A/N: Sorry, I've officially turned into one of thoseauthors. I'll just do my best from now. I need to stop trying to juggle so many fics at once. I hope you guys enjoy this.
I Do, Stranger
Chapter 9: Pressure of the Heart
The letter slipped from her hands, and fell silently to the floor. Rukia turned to Ichigo with shaking hands, her mouth agape in shock. He appeared concerned as he glanced from her to the letter. He bent forward and picked it up for his own inspection. He scanned it quickly before rolling his eyes, and smacked Rukia upside the head.
"Idiot! Got me all worried for nothing."
"Nothing?! My brother is coming over for a visit!! Wouldn't this qualify as hell brought loose?!" Rukia screeched.
"I'll worry about your brother, alright? My dad's coming to visit too so don't worry so much about it."
Rukia narrowed her eyes. "But what if they don't like each other? These are two different clans who are still getting used to the idea of an alliance. My brother doesn't take easy to a stranger even if they are family now."
"They're just gonna have to be adults about this and deal," Ichigo said, aggressively. He tossed aside his hakama, and settled into his bed.
"Do not give your back to me! This discussion is not over!!"
Ichigo tilted his head backwards, pulling the blanket away from himself. He had a dead-panned expression as he asked, "Care to continue this discussion in bed with me?"
Rukia backed away until she felt her back hit his bookshelves, knocking all of them down simultaneously. She glared venomously at him before taking her leave.
Ichigo rolled his eyes and settled back into his comfortable bed.
As much as she argued about preferring to dress herself, two particular maids and one trainer always insisted. Yoruichi, Michiru and Ryo gathered around Rukia as they dressed her into proper attire. With her arms, raised to her sides, she let them slip three different kimonos on her as was traditional as to not show off her figure. The outer kimono was a lovely shade of scarlet with lotus blossoms.
Rukia tilted her chin up once it got time for her hair as Ryo took the necessary time to do a complicated bun. Lotus combs were placed on either side of her head. Michiru presented her with the box Yoruichi customarily brought with her at all times and opened it before Rukia.
Rukia placed a pensive finger on her chin before choosing a gold chain with a turquoise stone hanging from it. Michiru wound it around her delicate neck.
The doors slid aside revealing a disgruntled Ichigo. Michiru 'eep'ed and ducked behind Ryo who didn't so much as bat an eyelash.
Yoruichi stood in front of Rukia, hands at her hips. "Ever heard of knocking?"
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I need all of you out while I speak with my wife."
Yoruichi nodded at both Ryo and Michiru who followed suit after Yoruichi. Michiru meekly nodded her head at them before closing the door.
Ichigo turned back to Rukia. "We'll be expecting them any moment. You do know what I'm asking of you, right?"
"All too aware, and yes, for the sake of our clans, I will be willing to play along. I'm an accomplished actress, after all," Rukia said matter-of-factly.
Ichigo sweatdropped. "Yeeeah. Let's go greet them." Ichigo held his hand out for Rukia to take. She looked up at his face before smiling and placed her hands in his.
Together, they walked hand and hand down the hallway and the stairs just as the doors swung open and revealed Isshin and his daughters at his sides. He rushed up to his son and pulled him into a crushing embrace. Ichigo clawed at his back, eager for release.
Karin and Yuzu stared up at Rukia who blinked back at them. Rukia smiled after a moment and stepped down the last few steps to join them.
"Hi there. I don't think I had a proper meeting with you both and I don't believe I saw you at the party."
"We weren't allowed to come to a grown up party," Yuzu said, clasping her hands behind her back.
Karin snorted. "We were left back at our tavern just dying of boredom while Dad was here yakking it up and drinking."
Rukia allowed herself to laugh out loud. Isshin's attention went back to his girls at hearing this, and dropped Ichigo instantly.
"Girls, girls. The party wasn't much fun anyway, and Daddy doesn't drink that much," Isshin insisted as he leaned down to their height.
"Sure, sure," Karin muttered, turning her head away.
"But father tells us that both you and Ichigo shared a dance!" Yuzu chirped, her eyes sparkling.
Ichigo and Rukia exchanged glances before turning back to look at Yuzu with plastic smiles. Karin quickly caught on but knew better than to point it out.
"Yes, yes we did. Ichigo's a wonderful dancer. When he asked me to dance, I felt myself being swooped off my feet." Rukia giggled as she intertwined her arm through Ichigo's who laughed and played along.
