Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo

Chapter 13

I'm Gonna Love You Forever

It's been 3 months since Briella was born. She's doing great. Her hair is now dirty blonde and her eyes are blue, but they're getting some brown in them. Both Miranda and I are anxious to see what color they turn out to be. Paize is 6 months now and she is looking more like the blue eyed, brown haired girl I seen in my premonition every day. She's so beautiful. In the past 3 months, she has really caught up to babies her age and she's pretty much developing like a full term baby now. She's doing everything a normal 6 month old would. I'm proud of her. After Paizley came home, Raina acted a little jealous, wanting all my attention on her. It was hard for her, but I tried including her when I spent time with Paizley and that seemed to work. She does have bad separation anxiety. She almost always becomes upset when she leaves me to go to the Soul Society with Renji. It makes me feel bad for him, because it seems like she likes me best. That's only to be expected, considering I'm all she's ever known. Renji isn't there all day, every day like I am. It makes me feel guilty sometimes making her go when she wants only me, but Renji says her tears are normally gone soon after getting there. "No" has became her favorite word. It's rather irritating sometimes. And when she doesn't want to do something, she's not going to do it. She fights when I try to change her diaper sometimes and it's the same way with getting in the car seat or stroller. I've learned to just let things go if it's over minor things like changing her shirt when it gets dirty. I save my energy and follow through on the big stuff, like no hitting and such. Even with all the power struggling going on, she's never used her powers to try to get a one up on me. She just does it the way a normal kid would.

Shortly after Briella was born, Miranda came to me with an idea. She said she'd been wanting to do this for a while, but wanted to wait until everything settled down for me. Things just kept happening though. As soon as they did calm down, she presented me her idea. Miranda wanted us to start our own clothing line and open a store. She had gone to design school while I was doing nursing. She knew that I couldn't model forever and that I loved the fashion industry and wanted to stay in it. I always envied that she had gotten to go to design school. I would had much rather went with her than gone to nursing school, but my mother said otherwise. She had taught me all she knew though, so it was almost like I had gone with her. Our plan was to make high end clothes that everyday women could wear and also have a high fashion line that we could take to the run way. We also wanted to make children's and baby's clothes as neither one of us are that pleased with what's already out there for our kids to wear. We went to our dads, knowing we would need people backing us. They agreed. I had a lot of contacts in the fashion industry, which was really going to help us too. We immediately started designing and once we got all the sketches done and approved by both of us, we sent them out to be made. They would be coming back to show us samples once they had them done. Using my contacts, I was able to get us a great publicist, who was planning a big party for our grand opening. He was doing an amazing job getting us publicity so far. He said that me already being out there as a model was helping us, because many people knew of me. Even though I wasn't the most famous model, I was still successful and had plenty of covers under my belt. Gin wasn't too fond of our publicist, Scott. He said he was shady and he didn't like his slicked back hair and business suits. I always just laughed at him, but he told me to be careful around him.

We had managed to get a store on Rodeo Drive, which we were completely redoing. We had a meeting there today to see how things were looking. We had had a professional interior designer to help us design how we wanted the inside to look. Everything was looking so good.

We had finished talking with the people who were doing the remodel when Miranda said out of nowhere. "I think I want to start seeing other people."

"What?" I nearly spit out my drink. "What about Lee?"

"He's never around and when he is, all we do is fight. It's not going very good."

"I didn't know. Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because I thought he was 'the one' and it's kind of hard accepting that he may not be."

I hugged her. "It's ok. Sometimes it takes time to fine 'the one.' I remember when I thought Shane was mine."

She withdrew. "And it would have been cool if he had been. We would be sisters then."

"We're sisters anyways."

She smiled. "I'm glad we are. So, do you think Gin is 'the one'?"

"I try not to think that about anyone any more. I just go with it. All that I know is he's very special to me. He and I have something different and I'm enjoying it."

