Hey there, it's evenstar lady again with Chapter 17! :D I've gotten busier in RL and this time, the assignments and presentations are a killer. I was supposed to use Friday night to do my THREE assignment papers but I decided I wouldn't be able to concentrate if I didn't get out a Demons update this weekend and it's been almost a month. I apologize for the long absence and thank you for waiting for me. :)
I thank you all for the reviews for Chapter 16. I read all of the reviews and I really appreciate them. It was lovely that you all loved the Ukitake role in matchmaking Byakuya and Rukia and then inviting the former over for dinner. Thank you all so much! :D And as a little gesture, I dedicate this chapter to Suisho. :)
Now this is the longest chapter to date that I have wrote, it's already about 12k words, without the AN. I hope you enjoy it, there's A LOT going on... and some progress ByaRuki-wise. It might be a tad of a 'recycle' material from one of my earlier works (so it gets a bit boring at the start) but I've made sure there are pretty new stuff in here as well (the middle part and then the end). I really hope you'd like it.
And here is Chapter 17. :)
"Do you really, really have to go home this weekend?"
Rukia smiled as she straightened the books on her study table. It was the typical Friday evening and she was getting ready to go home to Otousan. "You never had any problems with me leaving before, Miss Nel. Hmmm, wonder what's the problem this time?" Rukia chuckled and turned around to face her roommate, who was spread out on the small couch in her bedroom.
"Nothing…" Nel rested her chin on her fingertips, staring with wide turquoise eyes at her dark-haired roommate. "I guess I was just hoping for some pillow talk." Her eyes widened when Rukia went over to her and sat down on the floor. "What-
"Spill." Rukia smiled.
Nel smiled back gratefully. "No, really, you should go home now. It's not like I have a terminal disease or something that important."
Both of them laughed. Then Rukia turned serious. "No really, Nel. I want to hear it."
"Well, I… it's about Grimmjow."
"Grimmjow?" Rukia raised her eyebrows, before a knowing smiled curved her lips. "Think I know where this is going to be headed."
"I, well, I've been thinking a lot about him." Nel looked up at the ceiling, pretending to be interested in the wallpaper pattern. "And you know, this upcoming gala night… I don't know if anything's going to come up of it, if we should use it to make anything happen. I mean, he hasn't asked me out as his partner and I don't know if I should be bold enough to ask him out if he doesn't. I don't know if we actually… have something here."
Rukia smiled at Nel. "You sound like you have a lot bottled up."
Nel smiled slightly. "You know, it's frustrating. You don't know if he likes you or not."
Rukia bent forward and patted Nel's hand. "Let's see how next week goes, if he makes any move then. You might just be worrying for nothing! Or… how about I go drop a hint on him?"
"No!"
"Why not?"
"I don't want him to feel guilty and ask me out based on that. I want to know his true feelings."
"I see." Rukia sat back on her heels. "Well then, we will just wait. Don't worry too much. If he doesn't ask you out, I will kick his ass for you the next time I see him."
Nel laughed. "Thanks."
"Anytime." Rukia gave her a hug and rose up from the floor. As she picked up her bag, Nel smiled. "I hope you can experience the same feeling soon. It's wonderful, Rukia."
Rukia stopped at the door. "I know."
xXxXx
Byakuya picked up the glass of orange juice and took a simple drink from it. He was at his dining table, eating a typical Western breakfast of ham, sausages, baked beans, egg and juice. Byakuya had risen at an impossibly early time of five in the morning and dressed in a pale grey shirt with black pants. He had checked himself in the mirror before he went downstairs, and he knew he was looking good. Scratch that, he was looking way more than good.
Byakuya knew of the seductive charms and natural physical perfection that came with the blood of an Incubus. After all, it was on that basis that they could feed properly, by seducing women into submission. It was often talked about amongst the demon community that Byakuya possessed the best of skills in this area of expertise (and everywhere else for that matter). He knew he was handsome, he knew what he wanted, and he knew all the ways he could go about to get them.
Over the decades, Byakuya stopped bothering on his looks, getting tired of the routine primping up and also knowing that he looked really good without effort anyway. He went about to office without so much as a fret over his outfit choice, went to the clubs without deciding on anything fancy and sometimes even wore sweatpants and a plain shirt to Madam Aiko's.
He got all the women regardless.
But this time was different.
This time, he dressed to impress. He wanted so badly to impress her, to make her heart beat really fast when she saw him.
Rukia.
Byakuya felt a smile curve his lips at the thought. He wasn't one to smile at all, but he could never help the lift of his lips, whenever he thought of her or whenever she was near. It was remarkable.
He looked down at his outfit for a bit, and his demon-perfect pride gave him a thumbs-up. His shirt was pale grey with darker buttons, and it ran down to his waist, marking his perfect physique to prominence. The colour matched the grey of his eyes, and the black expensive pants finished the look off nicely. Byakuya had mulled over on the presence of a tie but finally decided to go for a more casual look, leaving the top two buttons of his shirt undone, exposing a teasing glimpse of his chest and a fine silver chain at the neck.
Finishing up his food, Byakuya placed the crockery into the dishwasher and grabbed his jacket from the coat hanger. It was really early but he wanted them to start early, so he could spend as much time as he could with her. A lazy smile once again grazed the handsome features of the demon, as he picked up the car keys and let himself out the door.
And so the Devil comes…
xXxXx
"Byakuya-san!"
Byakuya bowed low and smiled. "I'm really sorry, Otousan. I think I might be a little too early."
Ukitake laughed. "It is early, Byakuya-san, but Rukia told me beforehand that you were coming over. Come in please, I'm afraid the lazyhead is still sleeping."
Byakuya smiled. "Is she?"
"I will go wake her up." Ukitake smiled. He paused at the stairs before turning back to Byakuya. "Or perhaps you would like to come along?" The old man chuckled slightly.
Byakuya smiled. Waking Rukia up from her sleep in the morning was definitely one on his list of goals in his long life, but he wasn't going to tell Otousan that. "I'd love to."
Both men stepped up to the landing of the second floor and Ukitake rapped on Rukia's door. "Rukia, wake up. Byakuya-san is already here."
No sound.
"Rukia." Ukitake knocked again on her door. He turned around and gave Byakuya an apologetic smile. "She sleeps through an earthquake."
Byakuya smiled as Ukitake turned around to face the door again, speaking louder. "I'm coming in, Rukia so you better wake up if you don't want Byakuya-san to see you messy."
No sound.
Ukitake shook his head and opened Rukia's bedroom door. Byakuya looked into the room and felt himself smile as he caught sight of the small figure curled up in bed.
"As I said…" Ukitake laughed and walked over to Rukia, Byakuya following behind him. "Rukia, wake up." He shook his young daughter slightly and she mumbled something into the comforter.
Just then, a whistling sound filled the house and Ukitake looked up. "My coffee! Would you like a cup, Byakuya-san?"
"I'd love to, thank you. Shall I go and get it?"
