A/N: Hello there… I typed a 21 pages chapter this time. Consider this as an apology from me for my late update the last two weeks or so. By the way, I also had something special in this chapter. ^^ Hope you all like it…
Appreciation Corner:
To my dearest reviewer, I can't never thank you enough for motivating me in continuing this story:
gnarley- (as the first reviewer for the last chapter... You're amazing, let's see if you could manage be the first reviewer for this chapter too. :p);
darklover (ahaha... Byakuya was already pissed. lol, you'll see what he did to Ichigo in this chapter);
xdayanarax (again, congratulation for your new account. And it's such a relieve to know that you thought I'm doing fine in illusstrating Byakuya);
SinoviVaatell (hope you like Byakuya's part in this chapter too ^^);
Luminous Snow (your enthusiatic review was amazing. lol... tell me what you think of Byakuya in this part too ^^);
MeoNg (I think I should keep Kurosaki alive for some chapters ahead. lol);
StupidMe (lol... I'm glad I finally read your review too. Hm... let me answer your question: first, Rukia was from a noble and wealthy family, she called Byakuya Nii-sama, so it would be an insult for Hisana if Rukia called her Nee-san, and Rukia here was an adult woman, so it's not appropriate to Rukia to call her sister in-law "Nee-chan". Hope it's okay with you. ^^. Next... about Ichigo, hehehe... he was an adult too, I think it's natural that he had that kind of thought abou this "fiance". lol... hohoho... I hope I'm not overdoing it. And I also surprised knowing that you're an Indonesian too. lol... and thanks for your fave quote. I think a lot of people love that part. I'm glad to know that... hohoho... And I don't think you're stupid. I did mistakes like that too. lol... ^^);
near-note (I never thought I did a detail plot with this story... Thanks for the compliments ^^);
Aragaki Rey (sorry, I haven't been able to open the link you suggest me... T_T);
Rukes (see... I keep my promise. lol);
alero1990 (thanks for your compliment);
Roma88 (Wow... that was a nice long review... I love that, so why should I tell you to limit your review? Definitely not a chance. lol. ehem... now about your review... don't worry, you'll get Byakuya vs Ichigo "civil conversation" soon... lol. And I hope I could make an interesting one with how clueless Ichigo about how protective Byakuya will be. ^^ And yes, I love leaving you eager to read the next chapter. lol. It makes me eager to write the next chapter too. And I'm so glad that you thought I never disappoint you all. ^^ To be honest, I found it rather difficult to illustrate Byakuya, so your review about his character really help me a lot in writing him for the upcoming chapter... sigh... I really am grateful to have you as my reviewer... ^^ PS: Byakuya will make Ichigo make another mistake. lol, just wait and see);
DanceOfTheWhiteMoon (Thanks for your feedbacks ^^);
khfan forlife (yare... yare... I didn't able to reply you with PM as usual. I'm so sorry... -_-. ahaha... I don't intend to make Ichigo like mini Isshin because Isshin's antics is Isshin's only. lol... well, maybe a little bit... you know what they say that the apple won't fall far from the tree. lol. and oh, about Byakuya, nice to know that you think my Byakuya is okay.);
Mikazuki Mitsukai (sorry for disappointing you but Rukia will have her own room. lol);
falconrukichi (Thank you my friend ^^);
jorie (hoho.. maybe more than a few minutes, but I updating anyway. lol); and
LazierThanShika-kun (another Indonesian I met in this site... YEI!).
I also like to thank you for those of you who added this story to your favorite story:
xdayanarax; ubur-ubur; kejora; Sargent Mehoff; Aragaki Rey; Rukes; elgindemir; Polaris-Sakura; mabs142; and jorie
And last but not least, thank you for those of you who added this story to your story alert:
xdayanarax; Rukes; Rukia001; mabs142; jorie; and LazierThanShika-kun
And special thank you to xdayanarax for submitting my name to your author alert, and to Rukes for adding me to her favorite author.
Disclaimer: As always… Bleach Kubo-sensei, original plot Holly Jacobs (although now I think I have twisted and bent this story a lot…)
Chapter 11
Rukia felt that she jumped from the hot pan right into the fire. Of course, it was a good fire… the fire in which Kurosaki used to cook several steaks. Even after the last piece, the taste still lingered in Rukia's tongue.