Miranda crossed her arms. "I don't buy into that. You've always wanted to find 'the one' and get married. You've been that way for as long as we've been friends. So you're telling me that you suddenly changed your mind and are just going with the flow?"

I smiled at how well she knew me. "Or I'm just saying that I'm going with the flow and secretly hoping he's the one."

She laughed. "You guys have been together over a year now, right?"

"Yeah, if you count all that time we sneaked around in Hueco Mundo as being together. It's right at a year if you don't." I laughed.

"Maybe he'll propose soon."

"I'm not going to be expecting it, though. Last time I did that, I was let down."

"Yeah, my brother was retarded. He had a great girl for forever and only proposed after she left him."

"How come whenever I talk about love with anyone, it always leads to talking about him?"

"Might be because you were with him a long time and everyone thought you would marry him. People in your life associate you and him with love. Although maybe it's because your relationship with him seemed so perfect on the outside."

"In reality it wasn't that perfect."

"Not everyone knows the truth about that. My parents definitely don't go around telling people what he did to you, nor do I. It's hard for us to accept that he was like that to someone he loved dearly.

"And here we go again with him and love. Even in his death, he's still the topic of discussion."

She smiled. "Sorry. That will be one thing about leaving Lee. I have hopes of Shane being found up there and Lee was my link. Now I'll never know." She smile faded.

I sighed. "I guess I can ask Renji to be your link, since he's around a lot. And he's higher up, so he'll have more access in finding out if he's around."

Her face lit up and she embraced me. "Thank you, Kris. You're the best friend ever." She pulled back, but kept her hands on my upper arms. "You don't have to do this. After all he put you through…"

I stopped her. "Don't worry about it. I want to do this for you. It's what sisters do."

She smiled and hugged me again. "Sisters."

"Are we hugging because this place is coming along great?" Scott asked, walking up.

Miranda laughed. "Something like that."

"Well, are you ladies ready to do lunch?" He asked.

"Yep."

"Let's go then."

We all agreed on a place and met there. We discussed business while we were waiting on out food. He went over all the plans he had for us. We had just about had everything covered when our food arrived.

"So, we are sure on the name Silver Vixen?" Scott asked.

"Yes, we talked it over and that is the one that both of us really like." Miranda answered.

"Ok then." His phone rang and he looked at it. "I need to take this. Excuse me. I'll be right back. You can start eating without me." He got up and went outside.

"He's cute. Why don't you date him?" I suggested.

"Scott?"

"No, that guy behind you." I said sarcastically. "Yes, Scott!"

"Nah, he's got a thing for you."

"I don't know where you get that from, but if he does, it's probably because of my dang luring ability. I pick up random me everywhere I go because of it. One day I'll learn how to control it.

"I can tell by the way he looks at you. You're pretty. He would like you without your luring thing affecting him."

"Well, you're just as pretty as I am, if not more. So go for it."

"I know I'm pretty. Although I don't think I'm as pretty as you."

"Oh whatever. We're the same and everyone has different tastes anyways."

"I don't want him if he's into you though."

"Well, I don't want him."

"I don't know. We'll see."

"Have you even officially broken it off with Lee?"

"Kind of."

"What does that mean?"

"When we fought last I just came out and said that maybe we should see other people. He yelled maybe we should. He then stormed out without even saying bye to Brie and I haven't heard from him since."

"Oh gah. When was this?"

"The other day."

"Like sometime this week?"

"Three days ago."

"I still can't believe you haven't mentioned to me about you two having problems until now."

"In all fairness, you kept the thing with you and Shane from me for over a year. It was close to two years actually."

"Ok ok, you got me there."

"So what are you and Gin doing for Valentine's Day tomorrow?" She asked, changing the subject.

"I have no idea. He's being secretive about it. Rangiku has been hanging around the past few days and they're being suspicious. I think she's helping him plan it. It's probably killing her to keep it a secret. I've tried to get her alone to talk to her about it, but she leaves in a hurry. I know she wants to spill it to me because she makes herself leave so she can keep it. I always ask Gin what it's about and he just says, you'll see."

