"But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love her forever."-Robert Burns-

And here is the second-last chapter of 'To Win You Back'! It's all sweet and happy now! :D This is probably the last proper chapter for this fic, given that the next is the epilogue, just to wrap things up *happy grin*.

I thank you all the reviews for Chapter 36, they were all really nice to read! And someone's got their panties bunched up by Yamamoto? *lol, dodgy sentence right there* XD Thank you so much!

Hope you enjoy... Chapter 37. :)

"Kuchiki Tai-chou!" The maids were shocked as they stared at the tall figure.

"Retreat for a moment."

"H-Hai." The maids shot each other worried looks but they bowed their heads all the same and left the room. Byakuya slid the door back and heard the familiar gasp.

"Byakuya, you shouldn't come here! It's bad luck for the bridegroom to see the bride a day before the wedding!" Rukia exclaimed worriedly as Byakuya stepped into the room and approached her.

"Bad luck?" Byakuya reached out and touched the side of her face softly.

Rukia nodded worriedly, but pressed her face into the warmth of his palm all the same. She had missed him.

"I will beat the bad luck down if they get in the way," he replied solemnly before pulling her gently into his arms, and nestled his head into her hair. "I missed you."

Rukia smiled, as she closed her eyes in his embrace. "I missed you too."

Then she wriggled away, pushing him slightly. "But you really should leave. You-

Her words were effectively cut off as Byakuya abruptly kissed her.

"Just a moment," he whispered, his lips moving over hers softly, and setting off tingles everywhere in Rukia's body. Reflexively, her hands pulled him closer as her lips slowly parted. She heard him chuckle slightly, his deep voice sending a shot of warmth through her body. His hands hooked around her waist as his lips pressed harder onto hers-

"Ahem."

Both of them broke apart in surprise and turned to the voice. Kazumasa bowed at the door. He looked up, watching them with an expression akin to happy pride.

Rukia ducked her head to cover her red cheeks as Byakuya stared ahead. "Kazumasa."

The old family servant bowed low. "My Lord, I came to… MY LORD, WHAT-

For Byakuya had bowed slightly to his attendant, his head kept down in respect. Rukia smiled and stepped next to Byakuya, bowing her head down as well.

"This is the only way I can thank you, Kazumasa," Byakuya spoke.

"Please… please…" Kazumasa bowed lower to Byakuya. "Do not, my Lord. Please…"

Byakuya straightened up and looked at Kazumasa as the old man spoke.

"Forgive me my arrogance but I've always considered you Byakuya, my Lord, as my own grandson. I only want you to be happy. And seeing you like this…" Tears unexpectedly trickled down the old man's face. "… makes me the second happiest man in this mansion, my Lord."

The old attendant smiled.

"Take good care of Rukia, my Lord. I've always known her as a worthy lady the first time I set eyes on her, and one I've always loved as my own kin."

Rukia smiled, and held Kazumasa's hand in hers. "Arigatou."

"And take care of Lord Byakuya, Rukia. He is a very good man, one of the best. I should know, since I personally raised him from a young boy." Kazumasa smiled. "You do that, and I will live the greatest remaining years of my life."

Rukia nodded, tears springing to her eyes in turn.

Kazumasa smiled and bowed. "I should not waste young people's time over an old man's rantings. I will still be around to watch both of you. And now, my Lord, I have to beg your pardon to escort you out of Rukia's chambers, as the rule stipulates."

Byakuya nodded, his expression unfazed. He gave one lingering look at Rukia before stepping out of her chambers, Kazumasa trudging behind him.

"My Lady, you look breathtakingly beautiful!"

Rukia felt her cheeks turn red, as a shy smile played across her lips.

"You think so?" she asked quietly. The maids all nodded eagerly.

"Kuchiki-taichou will go crazy when he sees you!"

Rukia felt herself blush even more, as the maids laughed cheerily at her. "There's nothing like a bride blushing on her wedding day!"

