Tale of the Two Lovers

by Ulquiorra9000

Chapter 8

The sound of slamming open the front door barely preceded Rukia's loud, happy voice. "ICHIGO!" she hollered. "Where are you?"

"Oh, jeez..." Ichigo muttered, clutching his head in his hands as he pored over his tough math homework at his desk. Class had barely let out today, and he had hoped for a quiet afternoon for work. Apparently not.

"Ichigo!" Rukia called out again. "Are you upstairs?" As she spoke, Ichigo could hear her rapid footsteps up the stairs, then she threw open his bedroom door, an eager look on her face.

Ichigo scooted back from his desk and swiveled around his chair to face her. "Is knocking a lost art nowadays?"

As an answer, Rukia held out her palm, where a black Hell Butterfly sat on her palm. "You've been invited," she said, "to stay the weekend at the Kuchiki manor as a guest and as a future member of the family."

"Well, uh..." Ichigo faltered at the fond look on Rukia's face. He scratched his head. "I've got homework, y'know..."

"Oh, come on." Rukia scowled and rapped her knuckles on Ichigo's head. "Are you really gonna sulk here at home all weekend again?"

Ichigo threw up his hands to shield his head. "I said I have homework! Graduation is soon. Maybe you should hit the books, too, midget."

"Me? Study?" Rukia tossed her hair. "Please. I'm a Lieutenant, and a noblewoman, Ichigo. I know where my priorities are."

Ichigo grinned. "Apparently, that's what you said when you skipped patrol duty to buy a rabbit doll at that novelty shop yesterday. Yeah, Renji told me."

Rukia went red, stamping a foot. "Th-that doesn't count, okay? It was a one-time only sale."

"I didn't know princesses made excuses."

"Dammit, Ichigo...!" Rukia flared her nostrils in anger, then cooled off and extended her free hand, a polite look on her face. "Please, dear fiance, will you spend a lovely weekend with me at the Kuchiki manor? My brother-in-law simply insists."

Ichigo sighed and glanced over at his open math book, and the woefully long list of algebra problems he still had to do. "I find it funny that he invites me for a visit so soon after I did the same for him."

"Kuchikis always repay kindness," Rukia said proudly. "Now, let's go! I'll open up a gate on the front lawn."

"Like usual. Okay, you wore me down." Ichigo got up, slipped on his shoes, and followed his fiancee to the front door, where Yuzu intercepted them.

"Ooooooh, going on a date?" she asked eagerly.

"Better," Rukia said. "We're spending the weekend at my family's house."

Yuzu's eyes widened. "What! I had no idea... wait here!" She sped off, arms pumping.

Now Rukia was the one to scratch her head. "What was that about?"

Ichigo grinned. "Just wait for it..."

In five minutes flat, an out-of-breath Yuzu returned with a large wicker picnic basket. "Here, something to impress your folks with, Rukia," she said. "It's some of my best cooking, and I included an overnight bag for my brother. He always forgets that sort of thing."

Ichigo went pink. "H-hey, you didn't have to..."

Yuzu smiled. "Silly brother. Do you want to go another vacation without toothpaste or your contact lenses?"

Ichigo reluctantly took the basket. "I hear and obey."

"Anyway... have a good time!" Yuzu said happily, then hurried into Karin's bedroom. From here, Ichigo could hear Karin groan and say something. "I told you, Karin!" Yuzu responded loudly.

Rukia escorted Ichigo to the front lawn and opened a Senkaimon Gate. "What the heck did your sisters just say?" Rukia wondered as they stepped into the waiting gate.

Ichigo made an exasperated noise. "After the, uh... adventure we had on our last date, Karin thought I'd refuse to go out again for a while, but Yuzu thought we would, and they made a bet on it."

"I'm glad our love life brings joy to so many others." Rukia made a teasing smile.

"You're telling me."

*o*o*o*o*

"So, how do you like your first visit to the Rukongai's first district?" Rukia asked cheerily as she led Ichigo through the bustling market, her fingers interlaced with his, her violet eyes bright.

"It, uh... it kinda reminds me of stuff from my history textbooks," Ichigo said. "Kind of like stepping back in time." He took in the rustic wooden buildings, the people in colorful robes, and ox-drawn carts, along with the scent of sizzling meat, vegetable and spice stands, and a whole lot more.

