A/N:~*dialogue *~ this is Hichigo giving his own little commentary to Ichigo when he feels the need to badger Ichigo
A/N: -*dialogue*- is dialogue spoken by Ichigo to Hichigo.
A/N: ~~~***~~~means it's an actual scene with dialogue but it's not happening now, it happened at another time.
A/N: This is like an epilogue and takes place about a week and half later.
A/N: There is a very slight lemon, or maybe I should say citrus (?) in the chapter.
A/N: Yay! This is the final chapter and although I'm elated to finally be finished with it I'm gonna miss writing to it and thinking about the plot lines and such. I really really appreciate those who have reviewed, followed or favorited my fic. Thank you guys :)
A/N: please let me know what you guys think about the ending and just the whole fic in general , thank you guys, writing this fic has been so much more enjoyable knowing that someone was enjoying it too.
A/N: I do not own any characters or bleach they belong to kibu Tito.
"Nice of you to make an appearance, I'm not sure you were invited though." Shinji said to Nnoitra as he pulled up next to him in a sleek red mustang.
"I didn't want to, believe me." Nnoitra replied throwing a look over to the sleeping girl next to him. "Something about weddings and brauds."
Shinji chuckled knowing the feeling, Hiyori had been adamant about attending the wedding even though she didn't know who the bride or groom were. "So that's where she's been." When they had returned after the fight and everyone was planning on heading home he had realized that both Nnoitra and Neleil had disappeared.
Nnoitra smirked, "been fucking her constantly for the past week. I'm not sure if I've had my fill of her yet so I think I will continue to fuck her in the coming weeks, possibly months till I find out."
"Of course." Was all Shinji could mutter. He had had a sneaking suspicion that Nnoitra had her that's why he hadn't gone looking for her. He genuinely seemed to like her so he knew he wouldn't be hurting her, he'd get tired of her soon enough and he'd send her back to Kisuke's when he was finished. "That's all you think about."
"And you? How does it go with your little girlfriend?" Nnoitra asked as he got out of the car and leaned against it a smug knowing look on his face. "Are you still going to deny that you've hit that?"
"I'm not in it just for sex." Shinji crossed his arms and frowned, "not everyone is an over sexed manic psychopath like you."
"There are three things I like in this world, money, killing and fucking her. That does not make me a psychopath." Nnoitra replied with a roll of his eyes.
"I think when killing is one of the things you most like in life, yea that does qualify." They were both silent for a moment before they broke out in laughter.
"Don't try and change the subject." Nnoitra continued to chuckle, "are you still holed up in Kisuke's Island Paradise?"
For a while he had been staying at Kisuke's to keep an extra eye out just in case Aizen's forces had tried anything. But after Aizen was destroyed and all threat against the kids and Yoruichi had been neutralized he had gone home to his apartment in the city.
He had made plans in his mind of what he would do if Hiyori woke up with no memories of him or of anything in general. But once they had arrived back at Kisuke's and the excitement of what had just transpired had worn off and everyone had retired back to their rooms he made different plans.
He wanted to be with her, it was more than just a protective feeling that he felt for her even though they hadn't been together long. Well you really couldn't call it being together, they had shared a few kisses and she had shown some sort of possessiveness towards him but he still had no clue what she felt for him.
To her it was like an innocent puppy love, he had been with them both constantly after they had been released from Aizen's hold. So it was only natural that they would be more comfortable with him. He could admit now that it was over that he had been drawn to her and had rapidly developed inappropriate feelings for her that he had tried to hide. He had chastised Nnoitra for harassing Nel while he had the done the same thing to Hiyori.
"I'm back on my own now." Shinji answered with a slight shrug, "I'm still in Kisuke's employment though."
"You should come work with me." Nnoitra said out of the blue, "I've got something big I'm working on. You have a more leveled head on your shoulders than I do." He laughed, "Like you said I'm more of a psychopath."
Shinji laughed along with him. He was content working for Kisuke but that didn't mean he never thought of branching out on his own. The door behind him began to budge so he moved out of the way so Hiyori could climb out.
She glanced between them and frowned, "hello Nnoitra." Her voice seemingly dripping with distaste.
"Hey shorty," he replied patting her head intentionally messing up her hair in the process, "it's safe to say that you haven't had a taste of –"
Shinji punched him hard in the stomach. Nnoitra groaned in pain but smirked at him, "I would ask what the fuck that was for, but I'm pretty sure I know why."
"Stop being so vulgar." Was all Shinji replied to him. He turned his attention to Hiyori, "why don't you go inside I'll join you in a few."
She rolled her eyes and gave a half-hearted shrug, "don't keep me waiting." She said then walked towards the large house.
"I can tell who has the dick in that relationship." Nnoitra quipped rubbing his stomach area.
It wasn't like that at all. Hiyori was still adjusting to life, actual life not one that was spent brainwashed and drugged. She had woken up with limited memories of the past; she remembered her stay at the orphanage remembered Aizen adopting them. Then all she remembered was what had happened after Kisuke had captured them. It wasn't much of a life to have lived but she had blossomed while staying with him.
She was as normal as any person put in that situation could be and he was coming to realize that her personality was completely different than he had first thought. He had seen streaks of it before, that fierce determination to have everything go exactly her way. He had humored her before when she was still innocent but now he was trying to break her out of it.
