Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Twisted Fate ❯ memories: Unfurling ( Chapter 7 )

(A/N)

hey guys!

I know, I can't exactly recall how many months has passed since my last update for this fic. And I am truly sorry. Got too busy the last few months. And will be again for the next few. But I do hope not in the same way as the last time.

 

I know there is just no excuse for leaving this story for that long. I really have a good valid reason. I was doing two jobs last semester (her in the Philippines the second semester starts on November and ends in april) while also studying for my NCLEX exam.

 

Well good news, I passed my exam! So now I have more time to chuck stomp my brain for updates.

 

So anyway, writing this type of story is kinda something like a new territory to me. I do hope you will somehow like my update.

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Memories: Unfurling

 

 

 

Ichigo's mind was whirling and running top speed. The Shiba's have finally made their intentions clear. The Shiba clan is the third most powerful family in the Secret Society, following behind the Kuchiki's and the Aizen's. The clan is now headed by the first born Kuukaku Shiba. Though a female, she could rival any male warrior when it comes to skills and strength. But as far as he knows she was already in her mid thirties. Who would they be pairing up with her?

 

Ichigo's face was scrunched up in a scowl, his eyes are staring straight ahead, but Renji knew that his partner was not seeing the drops of snow falling silently to the ground. His mind is occupied with what little information that he had just said earlier.

 

Ichigo was still racking his brain for any little information and clue as to what the SS was planning. It could not be with the Kuchiki's. The said family was headed by Byakuya Kuchiki, a cold and ruthless bastard who was just, if his memory serves him right, was only in his early thirties. The SS is old fashioned enough to follow the tradition of the man being older than the bride to be. If that is indeed the case, then it could only be with the cruel, merciless devil Sousuke Aizen. “Shit” he said aloud. Aizen was the current head of the SS. And if he could tap into the resources from the wealthy Shiba clan, then he would become more powerful and deadly.

 

“The Shiba's, Kuukaku Shiba and Sousule Aizen. They are joining the two families together” he said as he looked straight at Renji.

 

“Eh? That old hag?” Renji asked incredulously. “Man, you sure have rusted”

 

“You have a better idea baboon?” If they weren't in the close confines of Renji's sleek car, Ichigo would have surely thrown him a punch. But he could only kill his partner with a withering look in such a small area.

“Whoa man!” his palms, trying to wave off the dangerous aura Ichigo has emitted “All that I'm saying is that well, Kuukaku is already too old to bear any heir. And I think that that is the main reason for such joining, to produce an heir worthy enough and noble enough to head the SS in the future.”

 

“Think you buffoon! Aizen is an only child, with no known living relatives whatsoever. While Kuchiki is also the only living heir to their clan. His only sister died in a plane crash along with his parents twenty years ago.” He rubbed his nape, just thinking about it all is tiring and perplexing. He could almost feel a headache coming.

 

“Well, the Shiba's does” he looked at Ichigo “there is still Kaien, the most skilled of all the Shiba's and the youngest Ganju. It could be either of them.” He insisted, still defending his own line of thinking.

 

Oh God! Ichigo rubbed his hands on his face. How ever did he get a stupid primate like Renji as his partner he couldn't even begin to fathom. “And whom do you guess they would be married to?” he asked sarcastically “I don't think the SS elders would approve of same sex marriages”

 

“Dammit Ichigo! I was just trying out other angles.”

 

“Next time try coming up with plausible and logical angles will yah?” Ichigo ran his hands through his hair once again. “And Kaien had never been involved with any of SS's activities. He is in fact the only one who seems disinterested with it.” He had mentally crossed out Kaien. He knew that he was the last person to succumb to the whims and wishes of SS. He knew how he hated what his own family is involved in.

 

But then he hasn't seen him for quite a while. He may have had a change of heart. Maybe it was time he take a look into his profile again. Just to see how his old college buddy is doing.

