A/N Please forgive any mistakes
Chapter 9
Rukia was not prepared for waking up at seven in the morning. She was so exhausted after going to sleep so late. She decided to sleep a little longer since it was Saturday and she didn't have to get the girls ready for school. Unfortunately for her the girls were in her room around eight in the morning and started waking Rukia up. She groaned angrily and put her pillow over her head. Hana whined and Mia hurriedly jumped on the bed to tap Rukia. Rukia sighed and woke up and told the girls she would meet them at the table. The girls cheered and ran to the elevator. Rukia got up, washed her face and brushed her teeth. When she got to the table Ichigo was at the head of the table wearing a navy blue business suit. His hair was slicked back and glasses were on as he read through some notes. Hana and Mia were where they usually sat and Yumi was walking down to sit next to Rukia. Ran'Tao and Oko were in their designated seats as well. Once everyone was seated everyone ate and made small talk.
"Rukia, the cookies you made earlier were delicious." Oko stated.
Rukia smiled, "Thank you I am happy you enjoyed them."
Ichigo sighed heavily and set his papers aside, "The party's at eight tonight. Oko and Ran'Tao will be driving ahead of us. Fang and Kamado will be following behind us and I will be driving the car we will be riding in. Be ready at oh seven. Mia, Hana,...and Yumi I want you girls to have fun and if you don't feel comfortable about something immediately let me know."
Mia and Hana nodded quickly then went back to eating. Yumi just gave a look of acknowledgement. Ichigo looked at Rukia and gave a small smile.
"Rukia, you are just there to look after the girls, nanny them but you can also have fun. Trust me you won't have to be up on the girls like you usually are just be there for them if they need assistance on anything."
Rukia nodded, "Alrighty."
Throughout the day the girls spent time with Rukia watching tv with her and they all took a nap sooner than later. Around five Ran'Tao went knocking on Rukia's door waking the girls up and Rukia. She walked in wearing her usual black pencil skirt and white button up blouse. She had her hair in a ponytail and very light makeup.
"Get dressed, we are on a time schedule." Ran'Tao stated.
Hana and Mia ran to get their gowns and Yumi did the same. They all ran back to Rukia's room and Rukia started helping them get dressed. Mia was wearing a cute little poofy fluffed white dress with a black sash and Hana had a black poofy fluffed dress with a white sash. They looked so cute. Rukia straightened Hana's hair out and gave her a black little bow for her hair. Mia opted out on the bow. The girls then went to Yumi Hana helped Yumi with the dress while Mia played with her hair and Rukia did her makeup. Rukia couldn't help but smile as she poofed up Yumi's hair a bit. The girls looked in the mirror and cooed at how pretty they looked and ran to show their father. Yumi decided to stay with Rukia but Rukia declined, telling her to go show Oko at the very least. She rolled her eyes but nodded and left the room.
Rukia sighed as she went to look in the bag her sister gave her and just as she imagined it was a beautiful royal purple sleeveless dress. It went down just to her leg where her feet were still visible. The dress flowed in the back with a small little train adoring it. She looked in the bag once more and saw that her sister had gotten her a beautiful silver necklace and earring set. The earrings were cute little stud diamond earrings and the necklace was more of a silver and black diamond choker that she happily put on. She did her makeup and put on cute plum purple lipstick. She looked at herself in the mirror and thought about what to do with her hair. She could have it down which she rather no since she hated it in her face or she could do her side ponytail but she thought that would be a bit boring. She huffed and then remembered from a distant memory her mom and her aunt would always have their hair in a beautiful high elegant bun whenever they wanted to look fancy.
Rukia looked herself up and down in the mirror and gave herself a nod of approval. She looked in the bag once again just to see if there was anything else and of course Hisana wouldn't be Hisana if she didn't get her the full black wedge shoe. Rukia hated heels with a passion and was honestly going to wear some black flats but wedges she could do wedges. Rukia slipped them on and then once again made sure nothing was in the bag. She giggled to herself as she saw a cute little leather bag for her essentials. She made sure to stuff it with her keys, wallet, makeup for herself and Yumi as well. Rukia did one more look over and then left her room. When she walked out Ran'Tao was there with her face in a scowl. Rukia bowed in apologies for taking so long.
