Disclaimer: I own nothing T^T just this story but all the characters belong to the owners of Bleach
Author's Notes: Please forgive me! It has been forever. (TT^TT) To be honest, I'm stuck on this other story that I just can't seem to move on. This chappy is filled with flashbacks and has skipped time to when Grimmjoww is now 23 years old and Rukia is turning 20. I hope you still like it. Grimm gets a little OOC at some point but I imagine every person has different sides (or shades). I would love any inputs.
To be honest, Rukia just couldn't hold it in. No matter how much her dad would grunt or look at her disapprovingly. Her stepmom was just as ecstatic as she but had the grace of a lady in her standing. So, she seemed much calmer than Rukia. The raven haired girl kept checking her phone for the time or any new message. Should a single beep come from her phone, she'd squeal along with it much to her father's irritation. She would also back seat driver him despite not having her own license to drive. All of this was so that they could arrive much faster to the airport.
Today was the day. After four years at the Academy and a two year tour in Afghanistan, Sergeant Master Grimmjoww Kuchiki was coming home. For Rukia, the day was even more special since the last time she saw her brother was before he left for military training four years before he was even deployed to the war stricken country. It never occurred to her that her brother would actually go to war.
Kuchiki Byakuya was the CEO of a very influential multinational corporation. Not to mention the fact that their family was very well known coming from a long line of industry and world movers. Even their faces have been splashed several times in articles and in features about one or both of the successful parents. His mother, now Mrs. Rangiku Kuchiki, was a renown designer starting a brand now known worldwide. Even if she had made poor choices in life, she is flawless in her fashion sense. Although usually consisting of low necklines, she has adapted a slightly more modest look since marrying the ever stoic man. The son of such parents, even though a stepson, should not be risking his life in, to quote Rukia, 'a pointless squabble of stupid boys with their guns'. Kidnapping said son would probably be easily done during all the confusion brought by military excursions.
Despite the distance, Rukia kept in touch with her stepbrother. When he was in training, letters came to her nearly every day. After the first week, she and the military courier were already on a first name basis. But to her disappointment, the letters became fewer and fewer with the passage of time; and it only got worse. She received a letter during his fourth year at the Academy; informing her and their family that instead of coming home he has opted to join those to be sent to Afghanistan. Since then, she has feared receiving letters - all of them did. She has seen it enough times in the movies. A housewife tending to a baby or sometimes pregnant will receive a knock on her door one day. A letter will be handed to her by men in full military suits and she will cry knowing without opening the letter or hearing a peep from the men that something terrible has happened. Rukia counts herself as among those lucky ones. They never got a chance to relive that kind of scene in real life. Instead, today, she gets a brother back.
As children, their personalities were off. But somehow, they ended up being close. They grew up in very different environments and customs so clashing was expected. Though very refined and knew the ways of proper etiquette, Rukia was at a loss at first when their new family started living together. Given their ages, there was no need for the children to be sharing the same room as their parents nor with each other. Their time spent together usually occurred with the rest of the family.
As a young boy, Grimmjoww spent a lot of time either in his room playing video games or outside engaging in sports. Byakuya enrolled him in sports camps, as Grimmjoww requested, and he was very pleased to do so. Despite his current demeanor, Byakuya was a spitfire when he was the same age, not that many knew of such a well kept secret. So, he couldn't think of a better way to dispose of all that pent up energy than sports. During his time, Byakuya had swimming, tennis, kendo and martial arts lessons. For Grimmjoww, he preferred soccer, basketball, kendo and with some coaxing martial arts as well. He felt a tiny bit disappointed that Grimmjoww did not want to try the same sports he did when he was of the same age. But he was still glad for the opportunity to bond with his new son. These camps also resulted in multiple awards decorating the boy's walls.
Young Rukia and young Grimmjoww first bonded through martial arts – their shared class. It was inappropriate for a girl of Rukia's standing to be in sports camps, but martial art training was common among the children of wealthy families for security purposes. Rukia has already started Karate a year before the family's formation but Byakuya managed to make sure Grimmjoww ended up in the same class. Although there was a gap in the time they spent training, it became clear later on that Grimmjoww simply had a natural talent for physical activity; which is also why he opted for additional classes in Muay Thai. Those Muay Thai classes actually proved to be more appropriate and more engaging to Grimmjoww albeit Rangiku worried ten times more for the boy because of all the resulting bruises from sparring.