He still catered to her, gave her that feeling like she was in control but secretly he manipulated everything in his favor. It appeared one way to everyone else but he knew how it really played out. He did what she asked to placate her and make everything just a little bit easier to handle but that didn't mean she controlled him.
"Why should it matter to you who has the dick in my relationship?"
"I don't care, you just wouldn't find me serving some woman hand and foot." The door to the passenger side of the car opened and Nel got out yawning. She picked up her small handbag then turned towards them.
"Shinji!" she squealed happily as she came over and hugged him tightly, "how are you? How is Hiyori? How is everyone?" she released him a wide smile on her lips.
Nnoitra didn't make any moves, he watched as she hugged Shinji and began a long conversation about some nonsense with him. It didn't matter if he knew her first, he had fucked her first. He smirked, he had proof of that.
He'd admit that there was a little pang of jealousy at how easy they spoke but he didn't want her for her conversational skills. Her mouth was so much more useful for other things. And now she wasn't afraid of him anymore, which was a good thing he supposed.
He had kidnapped her the night they killed Aizen and whisked her off to his own private island where they had spent the rest of that week and the following week getting reacquainted. She had resisted a little at first having only a few memories of her past. One of them having been him taking advantage of her in the hallway of Byakuya's home. He hadn't really thought that part out and maybe he deserved the backlash from it.
But now she gave herself to him fully, clinging to him even when they weren't fucking. She did something to his mind that he wasn't sure he liked, it was as if he was under some spell. He found himself doing things he would never have done before, feeling content to just hold her in his arms and watch her as she slept next to him.
He could finally see why Shinji acted the way he did towards Hiyori, a kind of softness reserved for that one woman. Just because he knew what it was didn't mean he'd broadcast it to the whole world, he would much rather Nel be the only one who knew.
"Let's go Nnoitra." Nel was saying pulling on his arms, bringing him out of his thoughts. "I want to find Hiyori and Hina."
Shinji gave him a knowing look, " I would say something but I'll keep the peace."
Nnoitra grimaced preparing to defend himself but Nel was pulling him hard by the arm, "damn it woman you don't have to pull so hard."
"That's what he said." Shinji joked as he walked by them, hurrying in to find Hiyori before Nnoitra got it in his mind to punch him back.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Shida-kun, we've gotta go now." Orihime said with a small giggle as she playfully pushed him away and tried to straighten up on the bed. They were both already dressed, her in a beautiful pink and white satin dress designed by him. He wore a white tuxedo with a pink rose stuffed into the left breast pocket.
They were on the bed because Ishida had toppled them onto it kissing her softly his hands creeping up her thighs. "We have some time before Kurosaki gets here." He whispered against her neck as his tongue darted out to tickle along the beautiful sleek column.
"We'll get my pretty dressed ruined." She said her voice coming out more of a moan then she wanted.
"I'll make you a new one." His lips were now tracing the curve of her bountiful cleavage that peaked out temptingly above the neckline of her dress.
"mmm Ishida…" she moaned as he slipped his fingers beneath her black silk panties into her wetness, "we mmm really shouldn't…" her voice caught as his deft fingers found her clit.
Ishida didn't say anything, but his other hand was now slipping the skinny strap of her dress down enough to free one of her breasts. His lips greedily latched onto the puckered nipple as it popped out of the satiny material.
Orihime's fingers buried into his long silky hair keeping his lips pressed against her breast. Ishida had seemed to change once he had returned from battle with Aizen. She had been overjoyed when he had finally walked through the door covered in blood but unhurt.
They had made love that day and since then he hadn't wanted to let go of her. He had become more open with his feelings, telling her whenever he got the chance that he loved her and she made him happy.
"Ohh." A small moan escaped her as his teeth bit down onto her hard nipple, he pulled away to gently lave it with his tongue stroking it as his fingers stroked and thrusted between her legs. He pulled it back into his mouth sucking it forcefully before leaning up and kissing her.
His fingers became more insistent, roughly stroking her clit with his thumb as he plunged two fingers into her over and over. She was close now and the added pressure was quickly sending her spiraling towards that glorious destination.
"Mm Shida-kun…" her breath caught in her throat as she came, her legs instinctively closed around his fingers hoping to prolong the delicious pleasure that was overwhelming her entire being. He was suckling at her breast again as his fingers continued to work inside of her.
He enjoyed making love to her, he enjoyed it a lot. Just watching the look of ultimate pleasure that overshadowed her face, hearing her say his name in that sweet little voice. Even if it was just a quickie like this where he wouldn't get off he didn't mind cause he knew later when they had more time it would be amazing.
It seemed like forever before the sensations died away and she was in control of her body again. Ishida was peering down at her with that loving look on his face. He kissed her gently and pulled away from her slowly pulling down the hem of her skirt and fixing her dress.
"Your turn?" Orihime asked as he got up from the bed straightening his suit.
Ishida adjusted his glasses on his nose and shook his head, "no we don't have time, Kurosaki will be here any moment." Orihime looked disappointed so he added, "Later Hime." She nodded with a small smile and rose from the bed too making sure she was presentable.
Right on cue there was loud knocking on the door, Orihime went to the door while Ishida went to the bathroom.
