Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I also do not own the song "Cocktail Blue"- this is property of The Mahones 3 3 . Oh Finny is not mine... Booo!

If you've never heard the song featured- look it up- you'll be able to picture the scene it's featured in. Love it so mch.

This is a BIG chapter for more than one couple- so be prepared!

Some SC in this and the next chapter! About time the fic earned a quarter of its rating!


Hearts A-Stray

Chapter 27: Holy Matrimony (Batman)!


Coolness filtered past the curtains and tickled over bare skin. Yellow glow spread, creeping slowly across the wooden floors toward the high bed, still draped in shadow. The fresh breeze intertwined with their own scents. The room was blanketed in the fragrance of autumn, of his woodsy body wash, her peony lotion, and the thick aroma of sex.

He watched her chest rise and fall- saw the outline of her ribs, emphasized by the position of her arms over her head. The peaks of her breasts were pebbled and stiff as the air nipped at them. The silk cords around her wrists did not seem to cause any discomfort in sleep (and she had certainly not protested the night before). His large hand was spread across her belly comforted by the warmth of her bare skin and the agonizing softness. Slowly he was pushing down the sheet exposing more of her little by little until he reached her hips. His hand travelled beneath the sheet, as of yet still concealing the glorious mound of Venus he so desperately appreciated.

On his side he propped himself up on one elbow to be able to watch her face. Her lashes fluttered, she took in a deep breath and shuddered as his fingers raked through the nest of curls below the pale blue sheet.

Her back arched and his tongue practically lolled from his mouth as he watched her chest jiggle with the movement.

Soon enough he was bent over her, tongue lapping at a pale nipple with delicious languidness. Her cheeks flushed, her eyes still struggling to open as she shifted in her restraints, helpless gasps spilling from her open mouth.

Her head tossed side to side as her lower lips were parted by one skilled finger that flexed up and down along the deep pink ribbon of her clit.

"Shunsui!" His name flew from her lips in an exhalation of desperate breath.

His lips around her breast spread into a grin, his brown eyes flicking up to her face as he dove past her most sensitive flesh into the sweet depths of glazed tightness.

Barely able to stutter the words her eyes opened only to blur at the sensation of his finger working her insides, "Was-was- wasn't last- ni-ight- enough?!"

"It's never enough." He mumbled against her skin before starting to nibble.

The whine that came from her was a sound she only let loose here, in his room. Again he grinned and moved on to her other precious peak.

"Oh!"

He was hitting the spot. Even with only one finger he could make her lose all sense of poise. Her dark hair was spread across the mattress in a tangle due to his hands tugging and winding in it the night before.

Panting now, she looked down to see the top of his head. She had just recently cut his hair, the wavy chestnut locks shorn to his shoulders now; it made him look younger. A smile twitched on her face. He felt her gaze and looked up curiously. Curiosity quickly morphed into deviousness. She locked eyes with him as his tongue traced the outside of her belly button making her shiver.

Something flashed into his gaze and she gave a cry as the sheet was thrown to the foot of the bed and he was devouring her with enthusiasm.

Her feet scrambled against the mattress and her voice echoed against the walls as his lively tongue licked along her folds, the tip teasing over her center.

Her wrists were pulling at their binding and there was a subtle sting as the playful rope wrung around her skin.

Tongue and finger swirled and her whole body was wriggling in reaction to the ecstasy he was inducing.

His mouth opened wider hearing her mewl and genuinely loving the musky syrup that leaked from her, dancing over his taste buds as he lapped and sucked.

"Mmm, Nanao-chan is sweet like plum wine." He smacked his lips, shooting her a lascivious stare.

She glared down at him, gritting her teeth even as she blushed. She was not opposed to a little dirty talk when being intimate, but he always managed to press her buttons despite that. Drawing her legs in she squeezed his head between her thighs.

"Enough talking." She purred the threat between her teeth, blue eyes narrowed at him.

He gave a quick bark of laughter, and she squirmed anxiously, the breeze from his mouth causing gooseflesh to decorate her skin.

"Yes, ma'am." He smiled at her and leaned forward once more.