"No, that's fine." Ukitake was already walking past Byakuya. "I leave you the impossible job of dragging Rukia out today!" He turned back and put his index finger up. "I will expect both of you young people down for breakfast in ten minutes. No hanky-panky please."
Byakuya bowed as Ukitake went downstairs. Then he turned back to Rukia.
No hanky-panky?
If only the old man knew.
Rukia looked downright adorable up close, even when sleeping. Her hair was slightly dishevelled and fell about her face, the rest splayed out on the pillow. But they looked beautiful, black and glossy and very soft. She was turned over to his side and he watched her breathe in and out slowly, her small hands curled up near her face. She was also smiling slightly, and her mouth was open a little. Byakuya hoped she was dreaming about him. And hopefully in a hot steamy setting, preferably involving lots of groping and panting.
Byakuya chuckled softly and bent towards her. She smelled so nice in bed too. Her scent was natural, like subtle baby powder and freshly-laundered sheets. Byakuya took a deep breath, taking her in. The fragrance invaded his body easily, warming places in his body he didn't even knew were there.
Byakuya bent over the sleeping Rukia and spoke into her ear. "Don't sleep anymore, Rukia…"
"Hmmm… Mmm…" Rukia groggily mumbled into her pillow.
"Get out of bed now..." In spite of himself, Byakuya heard his voice grow husky. He never could control his passionate impulses around her.
"Hmmm… Mmm… Bya…"
Byakuya felt a wave of happy satisfaction as he heard her voice. 'So she recognizes my voice, even when sleeping…'
Byakuya moved a little closer, until his lips almost touched her earlobe. "Rukia…" He murmured into her ear, noting the little shiver that unconsciously ran through her body as he did so. Rukia stirred slightly and her eyes opened, as she blinked a few times. Then she stared up at Byakuya with wide eyes.
Byakuya gave her the sexiest smile he was capable of.
The next thing he heard was a piercing scream before something came down hard against his cheek.
xXxXx
"I'm sorry."
Byakuya chuckled. "I didn't know you could scream like that."
Rukia shifted uncomfortably in the passenger's seat. She watched the beautiful morning sunlight bathe the city in a fresh glow, as lamppost after lamppost flashed past. She tried to quell the embarrassment growing in herself. It had been an hour after she had finished breakfast with Otousan and Byakuya. It had been an hour and a half since she had opened her eyes to see Byakuya hovering over her in her bedroom. An hour and a half since she had opened her mouth to scream and reflexively slapped him across his cheek.
She was lucky he had not stormed out at all. Rukia was even glad to go through the lecture her Otousan had given her about treating guests with respect, and a man who had turned up early to take her out when she was still sleeping.
She was so embarrassed.
"I'm really sorry." Rukia stared down at her worn jeans.
She heard Byakuya chuckle again. "If you keep saying sorry, I'm getting the Cellophane tape out from the compartment box. I would of course prefer using my own mouth to keep you quiet but as much as I multi-task, I don't think I can drive and kiss at the same time." He turned to see a blush developing on Rukia's cheek. "It's alright, Rukia." He turned back to the road, smiling as he did so.
"I love learning something new about you everyday."
xXxXx
Rukia grinned as she watched the crowd walking about near the entrance to the park. "It's just ahead!" She could not help exclaiming happily, even though Byakuya, who was walking right next to her, could definitely see the huge blue banners and flags marking the entrance into the theme park. Images of dolphins, whales and sea lions marked the current attraction of the theme park and being the last day of the Marine Week, the crowd had turned out in full force.
"I see, Rukia."
Rukia could barely contain her excitement, she turned and beamed happily at Byakuya. They joined the crowd and slowly made their way through the enormous park area.
"Oh wow…"
"God, he's so handsome…"
Rukia looked around awkwardly as they walked on. Every woman who passed them gave Byakuya appreciative looks, some even took on dreamy gazes. Even those who were hanging on the arms of their boyfriends had a hard time pretending they hadn't noticed Byakuya.
Rukia looked up at Byakuya. He was looking right at her. And as she watched, Byakuya's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"What is it… Rukia?" He spoke the line slow, taking care to linger on the syllables of her name.
Rukia blushed and shook her head.
"How about we play some games first, before heading to the marine arena?" Byakuya proposed.
Rukia smiled and nodded. "The shows don't start until almost afternoon anyway."
"That's agreed then." Before Rukia could react, Byakuya reached out and easily took her hand in his. He walked along to the game booths, holding her hand. Rukia felt her cheeks warm up but she did not pull away.
xXxXx
"A roulette for fun play, my dears! Gamble the money for the jackpot!"
"I didn't know you could gamble in a theme park," Rukia chuckled. She stared at the red-and-black wheel where the numbers 1 to 36 were carved in white.
Byakuya smiled and he let go off her hand at the counter to pay for the appropriate tokens. "I will take the number 12." He nodded to the proprietor, a middle-aged man.
As Byakuya and Rukia waited for other customers to place their bets, Byakuya turned to Rukia.
"Gamble your heart to me, Rukia."
Rukia's eyes widened at the unexpected statement . Byakuya smiled easily at her.
"I'm playing for keeps this time." His grey eyes held hers. "I'm putting out my heart, and the whole world with it. And the only thing I want to win is… that." He smiled at the spot on Rukia's chest, the spot right where her heart was beating.
"I…"
Byakuya turned back to the roulette as all the bets were set. The proprietor spun the wheel before spinning a white ball in the opposite direction of the wheel. The ball jumped along the numbers and began to slow with each passing second. Rukia bent forward eagerly in spite of herself.
The ball did a final jump before slowly moving forward and landing onto the number 12.
"Free tokens, my man!" The proprietor smiled at Byakuya and took out a bag to extract the gifted tokens. "You are a lucky one!"
Byakuya smiled and took Rukia's hand once again. "I know."
xXxXx
"How can you be so lucky?" Rukia asked curiously as she walked beside Byakuya.
"I don't think that's a very good question, Rukia."
Rukia laughed. "I mean… it's not… possible." She looked up at him and scrunched her nose.
"If there is something I don't like to be, it is being possible, Rukia."
Rukia chuckled.
"So, would you gamble your heart to me?"
Rukia looked up in surprise. Byakuya smiled at her. He had not let go off her hand, even as they left the roulette booth.
"I…"
Rukia looked away, her cheeks slightly pink. Her eyes lit up as they fell on something in the distance.
"I will go get us some cotton candy!" Rukia smiled happily and dashed off before Byakuya could say anything.
xXxXx
"Hello."
Byakuya blinked once, and focused on the pretty, long-haired girl who was now standing right in front of him. As he waited for Rukia, Byakuya had gotten lost in his thoughts as he stared out over the crowd. He was thinking about Rukia, as always. Now, he stared at the stranger girl who had stepped right in front of him. She had glossy black tresses that hung down to her waist and an oval face. A curvy body line accompanied these features, making her a rather tasteful sight. Only, it was not to his taste.
The girl smiled brightly. "I noticed you watching the crowd." Her teeth was all set in a straight line. "Are you lost or something?"
Byakuya gave her a polite smile. "Actually, I am waiting for someone."
