Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ The Night's Bliss ❯ Lollipop ( Chapter 2 )

Rukia froze, her eyes big with shock.

“I knew it! You're so easy to read nowadays! So, what happened? Did you two have a huge fight? Nah, y'all have been together too long for that to happen. Did he have an affair? If he did, it was probably that orange-haired slut down the corner. Or, or, or….” The man hushed his voice, looking Rukia in the eye.

“Did he break up with you? Its okay, your best friend Kisuke is here to make you turn that frown upside down!” He said, hugging Rukia, squishing her face in his bony chest. She struggled to pull back, but the man's grasp was too strong.

“Kisuke! Lemme go!”

“Not until you smile.”

The girl flashed a mock smile, holding it until the man's eyes gave her the `OK' look, and she quickly dropped it, returning her lips into the normal, serious position.

“So, what do you want?” She asked in an irate tone.

“Eh? Oh! I almost forgot! Here,” Kisuke handed the girl an envelope in gold with a red sticker holding the flap. She raised an eyebrow at the man, wondering why the letter was so formal.

“Hey, its not my idea. Just open it and read it.”

“Its not a love letter, is it?”

The man gave her a light thwack on her head, giving her a slight scowl. “Of course not, baka. I have my eye on somebody else.”

“Knowing you, it has to be Yoruichi, right?”

“Just shaddup and read the stupid letter!”

Rukia giggled as she opened the flap with the underside of her nail, pulling out and opening the fancy envelope. Inside it read:

 

Dear Rukia Kuchiki,

 

You are invited to a night of splendor and merriment! Abdandon the everyday life and dress up, and enjoy yourself! A mask is required to get in. R.S.V.P by December 23rd. Further details are on the back.

 

The girl scoffed, turning her back and throwing the envelope over her shoulder, not giving a care. Kisuke gasped and dived for the card, outstretching his palms to catch it. He got up and brushed the dirt off of the back of his jacket and fixed his hair, scowling at the girl, whose back was still turned to him.

“If you didn't want to go, you could have just told me instead of being so rude about it. Do you know how long me and Shinji spent on making these invitations? A long time! So, I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat them like trash.” The man turned silent, his eyes narrowing on the girl, walking behind her. “Look, I know you don't wanna go out already after your breakup-”

“I never said anything about us breaking up. You just assumed we did. You shouldn't jump to conclusions, Kisuke.”

“All right, so are ya coming or not?”

“To be honest, I'm not sure. I mean, with what happened this morning, I am not sure if I wanna go at all.”

“Do ya wanna talk about it?”

The girl sat down on the cold concrete and fidgeted with the hem of her dress, avoiding the man's stare. She gave up and let out a sigh, not knowing what to say or do. Suddenly, a giant, red lollipop was in her face, the sweet aroma of cherry filling her nose. She backed up, seeing Kisuke offer her a treat, raising an eyebrow at him.

“It's to help calm your nerves.”

She was hesitant as first, but then she snatched it, ripped the wrapper off and put it in her mouth, and took it out, now ready to talk.

“Okay, so I get to Renji's house and…”

 

Meanwhile, Ichigo was at an abandoned, old warehouse that was as silent as a tomb. He walked up to the door and knocked, receiving no reply. He pressed his ear against it, trying to hear if anybody was home. The boy knocked once more, but was only answered with silence. He turned around, slung his book bag over his shoulder and started to walk back home.

“Huh, I guess they're not here today. I guess I will check back-”

“Who the hell is making all of that racket?! Do ya know what time it is?!” A voice yelled.

Ichigo checked his watch, reading `1:45'. He glanced up, seeing a man at the gate. He had an unbuttoned black, long-sleeved collared shirt that revealed his toned chest with a loose tie that was hanging over his neck. But the man only wore his boxers, making Ichigo turn his head.

“Come on Shinji! Put some goddamn pants on!”

The man glanced down and then looked at boy, wearing a stoic expression.

