Hey there, I'm back after, say, 21 days? XD Santarina Evenstar is here to drop a little update in your Christmas stocking as a gift! XD
This one chapter is pretty long, I outlined the idea and knew I was going to be half-dead writing it out. I put off the chapter update because I couldn't find time to write.
But then in the few days approaching Christmas, I received a string of reviews and PMs through FF net and my Livejournal for a Christmas update, so I guess the readers would like a festive treat. I tried to write it out once again but this chapter was just too long. I just finished it this Christmas morning and I hope you like it. Some parts might appear a bit rushed (I did rush the writing a bit because I have other commitments, i hope you all will understand :D) and some scenes were pretty difficult to write but I hope you like it all the same. :)
Thank you so much for the reviews for the previous chapter, I appreciated all of it a lot more than you would know! They keep 'Demons from My Past' going. :D
Happy Christmas and I hope you enjoy it with your family and friends, wherever you are. For those who don't celebrate this day (to be honest, I'm one of them), happy holidays and an early Happy New Year. :)
Enjoy, Chapter 15.
WARNING: I don't own Bleach or characters. I don't own any song featured. All copyrights go to their respective owners. The only thing I (proudly) own is the plot.
Byakuya stirred slightly in his bed and opened his eyes, taking in the early morning sunlight now filtering in through the heavy curtains. What time was it? He reached out and covered his eyes for a few seconds.
"Sleepyhead." The female voice purred.
Byakuya's hand immediately jerked from his face as he turned around in bed. The first thought that ran through his mind was that there was an intruder (from the voice, an obvious female intruder) in his bedroom. But Byakuya couldn't have slept through the entire process of someone breaking in his house, he was probably the most sensitive and agile of the Incubi population for hundreds of years. The second thought that jumped into his head (and which was more probable) was that he had gotten drunk the night before and had unintelligibly brought a female specimen with him back home.
Byakuya's grey eyes widened, as the thoughts on sixteen other possible scenarios faded from his mind.
"What?" Rukia asked quietly as she blushed slightly under his gaze. She lay to his right, propping her face with her hand as she looked at him. That was not all there was to it. Byakuya stared at the sinful black nightgown she was clad in, cut so teasingly low to hover over a modest bosom and made of sheer black material that left little to imagination.
Byakuya closed his eyes slightly before opening them again. "This is all a dream, isn't it?" he asked, a tiny hint of desperation evident behind the deep tone of his voice.
"What makes you think I am a dream?" Rukia asked a little shyly. She moved over to Byakuya before sliding on top of him, her supple legs now straddling him.
"Because you are on my bed." Byakuya pointed out reasonably. "And you are wearing… that." He allowed his eyes to roam appreciatively over Rukia's tiny black nightgown. It was flimsy and semi transparent, enabling just enough of creamy skin to show under the sheer black lace which painted an extremely erotic sight.
"I wore it because you wanted me to." Rukia pouted a little but her cheeks deepened in their shade of pink.
Byakuya observed her with aroused amusement as his heart pounded fast. Maybe this wasn't a dream after all. Maybe she really did come here, break into his house, gave in to what she knew she really needed.
And she was right, he had fantasized about her wearing that for too damn long already. And wearing it only for his eyes, of course.
Rukia gasped as a strong hand curled around her waist before forcefully pulling her downwards. She put out her hands reflexively to halt her fall, and they landed on Byakuya's sturdy chest. He stared up at her now, his head resting against his pillow, Rukia against him, their noses touching.
"Do you know what else I want?" Byakuya murmured huskily.
Rukia smiled slightly. "I think-
She never got a chance to answer as Byakuya immediately captured her lips with his. He pressed her down onto him hard as his mouth dominated hers, his hand tilting her face just slightly. Rukia kissed him back fiercely, her hands moving over his chest in seductive butterfly motions. Byakuya groaned and was about to flip her over when Rukia broke away for air.
She breathed heavily and moved to kiss his ear. "Byakuya…" Rukia's voice was breathy, a seductive whisper. Her voice was such a guilty pleasure of Byakuya's, it made his body tingle pleasurably, made his desire reach new heights.
"Byakuya, I really want you to… love me," she whispered softly before nibbling playfully on his earlobe.
Those few words sounded like the most heavenly of music to Byakuya's ears. Heck, he had been wanting that for too damn long already, waiting painfully for the green light. He could really love her right, he could… so damn right. Byakuya could think of at least eighty-six different ways to make love to Rukia, and he was going to use all of them.
Byakuya kept one hand on Rukia's face as his other started to snake lower over her curves. Lower... lower…
"Byakuya…" Rukia breathed into his ear, her voice almost a moan.
"Byakuya…"
Byakuya…
"BYAKUYA!"
Byakuya jerked in his bed as his eyes shot open. The usual early morning sunlight filtered in through the heavy curtains. He quickly turned around in his bed.
No Rukia.
Damn it.
Byakuya swore under his breath, before realizing that his name was still being shouted out in that annoying tone through the electronic panel by his bedside. The panel was connected to the gate outside his apartment suite, specially designed for visitors to identify themselves to him. Byakuya reached out groggily and pressed a button on the panel.
"What is it, Abarai?" Because you just about fucked up the best dream I have ever had.
"Byakuya!" The loud, annoying voice came through the tiny speaker again. "Let's go out!"
Byakuya covered his face with his right hand as he lay on the bed. Renji had called him up… for this?
"Where to?"
"Brunch! Then maybe into the mountains to do some really good outdoor challenges! It's been a while, you know!"
"You all go on ahead."
"No way! I'm coming in to drag you off!"
"I will be very busy today." Byakuya allowed some anger and annoyance to seep into his voice. It wasn't difficult, considering Renji had practically ruined the most delicious part of his dream moments ago.
He heard Renji sigh. "Okay. Join us though if you change your mind. We will be at the usual Shots Star till afternoon."
"Okay."
The sound clicked off and Byakuya slowly got up in his bed. His pyjama pants were painfully tight. Byakuya groaned slightly in frustration. He was going to be needing a cold shower, and this early in the morning.
