Author's note: a Byakuya x Rukia fanfiction. Again, please note that this is the end result. All events will eventually lead up to it. Alongside that, I still need to reconcile Ichigo and Renji's feelings for Rukia as well as Byakuya's feelings for Hisana. So, please bear with me if there is a decided lack of B x R moments in these early chapters. They'll come soon enough, I promise.
Also, I've been using lieutenant and vice-captain interchangeably in this story as I've seen both translations. If anyone can let me know which is more correct, or whether they're really the same so it doesn't matter, that would be great!
Substitute Affections — A Bleach Fanfiction
by Akane-Rei
Part One: The Betrothal
Chapter Three: the Longest Night
When Rukia first became aware of the voices, she became somewhat irritated. After all, what were they doing ruining a perfectly good nap? When she started to realize that they were talking about her, her eyes snapped open and she found herself looking up at a ceiling that was definitely not the same one she had at home. She looked at the people in the room then, taking note of Hanatarou, Inoue, and Ichigo. And sure enough, they were talking about—
"But," Inoue's voice broke through, "but the thirteenth division vice-captain is—"
"Me," her voice came loud and clear, interrupting their conversation. Slowly, she pulled herself up to a sitting position and looked at the two fourth division officers. "What are you two doing here?"
An awkward laugh escaped Hanatarou. "Well you see, Rukia-san," he began, "Abarai-san was worried about you and—"
She quickly turned and glared at Ichigo. "Are you telling me that you got the fourth division to come over here and treat me for this?" she hissed. Okay, maybe she shouldn't have turned around so quickly. Her head felt a little…on the woozy side. "You couldn't have just let me sleep it off?" she demanded, a little embarrassed at having Inoue and Hanatarou come and treat her.
"What are you afraid of?" Ichigo asked, his voice stilted. "Afraid your brother will retract his proposal if he hears that Rukia Kuchiki likes the sake a little bit too much?"
Her eyes narrowed in response at the slight edge she heard on his voice.
"Uh…" Hanatarou started looking at the door. "I think that maybe they might need me at the relief center." He slowly backed away. "You know how busy we are during these times of…peace," he winced at the blatant lie.
"I do not like the sake a little bit too much," Rukia bit out indignantly, her focus entirely on Ichigo. "The one time I drink a little more than I should have—"
"Umm…don't worry, Rukia-san," Hanatarou quickly assured her, "Orihime-san and I won't make mention of this to anyone at all!"
Rukia quickly glanced at the worried Hanatarou. That he or Inoue might spread her embarrassing condition did not even occur to her. Of course, now that he mentioned it…
"That's right," added Inoue. "You can trust us not to tell anyone about how Kurosaki-kun and Abarai-kun had taken advantage of your vulnerable situation!" She gave Ichigo a disappointed look.
"For the last time, Renji and I did not get her drunk!" Ichigo's protested loudly.
"We shouldn't dwell on such horrid things," Inoue continued, ignoring Ichigo's outburst. "Instead, we must focus on your wedding, Kuchiki-san." She clapped her hands in delight. "You simply must allow Ishida-kun to help design your wedding kimono and all the various attires that you will wear for that day!"
She glanced at the amply-endowed shinigami. "Inoue-san," she said slowly, glancing at the scowling face of Ichigo from the corner of her eye, "it might be a little too early to think of such things." She gave her a forced smile. "It had only been decided today."
"Oh, but it's never too early to prepare for a wedding," she exclaimed. She looked her over. "But I understand that you might want to rest for a bit first," she said soothingly.
A snort from Ichigo was heard.
Belatedly, Inoue seemed to notice the brooding that Ichigo was doing over by the corner. "We'll just ignore Kurosaki-kun and his bad temper for now."
"Thank you, Inoue," Rukia replied. Not knowing what else to say.
"Think nothing of it," Inoue told her. "Hanatarou-kun and I were glad to help."
She smiled. Perhaps she should have clarified. She wasn't really thanking her for helping her get over what would have been a pretty bad hangover the morning after. And she wasn't thanking her either for putting all the blame in Ichigo either because, if she were honest with herself, she knew where the blame really belonged. What she was thanking her for was this bit of normalcy.
