Guest - Aizen hadn't admitted the messages were from him, apparently. From this chapter, you might have an idea who the messages belong to. I an getting prouder and prouder of Ichigo as time goes by in the 2nd arc. It would still need some time before Rukia accepts Ichigo for who he is but the feelings of them are steadily developing, there's no doubt about that. I hope she stays safe and away from that guy as well. :3

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

"What do you want, Rukia?"

What does she want? She clearly remembered Ino asking her the exact same question before. The first response would be that 'She was ready to divorce' but as her lips parted, she found that she couldn't reply. It wasn't a simple 'Yes' or 'No' question to her. To her, it was so much more, a question coupled with happiness and love, a decision that would determine hurt and death to a particular. It was her life, the future of her family in it. As she closed her eyes, unable to think properly with Ichigo's gaze on her so strongly, her mind swirled with thoughts and memories.

Instantly, at the next moment, she heard a crash and gazed back at Ichigo to find a glass vase, beside him, in pieces. Had Ichigo accidentally swept it out of anger or purposely dropped it? "Clean it."

To say Rukia was surprised was the understatement of the century. "W-What?"

"You heard me." Ichigo's tone was firm and cold at the same time. "You want to cause problems in my life, inviting my own Father over without giving me some advanced warning. Then, I will throw it back at you. This is a mess I made and you can clean it."

Oh, she was pissed. "Weren't you listening to anything I said earlier, Kurosaki? If I was the one who had invited him, why would I be late?"

Ichigo shrugged. "You can lie all you want. Wouldn't be too out of character for you to lie, anyway."

Rukia felt a hand on her elbow, pushing against the wall. "Hey." His tone was softer, as if trying to flirt. "You are my wife, you know that?"

"I know, Kurosaki. Your point?"

"So, don't walk away from me." With that, he leaned his face closer to Rukia's.

"Okay." Rukia simply replied and tried to wiggle away from Ichigo's grasp on her.

"You know, wives are supposed to do something for their husbands." Rukia gazed at Ichigo, hatred flowing through them. "To perform." Rukia could smell the alcohol practically.

Alarm bells rung inside Rukia's head and she successfully forced her way out of his grip this time. "I'm going to bed."

Smashing the wine bottle onto the wall, causing Rukia to gaze back at him. Giving Rukia the eeriest smile, he spoke. "You are gonna learn to do what you are FUCKING TOLD. You live here. You live off me. You are gonna learn to make yourself useful."

Ichigo stepped towards Rukia, eyes roaming her body. Rukia stepped back, knowing that Ichigo was imaging what laid underneath those clothes. "Kurosaki, stop." Rukia's voice took on a firm tone.

"You are a gold-digging slut." Once again, it was that comment that made Rukia hate Ichigo. "You should start acting like it." Rukia flinched and and taking the opportunity at Rukia's flinch, Ichigo's hands were on Rukia's shoulders, running through her hair.

"...I don't know who you are." Rukia gazed up at Ichigo, hearing the words. "I don't know what you are after, but I see you. Past the hair, makeup and dress, I see you." As Ichigo withdrew his lips from her cheeks, Rukia was about to respond when Ichigo pressed his lips on her other cheeks, successfully cutting her off. "I see you, gold-digging slut..."

"And, I fucking hate you..."

Rukia would marvel at how amazing he was at acting if she wasn't the one fucking married to him. "I'm a powerful man, I get what I want. What I want, at this moment, is to ruin you."

"No." Her eyes opened, gazing at Ichigo and forcing herself bot to falter as Ichigo had looked like the world had abandoned him. "I'm not ready to stay, to continue being married to you."

Ichigo took a moment to reply. "I understand. I -- "

"But, I would like to start over if that's okay with you."

It seemingly took a few more seconds for Ichigo to process Rukia's words. A bright smile formed on Ichigo's lips. "I would like nothing more." Ichigo wrapped Rukia in his arms, suddenly embracing her. "In that case, I would like to ask you out. Next Friday maybe? I know this cute little pizza place..."

Unable to help herself, Rukia giggled. "That sounds wonderful."

"Rukia, I..." It had seemed that Ichigo had more that he had wanted to say but he simply squeezed Rukia closer before stepping back. "Let's go inside. It's freezing and they are about to announce the winners."

