I am Your Slave Wife
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN BLEACH…
A/N: Leex: I will respect whatever is your decision but still Thank you for reviewing…
deathslove26: I will never consider your reviews as rambling and I agree there is a thin line between love and hate… Am I giving a hint? Lol…Thank you for your review by the way and to all who read and review this story…again "Thank you very much"…
I apologize for typo. Errors.
CHAPTER 7: I AM YOUR SLAVE WIFE
Shuuhei, Hanatarou, Momo, Rangiku and the rest of the Kurosaki Household Staffs can't still believe what is currently going on in front of them. Their Master and their Mistress is presently having breakfast together.
"Hanatarou, pinch me… I think I am still dreaming." Hanatarou looks up at a much stressed Shuuhei Hisagi. He himself can't also believe this big change in their morning routine, inside the Kurosaki mansion. He pinch Shuuhei in the arm and felt him grimace in pain.
"I think this isn't a dream. They are really having breakfast together." Rangiku snappishly eye Shuuhei who in return become rigid under her sharp gaze. She was getting really annoyed and bothered to this sudden change. She knows that Rukia has been waiting for this moment to happen but she had this feeling that there's something wrong. She can't really point out right now what is it but it was neither good nor bad.
"If you feel guilty to what had happened last night… you don't have to force yourself to do this Kurosaki-dono." She lifelessly said. The food was good but she can't taste anything. Ichigo had the piece of meat half way to his mouth. He knows he was guilty but he also wanted to make amends with her. It wasn't that easy but he will try.
"It's not easy to forgive, I know because I bear that feeling deep in my soul." He apologetically said. He can't even look at her. When did he become a whopping coward? "I don't really know how to put my thoughts and feelings into words and I know it's too much to ask but will you find it in your heart to give me some time to resolve this madness inside myself, inside my heart." Silence stay behind making Shuuhei and the rest sweat in the cold morning atmosphere. Rukia was just coldly staring at her food; deep sadness was again reflected in her eyes. She doesn't know what she should feel when he said that. She was waiting for this change to happen but she was tired.
"I am tired." Rukia was not able to comprehend that she had said her thoughts aloud. Ichigo's body stiffens. He was not prepared for her to say that and he doesn't know what to say. He felt a sharp pang inside him and he was afraid what she will say next. "How do you heal a broken heart?" She truthfully asked. Ichigo after hearing her question felt like he was being stab by thousands of blades. He doesn't know where to start everything is falling down fast in front of him.
….
"DAD! Cut it out we are going to be late!" Karin shouted at her father who was still talking and sticking his face on their mother's huge portrait in the living room. Karin agitatedly glances at her watch. "Oh, great I am going to be late and where in hell is Yuzu?" As if knowing what she was thinking Yuzu came out of the kitchen with lunch boxes in her hand.
"Sorry, I had to make extra for Toushiro-kun. You guys have soccer practice right?" Karin just nodded and angrily eyed her father. "Old goat if you don't start moving your ass in the car, I am going to call Toushiro to come pick us up." The middle age head of the Kurosaki Clan, pouted at his daughter.
"You prefer your boyfriend before your Dad?" Karin rolled her eyeballs and covers her ears so that she will not hear the horrible shriek of her father. "Maaaaaasaaaki! Our Karin-chan is so mature now. She prefers her boyfriend than her loving, caring and handsome daddy. What have gone wrong? I thought I was the perfect fa-
"Ok, old goat you had enough. Let's go." Karin said and drags her father by his collar out of the house. The maids laugh at the scene. They were such a lively family. Whenever the head of the house was home, you'll never have enough of his goofy antics.
"Karin-chan, you don't prefer your Daddy to that bossy, I am-the-smartest-ass-in-the-world look of that old bleach haired Shorty right?" Kurosaki Isshin sulks inside the car. His lips were pucker childishly, making Karin's eyes hurt. Yuzu just chuckle at the back of the car. She was pretty much used to this. It's part of their daily Kurosaki morning routine. Before, it was Ichigo who was beaten and annoyed early in the morning but since he had his own family now. They were the successor of handling their hyperactive father.
