Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or the name Kurosaki Masaki, both belong to Tite Kubo. My OC belongs to me under the name of Mai. I also do not own the lyrics to Oyasumi, they belong to Aiko Shimada and Elizabeth Falconer.
Feedback: Reviews motivate me to write, so please review! No flames though.
Edited formatting: 2/24/18
Underneath the yellow-orange glow of the torches and the scattered streaks of pale moonbeams hitting the trees adjacent to the buildings of the Thirteenth Division compound, the trees' leaves looked dull and drab. Instead of vibrantly shining scarlet red, flaming orange, and bright yellow, the leaves appeared as dull burgundy, burnt orange, and bland, listless yellow. The night lighting did nothing to illuminate the beauty of the autumn colors blooming across the foliage of the Soul Society, but it was clear that the season had arrived. As far as Rukia could tell, most leaves on each tree were under a different stage of transformation.
The early evening air contained an unusual sense of disquiet. She had felt it ever since setting foot in the Soul Society. All the Shinigami she had seen appeared tense and wary in a way she had never seen before. There was no denying that everyone had on their minds a division that usually only crossed their minds if they required treatment or an errand.
The Fourth Division and the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho although enveloped by an invisible protective barrier generated an undeniable tension that surrounded the entire Seireitei. Never had Rukia felt such a nervous energy emitted from the healing division. And never had she truly thought of the Fourth Division as truly being distinct and cut off from the rest until she watched Inoue enter the barrier that had been raised to serve as a quarantine measure for those within its walls and as protection for those outside it.
Despite knowing that Inoue had been called to heal those infected by the virus, Rukia was not prepared for the sight of seeing her friend enter a place where she could not be reached, where she would be facing an unimaginable danger. It was unnerving and alarming to know that inside the walls of the Fourth Division waged a war against an incredibly strong threat that threatened the existence of the Soul Society and by default the World of the Living. No Zanpakutō, Kidō, or physical blow imparted by ordinary Shinigami could counteract this menace. Only the Fourth Division and Inoue in conjunction with the Twelfth Division had the means to battle it.
At the onset of the Winter War, Inoue had been disappointed to find out she couldn't participate in the war because she wasn't suited to battle, and now it seemed she had an important role to play. The Gotei 13 had initially thought her a traitor, and now they sought her help to deter the destruction of the world. How ironic.
Although Rukia had been somewhat unsettled at seeing the Fourth Division's state, she was confident that the auburn haired girl would be able restore the health of those infected. Her power was beyond healing, it was rejection, and that in itself was a comfort to Rukia as she left her friend.
Arriving at her destination, Rukia quietly entered the building that housed her taichō's office, slipping off her waraji at the entrance and placing it next to two other pairs. Although Ukitake-taichō was most often confined to his bed in Ugendō Quarters, he has made great strides to come in whenever possible since Aizen was uncovered as a traitor. Nonetheless, it was still considered the standard practice of the Thirteenth Division Shinigami to always check in with Third Seat Kotetsu and Third Seat Kotsubaki if they sought an audience with him.
She did not find Third Seat Kiyone or Third Seat Kotsubaki at their desks, so she went directly to her taichō's door and knocked. She waited a beat and knocked again, taking a step back from the wooden door.
She heard the distinct scraping noise of wood meeting the floor. A few moments later, the door opened, and she lowered her head in respect.
"Ukitake-taichō," Rukia addressed her superior.
"K-Kuchiki-san," said a voice that wasn't her taichō's.
Rukia glanced up, staring into large violet eyes. For a moment, she felt as though she was staring into a mirror. She blinked, taking note of the orange stands dangling just above the violet eyes, and then the young woman's overall face and appearance.
"M-Masaki," Rukia said, surprised.
"Kuchiki, is that you?" She heard the Thirteenth Division taichō's voice.
Masaki opened the door wider, revealing the white haired man at his desk at the end of the room.
"Hai, Ukitake-taichō," Rukia replied.
"You've returned. Did you escort Inoue Orihime to the Soul Society?"
Rukia nodded. "Not just me. Ichigo and the others as well. Yamamoto-sōtaichō ordered everyone to return to the Soul Society except for the Seventh Division."
"Is that so?" Jūshirō said, beckoning her inside. "He changed his mind then. When I talked to him, he wasn't planning on returning just yet. At least not until a cure was found."
Rukia stepped through the threshold and walked toward her taichō. She heard the soft thud of the door closing behind her. The scent of tea hit her nose along with the aroma of rice cakes covered in sweetened red beans. A silver tray containing a teapot and a plate of rice cakes covered the left half of the desk. In front of Jūshirō rested a cup that oozed faint, small wisps of steam and a small white plate with the remnants of a rice cake. Across from him there was also a cup and a plate with a half-eaten rice cake. A chair pushed several inches from the desk resided in front of the dishes.
"He did change his mind," Rukia admitted, stopping a few feet short of his desk and to the left of the vacant chair.