She would be spoiled if she lived like this for a long time, not only because someone's cooking for her. No, she the thing she envied the most from staying in Kurosaki's house was the view. Sitting in the balcony, and enjoy the bay's view. A sail boat crossing the water. What a nice place to live.
Yes, she loved the view. It's amazing. Even in winter, when the bay froze, she will enjoy the scenery from the warm kitchen through the glass door.
"What do you have in mind?" Kurosaki asked.
"That I love this view."
"Me too. I didn't intend to buy a condo. I wanted a house. But when the agent insisted to show me this place, I couldn't help myself to sign the documents immediately."
"I don't blame you. Maybe you should add this to our contract that after we divorce, I can visit your place. Say, a dinner in your balcony once a month?"
"You got that." Kurosaki gave her a broad smile.
Rukia sighed in relief. Everything was better than she had thought before. Maybe, just maybe, that this whole marriage thing will be worked out just fine.
Rukia said, "You're right, you know."
"I know. But I am right for a lot of things, so tell me which one do you mean now?"
"About your cooking skill. You're good. I agree that cooking should be your chore, not mine. Add that to our pre-nuptial contract, okay?"
"Rukia will visit me once a month, and I have to cook during our marriage time. Anything else?"
"I'll think about that later. I'm sure I'll get few things to add."
"Yeah, sure." His eyes then lit, like he was just remembered something, "By the way, I got a weird package today. It's from your brother."
Rukia almost chocked with the wine she was drinking. "What was that?" she finally managed to say.
"Wait," Kurosaki said while standing up and walked toward his study room to take the weird package.
Rukia wondered what her brother did. They've talked again today, but he never mention about her engagement. Kurosaki said that he will talk to his brother once he felt the time was right.
Kurosaki was back, brought along a folder with him. He gave the black folder to Rukia. Gesturing her to open the folder.
There, in the folder was a well organized data about… Kurosaki.
Rukia read and re-read some information in it. Started from the general information like his name, his family, his address, his educational background, and other personal information like that.
Not only that, Rukia saw a bunch of articles taken from several newspaper and magazine about Kurosaki. His record in court, how many times he won a case, how many times he lost (which almost none).
Even his dating history. Where he usually go with his date, who were the girls he dated before, what were the girls' opinion about him (Rukia felt this part was interesting to read, but Kurosaki glared at her. Deadly).
"Wow… I should read this file, you know? There are a lot of things I don't know about you, yet this folder provides me with the information I need."
Kurosaki snatched the folder from Rukia's hand. His scowl deepened. "Why did your brother send this to me? Or most importantly, how could he gain this whole information?"
"Is that true?" Rukia asked him, smiling sweetly.
"What?"
"The information in it?"
"I'm not answering that." he shut his lips.
Rukia smirked, "I guess it is true then."
"Listen, whether this information is true or not it's not important right now. What I want to know is why he sent me this?"
Rukia sighed. "It's his way of saying that he knows everything about you."
Kurosaki's eyes widen. He opened his mouth, trying to say something... … … … … failed.
Rukia chuckled, "The great Kurosaki can't find a word to say? Wow… this is a rare occasion. I have to record this in my agenda."
Kurosaki folded his arms in front of his chest.
"Ah… now you are pouting…" Rukia couldn't resist the urge to giggle.
Kurosaki glared at her.
"You haven't contacted my brother about asking my hand in marriage, have you?" Rukia asked after she could control herself.
"I just haven't got the right timing." He stated.
Truth be told, he was nervous. He didn't know why, but he was afraid if Byakuya would decline his proposal. He kept convincing himself that it was because he didn't want to lose the change to become a partner, and his marriage was his trump card for being a partner.
But he knew better than that. He knew that somehow, the thought about losing Rukia was killing him. He would never admit it, of course.
"You should contact him immediately." Rukia suggested. She knew Byakuya already hated her "fiancé" even before they met.
Kurosaki nodded. "I will call him tomorrow. You know, with the time difference it might be already…"
Kurosaki's reason was cut by the bell.
"Are you waiting for someone?" Rukia asked.
Rukia still felt uncomfortable if people knew they lived together. She almost felt guilty. It didn't mean she did something that made her felt guilty. This was just a platonic business agreement. They didn't do any sinful act.
