Peace

"I charge all of you who are present now, upon your honors, that if any know a reason that these two may not be lawfully joined this day, to speak now or forever hold your peace."

There was a pause.

A rustling of cloaks; twitching of eyes. He could see his Captain had managed to keep himself under control. Behind him, Orihime Inoue was earnestly urging Ishida Uryuu to rush forward and declare dramatically that he objected.

At the front row of the opposite aisle sat a sobbing Kurosaki Isshin and his two daughters. A large, colourful portrait of Kurosaki Masaki hung on the bench.

Behind them sat most of the Captains and Vice-captains of the Thirteen Squads. Other shinigamis, such as Yamada Hanatarou, Ayasegawa Yumichika and Madarame Ikkaku, had showed up as well. So had Shiba Ganjyu and Shiba Kuukaku.

Abarai Renji, however, had been forced to sit with his Captain at the front row. Kuchiki Byakuya had had to give his sister away to the groom, and as his Vice-captain, Renji was obligated to accompany him.

Hold your peace.

Renji ran a hand through his hair and fidgeted. His living world clothes were stifling and constricted his movements. He imagined that Kurosaki Ichigo was probably as uncomfortable as he was, but then again, he was the one standing at the pulpit.

With Kuchiki Rukia.

"May you be blessed with the deep knowledge of each other through all the days of your lives. You may now give your vows."

He had been giving this wedding a lot of thought ever since he heard that the two were engaged. It was inevitable, he supposed, but he had always believed that without Ichigo, it would be Rukia and him together. Forever. Or at least for a really long time.

So, should he speak now or forever hold his peace?

He stared at the ceiling, not really bothering to listen to Ichigo and Rukia's personalised vows. Turning his head slightly to his right, he raised an eyebrow questioningly to the person beside him.

She tilted her head towards him and leaned backwards as well. She made no obvious reply to his unspoken question.

Renji returned his gaze to the couple in front.

"Ugh. Please, get a room," he shut his eyes at the liplocked couple and joined the rest of the audience in the protesting.

Captain Kyouraku Shunsui had taken the opportunity to sweep his Vice-captain Ise Nanao is a dramatic kiss.

Sado Yasutora shared a short glance with Kurosaki Karin from his place beside the groom. Urahara Kisuke had taken to firing sparks from his cane into the air, while Shihouin Yoruichi rolled her eyes lazily from beside him.

A shriek of delight came from behind Renji, and everyone turned to look at Orihime suffocating Ishida with a bone-crushing hug.

"I'M GETTING MARRIED!" Orihime beamed brightly at everyone, while Ishida blushed sheepishly.

"And she always thought that Ishida was in love with Rukia," the black-haired girl from beside Renji said softly, smiling. Renji glanced at her.

"After Kurosaki, Ishida is a big leap, huh," he stood up with the rest of the audience as the newlyweds went down the aisle. He stretched lazily and slung his arm over the girl.

"It's good to move on." She said, her eyes following the newlyweds out of the hall.

He followed her gaze. "You were in love with him before, too."

Arisawa Tatsuki abruptly turned to stare at him. "And you with her," she retorted quietly.

He shrugged off-handedly. "Maybe."

And so we will forever hold our peace.

He slipped his large, callous hand into her small but rough one, and they followed the rest of the crowd outside.

After all, who would actually dare to object to the marriage of Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia?

She will be his peace.
And he would be hers.

Author's Note: Many things didn't match up in the wedding, did it? But I finished this very short fanfiction in one afternoon, and I'm rather pleased with myself. Please review.

More couples coming up!