"Fools," said I, "You do not know,

Silence like a cancer grows.

Hear my words that I might teach you,

Take my arms that I might reach you,"

But my words like silent raindrops fell

And echoed in the wells of silence.

***

I turned; looking to the woman I had married. She seemed so young, and perhaps a little lost…but I knew well what she truly was.

She was my woman, a woman I had longed for since the time I had watched her mourn her fiancé.

Shinju Wyrde Heterodyne, She Crafted of Fire. My bride.

She turned to me, dressed not in the garb of Seireitei, nor even the threadbare garments of Rukongai. She delighted in teasing me; she would never dress so modestly while I was home. Especially not for our wedding night.

Shinju seemed the conventional manner of beautiful. Her red hair hung to her hips, blue tips standing out startlingly. She turned her cream-colored eyes to me, arching a delicate brow before she moved over to me.

She was buxom, yes, with a tiny waspish waist, and hips to match her bust. And yet, she was intelligent, sweet, comforting.

Tonight, for our night, she wore the white of a virgin bride. I knew it was not so, I cursed that I had not had that gift, but she still belonged to me now. No creatures in this world or the next would separate us.

She slid to her knees beside me, as if nervous, her head on my shoulder. Yet, I felt the heat from her, from the living flame that she had been created from. I looked down at her, before I pressed my lips to hers.

She made a soft mewling noise, and I felt myself practically tearing the fabric from her skin. She pulled away with a little impish grin.

"Byakuya," She whispered my name like it was a prayer, "relax, please. We have all night." She slowly worked me out of my clothes, looking at my eyes the whole time.

I didn't mind. Her eyes were possibly the most beautiful part of her. They looked like a pair of diamonds. She touched her lips to mine, slowly sliding off her own garments. Her arms reached around my neck, her body pressed in close to mine.

I felt myself grow hard against her, slowly laying her back. My lips came from hers and I saw her blush deeply. She tried to cover herself from me, but I slowly pulled her hands away.

"You have nothing to hide," I assured her softly, "You are my wife, now. There will be…" I kissed her breast, hearing her breath hitch, "…no secrets between us."

"No…" she agreed, "N-no secrets…"

I moved down, running my lips lightly along her caramel skin. She tasted sweeter than any candy, and the sounds of her want made me almost painfully aware of my own want for her.

But, I would not hurt her for this. I knew better than that. If two wives had taught me anything, it was that.

I kissed the inside of her thigh, looking up at her. She was even more beautiful if that was possible. Her hips arched her slightly up to my mouth, wanting me more than anything. Her head was laid back, hair spread out like a halo around her face, her eyes closed in an expression of wanton bliss.

I softly began to lick at her, and she was sweeter there than anywhere else. She moaned more loudly, her hips moving further up. I couldn't help but to chuckle as I continued to lick at her, taste her as I wanted.

She seemed so close, but…I pulled away, looking up at her sweet face. Her diamond eyed opened.

"Byakuya, why did you st-" I cut her off with another kiss, wanting to taste her again. She shivered as I shifted over her. Her eyes closed as I pulled away and I thrust into her.

She cried out loudly, and I had to quiet her with my own mouth. I began to move inside of her, her body already becoming used to me, tightening around me. She was soft, so delicate, and yet…her nails raked up my back over my shoulders. Urging me faster, if her moans and cries had not.

That must have been what heaven is. Eternity passed as we made love, consummated the bond that had been given to us.

"By-Byakuya…" She moaned, and I couldn't help but look into her eyes, "I-I'm going to…"

I nodded, kissing her again as I felt her come. She coated me, and then I felt myself release inside of her. I barely managed to pull out of her before I fell against her, my head resting on her chest.

Her hands ran through my hair, soft and soothing. I looked up at her, and she just shook her head.

"No, you didn't hurt me." She informed me, before she sighed, and closed her eyes. "That was possibly…the best I have ever had."

I was a little smug about that. Who wouldn't be?