Heart's Desire Chapter 17
By C. LeShay
Genre: Romance, AU
Characters/Pairings: IchiRuki, etc.
Rating: Still a T until further notice!
Disclaimer: I don't profit from writing this fanfiction, just so you know. I don't get paid, nor do I ask to be. I only live on reviews. Yes, fics are actually very cheap. It's quite a bargain, really. You get a fic that easy, plus I throw in a few snarky comments once in a while. Loyal readers may actually get to read a lemon … soon.
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**
Summary: On the run from Seiretei, Ichigo, Rukia, Inoue, and Ishida arrive at Karakura to meet Urahara Kisuke and attempt to live like humans. Now, with the help of Urahara's gadgets, the hollows better be wary of the new shinigamis in town.
C. LeShay: Took me a while to write again, so be forgiving if there are any eyebrow-raising discrepancies here. And uh… C. LeShay makes a cameo appearance.
Dedicated to bunnisteffi, the e-great-great-grandma that kids can only dream of having.
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Recap of previous chapter:
"Rukia," he gritted out "that THING is from Aizen. It could have something in it that will blow you up into pieces."
"This THING has none." She replied emphatically. "I had it with me for months Ichigo. Don't be so damn paranoid. If he wanted to make it explode he would have done so already!"
Ichigo glared "Well I don't want it in the house!"
"Well I do, so leave it alone!"
"GIVE IT TO ME!"
Angrily, Rukia thrusted her hand out, holding the snow globe to him. "Take it then asshole!" she shouted, "Take the only thing I have to treasure from the only person who saw me as a good shinigami! Take the only remembrance I have of the person who gave me a chance when no one would or could!" Glaring, Rukia pushed the snow globe against Ichigo's chest harshly. "Break it, smash it, and throw it outside for all I care. It's from Aizen, so it's evil; never mind if it was Aizen who picked up the pieces in my life when no one was there to do so!"
Suddenly, Rukia felt her body tremble. To her mortification, she realized that she was close to breaking down in front of Ichigo. "Take it," she said hoarsely, dropping the snow globe on his lap as she stood up. "No matter what you think; for whatever fault he may have done, Aizen at least made me feel like I was wanted."
Without another word, she fled from the room to try and stop whatever tears that was threatening to fall.
Ichigo could only stare at the door after she slammed it shut.
….
…
…
Whatever scenario it was that she imagined, never in a hundred years did Rukia expect to see Aizen's gift intact. She was tempted to think that it was a dream, but the snow globe was really there, and in an undamaged condition.
After making breakfast, Rukia hurried to take a bath so she could go out and send her application to various stores in Karakura. It was really surprising that Ichigo was not in the house and that the snow globe was standing innocently on the nightstand.
Sighing, Rukia sat on the edge of the bed with the snow globe in her hands.
Mentally, she vowed to hide it somewhere safe. Though she was grateful that Ichigo gave it back to her, there was no telling if he would be as understanding when he saw it again. Considering that he hated Aizen with such intensity, Rukia was grateful he considered her feelings on the subject.
Rukia looked at the snow globe one more time before she carefully placed it in its box, which she in turn hid in her closet. Was Aizen taicho all right? She had absolutely no idea how the spell worked, as she blacked out just as she drew the words out. Yoruichi was unable to tell her anything except that it might have worked.
In truth, she didn't believe one bit that it could cause Aizen taicho enough damage, as she herself knew it was weak. It probably stunned him to see her even attempt to try one. Shaking her head clear of the thoughts, Rukia focused on today's task instead. Grabbing her small tote bag, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen in time to notice someone sitting by the dining table.
"Inoue?" she called out, her face a bit red as her friend's cheerful face peered back at her.
"Good morning, Rukia-san!" she gushed out happily. "Did you have breakfast already?"
"Somewhat, yes." She replied vaguely, hoping Inoue wasn't offering to make her one. A close inspection at the other proved that Inoue was entirely too chipper than what was normal. Gods no, Rukia prayed silently. She hoped that this wasn't what she feared.
A woman basking in the feeling of having sex and wanting to share it to her friends.
Back in the Kuchiki estate, Rukia's silent demeanor and noiseless way of moving around made her an unexpected eavesdropper to the servants' gossips. One of the most frequent ones was, well – sex. It was unnerving to know who did whom, when, where, and why. Freaky conversations they were so she always made it a point to leave before the how came into play.
