Hello there, I come bearing the newest update for this Demons fic. :) I'm really excited for this chapter, because I wrote it out pretty long and thoroughly enjoyed the process of writing this one here. And as always, I hope you will enjoy it as much as the author herself. ;) The update was delayed a little because I developed a really bad sore throat recently, still haven't recovered but oh well.
Thank you so much to all who reviewed the past chapter, I read and appreciate every single one of them! It's freaky how some of your theories come so close to the real thing! :D Thank you to Oicherealtai, isaraaries, ANF-Byaruki, pauxd, angel cheesecake, Lilian Violet, cinecaption, ully, Crystal-Clear Hope, sleeplygirl, Airiannastar, Sakimi1014, antiquitywhilst, kiti4life, andyantopia, Lanny-Sama, 1SuperKawaii, senivatar, The13thConspiracy, onlyluna, Guest, dnarg, YuzurihaNoRyuu, smellof orchids, vrncrqp, ReckoningDay, obsessed dreamer, Lady Miel Cacao, xSilentWolf, Diana, majindra, xxconfusedchanxx, Kuchiki24, vicky73, zenachi, Guest, Fiamatta Montague, couples lover, ANONYMBYAKURUKIF, PAMILA DE CASTRO, XBloodMageRikaX, nasiajet13, BlackBurningHeart, naru894, Emily, byakuchiki, Guest, DRUON, LuciL06, AkuRokuTurkTrainee, arlingtonsteward, aria, L, Guest, Lilith's Heart, silverqueen, seras3791, RunSakura, CielDoll, 1nunna-chan1, Guest, JRVivaciousT and elevensiens. Since this chapter is pretty long, I dedicate this to everyone listed above, and to Guest, who left a review on the 18/8/12 with opinions of the characters' actions and thoughts, it actually made me think about some things I hadn't thought about before. Thank you so much to all of you! :)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Bleach, nor the characters. I own this story and the plot, though.
I hope you enjoy the update. :)
"Hisana-san, you look so pretty!"
Hisana smiled at her reflection as her friends gushed behind her. The Succubus was trying out her wedding gown at the designer's couture boutique. Byakuya was having fittings for his own suit at the other end of the boutique, accompanied by his friends.
Which reminded Hisana of something.
"Could you excuse me for a little while?" The Succubus smiled at her friends. "I need to get something to drink."
This was the only perfect time, the males were not nearby. Picking up her voluminous skirt, Hisana carefully walked over to the boutique sitting room where there was only one Succubus seated there, not joining in the fitting sessions.
"Rangiku-san." Matsumoto turned around at the soft voice, and the figure who had uttered her name. For a moment, the Succubus thought that Rukia had come to find her, and then she realized Rukia's voice never possessed that soft tone. Even when the human girl lowered her voice, it was always strong in a subtle sense, never betraying any sense of weakness.
Also, it would only be in her dreams that Rukia was wearing a wedding gown, ready to be married to Byakuya.
"Hisana-san."
Hisana gave Matsumoto a smile almost as soft as her voice, and walked forward. "May I have a seat?"
"S-Sure." Matsumoto motioned to the seat opposite her, feeling a little puzzled.
Hisana smiled uncertainly. "Rangiku-san, I…" The demure Succubus took a deep breath. "I… wanted to ask you something. It's about Byakuya."
"Oh… okay." Matsumoto's tone turned a little wary, and Hisana immediately knew that this Succubus was a very good friend of Byakuya's.
"I… I wanted to know if… if Byakuya had any previous partners... before me?" Hisana felt herself blush at the question as Matsumoto's eyes widened. "I mean… I know it's a bit of a privacy invasion but I know, you can honestly answer it for me so I…"
"Byakuya has had a lot of partners in the past," Matsumoto replied. "Surely you know that."
"I know." Hisana smiled. "His party style is hard to miss." She chuckled softly. "But there was this period of months before he met me… that I realized, the tabloids did not report on his nightclub activities. Either they missed him on his way out… or he wasn't there, doing something else."
Matsumoto blinked.
"Rangiku-san…" Hisana reached out and grasped the hands of the older Succubus. "Please… please do tell me. I… really want to know."
"But are you ready to know?" Matsumoto's voice was soft. Hisana started to feel that uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, the same feeling she had had when Byakuya had forcefully stopped her from going into his bedroom with that cold tone of voice.
"Yes, I am ready."
Matsumoto took a deep breath. "He was involved with a single girl, for those long months. Because of her, he rejected his previous lifestyle and stopped clubbing once and for all. He was always spending time with her, at every opportunity he had. But then they broke up, before he met you."
Hisana looked at her hands. "Rangiku-san… did he… love her?" Her voice was soft.
"Yes, he loved her… very much," Matsumoto replied. And I think he still does... but I think it would be too cruel to tell you so.
Hisana looked up. "If he had loved her so much then… why didn't he just stay with her? Why did he leave?"
Matsumoto looked up, a sad expression on her face. "She is a human."
Hisana's shocked expression was still there, until one of her friends peeked in and told her that the fitting sessions should be resumed.
xXxXx
It was a festive mood in the air at the Azaris office building. The Kuchiki clan members had taken to arranging a surprise party for Byakuya and Hisana on the night before their wedding. The office had been transformed into a colourful place with banners and cupid dolls hanging from the ceiling. There were an array of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and many servings of different types of food laid out. The staff stopped working for the night, and congratulated the couple on their union tomorrow. Everyone was happy and in high spirits, chattering and eating and drinking.
Byakuya drifted in and out of the celebrations, sometimes returning to his office space to continue his work.
"Speech! Speech from the soon-to-be newlyweds!" The happy group of demons chanted at their superior. Byakuya found himself being pushed up to the podium, his drink in his hand. Hisana smiled as she sat at a table.
"Thank you for organizing this event," Byakuya acknowledged his clan as he spoke into the microphone at the podium. His emotionless voice did nothing to dampen his clan members, who all cheered happily at him. "I thank you for your well wishes and congratulations. Know that Hisana and myself appreciate it very much."
"Love speech! Love speech!" A few of the younger Incubi laughed and high-fived each other.
