The Promise

Hey people! YuYuAnne here with an update. Many thanks to my last week reviewers: Rukes, 1superkawaii, XBlueSkyX, Beijing Girl, White snow, Vicky73, Yuniee, sagittariusleo, kejora, Namine1993, RukiaYoukoMashi, omg, Darth-Taisha. Love all of them! All so motivating! xxx Special thanks to IcePrincess95 who added me as her fave author (bows). I'm grateful for those who also added this story to their fave and alert list.

I'll try not to make it too OC but as an AU it's quite hard to avoid it. But I'll do my best to keep it to a minimum! x

Well done XBlueSkyX for spotting the hint. I'll develop on that area later but there's another hint in this chapter too x

Anyways, on with the chapter. Hope I don't disappoint!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach just this plot

'Rukia has agreed to marry me. She is to be my wife. So, naturally, we will be sleeping in the same room.'

Byakuya was fuming.

'Between the same sheets, no doubt,' Ulquiorra continued his torment.

Only I can have her. The sooner you understand that the better.

Byakuya clutched his fists trying his best to keep his composure. His will power was slowly disappearing.

'Just because Rukia is like Hisana that doesn't give you the right to use her as a substitute,' Byakuya hissed.

'I'm not asking her to be. Rukia is marrying me because she wants to; because she loves me.'

'Never!' Byakuya shouted.

His voice hitched high as if someone had stabbed him through the heart. Those words were unbelievable. Those words were painful.

'She is my woman,' Ulquiorra warned.

A bright burning light soared through Byakuya's hand heading towards Ulquiorra. His eyes widened at the sudden action. It was more of a surprise rather than shock.

Way of destruction; blue fire crash down

The spell never reached Ulquiorra. A grey black rectangular sheet shielded Ulquiorra from the attack blocking it completely. It was as if the sheet absorbed the entire blue fire before vanishing into thin air itself.

Way of binding; splitting void

Both men turned towards the shadow lurking in the doorway. A slight shiver passed through them as they felt a huge energy filled with killing intent slowly approach them.

'Do I have to remind you both,' Aizen walked into the room showing himself under the moonlight, 'fights among other purebloods are strictly forbidden.'

'Yes, Aizen-sama,' the two men both said as they bowed to their king.

'Byakuya, you are most at fault for using spells against your own kind.'

'Forgive me, Oji-sama. It will not happen again.'

Ulquiorra's eyebrows twisted in knots. It was clear that the two spells were only used by soul reapers more commonly known as kido. No vampire knew how to use them because the correct incantations were not known. Yet, both Aizen and Byakuya clearly had access to at least some of the spells. The most surprising was that the binding spell Aizen used was definitely a higher level spell. It was the first time Ulquiorra had seen a vampire use a soul reaper spell.

How is that possible? What other spells do they master? When-

'Ulquiorra, I have important matters to discuss with you. I will meet you at the Assembly Hall.'

'As you wish, Aizen-sama,' he said as he bowed. Just as he reached towards the exit he glanced back towards Byakuya.

'And for the record, Rukia is not a substitute. She is nothing like Hisana.'

Ulquiorra smiled to himself or was he smirking at Byakuya? He turned back to finally walk out of the room. Byakuya, not convinced with Ulquiorra's statement, took a step forwards to follow him.

'Do not make me repeat myself,' Aizen stated calmly, 'I haven't punished you for using kido on your own kind yet.'

Byakuya stopped in his tracks. Only four purebloods knew the secret to using kido. Aizen wanted to keep this weapon among his family so the Kuchiki name will remain the royal purebloods and possessing great powers far beyond other vampires' reach. So, the fewer vampires knew of their secret the better. And now, someone else knew but Ulquiorra didn't even question about it. How odd? Aizen looked to the exit.

Ulquiorra, what are you thinking? What should I do with you?

'Rukia-san?'

'Huh?'

'Are you ok, Rukia-san? I've called out to you three times but you still didn't answer me,' Orihime asked. They had been walking in the hallway but Rukia was spacing out now and then during their conversation.

'Sorry, Orihime,' Rukia offered in slight awkwardness.

'Is everything alright, Rukia-san?'

Rukia felt the ever so warm and caring Orihime hold her hand. The pureblood princess never looked down on any other vampire. Her gentle approach seemed like a weakness to others but Rukia thought it was endearing; sweet even. They were good friends. She admired Orihime's looks too. Being tall, slim and blessed with a voluptuous chest, Orihime had a body that most men would die for. Yet, being a princess often meant that your marriage was arranged by the parents and not of your own free will.

'Orihime, I hear you're...' Rukia hesitated for a moment, 'you're getting married soon?'

'Uh.' She nodded slowly.

