WOW! JUST EFFING WOW! really thank you everyone for reviewing , I wasn't sure that you all would have liked chapter 7, but thanks for the support really, you all know who you are. As for this chapter please let me know what you think of it. even as I am about to post it I am re-reading it, because I don't think I got everything I wanted to put in this chapter right. Still I am sorry for the wait.
PS: Read the disclaimer at chapter 1 and in the summary I think.
CHAPTER 8 – A PLAN OF SORTS
~3 months later~
Byakuya stood in the private VIP room of Ken Qi Private I Salon scrutinizing his new hair do. It had been a tough choice to part with his hair; he had been growing since he was three years old. He liked his long mane very much; it gave him a rough look that suited his cold demeanour that he portrayed on the outside. However the choice to cut it didn't just occur to him, he had been thinking about this for a while, he wanted and needed to make a few changes in his life, like he had done to forget and put the last three plus months of his life behind.
He silently watched Ken chewing on the end of his well manicured nails. The man was obviously nervous, that he didn't approve of the job he had done, but honestly Byakuya trusted no one else to care for his hair like Ken did, besides Ken being a good friend of his, he could make the man tremble with fear, because Ken knew the kind of person he was sometimes.
"So Ken what do you think?"
"Wha-what do-do- I think…?"
"That is what I am asking you without a doubt."
He noted Ken gulped deeply, before taking a deep breath…
"This new look- suits you best,"
"How is that, you didn't like my look before? Don't I look a little softer now; obviously I have lost my edge with this cut?"
"No! absolutely not, this look is more refined, more distinguished, you still look cold and calculated, but on the inside we know how much warmer you are, the bottom line is you look at least ten years younger and we're the same age."
"Would you recognize me if I passed you by…?"
"At first glance no, because truly you look most handsome, beautifully handsome is a better description, I am star struck that you can transform into someone else so completely."
"Is that a good thing or bad thing?"
"It's better than good, you're a totally different person, that I'd need a mark of some sort to identify you as 'the Byakuya Kuchiki', I went to school with, still it's a remarkable change, I'm not trying to bullshit you Chiki… you look like someone else almost completely."
"Thank you Ken, I do think this new cut is what I needed," Byakuya said as he pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to Ken.
Ken immediately pushed the money back at him refusing, "…No, I won't the honor has been all mine, it's more than payment enough that you entrusted me with such a task."
"Ken- I trust you when it comes to keeping me looking handsome so take the money and buy yourself something new, fancy for a job well done and I also owe you this since you won the bet."
"Bya- we, I can't, that wasn't a bet,"
"You will, and I have taken a good bit of your time and you need to be compensated for it, I insist, and you did bet that I'd cut my mane before I turned 40." he said thrusting the money into his hands.
"NO… But-and you already charge me no rent for this space I am occupying in your building,"
"Ken you really don't want to get on my wrong side today, a bets a bet and you won, fair and square."
"No I don't… want to get on your wrong side," he said finally accepting the cash.
"I'll be back next week for my weekly wash, shampoo and shine same time."
"I always look forward to your visit Chiki,"
Byakuya smiled at the nickname as he exited the VIP room through the private exit door that only he used.
Byakuya got in his car and headed down town to the shopping district. Less than thirty minutes later he was walking into Armani, he would put his new look to the test. He walked to the high priced section looking at suits. Immediately he was interrupted by a sales clerk.
"Good day sir, my name is Orihime; can I be of some assistance to you?"
"Yes, I am looking for a new suit maybe three."
"Great do you have any particular color or preference?"
"Why don't you surprise me with three looks that you think will look good on me?"
"Okay, first things first judging from your body build and height, I'd suggest something a little more slim and form fitting, not tight, but still shows of your phenomenal physique and doesn't make you look to old, but more distinguished and refined and hip for your age at the same time."
"How old do you think I am Orihime?"
"Honestly you look nothing over 26…27, and you must have a good job to afford these kinds of suits." She said before picking out one and handing it to him, I think this one button suit in a combed denim effect made of Gabardine wool, and in this sexy deep blue marine solid color, with multi-pockets, which include three internal jacket pockets lined, belt loops for which I have the perfect belt to go with it… you'd really look stunning in it, it just speaks listen to the body language of the charm and you have a lot of that without saying much," she said moving along to look at another one.
