SteveGHWOR: Thanks for reading. This story was mainly written for strawberry/princess. I usually do tend to write with more couples involved but I wanted to just focus on them for this one.

Nypsy: Answer to your question in this chapter ^_^

Thank you to everyone that has added this to their favorites as well as their alerts. I hope you enjoy!

Temporary Pain

Disclaimers: I do now own Bleach, Bleach rightfully belongs to its creator and network.

The story is six months after his fight with Tsukishima's fight. He might have won the fight but his fight with was more than likely not over. His family and friends had returned to normal no longer thinking he was insane and returned to training as a full bringer.

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Epilogue

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"Dad…dad…DAD!"

"Don't be so loud! Mom said to leave him alone if he didn't get up!"

"Hush, he needs to get up!"

"Fine, then do what you have to do!"

"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!"

"Huh," Ichigo grumbled as he sat up to see his fifteen year old son glaring down at him. Ichigo rubbed his eyes and stretched a bit. "What are you two doing up so early?" He looked over at his eleven year old daughter. She looked like her mother but inherited his hair color. His son was the spitting image of him but he got his mother's hair and eyes. He sat up in bed as his daughter tackled him. "Now, now…ouch…"

"We're up here because it's your wedding anniversary with mom today!" His daughter exclaimed, "We wanted to make it special for you today. We sent mom on an errand."

"Uh huh, are you sure grandpa hasn't brainwashed you two," Ichigo grumbled as his daughter sat on his bed. She shook her head and his son sat down in a chair that was in the bedroom. "Let me guess Masaki, you want me to tell you the story about our wedding?"

"Yeah, not the soul wedding one that one gets old!" Masaki clapped excitedly. Ichigo chuckled as his daughter looked up at him with puppy dog eyes.

"Masaki, how many times do you want dad to tell you his love story with mom," and received his sister sticking her tongue out at him.

"Sora nii-chan mean!" Masaki pouted, "Daddy…please!"

Ichigo chuckled, "Well our wedding day, we decided to have it the same day we had our soul wedding. Your grandfather wouldn't let me live it down and saying how I've turned into a romantic."

"OH HONEY! OUR SON IS GOING TO PROPOSE TO ORIHME TONIGHT!" Isshin cried at the poster.

"I already did stupid," Ichigo grumbled, "I'm telling you when our wedding is and for you to start acting like a grown man."

"Oh but Ichigo, my eldest child is getting married…and I will have another daughter officially!"

"Shut up you old goat," Karin sighed at the dinner table. "We knew he was going to marry her sooner or later in the living world. At least he waited till he graduated from college!"

"But he shouldn't wait any longer to give this old man grandchildren! Oh grandbabies! I can spoil them rotten and send you back to daddy," Isshin was dancing around all excited as Yuzu laughed at her father's antics. They were having their family dinner that they did once a week. They were just waiting for Orihime to get home from work.

"I can't wait to see the ring you got her Nii-Chan!" Yuzu had a dreamy look in her eyes. "Oh she will look so pretty in a long shimmering white dress! Oh and the veil I bet is going to be so pretty!"

"I just proposed her tonight, you don't need to make wedding plans quite yet Yuzu," Ichigo crossed his arms.

"But it's been years in the making! You two were already married in soul society so we've been waiting forever for you two to get married here!" Yuzu protested and was in her brother's face. "Do you know how long I've been dreaming of this day?"

"Geesh," Ichigo grumbled. "Why does everyone get so worked up over my love life? It's not like you guys didn't know this was coming…"

"I bet you he bought her an expensive ring," Karin grinned at her brother slyly. "You had to save up for it for a while I bet. Going to medical school and having a part time job doesn't help, does it…right big bro?"

"Can it," Ichigo barked and was turning a shade of red.

"Oh my son bought such a pretty ring I bet! Oh I can't wait to see…" Isshin stopped as Orihime walked into the house. Yuzu quickly rushed over to her older sister and grabbed her left hand.

