Chapter One Hundred and Two:
Ichigo sighed and stared at his reflection with something between a nervous smile and a frown. In the background noise of the Shiba mansion he could make out the sound of bustling and rushing, last minute adjustments and excited whispers. Closer to him, in the master bedroom, Shinji and Lisa were helping adjust the very traditional ceremonial kimono he was wearing, he wasn't sure why the task had fallen to them but they had appeared just after he'd finished showering. The soft ivory was plush against the tanned contours of his skin tone, although it felt altogether too fancy and flamboyant for him to be comfortable in.
Sighing again as Harribel shooed the two Visored aside so she could add the finishing touches to his braided hairstyle, he felt the familiar sensation of his kenseikan being clipped into place on his temple.
"For someone so excited about getting married, you certainly are sighing a lot." The Tres Espada murmured under her breath, expression taciturn despite the warmth in her eyes.
He tried to glare at her, but he couldn't make the look stick and he merely huffed, "I knew today would be busy, I knew it would be a roller-coaster, but honestly... From the moment I woke up I've just had this clenched feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm not sure if I want to be sick, or if I need the bathroom."
"Nerves." She chuckled, "What on Earth are you nervous about, Cero? You are marrying the man you love, are you not?"
"Is it nerves? I'm not sure... It doesn't feel like any kind of uncertainty I've felt before." Ichigo swallowed, "Everyone is so excited, and there will be so many people at the ceremony... All the Kuchiki Elders, Byakuya's grandfather, and then there's the Shiba Clan too, Kūkaku, Ganju... I wouldn't want them in the same city as one and other but they're going to be cramped together in the same shrine for over an hour! And... What if I forget my vows in front of everyone... Or... Get tongue tied? What if I fall over, this kimono is so fucking long! I'm sure it wasn't this long in the tailors!"
Harribel stared at him in surprise, silent for a moment before she merely giggled, "I never expected you of all people to have pre-wedding jitters! Oh, Ichigo, what you're feeling is perfectly normal. You have fought wars in front of more people than present today. If you forget your vows, make new ones up on the spot, something from the heart. If you mean what you say... You won't get tongue tied."
Shiro appeared at his side, splitting from his mind easier and easier the more he did it, slinging an arm around the strawberry's shoulders, "And I'd never let ya fall over in front of everyone, Aibou."
"No, you'd probably shove him over." Shinji snorted from near the door.
"Too fuckin' right!" The albino smirked.
Glaring at the whitened version of himself, Ichigo felt some of the tightness in his gut loosen. He knew he was fretting over nothing, but in all honesty he just wanted the day over and done with as soon as possible so he could continue with the rest of his life.
"Besides," Harribel tilted her head, "Surely there will be vastly more people present when you are officially inaugurated as Taichou of Division 14, after all, that will be a historic moment."
"Don't remind me." He hissed.
"If ya need cheerin' up King," Shiro's grin widened wickedly, "Just wait until ya see what Urahara's wearin'. He looks fuckin' ridiculous."
"I heard that!" The blond's shout was audible through the walls from the room he'd borrowed the day before.
Shiro snickered and disappeared, returning to his place in Ichigo's Inner World. Feeling a little better, the strawberry offered a shaky smile to his reflection, sucking in a deep breath as he straightened his back.
"Time to go!" Starrk's deep baritone carried through the corridor like it was magnified, and Ichigo immediately heard the entrance doors opening as the Espada and Visored began leaving to get to the shrine.
"We will see you there." Harribel kissed his forehead and hurried from the room, giving him a brief wave as she ushered Shinji and Lisa along with her.
Waiting until the chaos finally died down, leaving the Shiba mansion in virtual silence, Ichigo left the master bedroom and ventured towards where he'd heard Urahara's voice originating from. He nudged the door open and stared at the scene in front of him.
The former Taichou was clad in a dark kimono, it was navy but dark enough that it looked black, with a cream sash around his middle. For a moment he couldn't have been mistaken for a currently serving Shinigami again, were it not for the traditional looking armour clinging to his form. It resembled that of a samurai, with a ghastly threatening mask concealing most of Urahara's face. The only thing Ichigo could currently see were two mildly annoyed grey eyes.
