I Am Your Slave Wife
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN BLEACH.
A/N: Hi! Ahehehe… Blame it on my THESIS. "Ouch!" Did someone just throw a dictionary at me with a bold black letter in times new roman the word "LAZY"? LOL. I'M SORRY, ALRIGHT… Too busy. College demands you to be a slave. Lol Enough of me. Enjoy and thanks for reading and the reviews.
CHAPTER 23: I AM YOUR SLAVE WIFE
She hates everything that flows with time. The afternoon sunlight blinded her, the wind sting her cheeks, even the cherry blossom is repulsive. The once beautiful spring tree is just like another empty wall in her dead eyes.
As for her, everything is broken. She's dead but breathing. She look up at the blue sky, it's too high to hope. She wishes her life to end and meet him again. She is searching for him and longing under the spell of the broken full moon.
She felt cold, why does she need to keep on living? She only carry the darkest shades of pain, will it be too much to ask for eternal rest?
When you reach the point where life itself is cutting through your soul, you felt endless shame and disgust, expect living will make it worst. The repetitions of endless memories of pain, even eyes that reflect emptiness, make tears escape.
"Ms. Karin, we need to close the windows now. It's getting cold in here." Her private nurse said. Karin said nothing or makes a move. Her eyes continue to look up the sky until the windows close right in front of her eyes hiding the moon.
"Let me dream of you, Toshiro…"
…...
"Congratulations, both of you my precious children. You bring joy to this troubled heart of mine. When Karin and Hitsugaya-kun returns they will be happy to hear the good news." Isshin warmly engulf them in his arms. He prayed everything will return to normal. He misses those happy and crazy moments in his family.
Now that his son and his third daughter are in good terms and he is going to be a grandfather. What more can he ask for? He truly prayed that this crisis inside his family will end soon.
"Spend the night here, son. Your wife looks tired. She much needed rest." Rukia was about to give a polite retort but Ichigo hold her and gently turn her to his chest.
"Yeah, Dad she will spend the night here. Please watch over her for me I have to fill the work that I missed. I have to contact HQ for updated reports." Rukia pushed Ichigo's chest away from her and look up at him.
She frowned. "You are leaving? What time is it Ichigo? It's dangerous out there and you are alone." Ichigo shook his head and gave his wife a gentle smile and a kiss on her forehead.
"I'm fine. I am just going to be in HQ. No one in their right mind will attack Kenpachi's turf unless they are thinking of suicide." Ichigo smiled reassuring his wife. Rukia knows that he is needed there to find Karin, feeling a bit of loneliness Rukia help herself by burying her face on his chest, inhaling his musky scent, lulling her to sleep. Ichigo passionately return her affections.
Isshin smile at the scene. He knew it, they truly love each other.
….
Ichigo carefully tucked Rukia under the warmth of his bed in his old home, the Grand Kurosaki Mansion. Ichigo waited until she had fallen asleep. He didn't want to leave her but for a safe future for his family, he has to work and find that bastard.
Ichigo sat beside her and gently caress Rukia's smooth exposed shoulder.
"She is carrying my child." He thought. A smile emerges from his lips. And he surrenders to his urges to trail kisses on her shoulders. "I won't let them hurt you. I won't allow that." He said, taking in once again her peaceful sleeping face before heading out of his room.
He arrived at HQ around quarter to midnight. He was not surprise when all of his squad and their Captain Commander Kenpachi are still working. Everyone has a mug of coffee at hand.
"Yoh, Ichigo. We heard the news. Congratulations." Renji said, shaking hands and patting Ichigo's back. The rest did the same. Ikkaku, Shinji, Kyoraku, Ukitake and last Kenpachi who at first gave him a knowing smirk and a strong pat in the back much to Ichigo's annoyance.
"My son and your son, we will see who fights better. I am looking forward to that day. My kid kicks your kid's ass." Kenpachi roared in laughter. For him his idea is so amazing. Ichigo glared at him. He didn't even know yet if his child is a he or a she and this guy assumed already that their children crack each other's head in front of them? He had to make a mental note that Kenpachi and his son is off limits to his child or his future children.