++++ FLASHBACK ++++
First day of Grimmjoww's Karate training
"Have you tried this before, aniue?" The pair was walking to the dojo in their uniforms.
"Hmmm... I've seen the Karate Kid. I think that counts, right."
Rukia furrowed her brows and pursed her lips as she looked at her brother's face; trying to make sure he isn't just making fun of her.
"That wouldn't even pass as home training video. Silly."
"But it is helpful. Look!" Grimmjoww made a mock preparation. He stilled in the middle of the hall, setting his back straight and took a deep breath before he put his arms forward.
"Wax on! Wax off! Wax on! Wax off! Hahahah. See, I'm totally legit. I bet they haven't taught those moves to a squirt like you."
He patted her head as if to show his sympathy to her misfortune. But Rukia's face could only get redder as he mocked Karate, an art which Rukia was very proud of. Her cheeks puffed making her look even more like a spoiled brat about to explode.
"I'm definitely in a much more advanced level as you. But that's okay, I'll teach you so you get better."
His patting turned in a full attack to mess her hair before he ran off to the training room.
"Moooooooh! I'll get you for that aniue!"
(( (TIME SKIP) ))
Grimmjoww was truly a beginner at Karate so he would fumble every now and then with the moves and combinations. One night after a few days since their Karate training began, Rukia finally had the courage to knock on Grimmjoww's door. It was the first time that she'll be stepping inside and be able to survey her surroundings. She went to the center of the room seeing something that resembled a shooting game on pause on the wide TV at one side of the room.
"I noticed you're a bit behind on the basics, aniue. It would be very hard for you to move to higher levels should you take too long to master them. So..." She did a little dramatic twirl to face her brother. With a hand on her hip and a finger pointing at her brother, she said with a determined look on her face, "...I've decided to tutor you. Your time is much better spent on Karate than useless games."
Grimmjoww took a good look at her - head to toe, side to side, front to back. "I can't see what I can learn from a squirt but okay. Hahahah."
Rukia's face scrunched up at this comment and began tapping her feet impatiently. "Oh, you will regret that, aniue. I won't be as nice as Sensei." She stuck her tongue at him.
"Just think, Ruks," he said as he placed an arm around her shoulder, now standing right beside her, "you'll be helping a Karate genius in the making!" Then, Grimmjoww looked to the horizon dreamily.
"You wish, aniue. You're the one who's lucky to be trained by this Karate master. And stop calling me Ruks!" With that she stepped out of the room, slamming the door behind her as hard as she could - which wasn't much given her size. Through which door Grimmjoww's loud laughter can still be heard from.
Every morning, before heading off to their classes and daily activities, Rukia would wake up Grimmjoww, who would usually sleep in due to his late night gaming, pull him out of bed and drag him to one of the gardens. Mimicking the senseis she has seen on TV and some movies, she would even drop some life lessons and sayings at him and act way beyond her years.
"Fresh morning air and sunshine is perfect for training a young body."
"When I set out to be the best swordsman in the world, I already forfeited my life."
"Little grasshopper, what are you doing? Do or do not, there is no try."
"What the hell is all this crap you're spouting, Ruks? Cut it out! This is Karate and you're not some wise old man."
Another scolding from 'Sensei' Rukia and Grimmjoww was ordered to do all the basic hand moves 30 times.
On the other hand, Grimmjoww has used this sensei business as another excuse to annoy his sister. When she would be focused on some homework or simply diligently drawing, he would sneak up behind her and surprise her with a loud "hiyyah," as if he was only demonstrating his training.
With a steaming mug in one hand, Rangiku walks out of their bedroom and sits beside her husband. During the mornings, with their house busting with laughter and noise from their children, Byakuya has taken to sitting in his study with the doors open to a full view of the practice session. He would just sit there – almost unmoving.
"What a lovely morning isn't it dear." Rangiku scoots closer as she continues to gaze out to the garden, while resting her head on her husband's shoulder. "Oh, it's so nice to be so young." She adds a chuckle to her last statement.
