" Midori put the phone away!" Rukia hissed while adjusting my dress.
" I just have to finish this spending report and-" the phone rings and I immediately answer. " Midori Fukui speaking how may I help you?""
" Yes I'm from Tokyo Times may I ask a few questions? I would understand if you were too busy with your wedding and all." the reporter asked. I stepped away from the excited bridesmaids and into the side office that came with my hotel room where I opened my computer and sat.
" No it's fine please go on," I said while now finishing the spending reports on my laptop./p
" Ok first off it's been five years since Senbonzakura went into the produce industry. How would you say your progress has been?"
" Excellent. There is no other completely organic produce company in Japan as large and diverse as ours."/p
" And how do you keep it so diverse?"
" By only growing seasonal produce. We harvest at the beginning and middle of every season whether it's fruit or vegetable and by the end of the season we're planting for the next. This way we can use the vines or other after growth from the previous season to fuel our next seasons." There were then heated knocks on the door. Looks like people finally noticed I disappeared.
" And what do people think of you now versus 5 years ago?"/p
" I think in the beginning people looked down on me. The papers said Byakuya gave his mistress a job to sate her needs. But I think in the years since I have proved people wrong by bringing the produce industry to where it is today."/p
" Who would you say uses your produce the most?"/p
" Mostly restaurant industries that are looking for that top of the line produce. If I had a to pick a single one I would say all of Sosuke Aizen's restaurants buy our produce the most." The door was unlocked and opened but I didn't turn away.
" Speaking of your relationship earlier tell me more about it."
"Arms moved around my waist as lips began to roam down my ear to my jaw line. " W-Well we met in college. Then once we graduated Byakuya opened the business where I worked with him and we began to date. But eventually we had to put our relationship into hiding when his parents refused to let Byakuya date anyone. We began publically dating again after the Hinamori incident and I was proposed to 2 years later."
It was becoming very hard to concentrate now with the lips now biting my neck and hands that had wandered down my dress. " Yes why have you waited three years to be married?"
" B-because mmm because we are both very busy hah people," I barely panted out.
" Are you alright should I call you later?"
"The phone was snatched from my hands. " This interview is over thank you for calling," Byakuya said sternly before hanging up.
" I thought you weren't supposed to see the bride in her dress before the ceremony?" I asked with a small smirk.
" And I thought I said no phones or computers," Byakuya said coldly.
" We're going to be gone for 3 weeks honeymooning in Hawaii I have a lot to get done," I said.
" Things that your new secretary Kisuke can handle," Byakuya said.
" Not if he's screwing your new secretary Yoruichi," I said smirking again.
"Just then Rukia popped in. " Byakuya get out of here! And Midori you messed up your dress!"
I looked down and saw it was ruffled up a bit. " I didn't mess it up your brother did when he-"
" I don't want to know what you were doing ok? Just get out!" Rukia said pushing Byakuya away. I smiled and waved as he waved back. Rukia came back in with a sigh. " Come on we don't have much time and I still need to fix your hair."/p
" I just need five more minutes I swear," I said typing but Rukia shut the laptop.
" Your messing up your own wedding just for some stupid numbers!" Rukia said then dragged me back to the bridesmaids. Soon I was being fussed over by many women until they appeared satisfied. I was pulled out and found my father in the hallway waiting.
Tall, muscular, and intimidating would be words to describe my ex-military father. Yes he was quite the scary man except for my little sister sitting on his shoulders. It's like seeing the boogeyman holding a teddy bear. " Dad stop messing with your suit," I said while readjusting a few of his medals on his suit.
He felt as though he had to wear his old navy seal uniform instead of a suit and tie. " Ken-chan has gotten too fat for his suit," my little sister said.
" It's not fat. Pure muscle that's all," Kenpachi, my dad, said. Dad retired as a farmer to Japan after meeting my mom. She died ten years ago from cancer and it makes me sad she couldn't see me like this. Dad actually found Yachiru on his porch step a few years back. She may not be my real sister but I accept her as one. She was the flower girl today and she jumped off Kenpachi's shoulders as the music started playing. I wrapped my arm around dads as people began to pour down the aisle.