Maybe that's why she felt guilty. Sat across the table, enjoyed the view of the bay and sipped her wine, almost forgetting that this whole thing was just a business, and she started wanting something more.
The idea of having something more with Kurosaki would have been much more appealing if she wasn't trapped in this whole… business arrangement. Even in her dream, she dreamt of Kurosaki ever since he slid the ring to her finger.
She dreamt something about the two of them together and doing something more.
"You see, living together like this will affect your lifestyle." said Rukia.
"I don't have any particular lifestyle, and no, I'm not expecting someone. I'll be right back. Finish your dinner. You haven't eaten your roast potato. You need to eat more."
"With they way you feed me, I'm gonna be fat before this marriage is over." Rukia grunted.
'Kurosaki seems obsess in stuffing me with food,' thought Rukia after he left the balcony.
'But if I think about it more deeply…' Rukia thought while stabbing her last piece of potato, 'Kurosaki feeds me with delicious food. I can't complain about it.'
Rukia then pushed her empty plate and stared at a sailing boat that glided on the water.
"Rukia, dear, we've done a lot of things today," a familiar woman's voice was clearly heard.
Rukia turned back and saw Retsu Ukitake and Kurosaki were standing by the doorframe. "Come to the living room, honey. My daughters are arranging something." Retsu turned on her heels and left them.
"How could they find me here?" whispered Rukia. "I just moved in yesterday."
Kurosaki looked guilty and said, "I might have told Juushiro-san that you move in with me."
"So, everyone knows that we live together now?" that thought was making her uncomfortable.
Kurosaki shrugged. He didn't seem to care when he answered, "Like I said, this will make us look like a real couple."
A real stupid couple, that what they were. To think that this marriage will be worked out. Rukia walked toward the living room and forced herself to smile when she looked at the cheerful women.
"Oh, Rukia, sit down, honey." Retsu said. "Wait until you see what we did today."
"I have booked a tent. We don't want the rain ruin your wedding, do we? And they have a heater too. Precaution if the weather is too cold." said Nel.
"Beside, the weather is unpredictable during autumn." Orihime added.
Retsu patted the seat next to her. "Sit down, honey. We are so excited, but I promise, we won't bite you."
"Yes, except Nel. Remember when she bit me when I was… oh, I don't remember exactly, seven or eight? Her bite mark is still here." Kiyone pointed an area in her arm.
Rukia didn't see any bite mark, but she nodded when she sat beside Retsu.
"It's nothing, you cut my hair, remember?" defended Nel.
"Like you see, raising these girls sometimes makes me feel more like a lion-tamer than a mother." said Retsu while laughing. "I talked with Juushiro's friend, Yamamoto-san, he is a judge and he agrees to lead the wedding ceremony. Kurosaki knows him."
"So, the main question is… dresses." said Orihime.
"Dresses?" Only few moments ago Rukia had just adjusted herself with the idea of marrying Kurosaki, but she hadn't thought about the wedding things: dresses, tents… and maybe flowers, and foods.
Oh, God, what did she do? She didn't want all of this. If she must have this fake marriage, maybe she should persuade Kurosaki to elope in some remote place.
But, a slight glance to those four enthusiastic women, told Rukia that she couldn't do that. They were too happy for her.
"Dress," Rukia said while sighing. "I haven't thought about it."
"You haven't thought about a lot of things," said Kiyone. "That's because all of this is happening too fast."
"But we like Kurosaki, even though he's not as cute as Teddy Bear. He tries to look tough, but we've suspected that the truth is, he is warm and sensitive, and it becomes more visible with your presence. We couldn't imagine that both of you having to wait for a whole year to hold your dream wedding," said Nel.
"Yes, if I haven't married yet," Orihime added in whisper and full of conspiracy, "I'll take him for myself and see if I can melt the Ice Man."
"But you have married," her mother warned her. "Don't make Rukia nervous. We haven't seen Kurosaki looked at anyone else the way he looked at you on our party. That's why we don't want you to wait. Now, about the dresses."
"For you and for the bridesmaids." Kiyone explained.
"Kurosaki will handle the tux," said Orihime.
"How many?" asked Nel.
Rukia felt like she was sucked to the rabbit hole along with Alice. "What "how many"?" asked Rukia.
