(AN) So my good readers, this is the last chapter. I have loved this story from beginning to end, and I hope that you have as well. I would like to give a special thanks to those who reviewed or PM me about the story. So thank you OPgirl, Bleach Power, That 1 person, Lightdesire, Ulquiorra9000, Jobananasan, Sparda4, Achalida, BlackTreeLeaf, Janell Harris, The Glittery Ninja Espada, Andyantopia, Rosanegra, M3gt98, Puppet Box, Sarite, Kleinegirl87, Hopelessromantic, and Anonymous Guests. To all the future readers of the story and my followers, thank you as well! Feel free to review, and I will PM you sign in from an account! Thank you again everyone for going on this journey with me!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 36
Two weeks later…
The sounds of light laughter coming from the hallway woke up Rukia. She cracked on eye open to see Rangiku nudge her door open. Her strawberry blonde friend carried a breakfast tray with red rose placed on the left-hand side. Rukia knew instantly that the rose was from Ichigo. He had been leaving her roses every day since their engagement.
"Rukia darling, are you ready for your wedding?" Rangiku sang. Rukia smiled at her friend.
Normally, Rukia would wince at the high tone, but tonight was her wedding day! Climbing out of bed, she ran up and hugged Rangiku as soon as the other soul reaper out the tray down.
"It is my wedding day, isn't it?" Rukia asked happily. Her enthusiasm was not wasted on her friend, who returned her hug with vigor.
"Yes, it is! It's about damn time that you two get married!" Rangiku replied with a laugh as she squeezed Rukia once more before she let the petite woman go.
"I know, right? We spent so long running from our feelings that we didn't stop to think of what each other wanted."
"Yes, but your dreamy brother fixed that!" Rangiku clapped her hands together and sighed as she thought about Byakuya.
"Awe, come on, Ran! No drooling over Byakuya in my presence!" Rukia told her friend with a straight face, then a peel of laughter fluttered through the room.
A knock on the door cause the two ladies to straighten up. They tried to compose themselves in case one of the elders dared to stop by this early. "Yes?" Rukia called out.
"I was just coming to see if you were awake." The deep voice stated.
"I'm dressed so why don't you come in, brother?" As soon as her invitation was given, Byakuya opened the door gently with one hand while the other hid behind his back.
He gave a hint of a smile to the two ladies as he came in, which nearly placed Rangiku in a coma. "Would you mind give us a minute, Matsumoto?" Byakuya asked softly.
All Rangiku could do was nod her head at the gorgeous man's request. She wanted to ask a question, but she figured his small smile was payment enough. "Yes, sir, Captain Kuchiki. I'll be in the dining room so talk all the time you need!"
The two Kuchikis watched Rangiku leave the room. Rukia attempted to contain her laughter as Rangiku tried to catch a glimpse of Byakuya's ass, but the buxom blonde failed miserably. She fled the room as soon as Byakuya lifted a raven-haired eyebrow at her.
"Now that we are alone…" The elder Kuchiki trailed off as he brought his present forward and handed it to Rukia. He watched her unwrap it with eagerness. "This was your sisters. I gave it to her on our wedding day, and it brought us a lot of love in our short years together. I wanted you to have it, and I hope that you will wear it today."
Rukia unwrapped the bow on the small box and took its stop off, but what was inside made her marvel. Two, small amethyst studs and an amethyst cherry blossom pendant on a long, silver necklace sat in Rukia's hand. "Brother…" The petite woman was about to cry for the second time today, and she has been up less than hour.
"You don't have to say anything, Rukia. I know."
Rukia shocked Byakuya by wrapping him up in a hug. "Thank you, brother. You have given me some much lately that my heart has been over joyed."
"Rukia, you deserve it." He said sweetly. Then a light came into his eyes. "Besides, if you are referring to Kurosaki, he already braved hell once to save you. Would rescuing you from your own wedding to anyone but him surprise you?"
Rukia told him laughingly. "Yeah, you're right, brother."
Byakuya straightened up and took Rukia's hand, which quieted her down. "Kurosaki may be stubborn and rash with no manners or respect, but he has excellent taste in women. I could never fault him there for you two were destined to be together ever since you put Sode no Shirayuki into his chest. That's why I chose him…. Actually, I chose him from the start for you, Rukia. We all tried to make you acknowledged your feelings for one another, and then when something, you both rose above it. You also found out one of life's greatest lessons. No matter how far you run, the red line of fate will always find you"
His steel eyes bored into Rukia. "I'm glad for your shove in the right direction, brother." Rukia told him as she felt her heart burst with joy and pride. It took a lot for Byakuya to admit that to her.