Rukia smiled. "History, huh? Funny you put it that way, because the Soul Society is gonna be your future. With me."

Ichigo made a nervous laugh. "You got me there." You make it sound so simple and easy, Rukia.

After Rukia fed her fiance all kinds of snacks from the vendors, she led him to the classiest part of town, with scroll shops, a Kabuki theater, and outdoor cafes. "It's kind of like the Paris of the Soul Society," Rukia explained. "There's not very many Soul Reapers who even know what Paris is, but believe me, they'd make the same comparison."

"No kidding." Ichigo spotted no fewer than five attractive young couples making out on park benches, high-end bookstores, a fancy stone fountain, and kids feeding pigeons. He smiled. "Thanks for taking me out, Rukia. This place is great."

"We're just getting started," Rukia said, poking Ichigo's stomach. "There's this wonderful massage parlor down the street. The owner there, Mrs. Katomari, always gives me -"

A young woman in red and yellow robes approached her, an excited look on her face as she waved. "Excuse me... aren't you Rukia Kuchiki? Is it really you?"

"Friend of yours?" Ichigo asked his fiancee.

Rukia looked baffled. "I-I... do I know you?"

The young woman giggled. "No, but I know you! I know your face from the list of contributors in the District One Gazette. I can't believe I'm meeting Rukia Kuchiki! The pleasure's all mine!" She bowed deeply, then shook Rukia's free hand with both of hers.

"Okay, seriously, what the heck?" Ichigo asked, scratching his head. "Rukia, are you a celebrity around here?"

"I... oh, that's why," Rukia realized. She turned to Ichigo and motioned to the young woman. "The wealthiest Rukongai districts share material from the Seireitei Bulletin, so that means this is one of my readers."

"Yes! I'm Aiko Hatsumaro," the young woman said eagerly. She smiled. "I just adore your serial story, Tale of the Two Lovers! It's really gotten a big following around here... your last chapter took my breath away, miss Kuchiki! When the hero Kuzo and the rabbit princess stayed at that ryokan inn by the enchanted river and made passionate love and cured the landlady's illness with their magic... I read it three times in a row!"

Rukia blushed and bowed. "Thank you. I'm glad you're such a fan."

Aiko Hatsumaro wasn't alone, though. Another young lady realized what was going on, and she bowed, too. "I'm a big fan of yours!" she cried. Then she unfolded her newspaper and handed it over with trembling hands. "C-could you sign it for me? I-I'd love that!"

Rukia drew a pen from her robes with a bashful smile. "Sure I will. So -"

"Aren't you miss Rukia Kuchiki?" a young gentleman asked, arriving with his girlfriend. "We love your periodical story Tale of the Two Lovers! I can't believe we finally got to meet you."

"Thank you, I -" Rukia started, until more and more readers gathered around her in a chattering crowd, all begging for her autograph or spoilers for the next story chapter.

"Hey! Is this your fiance?" one woman asked, pointing at Ichigo. "Isn't he the one who inspired Kuzo the wandering hero, the one with the black sword?"

"That's me," Ichigo said, waving. All the girls squealed with delight and demanded his autograph, too.

Rukia held up her hands. "Guys, guys! I'm flattered, but I just wanted a quiet afternoon with my fiance. Maybe I'll come back later and sign some of your stuff."

"No, stay awhile!" another young woman cried. "We love you, Rukia!" The crowd pressed in closer.

Ichigo felt his insticts flare up. We're totally surrounded! This doesn't feel right...

"Okay, break it up! Move along!" another young woman's voice barked. The crowd parted as Momo Hinamori shoved her way through, and the petite Lieutenant waved at the crowd. "Give her some space! This is Gotei 13 business!"

Very reluctantly, the crowds parted.

"I was looking for you," Momo told an amused Rukia. "Hard to miss you, with this huge crowd. I get the feeling you weren't ready for the publicity."

Rukia nodded bashfully. "This is my first visit here ever since I started the story."

"You might need a bodyguard at this rate," Momo said, the corners of her lips tugging upwards. "Maybe someone from Squad 11 will volunteer. Anyway, come with me. There's another Bulletin meeting today, and you're late." She gripped Rukia's upper arm and led her away.