 

He was annoyed. This was no way to conduct his job. All he has now are speculations. Without even the barest thread of evidence. He should be out there, doing the investigation himself rather than just being fed information that he could have gotten better than his stupid excuse of a partner.

 

Not that he doesn't trust Renji or anything, he does. It's just that data gathering and assimilation were not his strong points exactly.

 

Ichigo stared straight ahead, his mind wondering off to the topic at hand. There's got to be something more to it than just that. “Are you sure that's all there is to it? He asked.

“Look man, that's all the information our sources have gathered. I told you everything already. And why would I hold out information from you man? Geez, just because you can't figure it out doesn't mean I have anything to do with it. It's not my fault your brain fails you.” He said indignantly

 

“At least I have brains' he muttered absently, still staring straight ahead, lost in his own thoughts that he did not hear the curses aimed at him by his angry partner. “There is something were missing, a vital piece of information regarding this joining.”

 

“Well, we still are looking into it. If any other news gets in, you should be able to get the information straight from your pocket pc.” Renji replied while rummaging through the small compartment in his car. “And here” he said swinging a small flash disc in Ichigo's face “here is all the current data we have about the three main SS clans, you can do your share with this. You already know what to do” with that he left Ichigo inside the car ands headed towards the cottage.

 

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Rukia stirred in more pepper in her sauce, humming slightly. Her plan to get even with her stupid housemate was well on it's way. Speaking of which, the two have been outside for quite a while already. What ever could they be talking about that needs that much privacy, she has no idea. She placed the lid back on the pot and left it to simmer for a while. Letting her curiosity get the best of her, she crossed the living room towards the window and took a peek at the two. It seemed like they were having a rather serious discussion about something. She could see Ichigo's familiar scowl in place. Maybe it was something business related.

 

She was still observing, discreetly, when she saw Renji get out and head towards the cottage. Oh dear, she thought, her heart racing, Time to get even.

 

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Ichigo was still musing over the new developments when he heard laughter from inside the cottage. The distinct soft sounds of her laughter. He smiled despite himself. Somehow, that soft beautiful sound could always lift his spirits up. Then he scowled when he heard Renji's booming laughter after. That son of a bitch! He thought as he quickened his steps towards the cottage.

 

With angry thoughts and curses aimed at his partner, he swung open the door, but stopped immediately at the entrance. For a second, he almost thought that he was at the wrong house. The whole house was dimly lit with numerous strawberry and vanilla scented candles placed inside the living room. While most of the light came from the warm and cozy fireplace. There were even flowers in a vase in the small center table. Somehow, the bleakness of white snow outside, against the soft glow of the candles, the warmth emitted by the fireplace had transformed the once just average living room into a very welcoming and inviting, and not to mention romantic place.

 

A perfect set up for seduction. He smiled. Rukia is somehow helping him along. Getting inside her pants would be like taking a candy from a baby. Ichigo was already running a list of romantic things he could and would do to Rukia, when her soft laughter permeated into his thoughts.

 

The said object of his thoughts was sitting on the sofa, her bare left arm dangling on top of the couch's back rest, legs artfully crossed, facing a smiling Renji on the other side of the sofa. Both looked like they were enjoying each others company.

 

Ichigo was irritated. No he was beyond irritated, he was angry. How dare he! And how dare she! Fighting the urge to pick Renji up by his collar and throw him out, he loudly slammed the door shut. But rather than being alarmed both just looked at him, Renji smiling, while Rukia's glare was questioning.

 

“Oh hey man!” Renji said jovially “This girl is a gem! Where did you find her again?”

 

“Oh Renji, don't be such a tease!” she answered in a high pitched girly tone. Ichigo's scowl became even more pronounced after hearing her talk. Then looking at Ichigo, “Would you like some champagne?” without waiting for his reply, she looked back at Renji “the glasses are on the second shelf of the cabinet” then “where were we again Runji-kun?”