"The Bridesmaid. How many bridesmaid do you want to have?" asked Retsu.
"I haven't thought about that too. I just thought that a wedding in autumn will be beautiful."
"And you're right," Retsu calmed her down. "I ever came to a wedding ceremony that had eight bridesmaids. I just had three bridesmaids."
"I had only one," said Orihime. "Afterall, one is enough. Just to be a witness when you take your wedding vow."
"One," said Rukia, looked at Orihime with full gratitude. "I guess one is enough. I don't have a big family, I'm the only child. So, No one will get hurt."
"Simple and elegant. Oh, you have a nice taste," said Kiyone.
"Here." Nel put down several bridal magazines on Rukia's lap. "Let's see what you want. Maybe this weekend, we can try some of these dresses."
"What about your formal kimono, for the ceremony?" asked Retsu.
Rukia smiled at that, "My brother said that my mom had prepared a formal wedding kimono for my wedding. And I'm sure my brother would want me to wear that."
Retsu smiled in understanding.
"So, who's gonna be your bridesmaid?" said Nel.
Kurosaki hid in the kitchen, washing the dishes, that's his reason if anyone bothered to ask. Even though, no one bothered to ask. But washing the dishes was a good reason. Avoided those women was the true reason. In his opinion a groom didn't need to be involved in the wedding preparation, and that's okay for Kurosaki.
He was a conventional man.
Although he didn't want to be involved in the wedding preparation, he couldn't help to take a peek at the ladies once in a while.
Retsu, Orihime, Kiyone and Nel sat around Rukia. They stuffed her with a lot of plans. At first, Rukia seemed a little bit uncomfortable, but when they searched for western wedding gown in the magazines, Rukia started to relax and enjoy it.
Kurosaki could hear several things they discussed.
"… No, no, dear. You need something to compliment your eyes. Don't wear a full veil." Retsu sputtered.
"Strapless lilac gown. I always feel I looked like a skinny child trying to look mature. Yuck."
"Are you crazy? Not skinny, but slender. And there's nothing wrong with being tiny. You will compliment Kurosaki's height. I always find it cute. And the lilac color will compliment your eyes. Your eyes are beautiful…"
They were. Kurosaki imagined those amazing amethyst orbs.
Rukia's eyes were… unique. Kurosaki thought that her eyes' color always changed depending on her mood. If she was happy, her eyes would shine in violet and sparkle. When she was furious, her eyes would turn icy violet, and when she looked at him, Kurosaki swore that there's something flashed in her eyes. He wasn't sure what it was though. One thing he was sure of was that whenever he saw into her deep violet eyes, he had the urge to embrace her tightly.
Kurosaki dreamt of Rukia's eyes… dreamt of that girl. Rukia bent above him, staring at his amber orbs with the amazing violet eyes. He'd reach out his hand to caress her cheek… and he'd awake with his hand reached out for thin air.
He turned his extended hand to a fist and punched the pillow next to him. Kurosaki then spent the rest of the night awake, worrying about Rukia. Being alone in the building without proper security system. Sleeping in a sofa-bed. A bathroom without shower.
When dawn came, he tried to control himself. It's easier to blame Rukia's lifestyle than his own dreams.
He was about to put the last plate to the kitchen cupboard when Retsu called him, "Kurosaki, could you join us for a moment?"
Newspapers and magazines were scattered across Kurosaki's living room. Remembering Rukia's comment about his unorganized office, Kurosaki wondered what Rukia's opinion about his messy living room; a mess that happened because of her.
Kurosaki smirked at the thought. "Yes, Retsu-san?"
"This is also your wedding and we're trying to convince Rukia that we have to do the best. She kept standing in our way."
"I just want a simple wedding," said Rukia. "I don't want a big expensive wedding. A simple and elegant wedding ceremony with few friends."
"And family." added Nel.
"And family," Rukia echoed.
Although Rukia was smiling, Kurosaki could feel the lack of enthusiasm in her face. Kurosaki didn't feel comfortable reading Rukia's feeling. Rukia was thinking about the money they'd spend and worrying about their no-romance wedding.
"So, what do you think, Kurosaki?" asked Retsu.
"I agree with anything Rukia wants."
"I just can't imagine spending a lot of money for…" Rukia stopped talking abruptly.