She was quick to put a description to the suit as one that said collar -you immediately in a fun chic uninhibited style, a more relaxed, I know how to have fun while being serious at the same time, she also handed him three shirts that would look great without a tie.
The last suit she offered him was a three piece in a deep royal maroon color that she described as business, formal and casual in one, he could afford to take the jacket of and wear his single breast coat, with long sleeves or he could take the inside breast coat of and wear the shirt, jacket and tie or preferable a scarf, which was in and on him it would be a most spectacular look, only if he took the silver suit in the same style.
Byakuya nodded and Orihime seemed most pleased that she had managed to get him to buy a fourth suit. She walked him over to the dressing room, announcing it was time to try on the clothes before he bought them. Byakuya told her that he didn't need to and that he trusted her judgement. When he handed over his card to pay, both the clerk and the cashier were stunned to learn that it was Mr Byakuya Kuchiki himself, a very regular customer of theirs. He also pulled out a wad of cash and peeled off a sizeable tip for Orihime, thanking her with a curt nod for her time.
Byakuya was very pleased that his new found look was a success, and that meant if they couldn't tell it was him and he was there every month to purchase a suit or two then, the one person he wanted to see wouldn't recognize him at all and that is what he wanted, because he intended to start afresh with her.
Rukia had many job offers awaiting her, but she could not make up her mind on whether she wanted to go back to work right now, she was very comfortable as is, doing her own side projects mainly that of getting the last stage of Rangiku and her new business venture completed. The soon to be bar/spa/salon was transforming into something never seen before. Sure there were spas with bars, but that was your overpriced fresh squeeze shakes and juice that most times tasted like cardboard.
However this bar had everything including alcohol and if it wasn't for Nanao running a survey online and in person, Rangiku and her would never know that 47% of the people who visited spas and salons preferred a good stiff drink when they are relaxing at a spa or getting their hair/nails/face done or while just waiting. So for the health conscious group that liked their smoothie or mud drink they could have it and for the rest who preferred a good ol' fashion drink that they could really relax with they were gonna' have it to.
Nanao and Shunshui were doing the décor and she had to admit that having both Toshiro and Kyo's input really helped, the place wasn't too feminine or to manly it was a combination of both and anyone would feel comfortable no matter where they were. They even added on an additional room to turn into a day care for the mom's or dads just in case they needed someone to look after their child or children. Everything was planned in detail and everything was sure to be completed in the next two weeks, after which she was going to have some Rukia time, it had been a while since she had an orgasm or masturbated, not that she wouldn't prefer a man to do the work, but she wasn't feeling up to going through the whole blind dating process of elimination that Rangiku had been trying to set her up on.
Then again the simplest solution would be if she would just be honest and tell her, that the only man she wanted no longer wanted her then maybe Rangiku would stop trying to set her up, but then she didn't want to seem to pathetic or actually have to tell Rangiku the good and the bad, which meant repeating every horrible word she had said to turn Byakuya on her, of course Rangiku would then tell her that she needed to grow a pair and go find him and apologize until he accepted. But why should she, she had apologize to him and he didn't believe her so what would make her think that three months later he'd be in a more forgiving mood. Byakuya Kuchiki seemed like this time he would close his heart of to the world for good, to her for good, there was just no way in for her. Still she hoped that maybe she could make a chip in the ice surrounding his heart, she hoped that he would accept the invitation that she was considering sending him.
~2 WEEKS LATER~
Rukia finally released an exhausting breath of relief. 'Sora -Zenuvo' was completed at last to the last detail of paint. They had all really outdone themselves, she had sent the entire team of workers and Rangiku as well as Nanao and Kyo home, promising that she would leave right after, of course that was four hours ago and it was now Thursday early morning. She didn't want to move either, the cool feeling of the tile soothing to her tired and aching body.
Standing on her two feet, Rukia moved tiredly to the exit. She made sure to lock and secure the building, got in her car and drove slowly to her apartment half an hour away. Once inside her apartment, Rukia didn't bother making it to the bed, the sofa would be just fine.
Around 1pm her peaceful slumber was disturb by the insistent pounding on her door. She took some time to get a move but finally did when the door was swung open wildly.
