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Disclaimer: Kubo owns Bleach. Credits to my cousin Ninya.

Chapter Three: "I am not head over heels in love with you."

People wouldn't say he was the most charming of men.

He understood it though and didn't complain because he was Ichigo Kurosaki, after all.

He had responsibilities—money to make, people to keep employed, projects to do. He had to take things seriously with so much at stake. But even though Ichigo was often preoccupied to the point of being unapproachable, he was never as much of a beast as he'd been the last couple of days, since his father dropped this complicated baggage called Rukia Kuchiki on his lap.

Their first meeting didn't go well but he had no plans of backing off. He knew his way around high-stakes negotiations. He often won them. But Ichigo have to admit that he'd never met quite as wild a creature as Rukia. It was going to take a different approach but he was by no means skittering away at the first snap of her teeth.

The memory of their heated confrontation at Urahara's yesterday was seared in his brain. Ichigo wasn't planning on claiming his husbandly rights with Rukia. It would be crude to demand that when he was paying the girl a fortune. It made it too black and white. That didn't mean though that he haven't entertained the idea. Well, his body entertained it yesterday, before and after he realized who she was, but his brain had to shut it down. It was purely a business deal and mixing in his pleasures would be disaster.

With little sleep, Ichigo dragged himself out of bed that morning, as grimly determined as ever to come to a settlement with Kuchiki. He knew he had to think of a new approach and he spent the few hours at work distractedly contemplating all the possible ways their second meeting could turn out.

The girl had a prickly pride, he'll give her that, and despite his initial assumptions of her part in this ridiculous scheme with his father, she was strong-willed and daring. She could also lop off body parts with her razor-sharp retorts. If he wanted to come out of this meeting with her agreement and his anatomy intact, he had to take care not to insult her. In his mutinous state yesterday, he got carried away and made things worse with her.

The moment Ichigo entered Urahara's, it almost seemed as if a radar went off because a waitress automatically came his way to say that Rukia was out back in the alley taking out the trash. He thanked her through gritted teeth as he made his way to the back of the diner.

She was taking out the trash. Great.

He wasn't sure which upset him more—the fact that a young, vibrant girl like her was suppressed in such a small world as this or the fact that his father had somehow put him in a position to feel responsible for her knowing he couldn't just easily walk away.

That simmering emotion boiled over when he instantly spotted the couple tangled in a passionate embrace by the dumpster in the empty back alley. At first, Ichigo was furious that she still messing around with other men when she was marrying him but that rage transformed into a dangerous aggression when he'd realized that Rukia was twisting around to get free while D-roy, of all men, had his tongue down her throat. His feet carried him there in a flash. He couldn't even pause to reassess the situation he was walking into because the moment her saw her eyes squeezed shut in combined panic and revulsion, his fists just swung and didn't stop until D-roy was a writhing mess on a ground.

Ichigo made it very clear to him that he was to never approach her again.

She was going to be his wife and damn him if he let slime like D-roy come anywhere near her or mark her like he did on her jaw. He was lucky Ichigo let him escape in one piece. She seemed relieved by the rescue but whatever small advantage he'd gained by tossing out D-roy got decimated when he couldn't help pointing out the risks she took by dallying with men like him for a some small change.

Ichigo stated his offer again and reassured her that he didn't require her to fulfill her marital duties to him in bed. He had hoped to give her some reassurance. He didn't want her to think of his offer that way because it wasn't like that. It was a solution to both their problems, and even though he felt the most alarming stirring to pull her into his arms and hold her until she calmed, he wasn't going to act on his inconvenient attraction to her.

She was a means to an end.

.

.

By the time Friday came, Rukia was already losing her mind.

The notice of sale from the bank arrived and she had about three weeks before the house was to be auctioned off. She got the default notice about five months ago and she'd dragged it on as much as he could. The mortage payments were too high and it was hard to keep up with it along with the insurance, property taxes and all the utilties. She wouldn't even get started on her other consumer debt.