"And why's that?"—Rukia stiffened slightly—"Is this because of Ichigo-kun?" Jūshirō ventured a guess, as he raised his cup to his mouth.
Masaki slipped into the seat she had obviously occupied prior to Rukia's arrival and glanced at Rukia as she grabbed her cup.
"H-Hai," Rukia said, a bit surprised at her taichō's perceptiveness. "Well, I mean, it wasn't just because of Ichigo."
Jūshirō and Masaki stared at Rukia, awaiting her explanation. Hesitation flitted across Rukia's features.
"It was also because of K-Kurosaki Isshin," Rukia explained, her voice containing a note of disbelief and awe.
"Kurosaki Isshin?" Jūshirō repeated, lowering his cup onto his desk. "He came?"
Rukia nodded, amazed that her taichō did not seem surprised but intrigued.
"What did he have to say?"
"He explained to the sōtaichō that the Soul Society is where Aizen intends to fulfill all his goals. He told us that Aizen is not just using the Hollows to attack the Soul Society. He's also using them to gather the Reishi of those who are infected with the virus in order to power the Hōgyoku. Apparently, he requires an immense of Reiryoku to completely awaken it."
"I see," Jūshirō said, his expression turning somber. "It's not enough that he aspires to destroy everything for the sake of obtaining the Ōken, but he also has the audacity to attain the full power of the Hōgyoku while he's at it."
The atmosphere suddenly became tense as a deep silence penetrated the room for several moments. Masaki glanced down at the cup within her hands.
"Did Kurosaki Isshin say anything else?" Jūshirō wondered, finally breaking the silence.
Rukia shook her head. "No, that's all he said since we were already aware of the virus. It seemed he came to warn us on behalf of Urahara Kisuke."
"And where is Kurosaki Isshin now?" Jūshirō asked.
"I believe he's somewhere in the Seireitei. I saw him speaking to Kyōraku-taichō when we exited the Senkaimon. I went with Ichigo and the others through the Dangai instead of using a Hell Butterfly," Rukia explained. "I didn't see where he went afterwards though, because I left to go take Inoue to the Fourth Division along with Ichigo, Ishida, and Sado.
Acceptance and relief swept over Jūshirō's face. "Ah, okay. I'm glad Inoue Orihime is at the Fourth Division now. I hope she can buy time for the Fourth Division and Twelfth Division to find a cure before things get worse."
"I'm sure she will, Ukitake-taichō," Rukia said.
"I'm certain a cure will be found—"his gaze drifted briefly to Masaki—"but I would feel better if it were sooner rather than later. This virus is far more devastating than any physical attack we could ever endure from Hollows."
A perturbed distant expression appeared in his gaze. After several moments, he seized his cup and downed its remaining contents. He settled his cup onto his desk once more and said, "As much as I've enjoyed taking some time to drink tea, I think it's time that I check in to see if there have been any developments. I hope you don't mind, Masaki-chan."
Masaki shook her head. Jūshirō rose and gestured to Rukia, whose eyes shone with bemusement, to come. "Kuchiki, mind keeping Masaki-chan company? The rice cakes are quite good, aren't they?" He glanced at Masaki.
"Hai, Ukitake-taichō," Masaki replied.
"See?" He smiled at Rukia. Standing behind the chair he vacated, he grasped its frame and said, "Come on, Kuchiki, take a seat here."
"N-No—I mean, I couldn't sit there, Ukitake-taichō," Rukia said, flustered.
"Why not?" Jūshirō asked, patting the wooden chair. "It's a perfectly good chair."
"It's not that," Rukia started.
"Don't tell me it's because it's my chair? With the amount of time I've spent in this thing, it hardly feels like mine." He smiled. "Besides, I'm not opposed to sharing what's mine, so come on, Kuchiki, come sit here."
"Okay, Ukitake-taichō," Rukia finally agreed, and she went around the desk and slipped into the chair.
"Alright then, I'll be going now. If Kiyone and Sentarō return, let them know I'll be back later," Jūshirō said. A satisfied smile appeared on his features as he walked away from Masaki and Rukia.
"Hai, Ukitake-taichō," Rukia nodded, watching as her taichō closed the door behind him.
An awkward silence filled the room as Rukia sat in the chair looking rather unsure of herself. Her small stature contrasted sharply against the large wooden frame of the chair. Masaki was drinking her tea. Lowering her cup gently onto the desk, Masaki stared at Rukia. "You should try the rice cakes," she suggested, reaching for her unfinished rice cake. "They're delicious."
"Ah, okay," Rukia said, glancing at the tray with the rice cakes.
As she reached over to grab one, Masaki said, "It feels strange, doesn't it?"—Rukia stared at her— "Sitting in the chair where your taichō sits. I know I felt strange when I first sat in the chair where my fukutaichō used to sit all the time. I knew I would have to, but I just didn't really think about it when I accepted the appointment. It wasn't until I sat there that it really began to truly sink in that I would be taking over."