"Love?"
Silence immediately fell over the crowd at Byakuya's voice which had sounded, for a moment, almost intimidating. Hisana looked up, her smile suddenly fading slightly.
"Love is… a lot of things, which I cannot even begin to explain here." Byakuya's voice was deep. "It is a novel feeling at first, but it slowly grows to become a burning torch in the body. It is a novel feeling, and you cling to it… you find yourself living after being dead for centuries."
Some demons laughed heartily, indulging in the speech. Several others were more serious, especially that of the elegant black-haired Succubus standing in the corner.
"Even if you were two separate entities in two different worlds… you just want to hold on and never be torn apart again. And if the torch ever goes out... you find yourself deadened than ever."
The silence was too intense in the room now, every eye was focused on Byakuya.
"You even feel that for the one touch of her hand on yours, you would be willing to exchange your immortality for it."
Byakuya ended his speech and stepped off the podium, causing the silence to deepen in the room at the abrupt ending of the speech. The outburst of applause followed soon after, however, at the poetic words of their cold Kuchiki heir. The demons flocked to Hisana to congratulate her, the apparent receiver of the love speech of Byakuya's.
"How lucky you are!"
"His immortality for you! Wow!"
"He's so romantic! Was that how he won you?"
Hisana's eyes were shadowed with sadness as she received the congratulations all over again.
"Hey." Renji smiled uncertainly at Matsumoto, who was looking out at the night scenery from the Azaris balcony. The party had ended, and some of the demons had begun leaving the office to go home.
"Er… so! What sexy outfit are you going to be wearing for the wedding tomorrow?" The Incubus injected a forceful happy tone to his voice.
"Nothing in particular. Just something comfortable for me to fight in."
"W-What?" The red-haired Incubus's eyes widened, not entirely sure he had heard his friend right.
Matsumoto turned to look at him, her expression firm. "I said, I would wear something comfortable for me to fight in. Fight, combat, battle."
"F-For what?" Renji's voice was nervous.
"I'm going to drag Byakuya away from the church tomorrow, and drag him to Rukia. If he resists, I will knock him out." Matsumoto spoke easily.
"That's crazy!" Renji now wore a flabbergasted look. "You can't be serious! I will… I will tell on you! Or stop you or-"
"Do. Not. Stop. Me." Matsumoto snarled at Renji. "This has gone on for far too long. Do you not see what the separation from Rukia is doing to Byakuya? Do you not see that he is only punishing himself by being with Hisana? Did you not hear his speech tonight? Did you not listen to the meaning, did you not know that they were meant for Rukia?"
Renji stayed silent as he looked at his long-time friend.
"If I just step back and be a guest at the wedding tomorrow and pretend it will all be okay, I can. If we all step back and do nothing, he would end up marrying Hisana. And it will destroy him, destroy the both of them, the three of them."
"Matsumoto-"
"I have lost the one I loved." Matsumoto took a deep breath. "And I won't be selfish enough to allow the same fate to befall one of my friends."
Renji fell silent at her words, and Matsumoto continued to speak.
"Rukia was the only thing to change Byakuya. He's so much happier when he's with her and I don't know how, but she tames the evil in him. Rukia somehow makes him more humane. It's like she becomes his purpose in life and without her, he resorts to killing and cruelty, and closes himself off from people."
Renji looked out over the scenery, lost in thought. Matsumoto took a final gulp from her drink.
"So I'm going to give them a chance. If Rukia decides to walk away, then that will be it. If she decides to fight, I will fight alongside her."
A soft knock sounded at Byakuya's office door, as he finished the last of his paperwork for the day. The Incubus briefly wondered who it could be, he was certain he would be the last to leave the office today as it was already very late in the night. Also, the rest of his clan were busy with the last-minute preparations for the wedding tomorrow.
"Come in."
He watched as the door open and a serious-looking Unohana stepped into his office. "Sensei."
"Byakuya," Unohana spoke as she walked up to the Incubus. "May I sit?"
"Of course." The Incubus replied, as he continued to stroke across the paper with his pen. The Succubus took the seat opposite him, an awkward silence falling in the room as Byakuya continued to do his work.
After a while, Unohana spoke up. "I heard your speech this evening."
"I see," Byakuya spoke, his eyes never leaving the paper.
"You… don't love Hisana." Unohana made the statement. "Even if she is a Succubus, a perfect match for you."
Byakuya's pen stopped scratching the paper, but he still did not look up. "Does it matter, Sensei?" After a while, he continued writing again. "I proposed to her, and she accepted. If there is consent from both parties, I believe it shouldn't be a problem. You should be happy for us, Sensei, since you brought us together."
"My mistake, perhaps?" Unohana's voice was soft… and this time, Byakuya looked up from his work, meeting her eyes. "I know you hate me all this while for the effort I have put in to find a good match for you… and also for keeping you and Rukia apart."
Byakuya kept silent, but he held Unohana's gaze.
"Byakuya… don't you understand that I am trying my best to prevent you from falling down a painful, dark abyss? Yes, the initial road is filled with warm love and sweet nothings… but a relationship with a human is never going to lead to anything substantive."
"Sensei… why do you care so much?"
Unohana's eyes widened. Byakuya looked at her across the table.
"Because I never wanted you to end up like me."
This time, it was the Incubus's grey eyes which widened in surprise.
Unohana let out a soft laugh, although it sounded almost bitter. "You weren't the first demon to fall in love with a human, Byakuya. Because I was there before you. Everyone in the clan was naturally against it, but I stayed with him anyway."
The Succubus's smooth hands reflexively clasped in her lap. "Then he started to age, exactly as they said he would. I tried to stay optimistic but the doubts and fears began to creep in. We got into fights sometimes, due to our own insecurities. I was younger then and very inexperienced, so I became terrified of being left all alone in the future. I wasn't ready for that, so I made the painful decision and chose the clan over my own love."
Byakuya watched the Succubus as she chuckled softly. "I have no idea where he is now, if he even is still alive."
"Did you regret… Sensei?"