"Of course you are! Who do you think you got your moves from?" Isshin demanded. "This man with a two-pack has gotten plenty of ladies back in the day."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Anyway...Let's just go into the study while we wait for Byakuya."
"I don't keep anyone waiting," came a voice.
They all turned to glance at Byakuya and Hisana who stood in the doorway. Hisana grinned from ear to ear as she rushed at her sister, holding her at arms-length. Rukia could see the anticipation rolling off her petite shoulders.
"You seem to get bigger and bigger every time I see you," Hisana said cheerfully.
Ichigo coughed. "Not likely."
Rukia nudged him in the ribs, making him bend over somewhat and let out a disgruntled sound. Byakuya's attention was immediately diverted to this and narrowed his eyes.
"A month and a half of marriage...I do expect that everything is in order, yes?"
Ichigo allowed himself to step into Byakuya's space a bit almost leaning into him. He stared him in the eyes as if issuing a challenge before a smile broke out on his face. Ichigo wound his arm around Rukia, surprising her a bit as she was brought against him.
"Of course. She gets nothing but the best treatment."
"Ichigo, you spoil me," Rukia purred, placing a hand against his chest.
Byakuya regarded Ichigo with a stoic expression, but would turn his head and utter malice would show that only Hisana seemed to pick up. She touched his arm, smiling kindly and murmured optimistic things.
"Well, Rukia, it appears you've found yourself a rare thing; a good man. For that, who is anyone to argue with a couple who's truly in love."
Rukia felt herself sweatdrop a bit, but allowed herself to nod meekly in her sister's direction. She and Ichigo pulled away so they could lead their guests to the study. They each sat down in their own respected areas. Ichigo placed his hand on Rukia's knee and squeezed it slightly. She allowed herself to lean her head on his shoulder.
"Karin, Yuzu. Daddy has some grown up things to discuss with your brother and sister-in-law. Why don't you both play somewhere else?" Isshin asked pleasantly.
Yuzu nodded submissively and waited for her sister to join her. Karin gave her dad a side-long look, her lips pursing in annoyance.
"Whatever. Wanna go the library, Yuzu?"
"That's a great idea. Let's go."
As soon as they were out of the room, all attention was immediately redirected back at the married couple once more. Ichigo stiffened somewhat, before placing a single arm around Rukia in an awkward manner. She sat frozen and stared at her brother and sister in front of her.
Isshin broke the silence and jumped right up to serve himself some sake. He hummed a bit to himself.
"Anyone else want some?"
Most declined but Hisana raised a hand. Byakuya stared long at her before she covered the lower half of her face with her kimono sleeve; a habit she had when she was rather embarrassed.
"Sorry, Byakuya. You know I only have a cup of sake once every blue moon."
"...Go ahead."
Hisana could barely conceal her joy as she reached out for the cup that Isshin graciously offered her before sitting down on the floor a bit a ways off from them. Byakuya watched his wife swallow down a bit of sake, before turning back to Rukia and his supposed brother-in-law.
"I'm not here for a simple visit but to remind you of why you both are here now," Byakuya said monotonously.
"..."
"It is to make it very clear that while both of you are quite young, Rukia it is your duty to conceive a child," he ground out lowly through clenched teeth.
Ichigo and Rukia stared at each other in shock, subconsciously inching away from each other. Isshin sipped his sake, nodding at Byakuya's choice of words. He moved closer so that he was now sitting in front of the disturbed Ichigo.
"Yes, you must, son. For if either of you were to pass on, heaven forbid, the future of both the Kurosaki and the Kuchiki clan will be secured in the hands of your son or daughter. Now you know how badly I want grandchildren, Ichigo. Karin and Yuzu won't play with their old man as much as they used to!!" he cried.
Ichigo sweatdropped. "D-dad...?"
Rukia tried to recomposed herself. She smoothed down the wrinkles of her kimono on her lap, and let out a shudder. She rose her eyes once more to stare back at her awaiting brother.
"...Ichigo and I are both fairing quite well on our marriage but, brother, this is a bit too sudden for us. We need more time to-
"I am well aware. It is not my decision, however, so forget about any insecurity that you have and remember who you are. A Kuchiki first and foremost."
Ichigo and Rukia exchanged glances. He gave a sigh and mouthed, 'It looks like there's no way out of this.'
