Hey there, it's another chapter update again, 2 weeks from my previous one! Pretty speedy this time, huh? :D I'm feeling pretty accomplished right now, so I hope you will enjoy this chapter 18. It contains pretty decent progress this time. :)
And a huge thank-you to those who reviewed my past chapter 17 - Lanny-Sama, RunSakura, byakuchiki, Sakimi1014, Gaamatsu96, YuzurihaNoRyuu, YuYuAnne, K.a.R., incomparableXOXO, 4K-san, Nica, dustoflove, onlyluna, cintiasnakeblack, vicky73, killua, xxUlquiorraLoveRxx, LuciL06, BlackBurningHeart, silverqueen, Apricot09, compa16, 1superkawaii, IcePrincess95, L, su kuchiki, KitChi, Hikara-Hime, Crystal-Clear Hope, seras3791, JellyBeans, DRUON, Voidy, tokiko76, Lilian Violet, Huh Soobin, loveyouso and scenariodreamer. Thank you so, so much! :D Your comments/ feedback motivate me very much, and I dedicate this chapter to all of you! :D It might not be much, but I hoped a quick update would make up for the kindness. :)
I got into a moody writer's mood just recently, 1-2 weeks ago. It was horrible, but then it was over in a couple of days and I'm feeling alright now. Also, as an announcement, if there are any GrimmRuki readers here, you might have noticed that I have taken down the only GrimmRuki fic I have. I'm terribly sorry and I thank you all for the reviews and PMs asking if the fic is going to be continued. I have sadly lost the inspiration to write further plot progresses so I have taken the fic down altogether. I apologize once again and thank you so much for the support all the while. :)
I forgot if I have mentioned this before, but I have written a new IchiRuki oneshot (it's in my story list currently) for a competition in the FC. Do give it a read if you like the pairing, and if you'd like to. I didn't win :D but I'm really happy that this fic has garnered way more attention than my previous entry 2 years ago. I can't believe it, but it's been almost 2 years that I have been a member on FF, and I'm truly happy to still be sharing stories with you all and getting to know a lot of you here and the feedbacks plot-wise, feelings-wise and otherwise. :D
But back to this fic... the beloved ByaRuki. :D Here you are, chapter 18. :)
"Jack Daniels." Byakuya sat down on one of the moth-eaten chairs and ignored the barmaid who was openly ogling him as she took his drinks order.
"I will have the same." Renji settled himself into the seat opposite Byakuya.
The nearest pub had been an old run-down settlement somewhere in town. It was warm and dusty inside but Byakuya did not really mind. He didn't feel like going to the clubs where the bright green laser lights danced in one's eyes and music pounded through countless feet. Not when there was serious talking to be done.
As they waited for the alcohol, Byakuya calmly lifted his grey eyes to Renji. "Would you like to begin? But before you do, I would like an explanation on why I noticed you tailing me on a weekend when you could be indulging in your favourite activity over at Aiko's?"
Renji nodded. "I was worried."
Byakuya kept his eyes on Renji, silent.
"You have been acting out of norm lately, Byakuya. It's disconcerting. So I decided to find out the reason for you avoiding activities as of late, turning down Aiko's for several months now, and somehow weakening physically." Renji's eyes were serious. "And I did."
Byakuya's grey eyes did not waver, neither did his expression. "I see."
Renji nodded again. "With all due respect, your turn, Byakuya."
Byakuya paused slightly as the barmaid arrived at their table with drinks, before turning back to Renji. "Is there anything improper with what you saw me doing throughout those three hours?" He lifted the glass of alcohol to his lips.
"It's that girl." Renji's eyes were knowing. "That girl whose photo you keep in your wallet."
Byakuya placed the glass easily on the table as he leaned back. "What about her?"
"Byakuya, I'm being serious here, and you never see me serious unless it is absolutely… well, serious. I saw that photo weeks back. And now I see you with the same girl today. Have you been going out with her all of this time?"
Byakuya looked ahead at Renji. "I see no necessity for concern in this matter." Byakuya took another slow drink of alcohol, almost deliberating. Then he opened his mouth, and his voice was deep and slow. "And what if I have?"
Renji's eyes widened, before narrowing. "I thought so."
"There is nothing wrong with trying something new, is there?"
"Nothing's wrong with that unless you start acting all weird and suddenly taking a celibacy stand or something." Renji leaned forward urgently. "This is very unlike you, Byakuya. You never kept a woman close for more than twenty-four hours before... and especially not a human girl."
Byakuya drank his alcohol, unaffected as Renji went on. "Unless you… you actually want something with this girl?"
When Byakuya did not answer, Renji reached for his own cup and took a huge gulp. He leaned forward once again, speaking in a low tone. "Listen, Byakuya. She's a twenty-something student and what are you? You are six-hundred years old! You are so thirty times her age! You walked the Earth at a time when ancestors she doesn't even know existed were breathing and running around! And do not forget this, Byakuya… she's your food."
Byakuya looked up, but his expression was unperturbed.
"It would be like a human being falling in love with his beef steak! It would be like bestiality!"
"Bestial? I remember you clearly not having any problems when I was at Aiko's, and all the women there were humans."