She almost revealed the whole business agreement thing; she wouldn't think twice to say that if they weren't surrounded by these women. People who shouldn't know the truth about their relationship.
Kurosaki butted in, "For a personal and sacred ceremony. Two people unite their life and hopes. Two people share their dreams and try to reach them. Two people who vow to live the rest of their life… together." He added, "You're right, Rukia. A simple and special ceremony is all I want to celebrate our wedding."
Kurosaki turned his attention to Retsu and her daughters. "That's why the fact that you allow us to hold the wedding in your fancy house is a good idea. That will increase the intimacy of this occasion."
"Kurosaki," said Retsu with a slight sob in her voice. "I never realized how… well, how romantic you are, dear."
"Me too, at least until Rukia came to my life."
"Oh, Rukia, look how you change our Kurosaki. Juushiro always worries about Kurosaki's ambition. Juushiro always say that having an ambition is a good thing, but family… that what makes life become meaningful. When our daughters were still little girls, he worked so hard to improve his career and his firm, but he always prioritized our children. At the beginning of the month, he would take out his agenda and wrote down the girls' important event. Basketball match, ballet rehearsal, open house, various ceremonies. He tries his best to maintain his relationship with them."
"I can't remember the time when Otoosan missed our important days," said Orihime. "He always attended those events. Almost every night, he would come home in time to read us a story back then."
"And when we were teenagers," added Kiyone, "Otoosan will enter to our room and listen to us, who tried to tell him about our days simultaneously."
"That's what he wants for you, Kurosaki." said Retsu gently. "He said that you're a talented lawyer. He just wants you to focus on something else. Something more important than just your law practice, something that will support you even if you retired from your career. A family. He is very happy to know that you found what's important."
Kurosaki didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.
Silent. The atmosphere was so comfortable and full of intimacy. This? This whole emotional discussion about family… he didn't know what to do.
He never knew what made him choose to work in Seireitei Firm. It was not a job he desired much, but at that time, the offer felt so… right. And even though he wasn't a guy who follow his gut, he did that at that time. He decided to work in Seireitei Firm.
Rukia stretched out her hand and squeezed Kurosaki's, then said, "I never doubt that Kurosaki is the best lawyer in firm. He helped me a lot, and I think you can convince Juushiro-san that he knows what the important thing is. Now, about the flower, I think we can use the inexpensive cosmos. The flower suits the theme of autumn, and…"
Kurosaki noticed that Rukia still held his hand when she picked a new topic for their conversation. Kurosaki squeezed her hand lightly to thank her, and didn't let go of her hand when he tried to process the impact of his discussion and Retsu.
When discussing the possibility of Kurosaki being a partner, Juushiro also mentioned the same thing… balance in life. The older man wanted Kurosaki to have it. And Kurosaki seemed didn't have it, yet. That was why he chose not to have a family of his own, at this moment. Not when he still felt guilty of taking the balancer of his family. His mother. He just wanted to dedicate himself to his job. And maybe someday… he would find the heart to forgive himself.
But, will that time come?
Even when he became a partner, will the guilt subside? Can he finally overcome his guilty and try to settle down? Will he ever deserve happiness?
And will he find a woman who can complete his life like Retsu did to Juushiro's?
Kurosaki touched that ring, his mother's ring, in Rukia's finger. He knew he wanted… he wanted a life like his parents. Like Juushiro and Retsu.
But he didn't have it yet. Sure he had a lot of things to be envied by his colleagues. He had permanent clients, reputation in court… but he never had this before. A room filled with people who had an actual conversation. Talking and laughing. He couldn't remember when was the last time he had a guest before Rukia came.
Kurosaki looked at Rukia. This woman had attracted his attention since long time before this fake engagement thing. But what did Rukia have that no other his female friends had?
"You were very quiet, Kurosaki," said Retsu.
"Oh, I'm just thinking."
"About what? Oh, don't answer that. I can see it from the way you look at Rukia and I could imagine what you're thinking," said the older lady while laughing. "Believe it or not, Juushiro and I ever experienced that too when we were young."
"I've seen how Otoosan looked at you, Kaasan. And I'm sure that age has nothing to do with it. That's what we want from our relationship, what you and Otoosan have. That's what we try to achieve. And it seems that Kurosaki wants it too." said Kiyone.