"If I'd known, when you asked... That I'd end up like this..." The blond got to his feet, armour grating with each movement, "I'd have told you to take a run and jump."
"If it makes you feel any better, Renji will be wearing similar." The strawberry suppressed a snort, "You wouldn't really have said no, would you?"
With a sigh, Urahara's shoulders dropped, "No... I was... Incredibly honoured when you asked. There's no one I'd rather sword bear for. You look fantastic by the way, Kurosaki-san. Every inch the noble."
Smiling with far more confidence than he'd felt not long ago, Ichigo felt Urahara's carefree attitude rubbing off on him and he knew immediately he had made the right choice. He looked down at himself, lifting his arms as he once again inspected the multiple layers of fine fabric.
"If you'd told me just over a year ago that I'd be able to pull off something like this... I'd have laughed in your face." The strawberry muttered, "Regal my ass." He added under his breath, briefly remembering Byakuya's words.
"Are you ready to go?" The blond asked.
"I am." He nodded once, although his new found confidence faded almost immediately at the thought of the oncoming ceremony.
"It'll be fine." Shiro's voice murmured, it was strangely... Soothing.
The walk from the Shiba Estate to the Kuchiki Estate was uneventful and almost peaceful. Seireitei seemed to have fallen silent in peaceful prosperity. The shrine was located towards the back of the Estate, and before long the sound of clamouring chatter and soothing background music reached Ichigo's ears.
As Ichigo and Urahara reached the entrance to the shrine, the strawberry found himself grinning at the sight of Renji in identical armour to his blond haired companion. His redheaded friend appeared to be sporting a dark burgundy kimono beneath his ceremonial samurai attire, though Ichigo couldn't make out much more than that because his eyes were drawn to the entrancing figure of his fiancé stood beside Renji.
Byakuya's kimono was a black as night, the sleek silk clung to his frame elegantly and perfectly, patterned with subtle embossed tree designs and entwining koi. His usual kenseikan remained in place, although if possible his hair seemed even shinier than normal. The Kuchiki heir's eyes, which for the longest time had seemed cold and dismissive, distant and uncaring now bloomed with fresh life, love and hope. Warmth and empathy filled steel grey and turned coldness to fire. And the contented smile which spread across his face was a vast change to the stoic dispassionate apathy which had lingered for so long.
Ichigo felt the last lingering dregs of his nervousness, his anxiety and his hesitation leave him in the wake of the heartbreaking grin he felt plastering itself across his face as he reached out and took one of Byakuya's offered hands.
"You look incredible." The raven haired Shinigami breathed.
"As do you." Ichigo whispered back, feeling his heart thundering in his chest.
"Are you ready for what stand beyond these doors?" A head jerk towards the large oak structures currently concealing the heart of the ceremony.
Casting a long look at the doors, the strawberry haired Shinigami couldn't have been more certain of his answer, "I have never been more ready for anything, in all my life."
Ichigo and Byakuya handed over their Zanpakutō, both Zangetsu blades resting in Urahara's grasp while Senbonzakura came to rest within Renji's. Chestnut eyes turned forwards as he watched the large oak doors swing open without so much as a squeak, releasing the melodic calm of the shrine beyond. He could hear subtle string instruments playing in the background, softly, gently, barely loud enough to disrupt the peace. With their hands clasped, they began their walk down the aisle towards Shunsui Kyōraku, who among his many other talents was capable of performing the ceremony.
Heart thrumming, the sunrise haired man took notice of the many happy faces on either side of the isle. Human, Quincy, Hollow and Shinigami alike. His friends, his family.
He could see Orihime dabbing her eyes with a cloth, while her children waved gleefully at him, despite Ishida's silencing hisses. Chad was unreadable as ever, but he was there, sat between Keigo, Mizuiro and Tatsuki.