Rukia needed money and she needed it fast but her paycheck barely covered her personal expenses and if she had to move in three weeks, she needed the money to pay down an apartment if she didn't want to sleep on the streets.

On Friday morning, Rukia went to Urahara's in a light blue cotton sundress and flip-flops, her hair gathered in a loose bun. She wasn't due for her shift until much later because she worked Friday evenings when the tips were the best. She was there five minutes before ten and Ichigo was already waiting in a booth, reading the morning paper.

"Hey," She said when he finally looked up.

His amber eyes flickered with some unidentifiable emotion as he appraised her from head to toe.

"Like what you see?" Rukia snapped, irritated by the sight of him.

"Just thinking that you might clean up better than I hoped," he said as he gestured to the seat across from him. "You look almost... young."

"I am young especially compared to you," She retorted as she slid into the booth and tossed her white canvas bag on the seat next to her. "You're practically ancient—from the caveman era, I believe."

"Good morning to you too, ," he said dryly. "And yes, I'm older and wiser than you."

Rukia scoffed. "Real wise people need not to point it out. Those who wish they were point it out often."

He smiled and set down his paper. "Bad week, huh?"

She sighed and leaned back against her seat, eyeing him in exasperation. "Oh, I'm sure you have a pretty good idea of how great things have been going for me. That's why you look like the cat who got the cream."

"This is sounding better with each second," he said with a satisfied smirk. "And since I'm pretty sure I'm getting the answer I want today, let's take our time and maybe feed you first. If I'm right about the situation you're in, you'e probably been skipping breakfast."

Rukia glared at him as he beckoned one of the waitresses over. "I can afford to feed myself just fine."

He smiled up at Isane who came to their table and glanced between them in curiosity. "Can we get a plate of your Working Man's breakfast? I'll have some pancakes and bacon for myself."

Rukia opened her mouth to protest that she couldn't possibly eat that much but her stomach growled, and she bit her lip and lowered her gaze, hoping to God that no one heard.

"What would you like to drink?" Kurosaki asked, surprising her.

"I'll have a cup of coffee, Isane," Rukia told the waitress with a small smile. "Thank you."

Once the waitress was gone, she turned a narrowed glance at him. "A Working Man's breakfast? Really? You think I can eat three pancakes, roasted potatoes, some bacon, ham, pork sausages, scrambled eggs, two pieces of buttered toast and a large raisin scone?"

He just let out an impatient sigh. "If you're going to be my wife, you need to look like it. The starved look isn't a new fashion trend a Mrs. Kurosaki would be sporting."

Rukia gave a short laugh. "Starved? I'll tell you that every man in this room thinks I have enough flesh where it matters."

"A Mrs. Kurosaki also doesn't call anyone's interest to herself," Ichigo added in a low hiss although his eyes raked over her with something that could only be called lascivious interest.

- Well, that certainly made things interesting. -

"Would you rather have an overweight and unattractive Mrs. Kurosaki?" Rukia asked. "Who would ever believe you'd marry one considering your very discerning taste in dating only women with the highest caliber of beauty and poise -"

"my standards are pretty high—"

"—and narcissism and brainlessness?" Rukia finished with a grin when his smug expression tightened into a frown. "I guess I could call on my acting chops and pretend to be blown away by the prolific undertaking of determining one's outfit to the next charity ball. I mean, how are we to save the world if not in platform heels?"

A smile ghosted on his lips but he quickly chased it away with another frown although his warm hazel eyes held a sparkle of humor. "A Mrs. Kurosaki has to be a woman of impeccable taste, pleasant and charming humor, perfect manners and easy flexibility with her husband."

Her brows rose. "Flexibility? Do you mean like gymnast-level positions in bed? I danced a little in high school but I don't think I can get my foot over my neck. And you're not supposed to be sleeping with me."

Heat flared in his gaze and his jaw clenched. "No. I meant flexibility in cooperating with her husband in decisions deemed best for her."

