Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Total Eclipse ❯ White Rose ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Soft moonlight cascaded over the town of Karakura, silhouetting each of it's tall buildings and structures against the ambient night sky. The air was thick, humid and heavy, rolling along the concrete slabs of the city centre. One, long queue of patrons lined up evenly against the many thick glass windows of shops, leading towards the thumping music of an open doorway that poured it's bright, multicoloured lights out onto the pavement.

"Kurosaki, can't you ask them to hurry up?" Uyru grumbled, leaning himself back against a thin layer of brick that separated two large windows of the two shops. He tugged at the sleeves of his expensive white shirt, furrowing his brows as he fumbled to roll the thin cotton up to his elbows.

Ichigo's hands buried themselves within his deep pockets. "I can't talk to Byakuya without gettin' in there." He replied non-chalantly, his wavering attention focused on a flickering street lamp before subconsiously allowing his feet to follow the snail's pace of the queue.

"Stop tugging on it!" Tatsuki scolded, slapping Uyru's hand away from the crumpled sleeve. With an irritated sigh she rolled her eyes, before gently coaxing the material up and along his thin arms into small rolls around his forearms. Ichigo, as he usually did, paid them no heed. His gaze now focused upon the open club's glass door; dipping to the left as he peered around the crowd; thanking God once again for his height as the long line began to pick up it's pace.

"Man oh man... So hot-blooded..." Shunsui sighed, waving his left hand dismissively beside his head; drawing forth a scowl from Ichigo as thick smoke from his cigar poured over the digruntled mans face.

"Damnit Shun," Ichigo coughed. "I told you to stop doing that!" Shunsui simply chuckled in response and with a practiced flick of his forefinger, he brushed the thick trademark lock of his smooth sepia hair from his eyes.

"Doctor Kurosaki, Ishida, Kyoraku. Go through." The burly doorman instructed in a low, grunt-like voice that well befitted his appearance. Ichigo nodded, motioning with his right hand for the others to follow.

The small group made their way into the large main room, weaving and dodging their way through the dancing patrons towards a large group of tables at the far end. Uryu immediately dropped himself down on a long, wall mounted chair. Tatsuki placed herself beside him, crossing her right leg over her left as she leant her head back against his shoulder. Shunsui latched onto the bridge of a short white chair, before pulling it out and seating himself upon the lacquered surface.

Ichigo forced a short sigh. "I guess I'm getting the first round?"

"Orange juice."
"Gin and tonic."
"Whiskey."

He growled at the answers, attempting to relay the requests into his musically assaulted brain before nodding. "I'll be right back then."

He pushed away from the table, slipping his left hand into his pocket as he stomped along the polished marble dance floor toward the bar. After a short struggle to get through a large group of teenagers at the counter, he gave up; opting instead to step around the curved end of the bar before resting his elbows on the black acryllic surface.

"Good evening Ichigo!"

Ichigo spun his eyes to the right, perking his eyebrows as he spotted Byakuya emerging from the closing office door beside the bar.

"Evening Byakuya!" He blurted, immediately straightening his body out as the dark haired man strode over to Ichigo's side; propping himself up on one of the tall, stainless steel stools.

"There's no need to get into such a flurry," Byakuya rolled his eyes. "Now, what would you like to drink?" He continued, tugging at the tight knot in his pale green tie.

A deep frown contorted his plain expression as he pressed his hands against the counter, hooking a nearby stool with his foot before pulling it over and dropping down onto it.

"Why do you always offer me free drinks?" Ichigo inquired, beginning to drum his fingertips to the fast paced music. Byakuya chuckled and slipped from the stool to the floor, before lifting up the convertable bar gate and stepping into the large work area. Byakuya returned a small nod from an employee before reaching under the wooden counter.

"We've been over this before. You've taken care of my wife and daughter for the last few months, this is the least I can do." Byakuya explained, his hands latching onto two crystal glasses and deftly spinning them the right way up.

"Appreciated, but I don't need the charity." Ichigo stated grimly, struck by a slight pang of guilt. He despised, more than anything else for people to think he worked hard so people would return favours.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Byakuya placed the glasses down. "Now, what are you drinking?" He enquired forcefully, craning and tilting his neck for the response. His eyes focused intently on Ichigo's, hoping that for once the man would forego his usual incessant complaining that escaped his lips every time Byakuya offered.