"I…!" Renji spluttered. "Well… you just went there and fucked them and you never saw them again, right? That's the way it's supposed to be. You aren't supposed to be hanging around them… and taking them out to amusement parks for the whole day! That peck-on-the-cheek-at-the-doorstep moment was almost nauseating!"
"Nauseating?" Byakuya's voice was cold, and Renji felt the air in the pub suddenly grow cold. The dusty lights overhead flickered slightly, and the customers in the pub looked around in alarm.
Renji hurried on. "Well… you know what I mean."
"No, I don't but I will let it pass." The lights stabilized but the coldness stayed in Byakuya's eyes.
"Look Byakuya, I'm only saying this to you... as a friend. You are changing. You might not think so but you are. You are… turning into a softie and it's all that witch's fault."
Renji's eyes widened as Byakuya's hand suddenly shot forward.
They clenched around his collar for a split second… before Byakuya threw Renji backward into the wall. Screams and shouts resounded in the small pub as the redhead's back smashed into the plastered concrete with a sickening crack, shattering a hanging ornate photo frame on the way as he fell to the floor. Byakuya calmly kicked Renji's chair out of the way, not bothering to walk around it as he made his way to his assistant.
"Hey hey, man, calm down." The pub owner was trying to stop Byakuya but he himself did not dare get within Byakuya's reach. Byakuya ignored the owner and continued walking toward Renji.
As Renji tried to get up from the debris, Byakuya reached down and pulled Renji forward so they were eye level, his expression calm. "If there was anything soft with that, do let me know."
He let his hands go and Renji tumbled back to the floor. "Settle the damages with money from my Azaris account when you have gotten your bearings." Byakuya turned around and started to walk out of the pub. "And if any word about my personal matters reaches our community, I will…" Byakuya stopped at the door, his back to Renji.
"… kill you."
xXxXx
Rukia curled up on her bed, reading a scientific journal. She turned the paper around and reached for her cup of hot chocolate. From the door, she could hear Nel's workout music tape as her roommate burned the calories off. Rukia chuckled slightly and looked out at the window, where the evening sun was already setting.
It was Monday and this week was full of classes so she was staying in the dorm for the weekdays. Rukia reached over and hugged the huge rabbit plushie to her chest. She had brought this particular plushie, the plushie that Byakuya had gotten for her, to her dorm apartment.
It had been two days since their outing to the marine park. Byakuya hadn't called or texted her since then but Rukia wasn't getting worried or upset. He was probably really busy at office again and she wasn't going to be the one to disturb him.
Ding.
Rukia looked up in surprise as her mobile phone on the bed flashed lights and beeped. She reached out for it and flipped it open.
Her mouth curled into a soft smile. Speak of the Devil.
Rukia, I will be busy with work for the next four days. I won't be able to come see you then. I miss you. –Byakuya-
Rukia smiled and started to key in a reply.
Take care and get enough rest. Health over work.
Rukia placed her phone down on the bed but had to take it up again as it rang. "Hello?"
"What are you doing now?" Rukia immediately felt a warm shiver run down her body at hearing his deep voice.
"Just reading journals… and stuff. Very boring." Rukia smiled as she talked to Byakuya. "What are you doing?"
"In my office, working. Equal boredom."
Rukia laughed slightly before turning to look at the clock. Her eyes widened. "It's ten and and you are still in your office?"
"Yes, there are some contracts to be reviewed."
"Have you taken dinner?"
Rukia heard a pause on the line. "No, I will get something when I finish work."
"When you finish? It's late at night… you should eat now!"
Rukia heard Byakuya chuckle on the line, and her heart skipped a beat. "Can I have you for dinner then?" Byakuya's voice deepened in tone, almost husky.
Rukia's eyes widened and her heart beat faster.
"I have been hungry for quite some time… Rukia."
"I-I…" Rukia's cheeks grew hot. She shook herself when Byakuya chuckled again in his deep voice. "Don't tease me like that!"
Byakuya chuckled softly again. "I will leaving my office soon. Do not worry, Rukia. I will eat dinner as soon as I get back."
"I wasn't worried," Rukia muttered, her cheeks still pink. "Are you keeping up like this everyday? You might end up with gastric illness by the end of the week."
"I know my limits, Rukia."
"Okay." Rukia smiled. "I shouldn't disturb you from work then. Hope you get it done soon, and then eat."
"Okay. Good night, Rukia."
"Good night… Byakuya."
xXxXx
Rukia laughed slightly at her friends as they sifted feverishly through the hangers. "Relax girls, the boutique won't be going anywhere."
"I'd hate it if Orihime got to a better dress. She already looks so good," Hiyori joked. Orihime laughed and dutifully stepped back from the rack of beautiful dresses.
"I was joking!" Hiyori pulled her in. "And get over here, Rukia! I know you already look pretty but you still need to pick out a dress!"
"I will take what's left of the vultures." Rukia laughed and shifted slightly on the cushion designed for weary husbands and grumpy boyfriends.
"Oh good, then you can keep Ichigo company!" Rukia's eyes widened just as Hiyori waved at something behind her. "And… we were just talking about you!"
Rukia whirled around and her violet eyes met with warm amber. Ichigo was standing behind her, dressed in jeans and a black zippered windbreaker over his favourite red shirt.