Maybe she should have stayed – perhaps the women knew about yaoi and they might have been a useful source of information.
"Aww," gushed Inoue "I'm sorry to hear that. I was actually wondering if you'd like to join me for breakfast at this new restaurant I passed by yesterday. You know – the one near the high school?"
Ah, mystery solved. "I haven't been there yet." Admitted Rukia, hiding the fact that she did intend to go there but was slightly discouraged with the idea of being nabbed and force to attend this school at gunpoint just because she looked like a teenaged girl.
"Well, lets go and try it!" enthused Inoue. "You should tell Kurosaki-kun about it so he won't worry about where you're going."
"He's not here."
Inoue shook her head "No, he is. I just heard someone in the workshop; it's got to be Kurosaki-kun. He and Ishida seem to have finished their daily morning jog-patrol early. Unless…" her expressive eyes conveyed nervousness "Unless that's not Kurosaki-kun in there!" she whispered, "Maybe it's a thief or a ghost that copies the form of live beings, or… maybe we should use the phones!"
Quirking an eyebrow in amusement, Rukia shook her head "Why don't you wait for me while I go tell Ichigo?"
"Oh, I guess that's fine." Giving her friend a critical glance, Inoue nodded "Well, I'm glad you look like you got enough sleep – I was afraid you had too much exuberant activities last night." She said in relief as she passed through the door, leaving Rukia gaping in befuddlement.
Exuberant activities? HER? Did Inoue even know what she was taking about?
With a shake of her head, she decided it didn't matter, and she went off to check on Ichigo. Carefully and quietly she walks to the workshop where she knows he would be. What meets her eyes shocks her into stopping.
There, standing under the sun, arranging the woodblocks into neat stacks was Ichigo.
Scratch that. A currently shirtless and decidedly sweaty Ichigo.
Oh dear gods. Rukia was glad his back was turned, because she was blushing in a way that outclasses all her other blushes.
Not to mention that Ichigo's shirtless back was exposed to her. His powerful body bent forward to grab a few blocks, his compact muscles moving, flexing, and showing the full physical effects of his daily, strict training regimen.
A thin sheen of sweat covered his defined, sleek arms; his strong broad shoulders glinting as the sunlight fell on it, warming his back. Perspiration trickled slowly down it, as if taking time to caress the impressive physique, as the moisture dipped along the curve of a slim waist, further down to tapered hips holding up worn track pants – before it disappeared further down to…
Holding back a telling squeak, Rukia whirled back into the safety of the wall, letting her back lean against it heavily. For goodness' sake, what the hell was she doing, ogling the man? Did she have no shame at all?
Okay, granted he was her husband… but really, it was no reason for her to moon over him like crazy. Right. She was stronger than this, Rukia told herself heatedly as she spun around to leave.
Unfortunately, she hit one of the makeshift shelves for some of the tools and it crashed down loudly.
Ichigo turned around. "Rukia?" he asked, as he spotted his wife standing with her hand in midair.
"Oh..." Rukia said weakly, as she felt her face flush red. "Well… about that I…
"Its fine." Ichigo said, as he walked by to the cramped shed to pick up the fallen tools. "Did you hurt yourself?" he asked curtly.
Wordlessly, Rukia shook her head.
"Excuse me." Ichigo said as he reached over to pick the measuring tape, leaning closer to her as he bent by her leg.
Heaven be merciful, at a closer look the man's physique was making her dumbstruck! Rukia could smell a bit of the sunshine that saturated what little clothing he wore; yet it did little to mask the scent of the laundry detergent that they often used; and there was a hint of the scent that was uniquely his.
If it weren't for the wall and the blocks that were blocking her way, Rukia would have bolted. "Um… Ichigo…" trailed Rukia, "Inoue and I are going to have breakfast out today." She paused, wondering just why she was here asking him politely. Guilt perhaps… "Just so you know." She added lamely.
"Fine." Came his terse reply.
Monosyllabic Ichigo makes an appearance once more. The man's mood was more unpredictable than that of a woman with PMS.
Rukia watched wordlessly as Ichigo arranged the fallen tools.
"Do you need something?" he asked gruffly, as if she was intruding his personal space.
"No – not really."
"Excuse me." He said absentmindedly as he replaced the shelf on its perch, unknowingly moving closer to box Rukia against the wall.