"Oh, that makes the two of us." The girl smiled again and her eyelids lowered over her brown eyes. Her lashes were long. "My name is Saori, what's yours?"
Byakuya shifted a little on his left foot. Had Rukia finished her purchases? What was taking her so long? "Byakuya."
"Byakuya-san, that's a very nice name you have."
Byakuya bit down his impatience. Why did he attract women at every single scenario, at any moment? "Thank you."
Saori smiled again. God, this man was so sexy. He was really handsome, was he a model? She hadn't lied, she was waiting for her girlfriends but now she hoped they had gotten stuck in a traffic jam or something. Otherwise, they would jump him on the spot. She hoped that person he was waiting for was a guy friend, and not a girl.
"So, enjoying yourself today? Have you been to the shows on the Marine-themed line-up?"
Byakuya bit back a cold retort. "I will be heading over to the arena soon to see what they have to offer."
"Fancy that! I was about to go there too! How about we-
Byakuya suppressed his irritation and turned behind to check for any sign of Rukia. What he saw made his grey eyes light up subtly. Rukia was standing a way off, holding two sticks of pink cotton candy, wrapped in plastic. Why was she standing there, and not coming to him? Her violet eyes widened as they locked eyes.
Before Byakuya could even call out to her, Rukia turned her back and hurried away into the crowd.
That girl was really beautiful.
Rukia tried to smile as she walked along the throngs of people milling near the food stalls. Byakuya really was a woman magnet, he attracted female specimens everywhere he went. Rukia couldn't blame him though, he had movie-star looks and top male charms.
She had made her way back happily to Byakuya after getting some cotton candy, and that was when she had caught sight of a pretty girl chatting to him. Rukia had found herself frozen to her spot as she watched them, what a compatible good-looking couple they would make. It was enough to stop her to go to him, she should not really disturb them.
But Byakuya had seen her, hadn't he? If she had walked off earlier, at least he did not have to know that she had seen them both together. Then he would feel a little less guilty about not spending his time with her.
No, that was fine. Rukia tried to smile as she tore off a piece of pink cotton candy to put into her mouth. She shouldn't really stand in the way of his social life. But as Rukia looked at the second cotton candy still unwrapped, she felt her heart sink a little. But that was fine too, she could eat two cotton candies.
But that girl was really beautiful. She was curvy and had such long luscious hair. Was she an old acquaintance who had bumped into Byakuya as he stood there? Or was she just a new interest?
Rukia had seen Byakuya smiling and chatting happily to the long-haired newcomer. And Rukia could not bring herself to walk up to him and tap him on the shoulder.
That girl was really beautiful.
Rukia took in a deep breath and started to make her way down to the arena. She would watch a good water show, preferably one with sea lions, and then maybe give him a call after a few hours. That is, if he was not busy with-
Rukia gasped as she felt an iron grip tighten on her wrist. She turned around swiftly, coming face-to-face with Byakuya who was now looking at her with very cold eyes.
"Why did you leave me there?" His tone was icy.
"I…"
Byakuya waited for her answer, his eyes piercing and almost emitting silent fury.
"I… She…" Rukia looked up with wide eyes. "Well, I saw you talking to that girl earlier. I just… didn't want to disturb the both of you. And both of you seemed rather absorbed, and… I mean, she is really beautiful…" Rukia tried to laugh but her voice was slightly hoarse. "I... I was just in the way."
Rukia almost yelped when she felt Byakuya' grip tightened painfully on her hand. "Tell me, Rukia. Do I have to be interested in every single woman who's interested in me? Because I won't even have time to breathe then, considering how many of them are out there."
Rukia's eyes widened. Ordinarily, she would be pissed off with his arrogant statement. But at the moment, his eyes were intense and he seemed really affected. "Which is why you… should go on with her. She really seems to like you." Rukia looked away. "You don't have to hang around with me-
"Then I should probably give you a try as well. Since you like me, maybe even more than she does." Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya's grey eyes pierced through her. "Why would I go off with another woman, when I have the one I want by my side?"
Rukia shook her head. She had preferred to avoid this. Quickly, she turned away. "We should be going, it's-"
Byakuya did not allow that. He pulled her hand back so she had no choice but to look at him.
"Why do you like to push me away to other women? Do you not know that I have feelings for you?"
It was so frustrating. He had sat through boring hours with potential mating candidates for a week already, feeling nothing but resentment and irritation. He had coped with the feeling of longing and simple want, just to see her everyday. And right now, the girl he actually wanted to spend time with was happy enough to leave him with another. Byakuya was angry, confused, and upset. Was this what it felt like to be in love?
He pressed on. "What makes you think things are platonic between us? Have I not told you enough? Or maybe I have not touched you enough?"
"I…" Rukia tried to pry her hand away from his but like many times before, his hold was steel. "… let go off me…"
"I won't let go until we clear this up, Rukia."
Rukia struggled against Byakuya but he pulled her even closer.
"Because I'm not worth it!" Rukia cried out angrily. She felt something bitter start to tickle her throat but she swallowed it down. "I don't understand. I-I don't match you. You should find a woman who can make you happy, a beautiful woman, maybe even one who can match you in height." She tilted her head up higher to emphasize her words. "You can get a good woman easily anywhere you want! A-And she would be an heiress, an elegant woman who socializes as easily as you do at rich party events and who holds herself classy at restaurants!"
Rukia had not talked about her flaws, but she was choking on them now. "Who's to say you can't find whatever it is you found that night… with a-another woman? It might just be a flash, a passing thing. And then, this thing will just dissolve into nothingness!"
Byakuya stared at her silently. Rukia had gone too far out, she had broken all the beautiful things around her. It wouldn't hurt to break even more, and made sure he never wanted to see her again. "Today was a mistake. All the dates were a mistake, we shouldn't even be trying. I… I'm not a part of your world. We really should… stay away from each other."
"I… I'm not a part of your world. We really should… stay away from each other."
I really should stay away from you, should I, Rukia?
"Why are you so afraid then?"
Rukia's eyes widened at the deep voice.
"Why are you so afraid that we might not be?" Byakuya spoke quietly, his eyes never leaving her face. His hand remained gripping her arm. "You should be happy, happy to be by my side, be driven everywhere in a Porsche, and given so many gifts. I know a lot of girls would. Unless that is against those principles you have been upholding in your life?" Byakuya finally released Rukia. "Or unless… you are afraid because you have already fallen in love with me? And you are afraid you will get hurt in the end, so you want to quickly step back before your love for me deepens?" Byakuya fixed Rukia with his misty grey gaze. "Am I right, Rukia?"
Rukia turned away, not answering his question. "Let's go. It's already late." She didn't bother pointing out that the sun was shining brightly just above their heads.
She walked a few steps before realizing Byakuya had not moved. She turned around.
Byakuya stood his ground, his face emotionless. "Do you love me, Rukia? Tell me now."
Rukia met his unperturbed expression with firm defiance. "If you are not moving, I am." She started to turn away.
"If you insist on doing this, I'm going to throw myself into the shark tank."
