Word count except for A/N -- 1,437

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach – whatever would be related to it. *sighs*

Start of Something New

(title is not inspired by the HSM song, 'kay? Enjoy!)

Rukia was busy finding a kimono appropriate for this evening. She doesn't want to look good just for herself but also for his husband. Yes, she thought; Byakuya was finally and officially his dear husband.

Their wedding was done traditionally and is witnessed by the member of the noble family, the Gotei 13 and her friends. She almost cried in joy when her name was already with "Mrs."; it was one of the best things that had happened in her life. Her feelings actually transcends the adjective "happy" or "blissful", it was more than that. After their wedding and the reception, they both went into Byakya's room and spent their first night there. Days passed by so normally but for both of them, everything is not the same as it was before. She would always cook him some curry for breakfast and he would visit her in his room (she moved in already and she has no duty yet assigned to her that moment) whenever he has time, which apparently was like a few minutes every hour. In the afternoon, they would walk around the garden and stare at the tree which is "theirs". Day by day is pretty much the same routine but it always turned out differently and their love continuously blossoms.

She went back from spacing out as she spotted the kimono she's been looking for. It was a but big but it'll have to do; he doesn't seen this one since she just bought it three days ago as she accomplished her mission on fighting hollows near several Rukongai districts. Byakuya would always ask her if she's going to be alright but she'll just smile to assure him. Sure, his husband is strong; everybody knows that; although she wants to prove that she can also be strong, if not the same level as he is. She doesn't want to be stubborn but it's her job to protect the people of Seireitei, especially Rukongai and after some explanation with more assurance this time, he finally complied. Each of them knew that they might have an argument if it goes out of hand and it might end up like before. (A/N: Too lazy to look on what chapter was that but if you do know, it's all good!)

When she had finished wearing her kimono on with a n assistant, she tied her hair up in a bun using a chopstick then went out to be escorted by him…

Byakuya was already in front of their bedroom door patiently waiting for her to come out. He had picked and wore his garments on another room; he wanted to give their area for her so she can have time. He knew how women could be when it comes to picking out clothes and fixing themselves; not that Rukia is like them anyway. However, with or without beautifying herself, she would always be beautiful in his eyes. After all, she is his wife. He remembered well when she cried when they are officially announced as newly weds. He's not the type who'll easily show his feelings but he did it as he lifted her chin and her eyes gazed into his. Just like her, he was also happy. Then, he kissed her shortly but passionate. He knew that it will be prolonged afterwards since it'll be their first time together in his, err, their room at that day, err, night.

He didn't wait too long when the doors opened. He fixed himself to look presentable (he was previously but he just want to make sure) and awaited her. Seeing her assistant going out means she's next. As she stepped her foot from the door and then the rest of her, his mouth gaped a bit and his eyes widened. She is wearing a blue kimono, characterized by abstract patterns that flow over her shoulders, seams and sleeves and her hair is tied up in a neat bun, the shape of her face is shown perfectly. Her usual strand of hair still lingers in the middle of her forehead as it cascades down just before her nose. Finally, the most exquisite about her look is how her sapphire eyes sparkled under the moonlight on the night sky.

"You look perfect." He says with a light smile on his face.

"Thank you Byakuya."

Byakuya escorted her and led themselves to a river in the forest. A picnic set has been set up near it and they sat down together to treat themselves with several light snacks gathered insde a basket. They just spent their time eating contentedly and telling stories on certain things. In the midst of all, their eyes were locked on each other. Emotion of love surrounds them in an exhilarating way. Going out for a single picnic on Christmas eve might appear odd for some but it was a great experience that they would always cherish and definitely something that they would do, annually. In their case though, New Year is also celebrated for better enjoyment and bonding. They can always greet each other on that day but everything would go back to the way it was as always: Hollows and paperwork don't take vacations.

Once, they'd finished eating, they lit up some pyrotechnics for both of them and swirled it around like a wand for amusement. They chased each other in circles and when exhausted (and the light was also gone), they sat down once again and averted their eyes up in the sky.

"I wonder when it'll start." Rukia says as she leaned her head toward his broad shoulder.

"Probably soon, I saw them already setting it up before we went here."

She snuggled closer to him then grasped his right hand, particularly to his ring finger and touched the band of silver on it. it was simpler than hers but it still complements his skin tone. "Up to now, I still can't believe we're married. I'm still at awe because of too much happiness, I guess."

Byakuya would've swoon about what she said but he rests his chin above her head lightly then rubbed one of her arms in soothe. "Me too. However, I will always be right here with you whether we're married or not. You know that I love you so much."

Rukia chuckled, "Yeah, I love you too,"

In the sudden silence, he, out of the blue, asked her in curiosity, "I was wondering…Were you alright this morning?" She removed her head under his chin and tilted it upwards onto him. "I know that you wake up early but you somehow went straight outside instead of the kitchen. You don't do that."

"Sounds like you always look after me."

"Of course, you're my wife."

She grinned as if she was hiding something from him and he wanted to know about it. it kinda make his stomach churn whenever she grins like that. It's as if she was teasing him or something else. She cocked her eyebrow, "You really wanna know?"

BOOM!!!

Explosions were simultaneously heard from above, meaning that it has started. Soul Society would always gather fireworks; some are hand-made and the rest are bought from the human world. Traditional and modern fireworks all combined together to light up the whole sky; each displays unique shapes, sizes, styles and forms. In the middle of that wonderful scenery, her hand, which was holding his ring, went to hold the entirety of his hand and then placed it just below her tummy. When she let go, Byakuya's hand continued touching it until he gasped on where his hand is. There's a slight bump.

"Rukia… Are you…" he looked down at her kimono covering the said bump, which he noticed that it was a bit big and loose, "..pregnant?"

Her grin was even wider and simply nods her head.

"I'm going to be a father! So that's why… Rukia…" He hugged her tightly but not as tight so as not to hurt the life inside her right now, "I love you."

She let out a giggle because he said it again for the nth time; it was music to her ears. He released her and his hand caressed it again. New life is about to be born in this world as another year approaches. With this at hand, their everlasting love has taken to grow itself deeper and they can now share it to their child, soon…

"Looks like you need to leave your squad for awhile and take a rest."

"If that's the case then, you better visit me all the time more than before, Byakuya."

"I will, I promise."

A/N: Sorry if this was updated late. It was already written in my notebook but didn't have time to type it because exams were my first priority. Well at least I had updated before Christmas so my act would be justified, LOL… anyway, hoped you like the epilogue; I'm sorry if there are bits that were not in detail (like their 'first night' xD) but I think I'm contented on how it turned out. Who knows, this might have a sequel. Hmm, you can tell me if this idea sounds good or not.

Thanks for reading everyone! XOXO

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I love you all! ^__________________^

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!