"Shut up, old man." He simply retort making his way to his office. He heard his work buddies laugh at his back while trying to get back to their work. Ukitake followed him to his office. "What is the Chief of Justice of Japan doing here this late of the night? I think you should give yourself a good night rest Sir." Ukitake gently smile at the brilliant young man in front of him, carefully reading the reports piled in his table.
"My son Toshiro, I drop by hoping to get news about him." Ichigo abruptly stopped reading and apologetically looked at the said man. They are not the only one who looked tired and can't sleep almost every night unless they are beaten at work or for him unless Rukia is beside him.
"I'm afraid we didn't find anything, both my sister and your son Sir. I'm sorry." Ukitake shook his head.
"It's ok Ichigo. I am patient all I can asks and hope is they are alright wherever they might be." Ichigo nodded in understanding. He pities him, unlike his father he still have Yuzu and him but Toshiro is Ukitake's only son and only family.
"I think I should go and take your advice to take the nights rest. Sleep seemed so hard to catch these days." He lightly joked. Ichigo calmly chuckled.
"I agree Sir, when we have anything concerning Toshiro Sir. I will immediately inform you. Mark my words Sir. We will not stop and will try our best to find them." The determination in his eyes made Ukitake cling to that hope with a tight grip that everything will be alright.
….
Rukia was woken up by the vibrating of her phone inside her bag that was placed on the night stand beside Ichigo's bed. Her hand lazily reaches for her bag and shoves it inside. Without looking who called Rukia answered the phone.
"Hello?" She softly said. Upon hearing the voice of her caller Rukia's eyes widen. She well remembered the voice. "Ashido!" She enthusiastically exclaimed. "How, did you… wow, I didn't expect to hear from you! How are you?" She asked, now fully awake.
"Am good, am good. I'm in Japan now for a break but unfortunately I don't know much of Japan, this place is so foreign to me. I want to tour around. Are you busy?" He asked. Rukia clearly getting the hint excitedly got up from bed.
"Let me tour you around! I want to return the favor and talk to you. Where are you now?" Rukia heard rustling and Ashido groaning.
"Mmmmh… actually I just arrived. I am looking for a hotel but I am not good at reading Japanese characters."
"Oh, I see. Can you wait for a while? I'll be fast I promise. I'll come and pick you up. Is that ok?" Rukia said with all the willingness to help him. Ashido smile, she's so good that he wants her even more. Ashido was quiet for a while.
"Ashido? Are you still there?"
"Ah, yeah. That would be great. I am not bothering you, right?" He gently asked.
"Oh no! Definitely not, you are always welcome to me." Ashido can imagine her smiling on the other line. Her voice is so cheerful, Ashido swear it sounds like an angel singing in his ears. "I have to go Ashido. I'll be right there before you know it. I'll call you!" Ashido smiled again. He wants to see her soon.
"I'll wait thanks… and Rukia." Ashido called her before they hang up. "I miss you." Rukia oblivious to Ashido's feelings, return the message with all sincerity. The difference is that she means it as a friend.
Rukia hurriedly went to shower and fix herself. She wore a dark brown high waist skirt that reach mid thigh. The skirt looks soft complementing her flawless legs. She partnered it with a plain spaghetti strap shirt tuck in the skirt that hugs her waist not so tight that it will hurt her baby. Then a cute light brown close heeled shoes. She looks so simple but very eye catching.
Rukia quickly but carefully went down stairs. She was met by Kowamura, her father-in-law's assistant.
"Kurosaki-san, Good Morning." He said bowing at her. Rukia politely return the gesture. The house seemed empty except for a few maids doing their chores. "Mr. Kurosaki-sama said his apologize for not being able to join you for breakfast, the same with young lady Yuzu. Mr. Kurosaki-sama had been called for an important meeting and Yuzu have early activities at school." He explained.
"Oh, it's ok Kowamura-san. I have to leave also." She said hurrying to the door. Kowamura followed her.
"May I ask where are you going Kurosaki-san? I have a strict order not to permit you outside unless I have informed young master Kurosaki Ichigo. Please do reconsider the danger outside, my lady."
