Don't hate my OCs readers :)
Back at the house, Ichigo went off in search of Uryu, and Rukia found Rangiku in the kitchen once again. She was busily making sandwiches and chatting to three other women who were also helping prepare lunch.
"There you are! Rukia, I want you to meet my daughters, Yukina and Ayumi." Rangiku nodded at two young women who looked to be in their early twenties. Both bore a strong resemblance to their mother, they all had the same nose, sparkly eyes and pleasant smile. "And this is Ayu's friend, Momo Hinamori. She lives near the edge of the territory with her parents and works at the local bank."
Momo gave Rukia a shy smile and then leaned over the sink so that her hair hid her face. Instinctively, Rukia knew that Momo was probably one of the lower ranking members of the pack, not that it was a bad thing but the girl would follow the lead of others and not cause any waves. There'd be no challenges coming from that corner.
After greetings were exchanged, Rukia pitched in with preparations for the late lunch. She found out that Yukina, the oldest is married with two children. The young ones were off with their father to pick out bathing suits for summer, and the ladies were having a 'girl's day out' with plans to go shopping once lunch was over.
"You should come with us," Ayumi invited. "Since you're new here, we can show you where the best stores are and maybe stop at the teahouse for a mid-afternoon break."
"Well…It does sound like fun." Rukia hesitated briefly wondering what Ichigo would say but then shrugged. He'd likely be busy and not even miss her. "All right, I'll go."
"Great! Now let's get this food on the table, feed the men and then we can be off." Yukina went to fetch the males and the other women carried the platters of food into the dining area.
The meal was noisy with everyone talking at once. Rukia sat back watching the interactions. Ichigo mostly sat and ate quietly while listening to the others, but she noted that the other men kept glancing at him for approval. When he did speak, the others listened without interrupting and seemed to take his comments seriously. Even if being Alpha did give him a headache, she could easily see that Ichigo definitely had all the needed qualities for the job.
Rangiku and her daughters were close and chatted about the children with Momo only occasionally chiming in to the conversation. Rukia noticed that the shy young woman kept glancing towards a white haired young man named Toshiro, but always looked away if he turned towards her. A smile played over her lips. Momo had a crush on the fellow but was too timid to do anything about it. After studying the male in question, Rukia decided he was equally interested, since he paid more attention to what Momo was doing than to the conversation the men were having.
Glancing towards Ichigo, she saw that he too was aware of the happenings between Momo and Toshiro. For a moment, their eyes met and Ichigo gave a slight nod towards the soon-to-be-lovebirds, a smile ghosting over his lips before rolling his eyes. Rukia gave him a mock frown and then smiled back. It felt good to have that little connection with him, a silent communication just between the two of them.
The smile slowly faded from her face as she studied her mate, taking in his features one by one. She loved his thick hair, recalling how it felt as she ran her fingers through it. His nose was straight, his jaw firm and his eyes were the most amazing amber colour that seemed to see right into her. Her mate, it was still hard to believe at times. With a start, she realised that Ichigo was studying her too and had a softer look about his eyes. She felt her heart catch in her chest for a moment and hoped he'd make eye contact with her again.
For some reason, it felt vital that she see that look directly, but then Uryu called his name and the moment was lost. Making a little sound of disapproval over the interruption, she returned to her meal and idly listened in on the ladies' conversation while puzzling her exchange with Ichigo. She thought that possibly they were becoming friends and she hoped that was the case, it would be good to have more than sex in common. While they might not ever love each other, a friendship between them would make her life here much more comfortable.
Soon the simple meal was over and the men went off to do whatever they were doing, she had never quite grasped what the conversation had been about. Oh well, she and the other women had their own plans for the afternoon. Looking forward to exploring the shops that the local town had to offer, she grabbed her purse and climbed into the waiting van. Yukina and Ayumi were teasing Momo about her crush on Toshiro while Rangiku chided them.
"Now girls, leave Momo alone. If she and Toshiro end up together or not, it's none of your business."
"Aww, Mom." The girls moaned in unison then looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Rangiku shook her head. "Honestly, sometimes I wonder if you two are still just pups rather than grown women. Don't pay them any mind, Momo."