"Hmm you look nice, Rukia."
Rukia blushed, "Umm thank you and your makeup looks nice."
Ran'Tao snorted, "Thanks now come on we must be going."
Ran'Tao walked ahead of Rukia and rushed down the stairs. Rukia decided to go down the stairs as well, deciding it would be less time than taking the elevator. When she started she saw Yumi, Mia, and Hana waiting patiently and Ichigo looking at his phone. He was wearing a black tuxedo hair that was slicked back and gelled to perfection. Oko and Ran'Tao were just leaving so Rukia couldn't see what he was wearing. Rukia walked down the stairs and stared at each stair as she walked, not paying attention to the stares she got. She didn't notice the stares of admiration coming from the girls and the slight ever so slightly stare of lust coming from Ichigo. When Rukia got to the bottom of the stairs the girls all said she looked beautiful while Ichigo said she looked pretty. Ichigo went over Rukia's duties once more and told the girls again to come to him if they needed anything. Once it hit six thirty Ichigo walked the girls to a black current year Mazda MX 5. Rukia only knew the car because Shizuku went through a sports car phase where he showed her certain cars he liked and a Mazada was at the top of his list. Ichigo let Hana, Mia, and Yumi in the back and then assisted Rukia into the passenger seat. He spoke with Fang and Kamado and then got into the car. He played some nice calming music for the girls and then sped off.
"Be on your best behavior, girls. I mean it's not fighting with the other kids." Ichigo stated.
Mia huffed, "Well then tell them to leave Hana and me alone."
"Will do sweetie."
Rukia laughed a bit as Hana and Mia played with Yumi's dress and asked her if she would stick with them. Yumi simply nodded and kept fixing Hana's hair bow. Rukia was a bit worried about their safety with how Ichigo was driving like a bat out of hell. His daughters seemed perfectly fine but Rukia was on edge and Ichigo noticed.
"Relax Rukia, I've been driving sports cars since I was sixteen. I am a professional."
Rukia frowned a bit, "Well I feel at ease if you slowed down a bit please."
Rukia could tell Ichigo was a bit irritated but he did slow down immensely helping Rukia nerves a bit. She always had a fear she would end up dead like her parents which is why she always obeyed the law and never went any more than 5% above speed limit. It took them a good forty minutes to get to their destination. Ichigo parked in the front and helped Rukia and the girls out of the car. He gave his keys to the valet and ushered the girls in. Rukia looked around and noticed the event hall was huge like one of those opera settings in the movies. Everyone was dressed so fancy that she honestly felt a little under dressed.
The event space was huge and it was filled with hundreds of people. The buffet was that of a movie displaying different meats and sides all on one big table. They had a champagne fountain and many assorted desserts on another table. Ichigo walked the girls and Rukia to a table in the very center which caused Rukia to turn red. She did not like attention drawn to her. Mia and Hana sat down next to each other and Yumi sat next to Rukia. Ichigo continued to stand and observed his surroundings. Rukia could tell he was tense and on edge. Not even two minutes later Oko and Ran'Tao arrived by Ichigo's side.
Oko looked very sharp. He was wearing a nice gray suit that complimented him very well and his hair was pulled back. Oko bowed and then pulled Ichigo aside Ran'Tao following close behind. Rukia felt like a fish out of water. She felt like everyone was staring at her and she felt out of place. Hana and Mia were both fidgeting and stating they were hungry. Yumi agreed and asked Rukia if they could get something to eat. Rukia didn't know the rules or if there were even rules to begin with. She looked around and saw no one else eating and had too much anxiety to be the first one up to eat.
"Rukia, it's fine we can eat when we want." Yumi confirmed.