Masaki took a small bite out of her rice cake.
"It does feel strange," Rukia admitted, "but I doubt it compares to actually taking the position."
Her eyes briefly shifted to a portrait that hung on the far left side of the wall. A stern, serious image of Shiba Kaien rested there. It had been placed there years ago in honor of the fallen fukutaichō.
She daintily bit the rice cake she held delicately between her fingers. The palm of her hand was spread out underneath the cake, ready to catch any crumbs should they fall.
"I suppose it doesn't," Masaki acknowledged, as soon as she finished chewing. "How is it?"
Rukia swallowed and said with a smile, "It's good."
A beat of silence resumed as the two women continued consuming their snack. Masaki's gaze wandered over the large mahogany shelf covering the length of the wall behind Rukia. A multitude of books rested on the shelves, their spines providing a colorful array of patchwork that clashed and molded to form a distinct pattern like that of a quilt or painting if one took the time to decipher it.
"How have you been, Masaki?" The raven haired Shinigami broke the silence.
Masaki returned her sight to Rukia. "I've been fine." She lowered her plate down to about mid chest level. "Yachiru-chan has kept me occupied. She's had me play all sort of games. She would have probably had me play hide and seek all over the Seireitei if we could have, but with the discovery of the virus yesterday afternoon, well things changed. Quarantine measures were enacted and everyone was told to stay in their respective divisions to facilitate testing for the virus. Some divisions underwent testing at the Fourth while others had Fourth Division members conduct the testing on site. Yachiru-chan and I had no choice but to settle in one spot. Not that I minded, it would have been just preferable under different circumstances."
She raised her plate in preparation to eat what was left of her rice cake. "What about you, Kuchiki-san? How have you been?"
"Fine," Rukia responded, looking disconcerted. "I just can't believe this is really happening. Hearing about it was one thing, but seeing how tense everyone is in Soul Society…I never imagined Aizen would resort to such terrible means."
"I know," Masaki said quietly, staring at her empty plate. "It's horrible."
She deposited her plate gently onto the desk. Lightly running the tips of her fingers over the rim of the plate, Masaki said, "A cure will be found though."
After several moments, Masaki said, "Things don't seem to be too bad. I mean, the number of cases isn't that high. At least for the Thirteenth Division, there's only been 25 people who have contracted the virus."
"For now," Rukia spoke. "With the increasing Hollow attacks, that number will elevate." She paused, finished off the last morsel of her rice cake, and dusted off her fingers. A considerate look crossed her features. "Masaki, where have you been staying?"
"Here in the Thirteenth Division," the young woman replied.
"Masaki, I—Will you stay with me? You shouldn't stay here—"
"Stay with you?" Masaki repeated.
"Hai, at the Kuchiki Manor," Rukia explained.
"I see. Of course, you don't live here," Masaki said, more to herself than to Rukia. "Kuchiki-san, I'm sorry, but I can't accept your offer."
"Why not?" Rukia said.
"Look, Kuchiki-san, don't get me wrong, it's not that I want to get sick or that I don't appreciate your offer, I do. Ukitake-taichō also offered me a place at his estate when he found out about the virus, but I turned him down. As I told Ukitake-taichō, I left safety a long time ago and just like everyone else, I have to take the same precautions. It's enough that I've been given a place here. I disinfected my room twice and with the quarantine measures in place the risk of contracting the virus should be low. It's not like I'm going to be sent out to the front lines."
"Even so, you shouldn't stay here. Even with the disinfection, there could still be remnants of the virus. Perhaps, some people might be sick despite the testing. Mistakes happen and with so people to be tested, that chance rises. You shouldn't have to—"
"Kuchiki-san, thank you for your concern, but I can't accept your offer." Masaki gave her a grateful smile. "I couldn't impose…I've already caused you enough problems as it is."
"Problems?" Rukia repeated, looking taken aback. "You haven't caused me any problems."
"It's okay, Kuchiki-san. I know having me here is strange and it's making everyone uncomfortable. I can't undo that, but the least I could do is stay out of your way. Don't worry, if things get worse, I'll—"
"No, Masaki," Rukia interrupted. Her voice was firm and her violet gaze shone with determination. "I won't take no for an answer. It doesn't matter what has happened because you're here. The point is you are here, and you shouldn't stay here. Not when I'm offering a place to stay. The Kuchiki Manor is far more comfortable than a room here. Don't think of it as imposing, because you're not. My home is your home."
Rukia watched as Masaki contemplated her words. She disliked Masaki's feelings about her appearance in this time period almost as much if not more than the idea of her staying in the Thirteenth Division. Regardless of what emotions and thoughts her appearance generated, it wasn't something she should feel guilty about. It was out of her control.