At the height of her pleasure, just as her orgasm grasped her with insistent fingers, her haze of delight broke for an instant to remind her of the hour.

"Oh god! The wedding!" She gave a shriek even as her whole body trembled in release.

Soon, after her limbs had ceased to quiver like jello, Nanao was anxiously trying to escape her lover's hold as well as the rope.

After receiving several bruising kicks, Shunsui had reluctantly released her from the silky binding and allowed her to take flight from his bed.

With a pout he watched her frantically search for all of her garments which were more or less coming apart at the ripped seams.

Swathed in the bed sheet- ever the modest one- she appeared to be a fluttering goddess in diaphanous robes.

He barely registered her irritation as he ogled her, her muttering just a buzz in his ears.

"I cannot believe you made such a ruin of my clothing! Look at this shirt- there are no buttons left!" She scolded, oblivious to the devious cast of his features.

She gasped when she felt his arm snake around her and felt the press of his naked flesh through the thin covering.

"She'll understand our reasons, Nanao-chan!" He squeezed her middle as he kissed down her neck to her shoulder.

"No she most certainly will not! And you are not to tell her! You are not allowed to embarrass her in any way today!" She rounded on him, stepping out of his grasp to fix him with a poignant glare. She narrowed her eyes further as he simply smiled at her.

"Nanao," He soothed, approaching her slowly, "No need to look so severe." She was faltering under his gentle gaze, but still held stiff as he slipped his arms around her again. He met her unwavering blue eyes with the warmth of brown orbs that flared to grey.

As he drew her even closer, he dipped his head down so that they could be on somewhat of the same eyelevel, "We've made our choice not to shelter her. And this is her wedding day. She made this choice. It's for her and the prince to weather the storm… Even on a day like this- we can't run to her side."

Nanao's eyes had grown luminous behind the oval frames she had rediscovered beneath her bra, her expression becoming uncertain, "But…"

She was suddenly pressed against him and found her hands firmly placed against his pecs as she closed her eyes.

His nose in her faintly scented hair he smiled, "This is not a sad day, my love. There's no need for those beautiful eyes to hold tears."

She sniffled, but drew back to look him in the eye, boldness taking the place of worry.

Nanao never loved him more than for his calm reassurances.

Pushing up on her toes she surprised him with her lips against his. Only for a moment did his eyes widen however before he was holding her fiercely, nearly pulling her off the floor as he returned the strength of her kiss with passion.

Without warning she grabbed at his hair, forcing him to tilt his head back- breaking from the kiss. As she nipped her way down his throat, she felt the vibration of his deep chuckle against her teeth and lips.

"We're most definitely going to be late." He smiled cheekily as she ripped the sheet away from her lithe figure.


It was flawless in a way he hadn't expected. Honestly he had prepared himself for the eventuality that she might turn on her heel and make a mad dash out of the small Shinto shrine at the back of the estate.

It wasn't as though they weren't already married however. The documents had been signed the day before with little fanfare.

His fiancé's hand had shaken while scrawling her name, but other than that there was no visible hesitation… Well, not after her quick trip back down the steps of city hall to hide in the limo for a few tense moments in which everyone- including him had held their breath. She had emerged complacent however, with her head held high. And despite the slow pace she had set up the steps and into the building she had indeed shown no more reluctance.

He couldn't help but be rather surprised that this day, when they were surrounded by people and a select number of respectable members of the press, she was at her most calm.

Byakuya had watched the procession snaking towards him very closely. In her pure white robes- a lovely combination of Japanese and Arab styles- she had kept her gaze forward and her expression open, even allowing a small smile to play on her lips at times.

While a tentative peace had settled between them due to the promises he had made to her in lieu of understanding what drove her behavior, he had still seen that resurgence of unease in her on occasion.

Yes, he watched her approach, standing within the open doors of the shrine to receive her and had been thoroughly impressed by her carriage.

He knew she had not changed her mind so much that she now found the marriage favorable; she was simply resigned to it. Watching as she carefully made her way up the steps, gathering her silken garb in her hands to keep from tripping on it, the thought that she still did not want this union sat uncomfortably in his stomach.