Rukia looked into the mirror. She did not know if she looked better, or not. All she knew was that she looked different.

But she wanted so much to look beautiful. Wanted so much to look beautiful for Byakuya. It was their wedding day today. The day they will finally be known as man and wife.

Rukia looked more closely into the mirror. Even though the maids had powdered her face, the shade of red in her cheeks was more than visible. She had to watch herself closely on that, she wouldn't want to look like a tomato on such an important day.

As she checked her reflection, the maids adjusted her long flowing shiromuku, the white bridal kimono. They were made of the finest silk and bore intricate patterns of sakura flowers. Rukia could only pray she did not trip in them while walking and make a fool of herself. She touched the bridal headpiece on her head, where her shoulder-length hair was secured at the back with golden hairpins.

Rukia lifted her right hand and patted her hot cheeks slightly.

Byakuya…

Byakuya straightened his wedding robes over his shoulder. They were all black in colour, the montsuki main kimono, the haori and his hakama pants. Despite the dark colours, he knew these robes were very expensive, made of the finest silk and design in Soul Society. On the front of his robes, countless clasps and knots fastened the robes together, complete with a golden accessory chain strung across the chest.

Byakuya adjusted his kenseikan as he looked in the mirror.

He felt his heart pounding fast. It wasn't from fear or anxiety, it was more of nervousness… and anticipation. Much like when he was getting ready to show his Bankai in front of his grandfather. Wanting so much to do it right. Byakuya felt that warm glow envelop his body.

Today, he was marrying Rukia.

Rukia focused on her feet as she walked slowly along the walkway, helped by handmaidens. Following the ancient traditions, they were to be wedded in a Shinto shrine, with the customary ceremonies. Rukia had tried her best to remember them all, and she prayed once again not to have her usual embarrassing moments.

She lifted her head slightly, despite being instructed previously to keep her head down all the way into the shrine. Byakuya was leading the wedding entourage at the front, and she could only make out his broad shoulders and black robes. Rukia felt the heat return to her cheeks and she hurriedly lowered her head once more.

As they entered the shrine, the entire crowd of guests stood and bowed. In addition to the aristocratic members of the Kuchiki noble family, the entire Shinigami body had turned out in full force; the Captain General, the rest of the Captains, lieutenants, seated and unseated officers. Captain General Yamamoto smiled as the couple passed, and whispered happily with his two beloved students, Ukitake and Kyoraku. Kiyone and Sentaro stood on tiptoes, trying to have a better look at their soon-to-be-wedded colleague. Soi Fon smirked but blushed slightly when she turned to Yoruichi who smiled at her, Urahara sitting close by. Even the freakish Kurotsuchi Mayuri watched the ceremony with mild interest, playing with a dodgy switch which looked horribly like a bomb switch. After a brief dark eye challenge with Unohana, he kept the switch as she turned to the front, smiling softly at the couple. Isane looked uneasily between both Captains.

"Woooo! They look sooo good together, Tai-chou? Don't you think so?"

"Shut up, Matsumoto and watch the ceremony properly." Hitsugaya covered his face with his right hand.

"Tai-chouuuu, you are no fun!" Matsumoto sulked before hitting the three guys next to her on their heads.

"OWW! What was that for?" Kira Izuru, Madarame Ikkaku and Hisagi Shūhei stared at her in indignance.

"Why are you three looking at Kuchiki Tai-chou's wife with such perverted looks?"

"N-No, we w-weren't!" They looked at her, panicked. Yumichika's dainty laugh cut in. "But you know… she does look entrancing today."

Renji looked up and nodded. "She… does." His eyes watched his childhood friend from the Rukongai before they softened. You have finally entered the Kuchiki family for real, and in a way I would not have expected at all. Live well… Rukia.

On the other side of the hall, a pink-haired mischief popped out from behind the spiky, bell-adorned hair ends. "Ken-chan, you shouldn't sharpen your blade during a wedding ceremony! I know you want to fight him, but it's Bya-kun's wedding today and I won't allow it!" Yachiru pouted and shook her Captain slightly.