"Oh, I am just going to meet a friend then I'll return to our house. It won't take long and I am in public. Just arrange a driver and a bodyguard. I'll call Ichigo when I get home. Thanks, Kowamura-san. Have a nice day.
She was hurriedly rushing outside that he didn't have the time to pursue her more to stay.
….
Rukia went inside the Airport. She took out her phone and called Ashido, her eyes scanning the place as the phone rings. Ashido already saw her, from the time she walks in. He can't take his eyes of her. She looks so perfect; everything seems to be in slow motion. His eyes look at from her shoe glad feet, to her skirt that seemed to tease his imagination, then to her small waist, her chest gently heaving up and down, and to her beautiful innocent face. Ashido didn't call her as she pass him by, instead he walk behind her and wrap his arms around her waist, planting his lips on her neck as he inhale her intoxicating scent. Rukia's body stiffen, surprised by the unfamiliar touch.
He will give up everything to hold her like this forever. "Bonjour, mademoiselle. You look so beautiful today." He said, eyes close and feeling every moment she's in his arms. Rukia giggled and turned around, at the same time creating a small distance between them.
"That's a Casanova from France for all of you ladies of Tokyo, Japan." Rukia playfully said with a big smile in her face. Ashido's eyes only mirrored of admiration.
"Is my charms working on you?" There was a brief pause before Rukia burst out laughing, playfully patting Ashido's shoulders.
"Testing your charms on me will not bear a good outcome. I'm married Ashido. You'll only know how good your charms are when you test it to women…" Rukia began scanning the crowded place for beautiful women when she spotted a group of tourist guide. "Like those." She finished, turning Ashido's body to them.
He just looks at them with bored eyes. He is not interested, not a slightest bit.
"It didn't matter to me even if you are married." Rukia didn't miss the seriousness in his voice; it made her a little uncomfortable. She looks at his strong back towering over her. She thought he is kind of acting strange. Rukia uncomfortably chuckled.
Ashido feeling that he is making Rukia uncomfortable immediately change the subject and face her again with bright smile in his face.
"I prefer a tourist guide like you so where yah taking me lady Rukia?" He asked, offering his hand to her. Rukia looked from his open palm to his eyes. She didn't understand the strange behavior he showed a while ago but she owed this man a lot. He accompanied her all those days she's trying to fix herself. He had been a very good friend who didn't mind sharing his happiness to a broken stranger like her. In that short time, the unexpected meeting she felt his support focused on her.
Rukia return the smile and enthusiastic energy, accepting Ashido's hand and excitedly drag him away. "I'll make sure you'll have fun in here!" She squealed. For now, he will let her take him and then he'll take her away from this place.
…
Ashido smirk at the white convertible Porsche. That car suits her well. Ashido notice also a black Lexus behind her car that must be her bodyguard. He thought disappointed, that's not enough men to defend against his father.
Rukia talking to her driver comically, she is probably asking if she can drive. She exaggeratedly clasps her hand above her head, pleading politely to let her drive. The driver can't help but sweat drop. He was not in position to decline her; she is his boss for fuck's sake. She's just too polite and cute. Damn if his boss hears his thoughts, he will be floating at Tokyo Bay now.
"Maam, you can have your car." The driver said stressing the word "your". Rukia's eyes brighten, giving Ashido a very unladylike gesture, a straight thumbs-up with a cute wink. Ashido chuckled, walking close to her, shaking his head in amazement.
"Shall we, Casanova-kun." Rukia opened the car's door for him with a teasing smile in her lips.
"How much more will you steal my heart? You amaze me with everything you do. You woke up every desire I have in the deepest part of my soul, in my heart. I will never regret taking you for myself, selfish as it sounds but just this once I am letting myself act like my father. I now somehow understand how he felt."
"Ashido, is everything ok?" Rukia asked when she notice that Ashido seemed to space out.
"Ah, yeah. Sorry I was thinking. Where are you taking me?" He asked as they settle inside the car.
"Our house, the Kurosaki mansion I will show you my garden and we can have brunch there."
"Sounds good, is your husband there?" Rukia shook her head.
