reesen555 - I think I should make that idea into a real idea. (Calling 'Kurosaki' in vengeance) I can see the name-calling forming in my head now. :3 The circumstances of Rukia's in this story has always been amazing seeing that she is self-ridden with guilt here and there. :3

Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters.

After dinner, Rukia stayed for one more day in her house before returning. The wedding scheduled for next Saturday, Rukia really had been planning to tell Ukitake she was getting married. But, for some reason, the topic hadn't popped up at all throughout the entire day. Or rather, Rukia couldn't bring herself to lie to Ukitake, out of all people. Then, it was Thursday morning when another set of devastating news reached Rukia's ears.

"Otou-San had another stroke."

There was silence on Rukia's side. "They have placed him in a coma, one they call 'Mentally induced', or whatever that means."

Rukia had missed telling Ukitake that she was married and now, she would never have the chance to. Tears fell down Rukia's cheeks as she took in a deep breath. "Alright, I'm going down to the hospital right now."

"No." In the middle of packing, Rukia halted as she heard Shuuhei. Had she heard him right? "You are getting married in 2 days, Rukia." Right. With Ukitake being in a coma, she had forgotten all about that. "Otou-San's stable. There's nothing you can do over here. Focus on your big day. Yumichika and I will be there."

"Did they say how long... Otou-San...?"

"They don't know."

Rukia should be used to her Hope's being dashed in terms of reality. But, honestly, she wasn't. Knowing that Ukitake won't be able to walk her down the aisle despite how fake a wedding it was brought a new wave of sadness. For a matter of fact, Ukitake hadn't even known that Rukia would be walking down the aisle. "See you then, Nii-San."

Saturday morning arrived earlier than she expected. Opening her eyes, she reminded herself that today was the day she would marry Ichigo Kurosaki. Simply just that thought make Rukia have the urge of puking. "Are you ready to go, Rukia?!"

Burying herself deeper under her covers, knowing that it was Ino, she groaned mentally. She had doubted Ino would be this happy if she had known the truth of why she was marrying Ichigo Kurosaki. But, due to the contract, she came up with the same story that she had told Shuuhei and Yumichika. That Ichigo and her had met up at a take-out place, sharing some food in the park and from then on, they hadn't spent much time apart, a love so intense that it scared her but at the same time, she was certain that he was the right one for her. Neither of the listeners questioned her story and by the time she had repeated this story to Ino, she had started to believe the fake story she had created herself. Needless to say, the guilt had been pressing on Rukia's shoulders since she had told Ino the story. "Hold your horses, Ino, I just need a couple of minutes."

"Are you excited? Freaking out? Have you talked to him yet?"

For some reason, Ino had sounded exactly like an excited puppy that would be getting its bone right at that moment. Rukia sighed mentally as she answered Ino. "Yes, No and No." Settling for one-word answers seemed easy for Rukia since she couldn't reveal too much in the case of Ino seeing through her lies. Or, worse, giving up completely by her friend 'Guilt'.

"Okay, well, hurry up, slowpoke." Rukia was just getting off her bed as Ino spoke once more. "I'm putting my shoes on right now!"

"Alright, alright!"

As Ino and Rukia left their house approximately 10 minutes later, she was worried they might be late for hair and makeup appointments but scolded herself mentally soon after for thinking about that when Ukitake was in a damn coma. Reaching the Kuroaakid' bridal suite, she heaved in a sigh of relief mentally seeing that they were on time. The moment they stepped in, Ino had squealed had disappeared from her side as she ran across the marble floors, seemingly amazed at her surroundings. "THIS ISN'T REAL! THIS CAN'T BE REAL!"

Rukia followed Ino, smiling. Throughout all this chaotic mess, she sought relief in the fact that at least somebody would be enjoying the day in her place. "This is more real than you can imagine, Ino."

Walking to a nearby table, Rukia gazed at the catering. They were billionaires after all and it was obvious that the Kurosakis' never did things halfway. She swore... Looking at a nearby battle, there was already a fancy champagne in ice already. "Since when do you drink before 1PM?"