Ichigo dropped against the stool's small backrest. "I'll have a whiskey..." He groaned in defeat, prompting a triumphant smirk from the elder man. Byakuya knelt down, only the tips of his carefully placed, white hairties poking up from behind the varnished work surface. Ichigo craned his neck, attempting to gain a better view of the man.

"Would you like Hakureiken, or Ooemaeda brand?!"

A startled Ichigo blinked, clearing his throat once more before leaning forwards. "Hakuteiken please!" He yelled back, blinking once again as Byakuya instantly popped up, brandishing both a mischevious smirk and a large, cylindrical glass bottle.

"I knew you'd go for my brand." Byakuya gloated as he gripped the wooden cork firmly in his right hand, twisting the stopper away from the next with ease. He lowered the thin bottle to the glasses and proceeded to pour generous amounts of the golden liquid into each.

"How is the music going with my dear Nanao?" He asked, hoping to possibly draw some information from the reserved man before making his way back through the bar.

Ichigo nodded his thanks as Byakuya handed him a glass. "Depends what you mean by music..." He chuckled, earning himself a nod from Byakuya as he swirled the large volume of liquid around the walls of the thin crystal.

"It's going well... After all, it's only a hobby." He continued and lifted the glass to his lips. With a deep breath, he inhaled the whiskey's heady scent. Byakuya followed suit, his eyes rolling back into his head upon catching the sweet smell. Ichigo lifted the glass before taking a cautious sip of the potent brew; contorting his face into a scowl as the thin liquid seared it's way down his throat.

Ichigo reeled back slightly, smacking his lips as the initial hit of the alcohol was replaced by the pleasant, woody aftertaste. "Where is Nanao tonight anyway? Shunsui called the house, but Hisana said she wasn't in." Ichigo questioned, his eyes focused upon the oily skin of his drink.

"She's catching up on work. Rukia arrived home from University yesterday evening, it was rather hectic." Byakuya stated, his shoulders barely moving under a light shrug, as he inhaled a large mouthful of the brutal beverage.

"It burns, but I must say I created a fine brew." Byakuya boasted proudly.

"Huh?" Ichigo blurted his reply, blinking himself back into reality before turning his eyes to the man. "Oh... yeah, it's great." He continued, sipping another small amount of his drink. Byakuya lifted himself from the stool, placing his glass back down on the counter before elegantly weaving his way behind the bar.

"You haven't had the pleasure of meeting my dear Rukia yet, have you Ichigo?" Byakuya asked, his eyes shifting casually between the whiskey bottle and Ichigo.

"Uh... No. No I haven't." Ichigo stammered, his wobbling gaze attempted to focus on his drink. However; unfortunately for Ichigo, he had not inherited his father's strong alcohol consumption genes. Coupled with the fact that the Kuchiki's whiskey could comfortably replace car fuel, controlling his vision would soon be the least of his worries.

"That's perfect then!" Byakuya exclaimed. Ichigo lifted his gaze once more only to find the man gone. He shifted his vision left, then right; jumping slightly as Byakuya hauled himself onto his stool once again.

"What's perfect?" Ichigo asked curiously, feeling his stomach drop as Byakuya poured a steady stream of thin liquid into his glass. Even more than the first time, he noted grimly.

"Nanao invited Shunsui to dinner next friday night," Byakuya explained whilst pouring another generous portion of whiskey into his own glass. "Why don't you come along too? We could make a night of it. I'm sure Rukia-chan would love to meet you!"

"Maybe." Ichigo replied simply. His eyes set upon Byakuya as he once again chugged the entirety of his full glass. Ichigo cringed. The last time he drank like that, the combined strength of Kensei, Shunsui, Nanao and Lisa were only barely able to lift his limp body from a thick holly bush - feet first.

"Maybe?" Byakuya perked an eyebrow. "There is no such thing as maybe, Ichigo. Life is about yes and no. You're either sure or you haven't a clue, positive or negative."

Ichigo eyed the tall man with interest. In the four months Ichigo had known Byakuya, never had he sounded so philosophical, so... well... adult. Though he noted that Byakuya did have a point. Up until recently, Ichigo's life had just been one headache after another, one step forward and two back, one positive outcome and two kicks to the stomach.

It's just dinner with Byakuya's family. You had no problems with Hisana or Nanao, so it'll be fine. Just say yes.