Because in the wake of her somewhat hurried decision to marry Nii-sama, a sense of normalcy was what she had been looking for amidst all the surprises of the day. And planning a wedding…that was normal, right?
"Orihime-san," interrupted Hanatarou's loud whisper, "I really think we should leave now," he urged.
"Eh?" came Inoue's startled reply. "But we just got here!"
"I really think they need us at the relief center," Hanatarou insisted weakly, glancing back and forth between Rukia and Ichigo. "In fact, I need to go to the relief center," he added desperately.
All at once, concern marred Inoue's features. "Are you alright, Hanatarou-kun?" She felt his forehead. "You seem okay, but do you feel fine?"
Again, his awkward laugh. "Yes, yes, I'm fine," Hanatarou said, waving her off. "I'm just not sure for how long if I stay here," Rukia could hear him mutter to himself.
She frowned. What was Hanatarou so worried about? She looked back at Ichigo and frowned some more. That idiot was scaring the poor guy with his mean-looking face.
"Well if you think you're needed at the relief center," Rukia began, "then please don't let me keep you. I'm sorry that this idiot and Renji bothered you for this, Hanatarou." She looked at Inoue. "And you, too, Inoue."
"Oh it wasn't a bother, Rukia-san!" Hanatarou replied perkily. Or as perkily as the morose-looking shinigami was going to get. "I was glad to be able to help."
"My thanks, nonetheless," she said gently as she watched him back away to the door with the perplexed Inoue. Really, Ichigo's scowl should be registered as a threat if it could get this much reaction from other shinigamis.
Hanatarou nodded weakly before closing the door behind him and leaving with Inoue.
Alone, Rukia faced Ichigo, who leaned against the wall and gave her a piercing look.
"What the hell's going on, Rukia?" he demanded.
Orihime hesitated just outside the door, unsure whether she was doing the right thing. Was abandoning Kuchiki-san to Kurosaki-kun a good idea at this point? Kurosaki-kun had looked so…disturbed and…tense. She had debated on whether to follow up on Hanatarou-kun's more than obvious signal to leave the room.
"Orihime-san?" Hanatarou's voice queried.
She looked up to find her division member's eyes resting gently upon her.
"I'm certain that Rukia-san will be okay," he stated quietly. "Ichigo-san wouldn't do anything to hurt her."
Orihime looked back at the door before finally giving in and walking away with Hanatarou.
"But I believe that they might need time to talk by themselves," he continued.
"Is it…is it well-known yet?" she asked him. "That Kuchiki-san is to marry the sixth division captain?"
He shook his head. "As Rukia-san has mentioned, I believe the final decision just came today," he informed her. "But judging by Captain Ukitake and Captain Unohana's response, it was quite a surprise to them both." He shrugged his shoulders. "From what I gather, everything was arranged by the family advisors."
Orihime looked at him in surprise. "You seem to know a lot about this," she ventured.
A small laugh. "It comes from being very unobtrusive," he explained. "Although I'm pretty sure the captains knew I was there when they discussed this. But I don't believe they were trying to keep it a secret. Everyone in Soul Society will probably know by tomorrow." He paused. "To be honest, I believe that Rukia-san is the most surprised one of all."
"Why do you say that?" she asked curiously. Except for being slightly incapacitated, Kuchiki-san had seemed…well…normal to her. It was Kurosaki-kun who was tense.
Again, Hanatarou shrugged. "Just a feeling I get about her," he replied. "Ever since I heard the news from Captain Unohana and Captain Ukitake, I had thought of Rukia-san's feelings. And when Abarai-san arrived at my apartment earlier this evening and mentioned Kuchiki-san, I had been worried." He paused. "Rukia-san is very…vulnerable when it comes to her brother and the Kuchiki family. I was worried that they might have placed undue pressure upon her even without meaning to."
Not for the first time that evening, Orihime was caught by surprise. This just might be the most she'd ever heard Hanatarou speak.
"But…But why?" she asked. She didn't understand any of this. Why was the marriage even considered? They had been living as brother and sister for decades. Why the change? And why now?
