store. The most couture, intricate gowns tag Rukia had ever seen graced every hanger. When Rukia had introduced herself to the chic lady behind the counter, the one with salt-and-pepper hair and bright red lipstick, she had looked at Rukia before a slow smile had graced her lips.

"Bon." She had said while pulling gowns down and putting them into the dressing room, which was more like a suite, in Rukia's opinion, anyway. She had brought Rukia a champagne flute to sip while she had worked and when she was happy with the number of gowns she had taken down did she take Rukia' champagne flute away from her. "You. Go." She had ordered Rukia while pointing to the dressing room and handed Rukia the first gown she had chosen, a pale yellow strapless masterpiece that was elegant and original at the same time. She helped Rukia put it on and when they were looking at the mirror, she scrunched her nose and shook her head. "Next." And, that were the actions Rukia had seen her do until she had worn the black dress. It was black velvet which sounded weird as hell but when she had looked in the mirror... The dress hugged Rukia's body but it was still comfortable. Apparently, the lady had the same idea as her for when she saw Rukia in the mirror, her hand went to her heart and she gasped. Rukia then knew that the black velvet dress was the perfect gown for the gala. Packaging it up, she carried to the front. "I have Monsieur Kurosaki's card on ze file." She had said and gave Rukia a pair of black stilettos in a separate bag. "You wear with these."

Rukia nodded her head. "Thank You."

The lady was just printing the receipt when another, much younger salesperson, with a sharp blonde bob and bright green eyes came up to the register. She had said something to the lady in French which Rukia hadn't understood but she clearly had heard the lady respond with the word 'Kurosaki' in the sentence. The girl with the bob had gazed at Rukia in such a way that made Rukia feel violated, for some reasons. She then laughed and then turned back to the lady who had assisted Rukia. "Non." Laughing again, the lady swatted her arm before the younger salesperson left. She knew neither head nor tail what had happened but for some reasons, all the adrenaline had left her at that moment.

Taking the garment and shoe bag from the lady, Rukia simply nodded her head without a word of Thanks, scurrying away from the store. Thinking back to the conversation, Rukia came to the assumption that they were probably talking about how a beautiful gown shouldn't be worn by a person like her. Her mind drifting back to Isshin's words as he handed her the envelope, she sighed. A whole new world, huh...? It definitely was a whole new world, a new world that Rukia wasn't compatible with.

Are we going together to the gala, Ichigo? Hello?

The hotel suite was empty when Rukia had gotten back and Ichigo wasn't answering Rukia's texts either. Rukia was preparing and had thought that, by the time she was ready, Ichigo would have been back from wherever he was. Rukia had known Ichigo had friends in Paris, had known that he had business to do since this was a business trip after all but she hadn't expected him to abandon her the moment they had landed. Sighing, she wore the black velvet dress and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Even after the hot shower she had taken, she still hadn't gotten rid of the feeling that she had when she was scurrying away from the store. Checking the time, Rukia knew she hadn't had much time left. The gala was simply downstairs in the ballroom but Rukia knew she had to make up her mind, she could either wait for Ichigo's arrival back to the suite and possibly get chastised by Isshin for being late or she could go downstairs, heading straight to the gala and get chastised by Ichigo for not waiting. Weren't husbands and wives, even those whom weren't exactly in love, supposed to enter the gala together? Weighing her options, Rukia knew she had been chastised by Ichigo every moment since they had gotten married. She couldn't deny that it wasn't the most pleasure thing to endure but it was still better than Isshin's disappointment, in her mind. Isshin had always been kind to Rukia, believing in her and that was the only aspect that she held most dear in this marriage. Call her selfish, but she had wanted Isshin to continue having pride in Rukia as his daughter-in-law. Making her decision, Rukia grabbed her purse, straightened her wedding ring and walked out of the hotel suite at 7.26pm. Taking the elevators down to where the ballroom were housed and as soon as the doors opened, Rukia saw a man wearing a suit and an earpiece motioning for her to walk through the set of doors to her right. She turned her head, managing to make out 3 more suit-clad men with earpieces, in front of each elevator. "Mademoiselle?" The man said impatiently.