Rukia took a deep breath and nodded and walked with the girls to the buffet. Rukia helped the girls make their plates and then escorted them back to the table assuring them they could have dessert after they ate. Rukia had piled her plate with different meats: steak, chicken, pacana, beef rib, and some sides such as rice, carrots, asparagus. She was going to enjoy her food when they sat back down, Yumi and Rukia helped cut up Hana and Mia's meat and dug in. No one really bothered them while they ate. It was nice. Hana and Mia talked about the different desserts they wanted to try while Yumi simply looked at her surroundings. Rukia had noticed that the moment Ichigo had selected the table a lot of people stirred clear of even being by them as if they were isolated. Rukia did a little dance as she ate, not caring who watched her the food was amazing. Mia patted her belly and smiled satisfied while Hana still struggled to finish half her plate.
"MIA!"
Rukia and Yumi looked and saw a blue haired little boy with green eyes no more than seven years of age running to their table. She saw Mia groan a bit and Hana smile. The boy was wearing a cute little black suit and his spiky blue hair was all over the place. He stopped in front of the table with a cute devilish grin and cleared his throat.
"Evening Mia, would you want to dance with me?"
Mia shook her head, "No, I have to watch Hana."
Hana giggled, "Don't worry Mia I'll be with Yumi and Rukia go have fun."
Mia shot Hana a look but then sighed heavily and took the boy's hand. Rukia gushed as they walked away together. The boy holding Mia's hand and Mia turning red in the face as they walked together.
"That's Nelio Tu Jaggejaques. He has a huge crush on Mia. He's an eight year old little charmer." Yumi explained.
Hana continued to laugh as she watched her sister stiffly dance. Rukia wanted to take pictures but controlled herself from doing so. Yumi gave a small smile as she watched her sister. Hana was reaching for Rukia's food when a girl with long black hair and cold black eyes and a fat face walked over to the table. She was wearing a pretty yellow dress with sunflowers on them. She smiled at Rukia and Yumi and then giggled when she saw Hana. Hana jumped from her chair and squealed with the little girl and both walked off hand and hand with each other.
"Mizu Shiba, she's a cousin of ours. She's I think seven. That little girl can eat anything she and Hana usually cause mischief together."
Rukia laughed a bit as she watched Hana and Mizu run around causing a bit of a fuss. Rukia stared at Yumi expectantly and she just continued eating.
"What no one your age?"
Yumi frowned a bit, "Even if there were I wouldn't want to be acquainted with them. Everyone here is…well not such great people."
Rukia wanted to ask more but then her sweet tooth started to ache. She excused herself and went to the dessert table. She wondered who made all the desserts. They looked yummy on the outside at the very least but they didn't smell as fresh as she thought they would. She shrugged it off and decided to try a cupcake as she was biting into it a male's voice caused her to drop it on the floor. She stood frozen in shock not wanting to turn around afraid she would confirm who she knew was behind her.
"Ma'am do you like the cupcake? Is it to your liking?"
Rukia took a deep breath and turned to the red haired asshole she used to date.
"Ashido wow what a pleasure."
Rukia saw his face go from that of generous to shocked. He was wearing a baker's coat and black slacks. His hair was how it had always been spiked and messy. He was still as good looking as Rukia remembered him and it honestly pissed her off.
"What in the hell are you doing here?"
Ahh the nostalgia Ashido always did have a short temper. Not in a I'm going to beat you kind of way but more of a temper tantrum children had.
"I'm working Ashido what are you doing here?"
Ashido grinned, "Working you're looking at the owner of one of Kirio Hikifune's established Seireitei bakeries."
Rukia's mouth almost hit the floor no way he was living her dream and he was a mediocre baker. Rukia contained herself and gave the fakest smile ever.
"Wow amazing especially since you know damn well you cheated your way to the top." Rukia muttered.
Ashido smiled, "Hmm too bad no one can prove that."
Rukia was turning red as she forgot how infuriating Ashido could be.
"Oh Hell No!"
Rukia and Ashido looked and saw Hisana speeding to them as if a light was lit under her ass. She was wearing an identical dress to Rukia's except hers was red and much shorter. Rukia noticed her hair was also in a bun. She pushed Rukia back and started pointing knowingly at Ashido.
"You snake I know you had something to do with Rukia losing her dream job! You piece of shit you like using women to get your way."