Rukia nodded solemnly. "I know, brother. Forgive me just now; I was out of tone. By when must we have...a child?" Rukia asked, finding it hard to breathe.
"By the end of this year."
"What if we don't want to?" Ichigo tossed back. He crossed his arms over his chest defiantly, giving Byakuya a cold gaze.
Hisana grabbed hold of Byakuya's arm, and shook her slowly from side to side. He allowed himself to calm down a bit at her touch.
"If you don't, then this marriage will be torn in shambles and my clan will go head to head with your own."
Ichigo growled lowly in the back of his throat, but before he had a chance to leap toward Byakuya, his father's fist came out of nowhere and bonked him on the head. He snapped his head back, glaring venomously at his father.
"What was that for?!"
"Because I felt like it!" Isshin yelled back. Isshin paused before turning his body in Byakuya's direction. "Forgive my son. He's ill-bred and spoke out of his place. Surely we won't have to resort to such things. After all, we're family now. "
"Why you..
Byakuya inclined his head. "Not by choice, Isshin-dono. I do accept this marriage none-the-less." He snapped his attention to Rukia. "I expect both of you to grow up and start acting your own age. Your marriage will fall before it starts. If that's what you want; it shall be," he threatened, his face expressionless.
"Byakuya, that's enough. Enough with scaring them like this. We came here for Rukia's sake, your sister, first and foremost." Hisana turned to Ichigo and Rukia in apology. "I'm so sorry, both of you. Let's not worry about heirs for now and let's just enjoy ourselves."
She rose up and pulled Rukia up along with her. She smiled sweetly at her sister. "Let's go off somewhere just the two of us. Meanwhile, you men can spend time amongst yourselves."
All three of them rose to their feet as soon as they left the room. Ichigo and Byakuya exchanged evil glares.
"Now, now, both of you. Let bigones be bigones and let's go into town to visit the harem."
Byakuya and Ichigo turned to Isshin and gave him odd looks. Isshin laughed awkwardly. "Just kidding, just kidding. Let's go into town anyway to release tension. I can tell this will be good for all three of us."
"How are both you and Ichigo really doing?" Hisana asked. "I may have been born at night, but certainly not last night."
They were both walking through the halls of the castle. Rukia was showing her around the castle that had over a hundred rooms.
"We're erm- we're alright with each other," Rukia said sheepishly. "We're a lot better than we were in the beginning, anyway."
Hisana's face reflected that of tranquility. "That's very good, Rukia. I'm so happy for you. I can't even begin to express it in words."
Rukia blushed. "Oh, sister."
Hisana walked about the hallway, squinting through the gloom. She turned back to Rukia with a questioning look.
"Why is it so dark in this area? How can you stand such a gloomy atmosphere?"
Rukia snorted unlady-like. "Believe me, if it were up to me, every curtain would be tossed aside. Ichigo's so stubborn. Especially about the garden, it's full of weeds and all the flowers are dead."
Hisana raised an eyebrow. "Why would such a nobleman allow his own home to go to such waste? Don't the servants attend to his garden?"
"He doesn't let anyone so much as plant new seeds in his garden!" Rukia growled lowly. "I really wish he would let me be apart of this. I have a right, don't I? I am his wife, after all."
"Usually, I would never say such bold things but allow me, sister, I believe that you should take matters into your hands and show Ichigo the beauty that lies in that garden. Whatever reason he has for letting his castle fall to ruin, surely you can help him make it rise back up again."
"If I do, I'm gonna have to skulk around at night like a burgular to try to plant anything." Rukia chuckled.
Hisana smiled as if she found the thought of doing anything slightly naughty seemed to amuse her. She slipped her hand into her trailing sleeve, and pulled out small packets of flower seeds. She presented them to her sister with a giggle as she held three packs out to her. Rukia grinned mischievously as she gratefully accepted them.
"Why're we here?" Byakuya asked, watching other peasants converse with one another.
"Don't tell me you've never gone outside your own castle and got your hands dirty, huh, Byakuya?" Ichigo smirked.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes. "...I hope you will not continue to address me in the familiar."
Isshin sighed to himself. It was nothing but ranting both men had been at since they had left the castle and gone into village. He tucked his arms into his sleeves as he continued to walk behind them. His nose then caught scent of sweet, and immediately ran off in that direction, dragging Ichigo as he went. Isshin stood in front of a food stand with his hands clasped over his chest in prayer formation.