"Well..."

'Well...'? 'WELL'?! Pathetic, truly pathetic Ichigo. No-one says 'well' as a response anymore.

Byakuya perked an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "Well?"

You see? Even that overactive dude, the one who acts like a twelve year old with a brand new, red toy truck didn't see the point in such a ridiculous stall.

"I mean,"

Is it because of his status?

Ichigo dropped his gaze to the oily liquid within his glass, contemplating. Or rather, mulling over his thoughts. It was so very true that Byakuya was a man who commanded a large amount of respect, both from his patrons and fellow business investors that had come to know the ruthlessness of the Kuchiki name. He had opened a small business within the industrial melting pot that is Karakura town, turned a small investment of brewing a potent batch of whiskey into a global household name for all that enjoyed the beverage's sharp edge.

Despite his somewhat short relationship with the man, not once had Ichigo ever been afronted by the visage that he must surely convey to any competitors and possible investors alike. It was a wonder that he, the very same man that held himself with an almost frolic attitude, could own and run such a huge corperation. Ichigo had always assumed that his playful demeanor was reserved for his family alone, using the stark contrast as a prevention from being drawn completely into his rigorous work schedule.

Ichigo chanced a covert glance at Byakuya, who was now attempting to lick whatever remained of his drink from the rim of the glass. With a silent chuckle his gaze returned to the swirling contents of his own. Perhaps it was Hisana that had yanked this comical side out of him, long before the Hakuteiken company had launched to economical stardom? Who knows.

"Everything okay, Ichigo?" Byakuya's firm voice hinted his concern, as did his mildly furrowed eyebrows.

"Huh?" Ichigo hacked out a short cough before thumping his fist firmly against his chest. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Byakuya pursed his lips, "Are you sure? You were wobbling on the stool," he stated while imitating Ichigo's motions. A wry smirk quickly worked its way onto his lips as he hesitated with his next statement. "Oh my... are you drunk Ichigo?!"

The firey-haired man blinked before placing his glass on the counter and turning back to Byakuya. "I'm not even tipsy!" he retorted with a flick of his wrist before formulating the perfect scowl to counteract Byakuya's over-dramatic chortle.

"I see..." Byakuya replied as he placed his own glass beside Ichigo's. "So, are you going to answer my question?"

"Uh..."

You're an idiot, just man up and say yes. Geez, I don't remember you ever being this much of a pansy before. Except for that time Kojo broke up with you. Heh! Now THAT was fucking pathetic!

He groaned irritably. His conscience was bad enough at work, and now it decided to interfere with his personal life? Honestly, at times Ichigo could swear he had some other, almost opposite being living within himself.

"Okay, what time?" He belatedly answered. Cringing in regret as Byakuya moulded a wide grin onto his lips.

The dark-haired man slid elegantly to his feet and straightened out his unruly white shirt. "Excellent! Friday, 8pm."


Gentle beams of pale morning light curved over the mountainous far reaches of Karakura. Soft peaks of icy morning dew upon crisp green grass, gradually evaporated into the thin air, leaving a lazy mist of soft morning fog that poured meekly over the city's wide streets.

Rukia gingerly stroked the soft, almost velvet texture of her large purple cover with her bare ankles. A chesty yawn forced its exit from her small chest, exhuming itself in the form of a light squeak from the small woman. Her full lips curled into a contented smile as she laid back heavily against her plump pillows, rolling her head weakly to the left as she searched for a cold spot upon the large cushion.

Conciousness was swiftly caught by the small woman as her eyes cautiously peeled themselves open, fluttering wearily against the onslaught of the early morning sun.

Rukia had always been an early bird, and it was clear to her already that this day was going to be no exception.

With a disgruntled groan, she slowed the gentle massaging of her petite feet and kicked back the thick purple duvet that had suddenly gone from being a soft, warm comfort, to a thick, overbearing suffocation.

Still, just because she was an early bird, it didn't make her a morning person... Far from it in fact.

The small woman had an ongoing feud... No, it would be more aptly named a war with the summer sun. As she pivoted her hips so her small feet could rest comfortably on the fluffy white carpet, the reason became apparent. The sun was hot, it was blinding, it was there when she would work and it would disappear with a chuckle as she would lie down to rest, hiding itself for another day of constant aggrivation.