Rukia sat back and enjoyed his discomfort before piercing him with a glare. "Be direct, Mr. Kurosaki. If you meant subservience, just say it. You expect a Mrs. Kurosaki to be entirely in your power, like a puppet whose strings you can pull anytime. A Mrs. Kurosaki should never voice contradicting opinions, complain about your extra-marital affairs or point out your excessive ego and greed. She must also turn off a few functioning brain cells to be able to cope with the insipid concerns of the people in your circle if she wants to be able to relate. She needs to be a spineless and superficial arm candy, battery-operated with a million. Did I miss anything?"

"Yes," he muttered with an exasperated sigh. "A Mrs. Kurosaki also needs to be less sarcastic."

"I don't know about that," Rukia said as she picked up the contract and handed it to him with a smile. "It's only sarcastic if you actually don't agree with what I said which I thought you did considering all your stipulations here. I just condensed it into a simple characterization—dumbed it down, you know? Understanding the big words might make me too smart and you know we can't have that."

Rukia was spared from a scathing response when Isane arrived with their food.

"This isn't signed," he finally said a few minutes after Isane left and he'd scanned the contract.

"Not yet," Rukia replied through a mouthful of pancakes soaked in maple syrup. "I want it amended first with the revisions I made. First two-hundred-fifty thousand upfront on the day of our wedding, second after six months, third on the eighth and the last of it at the end of the year. The separate clothing and spending allowance is fine but I want a separate bedroom, a charity budget and a grant for a full program in any art school of my choice. In case I die during the agreed year, all payable amount should be donated to a charity I'll name on my will. If you die before the contract expires, all payable amount you promised me on this contract will be paid out in full by your estate to which I'd have no right to as to be stated by our pre-nup."

"Sounds reasonable," Ichigo said as he sat back and studied her with those intense eyes. "Why the charity budget? What for? I'm already on the board of several ones."

Rukia crossed her arms over her chest. "I might as well try to spread what wealth I can get out of you. I have a few projects I want to get involved in. Don't worry, I won't be pocketing any of that money. It'll all go to a good cause."

"For someone who seemed really incensed at the idea of taking my money a few days ago, you sure seem eager now to spend it," he commented with a dry laugh. "I'm amenable to all of that. Anything else?"

"I don't want you and your mistresses doing the dirty deed in our marital home," She said, feeling a rush of anger at the image of walking in on Ichigo screwing the brains out of a nameless, faceless woman in the home they'll be sharing. "If I catch you doing so, I gain the right to terminate the contract with all of the remaining instalments of the full payment to be deposited directly to me within thirty days after the termination is formalized. It's all in there."

If that condition bothered him, he didn't show, because he only smiled smugly.

"That won't be a problem. " he said. "I don't bring my romantic affairs home. If you think that's one way to get out of this with all of the money and without fulfilling your side of the bargain, think again."

Rukia made a nauseous face. "Thank God I don't have to sleep with you. You're probably like a stone statue in bed, all cold and emotionless. Aren't your women just better off with a dildo or do they just want shoulders to grab on to so they have you instead?"

- Holy guacamole, Rukia Kuchiki. Where did you learn to talk like that? -

The truth was, she was no sex adventuress. Like never. Ever. But something about Kurosaki here, just provoked the worst of her temper. She was saying the damndest things around him all the time.

But instead of getting riled up, his mouth just turned up on one corner, his eyes giving her a lazy, challenging look. "Wouldn't you like to know. How about we do 'it' after we're done here."

- Well. He can actually flirt. -

Her cheeks heated up but she just rolled her eyes. "No, thanks. I don't sleep with art pieces especially those who speak when they are either not supposed to or just full of crap when they do."

He assaulted her senses further when he grinned broadly. "It's only crap if they're things you don't want to hear and those usually are the truth."

She hate to admit it but she agreed. "Have I told you I don't like you, Mr. Kurosaki?"

"Not directly, but you've certainly shown it," he answered with a husky laugh.