It widened his smile as he passed the Espada and Visored, intermingled as ever, they sat together in a relaxed huddle amidst the Shinigami. There was no segregation, no separation. They had been welcomed and included in all ways, all customs. Seireitei was one. It made his heart sing to see his Hollowfied family mixed with his Shinigami one.
Amidst the crowd, he could see the faces of the Taichou, Ukitake was especially joyful, even Soi-Fon seemed to crack something akin to a lip twitch. He saw Hitsugaya bow his head; Kenpachi was grinning like a crazed maniac, but there was a sincerity in his lone shown eye.
He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Kūkaku and Ganju, they were dressed in their most elaborate and formal Clan attire, but modified to their wild natures. He was surprised that they even owned any of the old formal clothing, given how long the Clan had been exiled for. The pair seemed swamped by the mass of blue and grey eyes which had become all too familiar to him over recent weeks, the many faces of the Kuchiki Clan. Elders, cousins, great-grand parents. In all their glory, elaborate outfits screaming their wealth.
He could see the kinder, warmer eyes of Ginrei, Byakuya's grandfather, amidst the oceanic crowd. It brought genuine happiness to him, knowing the man had kept his word, and joined them for the ceremony after all.
Finally, his eyes turned forwards again, they reached the end of the aisle and he found himself grinning brightly at the sight of Rukia. She looked beautiful in her silver uchikake kimono, elaborate silk, it seemed to radiate nobility. She radiated nobility. Despite the lack of an actual bride, she had agreed to perform the usual duties of a bridesmaid, much to Byakuya and Ichigo's glee.
Turning his gaze to Kyōraku, he noted the man's official Shinigami attire. The black shihakusho, his dual swords at his hip, his crisp white haori. His hat and pink kimono were missing for once, he look strange without them.
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today," Kyōraku began, smiling warmly as he addressed the crowd, "As you know, we are gathered here to witness the union of two Great Noble Clans through the marriage of Byakuya Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki. It has been a millennia since such a powerful joining took place and I am certain you will all join me in wishing them many wonderful years together."
Ichigo mostly zoned out of the traditional fancy speeches Kyōraku was obliged to make, allowing himself to simply enjoy the moment, the feel and the elation coursing through his entire soul. Nothing he had ever done had ever felt quite so right.
"A marriage between two Shinigami is no easy thing," The Sou-Taichou's voice came back into focus, "Within these two men resides the spirits of their Zanpakutō, entities which must learn to communicate and cooperate to ensure the continued peace and prosperity of their master's relationship. Will the sword bearers please step forwards?"
Watching as Renji and Urahara stepped up beside them at the altar, swords outstretched in their hands, Ichigo lifted his gaze to Byakuya's and flushed as he realised he had been under scrutiny all along.
"Do you, Byakuya Kuchiki, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realising his strengths and learning from them, recognising his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take Ichigo Kurosaki to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Kyōraku rested his hand over their joined ones.
"I do." The Kuchiki heir said without hesitation, sliding a platinum coloured band around Ichigo's ring finger.
"And do you, Byakuya Kuchiki, vow to accept this man's Zanpakutō as your own, learning to cherish their power and skill with as much pride as you do your own, connecting your spirits together in a bond of fear and conflict, as well as courage and peace?"
"I will accept this man's Zanpakutō, and care for them as if they were my own." Byakuya said softly.
"Do you, Ichigo Kurosaki, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realising his strengths and learning from them, recognising his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take Byakuya Kuchiki to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Intense dark eyes flicked to chestnut ones.
"I do." He said immediately, smiling as he slipped an identical ring onto Byakuya's finger.
"And do you, Ichigo Kurosaki, vow to accept this man's Zanpakutō as your own, learning to cherish it's power and skill with as much pride as you do your own, connecting your spirits together in a bond of fear and conflict, as well as courage and peace?"
"I will accept this man's Zanpakutō, and care for it as if it were my own." He swallowed, lips parting in surprise as he saw a shape take form over Byakuya's shoulder. Tall, elegant and dressed in a similar samurai garb to Renji and Urahara, Ichigo could see an impossibly long tail of raven coloured hair and delicate blue eyes hiding behind the snarling mask. The spirit of Senbonzakura.
