Ok, now, he was sick of it. Sick of her.
She got first in the whole grade.
So?!
"Kuchiki-san, that was so good!" one girl exclaimed.
"Yea! You did beautifully well!" Yumichika would say.
"Great job," Ikkaku would award.
"You're really good at tests, aren't you!" another would say.
Ichigo just held his breath and continued reading his book, standing against the wall. Praises here, praises there, they were everywhere. Ichigo glared at Rukia when she had turned to the side and continued chatting with other students. Ichigo decided to drop in for a little chat.
"Hey there babe," Ichigo whispered into her ear. Rukia looked up at him and smiled, tucking a few stray strands behind her ear. The other students started to back away.
"Oh! Hello Kurosaki-kun!" she exclaimed. He slumped himself into his chair beside her, snapping his book shut.
"Hey, hey, I told you to call me Ichigo!" he said politely to her. Rukia looked uncertain about this but nodded.
"Ok… What is it, Ichigo-san?" Rukia asked politely. Ichigo rolled his eyes.
Fucking annoying manners.
"I was just wondering, wanna go out for a movie this Saturday? It's a half day at school, so we can go out!" Ichigo suggested with the shrug of his shoulders.
"Ano… I think so… I'll have to ask."
"Great!"
"Who's coming?"
Oh shit.
"Uh… I was thinking just us two…" Ichigo said quietly so that the others wouldn't hear.
"Eh? Only? I don't know… but I'll ask!" Rukia said brightly at the end, closing her eyes in a cute smile. Ichigo sighed in relief.
Thank god.
"So, what time and where?" she asked innocently. Ichigo quickly made up a time and place.
"After school, Karakura mall."
"Ok then!"
"WHAT?!" Ikkaku practically screamed.
"Skip training? But we NEVER skip training!!" Toshiro yelled at Ichigo. Ichigo winced. He expected this kind of reaction from his gang. They were hanging out in the alleyway that they usually dwelled around.
"Just this once? We can have training on Sunday!" Ichigo exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.
"Sunday?! But that's a day of REST!" Renji groaned.
"Ain't that just too bad then…" a voice chuckle behind them, the sound of cracking knuckles audible to their ears. The gang turned around, and all their eyes narrowed when they spotted Kenpachi.
"Guys, no time for whining, because things are about to get bloody." Ichigo hissed with a smirk.
"Ow."
"Sorry."
"Ow!"
"Sorry."
"OW!!"
"Bare with me here!" Rukia exclaimed gently. Ichigo just grumbled under his breath.
"Ichigo-san, why in the world are you injured like this?" Rukia questioned quietly. Her hands held a thin and long pair of tweezers in her hand, a cotton ball covered in anti-bacterial medicine on the end of it. She dabbed on his cheek gently.
"I got into a fight…" Ichigo mumbled. Rukia looked into his eyes, staring him down.
"Ichigo-san…." Rukia whispered. Ichigo stared back. Rukia sighed and broke eye contact, standing up. "You… are in a gang, aren't you...?"
No fucking way! Ichigo mused in his head. Serious?!
"Uh… Yea…" he said quietly, trying to act fidgety. As if he gave a fuck to what she cared about him being in a gang.
"Then I don't think I should be around you."
So maybe he should start now.
"What?!" Ichigo almost shouted in surprise. Rukia put a finger to her lips and then started to pack away the first aid kit. She said it so casually, like she had rehearsed this so many times before.
"Well, it's obvious you will be thought of as a bad influence to my Nii-sama, so I forbid you to come within a 5 metre distance," she lectured in a dull tone as she held her arm up at full length to keep him away. Ichigo rolled his eyes and got up; leaning against the couch he spotted. He had to admit, Rukia had a nice bedroom. But he had to sneak into the bloody mansion by the window. Her mahogany oak bed was partly hidden by violet, silk curtains that silhouetted everything inside. The lavender covers on her bed sported tiny, white flowers that laced around the cover on vines. A large Chappy doll lay on the bed, tucked into the covers neatly.