"Seems like he's going through some trouble to make it special."

"I have a feeling it was Ran's idea. Gin isn't all that romantic."

"Or maybe he is and you just haven't seen that side yet."

"Heh, who knows?"

We had almost finished eating when Scott came back. He was nice enough to pick up the tab. He got a box for his food, saying he'd have to finish at the office. When we left he walked me to my car, since we were parked close to each other.

"I'll be in touch with you." He opened my door for me. "Sorry about being mostly absent during lunch."

"It's ok. Miranda and I aren't your only clients." I got in my car. "I'll talk to you later." I started to shut my door, but he stopped it with his hand.

"Hey, I was wondering if you want to go to dinner with me sometime." He smiled.

"I have a boyfriend. You know that."

"Until there is a ring on your finger, you're fair game."

"Well, my boyfriend doesn't feel that way."

"Everyone else does, though."

I was a little annoyed. "You and I have a business relationship. Let's keep it that way."

"Ok then." I took his hand off the door and I shut it.

"You don't ask people out that have boyfriends!" I said, irritated.

It happens all the time, Kristen.

"This is different. He works for me! Now things are going to be all weird. Plus, I wanted Miranda to date him."

Can't have everything you want.

"I know. Be nice if I could though."

Be nice if I could, as well.

"What do you want?"

It's nothing.

"Tell me."

No.

I tried to convince her to tell me all the way home, but it was to no avail. She sure is stubborn sometimes. When I got home, Rangiku was there. She was in the floor playing with Raina. Renji had brought her home while I was gone. He also left me a box of my favorite chocolates and a card for Valentine's Day. In the card he wrote that I would always be his valentine. It was sweet. I tried to get some information out of Ran and she almost gave it, but Gin walked in and ruined it. She left soon after. He ended up telling me that I would find out tomorrow, so I was right about her helping him plan Valentine's Day.

I woke up the next morning and Gin served me a Japanese breakfast in bed. It was rather good. We ate it together and even fed each other. It was the perfect start to Valentine's Day. Then he told me that he had reservations at one of my favorite French restaurants tonight. I was excited, as I hadn't eaten there since I was with Shane.

It seemed like the time just flew by and it was almost time to leave for dinner. Gin was sitting on the bed, waiting for me to finish getting ready. I walked out of the bathroom wearing a silver sequined dress. It stopped right above the knee.

Gin stood up. "Wow. Now dat is a dress."

I smiled.

"Do a turn." He instructed and I did so. "Dat dress looks like it's glued to ya."

I laughed. "Yes, it's very form fitting." I ran my hands down my sides.

"Now how am I suppose ta keep my hands ta myself tonight?"

I smirked. "You don't have to. I'm up for a little PDA."

He pulled me closer to him. "Good, because I can't promise ta be a gentlemen when yer dressed like dis." He kissed me.

"We should go. Don't want to miss our reservation." I said when I withdrew.

We went to eat and since the menu was in French, I had to tell Gin what everything was. I ended up picking for him on what to order and I don't think he liked it very much. He said it was ok though. After we finished eating, I got him to dance with me. I think the only reason was because it was slow dancing.

"Ya know, I still remember the first time I saw ya." He said.

"Really?"

"Yep. It was when Aizen had ya brought ta him for the first time. When ya walked through the door, ya looked so scared, but so beautiful at the same time."

"And here I thought I had my brave face on." I laughed

"You were tryin' not ta look scared, but I knew ya were. I remember thinking dat Aizen shoulda never had ya brought ta him, but now I'm glad he did."

"On that day, did you ever think that you would be here with me like we are now?"