"Byakuya Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki, seeking the fulfilment of love and spiritual connection of marriage, I now pronounce you-"
Kyōraku's words were drowned out by a loud bleeping noise from the audience, Ichigo felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance as he looked out at the people gathered until his glare came to rest of Kurotsuchi and Nemu.
"You'd better have a good reason for this." He growled dangerously.
"A Garganta opening in Rukongai should be a good reason, yes?" The Division Twelve Taichou said without looking up from the device in his hands.
"A Garganta?" Byakuya questioned, "I assume you have a record of if any Hollows came through it?"
"Indeed. Six Menos Grande and three Adjuchas." Nemu stated.
"We should deal with the threat before it grows." Kyōraku said, offering a reluctantly sad smile to the grooms.
"Forgive me, Kyōraku Taichou," Ichigo spoke up, clicking his tongue against his teeth, "But I believe Division Fourteen would be best suited to handling the situation. My Espada can seal the Garganta and eliminate the threats."
The Sou-Taichou seemed to consider it for a moment and slowly seemed to relax, "I will defer to your judgement." He smiled warmly.
He nodded in gratitude, "Starrk, take Szayel to the site and ensure the Garganta is closed. Take readings if you judge it necessary. Make sure the danger to residents is kept minimal."
"Of course, Cero." The Primera was on his feet immediately.
"I'm sending Shiro with you so he can report back to me directly if anything goes wrong." The strawberry added, and on command the albino separated from him and swept down the isle towards the waiting Espada.
"I'll keep ya posted, Aibou. Enjoy the rest of the ceremony!" Was all the albino said as he waved a lazy hand, not even looking back as he lead the other two Espada from the shrine.
Ichigo let out a breath and turned back to Byakuya and Kyōraku, offering a sheepish smile, "It really wouldn't be our wedding if there wasn't some kind of trouble in the middle of it."
"True enough." The Kuchiki heir laughed.
The laid back Division One Taichou shook his head and sighed, "What am I going to do with you two?"
"Finish marrying us I hope." The strawberry muttered.
The man smirked and nodded, taking a breath before he spoke again, "Byakuya Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki, seeking the fulfilment of love and spiritual connection of marriage, I now pronounce you legally wed!"
Despite the disruption only moments prior, the second Kyōraku finished speaking the applause from the guests was deafening. They were pelted with confetti and rice but none of it mattered. Not the noise, nor the feeling of tiny grains hitting them. All that mattered in that moment was the feeling of Byakuya's lips against his own and feeling of joy rushing through him like liquid fire.
"I love you." He said breathlessly, grinning up at the noble.
"And I love you." Came the instant response.
The reception went on into the early hours, music and dancing and food and fun rolled through the Estate. The highlights definitely included the unveiling of the cake Orihime had made, the finish touches she'd mentioned in Karakura town consisted of ornate edible sugar fans; cutting into the delicious spectacle, the first dance as a married couple and the subsequent dances with members of each other's family.
Ichigo had enjoyed seeing how elegantly Byakuya treated Kūkaku, watching how he twirled her around like a princess and brought a sheepish grin to her face. In comparison to his own awkward shuffle with Ginrei Kuchiki... Was not quite so enjoyable.
The strawberry recalled the moment Shiro had returned with Starrk and Szayel, reporting that everything had been dealt with. Ichigo had truly been able to relax at that point, watching happily as Shiro opted to remain present and enjoy the party. Ichigo had expected the albino to make his excuses and slip out as he did so often these days. It was a nice change to watch him throw himself into the celebrations with all the zeal and eagerness of a madman.
Shortly after the return of his Hollow and subordinates, he had found himself stolen onto the dance floor by Rukia, they hadn't danced properly, it was more of a side to side shuffle and spin. But it did give them chance to talk.
"You looked very handsome today, Ichigo." Rukia said with a smile.
"And you looked stunning. Thank you for being our bridesmaid." He replied, returning her glee.
She chuckled softly, "There is nowhere I would rather have been today. I'm so proud of you, for everything you've overcome and everything you've grown to be. You are a fantastic leader, a wonderful friend... I'm so happy to be able to call you my brother."