"You guys ready?" Ichigo asked the moment she swung open the door. He and Rukia took in her disheveled appearance and her swollen lips, "we aren't interrupting are we?"
"No Kurosaki." Ishida said appearing next to Orihime, he placed his hand at the small of her back, "shall we go?"
"Really, you couldn't wait till later?" Ichigo asked with a chuckle as he and Rukia shared a look.
"Drop it." Ishida said flushing a deep red, Orihime blushed next to him but didn't comment.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The guests were already mingling outside the door of the make shift dressing room. The ceremony was going to be held in the ballroom which was adjacent to that room. They had decorated it from ceiling to floor in pastel colors. Pink roses, pale yellow and white table clothes and place holders. Bright blue tulle lined the ballroom where the ceremony would be taking place in a short time.
"You look amazing." Gin said as he watched her dress. He was already fully dressed in his crisp white tuxedo with a yellow carnation sitting gracefully in the left breast pocket.
Their eyes met in the mirror and she smiled. A part of him still couldn't believe that the day had finally come. After everything that had transpired through the past few years, after all the hardships that they had to endure. It was finally time for their happy ending.
"You don't look half bad yourself." She turned and came over to him sitting in his lap.
Gin chuckled kissing her full lips. " Why thank you Mrs. Ichimaru. Don't you just love the way that sounds?"
Matsumoto laughed kissing him back. She didn't care what she was called as long as she was with him. It had been such a relief to see them walking in the door. She had been on pins and needles waiting for any word on the outcome.
They could all have been killed and she would have been sitting there waiting in vain. The reality had only hit her after they had left. She had tried to be strong keeping her mind off the inevitable. What if Aizen was stronger than they had first assumed, what if he had some devastating trick up his sleeve?
"Oh now don't go crying on me Moto" Gin tilted her head and stared down into her blue eyes, "whats wrong hunny?"
She shook her head that was the past. He was here with her now Aizen was dead, they didn't have to worry about him anymore. "I was just thinking that you could have died and I wouldn't have known. I would really have no one left in this world."
Gin pulled her closer, wrapping her tightly in his arms, "I wouldn't have done that to ya Moto, besides there was no way Aizen could have killed all of us. But I'm sorry for making you worry, I promise from now on you will never have another thing to cry about." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Unshed tears came to her eyes and hinged precariously on her long thick lashes. "Now don't make a liar out of me." Gin laughed wiping them away.
"I'm sorry, I'm just really happy. I love you so much Gin I just don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you."
"I love you too Matsumoto." He whispered against her skin, "now stop your crying or you'll ruin all Hisana's hard work."
They shared a laugh and a few more kisses before a knock at the door broke them apart. "It's not time for that." Renji said as he pushed open the door.
"The grooms not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony." Kira added. Both were dressed in all white with yellow carnations in the pockets.
"Time for what exactly?" Gin asked as he helped Matsumoto to her feet.
"Well whatever you two were just doing." Renji said tugging at the tie of his suit. Formal attire was not really his forte, but being the best man he was forced to wear it, otherwise he would be in a jeans and a t-shirt.
"They are about to play the Wedding March." Kira came over to Matsumoto and offered her his arm. Being her best friend he would be walking her down the aisle and giving her away.
"Okay." Gin said with a sigh, he stole one more kiss before following Renji out of the room.
Matsumoto held tightly to Kira's arm, as he pulled her veil over her face, "you look really beautiful." He whispered as the first strains of the organ began to play.
"Thank you Kira." She said as tears came to her eyes, her heart was filled with a happiness that she hadn't thought was possible. She knew that her parents were watching over her and giving them their blessings.
"No crying now, its show time." He murmured, as the double doors opened and they walked down the aisle.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yachiru sat amidst the other guest watching the ceremony with passing interest. She didn't really know Matsumoto but Ichimaru was one of Kenpachi's best friends. A frown found its way onto her perfectly pink lips, saying his name or even thinking his name was painful.
It had been more than a week since the final fight with Aizen, she had woken up back in her own bed in Kenpachi's house. Slowly the memories of all that transpired; her insulting him and the devastating aftermath of him raping her had come back to her.
She didn't know who she was madder at, herself of Kenpachi. She had stupidly followed every lie that Aizen had fed her, believing him over the man that had taken care of her for the past ten years. She should have known better, why would Kenpachi have killed her parents just to take her in as a stray?
"Whats wrong squirt?" Baldy asked gently elbowing her in the side, "you are spacing out a lot."
She mustered up a fake smile, "nothing is wrong, I've just never been to a wedding before."
He patted her gently making sure not to muss up her ridiculously ornate hairdo. She hadn't been the same ever since they told her that Kenpachi had left. Even though she tried to act as her usual bubbly and precocious self when she thought no one was looking there was always sadness on her pretty features.
Ikkaku dropped the subject but didn't let it slip from his mind. Once they got home he would fish out the emergency number Kenpachi had given him and call him. He couldn't stand seeing the poor girl moping around like she did.
"I can't wait till that's us standing up there." Mizuho whispered into his ear, still clinging to his arm as if he would slip away if she let him go. She let her hand drop to his thigh a suspicious smirk on her lips.
