Author's Note: Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Bleach, the property of Tite Kubo

Warning: Spoiler through Bleach Manga Chapter 422

If I Were the Rain – Redux

By Songsparrw1

Chapter Eight: At Last

Nice Day for a White Wedding

Orihime awoke on her wedding day to the sound of doves cooing in the trees. She smiled and stretched and smiled some more. Today she would become Mrs. Ichigo Kurosaki, and her lonely days would be over. Life was truly like a song. Perhaps it was like a song about a fairytale? It seemed too wonderful to be real. She rose and listened outside Tatsuki's door for sounds of snoring. It was quiet, so she assumed Tatsuki had left her to sleep in, and gone to breakfast -yes, second breakfast, with the other hungry hobbits in their group. She proceeded to shower and get ready for her day.

The banquet facilities' manager agreed to allow them early access for the wedding ceremony, which would be conducted prior to the dinner and dance. Chad and Keigo had found a photographer available, as well as the officiant to perform the ceremony. Chizuru's friend was a soloist with a small ensemble, and the music was part of her repertoire. She had added additional linens and flowers to make the venue more colorful, but it was to Tatsuki's credit that she had reserved such a beautiful hall that it was entirely suitable for a wedding and reception. The Manager was accommodating and sympathetic to her wishes, and she felt lucky to have achieved her goals in only a day. With all the details settled, Orihime was free to enjoy her wedding day. She had hours to prepare, so she took some time to organize her bags for the honeymoon. She remembered packing the lingerie for the reunion, not knowing for certain it would ever cast its lacy spell on its intended beneficiary. Now, she felt it was blessed, and she was seeing it with new eyes. She happily rolled, tucked and organized clothing in the suitcase until it was completely stocked for a proper honeymoon. She turned then to her bridal gown, and the beautiful kimono she would wear during the reception, and then the smart travel ensemble she would change into before leaving. All had to be transported except for the wedding gown. She would wear the gown to the hall, and enter out of sight of the guests. She worked busily for an hour, and then decided to stop and have tea. Her phone sounded; it was Tatsuki.

"Hey Tatsuki! Ohayo! Isn't it gorgeous outside? "

"Ohayo, Orihime! It's perfect! I went to the hall and it is perfect. The flowers are coming in now, and the linens. I got some people to come and help us set up. Do you trust us to do it for you? I think it looks wonderful."

"Of course I trust you. I'm so happy, I'm sure it will be just fine. I was hoping that you might have time to come and help me dress? I'm starting to get nervous, and I would hate to rip the gown or break the fasteners –

"I'll be there in twenty minutes. We need to make sure the others have everything they need, too, and we can finish dressing in one of the smaller conference rooms that is empty. If you like we can dress you there. Would you rather do that, Orihime? I can come and help you transport everything. I'm on my way now, and you can decide when I get there, okay?"

"I knew I could count on you, Tatsuki! Yes, let's dress at the hall. I don't want anyone to see the dress until the ceremony. It's supposed to be a surprise."

"Oh, it will be, believe me!" I just hope Uryuu brings his bag in case we have to sedate Ichigo, or revive him if he faints at the sight of you in that gown! By the way, Yuzu and Karin have both called. I told them they had been drafted to be bridesmaids. There was a lot of squealing from Yuzu, and a lot of laughing from Karin, but they were both really happy about being in the wedding. Oh, and by the way, I'm expecting a visitor. He should be arriving any moment now, because he called for directions to the apartment. I won't say who it is because it is supposed to be a surprise."

Just then, the door chimed. Orihime hung up the phone, thanking Tatsuki again, and peeked out the sidelight to see none other than that humble but sexy shopkeeper, Kisuke Urahara.

"Kisuke-san! Come in! It's been so long since I've seen you." Orihime hardly knew what to say. Urahara entered, taking off an elegant hat and placing it on the side table.

"You are lovelier than ever. Ichigo is a lucky man!" he said smoothly as he bent over her hand, barely touching his lips to her knuckles. He was impeccably dressed in a deep green tuxedo. "You must be wondering why I have come," he smiled. "I'm here to give you away."

"Oh thank you Urahara-san! I wasn't sure what to do about that. I couldn't really ask Kurosaki-san to give me away to his own son."

"Well, true, he admitted, laughing. All set to go? Where are all your things? Let's load up and go, shall we?"

"Er, I would, but I have to wait for –"

At that moment Tatsuki stepped into the apartment, smiling archly. She pointed to the street where an impeccable dressed Tessai waited outside an impossibly long limousine.

