AUGUST 15TH: promise / monochrome

The wedding venue sparkles and shines giving the stars above a run for their money. Orihime lets out a long-contented sigh staring up at the speckled inky blackness before turning around to look at her friend. Rukia looks resplendent in her dress, the fit flawless thanks to a certain quincy who just couldn't help himself from getting involved as much as he denied he would.

"I'm so happy for you Rukia," Orihime comments giving her a long, large hug. The newly appointed captain returns the affectionate embrace, fighting back unexpected tears as the wealth of emotions she's feeling begin to catch up with her.

Shaking her head, she pushes herself gently away, a soft smile on her face. "Thanks, Orihime," she answers simply.

"Alright girls, it's time to get going," Rangiku announces bounding into the room.

Before long, the three of them are standing together at the altar, Orihime and Rangiku with Rukia and Ichigo and Shuuhei with Renji. All eyes are on the bride and groom, all except one pair.

Ichigo can't stop staring at Orihime, can't tear his eyes away from the loveliness her figure makes of the dress instead of the other way around. He wants so desperately to tell her how he feels, to finally lift the burden of his one-sided love but he won't. He knows she doesn't feel the same way, how could she? There are a hundred other guys more suited to her than he'll ever be.

But as the priest begins to recite the vows meant to be repeated by the bride and groom before him, Ichigo silently echoes their sentiments, sealing his fate to be forever tied to a woman who will never know the depth of his love for her.

"And do you promise to love each other, for better or for worse, until death do you part?"

Ichigo feels his heart leap into his chest when Orihime suddenly locks eyes with him, both their souls pouring out in one look: "I promise."