If it could not get any worse, the defined planes of his lower torso was now but a few inches away from her. He was so close, she could practically feel the heat radiate from his body.
Why was she suddenly riveted to the sheen of perspiration that was over his body?
"Is there something you need?" Ichigo asked impatiently, poised to move quickly and get back to his interrupted chores.
Rukia could feel the mounting horror grasp at her. "Y-y-you…" she stuttered.
Ichigo was halfway to moving aside when he went completely still. "Can you… repeat that?" he asked, as nonchalantly as he could. "I couldn't hear properly. You were whispering."
Mortified at herself, Rukia swallowed. "Y-y-you…. move… aside…." Rukia was able to spit out. "Claustrophobic…."
In an instant, Ichigo shuffled sideways, in time to see his wife pressed to the wall, breathing shallow and shaky.
And her face as red as a lobster.
Sourly, he glared, "Why didn't you say so?"
Rukia took a deep breath to calm herself before she returned his glare. "You were boxing me in, moron!"
"Bitch." He muttered darkly.
Ichigo never got any form of warning as a nearby plastic container whapped him on the side of his head.
****
Ichigo watched as his wife walked back to the house angrily. The woman can cook up a storm and he saw the destructive powers of a typhoon Rukia as she marched like she was going into battle. Back to the house to get her friend, obviously.
He hoped there weren't any hollows where she was going, because she looked like she could take them on even without her shinigami abilities.
After a moment, the door was once pushed open and Rukia went out followed by a hyper Inoue.
As Rukia stomped away, with grace no less, her skirt fluttered in the light morning breeze, showing a glimpse of her thighs for barely a second.
For Ichigo, barely a second was all it took. His body reacted once more. And reacted it did with a vengeance.
Damn, what was the woman doing to him? Just being near her turned him into a pervert like Keigo, getting all worked up and excited with just a teasing glimpse of her body. For someone who had more than a handful of woman jump at him in various stages of undress, he was supposed to be able to take it in stride, not act like a sick lothario who got off on such an innocent 'striptease'.
Ichigo almost lost it a few minutes ago when Rukia said that she needed him… to step aside. If he hadn't been concentrating enough to cause brain aneurism, he could have done the unthinkable and pounced on Rukia right there and then. For the love of Soul Society, his body had been craving her since that fateful night they kissed for the first time.
Scratch that, his body had been craving for her even more since that fateful night they kissed for the first time.
Never one for torturing himself over unnecessary things, Ichigo had surprised himself by showing so much patience and restraint that could put a saint to shame. They were married, for fuck's sake and here he was not even enjoying its benefits. All he did was take a cold shower after cold shower shower; it was a miracle he hasn't frozen to death yet!
If only it was a one-way thing, he would have understood the need for control and discipline. Unfortunately, Ichigo was attuned to desire – mutual desire. He could tell that Rukia was very curious. Hell, he was pretty sure she must have pondered on the idea of sex with him!
Sadly, he never did give her an opening, nor did he even toy with the idea of breaching the forbidden topic between them. They were adults and there was nothing wrong with uncomplicated sex once in a while.
But the minx deserved better, Ichigo thought ruefully. She was a Kuchiki engaged to Aizen, for fuck's sake; surely her brain had been screwed on differently. If only his mother didn't raise him to put a woman's sensibilities regarding sex over his gratification…
He sighed in irritation. Well, the bloody bitch needed consideration and something more than just a casual lay. Ichigo knew that Rukia was probably an emotionally attached woman. She may not agree, but the Kuchiki façade could only hide so much from her. Because really, what unfeeling woman would honor her engagement with a murderer? What uncaring person would dare fight for someone else even if it meant humiliation for her brother? Was there any selfish person who would lie and agree to play with his deception to protect the family of her enemy?
His respect for her was the reason why Ichigo did not even dare suggest a temporary liaison with Rukia just to assuage his hormones and his man-parts. She deserved better and if he fucked her, no one in polite society would consider her for marriage after this farce ended.
But damn if the idea wasn't tempting him terribly.
Ichigo had been half-afraid Rukia saw just how hard he was. Hell, he was half-afraid of it himself! After all, 'little Ichigo' never focused too much attention on a woman when she was wearing clothes.
If he reacted to her this way just be being beside her, Ichigo could not imagine how he would act should they get around to have actual sex and not this frustrating tension that followed them around.