Red patches of blemished skin sat mockingly beside her usually porcelain white complexion, leering at the unscathed outline left by her one-piece swimsuit. With a sigh, she raised a pink arm to rest on her shoulder; small white fingertips traced the seared skin, a weak attempt to soothe the burning sensation.

-CRASH-

She cringed at the sound. Every thursday morning without fail, something that warranted, or rather someone demanded the attention of the three Kuchiki females. It had been 6 months since Rukia had last been at home, and unfortunately for her, Byakuya's flamboyant behaviour was as prominent as ever.

"Rukia! Could you come down here please, we need your help!" She could hear her mother bellow from downstairs, along with the muffled sounds of muttering, sighing, gasping and yes... more crashing.

Morning was most definately the worst time of day for Kuchiki Rukia.

With a light sigh she begrudgingly accepted her fate and slowly stood up, her body letting forth another leg-tremblingly powerful yawn as she reached over to the back of her chair for her white robe.

"What on earth?!" Nanao gasped, throwing a hand up to her mouth as her wide eyes stared in shock at her shirtless father.

"Nanao, get me another towel from the kitchen." Hisana demanded as she wrapped her fingers tightly around her husbands bicep.

Rukia grappled the banisters as she reached the bottom of the stairs, anchoring her turn as she stifled yet another yawn. Her bare feet padded softly against the dark wooden floor of the hallway. "Why am I being yelled at? It's seven in the morning!" She bellowed before coming to a stop at the kitchen door and spinning on her heels. Her lidded eyes swiftly snapped open in alert as her gaze shifted from the kitchen counter to her father, or more precisely the blood pouring freely from his left forearm.

Her legs recovered from the shock first, carrying her still reeling body towards her father. "Dad!? What on earth happened?!" She cried before coming to a standstill at the dark-haired man's side and wrapping both of her small hands around his bicep; allowing Hisana to continue tending to the gaping laceration.

"Good morning darling!" Byakuya jested lightheartedly as he leant down to his wide-eyed daughter and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

Nanao quickly appeared next to her crouching mother. "Here you go." She stated breathlessly. Hisana simply nodded in response as she grabbed the white cloth and folded it roughly into a thin rectangle, before proceeding to wrap it securely around the oozing wound.

"How did this happen father?" Nanao queried as she poked the rim of her glassed back onto the bridge of her slender nose. Byakuya smiled in response and leant down, placing another soft kiss on her forehead.

"I was in the shower and slipped," He stated, wincing slightly as Hisana gripped each end of the towel and brought his forearm into a vice-like grip. "So as I reached out to grab onto the shower handle, I missed and BAM!" He exploded dramatically. Nanao jumped slightly at his outburst, while Rukia focused on ignoring the frailty of her morning grip and proceeded to latch harder onto his arm.

"Bam?" Hisana lifted her gaze up to her wincing husband, allowing the man a brief moment to notice the worry that was clear in her eyes.

"Well... I hit the medicine cupboard and went through the mirror." He blushed slightly at his statement, shifting his eyes away from the three inquisitive women.

Rukia was the first to recover.

"So what you really mean, is that you're hungover from drinking at your own club, and you in fact didn't reach for the shower handle. But opted instead to grab the curtain. Right?" She glared daggers at her father, who instantly turned to look at her with a feigned expression of shock.

"Why Rukia! How could you ever have guessed!" He gasped, wincing once again as Hisana wrapped a thick layer of gauze tape around the towel.

"Because you did the same thing two years ago..." She sighed. Hisana nodded up to her, which was returned lazily as Rukia released her grip. Byakuya slowly opened and closed his fist, re-accustoming himself to a healthy supply of blood.

"Nanao, you drive. Rukia, you're going too. Put on some shoes." Hisana demanded as she jumped up and glided effortlessly across the tiled floor.

"What? I'm not even dressed! Where the hell do you want me to go?" Rukia threw her hands up in front of her; a feral growl passing her small lips as Byakuya formed his own into an overdramatic pout.

"The private surgery, that will need stitches." She replied quickly, her finger frantically pounding her cellphone's keypad before lifting it to her ear and slipping her left arm around her waist.

"Ugh... Fine." Rukia sighed, her thinned eyes softening slightly as she noticed the subtle hint of pain and guilt within her father's own dark orbs.