There was no blunder, no faltering, no small mishap that made the guests chuckle nervously- the wedding was truly perfect.

Renji had fed him all of the information he had gathered on her while posing as a student at the university.

His former lieutenant had again questioned his reasoning for wanting all the intel before reluctantly passing the information through encrypted email. Byakuya didn't have a solid answer though he had explained it away neatly enough.

In his mind, the prince only knew that he wanted his bride to be if not happy- content- content enough to give the illusion that they were a true couple brought together by love and not a miai. There was no more room for his own bitterness.

When the evening hours were creeping in, starlight just starting to pierce through the pale sunset colors, the elegant music a mixture of European classical and traditional Japanese melodies faded out gently.

The bride was across the constructed dance floor, now in a kimono of white, patterned in red, chatting amiably with a couple mates from the university. The second the band began to play, mandolin, accordion, and drums setting the scene for an almost bluesy-jazz melody of Irish rendition, he saw her stiffen and turn to the stage at her back.

"The lights go down it's another night, all I see is you…" Finny McConell crooned in a smoky tone.

Rukia had only been told so much. She had been aware that her brother had plans of his own regarding the reception, but she had no idea that he had called in favors of this magnitude for the sake of his new wife.

Wide-eyed she watched from the bridal party's table as her brother approached his wife with an outstretched hand.

With a tug Inara was pressed close to him, his arm around her, her right hand held in his left. She seemed to move without thought as she moved her left arm up to wrap around his neck.

The hesitation Rukia had expected from the older woman was not present. Somehow, she knew, the prince had managed to sway the woman's opinion of him from predator to almost-friend.

They began to waltz (the kimono not so traditionally restricting) elegantly around the empty floor. The formality of the waltz lapsed into a two-step that bounced with the beat. He spun her expertly and though she had always been clumsy- with his steady eyes of lightning grey holding her gaze- she had no fear of disgracing herself. Her robes whirled and she was in his arms once more not missing a step.

"Well the lights go down the sun goes up, all I see is you..."

She didn't seem to realize when they had actually stopped, still flush against his body he could feel every breath she took and his mouth twitched.

When he leaned down to brush her forehead with his lips she was completely still and when he drew back her eyes were closed.

It was perfect.

Even as every eye had watched the royal couple twirl about the floor, one pair, a glorious mauve watched more intently than any others.

Rukia stared at the couple, her heart pressed against her ribs.

She was so intent on the pair that she didn't feel the golden brown eyes boring into her own back from the shadows beyond the crowd.


The lanterns seemed to blend together in the sinking sunlight, all glaring bright into her eyes. She blinked hard to dispel the dizziness, but even seated she still felt like the world was spinning much too fast to keep herself from falling.

Falling…

After a brief moment in which she assured herself her escape might go unnoticed she rose to her feet.

She blurred by the gardens- or perhaps the gardens blurred by her in an encroaching tangle of green.

Byakuya had been right- the roses were unruly.

But she honestly couldn't remember when she had passed them. Had she gone in a circle? She was back near the reception. Hearing the buzz of the guests she closed her eyes to get her bearings.

The tree held her up, the feel of the willow's bark against her palm anchoring her as she stared down at the grass. She was doing rather well keeping her light dinner down at the moment, but she was sure she still looked a hot mess.

As though to confirm this she heard a gasp, "Oh dear, are you alright?"

Her head slowly lifted, and she took in a pair of killer heels that accentuated a pair of perfect calves, up to luscious thighs outlined subtly in a sunny yellow dress. She couldn't help but linger on the sight of the barely concealed breasts that would put most strippers to shame. But then of course gazing up into the face of one Rangiku Matsumoto it was obvious that the whole package was any woman's envy.

The newly wed princess offered the Elite Captain's wife a weak smile, "A little nauseous. Just too much… too much sun- people- clothing." She stared somewhat enviously at the woman's breezy sun dress.

A pale brow rose over dazzling eyes speculatively, "Oh… Are you sure that's all it is? You and Byakuya didn't… before the wedding, did you?"