"There you are what took you so long?" Ran asked breezing in with Nanao behind her.
She replied in a hoarse croaked voice… "Sl-ee-ping_"
"Oh Ruki-baby you look like your next to death."
"Thanks and maybe it's because I have been working myself into the ground."
"Yes you have and for that you can have the entire day off, we swung by SZ and we couldn't believe that you finished it."
"I didn't want to leave it as is…"
"What time did you leave there?" Nan asked
"5am somewhere after that I think, what time is it?"
"Almost two in the afternoon," Nan replied
"Come go out for a late lunch with us," Ran said loudly
"No thanks I'd rather stay in and catch up on my sleep, maybe tomorrow we'll all go for a drink?"
"That's fine," both women said
"Okay- good its settle now get out so I can go back to sleep," she replied shuffling to her bedroom to get more comfortable.
Rukia didn't wake till late evening, from the same nightmare she had been having for exactly two weeks. This one was so real that she swore she could still smell his scent of Sakura Musk lingering in her apartment but that couldn't be. He had never been here. Her loins burned as she fought that urge, she wasn't going to give in, like she had the other times, she had to be strong; she was going to try harder to get him out of her system… Kami she would. She ambled to the shower, stepping in under the cold water which she hated but her body would have something else to react to now, and the cold water would help her to take her mind of him for now.
The following day Friday was much easier, she was distracted by a lot of things, first she had her hair wash and set, then she and Rangiku interviewed a couple more people for the two opened manager positions, after which they went their separate ways to meet up later for drinks as a pre celebratory party for just the three of them. The grand opening would be in exactly one week's time.
~FRIDAY NIGHT MUCH LATER~
"Oh fucckk…oh my god… uhh-ffffuck,"
Rukia's words came out in a strangled whisper as the last of her orgasm coursed through her. Her back still arched off the bed, shoulder's pressing deep into the mattress as her legs pushed her up higher while her toes dug painfully deeper into the mattress for purchase… her eyes shut tightly, mouth frozen in the shape of an 'O'… the fingers at her clit easing its pressure as she slowed their rhythm. Byakuya's face was still vividly in her mind, his darkened gaze from that first and last meeting months ago still blazing back at her.
~EARLIER~
Rukia had barely made it through the rest of her girl's night out in celebration of Rangiku finally opening her own business with her as a silent partner; they were at a upscale but well known club-bar and restaurant, and the atmosphere was nice, the men were lookers as well, but they all turned down the offers to dance just yet, as they were waiting on two other guests, namely Shunshui and Toshiro, who arrived just as she finished the thought.
Each guy hugged his woman sitting next to them, Rukia was feeling a little bit like a third wheel, she was trying to think up a reasonable excuse to leave, but Rangiku never gave her a second as she involved her in everything, and then not. The more they all talked and relaxed with each other, the more the guys grew touchier with the girls and bolder with their PDA, the hornier she got and she had been very horny for the last month, she was no longer able to satisfy herself even temporarily.
Maybe she could get lucky, so she drank more and she knew that by the time she finished her seventh drink, she had been flirting with the bartender, and he'd returned the flirting in kind because he was obviously married but had taken the ring off but he also wanted to get in on some action, she knew that the both of them were dancing a fine line of propriety, she wasn't that kind of girl except with one man but she was so damn horny that he could just be the exception. She would pretend it was him.
He was your average handsome but got more handsome, the longer she stared at him and the more alcohol she consumed. Her thoughts were interrupted when the foursome announced they were going to dance. She assured them that she was fine. And it was the opportunity Rukia had been waiting for as they disappeared onto the dance floor, she waited another minute or two before gathering her jacket and leaving quietly with a wink at the bartender. Who offered her a smile and a shrug, she knew he was sorry that he was stuck behind the bar and that she was leaving.