"Oh, someone's coming," said Orihime. "I invited Tatsuki to drop by, and I think she brought along few girls to accompany her."
The front door was opened and few women barged in to the quite house of Kurosaki. "I think it's time for me to go. Please… don't make me hinder your work." said Kurosaki, stood up then he let go of Rukia's hand.
"We bring Pizza," yelled Tatsuki, brought few cartons of Pizza in her hand. Behind her, there were other women.
"Great, Kurosaki," said Rangiku. "Because of Rukia, we come in here. Ah, but that's what woman does… to help the guy socializing. Have I told you the story of my cousin Toushiro Hitsugaya? For almost three years, he lived alone in a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then…"
Lisa, the manicure expert in Haineko, who had a long single braid snapped Rangiku, "Don't start telling us one of your stories again. We come here to discuss Rukia's wedding, not about a hermit cousin of yours…"
"Toushiro-kun is not a hermit, he just…"
"Oh, drop it out," Chizuru, a red hair woman, expert in acupuncture, cut Rangiku's speech. "Rukia, dear, Yachiru said that you can bring your bridesmaids to style their hair in Haineko, and she will handle them. She'll come here later."
"Oh, dear," said Lisa, sitting on the floor beside a coffee table, now full of Pizza. "I have new nail paint. It called Bride's Blush, I will paint your nail and…"
"Have fun," Kurosaki yelled while exited the living room and returned to the silent atmosphere of his own study room, he was sure no one will miss him.
"Coward," Rukia shouted.
Kurosaki turned around and gave her a small nod, admitted that he was a coward. He could face the judge and the jury, but no way in earth that he could handle a room full of wedding-minded ladies.
Rukia chuckled upon seeing his implicit confession, and seeing Rukia's laughing among people (who were also laughing) in his living room, gave him a new sensation.
Kurosaki didn't understand what it was, and he wasn't sure whether he wanted to feel that.
Two hours later… Rukia wasn't laughing when the living room was empty. She picked the pizza's cartons and the pile of magazines, wondering what on earth was happening and how could be she involved in this mess.
While the ladies were talking and planning about her wedding, she was forgetting the real reason behind this marriage and went out with the planning thing.
She was engaged and will soon get married, lived with a man and planned their wedding. A man whom she barely knew and she barely loved. Okay, she might be a little bit attracted to that guy.
The first time she met Kurosaki, when he barged in to her shop when she was trying to unpacking… oh, Rukia had attracted to him in an instant. He was soaked from head to toe, and his short reply couldn't wipe away the rush of passion that went through her body, making her difficult to breath and her knees felt weak.
But passion wasn't a better reason than business.
'How could I be here again?' Rukia asked herself for the hundredth times.
"Have they left already?" whispered Kurosaki while walking to the room.
"Coward," repeated Rukia.
"Not coward. Wise is more appropriate."
"You left me."
"You looked like you were enjoying it," said Kurosaki, helping Rukia cleaning out the mess.
"I did. At least half of it. But then I remembered that this whole thing was just a fake and…"
"I hope you stop doing that."
The sharp tone in Kurosaki's voice made Rukia turned her head in surprise. "What?"
"Worrying about how to explain the real reason of our relationship. Whatever it is. Whatever we want. Maybe we don't start this relationship like others do. But this relationship is meaningful and legal."
"Meaningful because this relationship will help you become a partner."
"This relationship will be worked out if both of us are trying to work this out." said Kurosaki.
"Will you state that in our pre-nuptial contract? This relationship will be worked out if both of us are trying to work this out. You can add that in our list. Let's see, you cook for us, you pay all of the expenses…"
"Hey, you pay for food," cut Kurosaki.
"And I can visit your house at least once a month after we divorce. And I will re-decorate your office, and also other potentials projects." Rukia stopped. "It seemed that I get a lot of benefits from this agreement. There must be something else you want."
"Since you said that, yes, there is." Different than usual, Kurosaki's voice sounded deeper and huskier.
Rukia felt a little bit insecure. "What? Just take out your holly notes and write it down. What do you expect to get, Kurosaki?"
"Being a partner," he answered.
Must be more than that. Rukia wasn't sure what it was, but, clearly, Kurosaki was trying hard to conceal it. "It's lame. It has been a part of our agreement. Anything else?"