But as he stood up from his bed, the unexpected smile curled the Incubus's lips. Today was Saturday.
He was going to be seeing her.
Rukia.
xXxXx
Rukia stared at the impossible mess on her bed. Had she even started this in the first place? She looked at the jumble of blouses and shirts lying on her blanket, bright single colours to mixtures of pastels, and then at the array of shorts and pants. There were even two or three sundresses strewn in their midst. She was just working in her own flower shop, why was she minding her clothes so much?
'Because you know he might walk through the door anytime.' The sneaky little voice whispered at the back of her head.
Rukia shook herself.
No no no. She couldn't care less what Byakuya thought about her.
'It's because he's used to people dressing well so I shouldn't be an exception.'
Rukia nodded to herself. Yes, that was it. After all, Byakuya carried such a perfect image in public, it was best if she played to it.
Today was Saturday, the day of their "date". Byakuya had continuously texted her the entire week and apparently, he had obtained permission from Otousan a few days ago. Otousan had left for a friend's home in the morning with a smile and a cheeky "Have fun." Rukia had spent the entire morning cleaning up the house before making herself a quick lunch. And now she was going to start working in her flower shop for a few good hours before Byakuya came to fetch her for their date. Rukia wondered why she was still playing along, why she didn't just put her foot down and glued herself to her bed. Sure, he had used very strategic means and even threats to get her to go out with him but Rukia knew if she had persisted, she would have been able to fend him off. The reason why she chose not to, she preferred not to know.
In the end, Rukia decided on her lacy white blouse and jean shorts. Otousan had always told her she looked very feminine in it.
'Oh ho, trying to look girlish now, are we?' The little voice laughed again.
'Shut up.' Feeling stupid, Rukia gave herself a mental slap before heading down to the shop.
xXxXx
Unohana Retsu smiled as she looked down at the white piece of paper.
"Sensei, you look happy. Is it good news?" A tall white-haired woman bent over the black-haired one seated in a red armchair.
"No, Isane." Unohana turned around to smile at her Succubus medical assistant. "It is just a message from Ginrei-sama."
"Oh?"
"He says he's enjoying his holidays tremendously. I believe he won't be returning for a long period of time," Unohana smiled. "He has been working hard, for the good of all of us in the Kuchiki demon clan. It's wonderful that he's finally letting some time off for himself."
"Did he ask about Byakuya-san?"
Unohana nodded. "Naturally. And I think we have to get the matter running soon. It's been put off for some time already. Now where did I put that file?" Unohana opened the drawers at her table to look for something. Finally at the last one, she took out a rather old manila folder.
"The match-making, Sensei?"
Unohana nodded as she opened the folder. Inside, there were many pieces of paper clipped together with countless photographs of beautiful Succubi. "Ginrei did ask me how it was going. It's been a couple of years since Byakuya-san asked for time off to focus on work. I think it's time we started again."
She located a piece of paper of a potential candidate and smiled. "This one sounds good. Isane, if I could trouble you?"
"Hai." Isane brought over the cordless phone and Unohana dialed in a number. She listened to the tone, waiting for the phone at Byakuya's apartment to pick up.
It rang and rang.
"He's out." Unohana returned the receiver to Isana, who retrieved it dutifully. "I will try to reach him another time."
"Hai. Err... Sensei?"
"Yes, Isane?" Unohana continued looking through the folder.
"Er, Byakuya-san… he, well, he doesn't seem to be the kind who would want to settle down, does he? I mean… he… he's always with a different girl each time I see him."
Unohana stopped reading and turned up at her assistant, who instantly bowed her head. Isane was right, Byakuya was a well-known playboy, and Unohana had watched him grow since he was a child. And ever since he had reached adulthood and his male charms manifested themselves at full power, Byakuya had one different woman at his side almost on a daily basis. He swapped his partner as easily as taking in a new breath of air.
But then…
Unohana nodded to herself a little as she remembered.
Short black hair, and rather beautiful violet eyes.
That girl in his apartment. The human girl he had called for Unohana herself to come check for her well-being.
Rukia-san.
Unohana did know that Byakuya liked strange and twisted games sometimes. He loved toying around with women, making them miserable and then winning them over before tossing them aside like useless pieces of scrap paper. That girl looked like she could very well be one of those examples.
But then, it was different.
Unohana had noticed how Byakuya had bent over to watch while she was checking Rukia's leg. She had heard him laugh at a clumsy statement the human girl made. And even though she could not read Byakuya easily through his eyes, he had appeared to be more than a little defensive at having Rukia in his apartment.
The usual Byakuya would not have acted that way. Unless…
Unohana closed her eyes.
"S-Sensei?"
The deep blue eyes opened slowly. Unohana smiled softly. "Let's take a break from this, shall we, Isane? We will go out and get some dinner."
xXxXx
Rukia's head shot up as she heard the bell above the shop door tinkle.
'Get a grip on yourself, Rukia,' she scolded herself slightly as she watched the young teenage boy walk up to her counter, probably to send his girlfriend a nice surprise. After the boy had indeed left a flower order, Rukia started working on her third bouquet.
She kept up like that for a few hours, until it was late evening. And yet, Rukia could not help herself as she kept glancing at the clock, checking the time. 3p.m. 4p.m. Byakuya hadn't given her any specific time at all, he just said he would come when she finished her work. How would he know when she actually did?
Rukia wrapped the last of the bouquets, lost in thought. She took up the baby blue ribbon and tied the bouquet together. It was late, 5 p.m. Her hands worked fast and agile, but her mind was somewhere else. Maybe she should just clean up and head back into the house later, it was no big deal. If he forgot and never turned up today, that was alright as well. If he even stopped calling, that would be fine, she didn't really car-
"Good evening."
Rukia's head shot up. Her eyes widened, as her heart thudded fast.
Byakuya smiled easily at her as he stood a way off in front of the counter. He was dressed in a blue dress shirt and black pants and looked as handsome as ever, one hand in his pocket.