Who the hell was she kidding, no one would be Byakuya to her, her body went into overdrive at the mere whispered thought of his name and everyone be damned she was going to do what she always did when her body wouldn't obey her command. On the cab ride home at 11pm at night she allowed her thoughts to take her where they may. Cold grey eyes, yet gentle… hot… when filled with lust and passion… body cut to perfection… lips that were made for kissing… even now the more she thought about him the more she appreciated the beauty that was truly his … everything that was him…
His rare smile, his sharp nose, his sculpted toned arms-body, his long slender artistic fingers attached to his skilled sensual hands … damn the man was perfection… everything about him made her feel rabidly-impetuous, that she had to keep herself from going to his place of work several times and ending this standoff between them all so they could fall into either bed…
~
But what turned Rukia on the most about the situation even now was the fact that the salaciously, piquant specimen consuming her thoughts… is, was or had been attracted to her, she who was average in every way, her breasts were still too small for her liking though they had grown, compared to her late sister whose breasts were much bigger than hers now… as well as she was to short at 5"3 that she barely reached his collar bone if so high compared to his 6"1 and her sister had been 5"5… not to mention he was 11 years older than her though it didn't really factor into anything, except for the fact it did make him an obviously experienced and accomplished lover.
Compared to all, the woman before her, he'd been with she wasn't even a top ten pick so how could he say that he wanted her... wanted her to move in with him or that they look for a home together, how could he want them to be lovers and not just lovers but monogamous ones as well, his appetite for sex she doubted she'd ever be able to match… which would then cause him to grow bored with her surely. They barely had anything in common fifty percent of the time; the other fifty didn't matter the only thing they fully agreed on was the sex.
Her mind had flashed back to that day, the day that he'd told her those things, she was sure he was going to say he loved her and that's when she panicked. She still could feel the heat and desire that he didn't hide as his gaze mesmerized her for the moments before when she had woken up to the sight of him in her bed, not to mention she had been thoroughly satisfied.
In a panic she had shut him down hard. With her cut throat words, she just didn't get his 180 turn around and she was almost positive that Byakuya would have gotten over that so called attraction by the very Tuesday she was to attend work; he would forget about her the moment he was surrounded by his class of people … and definitely much prettier and exotic women would certainly kill his sudden fascination with his wife look alike. However it hadn't been the same for her.
Now after another unsatisfying orgasm she laid spent on her bed, the guilt that she continually suppressed managed to creep its way back into her chest. Leaving her with no doubt she'd just had one of her best masturbatory experiences… fantasizing about him… and it only left a bigger hole in her unfulfilled. The fantasy had been more vivid this time then any of the other times, and the acts she imagined him doing to her as before over and over were much dirtier and vigorous than anything she'd even thought about doing with any man.
Perhaps she should call him up and invite herself to spend the night with him; even if the other voice was telling her it wasn't such a good idea at all, knowing that his last impression of her was that she was a slut.
Sighing loudly she shook her head confusingly. What was she thinking? He wouldn't want to see her; he hadn't even said a word to her that day he flung that money in her face not until when she officially resigned from KC in front of the heads of department members. What more compelling evidence did she need than when he had her sign papers in front of everyone disowning her as a Kuchiki? That somehow had hurt the worst and it still hurt to this day.
She was now just plain Rukia Hoshino, with no rich and fascinating heritage that the Kuchiki's were made of. Thankfully she had been smart to save the majority of her money while she worked at KC, or she wouldn't have been able to fund the majority of Rangiku's business venture.
Byakuya groaned as the sunlight assaulted his pupils through the possibly still open drapes. Shutting them tightly again he waited a few more beats before he reopened them again, covering his mouth as he yawned. He finally felt sober enough to take in his surroundings, he wasn't in his room… he was in her old room again. Where everything was the same and untouched, he had locked her room, barring the maid from entering to do anything. The room still smelled like her, and it was a sweet aching blow to his core; sleeping in her old room surrounded by shadows of her. He'd often regretted the day he allowed her to come over after to box up the rest of her things, which she kept at the mansion when she stayed there. But of course she couldn't box up her scent, it lingered on the sheets, her pillow, the closet, the drapes, her bathroom, she was ingrained in the four walls surroundings, which didn't make his life easier even though he was trying so damn hard.
He pulled her pillow over his face taking a deep breath before putting it to the side as he stretched, loosening the stiffness from the awkward position he'd fallen asleep in, he rolled over to his back, continuing to stretch letting his hand slide down his toned stomach over the not to muscular abs but still defined, to settle it below his navel right where a dark flow of well groomed hair started. He could feel his body instantly react to the cool touch and memories of then.