"I…" Byakuya looked away and his eyes land on her untouched food tray. "I will go get Matsumoto for you. While I do that, you should eat!" He told her with a light smile.
Rukia leaned up and placed a chaste kiss on her brother's check. The stoic Byakuya Kuchiki turned a very light shade of pink. "Thank you again, brother!" Byakuya nodded and turned to leave.
Rangiku reentered Rukia's room. She breathed a slight sigh of relief as she noticed Rukia's empty tray and her red rose was added to her others. Rukia needed all of her strength for the wedding today. Byakuya tried to keep it as small as he could, but between the two clans, family members, and friends the place was going to be a mad house.
"Are you ready to get started?" Rangiku asked Rukia who was sitting at her vanity admiring the jewelry Byakuya gave her.
"Ready as I'll ever be, Ran." Rukia told her with a wide smile as she sat down the jewelry box.
Slowly but surely Rangiku pulled out all of her cosmetics and placing them on top of the vanity. The strawberry blonde soul reaper nodded to herself as she made sure all her tools were present. "Rukia, I want this to be a surprise so turn around! You can't look in the mirror until I'm done!" Rangiku exclaimed.
Rukia was nervous about Rangiku's words, but her heart told her to trust the woman. Rangiku had yet to fail styling Rukia to absolute perfection. "Alright, but on one condition. You have to add the jewelry Byakuya gave me for the final presentation. I want to wear them today. The nervous woman stated as she turned away from the vanity mirror. The only other mirror in the room was a full body length one that the maids brought in the other day, but it had a cover over it.
"Here we go!" Rangiku said as she let out an excited squeal.
After an hour and half of torture and small girl talk, Rangiku had finished here master piece. "There all I'm done!" She squealed as she placed a white cherry blossom clip in Rukia's hair.
Rukia rushed over to the full-length mirror and removed the cover. "Ran… Oh Kami! You out did yourself!" The teary-eyed bride exclaimed.
Rangiku made Rukia's makeup subtle and natural that enhanced her beauty rather than over powered it. Her lips were a light pink while her eye shadow was a light golden color to make her eyes pop. The top of her eyelid was lined with black with waterproof mascara. Rukia's hair was tucked back into a little bun with a clip featuring white cherry blossoms holding her short veil. "So you like it?" Rangiku asked apprehensively.
"Ran, I love it! I can't tell you how much I love it." Rukia exclaimed as she hugged her friend.
"Oh! Rukia, don't move around too much! You'll disturb my master piece!" Rangiku exclaimed. "Now, let's get you dressed! The wedding will be starting soon!"
Ichigo and Rukia's wedding was going to be the wedding of the century if not the next 500 years. The whole Soul Society was buzzing about their special day. Byakuya planned for the wedding to be held in the ancient Shinto shrine on the outskirts of the Soul Society near the manor. At this time of year, the blooms of the surrounding shrine, would frame the couple perfectly adding an elegance and charm to the wedding.
Byakuya checked in on the crowd before he went to get Rukia. He saw their friends and relatives from the World of the Living, the Demon-cat and mad scientist #1, their friends from the Soul Society, and unfortunately all of the high-ranking clan members. This wedding meant so much to so many people. Their union represented change in the never changing order of Soul Society, and hopefully, more changes to come.
Ichigo stood at the shrine waiting next to Captain-Commander Kyoraku, who was officiating the ceremony. Byakuya noticed that Ichigo was attempting not to pace as he conversed with Kyoraku. He laughed as Ichigo quick snatched and threw a large sake bottle that Kyoraku brought out. Kami help Ichigo keep the captain-commander sober till the end of the ceremony.
Byakuya slipped away to meet his sister, who was waiting behind a row of cherry blossom trees. "Are you ready?"
"Did you know, I've been asked that about 20 times by everyone who's stopped by to visit?" Rukia asked slightly angry that people had the nerve to ask her that.
A smirk appeared on Byakuya's face. "They're just trying to make sure that you know what you're getting yourself into."
"But even my sisters?"
"Yes. They love you, and they want to make sure that you are happy with their idiotic brother. They want to make sure he hasn't done anything within the past two weeks that cause you to regret my decision."
"True. They always did love to give him a hard time, especially Karin." Rukia laughed then composed herself before headed for the aisle. A bright, cheery light reflected through her amethyst eyes. "Let's go!" She said excitedly to her brother.