- Damn it. Why did the man have to be in such good humor today when mine was frayed thin from the stress of the week? -

"Well, I've got to do the most damage I can while we're not married yet," Rukia said, squaring her shoulders and thrusting up her chin. "When will I get the revised contract?"

"It'll be ready by tomorrow morning," he promised, folding the contract and slipping it inside his jacket's pocket. "My father is arriving on Sunday and I thought we'd announce it during the family brunch which you're attending with me."

Her heart constricted at the thought of having to look Isshin in the eye and lying to his face. Him and the rest of the Kurosaki's.

- Oh, God. When this contract ends maybe I can forget about art school and become an actress instead. I'll get tons of practice. -

"I can't. I have to work Sunday morning," Rukia said.

He scowled. "The contract states you have to quit all your jobs when you marry me."

"It does," Rukia agreed with a nod, downing the last of her coffee. "When I marry you, not before. When is the wedding going to be anyway so I can give Kisuke the notice? It's not easy finding and training a new person."

"In two weeks but you'll be introduced to everyone as my fiancee before then and it would be unseemly for you to still be working as a waitress when you're engaged to me."

Rukia rolled her eyes. "I don't get my money until after the wedding and I've got to eat before then so I need the job. Besides, what's wrong with that? Gives it a romantic spin, doesn't it, if people think that you fell head over heels in love with a lowly waitress and that you just had to marry her right away?"

"I am not head over heels in love with you," he ground out.

- hmm, defensive. -

"I didn't say you were," She snapped irritably. "Just that if people think you are. It makes for a better story than leaving the world speculating about what could've possibly motivated you to marry someone poor and unworthy of your precious last name when she has neither money nor your heart."

He scoffed. "I could say it was just my father forcing my hand."

"And what? Show them that Isshin is cold and unfeeling father when we both know he isn't?" Rukia asked in exasperation. "Show them that you're a greedy, spineless weasel for not standing up to your old man? Do you think people will truly understand the complexity of this not-so-simple business arrangement?"

"Alright, enough already!" His voice barely rose in volume but the force of his words had her swallowing hard. "You've made your point and I'll acquiesce on this. You can keep your job until a week before the wedding because a bride has to have some involvement in her big day. While you're here, I expect that you'll discourage any kind of advances from anyone trying to get into your pants. It's bad enough that I'm marrying a nineteen-year-old waitress. I don't want the media publishing articles about customers groping my future-bride's ass like it's public property."

"Ah, your despicable charm, as always," Rukia muttered under her breath. "Don't worry. After that incident with Mr. D-roy, I'm not coming within two feet of men with suspicious character unless I'm armed with a baseball bat. The only reason I don't have one right now with you is that it didn't go with the dress. But I hear that salt and pepper shakers dent foreheads real good so don't try anything funny."

"I think I'm absolutely insane for ever considering doing this with you," he groaned, closing his eyes briefly as if in pain.

"I second that wholeheartedly," She said with a grin. "Although I'd like to clarify a point of distinction that you were already a wee bit crazy before you saddled me with your boring presence."

He opened his eyes and arched a brow at her. "Well, since you're being paid a million to endure my boring presence, I say endure it quietly. I'd like to go through this year without a permanent migraine which I continue to get because you never stop provoking me."

She tilted her chin up defiantly. "Only because you provoke me first. But I agree with you. I'd like to get through this year myself without being carted off to prison for murdering my husband. If we're to stay married for a year and give a convincing portrayal of a real husband and wife, let's try not get on each other's case."

"I'll do my best," he said with a half-smile.

Rukia nodded. "So will I."

And in that moment, despite their many spirited quarrels in the past week, an understanding clicked between them. She smiled and popped the last piece of ham into her mouth. He finished off his pancakes, his eyes smiling as he chewed and watched her.

"What time do you work today?" he asked as he wiped his mouth once they finished eating quietly.

"Six," she answered. "I have to go home and take a short nap because I'll be working until about two to two-thirty in the morning."

He glanced at his watch. "It's only eleven. We can go shopping and I'll have you home by twelve-thirty so you can get a few hours of sleep."