He rolled his eyes, trying to hide the joy her words brought but his grin widened regardless, "I couldn't have done it with you, Renji... Byakuya... None of you ever gave up on me. You gave me this chance. "
"We showed you the way, it was your choice to follow it." Rukia squeezed him extra tight, her hug was warm and welcoming just as it always had been.
"You are going to make a fantastic leader yourself Rukia, you're kind and you always think of others before yourself." He smiled again, ruffling her hair affectionately, "Division Eight Taichou, Rukia Kuchiki. It has quite the ring to it, doesn't it?"
"Between you and me... Kyōraku accepted my application this morning. I haven't said anything to Nii-sama yet, I didn't want to divert any attention away from your big day. My Bankai will be assessed by the end of the week. We may well be inaugurated at the same time." She beamed sheepishly.
"That's fantastic news! Byakuya will be over the moon." He gasped, "Have you any ideas on who your Fukutaichou will be?"
She shook her head, "As you know, it is a big responsibility to select a second in command. But I will find someone, someone I can trust and rely on just as you rely on Starrk."
He smiled slowly, "You know... I don't really bother with the whole hierarchy thing in the Division, they seemed to settle themselves into a pattern better than I could ever have done. And between you and me, Starrk refers to Shiro as if he were the Fukutaichou. I guess it helps, like today. I can send Shiro off to command them because he's as strong as I am, and I know they'll listen to him."
"Heh, like anyone expected Division Fourteen to be any less unique than you are." She shook her head, kissing his cheek, "I'll let you enjoy the rest of your evening now. It looks to me as though your husband is hoping for another dance."
As he parted from her, he cast his eyes around the room, his breath catching joyfully at the sight of Ukitake and Kyōraku dancing together, fingers entwined, the white man's head resting softly on the shoulder of the other.
Finally.
Now, as he lay sprawled in bed beside Byakuya, the strawberry stretched hugely and snuggled in closer, smiling as he felt warm arms wrap around him on instinct and a soft kiss brushed his forehead. They were still dressed in their attire from the reception, having simply collapsed on their bed as soon as they'd locked the door, taking in the day that had whirled around them.
"How does it feel to be a Kuchiki?" Byakuya asked teasingly.
"Not bad. How does it feel to be a... Kurosaki-Shiba?" He replied with a snort.
The rumble of laughter in the man's chest made Ichigo's smile grow, "Well, to be completely honest, it's an honour."
"Oh shut up, I know you're terrified of Kūkaku and her wild behaviour." He rolled his eyes.
"I wouldn't say terrified, I would edge towards... Concerned by." Byakuya dropped his head back against the pillows, "Although, her fireworks tonight were spectacularly beautiful. I had long forgotten what the Shiba fireworks looked like. I haven't seen them since I was a boy."
Ichigo smiled, nodding as he considered the bright sparks of colour that had illuminated the night sky, "They were magnificent."
The strawberry propped his head up on his hand and peered down at his lover, his husband, and sighed contentedly as he reached out and brushed some stray raven locks out of his face. Blushing as his palm was stolen and peppered with kisses, Ichigo linked their fingers.
"When Kyōraku did the whole... Vows about our Zanpakutō, did you see Shiro and Zangetsu?" He asked curiously.
"I did. I assumed they were showing themselves for added effect." Byakuya mused, "Why do you ask?"
"I... Don't think they were showing themselves knowingly." Ichigo licked his lips, "I know you described his mask once but... Senbonzakura... He wears armour, like a samurai... Has long hair... Blue eyes?"
"How did..." The Kuchiki nobleman trailed off, eyebrows raising, "You saw him."
"I did."
"Hmm." Byakuya brought Ichigo's knuckles up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on his skin, "Then perhaps our union was more destined that I originally thought. It is a rare thing, to see the manifestation of another Soul's Zanpakutō without it being a conscious action. I had gotten used to such unique acts with you, your Zanpakutō are as rare as you, my love. For you to see Senbonzakura however, well... I would expect that to happen only after we meditated together at some point in the future, to mingle our Inner Worlds."