Hanatarou looked at her from the corner of his eye. "I don't know the workings of the mind of nobility, if that's what you are asking," he said quietly. "After these many years, I am not sure as to why the advisors felt the need for Captain Kuchiki to marry again so suddenly. But, if you are asking as to why Rukia-san would agree, well…I would venture to guess that it all goes back again to the debt she feels she owes the Kuchiki clan for adopting her."
She peered at him silently. "You must know Kuchiki-san pretty well," she stated softly, "for you to understand her thoughts on the matter."
"Ah-hah-hah," came his nervous laugh. "I would not presume to say that I know Rukia-san well," he qualified. "It's all just speculation on my part."
"Hmmm…" Was her woman's intuition trying to tell her something?
"She has been very kind to me since I've met her," he went on. "And we've talked a little bit off and on since then, either when we were in the human world or back here in Soul Society." He smiled. "She never bullied me like the others and—" his words trailed.
Whatever he was about to say was forgotten by both of them when they looked forward and saw Renji Abarai standing still in the deserted street.
"Abarai-kun!" she cried out, running towards the red-haired shinigami.
Renji looked up at the sound of his name and silently cursed for the umpteenth time that night when he saw the two fourth division members run towards him. For a brief moment, he seriously considered turning his back and running the other way. But, his curiosity about Rukia's well-being got the better of him and he stayed where he was.
"Abarai-kun," Inoue repeated upon reaching him, her eyes quickly flying to his bloodied fists and the wall next to him.
"Inoue," he looked over her shoulder. "Hanatarou."
"Abarai-san," Hanatarou waved. "Lieutenant Abarai," he corrected himself. And like Inoue, his eyes darted between his fists and the cracked wall.
"It seems Abarai-kun had a small scuffle with the wall, Hanatarou-kun!" Inoue said brightly before cautiously approaching him. "Why don't you let me—"
"Forget it," he brushed her off. "It's nothing."
"But Abarai-kun," she protested.
"It's nothing," he repeated, looking past them to the direction of his home. "How's Rukia?"
"She's doing well, now," Hanatarou answered him while exchanging meaningful looks with Inoue. "It was nothing serious."
"I see," he replied. Had he been hoping for something different? Had he been hoping that the fourth division medic would find something irrevocably wrong with her? Wrong enough to cause her to make such a bad decision as to marry Captain Kuchiki?
He pushed away the traitorous thought. "That's good then," he mouthed. Because it was good, right?
"Abarai-kun, it would take but a few moments—" Inoue began at his side.
"I said forget it," he said again, with a little more force this time. He didn't want her or Hanatarou healing him. The way he felt right now, he welcomed the physical pain—minute as it was comparatively speaking—that was the result of his temper. "I'm going home," he stated, moving past them.
"Um…ano…Lieutenant Abarai," Hanatarou's voice called out softly to him. "Were you able to run your errand?" he asked.
Renji looked back at him in question.
"You said awhile ago that you needed to check something out," Hanatarou explained. "Was everything in order?" he asked again.
He gave a bitter smile. "Ah," he replied. And whether he meant it as a yes or a no, he wasn't sure himself. Slowly, he turned away as he made his way back to his place.
He needed to talk to Rukia.
What the hell's going on, Rukia?
Ichigo almost kicked himself. You would think that after all these years knowing, he would be smart enough to know that if he ever wanted a straight answer from Rukia, starting off with "What the hell's going on, Rukia?" was not the best way to go about it. If anything the tone and the words would only serve to get the midget's back up and therefore result in her being not at all helpful.
And as he had predicted, he watched as she visibly bristled as soon as the words were out of his mouth.
Damn!
Maybe he could get Zangetsu to give him a swift kick in the ass for being an ass.
"What do you mean 'what's the hell's going on'" she demanded. "I just told you. And Renji." She smirked. "You just didn't believe me."
He looked at her in disbelief. "Who could blame me for that?" he returned back at her. "Damn, Rukia! Married? To your brother?"
"Brother-in-law," she clarified. "We're not related by blood," she bit out.
"Oh, excuse me," he said sarcastically. "Brother-in-law," he repeated dutifully, before pushing himself against the wall and standing before her. "Hell, Rukia! What were you thinking?" Another thought entered his head and his eyes narrowed in focus. He leaned towards her, his hands going to her shoulders as he forced her to look at him. "Is he forcing you?" he questioned her furiously. "Say the word and I'll—"
She shook her head vehemently. "Nii-sama would never—"
"Then what, Rukia?" he all but growled, staring at the blue eyes he knew so well.
