Ch 4. A Promise between Men
"Do things in moderation, ya hear me?" yells Ichigo across the vast chaos of squealing infants and their poor, haggardly parents. Rukia waves back enthusiastically, her raven head practically lost amongst the sea of children. He watches her till she disappears with the rest of the wave into the main conference room. "Geez. Getting excited over something like this. I bet she wasn't listening at all. Whatever; I should be getting lunch."
It definitely hadn't been his idea to come to this so called "convention." All the hair on his body had stood on its fine ends when he first heard about Chappy becoming a children's book series. Supporting her manga reading habits was hard enough already.
But it didn't get just end there (this is his life story after all). They had to have a convention for Chappy the books series, and they had to have the convention here of all places.
Well, the convention wasn't exactly held in Karakura, but in a neighboring district. That's where all the fuss started. Ichigo refused to let Rukia go alone, while also refusing to go with her. Rukia knew it herself, that taking the subway on her own would be a bad idea; last time she ended up two prefectures away from where she should have been. She was left with no choice but to convince Ichigo to accompany her.
Oh, he stuck his foot down initially. Shit, she pouted with the intensity of a five year old, but he never budged. Then, after realizing her tactic wasn't working, Rukia refused to speak with him. For instance, when he would ask her what she wanted for dinner, she'd give him a "hmmph" for a reply. He didn't mind that strategy at all, at least not for the first three days.
On the fourth day she got creative. Her sleepwear became a little "different." Instead of donning her usual worn out bunny themed cotton pajamas, she started strutting the silky sheer stuff
And it got skimpier each night. And she added not touching her to the list of his punishments, on top of her silent treatment.
Sure, it's normal for married couples to fight every now and then. But normal married couples fight over money, vacation destinations or how to decorate the interiors of the house. They do not, however, fight over going to some stupid convention about some stupid children's book series revolving around some stupid freakin' bunny. They especially do not revoke their spouse's rightful privileges to sex because of said bunny. Ludicrous. Absolutely, freakin' ludicrous.
After taking one too many cold showers, Ichigo finally cracked. It definitely wasn't one of his finest moments as a man. Hell, being a man was his downfall in that case (he obviously recovered quite well from the pregnancy scare just a few weeks ago).
He was able to negotiate a little though, to his consolation. He agreed to accompany her on the trip but refused to go inside. Rukia easily agreed much to his surprise, making him think that maybe it wasn't as bad as he had thought it would be.
Yet.
Until this moment.
How long has it been since he'd seen one of them again? Less than three years, most likely. Ichigo remembers he hadn't stopped encountering them just because he stopped being a Shinigami. So what did he do then? Never mind that---what will he do now? Baring its teeth, the squid-like hollow (what twisted attributes!) cautiously approaches Ichigo, deliberating over whether his prey, with unusually dense spirit pressure, warrants a prudent attack or not. For the first time in a long while, Ichigo wonders if having soul candy or a substitute shinigami license will do him any good---not that he has them in his possession.
So why worry about the hypothetical when he has this situation at hand?
Ichigo decides to sprint towards the most remote area he can find. He curses the city for its narrow alleys and populated streets as he runs, his shoes slapping against cement. The bystanders look on in astonishment before scrambling away from the eruption of concrete and debris seemingly chasing after the orange-headed man. Ichigo runs till he reaches a dead end and faces his enemy head on. At least this area is desolate.
The hollow's tentacles lash out at Ichigo, which he skillfully dodges, a sign his fast reflexes have not yet dulled. He rolls to the side of the hollow and lands a kick upon its body. The hollow clumsily turns his head towards him and attempts another assault, to which Ichigo replies with a punch to its face. An explosion of pain and surprise jolts Ichigo. The blood gushes out from his knuckles and his fist unclenches itself, the bones seemingly broken.
Before he can brace himself for another charge, he glimpses a flash of flame like red, followed by the familiar black robe and shining steel gripped between calloused hands. It simply takes a crack from the blades for the hollow to meets its demise.
The same flamboyant appearance. The same cocky grin. "Renji. What the hell are ya doin' here?"
"What? I can't expect a simple thanks from the likes of you?"
"Che. I could have handled it myself." Ichigo looks at Renji pointedly this time. "Don't dodge the question. What are you doing here?"
"To make sure Rukia's being properly taken care of and that you're not giving her excessive grief."
"You should be asking whether she's given me excessive grief. In any case, you can go home now. Things are just fine."
"You insolent brat. What kind of welcome was that?"
"For not being friendly yourself, what kind of a welcome did you expect? That aside, how'd you know we were here?"
"That's nothing for a captain like me."
"So you're a captain now and had to brag about it?"
"Shut up. I haven't seen you for three years, so it's informing not bragging."
It's a lie and they both know it. However, Ichigo won't correct Renji on it only being three months. He won't tell him he had known Renji was silently observing their wedding from the distance. Not something two men need to talk about, especially not two men with an equal amount of pride, both equally fragile.