"Please, please, let it be," Isshin chanted.
The merchant glanced up at him with a smile and held up a large tray of dumplings.
"Kurosaki-dono, why, it's been a while. Please help yourself. Free of charge."
"Thank you so much. You're too kind." Isshin felt his eyes water in delight as he sunk his teeth into a particularly sweet dumpling. He sighed in satisfaction as he reached for another one.
Ichigo and Byakuya stared at him from the sidelines. Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest, looking the other way.
"All you ever think about is your stomach."
"Not true son! The fact that I seek food means I'm as healthy as when I was your age." Isshin smiled at the merchant who was pouring his tray of dumplings into a small bento box.
"There you go, sir. I hope you enjoy."
"Thank you, thank you!"
Ichigo sighed. "So where are we off to?"
"What is there to do in such a village?" Byakuya asked, keeping his eyes lowered to the ground.
"The Moon festival is being held today. Not usually my kind of thing, but Rukia insisted on going. If she's all for it, I can't exactly deny her," Ichigo said, sweatdropping.
"A foolish man to let a woman walk all over you." Byakuya walked ahead, his strides longer than Ichigo's.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "Listen, bastard, I don't let myself fall to anyone," he grounded out. "I'm doing all that I can to keep Rukia safe."
"You have limits," Byakuya spat. "And it is that weakness that will lower you. I'm telling you this now; if you do anything to needlessly endanger Rukia's life, there will be hell to pay. Death doesn't come cheap and neither do I. You are looking at the exact Grim Reaper who will take your life should you take one wrong step."
"You don't need to tell me what I already know. I'm not useless. As Rukia's protector, I would much soon die before I let anything happen to her," Ichigo vowed.
"I wouldn't go around making promises I can't keep."
For a long moment, Ichigo and Byakuya stood giving each other vicious glares. Isshin was too busy eating his dumplings to care to intervene this time. Let nature run it's course, he figured. He chomped on a swollen apple dumpling, while his eyes strayed to his right. He spat the food out of his mouth at the sight before him. He threw one at Ichigo's head that bounced and fell to the ground.
"What, Dad?!" he screamed.
"Turn your head and look, boy! Same for you Byakuya-sama! How can either of you let your wives be handled like that?"
"Huh?" Ichigo as well as Byakuya turned to look in the direction where Isshin was pointing. Sure enough, there were their wives. A sleazy-looking man was trying to coax them into joining his brothel that was just a few miles from the village.
Ichigo looked like he wanted to claw his face off. Byakuya's face was expressionless, but his body was tense and ready for the kill. He looked like he was trying hard to restrain himself.
"You were saying, Kurosaki? Go get your woman."
"Shit!" Ichigo began trudging up the man, his strides intended as he reached the man. His hand was now on Rukia's shoulder. He tapped the man's shoulder, giving a short wave before punching him across the jaw.
"What the hell-?"
The man couldn't finish because soon the breath was knocked out of him by none other than Byakuya. Ichigo and Byakuya stood in front of their wives, arms crossed and waiting expectantly for the man to rise to his feet once again.
"Shit, I didn't know they were married, alright?" the man said, rubbing his jaw.
"Yes, you did," Rukia said, her head popping in between Ichigo and Byakuya's bodies. "We told you several times."
The man looked like he would've preferred death in place of the evil glare Byakuya was giving him. He was frozen to the spot on the ground, his fists gathering lumps of dirt as he shook in fear.
"Leave."
That was all it took before the man scrambled to his feet, and had darted off in the opposite direction. The men turned back to their wives who returned their stoic faces with grins. Rukia leaned against Hisana, her elbow on her shoulder.
"My, aren't they the strong men, eh, Hisana?" Rukia chuckled.
Hisana placed a hand over her mouth to smother her giggles. "I do say they're quite the heroes."
Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "This is hardly the time to laugh."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I'm going."
Hisana pushed Rukia in Ichigo's direction to follow him. When she shook her head, Hisana began prodding her back to go on. Rukia sighed in resignation before chasing her husband. Hisana placed a hand on Byakuya's arm, giving him a loving smile.
"I thank my rescuer." She got on tip-toe to kiss his cheek. "There was no need to worry though. Rukia had been prepared to fight if necessary."
"I am your husband. All you do is make me worry."
Hisana smiled. "I'm sorry. I never mean to."