It seemed as if his body was feeling the familiar nostalgia of her scent stil lingering in the room as well. His cock was hard and ready to go, just as it had been many times thinking about her. Bya knew he hadn't had a morning wood in six weeks, but he knew why his member was eager this morning. It was craving to be buried in Rukia Hoshino. It was about three months since she moved out and on with her life. It was also more than enough time for him to make a move on Ms Hoshino and today would be that day after seeing her last night.
Rukia had looked perfect; her smooth skin and stunning eyes had made his heart start pounding madly the second he saw her in that bar sitting with her friends alone pretending to have a good time. And her body! Kami, where did she get off still looking that sinfully perfectly perfect, why wasn't she strung out and gaunt pining over him? Arrogant of him to presume that she would be but he didn't care, he was pining over her while trying to look like he wasn't… it was fucking hard work.
Not to mention he'd almost gotten himself caught last night, wanting to go over there and smash his fist into the bartender's face for daring to flirt with her, while all he could do was admire her from afar, and he had plenty to admire… from her tight firm ass in that to-to short fucking dress, down to her toned legs… legs that he'd had the pleasure of having wrapped around him tightly as he pounded into her… someone had then bounced into him lightly but it was enough to make him feel ashamed for his open eye fucking of her in public.
Byakuya wasn't usually that obvious; but she'd caught him off guard. He hadn't planned on seeing Rukia at all for at least another two months. He had told himself the billion other times that it was just too soon and way too hard even for him the 'Byakuya Kuchiki', one of Serenities most sorted after bachelors.
Ever since he opened his damn mouth and told Rukia that he was attracted to her, had been for a long time, that he wanted to get a home together with her and so much more, things had been different, no not different, things had come crashing down around him… them before they even started, but he didn't regret telling her, he had to tell her as much, he wanted her to know, because he only wanted her. He could only see her and not as her sister, he'd said just as much but she couldn't or wouldn't believe him. But now, he would make sure and make a point of asserting that truth to her.
Didn't she understand how hard then he was trying to ignore his feelings for her; how he'd written them off as some kind of fascination over something lost more specifically someone he'd loved and lost. But as he'd gone through his grieving period he realised about seven years later that he was in some way attracted to her.
He'd thought he was still pining after his wife seeing bits of her in Rukia, but as the years put her further from his memory, his feelings towards Rukia didn't even begin to fade, even after he tried , unsuccessfully , to ease his frustrations through other women. Not by fucking them or having them, blow him but sometimes he just paid them for their company, that wasn't all that interesting at all, to many of them pretended to be someone else with him, someone they think he'd want, and it didn't help in the least.
In the end he concluded before he took that dive of the edge that, it was Rukia's expressive, beautiful, mysterious, eyes and face as well as her body and her frank, brutal honesty of speaking her mind without a thought as to the consequences or vice versa that would overload his thoughts. Seeing her then at the office almost every day… at the mansion almost every night… both times always looking fantastic and smelling so - so- so fucking good… Byakuya knew he had to get away fast, he had to put distance or it was only going to be a matter of time before he wouldn't be able to be in a room with her without wanting to take her right there, everyone else be damned.
He groaned low in his throat at the thought of what he wanted to do her, he let go a little of his restraint dragging his hand down over his naked body and further down the length of his naked cock. Just thinking about Rukia had his cock begging for some kind of relief. He couldn't count how many dreams he'd had prior to the last six weeks he'd had of having Rukia splayed out before him, on his cool black silk sheets wanting and waiting for him to show her exactly how much he wanted her, needed her, loved her. He squeezed his stiff member hard before letting out a sigh and releasing it, as his thoughts took a different turn.
What had he been thinking when he agreed, promised himself to break the silence between them and reclaim her? How the hell would he get it through to her that he really only wanted her, loves her that she isn't there to replace his long dead wife whom he'd stop grieving years ago. He knew that words might be hard with her standing so close to him looking like Rukia, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from touching her? And the first touch of her anywhere would be the trigger.
Byakuya knew this, It was the very reason he had to get rid of her because he knew that when his desire for Rukia got to be so bad while working with her or seeing her at his work place, pretending like nothing never happened that he'd do something as stupid as wink at her, or call her into his office while they sat next to each other he'd innocently reach out and squeeze her thigh in a innocent gesture meant to be understanding or some fucking shit along those lines, he'd even go so far as to tuck that wayward piece of hair that always falls in her face… when what he really would want to do is fuck her on his desk.