"Alright, alright, Yachiru."

"Say, what do I call her? Mrs. Bya-kun?" Yachiru giggled. "Bya-kun's honey?"

"Call her whatever you want, Yachiru."

Just a little way off, Hinamori Momo stood with Nanao Ise, smiling happily and trying to get a closer look at the couple.

"Yaooooo! I can't believe my first crush is getting married." Shinji Hirako clutched his chest, an expression of pain on his face. He was rewarded with a sharp slap in the face by the slipper–wielding Hiyori. The rest of the Vizards watched the two bickering for a while, before turning their attention back to the wedding ceremony.

"But then, there's my first crush there!" Shinji pointed, before being attacked by Hiyori again. "Ouch!"

Orihime looked up at the shouts of pain nearby and waved uncertainly at Shinji and Hiyori. She turned to Ishida and Chad beside her. "I can't believe Kuchiki-san is getting married! And to our Sense-" She laughed. "I guessed Kuchiki-sensei wasn't really our Sensei."

"Yeah." Ishida smiled at her as Chad nodded. "But then again, they are not young anymore. Not like us."

Orihime smiled back. She turned at the frustrated shout.

"Shut up, Dad, you are embarrassing me!"

"R-Rukia chan is getting married!" Isshin blew his nose loudly in Ichigo's Shinigami robe sleeves.

"Dad, you are leaving boogies all over my robes!"

"RUKIA-CHAN! You are a big girl now!"

"Dad, she's a few hundred years old…" Ichigo looked to the front where Rukia stood facing Byakuya.

Ichigo's brown eyes softened as he looked at the Shinigami who had saved his life so long ago and changed his life forever.

You look very beautiful today.

The strong hands at his sides clenched slightly before loosening.

Be happy… Rukia.

The bride and groom approached the front of the shrine, where the priest was standing. The handmaidens hurriedly smoothed out the long bridal kimono before retreating, leaving them both standing at the front. Byakuya and Rukia both looked up at each other at the same time.

He felt his fast-beating heart miss a beat, even before he heard the gasps of wonders from the guests. She looked so beautiful, like a fairy. The white kimono complemented her fair, glowing skin and the sakura patterns on her robes added to the overwhelming loveliness of the woman standing before him. Her hair was held up behind her, and the expensive white headdress with gold sakura hairpins finished her look. Her eyes were wide like violet jewels and the tint of the blush on her cheeks was subtle.

She was… so very beautiful.

Byakuya's lips were twitching slightly, he was going to smile. But he kept his expression calm as always as he gazed at her. He watched as she shyly lifted her head and met his gaze. He looked at her, willing her to read his thoughts from his eyes.

You are so beautiful, Rukia.

She looked at him with her cheeks slightly pink, and her lips slowly curved into the sweetest smile Byakuya had ever seen. She had never looked any more beautiful, but he knew she would continue to look more and more beautiful in the days to come… as his wife. That irresistible shade of red, that perfect lips, those eyes. And she was going to be his, all his. It made him want to pull her into his arms and kiss her gently right there and then, disregarding all the guests present. But as the Kuchiki noble family head, he could not do so, though he felt he would receive a standing ovation from the boisterous crowd of Shinigami colleagues if he did.

Rukia…

Rukia looked up into those misty grey eyes, those eyes she could drown herself in for eternity. Byakuya was a very handsome man but today, his looks were definitely second to none. His wedding robes were black and dark, and they flowed about his body as he stood straight, giving off an air of class and masculine elegance. The robes were embroidered with lined patterns and held at the front with countless clasps. The dark silk clothing gave more prominence to the white of his kenseikan, which kept his hair up, the resulting strands hanging just above his misty grey eyes. He did not wear his heirloom scarf this time and in their absence, it gave breadth to his broad shoulders and height.