Byakuya simply nods his head at this; while taking a sip from his own mug.
"To be honest, I was worried they wouldn't get along. They're already at that age when they have the beginnings of their personality and bullheadedness too. Add to that the boundless stamina and energy of their age, I thought things would be explosive."
"Perhaps you worry too much, Ran. I have watched Rukia grow and I can safely say that she has grown up well – better than I expected from one without the guidance of a mother. It's quite refreshing to see her act her age."
A gentle breeze rolls into the room, carrying wisps of their tresses around.
"Soon," Byakuya paused a bit then continued, "they will have their own lives and identities that they will wish to form away from this family. I simply wish to cherish this while we can."
Rangiku's chuckles float through the room as she wraps her arms around her husband; turning her head to look at him. "Oh, underneath this cool dad persona you have, you're still such a softie. Don't get all senile on me already and start reminiscing. Okay? We've got many years ahead of us filled with their laughter."
++++ END FLASHBACK ++++
"There it is!" Rukia's shriek filled the car. She was pointing to the airport entrance straight ahead. Byakuya thought that there seemed to be quite a number of people here today. Being a frequent flyer because of his business, the airport was a familiar place to the man. Seeing lines of awaiting cars and reuniting families was an oddity given that it wasn't holiday season. But perhaps it has something to do with the military couriers landing today and bringing home soldiers who finished their tours and unfortunately also those who didn't make it back alive. A headache was beginning for the man as he thought that they could have as easily been here to pick up a box as any family that sent a son or a daughter to the battlefield. Although he would never admit it, he used every single means available to him to ensure that Grimmjoww would be kept out of harm's way. However, a letter he received about a week after Grimmjoww informed them that he will be going to Afghanistan halted all his efforts.
+++ FLASHBACK +++
"Excuse me, Byakuya-sama." One of the house's bulters said outside of Byakuya's study one night. "A letter has arrived for you from Grimmjoww-sama. May I bring it in?"
Byakuya looked up from the papers on his table. "Yes, of course." He recognized the old man that opened the door and went in. He is one of the oldest help their family has. He is the same man that tutored Byakuya as a boy about etiquette and assisted in his studies. After a few steps, making his way towards to table, he placed the letter on a tray he's holding onto the table.
"Thank you. That will be all."
It was the first time that Grimmjoww has written to him directly. It was already through the letters Rukia's received did they get any up to date information about the boy. He released the breath he didn't realize he was holding as he glided the letter opener through the glued flap and freed the letter inside.
Byakuya-otou-san
I know I have no right to ask this because as a man and as the head of this family you have your own responsibilities and morals. But I simply have to request that you do not interfere in any capacity to my being here.
Men and boys just like me are here of their own accord and giving everything they have to this cause. I want to do the same. Please do not make me less of a man.
Thank you.
Grimmjoww.
It was a very short message and certainly not something that the man expected from the usually brash and head strong Grimmjoww. He felt ashamed at himself for all that he has done to prepare for Grimmjoww's station in Afghanistan. A position has already been arranged for him inside the barracks in engineering – a desk job but with its own challenges. He knew his son was exceptional physically but he also had a knack for tinkering. Byakuya had also arranged a rank to be given to him in order to keep him away from the front lines. Men have been placed to keep tabs on the boy and ensure his safe return to them. Truly there's nothing a father would not do for his son. Even though not of his own blood, once he became part of this family, Grimmjoww has been his son. At the same time, he felt immensely proud of the boy. He is the living proof of Byakuya's pride as a father and as a man. As if Grimmjoww showed him the Kuchiki pride and honor Byakuya discarded when he made all those arrangements. He recalls a time when he was in the position that Grimmjoww was now – showing his son how to be a man.
++++ FLASHBACK ++++
"Grimmjoww-sama! Grimmjoww-sama! Grimmjoww-sama! What happened to you?"
The servants were crowding on the twelve-year-old boy that has just stepped into the house. Some of them took his backpack and the others assisted the boy to walk towards his room.
"Otousan! Otousan! Come quickly. Aniue is going to die. You have to stop it." A nine-year-old Rukia said as she burst into his study with rivers of tears falling from her eyes. She rushed to his side and began pulling him out of his chair.
