Hello there, it's been a little over a month that we met in an update. :) I have been really busy in RL, with so many stuff to get straightened out, so I pushed back the update for some time, and also because this update was very long to write out. :) I thank the readers for their warm reviews and PMs, they make me very happy and thank you for waiting out for Chapter 16.
First things first, have you all seen the Halloween episode of Bleach? SPOILERS AHEAD! They introduced Rukia as a Succubus and Byakuya indirectly as an Incubus! My heart leapt into my throat when I first saw that episode and I funnily thought that perhaps someone influential at the Bleach anime team has been reading 'Demons from My Past' somehow. XD And I thought I should copyright Incubus Byakuya as well. XD Just humoring myself. :D
Now recently, a few reviews have commented on the rather slow-moving plot of Demons, especially now where Byakuya is trying so hard to have Rukia over on his side. I have no other comment to make about this but this is the nature in which I'm writing the story, and the way I feel comfortable writing it in. Of course, there are more complications to come in future, but for now, I like the way things are going so far. I hope it is not too slow for you because I don't want to rush headlong into things. :)
I dedicate this chapter to LuciL06, thank you for the back-to-back reviews starting from the first chapter itself. I appreciate it very much, and thank you so much for reading! And because Jellybeans was dying, I had to resuscitate the jelly quickly back to life... with another update! XD Thank you for all the reviews for the past chapter, they were all beautiful to read! :)
I have more things to say, but they are placed in the ending Author's Note. So I hope you all enjoy this new update, and that it was worth the wait! :D I haven't proofread this carefully yet so do let me know if there are grammatical mistakes or mistakes of any sort. :) Hope you enjoy.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Bleach or its characters. But I do proudly own the plot and setting. :)
Byakuya sighed and looked at the Succubus opposite him. She was dressed in an expensive red cocktail dress, with her hair hanging down in luscious long curls. Being a Succubus, she was of course not bad-looking in the slightest, with full red lips, an oval face and fair skin Byakuya knew would be like satin to touch.
He stifled a yawn.
Any ordinary day when he was his old self, he would be onto this woman in five minutes flat. And then he would move on to another the very next day.
Only… it wasn't like that now.
Because he had his own woman now. His own violet-eyed, raven-haired little beauty. That little mesmerizing treasure, who squeaked in panic whenever he got too close and who blushed adorably at the seductive words he loved using on her. And yet, she could barely hide her natural feistiness within, easily slipping if he purposely went too far with any teasing.
Byakuya felt a smile automatically curve his lips at the thought of Rukia.
"What is it?" The Succubus's voice was a womanly purr. Byakuya looked up to meet her amber eyes.
"Did I say something?" Byakuya asked coolly as he picked up the iced glass on the granite table and downed the alcohol easily. As he poured some more wine into the glass, the Succubus leaned forward to take her own drink with a perfectly manicured hand.
"I don't know, you were suddenly smiling." The red lips parted to reveal pearly white teeth.
"Perhaps a fond thought just passed through my head." Byakuya leaned back in his seat.
"Care to share?"
Byakuya suppressed the rush of annoyance. He was good at diplomatically evading conversation when he wanted to, but this Succubus apparently was a seasoned player herself. She kept trying to sneak in to potential conversational topics, trying to read him. It only served to annoy Byakuya more.
And he had already been annoyed from the start.
He had been annoyed when Unohana-sensei materialized at his office suite on Monday with a match-making proposition, just two days after his exhilarating date with Rukia at Cirque. It turned out that Grandfather had not forgotten about the delay Byakuya had proposed some time back from finding a steady mate, and that his time had been up. Byakuya had tried to edge his way out with more work commitments but Unohana had put her foot down.
And so, in exchange for Unohana-sensei not disrupting Grandfather's holiday, Byakuya had had to attend a string of appointed "dates" with Succubi which were deemed suitable for the Kuchiki noble family, all set in the guest lounge of the Azaris hotel.
Today was Wednesday and he had already been through two "dates" in the week. Work had not exactly been kind either and Byakuya found the amount of paperwork and agreements overwhelming. Just this morning, Renji had brought in news that Byakuya was to represent Azaris in an international conference in Seattle in three weeks.
Fuck this. Fuck everyone.
Byakuya was hard-pressed with labour all day, and his secretary Miko had to keep delivering cups of coffee to the young executive's suite. He had also not seen Rukia in days, whether face-to-face or implicitly by her room window. Byakuya missed her terribly and it was a new feeling the Incubus had to deal with, having never missed a woman before.
Byakuya shook himself as he focused on the Succubus who was sitting across from him. She was saying something.
"If you think this is a waste of your time, it is for me too."
Byakuya immediately saw his escape route, and wasted no time in pouncing on it.
"I do. And I'm glad we are finally agreeing on something."
He stood up elegantly and bowed before walking away from the table, leaving the aghast Succubus behind.
Byakuya looked up as he walked through the hallway, his shoes clicking smartly against the marble. He stopped walking, his face expressionless.
"Unohana-sensei."
The Succubus walked forward, dressed in a white office dress. "Is it me, or do all your appointments end this fast?"
"There is no need to waste time if there was no compatibility to start off with, Sensei."
"Was she not suitable to your taste?"
"I didn't think she was."