Rukia stopped for a second, before walking on and leaving Byakuya behind her.
xXxXx
Steady, steady.
Rukia was trying so hard not to tremble. How could a beautiful day out turn into something so mixed-up like this? But she knew this was going to come sooner or later. They couldn't keep deluding themselves, she couldn't keep hoping for something she did not even know what she was hoping for.
A steady relationship with Kuchiki Byakuya?
A love bond with the young millionaire?
It was laughable, this daydream. It was painful, because she had finally come to want the dream to be a reality. She wanted to be with Byakuya. Rukia didn't know how, or why. Maybe it was because he was a very charming and handsome man, he could win over any woman and she was no exception. Maybe it was because they had been through many different scenarios together, and she began to appreciate his personality day by day. Maybe it was because her heart had already moved, right from the first night he touched her.
But it had to end.
She matched nothing of his, belonged nowhere in his everyday activities. It was best for him that he found someone he could relate to, and love the lucky woman.
Rukia felt her insides twist horribly at the thought but she kept moving. What was he doing now? Was he still standing there, staring at her? Had he gone off, finally rebuffed at all the rude and terrible things she said to him?
Rukia had to know.
Slowly, the pair of white sneakers stopped. Rukia took a deep breath and turned around.
Byakuya was nowhere in sight.
Rukia felt the little sadness fill her heart again. She was pathetic, a hypocrite. After everything she had said, her heart couldn't help hoping that he would still stand there, waiting for her.
No, it was good like this.
Rukia nodded, biting back the bitterness. She should head home and maybe get an early start on dinner. That would take things off her mind, and to figure out how to tell Otousan that Byakuya wasn't going to come around anymore.
Rukia turned back and started on her way again.
If you insist on doing this, I'm going to throw myself into the shark tank.
Her head shot up instantly, as the words resounded in her head. Suddenly, her heart was pounding so fast… in fear, in anxiety.
If you insist on doing this, I'm going to throw myself into the shark tank.
No, no, would he be that stupid or reckless? Rukia hadn't bothered listening anymore as she had walked off, but now his words were swimming in her mind.
No, no, he couldn't have…
Rukia turned back again to the spot she had last seen Byakuya. She had not heard him walk away, did not even know which direction he had gone off to. She was suddenly very scared. Because Byakuya was reckless, he did things without a split second of hesitation.
Rukia dashed to a nearby ticket booth. "Excuse me, I need to know how I can get to the Shark Exhibition Show as fast as possible!"
xXxXx
The roar of the crowd inside resounded as Rukia dashed along the parameter of the gates outside the circular, roofed arena.
Atlantis Arena.
Fear clutched at her heart, and she had to force her rubbery legs on. He couldn't have been serious? Would he throw himself into the shark tank?
Rukia bit back the regret welling up inside her. It was all her fault again. But she knew she had to say all those words to him, she had to get them out. She had to make him understand, make him know that there were so many better possibilities out there for him.
Why did he stay around her? Rukia couldn't read him, didn't know what his true feelings or motives were. Why was he so stubborn? Was he stupid or something? These uncertainties kept her awake on nights pondering the reasons, made her wonder what this was all about. Finally, she had worked up the courage to confront them.
And it led to this.
Would he be that stupid? Rukia didn't know if trained sharks would tear into a stray human in their tank but sharks were still sharks. They were born predators. Did Byakuya have any open wounds on his hand or body? Rukia remembered watching a documentary before, and in it they mentioned that sharks were drawn to the scent of blood in water, thus drawing them to prey.
She hurriedly blocked the horrid thoughts from her mind. Faster, faster! She urged her legs on as she approached the main barrier gate to the arena, where a rather fat guard stood. He gave her a suspicious stare as she arrived at the gate.
"I need to get in, please!" Rukia shouted at the guard, panting hard. "My friend is in there… and he's really stupid! We had a fight and he said he was going to throw himself into the shark tank without warning!"
The guard just glared at her angrily.
"Get a ticket, young lady! This trick has been done one too many times already."
"You don't understand! He's in danger! Please let me pass!"
"No ticket, no entry. Just doing my job, alright?"
"Please! He's really going to… oh fine." Rukia retreated a step, her back slumped in defeat. The guard watched her before relaxing his stance in satisfaction. And in that precious second, Rukia acted. She swiftly moved forward and kneed the guard hard in the groin, and knew she was successful when she heard the man's painful shout.
"I really didn't mean to do that! I will pay for the ticket later, I promise!" Rukia shouted as she darted past the guard, who was limping backwards and clutching his inguinal region in agony.
Rukia took the stairs to the arena two steps at a time, her heart pounding. She had just breached the rules of the theme park and was going to be in trouble, but she was so worried.
Four steps. Six. Rukia was breathing so hard.
'That stupid, conceited man! Couldn't he be rational sometimes and think about others?'
Eight steps. Ten.
'Couldn't he stop to think about others before doing all these flashy stunts?'
Twelve steps. Fourteen.
'Please, please… let him be okay.'
Sixteen steps. Eighteen.
'Please, Byakuya... be safe.'
Rukia burst onto the top step and dashed into the arena. She watched the vast expanse of the arena spread out in front of her. It would have been impressive, had she not been so afraid and worried. She was at the top step and here, the steps ran downwards past lines and lines of seats which were filled with anticipating audience members. The blue dome-shaped roof hung above the enormous circular tank pool at the front of the arena. From her position, Rukia could see the flashes of dark grey that appeared in the blue surface of the water, of the creatures circling beneath at the endless depths of the tank.
She almost choked on the fear. Rukia hurriedly dashed down the steps. At the bottom, she almost tripped but caught herself in time and dashed up to the safety barrier that set the stage away from the public. The five male trainers stared at her in puzzlement. Rukia did not waste any time, and she expertly jumped over the safety barrier. The expression of curiosity on the trainers' faces turned into absolute shock but Rukia ignored them.
"BYAKUYA!" She opened her mouth to shout the loudest she could. "Byakuya!"
Her sharp eyes caught a swift movement at the corner of the stage. As she watched, a figure dashed out from behind the walls of the stage. Rukia only caught a flash of grey as that figure dropped into the tank, and into the dangerous depths of the shark territory.
The figure had been wearing grey.
Rukia did not stop to think. Byakuya was in the shark tank, his life was in danger! She did the only one thing that made sense, to make sure that he was alright and safe.
Rukia took a deep breath and ran forward, before diving head-first into the unknown dangers of the now foamy waters.
The screams of the shocked audience in the arena followed immediately.
Byakuya's eyes widened as he heard her voice, calling his name. Rukia! She came... she came to find him. His face curved into a smile. It was amazing how much he could smile everyday, how he could do so just because of her.
He had been sitting at the front line of the arena, and now started to step up from his seat when he noticed one of the shark trainers jump into the pool to begin the routine show.
Then everything else happened in a flash.
Byakuya heard shouts at the stage and then another splash sounded at the surface of the tank. The audience gasped and then he could hear faint screams. And as Byakuya looked out over the tank as he stepped out, his mind registered the horrible reality.