"I… Good evening." Rukia replied as Byakuya walked up to the counter where she was wrapping the flowers. When did he arrive? She hadn't even heard the bell, or his footsteps. And yet, only one thought registered clear in her mind.
He's here. He came.
Byakuya smiled at her as he reached the counter. "You were so engrossed in your work, you didn't even notice me." He looked down at the bouquet of lilies. "That is very beautiful work."
"I... thank you."
"Almost done?"
"Yes."
"I guess I am a few minutes early then," Byakuya spoke. "But I couldn't help myself, I was getting impatient."
Rukia's head shot up in surprise and Byakuya easily held her wide violet eyes with his own grey ones. Their eye contact lasted a bit longer than necessary, but Rukia could not look away.
"Rukia." he finished simply, still looking at her.
"I…" Rukia tore her eyes away from him and finished typing up the bouquet. "That's fine, I'm about done anyway." She could not help smiling as she held the bouquet up. Rukia had always felt very accomplished after her work, no matter how light it may be.
She moved to the usual vases where she kept the completed orders due to be sent the next couple of days. Byakuya watched her easily as she walked. "I, er…" Rukia kept her back to Byakuya as she placed the flowers into the vase. "… where are we going?"
"That's a secret."
"Oh, I just thought, you know…" Rukia turned around. "Maybe I should know beforehand so…" She unconsciously looked down at her clothes, the white lacy blouse over jean shorts. Yes, Byakuya should tell her where he planned to go. It would be better if she dressed according to standards.
"…so I could… you know." She finished lamely as she touched the ends of her blouse awkwardly.
"You look beautiful." Rukia's eyes widened at the deep voice. "Exactly the type of girl I want to take out with me…" Byakuya leaned on the counter easily as he looked at her. "… and the type I'm dying to take home."
Rukia's cheeks burned horribly.
Byakuya smiled and he stood up straight. "But let's go now. I know the day is still long, but I prefer not to waste a second of it."
"Okay. Hang on." Rukia scrubbed the sink quickly and cleaned up the scissors and ribbons and wrapping paper. After she had tucked them away, she took off her red apron and locked the adjoining door to the house.
"Otousan has already gone out, but I told him you were coming beforehand."
"I already called him when I reached just now."
Surprises. He was so full of surprises. And what other surprises did he have for the day this time?
Rukia finished up and both of them exited the shop. She bowed politely to Byakuya as he held the door of the Porsche open for her, before she got into his car.
xXxXx
Rukia watched the sun slowly set over the horizon as the Porsche cruised along the streets at a fairly speedy pace. Byakuya had taken her out for a quick dinner at a restaurant in town, and thankfully it hadn't been too fancy. The meal lasted just a little over an hour, before he surprisingly ushered Rukia out into his Porsche. Now, he had been driving for over an hour already and they still had not reached their destination. The sky was turning dark.
Rukia sneaked a peek at him out of the corner of her eye. Byakuya appeared to be smiling, his hand easily on the steering wheel. She decided to attempt the question. "Er... where are we going?"
"We are almost there."
Rukia watched as he turned into a curvy street that had rather minimal lampposts. Then he went down one of the smaller side street that was darker still. Rukia felt the nervousness creep in. Byakuya had won her trust bit by bit as she got to know him, but she was still wary. She remembered the bottle of pepper spray in her bag that Otousan had made her carry with her.
The car jerked to a stop and Byakuya got out before walking over to Rukia's side of the car. In the meantime, she slipped her hand into her sling bag and her fingers closed over the metal bottle. The car door opened and Byakuya smiled at her. "Come on."
"Er... where-"
"You will know in a while."
Byakuya locked the car and headed down the dark street with Rukia at his side. She watched him carefully for any signs of sudden movement. The darkness was almost suffocating. After some time, Byakuya stopped at the back door of a shop. Rukia looked at him in puzzlement. He smiled and pointed at a sign above the door.
Cirque.
Rukia saw the word but it did nothing to answer her questions. Byakuya turned and knocked on the door before speaking in his deep voice. "Kuchiki Byakuya. VIP 212."
The door slowly slid open as Rukia's eyes widened. She saw two burly men standing behind the door who eyed Byakuya warily. Byakuya nodded at them and Rukia felt him put his arm around her waist before steering her in. The heavy door shut close behind them. And it was then that she saw the word again, this time in pink neon lights.
Cirque.
"The girl with you?" The man asked roughly. He extended one hand towards Rukia as if to frisk her. Rukia's eyes widened and she was about to whip out the spray when a pale arm shot out and latched onto the fat hand.
"Ugh!" The man let out a pained grunt even though Byakuya only seemed to be holding onto him. Rukia's eyes widened. "Byaku-"
"Keep your hands off her, she is with me. I suggest you research the stories behind customer VIP 212." Byakuya flung the man's arm away effortlessly. He turned to Rukia, who was looking at him with wide violet eyes, like purple rubies in the faint darkness.
"Come." He steered her forward and away from the guard as they headed down a stairway.
Rukia already knew what this place was. "A nightclub?" Her voice echoed in the darkness as they continued descending the stairs.
"It used to be one of the places I would go to, after a stressful day at work. I haven't been here in ages. I thought it might be an eye-opener for you," Byakuya spoke. Rukia didn't ask him how he knew she had never been to one before. "Cirque is one of the most famous underground clubs here in Japan. You only find it if you are privileged enough to know connections." Byakuya's deep voice continued. "Here we are."
He stopped and so did Rukia. She could hear the steady beat of music that came from the door in front of them.
"Welcome to my dimension, Rukia," Byakuya spoke and pushed the door open.
Rukia gasped.
It was an entirely different world from the quiet, darkened street outside. An explosion of sound and colours greeted Rukia in a vast expanded space. Green laser lights played across the area as hundreds of bodies moved to the thundering music. Silver pillars glittered in places, and Rukia could hear the clink of glasses as their owners downed their expensive contents. Rukia felt the fast music through the soles of her feet, pounding.