It just might be the most incredible, mind-numbing sexual encounter he could have. Or the most embarrassing one, because he was almost certain he'd get an orgasm just by looking at her naked.
Not helping. An inner voice berated him and Ichigo sighed in annoyance at the still obvious and unrelenting evidence of just how turned on he had been. And it was getting so damn uncomfortable.
He looked back morosely at the unfinished chair. A moment later he headed back indoors. There was a problem he needed to take care of.
Freaking Hueco Mundo, he never jacked off this much before he met Rukia!
**
"Rukia-san?" Inoue asked innocently. "Is something wrong?"
"What are you talking about, Inoue?" Rukia huffed as she walked beside her friend. "Nothing is wrong with me."
Inoue sighed. Her friend might not know it, but she was obviously upset. Rukia's brow was furrowed and she was stomping.
Perhaps it had something to do with their 'activities' last night, the buxom woman thought seriously. After all, someone at the Kuchiki manor had once said that 'not all men can be satisfactory in bed. Some fumble like inexperienced younglings. While other rut so ceaselessly.'
"I'm sure Kurosaki-kun was just carried away." She said pensively.
"Eh?" Rukia asked in confusion. "He's being deliberately obtuse. He's doing this to spite me."
Now that was surprising, wondered Inoue. Kurosaki-kun was said to have had a favorable reputation regarding women in Seiretei – albeit it was spread about so discreetly. "I'm sure he'll be more gentle next time…"
Rukia snorted inelegantly. Ichigo? Be gentle and considerate about her feelings? Right, and Byakuya nii-sama would just drop out of the sky and tell her that she was his beloved and most important sister! "The insufferable man is a brute!"
Gasping, Inoue looked back at Rukia, eyes rounded. "Did – did he hurt you, Rukia-san?" Immediately, her eyes took over her friend's form quickly, trying to see if there were any bruises or scratches at all. Surely, Kurosaki-kun didn't hurt her last night? Maybe not intentionally, but the man was more than twice Rukia's size!
Now it was Rukia's turn to give Inoue a surprised stare. "Really, Inoue, what do you think?" Ichigo would never hurt her, at least physically and psychologically that is. After all, despite the man's continued warnings to strangle her, not once did she even read his body language to even twitch to hurt her.
She frowned at herself. Perhaps she had been quite rash to snap at him, after all.
"You're right. He didn't." Inoue said in relief. Goodness, perhaps she ought to ask Ishida to talk to his friend and remind him to be more considerate about Rukia's small size. Looking up, she burst into a delighted squeal "Look, we're here!"
"Soul Food?" mused Rukia. What a weird name for a restaurant.
"What do you think?" Inoue asked excitedly, "The place is wonderful, isn't it?"
Rukia frowned. "Inoue, are you sure about this place?"
She was entitled to have suspicions. After all, the restaurant named Soul Food looked eerily a bit like the 13th division office back in their district. True, the paint and fixtures were very modern, but only a member of the 13th would see that the shape of the establishment was similar to that found in Seiretei.
What if shinigami made the same observation? Would Rukia find them in here?
Before she could voice out her concerns to Inoue, the auburn-haired woman had already opened the door.
Inoue smiled as she stepped inside the restaurant. "Come on, Rukia-san!" she enthused, ignoring her friend's frantic motioning for her to keep her voice down. "Let's go and try their beef ramen! They can add curry or bean paste if you want!"
Cautiously, Rukia chose the seat closest to the door. Soul Food was not that much of a big establishment, but it had enough tables to seat about 50 people or so. Warily, her eyes took in her surroundings, looking for potential threats. So far, there were a couple of women having breakfast a few tables to her right; a family of three was enjoying the breakfast special by the window; and a young girl, fiddling with a laptop computer was drinking tea all by herself from across her. No one had reiatsu.
Being paranoid was understandable if you were a deserter of Soul Society and was married to a convicted felon.
A waiter walked towards them purposively and Rukia hastily grabbed her phone from inside her pocket. It was a woman with a shock of red hair and framed glasses.
"Good morning!" she greeted them cheerfully as she handed them both the menu; though her eyes were trained on Inoue's very generous breasts. "Welcome to Soul Food! I'm Chizuru, can I take your order?"
Inoue placed a finger beneath her chin as she mused on the selection. "Well…"
"Kirei!" gushed the waitress. "Order anything you want on the house!"