Ikkaku frowned and pretended he hadn't heard her. He wasn't sure why he had continued to see her, she was more than a little delusional and very needy. Well she was really good in bed , and she did allow him free access to her body whenever he wanted, which was pretty much why.
"I'm going to the bathroom." She whispered pointedly her eyes somehow filled with desire. What was wrong with this woman? She was running him ragged, they had already been late having done it when he had picked her up.
She got up and walked away towards the bathroom area seductively swinging her hips as she did so. Yachiru and Yumichika shared a giggle beside him. "It's not fucking funny." He muttered but got up and headed in her direction anyways.
Why couldn't it be that easy for her? She realized that she had more than innocent feelings for Kenpachi, it went deeper than just thankfulness for giving her whatever she wanted. This past week, no all the time she had spent being tortured by Aizen had opened her eyes to it.
She was in love with him, it wasn't something she could repress any longer. It was painful to know that she had these feelings for him and he didn't want anything to do with her.
A door opened somewhere and she was tempted to ignore it and continue watching the ceremony but like so many others she craned her head towards the back of the room. Kenpachi ducked in with a frown on his lips, he hadn't dressed up at all in a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt. He took an unoccupied seat at the back but his eyes were scanning the room before he sat down.
Their eyes met and he nodded slightly in her direction but then looked away. Yachiru turned back in her seat a heavy feeling wrapping around her heart.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ichigo listened as the priest led the ceremony with half interest, Rukia holding his hand in hers. ~*when are we getting married?*~ Hichigo asked his voice echoing the same disinterest. -*when Ruki asks.*- Ichigo muttered.
The sensation was still strange, being completely melded with another being. At times Hichigo was more prevalent at times he was but it wasn't uncomfortable. They existed as one and acted as one. At first Rukia hadn't understood it.
As promised he had come for her a day after the actual fight. Byakuya and Hisana had helped them load up her stuff into the moving truck he had rented. It wasn't awkward at all, he even sensed that Byakuya was giving his blessing but he never said as much.
"You said you would explain later. It's later now." Rukia said as she looked over at him from the bathroom door. She was dressed in only her bra and panties, her black hair still wet.
"How am I supposed to concentrate when you're naked?" Ichigo asked closing his laptop and setting it down on the bedside table. Work could wait.
"I'm not naked" she replied switching off the light. She climbed into bed and crept over to where he sat, she straddled him and placed her hands on his chest. "It's later now." She repeated.
Ichigo chuckled, his hands coming to her hips. " You really know how to get what you want."
"Of course." She murmured leaning in and kissing him, slipping her tongue between his lips. "If you want more you'll have to tell me."
Ichigo captured her lips in his and flipped them over pinning her petite body beneath his. "Mmm" he groaned against her lips as he pulled away to catch his breath. He peered down into her large black eyes and sighed. Now was as good as any time to let his dark secrets come to light.
Rukia brought her hand up and brushed it against his cheek, sweeping his hair from his eyes, "its ok Ichigo, the past is the past. If it makes you uncomfortable, I don't have to know. As long as I can be with you it doesn't matter."
"No you deserve to know." He said rolling off of her and sitting upright. " For a long time there was this internal war going on inside of me. It wasn't really a struggle of good and evil, but one for dominance by two different yet similar entities." He rubbed a hand over his face unsure of how to continue and if he was making any sense at all to her.
Rukia came up beside him and wrapped her arms around his chest, "between you and Hichigo?" she supplied curiously placing a kiss on his naked chest.
"Yea. Essentially he wanted my life, he wanted to be more on the forefront. And that desire stemmed mostly from you."
"Me?" Rukia asked running her hands tantalizingly slow over his chest, inching further down.
"He was always there, watching as we made love, listening as you called my name. He wanted that to be him, to be the object of your affection. No-"he said quickly pulling her hand away from beneath his boxers. "How do you expect me to talk if you do that?"
Rukia pouted but nodded, "ok continue." She murmured as she went back to kissing his neck and chest.
"He was me, but like a hundred times magnified. His desires, his needs, I fought ever day to keep him in check, to stop the crazy thoughts that were going through my head. For a while I was successful and I pretended that everything was normal. Rukie-" he grabbed her hands again.
This time he pulled her on top of his lap, on top of his hardness his lips finding hers in a heated kiss. He quickly took control of her slipping his tongue between her parted lips to mingle with hers. Rukia pulled away and nipped him softly on his bottom lip. "I won't do it again." She moaned grinding her hips against his.
Ichigo stilled her unable to concentrate with the incredible friction that she was creating, he took a deep breath to clear his head and started again, "Hichigo somehow broke through that wall I had set up and he went after the one thing he craved. Imagine being a newborn being thrusted into the body of an adult. Everything was new to him he had never had the opportunity to really adapt to actually being alive."
"He looked so much like you." Rukia said remembering that first encounter with Hichigo. She had no idea why he was acting so strange or why he was hurting people, the Ichigo she knew was as gentle as a lamb.
"Well that's because he is me, just a more concentrated version I suppose. He never meant to hurt you at all, he was just jealous that you didn't love him. In a way it was my fault, I should have told you from the beginning what was going on inside of my mind. If you knew about him maybe he wouldn't have hurt you so much."
Rukia nodded but she didn't comment. Those few days had been terrifying, something she did not want to relive again.