"But what about..." Rukia pointed at Ichigo with her chin.

"He can come too," Momo said. "But hurry!"

One thing after another, Ichigo thought.

*o*o*o*o*

Ichigo hadn't even heard of the Seireitei Bulletin's editing department in District 1 of the Seireitei, but once he got there, he formed a clear opinion on it: what a circus!

Shuhei Hisagi, the ever-so-cool Lieutenant of Squad 9, tried his best to keep things professional, but all the contributors and support staff seemed determined to undermine him. Ichigo sat there in bewildered silence at the end of the meeting table, arms folded, as Rukia joined the journalistic festivities. Captains, Lieutenants, and more made up the staff, and Ichigo saw a whole new side to the Gotei 13.

"Lieutenant Madarame, how can you not cover the judo tournament in the Rukongai's second district?" Shuhei cried, throwing his hands up in the air. "Isn't it manly enough for you?"

Ikakku scoffed. "Oh, c'mon. You think the art of manliness is only about hitting stuff? It's more nuanced than you think." He nodded to Tetsuzaemon Iba, who nodded back.

Shuhei scowled. "Drinking sake and criticizing the other squads with Iba and Renji doesn't count."

"There's a subtle undercurrent of thought involved," Ikakku said proudly, "aided by the finest of sake while lounging under the afternoon sun -"

Shuhei slammed his open palms on the table. "Just cover the stupid tournament!" He breathed hard through his nose and glared at Captain Kuchiki. "And as for you... this is a first. Your serial, All About Etiquette, has never once been late. But you still haven't handed in a first draft for the newest issue. Why is that?"

Byakuya shrugged. "In case you have forgotten, Lieutenant Hisagi, I am very busy with arranging the engagement and marriage of my sister-in-law. Noble family affairs demand much of my time, especially now."

Shuhei motioned impatiently. "Don't tell me you don't have ten free minutes every evening to work on your newest article!"

"I will do what I can, when I can," Byakuya said plainly.

"Meaning he ain't gonna do jack squat," Ikakku muttered, and Iba chuckled while Renji looked mortified in his Captain's defense.

"Oh! But I have done my work," Captain-General Kyoraku offered brightly, raising a hand. "My newest chapter of Rose-Colored Path is my longest and best yet. It's sure to boost the Bulletin's readership by 300%!" Around him, everyone else groaned or snorted.

"300% is totally unrealistic, especially for a bottom-ranking column like yours," Shuhei said bluntly. "I'm sorry, Captain-General, but Rose-Colored Path does almost nothing to bring in new readership."

Kyoraku beamed. "Oh, I'm confident about this new chapter. It'll revolutionize popular media for sure!"

"Don't hold your breath," Shuhei muttered.

"It's Lieutenant Kuchiki's story that will keep drawing in new readers," Hitsugaya said, arms folded, glancing at the ceiling. "I mean, she's doubled our subscriptions in the Rukongai's first district."

Yeah, no kidding, Ichigo thought.

"I know, and I'm so proud of her," Momo said fondly. "I think she'll have a new chapter ready soon, too."

Rukia shifted in her seat. "Well... when I get the inspiration."

"Which will be soon, right?" Rangiku said craftily, leaning forward in her seat. "Come on, Rukia, your boy toy is sitting right there! Get some ideas!"

Ichigo flushed as some people chuckled at him. "I can hear you, Rangiku," he said grouchily.

Rangiku smiled. "Oh look, the hero Kuzo is grumpy! Rabbit princess, why don't you go cheer him up?"

"I said not to call me that," Rukia snapped back.

"But look," Rangiku said, sliding the latest Seireitei Bulletin across the table. "You drew four bunnies for your last chapter! It's your thing!"

Ichigo could see the badly-drawn cartoon rabbits and groaned.

"Okay, this is getting off-topic," Shuhei said, clapping his hands together once. "Lieutenant Kuchiki, I need your newest chapter in ten days, and -"

"No, do one now!" Rangiku insisted. "The last chapter was so steamy! You've gotta top that!"

"Hey, carrot-head, you're in on this too," Ikakku mentioned to Ichigo. "What's your take on this?"

Ichigo glanced away. "It's not my story."