"This," he was coming closer, too close that Rukia could feel the heat from Kurosaki's body.
Rukia wasn't sure what was she expected. Maybe something like cleaning his car once a week, or doing his laundry. Yes, 'doing his laundry' must be another advantage Kurosaki wanted to get from this marriage. He needed someone to do his laundry.
But, his lips were getting closer, as if in slow motion, and finally Rukia realized what he actually wanted. She could back off. She knew Kurosaki will let her do that, but unconsciously Rukia leaned forward and her lips met with Kurosaki's.
Kurosaki didn't hold her, giving a space for Rukia if she wanted to turn around and run. But she didn't do that.
Rukia welcomed that kiss. The kiss was just a gentle motion… no more than a quick peck.
Kurosaki stepped back, breaking the short contact, and he stood there looking at Rukia as if there was a second nose growing on her face.
Rukia touched her lips with her fingers slowly, "What was that?"
"A kiss?" said Kurosaki, more like asking though.
"No," retorted Rukia. She focused her attention on Kurosaki's lips. His lips were ordinary. Not too thin and not too thick either. 'He had a good shape of lips,' thought Rukia. But it didn't explain the electric shock she felt when his lips touched hers.
But no, she won't call that a kiss. A kiss is… well, more than what the touch showed.
"Your lips barely touched my lips. It's just a light peck. If only that wasn't our lips but our elbow…"
"Elbow?" asked Kurosaki, clearly confused.
Elbow.
Rukia forced herself to look at Kurosaki's elbow instead of his lips. He had a pair of nice elbow, but they didn't make her feet felt like jelly like what his lips did.
"Yes," said Rukia."If our elbows brush each other, light and short, we won't even know it."
"I will notice that," Kurosaki convinced Rukia.
"No, You'll keep walking beside me, if our elbows were accidentally brush."
"But it wasn't our elbow. It was our lips, and it wasn't accidentally."
"Not accidentally?" repeated Rukia, a little bit confused.
"Nope," said Kurosaki. "I've wanted to do that since long time ago."
"Why?" asked Rukia. From all the reasons Kurosaki stated before, this kiss wasn't one of them.
"Why what?" he asked.
"Why you…"
"Kiss you?" Kurosaki completed her sentence willingly.
"No! Brushed. Why your lips brushed my lips on purpose? This is a joke and we are business partners. Do you often brush your lips to your other business partners on purpose?"
"Ah, but I haven't become a partner, yet, I'm still a co-worker," Kurosaki explained.
'Is he joking again?' Rukia decided that since that moment she didn't like Kurosaki's jokes, like she didn't like his touch. "But when you become a partner, and not only a co-worker, do you intend to brush their lips?"
"You make us sound like cattle," said Kurosaki.
"You're avoiding my question."
"What was your question again?"
"Why did you..." Rukia didn't want to say brush again. Kurosaki was right, it sounded like talking about horse, so she said, "Why did you peck my lips on purpose?"
"Ah, peck. So we aren't horses, but chickens?" Kurosaki smirked.
"We aren't cattle. And we won't do that again."
"You don't like it?" asked Kurosaki.
"No." Okay, that was a lie, but Rukia didn't want to scold herself for lying like that. She didn't want to change what she said either. It was better if Kurosaki thought she didn't like what they just did.
"Well, why you don't like it?" he asked, sounding very kind.
"I don't want your lips peck my lips on purpose again." Rukia took several steps back.
There. She said it. Rukia made a distance between them. Kurosaki couldn't reach and try to kiss her again. If she wanted not to be touch by him again, she had to keep making a distance between them.
"What if my lips peck your lips, accidentally?"
For her own safety, Rukia took another step back so that Kuroskai lips couldn't peck her accidentally… "No. You have to keep your lips away from this partner of yours, unless you will kiss your other partners."
"Co-workers. We are just co-workers right now."
"Whatever. But. No. Kisses. Anymore." Rukia emphasized each word.
"Why do you sound upset?" asked Kurosaki, stepping forward closer to her.
"Because I am upset." Rukia watched the distance between them, and then she thought that she needed something more than just a distance, she needed a door. Rukia walked abruptly toward her room. "Listen. I will go to sleep now."
"Do you need a bedtime story?" asked Kurosaki. His husky voice sounded very clear to Rukia, indicating that he was close.