"Surprise! Isn't it wonderful?"

"Orihime's jaw dropped. But who-?"

"It's just a little token of my regard for you two," Kisuke waved with his hand. I'm a sucker for happy endings. Besides, Yoruichi would never let me live it down if I didn't stand up for you in your wedding. Hachi sends his regards as well, and he sent a gift. I don't know what it is but I would be careful opening it if I were you. He put a level 40 kido spell to keep the others away from it."

Orihime was overjoyed and puzzled at the same time. She couldn't imagine that Kisuke thought much about the Karakura Town crowd enough to keep track of them, but she was touched by the gesture. Quickly gathering her belongings they loaded everything into the limousine and soon glided away to the hall. When she came out of the apartment with the kimono chest, Tessai appeared at her side. "May I" he asked politely, gesturing at the box.

"Of course, thank you," she surrendered it to his large hands.

"My pleasure, Lady" he bowed and received the chest almost reverently. He walked to the vehicle and Kisuke opened the door, eyes on the chest. They placed it carefully inside and closed the door. They briefly exchanged a glance.

Yoruichi was waiting inside with glasses of champagne. "Well, I'll drink to the patience of the bride" she said, as she passed a glass to Orihime. "I wasn't sure Ichigo was going to get his act together in this lifetime to make it happen, but I'm happy for you both that he did." The chime of the glasses rang cheerfully in the cozy interior. Kisuke smiled as he touched her glass and drank. His smile was genuine, but there was something there besides gaiety that disturbed Orihime subconsciously. The gestalt was eerily similar to one she had previously visited but forgotten entirely. All that remained was a hint of foreboding, like the scent of very stale tobacco. After a moment or two, the feeling disappeared, and Orihime found herself wondering what had bothered her only a moment before. Whatever it was had simply vanished, like a mist when the sun comes up full and strong in the morning.

As they pulled up to the hall, she stepped out of the limo, thanking Tessai who held open the door. The sun shone brilliantly on the sparkling glass of the front entrance. Orihime felt like a princess, come to greet her subjects. She stepped lightly down the hallway to the banquet hall, to see what her friends had done with it.

It was beautiful. On the tables were fragrant lilies, mums, roses lush greenery, and creamy hydrangea blossoms. The color and scent filled the room with elegance and joy. When she saw the beautiful linens and draped chairs, she knew she would soon be a married woman, and eat and drink with her friends in celebration.

A Day to Remember

At the hall, the party handed in the dresses and accessories, and the girls settled in the meeting room where they proceeded to set up a dressing area, using a screen and a few tables . As the girls arrived there was much hugging and cooing over the beautiful clothes and flowers, and large scale, full-on primping and styling ensued. Although the friends had been nakama, faced down hollows, villains, and rival sports teams, they were women underneath after all, who enjoyed the pleasure of stylish clothes and the transformative powers of make-up. After a half-hour had passed and each woman was absorbed in the business of beauty, Uzu and Karin burst into the room, and brought down the house. They ran to Orihime and hugged her until she could hardly breathe, and the three danced a little victory dance at the serendipitous arrival of the happy day.

On the other side of the complex, in yet another meeting room, a group of men were clustered around a tall, orange-haired man who suffered the ministrations of his father at bow-tying. "Let's see, it's around the bushes and into the hole, or was it the other way round…" muttered the burly doctor as he worried the ends of the tie around his son's neck.

A vein popped into relief on the forehead of the groom, who ground out "Just. Let. Me. Do. It. Myself." Before he grabbed the tie and stalked off towards the door.

"Oh, touchy. A little nervous, perhaps, Kurosaki?" Uryuu said quietly, with a tiny smile.

"No! I'm not nervous. I'm fine!"

A knock sounded at the door. A blond head appeared momentarily, disappeared, and then reappeared. Kisuke entered with a stunning dusky exotic on his arm. "Well, hellooooo! Ichigo! Long time no see, eh?"

Ichigo was stupefied. "Urahara Kisuke?" was all he managed. Yoruichi muttered something about men and clothes and immediately tackled the tie. Ichigo's eyes widened as he took it all in. In seconds the tie was smoothly tied and flattened on the snowy dress shirt of the elegant tuxedo. Yoruichi smiled smugly, stepping back to admire him. "You look good, Ichigo. I think I'll go check on the girls" and turned on her elegant heels, giving Kisuke a look, which he returned with an imperceptible nod.

