Author's note: This is my first fanfiction, inspired by a song called "Wedding Dress." Comments and constructive criticism welcomed. Enjoy. :)
Title credited to Hannah Blackney. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, characters, or lyrics/song.
"But if you believe that you belong with him,
Promise me, you wont let anyone hurt you.
Remember, I will always be here for you,
Even if it kills me to see you in that wedding dress."
- "Wedding Dress"
Beat.
Ichigo's heart sped up as he saw one short, raven-haired shinigami, dressed in a beautiful wedding dress, walk down the aisle in rhythm to the music. She was elegantly clad in a strapless wedding gown with a three-foot trail behind her, a contrast to the usual shinigami robes she usually wore. Her locks were tastefully pinned up with tendrils of hair and her infamous bang left to frame her face.
With grace that only she has, she walked with Byakuya at her side, one arm looped with her brother's and the other holding a bouquet. She had a soft smile on her face, eyes filled with barely-contained happiness and excitement. Ichigo almost wanted to share that smile….almost.
Throb.
As Rukia reached the altar, painful realization once again hit Ichigo like a ton of bricks for the umpteenth time. Ichigo watched as Byakuya handed her over to none other than a smiling Hitsugaya Toushiro. Almost like a plague, Hitsugaya's smile spread to Rukia, as her soft smile turned into a full-blown, breath-taking grin. Ichigo's heart throbbed when he saw that smile; from seeing such a beautiful smile or from the fact that such a loving look was directed not at him, but at someone else, he did not know, albeit he wasn't foolish enough to say that he should be the one dressed in the white tux right now, holding Rukia's hands with eyes full of love, slipping the ring onto her delicate finger.
The vows were exchanged fairly quickly and very soon, the ceremony was at its end.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said happily as he turned towards the groom, "You may now kiss the bride."
Clench.
Something within Ichigo's chest constricted as he watched the newly-weds lean towards each other for a long, chaste kiss. He had to look away as cheers erupted when the couple's lips met, it was so painful.
As the happy couple walked outside to greet family and friends that attended, Ichigo took his time to walk out of the building. He watched on the sidelines as Rukia and Hitsugaya talked and took pictures with the guests, giving each other a peck on the lips every so often. It was so sweet and yet, so sickening.
Ichigo suddenly felt someone put a comforting hand on his arm. He looked to see Orihime looking at him with understanding eyes, silently questioning if he was okay. He lightly smirked and nodded before she gave him an uneasy smile, turned around and left to answer to Ishida's call. His smirk immediately dropped and his scowl slipped back into place as he looked back towards the couple. His eyes softened when he saw Rukia give yet another loving smile to Hitsugaya, in which the groom fully returned. At least she is happy….
Break.
He couldn't bear to look at them anymore, let alone go to the reception. With that thought, Ichigo turned around and silently walked away as he heard the last bit of his heart shatter.