DISCLAIMER: I still don't own Bleach. If I did, the Ichi x Ruki plot would have already been out. Heheh. But this story is still mine.
AUTHOR's NOTES: Okay. I'm back to my lazy ass self. TT^TT (boo for me) Sorry for the delay. I actually had to change this chapter in the middle because of reasons which will be clearer in a bit. I got to read up on the some background regarding the real 'Academy' (Naval Academy in America) and I need to change the timeline for this story. It would not have really mattered since all I had to do is change the numbers but that lead to changing this chappy's flow. So, MAJOR CHANGE is Grimmie spent four (4) years in military school and two (2) years being deployed. That in all makes him twenty-three (23) years old now. Rukia is twenty (20). That's it; thanks! Oh, btw, in the next chappy some sexy (if I don't chicken out) M-rated stuff so please watch out. You might need to set the filter to 'M' if you want to look for ALLL if you haven't already followed this. v(^~^)v Love y'all! Read and Review okay.
In the rear view mirror, he can see the vast edifice of Tokyo International Airport get smaller and smaller. From this distance, it seemed unbelievable that the boxy structure similar to a standard Japanese home took almost half an hour to maneuver out of. Although Grimmjoww must admit that there's a part of him that missed the special treatment that came with the Kuchiki name. It was pretty convenient to have escorts and valet service in the bustling TIA. Plus, quite frankly, it's still a big ego boost, whether you're a war vet being assisted out of the airport, or you're a middle schooler having an amusement park shut down so you can enjoy it for your birthday. You feel like a celebrity with all these personnel fussing over you – more nostalgic really.
/ although they do give this very same treatment to suspected drug mules, just with the addition of handcuffs. /
He had to chuckle at that. The newspapers would go gaga at the chance to scandalize the renown Kuchikis. Something which hasn't been done in a long while. A final set of sliding glass doors come into view; signaling the end of this trek. To him, it's the end of another adventure.
++++ FLASHBACK ++++
"From this moment onward," a loud booming voice echoed throughout the open field right in front of pristine three storey building which was to be his new home / prison - the Academy - as a stern looking man who is probably in his fifties or even sixties despite his well built physique marched in front of rows upon rows of young boys and girls. The sun was beating down on everyone. It was still the height of summer so it was to be expected but it didn't make any of this easier to bear. Sweat dripped down foreheads, napes, and any other place where sweat could come out of from the young able bodies waiting to enter the distinguished establishment. But given the nature of this place and despite being their first day here, aside from the day their parents or the service bus dropped them off, it was easy to assume that the Academy was not a place one is free to complain at. The man continued, "for whatever reason you boys and girls were sent here, you are under my rules now. And remember this, my word is law."
Grimmjoww wasn't scared - not in the least. He was looking forward to this change of life style. He thought that perhaps being in this environment would beat out his rebellious streak. He hoped it would dissipate the emotions he couldn't decipher that bubbled to the surface while he was in their home.
As the days rolled into weeks, then turned into months and finally reached years, life in the Academy became harsher and harsher until it got to such a point that he was just as tough as the drills and the mission simulations he was made to endure. Going into his fourth year, life seemed to have gotten easier. But there wasn't time to relax, because the moment the distraction that military training provided lessened he was back to square one - drowning in thoughts. He would catch himself troubled by events in his past that seemed so far away when he was focusing solely on surviving day to day and on not being on the receiving end of punishment. However, this development only made him more eager to be deployed. Four years of lectures, physical training, skills development and the occasional yet very thrilling escape to the towns with his equally eager mates was apparently still not enough. He was just in the Academy and real life - real military life was waiting for him out in the field.