"No, he is at work. He is very hard working. He went to work even if it's already late at night to find his sister, to bring back safety and freedom in our family." Rukia explained. Ashido thought that he is working too hard, neglecting you. That's why you'll be taken away from him.
"I hope he is not neglecting you again." Ashido looked outside the window everything outside is in fast forward as the car drive away.
"I admire everything he does. And no matter what I will wait for him at home."
"Such kind words Kurosaki Ichigo I envy you." He thought.
…...
They arrived at the Kurosaki mansion. Rukia introduce Ashido to all the people working at her house. And tour him around, at her garden she asked for a table to be arranged under a cherry blossom tree. Rukia picked the white roses to be put on the apple green vase at the center of the round light blue table, patterned with dark blue roses. Ashido let her drag him around, laughing at her jokes, smiling at everything she say and do.
He settles himself on the comfortable chair across while Rukia is busy preparing food. Ashido looked around the very vibrant garden that could match the palace gardens in France. The Kurosaki mansion is a beautiful place with lively people around. He can now understand why Rukia wanted to stay, despite all the painful memories she have in this place.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. We will have the Kurosaki's special chocolate and strawberry pie together with our chocolate and strawberry overload parfait." Rukia said as she transfers the plates on the table from the tray Hanatarou is holding.
Ashido's brow raised "Desert right away?" He asked. Rukia excitedly settle down on the chair across him. She clasped her hands and thanked her food.
"Itadakimasu!" She scope a spoon full of her parfait. "Sorry, I have immediate cravings for desserts. It's good you should eat." She said smiling sweetly at him. Ashido half smiled, half chuckled.
"So damn, cute." He thought.
"Say, Ashido. Do you have a business trip or this is just a vacation?" She asked, wiping her lips with her napkin.
"Mmmh… let's see. I have something to do but I consider this trip a vacation."
"What is this something you need to do? Is it important, can I help you about it?" Ashido stopped half way of eating his cake.
"You can help." He said softly. Rukia's eyes brightened.
"Really? So how?"
"Just stay with me." Rukia's brow raised.
"How's that going to work?" Ashido chuckled. She'll never run out of questions.
"Mind we go somewhere? I'll show you." He offered.
…...
"Can I drive? My manly ego won't settle if I let you drive, my Lady." Ashido said. Rukia raised a brow.
"Manly ego? Come on. I'm totally fine and I know the place. It's ok-
"Please, I want to come to this place. Please. Please don't worry I know how to get there." Rukia frowned but shrugged her thought. Ashido is her guest, it will be rude if she voice out what she was thinking. That he said awhile ago, he didn't know the way here that's why he called.
They exchange seats, Ashido now in the driver's seat, Rukia in the passengers, driving away from the Kurosaki mansion. She carefully tucked some strands of her hair that fall off from her bun and quietly glance at Ashido. She can't point it out but Ashido is definitely not acting like Ashido she knew in Paris. There's a change in him. It's not bad but it's not comfortable.
She didn't realize she was staring until she met Ashido's intense eyes. Ashido turned off the ignition without breaking eye contact with her. Rukia tried to read his soul through his eyes but fail. The only soul she can read through their eyes is Ichigo Kurosaki.
"Rukia, no matter what happened next in your life, in our lives. Always remember I will always protect you. I will never let anyone hurt you again." Rukia understand, she gently smiled at him.
"You are a good friend Ashido, a kind soul. I'm so lucky to have you. But you don't have to worry about me anymore. Ichigo will be there for me. He will never hurt me again, so rest assured. I'm sorry for making you worry about my welfare but I'm happy now." Both of them look ahead the road. Rukia didn't notice the sadness in Ashido's eyes and the tight grip of his hand on the steering wheel.
"I am going to be a mother soon." She said. "I'm pregnant, Ashido." He felt everything shattered.
…
"I think we should call it a day Ichigo. He'll die if we torture him more for information." Renji said taking up the blind fold on the now unconscious man. Ichigo snort taking off his black gloves, blood stained on them.