Passing the champagne to Ino and Ino popping open the champagne in glee, Rukia shook her head mentally while smiling softly. "I'm getting married." Honestly, the word 'Married' still sounded foreign to Rukia's ears throughout it all despite her saying it. "If there's a day to drink early, it would be today."

Pouring the champagne into glasses and passing Rukia one, Ino took a sip and swore she was in Heaven. Or, halfway there if she wasn't there yet. "I can't believe my best friend is actually about to walk down the aisle. This is so surreal."

"Tell me about it."

"Let's toast, Rukia. I'm happy that you are happy."

When Rukia gazed at Ino, she was staring straight at her, as if wanting Rukia to reassure that she was happy, as if wanting her to confirm that she wouldn't be passing her to some devil. Lowering her gaze, Rukia placed the champagne glass back on the table and averted her gaze from Ino. "Are you hungry?" When Ino gazed at her like that, she realized she couldn't lie and tell her that she was happy. No, she just... Couldn't. Not to her best friend. Therefore, distracting Ino with food would be the best second choice, in this matter.

Following Rukia's gaze, Ino rolled her eyes. "This can't be just for us. This could feed all of Japan."

Rukia laughed in response. Seeing that Isshin Kurosaki was a billionaire, this food might be for all Japan. Who knows? All the same though, she was glad that there was someone who was foreign to rich things like her. A knock resounded on the door and Ino opened it to see a gaggle of fabulous-looking women in black uniforms. "We are the bridal team."

The first one Rukia noticed was the makeup artist that she had at the photoshoot. "Right." She nodded. "Come in and help yourselves to any food, drinks... Whatever you want."

The women walked in and ignored the food in favour of setting up their stations. "Come."

Noticing a woman calling her, she directed her gaze towards Ino, mouthing that she would be right back as she followed the woman. As she followed her into her area, that was the moment when she saw the wedding dress. Her gaze stayed on the wedding dress as she gulped. For some reason, she felt more nervous than happy, realizing that it was really happening. "So...?"

The woman's words snapped Rukia out of her thoughts. "It's... It's beautiful."

An ivory masterpiece, strapless, with a slim-fitting bottom that shines like it was lit up from the inside. Rukia didn't know who designed it or how much it costed, but there was one thing she was very sure. She didn't deserve to wear this wedding dress. At all. "It is beautiful." A fee moments of awkwardness passed. "Come on, let's get to work. Undress."

Cue the pretty blush on Rukia's cheeks. Had she heard the woman right? "Here...?"

"No, you can undress when you are in the wedding."

Rukia sweat-dropped. "Right." Unbuttoning her blouse and dropping her jeans, Rukia was at her mercy as she did her wonders. Wordlessly undoing the lace-up corset of the wedding dress and taking off its hangers, the woman helped Rukia step inside her dress before strapping her in. It could be as short as 5 seconds or as long as 5 hours, not that Rukia was counting, really. When that was done, the woman took a step back, looking at Rukia with absolute focus. Soon enough, she pulled a pair of 3-inch ivory stilettos out of a shoebox. Once they were on Rukia's feet, she backed up once more. Gaze staring at her toes at first, her gaze travelled until they were meeting Rukia's gaze before she nodded. "Mm."

Rukia couldn't help but ask. "Is that good?"

Staring at Rukia with narrowed eyes, Rukia felt self-conscious. Moments later, she nodded once more. "Yes. Good."

Relief flooded Rukia's entire body. As Rukia followed the woman out and took this chance to gaze at herself at a full-length mirror, she widened her eyes. This couldn't be her. Skin wrapped in a gown meant for a Queen, the ivory making her skin glow and the corset hugging her figure. It wasn't meant for her. It was supposed to be meant for someone who loved Ichigo deeply. Yet, here she was. "OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!" Snapped out of her depressing thoughts, she turned to Ino who had stars in her eyes. "You look so beautiful. You look so royal. What is this dress? Where can I get one?"

Rukia took this moment and gazed at Ino and hoping, for her own sake, that she would never wear a wedding dress that was meant to be somebody else's. "Ino." Said best friend gazed at Rukia's as Rukia's voice shook. "This is really happening, I'm getting married."