“Yer such a priss. Just because I got a little tipsy last night and forget something what you people deem `appropriate', doesn't mean ya can go off yellin' in my ear so early in the mornin'.” The man walked back into the house, grumbling as he walked. Ichigo hesitantly walked in, scanning the warehouse. It was completely different from the last time he was here. Instead of being the bare, wooden shaft he once knew, furniture and painted walls were in the place of the empty space. Everything was well-designed, with its own sense of individuality. Ichigo plopped down on a bright orange sofa, waiting for the blonde to come out of the room.

Damn, Shinji likes to take his time. What the hell is he doing in there? He is just like…

A memory of the raven-haired girl smiling at Ichigo flashed through his mind, making him clench his teeth.

This needs to end. All day, I have been thinking about Rukia and I can't get my mind off of her…but why? This never happened before, so why did I suddenly start thinking about her? Is it because of this morning?

The moment when Rukia was about to jump off the window with her back towards the boy appeared, replaying over and over again, causing stabs of guilt to pierce his heart.

I shouldn't have been so harsh on her. I should've kept my cool and pretended as if I don't care about her so-called boyfriend. Dammit, I sound like a complete-

“Ichigo! Pull yerself together for cryin' out loud! I could hear ya mumblin' all the way from the bedroom! You sound like a complete lunatic!”

The boy snapped back to reality, seeing the blonde man snapping in front of his face. He slapped the hand away, trying to regain his composure.

The man took a seat next to the orange-haired teen and propped his feet up on the coffee table, his elbows hanging on the back of the couch.

“Yer not yerself lately. You keep on mumblin' somethin' `bout a chick. Did she reject cha and in the end, you can't let go? Are ya love drunk and you're hung up over that chick? Man, I know the feeling. Let me get ya a beer, because it's gonna be a long story bud,” Shinji said, walking towards the kitchen.

“You drink in the afternoon? That's kinda pathetic, Shinji,” The boy retorted.

“Hey! Nothing wrong with having a little sip! `specially since the occasion calls for it,” Shinji said, grabbing two beers and slamming the refrigerator door shut behind him with the sole of his foot.

“What `occasion'?”

“Why, you comin' over, ya dumbass!” He said, reclaiming his seat next to the boy, handing him his drink. “Now, drink and tell me all about the little lady. Oh, before I forget, here's somethin' for ya,” Shinji said, handing the boy a golden letter with a crimson sticker holding the flap. Ichigo gave the man a curious look, receiving a shrug in response.

“It's not my idea. Just open the damn letter and read it,” Shinji muttered, taking a sip from the bottle. Ichigo glanced at the man for a minute and then ripped the top of the letter off, and picking out the card and opening it, reading what it had said inside:

 

Dear Ichigo Kurosaki,

 

You are invited to a night of splendor and merriment! Abdandon the everyday life and dress up, and enjoy yourself! A mask is required to get in. R.S.V.P by December 23rd. Further details are on the back.

 

“Shin, you know I don't like these kind of things, so why bother sending me an invite?” Ichigo asked as he rubbed his temples, trying to unwind from his stress.

“Baka! Are you seriously that crazed about that girl that you can't read between the lines? Think about it. All of Karakura town will be there, which means you can pick any chick you want! You are…eh…okay, so most of them will fall for ya. But that Rangiku is mine! No way I'm letting-”

“None of that matters, Shinji. I just don't feel like going. I'm sorry, but I have to pass up on the offer,” The boy said, putting the invitation back into the man's hands. The blonde stared at Ichigo for a moment and then sighed, going for his drink once more.

“All right, but can I at least know who the chick is? No, wait, lemme guess. Do you have feelings for Orihime again? You two were in such a long relationship that I had 10, count `em, 10 girlfriends while you dated her and no, not all at the same time. What ever happened to you two? Well, it doesn't matter now, because you have the hots fer her `gain right? I can't blame ya, I mean the size of those-”

“Shinji, control yourself, you animal! Damn, every time I'm near you, you either talk about what happened in the bedroom or you stick your big nose into my business,” The boy grumbled, grabbing his beer.

“That's just how I am. Deal with it, Strawberry. So, you do like Orihime? Hmm?” The blonde asked, raising an eyebrow at the teen.