Keigo passed around glasses of champagne, which Isshin slurped, laughing and slapping the backs of Chad and Uryuu, who held their glasses high enough to avoid sloshing as they chuckled at his obvious glee.

Ichigo slipped out quietly and found a deserted corner where he sat and rubbed the back of his head thoughtfully. So much had happened so quickly, he needed a moment. What on earth brought Kisuke and Yoruichi? How had they even found out about the wedding? And how on earth had all this planning been accomplished so quickly? He thought this over carefully. Maybe there was more to the gorgeous woman he would soon be marrying than he'd known. Well, that was just fine. He'd meet her surprises, and raise her a few more. He chuckled to himself, thinking of his own secret arrangements. He strolled back to the makeshift dressing area, still smiling. His father waited by the door for him, a tiny frown on his face. "Everything alright, Ichigo?" he asked quietly. "Yep," he said simply as he put his hand on his father's shoulder and ushered him back inside.

The Ladies

Yoruichi and Tatsuki stood on either side of Orihime and unpacked the box and bag holding the gown. "Wow, there is a lot of fabric to this gown – " Tatsuki gasped, this is beautiful!"

"Nice," Yoruichi murmured appreciatively.

It took fifteen minutes to unhook and unbutton the gown. Orihime stood in the middle of it, and the women proceeded to close it up around her generous curves and tiny waist. Tatsuki's eyes widened at the sheer material in the bodice which seemed to emphasize the fair, smooth ivory skin. When the last hook was fastened and the train fluffed around her feet, she stood in yards of crystal studded white silk, lace, ruffles, flounces, and well, splendor. Her hair trailed along her arms and shoulders like so much water flowing down an ornate fountain. She looked ethereal and sexy at the same time. The innocent young woman had become a goddess of love and beauty, powerful and legendary.

They stood back at last and gazed at her, speechless. She smiled at them with a confidence they had only seen in dire situations. They looked at each other, nodding in agreement. "He's going to faint dead away, and somebody better be ready to catch him."

They filed out the door and into a foyer, a queenly bride and her beautiful attendants, all smiling and giggling in anticipation of Ichigo's reaction to his stunning princess. Kisuke appeared and his eyes widened at the sight of Orhime. He looked at Yoruichi in amazement. She smiled back at him and nodded. "Inoue-san, that is some dress you're wearing; it suits you very well. Ichigo doesn't stand a chance, poor fellow, does he, Yoruichi?"

"Not at all," she purred.

"It'll be good for him, to lose some of that cockiness. Same thing happened to me."

Orihime smiled gently.

Here Comes the Bride

The men were standing in the foyer, ready to walk in. Guests had packed into the hall, taking all available seats. Many were from the neighborhood, friends from school, and many others who seemed not to be very well acquainted with the friends or neighbors. They were well-dressed individuals with a sophisticated sense of style. Ichigo walked down the aisle and took his place near the altar. His father smiled confidently from the front row.

The groomsmen escorted the bridesmaids in to the strains of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" as rendered by a chamber orchestra.

Taking Uryuu's arm, Tatsuki smiled a heart-melting smile and sashayed down the aisle. He blushed at his own emotional and physiological response, and a small smile played at his lips. Ichigo waited for each couple to march the aisle, and fidgeted slightly, impatient to see Orihime. Finally, the music changed to Trumpet Voluntary, and Kisuke and Orihime stepped into view.

Ichigo had always thought Orihime beautiful, but it was as though he had never seen this woman before. She was absolutely breath-taking. His knees shook in the elegant trousers, and for an awful moment he thought he might fall onto them in front of everyone. His jaw dropped when his eyes took in the details of the gown. He had never seen her in something quite so revealing. He could see exactly how tiny her waist was, and how full her hips were, and how sumptuous her um, bosom…he blushed scarlet. He turned white. At last, he smiled. This woman was going to be his wife. She had chosen him. He felt a deep sense of pride. He ignored Keigo, who was hyperventilating next to him. He couldn't take his eyes off her. He couldn't get enough of her, and as she drew closer, the world around him faded away and she came into focus. He saw only her.

He realized he was being spoken to, and the women were giggling. Tatsuki cleared her throat. He suddenly remembered his vows and responded to the officiant. He could hardly take his eyes from hers. They seemed to speak to him on their own, and he wanted to listen forever.