"Let's go someplace to sit first," Byakuya spoke a little more loudly. The music was deafening. He put his arm around Rukia's waist again and pulled her in the direction of the drinks bar. Ever since they came to the club, Rukia noticed that Byakuya did not bother holding her hand. He had one arm around her most of the time and never let her within a few centimeters further from him. She understood why. Otousan had always warned her against nightclubs and the dangerous behaviour that ran among most of their patrons. Bashings, sexual assault, molestation, rape... it was an umbrella of crimes under the guise of loud music and improper merry-making. Rukia appreciated what Byakuya was doing, and she kept obediently close to him. They arrived at the bar.
Byakuya offered Rukia a stool which she got on and he took the one next to her. "Jack Daniels." He spoke easily to the young boy behind the counter, before looking over at Rukia. Then he asked the bartender. "You have Perrier?"
"Yes."
Byakuya nodded and turned back to Rukia. She was watching the crowd with an expression of curiosity and disbelief. Byakuya chuckled. "Have you ever danced like that before, Rukia?" He gestured at the young people moving on the dance floor.
"No!" As expected.
Byakuya smiled at her and he reached for the whiskey shot that was placed in front of him by the bartender. He downed the contents with a gulp and got up from his stool.
"Watch me, Rukia."
xXxXx
Rukia watched as Byakuya stepped out from their position at the bar and moved towards the dance floor and joined the throngs of people moving their bodies in time to the music. He couldn't possibly-
Byakuya stopped and turned to face Rukia. And then, he started to... dance.
Rukia's eyes widened. Byakuya moved in the midst of the crowd, his eyes fixed on her. He was an impossibly good dancer, and appeared like he had been on the club scene everyday for the past twenty-something years of his life. It would have been very funny if a normal man had gotten up from the bar stool to gyrate by himself on the dance floor. But not Byakuya. His body moved smooth with a fluidity she never knew he had, projecting his masculine appeal. Rukia could not help it as her eyes moved to his waist, his hips, his legs as they moved so perfectly. The women nearby had even stopped dancing to look at Byakuya appreciatively before turning their gaze at the drinks bar to see what it was he was staring so intensely at.
Rukia felt her cheeks turn red, but she couldn't look away.
He was hypnotizing her... just by dancing. Byakuya's black hair fell over his grey eyes as he looked at her, his eyes hooded. He kept his gaze only on Rukia as he moved, those misty grey orbs beckoning sexily to her. And as she watched, he parted his lips slightly as he looked at her.
Rukia gasped softly, before realizing that she had been holding her breath all this while.
"One shot for a pretty lady?"
"H-Huh?" She turned up at the newcomer, a man who had materialized in front of her. She turned back to look at Byakuya but at that moment, a sexy woman wearing a red mini dress and killer heels danced in front of him. Rukia's eyes widened as she realized the woman now had her hands on Byakuya's waist. Rukia bit her lip slightly. Should she go and help Byakuya?
'Help?' The little inner voice laughed. 'What makes you think he needs help? He came here for a good time, to drink and dance. Not to baby-sit a boring girl who knows how to do nothing. Help him and don't interrupt his new acquaintance.'
Rukia swallowed and turned her back on the dance floor.
xXxXx
Byakuya stared down at the woman and tried to stem his growing annoyance. Heck, this woman was as irritating as Renji. He couldn't even see Rukia now because of this woman's horrible extravagant hair. He tried to dance around out of her way but she moved in his direction every time he did so, keeping her cheap hands on him. Even her busty bosom did nothing to dissolve Byakuya's anger.
I used to be interested in women like this?
"I'm sorry," Byakuya smiled politely at the woman. "I have my girl with me."
"It's okay… we can share." The woman purred, moving closer to him.
That was it.
Byakuya abruptly stepped away from her, causing her to fall a little forward. She looked up angrily at his rudeness.
Then the Incubus spoke the one statement he had never thought he would ever say in his life. "Sadly, I'm a one-woman man."
xXxXx
"I don't drink." Rukia smiled uneasily at the stranger.
"Oh, come on." The man offered her the tiny shot glass. "You can't come here without even a sip." Rukia looked up at those words. She remembered how easily Byakuya had drank alcohol on the two occasions she had been with him. Rukia stared back at the shot glass. She wondered if the woman and Byakuya were dancing together now, or even headed off somewhere. Rukia didn't want to turn around to look at them.
"Oh." Rukia hesitantly reached for the glass. "I…"
A hand swiped the shot glass away before her fingers could even graze the glass. Rukia looked up in shock at Byakuya, who flung the contents onto the floor. He placed the empty shot glass onto the counter.
"You…!" The man sputtered in anger.
"I would have drank the shot for her but I can't take cheap whiskey."
Rukia's eyes widened as the man bristled.
Byakuya leaned slightly over Rukia. "And she's my woman, so back off."
xXxXx
"That was really rude of you!" Rukia's eyes were wide at Byakuya, as the man left in anger.
Byakuya signaled to one of the bar attendants to bring him another drink as he sat back down on the stool. Then he turned to Rukia and unexpectedly smiled. "I thought you'd have gotten used to that."
"He was just being friendly-
"Would you like it if a sexy lady came to me and tried to chat me up? Like the one on the dance floor?" Byakuya took a gulp of the amber liquid.
"I..." Rukia felt herself blush.
"Would you be jealous? Would you tell her to take her hands off your man?"
The heat in Rukia's cheeks stayed.
Byakuya smiled and took another gulp. "No alcohol, Rukia. You can't drink so it's better not to start here. Okay?" Rukia just nodded dumbly. Then a wicked smile crossed Byakuya's face. "But you are welcome to do so in my apartment if ever."
"By saying that, you are no different than that guy just now."
"I am different. I don't slip you amphetamine pills dissolved in cheap whiskey for starters."
Rukia gasped in shock. "Y-You mean-
Byakuya nodded. "I smelled it immediately. If I had let the guy have his way then cut him off and brought you home, you'd be all over me in twenty minutes flat."
Rukia's mouth dropped open in shock "T-That bastard!" Rukia stared around the club. She wanted to wring that man's neck right now.