“Eh, nah, not really.”

“Then who the hell is it?!” The man shouted. Ichigo smirked at him and crossed his arms, making direct eye contact with Shinji.

“You sure are persistent, aren't cha? Well, you know the girl that's kinda short and has black hair?”

Shinji spit the beer out of his mouth, which landed all over the coffee table, getting a scowl from the boy.

“You…like Rukia Kuchiki? That has got to be the funniest shit I have heard in a long time. Why would you go fer a thing like her? She's a midget, she has no curves, and she seems like a bitch.”

“Well, she's not,” Ichigo said sternly, glaring at the blonde.

“Chill, Ichi, that's just what I heard. I haven't even met the chick. But when I do… I will bring some heels for her so you don't tower over her!” Shinji said, guffawing. “W-what size does she wear? Should I get her the three inch heels or four?” The man could barely contain his laughter, his entire face turning red.

“Okay, you had your laugh. Shut up already.”

“Ha…ha…okay…I'm good. But um…you do know she has a boyfriend, right?” Shinji said, looking up at the boy, whose face turned stoic.

“Yes, but I don't know who.”

“Sorry, I dunno either. But uhh....what happened between you and Rukia that made ya all…ya know…”

“No, I don't know. What're talking about, Shin?”

“Well, when I asked ya `bout the invite, you turned all depressed and you rejected it immediately. Is it because of something that happened between you and her?”

“I think. But it's better if I just explain from the beginning. So, I wake up, seeing her towering over me and I'm like…”

 

 

“My god. Rukia, I am so sorry, I can't believe Shuuhei! He and Shinji used to be good buds back in school but now you're telling me he has turned into a gang member and he `jumped the fence'? I'll tell ya, people can change over-”

“I never said he was in a gang!” Rukia shouted. “And I don't know if he has a `thing' with Renji but it sure seemed like it and this gut feeling of mine is yelling at me, telling me that Renji did betray me.” The girl said, her voice getting softer.

“Ruka-chan, I'm so sorry,” Kisuke said, giving her a big hug. “You know what you need?”

The girl looked up, seeing a grin almost as big as Shinji's on Urahara's face. She was curious, but something about that smile told her that it wasn't a good idea, but she decided to take the risk.

“What are you planning, Kisuke?”

“You need to get…revenge. Eh?”

He was answered by smack in the face that stung his left cheek. He scowled at the girl, not understanding the reason for hitting him.

“What the hell, Rukia?! I'm trying to help you get over Renji and here you are, slapping me for no reason!”

“Revenge, Kisuke? Seriously? Is that all you can think of? I'm disappointed in you.”

“Well, it's the only way to teach him! And besides, what if he breaks up with you for Shuuhei? Eh? What'll you do then?”

Rukia turned silent, her mind flashing back to what the conversation with Shuuhei and Renji. She refused to believe it, but as much as she wanted to, there was no denying that Renji had some kind of connection with Shuuhei.

“Suppose I go with your idea. What do you have planned?” The girl asked, crossing her arms.

“Hmmm….good question. Well, what is one person Renji absolutely despises?”

Rukia thought for a minute, trying to think of the person. Suddenly, her memory flashed back to the encounter when she felt Ichigo's chest and felt something bumpy and uneven on his shirt. A flashback occurred, bringing Rukia back to the summer of this year, when Renji and Ichigo fought over Orihime. They both fought like lions, and in turn, each received scars and injuries from the brawl. Renji was left with a broken nose and rib, while Ichigo had a deep wound across his torso, the blood quickly gushing out of the cut. Orihime and Rukia watched from the roof, both gasping in horror at the strength and brutality of the two. Rukia remembered that this was the day that she actually encountered the orange-haired boy for the first time. She walked towards the edge of the roof, about to jump off, when a hand grabbed her wrist, holding her back. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing an amber-haired girl with concern in her eyes. Rukia gave her a nod, assuring her that everything will be fine. Orihime let go of Rukia's wrist, seeing her jump into the alley below. The raven-haired girl landed in a crouching position, seeing the beaten up strawberry lay in the dark corner of the alley with his eyes closed, breathing heavily, and streams of crimson trickling down his toned abdomen. He heard the footsteps of the approaching girl and lifted an eye, seeing Rukia kneel beside him.