Momo blushed and murmured something, then stared resolutely out the window. Relenting, Yukina left her friend alone and turned to Rukia. "So, now that we're away from the house and no one can walk in on our conversation, tell us what Ichigo is really like."
"Ichigo?" Rukia felt a bit like a deer caught in the headlights. She didn't really know anything about him. Why would they be asking her? They were the ones that had lived with him all their lives.
"He's gorgeous and we've all had crushes on him at one time or another. That strong, silent thing he does is so sexy." Yukina rolled her eyes and looked rather dreamy as if envisioning Ichigo giving her a smouldering, lust filled look.
Ayumi reached over and smacked her sister. "Quit drooling. You've got a husband and you know you love him."
"Of course I do, but a girl can't help being curious and don't you get all high and mighty with me. You think Ichigo is eye-candy, too." Both of the young women giggled and then looked at Rukia expectantly.
"Well… "
She was unsure of what to say. "I don't really know him that well, yet. It was an arranged bonding."
"We know that, but what's he like? In bed, I mean?"
Yukina grinned, devilment dancing in her eyes, and Rukia heard Rangiku gasp from her position in the driver's seat.
"Yuki! I can't believe you'd ask Rukia such a thing."
"Mom, you've said yourself that Ichigo was a stud." Ayumi spoke up in her sister's defense.
Rangiku blushed and looked apologetically at Rukia. "Well, yes I did, I mean you can't help notice but… " She sputtered and then just stared fixedly at the road.
Rukia reached over and patted her arm. "It's okay, Rangiku-san."
"So?"
Yukina wasn't about to let the subject of Ichigo's bedroom talent drop and Rukia tried to think of what to say. She'd teased her friends in a similar way before but it was different when the shoe was on the other foot, especially since theirs wasn't a love match. After all, she couldn't really say how romantic he was, or talk about the sweet nothings he whispered in her ear. And Ichigo was their Alpha, for heaven's sake! It just wasn't proper to talk about his performance in the bedroom, it seemed a bit disloyal, somehow.
"He's…um.. "
Ayumi jumped in with some suggestions. "Hot? Talented? Well-endowed? He makes your teeth rattle and the earth move."
"Uh… yeah, I guess that pretty well sums it up." She felt her face growing red but the others didn't mention it. They just sighed contentedly and sank back in their seats.
"I knew it." Yuki had a satisfied smile on her face. Ayu just giggled and then nudged Momo in the ribs.
"See, Momo. You get Toshiro to make a move and soon you'll be as happy as Rukia is."
Rukia inwardly frowned. Was she happy? Hmm… She wasn't exactly sad and her homesickness wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it might be… But happy? Well, that might not be the right word, though she really didn't know what would be the correct one to describe her present state of being. Ichigo pleased her physically and she did like him as a person. A future where they co-existed peacefully as friends was a definite possibility. Maybe she wasn't exactly happy yet, but she wasn't miserable either and the future was definitely looking brighter than it had a few days ago. This realisation seemed to settle something inside her, and she looked around at the passing scenery with a much lighter heart and a more positive outlook than she'd had yesterday afternoon.
Her new friends had a great time showing Rukia all that the town had to offer. They checked out the clothing shops and the shoe stores. She tried a few things on, but didn't make any purchases. First of all, she didn't need anything, and secondly she wasn't sure what her financial situation might be. Back at home, she'd helped her father with some minor office work and assisted Yoruichi with the house. For that, she'd been paid a small wage out of the pack's general operating budget.
Now, she was basically unemployed with only her small savings to fall back on. She'd have to talk to Ichigo about the situation. Maybe she could find a job in town waitressing.
Thankfully, no one pressed her as to why she wasn't buying anything. She knew they'd all noticed how much she'd admired a certain purple v-necked sweater that matched her eyes. Reluctantly, she'd hung it back up, not wanting to spend her money on something so expensive until she had her own source of income.
Rangiku had gone to get her hair done and the four younger women were going to meet her at the Teahouse at three o'clock. Since they still had half an hour to spare, they wandered down the mall idly commenting on various window displays. Rukia paused by a small art gallery to look at an exceptionally fine photo of a wolf standing in the middle of the woods.
"This is nice," she commented to her companions. The others nudged each other and giggled. "What? Don't you like it?"
"Oh, we like it all right. Don't you recognise the subject?"