Misinterpreting Rukia's tone of voice for happiness and nervousness, Ino stepped closer and held Rukia's hands in hers, nodding her head. "Yes, you are, Rukia. You are."

Leaving Rukia alone to prepare, Ino all but bounced out of the room as Rukia was left alone to her own devices as the bridal team had left as well after completing their job. Looking at the dress that she should not have been wearing, with her face all done up and her face highlighted, she sighed mentally. The contract, the lies, all of them have been building up to this moment. Taking the champagne by the nearby table where she had previously left it, she took a sip and opened the door, ready to face the music. "Rukia."

Turning her head, she found Shuuhei, in a tux. Smiling softly, she knew that Shuuhei hadn't owned a tux and was probably borrowing from his friend, or rather, renting the tux. The usual amidst these chaotic mess that was her life. "Nii-San, you arrived."

Reciprocating the hug that Shuuhei, gave her, Shuuhei took the chance to properly gaze at her. "You look stunning." He ran a finger through his hair. "This is fucking crazy."

She averted her eyes. "I know."

"I was hoping to catch you before... You know, your big moment." Curiosity got the best of Rukia as she gazed at Shuuhei, noting that he had looked troubled and hesitant, not looking Rukia in the eye. "Yumichika is holding our seats in there, but... Rukia, I know we have given you a hard time about this but you have to know, Rukia, we are proud of you. Otou-San is too."

An invisible weight landed on her shoulders. "You think so?"

"He's proud of everything you do, you know that. You are the smart one." If she really was the smart one, why hadn't she passed the interview? Why had she landed herself in this predicament in the first place? "But, if that son of a bitch ever does anything to hurt you, you know we have a crowbar."

Honestly, with Ichigo's comment still fresh in her head, she knew in her mind that Ichigo would make her marriage life a living hell. But, who was she to protest? Resisting the tears that were threatening to fall, she smiled. "I know, Nii-San. Thank You."

Shuuhei nodded his head and squeezed her shoulder in that brotherly way. "I will see you inside." Before he entirely disappeared inside the hall though, he called out once again. "Hey."

It was getting more and more difficult to hold in the tears now. "Yeah?"

"Don't trip." With that, he disappeared, oblivious to the fact that a stray tear was rolling down Rukia's cheeks as she stared at the closed door, where her Fate will be sealed. With that tear gone, Rukia walked towards the door herself as well.

Ichigo couldn't believe what was happening. After what he had said to that fucking girl, she had the nerve to stay and get married to him. With the way things are progressing, it only confirmed Ichigo's theory that the girl is only in for the money. Which self-respecting, normal and nice girl would marry a fiance who told her he fucking hated her at the wedding photo shoot, no less? Gazing at his surroundings, Ichigo wouldn't deny that this was the most amazing room he had seen. White lilies covering every surface and 500 people packed in a wedding just to see his only son becoming a man. If there were any rumours that the Kurosakis' did things halfway, they would have to rethink these rumors, definitely. For a flashing moment, Ichigo thought of her. The 'Her' that convinced Ichigo that he was capable of love after all before smashing his heart right in front of him, destroying him from the inside and out, laughing all the while. Just as Ichigo was about to fall down memory lane, music snapped him out of his thoughts. Looks like it was time for him to get over this, after all.

Gazing at Isshin throughout the crowd, Isshin was, as usual, beaming. If it was one thing that having this goddamned marriage brought him, it was seeing Isshin smiling and having fun again. Isshin and Masaki had been so happy, but after Masaki died, Isshin had became more reclusive. Yet, at his son's wedding, Ichigo could see Isshin reverting back to his usual self once again. Noticing the opening of doors, Ichigo gazed to see the woman walk in and instantly, he was reminded of his parents' wedding. A smirk formed on his lips. If this girl had the audacity to marry him after his comment, she had best be prepared for the...

Worst. Marriage. Ever.