“So, you're the goddamned person that's come to do me in, huh? I guess it's about time. So, what, you're gonna inject me with some poison? Shoot me? Do it. It's not worth liv-”

“Shut up already!” Rukia shouted, silencing the boy. She reached into her knapsack that was slung over her shoulder, and dug into it, looking for something.

“What the hell are you do-”

“If you don't stop cursing, I will slap you into the middle of next week! Now, hush and let me do my job.”

“And what job would that be?” He asked, looking at the girl getting some rubbing alcohol and gauze from the pouch of her book bag.

“To take care of you. I'm a nurse. Well, an intern,” She said, motioning the boy to lie down. He did, but as he lowered his body, he let out groans of pain, moving his hand towards the wound, clogging up the stream of blood. Rukia moved his hand away, her eyes widening at the sight of how much blood he had lost. She placed an arm under the boy's legs, causing him to raise an eyebrow.

“Don't even think like that. I need to elevate your legs so that the blood can flow smoothly,” She said, getting rubber gloves from her bag and putting them on, reaching for the gauze next to her. She wrapped it in a small bundle and pressed down on the wound, making the boy flinch. The girl patted along the deep scar, holding down the gauze.

“Why are you doing all of this?” He asked.

“What do you mean? It's my duty as a-”

“No, I mean, why are you helping me? I'm a complete stranger. As far as you know, this all could be a ruse. I could be pretending to be hurt, and when you let your guard down, that's when I'll strike. Have you even considered that?”

“To be honest, no, I haven't thought of that. But I know that's not the case since I saw what happened to you.”

“You're pretty dumb then. Why didn't you go help that red-headed bastard instead?

“I didn't help that other man because his condition wasn't as serious as yours. And besides, I'm not the dumbass who got into a stupid fight so who are you to call me dumb!” She shouted, accidentally pushing down too hard on the boy's chest, seeing the excess fluid pour out of the wound.

“I think that's enough blood loss. Now, this may sting a bit, but bear with me,” Rukia said, patting cotton balls with rubbing alcohol.

“Hey, what are yo-”

The sudden burn on his skin silenced him, nullifying all of his senses except for the immense agony he felt. He grabbed the girl's arms and gripped it tightly, needing something to hang on to while enduring the pain. Rukia glanced at the boy, feeling some sympathy for him and then continued to pat the wound. After a moment or so, the boy no longer felt the burning sensation and let go of the girl's wrist, letting out a deep sigh. Rukia dug into her bag, getting a whole roll of gauze and started stretching it out.

“All right, I'll need you to sit up so I can stop the bleeding.”

He did so, this time, with ease. The girl went around him, carefully wrapping the white bandage around him.

“What's your name?” He asked.

“Huh?” She asked with confusion.

“Your name. You're born with it, never lose it, always goes with you wherever you go, you know.”

“I know what it is, but why are you asking?”

“I'm bored.”

“I'm not going to give out my name to a complete stranger.”

“I'm Ichigo. There, now you know who I am, so we're not strangers anymore, now are we?” He said, grinning.

“Well, Ichigo, I'm Rukia. Now, this isn't the ideal place to converse, so, I will finish up and I'll take you somewhere safe. Just stay put and don't move; I just have to make one call and we're outta here.” The girl said, fetching her cell out of her back pocket.

“I'm fine, I can walk by myself. Just wait and see-” The boy attempted to stand, but the wound opened up, releasing a small waterfall of crimson that was pouring out. He gasped in agony and slumped back down, trying to cover up the aperture. Rukia turned around, not surprised by the boy's stupidity.