"Really?" Inoue cried out in amazement. "Wow! Are you sure that's okay?"
Chizuru nodded emphatically. "My boss told me to give a cute girl a free meal – provided you tell us your name!"
Inoue beamed. "Oh! Well… hello! I'm –
"We're paying." Rukia interrupted coldly, not looking up from the menu. "We'll take the beef ramen."
The waitress blinked. "Ah… oh, of course." She said, this time in a subdued tone. "Any drinks?"
"Just tea." Rukia said dismissively as she handed the menu back to Chizuru.
"Ne, Rukia-chan!" gushed out Inoue, oblivious to the horror of her friend for speaking out her name in such a suspicious-looking place. "This place is great, isn't it. I mean, its such a homey and relaxing restaurant."
Something here was clearly wrong, Rukia thought to herself. Her heart was racing nervously and she could feel cold sweat breaking out from her scalp. The establishment was making her worry about something. Like she shouldn't be here.
For a shinigami, instincts were very important. After all, it may only be the thing separating you from life or death.
The waitress returns, carrying a tray laden with two large bowls of steaming ramen. Against her will, Rukia felt her mouth water as the aroma of the beef and mild spices reached her. "Here you go ladies," Chizuru told them enthusiastically. "Our special beef ramen!"
Quickly, Inoue reached for the chopsticks. "Itadakimasu!" she said cheerfully as she tasted the noodles. "Hmmm." She mused thoughtfully, looking at the bowl carefully. "Something's missing…"
"WHAT?" a shocked Chizuru cried out. "Excuse me." She said politely as she pushed Inoue to the side. Her eyes scanned the bowl. "Ma'am, all of the ingredients have been accounted for – I am sure this will taste good."
Inoue smiled. "Oh but it already tastes great, Chizuru-san… I just missed putting my special ingredient…"
Chizuru's eyes boggled comically. "WHAT? You have special seasonings or something?"
"Top secret in fact."
Realizing how this one was going to end, Rukia took hold of her chopsticks and started to eat. "Wow." She muttered to the side. "This is incredible."
"I'm not sure if we carry the spices you wish…"
"Oh, but don't worry!" Inoue assured the frazzled waitress who looked like she would be pulling out all her hair in frustration. Digging into her pockets she pulled out a small bottle and generously spooned out a serving. Stirring it into the ramen, Inoue ate with obvious relish. "YUM!"
Curious, Chizuru leaned closer; trying to peer into the bottle.
Feeling immediate pity, Rukia decided to tell the other what the secret ingredient was – after all, it really was no secret. "That's red bean paste."
"Red bean…" Chizuru parroted before her face took on an unhealthy green hue. "Oh gods!" she whimpered as she dashed back to the kitchens, a hand covering her mouth.
Inoue was blissfully eating her ramen to notice anything. "You want to try the bean paste, Rukia?"
"I'll pass."
"I wonder if adding wasabe adds a kick to it…"
Rukia generously pushed towards her friend a small container that was in the middle of the table. "Here." At least she was used to Inoue's iron-lined stomach and short-circuited taste buds.
***
The workshop was a mess. Looking up finally from the small chair he had just finished putting the last touches of intricate carvings, Ichigo was forced to admit that he had made a mess by littering the floor with wood shavings.
Great. Now Rukia would definitely be in a snit. Sighing, the shinigami taicho-in-hiding decided to grab the broom and tidy up the workshop before his wife got home. Aw man… he muttered to himself as he stomped to the broom closet, he was whipped.
The distinct sound of the door chime alerted him that he had customers. Propping the broom against the wall, Ichigo dusted his hands and walked to the store. His sight was met with a young brunette who was looking intently at the slender wall shelves that were hanging against the wall of the shop. "Can I help you with something?"
The girl jumped for about a feet as she whirled to face him.
This one was a jittery girl. And she reminded Ichigo of Inoue for a moment. "I'm sorry if I scared you." He said brusquely, not at all used to girls cowering at his presence. Although Karin once said, the women he couldn't charm – he frightened with his 'scowling mug'.
"I was just surprised."
Ichigo shrugs. This one was probably in her teens; with dark hair twisted back and held by a clip behind her head; taller by a few inches than Rukia; the girl blinked large eyes – with an unusual shade of reddish-brown – before she stared at him.