"Why am I sitting beside this old goat here, which has a 10 year old mind? Yuzu, exchange seats with me before I lost my mind." Yuzu shook her head. She knows it's his odd way of showing and maintaining good communication to his children especially Karin and her brother who always bottle up their emotions. They hide it and never show weaknesses to others for the family. They always have the aura of moral code, justice and responsibility.
It's not easy to raise three children by him all alone. Their Dad had become strong for them. He was the one who had lost the most, yet he never blames anybody. He was proud for his beautiful wife who had died a loving mother saving her child.
"Ouch, don't punch me Karin. I am getting old." Yuzu heard her father whine. The car was still not moving. Karin is now royally pissed she was getting physical with her father.
"Ok, that's enough Dad and Karin-chan. The car is still not moving we are going to be late. And Dad your patients are waiting for their good looking doctor now, so hurry up." Yuzu sweetly said earning a horrible cry from her father as fake tears run down his face. Karin was banging her head on the dashboard. "Give me a break." She pleads.
"Oh! My sweet Yuzu my wonderful and appreciative daughter. Give daddy a kiss now my sweet innocent chi- Karin's fist collided on her father's face that exaggeratedly crashes on the car's windowpane.
"That's it I'm calling Toushiro." She said taking her cell phone out and attempting to move out of the car.
"Ok,ok here we go." Yuzu almost yelp in surprise when the car suddenly pulls out of the drive way making its way out of the Kurosaki Estate.
"That was dangerous you old goat!" Karin shouted at her father. Isshin on the other hand was just whistling like nothing had happened. "Don't give me that I am-innocent-look, old man. Next time I'll make sure you won't be able to drive again." Karin sweat drop when she saw the teary puppy dog eyes of her father. "You make me sick." She plainly said.
"So you really love narcissistic Shiro-chan before your Daddy? I am not going to be the villain of your love story. Yuzu my lovely daughter another member of our humble family is going to get married!" Isshin dramatically whined taking a handkerchief out of nowhere.
"Where did that handkerchief came from?" Karin thought watching her father wipe his fake tears. "For your information Dad, Toushiro is not my boyfriend. He's my soccer buddy and he is indeed smart. He skips over high school and graduated Summa Cum Laude at Oxford University in England. He was now the current CEO of his family's company despite being a teenager." Karin heatedly informs his father. Isshin was awed.
"Big shot Karin-chan, Shiro-kun is a big shot!" He animatedly exclaim. Karin was about to say "Can I punch you again Dad?" when his phone rang.
"Hello, KISUKE-SAN? It's very humble of you to call me!" Isshin response excitedly, Kisuke can be a good gossip guy despite being a scientist and inventor. This guy is definitely not that type of scientist who locks themselves up to the world. His wife often relay on his geniuses to solve some case. Karin raise a brow after hearing the name of their creepy, hat's and clogs uncle.
"My pleasure old friend Isshin I have big news to you. Guess who's coming back in Japan?" Isshin connect his earphones before he carefully maneuver the car going to Karin's playing field.
"Oh, really? Who?" Isshin heard the rustling of fan. Urahara's old habit whenever something really caught his interest.
"Kuchiki Byakuya, the Ice Prince of Japan." Isshin's eyes widen a bit, when Byakuya is back in Japan it just involve three things his departed wife, his sister and business.
"Oh, my son-in-law is coming back. When will he arrive?" Karin who was looking outside the window hastily turns her head to her Dad after hearing Byakuya's nickname only used by their father.