Unohana smiled kindly. "Maybe if you could give us certain preference parameters, we could narrow down the candidates. That way, we will be saving time and moody atmospheres."
"There won't be any need for that. Do let me know of the next appointment so I can fit it into my office schedule." Byakuya started to turn away.
Unohana's soft voice broke the silence. "Unless of course, Byakuya-san himself already has a candidate in mind?"
Byakuya stopped, his back to Unohana. "You have no idea."
He walked off to his office suite, but not before hearing Unohana's soft reply. "That's what I am afraid of."
xXxXx
"Arigato." Rukia accepted the sushi roll pack from the woman behind the counter, and headed past the line of still-waiting students. She walked to the little table near the back of the cafeteria, where the familiar faces were now sitting.
"Rukia!" Nel smiled and shifted across the bench to make space for her dorm mate. She poked Rukia at the waist playfully before looking back across the table at Orihime and Hiyori. "So when do we do this?"
"How about next week? That way, we won't panic if we can't find what it is we are looking for." Orihime smiled.
Rukia felt slightly confused as she unwrapped the sushi pack. Next week? Panic? Looking for what?
The boys were eating their lunch heartily, but Rukia could sense some nervousness between Ichigo, Grimmjow, Ishida, Chad and Shinji. What was this all about?
"Er, next week…?" Rukia asked.
Hiyori looked over at Rukia. "Oh, didn't you get one of the flyers they were passing out in front of the auditorium today? Your lab's right across from that place."
Rukia nodded. "I did, didn't read it though," She laughed, and started to rummage through her bag, looking for the bright yellow flyer she had gotten early this morning from a young girl.
"I'll talk you through it," Nel smiled. "There's going to be a gala night coming up in three weeks! It's going to be the biggest of the galas this year, because they have moved the venue to a hotel this time, probably to attract more students. And…" She shot a triumphant look at Hiyori, Tatsuki and Orihime. "… we will all be going!"
Shinji snorted.
"That sounds nice!" Rukia smiled. "So I guess it's safe to assume the trip next week you were talking about is something to do with... shopping?" She laughed as she took up a sushi.
Shinji groaned.
Nel nodded. "And you are coming, okay? There's no way you're talking your way out of the gala night!"
Rukia laughed as she took out her folder. "I don't really fancy events like this. You know I trip in heels, no matter how little they are."
"Ukitake-san, don't be like that!" Orihime grabbed hold of her hand. "We will all go, and have some fun!"
"I…" Rukia hesitated as she looked up at her friends. Then she smiled. "Of course."
"Yay!" Hiyori high-fived Orihime. "So we are on for next week?"
Rukia nodded with the others.
"I can never understand you girls." Shinji smacked his forehead.
"Nobody told you to," Hiyori bared her teeth. "And you better start showing some enthusiasm or you won't be ending up with a date to the dance."
"Pfffttt…"
Grimmjow laughed as he polished off his sandwich. He poked Ichigo who was sitting next to him. "Hey, fancy a competition? Let's see who gets to ask a girl to the gala first."
"You are unbelievable." Ichigo shook his head.
Grimmjow gave him an evil smile. "Well, if I have a date for the gala night and you don't, I'm going to make sure you remember it till the thirteenth generation!"
"That is, if I'm not dead by then."
Rukia laughed and Ichigo looked up and winked at her. She smiled back. Rukia finally extracted the gala night flyer from her folder. She smoothed it out on the table and looked at it.
Prepare for the most magical of nights ever under the mysterious shroud of moon and stars! Nagoya's Annual 10th Gala Night. Intercontinental Ana Hotel.
Rukia looked through the details of the gala event. It sounded really good, the student committee had definitely pulled out all the stops to make it a very good event. She looked up at her friends who were chattering merrily away.
Looks like there was going to be a day she had to mark off on the calendar.
xXxXx
The late evening sunlight bathed the office suite in a warm orange glow. Byakuya stretched elegantly in his executive-styled chair, stifling yet another yawn. He glanced at the pile of papers on his office table. This was impossible. How did Grandfather make it through all this without blowing up the entire building? But then again, the same thought had always drifted by Byakuya's mind around this time of the year, when he had to handle the agreements and renewing of contracts.
He was just going to have to pull through yet another bloody year.
Byakuya pressed a button on his office phone, before speaking, "Miko, I'd like more coffee."
"Yes, Mister Kuchiki." The high-pitched voice was flirty.
Byakuya took up his fountain ballpoint and pulled a stack of papers toward him. As he did so, his grey eyes shifted slightly to his mobile phone on the table. Maybe he could take a five-minute rest and give her a call. He hadn't texted her at all for a few days, let alone speak to her. But if he started now, he wouldn't be able to concentrate later.
Byakuya amused himself for a bit as he imagined Rukia worrying about the lack of contact the past few days. His hand slowly reached for his mobile phone. But before the pale hand could touch the device, the mobile phone rang.
Byakuya picked up his mobile and stared at the screen. His eyes widened slightly as he saw the number on it.
xXxXx
Rukia kicked her legs up behind her as she lay on her bed, reading. The radio was turned on, a nice catchy tune playing in the room. It was nighttime and she was home today, having had work in the flower shop after campus. Orders were trickling in slowly though, but it meant more time spent with Otousan.