Every time he watched her fight with the unruly piece of hair while sitting at the dinner table or around the board room table or in general it would instantaneously elicit a reaction from his cock. He'd had to remain seated at the board room table, the dinner table and his office seat longer just so he could keep away from her, hoping she didn't demand that he follow her out or she'd notice the bulge in his pants.
Today… tonight whatever time wouldn't matter, he was sure. He had been at almost full extremity watching her last night, between her adorable laugh and what he wanted to think were not too subtle flirtations with the bartender. He'd bit his tongue till he tasted blood in a manner of restraining himself. Looking in on the inside angered him the need to do harm to the bartender was gaining ground so he ran away to some other more exclusive club, and drank to the point of being piss-ta-radically intoxicated and somehow he got home and went straight to her room stripping bare, falling onto her bed was how he ended the night. He looked down at his angry hard cock and shook his head. Apparently, the effects of last night hadn't worn off, or maybe she never would.
Byakuya licked his lips as he thought about how easy it would be to keep stroking his throbbing cock to help make his 'not so little problem' go away. But jerking off in her old room in her bed it was just a bit too nostalgic for him. Besides, he had to get to his morning routine, and he didn't want to lose any of the renewed energy flowing through him. He'd prefer to save his energies for later preferably, perhaps tonight; when he had next to no doubt that his cock would be critically beyond wanting just to release.
It was Saturday afternoon and Rukia was bored, her friends were unreachable so that could mean anything but the latter of what she thought would be why. Wanting to get out her apartment, she decided to go shopping in Ometesando Hill (OH), though she shouldn't, she should not be throwing money away on an outfit she might wear once or twice and park in the back of her closet but, she needed a distraction, she did not have a good night or a good morning, and she hoped that things would pick up.
So yes she was going shopping for high end designs from her favorite designers, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Chanel, Uniqlo, Gucci, Hermes, Bottega, Ahkah, Kiwa-Sylphy and many other designers plus it would be good exercise not to keep fit but to walk off the abundance of sexual energy ebbing through her moving from store to store and through the smaller lanes.
Still it was and a good thing that she did for she had ended up finding two new outfits that both she and Ayoki the sales clerk agreed was the perfect combination of chaste and amorous. Leaving the luxurious store, Rukia, hadn't watched where she was going and ended up slamming into somebody. She was so shock at the sudden impact that she took a few moments to gather her thoughts before she realised that the other person was kneeling down to gather her scattered purchases.
"I believe you dropped these?" said the stranger standing holding out her bags.
Rukia couldn't believe it, what were the odds that she would run into Byakuya of all people in OH, then again this person did look like him, maybe it wasn't him, this person, had shorter hair, and no goatee, and … the voice was the same, smoky and husky.
"Are you alright Miss, I hope I didn't hurt you?" he asked with obvious concern.
Rukia was really trying to wrap her head around what was happening, why was Byakuya acting like he didn't know her? Why was he acting like she was a complete stranger? That they hadn't slept together? Why was he acting like she hadn't been his sister in law a few months ago.
"Miss are- you okay, is there anything I can do to make this up to you, it was absolutely my fault for not looking where I was going, while trying to read an email at the same time."
"Uh-Uh-I…I am f-fine thank you"
"Are you sure, I don't mind paying for the damages,"
"It-It's not necessary, thank you again," she said taking her bags from him. If he wanted to behave like she was a stranger then she would do the same.
Byakuya nodded, before he smiled stiffly and began to walk away. He hadn't gotten far when he was harshly pulled back by the sleeve of his Grey suit to face an angry looking Rukia. Good he thought at least she was angry, it was working.
She initially had opted to treat him the same, but that just wasn't like her, she was angry dammit…"Byakuya I know you know it's me Rukia, why are you acting like I am a complete stranger to you?"
"Pardon me Miss but I don't know you,"
"Stop your bullshit,"
"I was mistaken in believing you are a lady, if you speak so crassly,"
"As if you didn't know that already- I get that you hate me but we use to be related we_"
"Miss I don't know you to hate you, and why waste energy on hating someone."