Inara gave a snort of laughter and then winced slightly when she felt a flicker of pain behind her eyes. Still she managed a dry look as she replied, "That man? Defile his bride before the nuptials?"

As eager as he seems to put his hands all over me I know it has little to do with any hormonal urges. The new-bride inwardly scoffed.

A frown formed, pouting glossy pink lips, "You have a point…" Soon a smile replaced the look of disappointment however, "That means tonight will be your first time together!"

As the poor girl paled, Rangiku offered a sympathetic noise, "Hadn't thought about it, had you hon? My bad."

Inara turned her back to the tree, letting the solidness hold her upright as she again swallowed back tangy bile, "Guess I forgot."

The woman's brows winged high, "So you really are a pure bride?"

With a weak smile, as she tipped her head back and closed her eyes, Inara replied, "Deathbed promise or no, the Elders would not have approved the arrangement if I were otherwise."

"Glad I'm not royal," Rangiku quipped folding her arms below her bountiful chest, with a shiver, "Why Toshi and I went at it hundreds of times before the 'I do's'!"

The princess let lose a timid chuckle. She had learned early on that 'restraint' was a foreign word to this woman. Taking a deep breath she slid her back down the tree to sit in the well-kept grass.

When she opened her eyes again it was to start as a pair of eager blue eyes stared back at her, Rangiku now seated inches in front of her with an excited smile.

"May I offer some advice?" The strawberry blonde was beaming.

Inara couldn't help but look slightly terrified by this idea and opened her mouth to protest, but realized she had not had a "chat" with her female guardian regarding the wedding night. Shunsui had tried naturally, but she had slammed the dressing room door in his face. Had he intended to educate her through the door this was soundly quashed by Nanao's fist (thank the gods). And the copy of the Kama Sutra he left by her bedside had taken flight out the window- also courtesy of Nanao.

She had not received nor asked for any pointers from her mother-figure. The sex talk at age ten with the woman had been painful enough- a very clinical sort of lesson in anatomy which was followed by the gifting of a book of famous feminists' scathing quotes on the act.

With a sigh and another attempt at a smile, Inara spread her hands, "Why not?"

The excitement this generated seemed to create a visible glow around the older woman as she sat back palms pressed together in front of her chest.

"Come on out, Rukia," Rangiku called suddenly, tilting her head back slightly, "You could benefit from this little chat too!"

The princess appeared from behind the hedge at the end of the bridge over the pond, a sheepish smile on her face. She looked embarrassed; she had not meant to eavesdrop. Still, she approached with gliding dainty steps that accommodated her formal kimono.

Once before the two she bowed out of habit in form of apology.

"Forgive me- I didn't mean to overhear- I- Nii-sama asked me to check on you, Nee-san." The girl folded her hands, and let the sleeves of her robes hide them as she fiddled anxiously with her fingers.

The breeze toyed with the sparkling ornament in her hair and Rukia pushed a stray lock of darkness back behind her ear.

Inara sighed, shaking her head, "I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to leave on my account. What a bother."

Rukia shook her head with a smile as she eased herself down into the spot Rangiku had patted at her right. She sat seiza and arranged her finery carefully with a sigh, "It's no trouble. Truth be told, I'm rather happy to get away."

After conversing with her old tutor, Ukitake-san, she had gotten swept up into random conversations with people she knew only out of duty.

Rukia sighed and Rangiku poked her in the ribs earning a soft yelp.

As Rangiku giggled she insisted, "Well you have perfect timing! Your new sister needs some pointers about the bedroom!"

Redecorating? Was Rukia's initial- innocent thought. But she wasn't that naïve not to understand the meaning. She shook her head almost violently as a flush rushed her cheeks, "Oh! No… No, no- I am not the person to talk to about this!"

At the almost squeaky tone Rangiku lifted an inquiring eyebrow, "Oh?" I thought for sure something raunchy would've happened between her and that foxy tutor by now… What a bummer!

"Rangiku," Inara chided lightly, cocking one eye open from where she rested, "You're making Rukia uncomfortable." Hell you're making me uncomfortable! She was beginning to feel warm again. "Damn all these layers!" She was suddenly sitting forward and tugging at the folds of her kimono.