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! HOW PRETTY! NII-CHAN YOU DID GOOOD!" Yuzu shouted and Karin had to come look. On Orihime's left ring finger was beautiful large single diamond in a princess cut surrounded by smaller diamonds. Karin got giddy herself at how the ring sparkled and Orihime was turning pink as the girls gawked at the ring. "Oh, I never thought my older brother would have such good taste! Nii-chan, you did good!" Yuzu went to hug her older brother that was bright red.

Isshin had to make his way over to his soon to be daughter in law, he looked at the ring. "So my dumbass son was able to find a ring that sparkles like his bride to be."

"Isshin-san," Orihime blushed and Isshin chuckled.

"Now, Orihime…go over to my numbskull son, he's been waiting for you patiently," Isshin moved out the way as his son sure enough had walked up to her. He kissed her on the cheek and placed an arm around her.

"We are officially engaged," Ichigo said and the family just smiled. "Even though you already have been harassing me for the past hour about it."

"Was it embarrassing for him to propose to you at work," Karin asked with her face resting in the palm of her hand on the table.

Orihime blushed, "It was a shock, usually when Ichigo comes to my work place he will order some pastries and make small conversation. Instead he waited there for a moment and talked to my manager. The manager motioned for me to come out from behind the counter. Once I did Ichigo was down on one knee holding up the ring."

"Awww," Yuzu sniffed and had a tissue handy.

"I told her that my life had no meaning unless she was in it. The only way my life would ever be complete if she would be my wife," Ichigo finished looking into his fiancée's eyes. "Then she cried and yelled out yes."

Orihime giggled, "And all of my coworkers and customers applauded."

"Throwing flour at us too, which I still need to wash out," Ichigo moved his hand through his hair as some particles came out. Yuzu clapped and Karin smiled. Isshin was crying at his mother's poster. Ichigo ignored it all and kissed Orihime in front of his family.

It would hold the same affection on their wedding day. She was dressed in a very beautiful wedding gown. It was strapless, sweetheart cut dress and small crystal belt under her bust line as the dress was a ballroom style. Her tiara matched that of her belt, her hair all done up and flower hair pins holding her bangs out of her face. She was the very image of a modern bride and the tiara made her look like a princess from a fairy tale. Members of soul society had attended their wedding. Even Byakuya made an appearance and he even had a date. Which shocked Ichigo to no end but Rukia had told him something about continuing the Kuchiki family line.

"Good for you, Kurosaki," Renji patted Ichigo on the back. Ichigo had let his hair grow out to the similar style that he had when he fought Aizen. Orihime said it made him look even more appealing to her. So who was he to deny his now wife if it meant she would keep her long locks.

"Congratulations," Rukia smiled up at her longtime friends. "It's about time, we were all wondering if you were ever going to marry here in the world of the living."

"Gee, thanks," Ichigo didn't lose his smile. He looked over at Orihime who was absolutely stunning in his eyes.

"Daddy…what about that one line you told mom!" Masaki pouted and Ichigo chuckled.

"Masaki…"

"Shut up Sora!"

"I'll tell you tonight at this party you two are planning…"

"How did you know," Masaki whined as her father patted her on the head. "I can never hide anything from you! Sometimes I wish I could out flash step you just once!"

"Maybe one day," Ichigo said as the trio stood up. "We better get down stairs and see if your mother is back. I'm sure she has breakfast ready."

"Oh Aunt Rangiku is here," Masaki finally announced only making Ichigo groan. He sighed as they walked down the stairs of his home.

"OH ICHIGO!" Rangiku cheered and waved. "My, my you do age well don't you."

"Don't let my wife hear," Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Do you ever stop, I thought you were seeing Hisagi?"

"So what if I am, doesn't mean I can't look and enjoy the view!"

"Aunt Rangiku, we're minors and we don't need to hear you checking out dad," Sora said as he took a seat at the table. Him and Masaki began eating their breakfast.