Today's dinner had been good. She had heard Otousan talking about his day in the office before she had shared her own day with him. And later, she curled up next to her father on the couch to watch television together. Before she went upstairs, Otousan had even proposed a grocery-shopping trip tomorrow after class.
It was really good.
Rukia smiled slightly as she turned a page in the book. Without taking her eyes off the novel she was reading, she reached out slightly to take her cup of orange juice on her bedside table.
When her fingers brushed glass, Rukia frowned slightly. Her drinking cup was ceramic, not glass. She turned to the bedside table and her eyes widened.
Rukia stared at the beautiful petals of the rose, already in full bloom.
And when it finally blooms its beauty before your eyes, I want to be in your thoughts then…
Rukia continued looking at the rose standing in the blown glass vase.
He hadn't called in days. No text message, nothing. Rukia would be lying if she said she wasn't worried, or wasn't a little sad. She had gotten used to the random messages, gotten used to hearing his deep voice over the phone at night when he called, gotten used to the warm shivers that ran down her spine when she heard him chuckle on the line. What was he doing right now? Was he very busy? Had he gotten caught up in something very important? Why hadn't he called? Or did he decide to… stop calling?
Rukia had so many questions, but no answers at all. She stared at the deep red of the rose petals, lost in thought. Then she closed her eyes and whispered a small prayer as she lay on the bed.
I hope you are okay, wherever you are. Healthy, happy, and safe.
Rukia opened her eyes and stared at the mobile phone. Slowly, she picked it up and flipped it open. She started a new message and began keying in something.
How was your day?
Rukia stared at the message she had just typed. Shaking her head, she deleted the text and started again.
How is everything going? You seem busy.
Sighing in frustration, Rukia deleted the second message and flopped back on the bed, letting her phone go. She picked up her novel and tried to bully her mind into reading the novel before bedtime.
xXxXx
"Otousan, you are taking too much soap powder! We're not opening a laundry shop!" Rukia laughed as her father jokingly started pilling the trolley with more bags of soap powder.
It was early afternoon the next day and Rukia was spending more time with Otousan while grocery-shopping. They had gotten out of the house early when Rukia came home (it was a short day on campus). Cruising through light traffic, they had arrived at the supermart with relative ease.
Ukitake laughed at his daughter, before replacing the bags back on the shelf. "What else is there for the toiletries? Consult the royal list please."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Rukia bowed low, smiling. She took out the hastily-scribbled shopping list. "Toothbrushes, check. Soap powder, check. Shampoo, check. Toilet paper, Otousan."
"Ah yes, the most important tool of human civilization." Ukitake nodded as Rukia giggled. "Let's go."
Soon, father and daughter moved on to the foods section. "Cabbage, cabbage," Rukia muttered as she checked for fresh vegetables. She took up two cabbages and put them carefully into the trolley.
"Take two more, Rukia."
"Huh?" Rukia looked up in confusion at Otousan. "So many, Otousan?"
Ukitake smiled as he walked up next to Rukia. "We are shopping for a good dinner today. And we need more food, because a guest is coming over."
Rukia's mouth had formed an O of surprise. "Oh?"
"I invited Byakuya-san over for dinner tonight!" Ukitake beamed happily. "Surprise! What do you think?"
He laughed at his daughter's shell-shocked expression. "It's been a while since he's been over for some chit-chat with me, don't you think?" The white-haired father winked at his daughter.
Byakuya-san?
Byakuya?
Rukia's heart started pounding so fast at the mere mention of the name. Otousan had invited him over for dinner… tonight? Had he said yes? So he was coming over today?
Rukia felt so many feelings washing through her as she watched Otousan start to pick two more cabbages. She was suddenly so nervous, hopeful, happy, agitated, and worried. So she was going to see Byakuya today?
"O-Otousan?"
"Hmm?" Ukitake smiled as he placed the vegetables into the trolley.
"Er… when did you ask him over, Otousan?" Rukia pretended to be nonchalant.
"Just yesterday afternoon, Rukia."
Rukia looked at her father with wide eyes. "Yesterday?"
Ukitake smiled. "I wanted to surprise you. I thought it'd be nice to have him over since it's been long that we ate with him together. And…" The white-haired man smiled kindly at his daughter. "…you seem to be very distracted these few days. I thought this might help." Ukitake winked.
"No, I'm not," Rukia replied hastily. Father and daughter kept silent as they wheeled the trolley to the fresh meat department. "So… he said… yes?" Rukia could not help asking.
Ukitake turned to her with a cheeky smile and Rukia blushed slightly. "Yes he did, Rukia."
He did? Rukia looked at her father. Byakuya agreed to come to dinner today? But then… why didn't he… call her if he could talk to Otousan? Rukia felt her heart weigh down a little more. Maybe he could not disrespect Otousan, and was forced to say yes. Maybe he didn't even want to come...
Stop it, Rukia! Rukia shook herself. She looked at her father who was now ordering chicken from the man behind the counter.
All she could do was to manage this as best as she could.
xXxXx
"Otousan, you're supposed to wash the vegetables with water! Not me!" Rukia laughing, ducking as Ukitake tried to sprinkle some water on her.