The pained blue eyes looked up into misty grey. "Yes… yes, I did." Unohana took a deep breath."I don't know what to do, Byakuya, whenever I envision your situation. It will hurt a lot when you start to realize how you cannot prevent things such as time and age from taking away what you love so much. When you start seeing the first grey hairs on his head and how you wished so much that you could have some of your own. How you wish you could travel forward just like he did… instead of staying frozen… like this."
Byakuya looked at Unohana without saying a word.
"I don't know what is right or wrong anymore, Byakuya. I will admit it… I was jealous of you. When I was your age, I wasn't so strong like you are now, I wasn't steadfast, I wasn't completely ready to fight for my own love. I took the easy way out. Which is what we have been advocating to you… because it hurts less in the long run, even if it was so unbearable at first."
Unohana's sad eyes looked at Byakuya.
"But looking at you like this, and listening to your pre-wedding speech… I wonder if perhaps the opposite might have been better for you. Hisana… Hisana looks exactly like her, so why can't you accept her?"
"Because the one I love is not Hisana," Byakuya replied simply. "But I will marry Hisana, and appease the clan once and for all. After I have performed that obligation, I still intend to secretly watch over Rukia. Even if I can only watch her from so far away, I intend to do so for the rest of my life. And…" A fleeting sadness passed through the grey eyes. "… even if she becomes another's woman, I will still watch her for the rest of my life."
"Then call off the wedding, Byakuya." Unohana looked him straight in the eye. "I will handle the explanation to both clans. This is your only way out and it has gone on for too long…" A saddened expression clouded the Succubus's face. "…especially on my part."
"No."
The Succubus looked up, shocked. "No? But you said-"
"I love Rukia… but she is and will be so much happier and safer with a normal life. Your role is over in this, Sensei… but I appreciate you telling me your story. Please rest for tonight, because there is a wedding tomorrow."
With these words, Byakuya turned back to finish his work, leaving a stunned and helpless Unohana looking at him.
xXxXx
Rukia carefully moved the pile of clothes onto her bed, before taking out all the hangers of dresses from her cupboard. She sighed softly and started to sort them out.
Today was Byakuya's wedding.
Rukia had woken up extremely early, at 5 in the morning. She was rendered unable to go back to sleep, with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Deciding not to go downstairs in case she woke Otousan up (and then having to deal with the questions), Rukia resorted to sitting up in bed with the covers around her and a good novel. Even so, she couldn't read the words as the hours passed. She watched the sun come up in the sky, signalling the start of the day… and the wedding.
The sick feeling worsened.
Trying to distract herself, Rukia had then jumped off her bed and started to sort out her wardrobe. She was initially thinking of giving the bathroom sink a good scrub but decided that the noise might wake Otousan up.
It's not your business anymore. And you should be happy, you should be-
Rukia felt as if she was going to throw up.
She came down to breakfast and hurriedly scooped up a plate of sushi, using the excuse of excess homework to bring it up to her room. Putting the food aside, Rukia resumed her sorting out of the clothes.
It went on like that for another two hours, till afternoon. The sun had risen high in the sky, and Rukia swore she could hear church bells ringing in her ears. Her throat felt too thick, she couldn't even swallow.
The ringing sound of her mobile phone jolted her from her thoughts and Rukia scrambled to answer it.
"RUKIA!"
Rukia blinked slightly, registering the bright voice of Matsumoto.
"R-Rangiku-san?"
"Rukia, I'm having an emergency! Could you help me?" Matsumoto's voice was rushed.
"Could you borrow me one of your dresses… immediately?"
"O-Oh, okay." Rukia did not even stop to think that she was barely Matsumoto's dress size. "I will pack one into a bag and-"
"No no no no. That won't do. Could you put it on? I'm about to reach your place."
Rukia's eyes widened. What?
"I…"
"Please, Rukia!" Matsumoto's voice took on a panicky tone. "Please help me! Meet me downstairs in three minutes! Thank yoouuuu!"
Three minutes? Downstairs?
Rukia hurriedly reached out and grabbed the first dress from her bed at random. Soon enough, a loud car horn blared outside the house.
"COMING!" Rukia thundered down the stairs. The first person was Otousan standing near the window, staring at the figure standing outside. Rukia smiled and hurriedly mumbled a 'She's my friend' explanation and ran out to the front. She hurried to the gate to see Matsumoto standing outside the house, dressed in simple jeans and a figure-hugging spaghetti-strap top. It was a rather simple appearance for the Succubus, given her usual attention-grabbing fashion.
"Rangiku-san!" Rukia smiled slightly at the sight of the friendly Succubus, who was smiling warmly at her.
"Rukia!" Matsumoto smiled. "I missed you!"
"I miss you too…" Rukia smiled as the Succubus embraced her. "I don't get it… you wanted the dress so…" Rukia stared down at the lacy white dress she had grabbed at random.
"It looks very lovely." Matsumoto nodded in approval. "Okay, let's go."
"G-Go? Go where?"
"To the wedding, of course."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock. "The wedding?"
"Uh huh." Matsumoto nodded, and started to pull Rukia forward but the girl stood her ground.
"I… don't get it, Rangiku-san. You said you wanted the dress and-"
Matsumoto threw her hands up. "It was to get you out here, nicely dressed for the occasion."
Rukia shook her head. "I… don't understand. The last time we met, I was supposed to not know of the existence of your population, Rangiku-san! Why… suddenly-"
"It was a mistake." Rangiku cut the petite girl off. "It was all a mistake, right from the start. We shouldn't have gone through with it." The Succubus stepped closer to Rukia. "Byakuya only distanced himself from you, supposedly, to keep you safe."
Rukia's eyes widened.
"I know, I know. Always with keeping the girl safe, but doing things so detrimental to her mental health in the process, right?" Matsumoto smiled slightly. "He does love you, Rukia. So much more than you know."
"No…" Rukia shook her head. "He's getting married… to the perfect partner!"
Matsumoto raised an eyebrow at Rukia. "Fine. Ask yourself then, do you want him to get married to her?"
Rukia had to look away. "I-It's not my decision whether or not it's right for him to marry someone!"