Her brows rose. "Shopping? For what?"

"An engagement ring. And maybe a few clothes that don't look so.. worn. I'll have my assistant Rangiku arrange for a personal shopper to help you build your new wardrobe but we can get you a few things today."

Rukia groaned. "This can't wait until we're married? I'm not going to start wearing heels, cardigans and pearls here at work."

"The ring you'll need right away if we're to convince my father about the marriage on Sunday," he insisted stubbornly. "A woman doesn't get engaged to me and have no rock to show it off."

"I'd like to show off a rock I could knock you out cold with," She muttered under her breath which made him narrow his eyes.

Rukia grinned sweetly, batting her lashes at him at the reminder of their mutual attempt to be civil to each other. "Oh, yes, please. Buy me a Harry Winston large enough to be seen from space. Do you think they'll throw in a body guard with that? I might need it if I'm taking the bus to work everyday."

"I'll have a driver and car assigned to you," Kurosaki said. "I don't want you roaming the streets unprotected."

"Aw, It warms my heart to know that you're so protective of me."

He rolled his eyes and pulled out a hundred bill from his wallet and left it on the table. Lucky, Isane.

"I'm protective of all of my investments. You're currently my most vulnerable, not to mention most volatile one," he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"How romantic," Rukia grumbled. "Fine. I'll take the car and the driver and the ring and the clothes. Anything else?"

He smiled as if enjoying her apparent dislike for agreeing with him. "Nothing that I can think of at the moment so we can go shopping. Ready?"

He got up and offered her his hand.

"As ready as I will ever get," Rukia said as she took his hand. "Lead the way, Mr. Kurosaki. Show me what the fuss is all about."

"Ichigo," he said as they walked together toward the door, the hand he offered her earlier now pressed lightly on the small of her back. "If you and I are going to get married, we should probably call each other by our first names."

Rukia swallowed hard at the possessive way his strong, muscular arm slipped around her as they passed a couple of familiar male customers who waved hi and winked at her. "Yes, Ichigo."

"Better," he said with a faint smile, glancing down at her.

"My name's Rukia," she said as they stepped out on the sidewalk. "Some people call me Ruks."

He shook his head. "That name doesn't sound particularly appealing. Rukia suits you better."

As Rukia looked down at their hands, she wondered if it was because he didn't want to lose her or because she was his possession that cost a million. Suddenly it dawned on her that she had more to lose in this than just the money. That made her truly afraid of this crazy arrangement for the first time since Ichigo suggested it.

me: I love the sexual feeling between them. hehehe. Ichigo is older here for five years.

Keep reviewing readers that's what kept us going!

-.-.-.-

Thanks for the wonderful reviews :

mbravesgirl7 : i guess, Ichigo wont have to be persuasive after this chap.

sarah: Thanks. i hope you enjoyed this chapter.

kleinegirl87: thank you for liking it. I used yen because i thought it would fit in the story, since the characters are japanese, but you do have a point. Dollars valued more than yen.. thanks for pointing out.

Amethyst hazel: Thank you for loving it. I'm not sure about Byakuya's appearance. we'll think about it.

guest: haha, last chapter made me gushing too.

IchiRuki 4vr: No more persuasive Ichigo since Rukia accepted, but things will start to get interesting from now on.

Arya U Dragneel: Thank you so much for reading. It makes us smile reading your feedback too.

RukiYuki: how'd you know that Nel will be Isshin's adopted daughter? hehe, that's our plan.

Sleepygirl: No more playing dirty for ichi after this chapter. Thanks so much for reading.

ZiggySmallz: I'm glad you're not holding your breath anymore. hehe

Guest: Oh, Rukia will ..soon. :D

Inverse L reena : I dont speak spanish or whatever you're language is, but Thank you so much for reading! I really hope you're enjoying this.

Bloodyme: Thank you! I appreciate you taking time to review.

applepieshiomai: cute name, and me as well I've read a lot of IchiRuki AU's and i've grown addicted to it.