The one thing that Byakuya had specifically requested of her regarding the wedding was that at either the ceremony or the reception she wear a traditional gown. But the dance with her "hubby" had overheated her in more ways than one- she had calmed only for a moment it seemed and now was cursing the warmth once again.

She looked up in surprise when she felt wafts of air hitting her face and realized Rangiku was bent over her fanning her with her hands. She gave her a grateful smile that fell away the moment the other woman offered:

"Don't worry, honey. You won't have to worry about clothing at all tonight!"

Inara abruptly rose to her feet and turned away from the woman, nausea at its peak. A hand against the tree she gagged, clapping her opposite hand to her mouth just barely keeping the fruit and champagne down.

"Shit!" Rukia gasped- completely uncensored in her surprise as she scrambled to her feet.

As Rangiku patted the young bride's back comfortingly, she looked over her shoulder at the hovering princess, "Rukia, perhaps you should stay with her while I let your brother know the poor thing isn't feeling so hot, huh?"

Nodding eagerly, Rukia stepped up to take the other woman's place at the sickly bride's side, "Of course."

Somewhere, Rangiku had managed to stash a bottle of water, which she offered to Inara who took it gratefully. The two women looked away as the obviously embarrassed bride took a mouthful, swished, and spit.

As the busty woman sauntered away over the bridge with a wave Rukia helped her sister-in-law to a patch of lawn several paces away from the where she had nearly lost her few morsels of food. As Inara dropped into the grass she almost immediately laid back and closed her eyes. They were still afforded the shade of the willow and she sighed as her body began to cool down.

Rukia after a glance around sat seiza at her side. She was certain her Nii-sama would not approve of his now wife sprawled out in the garden where anyone might see.

She opened her mouth to politely caution the woman in this respect, but her sister-in-law spoke first, "Well- this is lovely."

A brow lifted at this skeptically, but then Rukia looked down at her hands resting on her thighs and queried softly, "It's anxiety isn't it?"

"Ah." Inara answered without pause, throwing an arm over her eyes.

"Are you- having second thoughts?"

Here the other woman paused, "Not- exactly. It's just that I'm realizing how my life has changed. I saw a very different future for myself and now… I have to live for- others- for the people of Tokyo and for- the prince."

Rukia sighed and nodded slowly, "I think… I understand." But a smile claimed her lips as she brushed her palm over the grass, "But isn't it a little exciting? Isn't there a part of you that is thrilled that life is so unpredictable? An opportunity to explore a new future… A future with someone you could…" She left the thought unfinished as she opened eyes she had unknowingly shut. She heard the steady breathing and looked to her side to see that Inara now lay curled on her side- her head pillowed under her arm- eyes closed in sleep.

The smile softened on the princess face as she remembered the look on this woman's face as she danced with Nii-sama.

As she thought this a familiar shadow fell over her and she abruptly looked up into her brother's face.

"Nii-sama!"

In a rare show of affection Byakuya reached down to push the persistent bang from her face. Though his eyes were on his new bride, Rukia knew the soft expression was for her.

A smile made its way to the young princess face as her heart seemed to swell, growing large and threatening to close her throat. Tears nipped at the corners of her eyes, but she swallowed them back as her brother flicked a glance her way. Her lips curled further, an expression of happiness glowing.

For a moment she looked very much like her sister.

Byakuya let his hand and thoughts fall away and he stepped closer to where his wife rested.

He bent at the waist slightly to offer his hand, "Come. The musicians are asking after you."

Inara's eyes fluttered open and she sat up carefully only to wince. After a couple seconds in which she forcibly pushed away the fog in her mind she remembered herself. She looked up at the prince.

"They are?" Her eyes went wide.

He gave a single nod and she took his hand with a slow smile. After he had drawn her to her feet, he held her gaze a moment before asking tonelessly, "May I?"

The Ajmani princess blinked, face taken over by surprise before she grinned, pleased. She gave a soft chuckle and agreed, "Yes."