In this world, there was no celebration like a wedding, Isshin knew. Despite Isshin being the one who had orchestrated this marriage, he was delighted that Ichigo accepted the wedding as it is since children these days tend to be rebellious and not listen to their parents, especially Ichigo. Although he had to dangle his role in Kurosaki' Enterprise for Ichigo to accept the arrangement, that wasn't the point. The point was, he accepted the arrangement and Isshin couldn't be more happier. Gazing around the ballroom with family, friends, associates and clients, Isshin couldn't help but swell with pride. Looks like the wedding planner had outdone themselves this time. The room was covered in white lilies and light ornaments hung along the walls. There was a raised platform where the vows would be exchanged and the priest stood behind Ichigo as they awaited for the bride's appearance. The whole room was radiant, as it should be. At that moment, as Isshin witnessed his son getting married to a girl he knew was right for him, he somehow wished Masaki was here to witness this grand moment with him. As Isshin was nodding and waving at the guests while had arrived, he couldn't help but think of the person who had brought Rukia to him - Masaki. Of course, Isshin had missed her everyday but today was the day that he especially missed her. Turning as the sounds of a door opening was heard with all guests standing up, he turned to gaze at Rukia walking down the aisle and knew that Masaki was here, in the wedding venue, after all.

"Don't trip."

Remembering Shuuhei's words a few moments and go and how it would be fucking embarrassing for her to fall face-first on the ground right now, she looked at Ichigo who was a distance away from her, not opting to look at the 'Audience' that was gathered. Okay, exactly how many people was there anyway? The way that people were looking at her, she had the feeling she was a monkey in a zoo than a bride. Rukia wasn't a girl who had imaginations about her dream wedding but she had always thought that Ukitake would be there with her for her wedding, not lying in a coma in a hospital. That thought was especially saddening for Rukia as she walked down the aisle alone. Knowing there was at least hundreds of people watching her, she willed herself not to cry. Finally reaching the raised platform, she took the position across from Ichigo, the man who hated her but is helping Ukitake at the same time, despite him not knowing of it. Giving Ichigo a nervous smile, Ichigo did nothing to soothe her nerves, simply staring at her. Priest smiling at Rukia then at Ichigo, he began. "Be seated. We are gathered here to witness a holy matrimony, to observe the commitment of love between Rukia Tachibana and Ichigo Kurosaki." Rukia turned to Ichigo's murdering gaze and locked jaw before looking away. Seriously, what was she doing here? Was she willing to simply seal her Fate just like that? Ichigo thinks of her as a gold-digging slut, her marriage was destined to be unhappy from the very start. Despite knowing that, was she willing to play along knowing there was no real love between them? She knew that if she backed away from all this, she would still have a chance. Except... "Rukia?"

Gazing at the priest that had snapped her back to her thoughts, she took a deep breath. The moment that she had said 'Yes' to Isshin, there was no going back. "I do?"

It was, apparently, voiced out as a question and Rukia cursed herself but the priest simply nodded. He turned to Ichigo next. "Ichigo Kurosaki, do you take Rukia Tachibana to be your lawful wedded wife, in poorness and in health, in sickness and in health, as long as you shall live?"

"I do." There was no smile on Ichigo's face, Rukia noted. As if the priest had simply been asking how was the weather today.

"Well then, ladies and gentleman, we have a marriage. Ichigo, you may kiss your bride."

Nervousness spread within Rukia as the priest announced this and for some reasons unknown to Rukia, she had expected an air kiss, a handshake or worse, a slap to the face. Anything was better than the actions Ichigo took in her mind. Leaning forward until his lips was almost touching hers and smiling, Rukia would marvel at how amazing he was at acting if she wasn't the one that is fucking married to him. "I'm a powerful man. I get what I want. What I want, at this moment, is to ruin you."

With her officially-husband's words as his lips met hers in a kiss, Rukia couldn't help but stare as a tear fell down her cheek. When Ichigo pulled away, Rukia gazed as he walked away from her, fielding congratulation from the guests as he walked back up the aisle. The priest, seeing Rukia's tears, had misinterpreted the tears for happiness as he patted Rukia on the back. "It's always an emotional day, I wish you the luck of the heavens."

Taking a moment to calm herself so that she would not scream and yell at the misfortune that she was dealt with, she turned away from the priest and followed Ichigo out of the wedding ceremony.