Byakuya smiled. "No alcohol okay, Rukia? I will take care of you. Even if I could easily throw in dirty tricks, I prefer not to." His eyes drooped slightly as he stared at Rukia. "I believe I can have you all over me in twenty minutes flat... without alcohol or drugs."
Rukia blushed horribly, and then she finally asked the question. "Why didn't you…" Her voice caught slightly and Rukia blushed. "You don't have to watch over me the entire time… you could have danced... that woman…"
"I only want to dance with you, Rukia."
Huh? Her head shot up, her violet eyes wide. "With me?"
"With you." Byakuya smiled, and his hand offered itself naturally to her, as it once did before.
"I don't know how to dance."
"I will show you."
"No, I really-
"I did not come here to dance with anyone else."
Rukia's eyes widened. There it was again. He was putting her in a spot. They were in a club and if she refused, she was going to ruin the night for him, being boring and all.
"I…"
"I will take care of you." His deep voice dropped low, initiating the magnetism Rukia already knew she was never strong enough to fight.
xXxXx
The music pounded loud around them as Byakuya led Rukia into the midst of frenzies bodies and sashaying hips. He stopped and turn around to face her when they were in the middle of the floor.
Rukia laughed uncomfortably as she watched the young people move around in time to the music. This was stupid, she was really going to make a fool of herself.
"I really…"
She gasped as Byakuya took up her hands and placed them on either side of his waist, effectively moving her close against him. He then placed his own hands around her waist, and pulled her even closer. She looked up at him, her heart pounding.
"Move with me, Rukia. Follow my hips with your hands," Byakuya instructed as the laser lights played around them.
Rukia gasped as he started to move. He moved slow at first, a gradual speed that Rukia was able to keep up with her hands. His own hands moved her waist easily in time to his movements, and Rukia felt herself blush at what they were doing. It felt... intimate somehow. He guided her with his hands, and her own arms mimicked the rhythm from his hips. Rukia slowly felt her body move with Byakuya's.
Soon enough, Byakuya was moving a little faster to the beat of the music. He gyrated his body and Rukia matched the rhythm, slowly getting into the fast pace of the music. She didn't know how but her body learned to move easily in time to the beat, and to the movements of Byakuya's body. But even without her hands on his hips to guide her or vice versa, Rukia could now dance independently to the music. She felt a smile curve her lips. This was stupid… but it was sort of fun.
"Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Byakuya leaned in to whisper into her ear and Rukia felt the currents shoot down her body, as her heart pounded a little faster. His hand trailed lightly over her curves, almost tantalizing. Rukia could feel his body press into hers, his strong chest, his legs, his hips. Her own body immediately heated up, as did her cheeks.
They kept dancing for a bit, in the middle of the club dance floor. Rukia adapted to the music, now she could even dance easily to a song they had just put on without delay. Byakuya danced with her all these while, his eyes never straying from her. His hand curled, possessive, around her whenever any guy came near enough to dance with her. And when Rukia looked up at him, her violet eyes met his grey ones and it would take her several heart-pounding minutes to look away from those irresistible misty orbs, which were slowly darkening in their shade of grey. At times like these, Byakuya and Rukia would move in time to the fast music, eyes only on each other.
"Let's take a break." The deep voice whispered into Rukia's ear once again, sending yet another tingle down her spine. "I'm starting to get really hot."
Before Rukia could react, Byakuya had steered her off the dance floor. They headed towards one of the red, paneled wood doors marked with a VIP sign.
xXxXx
Rukia stepped into the luxurious VIP room, a little out of breath from all the dancing. There were red couches all around this room, positioned before a small glass top table. She saw two glass bottles of liquid on this table, one containing bright orange liquid, the other clear. The lights were dimmed down low. Byakuya closed the door behind them, muffling the music slightly.
"Have a seat, Rukia."
"Err…"
Rukia sat down awkwardly on the couch, in front of the glass bottle containing some orange liquid. Her eyes widened as Byakuya settled himself right next to her. Rukia shifted slightly in her seat, trying to put a little distance between them as discreetly as she could.
"Orange juice, Rukia?"
Rukia turned at Byakuya's voice. He was smiling as he reached out for the glass bottle in front of her. "I made a specific order for it."
Rukia's eyes widened but Byakuya had already poured some juice into one of the two flute glasses on the table. After he was done, he uncapped the top off the second glass bottle which contained clear liquid, and he emptied some of the contents into his own goblet.
"You made a reservation?"
Byakuya nodded as he screwed the glass cap on. "VIP rooms in Cirque are very difficult to access on the spot. It's best if a reservation was made ahead of time."
Rukia nodded stupidly. Byakuya smiled and motioned to her glass. "Drink up, Rukia. You must be thirsty after all that dancing."
As he spoke those words, Rukia realized that her throat was indeed parched. And also, she was a little more than sweaty, her breaths still fast and deep from the dancing just now. She reached out for the flute glass and drank the orange juice. Byakuya took a swig from his own drink.
Rukia swallowed. "You didn't have to make a reservation though. It's just fine outside."
Byakuya chuckled. "It's too loud outside, don't you think? This guarantees us a little bit of privacy, at the very least."
Rukia blushed and quickly took another drink of juice.
"How do you like this place?"
"I… it is… good," Rukia stuttered.
Byakuya nodded. Then he leaned slightly forward as he propped his hand on the couch, looking at her. "I already told you, but you look really beautiful today."
Rukia blushed. "A-Arigato."
"You should have seen them. The other men on the dance floor. They were all looking at you like hungry wolves." Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya continued. "I know why they did what they did, but it didn't prevent me from wanting to gouge their eyeballs out."
Rukia laughed softly. "How do you know they weren't looking at me because of my awful dancing?"
"You are very good at dancing," Byakuya smiled.
Rukia chuckled softly, not believing him.
"There was just one problem."
Rukia turned to look at Byakuya in surprise. He was staring at her.
A problem? She placed her glass down on the table. "What was it?"
"You kept your head down almost all the time." Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya leaned towards her. They were already close so he didn't need to do much. Now his finger reached under her chin, before tilting it up slightly. "It was hard work, keeping all those other men off you while trying to get you to look at me."