 

Ichigo couldn't believe his ears. He had never heard Rukia talk like that. She was almost purring when she said Renji's name! It was irritating to say the least. And she was deliberately annoying him. Damn it! And Renji was totally under her spell. That bastard! He thought.

 

“Rukia” he growled walking closer, ready to snatch her up away from Renji's presence when she suddenly stood up. His voice was suddenly lodged in his throat. She was wearing a dark blue silk, spaghetti strapped sleeveless dress. While the bodice fitted her every curve ending just above her knees. Add those sexy black heels. She looked so sexy, so elegant and alluring. “Don't be such a drag Ichigo-kun, we have a guest, so be nice” again using her girly high pitched voice. “Stay here Renji-kun, I'll see if our dinner's ready. And don't mind him, he is just usually like that” With that said, she strutted back into the kitchen, making sure to add some sway in her hips.

 

For a moment Ichigo couldn't tear his eyes away from her. And the way she walked, swaying her hips right and left, he almost grabbed her.

 

“Of course I'll be waiting” Renji replied. He was enjoying this. Seeing Rukia act so feminine was just exquisite. But seeing Ichigo react that way to her was pure pleasure. He could almost picture Ichigo trying to wring his neck. But then again, it isn't everyday that he sees his dear ol' partner perplexed and confused by a mere woman. It isn't that Ichigo is ugly. Actually he is one of the best looking guys, second to him, that he's seen. And he's got his own hoard of adoring girls asking for even just a sliver of attention. It's just that Ichigo has never been that interested with a woman before. Sure he enjoys women. But he has never acted this way with any of them. Not with the same possessive gleam in his eyes. Nor with the hungry look that he always has with her. He doesn't even look twice at Orihime, whom Renji can state as one of the most beautiful girl in the whole planet.

 

Renji settled further into the couch, and grabbed his wine glass. He looked at Ichigo who still hasn't moved an inch and was still staring towards the direction that Rukia has gone into. “You know, if I had known sooner that she was here with you, I would have visited you way earlier.” he said matter of fact, while taking sips of champagne. Oh, he will see just how much can Ichigo take. He smirked to himself, from his partners' facial expression, oh he bet not that much. “It's a good thing that I am staying here for the night…” he said further as he put his feet on the table and settled more comfortably, letting his sentence and his meaning hang in the air.

 

A low growl came out from Ichigo and Renji smiled wider. But before he could say anything, Ichigo had him by the collar and was dragging him towards the door. “Hey! Wait man! I was just joking!”

 

“Leave” Ichigo said when he opened the door and shoved him out.

 

“Hey wait! Dammit Ichigo, I was just messing with you!” Renji said as he pushed open the door. “Are you fucking crazy? It's a friggin snowstorm out there! You can't let me drive through this kind of weather!” he further pleaded. He almost stumbled when Ichigo opened the door and faced him, ending their push and shove battle. Relieved, he sighed, and braced his arms on both side of the door frame “Thanks man, I knew you couldn't…” but Ichigo cut him off.

 

“Urahara built your car right?” he asked Renji, while still blocking the entrance. His arms crossed, his gaze on the now snow covered red convertible.

 

“Eh?” He couldn't understand where his car suddenly fit into the discussion. “of course”

 

“It's a beautiful car. Urahara really did a great job with it. I bet he stuffed it with lots of cool features.” Dragging his eyes from the car towards his baffled but proud partner, “Wonder what a great car like that can do?” He further added.

 

Renji beamed, he knows that it is the first time Ichigo has seen his new car. Despite the cold, Renji stood straight and answered like a proud owner that he is. “You wouldn't believe what that bay can do.” He said animatedly “ You know mach 5? Well that baby” pointing at his beloved car “is way better. It has turbo jet engines and artillery that you wouldn't thought could fit into her sleek contours” His hands were now gesturing along with his words “And it can run on almost any terrain possible, rough, smooth, snowy, glazed, any terrain man. Heck it can even run on water!” he finished proudly.

