ashezo : Thanks! I'm glad you love this story~ and sorry about the long wait. Here it is now! ^^
Aizawa Ayumu Oz Vessalius : Thanks! Yeah, but now I've changed the band's name because it's seemed unoriginal. XD I reposted all my past chapters. The new name is 'Soul Peacemakers'. I hope you like it! Thanks for the review!
falconrukichi : Yeah, they will act an important role in this fic. XD Thanks for reviewing!
Anonymous reviewer: Sorry! Here's a new chapter! ^^
Finally! A new update!
I'm very sorry for the late update! This is a hiatus for almost a year! Anyways, I want to thank you for the reviews. It's much appreciated.
Sorry for the grammar errors~
Let's begin now, shall we?
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN BLEACH!
You Are My Love
Mari Kia Resha Aishiteru
.
_ Chapter Six: Family Conflict_
.
After arriving at the Seigaku Gakuen, Renji accompanied his friend to the Principal's Office to ask for his stepsisters' whereabouts. His instincts were telling him that this was the right school and so he didn't hesitate to try. Kaien was the only one who went in and Renji waited for him at the lobby. Meanwhile, inside the Office...
"What can I do for you?" Ukitake Juushirou asked the young man in front of him.
Kaien bowed slightly as a sign of respect before telling him his reason for being there.
"Um sir... I am looking for someone. Are there students here in your school studying in the names of Shiba Rukia and Momo?" he asked.
"Shiba?" the white haired man asked. "None. But, there was a student here in the name of Kuchiki Momo." He continued as he rubbed his chin as if in deep thought.
"Kuchiki?" Kaien asked himself. Oh, I remembered now. That's the surname of their mom. He thought.
"Yes sir. She's the one I've been searching. Did she happen to have a sister named Kuchiki Rukia?"
"Yes. But, the little lady no longer studies here. She dropped out."
Kaien was shocked. "What? D-Do you know why sir?"
Ukitake shrugged. "She told me it's a family problem. Momo was the only one who was still studying here."
Kaien bowed his head. He felt guilty in an instant that he heard that Rukia quit studying. Maybe she's working somewhere to support her sister's studies. What a nice girl she is, really.
He faced the principal again, this time his black eyes full of determination. "Sir, Can I get their address?"
Ukitake seemed to think about it. "Before I do, Can I ask you why are you doing this? Did you happen to know those two?"
"Well sir. It's kind of complicated but I assure you. I'm a good person and I won't do anything that would cause them harm."
Ukitake smiled slightly. He knew that this man was nice. He can feel it from his aura. And he was determined to find the two siblings so he reached for his computer and started to find the Kuchiki Siblings address.
After a few minutes, Kaien was holding a piece of paper in his hand. He bowed before the principal and thanked him a lot before going out of the Office.
When he reached outside, Renji was waiting for him.
"So, what did you find out?" he asked immediately.
"One of them was here." He replied.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"So, what are you planning to do now?"
"I'll go to their house now." Kaien replied. "Thanks for your help Renji. Go to your class now. See you later." He said as he walked passed him and out the door.
Renji looked at the door. He sighed.
I wish he would find his sisters soon. He was already having a hard time with all of this.
He shrugged and then turned his heels to the hallway leading to his classroom.
Kaien finally reached the place with his car. He stepped out and looked at it. It was just a simple home built near the street. It was small and there was a small green gate in front. He reached in front of it and rang the doorbell.
He heard some shuffling, and the sound of opening the gate was heard.
The gate finally opened and he saw a woman sitting on a wheelchair in front of him. Her eyes were wide as plates. She was startled to see him this sudden obviously.
Moments of silence prevailed but finally broke out by the woman.
"K-Kaien?"
"Aunt Yoruichi..." he whispered and slightly bowed before her.
"Wh-What are you...?" she stuttered, unsure of what to say in such a situation.
"I... I need to talk to you. Can I?" the young man asked politely.
Yoruichi widened the open gate to welcome the young man inside. Kaien helped her closed the gate and into the garden where they sat in silence.
"You're a young handsome man now, Kaien." Yoruichi said, smiling at him.
"Thanks Obachan." Kaien replied.
"I couldn't believe I would see you again." The older woman said again, eyes downcast.
Kaien didn't respond. But he knew he needs to talk to her about him.
"Obachan, my father... have you... forgiven him yet?" Kaien asked.
Yoruichi didn't answer immediately. She seemed to be lost in thought but after a few minutes, she said...
"Yes, I do. I have forgiven him. And until now, I still... I still love him."
Kaien smiled. "I'm sure Dad will be happy if he heard that from you."
Yoruichi smiled either.
"If that's the case, you and your daughters should go back with m—"
"No Kaien... we can't." She cut him off, her voice filled with sadness.
"Why?" Kaien asked. But, he already knew the answer to that.
"It's because... Rukia... she hadn't forgiven him up until now." the woman declared sadly.
Kaien sighed. He KNEW that was coming. Rukia was much closer to their father after all. That is the reason why she was the one who bear this harder the most. She loved him so much and she couldn't believe that their father, the one who taught her all, the one who taught her how to play the piano and love music, will say those terrible words to them. To her. She certainly won't easily forget that. Even if it already took seven years after all that.
Kaien faced his stepmother and said, "Don't worry, Obachan. I'll do my best to make Rukia understand him and I'm sure she'll be able to forgive him."
"Kaien..."
"Um, may I ask? Do the two of them already know about what happened? The truth I mean."
"Well... I promised your father I won't say anything."