It was a total mess in the kitchen. But a fun, fun mess.
Rukia and her father had gotten back a few hours ago, and while Otousan sat pondering the list of dishes for dinner, Rukia had set out all the raw food needed. When they had finally decided on a suitable set, Rukia set to work with the marinating of meat and soaking of greens. She had even decided to cook the beancurd soup once again.
The kitchen counter top was filled with bowls of raw meat, sauce and vegetables. Two huge pots were heating up on the stove and one of the two sinks held soaking Chinese cabbages. Rukia stood next to the sink, chopping onions on the chopping board. Even though Rukia had been worried about this, Otousan had quickly put her at ease, as he always did. In between the jokes and funny acts he was pulling, Rukia forgot about everything that was bothering her.
"Should we get some drinks?" Ukitake pondered as he took out eggs from the fridge.
"Anything will do, Otousan," Rukia smiled. "Do you want me to go get it?"
"No, you have your hands full here." Ukitake smiled as he cracked eggs into a bowl. "I will go later."
Rukia nodded and swept the chopped onions expertly onto a plate. She took up a ladle and went to check on the beancurd soup.
xXxXx
Byakuya straightened his coat and picked up his mobile phone. His heart was starting to pound fast, and he was already getting impatient despite his calm exterior. All day, he had forced himself to concentrate on work, with the reward being that he could see Rukia at the end of the day.
Byakuya was ever so surprised when Otousan had called him in the office, mere seconds after he had thought about Rukia. The kind old man had invited Byakuya to dinner the next day, and Byakuya was more than happy to accept. Otousan had even sneaked in a cheeky line, "I think my daughter misses you." Byakuya's heart had warmed in that instant, his gloomy mood immediately replaced by subtle happiness. He had continued work late until the sky turned dark before going back home for a well-deserved rest. Today, he had taken extra care in his appearance, wearing his best coat and tie to office.
Now, Byakuya pushed his chair closer to the desk and walked to the door. Before he reach it however, the door opened. Byakuya stopped in his stride.
"Abarai."
Renji looked surprised. "Byakuya, where are you going?"
"I have an appointment."
"Appointment? I thought you cancelled the matchmaking date today. Unohana-sensei wasn't exactly happy."
"I did. This one is a different appointment." Byakuya made to walk past Renji. "I will see you tomorrow in office."
"You aren't running off to meet some chick, are you?" Renji stepped slightly in front of him. "It's pretty strange, I don't know see you in Aiko's anymore and you do leave your office early but I can't get you on your phone at home."
Byakuya turned to look at Renji, expressionless. "I hope I have not earned another stalker."
"No, I'm just curious. And a little worried."
"There is no need to, Abarai. I know my own business, and I hope others do not make it theirs."
"But of course." Renji stepped aside and Byakuya swept past him.
xXxXx
"Which is the nearest mart to our house, Rukia?"
"Er, the one on the right, in front of the playground." Rukia replied as she turned the heat down on the soup. It was ready to go and just nice to simmer for an hour or so.
"I see." Ukitake smiled as he placed the plate of vegetables down on the dinner table. "Well, Byakuya-san should be here in no time."
Rukia felt her heart beat a little faster, but tried to appear nonchalant as she stood at the counter.
"I should get the drinks soon," Ukitake mused.
"Do you want me to do it?" Rukia took a deep breath as she selected several cloves of garlic from the vegetable bowl. Her heart was still hammering in her chest. She would be seeing Byakuya soon...
"No, I will do it." Ukitake replied.
Rukia smiled. "Sure, Otousan." She moved to the chopping board next to the sink and took up several cloves of garlic. She began to chop them up. 'Stir-fry the chicken, and then the cabbages,' Rukia mapped out the last of the dishes. 'Perfect.'
She finished chopping the garlic and swept them into an empty bowl. Then, she extracted some spring onions from the basket on the side and took up the knife again.
"Otousan, the chicken!" Rukia laughed. "You said you would take them out of the fridge ten minutes ago!"
The fridge opened and she heard the sliding of the plastic bowl across the counter.
"Here you go."
The violet eyes widened as Rukia immediately recognized the deep voice. The voice she had not heard in days, when she actually wanted to. Rukia felt her heart pound even faster. Slowly, she turned around.
"Good evening, Rukia."
She had half-expected him to change, or look different somehow. But he was still the same. The coat was still black and expensive, the shirt inside neatly pressed. His hair was still long at the collars and strands of them falling over his left eye. The misty grey eyes were as beautiful as ever and equally entrancing, and he looked as handsome and perfect as ever.
"G-Good evening. I… er…" Rukia did not know what to do as Byakuya stepped to the kitchen counter. "Where is Otousan?"
"I met him at the door. He went to get some drinks and insisted I come in first."
Rukia nodded slightly and dropped her eyes. But Byakuya kept his eyes on her nevertheless, watching her silently. She turned away to the sink. "I… you should go ahead and rest in the living room. I will be done in a while."
"How about I help you?" Rukia turned back to Byakuya in surprise. Byakuya shrugged out of his office coat and placed it on the kitchen stool, before unbuttoning the top button of his office shirt and taking off his tie. He began to roll up the sleeves of his white shirt. Rukia caught a glimpse of the sturdy muscles of his upper arm as he did, and felt the heat in her cheeks increase.