She should be more concerned about her safety. While Masaki had made valid points, Rukia couldn't shake the discomfort at the thought of Masaki staying here when she could be away from the risk of the virus, however, slight it may be, and be within the vast, comfortable confines of the Kuchiki Manor.
The young woman before her shouldn't be here at all dealing with these problems. No matter how strange the idea still sounded though she knew it was true, Masaki was family, and she couldn't turn her back on her.
"Kuchiki-taichō will not approve—"
Ignoring the sudden squirming of her insides at the mention of the 28th head of the Kuchiki Clan, Rukia quickly said, "Don't worry about him. I'll take care of him."
"Kurosaki Isshin," Jūshirō said, as he appeared at the threshold of a dimly lit room.
Seated in front of Shunsui's desk, barely within the range of the small candle placed at the far end, was Isshin. Within his right hand, he grasped an empty sake cup. He turned noticing the white haired man now in the room.
"Ukitake Jūshirō," Isshin returned the greeting, placing his sake cup on the desk and straightening.
"I'd never thought I see you again," Jūshirō said, his eyes taking in the form of the dark haired man.
"Neither did I," Isshin admitted solemnly. For a moment the candle light flickered casting his face in even more shadow
"Yet here you are," Jūshirō said, a smile slowly appearing across his lips.
"Yet here I am," Isshin agreed, a grin breaking out on his face.
"It should be a cause for celebration," Shunsui said. He was sitting leisurely behind his desk, one hand on the neck of the sake container and the other gripping his sake saucer.
"It should," Jūshirō agreed. "But your return Isshin-kun is not because you decided to pay us a visit, is it?"
"No, it's not," Isshin said.
Curious, surprised stares followed Rukia and Masaki upon their arrival at the gates of the Kuchiki Manor and throughout their navigation of the grounds. Neither Rukia nor Masaki paid any heed to them. Ignoring the servants welcoming comments and inquiries for assistance, Rukia immediately asked for her brother's whereabouts and to her small relief, for she knew their confrontation was inevitable, they informed her he had not returned from the Sixth Division.
Catching sight of the beautiful, delicate white blossoms of the jugatsuzakura, the sakura tree that blooms during the autumn, Rukia and Masaki lingered in the gardens awhile admiring their elegant beauty enhanced by the moonlight along with the vast variety of flora dotting the landscape.
Now though, Rukia was ordering her servant, Izumi, a woman in her mid thirties with dark eyes and dark curly hair that framed her face to prepare for Masaki's stay.
"Hai, Rukia-sama," the woman murmured, bowing low.
"Arigatō, Izumi-san," Rukia said, and the woman prepared to take her leave.
"Hai, arigatō, Izumi-san," Masaki said.
"You're welcome, Kuroda-san," the woman murmured, giving her a rather quick bow and leaving.
Though the servants could never actually guess her origins, Masaki had given the surname she had used as part of her faux identity to help kill the ideas that Rukia knew were arising because of Masaki's unique features. Perhaps, they thought her related to Ichigo in some way because of the bright orange hair, but the violet eyes would surely prompt them to question their ideas. Their brains would surely go into over drive trying to figure out if her features were even natural.
Rukia didn't really care for their thoughts or opinions, they could speculate all they wanted. It was inevitable that they would talk given that this was the first time she had invited someone over since Ichigo and company came once during their stay in the Soul Society; Masaki's features only heightened the apparent curiosity that resided within the servants though they tried to hide it for the most part.
Watching as Masaki stared at the retreating woman, Rukia asked, "What is it, Masaki?"
Masaki turned to Rukia. "It's just…I always wanted her to stop addressing me as sama," she said in a low voice.
"You did?" Rukia said surprised.
"Hai, ever since I was a kid—"
"Izumi-san, how many times have I told you not to call me that?" says, a young Masaki bearing the appearance of a nine or ten year old. Dressed in a navy blue yukata with white sakura blossoms and a matching navy blue headband that complements her orange hair, Masaki sits on a zabuton in front of a low table outside in a veranda. The cloudless sky is a bright blue color.
Izumi, looking very much the same as she does now, except for slightly longer hair, places a small plate in front of her and another one in front of a slightly younger girl that sits across from Masaki.
"Arigatō," says the girl with pristine white hair whose hair is tied into small little pig tails and bangs sweep across her forehead over keen, sharp turquoise eyes. The white yukata with bright aqua patterns matches her eyes perfectly.
"You're welcome, Hitsugaya-san," Izumi murmurs, before turning to retrieve two cups from the cart adjacent to the table.
"You don't have to be so formal with Ran-chan, either," Masaki says.
"Ku—" Izumi starts.
"Don't, Izumi-san. There's no need for you to address me that way."
"Yes, there is. You know, it isn't proper for me to address a lady like yourself—"
"I'm just a kid, Izumi-san. I'm not anyone special for you…"
"You mustn't say that." Izumi looks appalled, as she pours tea into Masaki's cup.
