Part 5
Byakuya was learning Rukia' history and it was more then an eye opener. He knew at some point, he would have to reciprocate if she ever became curious. He wasn't anymore comfortable talking about himself then she was. How could he possibly share his past with her? He had been raised in such comfort and privilege. He was feeling ashamed and lucky all at once to have been born a Kuchiki. The burden of carrying that name didn't seem as tiresome as it once did.
But, he still found himself wishing he had been born here. He wanted to have been the one to protect her all of those years. He wouldn't have made the same mistake as Renji. Renji told him how he let her go for her own good. Renji let out how much he loved her. How much he would work for the right to be with her. Byakuya would have kept her for himself and done anything possible to keep her happy with him, no matter how selfish it seemed.
Never letting on, just the thought of what could have happened to her, how she could have ended up, how he may never have met her, scared him to death. She didn't need Bankai to be strong, she had an inner strength that superseded that of his, which made him feel inferior for the first time since he was a child. The more Rukia opened up to him the more he fell in love with her and desired to protect her for the rest of his life.
At this point, he was thinking he might lock her in the mansion for her safety and lavish all kinds of luxuries upon her. He wanted to make up for her past by having her waited on by an army of servants so she would never have to work or worry another day in her life. But he knew she wouldn't enjoy that. Although he might still bring the issue up later.
"Were not done yet. We have two more stops." her mood lightening.
They walked on a bit and came to a small stand alone shack. It had a big tree in front of it and the doorway was covered by a tattered cloth. Children of many ages ran about in ragged clothing. They looked thin but seemed happy . One child no more then four walked up to Byakuya, tugging his sleeve to get his attention. The boy had offered him his small piece of bread. Byakuya looked down at him.
"Oh no, now don't touch Byakuya-san sweetie." she said panicking and removing the child's hand.
"Its all right Rukia." He said patting the child on the head.
"Rukia you came." said a boy in his mid teens.
"My you have grown, Kohaku, and so handsome. You know I couldn't stay away." she addressed him.
"I'm happy to see you." he said.
"Gather everyone." she told him
Kohaku did as he was told.
"Hi everyone for those of you who haven't met me yet. I'm Rukia this is my friend Byakuya-san. We have come to see how you are. I hope we can all be friends."
They looked at each other and made comments.
"She's the one who sends us food." one said.
"She sent us those books." said another.
"Yes she is our ben- ben- benefactor." a little one managed to pronounce.
"Kohaku said you would come." came another
" We have much to thank Rukia for" Kohaku said
"Well I used to live in this very home. I remember how tough it was living here. Food was scarce and we went to bed hungry many nights. Anyway you four boys come with me we are going to the market."
Byakuya cringed at hearing her call this place a home but followed Rukia, and the boys followed close behind him. She haggled and argued with several vendors before handing one money.
"Can each of you both carry two sacks of rice?" she asked
The three boys she addressed ,nodded.
Rukia filled a basket with vegetables. Then headed to another vendor. Rukia argued with him like a lawyer trying to lessen a murder sentence. She somehow looked taller and more intimidating by the way she stood in dealing with these seedy looking men.
"Ok Byakuya-san, Kohaku-san You will both have to carry these sacks of flour and potatoes."
Neither argued with her. The boy tried to show off, picking up three but could only manage two bundles. Byakuya had taken four heavy sacks, reminding her how strong he was. Rukia noticed how strange it looked for him to carry these bags like a common servant. She was glad their grandfather was back home and could not see the manual labor his grandson had stooped to doing. Bayakuya on the other hand was feeling bad about all the food wasted at their dinner table.
"I'll be right back, you go on, I have one more thing to get." she said motioning them to leave.
She put her hand on Byakuya' arm and whispered to him. " Make sure they get back safely with the food."
Rukia didn't take long as promised and she entered the shack seeing Bayakuya sitting with the children who were listening to him attentively.
"…then the hollow… Rukia has returned." he stopped.
"Oh don't stop on my account." She handed Kohaku a stack of books one with a noticeable Chappy on it and put the basket on the floor.
"Rukia?" Byakuya questioned.
"Kohaku can read and he promised to teach the other children like I did when I was here. I learned from several people I stayed with before I came here. Its sort of a tradition I started. I want everyone who lives here to learn to read so they can have a better chance. I'm afraid you have me to blame for Renji' poor clerical skills." she laughed
"We want to hear the rest of the story." a boy said
"Please." came from the youngest girl.
"I guess you had better continue." Said Rukia taking her place next to him.
"Where was I?" he said.
"The hollow" a tall blonde boy said.
"Yes the hollow was easily disposed of by my sword. That is the end."
"Aw tell us another one." whined a boy with black hair.
"That's enough for now." Rukia said.
"Why don't you all go and play outside." she motioned at the door.
" You couldn't have possibly slept here." she knew he didn't mean to sound so stuck-up.
"When we lived here, there were well over twenty five of us in this tiny room . You see the two sets of bunk beds, five of the younger kids slept on each level. The rest of us slept on straw mats on the floor. Right there." she motioned to the corner, "That's where we slept. Renji and I." she looked longingly into the dark corner.
"You slept with Renji? I understood you were close…?"
"When I met him we just clicked, he was the only person I allowed to get near me. We kept each other warm in the winter and every time I woke up with a nightmare he would put his arm around me and hold me until I went back to sleep. We spent every moment together, and as long as we were together I knew I was safe. There were three more boys we roamed the streets with, stole food with and spent most of our time with. As bad as it was, those were still some of the happiest times of my life and it was for them I delayed becoming a soul reaper."
"Will you tell me more about your time here when we get home?" he asked her.
"Yeah, I'd like that." she smiled.
"Here." He handed her all the money he had with him.
"Are you sure." she asked.
He gave her a nod.
"I'll give it to Kohaku. He will make sure it gets put to good use. He's a good kid." she said.
"Abarai is in love with you, were you aware?"
"Yes I know, I've been aware for a long time. I wish more then anything I could return those feelings. His happiness means the world to me. He has done everything for me. I didn't realize it at the time but he even gave me up so I would have a better life. But I just can't feel the same way." she shook her head, disappointed in herself.
"Kurosaki Ichigo. That is the reason why?" his heart sinking.
"No he is not the reason either." she looked into his eyes. His hopes rising again.
Bayakuya' thoughts went to his lieutenant. Maybe he would be nicer to him. He really had come a long way and he kept Rukia safe all of these years. Perhaps when they returned home he wouldn't be so harsh on him. He still felt jealous at their close relationship. But he believed her when she said she wasn't in love with either guy and it quelled the sinking feeling in his stomach.
He took her by the hand and led her outside. Giving her a look that said it was time to go.
"Good bye everyone! I will visit you again, soon. Kohaku I'll send someone by next month with food. Takes this for now." She gave him the rest of the money she had taken with her and the money Byakuya had slipped her.
"Thanks Rukia-san." He hugged her and handed her a bunch of wild flowers he had just picked. The boy gave Byakuya a look that looked like a warning to stay away from Rukia. Byakuya inwardly laughed at his young rival.