Cut it out, Rukia! Focus!
Byakuya looked up and smiled at her, as his black hair fell over his beautiful grey eyes. "I'm all yours."
He looked devastatingly handsome, with his shirt open and the sleeves rolled up. I'm all yours. Rukia tore her eyes away from his and concentrated on cutting up the shiitake mushrooms. "That's... fine, you shouldn't help. You are our guest." She shifted slightly. "You should make yourself comfortable in the living room, Otousan will be back soon."
"I think Otousan went off to give us both some time together."
Rukia felt herself blush at the bold statement. Byakuya stepped up behind her and Rukia felt her heart flutter slightly. What was wrong with her?
"Tell me what to do, Rukia," Byakuya spoke quietly into her ear, the warm air from his mouth sending tingles down Rukia's spine. She noticed that he had placed his right hand on the counter from behind, almost touching her waist.
"I… don't stand behind me," Rukia gasped out. She heard Byakuya chuckle and his hand disappeared as he dutifully moved into her view, on her left.
"Okay."
Rukia continued chopping the spring onion. "You... can wash the cabbage leaves. They have been soaking for a while now."
"Okay." Byakuya turned on the tap and stuck his hand under the jet of water as he picked up one green after another to rinse off. Rukia continued chopping the spring onions. Both of them worked in silence next to each other for a bit. As Rukia swept the onion away into a plate, she chanced a glance at Byakuya. He was smiling slightly, his grey eyes focused on the sink as he washed the vegetables, his arms moving with ease and speed. Rukia found the image almost surreal; Byakuya the handsome, rich executive heir to the international hotel enterprise, standing next to her washing greens for dinner.
She shook herself as she moved to the stove to start cooking.
xXxXx
Ukitake let himself through the front door with the house keys he had brought out with him. Holding the plastic bag containing beverages in one hand, he walked across the hallway to the kitchen. Ukitake smiled as he caught the scent of stir-fried chicken in black pepper sauce. He had always thought his little daughter would be a blessing to whoever man she would marry, as she had been to him.
And that man might just be…
Ukitake peeked into the kitchen door. He smiled as he caught sight of them. Rukia was cooking the chicken in the pan, with Byakuya standing next to her holding a sugar pot. Even from far, Ukitake could tell that his young daughter was jittery and nervous, so in contrast from all the times he had seen her cooking which she always accomplished with ease. She was twitchy because of the man standing next to her. But Ukitake could also easily tell that Rukia was nervous in a good way, that Byakuya's presence did not alarm her, but rather because she was all too conscious of him. And Byakuya… Ukitake watched the man who was now watching his daughter. His gaze was very intense (Ukitake had never seen anything like it), very strong… very firm. Ukitake liked it, liked the vibe he was getting about this man who was courting his daughter.
Rukia needed someone who loved her. And this Byakuya-san, might just be the one...
Ukitake stepped forward and cleared his throat just as Rukia scooped the sizzling chicken out onto the plate Byakuya was holding out. Both of them looked up. Rukia's face relaxed into a happy smile. "Otousan!"
"Drinks are here." Ukitake smiled. "Byakuya-san, I'm terribly sorry you had to get dirty in the kitchen. You must stay in the living room as a guest."
"No, Otousan." Byakuya bowed slightly. "I came in here by myself to help Rukia."
"Okay. How about you young ones take some minutes off then, while I finish up the cabbages?" Ukitake smiled at the vegetables sitting on the basket, rinsed dry. "It might be good for me to showcase my own culinary talent. Can't have my daughter stealing all the spotlight!"
Both Rukia and Byakuya smiled. Rukia put the plate down on the dining table, before turning to Ukitake. "No, it's fine, Otousan, I can-
"Rukia, how about showing Byakuya our house? He hasn't seen a lot of it, have you, Byakuya-san? Show him your room."
Rukia's eyes widened just as Byakuya replied. "No, I haven't really, no."
"Well then, that's settled. Off you go!" Ukitake ushered Rukia and Byakuya out of the kitchen as he took up the ladle. "I will give a shout when everything's set up." He smiled.
"Otousan, are you-
"Yes. Go go!"
xXxXx
"And so, er, this is the second floor of our house." Rukia gestured around awkwardly with her hand. After washing her hands, she had brought Byakuya through the gardens, the living room and the small lounge as per Otousan's instructions. She skipped Otousan's room (for privacy) and headed upstairs. "There's the storeroom here on this end… the study room, we don't use much of that anyway… and… er…" Rukia stopped in front of a door with a hanging sign of a rabbit outside a toadstool house. It was marked 'Rukia'. "My room."
Byakuya smiled.
"Um…" Rukia looked up at him before turning the doorknob. "It's not really great…" She stepped into her bedroom. "It's a bit messy too." She laughed.
Byakuya followed her into the bedroom, his eyes easily sweeping across the entirety of the space. A wooden bookshelf stood against the wall on one side of the room, next to a table which held a radio and a CD shelf. On the opposite side, there was a neat study table and its chair, right next to Rukia's bed. The table was piled high with notes, a silver table lamp standing upright. Rukia's bed held light blue covers with coral patterns, matched with her pillowcase and bed sheets. Two rabbit plushies were sitting at the head of the bed, one looking rather worn compared to the other. Rukia's room was small but it gave Byakuya a very warm feeling.