"Maybe around twelve but there is more." Isshin's eyebrow furrowed, Urahara's playful voice was gone. "Base on a reliable source according to my wife. Virtuoso and his ring are back in Japan to hunt down whoever causes their plans a few years ago to come to nothing." Urahara Yoruichi the daughter of Japan's current Prime Minister, Shihonin Takashi and the current Chief Police officer of Yokohama City. She was married to Urahara Kisuke who was the best friend and business partner of Isshin Kurosaki. They met after their graduation at Tokyo University when the Kurosaki Family hosted a grand party for their only son.
"I see we can't just let our guard down now, can we?" Isshin seriously said. Urahara agreed his predictions were right. They won't remain silent all their life. They will come back to bring them down one's again.
"What are your plans? We can't hide things anymore, especially to your son." Isshin was silent for a while. Things will get nasty soon and he was well aware that Ichigo and his third daughter's relationship are not going well.
"Let's meet, I'll call you again after I take my daughters to school. Yeah, Ok, I understand. Thank you for the information. Say my gratitude to Yorouichi-san for me. Ok, I'll hand up now. Bye." Isshin put down his earphones they were now near to Karin's sport's ground. Yuzu notice the troubled look of her father which was very rare.
"Dad, should we inform Ichi-nii that Byakuya will be back in Japan soon?" Karin asked. They all know that Byakuya was very protective over his sister. He may not show it openly but all he did whether Rukia likes it or not was always for her own welfare.
"Let your brother deal his own family. He is old enough and well educated to make smart decisions. It will be his fault if he has regrets in the end but if you want to visit our lovely Rukia then why not?" The last words were said cheerfully. It always amazed them how this old goat change his personality like he weren't been serious just awhile ago. Karin looks at her father with serious determined eyes.
"After my soccer tournament, after winning the MVP medal we will visit her. I'll definitely win and gave her my medal!" She said with strength and fire in her eyes. Isshin who was focusing on the road burst into tears.
"Eh? What the hell Dad?" Karin freak out. No doubt their father has definitely a serious head problem. Karin thought. Yuzu quietly smile at her family, no matter what their family encounters rumors, criticism, business related problems, people judging them, people trying to steal and bring them down for their riches, dangers and more. They are together fighting, protecting and encouraging each other to stand up. Their mother may not be with them and now in heaven but they all know she was still close guiding them to make the right decisions in life by their hearts.
…
Tokyo International Airport, 12:05 PM, inside a Black Limousine
"Where is the current location of the Princess?" Byakuya coldly asked, sitting classily inside his car. Before and after his Limo was two Black Skyline GTR. Men in black tuxedo were currently vested inside.
"At one of the Kurosaki Mansions, My lord particularly the mansion owned by Master Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya sharply look at the rearview mirror that almost makes the driver and his informant quiver.
"She's not working at the Kuchisaki Corp.?" His informant anxiously shook his head. It's not good to make their lord angry. He has already suspicions that his sister was not doing well here and he did not like it one bit. What more when his suspicions were for real?
"Very well, take me to that mansion." He ordered. As the car slowly moves ahead Byakuya looks outside the busy streets of Tokyo. It's been a while since he had return to this country. He may not look like a very cultural type person because of the fact that he was always in abroad but no matter where he goes. The best place he will always want to stay and get old was the main Kuchiki Manor. He held so many memories of his late wife in there and his innocent little sister. He wanted to protect those treasures. That's why it's unforgivable for anyone to neither touch nor stain his most prize possessions.
Rukia was doing Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers and other plant material in harmony with the environment. She was at the veranda facing their garden. She tries to clear her disturbed mind by harmonizing herself with the flowers. Ichigo after their breakfast left to work. It was quite incredulous that the person she always saw his back leaving without saying a word was now facing her to say he was going to work. Rukia sadly look at her wrist, the bruise was now visible. She wanted to tell herself that Ichigo didn't mean what he did last night but she can't also look through the fact that Ichigo was just doing these things like talking to her because he was feeling guilty. Rukia walk to the edge of the veranda, feeling the warm sunlight kiss her skin. Her whole being scream for freedom. She just wants a break through to all of the things that reminds her of her pain. Rukia perceive rushed step and breathing coming to her, she saw a very pale Hanatarou and Shuuhei's horrified look.