"Like any of those shelves?"
She nods carefully. "My… teacher is getting married… she loves to cook." Came the halting explanation, as if she was embarrassed to mention such things. "I figured she'd appreciate a spice rack." Pointing to a particular item, she asks "How much for this one?"
"How much do you have?" Ichigo asks bluntly. Hell, if the girl couldn't afford the price, she'd probably be more uncomfortable hearing it and telling him that she couldn't buy it at all.
Many times Ichigo finds that he loses more customers due to the prices Rukia sets than from dissatisfaction of his handiwork. That damn wife of his was a definite scalper all right. In that aspect, Ichigo admits that Rukia was more ruthless than Kuchiki Byakuya ever was.
The girl winces. "One hundred thousand yen…"
"Done. Do you want me to gift wrap it for your teacher?"
Her eyes widens considerably. "But… it's got to be worth a lot more."
Hell yeah; that particular item was one of Rukia's favorites. She probably figured out the said item would also catch others' eye and she doubled the asking price without qualm.
If that damned harpy ever found out he sold the rack for one thousand yen… "Yeah but its better to be sold for less than just left there, right?"
Let it be written that Kurosaki Ichigo was a reckless person…
The girl looked relieved before she smiled happily. "Gift wrapped, please."
Scratch it; Kurosaki Ichigo was a reckless, idiotic person…
The girl looks at the small frames. "The details are amazing."
"You'd be surprised at what you can do if you have too much time on your hands." Ichigo tells her dismissively. And this is all too true. After many decades of training and fighting hollows, having the time to do weird things – like furniture making – is just a piece of cake after all.
Deftly, Ichigo places the rack in a large paper bag before he rings the purchase. Money changed hands and he then gives the item to the girl. "Here; give your teacher my regards."
"Oh thank you – I definitely will!" came the cheerful reply. "Ano…"
Fixing the other an intent look, Ichigo asks a curt "What?"
Clutching the handle of the paper bag tightly, the girl looks vaguely uncomfortable. "Can I ask if you accept specific orders?"
"You planning to commission me?"
She blushes before nodding.
"Not another spice rack, I presume?"
Shaking her head, the young girl stutters, "A b-bokken…"
Now this gets Ichigo's interest. A bokken. An honest to goodness bokken… "For whom?"
"Me." She says proudly. "I need a new one… the dojo doesn't have a stock on hand and my master… well…" she pauses uncomfortably. "I don't want to bother him to make me one… and it's very expensive if I order it somewhere…"
"Let me guess: One Thousand Yen?"
Another blush emerges. "Not really… mom has a small budget set aside… how does five thousand yen sound?" she asks hesitantly.
Rukia was going to scalp him. With her bare hands. "When do you need it?"
The girl looks up with surprise. "Next month."
Ichigo sighs as he rubs his chin pensively. Was there any way for him to sneak around to make one without Rukia noticing? Damn, but it was a bokken. It had been such a long time since he made one for Karin… it has also been a long time since he taught Karin the basics, resulting in a bump on his head.
"You take up Kendo? You serious about it?"
"I'm trying to qualify for the Inter-High." She said seriously, her eyes glinting with undiminished pride and determination. "I have to make it – I've been practicing for it all my life and this is my last year before college."
When was the last time Ichigo had seen anyone seriously make an effort to be the best? Heck, since they got here, the boringly monotonous life they all led was almost sending Ichigo into a state of catatonia. If it weren't for their stint in hunting hollows, he would fear entropy in his reiatsu.
"Fine." He tells her, finally resigned to his fate. "But you better not tell anyone about this. It's a secret, you hear?"
In excitement, the girl leans against the counter heavily. "I SWEAR!" she promises.
Her reaction is just so damn amusing that Ichigo chuckles. "Right. Then it will be ready in two weeks."
She looks at him like he just solved the problems of the world. "Arigato… ano…"
God, humans were just so… exuberant. "Ichigo. Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Arigato, Kurosaki-sama!" she cries, stepping back to give him a formal bow.
"Don't do that, girl. No -sama, you hear?"
"Hai… Kurosaki-san."
Ichigo gives her a pointed look.
The girl blushes in embarrassment. Realizing she made a faux pas by not introducing herself. "Errm.. Well… I'm Senna."