Matsumoto reached out and placed a hand on Rukia's cheek, turning her face so she was looking straight at the Succubus. "Believe me, your decision is all that matters."
Rukia's eyes widened as Matsumoto smiled at her.
"And after all…" The Succubus waved her fingers. "You don't have to do anything drastic. You can just go… to tell him how you feel." Matsumoto's expression turned wistful for a bit. "You never know when might be the last time you see him. And after this, he will be a married man, you may never have another chance."
Rukia took a step back.
"It's your call, Rukia. You can step back… and I will leave. Or you can try… for the last time in your life." Matsumoto smiled. "Your choice."
The screeching sound of tires cut the air as a Lamborghini sped up to the curb. Rukia jumped back in shock, as Matsumoto chuckled.
"You're late, Renji."
"Don't forget I was running your errands." Renji tossed a package at Matsumoto who gleefully caught it. "Hey, Rukia."
"Renji." Rukia had to smile at her friend, even as she stood there in conflicted thoughts.
"So what is it? You coming with us?" The red-haired Incubus smiled.
"I…" Rukia looked between Succubus and Incubus.
Believe me, your decision is all that matters…
You don't have to do anything drastic. You can just go… to tell him how you feel…
You never know when might be the last time you see him. And after this, he will be a married man, you may never have another chance.
Rukia looked up with a determined expression, only to see Matsumoto give her a knowing smile. "I need to go and see him, to say some things to him."
Renji beamed. "Hop in then, ladies."
"Hold on!" Rukia turned and ran back to the door, where her Otousan stood watching.
"Otousan!" Rukia looked up at her father who naturally smiled back at her. "They are my friends, and we… we are going out to run some… some errands! And then maybe go out do some fun things! Is that okay?"
Ukitake smiled and smoothed her hair for her. "Yes, of course. Take care."
Rukia smiled and hugged Ukitake. She turned and walked to the gate.
"Rukia."
Rukia turned back in surprise at her father's voice.
"Good luck." Ukitake smiled, before closing the door.
The surprise filled Rukia's eyes before she slowly started to smile. "Arigato, Otousan."
Rukia settled herself in the backseat of the Lamborghini. Matsumoto was already comfortable in the passenger seat and stripping down to put on the red dress from the package Renji had tossed to her.
"I wonder what's the dress code for guests?" Rukia stared at the dress she had put on in a hurry.
"Who cares? We aren't going as guests anyway." Renji remarked.
"We're not?" Rukia looked up in surprise.
"Of course not." The Incubus smiled gleefully, as his eyes twinkled with excitement. "We are going to crash the wedding."
The Lamborghini roared away from the curb.
Ring ring.
"Hey, I thought we promised we weren't going to turn on our phones throughout the course of this mission." Matsumoto poked Renji's head as he drove along the highway.
"Well, there's this Succubus who happens to be totally hung up on me… and she's sexy."
"Sounds like a bimbo." Matsumoto retorted as Renji lifted his mobile phone to his ears.
"Hello?"
"Abarai."
"Who are you?"
"This is Unohana Retsu."
"A-AH? Unohana-sensei?"
Immediately, Matsumoto stared at Renji, her eyes alert. Rukia looked between both of them, her eyes wide.
"Yes, Abarai. I need you to run an important errand for me right now. Are you with Rangiku?"
"Y-yes. I mean… no, no, we are not together!"
"Very well then. I need you to go get her and then run the errand for me."
"E-Errand, Sensei?"
"Yes, and you will be well-rewarded for it. I need you to go to Rukia-san's residence and bring her to the church where the wedding is about to take place."
"Ruk- WHAT!?" Renji's mind was reeling from the shock of Unohana's unexpected instructions. "Sensei… actually…" Renji gave Matsumoto a wide-eyed look as he spoke into the phone. "I'm already with Rangiku and we are both bringing Rukia to the church now."
Unohana chuckled softly on the line. "I should have known. Well then, take the west entrance into the church, it is less guarded there. Good luck, Abarai."
"Arigato, Sensei."
Byakuya stared at his reflection in the mirror, as he did his tie up.
Today was his wedding day, and he was marrying… Hisana. It was exactly as he had imagined, back in his old life. Marriage was nothing but a routine, something to go along with for the sake of the clan. It was nothing but a formal event, nothing but an additional housemate that was to accompany him on dinners and trips as an official partner to the public eye.
In the last few months however, his perception on marriage had been completely different. He had seriously been considering the prospect of marriage, and its effect on him. He had wanted to start a family with her, he had wanted to receive her at the aisle from her father's hand. He had wanted to lift the bridal veil blocking her beautiful face from him, and look into her shining violet eyes. He wanted to carry her home as his, properly his. She would cook for him, and they would snuggle in front of the TV on cold nights with two cups of tea… and he would kiss her non-stop for five hours straight. It was okay that they couldn't have children… having her was enough happiness for him.
Of course, that marriage was now nothing but an unreachable dream.
Byakuya had decided that he would punish himself… with Hisana. She was very similar to Rukia, though Byakuya knew she was no Rukia. But her facial features were enough to command the memories in his mind and the sadness in his heart that they were to remain memories, never a reality. Byakuya had decided that this would be his way of punishing himself, as he had proposed to her that night. He would forever look into her face and feel that piercing pain in his heart of how he had chose to let his one love go. He would forever see her face and be reminded of his cursed identity as an immortal demon that had prevented him from being with her.
Maybe this is my retribution after all these while…
Hisana stared at her powdered face in the mirror as her bridesmaids started gushing over how beautiful she was today. Hisana stared at her reflection, but it was not a picture of a glowing bride-to-be. What she saw was a figure with a forlorn, helpless expression.
So Byakuya hadn't really loved her after all. He was apparently harbouring strong feelings for someone from his past… and he was merely using her as an outlet. How cruel of him, how cold hearted he was. After his marriage proposal, their relationship had barely progressed from the first day she had met him. He still remained courteous but unaffected during their conversations, showing little enthusiasm in bonding more. The curt politeness of their interactions hurt Hisana more than if he was being rude and honest.