" I'm glad I could be married where you and mom were," I said softly.
" I can't believe I'm letting you get married to this piece of shit snobby ass hole," dad hissed.
I smiled though. " You would be mad about anyone I was marrying."
" True. But rich stuck up kids bother me the most." Dad was born into nothing and had to literally fight to survive. I remember the first time Byakuya's parents met dad. Both dad's literally just glared at each other, my dad looking down at Mr. Kuchiki given he was a solid foot taller than him. Oh yes did I mention Mr. Kuchiki still hates my guts? Not as bad as before but still hate nonetheless. " Listen… as long as you're fucking happy ok?"
" Don't worry I am," I said with a soft smile. And with that it was our turn to walk down the aisle, all eyes on me. I looked at Byakuya and Byakuya alone, his eyes sending me the warmth I needed to calm my beating heart. Did I mention how much I hate the attention on myself? Dad and I stopped in front of Byakuya and just glared at him, not letting me go. He tapped the marine sword sitting on his side, with a poignant glare, and walked away to sit. I sighed in embarrassment but took the final step forward to stand across from Byakuya. He took my hands into his own and with that the ceremony began.
I barely heard anything as I stared at Byakuya. This is real, this is really happening. I can't believe the surprise is kicking in now of all times. We have been delayed these past few years because we really have been so busy. Work is well work and as important business owners we have a lot of it. But at the same time I've been the one delaying the most. Deep, deep down there is still a little pain from long ago ebbing in my heart. A small fear that echoes in my mind saying: what is going to happen now? What is our future together Byakuya and I?
What happens if we fall into our old ways? I was woken by Byakuya's voice saying I do. And then the words tumbled out of my mouth with no thought at all. The next thing I knew Byakuya's lips were on my own and I smiled into the kiss. No, Byakuya loves me and nothing is getting in the way of that again. I pulled away and finally looked on the crowd at my friends and family. My dad was simply clapping, Rukia smiling but crying, Ichigo and Renji whistling in approval, and Yuzuki with her daughter waving. Byakuya pulled me forward as we walked back down the aisle and into a carriage to bring us to our next stop.
Given Byakuya's cherry blossom obsession we found a large field where dozens of them naturally bloomed. The theme became pink and white from there with simplicity but elegance. I was pulled into the carriage where the door immediately closed and I was pulled into Byakuya's lap. He cradled me as lips yet again found my own. After a moment the hungry lips pulled away, both of us needing air. Byakuya looked down at me, a faint smile on his face. " Finally," he murmured./p
" Finally what?"
" I finally have you and no one can do anything about it," he said then took my lips again. Funny Byakuya, I could say the same about you. Byakuya turned me a bit so I was now straddling his lap and his hands slid to the back of my dress.
" B-Byakuya we can't right now," I said nervously. He stopped and looked at his watch.
" We have thirty minutes. Plenty of time for me to drive you crazy," he said and as his hand lifted up the fabric of my dress, revealing my legs and the garter. I couldn't help but blush as he knelt on the floor of the carriage and lowered his lips to the garter, kissing around it before grabbing the garter with his teeth and pulling it off. I could see the calm leaving his eyes as he kissed his way back down my leg and it stirred me up in all the right ways. Finally I opened my legs up fully for him and he looked up at my reddened, panting look. His lips found mine and it didn't take long for our moans to fill the carriage./p
Thankfully we were fully redressed and straightened up as we arrived. There were camera flashes and claps as we walked down the stone path to the ceremony. The grass was trimmed and paper lanterns hung about the field. Some children ran around but most people were already sitting at their tables as Byakuya and I sat at our own table. " Oh damn I forgot to finish that one spending report. Let me borrow your phone and-"/p
" I will have none of that Mrs. Kuchiki. As of now you are married and in a few hours on a plane heading to your honeymoon locale. We are not speaking of work for 3 weeks understood?" Byakuya asked.
