FafaCute - I miss the Rukia that was setting up Toshiro's art gallery~ T_T My Rukia~ D: Can a cookie win Ichigo's respect? :3 Pwetty pwease? :3 All jokes aside, it won't be easy for Ichigo to redeem himself. But, all I hope is that he gets to redeem himself, at lease before you get the pitchfork out and stab Ichigo with it. D: I am pretty sure this incident will come back to bite her in the ass, 'When' is the problem, that is. :3
jobananasan - Probably because that is the Chapter with the biggest reaction out of 22 Chapters existing. :3 It seems that you have read that story as well, a reader recommended to me the first time this story popped up that the plot is eerily similar to 'I Am Your Slave Wife'. I took my time to read that particular story and I was moved to tears, I tell you. :3 I can only say that I understand your emotions and where you are coming from. What I have done until now is simply making Ichigo irredeemable and for him to be accepted for both Rukia and the readers, no matter how much of a die-hard Ichiruki fan one would be, it would be very hard. I am still thankful for you reading that particular Chapter and I hope you would give this story a chance and read more Chapters and see whether you would be interested in the story in general, although readers have mostly been complaining how Ichigo treats Rukia like a jerk so I am in a dilenma because I am positive you would only hate Ichigo more. D:
As for your suggestion, somebody would have to appear for their love, or rather, relationship to progress. (Be it Ukitake or another man) As for who Ukitake is, you have to read the story to know. :3 Somebody might appear, somebody might not but for that suggestion to work, Ichigo has to have feelings for Rukia first so I will be focusing more on them before I shift to a potential suitor, if there is any. And, please don't take your pitchfork out and stab Ichigo. D: He needs to be with Rukia. (Since this story is an IchiRuki story) D:
Guest - Apart from the relationship-fundamentals that they have, it should be a setback knowing that Ichigo and her world is equivalent to Heaven and Earth. I wanted to show that in he previous 2 chapters. Seemingly, I did it, it seems. :3 About that 'Molester', fingers crossed~ :3 Is it an act for business's sake, you will get your answer in this Chapter. :3
reesen555 - I had to end it there because if I continued, it would have spoiled the surprise that I was going to give all of my readers. :3 Read on if you wanna find out what surprises are in store. :3
Ichirukitrash4ever - It wouldn't resurface for the time being, I can tell you that much at least. But, would it resurface much later? I have no answer to that. Remember what I said earlier? His behaviour and thinking is simply a misconception of his thoughts of Rukia. That aspect, at the very least, can be redeemable. Then, from there, we will see how things goes. :3 Seriously, should I be worried about you jumping into the story, taking a dagger and stabbing Ichigo right at the heart? D: No violence. D: That is why I love writing this story, I try to restrain myself actually, I always have a problem of writing non-stop and making a mess of the whole plot and story. Because of this story alike a drama, I still come to the point where my brain wants to write more, getting excited but I simply restrain myself, knowing that it wouldn't be wise. :3 And, knowing that I have the readers' support no matter how bad Ichigo gets is a bonus. :3
Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters. :3
Had Ichigo felt bad about the way Sekai had treated Rukia? Honestly, he had. Sekai was the biggest bitch he had known and not even Rukia who had wiggled her way into his life deserved that kind of treatment from the biggest bitch ever. Yet, at the same time, it was like being in an animal kingdom. One simply had to just let the women take runs at each other until they were tired enough to go to bed. Ichigo and Sekai were a thing back in their old days. For Ichigo, it was casual and consisted of nothing more than sex. Though, Sekai had never really seemed to get over the fling. While she was busy being a bitch to everyone in her social circle, she was a bitch with a side of uncontrollable and envy-riddled rage to whomever girl Ichigo would have brought along and with Rukia leaving the table, it was considered a victory in Sekai's eyes. Ichigo sighed mentally as Sekai had the server bring a bottle of champagne for the table. Once the champagne had popped, they were ordering Round 2 within minutes. About an hour later, when the table was cluttered with uneaten chocolates and Grand Marnier scuffles, Ichigo sees Isshin striding to their table. "Ladies." Isshin said, taking Rukia'a vacant seat. "Where's Rukia?"
"She wasn't feeling well, a migraine to be exact and so, she excused herself."
"Ah, too bad." Isshin said, shaking his head. "Poor girl. She really is a good one, Ichigo."
"I know."
"Do you?" Isshin had directed this question back at Ichigo, his gaze unwavering as he awaited an answer. Ichigo, in response, scowled before nodding. Isshin seemed to have accepted Ichigo's answer as he nodded his head. "Good because I have a surprise for the both of you. Come on, let's go back to the suite and give her the news."