"But, Obachan... If Rukia would know about it, she will..."
"I know. But, this isn't the right time. I'll be the one to tell her, don't worry."
Kaien shrugged. "Okay. Well, I must go now then." He said as he stood up from his seat.
"Wait."
Kaien looked at her stepmother. She was handing him a piece of paper. He took it from her hand.
"What is it?"
"It's the address where Rukia worked at." She said. "I'm sure Momo will be there too."
Kaien smiled and bowed. "Thank you. I'll be seeing you soon and take care Obachan."
"You too, Kaien."
Renji sighed for who-knows-how-many times. He was walking at the side walk, unsure where to go. Kaien had called him earlier after school. He told him to meet him in the place called Shinju Playground Park. But, what the heck? He just came in Japan for almost a week. He wasn't still familiar with the place. How he will search for that place? His friend was really annoying him sometimes. He was walking still when he turned to the corner, he was stumbled with someone. The both of them landed on the ground.
"Ouch! That hurts..." a girl's voice said as Renji stood up and dusting off any dirt from his red shirt and ragged pants. He looked at the girl and offered a hand to her.
"Sorry Miss... You okay?" he asked.
"Y-Yeah... I am." She replied as she took his hand and stood up. "Sorry about that too."
"Well that's fine. But, can I ask you something?" Renji asked.
"What is it?" the girl asked him politely.
"Um... you see... I was kinda lost..." he stuttered, scratching the back of his head.
The girl giggled at his expression. "Where are you going to?"
"The Shinju Playground Park."
The girl seemed to think deeply as she put a finger on her chin. Renji found her cute in that situation.
"If you want, I can accompany you there. But, I need to buy few things first. Will you come with me for a while?" she asked.
"Okay... sure..." he replied. I think Kaien is not there yet...
"Then come on." She said.
While they were walking...
"Anyways, I'm Kuchiki Rukia... Nice to meet you..." she introduced as she handed a hand for a handshake.
"I'm Abarai Renji. Nice to meet you too."
"Can I call you Renji instead?"
"Um... yeah... so, can I call you Rukia too?"
"Sure."
"Then, can we be friends?"
"Why not?" was her simple reply as she shrugged and smiled warmly.
Renji felt warm inside. He was surprised that this girl, Rukia, was not afraid of him. After all, all of the girls avoided him and that also applies in school, except from Rangiku though. He was so happy to have a new female friend for the first time in his life. He had her sister but, it's different to have a female friend of course.
The two of them finally reached the department store and Rukia lead him inside. She continued to walk around the store in search of the ingredients she needed for the coffee she'd made. Renji was right behind him, curiously following her.
"What would you buy in here, Rukia?" Renji asked.
"Ingredients... for the coffee I will make." She replied, looking around.
"You're making coffee?" Renji surprisingly asked.
"Uhuh... one time, you should come to our coffee shop. I'll let you taste my specialty." She said as she smiled at him.
"Sure." Renji said as he blushed by the smile she gave him.
She's so cute and beautiful... and kind too... he thought to himself.
Soon, Rukia finally finished her shopping and the two of them walked back to the shop. In Renji's case, in the Shinju Playground Park. When they got there, Rukia bid her goodbye to Renji as she left him in the Park.
"Rukia! You're late! You're the only one we are waiting for. Come on, we need to practice our song now!" Rangiku called out to her from the stage when she saw her petite best friend walked in the Coffee Shop.
Rukia looked at her and yelled out a, "Sorry!" as a reply before putting down her shopping bags and making her way to the stage where the others were waiting for her patiently.
After a few minutes [or hours?] of waiting, Kaien finally showed up at the park.
"You're late! It's already 6 in the evening! I'm already waiting in here for freaking 2 hours idiot!" Renji almost screamed at him, very much annoyed.
Actually, it was just an act. He was not annoyed at all. His mood was very good today because he met such an angel, in the name of Kuchiki Rukia.
"Sorry. I overslept." Kaien reasoned simply, though very guilty that he had made his best friend wait that long.
"You made me come here and then you will be the one who'll be late!" he sighed then smiled. "You're very lucky that I have a good time today, because I met a very young beautiful woman a while ago."
Kaien twitched an eyebrow. "Really? Who?"
"Her name is Rukia... Kuchiki Rukia." Renji replied.
Kaien stood there dumbfounded. He stared at his best friend and saw that his eyes were glinting with happiness.
Is he serious? He just met my sister and he did not know it?
"Are you serious?" he finally managed to say.
"Of course."
"Renji! She's the one I've been searching all this time! She's my sister!" Kaien said.
Renji was stunned and then finally grinned. "Oh really?" he said. "Isn't that great? We'll be brother-in-laws!" he commented, grinning stupidly.
"What are you talking about? We don't have time for your idiotic acts! We need to get to her now!" Kaien exclaimed, dragging Renji out of the Park.
"But how?"
"We're going to the place where she works."
"Oh."
And the two finally walked away quietly, Kaien still dragging Renji.
:: 7:30PM ::
It was only 30 minutes before the performance start, when Renji and Kaien arrived at the Coffee Shop. They sat on the stool in front of the table at the side of the stage.
A young white haired guy approached them to get their orders. They ordered for the Coffee Shop's specialty and asked what would happen since the people were murmuring excitedly. The guy smiled and told them to just wait and see and excused himself politely.
Upon receiving their respective orders, the two drank it up and was amazed at the delicious Coffee.
"She's so good in making this..." Renji murmured.
Kaien turned to him curiously. "Huh?"