"Sorry." Lowering her head, Rukia walked as fast as she could in the 4-inch heels that the sales lady had given her. Feet already hurting like hell, she made it to the doors in one piece. Pushing the doors open, she couldn't help but be amazed.

It looked like a royal wedding inside. The ballroom was massive and everywhere she looked was gold -- Gold chandeliers, gold centerpieces and gold jewelleries. There was a gold carpet to her immediate left and a cluster of people in unimaginably beautiful garments waiting for their turn walking down the gold carpet. In front of the carpet, there were a row of photographers, their cameras flashing with the haste of bulls charging towards a matador. Rukia, being waved into the cluster by another earpieced man, was looking around frantically. Honestly, the idea of being photographed by herself, with all the eyes and lenses of the photographers on her was downright terrifying. It was at that moment that she saw him. Talking to a gaggle of impossibly skinny women, using his hands and making large gestures, looking as animated as ever was where her husband was, Ichigo Kurosaki. From her position, she saw the smile on Ichigo's face and sighed, coming to the conclusion that Ichigo had came to the gala without her after all. The man in the earpiece before Rukia had turned to see what Rukia was staring at and he must have had no trouble recognizing Ichigo. "Do you want me to fetch your husband so that you can take a picture together?"

Rukia wasn't used to the attention so focused on her and she simply nodded her head. "That would be... Great." The man then sprinted to Ichigo and Rukia mentally prepared the verbal lashing that she knew she would receive when he arrived by her side.

Seeing the man by Ichigo's side and pointing at her, Rukia averted her eyes as Ichigo had started walking towards her and unintentionally locked eyes with a middle-aged man, wearing a black turtleneck under his double-breasted suit. Rukia felt the hairs on her arms stand up for some reasons that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Shifting her gaze away from the man, Ichigo took the last few steps over to Rukia. "Darling." He had said loud enough for people to hear. "You look gorgeous."

Part of her knew Ichigo was acting, of course but for unknown reason, she had felt more confident after Ichigo complimented her. "Thanks." It was almost their turn to walk the carpet and the lady in charge of organizing everyone greeted Ichigo.

"Welcome back, monsieur." They exchanged a few words, the lady ignoring Rukia completely and then directing Ichigo to the centre of the carpet. Ichigo gazed back at Rukia, holding his hand out expectantly. Never had Rukia once been so glad to take Ichigo's hand, as a defending wall or some sort of reassurance that she had needed desperately. After an awkward moment of deciding how to smile which felt like a lifetime to Rukia, Ichigo pulled her off the carpet but before they could have gone far, an older couple approached them.

"Ichigo! She's lovely!" The lady exclaimed while looking at Rukia.

Rukia had found the ground more interesting than ever now, a hue of red appearing on her cheeks. "Thank You."

"You did well, Ichigo." The man clapped Ichigo on the shoulder before chuckling.

"I try, Tomoya, you know that."

The couple laughed in response before the woman had directed her gaze at Ichigo. "We thought you would have been at our table."

Ichigo smiled. "I thought so too but Father had some last-minute reorganization. Wanted all kids at the kids' table, it seems."

"In that case, you had better save me a dance, Ichigo." The woman said as she pulled her husband away.

"I will save you 3." Ichigo said, winking and Rukia had the feeling Ichigo was in his element.

Ichigo gazed at Rukia. "Let's go to the table." Rukia simply nodded, taking off in the direction towards the round tables that covered most of the space. As they approached the one where Ichigo was previously socializing at, Rukia felt the palms of her hands go sweaty. These girls had looked like models, who chain-smoked and dated celebrities, the type of women who wouldn't have looked out of place standing beside Ichigo on a gold carpet, only furthering to prove her theory that Ichigo's world was the opposite from hers. They all turned as Ichigo reached the table and Ichigo took the time to introduce Rukia. "Ladies, this is Rukia, my wife."

The women seemed to have been observing Rukia as she waited for her judgement and soon enough, the one seated closest to where they were standing started to clap, the other women joining in as well. Rukia gazed at Ichigo, not knowing what to make of the behaviour of the women. Were they approving of her or mocking her for being Ichigo's wife? But, it was Ichigo who had guided her to the table and Rukia figured it was safe enough for now. One of the girls spoke. "She's belle." If memory had served her right, the definition of 'Belle' was beautiful. If it was a compliment in the dictionary, why had it sounded so wrong to her ears right then? Why had Ichigo began smirking, like he was in some kind of an inside joke?