She looked down and away from him.
"Rukia!" He felt like shaking her.
"I don't know!" she burst out. "I don't know!" she said again. "I don't know," she repeated, looking at him this time. "I don't know why the family advisors suddenly got impatient waiting for Nii-sama to get married again and provide them with a tangible Kuchiki heir."
Ichigo winced at the image that thought brought him.
"After disapproving of me for so many years, I don't know why they've decided that I would be the best candidate for a wife," she continued, her fists clenched on her lap. "I don't know why Nii-sama agreed to it at all," she whispered to herself.
"I don't care about all that," he told her abruptly, honestly.
She glared at him. "What do you mean you don't care?" she asked. "This is my life and you're supposed to be my friend—"
He held up his hand to stop her tirade. "I didn't mean it that way," he told her. "It's just," he stood up and walked away from her. "I don't' care about them. I could care less about your family advisors or your arrogant pr—"
"Please do not insult my brother in my presence," she stated stiffly.
He gave her a flabbergasted look.
"Whatever," he told her. "I could care less about him, too. Smug bastard that he is."
"Ichigo!"
"Okay, okay!" he said. "I'm just saying." He scratched his head. "I'm just saying," he reiterated, "that I don't care about the reasons that the rest of them have for supporting this…this…marriage," he finished reluctantly.
"I see," she said, although her demeanor clearly stated that she didn't. See his point, that is.
"Argh!" he groaned, looking up at the ceiling. "This isn't coming out right." He approached her again and this time sat next to her. "The only thing I'm interested in," he began, "the only thing I care about right now is you."
She gave a startled jerk, looking at him in what he could only interpret as more shock. "Ichigo—"
"I meant," he tried to explain, to save face, because he was pretty sure what he said came out wrong. At least he thought it might have come out wrong. "I'm only interested in your reasons…your decision in all of this." He looked at her intently. "Why did you agree to this?"
Was that disappointment in her eyes at his clarification?
He watched as she took a deep breath before looking away from him.
"I don't know the answer to that either," she said quietly. "I don't understand it myself." She gave a soft laugh. "I'm not even sure if I could recall the meeting with any degree of accuracy." She faced him. "One minute I was there, greeting Nii-sama. The next moment, Sanada-san was expounding on the merits of a Kuchiki union. And the next thing I know, I've given my consent."
"Are you sure you weren't drugged or under some other influence?" he asked her, looking for some outward explanation. How could one go from being brother and sister to a betrothed couple in a matter of moments?
She took his hands to hers and turned to face him more fully. "I gave my consent, Ichigo," she said softly. "That much I remember. There were no threats or undue influences on their part."
He looked at their hands together in her lap. Maybe he would end up shaking her after all. How could she calmly say that she had accepted a convenient marriage arranged by people who could care less about her interests? How could she sit there and say that it was her choice to let those idiots decide who she should be marrying?
He was about to say something to that effect, something sarcastic and biting, when he noticed the shakiness of her hands and even her demeanor.
"Rukia," he said. To himself really, not to her.
She looked up and gave him a forced smile. And he knew it was a forced smile just as he knew back then which smiles were genuine and which ones were part of her acting.
He'd always known.
She gave a hollow laugh. "I think right now," she told him quietly, "I just need someone to tell me that this is the right decision." She looked past him to the door where Inoue and Hanatarou had left moments before. "It all happened so fast that I just wish...I wish." She looked back at him and smiled ruefully. "Well, I wished for many things."
And what could he say to that?
"Well if that's what you decided on your own," his voice hoarse, his words caught in his throat. He would swear that he'd said these lines before. "If you feel that you would like to go through with this," he lifted her chin up with his fingers, "then it is for the best." There. He did his duty as her friend. He gave her what she wanted.
"Ichigo, I—" her hand covered his one hand against her cheek.
And whatever it was she was about to say would remain unsaid as the door to the apartment burst open that minute.
"Well isn't this just cozy?" Renji's voice dripped with sarcasm before he kicked the door closed. "Is this a party for two or can anyone join in?"
To be continued