Frowning, Rukia studied the picture again. The background looked vaguely familiar. She said as much to them. "But I can't really say where I've seen it before."
Ayumi leaned over and whispered in her ear. "That's a picture of our Alpha."
"What?" Rukia spoke louder than she'd intended and several shoppers gave her strange looks as they passed by. "That's Ichigo, I've only seen him as a wolf once before… " As she peered more carefully at the picture, she noticed the wolf's eyes were definitely him. "Who took it?"
The three ladies fell silent and then, unexpectedly Momo spoke. "It was Grimmjow. He liked photography and was actually pretty good. Quite a few of his pictures have been sold both here and in other galleries around the area, though I think this is the only one I've ever seen with Ichigo in it."
"You've heard about Grimmjow, haven't you?" Yuki tentatively asked.
"Yeah Ichigo told me. It's hard to think someone who can take such a wonderful picture with the person I've heard about. I can't believe any wolf would endanger its own pack."
"No one understands why Grimmjow issued that challenge." Ayumi shook her head. Q"He's lucky Ichigo didn't kill him."
"Uh-oh. Bitch at twelve o'clock."
Yuki hissed a warning and everyone looked in the direction she indicated. Riruka was walking across the gallery and heading their way, an obviously fake smile pasted on her face.
"Oh great," Ayu groaned.
"Well, look who's here." Riruka's voice was condescending and she smirked at Rukia, obviously having recovered from their earlier confrontation and ready to do battle again.
"Hello, Riruka-san."
Momo spoke very quietly, briefly meeting the other woman's eyes before staring at the floor, her hands shoved into her pockets. Rukia could almost see Riruka puff herself up, pleased that at least one of the people present recognised her superior status.
After considering the situation, Rukia decided to stay silent, not wanting to create a scene. Something about the woman just set her teeth on edge. Apparently though, Riruka wasn't one to let an opportunity pass by.
"Rukia, I see you're admiring the picture of Ichigo.." Biting her lips flirtily, she continued. "You know, I was there when it was taken. We'd just finished the most… invigorating… exercise and—"
"Oh give it a break, Riruka." Yuki snorted in disgust. "You were out with Grimmjow and came across Ichigo by accident. Don't try to make it sound like more than it was. And before you even start, we all know that it was Grimmjow who managed to talk him into having his picture taken, not as a special favour to you."
Her face flushing with either embarrassment, temper, or both, Riruka glowered at them. "Better be careful what you say Yukina, because one of these days you might just find that I'm the one with the power. And just like an elephant, I don't forget." With that, Riruka spun on her heels and stalked away.
"Her memory isn't the only thing like an elephant," Yuki said in a not so quiet voice, while staring pointedly at the woman's retreating hips.
Riruka must have heard for she turned and shot the most evil look their way. Not finished, Yuki added another stinging comment. "She really shouldn't wear such skin tight clothing. It shows every bulge and bump."
Rukia couldn't believe how rude Yukina was being and simply stared speechless, as Riruka slowly walked back. Ayumi placed a warning hand on Yuki's arm but she shook it off, hot angry emotions flashing in her eyes as a low growl started to emit from her throat. Riruka appeared as if she was about to lose control and Rukia began to wonder if she'd end up in a werewolf version of a catfight.
At the last moment, a man wearing suit coat and a nametag proclaiming him as the gallery manager, called Riruka's name. She paused, shot one last hateful look at Yuki, and then turned to talk to the manager. Ayu and Momo both grabbed Yuki's arms and dragged her out of the mall.
"What was that all about?"
Rukia asked, hurrying along behind. Sure, she'd stood up to Riruka that morning but she'd been a wreck inside. Yuki didn't even seem fazed and had, in fact, deliberately provoked the other woman.
With a toss of her head, Yuki began explaining. "Riruka and I go way back, but not as friends. She's always been jealous that our father was chosen as Alpha over hers. Now she keeps trying to climb the ladder within the pack by latching onto whoever seems to be next in line. Right now she's mad because she chose to back the wrong person. For some reason, she was sure Grimmjow was next in line and got her claws into him, changing him from a nice guy into this power hungry alpha-wannabe."
"So she and Grimmjow… ?"
