Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Identity ❯ Heartaches ( Chapter 11 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: Still do.not.own.bleach

[A/N]

Well, to those who have reviewed the last chapter, thank you all so much.

Chapter 11

Heartache

The amber liquid scorched his throat. But he didn't mind. He couldn't even feel it. He was numb. His eyes were glazed, his face scrunched up in his usual scowl. He refilled his glass and drained it in one gulp. The liquid was burning a path from his throat to his stomach, but still he didn't flinch. In his mind he was still relieving the last few moments he had with his midget. Yes his. Robbed of his inhibitions and logical sense, all he could think that she was supposed to be his. And his alone. He could still see her face. How she blanched. Her facial features sporting a stunned and wounded look. Her eyes that widened from shock and hurt, before losing its gleam turning into a dull dark violet color. How he noticed her hands balling into fists, clutching her gown. Her shoulders tensing and rigid before they slumped down in defeat. Then he saw her struggle to compose herself. He heard her deep intake of breath as she lowered her eyes. How she tried her best to move her facial muscles so she could somehow muster a smile. How she kept her eyes averted as she congratulated him in his upcoming nuptials. He noticed how forced those words came out. And how she looked at anything but him. Then he remembered how broken and flat her voice sounded as she said her goodbye.

Damn! Oh Kami! I've hurt her!

Both Ishida and Chad were on the other end of the bar, silently watching their friend wallow up in alcohol. Both have no idea what had actually happened, but they both know that it has something to do with Rukia. They have never seen Ichigo in such a state. Specially Chad who had known him the whole twenty three years of his life.

“We have to stop him” Chad said as he got up from his chair. But Ishida's hand on his shoulder stopped him. “Just let him be for now. He needs to get it out of his system.”

“That's what you said last night, but I had to carry him up to our room.” Looking back at Ichigo “Have you told him about the party?” They have both rummaged his dresser early this morning, looking for the parchment from the king. Both thinking that it could be the long awaited summons from his majesty.

“In his condition? He's either drunk and wasted or brain dead from that much booze. I don't think he would understand even a simple a-b-c.”

“It'll be in less than a week”

Ishida readjusted his glasses perched on his nose “I'll tell him tomorrow. When he's back from lala land, and is sober.” Both Ishida and Chad stood up and walked towards their drunken friend. It was time to put him to bed.

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Dinner at the palace was another silent affair. Not that they ever talk while dining, but at least the atmosphere was friendly and congenial. Not like now. She is exuding an aura of despair. It would have been better if she was somehow angry. An angry little sister, well that, he knew how to handle. But a depressed, resigned and desolate princess, that is something that left him baffled and unsure of what to do and say.

He continued to watch her as she toyed with her food. She has not eaten well since he told her about her engagement. He somehow expected that. What he did not expect was her silent acquiescence. He sighed, at least she isn't putting up any fight.

When she got back from wherever she was yesterday, he thought she would try to reason out with him. Cajole him or something. That's what she usually does. What surprised him most was her verbal assent. In the epitome of a classic princess she curtsied in front of him and said that she has thought it over and that she agrees to whatever plan he has for her. That she trusts his judgment and would try her best and hardest to make him proud. He would have been extremely happy to hear her utter those words, if only she didn't look so miserable. If only her eyes will hold a glimmer of life.

All through out their little talk never did she ask anything about her intended. Not a description or even a little piece of information. She didn't even ask for a name.

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Rukia was aware that she was merely pushing the particles of foods around her plate, but she can't help it. She really wasn't hungry. Looking across her she could see her brother eating quietly. She could tell that her decision had once again gotten her in his good graces.

If only she could crawl back to bed and hide from the world under the covers. She just wants to forget the whole ordeal. She wants to bury her head under the pillow and pretend that everything was fine. That she wasn't spoken for. That he was still her friend. That he wasn't unattainable. That he also feels the same way she does.

Truth be told, she doesn't know what exactly she is feeling. And given the current situation, she doesn't want to analyze it further. All she was sure of is that being with him makes her happy. That his presence beside her was enough to make her feel safe and secure. That even his scowl was enough to make her giddy.

She also knew that hearing him say those words hurt so much. She never thought that his rejection could be as painful and agonizing. She never knew that something, as simple as few simple, words could hurt as much.

Maybe he wasn't her knight in shining armor after all.

She clutched her chest. Just thinking about makes her chest tighten in pain.

“Are you ok Rukia?” The gesture was not lost on Byakuya. She was a little paler than usual. “Is something the matter?” if she was sick, or feeling a bit sick, he could and would send for the family doctor or someone from the fourth squad immediately.

Taking a deep breath and putting her hand down “I'm fine nii-sama” Putting her fork down, she added “Just a bit tired. If you'll excuse me brother, I would like to rest” She stood up even before the prince has given her permission to leave the table. Etiquette be damned! She just wanted to leave her brother's suffocating presence.

“Rukia” She halted in her tracks. “I'll send someone from the fourth squad to your chambers. I cannot have you sick in less than a week from your engagement party. It would be a disgrace if you cannot attend your own party.”

For a moment she honestly believed that he was concerned for her wellbeing. But who is she kidding anyway? This was her brother she's talking about. The high and mighty prince who has a heart of ice, who obviously cares so much that he gave her hand to the first guy who came along. Who would rather mind the friggin customs and the fucking rules without regard to her feelings. Who didn't even bother to ask her opinion on a very simple thing called life. Her life.

She went out of the dining hall without even bothering to reply. She needs to be alone.

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“So, how do I look?” Shuuhie could not believe how vain Renji could be at times. He has been in front of the mirror for almost an hour, combing and recombing his unruly hair. “Do you think I should change and wear the coat and tie instead?” Twirling in front of the mirror “Do these dress pants make me look like a dork?”

Shuuhei could not contain it much longer, he burst out laughing. “Good gawd man! You're worse than my sister!”

He threw the nearest thing he could get his hands on, the comb. Undaunted the other man just laughed more. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he slumped back into the chair, his head cradled in his hands “God, I don't think I can do this”

“Imagine that, the great knight Abarai is scared” emphasizing the word knight.

“Dammit Shuuhei! It's not that easy!” He was rubbing his hands on his face. He's never been this scared in his whole life. There's just so much at stake.

“You're really hopeless, you know that?” Shuuhei stood up and went to the small chest where they keep their beer. He was bidding his time. He was battling within himself if he should tell Renji about the orange haired guy. But he knew it wasn't his story to tell.

“Slacking off I see” Shuuhei spat out the beer in his mouth while Renji stood up quickly and saluted his captain. But both were surprised. It's not everyday that a captain would grace their quarters.

Ulquiorra looked from Shuuhei to Renji. Then back to Renji, his eyes roving from the tips of his gleaming black shoes, to his black dress pants, to his white starched short sleeved dress shirt and back bow. Seeing his captains look, he blushed deeply, getting more crimson than his hair. Before Renji could inquir, his captain spoke “Abarai, stand guard at the west garden, bring three patrol guards with you.” Shifting his gaze “Hisagi Shuuhei, your captain wants you in the watch tower immediately.” He turned to leave. But before he got out the door “And wear your uniform Abarai, you look like a strutting rooster.”

“Hai Taicho”

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