“Mhmm, that's what you get for not listening to me,” She whispered. “Hey. Umm…sorry but I can't go out for ramen tonight, Something popped up and I'm going to be busy for the rest of the night. I'm really sorry…okay, bye.” The girl flipped her phone shut and stuck it in her pocket and then glanced towards the roof of the building towering over her, no longer seeing the ginger-haired girl stand on the roof. She walked towards Ichigo and kneeled down, wrapping a single roll around his chest, her face inches away from the little skin that was exposed and tainted with blood. She tied the gauze into a tight, small knot so it wouldn't open up again. She placed the boy's arm over her shoulder, gently lifting him up. She tried to walk but he was dragging behind her.

“Stop fooling around. You have legs, so walk,” She grumbled. Ichigo chuckled and walked, even though the girl was a foot shorter than him, making him crouch a little when walking.

“So, where do you intern or whatever?” The boy asked.

“Why are you asking so many questions?”

“Because I'm bored, like I told ya.”

“Well, if you have to know, I intern at the Kurosaki clinic. It's not the best, but it'll do. Especially with my budget,” The girl murmured.

“Whaddaya mean?”

“I don't have money for college, so I'm going somewhere cheap. At first, I was hesitant to go there, because I heard the doctor there was a little loony, but I have been interning for about a week now, and he is actually nice. He has two daughters that help me out too, so I'm grateful. He also spoke of his son, but I never saw him. It's kinda odd, actually.”

“Oh really? What'd he say?” Ichigo asked, with a slight gleam of curiosity in his eyes.

“Well, at times, he'd start jumping to conclusions as to why the son wasn't there. He said, `Either he's sleeping with a girl, or he's run away'. I was laughing so hard when I heard that. It still makes me giggle even now.”

“He shouldn't judge his son so harshly. Maybe he had other stuff to do?”

“What `stuff' can you think of that he would miss his home for a week?”

“Well, um…” Ichigo said, scratching his head.

“Exactly. He should have at least left a note, or called the dad, or something to let him know he's okay.” Rukia sighed.

“Maybe he didn't have a chance to,” Ichigo grumbled. The girl stopped and looked up at the boy, giving him a slight scowl.

“Why are you defending him?”

“Why are you against him? You haven't even met him, and here you are, talking about the guy as if he's your ex or something.”

The girl scoffed, not believing that she was having such a ridiculous conversation. The two walked, Ichigo's arm still over Rukia's shoulder, but neither of them spoke a word after that.

Finally, the two arrived at the Kurosaki clinic, a bit out of breath from all of the walking. Rukia walked up the steps and rang the doorbell, waiting for a response from inside.

“Just a minute!” A young voice yelled from inside. Suddenly, the door opened, showing a young girl with brunette hair and a gleaming face.

“Ruka-chan! Ichi-nii! You're home!” The girl squealed, hugging the two of them. Ichigo groaned in pain at the embrace, making the little girl pull back and realize the bandages on Ichigo's chest.

“Ichigo! What happened to you?! You better start explaining right now! Wait, who tended to your wounds?” The brunette asked.

“Uh, Yuzu, That would be me.” Rukia said, smiling at the girl, getting a tight hug from her in response.

“Arigato, Ruka-chan! Come inside, I'll make you some tea.” Yuzu said, motioning inside and walking towards the kitchen. Ichigo and Rukia took a seat on the greenish-grey sofa in the living room, not saying a word to each other. Rukia was infuriated at Ichigo for not telling her that he was the proclaimed son of the doctor.

“All right, here you go,” Yuzu said, placing two cups of tea on wooden coasters in front of Rukia and Ichigo. The raven-haired gave a nod of gratitude and immediately drank hers, trying to think of any diversions that would distract her from choking Ichigo right then and there.

“ICHIGO!” a voice boomed.

All three of them turned around, seeing a man marching towards Ichigo, his eyes full of rage.

“How dare you run away from home and not leave us a message, or note, or anything! I thought I raised you to be better than that!” The man glanced to the right of Ichigo, noticing the raven-haired girl. “Rukia? What are you doing here? Classes are in the morning, you know that.”

“I know, but I found your son barely breathing, so I treated him and cleaned his wounds and I brought him here, so you all wouldn't have to worry,” The girl said, reaching for her cup of tea once more.