"Now, now, Rukia. I'm sure that the doctors can make sure that doesn't happen," was the man's reply. He did get up and while being pulled by the little girl he headed to the boy's room.
A year ago, Rangiku and Grimmjoww left their city home to move in to the manor. Byakuya and Rukia as well left their modest home to move into the family's main estate – although this was their rightful place from the start. Byakuya chose to leave it to keep both of them from the memories of his departed wife. Both children transferred schools to an exclusive school where majority of the children of the rich and influential families attend. Although bearing the name of the esteemed Kuchiki family, Grimmjoww was often teased and bullied because he was not a Kuchiki by blood. Aside from that his strange hair color was a favorite for the school's resident delinquents to pick on. Today is another day that the boy has fallen victim to these incidents.
Hand in hand, the father and daughter entered the boy's room. The house doctor has already seen to him and said that he will be well with some rest and the application of medicine and ointments. Byakuya sat on a chair beside the bed while Rukia chose to climb in bed to take a closer look at her brother.
"He looks better. Now it's like he's sleeping. Oh otousan, you should have seen it a while ago he was so badly beaten. His hair was a mess. There were bruises all over and—" the little girl was really going a mile a minute with her recollection of the events but was cut off by her father.
"Rukia," he paused to observe her daughter if she was truly listening, "why don't you make your brother some juice or hot chocolate. Wouldn't that cheer him up?"
"Oh yeah, otousan is so smart." The bubbly girl got off the bed and merrily headed towards the kitchen to prepare a drink for Grimmjoww. "I will make the bestest drink there is. We'll have chocolate, vanilla, ice cream, strawberries and peanut butter…"
Once the girl was out of earshot, Byakuya got out of his seat and approached the bed. He gently placed a hand on the boy and watched as he opened his eyes.
"otousan, you're here." The boy tried to sit up but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"you should rest some more. The body of a young boy such as yourself would need all the energy you can muster for the next fight."
Grimmjoww's eyes looked towards his father. "the next fight? Why should there be a next one? I'll just disgrace the family name if I mess those guys up." The soft chuckle of his father made Grimmjoww look up at the man once more.
"I know how things go in that school. I've been there myself. Even though it's for the children of wealthy families, it is no different from other schools when it comes to classes and discrimination. In fact, it's even worse since money can so easily come into play. But let me just say, I am proud of you son."
Grimmjoww's eyes widened at this. He had won many competitions in sports and even in academics but in all their time together, this is the first time that Grimmjoww felt that his stepfather – no, his father was truly deeply proud of him.
"To put the family's wellbeing on top of your own is not a burden I meant for you to bear. You are still a child of course and it is primarily my responsibility. But someday, I will be leaving this burden unto your shoulders which I can clearly see it will be handled well."
If it's even possible, Grimmjoww's eyes widened even more. It never crossed his mind that his father would bestow upon him the head position in the clan. He is after all his stepson – not of the same blood. He was on the verge of tears but he had to hold it in. He remembered that in the movies, they always say that real men don't cry. He can't very well cry in front of his father after a declaration like that.
"As I said you are still a child, so do not be afraid to be a child, son. Have fun, mess up and wreak havoc like a child should. Just remember that family is the most important thing in your life. When you become a man, protect it to the end."
Two days after Grimmjoww was beaten up, he brought hell to the school and to those bullies who had attacked him before.
++++ END OF FLASHBACK ++++
But all his fears were laid to rest when they finally received a letter announcing Grimmjoww's return along with many troops from Afghanistan.
The family of three had money and influence to thank because they can skip the hassle of parking. After making a quick call on Byakuya's phone, airport personnel were by their car door and informed them that they will take care of valet parking. The three were escorted from their vehicle and straight to the entrance - without even being searched. They were taken to the receiving area where those leaving the plane would arrive once they have passed immigration. The husband and wife sat down to wait but Rukia was simply restless. She even tried going inside but security would not let her – telling her plainly that everyone has to wait. After a firm 'suggestion' from her father, Rukia finally sat down beside Rangiku but looking like she's ready to burst from her seat. Minutes ticked by and the girl decided to simply stare at the time on her phone. Losing track of time, she was pulled out from her trance by a familiar voice.
"Hiyyah, Ruks."