"Em… hey, Rukia." Ichigo smiled slightly but he dropped his eyes immediately. He turned to give the other girls a wave.
"Hey… Ichigo." Rukia smiled awkwardly. Ichigo looked between her and the girls before silently walking to sit next to Rukia.
"How was your day?"
"Really good. You?"
"It was fine."
Ichigo and Rukia both looked at their feet, avoiding each other's eyes. Then Ichigo cleared his throat, before speaking in a slightly lowered voice. "Em hey, listen. You don't have to go with me to the movies if you don't want to. We can just cancel that and you know, go with the usual gang."
"Ah… that's fine. We can go ahead."
"Oh… okay." Ichigo's hand gripped into a fist at his side. "Er... I don't want to make you uncomfortable like this, Rukia. I mean…" Ichigo laughed slightly and scratched the back of his head. "… we can barely carry a conversation now and I don't like it."
Rukia started to smile slightly, relief washing over her. Ichigo had spoken out loud what had been troubling her. "Okay."
"Yeah, so what I was saying was… this isn't going to change anything between us. I just…" Ichigo smiled slightly. "… thought I just wanted to get to know you better. That's it, I promise no other intentions behind this."
Rukia smiled. "Alright."
Ichigo smiled back.
"Enough of whispering gossips, you two!" Hiyori marched over and glared at Ichigo. "Ichigo, you are not to keep Rukia from her original reason of coming here in the first place! Come Rukia, I found you the perfect dress! Do you like white and dark blue?"
Rukia could only laugh as her girlfriends dragged her off into the changing rooms.
xXxXx
"So then, we have got the dresses and makeup and accessories… what else?" Hiyori ticked off her fingers as they walked.
"How about lunch?" Ichigo asked innocently and was rewarded with a dirty look.
"You are no fun, you know…" Nel laughed. "All you do is complain."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "That's because I'm the only guy in the midst of a bunch of giggly girls. Just what I have always wanted." He rolled his eyes again.
"Kurosaki-kun is right though." Orihime smiled. "It is three-thirty in the evening already."
"It is?" Nel and Hiyori checked their watches in surprise as Orihime nodded.
"Yes, we should probably get some food. And Kurosaki-kun hasn't had breakfast since he joined us." Orihime smiled slightly.
"Yeah, have some pity." Ichigo nodded. "Shinji and others will be heading over soon so why don't we grab some food then head to the arcade or something after that?"
The girls nodded their agreement but Rukia smiled. "Hey guys, I-
"You're running off again?" Hiyori interjected her sentence.
Rukia smiled apologetically. "I was thinking of finishing up the review tonight actually. Plus Otousan was going to stop by the dorm at four later this evening."
The girls sighed.
"Okay then, you are dismissed." Hiyori muttered. "And keep your dress and other treasures safe okay?"
Rukia laughed. "Okay. See you all." She turned to Ichigo. "I will see you around, Ichigo."
"Yeah… Rukia. See you soon."
xXxXx
Rukia hummed happily as she washed the dishes off in the sink. Hiyori was right, she was sort of an antisocial sometimes. She loved spending time at home and just reading a book, or listening to music. Rukia smiled as she dried her hands on the towel, and walked over to the stove.
Otousan had came by with Rukia's clothes and some food just an hour ago. He had always done so, every time Rukia was staying a whole week at the dorm. Rukia didn't protest, she loved having her father come over and to talk to him. Today was pretty good, Otousan's work seemed to be progressing really well and he didn't seem to cough as much now. Rukia was feeling good as she waved him goodbye just now.
Everything was really good and complete.
Rukia stirred the chicken soup she had been heating on the stove. She reached out for a bowl and started to pour it in when she suddenly stopped.
Yes, everything was really good… but there was just... something else that could complete this.
xXxXx
Byakuya stopped and pushed his executive chair away from his polished desk. He always hated this time of the year, when potential business deals and contracts cumulated into one endless trail of paperwork. The words were starting to swim before his very eyes.
And it was only Wednesday.
Byakuya pulled out his drawer and retrieved his wallet. He flipped it open and stared at her face. Her beautiful eyes and hair.
Rukia.
He missed her. How was he going to make it through another three days without seeing her?
When the door creaked open, he quickly slid his wallet back into the drawer. His secretary came in bearing more documents to review and sign.
"These are the few legal contracts that may or may not require renewing, Mister Kuchiki." His secretary placed the dreaded folders on his table. "Is there… anything else you need?" He noticed that she bent her body over as she spoke and he caught a glimpse of her deep cleavage. Byakuya did not realize his secretary wore such revealing clothes to work. He suppressed his annoyance again.
"No, that is all, Miko. Thank you."
"Okay." His secretary smiled, her words almost a purr. "But do not overwork yourself, please. I will get very worried."
Byakuya almost rolled his eyes. His secretary had came in countless of times in the day to give him documents, to seduce him, to serve him a cup of coffee, to pass an important phone call, to seduce him, to provide more documents, to serve him a doughnut, and to seduce him some more.
"I understand."
"Good night."
Byakuya moved the pile of documents to be tackled to one side and painstakingly turned his attention to the pile in front of him.