Byakuya sighed as he stretched his hand out to Hisana who took it, her face beaming like the sun itself. They began walking about the village by themselves, only aware of each others company despite the bustling of crowds around them.
"Ya know, I don't need to keep rescuing you. I know you're not as weak as you purposely make other believe," Ichigo grumbled. "I'm tired of saving your scrawny little ass all the time."
"Hey, if you had given me another minute, I would've beat him up," Rukia insisted, finding it hard to match Ichigo's strides.
"Sure, sure."
Rukia frowned as she tried to squint and see what the fuss was about in the distance. People were gathered around to watch a group of acrobats. She squeaked when she suddenly felt herself being pulled through the crowd. She huffed indignantly when she was let go. It was a man with a goatee who wore a red Arabic vest with jewels clinging to it. He held Rukia's wrist held out above him.
"Thank you for volunteering, young lady!"
Rukia looked aghast. "I did not!!"
"Alright, now it's easy. All you have to do is let us tie you to that wooden pole and let people shoot flaming arrows above your head," the man chirped.
Rukia's eyes narrowed. "Okay...now I'm definitely not in!!"
"Come on, Rukia. Be a good sport."
Rukia turned to see Ichigo smirking in front of the large crowd. She glared at him menacingly before she turned back to the the man her mind made up.
"I accept."
"Great. Let's get you tied up and snug now, love."
The imitation gypsies ushered her forward and lifted her up by her arms and legs. An acrobat waiting at the top of the wooden pole wrapped heavy soul chains around her petite form. Rukia's head just barely peeked out over the thick chains.
"Now that our lovely damsel in distress is comfortable, I'm going to pick three men who will shoot an arrow that hits just above her head." The man grinned as he randomly chose out a guy with long blonde down his back. Another one was a guy in glasses and the last one was a guy in heavy robes of jade.
The man with long blonde stepped up first, taking the bow and arrow from the acrobat and let him light it. He squinted his eyes as he aimed. He waited a few breathless seconds before he let it fire. Rukia waited her face expressionless as the arrow was ready to strike in between her eyes. Before such a thing could occur, the soul chains rejected the arrow and it was cast aside. The flame was blown out as it fell to the ground at the acrobat's bare feet.
The acrobat rubbed his chin as he examined the burnt arrow. He turned it this way and that before looking up at the blonde-haired man.
"Hmm...the arrow says that you will have trouble committing to only a single woman. You should also beware of hammers."
The blonde-hared man frowned. "Why would I-
He was cut off as he felt a large metal object being embedded into his skull. He cried out as he hit the floor, an angry wife seeathing over him. He tried to crawl away but she grabbed his ankle and dragged him back.
"That is the last straw! You're coming home with me!"
The people in the crowds laughed amongst themselves. After calming down a bit, they saw that the man in glasses was next. He spat on the floor before taking the bow with a nod and latched the arrow across the bowstring. He stood his ground as he waited, waited until he released. A noise in the crowds had distracted him. He muttered cursing to himself as he watched the arrow fall back down. The acrobat did the same that he had with the blonde-haired man.
"I see a woman in your future...just not the one you were shooting for," the man said, laughing at his own pun.
Rukia rolled her eyes, squirming somewhat against the chains.
"I also see many good things coming for you. I see you traveling on long journey with the woman you love. You will meet her soon. You both will have two children, both boys and you will all live in Seiretei one day."
The man in glasses nodded his thanks and then smiled. He returned the bow, and bowed before taking his leave. The acrobat turned back to the crowd.
"Alright, everyone! It comes down to the last man standing!" he shouted. "Let's see if he's man enough for this woman! The marksmen before him were dreadful. Let's see what this man is made of."
The acrobat handed the bow to the man in jade who snatched bow from him. He narrowed his eyes, not waiting even a split second before releasing the arrow. The arrow shot beautiful through the air and made it just centimeters above Rukia's head. The acrobat picked up the burnt arrow and gave it the once over.
"I see ruthlessness in your nature and I a great battle ahead of you. You'll win but at a price. As for love, the woman above you just might be in it."
The acrobat snapped his fingers and soul chains around Rukia went slack. She slid down and landed gracefully on her feet.
"Now for the grand prize! Miss, you are to present a kiss to the winner!"
Rukia's eyes widened. "What? I never agreed to that."
"Come on, give 'im a kiss, love. He won't bite."