Rukia was in the shark tank.
Rukia twisted in the water, her eyes open to catch sight of Byakuya underwater. It was very difficult to see, white foam bubbled around her as the treacherous water gurgled. Her heart was gripped by fear, her legs kicking beneath her, which she knew would be miles above the tank floor. Something could be swimming right beneath her for all she knew, headed straight with deadly jaws to her legs... Stop it, focus! Rukia ignored the fear and took a stroke forward, trying to find Byakuya. Where was he? Had he gotten out of the tank somehow? Maybe they had pulled him to safety. Or had he... been dragged even lower underwater by a shark? Rukia shook her head, refusing to consider that possibility. No, he was strong, he would be safe.
Byakuya, where are you?
She turned this way and that, frantically trying to catch a glimpse of him. His grey shirt, his familiar face, whatever. Rukia choked back a sob underwater. She was very afraid here in this deep foreign pool with deadly sharks swimming around, but she was more afraid for his safety.
I take it back. If you would be safe, I take it all back.
The desperate plea in her fast-beating heart was made, and she took another brave stroke forward.
I want you to be okay. Please be okay. Please don't… leave me.
Rukia suddenly caught a flash of grey and her heart soared. But then she saw what it really was and she stopped mid-stroke, her heart seizing in fear. It was the swish of a shark fin, just a few meters away from her! Rukia started to back-paddle away from the animal but she couldn't see it properly. Was it headed towards her? Was it just a passing shark? Was it-
What happened next took her by shock. Rukia felt a sudden tremendous force hit her in her back, causing her to lurch forward in the water. Her first thought was that the shark had gotten her, though she felt no pain. As the water gurgled treacherously around her, she felt another huge force hit her from below at the legs, sending her to the surface of the pool as her head broke through the water. She opened her mouth to gasp but before she could fall back into the pool, three pairs of arms gripped her hands tight. The three shark trainers pulled her to safety onto the slippery tiled floor of the stage.
Rukia coughed, spluttering slightly. She had been a little too long underwater and taken in a bit of the pool contents as well. But-
"Byakuya! Byakuya! Please, you don't understand!" Rukia shouted and tried to crawl back to the edge of the pool but one trainer held her back. "He's in there, I can't…" Rukia choked back another sob. "It's all my fault, please let me…"
"Lady, relax! We are getting him out of there! Do not worry!"
"No, you don't understand! I…" Rukia could not help it. Tears started to form in her eyes. "H-He's in there, and I…"
A shout drew their attention to the side of the pool. Rukia turned around to see a figure erupt from the surface of the water and three other trainers lunge for that figure. Rukia recognized that figure. The long hair hung in wet strands, the silver chain at the neck, the wet grey shirt.
Byakuya coughed slightly as they helped him onto the stage floor, and yet another trainer popped up from underwater.
"Mummy, did you see it?"
"See what?"
"I saw black smoke, very black smoke!"
"Smoke! Where?" The mother looked at her six-year-old daughter in alarm. A worse thing to happen right now in the arena would be a fire.
"In the water! Just now!"
"What are you talking about, my dear?" Thirty-four year old Fujima Ayako held her daughter close. When she had purchased the tickets for the shark show, nothing in the world had prepared her for the drama that developed right before her very eyes. A young girl had seemingly tripped into the tank full of sharks and before the trainers could react, a young man had dashed in after her. The audience had shouted and screamed. Almost all of them stood up, holding their breaths as one. What had just happened? The girl had stayed underwater for almost ten minutes before an enormous wave had swirled around in the center of the tank. Everyone thought a terrible tragedy had happened in the pool, that the shark had attacked the girl. But then she popped up from the surface and the trainers had gotten a hold on her, pulling her to safety. Another trainer descended into the water to rescue the male who was still in there and in five minutes, they had pulled him out. Now Ayako stared back at her daughter.
"There's no such thing as black smoke in the water, my dear!"
"I saw it, I saw it!"
Ayako just shook her head and hugged her daughter close. Everything was okay.
Rukia was underwater.
Byakuya dove in easily, his body slicing through the blue water without even as much as a splash. He opened his eyes and they shone the glimmery silver of the Incubi. He turned left and right, his sharp eyes quickly taking in the tank. It was circular and the nearest shark was a few meters downward.
Immediately, he sensed her. Rukia's human energy was pounding frantically. She was very afraid but she had not gotten out of the water. Byakuya took a swift stroke in her direction and she immediately came into focus. Rukia's face was frightened but she had a determined expression on her face as she turned this way and that. But she could not see through the thick foam of the water as his demonic eyes could... and she was frantic, lost.
Byakuya sensed the shark as well.
It had taken an arc upwards, almost level with Rukia. Byakuya didn't know if it was just a coincidence or that the shark did indeed mean harm.
All he knew was that Rukia wasn't as safe as he would like her to be.
That would be easily remedied.
Byakuya closed his eyes, concentrating for a bit. Then his silver eyes shot open, and the black smoke-like fog shot out through the water around him and Rukia.
Byakuya had unleashed his demonic energy underwater. He watched as the shark twisted slightly before swiftly swimming away, making its way deeper to the pool floor. The demonic energy was traditionally used to paralyze animals, but Byakuya had sent out an amount just enough to scare the shark away. Underwater, this energy would appear black but only animals and pure humans would be able to see it. In short, only children, as pure as they are, would be able to do so. And the parents would never believe them at any mention anyway.
Then Byakuya moved forward to complete his final move. He heard the distant splash in the water as a trainer joined them in the pool. It was of little use, Rukia was already safe. Byakuya felt a smile coming on his face again as he lifted his hand. He hit Rukia in the back and watched her stiffen in terror as the force sent her shooting toward the edge of the pool wall. Byakuya swam easily behind her, his speed easily matching hers and he lifted his hand once and hit her from below, sending her up to the waiting arms of the rescuers.
Byakuya smiled again as he allowed himself to sink lower into the pool, waiting to be "rescued".
Rukia half-slipped, half-ran to Byakuya's side as the trainer helped him onto the stage. He coughed again.
"Byakuya… you…!" She desperately looked him over for any signs of injury. He looked up at her for a bit, before trying to stand up. Rukia hurriedly reached forward.
"Stay down! What the hell do you think you are do-
Her eyes widened. Byakuya's arms had reached toward her, before holding her firmly. Then he bent towards her.
"You are worth it, Rukia. That is for me, not you, to decide."
Then in front of the already astounded crowd, Byakuya pulled Rukia close and kissed her on the lips. They were both soaked to their skins but he didn't care. He tightened his arms around her and pressed his lips harder against hers.
Rukia felt the tears start to brim again in her eyes, of the happiness that Byakuya was safe and so close to her, of the warmth of his strong arms. Her eyes slid close and she pulled him to her in turn, returning the kiss.
The entire crowd of audience broke into applause, as they once again jumped to their feet. The trainers looked around awkwardly at each other and they stepped back slightly from the couple, who had both effectively stolen the show for today.
xXxXx
Rukia towelled her hair dry with the fluffy white towel, before chancing another look at the man beside her. Byakuya was rubbing his own head with another white towel, and was not turned toward her.