"Tou-chan always says we're all the same that it doesn't matter if were poor or rich. You know he doesn't like you addressing him as sama. Neither does Kaa-chan. Why don't you just call me Masaki?"
"Kuchiki-sama does not wish you to be addressed so informally. If I were to address you in such a matter, I would be dishonoring his wishes and he would"—she looks stricken—"h-he would force me to leave my position immediately."
"But, Izumi-san, doesn't Oji-sama say you have to do as I say?" Masaki says innocently, as she plays with the handle of her cup. From within the cup, steam flows out. "Aren't you dishonoring my wishes?
For a moment, Izumi looks conflicted as she finishes pouring Ran's tea. "Gomen nasai, Kurosaki-sama, but this order comes above yours."
Disappointed, Masaki frowns and then says. "I'm going to talk to Oji-sama about this."
"P-Please don't," Izumi stammers, returning the teapot onto the cart. Though she shakes slightly, she grabs the plate of snacks and deposits it at the center of the table.
"I have to. You won't call me by the name I want. Don't worry, Izumi-san, you won't get in trouble. It's just that if you can't call me Masaki by my order, then Oji-sama will have to make it."
"Kurosaki-sama, you mustn't trouble Kuchiki-sama with such things..."
"It's okay, Izumi. Don't worry," Masaki says reassuringly.
"B-But," Izumi persists.
"Everything looks good," Masaki says ignoring her and admiring the snacks.
Izumi hesitates then deflates and says, "Is there anything else you need, Kurosaki-sama?"
"No, you can leave, Izumi-san."
"Very well, I will inform Kuchiki-sama of your arrival as soon as he enters."
"Arigatō, Izumi-san," Masaki says, as she takes a cake.
Izumi leaves.
"You know, if you didn't want to deal with this, we didn't have to come. You didn't have to scare the poor lady—"
"She's not gonna get in trouble, Ran-chan. You know perfectly well why we're here."
"I still can't believe you want to do calligraphy, you can't even draw," Ran says as she admires the mochi cake in her hand. "All the lessons Kaa-san gave you went to waste."
Masaki glares at the white-haired girl. "S-Shut up, Ran-chan. It's not my fault I can't draw. Neither of my parents can."
"Oh, sure, blame it on them. Talent doesn't have to run in families, you know."
"Drawing isn't the same as calligraphy."
"It's still an art though."
"True, but it doesn't mean I can't do it."
"—it took me a while to figure how to get her to at least address me as Masaki-sama. And now I finally got what I what I always wanted." Her lips curved into an ironic smile.
Rukia said nothing for a moment, before murmuring, "Masaki…"
"What is she doing here?"
Rukia felt the emotions of compassion stirring within her freeze at the familiar icy monotone voice that belonged to her brother. Whirling around, she saw Byakuya standing behind her, his face impassive as ever as his gaze moved from Masaki to her.
"Nii-sama," Rukia breathed.
He said nothing, merely stood there waiting expectantly for her explanation.
"Nii-sama," Rukia started once more, willing away the insane pounding of her heart. She had to be calm to make sure she dealt with her brother in the best matter possible.
"I invited Masaki to come here, Nii-sama," Rukia explained. "She's my guest."
"Your guest?" Byakuya repeated. His slate gaze remained fixed on Rukia, as though she was the only person that existed in the room.
"Hai, Nii-sama."
There was a long pause.
"Considering the hour and how I doubt you've failed to rest properly since leaving the Soul Society, I think it's best that your guest leave. You need to maintain yourself well rested, Rukia."
It wasn't really late. Perhaps, just past eight, but Rukia understood his tactic.
"Actually, Nii-sama, I've invited her to stay overnight and to remain here for as long as necessary," Rukia explained calmly, her mind already working on the reasons she had thought of for how she was going to convince him to allow Masaki's stay.
"Is that so? I was under the impression Ukitake had seen fit to house her within his division."
"He did. But with the current state of things in the Thirteenth Division and the Seireitei in general, I thought it would best for her to stay here. Ukitake-taichō has enough to worry about with his own subordinates, those within the division and those at the Fourth. I figured this was the least I could do to help since there isn't much we can do and we have plenty of room."
Byakuya remained silent as he considered Rukia's words.
"Actually, Nii-sama, she won't even take up room. She'll be staying with me," Rukia added.
Byakuya said nothing; his expression was as unreadable as ever. Rukia eyed him warily and expectantly.
After what seemed like a very long time, Byakuya finally spoke, "Very well, she may stay."
"Arigatō, Nii-sama," Rukia said, bowing deeply. She felt her heart thump in relief. Waiting for his decision had felt like an eternity. She had been wracking her brains trying to come up with more reasons in case her words had not worked on Byakuya. She knew he had still not come to terms with Masaki's identity.
"Arigatō, Kuchiki-taichō," Masaki said, bowing as well.
Byakuya didn't glance at Masaki. He slipped out of the room, his haori quietly billowing behind him.
