Author's note: Hello all, I am back again! This is a sequel to my story The One for Me, so read Choice and that first before reading this. I thought about it, it's a bit rush to jump from just started dating to marriage, so this is mainly around the time from just started to before they get married. So, hope you all will bear with me and enjoy my story. Please Read and Review, Thank you all.
Prologue
2 years after The One for Me
Ichigo sighed and turned to look at his reflection. He studied himself, it was his 18th birthday today. And he's attending a very important ceremony… He sighed and wondered what everyone was doing outside… He was told to wait for Kira to come and escort him.
He sighed and started pacing the room. He looked down at Zangetsu, who is now a plain looking sword. Zangetsu has changed form to look like a normal soul slayer. So, he has to release it if he wants Zangetsu to go to its Shikai form. He picked it up and looked at it.
" We made it, Zangetsu." He whispered.
There was a knock and Kira slide the door open. He bowed and Ichigo took Zangetsu. Kira walked behind Ichigo as they walked towards the main ceremony hall. Ichigo was nervous but he tried not to show it. After all, he had already made up his mind.
Rukia noticed that Orihime looked upset. Rukia took her hand and squeezed it to get her attention.
" It's okay, Inoue." She whispered.
Orihime regarded Rukia was sad eyes. Rukia nodded again to assure her. Orihime finally forced a smile, before turning her attention back to the stage. Someone started cheering and soon the whole crowd was cheering. Rukia and Orihime saw Ichigo coming in with Kira behind him. All of them were attending the Promotion Ceremony held in Soul Society. (Yes, Orihime has a shinigami form now, except she still doesn't have a sword.)
Orihime stared down at the floor.
Shigekuni Yamamotogenryusai, the captain of the first division, the old man knocked his walking stick against the floor to get everyone to quiet down. All the other captains have already assembled.
" Today, we are here to witness the promotion of Kurosaki Ichigo. From a stand-in Shinigami, he has proved his worth by reaching Bankai in only three days. And he is also the one who have defeated Aizen. Hence, after discussing with all of the Captains…"
He looked at a Shinigami who immediately unrolled a scroll and started announcing.
" Ten captains have voted and Kurosaki Ichigo received 10 votes out of 10. Hence all Captain have agreed to allow Kurosaki Ichigo to be promoted to Captain of the Third Division." The Shinigami announced.
" Indeed." Shigekuni then turned to look at Ichigo.
" Do you, Kurosaki Ichigo, wish to become the Captain of the Third Division? Are you willing to give up everything to have?" He asked.
Everyone was silent, waiting for Ichigo to give his answer.
" I…"
Ichigo scanned the crowd, trying to look for Orihime. But he couldn't found her, he only saw millions pairs of eyes staring at him eagerly.
You asked yourself, Ichigo. And you agreed… Even dad said that he would support me… But Inoue… He thought to himself.
" Do you, Kurosaki Ichigo?" He asked again.
It was now or never… his only chance.
" I do, I wish to become the Captain of the Third Division." He told everyone, loud and clear.
Tears started running down from her eyes. No, this can't be happening… Ichigo had to give up the human world to be a Captain… Of course he could still visit at times…. But… it wasn't going to be enough. His decision also meant that their relationship had ended.
No… Orihime looked down at the floor. Rukia squeezed her hand again.
Everyone cheered as Ichigo put on the Captain's white robe.
" Congratulations, Captain Kurosaki." Kira told him.
" Looks like we will be working closely from now on." He told Kira.
He held out his hand. Kira smiled and they shook their hands. That was when he turned and saw Orihime running out of the crowd.
" Ichi…" Renji trailed off immediately as Byakuya was eyeing him.
" Captain Kurosaki, don't you have something you need to do?" Renji asked.
Ichigo watched Orihime running away.
" No… there's nothing I need to do." He whispered and walked off.
Renji and Kira exchanged sad looks.
" Poor Inoue." Rukia whispered, joining them.
" Yeah, poor Orihime." Renji whispered.
The three of them watched Orihime running away and then they turned to see Ichigo walking off to where the rest of the captains were standing.
Is this the end? Rukia rested her head on Renji's shoulder as Kira left to join Matsumoto.
" 2 years… and I thought their relationship was more than this." Rukia whispered.
" Who knew? I thought he really loves her… looks like their love is not enough to overcome this…" Renji whispered.
Author's note: Don't worry, readers. They won't really break. After all the title is Before we say I do, so in the end the two of them will get married. But now, this is an obstacle for them. Do support this story, and see how I will bring them together again. Please read and review. Thank you all.