Rukia quickly grabbed her sister seeing as they were causing a scene. Hisana shook her head as she frantically cursed Ashido. Ashido gave them a cocky smile which caused Hisana to get even more mad.
"Geez you and Homura are such little chihuahuas always yapping." Ashido stated.
Hisana was red from anger Rukia could have sworn she could see steam coming from her ears. Rukia saw Byakuya coming over with a group of men and panicked and grabbed her away from Ashido telling her to calm down. Hisana took three breaths and nodded but stared daggers at Ashdo who was just smiling at them.
"Hisana, is there a problem."
Hisana gave her best smile and shook her head. Rukia knew she couldn't speak, she would say something she would regret if she spoke while she was mad. Rukia looked at Byakuya who was wearing a very elegant cream white suit. He looked good with his hair out and flowing.
"Everything is fine, Hisana is just a bit flustered."
Hisana gave Rukia a look but then just nodded. Byakyua grabbed Hisana's hand and led her away much to her dismay. Rukia could tell she wanted to fight but kept her composure.
"She hasn't changed one bit. Still trying to fight your battles huh what are you doing for work. I know you aren't baking." Ashido stated.
Rukia's eyes widened as she let Ashido's words sink in, "So I am black listed! You asshole."
Ashido shrugged, "I couldn't risk you outshining me even at another bakery. If Kirio caught word of you she would have scooped you up in a heartbeat."
At that moment she wanted to kill Ashido. She never wanted to hurt someone so bad in her life. She decided instead of losing her job she would just walk away and get some air. When she stepped foot outside she immediately started to throw up. She felt sick and so embarrassed. She walked away from the party and started to feel tears coming out of her eyes. She was stuck as a nanny because her asshole ex boyfriend was intimidated by her baking skills. She wanted to die, she wanted to curl in a ball and die. She had no purpose if she couldn't even do what she loved the most in the world. She stood outside for a good ten minutes before someone touched her shoulder. She flinched and turned to see Ichigo. He had a small smile on his face as he offered Rukia his hand. Rukia took it and Ichigo pulled her close to him. He wiped her tears gently and gave her a reassuring smile.
"You look so beautiful and I have yet to ask you to dance."
Rukia sniffled a bit and blushed, "Oh I can't dance."
Ichigo smiled, "Well then come let me show you."
Rukia allowed Ichigo to escort her back into the party where he took her to the center of the dance floor. Rukia was red as Ichigo took her hand and waist and guided her around the dance floor. Rukia could tell Ichigo was strong even though he was holding her gently and gliding her across the dance floor. Rukia looked around and saw people giving them their space as they danced and she saw Hisana smirking at the table with Byakuya and his friends.
"Rukia, what are you doing tomorrow?"
Rukia snorted as she followed Ichigo's lead on the dance floor, "Aside from taking care of the girls? Probably baking."
Ichigo spun Rukia around and then pulled her closer, "Hmm well I would like to thank you for everything you've done sooo how about dinner tomorrow evening?"
Rukia blushed, "Umm what about the girls? Will they be joining us?"
Ichigo grinned and dipped Rukia, "No this would be just for you."
Rukia started to feel a bit of heat fluctuating around her body as Ichigo's face was so close to hers. She pushed away from him and cleared her throat and nodded not wanting to say anything from sheer embarrassment. Ichigo grinned and bowed. Rukia bowed as well and let her eyes wonder. She was shocked when she saw some of Byakuya's friends and Shiro escort Ashido outside. He looked scared and Rukia was curious about what was happening.
"No need to worry about that Rukia the desserts just simply weren't up to par so they are escorting him out is all." Ichigo explained.
Rukia frowned, "Oh alright."
The night went off without any more interruptions. Around eleven the party ended and everyone went back home. Rukia and Ichigo put the girls to sleep, opting out on bathing them since they were complaining. But Rukia did at the very least wipe Hana down and change her creams. Yumi was exhausted but she hugged Rukia goodnight and simply nodded to Ichigo. Oko and Ran'Tao stayed at the party. Ichigo said they had some business to attend to. Ichigo walked Rukia to her room and gave her a genuine look of concern.