"Whatever you say."
"How come she's not with you right now? You better not have ditched her somewhere---"
"She's enjoying herself at the Chappy convention. And I'm supposed to pick her up in a couple of hours. You done with the interrogation yet? You're really grating on my nerves."
Renji looks back at Ichigo, dumbfounded. "Chappy convention?"
Ichigo returns Renji's gaze with a bored expression. "Yes, Chappy convention."
"They have such things here too?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
Seriousness reclaims Renji's face. "Really, how is she doing? I saw her briefly…sometime last month…" He doesn't catch the flicker of surprise on Ichigo's visage.
Rukia hadn't mentioned anything. "She's adjusting. Still."
His short answer seems to infuriate Renji. "Adjusting huh? Is that how you explain that dull look in her eyes?"
"I don't recall there being a dull look in her eyes." Another lie. "Did you come here to pick a fight?" He really wants to say, 'Don't worry' or 'She's struggling a little, but she's not unhappy,' but this is Renji he's talking to for God's sake.
Grabbing Ichigo roughly by the collar now, Renji brandishes, "Don't take everything so lightly. This is Rukia we're talking about. Not only do you need to protect her with your life, you also better make sure she's happy."
Stoic-faced, Ichigo pushes Renji's hand away and straightens the collar on his shirt. "Funny how you're reusing my old lines."
The other man breaks into a smile and the heavy air is lifted. "Ha ha. It's kinda ironic now that you mention it."
"She really is doing well." Now it is Ichigo who is being serious. Did you know that just a few weeks ago she was so close to becoming a mother? Rukia becoming a mother---bringing life instead of death…Of course he would never say those things aloud to Renji.
"I have no choice but to take your word then."
"Ah. You have my word."
"She did choose you after all." It barely comes out audible, but Ichigo hears it perfectly.
He changes the subject. "So how is Soul Society? Everyone doing well? I mean, even someone like you is captain now."
"Things run pretty smoothly without evil plots and conspiracies in the way. Wait a sec---what do you mean someone like me! You trying to pick a fight now?" He shakes a fist at Ichigo who also does the same.
"Ha! I asked you the same thing earlier!"
"Well, I'll let you off the hook this time."
"Oh, why thank you so fuckin' much."
"Ahh, welcome." The bulging veins tucked back into their proper places, Ichigo and Renji speak with composure again. "I've used up my time again. Bye for now."
"What? Renji, you're going back already? Didn't you want to at least see Rukia?"
"I'll come back another time. For now you make sure to keep your promises."
"That goes without saying."
"Later."
Stomaching an unsettling feeling, Ichigo watches the shinigami disappear. He promises to protect Rukia, but what if one of those things shows up again? Will he be able to do anything in his current state?
His stomach growls its complaint, reminding Ichigo he hasn't eaten yet.
Maybe he's thinking too much again. Let him be a husband, a doctor and possibly a father. Let someone else be the Shinigami.
The human world passes beneath his feet in splotches of color as Renji skims through the air, occasionally hopping off telephone poles and other man-made architectures jutting through the sky. He berates himself for letting his emotions get the best of him again. They haven't spoken in years and look at how their first exchange goes. He had meant to be a little more mature, and more understanding perhaps.
He simply couldn't help it. Not after seeing that indifferent look on Ichigo's face, as if the boy had thought it was very natural for Rukia to live in his world. As if he didn't realize the immense pains of severing her ties from everyone and everything she had known. Damn it all! Why does Rukia have to change? And yet Ichigo…that Ichigo…why doesn't he seem to change?
At least that's what Renji wants to believe; it would be easier if Ichigo really had those faults. Ichigo feigned nonchalance too well. It make Renji angrier at himself in knowing how a mortal who's only lived a tenth of Renji's life could ever be so much better at hiding his emotions.
But most of all he's angry that he couldn't be the one whom Rukia chose.
And that in fact, Rukia had chosen well.
Did Renji see it then?
The day was ending and the air smelt faintly of yesterday's rain. She wore a pale lemon dress on that delicate frame of hers. It looked good, short sleeves and all---in the midst of a windy day. The sheer fabric wafted against her skin and she wrapped her arms around herself for warmth.
"You're not—"
"I'm here to bring you home."
"But—"
"Your brother hasn't asked for you yet, but no doubt he's concerned."
"I see." She looked beautiful with her eyes downcast. He realized how odd it was to notice something like that then.
"Damn you Rukia. What's with your dull face and voice? And you even got Urahara-san to lend you another gigai. How troublesome that it hides your reiatsu too damn well. Would have taken me more than a day to track you down if you didn't hang around in the most obvious places."
She didn't answer and maintained her focus on the ground.
"Look at me, dammit."
But she wouldn't. Realization dawned on him.
"Don't tell me…"
"I did."
His tattooed arm burst out from his sides and violently grabbed the collar of her dress. He shook her in his clutch while his teeth grinded fiercely in his mouth.