"What am I saying? He is a definite part of me, no he is me. Without him I'm not myself I'm just half of a person. Sometimes I wished he would disappear and when he finally did I was completely lost. I couldn't function without him."
~*you say that as if we are not the same*~ Hichigo commented enjoying the feel of having Rukia pressed up against him. ~*talking is boring, lets heat things up.*~ before Ichigo knew what was happening Hichigo had Rukia beneath them, her legs spread and her panties ripped away. -*you have no patience*- ~* not when it concerns fucking Rukie I don't.*~
"Ichigo!" Rukia hissed out on a long breath as he buried himself between her legs. She had come to see hints of Hichigo, know when he was influencing that body that they shared. "Hichigo…" she moaned as his teeth grazed her hardened nipple.
~*you can finish your boring dialogue later. *~ Hichigo chuckled. ~* she wasn't that interested in it anyways*~
"Ichigo," Rukia whispered next to him bringing him out of his thoughts, "stop spacing off, its rude."
Ichigo leaned in close to her, "it's boring. I'm literally falling asleep right now."
"Are you going to fall asleep during our wedding?" she questioned elbowing him her dark eyes slitted.
~*so when are we getting married again?*~ Hichigo asked with a smirk.
"Of course not, we'll elope and get to the good part faster."
Rukia looked up at him indignantly, "that better have been Hichigo talking."
-*you are always getting me in trouble*-
"We'll have a big grand wedding with all the bells and whistles." Ichigo said with a soft groan, although he rather elope and save himself all the hassle. But if that's what she wanted he wouldn't deny her that wish.
Rukia kissed him on the cheek and smiled happily, "now all that's missing is the ring."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kenpachi frowned as he listened to Byakuya and Yamamoto talking , his mind was a million miles departed from whatever they were discussing. His eyes steadily followed Yachiru as she danced with first Yumichika and then Hisagi. After the first initial time their eyes had met she had ignored him from that point on.
That was fine with him, it seemed as if she had made her choice and came to terms with what had transpired between them. She looked a lot better though, her hair was done up beautifully her cheeks rosy and her lips were painted with just a hint of pink lipstick.
"Has your sojourn come to an end?" Yamamoto asked turning to him as he set down his glass of red wine.
Kenpachi shooked his head, "Not exactly." He muttered. He wasn't sure why he had come back, it wasn't because Ichimaru was getting married. Although they were good friends he wasn't the sentimental type. He really didn't care for dressing up and sitting in some stuffy room while people proclaimed their everlasting love to each other.
He had come back for the chance to see her in a setting where they wouldn't be alone. This was the perfect opportunity to get his fill of her happiness while keeping a safe distance and it not seeming weird that he did so.
"So you are just back for the wedding?" Byakuya pried.
"Yeah." Was all he answered. He didn't know how the conversation had turned towards him, they had started talking about what was to happen to Aizen's company now that he was gone. They should already know that he wasn't a talker, especially when it concerned his personal life.
"Can I have this dance?" Yachiru asked standing in front of him with a tentative smile on her face. Kenpachi's frown deepened, he could feel Yamamoto and Byakuya's eyes watching him steadily.
He could just as easily tell her what she already knew, he didn't dance. It wasn't in his nature for one, and two being in such a close proximity with her would just send his whole body into a place he didn't want it going.
After a moment of waiting she dropped her hand and her smile disappeared along with it, "o…k.." she said her voice cracking, "It was good to see you again Ken-chan." She turned and before he could respond she was quickly running away.
"Can I give you some advice." Yamamoto asked taking a glass from a passing waitress. "Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so."
Kenpachi looked down at the older man, he rarely spoke about personal experiences, so when he did it was something of importance. He knew what he was trying to tell him but he didn't know the whole story, he had done something so irreparable, there was no way they could go back to the way it was before.
Byakuya chuckled next to him, " I believe what he's trying to tell you is to go after her."
"I know that." Kenpachi mumbled wanting to, "It's not that simple."
It was Yamamoto's time to share in the slight merriment, "Of course it is. It doesn't matter what you have done in the past, it is what you do now and in the future that is of importance. You are not just hurting yourself."
Kenpachi hmpthed then walked off in the direction that Yachiru had disappeared in. It wasn't hard finding her, he could hear her crying and talking in one of the many rooms Ichimaru had in his large mansion.
"…I don't know what I did ..hic… I was wrong I know…." Kenpachi checked the door turning the handle, the door swung open revealing his whole gang sitting around a crying Yachiru with sympathetic faces.
They all turned to look at him, "you really couldn't dance with her?" Makizo asked shaking his graying head, "We all did."
Kenpachi took a deep breath to calm himself and quell the urge to punch him in his old condescending face or break his legs again. "Everyone get out." He ordered. One by one they got up giving him the evil eye.
"That's no way to treat a lady." The woman that was holding tightly to Ikkaku's arm said as they passed by him.
"He's already angry, do you wanna die?" Ikkaku groaned as he quickly pulled her from the room.
"Don't get mad at them, it's my fault." Yachiru whispered from where she sat on the large bed, "I was crying for no reason…" she wiped at her puffy eyes and then glanced down at her dress . She nervously fussed with it smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in the cotton. "I'm fine, it was only a dance after all."