Rukia watched his eyes, his straight nose, his well-defined cheekbones. Her eyes lingered for a moment on those familiar lips and his strong chin. She was jolted out of her reverie when the priest cleared his throat. Byakuya turned slightly, before extending his hand to her. She watched as a subtle gleam pass through his grey eyes and the sight brought her back to that faithful moment when they stood in the dark back alley, where he perched at the pipes and offered his hand to her.

When I say we date, Rukia, we date.

We will experience… everything.

Rukia could not stop the smile curving her lips then. She put her hand into his warm one as his fingers grasped hers, and they turned to the front.

When the priest had finally completed the traditional proceedings, Byakuya and Rukia turned to each other again. A maid came forth bearing a plate with three cups filled with sake.

The San-san-kudo.

Triple exchanges of the nuptial wine cups.

Heaven, Earth and Mankind.

Byakuya retrieved the first cup dutifully from the tray and sipped the sake. Rukia watched him, watched as the cup touched his lips, and watched as he returned it to the tray. Rukia lifted that cup in turn, and it was Byakuya's grey eyes on her as her red lips touched the rim where his lips had as she sipped the sake. The couple performed the same ritual for the remaining two cups, and never taking their eyes off the other all throughout the ceremony.

The binding ceremony was complete with the final, third cup... and two souls joined in matrimony for eternity.

Byakuya was restless. Rukia was waiting for him. It was tradition after the wedding ceremony to hold the kekkon hiroen, the wedding reception feast, a feat the Kuchiki family would never disappoint in. The countless rooms in the mansion were beautifully decorated with hanging cloths and banners, and every single stray leaf on the path swept off the gardens. Rows and rows of tables were set out with so many dishes and drinks. The cooks and servants at the Kuchiki mansion had pulled out all the stops, knowing that this was their young master's precious day, and prepared dishes of an infinite variety, from traditional regional ones to those rarely heard of. The guests dined and chattered merrily throughout the manor, complimenting the newly wedded couple and making small talk.

Byakuya moved through it all and engaged in conversations formally as the noble he was, trying not to let thoughts of Rukia float through his mind every few seconds. It was all he could do, not to cancel the dinner event and Flash step to his bridal chambers this very moment. He could see Kurosaki Isshin chatting animatedly with General Yamamoto, once in a while looking at him and shooting the thumbs-up sign with an all-too-familiar sneaky expression. He had received the congratulations from everyone present, from his noble relatives, the Tai-chous, lieutenants, officers and to the unexpected Quincy. And also-

"Take good care of Rukia."

"I will, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Good, because I don't want to destroy this beautiful mansion."

"I am afraid you will not be able to."

When the kekkon hiroen had ran its course for several long hours (which rather felt like decades to Byakuya) and the last of the guests had finally departed, Kazumasa approached Byakuya and bowed. "My Lord, you can now proceed to where your heart and body has been longing to go to."

Byakuya felt his cheeks warm slightly at the statement but turned all the same in the direction of the chambers, Kazumasa and an entourage of attendants following in his wake. They stopped before the doors of Byakuya's sleeping chambers, where glowing lanterns hung overhead at both sides of the frame and an expensive silk cloth strung across the front.

"May happiness forever be yours, my Lord." Kazumasa smiled and bowed low.

Byakuya nodded and turned to the door. He lifted one black-robed hand and slid the door open.

Rukia turned at the sound. She had been nervously pacing the room (at least pacing in as much as her bridal kimono allowed her to) for hours as she tried to keep all the rules she had memorized in her head. Now, she turned as Byakuya calmly stepped into their bridal chambers and slid the door shut.

"B-Byakuya." Her voice came out in a nervous squeak.

He stepped toward her, and she kept her head bowed low. Oh no! She had completely forgotten all the rules and traditions the maids had taught her to be observed in the bridal chambers! Just seeing Byakuya had sent everything out of her head in an instant. They were now legally husband and wife. Was she going to disappoint him?