With his arms wrapped around her shoulders, Rukia allowed Ichigo to lead her back into the banquet hall. Despite the snow falling onto the streets, Rukia had felt warm and bright, as if she was walking on a cloud. If there was one thing she had known, it was to weigh the pros against the cons. Since she had met Ichigo, her life had been full of ups and downs but there had been no doubt in her mind that the pros far outweighed the cons, especially since they had returned from the island. It was as though Ichigo had became a new person, it wouldn't have been fair to use everything he said in the past against him. "The moment we have been waiting for has arrived..." The announcer sang as they made their way to the centre of the dance floor, taking their place among the other participants. "It's time to announce the winners. First, in third place..." Polite applause punctured the air. "In second place..." Rukia couldn't focus on what the announcer was speaking. It hadn't mattered whether they had won or lost, she had already won a prize better then she could have ever hoped for tonight, it would have been greedy to hope for anything more. Rukia allowed her joy to radiate through her as her hand touched Ichigo's, her cheeks burning from smiling so much. There was a bang and pop of champagne as the second and first-place winners were announced. Ichigo swore beside her and she was suddenly lifted up, being spinned through the air. Ichigo's lips had whispered. "I can't believe it."

She was on a podium next and a huge bundle of flowers was pressed into her arms as the crowd cheered. "Congratulations, my children." Isshin appeared, helping Rukia down the podium and crushed the bouquet of white roses between them as he hugged Rukia.

"I can't believe we came in first..."

Isshin beamed. "You danced beautifully! I'm proud of you!" As Isshin's eyes gazed at Ichigo, he changed his words. "Of both of you. Now, let's get you some drinks while the night is still young!"

Excusing herself while Ichigo ordered drinks for them at the bar, she headed to the bathroom.

Oh My God! Oh My God! Oh My God! RUKIA! Shuuhei PROPOSED!

Rukia smiled as she figured things went well for them.

Congratulations!

Did you know?! How could you just let me complain last week?!

I knew it would end well. I'm so happy for the both of you!

Will you be my maid of honor?

Of course! You know I am always there for you!

It was funny how life had a way of turning things around. Only a few weeks ago, Rukia couldn't see a single silver lining surrounding her life. Now, it was as though everywhere she turned, the world was glided in the brightest and purest of gold.

She had said Yes. Ichigo hadn't remembered the last time he had been this happy, the last time he had smiled this much. Rukia had agreed to date him and to give him a chance. There was no way he had deserved such an angel to take mercy on him after the rage that had sent him through fucking Japan for the past year. It wasn't perfect but it was still a hell lot more than what he had deserved in his mind, at least. Rukia was still his and this time, he would make sure that he wouldn't let her down again. Standing on the podium with Rukia and receiving their trophy, he might as well have been standing on top of the world. Nothing had felt that good -- Be it climbing Mount Everest, becoming CEO or finishing a marathon. Not even the fucking glitter that flecked his silk suit could have pissed him off. As Ikkaku drove through the night, the city lights making a kaleidoscope of color in the back seat, Ichigo allowed his eyes to roam over the sleeping angel that was beside him, Rukia had passed out the second the engine hummed to life. She had said that her best friend and Brother were getting married, her best friend asking her to be the Maid of Honor and she had agreed. Ichigo figured it was simply too mich excitement for one day. "Shall I help Kurosaki-San to her room, Sir?" Ikkaku had unbuckled his belt, ready to exit the car.

"No, I will do it. You can head off for the night."

Carefully, Ichigo stood from the car and lifted Rukia in his arms. With her head pressed against his chest, Ichigo thanked the doorman as he helped Ichigo through the lobby and into the elevator. Rukia had Ichigo melting like a love-sick puppy and what was worse than that? Ichigo was happy about being a love-sick puppy. Isshin was right; Rukia had him wrapped around her finger. Though he had half a thought to bring Rukia into his room, she carried Rukia to her own room seeing that she wasn't ready for the change, not considering his dirty sheets for that matter. He laid Rukia carefully on her bed before covering her with a quilt draped on a nearby armchair. Honestly, Ichigo hadn't thought it possible. After all the hurt and betrayal he had experienced in the last year, he was sure that he wasn't meant for love. He had been sure that Fate had forged a different purpose for him, one of conquest, righteousness and might. No one had ever became successful through love, he had told himself one fine day. Love slowed one down and held one back, it was simply useless. Yet, in the last few weeks, his life had changed drastically. Nothing had felt more important than this, more important than Rukia. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he swept away a loose bang of Rukia's hair that had always stayed stubbornly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, my angel."