"Rukia is the one who were making the Coffee served here." Renji said.
"Really? How did you know about that?" Kaien asked, one eyebrow rose.
"She said so."
Kaien nodded and tasted the Coffee again. He smiled at the thought that his sister was so good with some things. Not some, but almost at all things.
They saw a man with black beard come to the stage after a few minutes. He held up a microphone as he smiled to the audience and said, "Here they are! The one that you're all waiting for! The Hoshi Yori Hana!"
The curtains rose up, and revealed the young members of the band.
They started playing their instruments as they sing...
.
MOMO: Living in this world, what's the meaning of that?
Meeting and parting, happiness and futility repeat...
TOUSHIROU: Sometimes thinking you're not alone, sometime feeling lonely
You continue to be at loss, so night and morning come...
MOMO AND TOUSHIROU: Right now, not everything has been caught,
We're not adults, yeah!
But the dreams have no intention on rusting, so...
RANGIKU: If you're there in front of me, crying...
I will simply stay by your side...
ICHIGO AND RUKIA: Even without the things that don't change, I don't want to lose these unchanging emotions...
ALL: Love, overflows from your heart
Love, I swear to you
.
Renji turned to Kaien and whispered, "You see the one who's playing the piano? That's Rukia." he said.
Kaien stared at her. "Wow... she's beautiful..."
"Yeah..."
Kaien smiled. "Rukia..."
.
ICHIGO: Staring at the flowing clouds
You thought it wasn't autumn...
RUKIA: You throw away the self you don't need, when you want to start running once more.
RANGIKU: If you're in front of me, smiling at me,
I simply hold you close.
ALL: These important thoughts, these important feelings...
I don't want to lose them, no matter what the future is...
Love, overflows from your heart
Love, I swear to you
Love, overflows from your heart
Love, I swear to you...
.
The crowd gave them a round of loud applause, Kaien and Renji the loudest among them. Kaien was so proud of her sister. So he couldn't help but feel excited for her.
"Arigatou!" Ichigo's voice cut through the crowd's applause. The applause stopped and Ichigo continued, "Everyone! Thank you! For the new visitors of our Coffee Shop, we would love to introduce ourselves again!" the crowd cheered. Ichigo smirked. "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo!"
"I'm Kuchiki Rukia!" she seconded, while waving her hand.
"I'm Hitsugaya Toushirou!"
"Hey, he's the kid who got our orders a while ago right?" Renji asked Kaien.
"Yeah. Now that you mention it, you're right."
"I'm Kuchiki Momo!"
"I'm Hitsugaya Rangiku!"
"So that's Momo-chan..." Kaien whispered. "She's beautiful too." He smiled.
"Domo Arigatou Gozaimashita!" the teens said in unison as they bowed.
They soon left the stage and made their way to the counter. Renji tugged Kaien and told him, "Come on, and let's meet them."
"No, this is not the right time." Kaien replied. "Tomorrow is."
Renji sighed. "Fine."
And they made their way out of the Coffee Shop.
The next day, Isshin left for some business again and Rukia was alone in the shop since the three were in school. Then, Rukia heard the tingling of the chimes, a sign that there's a customer who came in.
She turned her head towards the door. "Welcome." She said but was startled when she recognized the man.
"W-What the..." she whispered.
"It's been a long time, Rukia." the man said, smiling at her. "How have you been?" he slowly made his way towards her.
"K-Kaien nii-chan?" she stuttered, stunned by the sudden appearance of her older brother. "Is it really you?"
Kaien was still smiling as he nodded. "Yeah, it's me, Rukia."
Rukia soon smiled and ran up to him and hugged him. "Nii-chan!"
"I've missed you." Kaien whispered as he returned the embrace of his sister.
"I've missed you too," Rukia whispered back. "Nii-chan..."
After what it seemed like forever, they finally parted. They sat on the counter side by side as Rukia asked her brother how is he.
"I'm good Rukia..."
"That's great. How did you find out where I am anyway?" she asked.
"Not that important."
"I know you're searching for me, Nii-chan. Why is that?" Rukia said, already knew what would be the answer.
It'll be because of him... I just knew it... she thought darkly.
"Rukia, is it so bad for me to search for my sister?" he asked.
"But Nii-chan, it's very unusual for you to be doing this... there must be a reason for this." Rukia said, and she glared as she said these words, "And please, tell me the truth."
Kaien sighed. "Okay, you got me. I did this because I really want to see you guys. And... also... for Dad's sake." He said.
Rukia's glare didn't waver. It just only worsened to the point that Kaien would be double dead by now.
"I thought so." She said lowly, voice full of fury and rage.
"Rukia, listen to me. Dad's sickness had worsen and he needs you and your family right now... just please—"
"And why would he need us?" Rukia fumed, cutting him off. "He had you and your mother and besides, he told us seven years ago that he didn't need us anymore and that we are just a burden for him!" Rukia screamed, not containing her emotions anymore. She was standing now, her fists clenching tightly.
Kaien looked at her sister dumbfounded at the same time worried. He never realized that his sister had this side of her. This is the first time that he saw her fuming like this. Her body was trembling uncontrollably, her fists clenching, tears in her eyes wanted to flow down on her cheeks, it seemed to him.
He stood up and slowly reached out to touch her but she stepped back.
Rukia couldn't contain herself anymore. She heard that sentence over and over again in her head.
I didn't need all of you anymore! You're just a burden to me! Get out of my mansion this instant!
"Rukia..." Kaien's worried expression was enough for Rukia to calm down a bit.