Fifteen minutes later, his office door creaked open again.
"What is it? I am very busy." Byakuya did not look up from his work, intentionally applying a cold tone to his voice.
"Oh! I-I am sorry…"
As he heard the voice, Byakuya's head immediately shot up from his work, his heart skipping a beat in that second.
He watched the real girl haunting his thoughts now standing at his office door bow to him, flustered. Rukia stood by his glass office door, her hands behind her back and looking very nervous. She was wearing jeans and a purple blouse with floral patterns.
"I… just came by to see how you were doing. There was no one out there so I let myself in. I… I guess I'm disturb-" Rukia hastily started to retreat out of the door.
"No!" Rukia's eyes widened at Byakuya's voice. She looked back and he had stood up from his office desk.
Byakuya's heart was beating so fast. "Come in, Rukia."
She bowed again and took a timid step into the office suite as he sat back down. She jumped when the door clicked shut behind her.
Byakuya almost smiled. He was having a hard time restraining himself to his chair. Rukia's eyes were wide but she slowly walked forward to him. Byakuya watched every movement of hers hungrily. How long had he not seen her? One day and eight hours? Two? And here she was, personally coming to see him in his office.
"I…" Rukia took her hands out from behind her back and Byakuya saw that she was carrying a pale blue thermos flask. She gingerly placed it on his desk, not meeting his eyes. "I was cooking soup in the kitchen dorm today. It's a little too much anyway…" Rukia laughed softly. "So I… thought I might bring some nourishment since… you said you were very busy and rarely got to eat."
Byakuya could not help it, a soft smile curved his thin lips. "Really?"
Rukia nodded. "It's just herbal chicken soup. I hope it's good. You can drink it later."
"I will drink it now."
Rukia's eyes widened as Byakuya brushed the documents aside and looked up at her expectantly.
Blushing, Rukia averted her eyes and clumsily opened the thermos to pour the soup out into the cup. She felt so self conscious, standing in front of Byakuya in his office as he observed her.
"Did you miss me?"
Rukia's eyes widened at the cheeky question. She looked up at Byakuya and he was looking back at her.
"I…"
Byakuya smiled. "Thank you so much for coming here," He spoke in his deep voice. "I wanted to see you I was almost desperate."
Rukia blushed. She finished pouring the soup and screwed the thermos lid on, before nervously extending the cup to him.
"Really…" Byakuya reached out to the cup. "… desperate." He wrapped his fingers over the cup, and her hand holding it.
Rukia gasped.
Byakuya smiled and loosened his hand over hers, taking the cup. Rukia took an awkward step back from the desk.
"Do sit down." He motioned easily to the chair opposite him as he lifted the cup to his lips.
Rukia timidly lowered herself into the seat, but her eyes immediately focused on him. Would he like the soup?
Byakuya kept his eyes on her as he brought the cup to his lips. Even as he tilted the cup to his mouth, his eyes stayed on her face, intense and piercing. Rukia felt her cheeks grow hot but she really wanted to see his reaction, if he would like the soup. So she endured the heat from her face and looked back at him. He drunk slowly from the cup, his eyes fixed steadily on hers.
"How... is it?" Rukia asked when Byakuya finally put the empty cup down. His expression had remained emotionless throughout, so she did not know if he loved or hated it.
"I would like to drink it everyday."
God, those shamelessly smooth words that came out of that smooth mouth of his. Rukia knew her face would be very red by now.
"Don't say that! Was it good... or not?"
"Rukia, I only like good things."
Rukia blushed but she smiled slightly. Then she rose from the seat clumsily and bowed to Byakuya, leaving the thermos on his table.
"What are you doing?"
She looked up at his deep voice. "Going home. I just came here to… visit you and give you the soup. I hope you really liked it."
Byakuya stared at her silently.
"Stay."
Rukia's eyes widened, as Byakuya looked at her.
"Stay… until I finish my work. I will send you home myself."
Rukia looked at the giant glass window behind him, from which the city spread out in a beautiful golden glow of evening sunlight.
"It's still early. I can head home myself."
"I will worry if I do not personally see you to your door, especially after you came to visit me."
"I am staying over at my university dorm today. You do not know where it is."
"Nagoya University dorm 5-1-2, Block E, Building 5."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock. He knew her exact dorm address! "H-How do you-
"I stalk you," Byakuya replied honestly as he pulled his documents toward him again. "Do stay here, Rukia. There is a collection of books and CDs at the rack near the coffee table if you are bored. I will be done as soon as possible."
Rukia shook her head. "It's okay." She turned and walked towards the door, but stopped in her tracks as she heard the electronic click from the metal knob set. She reached out and pressed down on it but the door did not budge.
Great.
She looked over at Byakuya and he gazed at her, his long fingers holding a sleek silver remote. "If requests fail, Rukia, I use orders."
Rukia felt herself balloon in anger. This spoilt, rude, arrogant-
"Do stay here."
"You can't lock me up here!" Rukia scrambled for a reason. "I I have coursework to do!"
"It's Friday."
"Well, it's due on Saturday!"
Byakuya chuckled. "Write down the name of your lecturer. I will see to it that you are granted an extension."