Rukia's eyes widened some more.
"You looked at me a total of ten times throughout dancing. The third time was because you realized I was pulling you a lot closer than necessary, which I did do intentionally so you would look at me. The ninth time was because you tripped a little and I caught you so you were embarrassed."
Rukia gasped. He counted the times she had looked at him? And the reasons for each of them?
"Don't deny what you want to see, Rukia, just because you are afraid."
This time, he didn't need to tilt her head up. Rukia looked up at Byakuya with wide eyes. She watched him smile slightly and then she felt his left arm grasped her waist.
"Look at me, Rukia." His voice dropped low. His arm pulled her closer to him on the couch, as his right hand moved to her face. He stroked her lower lip with his thumb, his hooded grey eyes staying on her mouth. She could hear the steady beat of the song from the door of the room, a sensual song that had just started in the club.
Here we are all alone in this room…
"B-Byaku-
"Hmm?" he whispered huskily.
"I-I need to… go…"
"We are not going anywhere, Rukia."
"I…" Rukia felt her heart thud faster, and yet she felt her body slowly heating up to his tantalizing touch, his dangerous words.
And girl I know where to start and what we're gonna do…
"No, you won't be going anywhere," Byakuya murmured as his thumb continued moving across her lips. "It's just the two of us…" His voice dropped low. "… and we have all the time in the world."
I'll take my time, we'll be all night girl…
So get ready baby, I got plans for me and you…
Rukia braced herself and looked Byakuya in the eye, fighting the allure of the hazy grey. "You must do this often with many… but I…" She continued trying to pry his hand off hers. "… I am not-
"Not like those girls?" Byakuya whispered, his hand unyielding to her struggles. "I know. That's why I like you." Rukia's eyes widened as he moved in closer to her. "I really like you… Rukia."
Rukia felt her heart pounding louder than the music, her skin starting to get feverish.
"No, I don't do this often." Byakuya's left hand pulled Rukia even closer, as he bent over her. "I don't bring a girl to the club in my car nor make her dance with no other guy but myself," he spoke huskily, as his thumb traced a slow line over her lip. "I don't make sure she refrains from alcohol, nor do I reserve a VIP room just for the two of us, hoping desperately for a chance… to kiss her again."
Rukia gasped as her eyes widened. Byakuya stared at her lips for the longest time, as if contemplating a hundred ways to do something to them.
Let me take you down, I really wanna take you down…
Rukia wanted to move, but his hands were practically locked around her body. Her heart was jumping madly, beating so fast and hard. And yet, she could not deny the shot of warmth that was slowly building up in her body. It was indescribable, it flooded her senses, it made her want to beg and for what, she did not know. Her body was suddenly screaming out, but she could not comprehend what it was screaming out for. All she could do was look into his eyes…
"I was so used to everything in my life." Byakuya's voice was deep. "I didn't want anything, didn't look forward to anything. It's remarkable how things have changed." He chuckled in his deep voice. "Because now I want you… Rukia." He was so close, their noses touched.
"I have been wanting you for some time now."
Rukia lifted her hands and pushed it slightly against his chest.
"Y-You already…" She trailed off as she blushed.
Byakuya chuckled again, and Rukia felt the warm air on her lips.
"What makes you think I only want sex, Rukia?" Her eyes widened as he continued. "I hunger for…"
He moved even closer and Rukia could not move back.
"… the whole…"
His voice was a bare whisper now, his lips mere centimeters away from her and his breath hot on her lips.
"… of you."
Byakuya covered the last of the distance between them, softly capturing Rukia's lips in a kiss.
xXxXx
Heaven.
That was how it felt.
The Incubus felt everything explode inside him, it was like fireworks. It was so remarkable, how a simple action like this, an act he had once performed with so many women affect him so much. How? How could she make him feel this way? Was it because her lips were the softest he had ever touched, was it because they were the sweetest he had ever tasted? Or was it because his heart chose this one human girl to yield to, and no one else?
Byakuya did not know, did not even waste time to care. All that mattered to him was Rukia, all that mattered was being with her. He pressed his lips harder against hers, pulling her small warm body against his, desperate to feel as much of her as he could. His tongue ran along the seams of her lips, seeking a much-wanted opening. He felt her lips part easily and he dove on the opportunity.
Byakuya groaned as he tasted Rukia's mouth. The citrus taste was still fresh and coupled with Rukia's own, it was exquisite. His heart was pounding so hard and fast and he had bend over her so much, he was almost entirely on top of her now as she lay underneath him. Byakuya moved his fingers through her soft hair, threading them as his tongue explored her mouth. He felt Rukia's hands move over his chest, coaxing him on…
xXxXx
Rukia moaned softly as Byakuya's tongue teased hers sensually. She couldn't remember how this had happened. One minute, she was losing herself in those grey eyes and then the next she was feeling his warm lips on hers, heating up her entire body at their touch.
He tasted of faint alcohol, and yet there was a bare sweetness to them. A guttural moan escaped his throat, and Rukia felt her body react to the sounds he was making. And when his tongue twisted around hers, she could not help the reciprocal moan that escaped from her mouth into his.
Rukia's hands clenched onto Byakuya's shirt and then she felt herself begin to pull him closer. There was no mistaking it this time. Her hands pulled him close and they were moving of their own accord, snaking across his shirt-clad chest.
This was dangerous, this fire burning…
xXxXx
Byakuya had memorized Rukia's body inch to inch ever since that night. Her breasts were small, but they were as hell pressing into his chest through the fabric of their clothes. The wild desire that erupted inside Byakuya at the contact was unmistakeable.
He moved his lips to the side of her face, before kissing lightly at her ear.
"You are driving me crazy, Rukia…"
Byakuya's lips moved down her neck, grazing as much of her feverish skin as possible along the way. "I could just… eat you."
He lifted her legs off the ground, and they instinctively wrapped around his own legs. Byakuya groaned at the contact and lifted her legs higher up to his waist. He moved forward and captured her lips once again in a fierce openmouthed kiss. Byakuya moved forward and grinded his hips against Rukia, and he heard her gasp softly into his mouth.