"I-I'm sorry... Nii-chan..." she whispered as tears slowly streamed down on her cheeks. "I-I just..." she sobbed quietly.
"Rukia..." Kaien pulled his sister close to him and embraced her.
Rukia finally gave out, she cried on her brother's chest. Kaien was rubbing her back to soothe her.
"Rukia... I'm sorry... I will not force you now... I apologized... Forgive your brother." He whispered softly.
Rukia shook her head. "It's not your fault, Nii-chan." She murmured. "I'll be fine, don't worry."
"Are you sure?" Kaien's voice was very worried.
Rukia smiled despite herself. Her brother still loves her despite the hurtful incident. And she's happy to know and feel that.
Rukia nodded. "Yes."
"That's good."
And they stayed like that for who knows how long.
It's already 3PM in the afternoon. The members of the band were all resting up. Rukia was dragged by Rangiku inside of their house, while the others were in the Coffee Shop, with Ichigo sitting on a chair at the counter and Momo and Toushirou on the chair at the table near the counter playing cards.
"Ichi, Ni, San! Yes! I won again!" Toushirou said as he leaned on the chair he sat.
Momo pouted. "Hmm... you're cheating. I was always defeated..." she said.
"That's life! I was so good at this you know..." Toushirou said, gathering the cards.
"You're bragging again idiot."
"Oi, stop that already! When Dad arrived, I will be the one who would be screamed at by him again!" Ichigo's voice rang from the counter.
"Hai, I'm hiding these things already!" Toushirou reasoned.
Just then, a man came in the Coffee Shop.
"Welcome sir." Toushirou said.
Momo turned to the new customer and her mouth agape in surprise. The man smiled at him as if he knew that the young girl recognized him.
"Hi, Momo-chan." The man said.
"K-Kaien nii?" Momo asked dumbfounded.
"Yes, it's me." he said.
Momo ran up and like what Rukia have done, she hugged her brother.
"You've really grown into a young fine beautiful woman Momo-chan..." he whispered.
"Nii-chan..." she nuzzled closer to him.
Ichigo and Toushirou stood there very stunned at the scene unfolding before them. Ichigo walked closer to Toushirou and tapped his shoulder.
"Toushirou, who's that?" he asked.
"I don't know but I think I saw him somewhere." He replied simply, still looking at Momo and the man.
The two of them finally broke apart.
"How are you, Kaien nii?"
"Of course, I'm fine. You?"
"I am too."
"That's great."
"Um... Momo?"
Momo turned to face Toushirou. "Hmm?"
"Who is he?" he pointed at the man next to his childhood friend.
"Oh, sorry, how rude of me." She turned to her brother and turned back to her childhood friend. "Shirou-chan, Ichigo nii-chan, he's my older brother, Kaien." She introduced.
The two scanned the man in front of them. He has black spiky hair and dark eyes. He seemed taller than Ichigo.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Shiba Kaien."
"Nice to meet you too." The two cousins bowed down as Momo introduced the two of them to her older brother.
"Kaien nii, they are my band mates. This is Toushirou," she said as she pointed at Toushirou. "My childhood friend. And this is Ichigo nii-chan, the son of the owner of this coffee shop."
Kaien smiled at them. "Anyways, your performance are great last night." He said.
"Nii-chan, you are here last night?" Momo asked in surprise.
"Oh yes!" Toushirou pointed at him. "You are the guy last night. The one who was with the other one with red hair…"
Kaien nodded with a smile. "That's right."
"Momo, where's Rukia?"
"Uh, she's inside. You want me to call her?"
"No. Actually I'm here for you."
Momo looked at him in surprise. "Why?"
"We need to talk in private."
"O-Okay…" she turned to her two band mates. "Um… nii-chan, Shirou-chan, see you later." She waved.
"Alright."
And the siblings left.
"I thought Rukia is the only sibling of Momo? What's the meaning of this?" Ichigo asked Toushirou who shrugged.
"Who knows?"
From inside, the two ladies came in the coffee shop.
"Nee-chan, what did the two of you did inside?"
"Oh, girl thing my little brother." Rangiku giggled at the pout of her brother.
Rukia looked around. "Where's Momo?"
"Uh, she went outside." Ichigo replied.
"Where did she go?" she asked as she fully looked at him.
"We didn't know. She went out to talk with her older brother, Kaien." Toushirou said as he shrugged.
Rukia gasped. I-It can't be… Oh my gosh…
Momo and Kaien decided to have their private talk near the river.
"Momo, about our father, are you still mad at him?" he asked not wasting any more time. There was no more time. Delays were not tolerated or so he thought.
Momo took a deep breath and smiled softly. "In the past, yes, I hated him, I'm mad at him. I even loathed him. But now, I don't feel the same way anymore, I love Dad. And it's all in the past; we need to forget it to move on with our lives. I believe that. And so I have forgiven him a long time ago."
Kaien smirked at his youngest sister. Even though, Rukia and Momo were only his stepsisters because of his Father, he accepted them and loves them, as much as he loves his parents. He treated them as his family.
"How's dad, nii-chan?" she asked.
"He is in the hospital."
"Eh? What happened?" Momo quickly inquired in deep concern.
"He has a heart disease right?" when Momo nodded, he continued. "It turned a lot worst ever since you guys left. He fought off this disease in long 7 years to see you and ask for your forgiveness."
Momo sighed heavily. "Anyways, does Mom know about this?"
"Yeah, I told her earlier this morning."
"What about Rukia nee-chan?"