Who was this human girl that Rangiku-san had talked about? Her power over Byakuya must have been so great, for him to care little about anyone around him. Was it true that he had loved a human? And let her go for her own happiness? Hisana found it all a little hard to believe. The Byakuya she had been with was a cold statue, cruel and emotionless… was he really capable of love?
And despite knowing all this, here she was donning the designer wedding gown.
Because even if Byakuya wasn't capable of loving, she was.
xXxXx
"This is really strange," Kira whispered to himself as he stared around the impressive church ceiling, where the carved patterns captured the angels and cherubs in eternal flight through the clouds. The stained glass windows were tall and huge on either side of the halls, playing beautiful lights across the stone walls.
The Kuchikis had arranged the wedding to be conducted in a church. Demons rarely married in churches but as the tabloids had reported on the marriage proposal, the higher-ups had decided that Byakuya would marry Hisana in church.
"What's strange?" A male voice spoke next to him and Kira turned to Hisagi, who was looking at him with a curious expression. "Is the church perhaps making you uneasy?"
"No, not at all." Kira stared at the white cross at the front of the church. "It is the fact that Byakuya-san is marrying Hisana-san, who looks like Rukia-san."
"Rukia-san?" Hisagi's eyes grew round. "Ohh, I know! She came to meet Byakuya-san before when I was in the office. I only met Hisana-san afterward and thought they were the same person."
Kira nodded. "Byakuya-san was with Rukia-san for a long time before they broke up."
"I see."
Silence fell over the pair. A few seats away, the black-haired Succubus pushed her glasses higher up on her nose.
"Nanao-chan, why so upset?" The easy male voice spoke next to her, almost causing her to jump out of her skin.
"Don't scare me like that! I was just thinking…"
"Thinking about what?" Kyoraku Shunsui smiled at his secretary.
Nanao turned to the Incubus. "Hisana-san. Do you not realize she is a splitting image of Rukia-san, the Rukia-san we met during the dinner gala months back and the one our rescue squad was mobilized for?"
Shunsui nodded.
"It just… doesn't seem right." Nanao mused, before falling silent.
The guests in the church hall, all made up of Incubi and Succubi, turned to the front as they noticed several figures walking near the altar.
The wedding was about to begin, as the handsome Kuchiki heir stood at the front with two other Incubi in suits. The guests all rose as the church organ began to play and the church doors began to open.
Hisana stood at the entrance, breathtakingly beautiful in the white wedding gown, flanked by two bridesmaids. Her head was properly bowed underneath the veil, with a small smile fixed on her lips. There were collective gasps of admiration from the guests as the bride began her walk toward her future husband, led by her father.
At the altar, her fair hand was given to Byakuya as they turned to the front together to face the priest, the only human present in the church hall.
The priest smiled at the couple before him. "Dear all, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of two souls in marriage, of Kuchiki Byakuya and Kiyowara Hisana. This special-"
Suddenly the priest stopped talking and both Byakuya and Hisana looked up at the interruption. The guests gasped as they saw the priest… and Renji standing next to him, with an arm over the priest's shoulder as if they were friends.
"Oh, so this is how a Bible looks like inside…" The redhead laughed as he stared around the altar.
"Abarai." Byakuya's cold voice cut the stunned silence. "What is the meaning of your foolish actions?"
"I might say the same for you." Renji's hand remained around the priest in a locked grip, as the old man tried to pry himself away. "What is the meaning of your foolish actions?
Byakuya's eyes widened, as the others demons gasped at the bold rudeness of the red-haired Incubus.
"Byakuya, I would like you to know that I think you are a dumbass. Handsome and rich, yes, but still a dumbass."
Shouts erupted around the church at the statement, as Byakuya's eyes hardened. The Kuchiki guards stationed in the church began to step forward in a defensive formation.
Renji gave an airy laugh and swiftly whipped a revolver from his pocket, pressing it into the right temple of the priest in front of him. "Oh no, let's not do this. Anyone makes a move, and I blow the priest's brains out."
Shouts erupted again as the priest trembled with his hands held up in fear. "S-Sir! I do not know you! Please… do not-"
"Rest assured you will be fine… if no one in this church moves. In the event that someones does anyway, I'm sure your Lord will receive you with open arms, Father." Renji laughed evilly as the priest broke out in a cold sweat. "And since no one in this church hall is very holy, I'm sure we wouldn't want to lose the one man to christen this… er, reunion, would we?"
The guards all stopped, motionless.
"Abarai." Byakuya's cold voice was enough to command the air to still in the church. "I will repeat myself once. What is the meaning of this?"
"You will find out soon enough," Renji spoke, his tone serious.
Sudden shouts echoed outside the huge church doors before they were abruptly thrown open, as five guards crumpled to the ground in front of the entrance. The wedding guests turned away from the altar to look at the second newcomer.
"Sorry, I'm a little late."
"Rangiku-san!" Isane, who was sitting amongst the wedding guests, gasped.
The Succubus, dressed in a red halter dress, smiled as she strode over the struggling guards, taking care to step on one of their backs as she walked into the church.
"Sorry about the guards… but guys who wouldn't let a beautiful woman pass through should definitely get a beating, shouldn't they?" Matsumoto laughed airily and flipped her hair. Her expression grew serious, however, as she looked at Byakuya standing at the altar with Hisana. "Byakuya, this is wrong. You know it, and I know it. Don't run away from the most precious thing in your life… just because of your fears." Matsumoto's eyes reflected the subtle sadness. "Because when they are gone… they are just that. Gone."
Something passed through Byakuya's grey eyes but it was immediately replaced by complete shock as he heard the voice at the church steps.
"Renji! Rangiku! Why are you running ahead of me? Please stop, I-"
All the heads turned as the woman materialized at the huge entrance to the church, panting. The woman stood in the doorway, wearing a simple white dress just above the knees. As she stood there, framed by the doorway, the sunlight spilled forth around her giving her a halo-like appearance.
Rukia.
Hisana's eyes widened as she finally saw her. How could it be… she…
She looks exactly like me.