***
The Ramen was delicious and any reservations Rukia had were slowly dissipating. When Inoue suggested they order the gyoza – she was almost ready to proclaim Soul Food as the best restaurant in Karakura. Even their homemade sweets were excellent; Urahara Shoten had nothing on them.
"I'm glad you enjoyed our food, ladies." Chizuru said cheerfully as she refilled their cups with tea. "It's always wonderful to have new fans come in and be hooked."
"What I'm surprised is that business is so slow today…" Rukia murmured, observing that the restaurant had no other customers except for her, Inoue, and the previous guests.
Chizuru smiled. "This is our slow hour. By lunch everything goes to hell here! Students, businessmen, housewives – heck, everyone in Karakura eats here! You should see how harried we are." She tells them with a shudder. "It's unfortunate we're one cook short. Our prized ramen-maker doubles to make the okonomiyaki…"
"Why?" Inoue asks sympathetically.
"Sitting on an unoccupied chair across the two, Chizuru shrugs. "Maki-chan decided to go after the guy she loves. He's moving to Hokkaido, so Maki-chan packed up and left to go after him."
Inoue's eyes sparkle. "Wow, true love!"
Snorting, Chizuru gives the other a weird look. "Yeah right. Maki-chan's stalking the poor guy. She actually followed him here from Tokyo and before that she followed him from Nagasaki."
"Some determination." Inoue said in amazement, forgetting about the 'stalking' part. "Did he reject her?"
"Dear, she hasn't even spoken to him… well, she did, technically, but that was more in the lines of 'Enjoy your meal' and 'Is there anything else you'd like to order?"
Rukia winces in sympathy. Humans sure were weird creatures. Suddenly, an idea hits her. "So you still need someone to make okonomiyaki, right?"
"Oh yeah, why?"
Giving the other a serious look, Rukia decides to try her luck. "Can I try then?"
Chizuru looks at her for a moment. "Are you any good?"
Inoue nods fervently, "Oh yeah – Rukia-san is a wonderful cook!"
"Do you use red bean paste?" the waitress asks suspiciously.
Rukia looks affronted. "Not unless it's required."
"Hey, Teuchi-san!" Chizuru hollers, "Someone here wants to apply."
From inside the kitchen, a balding older man pokes his head out. "Tell her to get in here so we can see how she makes okonomiyaki."
"You heard the old dude."
Without another word, Rukia stands up and nods. "Alright."
"Go Rukia! Fight on!" Inoue cheers as she watches her friend walk to the kitchens.
***
Being in his shinigami form, even for a minute fills Ishida with a rush. He squelches this ruthlessly as he takes up his signature stance. His right hand extends forward; a spiritual bow emerges as he takes in the sight of the roaring hollow.
He may be in self-exile, but Ishida Uryuu does not shirk away from his responsibilities – especially the ones he swore to uphold.
The tell-tale glow of his spiritual arrow is seen as he prepares himself for battle.
Enraged, the hollow runs full-tilt towards him.
Ishida is calm and his hand is steady while his aim never waivers.
The hollow roars and he ignores the loud, grating noise.
He lets go of the arrow and it flies straight and true, hitting its mark with deadly accuracy.
With a cry of pain, the hollow is purified, soul finally free from the foul taint of evil.
The spiritual bow dissipates, returning to its original form – an empty hilt. This is the sleeping version of a zanpaktuô. The form of his soul's power.
Turning to look at the trembling soul of an old man behind him, Ishida turns the hilt around and performs konsō.
A dark butterfly flutters into the sky before it disappears from his sights.
With a press on the spiritual phone, Ishida's gigai materializes to cover his soul. Then he is once again Ishida Uryuu – Karakura's fashion designer extraordinaire.
"Che." A voice behind him spits out.
"It really is not my fault I got here before you, Kurosaki." He says coolly, aware at the disappointment coming from the man behind him. "If you hurry, maybe you can get the next one."
"Bastard."
"Mind you, I was busy with my designs. Imagine my surprise to find that I was here first." Ishida murmurs smugly.
"Die you asshole." Ichigo spits as he eyes his fukutaicho grimly.
***
The smell of the seafood Okonomiyaki permeates the air in the restaurant. Some of the other customers look around excitedly as Inoue dashes to the counter from where her friend was standing, a plate of freshly cooked okonomiyaki in her hands.
Every staff in the restaurant is aware of the tension and they all stop from their respective jobs to eye the small woman who with deft movements made a dish of delicious-smelling okonomiyaki. Maki Hana was a skilled cook and her specialty was a famous one in Soul Food.