The man in jade stepped forward, pulling Rukia forward. She stared up at him uncertainly, her hands balling into fists at her sides as he leaned down.
"Hold it."
Everyone turned to stare at Ichigo who was now holding the jade man's arrow. He broke it in half and pulled Rukia behind him.
"If anyone has to kiss this midget, it will be me!"
Rukia's eyes softened at this. Had something smart and actually sweet come out of that strawberry's mouth for once? She felt the heat spread across her cheeks.
"Look!"
The acrobat pointed at the ground where the smashed arrow had been only to see a brand new arrow sitting on the ground with a blazing flame on it's tip. The acrobat stepped over it, making the flame sizzle and finally die out. He picked up carefully and examined it. A grin spread across his features as he held the arrow as well as Ichigo's wrist up in the arrow. Ichigo looked confused, casting a glance in Rukia's direction.
"The new winner!!"
The jade man gawked in outrage. "What?! He didn't even do anything!"
The acrobat wagged his finger at him. "Now, now. No need to be a sore loser. Besides, the arrow never lies," he said, winking at Ichigo and Rukia. "I see a blossoming love in the not too distant future for both of you. I also see many obstacles in the way, but your love is strong enough to overcome them. Truly a match made in heaven."
Ichigo's eye began twitching, and Rukia angrily turned away from him. Their backs were against one another as the crowd cheered. The acrobat placed one hand on Ichigo's shoulder and one on Rukia's. He made them turn to slowly face one another. Their expressions were still hard, but the tension around them began to lessen a bit.
From within the crowds, Karin and Yuzu came pushing through the cards. Apparently they had been watching the whole scene. Isshin stood beside them, too indulged in his dumplings to be aware of anything else.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Karin stared at her fraternal twin. "Oh god, now I've been roped into it. Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Ichigo and Rukia stared long at each other. He averted his gaze and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Rukia looked down at her slippers, a bit pink from all the cheering around her.
"You know...we don't have to give in for them," Ichigo whispered. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to."
Rukia looked torn in between, looking up at him. "It's alright, I don't mind." She paused. "We're married, aren't we?"
She stood on tip-toes, awaiting the feel of his lips against hers'. Ichigo watched her face for a moment. He looked from the cheering crowd to his trembling wife. He sighed to himself as he placed on hand on her shoulder, making Rukia stiffen and closed her eyes tighter. He smiled to himself as he leaned in and pecked her on the cheek.
Rukia looked up at him through slit eyes, and couldn't help but be a bit relieved if not just a tad bit disappointed. She glanced at the crowd around them who were 'boo'ing them and calling them a boring couple. Several laughed along or called them shy, cute married partners while the rest of the children absolutely scandalous.
Ichigo and Rukia laughed, leaning against each other for support. They looked back at each other and started cracking up. Byakuya and Hisana watched from the side-lines as the couple conversed.
"She looks so happy," Hisana sighed. She glanced back at Byakuya. "Don't you think?"
"...I suppose. Should Kurosaki Ichigo take away that smile from her face, I'll never find it in myself to search for mercy and forgiveness."
Hisana smiled. "You're such a good brother, and my fair husband. Byakuya, I love you. Happy anniversary, my love."
Byakuya's eyes widened a fraction, but a small smile soon replaced it. He drew Hisana against him in a one-armed embrace. Hisana buried her face against his chest as she clung to his hitoe. Byakuya handed a servan that had followed him a bag of money and mouthed for him to go buy his wife a gift. The servant nodded quickly, and ran off to do his master's bidding.
Hisana pulled away a bit to look into her husband face, a look of suspicion on her face. "You didn't forget our anniversary again, did you?"
"Of course not." Byakuya's closed his eyes in irritation. In the next instant, he felt his wife's lips against his own. His eyes slit open in surprise at this. Hisana pulled away, giving him a satisfied smile. "You...are just full of surprises today," he murmured.
Hisana giggled. "Life is full of that." She glanced back at her sister who was walking hand in hand with Ichigo. "Weren't you the one that taught me that?" She smiled endearingly when she saw children trailing behind Ichigo and Rukia as they followed them to castle.
"Let's follow them back," Hisana chirped, looping her arm through her husband's. Byakuya glanced down at his wife, letting her lead him wherever she may.
A/N: :P lol. Sorry, that there's no kiss in this chapter. There's more IchiRukiness to look forward to in the next chapter. Plz R/R for me, you guys!