She had a TV on the other end of the room, near the corner and away from the door. Her large double doors were made of the same wood of her bed, tall and over looming, its golden handles shining in the light. He noticed she had a 'small' grand piano on the other side, a violin case next to it. The couch he sat on was in front of the large, plasma screen TV. A bookcase and desk was on the right of the room, neat and tidy, as expected.
"I came all the way here to see you, and you're trying to get rid of me permanently?" he questioned with a raised brow.
"Ichigo-san, you had to sneak in here. May I ask why you did not ring the door-bell?" she questioned in that soft tone of hers. She sat on her bed; her curtains parted and tied up so she could stare into the amber eyes of Ichigo. He scoffed and crossed his arms, looking away.
"Otherwise they would have gotten rid of me," he grumbled.
"And another thing," Rukia added, Chappy on her lap, her fingers gently stroking the ear and fingering it. "Why did you come to me, when your family owns a clinic?" Ichigo remained silent. Rukia giggled lightly. Ichigo perked up. That giggle… seemed so cheap. "You can remain my friend. I'm sure you're not as bad as they say," she giggled.
Who's they.
Ichigo raised a brow and stared at her. She undid the ribbon on her curtains and started to wiggle under the sheets, preparing to sleep with Chappy safely cuddled in her arms.
"When you leave, Ichigo-san, turn the lights off please."
"I wanna explore your room a bit," he said lazily, standing up with his hands linked behind his head. Rukia just murmured something and began to breathe deeply and calmly, signaling to Ichigo she was asleep. He smirked at her sleeping silhouette.
You are so stupid; it's not good for you. This is me you're messing with.
He walked over to the glass door that was blurred, so the contents inside were hidden. From Rukia's view right now, it was on her left. He shrugged and opened the door. He stifled a gasp. It was MUCH larger than what he expected.
This girl had a fucking walk-in closet. Dresses covered one side, covering the first half on the right. Shirts covered the second half right after the dresses, a white thin wall separating the two different articles of clothing. On the left were skirts, shorts, jeans, and ¾ jeans covering the whole wall. Under the shorts section was a small shelf. Ok, not so small. The shelf stretched from the beginning to the end. They were all shoes. Expensive looking ones too. Ichigo checked under the dresses. He noticed there were drawer chests that probably held jewelry. He crouched and opened one of the drawers. Rings. The drawer was full to the brim with rings. Gold, silver, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, it just went on. Ichigo didn't dare check the other drawers. He looked towards the end and found bags hanging on a large clothing hook. Some more even sat on small white podiums. A smaller shelf was in the left top corner, watches shining in their compartments.
Ichigo eyed the things and turned around, his mind plagued with thoughts of rich bastards. He eyed the hooks behind the door that held her school uniform. There were two hooks, each of them holding 5 uniforms. On the left, was Karakura high school. On the right, seemed to be a private school uniform that included a royal blue school blazer, a button up shirt and a blue ribbon that hung loosely on the collar. A matching skirt with pleats hung under it.
"What school is this...?" Ichigo muttered to himself. He looked at the gold emblem on the right breast pocket on the blazer.
Hanazawa High School.
No way. No Fucking Unbelievable way.
She used to attend the richest, most private, high school in JAPAN. Ichigo just glared at the uniform, his hands itching to rip it to shreds. His attention was averted from it when he noticed a bit of red coming from the Karakura uniform. He thought it was the red bow that girls were designated to wear, but he started to wonder when it liquefied and stained the side of the uniform. He grabbed the uniform at the end with the stain on the sides and then stared at it in curiosity.
Is that… blood?Ichigo questioned in his mind. He looked to his left, as if searching for his answer somewhere else. His eyes widened when they landed on the dress that stood out slightly he pulled that out and then stared at it. It was the pale blue dress she wore to the park the other day. When he and the others went skating. She was wearing it at the park… but later on…
He looked down at her school blouse. The side of it was becoming stained with red.