"That's the rabbit toy Otousan gave me the first time when he knocked me down." Rukia went over to the old toy and picked it up. She smiled slightly. "My room's a little messy, I don't look after myself all that much."
"I think it's very nice." Byakuya gave another glance around before his eyes stopped on something on the other side of Rukia's bed. Rukia followed his gaze and her eyes widened slightly. She looked at the fully-bloomed rose sitting in the glass vase.
"I see it has bloomed." Byakuya spoke in his deep voice. He waited for Rukia to look at him. "Did you think about me then?"
Byakuya watched the pretty pink tint Rukia's cheeks and he found the answer easily in those expressive violet eyes.
"Arigato, Rukia," he spoke softly.
"Ah…" Rukia opened her mouth for a moment before closing it. She opened it again. "You…" Rukia cleared her throat slightly. "You… were busy?"
"Very. May I?" Byakuya asked as he looked at Rukia and gestured to her chair.
"Oh. Of course."
Byakuya sat down on her chair and Rukia settled down on her own bed.
"I was very busy with work the last week, it was getting pretty stressful. This is the time when we at the hotel receive many agreements and contracts and we try to figure out which one to renew and which businesses are better left without a follow-up," Byakuya smiled. "I'm sorry I did not call or text you for a couple of days."
Rukia blushed, but she felt the warmth fill her heart. So he was busy. "No... that's fine."
"Were you worried? Upset?"
Rukia looked up, her eyes wide. Byakuya smiled at her.
"I… I thought you might have had other commitments."
"I see."
Rukia laughed softly. "I actually thought you were forced to come here, when you didn't want to."
"Why wouldn't I want to come here? Especially when it meant seeing you?"
Rukia looked up in surprise. Byakuya held her eyes easily.
"You are frustrating me, Rukia," Byakuya spoke softly, his expression emotionless. "You are trying so hard to delude yourself that I have no feelings for you." His grey eyes pierced her thoroughly as he sat easily on her chair. "It's an insult, given how unbelievably strong my feelings are."
Rukia's eyes widened but not before Byakuya had spoken the next words in a whisper. "I missed you, Rukia."
"I-
"RUKIA! BYAKUYA-SAN!"
Rukia jumped slightly at her Otousan's voice. It was amazing how Otousan was healthy enough to shout like that. She looked back at Byakuya who was now smiling. "Let's go down to dinner."
xXxXx
"This is wonderful food." Byakuya smiled as he tucked into his bowl of rice politely with his chopsticks. The three of them were seated at the dinner table, Rukia next to Ukitake, and Byakuya opposite them. The dishes were steaming at the table, an array of meat, vegetables, gravy and soup.
Ukitake nodded. "This little chef here is second to none, as on any other day."
Rukia laughed. "I couldn't beat your cabbage dish, Otousan."
Ukitake laughed. "Experience with age, my dear."
They continued eating quietly in peaceful silence. Halfway through, Rukia scooped the soup into three bowls and deposited them in front of each occupant of the dinner table. This time, her hand did not tremble when she served Byakuya his soup and she returned his thank-you smile almost tentatively.
Ukitake swallowed a gulpful of food before looking up. "So what did you young people do just last weekend?"
Rukia' eyes widened. Last weekend? Last weekend was… Cirque, and the VIP room…
She felt her cheeks begin to heat up.
Byakuya cleared his throat. "About that, Otousan…" He looked straight at Ukitake. "… I'm terribly sor-
"NO!"
Byakuya and Otousan looked up in surprise at Rukia's outburst. She looked at Byakuya before turning to Otousan. "I mean, nothing, Otousan. It's nothing. Just an ordinary outing."
Ukitake gave her a bemused smile. "I thought Byakuya was almost apologizing." He laughed slightly. "He didn't do something to you, did he?"
Byakuya watched as Rukia turned to him. "No. No, he didn't." The shades of grey met dark violet. "He looks out for me."
Ukitake smiled. "I see."
Rukia blushed and turned back to her bowl, putting more food into her mouth.
"So Byakuya, how's work these days? I heard that you have been pretty busy."
xXxXx
Rukia walked to the sink, the stack of dirty plates in her hand. She placed the dishes down in the sink and turned on the water, before taking up the soapy sponge. As Rukia washed the plates clean, she could hear snippets of conversation between Byakuya and Otousan. Both men had continued talking over dinner heartily, right after Rukia had prevented Byakuya from apologizing for the Cirque incident. He probably wanted to apologize for… kissing her and, Rukia blushed when she thought back on it, making out in the club. She did not know why she had stopped him from doing so, but she didn't want Otousan to think the worst of him, to think that he was a pervert.
Because he wasn't.
Rukia had meant what she had said. She knew he looked out for her… at all times.
Rukia heard Otousan laugh at something Byakuya said, as she rinsed the dishes with clean water. Byakuya was so charismatic, he had won over Otousan easily the first time, and he was doing so all over again with this dinner.