Kaien sighed. "She won't listen to me. I wanted to tell her the truth but she yelled at me and cried."
Momo shook her head. "I know nee-chan would react like that. She loves Dad after all and she's very close to him."
"You are right. That is why she needs to know the truth the most." Kaien whispered but Momo heard it.
"What do you mean? What 'truth' are you talking about, nii-chan?" she asked with complete uncertainty.
Kaien sighed. He will have to tell the truth now. "Momo…" he began. "Dad really didn't like what happened seven years ago."
"You mean…" Her eyes widened as realization sank in.
"He was forced… no, the term is threatened… he was threatened to do it."
Momo gaped and afraid to ask him the most dreaded question. "Who threatened him?"
Kaien closed his eyes. "It's…"
.
-FLASHBACK-
"Byakuya." A female voice called.
"What are you doing here in my study room, Ayaka?"
Ayaka smirked. "Nothing. Just want to ask for a favor from you."
Byakuya stopped doing his work and stared at his first wife. "What is it?" he asked calmly.
"You take your second family out of here in my mansion this instant." She ordered in a calm voice.
Byakuya stared at her wide eyed. "What are you saying? I thought we talked about this a long time ago? They've been here for eleven years! Why would you want to do that now?" he demanded as he clenched his fists.
"I don't care." She spat coldly. "They're getting in the way. Remember, I am your legal wife Byakuya and if it wasn't for me, you are dead right now." She smiled evilly. "And don't think of even going out of here with them. Be thankful that I didn't dragged you out of this mansion when you told me about your stupid second wife. Instead, I went to America to leave you alone with them, in my mansion no less!"
He took a deep breath. "What if I refuse?"
"I'll do everything to kill your lovely daughters."
Byakuya's eyes widened. Ayaka smirked seeing her husband's reaction. "You know me Byakuya. I have enough power to do what I want. And whenever I want something, I always get it." She said. "I want you to do it tonight." She turned around and walked to the door. "Tell them, yell at them, I'd really want to see their reactions…" she giggled as she walked out of the room.
Byakuya slumped on his desk. 'What should I do?'
-END OF FLASHBACK-
.
Momo sat there in shock. "D-Dad is…"
"Yeah…" Kaien turned to look at the river, the sun was setting, decorating the river bright orange.
"He did that for us… if it weren't for us…" Momo sobbed uncontrollably and tears streamed down her cheeks. Kaien reached and enclosed his sister in his arms. "Momo, everything will be alright. Don't cry…" he rubbed her back.
"Nii-chan… Dad…"
"Don't blame yourself. He loves you guys so much so he accepted the threat of my own mother. I should be the one who must apologize for what she did."
Momo pulled away. "No! It's not your fault nii-chan."
They stayed like that as silence and Momo's occasional sniffles and eventually, the girl broke the silence.
"Where's your mom now, nii-chan?"
Kaien sighed. "She died 3 years ago."
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked that…"
He shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry, I got over it."
"Nii-chan…"
"You stopped crying, that's good." She sniffled.
"Nii-chan, Rukia nee-chan should know this." Momo said seriously.
"Yeah, but it will be much better if Dad will tell this to her himself."
Momo nodded. "Yeah, you are right."
:: November 13, 2009; 6:00PM; Coffee Shop ::
.
Momo arrived at the shop. She walked towards the counter where the others were.
"Good evening guys!" she greeted cheerfully. Rukia dragged her suddenly out of the coffee shop without another word. The three at the counter were stunned. "W-Wait nee-chan!"
Outside, Rukia showered her sister with questions. "Momo, are you with Kaien nii-chan the whole day?"
Momo nodded. "Hai."
"Did he tell you something?"
Momo sighed and stared intently at her sister. "About father."
Rukia glared. "What about him?"
"He said that his heart illness was getting worst and that he was in the hospital right now."
Rukia's eyes widened for a second but regained her composure before her sister could notice it. Luckily, she didn't.
"He didn't tell me that." Rukia said.
"That's because you won't listen to him!" Momo replied.
"What?" she glared at Momo.
Momo sighed. "Nee-chan, please… let's visit Dad tomorrow. Let's listen to his explanations. At least give him a chance. Please?"
Rukia seemed to be in deep thought. "Nee-chan…" Rukia sighed. "Fine." And with that, she stormed inside the coffee shop. Momo stayed there and called her brother.
"Momo, why?" he asked.
"Nii-chan, Rukia nee-chan finally agreed to visit Dad tomorrow!" she said happily.
"Really? That's great! I'll fetch you up tomorrow at school then?"
"Okay. See you."
They both hung up.
They started their performance that night…
.
Ichigo: What are you wishing for?
For whose sake do you hurt?
Your dreams float in space,
So close your eyes,
Rukia: As saffron blooms in your heart,
And even for the end of the desert,
The sandstorm will not yield.
As you travel through time
Rangiku: From happiness and sadness
You receive the strength
That changes into a passion
Ichigo, Rukia, Rangiku: With your own hands,
You will fly to the future, Falco
You will soar, and grasp your dream
The oath echoes
The polluted sky
Cross the Sahara
Guided by the sun
Momo: When the loneliness draws close
Like a shadow, you swear
Not to fear the truth
Spread your wings
Toushirou: The hot air blows from the earth
Bringing you the vision
That keeps throbbing violently
Momo and Toushirou: As lives decree burns hotly,
You will fly Falco
Your wish for strength is like
The current of the Nile
A limitless dream
The meaning of life
Can certainly be found
Rangiku: From happiness and sadness
You receive the strength
That changes into a passion
All: With your own hands,
You will fly to the future, Falco
You will soar, and grasp your dream
The oath echoes
The polluted sky
Cross the Sahara
Guided by the sun
As lives decree burns hotly,
You will fly Falco
Your wish for strength is like
The current of the Nile
A limitless dream
The meaning of life
Can certainly be found
Next morning, Kaien fetched up Rukia and Momo in the coffee shop since their mother was already in the car. They made their way to the hospital together.