Ichigo frowned for a moment before he chuckled, "Maybe we're already mingled. After all, you broke into my Inner World once. I'd be shocked if it hadn't left a mark."
"True." Byakuya smiled, combing the fingers of his free hand through Ichigo's long hair, "There is no one I would rather find myself bonded to."
"You know I feel the same. But I do think you're insane for willingly signing up for a lifetime of Shiro's awful jokes and perverse looks." He grinned.
"Ah, a lifetime of bad jokes and perverse looks is worth every second of your company."
"Smooth talker." Ichigo whispered before let out a curse, carefully untangling himself from his lover's grasp, "I almost forgot, I have a gift for you!"
"A gift?" Byakuya propped himself up on his elbows, eyebrows quirked in surprise, "You didn't need to get me a gift, especially not on our wedding day."
"Hush." The strawberry muttered, searching his possessions, "Damn, I asked Harribel to drop it off on her way to the ceremony, I hope she rem- Oh there it is, brilliant."
Straightening up again, Ichigo grasped the four inch long box firmly in his hands, turning back to the bed with a sheepish grin. Noticing the hint of nervousness his lover was displaying, Byakuya sat up properly, adjusting the material of his robes so they didn't pull uncomfortably.
"The idea came to me after Ginrei gave me his gift, the kenseikan..." Ichigo hesitated, kneeling on the edge of the bed as he passed the box over into the waiting hands of his husband, "I had some help in making them, nothing so grand as being crafted by Ōetsu Nimaiya."
Biting his lip as he watched Byakuya open the box, he felt a wave of relief at the smile which stretched across the Kuchiki heir's face as he removed the fingerless tekkō gloves from within the confines of the tissue paper. They were a similar shade of pale grey to his normal gloves, but these were embossed with the classical Shiba swirls.
"I have something from your family, engraved with something from mine. I... Wanted you to have something from your family, with something from mine as well." Ichigo said quietly.
"Indeed they are not crafted by Ōetsu Nimaiya but by no means does that make them any less grand." Byakuya swallowed, fluttering his tongue across his lips as he tried the gloves on for size, finding them to fit perfectly against his skin, "Thank you, they are perfect and I will wear them with pride."
Breaking into a grin, Ichigo perched on the edge of the bed and tucked his hair behind his ear, "I'm glad you like them. Rukia helped me design them, she has quite the eye for detail."
"She does indeed." The nobleman chuckled, reaching out to brush Ichigo's cheek affectionately, "I love them."
Crawling slowly up the bed towards Byakuya, he felt himself tremble slightly with trepidation, teeth tugging at his bottom lip as he straddled his husband's lap. Leaning forwards, he brought their lips together. It was soft, subtle, barely there but promised more. Lips parted and tongues danced in light teasing touches.
Giggling as he was suddenly rolled onto his back, Ichigo arched as their bodies connected, brushing against one and other as his lover's lips found the crest of his jaw, peppering his skin with wet kisses and faint bite marks. His skin burned with every touch, eyes fluttering as he felt the fabric of his yukata fall open obediently beneath Byakuya's fingers. His muscles quivered and tensed under the older man's touch, bringing a purr from his lips.
Ichigo reached up, sliding his lover's clothes aside, enjoying the sensation of smooth skin beneath his fingertips as well as the soft gasp the motions elicited. Moaning as they kissed again, this time more heated and more passionate the strawberry haired male gasped against his lover's lips as fingers curled around his erection.
"B-Byakuya." He groaned into his mouth, arching his back as his skin flushed with warmth.
Ichigo barely noticed as one of his legs was lifted onto Byakuya's shoulder, mind dancing away with the sensation of wet kisses trailing down his chest, teeth grazing against everywhere that would make him quiver. He almost didn't notice when Byakuya's free hand slipped down to caress his buttocks, but the familiar sensation of intrusion as a digit penetrated him took his breath away with a lengthy groan.