"Rukia." The deep voice sounded gentle. Rukia kept her face down, she felt so shy. Suddenly, she wished she had not removed the heavy headdress before he had came in.

"Rukia, look at me." She heard him speak softly. Slowly, Rukia lifted her violet eyes to him.

Byakuya, her husband. He was so handsome as he looked at her. "You look so beautiful today."

Rukia felt her cheeks heat up even more, as she looked into Byakuya's misty grey eyes.

"I… You look very handsome too," Rukia said without thinking, before clapping her hand to her mouth in shock. The maids had told her to observe her words properly during the wedding night. They said it was tradition that the nobility had a formal first night together. What was she saying? She was ruining it, ruining their wedding night with senseless words!

Byakuya reached out and gently took her hand away from her mouth. "You think so?" he asked quietly, cocking his head slightly to one side. Rukia just nodded dumbly.

As she watched, Byakuya's lips curved into a small smile. The smile softened his look very much, making him look so young and youthful. Still holding onto her hand, he reached out and stroked her cheek with his other one.

"Rukia…" His deep voice vibrated slightly as Rukia's eyes reflexively closed at his touch.

"It has all come down to this…" he murmured in his deep voice, his hand lingering gently on her cheek.

"H-Hai…"

Byakuya held her gaze, as he trailed his fingertips across her warm cheek. "… the day I can finally let it out in the open that you are mine."

He watched the irresistible red bloom across her cheeks again and he had to restrain himself, just a little while longer.

Suddenly, Rukia felt the delightful warmth of his hand disappear off her face as he stepped back a little from her. Rukia looked up at him blankly. He looked back at her, expectant.

What?

"You forgot already?" His deep voice came out, amused.

"I…" Rukia looked down and bowed in apology, trying hard and hopelessly to remember. "I-

"The wife removes the wedding robes off her husband, in preparation to retire after the long day."

Rukia looked up at hearing Byakuya's spoken instruction and immediately remembered. Yes, the maids had told her it was her sole responsibility and one of the more important traditions during the wedding night. Why was she such a fool?

Rukia clumsily stumbled forward as she took a step toward him. Byakuya stayed silent and motionless, looking down at her. Slowly, Rukia reached up and untied the front of Byakuya's grand wedding robes. There were so many knots and clasps as Rukia fumbled with them, trying not to let her fingers tremble so much. She was so nervous.

'Don't make yourself seem so stupid and clumsy, Rukia,' she scolded herself.

As she successfully untied the second knot, she felt herself smile in triumph. Then her eyes widened as she felt something warm and soft touch the side of her face. Byakuya had leaned in and brushed his lips lightly against her cheek.

She turned slightly to look at him, and their noses touched. "Bya-

"Go on," he whispered, looking at her. "My robes are not undone yet."

Flustered, Rukia turned back to the knots and continued working. All the while, Byakuya's lips moved across her cheek in enticing feathery kisses to the spot behind her ears. Rukia could not help herself, she closed her eyes and let out a pleasured sigh as she felt him kiss the sensitive spot on her neck. Recovering, her eyes shot open and she continued fumbling with the impossible knots. Byakuya chuckled in her ear.

"T-This is i-impossible!" she said in frustration, as her hands worked this way and that.

"I cannot help you there. It is tradition," Byakuya murmured, still nuzzling her neck. "But…" His voice dropped seductively low. "You might want to go a little faster."

Rukia felt herself blush all over again.

As Rukia's small hands worked at his front, Byakuya flashed on the day she had first done this. Ironically, it had been clothes of the modern world that time. She had fixed his tie for him, her hands working expertly at his chest and her eyes resolutely refusing to meet his.

It had been the first time she had come so close to him then and the resulting jump in his heart then was... unmistakeable.