It could have been her who stood at the church entrance, if not for the violet eye colour and lack of demonic smell or aura from the human girl.
Hisana turned slightly to look at the bridegroom, and saw Byakuya staring transfixed at the entrance. His grey eyes were wide, and the subtle awe and tenderness mirrored in those eyes were so alien to Hisana… he had never looked at her that way, even as she walked down the aisle to him.
And then… it dawned on the Succubus.
Perhaps we could take Pavé de Venaison as the main... and substitute the venison for sirloin instead?
Perhaps you'd like orange juice as a drink?
Do you love rabbits?
All those strange random questions that he would ask… were they a reflection of the conduct and preferences of this human girl?
Hisana looked at Byakuya again. His eyes had not moved away from the human girl, not even once.
So I am nothing… but a replacement.
Byakuya stared at Rukia, unable to contain the shock at seeing her standing at the church entrance, on his wedding day. She looked absolutely winded as she doubled over in a very unwomanly pose as she tried to catch her breath against one of the church pillars. Her hair stuck out in places, blown wild by the wind and her violet eyes were big and bright in her small face.
And yet… how beautiful she looked as she stood there like that.
And how cruel fate could be to him… his heart lifted so easily at the sight of her, only to be shot through with the icy pain of reality. What was worse, he was willing to feel the pain, if only to see her over and over again…
Why? Why did she come here today? Was she here to congratulate him again? To give him another gift?
Byakuya did not think he could survive another meeting in which she smiled and wished him happiness with another.
The Incubus knew he should tear his eyes away from her, she was not his anymore, he had given her up, and it was better that way for the both of them.
And yet his eyes gazed at her, continued to gaze at her.
Why have you come, Rukia?
"Okay, everyone's here." Renji nodded. The Incubus nudged the revolver into the priest's forehead. "Say it."
"S-Say what?"
"Those stupid things you Fathers say before they officiate the marriage? The bit about allowing people to protest the reunion?"
"W-What?"
Renji sighed, and cocked his revolver once, placing his finger into the trigger hole.
The priest hurriedly cleared his throat. "S-Speak now… o-or forever hold your peace."
"Yeah, that." Renji nodded his head in satisfaction. "Okay Rukia, now that we have the Father's permission… the floor is yours."
The Incubus gave a mischievous smile at the petite woman, who stood terrified in the middle of the chapel.
Rukia stared ahead at the giant white cross suspended on the wall, and felt her heartbeat triple. She was frozen with fear and apprehension, as she stood a single lone figure against the crowd of demons.
Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to this.
Rukia's eyes had easily caught sight of Byakuya the moment she had stepped into the church. It would have been hard to miss him anyway, because he easily stood out as the most handsome man in the church. Byakuya was wearing a classic black tuxedo with white collars, and sleek black shoes. His hair, long and black, fell flawlessly over his left eye. White gloves covered his hands.
And then… there was Hisana.
Rukia's eyes widened as she stared at the Succubus. Looking into the shocked expression of Hisana, Rukia could see her own reflection of a twin standing at the altar with Byakuya. Only the longer strand of hair in the middle and the hints of blue in Hisana's eyes were what made their appearances different.
It was unbelievable…
Rukia looked at Matsumoto, who nodded encouragingly and motioned to the altar front.
What I have come for…
Slowly, Rukia took her first steps into the church, the fear clutching at her heart.
What I have come for…
She focused on Byakuya, who was standing at the altar. So they had already started the ceremony.
Rukia quickened her footsteps so she was walking at a steady pace now to the front where he stood. At least this way, her slowly-weakening legs wouldn't give way.
What I have come for…
Rukia tried not to catch the eye of anyone who was standing nearby. Surely some of them would know her, she had once attended Byakuya's celebratory dinner. She also knew she was probably not welcomed this time.
What I have come for…
Rukia heard a tussle behind her, and knew a guard had come up to try and apprehend her. But Matsumoto delivered a quick blow to his jaw, catching the demon off-guard and threw him to the floor. Matsumoto was going to hold off those who would try to attack her. Rukia was going to have to make this quick, as she did not want the Succubus to be harmed in the process of doing so.
What I have come for…
She was almost to the front of the altar now. No one stepped out to stop her. From here, she could see Byakuya properly. Were those black circles under his eyes?
What I have come for…
No more running. No more roundabaouts. No more hiding, and none of the seeking. This was now, and this was probably the final now she was ever going to get.
What I have come for…
Rukia's footsteps finally stopped on the polished floors of the church, as she lifted her head to finally speak up.
"I…" Rukia felt the first word come out dry from her lips. She calmed her fast-beating heart and started to lift her head.
Everyone was watching, everyone was waiting.
Why am I so afraid? I was so firm… I said I was going to tell him everything…
Finally, Rukia willed herself to look Byakuya in the eyes.
It's now or never. I may never have another chance…
"I am very sorry for coming here today… on your special day." Rukia spoke to Byakuya, as he looked at her. She did not know whether she should smile or not. She did anyway, a very small wistful one on her lips. "I know I am probably not invited… but I… stood my selfish ground and had Rangiku-san and Renji bring me here anyway. Because if I didn't, I will regret it… I will regret it forever."
Byakuya stood motionless, his expression emotionless.
"I know I was told to stay away… to never see you again, to forget everything." Rukia took a deep breath. "I'm trying to learn… I really am." She stopped for a while, as everyone hung onto her word. "But a part of me, a very big part of me… already knows I cannot. Maybe it would have been so much easier for me… if I had been terrified."
At her words, something unidentifiable passed through Byakuya's misty grey eyes.
"Because I am not afraid. I am not afraid that you are an Incubus!"
The uproar in the church was deafening, as demons leapt to their feet in shock. Renji and Matsumoto smiled as they stood their ground. Rukia was suddenly reminded that the priest was still standing in the church, and she might have unwittingly revealed the secret to another human. Rukia hurriedly turned to look at the priest… who was unconscious, as Renji held him up with the revolver against his forehead.
"Don't worry, honey. Our poor Father fainted a long time ago, God bless his soul."
Rukia sighed slightly in relief, and turned to look Byakuya in the eye again. "I am not afraid!"