This man turned away, not wanting the others seeing him wipe a tear from the corner of his eye. It wasn't a tear of sorrow, but rather one filled with happiness and relief. He spun around, putting on a stoic face, then said “Thank you, Ms. Kuchiki. I am indebted to you,” He said, bowing. “How can I ever repay you?”

“Give me a place to stay.”

“W-What?” The man stuttered. Yuzu and Ichigo stared at the raven-haired girl with wide eyes, not believing the words that had just come out of her mouth.

“I need a place to stay. I barely manage to pay the rent and I'm tired of burrowing money from friends to pay it off, so, since you said you would make it up, a home will be just fine to pay off price of me saving your boy's life,” She said, her face as unyielding as a rock.

“Fine. You can stay here but Yuzu and Karin's rooms are too small, so I'm sorry to say this, but you will have to sleep in Ichigo's room.”

The boy spit out the tea he had in his mouth, splattering it all over Yuzu, making Rukia turn around.

“Ichigo!” The girl whined.

“Sorry, I thought I heard Dad say that Rukia was staying in my room.”

“She is.”

“What?!” Ichigo exclaimed, slamming the cup of tea down on the table.

“You heard me. She's sleeping in your room. Deal with it.”

“I dunno if you've noticed, but there's only one bed in my room! Why can't she sleep in the living room?!”

“Are you out of your mind?! A living room is no place fit for a lady! However, you do have a point about the bed situation. No way am I going to let you have any sexual relations with this young woman.”

“W-What the-”

“Ichigo, I'm not kidding! Do you know how bad my reputation would be if my son-”

“If you don't mind, could I have a look around the room?” The raven-haired girl asked.

“Sure! Take your time, Rukia!” The dad said, his face gleaming. He glanced at Ichigo, whose scowling eyes were narrowed at the man. When Rukia opened the door to Ichigo's room, it was surprisingly neat and tidy instead of messy and out of place like she had thought. She dropped her bag by the door and scanned the room, curious to see if there was anything interesting. The girl looked under the bed, in his desk, and even in his phone, which was on his nightstand. She checked his inbox to see if there were any scandalous text messages, but it was empty. Rukia groaned, and then went through his contacts to see if she recognized any people, and to her surprise, she knew a few, like Kisuke Urahara, Shinji Hirako, and Orihime Inoue.

Wait, if she knows Ichigo, then she could have told me about him before I jumped off the roof and made a complete fool of myself! I will get back at her later but for now, I need to-

“HEY! Why the hell do you have my phone?!” Ichigo yelled, stomping towards the girl and snatching the cell from her hand then folded it, putting it in the back pocket of his jeans. “Did you find a spot yet?” He asked.

“Well, you have a small room so, no.”

“Did you try the closet?”

“The…huh?”

The boy walked to the two doors across from his bed and slid one open, revealing a study, wooden slate of wood with shelves filled with bed sheets and folded clothes. Rukia walked in, climbing on top of the wooden ledge, her body fitting perfectly in the open space. She pounded it to see if it would hold her and then, she walked out and got her bag, taking a few things out, such as a rabbit plushie and a silky, ivory scarf that she put in the shelf below, handling it with care. She let out a contented sigh and jumped out, sliding the door shut behind her, then turned to face Ichigo, who was confused about what had just happened.

“The closet is perfect. I will go downstairs and let Dr. Kurosaki know that I found a place,” The girl said, walking out of the door and down the stairs. Ichigo heard murmurs from downstairs but he ignored it, inspecting the closet instead. He poked his head in, seeing that the girl had already prepared for bed. A small, pink pillow was at the edge; a pink rabbit with small, black eyes and tall ears that stood up straight was in the middle of the pillow. At the other end was the white, dirty bag that Rukia had brought, hiding in the dark corner of the closet. Light footsteps could be heard in the hallway, making Ichigo turn his head. The raven-haired girl walked in, all dressed up in a pair of pajamas that were light blue with white polka dots.