'It makes me sad that you cannot marry who you truly wish but marry... someone your father chooses.'

'Rukia-san, are you sad for me or sad because it is me marrying Byakuya-san?'

'Huh?' Rukia gasped. 'Wh-what... what do mean?' Rukia stuttered. She completely forgot how to talk properly at the blunt question.

Why would I be sad? What do I care if that idiot is marrying someone else? Why am I stuttering? Come on, Rukia, pull yourself together!

'It's ok, Rukia-san.' She noticed they had already arrived at the music room. 'Oh, I forgot to bring my practice book. Rukia, will you wait inside while I run off to get it?'

'Uh,' Rukia nodded and Orihime began to depart on her own.

BE-BEEP. BE-BEEP

Byakuya opened up his text message from Orihime.

It's done

Byakuya smiled. Delicately, he placed his hands over the black and white keys and started to move around the piano in a graceful manner. The intoxicating music filled the entire room. Being pureblood royalty, he was forced to learn music and he took an interest in piano playing. However, he tried not to play often as it seemed to attract more female attention. But now, he wanted to attract her attention...

His eyes glanced eagerly over at the music door longing for her to enter the room. He hadn't seen her for almost three weeks. Ulquiorra made sure she stayed away from him. That was why he worked out this plan with Orihime.

The golden handle pushed down. His heart pumped quicker with anticipation as the door slowly creaked open.

A familiar tune echoed from the music room. Someone was already occupying the music room. Perhaps she shouldn't disturb them but still she didn't leave. Rukia leaned a little closer pushing her ear against the woodwork desperately trying to hear more. She straightened her back.

This is my favourite piece

Curiosity found the better of her as her body decided to enter the room.

Perhaps they won't mind if I just sit in to listen?

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. That was definitely true in the sense that Rukia seemed to look more beautiful than ever. Byakuya quickly looked away from her trying not to give away the fact that he was already expecting her. The clicking of heals told him she was approaching towards him. The closer she got the faster he began to play. He couldn't contain the excitement within him.

Calm down. You are cool, calm and collected.

He closed his eyes to focus his mind just on playing. As a skilful pianist he quickly resumed the proper rhythm. But his mistake was to open his eyes again as he found her standing behind him. Her presence was difficult to ignore. He could feel her eyes burning his back. A little tingle passed through him.

With her soft and warm hand she gently touched his shoulder. It jerked his focus causing him to stop playing abruptly.

'Byakuya,' he moved his head round look up to her, 'this music...' she trailed.

'I learnt it especially for you,' he said with a small smile. 'You love it, right?'

'I...' She couldn't help but blush.

It was the main theme to a romantic film, The Piano. A mute woman wrote a piano piece, called, The Promise, in memory of her first lover. She fell in love with her piano teacher but then her family sold her into marriage. She vowed to never speak or to love another. That was her promise to her lover. A promise to only love one person forever no matter what. It was Rukia's favourite love story. She had dragged Byakuya to watch it with her over and over again. So they both knew the meaning behind the music.

'This is my promise to you,' he picked up her hand and planted a little kiss over her delicate fingers, 'I will love you and only you.'

A warm fuzzy feeling coarse through her body; tinting her cheeks. Never had she seen Byakuya so serious before. He genuinely meant what he said. No more playing games. It was true affection he was displaying towards her.

'Byakuya.'

She removed her fingers away from his lips to stroke his face. He had such young and smooth skin despite living for more than 30 years. Vampires hardly ever aged only if your blood was mixed with foreign blood. Purebloods stayed younger longer than any other vampires.

Her touches found their way to trace his lips. They were so velvety smooth. She wondered if it was just as soft to kiss them.

It was so agonising for Byakuya. It was almost like a torture ritual. He grabbed her hand to pull her closer; pulling her head down a little. His neck stretched out far enough for his lips to push onto hers. Lips silky like flower petals. The only thing that made it sweeter was that Rukia's kisses were responding to his.

A little gasp escaped her as Byakuya's kisses became fierce. Taking this fine opportunity, he delved his tongue into her mouth swiping it along hers. Rukia moaned at the sensual touch. While his tongue continued to explore her mouth his hands wandered around her bum; feeling and squeezing the fleshy skin.

Stopping his passionate kisses he stood up and picked her up in his strong arms. He swivelled around and sat her on top of the shiny black piano. Her legs hung off the edge of the piano and rested her feet on the piano stool. Gently, he pushed her back to lie across the smooth musical instrument as he continued kissing her again. This time he began attacking her neck making Rukia shudder with pleasure. Byakuya relished in her moans. It increased his lust.