"Byakuya, you are a real Jackass, get over the fact that I rejected you okay."
"Pardon me once more, but I didn't get your name miss?"
"You fully well know that it's now Rukia Hashino- you jackass, disowned me and stripped me of my former title."
"Miss Rukia Hoshino, I –am sorry but I do not know you. However I would like to, since I have never had anyone speak to me in the manner that you are, obviously you don't know who I am, which is refreshing and so can I ask you to join me for dinner and drinks tonight, my treat."
"Like hell I will, fuck you_"
"I am offended that you would refuse my offer Miss Hoshino, clearly you really don't know who I am or you wouldn't be refusing someone as handsome as me."
"You self centered prick bastard, I know exactly who you are, but you're mistaken if you think you're all that, you're not and that attitude doesn't help make you the least bit attractive."
"Miss I assure you, that if you got to know a bit about me you would change your opinion of me, please join me for dinner and drinks, I can pick you up where ever you live or arrange to have my driver pick you up or you can meet me wherever I choose," he said flashing her his rare smile that did something to her, made something click in her.
Kami- he looked so fucking dashing and tempting in his grey suit, with the expensive silk scarf thrown over his shoulders and flowing down either side reaching just where his suit jacket stopped. She let her eyes travel back up to his cool grey eyes locked on her, she quickly looked elsewhere like his hair, oh believe it, she was absolutely shocked he had cut his precious mane he had been growing since he was three years old, who… what… why… happened to make him cut it? He had it cut shorter to shoulder length but was still able to hold it in a ruff pony tail to the back while a few stray stylish messy strands had escaped, but it only enhanced his beauty, in a word the man was absolutely beautiful.
The new look minus his long wavy messy hair style which use to give him a rough, hard look to his personality and also minus his trade mark moustache and goatee made her pussy clench in sweet memory but more importantly the new look made him look more refined, distinguished, like pure sex walking on two legs and not a day over twenty eight, he had literally cut of 8 years from his actual age. He looked so different to the Byakuya of her past 11 years that if the same amount of years had passed and she had not literally ran into him like a train now she would not have recognized him at all.
Rukia snapped back to reality at the sound of his deep voice penetrating her thoughts…
"Miss Hoshino, I will not take no as an answer, please will you join me for dinner or just drinks?"
"Uh-um- what…yes,"
He smiled a small familiar smile before reaching in his breast pocket and withdrawing a card handing it to her…
"My numbers are on there; you can reach me at anyone, and dress elegantly since we're dining at 'Aronia de Takazawa', be there by 6pm no later. You can call me or my driver; the last number will put you into direct contact with him." He said flashing her, a more knowing smirk.
Rukia nearly feinted as all the blood rushed from every part of her body to her centre as heat gathered there, what had she just done? Why couldn't she ever think straight with him around her?
Rukia Apt 3:45pm
Rukia shoved her key angrily into the door keyhole, but didn't get a chance to turn the key as the door was yanked open with her key still in the door, a pissed of Nanao and Rangiku was standing before her looking as if they wanted to kill her.
"Uh hey you two…?" she said stepping in as Nan closed the door behind her.
"You got some explaining to do young lady," Rangiku said so serious it was hard to believe that she was capable of being such a thing.
"Uh – I am sure we're both the same age and what do you mean?" she asked walking over to the closet setting her bags down first then taking of her jacket.
"Like why the hell did you disappear on us last night?"
"I didn't disappear, I went-um home-with someone."
"And you couldn't leave a damn message?" Nan cut in
"Um- my phone had died,"
"Died my ass_" Rangiku raged unnecessarily
"Okay fine it didn't die, I just left okay, I was feeling like a third wheel, you both were coupled up, and I am sure you both got screwed to your hearts content at all hours of the night into the morning, I know because I tried calling you both and got your VM's."
"Well you're the one that told us to invite the guys to celebrate with us,"
"It doesn't matter now, and I didn't leave my phone purposely home, I forgot it, I didn't remember till I got to Ometesando Hills, shopping district,"
"You went to OH and didn't invite us?" Rangiku asked somewhat stunned.
"Uh- well it wasn't planned, like I said I didn't get through to you both and I was bored and se- so I wanted something to do and shopping for my favorite labels seemed like the best thing to do, to kill time while you guys were unreachable."