"Rumour was that Grimmjow was planning on making her his mate." Ayu explained. "But when he lost the challenge and left, she was out of the running again for working her way into the big house. Not that any of us think she ever really gave up. With Grimmjow out of the picture, she simply changed her target."
Rukia let the information sink in for a moment. "So that means..."
"Yep." Yukina pulled open the door to the Tea Room. "She had her sights set on our Alpha. When we got the call that Ichigo was coming back with his new mate, Riruka looked like she was about to burst a blood vessel."
Ayumi giggled. "I wish I'd had a camera handy. I've never seen anyone's face turn that red before."
The sisters quieted down as they waited to be shown to a table, and Rukia took the opportunity to check out her surroundings. Immediately impressed with the atmosphere of casual elegance, she wondered what the chances were of getting a part time job in such an establishment. The waitresses seemed busy enough, so maybe the owner would consider adding one more to his staff. Tucking the idea into the back of her head, she followed the others as a waitress led them to their table.
Once seated, Yuki immediately launched into a whispered commentary about someone she knew who was seated across the room. Rukia glanced at the person in question, catching a glimpse of Momo out of the corner of her eye. The girl was so quiet, just keeping her head down and studying the menu. When Momo left to use the ladies' room, Rukia broached the subject and Ayumi happily explained.
"Momo is my 'project.' I've noticed lately that Toshiro seems interested in her, he's my cousin and so I've sort of befriended Momo in the hopes that I can get the two of them together."
"She likes to think she's the world's greatest matchmaker." Yuki chimed in.
"Well, I got you and Hisagi together." Ayu pointed out.
"One success and it goes to your head." Yuki rolled her eyes.
"Well, what about Ichigo and Riruka? I knew they weren't suited." Leaning back in her chair, Ayumi crossed her arms and looked smug.
"Knowing they aren't suited isn't the same as matchmaking and besides, everyone knew that Riruka wasn't what our Alpha needed." Yukina glanced over at Rukia. "He needs someone nice, like Rukia."
Rukia gave a half smile, letting their banter wash over her, she pondered the whole Ichigo-Riruka-Grimmjow triangle. The woman had been paired with Grimmjow and then, when he left, she'd switched to Ichigo.
How had Ichigo felt about that? Had he been interested in Riruka even knowing that she'd been with his friend? From what Tatsuki had said earlier, it sounded like others had believed Ichigo and Riruka were a couple. Or did it just seem that way because Riruka forced herself into Ichigo's company?
The woman was certainly pushy but Ichigo could discourage her, if he wanted to. The question was, did he want to? He had spent quite a bit of time talking to her yesterday…
A strange feeling quivered through Rukia's stomach. While she wasn't in love with Ichigo, it still made her uneasy to think that another woman had her sights set on him. Somehow, she just knew that Riruka hadn't given up on the pack's Alpha.
Rukia and the other ladies arrived back at the house to discover that the men were planning a barbeque. The weather was warm for this late night and a final outdoor meal had been deemed just the thing. Potatoes were already on the grill baking and the steaks marinating. She stood in the doorway and began to number off the people who would be partaking of the meal.
There was Ichigo and herself, Rangiku, Ayumi, and her boyfriend Kira, Yukina, her two daughters and her husband Hisagi, Momo, Toshiro, Uryu and Orihime, and two other couples whose names she couldn't recall. In total that made seventeen people, she hoped there were lots of lawn chairs! It turned out that there was no need to worry, the Alpha house was well-stocked with chairs.
Ichigo had inquired politely how her day was. Rukia skimmed over the meeting with Riruka, instead commenting on how much she'd enjoyed their tea at the TeaHouse.
"You didn't see anything that you liked?"Ichigo asked while serving himself some more salad.
"Not really." Rukia took the bowl from him and passed it over to Ayumi.
"Oh come on, Rukia. You were almost drooling over that purple sweater at the mall." Yuki chided.
"I didn't really need it." Rukia murmured, glancing at Ichigo out of the corner of her eye. She'd really have to talk to him about getting a job. Ichigo looked as if he was about to comment, but just then Yuki's youngest knocked over her glass of milk and in the confusion, the topic was dropped.