Rukia clenched her hands at her side. "So this is how you say thank you when I come to see you?"
Byakuya looked up from his documents. "No… but you have to understand that I am a very selfish person. When you come to me…" His grey eyes fixed on hers. "I will do anything to have you stay."
Rukia felt her face turn red again.
"But this time… I really do want to send you home. If I let you walk out by yourself, I won't be able to focus on my work, Rukia."
"Fine," Rukia huffed and marched over to the polished oak book rack. Byakuya heard her loudly shoving books out from the shelves, intentionally making loud noises so he would know that she had the potential to destroy all the expensive furniture if he continued keeping her in his office suite.
Byakuya smiled to himself as he flipped a page in the contract.
Do what you want, Rukia. Everything of mine is… yours.
He suddenly heard her emit a soft, amazed gasp and the shoving and slamming abruptly stopped. Rukia had apparently found something very interesting there amongst the shelves, making her completely forget her anger. Byakuya chuckled under his breath.
This girl is really, unbelievably…
… lovable.
He reached out for the thermos to pour himself some more of her marvellous soup.
xXxXx
Byakuya looked up from his work, pausing in the midst of his ballpoint strokes. He silently tried to look past the antique ornamental glass wall that blocked the couch, coffee table and bookcase from view. For the first time, Byakuya cursed the fact that the barrier was made of very thick, expensive frosted glass. He could not catch a glimpse of Rukia at all.
It had been almost two hours since she had stopped by his office suite. After fuming over the fact that he had cheekily locked the office door to prevent her from leaving, Rukia was hell bent on destroying the bookcase in his office suite only to find a book she had apparently liked there. Byakuya was certain the one she liked was the only fantasy-themed book he kept on the shelf, a one ironically about demons. The story wasn't all that good but the author had come unnaturally close to describing the real physiology and way of life of the demons, and Byakuya found the piece of fiction amusing enough to keep in his study. He had heard Rukia as she sat down on the expensive cushion in his office and the subsequent turn of a page every three minutes. He had spoken to her over the two hours as he worked, and even if she pretended to be cold and hostile at first (which Byakuya found all the more adorable and amusing) she soon warmed up to the conversation, forgetting that he had practically forced her to spend time with him. It was delightful, and Byakuya breezed through the lengthy contract with ease as he talked to Rukia.
Byakuya knew he was selfish, he really was. He had no right to keep Rukia with him, she probably had a lot of other work and commitments to attend to. But just this once, he wanted her to spend her time with him. He wasn't going to see her for a few days after this, and then it was going to be the Seattle trip, a hundred thousand miles and oceans put between them for yet another couple of days.
He wanted her to be around him as much as he could manage. She was already nice enough to turn up at his office with nourishment for him, and Byakuya was very happy at the gesture of concern and care. Then he wanted more, wanted her to spend more time with him, spoil him even more.
Byakuya was happy, and he had gone through ten contracts easily in the span of time as Rukia sat at the guest cushion and talked to him. Byakuya enjoyed her company very much, her opinion on different things were very refreshing even if they sometimes clashed with his. It was once again a vast difference between her and the common women, she spoke her mind easily and sincerely and was knowledgeable and not at all timid. He loved that about her… he loved everything about her.
Byakuya shifted slightly in his executive chair, craning his head to the left in a subtle attempt to try to catch sight of Rukia. She had been silent for almost thirty minutes now. Was she too caught up in reading… or had something happened?
Silently, the young demon pushed his chair back from the office table and got up. He walked swiftly past the glass barrier and book case and looked into the guest area.
Byakuya's grey eyes immediately softened.
Rukia was fast asleep, the book (he had been right, it was the fantasy demons book) on her stomach as she lay across the cushion. Her mouth was open slightly (Byakuya smiled at that) as she breathed in and out peacefully.
So she was tired.
Byakuya went over to the book shelf before bending down to open the two drawers below it. He extracted a thick, black comforter before closing the drawer and moving over to Rukia. Byakuya took the book and placed it on the coffee table before draping the blanket gently over her. Rukia shifted slightly but did not awake, snuggling into the warm comforter.
Byakuya smiled down at the sleeping Rukia. Then he turned around to go back and continue work, but not before chuckling slightly as he heard her snore once.
xXxXx
Renji huffed slightly as he took a gulp of the expensive Romanee Conti, as he sat in his home. He stared slightly at the worn label on the bottle and moved to pour more of the expensive wine, wincing slightly at the pain on his right shoulder. Byakuya apparently still possessed much energy, especially when angered.
He had not been talking much with his superior, since the day they had settled down to talk in the pub about the strange human girl Byakuya had been "frequenting", only to produce an end-result of dislocated joints and painful body parts (on Renji's part, that is). When he saw Byakuya, the young executive had been cold and professional, only talking about business matters in a crisp tone. But his grey eyes were wary, hinting that the pub event was never far from his mind and that Renji had better hold up his mouth about his personal affairs.
Renji was very confused.