The guards had ushered both Byakuya and Rukia out of the pool grounds, with deafening cheers and applause following their exit. Rukia never got over her embarrassment, her cheeks still felt warm even to this moment. They had kissed… in front of hundreds of onlookers! The guards had taken them back to the staff locker area, and surprisingly were treating them like royalty. Rukia was so sure she was going to land a law breaching suit in court, but even the guard she kneed in the groin kept checking on her every five minutes to make sure she was okay.
It was all too strange.
Rukia chanced yet another look at Byakuya.
That is for me, not you, to decide.
Rukia felt her throat start to tickle again. Why? Why did he treat her so good like this, treat her like she was the only woman on Earth?
Rukia quelled down her feelings and put her towel away, she was already dry. Feeling awkward, she approached Byakuya once again. He turned around when he heard her footsteps.
"Done?" Rukia smiled uncertainly.
"Okay." Byakuya put down the towel. "Let's go."
Rukia shook her head as she looked at him.
"No?" Byakuya raised his eyebrows at her.
Rukia gestured at him. "You are not properly dried yet." She gestured at his hair, which was hanging in semi-damp strands around his face. Rukia thought he rather looked like a male swimsuit model.
Byakuya chuckled slightly and picked up the towel once again. He rubbed through his hair once again and then looked at Rukia for approval. She shook her head again.
'No matter what, guys are still guys. They can never clean themselves dry enough,' Rukia thought with a silent laugh. Without thinking, she stepped closer to Byakuya. She took the towel from Byakuya's hands, reached up and started to dry his hair for him.
She was… beautiful.
There was not even one perfect word for the little angel in front of him, the angel with wide violet eyes as she dried his hair for him. Her eyes focused on his hair and her hands worked the towel easily through his scalp, not too soft to defeat the purpose of drying but none too rigorous to cause him pain.
He could not take his eyes off her.
For once, he hoped his hair was a lot more longer than it already was so she could stand like this, so close to him and continue with this affectionate gesture for a longer time.
"All done," Rukia announced as she finished drying Byakuya's hair for him. A pair of arms lifted around her and held her close. She felt her cheeks redden as Byakuya smiled softly at her. He did not let her go.
"Arigato, Rukia."
"Rukia nodded, not meeting his eyes.
When someone cleared his throat at the door, both Byakuya and Rukia looked up. A male guard of the park was smiling evilly at them from the door. As Byakuya let her go, Rukia quickly took a step back. The guard smiled even more.
"No, no, don't bother me. It's just…" He smiled and walked up to Byakuya, and handed him two yellow cards. "We at Iko Theme Park would like to offer you two gold entrance passes for today, as compensation for the ordeal that you, kind Sir and Lady had to endure. I, on behalf of the park, offer both of you my most sincere apologies, and I do hope you accept these tokens ."
Rukia almost blanched.
Compensation? Ordeal?
The park administration thought they themselves were to blame?
But Byakuya had already moved forward to take the passes. "Thank you," he spoke in his deep, solemn voice.
xXxXx
"It's surprising we didn't get sued!" Rukia exclaimed when they were well out of earshot of the guards, and of the staff area.
Byakuya smiled at her. "You think so?"
"Definitely!" Rukia nodded emphatically. "I mean…. we got off scot-free! And with passes to all free rides today!"
Byakuya smiled. "It's business, Rukia."
Rukia looked up in surprise. "Business?"
Byakuya nodded as he walked on. Rukia walked by his side, her expression curious. "After that little show we put on in the shark tank arena, especially to the delight of the audience…" He turned to smile again at Rukia as she blushed. "… if the park were to take action against us, it would put them in a bad light against the public, don't you think? It is not that they are rolling out the red carpet to us because they really are sorry, but because it polishes their good image."
Rukia's mouth had formed an O.
Byakuya smiled as he walked on. "It's all business, Rukia."
"You really are a businessman."
Byakuya chuckled. "I guess. Business is based a lot on strategy, like those used in ancient warring times. Actually, that one principle is similar to one which stresses on limiting the cost of conflict and turning it into something advantageous instead, and that principle comes from the Art of War-
"… Chapter Two, Waging War, I know."
Byakuya's eyes widened in surprise. He turned to Rukia and she smiled sheepishly. "I do read strategies sometimes."
Byakuya smiled. "I see."
Rukia chuckled before she turned to the left. "So which ride do you want to go on first?"
xXxXx
"You were worried about me back at the shark arena." Rukia looked up and Byakuya was smiling at her. They had just finished four rides, two on the roller coaster. Rukia had purchased an ice lolly and was licking it as they walked.
"No." Rukia turned back down and resumed licking her lolly.
"No?"
"No. If you died, it would have been on my conscience. I just didn't want to spend months mulling over someone who was bent on throwing away his life easily in the first place."
Byakuya chuckled. "I don't die easily, Rukia."
Rukia snorted sarcastically and Byakuya's smile got even wider. "And I'm grateful for that, because I don't want to die. Not when I have finally found a reason to live… after so bloody long."
Rukia looked up, her violet eyes wide. Byakuya was still smiling easily.
"Though I know you went to certain lengths to get into the arena for me. I even heard of a spectacular fight with the entrance guard, and that he might be infertile at this very moment. What can I do to make it up to you?"
Rukia blushed, before shaking her head. "It wasn't for you," she muttered.
Byakuya chuckled again, before he changed the subject. "Can I have some of that?" He gestured at the ice lolly in her hand.
Rukia looked up at him in surprise. She had bought the lime-flavoured lolly from a passing cart just now but Byakuya had declined her offer for one, saying he did not really like cold things. Now he wanted to try it?
"Sure." She held out the ice lolly to him but Byakuya did not take it. Instead, he bent his tall frame down and bit into the lolly as Rukia held onto the stick. Her eyes widened but she waited for him to step back. Byakuya didn't, though. He bit off the entire yellow block of ice into his mouth, leaving only the stick that Rukia was holding on.
"You! My lolly!" Rukia spluttered angrily, staring at what was, or rather was not, left of it.
Then she heard Byakuya laugh. Rukia had never heard Byakuya laugh so loud like that. His voice was deep and the laughter was a pleasant baritone, and hearing it made Rukia's body warm up. She recovered when he laughed again, and aimed a swat at his shoulder. Byakuya dodged her hit, his grey eyes twinkling at her. Rukia was surprised, but pleasantly so. Byakuya seemed almost playful and so much younger and livelier like this.
Byakuya caught her right hand at her second attempt and lowered it down easily to her side. His hand stayed on hers for a second longer, and his thumb stroked the side of her hand slightly. Rukia felt electricity run down her skin at his touch, and she blushed slightly.
"I will get you another one later, but I had to eat this one up." Byakuya's grey eyes were misty. "Because I was getting somehow aroused by the minute, watching you lick that lolly."