"That's not only what this is about is it?" He asked gruffly crossing his arms in front of his chest.
She didn't look up at him, "I'm sorry I tried to kill you. I'm sorry for believing all the lies that Aizen told me. I should have known better." She was quiet again taking deep breaths. " The first time he told me you killed my parents I believed him."
"I didn't kill your parents." He was sure that she knew this now, but he wanted her to hear it from his mouth.
"I know, I was stupid. I had nightmares about it, about you killing them and when he kidnapped me he offered to help me get rid of you." This time she looked up at him, he could see the pain in her chocolate eyes. " I am a weakness for you, I laughed when he told me that because you have no weakness. But I still agreed."
Kenpachi listened to her recount her treacherous actions, telling Aizen his plans to kill Muramasa, their plans in general pretty much whatever move they were going to make against him. He didn't feel any anger at her for doing so now. She was scared and misguided. Aizen had used that vulnerability against her and manipulated her.
"When we… when you…" she couldn't bring herself to say the words. Yea he had raped her but she had goaded him into it, she had said such cruel things to him had counted on the fact that he wouldn't hurt her, but that had been her undoing. "I took that as a sign of your guilt. I thought you were dead, I really thought I had killed you."
He wanted to laugh at that statement, a simple stab wound was not going to kill him. He didn't feel pain like normal people he was impervious to such things. " There is nothing I can say to excuse what happened. I raped you because I was angry. But anger wasn't the only thing that drove me to do it. I never should have laid a finger on you, I took your innocence in such a brutal way."
"It wasn't entirely your fault-"
"Yes it was." Kenpachi cut her off, " it was my job to protect you, to keep you safe. After I found you, I vowed I would do anything to make up for it. It was partly my fault that they were killed, if they hadn't worked for me they would still be alive right now. I broke that promise I didn't know how you could callously throw us away just because of Aizen."
"He didn't think I could do it either." She commented bitterly, "if my parents had cooperated as I had they wouldn't have died. I knew deep down in my heart the Aizen was lying but somehow I allowed him to get into my head to control me. I'm so sorry. I know that you hate me… but you shouldn't have to leave your own home because of me. I'll leave it's about time that I grow up."
Kenpachi had known where this was heading, that's why he had stayed away for so long he hadn't wanted to hear those words. But he knew from the beginning that she wouldn't stay with them, it would be too uncomfortable.
Having been with her in such an intimate way he couldn't see her and not want to relive those moments, his fingers wanted to relearn her body again just standing there alone in the room with her sent his whole being into turmoil. "If that's what you want squirt, you know I won't stop you."
He honestly wouldn't, he would make it clear to everyone that it was her decision and no one was to stop her. Of course he wouldn't send her off into the world alone. He would give her money, get her a place to stay and a car if that's what she wanted. He'd have someone watch over her until the finality had hit.
She looked as if she was going to cry again but she didn't she rose proudly to her feet and forced a smile to her lips. She was lost in thought he could tell, thinking of something, fighting with herself. He stepped aside to allow her to leave the room.
This had been a mistake. He should have never come back, at least he could have still pretended that maybe he had a chance. If he never confronted it head-on then he could lie to himself that it was all some nightmare. She would be there waiting for him with that smile all he had to do was give her some time.
"No." she stated simply stopping in front of him. "No, that's not what I want." She tried to get her bearings, to put her words in a cohesive sentence. Kenpachi would let her do whatever she wanted if that meant hurting himself in the process. She knew without a doubt that there had been some kind of connection, some kind of emotion between them. She was already leaving so what other consequence could come out of her telling him how she really felt?
"I don't want to leave. I love you, I love our little family. I don't want to go out on my own and destroy everything we had. I know I might have already done so but please look into your heart and forgive me. I was wrong, you were wrong we've both done things we regret but I'm not just going to walk away and pretend like I will be happy. I can't just be friends with you." She took a step back and looked him straight in the eyes, feeling as if she was invincible now. She had already started there was no turning back now.
Kenpachi face was a stoic mask, she usually could tell what he was thinking but there was no emotion even in his midnight black eyes. "I am in love with you. You act like you have no heart but I know differently. I realize that I drove you over the edge when I denied that I had feelings for you. I know how much I hurt you because I am feeling that pain now. You deserve to be loved you deserve some happiness. I want to be that for you. If you would just let me in I…" she stopped trying to force herself not to cry, "I just want to be with you."
Kenpachi gathered her into his arms holding her body close to him, he buried his face into her sweet smelling hair. "I love you too Yachiru." He whispered into her slim neck, " I thought that you had realized what kind of monster I really am, I wanted to give you a chance to escape, to be normal."
He could feel the wetness of her tears on his shirt, "you aren't a monster, you are you're just different."
"I'm sorry I hurt you ,I promise I will never cause you any pain again…" he didn't know what else to say how else to convey what he was feeling at that moment. So he kissed her. It was just a gentle, tender press of his lips to hers but it spoke volumes and new tears came to her eyes.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
" What cat did you catch?" Shunsui asked as he came over to where Ukitake and Kisuke sat laughing.
"I do not understand." Ukitake said setting down his tea, "where's Ms. Nanao?"