I sighed but smiled and nodded then reached over and entwined my fingers in Byakuya's smiling at him. He smiled ever so softly back and kissed me gently before pulling away. " I hate to interrupt but…" a voice began.
I turned to the voice surprised. " President Aizen I-"
" Midori its simply Sosuke now. We are business partners remember? Charging me so well for your businesses fresh produce," Aizen cooed.
" What are you doing here?" Byakuya asked coldly.
" You did hire my company to cater remember? And I thought I should just drop in and say hi. But may I say you look incredible Midori. Even more lovely than the night we nearly spent together 5 years ago," Aizen purred. He truly disgusted me now. I did not respond. " Anyways. Shunsui and I have finished the paperwork Byakuya. The story is already brewing but it shouldn't hit the presses until Monday."
" Byakuya what is he talking about?"
" You don't know? Byakuya and I-" Aizen began but Byakuya stood. He grabbed Sosuke and walked off. I turned to look where they went but all I saw was Rukia.
" Oh the wedding was perfect Midori congratulations! I'm so glad you're a part of the family now. And no matter what dad says he's happy too," Rukia said then hugged me.
I smiled and hugged her back and then soon found myself swarmed by guest with questions. I moved around tables for a while greeting and talking to the various guests while trying to find Byakuya again. Shunsui and Sosuke together on a deal. Shunsui also owned a flower company that was rivaled second to ours. Why would he and Sosuke be together on a deal? And what does it have to do with Byakuya? Most importantly why didn't he tell me? I was woken from my thoughts when my father grabbed my arm. " Dance time," he said dragging me along.
A slow song started and I held my father lovingly. He faltered only a few times in his steps but Byakuya came in and rescued him. Before I could speak Byakuya did. " I know you have many questions and I was hoping to answer them after the honey moon but I promise it will all be explained later," Byakuya said.
I sighed and nodded. Part of me was worried but Byakuya pulled me closer and gazed at me lovingly, wiping any doubt away. After our dance was over there was a chorus of claps then others began to dance while others ate the served dinner. I had a perfect drink from the bar tender, Beniko I believe, before the usual festivities began. I tossed the bouquet and Byakuya and I cut the cake. " Yo Byakuya let's toss the garter!" Renji said excitedly.
" Renji you're happily married. Why would you need my garter?" I asked incredulously.
" I don't need it but it's tradition! Byakuya caught Shizuka's garter then boom you two were married. Come on man toss the garter!" Renji said excited for his friend.
" There is no need," Byakuya said reaching in his pocket. He pulled out the garter that I had forgotten he pulled off earlier and shoved it into Renji's hands before walking away. Renji looked at me and I blushed then he laughed.
" Shouldn't you be with Shizuka?" I asked heated.
"Renji's eyes widened and he looked at his watch. " Shit! Bye Midori have fun on the honeymoon!" Renji shouted over his shoulder while running. I laughed and headed back to the dance floor where I danced for several hours until finally the time arrived. Byakuya took my hand and led me to our new limo, given that Ichigo took our first for Yuzuki, and we stepped inside then waved to our friends and family before driving off.
I leaned against Byakuya and sighed both happily and tiredly. " I'm beat. My throat hurts from talking my feet hurt from walking in these damn shoes. I'm never getting married again," I moaned.
" I wasn't planning on letting you," Byakuya murmured in my ear. I turned smiling and my lips met his in a kiss. I pulled away and Byakuya entwined my ringed hand with his. " Mrs. Midori Kuchiki," he said like it was the greatest thing on earth.
" Will you stop saying that," I laughed.
" I can't help it I just love you so much Mrs. Midori Kuchiki," Byakuya said again and I laughed. Byakuya gingerly picked me up through the layers of my dress and set me back down in his lap before moving in and kissing me. It was so deep and loving and it felt like he poured his love into me at that moment. But then I remembered. I gently pushed Byakuya away.
" Tell me what's going on Byakuya. What was Aizen talking about?" I asked.
