Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU. Thank you to all my reviewers. I have really appreciated your support.

Epilogue

Groans rose up from the children as she ended the story.

"But, Lady Hitsugaya, what happened in the war?"

"And you didn't tell how Daddy got away from the Arrancar, Auntie Momo."

Shunsui bit back a chuckle. The children were always a handful, though Lady Hitsugaya was especially good with them. He had been pleased that there were so many children around the same age at court. The twins, Seiko and Inari Ichimaru, were the oldest of the batch at eight. Both girls had inherited their mother's blue-grey eyes, but Inari had her mother's red-gold hair while Seiko's was the same as her father's silver. Koneko Urahara was seven as was his son, Tatsuyoshi. Those two were only months apart and had become fast friends while still in the cradle. Kiyoshi Ukitake had been the youngest of the bunch at six. At least until today.

Tatsuyoshi caught sight of him. "Father?"

His son had taken after his mother both in looks and in personality. However, Nanao blamed the boy's sense of mischief on him. Shunsui smiled.

"It's time for bed for the rest of you." Lady Hitsugaya smiled. "You'll be able to see the new prince or princess later this week."

The other children complained but allowed themselves to be shepherded out of the room. His son crossed the room and waited impatiently.

"Well?"

Shunsui couldn't help himself. He beamed. "You have a little sister. Your mother says you can come see her if you promise to go to bed without a fuss."

Tatsuyoshi considered this. "All right."

Their son had taken after his mother in the fact that he was a night owl. Bedtime was a constant struggle, but Tatsuyoshi had been so excited about the prospect of a younger brother or sister that he would do just about anything for a chance to see the new baby.

"What does she look like?"

"Why don't you wait and see?" Shunsui teased as they made their way down the corridor.

"Da-ad."

"She has her mother's nose and brown hair."

Shunsui nodded to the guard at the door of his bedchamber, and they slipped into the room. Nanao was propped up in bed, a little bundle resting her arms. Tatsuyoshi scampered over to her side.

"Is that her, Mama?" He peered at his new sister. "She's so little."

Nanao smiled at her son. "Her name is Miyako, Yoshi."

Shunsui came around to her other side, perching on the edge of the bed. Miyako let out a sigh and opened her eyes for them.

"She has Dad's eyes," Tatsuyoshi exclaimed, leaning in closer. "Hi, Miya-chan. I'm your brother."

Miyako blinked at him, and Tatsuyoshi extended a careful finger to touch her cheek. Shunsui leaned closer to his wife and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Nanao smiled at him, weary but happy.

"Happy, my beloved Nanao-chan?"

"Very. But I would like some sleep. It's been a very long day."

He kissed her forehead. "Of course."

It took some doing but Shunsui managed to pry Tatsuyoshi away from his new sister, but he managed. Once his son was safely tucked into bed, Shunsui rejoined his wife in their room. His little girl had been laid in her bassinet and was sleeping contentedly for now. Shunsui slid into bed beside his wife and gathered her in his arms. His Nanao-chan let out a soft sigh and cuddled into his embrace. Shunsui closed his eyes with a smile. His princess had stolen his heart sometime during their first meeting, but since she had given him hers in return that was all right. He had no doubt that in time their story would become one of the country's romantic legends. Shunsui was just happy that happily ever after didn't mean the end. He and his Nanao-chan had a good many years to enjoy together.