Rukia turned around and saw that Kurosaki was just a few steps behind her. "No."
"Then I guess you don't want me to tuck you in too, right?"
"Right."
"Because if I tuck you in, I have to give you a good night kiss," Kurosaki explained.
"Good night," Rukia groaned, she didn't know what else to say. The picture of Kurosaki moving closer and gave her a good night sleep was so strong that it was difficult for Rukia to think of a smart argument.
Rukia stepped into her bedroom and said, "Good night," once again.
"Sweet dreams," whispered Kurosaki. He followed her closely and close enough to whisper in her ear, his voice were husky and inviting. A kind of voice Rukia would like to hear reading a bedtime story for her… a story and a good night kiss.
Rukia sighed while closing the door, leaving Kurosaki on the other side of the door in the hallway. Rukia realized the truth. There wont' be sweet dream tonight, or any other nights. There won't be, as long as she lived in this nightmare.
How could he kiss Rukia then tease her like that?
'Alright, it was two questions,' said Kurosaki mentally when he stood in the balcony, looking at the lights on the other side of the bay.
First part: why did he kiss Rukia?
Because he had wanted to do that, since he barged in to her shop, if he wanted to be honest to himself. At that moment, when he looked at the surprised Rukia, Kurosaki wanted to pull Rukia into his embrace and kiss her.
Plus watching Rukia during summer in the park, eating her lunch, making the sketch, or sometimes talking and laughing with Tatsuki. Well, he had been imagining kissing Rukia for a long time ago. And he didn't even know Rukia back then. She had a pretty face. But that's it, just the pretty outside layer.
Now he did that.
He didn't plan that to happen, not intended to do that either. And he didn't want to think whether a kiss was enough or not. No, he would ignore the fact that he didn't think a short kiss like that was enough and he could easily wake her up and kiss her again.
Second part: why did he behave poorly? He could easily say sorry to her. Blaming the kiss to the wine he drank too much or the enthusiasms of planning the wedding.
But instead, he teased her, like a primary school boy picking a school girl by pulling her hair.
It definitely wasn't his attitude. But, marrying a woman who could attract him in sexual way wasn't his attitude either.
Nothing went normal since Rukia came to his life. The only question left was… was he better than he was before?
Kurosaki felt that he knew the answer, but he wasn't sure he liked the answer.
"Come in," a deep voice answering the knock on the door.
He looked up to be face to face with his wife, he approached her, kissed her forehead, and gave her his rare smile. "Is something the matter?" he asked softly.
The raven hair woman just shook her head, "Not really. I just wondering, why I received this." She gave him a brown envelope with two tickets to Japan inside it.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you, we will back to Karakura sooner."
"What about your business here, Byakuya-sama?"
"Hisana, there is more important I have to do in Karakura." replied Byakuya, holding the envelope in his hand.
"Rukia-chan?" Hisana asked. "But you said that she's doing fine? What happen? Is she sick?" Hisana asked worriedly.
Byakuya sighed. That was why he didn't mention to Hisana that Rukia was engaged. Hisana wouldn't stop asking the detail, while at this moment, he, himself, didn't know the detail yet.
"She is fine," Byakuya answered, trying to brush her wife's worry.
"So, what is your important thing to do, Byakuya-sama? As far as I know, the only one you consider more important than your business is Rukia-chan."
Byakuya tried hard not to roll his eyes, "You are important too, Hisana. Or do you forget that?"
Hisana smiled knowingly, "I know, I'm just testing you."
Byakuya shook his head. "About the reason, I'll tell you later."
"I want the truth," Hisana turned around, walking toward the door. "In detail." She added before blew her goodbye kiss and closed the door.
Byakuya sat in his chair, taking a folder with a white letters on it: KUROSAKI ICHIGO, it read. "Of course, Hisana. I'll tell you the detail. After I have a civil conversation with this insolent brat." He muttered under his breath.
A/N: Well… do you like my gift? ^^
You know what people say, it always bright and sunny before the storm came… or in this story, before Byakuya came…
Btw, Thanks for Roma88, the "civil conversation" term was your idea… ^^
PS: I will face a national nursing exam this month, so I should stop myself from writing my stories. I'm sorry, but the next update should be up in the next month… T_T