When they were gone, Ichigo couldn't help but notice Rukia's gloomy mood ever since they came home from school so he decided to ask Rangiku if she know something.
"Well, don't tell her okay? She'll kill me."
"Of course. So?"
"Her father, he abandoned them seven years ago."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Eh?"
"You heard me." Rangiku said. "Her family is her father's second family and Kaien-san is Rukia and Momo's stepbrother. They were dislodged by him." she sighed.
"T-That's…"
"Yeah, I know. It's unforgivable. But, I know that he has a reason for that so he wants to talk to them."
Ichigo lowered his head. Rangiku smiled. She knew he was worried about her.
"Ichigo."
He looked at her. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Rukia will be fine. She can do this."
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for telling me Ran."
"It's nothing, I can see that you are worried for her so I decided to tell you."
Ichigo raised his eyebrow. "Me? Worried? Not a chance." He turned away.
Rangiku giggled. "Ichigo, don't be shy ne…"
"I'm not shy!" he walked inside the house, leaving her in the coffee shop alone since Toushirou was in his room.
Rangiku grinned to herself.
There might be a chance that they could really be a wonderful couple…
They finally arrived at the hospital. Kaien led them to their father's room. He entered first since he wants to surprise his father.
"Oh, Kaien."
"Hey dad." Kaien greeted by raising his hand in a greeting gesture.
"Do you have any news about them?" his father asked him.
"Uh, Dad… let's forget about that for now. I have a surprise for you."
His father looked at him curiously. "Oh? What could that be?" he asked.
Kaien grinned. "I'm sure you will love it." He moved to the door and let someone in.
The father's eyes widened. She was moved towards his bed by a beautiful young girl. "Y-Yoruichi… is it really you?"
Said lady smiled warmly as she nodded. "Yes Byakuya. It's me." He reached for her hand and held it tightly. They stared at each other's eyes. "I missed you." Came Byakuya.
Yoruichi tried hard to control her emotions as she replied; "I missed you too… so much…" they smiled at each other. Byakuya then noticed the lady behind his wife.
"Is she…?" he trailed off as he stared at the young woman. Yoruichi smiled. "Byakuya, I want you to meet your youngest daughter, Momo."
Momo stepped forward and gave a smile. "It's been so long, Dad." She whispered.
"Momo… come here." Byakuya told her. She complied and let him embrace her. She leaned her head on his chest as she saw her mother grin. They pulled away after a few moments. Byakuya stared at her daughter.
"You've grown into a beautiful woman." Momo blushed. "Um… thank you."
Byakuya smiled but then noticed someone missing. "W-Where's Rukia?" he asked hesitantly.
Kaien seemed to go out of the room and went back afterwards with an awkward smile. "Uh dad…"
"What's wrong Kaien?"
"Nee-chan." Momo's voice made Byakuya looked behind Kaien. He saw a black raven haired woman and knew instantly who she was. There was no way he could forget those big violet eyes.
"Rukia…" he whispered. Rukia showed herself completely to her father. She didn't look at him though. She remained her gaze on the floor.
Byakuya noticed this. "Rukia, you're still mad at me aren't you?"
Rukia clenched her fists and rose up her head to meet her father's worried gaze. When their eyes met, Rukia had a flashback of what had happened seven years ago. She stood frozen. She didn't even hear the worried calls and gazes of her mother and siblings. She couldn't take it anymore. And so she ran, ran away from there.
"Nee-chan!" Momo tempted to go after her but Kaien's hand held her wrist. She turned to her brother. "Kaien nii?"
"Give her space. She needs it right now."
"B-But!"
"He's right Momo. This is too much for her. I understand her."
"Dad…"
Momo nodded with a heavy sigh. "Okay."
After staying the whole day with her family except her sister, Momo returned to the coffee shop for the performance. She thought that Rukia were already there in the shop so she wasn't worried where she could have gone.
As she opened the glass door, Momo was greeted by her three friends.
"Momo, you're here already. Where's Rukia?" Rangiku asked.
"Eh? Nee-chan isn't here?"
"Yeah, she's with you right?"
Momo shook her head. "No sadly, she ran away from us when she saw our father."
All of them sighed. Suddenly, Ichigo spoke up.
"Wait, if she's not with you? Where is she? It's already 7PM. It's dangerous being alone outside at this time."
"You're right nii-chan." Toushirou said.
"We need to find her quick." Ichigo said.
Without hesitation, they all charged at the door with Ichigo on the lead before a voice stopped them.
"Where are you all going?"
They all stopped and turned around to see Kurosaki Isshin with a serious look.
"Dad, Rukia is missing. We are going to search for her." Ichigo stated with the same serious look his father was giving them.
Isshin saw Ichigo's eyes were on fire. He couldn't help but smile inwardly.
Ichigo's worried about her. That's for sure…
He sighed. "Okay, the performance is cancelled for tonight."
All of them smiled. "Dad…"
"Now go and find her." Isshin nodded towards the door.
"Hai!" and they all scattered in different paths. Toushirou and Momo went to the right, Rangiku to the left and Ichigo straight ahead. They ran, asked some people and ran still.