The hand coiled around his length squeezed firmly as it slid up and down, tugging a gasp from his lips as his body bent in response, rocking between the duality of pleasure blessing his senses. Another finger slipped inside, rocking back and forth in preparation. Ichigo felt lips against his knee where his leg remained propped up on the raven haired Shinigami's shoulder. When a third finger pushed inside and scissored with the others against his prostate, Ichigo let out a keen cry as he came, orgasm washing over him with a ripple of white blinding his vision.
His chest heaved as he gasped for breath, grinning sheepishly at Byakuya as he felt those fingers retract, replaced quickly by something larger, more fulfilling. He groaned at the feeling of fullness, gasping as he wrapped his arms around Byakuya, legs coiling around his middle.
"Don't stop." He breathed shakily, arching as he rolled his hips up against his lover's.
He heard Byakuya's breath catch in his throat at the feeling, fingers suddenly fisted in his long locks as the man began to move and shift, slowly at first but before long the pace increased to an almost ruthless pace. Ichigo couldn't help but cry out in pleasure as the thrusts grew deep enough to hit that sweetened spot. He jumped and moaned almost every time, his eyes squeezed tightly shut as he felt their skin became slick with a thin sheen of sweat.
He was already hard again, aroused beyond measure as Byakuya continually changed the pattern of his movements, making them impossible to predict, to expect, to prepare for. His head was spinning, his back arching, fingers clenching blindly, nails digging into Byakuya's bare back, marking his flushed skin. He bit his lip as he heard his husband let out a low growl, the feeling of his thrusts changed and he realised he must be close. The fingers in his hair tightened, not so much as to be painful but enough to show the urgency behind each following thrust. Eyes opening slowly, he stared up at Byakuya's pinked face, smiling faintly before he arched, crying out loudly as his orgasm swallowed him whole again, the feeling of fullness growing as he watched Byakuya's expression contort into a pinched reflection of pleasure.
They were both breathless in the wake of their climaxes, the afterglow hanging heavy around the room as Byakuya pulled back gently and half collapsed on the bed beside the sunrise haired Shinigami. Ichigo turned onto his side slowly and moved closer, resting his head on Byakuya's damp shoulder as he taught himself how to breath normally again. His expression sweetened as he felt a tender kiss pressed against the crown of his head.
"By the Soul King I am a lucky man, to have found you and married you." Byakuya's words were hushed, husky but heartfelt.
"Mm." Ichigo grunted softly, eyes already beginning to grow heavy, "Not sure how many times you wanna have this argument. But I'm still pretty sure I'm the lucky one."
"My love," the Kuchiki heir let out a small breath, "We shall have this argument for as long as it takes for you to see how much you mean to everyone around you."
"What do you mean?" He grumbled, nuzzling under his chin affectionately, lazily.
Byakuya smiled hopelessly as he combed his fingers through Ichigo's impossibly long hair, sighing softly at how oblivious the younger man could be, "You saved me from the melancholy of grief and loneliness, taught me to truly respect Renji, and saved my sister's life at the risk of your own. You taught Ikkaku Madarame not to shy away from using his Bankai in public, and reminded Izuru Kira to be bold and brave. You inspired Renji to be the best he could be, to become a Taichou and a good man. You gave Shunsui and Jūshirō the courage to finally reveal their relationship to the world without shame. You revealed Ichimaru Gin's truest nature, and his desire to defeat the wickedness Aizen brought upon us all. Were it not for you... A great many things would never have happened. Without you a great many more people would have died because of Sōsuke Aizen. You saved your friends, your family and more importantly... You saved yourself. Without a shadow of a doubt, I am truly the lucky one, as is all of Soul Society."
Ichigo remained quiet, his heart fluttering at his lover's words. He knew the truth of them, the truth of his deeds and actions, the impacts and effects. It was a strange feeling, to know that he had been the epicentre of a great storm, trapped within it's very eye for everyone to see. He'd shone through, broken apart the clouds and the rain to reveal the sunlight again. He had washed away the darkness. But there was another truth, undeniable as the one Byakuya had shared.
"I would never have done any of it... Without you." He whispered.