"My Lady, Kuchiki-sama was at the front door!" Rukia paled twice, no thrice than Hanatarou. His brother can't happen to know what Ichigo did last night.
"Oh my god…" She breathes rushing to the living room. Rukia opened their front door and saw her brother's informant Chojiro Sasakibe. Rukia swallow the lump in her throat, her mind scream that "It's for real, it's neither a dream nor a bad joke that her brother was back in Japan!"
"Hime-sama." Sasakibe bow down before their princess. Rukia return the gesture with rigidity in her movements. She was still in shock. "My lord has come all the way from England to visit you Hime-sama." One of Byakuya's men opens the cars door for him. From where she was standing she saw the neatly adorned Kenseikan on her brother's hair, then the midnight black silky hair itself, pale yet handsome and manly face down to his expensive black Tuxedo. Rukia gently smile at her brother, he was still the same. Always on guard, hardly ever show his emotions, authoritative however she always feels his presence protecting her from anything. Byakuya walks to Rukia his guards bow down in respect for him and their princess.
"Nii-sama." Rukia gently speak then bow down to her brother. "Welcome home, Nii-sama." When Byakuya met her sisters eyes, that's the time he said to himself that he was home.
….
Byakuya was sitting on the white couches at the living room of the Kurosaki Mansion while Rukia set tea for him. The servants asked her to let them do it but she insists. She wanted to serve her brother personally. Byakuya was criticizing every corner of the Kurosaki Mansion from the couches, to the carpets, chandeliers, furniture's, antic collections, paintings and furnishing. The flowers and the vases are the only thing he approves in this place.
Shuuhei and Rangiku eyed the men outside the Kurosaki Mansion. They thought is Byakuya a Yakuza boss or some kind of Prince to have these many intimidating body guards? They saw two at the main door, two at the back door and four guarding his expensive cars. All of them are standing on the lookout. This pissed Rangiku off.
"The Kurosaki Mansion has like that too you know. And did he really have to show off that much? The Kurosaki Mansions are as safe as the military base in Japan. No one will dare to carjack his car or assassinate him." Rangiku whispered at Shuuhei who nodded furiously in agreement. Hanatarou and Momo sweat drop.
"Ma,ma… Let's not say things like that. Safety first I think is what the Kuchiki nobleman is trying to convey." Hanatarou said and shrink when Shuuhei and Rangiku glower at him.
Rukia cheerfully served her brother the best tea she has in the Kurosaki Household. As she pour hot water on the tea cups beside her brother. She observe how his eyes wander around the living room, how his forehead furrowed in disagreement. She was sure that the things in front of him didn't please him even just a bit. Rukia smiled Byakuya hated everything that involves her husband and her hyperactive father in law.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia voiced, aiming for Byakuya's attention. Byakuya turn his gaze at the steaming tea in front of him and smell its soothing aroma. "How are you, brother?" She asked, watching appreciatively his every noble movement.
"I'm well, how about you?" He strictly asked, looking coldly at Rukia's eyes as if trying to tell her that there's no point in lying to me before you can even speak I already know the answer. Shuuhei and the rest who was eavesdropping gulp down, Byakuya's voice give chills down there spine. Rukia just smile at her brother.
"I'm fine too, brother. Why didn't you first inform me that you are coming back? I could have come and see you at the airport." She said pouting slightly. Byakuya lightly shook his head. He actually wanted to catch Kurosaki in the act of offensiveness towards his sister. But even without that much evidence, by his words. He can throw Kurosaki out of his sister's life.