Byakuya's eyes widened.
"I'm not afraid of you! I was never afraid of you." Rukia continued looking at Byakuya. He did not look away. "I have known for a long time that there was something very mysterious about you, I just did not know what."
"But I did not care because whoever this man is… he gives me this very warm feeling inside, he cares for me so much, he gets along well with Otousan, and I adore that soft look in his eyes."
Rukia's violet eyes filled with determination. "And I still don't care."
Matsumoto unconsciously nodded, as she smiled at the side of the aisle.
"I know… we struggled with a lot of difficulties. Your family doesn't like me as much as my family does you. Your monthly income would surpass my one year of hard-work earnings, and by a huge gap. My bedroom doesn't even take up one-tenth of yours. If someone put me next to you as a partner, so many people would laugh at you that you would be humiliated." Rukia smiled as the tears slowly formed in her eyes.
"Despite the impossibilities, I actually dared to dream sometimes, Byakuya." Rukia allowed a wistful smile to curve her lips. "I dared to dream about the future… how it would have been nice…" Rukia smiled at Hisana's wedding gown, but she did not dare look at the Succubus. "And finally... I learnt that we are more different from each other than I thought we could ever be. It does seem that no one wants us together, not even Fate."
And maybe not even you want it anymore…
"But I…" Rukia finally looked up at Byakuya and when she spoke, her tone was unwavering. "I have loved you… and will always love you... despite who or what you are." She felt the tears jump into her eyes and quickly lowered her head to hide them.
Hushed silence followed the revelation as Byakuya's eyes widened. At the altar, Renji chuckled and slapped the priest hard on the back, causing the man to jump out of his unconscious state.
Her adrenaline slowly clearing, Rukia looked at the disbelieved faces of the demons around her. Byakuya was still staring at her silently. He had not said anything, nor made any movement at all.
No response… none at all.
"I…" Rukia looked about helplessly. This was what she had come for, hadn't she? Regardless of whether or not Byakuya aceepted her, she just needed him to know that she had loved him and will continue to love him in spite of their differences. If it had not hurt so much…
Now that I have said it, nothing mattered anymore…
"I… I just needed you to know that… and to thank you for everything you have given me." Rukia bowed, as her voice caught in her throat. "I am so sorry for disrupting your wedding ceremony…"
Byakuya did not move, nor did he speak.
Now that I have said it, nothing mattered anymore…
Rukia hurriedly turned away and started to dash down the aisle. Part of her felt embarrassed, but the other part, a much bigger part, was relieved forever. She would have regretted if she had not come to tell him today that she had always loved him, she would have regretted if she did not at least try. And if he had turned her down, like he did, she would still choose to come here today, and again and again.
Rukia felt like running away, she also felt like laughing and crying at the same time. It was stupid… it was so stupid to come to a bridegroom and tell him she loved him. A bridegroom who wasn't hers.
What did she expect from this?
Nothing.
And yet she would come here again, if given an opposite choice each time. Because I have loved him, I will always love him… and I have never thought I could feel this way about someone in my entire life… even after finding out that he was not human but a real-life representation of a myth.
Rukia felt like laughing and crying all at once.
Because I have loved you and will always love you, Byakuya.
I would have thought a man of your stature… would know better to understand basic rules as taking turns and queuing!
Meeting him for the very first time in the ice shop…
But right here, right now… it's just you, me, and pleasure.
Meeting him again as her heart beat fast… in the bedroom. It was the night that had changed her heart forever…
I am really buying all your flowers, for today. And since you would be free, I hope you would consider a dinner out with me.
After she had put the incident behind her, he came walking into her shop and life… determined to stay…
Are you afraid because you are starting to fall in love with me?
His bold question posed to her, as they both stood on the Peony Hill together…
How was it at the orphanage?
He rescued her from the thugs and brought her to his apartment, where she unwittingly told him about her past…
I'm officially wooing you from today onwards.
His random statements, so embarrassingly direct…
I ordered Amour, the couple dinner set for today.
Their first date at the French restaurant. She stumbled so much, but the soft look stayed in his eyes as he gazed at her the whole night...
Have you ever eaten Nabe?
Their little trip to the Nabe shop, where they bonded over the warm food...
I only want to dance with you, Rukia.
Dancing for the first time in a night club, her heart jumping whenever he came so close to her…
If you insist on doing this, I'm going to throw myself into the shark tank.
They kissed in front of hundreds of spectators in the marine park, with sharks swimming around them…
If I had called, would you even leave Ichigo's side to come to me?
Their first fight before he abruptly left for Seattle…
I was jealous, I was afraid that I didn't win your heart after all.
His confession of insecurity, after he returned to Tokyo on the gala night to dance her in his arms…
Don't run from me anymore, Rukia. We have held back… for too long.
His husky voice in her ear, as he claimed her again that night, the urgent passion swirling in their bodies…
I want to try. I love you, Byakuya. So what I wanted to tell you, about us, I want to try.
Her resolution in the morning after the night they had made love…
I'm breaking up with you, Kuchiki Byakuya.
Their final meeting as a couple, in the aftermath of seeing him kiss another woman.
I'm not the man you think I am, Rukia. To be honest, I am not even a man.
All the truth pushed out into the light, as he stood in front of her… no longer who she always thought he was…
It will be alright, Byakuya.
He struggled against her, powerless, as she hugged him as a human shield against Aizen…
It is Byakuya's wish, Rukia. He personally requests for you to forget him, and to forget our kind ever existed. He himself will do so about you.
And their final fate…
Yes, she was relieved forever. She had told him what she had come to tell him, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She had tried, she had failed… but she will never regret all the words that she had uttered, all the nights spent, all the feelings… every single day.
"Huh? R-Rukia?" Matsumoto stepped out as she tried to stop Rukia leaving. Renji looked stupefied, as he continued to hold the priest hostage.
"Arigato." Rukia slowed down to smile at Matsumoto and blinked back her tears. "Thank you for bringing me here today."
"B-But… you..."
Rukia only smiled and gave the shocked Succubus a bow of gratitude. She started to take another step but suddenly froze.