He was going to have to talk to Byakuya again, albeit more diplomatically. He needed to find out more and get to the root of this matter, and maybe then he would stop worrying. Renji wasn't going to admit this to anyone, but he was worried about Byakuya. He had grown up with his superior from their younger decades, given the task of assistant to the Kuchiki heir. Renji had been a lone Incubus, having no pack of his own when he was discovered by Ginrei in his early young decades. He was then brought into the Kuchiki family to serve the young Byakuya as a right-hand man. While they initially had frequent fights and disagreements (with Byakuya winning every single one), their friendship strengthened to a point of a loyal two-man team. Renji had coped with the insecurities and jealousy of serving such a superior Incubus like Byakuya but he had soon gotten over that and learnt to appreciate the bond between them while making Byakuya his source of inspiration and competition.
Now, it was the first time in hundreds of years that Renji had ever seen his superior take a girl out to have fun for a whole day. It was usually just a few hours of sex in a luxurious hotel or the usual Madam Aiko's and then any girl was history. It was so strange as Renji had watched Byakuya smiling at the petite girl, and then watching her kiss him on the cheek. It looked so out of place, so different, so… sort of pure. And Byakuya was anything but that.
Renji had to get to the bottom of this.
The redhead took a gulp of wine before reaching for his phone. He keyed in a text message before sending it to his superior.
'Byakuya. Let's get the usual drinks some time, and chat. It will be reasonable.'
Renji leaned his head back against the chair, closing his eyes. After five minutes, he was about to contact Madam Aiko for another night session when his phone sounded, signalling the arrival of a new text message. Renji stared at the screen.
'After work. Thursday.' -Byakuya-
Byakuya pocketed his mobile phone and walked over to the sleeping Rukia. The contracts were laid on his table, one folder after another. All reviewed, all completed. Byakuya was done with work, and he was ready to go home. But first things first…
Byakuya pressed the remote in his hand, as the electronic locks snapped open on his office door. He placed the remote on the coffee table before taking the comforter gently away from Rukia. She grunted slightly at the sudden loss of warmth but slept on. Byakuya folded the comforter and tossed it easily onto an unoccupied couch. He bent down slightly and slipped his hands gently under Rukia's shoulders and legs. Then he straightened up, carrying Rukia easily up from the couch. She did not stir as Byakuya walked to the door and bent down, opening it with his right hand easily. He carried her out of his office and to the elevators at the end of the hallway.
The elevator sprang open and Byakuya walked into it, before bending down once again to hit the panel for the descent down to his private parking grounds.
"Voice identification please." The professional woman's voice sounded in the silver elevator.
"Kuchiki Byakuya," Byakuya spoke in his deep voice.
"Identification approved. Have a good day, Mr. Kuchiki." Byakuya watched as the button for the lowest basement ground lighted up. Rukia had shifted slightly as he had spoke, burying her face deeper to his sturdy chest. Byakuya only looked down at her, resisting the sudden impulse to kiss her on the nose.
The elevator stopped smoothly at the basement and the doors sprang open once more. Byakuya stepped out and exited his office building, carrying a sleeping Rukia in his arms.
xXxXx
Nel hummed slightly at the song as she sat in the living room, working on her disastrous English literature assignment. Some help from Rukia wouldn't hurt much…
Nel turned to the clock on the wall. It was rather late, where was Rukia? Didn't she say she was going to come home soon? But Nel knew that Rukia's father had been here, it was very obvious when the kind old man dropped by. For one, the entire dorm apartment suddenly looked neat and tidy and the eggs in the refrigerator were placed in neat stacks at the top shelf instead of being everywhere. On occassion when she was home, Nel often laughed and apologized awkwardly for not taking care of Rukia and the dorm properly only to earn a kind smile from the older Ukitake and a joke about girls growing up.
Nel looked at the clock again and turned back to her laptop. Maybe Rukia had gone out for supper or maybe…
She looked up as the doorbell sounded. There she is! Nel got up and walked to the door. It was rather strange of Rukia to forget her keys but-
"Hello."
Nel's turquoise eyes widened at the tall, handsome stranger standing at the doorstep. His hair was long and hung in black strands over his grey eyes, and his facial features were of male model standard.
"Err…" Nel's eyes travelled down his office outfit and stopped at the small figure curled up in his arms. "RUKIA!" Nel looked up angrily at the stranger, shock and alertness mirrored in her eyes.
"Shhh. She is sleeping. I am her friend, Byakuya."
"She never mentioned any Bakoya before," Nel responded suspiciously, holding her arms out for Rukia but Byakuya did not transfer her to Nel.
"Can I come in? It is not that I doubt your strength but I think it would be better for me, out of the two of us, to carry Rukia to her room. I do not wish to wake her up."
Nel narrowed her eyes. "Fine. But just to let you know, I fight well, even with saucepans."
Byakuya ignored the last statement and stepped into the dorm. It was a rather small apartment but it was cozy and comfortable and stocked full of things. Byakuya caught sight of the low wide lamp hanging over a dining table in the living room, where couches and pillows and a carpet laid out before a television. The kitchen was small and there were three doors, one presumably to the bathroom and two rooms for one girl each. Nel gave him anoter wary look before walking to the door on the right.
"This way."
Byakuya followed after Nel, stopping as Nel opened Rukia's bedroom door. She gave him another suspicious look before opening the door and stepping back to allow him to carry Rukia inside.