Byakuya stared for a moment before he repositioned, keeping one hand clasped around hers as his other hand slipped around her shoulders.

Rukia watched, excitement beating in her breast.

They had traversed toward the bridge before her brother paused, "Rukia… You have done well. I will not require you to make another appearance if you do not wish to… I'm grateful for all of your assistance today."

The girl could barely breathe, practically strangled by emotion as her eyes welled again and she could only bob her head slowly in response.

The couple journeyed over the bridge, gilded by the last of the sunlight. In that moment Rukia knew that eventually her brother would surrender and her new sister would cave. Eventually- perhaps after several more awkward encounters and frustrated standoffs, the royal couple would find their marriage wasn't all about politics. Maybe there would never be love per se, but companionship was perhaps just as fortuitous considering how far they'd come.

It was a little astounding truth be told. She laughed softly to herself.

Lost in her own thoughts Rukia did not notice the silent orange shadow approaching. Still, she didn't start when she felt the brush of his fur through her clothing. He sat down quietly at her side, towering slightly over her as he waited patiently for her to acknowledge him. Another smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the stray's solemn expression and she shook her head, "Who knew you could show restraint?"

His ears twitched at this and he made a low sound of disapproval, but still stared ahead.

With a sigh her hand grasped gently at his ear and tugged teasingly as she murmured, "Where have you been, you silly mutt?"

He made no reply and she did not press, content to stroke the silky auburn head. She only startled slightly when the dog laid his chin against her thigh, lying at her side.

After a while she couldn't help but acknowledge that this creature's warmth… well it reminded her of him.

Her teeth gritted together and her hands balled into fists, trying to refuse the emotion surfacing. The back of her throat stung and she huffed out, "Ridiculous! Why should his absence mean anything?"

A barrage of images cluttered behind her eyes.

How many times had he pulled up a chair close to her to lean in and explain some subject or another? Appearances were deceiving in his case; despite his loud hair and even louder mouth he was a knowledgeable young man, his intelligence seemingly unlimited.

Seated on the edge of a chair too small for him, his light-colored brows furrowed as though in irritation, he would assist patiently- at least until her frustration provoked him and they were yelling their opposite opinions at each other.

"I thought a soliloquy was the same as a monologue, Stupid!"

"It is, you moron! But that's not an example of a soliloquy!"

A helpless smile bloomed despite the pinch of pain in her chest.

The salt water that had only threatened up until now burst forth and she sniffled, her head bowing as the sudden flow painted her cheeks with wet glistening trails.

"I miss him!" She blurted in a sob, "I-I made a choice- but I still- I miss him!" The dog's ears settled back against his head, a plaintive whine escaping as his heart faltered at her admission.

So lost in her abrupt, unstoppable sorrow, Rukia did not note the dog's anxious retreat. The world was swallowing her up. She felt panic in her chest. What had she done? What kind of consequences would she reap for her hasty decision?

She remembered the day she had said her good-byes to Renji- but the feeling was… well it was different. This time it felt like a piece of herself that she had just re-discovered- or perhaps discovered for the first time was ripped away. She'd been practical- reminded herself of her duty and the decision had seemed easy. But with each second she sat beneath the willow, the murmur of the wedding guests and the sounds of music and laughter reaching her ears, she realized that she had only been holding back her emotions.

Occupied with the wedding, throwing herself into training as well as involving herself in the preparations for the ceremony and the coronation- she had distracted herself from the sinking feeling left in the wake of her final judgment.

A kind of despair was growing like clouds of rain, consumed with lightning heat and breezing in with a chilling wind.

Her tears came without provocation, the feeling of loss overwhelming as it had not been since the deaths of her family.

Her mind said his name over and over. Ichigo! Ichigo! Ichigo! And for a moment, in return- she thought she heard that familiar masculine tone speak her name.

"Rukia."


AN: I'm so vicious! Cliffhanger! Haha- but yeah- we are finally at that point people! Next chapter our couple reunites… and seals the deal! Woohoo!

Apologies now because it might be awhile as I need to update fics that I regrettably haven't touched in a while.

Thanks for joining me and I hope I'll see you next chapter!