His hand stroked down her body from the valley between her breasts, over her flat stomach and then stopped at her womanhood. He rubbed her womanhood through her short skirt drawing circles over it. Louder moans caught Byakuya's attention. A different kind of music to his ears. He stopped his kisses to watch Rukia squirm. Her flustered face; her raw moans; her quaking body. He was taking it all in.

God, you look so beautiful

He sat back down on the piano stool and stopped his ministrations. Surprised or perhaps disappointed, Rukia looked up slightly only to see Byakuya lifting up her skirt exposing her lacy panties. Byakuya tore his hands into her tights to get to her underwear. His head bent down and disappeared in between her legs to kiss her core through the flimsy panties. His hot breath blew up her core. She threw her head back down again and moaned. A new wave of emotions started to seep through.

BE-BEEP. BE-BEEP

Byakuya stared confusingly at Orihimie's text message snapping him back to reality.

It's done

He turned back but he was indeed alone in the music room. He couldn't help but sigh to himself.

Just another fantasy, huh?

Rukia was only just about to approach the room. He shook his head to concentrate on the music piece. Hopefully, things would go as smoothly as did in his dream. A little grin surfaced as he began to play.

In the corner of his eye Byakuya could see a little movement meaning Rukia had entered the room. The high anticipation within him caused him to hit a few wrong keys.

Rukia recognised the music instantly. It was beautiful despite the little errors and irregular tempo.

The Promise. The promise of eternal love

She had always wanted Byakuya to play just for her. How wonderful it would be if he could compose a melody just for her?

She took her time to admire the handsome man gliding his fingers across the keyboard ever so elegantly. It had been a while since she last saw him. It was best to keep away since her engagement to Ulquiorra was finally announced. Rukia twitched.

Itoko-san... I shouldn't be here

Orihime laid down onto her bed sprawling her luscious long locks over her pink fluffy pillows. She stares into the whites of her ceiling with no intention of going back to the music room.

Rukia-san, you will probably want to ask why I am doing this.

Grimmjow pulled her naked body into his. Slowly, he drifted off into sleep; content that she was finally his woman. Kuchiki Byakuya wouldn't marry her especially not now that she has been tainted by him. Orihime snuggled closer to her lover.

Byakuya-san, you don't have to thank me for helping you. If you get together with Rukia...

She admired Gimmjow's sleeping form.

.. then I am free to be with the one I truly love.

She sighed

I just want to be happy. Is that selfish of me? Perhaps we can all find happiness?

Byakuya chanced a glance over to Rukia and decided to stop. Her face was gloomy. The violet eyes that were normally bright now seemed to be filled with sadness. Troubled. She seemed to be quite troubled. Her whole body slumped low like an enormous weight was sitting on her shoulders binding her.

'Rukia,' he called but no reaction came from her.

Her eyes remained focussed on the floor between them. He made his way over to her closing the gap between them. Byakuya was right in front of her but still she didn't move.

'Rukia, do I displease you?' Her eyes lit up to look into his. 'This is your favourite song, is it not?' I learnt this piece just for you.' Rukia's eyes widened.

'Me?'

He stepped closer. For some reason she was a little nervous making her step back. He arched over her ear.

'Rukia,' he took another step closer to her but she couldn't go back any further as she hit the door behind her, 'it has always been you,' he purred.

She stifled a gasp as his lips placed a tender kiss on her cheek. He bent his head to dip in the crook of her neck placing sweet kisses up and down it. She shuddered in delight. His tongue slipped out to move across the sensitive area. Her knees began to turn into mush; hardly able to stand on their own. She was beginning to melt under his contact. Butterfly kisses travelled up again, over her cheek to the main target of her lips. To her own surprise she was kissing him too.

Pleased that she was responding he pushed her into the door hard as he tried to deepen the kiss. All his fantasies were nothing compared to the real thing. He pushed his tongue inside her to taste more.

CHING. CHING.

The clock hanging on the wall chimed two o'clock in the morning. It broke their kiss. Much to Byakuya's annoyance. When he looked back to Rukia she looked shocked and covered her mouth with both hands.

What am I doing? I'm engaged!

She summoned all her might to step away from him. She just had to ignore these feelings for Byakuya. How could she break off the engagement? How could she leave Ulquiorra?

'Byakuya,' she took a deep breath before she continued, 'it may be more appropriate for you to play Für Elise.'

'Rukia,' his voice broke a little.

He was stunned. This was a sudden change of mood.

Für Elise, one of Ludwig van Beethoven's famous pieces. It was one he composed to confess his love to a close friend. Unfortunately, she rejected him to marry another. In Rukia's polite way, she was turning him down.

'You're rejecting me... for him?' He lost his composure for a while. 'For the likes of him?'

'Itoko-san is a good man.' She didn't want anyone to disrespect Ulquiorra.