"Rukia I am hurt- very hurt that you went shopping without me,"
"I am sorry, next time I decide to go shopping after one of our Friday night get togethers I am going to break down your door and haul your ass out of that bed and if you're fucking at the time I won't care you're coming off or from under Toshiro okay."
"That's my ruki-baby," Ran said as they burst out laughing, the picture was all to clear to the three, it really would be a sight to see Rukia hauling Rangiku out a bed while having sex.
"So why were the two of you waiting in my apartment to ambush me? I gave you both keys in cases of emergency,"
"And this was an emergency since we couldn't reach you; you're our bloody family for crying out loud, who else you have since that bastard disowned you."
"Oh – I guess that would be you two, so um if that's all_" she paused looking at her watch, "_I need to get to the tub, have a soak and start getting ready for um- my-uh –date, there I said it,"
"Date with whom?" both Nan and Ran asked at the same time.
Well, its someone you uh-both don't know, I ran into him by accident while shopping and he helped me with my bags and then he said it was his fault for not looking, so he wanted to take me to dinner to apologize, I refused him several times, but he wouldn't take no for an answer and the next I know I was saying yes."
"You said yes, did you even at least ask his name?" Nan asked concern
"Uh I think I did, but I was too mesmerized by his good looks to remember if he told me."
"He could be a serial killer for all we know Rukia,"
"Look Ran, Nan I know you both are concerned, but I can handle myself. I am not some naive stupid, silly little girl. And I am not desperate, a little lonely and a bit starved for sex, but it's not why I said yes to dinner with a stranger."
"Oh yeah – tell us why then?" Ran asked taking a seat on the sofa.
"Honestly I don't know, but he seems like a proper gentleman, in fact he reminded me of someone I knew and did I mention he is a beautiful specimen and that he's taking me to 'Aronia de Takazawa' for dinner."
"Aronia… are you serious, it's so freaking hard to get in there, and chef Takazawa only allows eight people to dine there maximum per table and there only two tables," Rangiku gushed
"Rukia, 'Aronia de Takazawa' restaurant has long been one of Tokyo's most intriguing secrets, more talked about than actually visited. You have to book in advance to get in, further more no one knows exactly how you secure a booking unless you know someone who knows, but I hear his French-Japanese signature dishes are extraordinary. You cannot even have the food to take away, you must dine there."
"Well that's fine, I'll let you girls know how it is,"
"That's not why we're concerned, Rukia no one knows how to really find 'Aronia De Takazawa' it's a hidden place, what if this man takes you somewhere else and we never see you again?"
"No need to worry girls I can handle myself I promise, the minute I feel in danger I am going to call you both to rescue me,"
"Rukia this is not a joke?"
"And I told you both I am fine, I can handle myself, I am a grown woman, do I need to remind you both of this and I want to go to dinner with this stranger, I believe that everything will be fine, I didn't get any bad vibes, so you both need to stop worrying, I will fill you both in later or tomorrow, since its dinner and drinks and drinks could be anywhere."
"You're not going to jump into bed with him on the first date are you?"
"No- absolutely not, I might be sex starved but not desperate, no way, am I giving up the goodies on a first date, what kind of woman do you take me for?"
"You're right Rukia, so what are you wearing?"
"I am glad you asked Ran, because I don't think I can decide just yet, so I need you both to help me pick out something that is elegant, yet sexy and decorous.
Byakuya was very pleased with himself. He couldn't have planned it any better, than how everything had unfolded. He knew where Rukia was going to be, he knew exactly what store she was in, the little red dot wasn't wrong, as she stepped out the store he made sure to take two steps into her direct path and bam, smack dab she walked into him, her bags spilling, the element of surprise working in his favor. When she did finally notice him the look alone on her face was priceless.
Angry and outraged he got her to chase after him, by pretending he didn't know her, which was technically true to a point, she was no longer a Kuchiki, she was now Rukia Hoshino, and he could only remember one other Hoshino he had met and was married to and her name was Hisana, not Rukia. But he was intent on getting to know the lovely Miss Rukia Hoshino, and he was going to prove to her that she was no replica or replacement to him. He loved her as she is for whom she is and nothing more.