The ceremony was over before he knew it, and he bent over Orihime, crushing her to himself to kiss her. The hall exploded into applause and they linked arms and swept out of the hall to the foyer. Once there, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her again more deeply. "Orihime, I love you," he whispered in her ear. "I've never seen you look so - beautiful."

"Ichigo. I have waited so long to hear you say that. I love you."

The photographer clicked away in the background, and the attendants smiled at each other, happy for their friends. Uryuu wrapped an arm around Tatsuki's shoulders. She shivered, surprised at his sudden demonstration of affection. He touched a strand of her hair and smiled at her. His eyes told her what her heart wanted to hear.

Chizuru sniffled quietly, dabbing her eyes. "I'm so happy for them – she looks so beautiful, and so happy- I know they belong together, " she admitted. Keigo, Mizuiro, and their girlfriends gathered around them and expressed their happiness. After a brief photo session, the group returned to the dressing area to change.

Ichigo took Orihime's hand and pulled her aside, leaning back against the wall, and encircling her waist. "Need any help with those buttons and hooks?" he whispered. "Ichigo!" she chided. It was all she could do to pull away, skirts rustling. She stole a look over her shoulder, and he still stood leaning against the wall in his finery, half-smiling, brown eyes gleaming.

"Just sayin'. We are married, now, you know," he called after her. Her tinkling laughter was her only response.

The wedding guests wandered the large hall, which had now been configured for the banquet. A beautiful cake stood in one corner of the room. The reunion participants had begun to arrive. They looked at the cake and the food and smiled. Ah, somebody got married. They all wondered who it could be. A while later, they all knew.

The Banquet

As the hall filled with reunion celebrants, the wedding guests and wedding party joined them at the buffet. Ichigo and Orihime arrived wearing traditional kimono, and the crowd applauded the happy news. They filled their plates and took a seat at the table set up for the wedding party.

Ichigo gazed at Orihime with surprise. He held her arm out to one side, and admired the sleeves and the pattern. "It's beautiful on you. I can't believe Dad had it all those years and never mentioned anything about it."

They greeted their guests near the cake table and the cake was served as dessert. Just as Ichigo was about to shake hands with the next guest in line, his eye fell on the shock of white hair of a guest with glowing blue-green eyes, escorting his sister Karin. "Hitsugaya?" he asked, surprised.

"Captain Hitsugaya, if you please."

Karin dug her elbow into his ribs. "Guys, it's a wedding…"

"Oh, I apologize, Kurosaki-san." he offered sheepishly, glancing sideways at Karin.

Just then a loud squeal erupted from next to him and he found himself enveloped in a cloud of perfume and the embrace of a well-endowed strawberry blonde. "I'm so happy for you, I just knew it would happen some day, you two!" She crushed Orihime to herself, and then held her out at arm's length. "Let me see this beautiful kimono up close! Oh, it is fabulous, Orihime. And your gown, that was a designer creation from New York, wasn't it?"

"Yes, I managed to acquire it at a sample sale. I could never have afforded it otherwise," she whispered.

"I'm so proud of you! I can't believe I actually got to be here for your wedding!"

Orihime and Ichigo exchanged glances. Each was wondering the same thing. How is it exactly that their shinigami friends were allowed to attend? What exactly was going on?

Ichigo and Orihime noticed the empty chair at the table at the same time. Isshin was noticeably missing. "I have a bad feeling about this, Orihime. Have you seen Dad?"

"No! Not since we came back in." They stared at each other in horror. Something was definitely wrong. Isshin had been obnoxiously sentimental and involved in every aspect of the wedding. Nothing would have prevented him from seeing the couple presented for the first time in traditional wear as man and wife, especially since Orihime was wearing Masaki's kimono. Strangely enough, Ichigo had a weird vibe about the kimono. He knew the disappearance had some connection to the mysterious case and its cryptic symbol.

Just then, there was a flash of light outside the window. Simultaneously a number of guests suddenly departed. In the dressing room, elegantly dressed bodies littered the floor, appearing to be unconscious, perhaps from too much champagne. If anyone had discovered them, they would have gotten quite a shock. Only two people remained awake. Renji Abarai and his fiancé Rukia Kuchiki guarded the bodies, and searched in vain for the missing kimono chest. Only they were privy to the secret of the comatose guests. The guests were actually abandoned gigais in formal wear. Their owners were in pursuit of Kurosaki Isshin, who had just evaded arrest for the second time in a century for the abduction of Her Royal Highness, Princess Masaki Seishima.