Ichigo gazed at the food. "Already? We barely finished dessert."
Isshin sighed. "Your wife is in pain, Ichigo. Why you are not with her already is astounding." Finishing the glass of Pinot Grigio that Rukia had barely touched, Ichigo followed Isshin out of the gala. For some reason, since the moment that Rukia had left the table and allowing Sekai to win, Ichigo had been in a bad mood ever since.
Rukia had been in the bath for what felt like ages. She had showered first, needing to get all of the touches off of her, watching as the water splashed off her skin and pooled at her feet. When she had felt clean enough, she had pushed the stopper into the drain and took a seat, watching the tub filling up with water. She had been here ever since and she had to admit that it had felt nice, feeling the pain from the hot water that her body could still feel. Her eyes gradually became cold as she placed her own hands on her knees, then working her own way up to her legs and thighs, the same way the man had earlier touched her. The memory was torturing her but as hard as it was to remember, she hadn't wanted to forget. Yes, Aizen had harrassed her before but Aizen had never placed his hands on hers like the man had. It was a new feeling for Rukia as she leaned back on the wall and closed her eyes. She wanted to remember this helplessness and terror that she had felt inside of her, such that nothing could phase her anymore. "Hello, Rukia?" She recognized that tone of voice, Isshin was here. Why was he here? Had they heard about what had happened?
Pulling the plug out of the drain and wrapping a plush hotel towel around herself, she opened the door. "I was just taking a shower."
"Take your time, we will wait." Isshin called back. Going into her bedroom, Rukia found a bathrobe hanging in the closet which she traded the towel for. Feeling adequately covered, she walked out of her bedroom. Both Ichigo and Isshin were seated, gazing at Rukia as she walked in. "How are you feeling? Have you taken something?" Figuring that Ichigo must have created a reason of her being sick since she wasn't by Ichigo, she shook her head. "I think I will be okay. Just some rest, that's all I need."
"Of course, I will leave you to it in just a moment. But first..." Isshin had paused, taking something out of his jacket pocket. It had looked like one of those tourists key chains one could buy at the airport but Rukia couldn't make out the letters even if she tried.
Ichigo squinted his eyes at the keychain. "St. Toma?"
"St. Toma!" Isshin exclaimed, clearly excited. "It's an island, a private island in the Caribbean. White sand beaches, clear ocean and one of the best resorts in the world."
Rukia sighed mentally. Honestly, Isshin was a good man, a good Father, a good Husband but she was getting so tired of Isshin's delusional thoughts that this marriage would work out for Ichigo and the so-called 'Surprise' he would spring on both of them. "I am confused..."
Ichigo folded his arms. "Me too, actually."
"You are going." Isshin said and had stood up, buttoning his blazer. "The both of you. You leave tomorrow and you are taking the jet. Happy honeymooning." Saying the words with a wink, Isshin walked to the door.
There were a lot of colourful words Rukia could have said to Isshin. Had Isshin just randomly came up with a sick sense of humour? She couldn't tolerate Ichigo with a family trip to Paris even if she tried desperately, how was she able to tolerate being with Ichigo alone on a remote island? She knew Isshin had meant well, but... "Tomorrow?"
"That's impossible, I have another meeting with the property manager tomorrow -- "
"Wrong. I am taking the meeting for you. Your marriage and your love comes first, Ichigo." A panel of rage covered Ichigo's face but it had disappeared just seconds later. Surprisingly, that was how Rukia felt as well, towards Isshin out of all people. Yet, for some reason, she was angered at Isshin for both Ichigo and her sake. If Isshin had honestly felt the need to put Ichigo's marriage and love first, why had he rushed the marriage and placed her in such a predicament? Yes, she had blamed Ichigo for bringing women back and disrespecting her, she had blamed Ichigo for calling and treating her like a slut who was using Ichigo's name for popularity. But, could she really blame Ichigo? "The jet leaves at 9am. Don't keep Akon waiting, you know how he gets about tardiness."
Door opening, Isshin was gone just like that and Rukia slumped on the couch, placing her hands on her face. "Akon?"
"The pilot." Ichigo said, standing up as he whipped a pillow against the door as soon as Isshin had left. "This is a goddamn travesty."
"I couldn't agree more."
"You agree? Well, that makes me so glad." Ichigo had said, sarcasm dripping off and Rukia could sense it as well. Yet, she couldn't find it in her heart to reply Ichigo at all. "I presume this is your gown." Rukia gazed up from her position and sees Ichigo holding her gown that she had left by the door. Rukia simply nodded and that was all she could have managed. "And, you just left it... On the floor?"