Because something was holding onto her hand.
Something warm.
Something so familiar she would never mistake it for anything other than what it really was.
"Do you not regret?" The deep voice was soft.
Rukia felt as if her heart was pounding so hard, it was going to leap out of her ribcage.
"Do you not regret that you have come, this day, to a damned creature, to tell it that you love it… knowing that by doing so, it would abandon everything and chain you to itself for eternity?"
Rukia's eyes widened in shock, as she heard the entire demon clan gasp as one.
"Because it has loved you, it has always loved you so very much… and the only thing that prevents it from laying claim to you forever, is the fact that you may be so much happier without it."
Rukia slowly turned around to see Byakuya in front of her, his hand pulling her back.
"You will be cloaked in darkness and sin by my side, because I will never be purged from my past evils. Do you not regret?"
The hold on her hand slowly loosened. "Step away if you do." His lips whispered the words. "You will regret one day, you will regret throwing away a chance at a normal life, a chance to have your soulmate by your side with a proper mortal heart to offer to you, and a sweet ending together." Byakuya seemed to be speaking to himself, but then he turned to Rukia. "This is your final chance to step away, you will have no more opportunities."
He felt her hand slowly loosen around his, and the sadness returned to his heart for the briefest of seconds… for her hand suddenly tightened, much tighter, onto his cold fingers.
"I love you." Byakuya watched in awe as a small smile curled Rukia's lips. "And I have never regretted a day of it. I think my soulmate is right in front of me and if he cannot offer a mortal heart, I will take what he is willing to offer."
"Everything in the universe… and my damned soul."
Rukia's soft smile greeted his words. "I would accept it."
They reached out for each other at the same time, desperate to hold what had not been held, for what seemed like centuries. And as the conglomeration of demons watched, the human girl leaned into the arms of their Incubus leader as the two pairs of arms tightly wrapped around each other in an embrace.
"I love you, Rukia." Byakuya's deep voice was unmasked with raw emotion.
The entire church erupted.
"What?"
"He's got to be kidding!"
But Byakuya kept his grey eyes only on Rukia, he did not look anywhere else but those wide shiny violet eyes, saw nothing but the lovely smile formed on her mouth, heard nothing else but the reciprocated three words that escaped her lips.
It felt so right, her small warm body against his like this. She was trembling slightly, probably from the shock and relief. Byakuya only tightened his arms around Rukia, and made a silent vow that he would never ever let her go ever again. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he closed his eyes for a second to inhale the wonderful scent of her hair… and felt his body slowly warm to the familiar loveliness.
Kuchiki Byakuya was finally alive again.
After what seemed like hours, Byakuya finally released Rukia. Everyone in the church was still watching them with shellshocked expressions.
The first person Byakuya turned to was Hisana. She stood at the altar, with a slighty dazed and resigned expression on her face.
"Hisana." Byakuya bowed to the Succubus, and Rukia did the same next to him. "I am-"
"Byakuya-sama." Hisana's soft voice cut the Incubus off, and Byakuya looked up. She was smiling at both of them even as her lower lip trembled slightly. "I am very sorry but I decided this morning that we shouldn't go through with the wedding. I…" Hisana's hands clasped in front of her. "I signed the papers to cancel our engagement, and left it in your office before I came here. You will find them on your table."
Because even if he wasn't capable of loving, she was. She loved him… so she will do the same as what he did to his beloved. She would let him go.
The wedding guests gasped in surprise.
Hisana smiled. "I do not think we are both ready for this."
Byakuya stared at Hisana in silence, and then bowed low to her. "Arigato, Hisana."
Arigato.
Hisana only smiled sadly, as her parents stood up to hold onto her. However, none of their faces bore expressions of anger. Rukia, who had lifted her head, caught Hisana's eye, noting the strange expression that Hisana was giving her. Rukia did not know what to do, but then Hisana smiled at her and then averted her eyes.
"Rangiku-san." Byakuya turned to Matsumoto, who smiled at him. "Arigato. And that is a decent dress."
Matsumoto laughed. "You're welcome. You know, I crashed your wedding just for that compliment." She smiled sincerely. "I'm happy that it turned out well… not that I doubted it anyway."
"And Abarai." Byakuya turned to his red-haired assistant, who walked toward them, having thrown the priest aside who had fainted again. "I owe you my gratitude as well."
"That will be one Ferrari." The Incubus bared his teeth in a mischevious smile. "You guys should leave now, get a room and you know, catch up on lost time."
The guards moved into a circular formation near the church entrance. "My Lord, please re-think your decision!"
"These stupid nothings…" Matsumoto and Renji cracked their knuckles as they stepped forward, only to feel Byakuya's hand on either of their shoulders.
"You have done enough for me, Abarai, Matsumoto. I will take things from here."
"No, you won't." A firm female voice spoke. Unohana stepped up and addressed the guards. "Stand down, all of you. Whoever who walks from this church shall not be restrained, do you understand?"
"Hai!"
Byakuya turned to Unohana. "Sensei." The Incubus addressed the elder Succubus with a serious expression. "I will report in for the troubles I have caused tomorrow. Arigato."
"See that you do. Now… go." A small smile curved Unohana's lips. "As much as I wouldn't want you to live in a bleak future of love, I wouldn't want you to live in regret either." The Succubus glanced at Rukia. "Also, I wanted to see for myself what would have happened, had I made a different choice back then."
Byakuya nodded and bowed to Unohana.
"Rukia."
Rukia looked up in surprise as Byakuya called her name. "Ah?"
"Come with me for today?" The soft look she loved was already right there in his grey eyes. "I promise you, by tonight, you will find out everything about me."
Rukia nodded happily, and slipped her smaller hand into his without any hesitation. They walked out of the church together, the evening sun rays playing on their intertwined fingers.
And there we have it for this chapter! :D I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing the ByaRuki reunion. :D There were so many aspects to this chapter, and I actually enjoyed writing all of them. :)
Please leave a review for me, your thoughts/comments/opinions/suggestions are very valuable for me as feedback, as much as a source for motivation of writing. Thank you. :)