The breathtaking bride turned down the aisle with her brother. The crowed murmured as they saw her, but each overheard conversation was one of joy, well wishes, or commenting on her beauty. Smiles were seen everywhere throughout the crowd. Rukia took notice of their beloved friends sitting with loved ones – Karin and Toshiro, Uryuu and Orihime, Renji and Tatsuki, Rangiku and Shuuhei, and Yoruichi and Kisuke. Each one held a special place in their hearts.
Over the sea of guest, Rukia's veiled eyes met Ichigo's amber ones. Then her glaze look in the rest of his body. He was dressed in an upgraded version of his shihakusho – more than likely thanks to her brother. The material was a shiny silk of the highest grade, fit for a noble. Ichigo also wore a haori with Squad 8 symbol on it. He was still considered a co-captain, but Kyoraku thought that it was only appropriate.
Ichigo took his time to examine Rukia walked side by side with Byakuya. Even though her face was hidden by a short veil, instinct told Ichigo told him that the woman headed down the aisle was the most beautiful woman in any world. Her kimono was solid white with silver embroidered snowflakes along the edges and sleeves of her gown. Around Rukia's waist was a large, light blue sash with a small royal blue one around her middle. His heart pounded in his chest as the Kuchiki princess came ever closer to him.
Before Ichigo knew it, Byakuya was there before the shrine, lifting Rukia's veil. A collective "awe" was heard throughout the crowd at Rukia's full reveal. To say the bride was beautiful paled in comparison to her true inner and outer beauty.
Once Byakuya handed Rukia off to Ichigo, the couple couldn't take their eyes off of each other through the brief ceremony. Kyoraku took a red rope and wrapped it around Ichigo and Rukia binds them together before the tradition of sharing three sake cups. This way they would be bond to each other in this life and the next. Forever finding their soul mates through their brief human lives. Ichigo was the first who took a sip from the flat sake cup, then his passed it on to his beloved bride. This tradition continued until both drunk from each of the three cups. Now, their bond was forever cemented before the world.
Kyoraku smiled as he looked down on the couple. "You may now kiss your bride."
Ichigo pulled Rukia to him and gave her a special smile right before he kissed her. The guest interrupted their kiss with shots and whispers while Byakuya was shaking his head at Ichigo. The boy couldn't maintain prouder protocol even at his own wedding.
"You are now pronounced you, husband and wife! My I present you, Mr. and Mrs. Ichigo Kurosaki!" Kyoraku stated as the blushing couple turned towards the crowd.
"Let's get out of here, Mrs. Kurosaki." Ichigo whispered to his bride as he outstretched his hand.
"Sure thing, Mr. Kurosaki" Rukia giggled as she took his hand.
The crowd stood as the watched the couple exit with smiles on their face.
The reception was held back at Kuchiki Manor. Byakuya had ordered the large formal dining halls fit for kings. White cherry blossoms decorated the hallways while the tables were over flowing with various types of sushi, soups, and meats. The two doors of to the side of the dining halls lead to the gardens allowing the guest to mingle and eat. Whoever came should have been entertained and well feed. The only item Byakuya didn't include was some type of alcohol, but that was solved by Rangiku and Kyoraku.
Ichigo and Rukia worked through the crowd saying hello to everyone who came. They even were polite and held everything together when they greeted the Shiba and Kuchiki elders. Off to the side, Byakuya and Kukaku were talking proudly about their heirs while Isshin was trying to pry his sister away from Byakuya so he could talk to his in-law.
Off in another corner, Rangiku and 10 others who had placed winning bets were gathered around counting out the money owed to them. "It's a wonder so few betted on Ichigo." Rangiku muttered.
"He was a sure bet from the started." Kisuke replied.
"Well, I guess this means we won the bet!" A drunk Rangiku exclaimed loudly.
The area around them grew colder, and all but three people fled. "No. It does not." An icy voice came from the bride. Her friend turned around and grinned sheepishly at her.
"Oh, Rukia!" Rangiku turned cheerfully to greet her friend like nothing was wrong.
"Don't OH RUKIA me, Ran!" The petite woman growled. Rangiku trembled slightly. Ichigo came up and placed a protective arm around his feisty wife.
"I'm sorry, Rangiku, but Rukia has a point. If anyone should get the money, should be us. We didn't ask to be betted on, and your betting pool caused Rukia to be scolded by the elders publicly."
"But we worked so hard to try to get you two idiots together!" Rangiku said crying as she was imaging losing all that money.
Rukia smirked. "Thank for all your help, Ran, but fork over the money." Rangiku reluctantly placed the coins in Rukia's hand. Inwardly, Rukia planned on leaving Rangiku all the money she betted on them as a thank for all her hard work, but her drunk friend didn't need to know that just yet.