 

“Oh yeah” Ichigo asked and Renji nodded without second thoughts. “Even through a snowy weather like this one?”

 

“Yeah, told you she can do almost anything” he huffed.

 

“Well then, I guess it wouldn't be a problem if you go home now.” Ichigo smirked at his now gapping partner. “I bet and I am sure that this snowstorm would just be a cinch for you and your `baby'. Goodbye and good riddance.” This time Ichigo was able to shut the door at his partner's still shocked face. “What about my dinner?” he heard Renji wail but he just locked the door and bolted it.

 

Ichigo smiled as he heard Renji's car go. Now he has Rukia all to himself. He stepped away from the door and slowly made his way towards the kitchen when the subject of his thoughts appeared before him.

 

“Was that Renji's car I just heard?” She asked and Ichigo could just nod. “Are you out of your freaking mind? You let your friend drive in this weather? You know how dangerous that is? What if he met an accident?” She was now panicking. Renji was supposed to be their buffer. Her shield. She did not design this scheme with just the two of them. It would just be too tempting. “God you are the worst friend ever! How could you let him…” but her words was suddenly cut off by his finger on her lips.

 

“Shh…” he said gently. He could see the panic in her eyes. He knows that look. It was the look he often gets from his enemies, right when they suddenly realize that there is just no escape. Yes, tonight, there would be no escaping for her tonight. He just wonders if Rukia knows it. “He had something important to do. Said it couldn't wait until morning.” He gently traced his thumb over her soft lips, and instantly fought the urge to bent down and claim it. “See to our dinner, I'll just clean off for a while” with one last touch on her lips, he bent down and placed an affectionate kiss on her forehead and head off upstairs to change. He needed a cold shower first.

 

Ichigo sighed. He couldn't recount a time when he had to have so many cold showers in his damn life. Just by being close to her and looking at her was enough to send his hormones wild and rampaging. He groaned as he let himself inside the bathroom and leaned his forehead on the mirror. He feels like a fucking virgin who is still green behind the ears. It's just lust, he told himself. Yes, pure lust that had his body raging hot. And the sooner he gets a taste of her, the better for him. He smiled suddenly at the thought of what lies ahead for this night. Shouldn't keep his girl waiting, he thought as he stripped off his clothes and went for a quick cold shower.

 

This was the second time today that he left her rooted to the ground, with her body craving for more of his touch. For a while she was panicking at the sudden loss of her shield, but just one simple touch was enough to make her mind go blank, for her heart to speed up, for her body to tremble and for her to forget why she was panicking in the first place. Kiss me, was what she wanted to say. When he bent down and kissed her forehead, oh how she wanted to lean up and meet his lips with hers.

 

Rubbing her hands through the sides of her dress, she took a deep breath, trying to control her body. She doesn't know why, but there was something different with the way he looked at her tonight. With the way he touched and spoke to her. His eyes held something. Something that only he knows.

 

Oh god, she groaned. What had she gotten herself into? All she wanted was to get him to squirm a little. To make him realize that she was as womanly as that catwoman she met at the store.

 

She took another deep steadying breath and went back to setting their dinner. It's just dinner, she told herself. “I can definitely handle this” she said out loud. And she made her self believe that she can handle him and more importantly, herself over the next couple of minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

(A/N)

 

gah! It sure has been a long time that I have type this fast in one sitting. I was just like sitting in front of my computer ordering my self to write something. I never thought that inspiration would once again beckon me to type, and type, and type. Would you guys believe that I have had at least three pages of thius chapter save in my computer since last year? The only problem was that I didn't know how to continue the story.

Anyway, as I have said, I am treading into new territories here. And your response and reviews would be very helpful.

Tell me what you guys think, should I continue or just chunk this story all together?

Oh, and sorry for the grammatical errors that you will see and encounter, again, as is my regular habit, I kinda posted this right after I finished it, so, yes, once again, I haven't edited this.

So please review. I beg you guys. Review.