Gazing at Ichigo for some sort of explanation and when Ichigo had felt Rukia's gaze, he simply pulled out a seat for Rukia. "Come on, sit."

The women had all started talking amongst themselves again, the one closest to Ichigo pulling him into the conversation, having no opportunity for Rukia to begin a conversation, not that she had minded, really. A server came up behind Rukia and said something in French that Rukia hadn't understood. Not wanting to be the subject of any attention whatsoever, Rukia simply nodded her head. He repeated the same words and Rukia bit her lips, not knowing how to respond. "She will have the Grigio."

She turned to the women who had helped her before nodding her head in Thanks and the blush on her face had reddened to a deep red, wanting to kick herself for not having the server to speak English instead. Wasn't English universal? Nodding at the woman's answer, the server nodded and walked over to the ice bucket that held 2 bottles, bringing 1 over and pouring Rukia a glass and Rukia took a gulp, her nerves skyrocketing to the maximum. "Easy, lady." The woman from before spoke. "This one gets feisty when his woman gets drunk." She winked, looking at Ichigo.

Gazing at the woman before at Ichigo, she couldn't believe what this woman was implying, in front of her, no less. "Don't be bad, Sekai." Ichigo had responded, kicking one leg over the other and leaning back in his chair.

"Why? That's how you like me." She winked again and Rukia felt the urge to puke with all the women laughing. Okay, she knew it was a fake marriage but in public, Ichigo was still her husband and she was sitting right there!

"Excuse me." Rukia said, leaving the table.

There was a bar by the wall and it was mostly empty. Deciding that she had needed some breathing space, she had walked over and ordered a glass of sparkling water. The bartender had brought it almost instantly but before Rukia could give her Thanks, she felt a hand on her shoulders. "That's not a strong enough drink for such a beautiful lady." Rukia looked at his hand that was resting on her bare shoulder, not even wanting to comment how weird that he was speaking to her. So, a beautiful lady must have strong drinks? Huh? Sighing mentally, she grabbed her drink to walk away but the man's hand tightened its grasp. "I can't convince you to have, eh, one drink with me?"

Rukia shrugged put of his grip. "Maybe later." Call it her gut instinct but there was something about this man that had made her senses on guard. Taking her glass, Rukia walked around the circumference of the ballroom, taking in all the details that had been arranged throughout. By the time Rukia had gotten back to the table, there were baskets of bread and butter, Ichigo and the women still deep in conversation.

Figuring it was best to let them talk and having a bread for herself, Rukia reached for the basket. Dropping a fresh bun on her plate and applying butter on it, she was so immersed on the smell such that she hadn't realized the conversation around her had abruptly stopped. "She eats bread?"

About to bite down on her food, Rukia had known who the comment was directed to and placed the bread back on her plate before gazing at the women who was looking at her on disgust. None of them, inclusive of Ichigo, was eating. The same state of confusion had came back to Rukia. Was she not supposed to eat bread? Was bread a taboo in French or something? "Your wife..." Rukia narrowed her eyes, having an uneasy feeling as Sekai gazed at Ichigo, her eyes disapproving. "She will be fat before you know it."

Another woman shrugged. "Fat is better than gauche."

"At least when you are gauche, you are not stealing another's money."

She hadn't understood any of those words at all but she had a distinct feeling that they were talking about her. The women's words hadn't stopped at all, each insult even worse than the last. When Rukia gazed at Ichigo, he simply sat there with a smirk on his face. Gaze lowering to her black velvet dress, she closed her eyes. Why was she here? Why had she agreed to Isshin' trip? Was this Ichigo's revenge on her for agreeing? She had originally thought her husband would be a man who defends her, a man who protects her and a man who makes sure she was out of harm's way. But, of course, that was too much to ask of Ichigo Kurosaki, isn't it?

Author's Notes: I am sure I am not doing Ichigo any favours here but... Reviews? :3