After dinner, a small bonfire was lit for roasting marshmallows. Everyone gathered round, couples naturally drifting together, while Rangiku watched her granddaughters running about the yard chasing the bubbles she was blowing for them. In the flickering fire light, Rukia scanned the assembled group. Orihime was sitting between Uryu's legs with her back resting against his chest. Uryu's arms were wrapped around her swollen body, gently caressing her belly. Yuki was snuggled up to her husband and giggling at whatever he was whispering in her ear, while Ayumi just sat beside her boyfriend Kira, contentedly holding his hand.
Near the edge of the circle of light cast by the fire, Rukia could just make out Momo and Toshiro holding hands, the sight bringing a smile to her face. From what she had seen, they were well suited for each other, and she hoped things turned out well for them.
When everyone had first sat down, Ichigo had pulled Rukia to his side, wrapping his arm around her waist. Now he was moving his hand across her thigh, tracing lazy patterns on the sensitive skin. She felt little frissons of awareness shooting through her body. It was decidedly unsettling how just his touch could affect her, and she wasn't sure she liked him having such power over her.
She observed him, noting that he seemed to be mesmerised by the dancing flames and totally unaware of what his hand was doing. She traced his features with her eyes, taking in his straight nose and strong jaw. A strand of hair fell across his forehead, she had to clench her fists to keep from reaching up and brushing it back into place.
Forcing herself to look away, she stared at the fire. Flames danced in the darkness, causing shadows to flicker across the ground and waves of heat to shimmer in the air.
The other couples could barely be seen as darkness descended. Encased in their own world, it was as if she and Ichigo were alone in the night. His scent drifted around her, invading her senses and clouding her mind. She felt herself leaning towards him. With a start, she pulled herself back and sought a means of distraction.
Reaching for a marshmallow and stabbing it onto a stick, she nonchalantly worked herself away from him. The slight distance made her feel better, more in control, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Concentrating on toasting her marshmallow to perfection, she withdrew it at just the right moment,. She felt her mouth watering in anticipation and sat back, blowing gently to cool the treat in preparation for consuming it. Just when it was ready, a large hand reached around and pulled the stick from her grasp. Indignantly, she turned around in time to see her marshmallow disappearing into Ichigo's mouth.
"Hey! I toasted that!"
He grinned at her. "I know, and thank you for preparing it just the way I like it, shorty."
"Shorty?!"
Rukia opened her mouth to protest, but Ichigo swooped forward and covered her mouth with his. She could taste traces of sweet on his lips and hummed in appreciation. Slowly, they withdrew and she found herself staring into Ichigo's face, his amber eyes seeming to search hers for the answer to some unspoken question. Something tugged within her, as if she was being pulled into him and she struggled to read his expression, wondering if he too felt that sense of connectedness.
Whatever Ichigo was looking for he must have found it, for he smiled and lifted her up so she was cradled between his knees, her rear end firmly in contact with him. He pulled her back so that she was leaning against his chest, similar to Orihime and Uryu. Reaching around her, he put another marshmallow on a stick and prepared it, while his chin rested on her head. At first, she felt a bit self-conscious, but soon realised that no one was paying them any attention.
Slowly, she relaxed within the warm circle of his arms and Ichigo, obviously sensing the change in her, growled his approval. Over the next half hour, they fed each other marshmallows, each one accompanied by a kiss to clean the sticky sweet off their lips. Rukia felt her breathing growing increasingly ragged, and Ichigo wrapped an arm around her waist, gently rocked his hips against her. A heavy, aching warmth was growing within her and she pushed back against Ichigo in response. He muttered something she couldn't understand and then threw the marshmallow sticks into the fire. In one swift motion, he scooped her up into his arms and stood.
"We're turning in now." He announced to the others, striding towards the house.
Rukia hid her face in his shoulder, embarrassed. "Ichigo! What will they think?" She whispered against his neck.
"That we're newly bonded and I can't keep my hands off of my gorgeous mate." And sure enough, the good natured calls that accompanied them across the yard left her in no doubt that the others were thinking exactly that.
I love reading guesses!
Oh, Aizen is not the antagonist here and Isshin, Ichi sisters are not present in this story either. Sorry.. :)
You can say/write whatever you want, I won't get offended or anything as long as it's about the story. If you want to complain, go on I won't stop you! LOL Enjoy it! It's for you guys anyway!
:D