"Move with me, Rukia…" His deep voice was hoarse, the very same command he had made of her as they had danced.
Byakuya's right hand made its way down to Rukia's thigh as he lifted it higher up. He gave one thrust, his body rubbing against hers, mere cloth between them. This was getting difficult, it was getting harder to control himself and he knew he was already hard. His grinding quickened and Rukia arched her back slightly as she moaned.
And then there it was… he could sense the delicious pounding of her life force, intensified by the sexual trigger. Byakuya parted her lips open with his, delving into her mouth with his tongue. He tasted the wonderful energy that was uniquely Rukia's, before starting to suction them slowly from their owner.
xXxXx
He was passionate, lustful… almost animal-like. This was dangerous, he was dangerous… if something slipped, it felt like he could actually eat her. And yet, Rukia could sense the steady control with which Byakuya held himself, the simple want and desire…
I will take care of you.
It took her breath away, mesmerized her… and she could not help the pleasure which burned through her body as he moved against her. She felt something throbbing painfully hard in the lower region of her body, intensifying whenever Byakuya rubbed against her. Rukia could feel the warmth pooling inside of her, the dampness that was slowly developing in her panties. Her hands gripped Byakuya's shoulders hard as she felt her body involuntarily press into his, craving for more...
xXxXx
Byakuya grinded harder against Rukia, going faster. Their breaths were coming out fast as they moved. Byakuya ran his tongue over her neck, soothing the spots on Rukia's skin where he had already scraped his teeth against.
Byakuya failed to suppress a groan of pleasure as Rukia's legs abruptly gripped him tight. He bucked his hips in response against hers and heard her moan softly against his ear.
Byakuya removed his mouth from her throat and looked at her, faint wonder dancing in his grey eyes. Rukia had her hands around his neck, her expression dazed. They were both breathing hard. He smiled before his eyes moved to her puffed-up lips. Slowly, he bent forward again.
DING.
Byakuya chuckled at the interruption. He was no longer surprised, didn't even care whose freaking mobile it was that interrupted them.
I told you once before, Rukia. I can wait.
xXxXx
Byakuya easily drew back from her. He took a long look at Rukia, swiftly judging through her condition. Had he frightened her? Been too fast with her?
She looked beautiful. Her hair was a little messy from his fingers tangling through them just now, her cheeks were heated and her lips a pretty puffy pink. Her chest moved up and down in fast breaths as her wide eyes dazzled him in their violet perfection.
And she had responded better than he had ever imagined in his dreams. Her body, her lips, her moans, they only served to push his desire to greater limits. God, what wouldn't he give to-
A sudden squeak turned Byakuya's attention back to the petite girl still in his arms. Rukia had finally pulled herself from her daze to stare in shock at Byakuya, who still had one hand on her waist. She immediately moved to untangle herself from him. She let out another squeak when she realized his other hand had been holding under her thigh.
She was adorable.
Byakuya smiled slightly and released her.
You want me too, Rukia. And I think you have been wanting me for some time as well.
Byakuya watched the flustered girl stutter something about the toilet before she stumbled clumsily from the room. His misty grey eyes followed her all the way through the VIP room door.
xXxXx
Rukia dashed through the throngs of young, energized people dancing the night away. The music was pounding loud and fast as ever, as she pushed between shoulder blades and swaying bodies. She had to get, she had to get…
She could still taste the alcohol, his alcohol in her mouth.
Oh my God… oh my God! They really had been making out!
"Water please!" Rukia gasped out as she reached the bar. The young bartender smiled, bemused, at her before reaching for something in the overhead cabinet.
Rukia perched on the stool and put a hand to her chest, trying to calm her galloping heart. As she touched her front, she realized that her clothes were slightly rumpled and one side of her blouse had slid (or been pulled) down to reveal her shoulder and her white bra strap. Blushing, Rukia hurriedly pulled her blouse up higher.
I want you, Rukia. I have been wanting you for some time now…
Rukia closed her eyes, trying to block out the sound of Byakuya's deep, husky voice. She gripped the sides of her seat hard, trying not to think of his warm hands coasting over her body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She tried not to think of his persistent lips on hers, and the exquisite taste as his tongue swept through her mouth…
"Miss?"
Rukia gasped and her eyes flew open. The bartender smirked at her, a Perrier in his hand. "Your water."
The Perrier was going to be expensive, Rukia knew it. But she needed water, she needed to stop and think, she needed to cool off.
"A-Arigato." Rukia took up the green glass and took a few gulps from the carbonated water. She didn't like the taste, it was bitter… not like normal water. But it was good and cold, and it filled her heated insides easily.
Rukia took a few more swigs before putting the glass bottle down on the tabletop. The bartender continued smiling at her. Rukia breathed in and out for a bit.
Yes, she was okay. She was all cool now. She just needed to-
Crap.
Rukia stared back at the bartender. In her haste, she had left her sling bag, which contained her purse, in the VIP room. She didn't have money to pay for the water.
"Er, I…"
Rukia's eyes widened as a pale hand slid a note across the long glass counter.
"Arigato!" The bartender bowed, before going off to serve another customer. Rukia felt her heart begin to pound fast again, the cooling effects of the expensive water immediately diminishing. She stared at the hand on the counter, frozen.
"You left your bag in there."
Slowly, Rukia turned in her seat.
Byakuya towered over her, his hair falling perfectly over his misty grey eyes. As she watched him, he smiled easily at her. A long hand extended, offering her the worn-out sling bag.
"Rukia," he said simply, the few short syllables sending a thrill down her body. Rukia could not help herself as her eyes slid down to his lips as they moved.
"A-Arigato." Rukia hurriedly took her bag. Byakuya looked at the half-empty bottle of Perrier.
"You know, dousing the fire only makes it die down temporarily before it flares up again."
His grey eyes pierced right through her, before moving down to her lips as his eyes turned just the tiniest shade darker under the flashing lights.