Rukia felt her cheeks instantly heat up. "C-Can you not say all these perverted stuff?" She marched on ahead so Byakuya couldn't look at her red face.
"I don't like to lie to you." The tall man stayed in step with her. "Should I tell you that I'm apathetic towards you? That anything you do does not affect me in every single way? They would all be lies."
"Pervert…"
xXxXx
"And... here you go."
Rukia's eyes lit up as Byakuya offered her the gigantic rabbit plush toy.
"Really?"
Byakuya nodded, and the light in his grey eyes danced merrily again. Rukia could not take her eyes off them.
"Arigato!" She beamed as she hugged the gigantic rabbit close to her.
Byakuya and Rukia had gotten on all the rides and went to the sea lion show and the dolphin arena. They went to the underground aquarium to look at the exotic fishes and then watched the killer whale showcase. But as Rukia put it, a trip to the theme park would not be complete without the traditional playing of games. They had then made their way into the game booths in the theme park.
Here, Byakuya proved himself as exceptional as he ever was. Darts, ball games, shooting aims, he won every single one. Rukia was already carrying a bag stuffed with prize toys and food, before Byakuya decided to win the rabbit soft toy for her, after noticing her starry-eyed gaze focused on it.
Rukia giggled again as she nuzzled her face into the fur, Byakuya watching her with his misty grey eyes.
xXxXx
Rukia looked out over the booths and her eyes lit up. She hurried into the crowd yet another time and Byakuya had to smile. As usual, his demonic speed and precision allowed him to keep up with her without so much as banging shoulders with anyone. Byakuya sometimes wondered with amusement if a human boyfriend could ever match up to Rukia.
He stopped behind Rukia as she did. His sharp grey eyes quickly took in the multi-coloured booth which was plastered with stickers of stars and moons, and of multiple photographs of unknown people.
Rukia smiled at the photo booth and turned to Byakuya. "I don't know if you are used to doing this." She gave him an uncertain smile. "I don't usually do this myself but my friends have me do it with them on outings."
"Actually, I haven't done them before, surprisingly."
"Oh." Rukia faltered slightly but she remained bright. "That's fine, we can do other stuff-
"But I want to take a picture with you."
Rukia looked up with wide eyes at Byakuya. Without another word, she felt Byakuya tug on her hand as he stepped into the small booth, pulling her with him. A soft smile curled her lips out of his sight.
I… would like that too.
xXxXx
Rukia smiled happily as she chomped on the Texas hot dog, the huge rabbit plushie sitting next to her. She gazed happily across the park, before turning her sight on the person sitting opposite her. Byakuya was busy looking through something at his lap, and did not notice that she was looking at him.
Both of them were sitting at one of the park tables, under the shady umbrellas. After the photo booth, they immersed themselves in several more games and brief shows before Rukia called for lunch. Both of them had gotten the standard fast food meal, a hot dog, a Coke and some hot potato wedges. Two additional plastic cups of sundaes finished their picnic-like atmosphere.
"Eat up." Rukia polished off her hot dog and moved onto the hot wedges. "They are good when they are hot."
Byakuya looked up and nodded. He continued fiddling with the thing in his lap and Rukia started to look over curiously as he lifted it up.
"We will each take half." He slid the sticker-like images across the table.
Rukia smiled and hurriedly wiped her hand on a tissue paper, before reaching for them. She beamed as she lifted the stickers to her eyes. "They look good!" Byakuya had given her free reins to choose the pattern backgrounds before they had taken the pictures at the booth. Now, sunbursts and little rabbit faces lined the corners of the photo, where Byakuya and her own face smiled easily up at Rukia. Their heads were rather close together, Rukia did not realize Byakuya had been so close to her in the booth.
It was lovely, the photo was lovely like that.
"Arigato." She looked up and smiled. Byakuya was tucking his end of the sticker strips into his shirt pocket. His hair fell over his eyes slightly as he looked down, his eyes focused.
Rukia took up her own precious photo booth stickers. As she reached into her slingbag to keep the photos away, she felt her hand brush a paper-like texture. Rukia peered into her bag to see what it was and her violet eyes widened.
Nagoya Gala Night.
Rukia looked at the gala night flyer sitting in her bag, and then she looked up at Byakuya. He was looking out over the booths and stalls with mild interest. Rukia touched the flyer and started to lift it out of her bag.
"Byakuya?"
"Hmm?" Byakuya looked across the table at Rukia.
"Er… how's work?" Rukia smiled uncertainly.
"It's good, busy as always. We still need to get a lot of contracts out. I'm working through it." Byakuya smiled at her.
"Oh. Seems like it's going to be a very busy month for you then."
Byakuya nodded, his eyes focued on her.
"When will the workload cease? Next week? Or maybe next month? So you would be free... in a few weeks?" Rukia felt her heart started to beat a little faster.
"I feel like I'm being cross-examined." Byakuya tilted his head to one side and smiled easily at Rukia. She fought the blush that threatened to colour her cheeks.
Byakuya looked up at the passer-bys. "I daresay it will stop when next month comes, the agreements will all have been signed and polished up for the year. I have to fly off to Seattle in three weeks."
Rukia's violet eyes widened. "T-Three weeks' time?"
Byakuya nodded, turning back to her. "I fly out on the weekend, and will be in Seattle for three days. Then I'll return." He smiled.
Rukia smiled back weakly. "Ah." Her hand in the slingbag slowly loosened on the gala night flyer. "I see." She tried to stem the small disappointment that was welling up in her.
Three weeks' time.
Byakuya fixed his gaze on her. "Is there something wrong?"
"N-No, nothing at all." Rukia smiled back quickly before turning to the table. "If you don't want your sundae, I'm finishing that one off too."
xXxXx
Rukia stretched her arms out in front of her. "My arms are aching! Are yours?"
"Not really." Byakuya smiled.
It was evening and the sun was already halfway in its setting routine, as Byakuya drove Rukia home. The giant rabbit plushie and the bag of toys which was almost stocked full to the top, sat at the back of the Porsche. After the park had closed down, Byakuya and Rukia had gone into town for a dinner at a Soba shop. At the shop, Byakuya charmed the proprietess into three free extra bowls each and both he and Rukia had eaten to their hearts' contents.
Now, they were making their way home after a full day.
"How did you like the Marine theme park?" Rukia asked.
"It was really good. It has been a long time since I went to a show like that. I had forgotten how much I liked it."
Rukia smiled as she looked forward at the highway, her hands in her lap. "I'm glad."
"Especially my own performance with the sharks."
Rukia laughed softly, before chancing a look at Byakuya. "I don't understand though… why-
"I told you, Rukia." Byakuya kept his eyes on the road as he drove on. "I said I would get into the tank if you continued to avoid me like that."
Rukia looked down at her lap. She opened her mouth but closed it again. After a few seconds, she opened it again.
"Byakuya?"
"Hmm?"
"I… I'm sorry." Byakuya turned slightly at the soft whisper. Rukia was looking down at her hands, and he returned his gaze to the road in front of him. "I shouldn't…" Rukia stopped a little, before trying unsuccessfully to continue. "… but I…" She trailed off again before taking a deep breath and opened her mouth.