"Off powdering her pretty little nose." Shunsui answered taking the empty seat at the dinner table. "I do not know who did the seating arrangements but they must know that I have no desire to listen to Mayuri's grand tales."
"Well someone has too." Kisuke chuckled, "I'm sure Gin shares your sentiment."
"Well it's not going to be me." He sighed and grabbed two glasses of saki from the passing waitress, "stop skirting the issue." Shunsui said turning towards the two men whose faces could barely hold their content smiles. "You, old man. You go first."
Ukitake took a slow sip of his hot tea, "I'm still not sure of what you speak of. It's the festivities that have lightened my spirits. You would be hard pressed to find someone at a wedding who is not smiling."
Kisuke grinned at that statement, he had something to be happy about and it had nothing to do with the wedding that had just taken place. For the twelfth night in a row he had fallen asleep with Yoruichi snuggled up next to him in a satisfied daze.
Aizen was gone, things had started to settle down, and life could go back to normal. It was strange he had thought she would immediately pack up her stuff and high tail it out of there the moment the danger had passed. But on the contrary she climbed into bed with him and they made love ; multiple times through the night and into the early morning.
Kisuke woke up to rustling next to him, the midday sun shining brightly between the window curtains. "Good morning Yori" he purred as he leaned over to kiss her. She kissed him back hesitantly, the mood instantly shifting, and sat up in bed.
His gaze immediately was drawn to her perfect breasts, her nipples hardened under his scrutiny and he smirked, "ready for round… let's say six. I've lost track already."
She didn't smile back, " I think I'm going to head home now, it's been interesting, it really has." She brought the blanket up over her shoulders " I do have a business to run, you know life to sort out."
Kisuke sat up also, was she leaving him? Going back to her old Urahara less life? " So that's it?" he ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, "what was all this about?" why did she sleep with him if she had planned on leaving?
"Well I don't know actually, I guess I thought I owed you something…. I wasn't really thinking it was just a spur of the moment thing"
"Bullshit." Kisuke exclaimed his anger somehow getting the best of him. She wasn't the type of person to just give into a spur of the moment type thing. She analyzed and calculated every possible outcome before she dove in. "so basically you used your body to pay me? For what?"
"When you put it like that, you make it seem so vulgar!" she said angrily, her voice rising. " I told you that it wasn't going to work out." she rose from the bed, unashamed of her nakedness. " I just did you a favor. You have had what you wanted, plenty of times so now we can go our separate ways."
"Had what I wanted…?" Kisuke did not really comprehend what she was talking about. She huffed frustrated and began picking up her discarded clothes. He wanted her yeah, but not just her body. Although he enjoyed it and if her screams of ecstasy was any indication she had enjoyed it too. But sex wasn't the only thing he wanted from her, he wanted all of her.
During the battle with Aizen he thought she had realized that he loved her, that he wanted her to always be by his side. But apparently she was too dense to see that he wasn't in it for her body alone, he wanted her heart too.
Yoruichi had her panties on and was pulling on her pants when he got up and wrapped his arms around her from the back. "Yori, Hun, you've got it all wrong." He nuzzled her neck, but she pulled away. Kisuke sat back on the bed with a sigh. "I told you before if I wanted someone to sleep with, there are plenty of girls that would take your place. Believe it or not woman actually love me, not sure why, but they do. I'm not interested in them, I'm into you. I could have slept with you months ago if I wanted to but I'm not that type of man."
She turned to face him as she continued to get dress, "no you couldn't, I don't sleep around." She muttered, her shirt muffling the words slightly.
"I knew you weren't ready and I respected that. I thought maybe in time you would realize that I was in love with you." He shook his head slightly in thought, "I am in love with you."
"You don't know what you are saying, you think you-"
"no." he interrupted her, "I'm one hundred percent sure, the moment I laid eyes on you I knew you were 'it', I guess they say. It was more than just lust, you are incredibly hot but not only that you have personality, you don't let me walk all over you." He chuckled, "you sure know how to work me over and somehow I like that." Kisuke got up and pulled her into his arms. "Do you think I just bring anyone around Jinta and Ururu? I love them as if they are my own and I wouldn't let them get accustomed to someone, to love someone if I didn't plan on being with them forever." He paused surprised as he felt wetness against his bare skin, "Oh Yori, don't cry." He tilted her head up towards him and gently kissed each of her wet cheeks.
"I don't know where you got the ridiculous idea that I would leave you once I had my fill of you, but it's not true. I don't think I could ever get tired of you. Each day you bring something different and exciting to my life. I can't imagine not having you by my side. It would break Jinta and Ururu's heart if you left. If I have to keep you locked up on this little island I would."
Yoruichi giggled at that a smile coming to her full lips, "I don't want to break their hearts." She whispered.
"What about mine?" Urahara asked with feign concern.
"Yours either Urahara."
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Kisuke?" he asked as he leaned down taking her lips in a passionate kiss.
"I knew it." Shunsui said with a boisterous laugh. He poured himself another glass of the saki he had confiscated from the kitchen. "Makes you into a new man doesn't it?" he prodded Ukitake who didn't answer but nodded his head in reply.
"I cannot leave you for one moment." Nanao reprimanded as she appeared next to Shunsui.
"~Oh Nanao-Chan you came back to me finally~" he said in a sing song voice, " I missed you so much."