"This man deserves every pain bestowed upon him. Who would have thought that this son of a bitch is the serial killer Yumichika had been trying to find 3 years ago. Aizen, that sick bastard protecting this kind of people. He makes me want to spit on his face as I dislocate all his bones." Renji nodded in understanding. He can't blame his friend for the deep hatred he's feeling for the said man. His sister and Hitsugaya are missing, their friends has been killed on a mission. They didn't even have enough time to mourn for Yumichika's death and another of their colleagues had been dead. Not to mention the critical condition of the others in the hospital.
"You should go home and eat lunch with Rukia. I bet she's waiting for you now." He immediately notices the change of his mood. The once irritated, full of hatred eyes now held excitement and eagerness he immediately digs for his phone on his pocket as they exit the dark secret torture room.
Renji went straight to the vending machine for a cold drink. Ichigo pass him by, all focus on the phone on his ears.
"Hey, Kowamura-san is Rukia there? What do you mean she left early? I wouldn't be asking you now if she damn called! Why you didn't call me that she left? Fuck that, I'm hanging up." Ichigo cursed immediately dialing his second call to his own home.
"Shuuhei, is Rukia there why can't I contact her? She had been there and with a friend? Do you recognize her friend? A foreigner? From where? France? How long has she been out? Do you know where they go? Ok, ok. Call me immediately if she's home. Assign some bodyguards to look for her. And I mean it now." Ichigo does not like the feeling of fear inside him now. His heart is pounding of unsaid words.
Renji notice the distress in his friend's features. He was about to asked what's going on when his phone rang.
"Hello?" He started.
"Sir, this is the Shimokawa District Police. We had a car accident here, based on the information from their ID's. They work for the Kurosaki Corp. as private bodyguards. One survived Sir but he is still shaken to talk." The obviously young police officer reported. Renji looked back at Ichigo who was now, taking his things ready to leave.
"Thank you for the report. We will immediately send detectives to investigate the case. For now, make sure to preserve the scene. Thank you." Renji hang up and catch up on his friend. "I had a call from Shimokawa District Police. They said two of your private bodyguards had an accident. One is alive but too shaken to talk-
"In fucking hell it's an accident. I-I I can't contact Rukia, Renji!" Ichigo half-shouted.
"Fuck."
….
"Daaad!" Yuzu cried before she can even step foot outside their family car. She runs as fast as she can to reach her father's office. "Daaad!" She cried again, tears now freely flowing from her eyes. She didn't even care if she missed a step and it will be a painful fall, down the stairs. She only want her Dad to see the envelope she's holding even if it is now slightly soaked of her tears.
"Daad!" She shouted again almost hitting Kowamura on her way to his office. Kowamura can only help but looked at her retreating back with a troubled expression on his old face.
Before Yuzu reached Isshin's office the door opened and Isshin came out with a worried expression on his restless features. He welcomed his daughter in his arms when she rush over him and buried her tear stained face on his chest. Yuzu was crying and shaking so bad.
"What's wrong my beautiful child?" He calmly asked trying to soothe her back, rocking her gently like she was back being his baby girl. Yuzu's hand tightens on the envelope, and the hold she has on her father. She didn't know what to say. Her Dad is definitely going for her sister Karin.
She felt her Dad gently untangled her from him. His focus solely on her, she hated the seriousness in his features. Her Dad always have that goofy smile on his face but now he looks like the time their Mom had died. It hurts her so much.
Isshin notice the envelope and he took it from her. Yuzu hold her father back, she sobs on his chest, seeking comfort inside his arms.
Kurosaki Isshin and Family
You Are Invited…
A Night of Private Cruising
1800 hours at Naoma Private Port
Directions is included in the package
Karin's with us…
Bring cops and you'll never see her again
A.S.
Isshin finished reading and looked for the directions inside. He saw a picture of Karin, heavy bandages around her head, her neck, and arms. He can't see the rest because it was photograph when she was in bed looking outside the window, where he can see a glimpse of a sakura tree. She looked lifeless. Her eyes are tired and hopeless.
Isshins jaw tightened. The current state of his daughter, his family hurts him so much. Masaki must have been disappointed and sad of him now. He can't protect their children.
"I'm sorry." He whispered burying his face at the crown of Yuzu's head, seeking the same thing… a little comfort.
"THANK YOU FOR READING"
"ALWAYS FAITHFUL"