'But you still only see him as a cousin, right?'

'I...'

She hesitated. Perhaps that would explain why she still called Ulquiorra by that rather than his actual name. Or was it just a force of habit?

'You don't love him.' Was that a question or a statement?

'I... Of course I do. He's looked after me and protected me for all these years. Everything he does is for me. He-'

'That's not love,' Byakuya cut in, 'that's just gratitude. That's not a reason to marry someone.'

'It... it's not like that...' Rukia shifted a little away from him.

'Rukia, it's me that you want.' He cupped her cheek so she could face him again.

'Bya-'

'You kissed back. You want me.' His eyes fixed onto her lips again.

Her eyes spread wider. It was true. She did kiss him back. All those feelings for him were flooding right back. She was so overwhelmed by the emotions she couldn't move as he dipped his head to the side hovering over her mouth. Ready to continue their kiss.

... you said you would be with me. Have you had a change of heart? Are you to abandon me?

How could she betray Ulquiorra?

'No, I can't,' she gasped as she pushed him away from her. Her feet found their way to the exit as she locked up her feelings again.

'Rukia!' She looked up at him. It pained her.

'Please just forget about the kiss.' And she ran off.

Finally, she couldn't run anymore and slid down one of the corridor walls. Tears spilled out of her as she remembered the last look on Byakuya's face. He was full of hurt; full of sorrow. It was unbearable for her to watch.

I'm so sorry. I... For a moment there I did lose my resolve and kissed him. Forgive me, itoko-san... I...

The guilt was eating her. She felt hopeless. Although she had no ill intention but all she seemed to be doing was hurt those close to her. Ichigo. Ulquiorra. Byakuya. So much had happened her mind was flying out of control. It was all so confusing to her. She hugged her knees and looked up towards the Heavens.

What should I do? I just want to do the right thing but why is it so hard?

Or do you want me to be all alone again? Should I lose you too?

Ulquiorra's words kept ringing in her head again and again. It was like brain-washing her mind. She felt unable to leave him.

Suddenly, she snapped her head up. A spiritual energy was lurking around the corner. It was faint but it was most definitely foreign. They were trying to hide the energy but weren't doing a very good job of it.

An intruder!

Rukia dusted herself off and got to her feet. Instantly, she hid her own energy. She took a deep breath to steady herself and prepared to ambush the trespasser.

Three. Two. One.

And she jumped up into the air with her leg out to kick her victim. The figure turned round at the last minute.

'Ruki- AH!' She was shocked but was unable to stop her boot from colliding into his face.

'Ichigo?' She stood up straight while Ichigo wailed in pain on the floor.

'What are you doing here? Do you want to get killed? Idiot!' He grabbed his face still in agony.

'Nice to see you too! I'm fine by the way. Thanks for asking!' He oozed sarcasm.

'Ichigo, you're not meant to be here.' She looked around checking for any other vampires.

'I think you broke my nose,' Ichigo complained as he rubbed his face. 'Am I bleeding?'

'Ichigo!'

'Yeah, yeah,' he picked himself back up, 'I'm here on behalf of my master to meet with your Pureblood King.'

'What? I don't understand.' Confusion painted her entire face.

'Rukia, do you think that one day, vampires and humans could live side by side peacefully?'

'I... Ichigo...?'

'No more of us killing each other. No more wars. No more chaos. Just vampires and humans as...' He looked at Rukia and smiled. '... as friends?'

'I...' Speechless. She was absolutely speechless.

Is that really possible? Is he asking if we can-

'Rukia!' Renji bombarded over to them. 'Kurosaki-san, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! I couldn't find you in the washroom. Where did you go?'

'I er... I...' He hesitated. 'I got lost.'

'Oh, right. Yeah, it's easy to get lost in this castle,' Renji laughed.

'Yeah, it is' Ichigo said nervously. 'It's this way, right?'

Ichigo nodded over to the end of the corridor. There was a huge heavy door with four guards in front of it. All four men were strong built and carried weapons on them. It was screaming out some sort of secret matter. Whatever was in there seemed to be rather important.

'No, no, you can't go in there. No one's really allowed there. I think it's some sort of weapon's storage room or something.'

'Is that so...?' Ichigo eyed the room with more curiosity.

And that's it for the moment. What do you think of the chapter? Let me know.

I particularly liked Orihime's part in this chapter. I admired how she admitted to be jealous of Rukia in the actual series. Not a lot of people can be honest about that. So I wanted to bring that honesty side of selfishness in the story.

You probably hate me for not putting warnings for limes, lemons, IchiRuki, UlquiHisana and so on but I just wanted to keep the element of surprise hehe. Hope you can bear with me x

All reviews welcomed. Ja x