"You—you—you---Goddamn you Rukia!"
"I hope you can understand."
"Understand what? Do you understand? Understand how you won't ever be able to come back to Soul Society again? How well do you understand that? How well do you understand what just you did?"
"I understood perfectly. I've already had it cleared with the elders. Even Byakuya-nii-sama is aware." She still refused to look at him and he hated that.
"So then…so I misunderstood, right? Right? You can still travel between both worlds---" His eyes searched for hers.
"No, you were not mistaken. I'm pardoned from the crime of abandoning my post. I won't face any punishment—other than being exiled."
"Stop joking, Rukia!"
"I planned to tell you in person but the circumstances forced me to scribble you a note. It appears you did not receive it."
"A note? You scribbled me a fucking note? All these years and you only manage to scribble me some lousy note?" The red spikes on top of his head rustled gently in the wind.
"He was in danger...otherwise, I would have never left in the hasty manner I did. I knew I owed you an explanation face to face. I'm sorry Renji." It definitely sank in then. He did not say anything for awhile. And when he finally did, it was hoarse laughter that escaped his throat. It reverberated oddly through the moist air.
"I suppose I should wish you well. Congratulate you on your new found happiness and other sorts."
"Ren—"
"Don't." The ice in his voice must have sliced into her, for she froze on the spot. "Don't even say my name. I don't want to hear you say my name." He never wanted to say these sorts of things to her. Not to her. He was really messing up badly like he always did before.
Renji turned the other way so he would not have to look at her. The season of fall had descended upon this human realm, decorating the streets with fiery red leaves. A setting sun provided the backdrop with its vibrant colors; it spilled brilliant stretches of red and orange across the canvas of sky. This world's beauty was mocking him.
He turned back around and gave her a look not of anger this time, but one full of disappointment. "Maybe someday I can come to understand your decision. But not right now. Not right now, godammit. Good bye Kuchiki Rukia."
Yes, he did see it then, that Rukia had chosen well. And knowing that made it more painful.
End Chapter Four
AN: Booo! I'm not exactly thrilled with the content of this chapter—not very exciting—but hopefully it sets things up for things to come. I'd appreciate it if you let me know whether you feel bothered about the constant switches in tone and mood. Unless you didn't notice it at all--- that would be a good thing, me thinks! And as promised, this should be the last flashback. The next chapter we'll see a more intimate IchiRuki moment - I really hope you stick around.
--Nov 7, 2005
rukiaprincess: but I hopesorry I haven't signed into msn for awhile this chap makes up for it and that the flashback will work for you once again.
Danny-171984: I'm scared this chap won't leave quite the impression as it did in the last one. But nevertheless I'm glad you saw Ichigo making a 'move' as the turning point like I intended.
Bakageta: I admit that it was quite a weird title…particularly the pink lines part…now it makes me wonder about the title of this chap….
Akemi: I feel the same way too. Poor Hime, but we gotta sacrifice her for the sake of Rukia and Ichigo!
Kuro-Ippikiookami21: I wish I could claim that doctor thing as being originally my idea, but I remember reading a one-shot a long time ago where he became a doc when he was much older. It's hard not to be influenced. Though it makes me wonder if my story's influenced anyone else's. It's great to inspire one another!
Dark Grieveous: Your review also brightened up my day; I'll be counting on your feedback for this chap also!
elenayuan: Thnx for your honesty. I felt that line was OOC too, yet I couldn't help it because for some reason I wanted to hear him say it. But hopefully it showed how much more reluctant Rukia is at showing her "fluffy" side, by commenting on how strange Ichigo sounds. And I was skeptical about the twins thing too so I may edit that part later. I'm thinking they may be fraternal twins since the manga states that they are both 11 years old.
een nihc: No worries, because you leaving a line is encouraging enough. It lets me know someone is reading and may actually enjoy it!
semmett: he he, I've sort of abandoned my other fic to update this sooner, but you've helped make me feel less guilty.
Teara: A new reviewer! I hope the lack of IchiRuki will be okay and that you'll be back for the next chap.
seal-chan: I'm glad you didn't mind the flashbacks and that Inoue's pain across even though I wasn't able to flesh that part out enough. As for Renji…
osilly: Lol. I'm beginning to think I should have Ichigo impregnate her soon. Thanks for the compliment, I was a little self-conscious about the way I wrote things.
Procrastinator-starting2moro: I think my fics gonna become au pretty soon, there's definitely no way of guessing how KT's going to do things. I'm hoping that Rukia sneaks back into his room too—and yeah the bed would be a short cut to things!
Faya Chua: Gomen, I cut out the sex scenes. I'll make up for it next chapter, I promise—I just don't know how far I can appropriately go—without making myself and others squirm from embarrassment. And I'm glad you appreciated the Orihime pov.
Alamandorious: You dropping a line is good enough for me—it's encouraging enough that you took the time to leave feedback. Hope to see you next chap!