"Stop over exaggerating I was gone no more than five minutes. This is not our table I'm sure, Shinji would mind you occupying his seat." She crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot in feign anger.
Shunsui sighed dejectedly and got up from the seat, "I guess I'll go back to my table now. I'm sure Mayuri should be finished with his story by now." He picked up the half empty bottle of saki , "see you guys later." He said his voice full of sadness.
"You are too strict on him Ms. Nanao." Ukitake said with a soft smile.
"He's over reacting as always, he'll get over it. We'll see you guys later." She said and walked away heading over to the open bar where Shunsui sat ordering another drink.
"This is the coolest house ever!" Jinta exclaimed as he, Yoruichi and Ururu took their seats at the table, "do you know that he has a hot tub in the bathroom. Why can't we have a hot tub in the bathroom?"
"You aren't old enough for one." Kisuke said with a laugh.
"I'm old enough." Jinta replied with a frown, "once again you treat me like a kid. Who took care of everything while you were gone?"
Yoruichi giggled, " You did a good job too. Don't worry Jinta I'll make sure you get your hot tub."
"Oh really?" Kisuke asked and then leaned in close to her and whispered, "How do you plan on doing that?"
"With bribes of course." She placed a single kiss at the side of his mouth, "you'll have no option but to surrender." She winked for added effect.
Ururu giggled," we are counting on you Yori-chan."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tōshirō was not much of a people person, even more so when that person was Mayuri. He was not sure how he got seated at a table with him and Isshin, he believed his name was. Both were avid storytellers and spent the majority of the reception trying to one up each other.
"I don't remember that happening, you know I was part of the Gotei for many years before I left to practice medicine. I would remember that I think." Isshin cut into Mayuri's tale.
"Dear, your memory is bad." His wife said laying a gentle hand on his arm, "that happened the day we met…"
Isshin burst into loud laughter, "of course, I know that."
"Of course I know that." Mayuri mocked, " Do you remember almost cutting my arm off too?"
"That I don't remember. I would never hurt a friend."
"Oh so now we are friends?" Mayuri asked with a curious scowl. "Were we friends when you stole my prototype and then proceeded to fight me for it?"
"That didn't happen." Nemu said quietly with an annoyed look on her face.
"Be quiet you." Mayuri groaned, "Whose side are you on anyways."
"Neither, I just speak the truth. Something the two of you have a trouble with remembering."
"Sorry, it took so long." Momo said as she sat next to him smiling brightly.
Tōshirō found himself smiling back at her, something that had become easier since they had rescued her from Aizen. After the smoke had cleared and the flames had died down he had known immediately what had been wrong. Aizen hadn't killed Momo, she hadn't even been in the room at the time. It was a facsimile, just a hollow shell meant to trick him.
She pulled his hand into hers and squeezed it tightly. He had found her sleeping safely away from all the commotion, wrapped up snugly in a large comforter. Aizen probably hadn't planned on dying, he was gonna dispose of them and then take Momo for himself.
He wasn't sure exactly what Aizen had felt for her, if it was love or something else. Once they were safe and she had awoken from the trance that she had been under everything seemed so surreal. She remembered growing up with him in the orphanage, she remembered those days that they had spent after he had first found her again.
She confessed that she also remembered that they had made love before. In her mind she had been happy to give herself to him because that was the natural progression of their relationship. She had found herself in his room not knowing how she had gotten there, but knowing that it was him lying there.
He had been afraid to ask what had happened once Aizen had kidnapped her the second time, dreading what she would say. She hadn't hesitated when she told him that Aizen had kept her locked away in that bedroom, coming ever so often just to talk to her.
Aizen had planned out their entire future together. He would get rid of the Gotei and take over the Serietie and then take her as his wife. But to do so, to cleanse her of Tōshirō, his would be the only death that she would be privy to. He would kill him slowly in front of her so that she knew it was over, that whatever they had whatever feelings she had for him would die with him.
It was awkward at first reliving everything that had happened, trying to come to terms with where their relationship was heading and how they would continue in the future. But he loved her, she was it for him he didn't want anyone else.
At times he would find her crying, afraid that this whole magical dream was going to come to an end anytime soon and she would be back in Aizen's home his prisoner once again. He tried to assure her that he would never leave her side, that that painful part of her life was over. Even so she always kept a tight hold on to him, which he didn't mind at all.
Momo giggled next to him, "I still think you are amazing Mayuri, even if no one else does."
"Thank you, at least someone appreciates my accomplishments." He said in a huff leaning back in his seat.
He had moved his main office form New York to Tokyo so that she could be closer to her old friends. He didn't mind after all it was his hometown and that was where all the other members of the Gotei resided. They were together, they were in love and they were happy. That's all that really mattered.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Thank you all for coming," Gin was saying as the band played softly in the background. "I know everyone is anxious to leave, cause I'm anxious for you to leave too." He sent a wolfish grin in Matsumoto's direction and everyone laughed. "But I would like to propose one last toast before everyone goes." He stood from his seat raising his glass of wine. Everyone stood their glasses raised with him. " To the future, to new beginnings, to peace. To finding that someone that gives you the happiness and love you deserve." He wrapped his arm around Matsumoto and pulled her closer. "To the future."