The big day came sooner than they had expected. Neither wanted a big event. Since Renji didn't have any family and Rukia only had her brother, the guest list was very small. Most of the guests were mutual friends. The wedding and reception was held at the inn. The dead end road was converted into an area where they were going to recite their vows. Some chairs were laid out, but after a while, the guests just offered to stand.

With all their friends watching, Rukia walked out from the inn. Renji only wore a suit that he had and Rukia wore an offwhite dress with purple sash. She found it at store on sale and was something she could easily wear again. There were no bridesmaids, music, groomsman, or flower girls. It was just them and Ukitake standing in the road giving each other rings and offering to love each other 'til death do they part. This was the way they wanted it. Simple and easy. After the vows, the two kissed and the crowd cheered. Rukia had a small bouquet with her and threw it to the audience, not caring who grabbed it. Rangiku pushed everyone aside and dove for the bouquet. She cheered and everyone laughed as she celebrated her victory. All the guests then moved to the porch and dining room inside for food and drink. Someone had found a radio and played a local station that had on a variety of music. It was an easy event and felt very comfortable.

Rukia moved past the crowd and found her brother and her soon to be former co-workers sitting at a table. She sat down and smiled at the people she saw almost every day. "Thanks for coming everyone."

A coworker spoke up. "It's not going to be the same without you at work."

"Whoa, I'm not leaving yet. I'll be there a few more months. I can't leave my brother hanging without a properly trained replacement." She looked at Byakuya and he gave a faint smile.

"I'm proud of you Rukia. You will now be a business owner and will be able to make this inn a popular destination." Rukia blushed at her brother's comment.

"Thank you." Rukia stood up and hugged her brother, then the rest of the guests at the table. She walked off and was going to go upstairs to get a sweater when she froze in mid step. Ichigo and Orihime were standing at the entrance to the inn. They all stood there for a moment before Orihime walked over with a big smile and hugged Rukia.

"Congratulations Rukia!" She nearly yelled into her ear. "I am so happy for you. So what's your name now?"

Rukia smirked. "My name is the name of this inn."

"So you are taking the Abarai name, not keeping Kuchiki?"

"I am. I'm Rukia Abarai now. Well, once we turn in the marriage certificate. I have a lot of papers to fill out." Orihime nodded and stepped back. She was about to walk back when someone blocked her way. They both stepped aside in time to see Renji punch Ichigo in the face. Ichigo stumbled backwards, but didn't fall. Holding his jaw, he yelled out.

"What the hell was that for?"

"That's for cheating on Rukia."

"Huh?" Is all Ichigo got out before Orihime spoke.

"M...Mr. Abarai, Ichigo didn't cheat on her with me. We never were physical while they were together."

Renji shot Orihime a glare before turning back to Ichigo. "Like I give a damn. You two hurt Rukia's heart."

Orihime walked over to Ichigo. "Maybe we should go." She said quietly. Rukia walked towards the two and gave them a hug.

"It's alright. You two are here as my friends. I know the three of us haven't spoken a lot these last few years, but I forgive you both, and Ichigo, I appreciate that you didn't cheat on me. I didn't think you would anyway. You're better than that."

"Damn right I am. Now, convince your husband. Oh wait, no, don't."

The two men began a staring contest that the women knew wouldn't end for a while. Rukia took Orihime's hand and led her into the other room. Thankfully, no one else had seen the fight.

After several hours of conversation, drink, and more food than anyone knew what to do with, the event was over and the workers of the inn were picking up. They told the newlyweds to go off and enjoy themselves. Renji grabbed Rukia's hand and led her out to the boat. He helped her on and gave her a blanket to sit on. He rowed lazily down the river. The inn slowly disappearing from view. The moon was bright that night and the wind was calm. Rukia sat back, closed her eyes, and listened to the sounds of the water and the wildlife. She opened her eyes to see Renji doing the same. Rukia sighed deeply.

"I can get used to this. I can't wait to start working here. I practically have all my belongings here already."

Renji laughed. "Yeah, you do." He opened his eyes and took Rukia's hands. "I'll always love you Rukia."

"Me too." She said quietly.

They leaned in and kissed each other softly. Renji turned the boat around and headed back towards the inn. The inn that changed both of their lives forever. To Rukia, if she hadn't met Renji, she would have stayed in a bad relationship, or been a workaholic and not enjoyed her time. She sometimes secretly thanked the rain when it poured for giving her the chance to meet this man, this innkeeper of her dreams. She was finally set free.

The end.

Note: Thanks for reading. I like keeping my stories short.