After a few minutes, Toushirou, Momo and Rangiku met at the front of the coffee shop as planned.
"Did you see her?" Rangiku asked.
The two both shook their head as they panted. "No…"
"Where could she be?" Momo whispered in deep worry.
Rangiku looked around. "Where's Ichigo?"
Ichigo continued to run as he looked around. He was near the bridge of Karakura. He just then realized that he ran so far away from the coffee shop without his motorbike. He shook his head.
"This is not the right time to be thinking about that! I need to find her or else she'll be in trouble again!" he cursed under his breath.
He stopped and panted and saw that there was someone sitting on the grass next to the river.
"Is that…" he took a step closer to get a better view.
"Rukia…"
He walked towards her. As he stopped behind her, she didn't seem to notice his presence so he said in a loud voice, "It's cool tonight."
Rukia was startled and quickly turned to him. "Ichigo? What the heck are you doing? You nearly kill me." She said as she tried to calm her fast beating heart.
Ichigo smiled softly. "Sorry. You just didn't notice me."
"Oh."
Ichigo sat next to her on the grass. "So, Rukia… what's wrong?"
Rukia sighed. "You know about it right?"
He threw her a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. Rangiku told you right? About my father?"
"E-Eh? Um…"
"I knew it."
"How did you know?"
"Rangiku is Rangiku. Do you think I've been her best friend for nothing?" she smirked.
"You're not mad?"
"Why? It's okay. You're my friend now anyway."
Ichigo smiled.
Moments of silence filled the air until it was broken.
"If you were in my case, what will you do, Ichigo?"
"Huh?"
"If your father disowned you at the age of 10 without explaining the reason and after 7 long years he asked for your forgiveness, what will you do? Will you forgive him?" Rukia asked quietly without turning to him.
Ichigo sighed and gazed at the sky above. "Rukia, if I were you, I will forgive him."
Rukia turned to him. "Why?"
"First off, all of that is in the past and it will never be change. Second, nobody's perfect. Everyone commit mistakes. You, me and your father. Lastly, he is your father. Even if you rotate the whole world, he's still your father. Nothing will change that fact." He smiled at her. "That's what I believe in. You can do it too, to forgive."
"But… I can't…"
"If you really want to forgive him, you can. Follow your heart. Don't ignore it. You love your father right? I know you couldn't withstand him." Ichigo stated as he looked at the sky again.
"Ichigo…"
He suddenly stood up and smiled down at her. "Now come on. Let's go back. All of them were worried about you."
Rukia lowered her head. "Can we stay a little longer?"
"B-But…"
"Please?" she sent him her puppy dog eyes.
Ichigo sighed. "Fine." He sat down again.
"Thanks Ichigo." She smiled warmly.
Ichigo felt warm crept up his cheeks. "W-Whatever." He turned away.
What is this I'm feeling? Why the hell my heart is beating faster?
He bit his lip as his mind stayed in its confused state.
The next day is Saturday and no school. Isshin decided to bring Ichigo, Toushirou and Rangiku to meet his friend again. Together with Momo, they went to the hospital early in the morning.
When they arrived, Byakuya was so happy to see his long friend again.
"Hey Isshin. I never thought we'll see each other again." Byakuya smiled.
"Yeah. Good to see you too Bya-kun." Isshin grinned. "Anyways, I brought my son, nephew and niece."
The three bowed. "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo. Pleasure to meet you sir."
"This is my son." Isshin patted Ichigo's shoulder.
"Nice to meet you Ichigo-kun. The last time I saw you are when you were 7 years old."
"Oh."
"Dad, this is Toushirou and Rangiku nee-chan." Momo introduced to the siblings. "Rangiku nee-chan is Rukia nee-chan's best friend."
"Nice to meet you both. Thank you for taking care of my daughters."
Both siblings smiled. "It's nothing sir. Don't worry about it."
"Don't be so formal. Just call me Uncle Byakuya. You're the son of Kisuke right?"
"Hai." The teens nodded.
"Okay, can you guys go for a while? We need to catch up on each other. You know?" Isshin said.
The four teens nodded in understanding. "Hai!" and they all left the two alone in the room.
"Byakuya, you finally saw them. But there's still missing."
"You're right." Byakuya sighed and looked out of the window next to his bed.
"You really love that girl…"
"Very much. We're so close to each other that I really hurt her when I said that I never really care for them and love them."
"Don't worry Byakuya! Everything will be alright soon. Rukia is a smart girl. She will understand, I know it."
Byakuya smiled at his friend. "Thank you."
That same day in the afternoon, Rukia was still deep in her thoughts as she walked. When she regained her mind, she realized that she was standing right before the hospital where her father stayed.
She shook her head and turned around. She walked a few steps but she stopped. She bit her lip.
I don't know what to do anymore. Am I even ready for this?
"Rukia?" a familiar voice asked from behind. She stiffened visibly but turned around to see her friend.
"Oh, Ichigo. What are you doing here?"
"Well… I was asked by Dad to retrieve something he forgot when we visited your father this morning." He explained with a shrug. Rukia nodded solemnly.
"Oh…"
Ichigo raised an eyebrow at her. "How about you? What are you doing here?"
"Me?" Rukia raked her brain frantically for possible excuse to give Ichigo but to no avail.
"…"
"You want to see him right?" he asked.
Rukia bowed her head. She heard him sigh.
"Rukia, you need to have a closure with your father."
She turned to look at him. "Closure?"