"There's no need for you to trouble yourself. I am utterly capable of coming here." He stoically said. He was always independent. He can always take care of himself. People think that he was cold, uncaring, and impersonal or whatever they describe him. But she knows that his words have deep and better message inside. It's not his fault that since he was young he was trained not to show his emotions for the Clans selfish reasons. "Why are you alone here? Is your no good husband not allowing you to touch the Kuchisaki Corp.? Do he need a reminder that Kuchisaki International Airport was formally, Kuchiki and Kurosaki Corp.?" For Byakuya it's not really necessary for her to work but he knows that she has a deep passion when it comes to handling business. She was a Kuchiki after all.
"It's not like that, Nii-sama. Kuro- I mean Ichigo is skilled enough to handle the business by himself. He doesn't need me in there." A month has passed by after their marriage, Rukia asked Ichigo if she can help him manage the company but he just turn his cold back at her. Byakuya's usually passive face contorts into displeased shape. Rukia knowing her brother immediately change the subject for her own good or Ichigo in this case.
"Ah, Nii-sama I wanted to show you something." Rukia enthusiastically said pulling her brother towards her garden. Byakuya let her sister pull him even though it's so unladylike of her. Kuchiki's are very formal people but for his sister, he can loosen a little. Byakuya was taken to a very lively and vibrant garden.
"This mansion is acceptable after all." Byakuya quietly thought. The cherry blossoms are what he likes the most. It looks like the cherry blossoms he and Hisana loves to sit.
"What do you think brother? Lovely, isn't? I grow them myself." Byakuya saw her sister carefully cut some flowers. Rukia gave her brother a variety of flowers from Camellia Japonica to Roses then Irises. When she was raising the flowers for her brother, Byakuya caught something bluish purple on Rukia's wrist. Byakuya immediately caught her arm and examine her wrist and he confirmed that it was a bruise. Rukia tried to snatch her arm but Byakuya had a tight grip on her. She didn't want to look at him now, knowing that his eyes mirrored rage.
"He hurts you, his wife." It wasn't a question, he was stating a fact. "Unforgivable." He darkly said. Byakuya digs his cell phone inside his pocket and contact his informant to gather all his body guard and pack Rukia's belongings.
"Nii-sama…" She really didn't know why he called him. She was surprise to herself that not a bit she was against her brother's decision. Byakuya was not listening to her; he was just ordering people around. Shuuhei and Hanatarou tried to stop Byakuya's men from doing anything to the mansion but they are overpowered. Confusions and questions are on their faces as the sudden commotion arises inside the mansion. The supposed to be first visit of the Kuchiki Head was also maybe his last visit and their last glimpse of their mistress. Rukia apologetically look at them and let her brother drag her out of the mansion. They saw her look ahead with determination and strong will for a change in her life. Hanatarou thought that when faith allow them to meet her again. She'll be different and no one will be able to make her heart cry again.
…...
After the hard hours of work Ichigo finally call it a day. He was surprise by the amount of work he finishes. It's been a long time since he focus this much, not answering calls or going out for lunch with different women. He wanted to finish his work right away so that he can go home early and have enough time to think of what he should do to close the wounds and reopen a better Ichigo for Rukia. He still can't believe that after all he did. She still run for him and treat his wounds. Ichigo raise his injured hand and his eyes softens as a warm smile emerge from his face.
"I better get going; I still have to think of something to bring back home." He excitedly said. He may not notice it but it is the first time he did not think between hatred and Orihime. He may not notice it but his self was now starting to crave for what he had loss a long time ago.
Ichigo went from malls to stores to boutiques but did not find something that he thinks Rukia will like. He wanted to buy something expensive but he shrugged it, Rukia was not into jewelries and other material things. He decided for expensive dresses and shoes but he didn't know her side. He knows midget size but he can't really tell that to the sales lady, can he?
"It's harder than I thought, and crap it's almost dinner." He thought scowling at his golden watch. Ichigo's head turn from left to right hoping to find something until he saw a pet store with a white fluffy bunny inside a cage. Ichigo smirk, perfect he remembers back in high school that Rukia was a maniac of Chappy the Rabbit Adventures. He almost runs to the store.