After wiping the dishes dry and stacking them up on the rack, Rukia wiped her hands and headed out to the hall. She stopped at the hallway and looked into the living room. Byakuya and Ukitake were sitting next to each other on the couch as they watched the television, and talking about the latest statistics on football matches. Rukia felt a smile slowly curve her lips as she watched Byakuya and Otousan laugh together at something the TV anchorman was saying.
She went off quietly to cut them a plate of mangos for dessert.
xXxXx
"Take some air off! Go on now!"
Rukia almost laughed as Otousan waved them off at the doorstep. First, the house guide trip? And now, a nighttime walk to cool off? Otousan was being too obvious, to say the least. Rukia made a mental note to tease him when she got back.
"Er…" She turned to look at Byakuya as Otousan disappeared behind the door. They were standing out on the pavement in the night air.
"Let's go." Byakuya smiled. They started off down the street, walking slowly.
"Sorry about Otousan. I think he's been in very great spirits lately, and hence more hyperactive." Rukia laughed.
"I like him very much. He's a lot of fun."
Rukia smiled. "I hope he stays this way for always."
Byakuya nodded before looking up at the street. "So, where do we go?"
"Oh, there's a playground, it's a few blocks from here. Then maybe we can head back after that. Otousan will be satisfied." Rukia smiled.
"Okay."
Rukia looked down at her sneakers as they walked. "So, very busy time for you?" She chanced a look up.
"Yes. I'm working through half the workload now, and I have several conferences to go to. One of them will be to Seattle, and it's coming up soon."
"Seattle? Wow!"
Byakuya smiled at her. "Have you been there?"
"No. But I think it would be a very nice place."
"I can bring you there if you want."
Rukia laughed. "That's okay." She smiled slightly as they walked. "I find it surreal, you know. I mean, you go to all these big conferences, you own all these hotels…" Rukia looked down slightly, an almost wistful smile on her lips. "It's hard to believe when you stood in our kitchen and washed the vegetables." Rukia laughed. "Thank you."
Byakuya looked at Rukia. "There is no need to thank me. I did them because I wanted to… because I loved to."
They reached the playground and it was empty. The air was still and slightly breezy as Rukia walked past the two see-saws to the pair of chain swings on one side of the playground. She kicked the sand slightly with her sneakered feet before settling onto one swing. Byakuya sat on the other, looking at her.
For a minute, both of them stared out across the lonely playground as the moonlight bathed the landscape. Then, the soft voice broke the silence. "I don't know anything about you, Byakuya."
Byakuya turned to Rukia with his misty grey eyes. This time, Rukia did not blush, nor look away. Her look was one of tentative shyness and yet firm boldness. To Byakuya, she had never looked any more sweeter as she sat on the swing and looked right at him like that.
"I mean…" Rukia continued and laughed slightly. "I might be curious to know but you might have no intentions of divulging. I just think sometimes…" She looked up again. "You can really surprise me. I know nothing substantial about you… and I want to know."
Byakuya looked at her silently. And as she watched him, a soft smile curved the corners of his lips. "I see."
"I…" Rukia shook her head slightly. "It doesn't matter, I was just-
"What would you like to know about me?"
Rukia looked up. Byakuya was looking right at her. Without waiting for her to answer, he spoke. "Yes, I'm a very powerful and influential figure. I mostly spend time working in my office though, surrounded by my assistants." He looked out over the playground, his expression calm and unperturbed. "My closest two are one male and a female and they fight with each other so often that I find them annoying. But both of them are my most trusted confidantes, Abarai and Matsumoto."
Byakuya looked over at Rukia but she was listening earnestly. "I control a whole legion under my wing, sometimes the responsibility does get a bit much. My parents died when I was a baby, as I have told you before. Grandfather is the closest blood relative I have and he cares a lot for me. He is very strict though, but he does so for the code and conduct of our big family, as I am doing now."
Rukia nodded, her mouth slightly open.
"I don't have any particular close friends, save the small group in which Abarai and Matsumoto spend their time with. I'm a pretty wary person myself." Byakuya smiled and Rukia smiled slightly in surprise.
"I prefer spending time to myself, and I don't like to go out much. But my job requires me to do so, so I make sure I'm well-equipped in experience where it is concerned."
Rukia nodded again, her eyes wide. "I see. Then… what do you do when you're not working?"
Byakuya smiled, his grey eyes misty. "I do a lot of things. When I'm not…" Byakuya deliberated. "… eating, I'm practicing combat skills."
"Combat?" Rukia's voice was slightly awed. "As in, fighting?"
Byakuya chuckled. "Fighting." He nodded. "I fight too, just like you, Rukia."
"That's why you could beat those guys down so easily in the alley." Rukia laughed slightly. "I should have been there to see it."
"You will get scared." Byakuya's eyes fixed on Rukia.
"I don't get scared easily." Rukia puffed her chest out, before laughing again.
A ghost of a smile crossed Byakuya's lips. "I know."
Rukia tapped a finger to her chin. "But you are very job-oriented."
Byakuya chuckled and his deep voice was almost sexy. "I think so too. Life became too much of a horrible routine, even I was aware of that." Then he cocked his head to one side as he looked at Rukia. "I've told you many times before… but meeting you changed that."
Rukia felt her face grow warm. Byakuya just smiled easily at her. "And I like taking night walks like these, especially in the privacy of the gardens of my apartment suite. I like nature and their sceneries a lot, it helps me relax and think things over." Byakuya looked out over the quiet playground. "And I like spicy food."