Blood seemed to drip non-stop from her elbows…
During the dinner, Ichigo remembered she wore her school uniform. But she wore her dress at the park, 30 minutes before.
How was that possible? During dinner, she claimed she didn't return home. The sides of her uniform that were stained with blood proved Ichigo that he wasn't imagining things. He put both the offending articles of clothing back and glared at them, thinking.
What… is she hiding…
"Ano… Was this a bit much…?" Rukia questioned quietly. Ichigo stared, his jaw dropped open. Sure, she was beautiful, her hair done in a loose bun with a small silver clip to add on, light, pink lip-gloss on her lips and purple eye shadow. Yea, that was ok. So…
Why did Kuchiki Rukia wear a purple kimono that had silver silk stitched in it in the form of butterflies again? She was wearing a bloody RICH kimono probably worth MILLIONS. Her wooden sandals clacked against the pavement as Ichigo stared. They were going out to lunch, and movies. NOT a fancy Japanese bistro! He was just clad in a loose pair of jeans that hung low on his hips, a chain dangling on one belt loop to the other, his black beanie cap dumped to face the side. His black shirt had white graffiti on the front, white sleeves under his tee.
And he thought he was over-dressed.
He REALLY wanted to sink and melt into a puddle now. Everyone in the movie cinema was staring at Rukia, who was absent-mindedly eating popcorn. Ichigo pushed his cap down further and sunk as low as his back would let him.
As soon as the movie finished, Ichigo scooped up Rukia with one hand so that she was hauled like a sack onto his shoulder, and he sprinted before anyone could see their faces. He stopped running as soon as he stopped in the alleyway. Rukia stood up and straightened out the crinkles in her robes.
"Ichigo-san was that really-"
"NEVER wear a kimono out like this again!" Ichigo panted out, his hands on his knees. Rukia cocked her head to the side.
"Ok… but the kimono is required right now," she said calmly. Ichigo raised a brow.
"What-"
He had no time to speak when Rukia had grabbed his wrist and started leading him away quietly through the alley.
"Rukia-" She raised a finger to her lips, silencing him. She opened a door with a small key of some sort, and ushered him to follow the crowd out there.
"Rukia, what the fu-"
"Ichigo-san, please sit over to that seat over there, I'll show you what's going to happen." Ichigo stared at her in distrust and obeyed reluctantly. He walked down the steps behind a dark curtain in dim light and then headed out. His eyes widened when he realized there was a HUGE audience. He found a spot that had a piece of paper attached to it, his name written in fine ink.
Seat reserved for Kurosaki Ichigo.
Ichigo sweat-dropped and sat down. He stared at what he and Rukia entered. Turns out that it was actually a stage, draped and covered by a maroon curtain. Ichigo raised a brow when the lights dimmed, the audience hushed, and the curtains slowly pulled open. Ichigo stifled a gasp in his throat. There were 7 Geishas in all, scattered upon the stage, posed delicately with large fans in each of their hands. Each Geisha had a see through and light shoulder scarf that hung at their elbows.
A light drumbeat started to play, the Geisha's moves stiff and robotic as they moved their arms and legs, one step at a time, according to the beat. As the beat went faster, their steps were faster, agile, and graceful. Ichigo nearly choked on his own spit when he realized Rukia was among the dancing Geishas. Then, the stage light turned off, a spotlight shone on the lone Geisha that stood in the centre of the 6 other Geishas, knee bent, one leg out stiff, covering the stage with white stockings. They all looked down at their pointed toes, their fans held at the waist and above their heads.
The drum played a slow beat once more; Rukia giving pumped slow strokes of her arm and legs.
The next scene that happened was just indescribable… A flip here, a twirl there, a fan toss here and a front/back flip over there. She moved fast pace with the beat, her passion flowing out of her body and fans. At each strong thump of the drum, a few selected Geisha rose and fell hurriedly, swaying their arms out to the side with their fans and bringing them back in.