After dinner, which Rukia and Masaki ate in the dining hall when they heard Byakuya had retired to his rooms, both women headed towards Rukia's room. Izumi had already informed them that she had done as Rukia had requested to prepare for Masaki's stay. Rukia slid open the door, ushering Masaki inside. The latter entered the room taking in the white walls ahead, the cherry wood low table at the center of the room under which sat a luxurious handmade rug, and the lamps situated at the corner of the room. A large cherry wood wardrobe resided at the far left end of the room, next to it was a fine handcrafted changing screen. The fusama on both the right and left sides of the room contained images of lush, green forests. On the far right side of the room, there were two futons evenly laid out from each wall, so that they rested directly in the middle of that side of the room. Masaki had not wanted an entire guest wing, so Rukia suggested that she stay in her own room since it was more than big enough for the two of them. Across from where the futons laid, there was a vanity table.
"It's pretty big, isn't it?" Rukia said sheepishly as she closed the door behind her and saw that Masaki had stopped near the cherry wood table, the central area of the large room that could have easily been made into made three or four rooms.
"As expected of a room within the Kuchiki Manor," Masaki said, turning slightly to glance at Rukia.
"Ah," Rukia agreed. While she knew who Masaki really was, the concept that she was already familiar with her surroundings here in the Kuchiki Manor or even with herself because she was from the future still hadn't quite sunk in. Her brain kept regarding her as a stranger. Yet there was something about her that she felt drawn to, that she couldn't quite explain…that in a way almost made her feel like she knew her on some level.
It was like that odd sensation she had felt when she was within Masaki's presence when she had been inspecting her wound from that Hollow. She had known there was something familiar yet she couldn't place why…
"I've never really known what to do with all this space," Rukia added, in spite of herself.
"Me neither," Masaki said, earning a curious glance from Rukia. "It's not the size of the room that matters…."
No, it's not… Rukia thought silently. Seeing Masaki's bright orange hair, now that she had turned her back towards her, the petite Shinigami immediately thought of Ichigo and his family…They had graciously and whole heartedly welcomed her, a total stranger, into their small but loving home. It had been a sharp contrast to the cold and indifferent welcome she had received upon being adopted into the Kuchiki Clan.
"My fukutaichō's quarters are smaller than my room at my parent's home, but that never stopped me from coming to consider it as home. Both are my home because that's…where I belong. "
"Oh, that's right, you live with your division," Rukia said, recalling the young woman's words atop the rooftop when Ichigo had finally come to his senses and she was explaining her situation. "You just visit your parents on the weekend."
"Hai, it's the compromise my parents and I made… Not that I wouldn't have visited otherwise or—"
"They didn't want you to move out?" Rukia asked.
She found it surprising because she had thought perhaps Masaki's parents would be more open to the idea since they did allow her to attain a seated position unlike Nii-sama in her case. The likelihood of her moving out before marriage was as slim as her getting a seated position. It was considered improper and unseemly for a noble especially a noblewoman to live in their division.
"No, they didn't." There was a pause before Masaki added, "All in all, that was one of the easiest battles I've faced…I wasn't a kid—"
"Battles?" Rukia echoed.
"I consider every discussion regarding every important step I've taken in my life a battle. My parents, like any parents wanted the best for me, but they always made things more difficult than they had to be at times…"
For a moment, Rukia wasn't sure Masaki was going to continue.
"With my mother reason and logic were my opponents. I could usually make her see my rationale. With my father, however, it took far more than sound logic to get him to agree to anything…He's far too stubborn for that."
Ichigo is too stubborn, Rukia thought. When Masaki said nothing else, Rukia had the impression that the young woman did not feel like continuing the discussion any longer, which prompted her to say, "Make yourself comfortable, Masaki."
Rukia padded further into the room, moving away from the room's entrance. "You can place your Zanpakutō on that table." She was referring to the low table in front of Masaki.
"That's okay, Kuchiki-san. I'd rather keep her by my side…She's the only thing I have…even if she can be a pain." She added the part almost as an afterthought.
"Okay." Rukia pulled out her sheathed Sode no Shirayuki from its place on her waist, then strode towards her vanity table. Masaki followed her.
Upon reaching her vanity table, Rukia pushed aside some items making room for her Zanpakutō. Rukia turned and saw that Masaki stood several feet away, staring at a white paper with finely painted characters in black ink that she had attached to the wall. The characters spelled her name.
"The strokes are fluid and smooth yet there appears to be an underlying hesitancy within each character, almost as though instead of merely trying to maintain their delicacy there is a sense of regret"—Masaki raised a finger above one of the characters—"This only heightens the obvious gentleness in which they were written." There was pause before Masaki said with complete certainty. "This is…Kuchiki-taichō's work."
Stunned, Rukia merely stared at Masaki for a few seconds.
"Hai," Rukia said, once she found her voice. "Nii-sama gave it to me sometime after he recovered from his injuries after…Aizen's betrayal. It was the first gift he'd ever given me."