Just then the car stopped. We couldn't possibly be at the airport it's only been 15 minutes and the airport was an hour away. The door opened and Byakuya pulled me out. " There's been a slight change in plans and we're leaving tomorrow morning. We'll be spending the night here," Byakuya said.
I got out and turned and my mouth dropped. The most stunning, classic Japanese house stood before me. We were currently on a small mountain looking over the countryside of Japan with the house, or mansion really, in front. Cherry blossoms dotted the pebble driveway as Byakuya and I walked up to the porch, the limo driving off. " You rented this place for the night?" I asked after Byakuya unlocked the front door.
He did not answer merely stepped inside and turned on the lights. The place was lightly furnished, as if it was in the process of being moved in or out, but I didn't mind. Byakuya picked me up after we entered the threshold, making me laugh in his arms, then carried me down the halls. Eventually I found myself in the bedroom and Byakuya set me down on the bed. He however knelt at the end and pulled off my shoes. " As much as I love seeing you in that dress I would love more to see you out of it," Byakuya murmured and kissed my toe.
I blushed then straightened up. " Byakuya tell me what's going on," I demanded in a soft but still stern way.
"Byakuya sighed and stood, removing his tie and jacket then sat next to me. "Do you like this house Midori?" Byakuya asked.
" It-It's beautiful," I said nervously given that the question threw me off.
" That's good because I bought it," Byakuya replied.
" Oh well it's a lovely summer home, maybe a week off. Or even the fall for a weekend. And in the winter when it's snowing-"
" Midori you don't understand. I bought this home for us. It's going to be our new home if you'll permit it."
I stilled. " Byakuya it is a very lovely home, don't get me wrong, but this is a two hour commute at least from here to work and-"
"Byakuya pulled me to my feet and slid a door open to the outside. Stepping off the porch the entire backyard was a vast and possibly the most beautiful garden I had ever seen. I felt like a child in Disney as my smile grew seeing all the plants in moon light. I saw Byakuya smile at my own smile as he pulled me off the porch and down the path.
"Rhododendron japonicum," I said pointing to the azalea bush.
Byakuya stilled and stared at my smiling face. This was our game we played on dates in college. We would go through the park and name the plants. And like back then Byakuya's true smile lit up his face. " Paeonia," Byakuya said pointing to the peonies then we both laughed happily. The game continued for the entire walk until we finally paused at the small pond in the back.
" Prunus Serrulata," I said sitting under the tree laughing.
" Yes you better know the cherry blossom tree," Byakuya said and I laughed more. " This is why I bought this house. I want to go back to this," Byakuya took my hand.
" We can't live here Byakuya. It's not-"
" I sold Senbonzakura," Byakuya blurted interrupting me.
I completely froze. " What?"
" I sold Senbonzakura. 50% will go to Shunsui and 50% Sosuke. One will get the flower and shrub division and the other produce."
" Why?"
I was hurt. He didn't ask me? It was his company, no doubt, but we raised it up like a child. I felt like he had torn something from me. " I want to see you Midori. We've been so busy and I knew as soon as we got back from vacation things would go to how they were before. But I don't want that. I want things to be the way they were before my parents interjected even before we opened our first shop." Byakuya entwined my hand in his and I felt the warmth. " I want you back. I want to speak the language of flowers with you I want to grow a garden I want… I want to make a family. I want to raise a family here. And we can't do that when we're buried in work all the time."
I took in Byakuya's words and they filled me so nicely. He meant it. " A family?" I asked hoarsely and happily.
" Yes a family. Our family. That we will raise here. Would you like to join me in this new endeavor?" Byakuya asked.
I looked back up at him and smiled happily tears in eyes. He was right. I want to be with Byakuya not as my business partner but as my lover and husband. " Yes of course Byakuya," I said then leaned in and kissed him. The moonlight shined down on our renewal of love making the night even sweeter. Things were officially the same as they were back then. Nothing seemed to matter anymore except Byakuya, me, and the love flowing between us. And what a perfect love it is.