"No. I was attracted ta ya from the very beginning, but I wasn't dere ta find love or anything like dat. Besides, why would someone like you want someone like me? Dat's what I thought. But when ya came ta me almost a year after our first meeting, I couldn't turn ya down. I had ta take dat opportunity for all it was worth. Dat's why I made ya go all the way. Didn't think I'd get another chance like dat."

I smiled.

"I didn't count on what happened afterward though. After sleeping with ya the first time, I knew I wasn't gonna be able ta stay away from ya. It's like ya took hold of me or something. Even though I fought it, I liked it."

"I'm glad you lost that fight." I smiled.

He clutched my hand. "Me too."

The rest of the night was just perfect. He kept messing with something in his pocket. I was hoping he would just pull out a little velvet box and ask me to marry him, but he never did. I guess I was getting my hopes up. I blame Miranda for talking about marriage yesterday. It made me start thinking about it. I had pretty much told myself that I didn't care if we got married, because I was happy with the way things were. He didn't seem like the type to marry someone, so what we had was all I could ask for. But my talk with Miranda made me realize that I did want to be married.

The next day, I was coming downstairs with the laundry when I heard Rangiku and Gin talking.

"What do you mean you didn't do it?" She asked.

"It was too cliché. I don't want ta do it the way every other person does it. I want ta do it my way." He said. "Thanks for helping me, Ran-chan. But I think I got it from here."

I walked in the room, carrying a laundry basket full of clothes. "What have you got?"

Gin looked at Rangiku and she smiled. "I think you're about to find out." She got up, hugged me, then left.

"That was weird." I said.

Gin got up and took the basket away from me. He put it on the floor and took my hand. "Will you play something for me?" He asked, leading me to the room where the piano was.

"Of course." I sat down on the bench.

"Can I sit beside you?" He asked.

"I don't see why not."

He smiled and sat beside me.

"Any requests?" I asked.

"Play what ya played for me da very first time I ever heard ya play."

I smiled and started playing River flows in you by Yiruma. I had it memorized since I'd played it so much, so I didn't need any music to look at.

Gin just watched me as I played with a smile on his face. I wondered what he and Ran were talking about, though I had a good idea. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I tried not to expect it. I decided to stop thinking about it and just enjoyed playing.

"Marry me." Gin said out of nowhere at the most dramatic part in the music.

"Wh-what?" I asked, almost not believing what he just said.

"Marry me."

I stopped playing and looked at him. "Really?"

He smiled and pulled out a velvet box, the kind I was wishing to see last night. He opened it and in it was the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.

"It's gorgeous."

"Not near as much as you." He replied.

I smiled. "Wait, how did you get this? You have no money." I lowered my voice. "You didn't steal this, did you?"

He laughed. "Nah, not dis time."

"Then how did you get such a beautiful ring?"

"I have money, just nothing I can spend here. So I gave Ran yer camera and sent her ta look at rings in the Soul Society. She took pictures of 'em and showed 'em ta me. She told me which ones she thought you'd like, but I made da finally decision. Then I gave her da money and she bought it for me."

"You made a good choice with this one." I paused. "But you don't have to marry me. I don't want you to feel that you have to." I said, because this really didn't seem like him. I didn't want him to think that he needed to propose to me. I would stay with him regardless.

"I'm doing this because I want ta. Yer a diamond, Kris-chan and how I got ya, I still don't know. All I know is I want ya and I'll never stop." He got off the stool and got on one knee. "I want ya to be mine, forever. So will you marry me, Kristen Anne Meadows?"

I smiled. "You know I will."

He put the ring on my finger and I pulled him to me for a kiss.

Kristen Ichimaru, now that has a ring to it.

Author's note: So the ending wasn't a huge surprise, I hinted to it the whole chapter haha. And I didn't write this to be on V-day just cause the day just happened. I've had this planned for a little while, so it's just a coincidence that it happened to be published close to v-day. If any1 can guess why Kris and Miranda's clothing is called Silver Vixen, you get a cookie! I can't think of anything else. Review plz!