Rukia glanced at her vanity table and grabbed a medium sized white bunny with a faint pink ribbon tied around his neck. "He gave it to me along with—"
"Chappy," Masaki said softly, staring intently at the bunny.
Rukia nodded, blushing slightly as though perhaps embarrassed by the gift. "I-I like Chappy," she admitted, but Masaki did not seem to hear her. Masaki's amethyst gaze was fixed on Chappy.
A young five-year-old Masaki dressed in a pink sleeping yukata lays in a twin-sized futon placed over a raised platform, giving the bed a more Westernized look. Clutched in her arms is a white Chappy bunny with a faint pink ribbon attached around its neck.
The fusama behind her bed are light pink sporting images of Chappy. Sitting on Masaki's left hand side wearing a white yukata is Rukia. Physically she appears to be the same though there is a general sense of maturity emanating from her.
Masaki shifts in her bed as Rukia raises the blanket to cover her. She ends up covering the young girl up to her chin as well as Chappy.
"Kaa-chan, you covered Chappy," the young Masaki points out as she shifts the blanket and frees Chappy from its warm but suffocating confines.
"Gomen," Rukia smiles apologetically. "Okay, let's try that again."
Masaki places Chappy next to her chin, near the crook of her neck, and watches as Rukia gently places the blanket just below her and Chappy's neck.
"That's better, right?" The raven-haired woman asks.
Masaki nods, smiling.
"You really like Chappy don't you?" Rukia asks.
"H-Hai," Masaki admits softly, violet eyes on the ears tickling her chin. "He's cute and soft and I like his pink ribbon."
"He's also the right size to sleep with," Rukia observes.
Masaki nods in agreement.
Rukia reaches over and gently pats Chappy on the head. "You know, Byakuya-nii-sama, your uncle, gave this to me as a gift a long time ago."
"He did?" Masaki says surprised.
Rukia nods.
"So, he's yours?" Masaki asks, pulling her chin away from Chappy though she still holds him underneath the blanket.
"Not anymore. He's yours, Masaki," Rukia says reassuringly. Gently, she touches Masaki's forehead, running her finger lovingly down her cheek while she nudges Chappy closer to Masaki.
"I always meant to give it to you," she says softly, her voice rich with emotion as her thumb caresses the orange haired girl's cheek. Violet eyes flicker through a wide range of emotions—anguish, relief, awe, and happiness. "And now it is yours….It's yours forever and ever."
"Arigatō, Kaa-chan," Masaki says softly after several moments, squeezing the bunny tightly.
Rukia stares at Masaki in amazement and joy, as though she has just said the most amazing thing. Closing her eyes, Rukia leans forward, whispers 'you're always welcome' and presses her lips to Masaki's forehead. Her lips linger tenderly for several seconds, though it could have been longer. Rukia pulls away almost reluctantly. Her violet eyes are still staring at the young girl with reverence and love.
Rukia continues to stroke her daughter's face soothingly and lovingly.
"Kaa-chan," Masaki says, now running the tips of her fingers absently over Chappy's ears. "Can you stay tonight? He's not coming, right?"
Rukia snaps out of her reverie and replies," No, your daddy isn't coming tonight. He's got a miss—work to do."
Masaki continues to fiddle with her bunny's ears, appearing uninterested in the information.
"Can you stay then?" she asks hopefully.
The concern that had appeared in Rukia's eyes as she was staring at her daughter fades, and she smiles warmly and says, "Sure."
"Let me just put these lights out," Rukia proceeds to blow the candles that illuminate the bedroom, though she leaves only one.
She then walks around the bed, slips into the covers beside Masaki, and wraps her arms around Masaki, and Masaki snuggles towards her, shifting Chappy so that he is pressed to her left cheek now that her right cheek is pressed against the pillow. With Rukia's petite frame, the bed is just large enough to hold both of them.
"What's it going to be tonight, Masaki? A story or a song?" Rukia asks softly.
A considerate look flickers across Masaki's face. "A song," she says quietly, smiling.
"Are you sure you want to hear that?" Rukia teases.
Masaki nods. "I like it when you sing."
"Alright then," Rukia agrees.
A thoughtful look crosses Rukia's face, as she runs her fingers through Masaki's orange locks. After several moments, Masaki says in a remindful tone, "Kaa-chan."
"Shh," Rukia whispers, the thoughtful look on her face gone.
"Night time has come, gone is the sun," she begins, her voice soft and lilting. She continues to gently comb her fingers through the young girl's hair, who attentively listens to mother's words.
"Dream sky is spun,
Stars, one by one... Oyasumi, hush my love,
Oyasumi, hush my love,
Oyasumi, hush my love,
Hush, hush, hush."
After tucking a strand behind Masaki's ear, Rukia runs her thumb over Masaki's forehead and her eyebrow, sliding it toward Masaki's eyelids, who instinctively shuts her eyes.