Then, the drumbeat stopped, and Rukia paused in the centre, one fan down by her side, flicked out slightly, the other fan covering her nose and mouth. The fan at her mouth flicked open and shut as the beat started again, this time, brought up with the tings of a xylophone. When the violins and drums and flute came in again, all 7 Geishas danced again, Rukia's solo over. The music stopped abruptly, all 6 Geishas sprawled out and pointing their fans at Rukia from the ground as she stood above them, her arms crossed and her fans on the opposite shoulder.
Large applause was given to the 7 Geishas, as they stood all together and bowed. Everybody stood from their seats to clap and whistle at them. Ichigo stood and gave a slow, and loud clap that burned his hands. He wanted to so badly glare at Rukia. After staring at the dancer at the front with the long black hair and silver-white kimono and a white obi, he realized.
Rukia was tutored by the great, Sode no Shirayuki herself. Who else had those graceful moves, who else, learnt to dance to the White Moon. Why else would the great Sode no Shirayuki herself, the best Geisha in Karakura, glance at Rukia in the corner of her eye to see if there is a flaw or not? Ichigo growled low, unheard because of all the cheering.
She is so fucking rich to be able to buy Sode no Shirayuki like that.
Ichigo seethed. He sat back down with the audience and listened to the clatter behind the closing curtains as the stage was getting set for the next act. He leaned his chin on his hand stubbornly and glared at the dark curtains that seemed to mock him. He just leaned back on his palms that were behind him and forced himself to endure the next performance. Then, he thought back on it.
Is she really a Geisha? Or a Maiko?
His eyes widened when he saw Rukia sitting on a fake boulder that looked all too real. She sat down gracefully, her legs placed on the side, her fingers delicately holding what seemed to be a Shakuhachi. Ichigo couldn't help but be entranced by her song and beauty for the next 2 hours she appeared and disappeared.
"Ichigo-san!" Ichigo rolled his eyes mentally and pushed himself off the wall, arms uncrossed and leg out straight again. He looked at the small Geisha running down the hallway towards him. Her makeup was slightly smudged and half wiped off, her hair slightly messy as it was becoming loose. Two random Geishas just dragged him past the curtain stairs and then to here, right where he could open the door and watch 20 Geishas change if he wanted to.
"Hey, nice show tonight," Ichigo said quietly, smirking. Rukia blushed lightly under that smudged, ghostly white makeup and smiled up at him.
"Thank you."
"Hey, are you a Maiko? Or a Geisha?" Ichigo questioned curiously. Rukia blushed a pretty pink and hid her mouth and nose with both long sleeves that covered MORE than her hands. She shook her head.
"I am neither. I was merely taught how to play a Shakuhachi and dance as one of the Geishas. After a while, the Hitachi Geisha Tea house noticed my talents and permitted me to perform here every once in a while…"
"So who taught you?" Ichigo asked through gritted teeth. He knew the answer to that one already.
"Ah! Shirayuki-san teaches me!" Rukia stated happily.
Che. Fucking rich enough to buy her. Bitch. Boasting isn't good for you.
"Although, I really didn't want to waste Shirayuki-san's time… She volunteered to teach me on her own will without any pay. I really don't want her to though…"
What the fuck?! Oh that's just great, she gets spoiled too.
"Sou ka… Hey, can I have a little tour around your house?" he questioned lightly. Maybe her house isn't as good.
"Ah… I don't think Nii-sama is home… I suppose you could."
He absolutely hated her now. Her house up close and in the dying rays of sunlight looked even better than the night he had snuck over. It looked larger too now that he was standing at the front steps, waiting for Rukia to open the door. While she fumbled with opening the locks, Ichigo absentmindedly asked her questions.
"So why did you come to the movies in the kimono again…?" Ichigo asked with a slight annoyed tone.
"Oh. This kimono requires an hour or so to put on, and I had to attend the performance straight after the movie."
"Oh…"
She finally opened the tall cream doors and stepped inside. Ichigo followed with a slouched back and stiffened when he saw the interior of her house. It was like a rich man's dream… only better.