++++ END OF FLASHBACK ++++
Now inside their car and away from prying eyes, though spacious and lavish even to this 6 feet 3 inch tall muscular giant, Grimmjoww just felt numb. He can't shake the feeling that he doesn't belong here. True, he was very excited to come home but something was simply amiss. His mother and Rukia made the trip back home quite lively. They talked and asked questions and even if he didn't answer they talked some more. As he looked out the car window, the scenery was something he had become unfamiliar with. Instead of sand and troops, both dead and alive, he could see business men and women scurrying to reach their offices and appointments along with students hoping to reach school on time. The sky was partially covered by soaring office buildings and condominiums unlike the clear sky he looked out the past two years, making sure that there were no incoming shells or jets. While on comfy leather seats and fully air conditioned, he sort of missed the stuffy and humid armored jeeps they rode through the lands or the occasional tank he got to try. Soon, the buildings became fewer and fewer and so did the vehicles on the road; a clear sign that they were reaching the exclusive suburban Tokyo where the rich and famous could be found as well as the Kuchiki manor. Not too long after, they entered several gates, reminding him of checkpoints, which lead to the manor.
Home sweet home is a traditional Japanese house, although it is a few hectares in size compared to the much compact truly traditional one, with a touch of western influence. The Kuchiki manor has been in the heart of Tokyo since the beginning of time. Starting from the modest home of the first Kuchikis, the family of a renown sword smith and his doctor wife, it has grown to match the rise of the family's status in society. The structure has also undergone several renovations to keep it up to date with modern home improvements and to repair whatever damage nature has dealt it. Kuchiki men, and quite recently women, have held many esteemed positions in different fields - medicine, military and politics to name a few. Through this and close connections with other prestigious families including the royal family, the Kuchiki amassed wealth and fame. They have finally crossed the last gate opening to the actual home. A long drive way decorated by lush gardens lead to the house entrance where servants are already lined up in two rows adorning either side of the entrance. As a child, it shocked Grimmjoww to see this the first time they came to the manor. He was even more surprised when they simultaneously greeted them. It was like a scene from an old film, from a time when the now old ways were still the norm. The servants would greet them today as well, a welcome the return of a long lost son.
/ Welcome back, Grimm to the life of royalty. Hahahah /
He really had to laugh at himself for that thought. He could imagine royal life would not be so different from the treatment he received in the manor but one thought stuck out.
/ Definitely gotta keep working out. No doubt I'm gonna get fat being back here. /
A banquet will be held tonight in celebration for his return. Probably thanks to his dad, the banquet will be just for their family. The relatives will be partaking in the celebration to be held the next day. As he walked through the halls, with Rukia by his side, it's both nostalgic and depressing.
"Aniue, you're gonna be surprised. It's just the way you left it; mess and all. Hahahah." Rukia looked up to her brother, not really expecting a response but she continued chatting. "Just kidding. Otou-sama would have thrown a fit if we kept the mess too. But essentially, the maids said that everything's in the same place they found it." In just moments they were in front of his door. "Here y'are aniue. I think they already put your stuff in there. I'll see you tonight okay." Grimmjoww watches his not so little sister pitter patter down the hall away from his room and disappearing in the corner.
Electric blue eyes stare back to the large olive green mahogany door leading to his room. Despite having the facade of a traditional Japanese home, the rooms of the main family can be found in the area of the manor that is more western in style. Tatami mats and sliding doors still dominate the first floor; equipped with the latest technology and modern design aesthetics. Moving to the upper floors of this side of the manor, concrete walls and velvet carpets, ornate French wood carvings and furniture bombard the senses. When it was finally decided that their family would move into the Kuchiki manor, Byakuya insisted that he and his mother move in to side of the house that is more familiar to the pair. Growing up in Tokyo and travelling to different places has made the ever spreading western culture and lifestyle second nature to the mother and son. Personally, he wouldn't have minded the change but leave it to his father to mold everything else to fit their family.
/ I must seem like an idiot here. Just standing in front of my own door. Here I am, finally home and I'm stuck just staring at my door. /
To think about it, the very reason he decided to leave started with this door.
REPLIES: I almost forgot about this one. :) please don't forget to READ and REVIEW this chappy. ^^,V
Ana cii Bunny : Well I haven't really tried writing something that fits the M rating but I think it would do good for this plot. I'm really shy so I cant help but chicken out of writing M stuff even though when I think up my stories they're part of it sometimes.
Joha781 : Thank you for all the love! Hope you enjoy this chappy too.