Byakuya walked into Rukia's room and almost smiled. Everything was of a bunny nature. Her covers, her pillowsheet, even her lamp was decorated with bunny faces. He laid Rukia down gently onto the bed as Nel watched by the doorframe, and pulled the covers over her. He watched as Rukia gratefully snuggled deeper into the covers and sighed happily in sleep. Byakya felt his lips curve into a small smile as he watched her, his eyes softening.
A sudden beeping from the telephone in the hall cut through the silence.
"Coming!" Nel shouted unnecessarily and with another wary look at Byakuya, she hurried off. Byakuya turned to the room.
So this is your world, Rukia.
He noticed a set of photoframes on her bedside table and picked one up. It was of her and Otousan smiling happily in the her florist shop, apparently during their first opening day. Next was still Rukia, smiling with a group of friends, the long green-haired girl.. .and even Ichigo was there. Rukia… again with Otousan, this time by the countryside. Rukia, holding a large stuffed rabbit in her arms, which was even bigger than her own small body. Byakuya chuckled. Then he picked up the last, tiniest silver frame and stared at it.
Immediately, he felt his entire body grow warm.
It was those picture stickers, the picture stickers of the photo booth time in the park last weekend. It was a collection of stickers of them together, interspersed with patterns of bunnies and suns. Rukia had placed them into the small silver frame, and kept it in between the many photoframes of her important memories.
Byakuya smiled and he turned to the sleeping Rukia.
Am I becoming a part of your life, Rukia?
She shifted slightly to the right, and her hair fell over her eyes. Byakuya bent down and brushed that stray strand off her forehead. Then he lowered himself to her and pressed his lips softly to her forehead.
"Good night, Rukia."
He straightened up and saw her dormmate nervously standing at the door. "Uh…"
"I will leave now." Byakuya bowed slightly. "It was nice to meet you…" He gave her a polite look, despite already knowing the name of the woman when he had first obtained information about Rukia so many months ago.
"Nel." The female nodded slightly, confirming his knowledge.
"Thank you, and I apologize for sending Rukia home late. Please relay my heartfelt thanks to her for today."
Nel just nodded dumbly. "Will do, Bakoya-san."
Byakuya bowed once again and took his leave. Nel turned back to the sleeping Rukia, pure question in her eyes.
xXxXx
Rukia stirred slightly and opened her eyes. She blinked at the bright light filtering in through the windows.
Huh? Where am I? Wha-
Rukia slowly opened her eyes again and took in her surroundings. She recognized her dorm bedroom. But what she could remember was falling asleep as she read about fantasy tales of demons walking amongst humans and…
Her eyes widened.
Byakuya's office.
The chicken soup.
Hearing the lock click on the door, shutting her in.
Sitting on the guest cushion.
'I fell asleep in his office last night! And now I'm back… here?'
Rukia was busy pondering if it was all a dream when her door opened and Nel walked in.
"About time!"
Rukia looked up in surprise as Nel marched over to her. About what?
Nel sat on the edge of Rukia's bed and stared at her, before poking a finger in Rukia's chest. "Hey missy! How dare you not tell me when you have a boyfriend?"
"Huh?" Rukia's eyes widened.
"Don't 'huh' me! Your boyfriend! He brought you home last night, Bakoya!"
"B-Byakuya?" The statement slowly sank in. "He brought me home last night while I was sleeping?"
"That's it! I am cutting our friendship short! I tell you about every boy I have a crush on and you don't even tell me when you are actually in a serious relationship! You have broken all the laws of sisterhood and the supposed bond between dormmates!"
"H-He's not my… my…"
"You are stuttering! He is!"
"N-No, he's not. He's… just… err… someone… hold on!" Rukia held up a hand to stop another potential outburst from Nel. "The reason I didn't tell you about him was because I felt there was no need to. At least, that was at first. But now… I…"
"He's not your boyfriend?" Nel asked incredelously, her angry expression smoothing out into curiosity.
Rukia shook her head timidly. "Not… really."
"Then who is he?"
"I… He… l-likes me, I think."
"He likes you?" Nel laughed. "You got to be kidding me! He more than just likes you, Rukia! He's like this love-obsessed admirer of yours! Even I know, from just the few minutes I spent observing him! You should have seen him that night he brought you home here."
Rukia raised her eyebrows.
"He was all protective, and even though I was the one living here, he was more wary of me than I was of him. He refused to hand you over to me and insisted he carry you into your bedroom, though that might be because he wanted to look at your room." Nel laughed as Rukia's mouth formed an O. "And then you should have seen the way he was looking at you as you slept. Not any perverted look but… it was… you know, like someone looking at his most prized possession in the world or something. Sort of like the way Shinji looks at his WWI. And then I went out to take a phone call and when I came back, I saw him kiss you on your forehead!"
Rukia's eyes widened and she felt her cheeks grow warm. Byakuya… kissed her?
"He wasn't taking advantage of you, I could see that though my saucepan was ready," Nel laughed before turning serious. "But I can see he loves you very much, Rukia. And how and when in the world did you meet him? I am jealous!"
"Er…" Rukia deliberated. "At… work, in the flower shop about two or three months ago."