"Yeah, closure." Ichigo nodded. "You need to talk about things so you would understand each other. That way, maybe you will be able to forgive him."
Rukia seemed to reconsider what he said. "You're right." Determined violet eyes stared at Ichigo. She walked forward and stopped. She turned around towards him. She smiled.
"Thank you, Ichigo."
He returned the gesture with his own. "That's what friends are for."
Rukia's smile never wavered. She slowly walked inside of the hospital.
Ichigo stared at her retreating back with a smile on his lips. "Rukia, good luck."
Rukia walked straight to her father's room. Once in front of the door of his room, she took a deep breath but before she touches the door knob, she heard voices.
"Byakuya, what is it that you need to tell me privately?"
That voice… that's Mom! She thought confused. But, why is she…? She decided to listen to them first since her curiosity got the better of her.
"Yoru, it's about what really happened seven years ago."
Rukia gasped. Seven years ago?
"You mean the reason why you did that?" her mother asked. She didn't hear his confirmation so she assumed that he nodded. She then heard a heavy sigh.
"Yoru, it's… I was threatened."
The two gaped in unison. Threatened? Was the thought crossed in Rukia's mind.
"You were threatened? By who?" Yoruichi asked.
"Ayaka." Yoruichi's eyes widened. "Kaien's mother?"
"Yes. She came to me earlier that night. She wanted me to get you guys out of the mansion."
"But knowing you… you wouldn't do that…"
"That's where the threatening comes." Byakuya took a deep breath. "She said… she will do everything to kill my daughters."
Rukia covered her mouth as she stared wide eyed at the door.
"What? She said that?" Yoruichi's voice was as shock as Rukia if she could speak right now.
"Yes. She has all the power to do that. You know her. She can do everything she wants. I'm afraid for our daughters so I…" he turned away from his wife's gaze.
"Byakuya, you did that… all for us…" Yoruichi gaped at him still wide eyed.
Rukia couldn't take it anymore. She barged in the room without even knocking and faced his parents, especially her father.
Byakuya sat on the bed while Yoruichi sat on her wheelchair next to his bed.
The two stared at her in shock. "Rukia?"
"How long have you been there?" her mother asked.
"Long enough to know the truth." She whispered. Her eyes were hidden by her bangs so they couldn't see her expression.
"I'm sorry Rukia."
That's it.
Rukia lunged herself at him and hugged him, her chin on his shoulder. Her body trembled as she sobbed.
"Dad… I'm sorry. If only I knew… I didn't know you did all that for us. I became stubborn and selfish that I didn't realize that I am not the only one who was hurting." She sniffled. "I'm so sorry."
Byakuya's face softened. He glanced at his wife and saw her smile warmly at him. She nodded knowingly. He wrapped his arms around his daughter and she sobbed harder.
"It's not your fault Rukia. Please don't cry." He soothed her hair.
She just continued to sob on his shoulder.
Ichigo walked inside the coffee shop and saw Momo, Toushirou and Rangiku next to the counter, sipping coffee with chocolate cake next to it.
"Hey guys." He greeted as he trudged towards them.
"Hey Ichigo. Where did you go?" Rangiku asked.
"Momo's father. I just got something that Dad forgot when we visited earlier."
"Oh."
"Anyways, I saw Rukia in there."
The three stared at him with wide eyes. Momo lunged at Ichigo, held his hands in hers and asked in full hope. "Really?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah."
"Why? Did she tell you something?" Rangiku inquired.
"I advised her to talk with her father. She looks nervous but I have a good feeling that everything will be alright between them."
"So, she went there to finally talk with her father…" Toushirou smiled.
Momo sighed. "That's great. I just really hope that everything will be solved."
Ichigo smiled. "Don't worry Momo. Your sister is kind and smart. She will understand your father."
"Thank you, Ichi nii-chan." He patted her head.
Suddenly, Momo's phone went off. She looked at the ID caller and saw that it was her brother. She flipped her phone and answered it.
"Hello?" she waited for the other line.
"Good news? What—"
The three saw Momo widened her eyes and grinned cheekily. "Really? That's great!"
"Okay! I will go there. Hai hai! Later!" she flipped her phone closed and pocketed it.
"What was that about Momo?"
"Nii-chan said Rukia nee-chan accepted Dad and we are now a family once again! I'm so happy!" Momo beamed.
The three smiled as Momo jumped in happiness. She dragged Toushirou and made him jump with her.
Toushirou softened at his childhood friend.
I'm happy for you, Momo.
As the Shiba Family finally got together, Rukia was able to return to school. She stayed in the coffee shop still as a coffee maker because she loves doing it. And she, Momo and their mother lived in Byakuya's mansion. That also means that their surname will be changed from Kuchiki to Shiba. They lived happily as their family once again reunited.
.
-END OF CHAPTER SIX-
Author: So long chapter~ I wish you now understand why this fic used to be in hiatus. Because I'm too lazy to finish this chapter! But now! Finally! I find my motivation and was able to finish this! I will do my best to not bring this into hiatus again! XD
I hope you love this chapter!
Read and Review! Thank you!
~ Mari Kia Resha Aishiteru ~
SONG: Kawaranai Kimochi by Bleach Burimyu (Bleach rock musical); Falco by Shimatani Hitomi (Ueki no Housoku open theme)
Preview for the Next Chapter:
"Woah, who's the worst girl?"
"You like me don't you?"
"Y-You came back?"
"I miss you! Nice to see you again!"
"She loves another guy. She just sees me as a friend."
Chapter Seven: The Arrival of the Rival