"The best way is to just let it burn."
xXxXx
Rukia clasped her hands awkwardly in her lap, resisting the urge to look over at Byakuya lest she caught his eyes. She felt all too conscious of his presence, all too conscious of his distance from her as he sat in the driver's seat. And not too long ago, they were engaging in some… pretty intense moments.
Rukia hurriedly squeezed her eyes shut, and took a deep breath.
"Here we are."
Rukia yelped slightly as the car jerked to a stop, her eyes immediately flying open. She heard the deep chuckle.
"Looks like I did traumatize you."
Rukia turned to look at Byakuya, who was smiling slightly at her.
"I-"
"I am sorry, Rukia."
Rukia's eyes widened as she looked at Byakuya, who was now using a serious tone of voice.
"I should have controlled myself. I only meant to tease a little." Byakuya spoke sincerely as he looked at her.
Rukia knew she should say something but she didn't know what to say. It wasn't his fault even though he had initiated it but she… she had also…
'Enjoyed yourself, didn't you?' The sly little voice spoke.
Rukia opened her mouth but no sound came out.
"It's just that you looked so beautiful…" Byakuya deliberated, as something passed through his eyes. "And I…"
Rukia's eyes widened but Byakuya stopped abruptly and smiled softly at her. "I'm sorry, Rukia. But know that I will never force anything on you that you would not want. I would never... hurt you."
He moved slightly to face her. "I understand if you told Otousan about what happened, and I'm prepared to face the punishment."
Punishment? Rukia's mind was slowly getting fuzzled. What punishment? Who was going to get punished? She could only look into those warm grey eyes and nothing else was making sense.
"Get some rest, Rukia. You must be…" His grey eyes almost shone. "… tired."
"Ah." Rukia shook herself and nodded but Byakuya had already got out of the car. The next instant, she felt the door on her side open slowly and she clumsily got out of the car.
Byakuya walked her right up to the door. "I think Otousan is not home, is he?"
Rukia shook her head slightly. "He will be home late."
"Okay." Byakuya smiled. "I will talk to him soon. And I will see you around." Rukia watched as Byakuya lifted his arm.
His hand touched the side of her cheek just slightly, a little tentatively. "I'm a bit ashamed of myself now but… I'd be lying if I said I regretted it."
Rukia's eyes widened just slightly. Byakuya smiled.
"Good night, Rukia."
"G-Good night."
xXxXx
Rukia flicked the light on in her bedroom and trudged in slowly. She tossed her bag beside the table and flung herself onto the bed. She yawned widely.
Byakuya was right, she was feeling a lot more tired than usual. But she was alright then... she only became tired during the car ride home. It must have been the club, and all that loud noise. And yet she could still feel the touch of his warm hand on her skin, feel his soft lips...
'Stop it,' Rukia scolded herself. She wanted to go to the bathroom to get ready for bed, but her body refused to obey her. She was apparently a lot more tired than she had thought she would be. Rukia lay on her bed and stared up at the ceiling as the thoughts floated through her mind.
His protective hand around her as they walked together...
Telling her that he only wanted to dance with her...
Rukia felt her eyelids grow heavy.
Dancing so close to him with the music...
Getting into the VIP room...
Rukia slowly closed her eyes. She would brush her teeth in fifteen minutes.
The touch of his thumb as he stroked her lip...
The passionate kiss...
Rukia sighed slowly as she lay on the bed. Ten more minutes, and she would head to the bathroom.
His gentle hands, those warm lips...
She felt like she was floating. Yes, five more minutes.
Warm grey eyes…
I will take care of you…
Rukia's mouth opened in a soft whisper right before she drifted off to sleep.
"Byakuya…"
xXxXx
A pair of piercing grey eyes watched as Rukia fell asleep without even turning off the lights. The Incubus watched the human girl, as he leaned against the rough tree bark. He was perched on the highest boughs of the enormous tree overlooking the Ukitake residence, overlooking her room window.
He had taken care not to suction too much of her energy that would make her pass out on the spot, but just enough for him to get an energy recharge, even though far from the optimal limit. He had not realized he could practice that much control over his energy and sexual demonic needs. But he could... and he did. So he was now a little bit satiated, and best of all... he had had the most memorable time at Cirque nightclub of all of his trips there.
Byakuya smiled as he reached up and touched his lips.
I will take care of you... Rukia.
xXxXx
And there you have it, Chapter 15! One of the longest chapters I wrote so hope you like it a lot. There's a lot of nice *wink* things going on in this chapter, a lot of ByaRuki love time. :D And so ends their third date... and a steamy make-out session. :D Rukia finally acknowledges her attraction to him (I wrote out a lot of scenes here in place for that... the dressing-up, when another woman started dancing to Byakuya, the kiss, and of course, right before she dozed off... :D) And Byakuya, as usual, is the perfect Mister Perfect. XD There's also some time for Unohana-sensei here, the ever smart and analytical medical specialist (she was one of those who discovered Aizen's hypnosis technique so i thought it would be neat for her to also suspect Byakuya's bond with Rukia :D) And so the story goes on... :) I hope it's not moving at a too slow speed for you. :D
I used snippets of the song "Take You Down" by Chris Brown, which is interspersed throughout the early makeout session. XD It is a very sensual song and I thought the lyrics fitted their scene to a T. :) Also, I added in Byakuya's dream sequence for some naughty feel before then. (did any of you wonder if you were reading it right when you first read it? when Rukia was suddenly in Byakuya's bedroom? XD) Incubi have wet dreams too, you know... XD
I struggled a lot with this chapter at certain parts because it was so hard to write some of them! I don't know if certain parts will appear awkward to you (do tell me if so though) but I did like the end-result after i gave it one read-over. I hope you liked it as much as I did. :)
And I hope this was a good enough Christmas gift for all of you! Thank you all for the reviews once again (special shoutout to Omili, thanks!). Happy Christmas and enjoy the festivities! :D I don't know if I will be updating before New Year so happy New Year in advance!
I hope you will review this chapter for me and tell me what you think eg. comments/feedback. It helps motivate me to write and get more updates in! :D