"Thank your paying for our honeymoon!" The couple stated before they took off towards the dance floor.
Kisuke and Yoruichi watched the exchange from a few feet away. "Well, there goes our money." Kisuke told his companion.
"We have more enough money, Kisuke. They deserve it!" Yoruichi told him happily while everyone else who betted was drinking their sorrows away, except for a certain captain.
"You look pleased as punch." Yoruichi said as she walked over towards Byakuya. He looked stoic to all of those that did not know him. Inwardly, the man was beaming with pride, except for the little tick on his forehead that was from wanting to kill Isshin, who was currently drunk and half slung over his shoulder. Yoruichi snickered at the pair. She followed Byakuya's glaze and watched the couple.
Byakuya calmed a little as he watched Ichigo lead Rukia out to the dance floor their first dance. Inwardly, the handsome captain was proud of his little sister. She had become a great leader and a strong soul reaper, but he was regretting letting her marry into a family of imbeciles.
A large hand clamped over Byakuya's shoulder shaking him out of his daze. He had hoped the idiot had passed out already since he had been quiet for a while. "Byakuya, you sly dog, I never knew you had it in you!" Isshin laughed. "They're so happy together!" He stated proudly.
"Yes. They are." Byakuya said. Yoruichi nodded in agreement.
"I can't believe those two waited this long. I mean come on, my idiotic son has been in love with Rukia ever since he rescued her from the Soul Society the first time." Isshin slurred. He was so happy to officially have Rukia as his third daughter.
"They love one another. They'll be happy." Byakuya shot Yoruichi a pleading look for help that was until Isshin opened his mouth.
"Oh yeah! He'll make her scream with happiness tonight! AH Masaki! Our son shall finally become a man!" Loud enough for Rukia to hear, which made Ichigo fume. You could see steam coming out of his ears as the carrot top made his way over to his father.
Yoruichi slipped Isshin off Byakuya's shoulder, and she made a mad dash to hid her previous fellow captain. It took all of Byakuya's will power not to draw out Senbonzakura and chase them with those lovely pink petals of death.
Byakuya and Ichigo stood next to each other as they debated on chasing after the two. "You shouldn't leave your wedding. Rukia would kill you." Byakuya told him.
"You should listen to my brother, Strawberry" Rukia told Ichigo.
"Don't worry, midget. I'm not going to do anything that will get me killed for a change." Ichigo smiled down at his beautiful bride, who wrapped her hand around his.
"Good. You better not or it will be hell to pay!" She replied as she pulled him closer to steal a quick kiss.
The kiss quickly sparked their interest, but then they realized where they were once again. "Can we leave yet?" Ichigo whispered to his wife so his brother-in-law wouldn't hear him.
Rukia threw a look over at Byakuya, who nodded his head. Then she sought the amber eyes of her husband. "Yeah, we can leave, Ichigo. We have a long way to go."
"Where did you chose for the honeymoon?" He asked curiously. He left that up to Rukia since she didn't get to travel much.
"Oh, some place called Hawaii." Rukia laughed evilly as she watched Ichigo's face in shock. She gently tugged his hand.
Once his brain caught up with his body, he leaned down to whisper. "I love you, Rukia."
"I love you too, Ichigo." She replied.
The coupled fled the reception as the guest threw flower petals everywhere. Cheers and congratulations were heard all around as the two took the first few steps of their life together as husband and wife.
Once again my beloved readers, thank you all for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! Y'all are the best in the world!
I have an epilogue that should be out soon, so be on the look out!
Bleach Power: I'll say this, though it's hinted here in the story, but Byakuya planned for her to marry Ichigo all along because he knew Rukia and Ichigo loved one another. Of course he did have help from Isshin, Yoruichi, Kisuke, Rangiku, Renji, Toshiro etc. Everyone wanted what was best for them! As for a sequel, it is up in the air. I kind of like the conclusion her, but I may involve something with all the kids later on or have Ichigo and Rukia set up friends. I also am considering rewriting the end of the manga chapters, but I'm not too sure how I would want to do that. One of my readers suggested it to me in a PM so it would probably be once a month update for that one though. Good luck with school! I was the same way for most of my classes :D If write in English and needed a Beta PM me. I am only really doing that for a friend right now, but I will gladly add you to the list.
That 1 person: Of course, you're not a raving lunatic, dear! It's entertaining to read your comments because I get that way in real life when I'm excited ha - slightly loud and start talking 90 miles an hour lol. I appreciate all your wonderful comments on this crazy ride of Rukia's life! Thank you for the review like always! :D