Nel's eyes grew round in excitement. "I see. And…" She smiled a cheeky smile. "You said you felt there wasn't a need to tell me about him at first. So… now there is a need to?" She smiled again as Rukia blushed.
"I…" Rukia looked down slightly at her comforter. "Well, I…" She lifted her eyes to a smiling Nel. "I... I think I like him." Immediately, she felt her cheeks burn. It was the first time… the first time she had admitted out loud her feelings for Byakuya!
Nel giggled happily and Rukia had to smile.
"I don't blame you. He's one good-looking thing!"
"It's not that!" Rukia protested and blushed again as Nel laughed.
"Okay, missy. Prepare yourself. I will make you breakfast and we are going to have a long talk over French toast, okay?"
Rukia smiled and got out of bed. "Okay."
xXxXx
"Have you mentioned this matter to anyone?" Byakuya asked lightly as he leaned back against the comfortable red chair. He lifted the flute glass to his lips, taking a slow drink.
"No." Renji shook his head. "My life is on the line, is it not?"
Byakuya quietly sipped the wine. "I think so."
Renji reached for his own goblet, swirling the contents in it around. "Byakuya, I just want a simple thing." He looked at his young Incubus master. "I want to know what is going on."
"Nothing really serious is going on."
Renji supressed the retort on the tip of his tongue. Getting beaten up a second time would do no use in getting the truth out. "I just want to know things so I can be clear about this. And I do not want to pick fights." Renji drank his wine, before placing the goblet back down on the table. "I will settle for the details which you feel are necessary to tell me only. And I will keep them a secret, as your most trusted right-hand man."
Byakuya looked up slowly at Renji, and then put down his own goblet in turn and leaned back. "She is a university student whom I met at Aiko's."
Renji's eyes widened.
"We engaged in a sexual encounter and left it at that. She was there for the money, and I for the pleasure." Renji nodded and kept silent, allowing Byakuya to continue.
"But then I found out she was different. She was different from the women I have encountered in the past. She was different right from the start, and I sensed it."
"Different?"
Byakuya's eyes remained emotionless. "Different. Perhaps you might understand, if you got to know her."
Renji did not understand, but he let that pass.
"Maybe it is because of that difference, I was drawn to her than I did any other women before. I was not going to take things further but then we came into contact again through chance."
Renji's eyes widened.
"So I stayed around her, to spend time with her. With each time, the difference became bigger… as did my desire for her."
Oh my God.
Byakuya signalled to a passing waiter to bring more wine, before looking at Renji. "It is my own business and I'm well aware of the circumstances of my actions. I do, however, still possess the ability to rationalize so I do not find myself in any disadvantageous sitautions. Bear that in mind, Renji, and maybe then you would not be so concerned."
"So…" Renji paused, trying to look upbeat. "That means you just want more sex, right? It was only once that you did it with her? At Aiko's?"
Byakuya nodded slowly.
Renji leaned back in turn, his expression satisfied. "So if you get another opportunity to, you know… jump into her pants, you will be done! It's just an obsession, an impulse right now!"
"I thought so at first, Renji."
Renji's eyes shot up in surprise.
"It's not like that any more." Byakuya fixed his grey-eyed gaze on his assistant.
Oh my God.
"Even if she does not submit to me sexually, I still desire her by my side."
Oh my God.
"I would like to ask a final question, Byakuya." Renji tried to shake off the dread in his voice. "You can answer it, or you can choose not to." He looked at Byakuya. "I will honestly say I never believed this might have happened but… have you… fallen in love with this human girl?"
Byakuya stared back at Renji, his expression unmoved. He looked up as the waiter materialized at their table with an iced bucket. Byakuya waited patiently as the wine cork was popped and the red contents poured into his cup. Then he met Renji's eyes.
"You vowed your silence to me, Renji. And considering that I have divulged a major portion of my private affairs, it would not hurt much to theorize the entire matter." He drank the expensive red wine, the thick red a colour of passion. "Yes, I think I have."
You are so fucked up, Byakuya.
And there you have it, Chapter 18! :D I hope you enjoyed it, lots of things happening in this chapter. :) So the first revelations of Byakuya and Rukia's relationship has been made known to their closest peers (Rukia to Nel, Byakuya to Renji). And Byakuya comes into first contact with Rukia's social circle, with her dormmate. (and she mispronounces his name the first time XD because I thought since baby Nel mispronounces Itsygo, why not throw in Bakoya as well? XD) Also, the relationship between Renji and Byakuya comes to light here, I dedicated space for other character expansion this time round, and I retained their original (sort of) relationship from the Bleach storyline, just in an AU setting. :) Hope you enjoyed all those parts.
And of course, there is the sweet ByaRuki moment where a caring Rukia turns up at Byakuya's office to feed him *sneaky laugh*, much to his mischievous pleasure. XD I hope I wrote it sweet enough, though I did like the end-result when I read it. :)
I struggled with my writer's moody feelings the past week and thank you those who kept me going, I appreciate the support! :)
Until we meet again for Chapter 19! :D Before then, mind dropping a little review for my writing to let me know your feelings/comments and any other feedback you have for me. :D Would really like to know your opinion, and it would motivate me and better my writing! :D
~evenstar lady~