Ducking into the warmth of the cafe, Rukia shook out her umbrella and left it hanging on the rack by the door along with her damp coat. Ino had already taken over the largest table, strewn coffee cups and miscellaneous wedding supplies on top of the table. She gazed up from the bridal magazine she was flipping through as Rukia slid onto the bench beside her. "You look happy."

Rukia picked up a magazine randomly. "Just excited for you."

"I don't believe it." Toshiro had scoffed from the other side of the table. He had a spring of baby's breath in his ear and was fanning himself with a handful of fabric swatches. "I think our little Dancing Queen has a secret."

Rukia scanned the cafe, careful to make sure it was empty before dishing out any detail. She had known all too well how quickly rumors spread and turned into news when overheard by the wrong ears. It might not have been her naked body this time but she was sure that if somebody had ever caught wind that Ichigo and her relationship were on the rocks, she would probably see it on the news. "Ichigo and I are dating."

"Oh God!" Toshiro said, clapping his hands. "I knew you would give in eventually!"

Rukia's cheeks reddened and she felt herself shrugging, as if it wasn't a big matter at all. "He's just been... So different lately."

"Yeah, since you saw his -- "

"Ino?" Rukia cut in before Toshiro could have finished his sentence.

With Rukia's announcement, Ino's expression dropped, causing a little of Rukia's confidence to disappear as well. "I'm happy for you. Really, I am. I just..." Ino sighed as Rukia waited patiently. "He's been so awful to you, Rukia and you were ready to divorce the man a week ago. I just don't want to see you hurt once again."

Rukia smiled. "I know, he's different now though, I can feel it."

Offering a small smile, Ino nodded. "I'm here, no matter what. Always."

"Well, I, for one, am glad." Toshiro beamed as Rukia shook her head mentally. Knowing Toshiro, who knew what he was thinking inside his own head? "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the 2 of you. You and your sometimes-husband are the reasons why my career had taken off. Who knows where I would be if you hadn't helped me host my first show?"

Toshiro waved his hand through the air and it would have been as dramatic as he had intended if they hadn't been sitting in the cafe Toshiro still worked part-time for. Ino snickered, earning a glare. "Hater." Toshiro shot back at Ino.

"Well, you made it easy." Rukia reassured Toshiro. "You are so talented."

"You must let me repay you somehow."

Rukia shook her head, declining the offer. Ichigo had enough wealth and fortune to last them for a lifetime. Besides, it would have felt wrong to accept something from her friend for such a simple favor. "I couldn't possibly -- "

Toshiro' eyes suddenly grew wide. "I know exactly what you need -- A Toshiro Hitsugaya Original! Oh, please, let me paint for you."

A small smile spread across Rukia's lips. If painting her had made Toshiro so happy, how could she refuse? "I would like that very much."

"Fabulous! Just you wait, Rukia, I'm gonna paint you something so good you will divorce your terrible husband for real this time and marry me instead." Toshiro declared.

"Hey!" Ino exclaimed. "Stop harassing us and go make some lattes."

"Fine but you are paying for them this time, Miss Yamanaka."

This time, Rukia couldn't hold on her laughter as Ino shouted. "Hey! That's Mrs. Yamanaka to you!" Toshiro flipped her off while ducking behind the counter. In no time at all, Rukia could smell the grinding coffee and hear the bubble of the steaming milk. "So, here's what I'm thinking." Ino slid a pile of magazines clippings and scribbled notes towards Rukia. "A spring wedding."

"That's fast."

Honestly, Rukia shouldn't have been too judgemental about the date. Ichigo and her had been married within weeks, without having ever met. As compared to them, Shuuhei and Ino had been dating for almost a year and had practically known each other their whole lives. "I want the centerpieces to be peonies and you know they are the best in May." Rukia simply nodded as Ino flipped through the magazine again. "I want fuchsia and white for the colours."

Toshiro whined from his place. "Oh no~ Not white~ That's so basic~"

Ino rolled her eyes. "It's a wedding. There has to be white."

"Oh no~" Dustin whined once more before beaming the next second. "It's all about ivory next year~ Besides, ivory will look so much better with your pale-ass skin than just white."

Rukia shrugged. "Coming from Toshiro, that's almost a compliment." Rukia turned to Ino. "How can I help?"