Byakuya cut her off effectively. "You don't have to say anything. I know what it is you want to tell me. You shouldn't avoid me, but you should. Am I right?" He shifted gears for a bit. "I know your thoughts. I should find a more beautiful woman, a classier one, a richer one…" He did not look at her. "I'm not going to give us up without my best fight." Rukia's eyes widened. "Do remember what I'm saying now, Rukia. I'm not going to give you up, no matter what."
Rukia's eyes widened, as she felt her throat start to thicken. She smiled softly as she continued to look down at her hands. "Okay," Rukia whispered.
Comfortable silence descended upon the pair as the Porsche shot speedily along the highway, and the streetlamps flew by. After ten minutes, the deep voice spoke.
"Rukia, what if…"
Rukia turned to look at Byakuya but he was not looking at her.
"… I wasn't who I appeared to be?"
Rukia blinked slightly. Byakuya ignored his fast pounding heart.
A soft laugh broke the silence in the car and Byakuya turned slightly to Rukia in surprise. She was... laughing.
"I don't think anything can surprise me anymore. Not when you surprise me almost everyday." She smiled. "But that statement is a bit too rhetorical, too vast. What if you happened to be the office boy, and that you were masquerading as the executive all along?"
Byakuya chuckled as Rukia pondered the question.
"I would just say 'Why didn't you tell me earlier? Things would have been much easier!'."
Byakuya chuckled softly. Rukia giggled herself.
"What if you were actually a prince, not an executive? Then I think…"
"No, Rukia. What if I was…" Byakuya looked over at Rukia.
… something not human? Would you still laugh then?
"Yes?"
Byakuya broke their eye contact, returning his attention to the road. "Nothing," he remarked easily.
xXxXx
"Here we are." The Porsche slowed to a stop.
Byakuya smiled at Rukia as he unfastened his seatbelt and got out of the car. Rukia was just unfastening her own seatbelt when the car door on her passenger side was opened.
"Arigato." Rukia bowed her head slightly and stepped out of the car.
Byakuya stepped back slightly and closed the car door before Rukia herself could do so. Both of them stood out at the front gate.
Rukia looked up and Byakuya was looking at her silently. How could he do that, look at her so easily like that? He did so without any troubles, as if looking at her was the most obvious thing to do in the world.
She opened her mouth. "I… Thank you. I really enjoyed it, it was… very… nice today."
"Really? You make me very happy by saying that."
Rukia blushed but she did not look away. "Really. It was really nice." She bowed slightly. "I... See you sometime."
"Good night, Rukia."
She turned to head along the path to the door as she always did, as Byakuya stood behind her. But somehow, she felt that it was not the right thing to do right now. There was something… she had to…
Before she even knew what she was doing, Rukia whirled back to face Byakuya. She caught a flash of surprise cross his grey eyes before she quickly stood on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
Rukia hurriedly lowered herself and looked down at her feet, not meeting his eyes as her cheeks burned. "Good night!"
Then she ran along the path to the house door, before unlocking it clumsily and closing it behind her. She did not dare look back.
Byakuya watched as Rukia disappeared from the glass door of the flower shop into her home. He smiled, as he touched his cheek with the back of his hand.
She had kissed him. Of her own free will.
Byakuya turned to his Porsche. He let himself in and started the engine.
You are worth it, Rukia.
You are worth… my everything.
Rukia dashed up to her bedroom, her cheeks burning. She shut her bedroom door, and ran to her bed.
She had kissed him goodnight, she had boldly kissed Byakuya even if on the cheek! But her hammering heart seemed to be buzzing with warmth and it filled Rukia's body whole.
She was jolted from her reverie as her mobile phone rang. Rukia flipped it open, almost expecting it to be Byakuya. He always called after they had parted during each date.
"Hello?" Her voice was bright.
"Rukia?" The voice was different. It was a male's, but not really deep in tone.
Rukia's eyes widened. "Ichigo?"
"The very same. You sound shocked though." She heard him laugh on the line. "What's up?"
"Ah, no." Rukia laughed. "I'm good, what's up?"
"Oh." Ichigo deliberated for a bit. "I was just looking through the newest theater releases and there's the hitman thriller coming out in the next week or two. Shall we go catch it?"
Rukia smiled happily. She had been looking forward to that movie release. "Yeah sure. Where do I meet you guys? You will have to let me know of the arrangements though."
"Oh. No, there won't be any arrangements."
"No?"
Ichigo stayed silent for a bit before continuing. "Rukia, it would just be the two of us. I was asking you for a movie, just both of us."
Rukia's mouth dropped open. "Just the two of us?"
xXxXx
Byakuya drove the Porsche past the main street and well past Rukia's house. He took a left turn and then went down yet another street. Suddenly, he stopped the Porsche just before a cross-junction, along one of the smaller streets. He got out of the car and closed the door, before leaning his back against it. He stared up at the moonlit sky and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the night air. It was quiet and peaceful, and a little breeze blew easily around him.
Then Byakuya spoke, his deep voice resounding in the darkness. "I believe that is enough of trailing me, you have been in hiding for almost three hours now. I would have to say I'm impressed,… Abarai."
A figure stepped out from the dark corners unreached by the lamppost. The light shone on the bright red hair as another Incubus stepped to the nearest lamppost. "We need to talk, Byakuya."
Byakuya turned, his handsome face calm and his grey eyes devoid of emotion. "So be it."
And there you have it, Chapter 17! :D There's a lot going on so it might seem jumpy at bits, I do apologize for that. Also, it might have gotten a bit boring during the theme park section, because I have written a similar scene before like that so it may seem a bit overused. But the highlight of the theme park trip is actually Byakuya's confrontation to Rukia which then culminates in the shark tank scene. That was the part I took care in the writing for details. The others were just small, sweet scenes to pass the story nicely enough.
So Rukia is getting so much braver around Byakuya now. (lol, she got a little shock in the morning when she saw Byakuya like that in her bedroom XD) She's getting so much more comfortable (playing with him, other sweet scenes, and finally the kissing-cheek scene). She was also screwing up courage to ask Byakuya to come to the gala night but alas, Seattle meeting = Nagoya Gala Night. What's to happen?
On the other side, Byakuya keeps falling in love with little Rukia, and is starting to ask her about potential reactions should he not turn out to be the perfect handsome human executive he is. ;)
But of course, as per every evenstar lady story, just when the sweet things start settling around nicely, the complications begin to crack in. :) It's still far from the main complications but yes, the first of the Incubus gang has discovered Byakuya's attachment to the human girl. And then there's Ichigo, who is now asking Rukia out on a date. So our hero and heroine face their own individual conflicts right at the same time! :)
I hope you will wait for the next Chapter 18, I guarantee more progressions, especially from characters out of the ByaRuki circle. :) Hope you'd look forward to that.
And do please review this chapter for me, I'd love to know your comments/feedback/thoughts etc regarding the newest update. It would really help motivate me to write along time, and get the next updates out. :)