"Rukia, that man who was talking to you, who was he?"
Rukia sighed heavily, "My asshole ex he's the reason I'm not a baker but I like my nanny job."
"Has he ever hit you?"
Rukia shook her head vigorously, "Of course not, I mean if he ever even tried I'd get Hisana or Homura to kick his ass. No he was just emotionally immature that's all and a manipulative asshole. His family was cool though his mom was sweet dad was cool and sister was super chill. Such a shame he's an arrogant prick you know."
"Would you care if he died?" Ichigo asked seriously.
Rukia's eyes widened, "of course I would, he was a dick to me but he has a family that loves him dearly. I can't imagine him dead. Yeah he's a prick but I wouldn't wish death on him."
Ichigo gave Rukia a look, "Well then sorry for that weird question just trying to feel out your relationship with him. Get some rest can't wait for dinner tomorrow."
Rukia smiled, "Yes sir, thank you again Ichigo."
Rukia went into her room stripped down and went to sleep immediately.
Walking downstairs and outside Ichigo entered a black car and drove off. He sped off to a secluded area a few miles from where the party was. He got out of his car and was greeted by Oko and Ran'Tao. They escorted him into the building where a beaten and bloodied Ashido lay. Ichigo looked at Byakuya and his men and nodded in acknowledgment. He looked at his family and his men as well and smiled.
"Ashido Kano fuck dude you better be happy Rukia said she didn't wish you dead."
"WHAT! We aren't killing him!" Shiro screamed.
Ichigo gave his twin brother a look and he silenced immediately. Ichigo looked Ashido over and sighed. He was stripped naked even his underwear he was bruised from head to toe he looked a mess. Ichigo stretched a bit and held his hand out he could see his men and family grinning. Shiro handed him a crowbar and immediately Ichigo started breaking his ribs. He laughed as he heard the shrilling screams pouring from Ashido's mouth. Byakuya's men looked in disgust they hated torture they were much too delicate for that. Ichigo threw the crowbar and looked at Ashido in his swollen face.
"Rukia Sode and Hisana Kuchiki, you are to stay away from them or the next time we see you let's just say you don't want to see us again. Uryu I want you to take him to your hospital and tend to him for a bit I guess for appearances. Get him out of my sight." Ichigo commanded.
Byakuya's men left satisfied with the outcome while Ichigo's men waited to be dismissed. He gave them all a curt nod and dismissed them. Ichigo's sister Karin and brother Shiro hung back with Oko and Ran'Tao.
"Sooo you did this for your nanny?" Karin asked expectantly.
Ichigo shrugged, "I owe her. She's done a lot for my girls…including Yumi."
Oko smiled, "She is a nice addition sweet and-"
"Oblivious. She knows nothing which can be very dangerous." Ran'Tao stated.
Ichigo frowned, "She'll be fine she chose to nanny my kids and you know what I am don't you."
Everyone nodded, not daring to question Ichigo.
The next morning Rukia woke up to the girls waking her. She did her usual breakfast with everyone and then went shopping with Yumi and the girls. While they walked and got things for the house Rukia couldn't shake off a feeling she was being watched. She brushed it off as paranoia and continued shopping little did she know a brown haired woman wearing a trench coat and red lipstick was watching her every move.
A/N Did this suck? Idk I had so many ways I wanted to end the chapter and ended up with this. I think it was good we saw Ashido yay! Will this be the last of him who knows probably not. Look I am exhausted please I think for this chapter at least I really need some feedback on how to proceed moving forward. I spent three days making this chapter so I hope it was up to standard like usual. Finals are coming up soooo might not post for a bit. I don't want to leave you guys hanging so I've been posting for this story like crazy. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and see you for the next one. Edit: LOL okay shout to all my guess but shout out to a recent reviewer jobananasan damn you commented on every chapter appreciate it. Everything you asked will be answered soon and clarified I promise. I'm trying to take out as many plot holes as I can. I don't want a repeat of the old version of this story. Thank you guys so much for the love and appreciation! Okay now I'll see you all later for the next chapter.