Rukia couldn't help but throw herself to the planning of wedding. It wasn't simply just the excitement of seeing Ino and Shuuhei happy together, it was also that she hadn't had the opportunity to plan her own wedding. Isshin had organized everything. While it had been grand and beautiful, it hadn't been hers, there had been nothing of Rukia Tachibana and Ichigo Kurosaki in the wedding itself. Ino wanted a slideshow of images of both her and Shuuhei to run throughout the reception, their favorite song would play as their first dance of newlyweds and they would write their own vows. It had sounded magical, having so much of the newlyweds in the detail would definitely make it a day that they would remember forever. On the contrary, Rukia never had the opportunity to have her perfect day, Ichigo and her hadn't danced to their favorite song, there wasn't even a favorite song involved. They hadn't slept in the same bed on their wedding night. Instead, Ichigo had another woman on his bed that night. As Rukia flipped through another page of bridal gowns, she sighed. Last night had been spectacular for her, after all. Suddenly, the bell over the door chimed, snapping Rukia out of her thoughts. A gust of cool air rushed in, lifting pictures of dresses and flower arrangements off the table. "Hello~" Toshiro sang. "What can I get for you?"

"What would you like, mon coeur?"

Scrambling to grab them before they reached the damp ground, Rukia froze as she heard the customer's voice. The voice was familiar but could it be the one she was thinking of? The man that had haunted her dreams for months, the man that had assaulted her in Paris, the man who... Possibly sent those messages? Panic had her pinned in place, making her unable to turn to see if her suspicions were correct. "A grande, low-fat, half-whip, mocha frappuccino with extra sprinkles?"

It was a woman's voice this time and Rukia had nearly missed it due to the panic she had felt moments before but the woman's voice eerily reminded her of Setsuna. "And a chocolate croissant?"

"No, Ginjo, that's not really necessary."

Finally picking up the pictures and sitting back on her seat, she finally plucked up the courage to turn, hoping desperately that this 'Ginjo' wasn't the one she had feared. Yet, as she turned, the memories assaulted her as she stared at the man that was lining up. She was brought back to weeks ago, the ghost of a hand that were on her thighs, the lips on her neck... It was him. "Let me spoil you, mon coeur. No one says no to me."

That was the last straw as Rukia widened her eyes. It was as though a cold bucket of water had been thrown over her head. As Ginjo's eyes met Rukia's, a grin was on his lips. As she gazed at the woman beside him, she recognized Setsuna. What kind of sick drama is this? Following Ginjo's gaze, Setsuna's gaze landed on Rukia. "Oh My God, Rukia!"

Setsuna pulled Rukia into a brief hug as she approached her. "Ginjo, this is Rukia, a... Friend. Rukia, this is my friend, Ginjo, he's from France."

"We are just friends now, huh, mon cheri?" He kissed Setsuna's cheeks , causing Setsuna to blush and look away.

"Y-Yes..." She stammered, sounding entirely unconvincing. "Friends." She then looked between Rukia and Ginjo. "Do both of you know each other?"

Ginjo smiled at Rukia. To others, it would have been a polite smile but Rukia knew better. It was as if Ginjo was the predator and she was the prey in his sick little world. "We met briefly. In the gala at Paris, I believe?" Ginjo then took Setsuna's hand. "How did both of you meet?" He was obviously expecting an answer but Rukia realized that she could neither speak nor move.

Judging from their reaction, they were more than friends, Rukia figured. Had Setsuna known what he did and what he was like? Did Setsuna have bruises like her after the last time she had encountered Ginjo? Was this whom Setsuna had been crying over the last time Rukia saw Setsuna back in the house? "Ah... I think it was the yacht club's seasonal bash?"

Rukia had no fucking idea what a yacht club was but she found herself nodding, covering for Setsuna. "W-What are you doing here?"

It was a if Ginjo enjoyed Rukia being scared of him as his smile grew wider. "Just visiting. Both for business and pleasure."

"One grande, low-fat, half-whip, mocha frappuccino with extra sprinkles and a chocolate croissant for... Kugo-San?" Toshiro called out.

"Sorry, we are in a bit of a hurry but it was still nice to see you, Rukia!"

Setsuna pulled Ginjo towards the counter, picking their order and with another gust of cold wind, they were gone. Gazing at the door that they had left, Rukia tried to calm her breathing. It wouldn't do if she cracked now, she knew that much. "Rukia? Rukia, what's wrong?"

"That man..." She had a suspicion it was him actually but she had still believed it was Aizen, she hadn't wanted to entertain the thought of another powerful and wealthy man aiming to ruin her life. What was she to do now that her theory was proven false?