“Uhm, what time is it?” She asked

“Its almost 12,” He said, glancing at his watch.

“Well, I better be getting to bed.”

The girl walked to the closet and climbed the shelf, and closed the door until she was interrupted by the boy.

“Oi Rukia!” Ichigo shouted, making the raven-haired girl pop her head back into the room, staring at the teen.

“Uh, yeah, what's up?”

“I'm sorry for overreacting back there. I'm just not used to having a stranger, and a woman, at that, in my house, so, welcome home,” He said, scratching the back of his orange, spiky head and smiling a slight grin at the girl. Rukia walked out of the closet and walked towards Ichigo, hugging him, surprising the teen.

“It's been a long time since I heard those last two words. Thank you, Ichigo Kurosaki,” The girl said, letting go of her grip around the boy's waist and retreated to the closet, sliding the door but leaving it open just a crack so that the moonlight shining through the bedroom window wouldn't leave Rukia alone in the dark.

“G'night, midget,” Ichigo said, climbing in his bed and pulling the blanket over him, turning to his side, his back facing the girl.

“Oyasuminasai, dumbass.”

That's right; that was the very first time I actually felt at `home'. And it was all because of him.

“Ooh! I have the perfect person in mind!” Kisuke exclaimed, slamming his fist onto his palm.

“Who is this `perfect person', Kisuke?” Rukia asked, still sucking on her cherry lollipop.

“What about…Ichigo Kurosaki?”

Rukia choked on her candy, repeatedly pounding her fist onto her chest. The blonde simply sat there, watching the show, getting slapped by the choking girl that stung his skin.

“You are such an abusive person, Rukia. I mean, seriously, if you need help with your hitting problems, I would be more than happy to help you and help you enroll in Abusers Anonymous, but that gives you no right to-”

“You….mentioned Ichigo. Why?”

Checkmate. Kisuke thought.

“Well, it's a pretty well-known fact that the two hate each other, so naturally, Ichigo would be the ideal person to make Renji jealous.”

“But how?”

“He will be at the party as well as Renji, so that will be the perfect opportunity, ne?”

“So, I dance with him and get flirty, right?” The girl murmured, pondering it to herself for a bit, then gleamed at the man, grinning. “Kisuke, you are a genius. That's sure to make Renji jealous!”

“That's a good and all, but what about Ichigo?”

“Huh?”

“If he does have feelings for you, he will seriously get hurt once he finds out that you used him and that will definitely strain your relationship with him, maybe even end it.”

“Well, I don't think he has any `feelings' toward me, so it's all good, don't worry.”

“Do you have feelings for him?” The man asked, staring at the girl, who was taken aback by the question.

“W-What?! No! Never! As if I would ever like a person as unruly and rebellious as him. I think you had one too many lollipops, Kisuke. Do you not remember the whole point of the plan?” Rukia asked, putting her hands on her waist and narrowed her eyes at the man with a lollipop in his mouth, looking back at the girl with that curious, innocent look through those aqua eyes of his.

“Sure, whatever you say. Well, I think it's about time I head back to the shop, ne?”

The man got up, brushing off the dirt on his behind and adjusted his bucket hat so that the front of it hovered over his bangs. He started walking off in the other direction, but stopped abruptly. There was silence for a moment, and then the man said, “You can say what you want, but you can't lie to me. I have known you since you were a kid, and you still try to deceive me? You shouldn't bottle yourself up, Rukia.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Kisuke?”

The man chuckled, walking towards the girl, placing both of his hands on her shoulders.

“It's so obvious you like Kurosaki. You tell yourself that you like Renji, but you yearn for Ichigo as well. How does it feel, to be torn between two loves? Not to mention the fact that they hate each other, even to this day. Whoever receives your love is up to you, so, choose the one that your heart is calling for, but know that in the end, you will lose one of them,” The man said solemnly, letting go of the girl's shoulders and turned his back on her, walking off in the distance.

“Dammit, Kisuke, you make everything seem like a riddle,” The girl muttered, hiding her hands in the pockets of her coat and went the opposite way from the hatted man.