"Oh, you look just like your dad! How are soul reaper duties with daddy dearest over there," Rangiku pointed at Ichigo.

"Dad is getting slow in his age…"

"What did you say," Ichigo glared at his son. "If I remember right, your mother had to patch you up after I saved your ass after I told you not to go after some hollows."

"Whatever, at least grandpa doesn't try to beat me up every time we go visit him…"

"Be lucky I don't do that to you," Ichigo arched his eyebrow at his son. Sora crossed his arms over his chest, "And lucky your mother would kill me if I ever did anything like that in this house."

"You know mom doesn't allow violence in the house," Masaki said with a spoon in her mouth. "Speaking of which what is taking mom so long?"

Ichigo sat down at the table, "Knowing your mother she probably got distracted or ran into someone else…"

"I'm home!" Orihime's voice rang into the house but she got grabbed into a tight hug of Rangiku. Orihime smiled and returned the hug. "Rangiku-san, when did you get?"

"Just a little while ago, your two children seem to be growing up so well!" Rangiku pointed out to the two kids. "I have to admit I'm surprised Sora has gotten more like his father the older he gets!"

Orihime laughed, "I've noticed that to but he smiles more than his father did at that age."

"I would imagine so, I mean he has a hottie for a mommy," Rangiku winked. "You have to admit though, Ichigo started smiling a lot more after he took you back to the world of the living."

Orihime nodded, "It's been wonderful. He's been wonderful…a great father and wonderful husband. I can barely get a paper cut and he starts worrying like no tomorrow."

"Sounds like him," Rangiku nodded. "I will see all of you later tonight!"

"Oh, I can't get either Sora or Masaki to tell me what you all have been planning!"

"Don't worry you will be pleasantly surprised!"

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"Make sure to put those decorations up! Oh, and put this photo up there!" Yuzu ordered. "Oh that's my favorite picture of them!" Yuzu admired the large canvas print of her older brother and sister on their wedding day. It was after they had said their vows of them walking down the aisle smiling at each other. She had a few pictures done, "Toshiro-chan make sure Karin doesn't fall or Nii-chan will chew you out for not treating his right again!"

Toshiro grunted as Karin laughed and placed a kiss on the silver haired man's cheek. He smiled up at her at gesture as she went to hang another large photo, "I can't believe we had these many picture of these two!" Karin hung up the one first picture Tatsuki had taken in the park. She smiled and looked to see what else needed to be done.

"I remember that picture," Tatsuki said as she walked into the room. "Oh, wow…Yuzu you have a collection up!"

"Of course, besides it was Sora and Masaki's idea to have a big celebration. After all, we can't disappoint my niece and nephew!"

Tatsuki chuckled, "They are going to be surprised it's almost like we're having their second wedding."

"Hmph, like we really need to feed that ego of Kurosaki's…" Ishida looked over the area, "Yuzu-chan here is the table cloth you asked for."

"Oh thank you so much," Yuzu said with a bright smile. "I can't wait for them to get here! Oh I'm so excited!"

"Yuzu, I need help here, which one did you want up next?"

"Doesn't matter, as long its pictures of them!"

"Thanks a lot sis," Karin grumbled.

"A lot has happened…" Chad said entering the room handing Yuzu what she asked him to bring. "I'm happy they have worked through everything."

"At least Keigo stopped crying a long time ago," Tatsuki laughed at the memory. "I remember how he reacted even after years of knowing they were together when Ichigo proposed to Orihime."

Ishida laughed, "Don't remind me, I think I'm still deaf in on ear."

"I'm just glad we were able to keep our old Ichigo and not depressed Ichigo," Chad spoke and then Yuzu waved at him to come help her with something. He walked over to her and Tatsuki laced her fingers with Ishida.

"He's right you know, I don't think we could've handled another depressed Ichigo if he hadn't gone after her," Tatsuki leaned her head on his shoulder.