"You do?" Rukia perked up. "If that's the case, I know where to go for food next time! And maybe we should do nighttime walks more often then."
Byakuya looked over at her as she blushed horribly at her outburst. Next time? More nighttime walks? Rukia, you moron!
Byakuya smiled. "I can't wait." His gaze never wavered from Rukia. "And I like doing this, sitting here with you at night. Of course, we can do a lot of things at night, but I like to talk too."
Rukia blushed as Byakuya turned his head up at the night sky and closed his eyes. Shifting slightly on her swing, Rukia turned and watched his perfect profile as his head turned up to the skies. Then she smiled and turned to watch the silver moon against the beautiful velvety black sky.
xXxXx
"Well, I guess that's it."
"Ah."
Byakuya and Rukia were standing outside the house and in front of Byakuya's Porsche. They had finally walked back to the house when Byakuya pointed out that the night air was getting too cold, despite having draped his office coat over Rukia to keep her warm. Rukia had opened her mouth to protest, before realizing that Byakuya was only in his office shirt, having given his coat to her and therefore, must be freezing. What either of them didn't know was that both actually wanted to stay in the park a little longer but chose not to voice out the proposition, believing that the other was getting too cold by the minute.
Now Rukia handed over the expensive black coat to Byakuya, thanking him.
Byakuya accepted his apparel and smiled."Thank you for the dinner, Rukia. And please thank Otousan for me once again, he was very kind to invite me over. I had a very good time."
"Okay. I think he had a very good time too. People don't drop by often." Rukia smiled.
"I will certainly make a point of dropping by more often then, if you would like it." Byakuya kept his eyes on Rukia, noting immediately the lovely blush that tinged her cheeks. He smiled. "Let's do something fun this weekend, Rukia."
Rukia looked up in surprise.
"I don't have any ideas right now, but I'll think of something. I will try to get Otousan's permission tomorrow." Byakuya smiled and started to turn to his car. "Good night, Rukia."
"You... don't have to…"
Byakuya turned back at Rukia's voice. Her face was slightly red but she was looking at him. She cleared her throat, albeit adorably.
"I mean, you don't have to ask for Otousan's permission every single time. I can go out whenever I want to, I just need to let him know myself." Rukia looked down slightly, before looking up. A small smile curved her lips. "You know, Saturday is the last day of the Marine Week in the local theme park. I have been wanting to go there, but never found the time or… company to do so." Her blush intensified. "I don't know if you are interested but maybe-
"Saturday it is."
Rukia looked up in surprise. Byakuya was smiling softly at her. "I would like to go to the park with you, Rukia."
"Ah." Slowly, Rukia smiled back, her cheeks pink. "Okay. I guess… I will see you then."
She watched as Byakuya bowed and with a final smile, moved to his car. She watched as the roar of the powerful engine started up, watched as the luxurious car zoomed off down the quiet street.
Rukia put her hand to her warm cheeks, and tried to calm her beating heart. Then she ran back inside the house happily, a smile on her lips.
Saturday it is.
And there you have it, Chapter 16! :D I hope it was a sweet chapter, I had the idea for this a few weeks ago... for the storyline to involve Byakuya into Rukia's family more so they can grow closer and closer. :) I thought it was rather nice when I wrote it out, hope you like it. :)
So Byakuya is now having to attend matchmaking dates, which he can't bear all that much, when he is much more interested in spending time with his little Rukia. XD I gave Ukitake a bit more spotlight in this chapter, playing the intelligent father... and also the one to pave the way for Byakuya and Rukia to be closer to each other. :) Rukia is still a little uncertain, especially when Byakuya is the all famous bachelor of the moment in town, but she's definitely opening up to him... and now they have set the place for their next date! I have plans for that date (it was supposed to be in this chapter but I thought the events then would seem pretty sudden so I wrote out this dinnertime chapter in the middle). I have still to put the plot bunnies into writing so I hope you'd wait for Chapter 17!
Also recently, there was an anonymous reviewer going on a couple of ByaRuki fanfics to post up a review that the pair is incest and that the author is disgusting/pathetic/what have you. I was one of these authors. I actually wrote a reply back in my head but then the moment of anger passed because I was too busy with other stuff and then right now after so long, I don't feel the need anymore to write a reply. So pfffffffffft, first I hope you get your technicalities and terms right regarding the ByaRuki pairing. Second I hope you can find time to do more useful things in your life than try to disturb writers who are sharing what they like to share. Third, maybe that time could be used to better your writing ability, maybe then it would reduce your bitterness and the need to prove your meager existence by making anonymous reviews of idiotic bashing. Fourth, if you wanted to learn how to write, you could have just asked me nicely. Good luck.
I hope the authors who got similar reviews (if they are reading this) would not get affected by the so-called 'reviewer', and to continue the ByaRuki love spirit in their works. :)
And I think that's it for now. i really hope you liked the new update (it's pretty long with a lot of content so it might appear jumpy at points). I hope you can review this chapter for me, and tell me what you think of it... comments, feedback for improvements, etc. Would really appreciate it, and it help bolsters my motivation to write some more of Demons!
~evenstar lady~