"Ichigo-san!" she called out worriedly. Ichigo peeked at her from behind the trunk. He found a particularly nice Sakura tree that he felt like climbing, so here he was, standing on the 2nd highest branch from the ground.
"What is it?" he snapped, clearly annoyed.
"That is Nii-sama's favourite tree! He reads on it daily, do not stand on it, please!" she pleaded. Ichigo rolled his eyes and jumped down, startling her a little. Her eyes widened slightly in worry when he jumped, but when he landed safely, she hesitated before placing a smile on her features.
"So your older brother's favourite spot eh?"
"Yes. He loves to read right on that 3rd highest branch from the top. It's his most dearest spot."
Ichigo raised a brow. That was just stupid. They both jumped when they heard a deep voice call out into the household.
"Rukia?" Rukia shooed Ichigo behind the bush and hurriedly sat down on a boulder that bordered a pond, full of red and white koi. She pretended to be looking at herself in the reflection of the clean water that rippled slightly. The footsteps became louder and heavier while Ichigo became stiffer and stiffer. Rukia turned her head to look at the tall man with broad shoulders, cold and piercing blue eyes, long black hair clipped back by Kenseikan, and a business suit that accentuated his muscles quite well.
"Rukia. I trust you have been well?" he said in a monotone.
"Hai. I have been well."
"What is the occasion?" he asked, raising a brow. He was looking down at her kimono. Ichigo squinted his eyes when he could have sworn he saw an emotion flash in her eyes. Was it… sadness? Ichigo stared at her questioningly behind his bush.
"Today was another performance for the Hitachi Geisha Tea House, Nii-sama. I would have thought you read my schedule on the fridge so I left no note."
"I am far too busy for that. I apologize for once again not seeing your performance."
Damn, it was good. You don't know what you've missed out on.
"There is no need for an apology Nii-sama. I understand how busy you are."
"Good. I shall be eating dinner after I sleep for a few hours or so. Eat without me."
Rukia bowed her head. "Good night brother."
"As to you, Rukia."
He turned around and headed back into the mansion. Rukia let out a large sigh and motioned for Ichigo to arise from the bushes. He stood up and brushed off the leaves on his ass. He headed over to Rukia and gave her a questioning look. Without looking at him, she just sat there, a blank stare present on her face while she stared ahead.
"Yes. That was Nii-sama. Kuchiki Byakuya. I love him with all due respect."
Ichigo looked down on her, his face twisted into a grimace.
I don't think Karin or Yuzu would love me if I did that.
"I should get going now." That seemed to snap Rukia out of her reverie, standing up abruptly and looking into his eyes.
"Are you sure you do not want to stay for dinner? Nii-sama is asleep."
"Nah. It's fine." Ichigo and Rukia walked side by side until they reached the front door. Rukia bowed her head to Ichigo who stood outside on the platform before the steps.
"Thanks for showing me around. Your house is pretty neat," he chuckled forcibly.
"I understand my house is slightly more luxurious than others, and I thank you for coming over today. But it is not all that great," she said shyly. "Good night, Ichigo-san."
"Night," he said lazily before she closed the door softly. He glared at the door as soon as she was out of sight, his waving stopped immediately.
She was bloody, filthy rich.
And that just gave him another reason to hate her.
Author's Note-
Wow. That chapter was pretty long. I was typing it, and I didn't realise I typed that much;
It may not be SO much, but it's HEAPS compared to what I do normally.
Sorry I've been updating slowly. I have a little trouble with Homework right now. And my yearlies are coming up. DX
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Hanazawa High School. - I made it up
Ano - Umm
Kimono - Japanese traditional dress.
Geisha - Member of a professional class of women in Japan whose traditional occupation is to entertain men.
Maiko - Geisha in training.
Shakuhachi - Bamboo flute that Geishas use.
Hitachi Geisha Tea house - Made it up
Sou ka - I see
Sakura - Cherry Blossom
Kenseikan - Those hair clips Byakuya wears. Meant for Nobles only.
Rukia-Chappi-Chan