"Is too, bozo," Renji told him with a cunning grin. "This story is how Rukia expresses herself to you. Can't you tell she's serenading you in words? Show some enthusiasm!"

"Kind of hard to do with all these eyes one me," Ichigo complained, bitterly wishing he was at home, doing that algebra homework.

"Guys! Focus!" Shuhei cried, but no one was even pretending to listen.

"I, for one, encourage my sister-in-law to take things at her own pace, and do what's right for her," Byakuya said calmly.

"Thanks, brother," Rukia said.

Rangiku made an X with her arms. "No way! We've gotta set up those lovebirds for a steamy and R-rated evening. It's time to reawaken Rukia's muse and delight her millions of readers!"

"Hey, it's our dating life! It's private!" Ichigo snapped. "Do you have to play matchmaker all the darn time?"

"With that attitude of yours, I kinda have to," Rangiku said, making the "OK" sign with one hand. She winked. "You're welcome, lover boy."

"Nose out!" Ichigo cried.

Rangiku sat back in her chair with a sly smile. "This isn't over yet, Mr. well-endowed hero. The entire Soul Reaper Women's Association is backing you up, and we always get what we want." She winked at Momo, who nodded and gave Ichigo a hungry look.

Ichigo sank lower into his chair. Just pretend you're not here...

It was awhile before Shuhei finally regained control of his staff.

*o*o*o*o*

"Sorry, Ichigo. Those people can be a real pack of jackals," Rukia said as she and Ichigo settled into the guest wing of the Kuchiki manor later that evening, right before dinner. "I'll try not to let it happen again."

"Much appreciated," Ichigo said, running a hand along the fabric of his futon. "Was Rangiku serious about the SWA wanting to sponsor our love life?"

Rukia made a face. "Yeah, it's all we ever talk about in meetings."

"When Rangiku's involved, who knows what'll happen?" Ichigo said with a shrug. "Momo, too. I didn't think she was so feisty."

"She didn't used to be, until I started the Tale," Rukia explained. "She loves a good story, and she's really taken a liking to you, Ichigo. She wanted to be my editor so badly. I couldn't say no to her."

"Fair enough." Then Ichigo got an idea... Why not? "Hey, Rukia."

"Uh-huh?"

"Dinner's in half an hour, right?"

Rukia nodded. "Big brother will call for us when it's ready."

Ichigo smiled. "I've got a little surprise for you. I'll send someone to fetch you."

"Well, aren't you the feisty one now." Rukia smiled back and backed out of the room. "See you later..."

There wasn't much time to lose. Ichigo gathered everything he needed from across the mansion, and he ran into Hisana along the way. When he explained himself, she blushed and offered to help. Soon enough, Ichigo sent her to fetch her sister, and Ichigo lay in wait.

The guest room's door slid open. "Okay, Ichigo, what's your big surprise - oh!" Rukia stopped and gasped, a hand over her heart. "I-Ichigo...!"

"Happy to see me?" Ichigo asked in his best sexy voice. He lay nude on his side on the futon, and he ran a hand along his body, a rose clamped between his teeth. A bunch of candles surrounded him, along with a few incense burners and small bunches of flowers.

Rukia went red and her fingers twitched. "What... I wasn't expecting...!"

"Rangiku and the others think they can control our love life," Ichigo explained.
"But it's just between you and me. I dunno if I can move here to the Soul Society, but you mean everything to me, Rukia. Please... be mine." His heart raced. Please, please let Rukia say yes!
Rukia slowly shut the door and smiled awkwardly as she smoothed her black Soul Reaper robes. "Can I take this as a confession of love?"

"Of course you can. I love you, Rukia," Ichigo told her. "We've got time. Let's just be ourselves, here and now. Care to join me?"

Rukia shrugged off her black robe, then her white under-robes, too, an eager smile on her face. "You naughty boy. I had no idea you had this in you!"

"I'm your fiance. I'm all yours." Ichigo set the rose down in front of him.

"Ichigo..." Rukia stripped down to her undies and knelt by Ichigo, taking his head in her hands as she kissed him. "You know how to make a girl feel special."

"Hisana had some advice to share."

Rukia paused. "What? You told her about this?!" Her eyes widened.

Ichigo sat up. "I-I just told her that I wanted to make an intimate gesture!" he said hastily. "I didn't specify... I mean, she might have figured out what I was planning exactly, but I didn't give her the little details."