"She's good for him…"

"Oh, don't tell me you are jealous of their fairy tale life are you? I'm sure you two still have your silly boy brawls after all this time…" Ishida blushed and looked away as Tastuki chuckled. "Come, Uyru lets go help!"

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"Explain to me why your mother and I are both blind folded," Ichigo grumbled as their children were pushing them along.

"Daddy, you're not fun!"

"Masaki…" Ichigo groaned as Orihime laughed. "Not you too, Hime!"

"Ichigo, it's just our children. It's not like we are being held captive by one of our enemies."

"Hmph, maybe those blue men traded our children with one of them!"

"DADDY!"

"It's ok Masaki," Sora laughed. "You know dad doesn't sit easy with surprises…"

"True…."

"!" Ichigo quickly dodged his father's advances. Masaki removed the blindfold from her mother's eyes and Orihime had to gasp. She looked at all of their friends standing there dressed formally. She walked in as her husband and father-in-law were sparring at the front door. Sora smiled as he offered his mother his arm. She took it and her daughter held onto her hand. "You are getting weak in your old age!"

"You're one to talk!" Ichigo then stood up and saw his friends along with the room's decoration. He gasped as he saw his daughter running over to him. She grabbed his hand and led him to where her brother had taken their mother. They sat down at the main table. Ichigo noticed the table cloth had Kurosaki embroidered nicely. He noticed a strawberry and a crown as well. He grumbled knowing who had made it and sighed. He would have to talk to his friend later.

"Well, now that everyone is here," Isshin made his way to the center of the room. "I want to thank you all for coming; I know my daughters and grandchildren have worked very hard to set this up for the Kurosaki couple. We all know their story almost from start to beginning. I knew the way Ichigo acted when Orihime was in Hueco Mundo that something was different…later would I find out that my son was hopelessly in love with Orihime. It took my dense son a couple of years to get it right but he made his old man very proud to call him my son. He has saved many realms from destruction and also found a way to save his heart, which is why…" Isshin turned to the couple and held up a glass, "we all would like to celebrate your wedding anniversary with you. Seeing you two has made a lot of believe in happy endings and that all things are possible if you just try. So here to Ichigo and Orihime!"

"HERE! HERE!"

Ichigo looked over at Orhime with a loving smile, he stood up and held up his own glass. "I have to admit you guys went all out. Thank you to everyone that has been there to help us through everything. Life isn't a walk in the park, we lose some and we gain much more. One thing that I've learned, that sometimes pain is necessary in order to move forward…and that pain is only temporary to be followed by something greater."

"Agreed," Orihime stood up and held his husband's hand. "To Temporary pain and to long time happiness!"

"HERE! HERE!"

"I didn't know being married has turned you into a sap," Renji patted his friend on the back with his goofy smile.

"Well, the right woman can make you do that!" Ichigo smiled as Orihime hugged his waist.

"Yeah, tell me about it at least you didn't have to worry about your future brother in law throwing knives at you and telling you to spar him in order to prove your honor."

"Oh, Byakuya couldn't have been that bad…was he," Ichigo asked looking to see where Rukia's older brother was sitting. Byakuya caught his gaze and Ichigo shuddered, "Ok I believe you."

"Yeah, anyway…so how many years now have you two been married! Didn't you have Sora almost right away…"

"What do they say, honey moon baby!" Rukia chimed in and Ichigo turned red. "Well, don't be shy I mean it's only natural you two would start making a family right away."

"Shut it…"

Ichigo sighed and thought carefully over his speech. He meant every word of it as he watched his wife converse with friends. He saw his children talking to their friends from soul society. He could only smile, life was finally on his side. Life was good and he was the happiest man alive…at least according to him. He closed his eyes and images of his life…he had been through a lot and he was happy he went through all of it. He had no regrets…pain is only temporary but the happiness that shortly follows afterwards was worth that temporary pain.

Fin

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Thank you to all that have been reading! Probably one of my shorter series but I tend to write a bunch of stories at once. So you will be seeing something from me soon enough. ^_^