"Oyasumi, close your eyes,
Oyasumi, close your eyes,
Oyasumi, close your eyes,
Sleep, sleep, sleep."
Having lovingly caressed Masaki's countenance, Rukia resumes caressing Masaki's orange locks. Violet eyes open, though they are slightly lower than before. Masaki appears mesmerized by the beautiful, captivating voice next to her ear.
"Oyasumi, dream of me,
Oyasumi, dream of me,
Oyasumi, dream of me,
Dream, dream, dream."
Rukia's eyes slide close for a fraction of a second as her voice rings with tenderness and passion. Masaki's eyes droop even more as a content smile appears on her face.
"Oyasumi, hush my love,
Oyasumi, hush my love,
Oyasumi, hush my love,
Hush, hush, hush."
Rukia repeats the verse again until lost in the embrace of her mother's words and warmth, Masaki closes her eyelids.
"Masaki," Rukia said loudly, finally snapping Masaki out of her reverie.
Masaki blinked.
"Masaki, are you okay?" Rukia asked, shooting her a questioning look.
"Gomen," Masaki apologized. "I-I just got lost in thought."
"Lost in thought?" Rukia repeated.
"Gomen, it's just that that Chappy is or will be mine," Masaki explained, looking slightly confused as she said it.
"Oh," Rukia murmured, eying the Chappy in her hand. "So, you do like Chappy," the petite Shinigami stated after several moments. For a moment, she had thought the orange haired woman had been slightly disturbed by the sight of the cute white rabbit.
"I do," Masaki admitted, a sheepish smile appearing on her face.
Chappy became their subject of conversation until they changed into sleeping yukata and slipped into their futons.
"Oyasumi, Masaki," Rukia said, taking in one final look at the young woman across from her.
She turned away, her eyes staring ahead as she began to ponder all she had seen and learned that day. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She wasn't quite sure she would get that rest Nii-sama had wanted for her.
"Oyasumi, Kuchiki-san," Masaki said. She shifted away from Rukia, gazing at the place where Chappy rested on the vanity table. Parallel to her futon was her Zanpakutō.
Under her breath, Masaki said, "Oyasumi, Kaa-san."
Quick Glossary
Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho- General Emergency Relief Station
Jigokuchō- Hell Butterfly
Hai- yes
Oji- uncle
Kaa/san/chan- mom/mommy
Otou-san-father
Yukata- casual summer kimono made of cotton. Can be used for sleeping and bathing as well. (Difference between kimono and yukata is that kimonos are made of silk and they have 2 collars).
Fusama- vertical panels that serve as walls or dividers like shōji doors that are often painted.
Oyasumi- Goodnight
Gomen- sorry
AN: I hope you have enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. I was glad to be able to write a scene in which Rukia sings. What? Why, would I ever wanna do that? Since when does Rukia sing? Okay, fine maybe it's not technically canon, but did you know that there are character songs for the Bleach characters sung by the seiyus (voice actors/actresses)? That's right, there are CDs of the actors singing in their characters voice and they sound amazing. Seriously. I realize perhaps, this is more shocking to the non-sub fans or anime watchers, but it's true.
Fumiko Orikasa, who voices Rukia, is an extremely talented singer and seiyu. The way she sings normally and how she sings as Rukia is distinctly different and incredible (She does that for the other characters she voices as well). I absolutely love her voice.
I highly recommend checking out her music for yourself if you're curious or enjoying listening to Japanese music like I do (FYI this chapter was written listening to her music). Look up "Echo" (It's my favorite Rukia song), there's also Moon, which is sung with Sode no Shirayuki, and several others which you see will once you have listened to these songs. You will also see the options for the other characters.
There is in fact an IchiRuki CD which based on the release date and meaning of the songs indicates it was released because of the Fade to Black Movie. That's my guess anyway. Echo is one of those songs along with Kawaranai Kotoba (Unchangeable Word) sung by Morita Masakazu Morita (Ichigo's seiyu) and the duet between them is entitled, "Glow." Echo and Unchangeable Word although sung respectively by Ichigo and Rukia are actually replies to the each other's songs. And Glow is the culmination of their 'talk' so to speak.
In addition, to character songs by many of the Bleach characters, the voice actors have also recorded covers of various theme songs from Bleach. Morita does an awesome rendition of Asterisk, the first Bleach theme song.
I wish you guys an awesome and prosperous 2012! If you can't get enough of Ascension, well I have good news for you. You can check out the chapter 1 of the humorous post AU Ascension request fic that I've written for VideoGeek95 on my deviantart page entitled "Summer Vacation." Don't be fooled by the image, it is a story. Be sure to check out his stories too (Link will be there in the description). I have also uploaded an Ichigo, Rukia, and Masaki picture entitled "Fighting Spirit 2." I'll let the title tempt you into looking.
Remember giving is receiving. The more reviews I get the more inspired I'm to write.