Rukia sighed. "Like my sister needs to get more involved..."

"Hey, she just wanted what's best for us. And so do I." Ichigo tenderly ran his fingers down Rukia's cheek. "Promise."

A smile tugged at Rukia's lips. "Just between you and me?"

"Always."

Rukia leaned forward and kissed him again, holding his shoulders. "Good enough for me," she breathed. "And you're right. We've got a little time to ourselves. I think I like the spontaneous side of you. Turns a girl on."

"Damn right." Ichigo reached around and, with his lips still locked on Rukia's, unclasped her white lace bra and slowly, lovingly slipped it off her body. He eased off one cup, revealing Rukia's perky, dark nipple, and he nibbled on it.

Rukia gasped. "I-Ichigo..."

Ichigo kept nibbling, working his tongue between his teeth, getting Rukia's nipple slippery with saliva. He held Rukia's waist with one hand while he slipped off her other bra cup, letting the garment fall to the wood-paneled foor. He held her with both hands now, savoring her warm skin as he kept toying with her right breast, his lips running along her sweet skin. "I want you," he panted. "I want you so bad."

Rukia arched her head back and moaned. "Come and get some."

Ichigo eagerly lay Rukia on her back on the futon, kneeling by her as he watched her chest heave with excited breaths, Rukia's legs slowly easing apart. Ichigo ran his hand down her belly, past her belly button, and to the soft fabric of her white panties.

"You naughty boy," Rukia breathed.

"I know what I like." Ichigo toyed with the fabric, testing it with his fingers. He then moved his fingers a little further down, and he felt an excited lurch in his stomach as his fingers touched the distinct lips of Rukia's intimate area under the fabric of her panties. He smiled and rubbed his fingers back and forth along that spot, faster and faster, and Rukia groaned with delight and breathed even harder. Ichigo dipped his fingers into the space between the lips over the fabric, feeling Rukia's warm flesh staring to grow slick and damp through her panties.

"Don't stop," Rukia moaned.

Ichigo eased his fingers even deeper, Rukia's legs spreading further apart to give him more room. Her legs were fully apart, her toes curlng with excitement, her smooth thighs slick with sweat. Ichigo felt his heart racing eagerly as he kept sticking his fingers in deeper, wiggling them for extra stimulation. Just as he hoped, Rukia gasped and jerked with pleasure. "M-more!" she cried.

Ichigo dutifully kept wiggling his fingers as they went in, her panties fully damp, his fingers warm in her flesh. Almost there -

There was a knock. "Ichigo," a man's voice announced. "Dinner is served."

Ichigo gasped and withdrew his fingers, jerking his head to face the door. "O-okay!" he yelped. It was definitely Byakuya's voice out there. "B-be right out!"

"Are you all right?" Byakuya asked. "Is something the matter?"

"Uh, n-no!"

Byakuya hesitated. "A Kuchiki always takes care of a guest. Let me see." The door started to slide open -
"Ichigo!" Rukia muttered urgently. She scooped up all her clothes and hid under the futon's thick blankets. Getting the idea, Ichigo climbed in with her, laying on his back with Rukia laying on top of him, covered by the blankets just as Byakuya slid the door open.

"Good evening," Ichigo said, trying to keep his voice even. "I'm worn out from today, so I took a quick cat nap. Th-that's all." He could feel and hear Rukia breathing under the sheets, her breasts squished against his chest, her nipples rubbery and hard against his skin.

Byakuya nodded once. "I see. Now that you're awake, I expect you to join us at the dinner table. I will fetch Rukia next; she's late."

"N-no, uh... I'm sure she'll be along," Ichigo said hastily. "I'll see you in the dining room, okay? I wouldn't worry about Rukia."

Looking vaguely suspicious, but not saying anything about it, Byakuya slowly turned and shut the sliding door behind him.

Rukia threw aside the blankets and scooped up her clothes. "Okay, that was too close," she said, sighing. "Ichigo, honey... why don't we find a better time to get it on. Why do we get nothing but close calls?"

Ichigo recalled the disasters of skinny dipping and the close contact with Byakuya and Hisana at the hotel. He groaned. "Good point."

Dinner was definitely an awkward affair that evening.