"Let's go!" Nanao yelled, her fingers quickly snapping the lock and yanking open the reluctant oak door, which began to tremble from it's expanded state due to the light overnight rain.

"Let's go Rukia." Byakuya stated monotonously, leaving his youngest daughter stumped at the sudden change in his attitude. She quickly brought herself together with a shake of her head and followed her father into the hall. She threw on her purple sneakers while he opted to exit in style with fluffy pink chappy slippers.

My fluffy pink chappy slippers. She noted grimly.

After several shouts and yells of complaint from Rukia, she won her place in the front seat of the car; leaving Byakuya to stretch himself out along the back seats of the wide people carrier. Soon after they buckled themselves in, Nanao started up the car and began to adjust her seat while Rukia perked an eyebrow in late realisation, turning her head to her now merrily whistling father.

"When did we get private medical treatment?" She questioned; abruptly stopping her father's whistling mid-verse as his eyes fell to meet hers.

"This year. Your sister and mother were finding it too much of a pain to keep walking into town for medicine. This surgery has amazing doctors as well as a home delivery service," He explained simply, prompting a silent acknowledgement from Rukia. "Though the home delivery service is just a deal between friends, the young doctor that delivers it is very talented indeed. You'll be meeting him tomorrow." Byakuya continued, this time earning himself an unappeased frown from his youngest daughter.

"Dad, I really don't want to meet any smart, smelly, pompous doctors." She stated, spinning back into her seat while holding a firm air of finallity in her words. Byakuya perked his brows slightly at her response, before shrugging slightly and continuing his whistling.

Rukia let out a soft, calming breath as her eyes scanned the streets. The houses were gradually falling in number and were instead replaced by tall buildings and small shops. "Where is this clinic anyway, Nanao?" She asked lazily, her arms now folded tightly across her modest chest.

"Oh, it's a small clinic on the outskirts of the town. We'll be there soon, don't worry." She stated in a soft voice.

Rukia couldn't help but steal a glance at her elder sister and smile slightly. Nanao was so tense whenever she drove anywhere, especially if she was being distracted. Her brow would knit into a tight frown, her lithe fingers would latch tightly onto the wheel which only served to turn her knuckles a pinkish white. The funniest thing however, was her soft voice, which in itself was so uncharacteristic for Nanao, let alone when she was driving. Rukia smiled once more and turned her attention back to the road, noticing that the scenery had changed once more as they seemed to enter the inner suburbs on the other side of town.

"I don't think I've been around this side of town before. Is there really a private surgery here? It just looks like a cosy street." Rukia calmly voiced her thoughts as they turned a long, sloping corner. Her right hand now unlatched from her left as she attempted - in vain - to straighten out her morning hair, which was strangely reminiscent of a peacock's tail.

"It's part of a small house, the surgery is quite big in itself. The last owner was a man named Isshin, he's now working at the hospital at the other side of town." Nanao explained lightly, her iron grip of the wheel now relaxed to a gentle cradling of the leather lining; deep within her comfort zone of the outer city.

"Isshin..." Rukia attempted to draw forth any memories of such an acquaintence. "I don't think I've heard of that name... No, wait... Oh yes! Isshin! He was the doctor that treated Tatsuki's broken arm last year!" Rukia exclaimed with triumph, though it was diverted at her usually awful memory which had - for once - decided to oil itself up.

"Yes. His son Ichigo is running the practice now, along with his friends Shunsui and Uyru." Nanao answered with a slight chuckle. Rukia getting excited wasn't something the family got to see very often. Rather, it was rare for anyone to see.

"Shunsui and Uyru?" Rukia repeated simply. "I didn't realise that they worked together." She uttered with an approving nod. Both Uyru and Shunsui were great doctors, besides if Ichigo was the son of Isshin, then he must be...

Wait. Ichigo?

A thick lump leapt to her throat.

"Nanao... What is the name of this clinic?" She questioned breathlessly; frantically raking her neatly trimmed nails through her unruly mass of raven locks.

"The Kurosaki Clinic." She responded simply as they inclined around another long, sloping bend.

Damnit! My hair's a mess, I haven't washed my face... I'm not even wearing clothes! Damn, damn, damn, damn, da...

"Rukia~! we're here!" Byakuya sang from the back seat.

Sporting the grin.

Yes. The grin that all fathers wore when they knew they were about to truly ruin their children's day.