Would this slip of a girl top the mouth-watering creations of the lovesick Maki-chan? Would she make something that made the customers feel the bittersweet feel of first love with just one bite?
Yes, the people working in Soul Food were romantic and it was only their favorite Maki-chan who brought about drama that was only seen in Jdoramas.
Old man Teuchi, the senior chef and the one in charge when the owner was out in his many business trips takes the plate and sniffs at it carefully. He eyes the food intently before he takes a fork and cuts out a small piece, which he pops in his mouth.
Rukia waits with bated breath as does everyone else.
Teuchi is silent for a moment. Then he turns to Rukia with his eyes shining with tears and smiles broadly. "Better than Maki-chan's!"
The crowd erupts into cheers.
Rukia feels her cheeks heat with a blush. Nii-sama always enjoyed her cooking – even if he never made mention of it. But whenever Rukia offered to cook at the manor, no one else was allowed to do anything in the kitchen.
Inoue once pointed out that this was Byakuya's way of showing how much he enjoyed his sister's culinary efforts.
Chizuru grabs a bite for herself and she cries in happiness. "We're back in business, guys!" she shouts over the din as the other waiters and cooks come out from their hiding spots to sample Rukia's okonomiyaki.
The regular customers hear this and suddenly there was a clamor for the okonomiyaki.
Teuchi puts a fatherly hand on Rukia's shoulder. "Welcome to Soul Food. I hope you're ready for lunch hour."
With that, Inoue gives a shriek and jumps to hug her friend as the others offered their congratulations. Teuchi's stamp of approval was the standard for success.
It is because of the celebrations that no one hears the chimes sound as the doors open.
One fortunate soul was able to look and he cries "Boss! We have someone to take over Maki-chan!"
"Oh?" a masculine voice asks in amusement. "If you're all this excited, somebody give me a taste of that."
Everyone is immediately silenced.
As a chorus of 'welcome back, boss' and 'good to see you again, boss' are heard, Rukia's body freezes in surprise. She feels her body go numb and is unable to look up, her eyes remaining fixed on the plate of Okonomiyaki. The fact that Inoue gasps from across her is a sure sign that something unexpected has just happened.
The voice is hauntingly familiar.
There is silence, only punctuated by the sounds of someone walking towards her.
Oh Kami… no!
Rukia swallows nervously before she lifts her head up to look at the owner of Soul Food. It was then she knew why everything about this place unnerved her and why the feeling of unease was persistent.
Her eyes meet a shocked stare.
Dimly, the sound of a bag hitting the floor is heard, but no one pays any attention to this. Everyone is riveted to the fact that their boss, the owner of the Soul Food was looking agape at the newly hired okonomiyaki chef.
"Kuchiki Rukia?" he asks in disbelief, eyes mysteriously unreadable.
Rukia's heart jumps to her throat as her eyes water. No… No… not him… not here… not now…
"Kaien-dono…"
***
C. LeShay's corner:
Yes, this chapter is kinda short; I did tell you all that my beta is so stubborn. Also, I really have no idea how much things cost in Japan, all I know is that the cost of living there is expensive.
We are currently in the negotiation process for the next chapter, but the damn woman (my muse) is so stubborn. Do review guys, I miss reading reviews. My beta (recklessflight) has so graciously continued helping me here, so I owe this to her too.
Bunnisteffi, I am so sorry the December schedule was waaaayyy too late. *Bows* Please forgive me! To daddy Kaya, thank you for the wonderful Birthday, Christmas, and New Year's gift – the card with IchiRuki rendition is tacked on my corkboard at work and it gives me inspirtation.
Yes, I know; another Cliffhanger. Told you all I'll be back with a vengeance with my Cliffhanger season *insert manic laughter*… well, if I can get the next chapters up and running, that is. Can anyone tell me the surname of Senna before I make one up? I really can't find it. Please send it to me via PM together with the link of the source (I do appreciate well-made research) and the first person to give a credible site/source will get a chance to read an excerpt of the now-finished lemon chapter for Heart's Desire. So far, only 2 people aside from me have read it.
Of course, the lucky winner is obligated not to divulge it to others until the day it is posted – which will be in a long time.
Four words: Ichigo, Rukia; Mirror, Bed.
GO.