"Hey, old man, I want this rabbit here?" The almost bald elderly man, scowled at how blunt and rude young people this days.
"I won't sell that to you, young man it will just die if she stays to an obnoxious man like you." Ichigo was dumbstruck. Did he just insult me? "It needs someone gentle, playful, warm and caring." Those words seem to echo in his mind. Gentle, warm, caring those traits are what he experience all his married life with Rukia. The old pet store owner was absorbed how the young man in front of him drowns himself into his own thoughts. He saw how his face, his eyes reflects on whatever emotions he was feeling. The pain of realizing something that might be too late to appreciate their importance was slowly shrinking inside of him. The old man shook his head in disappointment. Regrets always come at the end of the begging of a life full of again, REGRETS.
"Take this young man." Ichigo was cut of his trance when the old man pats his shoulders and hand him the cage with the rabbit.
"I thought it's not for sale?" Ichigo asked. He looks at the old man in front of him who was now placing some rabbit food in a paper bag.
"I wanted my pets to have a better home. They are just like humans you know, if they are not happy they will no doubt leave you but if you compare them to us. They are far better because even if they are abuse and unhappy they will still try to endure a little longer. Not like us if we feel uncomfortable in our home or with someone. We always think of escape and leave or worst blame our own misfortunes to others or to God who is always been good to us. That is why if you found someone that will truly stick with you through thick and thin then you are one of the luckiest man in the world."
"How many people and how many words does it take to make me wake up this long?" Ichigo sadly asked himself.
"Now, young man if you are giving this fluffy fur ball here to someone who have far better attitude than you then why not?" Ichigo absentmindedly nodded. He was right she was far better than him, and too good to be with him. He paid for the rabbit and thank the man. But before he can step out of the store the old man call him again.
"Work hard to be better, change is good young man." Ichigo nodded with his back to the old man. He realizes that everything he had said was right and he was now willing to change for the better.
When Ichigo arrived at his house he didn't want to admit that he was quite nervous and excited. He carefully takes out the bunny from his car and walk to his house. He was alarmed when the house was very quiete and Shuuhei didn't open the door for him. When he was inside, he saw Shuuhei and the others sitting at the end of their main stair. He raised an eyebrow to his attendants when they ignore him and he also notice as he come near to them that they look so down.
"What's going on here?" He asked them. Hanatarou almost jump in surprise and his eyes started to form tears. "What the hell is going on here? Where's your mistress?" Shuuhei clench his fist, it was really hard to say goodbye to their mistress but she deserves freedom.
"Kuchiki-sama has return in Japan and- Ichigo caught his breath panic rushed through his body.
"Where is Rukia? Rukia! He shouted running up the stairs and instantly open Rukia's room. He finds it empty and her things were not there too. Ichigo rush back outside. "Where is Rukia?" he angrily shouted at them making Momo's sobs pitched up in surprise.
"She was taken by Kuchiki-sama. We tried to stop it but he had more men wi- Shuuhei didn't finished what he was about to say. They heard the loud bang of the door as it close and the harsh roar of their master's car as he drove away to his mansion. Ichigo was clearly over speeding. He almost hit another car on the way. He was furious; he was shaking in anger and frustration.
"How much more do you want to take away from me you fucked up son of a bitch Byakuya?" Turning his car to a sharp U turn. It was a miracle it didn't hover on the other side. "She's the only one left meaningful in my life…" He regrettably said. He knows he doesn't have the chance to fight for Rukia knowing what he did to her all those time she had been faithful to him. But his heart this time doesn't want to just stay and wait then lead to giving up. This time he wanted to do everything, fair or not he wanted to fight. Defeat is visible, his heart knows that defeat is inevitable but he was not disappointed. His heart screams that he yearned to prove to her that she was important to him too. And if she'll not come back to him then it's better to be dead.
"THANK YOU FOR READING"
"ALWAYS FAITHFUL"