Now Byakuya watched her small, nimble fingers tremble around his knots. He knew any normal day she could easily undo them fast, but she appeared to be very nervous. He continued staring at those small hands, hands he wanted so much to be working elsewhere right now. Slowly, his eyes moved up to her face. Her bright violet eyes were wide and clouded with anxiety as she worked. So very expressive, and so very beautiful. The pink tint on her cheeks stayed, and Byakuya wondered just how warm they would feel.

He could not resist any longer as he watched her. Slowly, Byakuya bent forward to Rukia. She did not even notice, not until his lips touched her smooth, warm cheek. Byakuya heard her gasp before she turned slightly, and Byakuya found himself looking into those very big, beautiful violet orbs.

"Go on." Byakuya allowed a sensual tone to seep into his voice. "My robes are not undone yet."

Finally, Rukia unravelled the last of the knots and moved behind Byakuya to hold his wedding robes as he slipped out of them. He was wearing black sleeping robes underneath. Rukia turned to place the beautiful robes into the wardrobe when Byakuya's strong arms stopped her.

"Leave them," he commanded, tugging her hand so the expensive robes fell to the floor. He pulled Rukia closer to him, and she shivered slightly in anticipation. They stared at each other for a long time before Byakuya traced a long finger down her cheekbone.

"Rukia…" he murmured huskily, inciting an unseen reaction in her body.

Then Byakuya moved slightly and Rukia felt the precise and sharp speed as he Shunpo-ed to the bed, holding her tight in his arms. Now he bent down and effortlessly lifted her off the floor, before lowering her gently onto the bed.

"T-That was unnecessary!" Rukia gasped in surprise.

"It is necessary." Byakuya now hovered above her, his eyes fixed on hers. "I do not wish for you to stumble to the bed again."

Rukia looked up, half angry and embarrassed.

Her expression turned to surprise when she felt Byakuya tug the knots on her bridal robes. "W-Wha?"

In one swift motion, Byakuya easily pulled the knot loose and dropped the string of cloth to the floor. "It is also the duty of the husband to remove the bridal robes off his wife… for the night," Byakuya leaned in to whisper sensually in her ear. Rukia felt herself blush. He pulled back and his eyes twinkled a little at her. "I did not forget."

Rukia glared at him. "I-It's just your bad luck to marry clumsy and forgetful me then," she countered, turning to her left so she would not be looking at him.

"No." A hand gently turned her cheek so she faced him again. "I have waited too long, not knowing what it was I was waiting for…" Byakuya's eyes were serious as they burned into her. "I have found what it is now… so to marry you, Rukia and to be able to say you are mine..." He ran a finger over her lower lip. "... is the best fortune I have ever had..." He lowered himself over her and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.

"... because I love you."

Rukia looked up at him, and tears brimmed unexpectedly in her eyes. "I love you too, Byakuya," she whispered.

Byakuya smiled at her, and Rukia smiled back.

"Though you might have to teach and show me a lot of things…" She trailed off as Byakuya's gentle hands parted her robes open.

"I will." His hands seeked her curves urgently now, as his body pressed hard against hers. "And I will start by showing you…" Byakuya's lips met Rukia's in a passionate kiss of desire and need.

"… how forever begins."

And so begins forever indeed. :D This is the unofficial end of 'To Win You Back', but do wait for Chapter 38, the epilogue... just to wrap things up. :) I will have a special Author's Note up with the ending as well, which describes how I have mapped out TWYB and everything else I have to say to you all. So do watch out for that and I hope you have enjoyed this story so far! :)

I had fun writing this chapter out... especially the guests part... with so many funny personalities in Soul Society, both dodgy and otherwise. The scenario of Kenpachi sharpening his blade during Bya-kun's wedding just jumped into my head when I wondered what I could write about him... and I just had to put that in. And of course, I enjoyed writing the sweet scene in the bridal chambers with both our hero and heroine. I tried to make it as sweet and subtly sexy as possible so hope you liked it. :)

And of course, do review this chapter for me and tell me what you think, comments/feedback, anything! Would really appreciate it. :)