"Yes."
As if shocked by Rukia's confession, Ichigo had stepped closer to Rukia before dropping the dress on her shoulder. Rukia was waiting for the screams, harsh words and cruelty she was sure would be coming from Ichigo but all Ichigo did was smile at Rukia. A smile so cold and eerie, like it had held some meaning just out of her reach. Honestly, Rukia would have preferred cruel words than the treatment that Ichigo was giving her. A few moments drifted past as Ichigo walked back out of the door, just like how Isshin had. Rukia gazed at the retreating back of Ichigo, not understanding her thoughts. Why had her heart almost broke in half when Ichigo smiled at her like that? Why had she felt like crying in front of Ichigo and hoping that he would protect her, for just a moment?
Waking up in a cold sweat and seeing the duvet half off the bed, pillows strewn all around her, Rukia turned to the clock and noticed it was 8.37am. She simply had 23 minutes to pack and meet Ichigo outside where a car would take them to a jet and the jet taking them to a island. Rolling her suitcase to the lobby without waiting for Ichigo, she sighed. If there was a lesson she had learned from this trip to Paris, it was that Ichigo wouldn't have waited for her, no matter the destination. Making it to the car out front without any interruptions which Rukia had felt immensely grateful for, the driver had helped put her suitcase into the trunk and then helping Rukia into the backseat. As soon as Ichigo emerged from the lobby and hopped into the car, they were on their way. Driving right into the tarmac with the driver helping Rukia out of the car and carrying her suitcase to the waiting airport stuff, who, in turn, loaded it onto the jet, Rukia claimed the stairs the same way she had climbed back in Japan, again behind Ichigo. Yet, this time, Rukia noticed that there was no 'Ohmygoshthisisamazing' reaction from her side. She had felt numb instead, feeling that nothing in this world could ever surprise or even impress her anymore. Taking the same seat where she had taken on the way to Paris, Rukia noted that Ichigo had gone to his bedroom without saying a word to Rukia. "Katsura, do you mind?"
Rukia had heard Ichigo ask on his way to his bedroom. A pretty flight attendant with dark purple hair scurried after him, disappearing into Ichigo's bedroom as well. as comparison to the few times where Rukia would have felt anger and rage building up inside of her, Rukia hadn't felt any of these things this time. The plane took off shortly after and this time, Rukia was far less worried than she had been on the plane trip to Paris. They had been flying for around 6 hours and Rukia was just finishing off a bag of potato chips when she had heard the pilot speak over the intercom. "Kurosaki-Sama, this is Akon, your Captain. Just wanted to give you as heads-up about some possible turbulence we are en route to, due to some weird weather that was pretty suddenly onset -- " A moment of silence was heard from Akon as Rukia felt her tummy dropping fast, it was as if the plane had suddenly dipped by a thousand miles. It was as if Rukia was on the scary part of the rollercoaster but there was simply no track below. Looking around for someone to tell her that this was normal for a private jet, Rukia hadn't seen Katsura coming out of Ichigo's room and the other flight attendant was nowhere to be seen as well. Rukia's breathing started getting faster as the plane dipped a few more times. "... More than expected. I apologize for the -- " As if on cue, the plane bounced up and down, as if the sky was a trampoline and the next time Rukia had gazed out of the window, she saw flames, fucking flames emerging from the plane's wing. She hadn't known how planes worked but she knew that this wasn't normal.
The other flight attendant ran out from an area at the front of the jet, her dangly earrings dancing aggressively with her movements. "Put this on!" She had screamed at Rukia, throwing a life vest her way.
Her heart beating out of control as she slipped her head through the orange vest, she hadn't known what was happening but as she felt the plane dipping once again, she threw up in the seat next to her and she closed her eyes tightly. Blackness surrounded Rukia, she hadn't known if that was because she had her eyes closed tight or because there was nothing more to see. She hadn't felt the point of impact and she couldn't feel any pain, all she had known was that it was over almost as quickly as it had started.
Author's Notes: Any guesses on what's happening next? :3 I would love to hear your guesses. :3 In this arc, it has been mostly on Rukia's viewpoint of things so writing Ichigo's viewpoint was really satisfying. :3 It looks like some of Rukia's anger is now shifting on Isshin for the things he has done. To Paris and now to their 'Honeymoon'... Hm... Oh! About Katsura, the flight attendant, anybody has any guesses what she was doing, proceeding to Ichgo's bedroom? :3