Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me, it is property of Kubo Tite.
Author's Note: Sorry this took so late! Originally I was supposed to publish it on Valentine's Day as part of the IchiRuki exchange in Tumblr, but life happened and I'm doing this now. I really hope you like it! Especially since this is my 80th fanfic on this website! Anyways, Happy late Valentine's Day! See ya!
Right Where We Are
We found love right where we are −Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Kurosaki Ichigo stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking intently at his robes. His clothes weren't any different to his shinigami robes, but somehow they felt different, for they carried an entirely different meaning from that of his job as a shinigami. The hakama and kimono were black, and shining in the low light were the Shiba and Kurosaki crests at each side of the kimono.
"You look good, son." Kurosaki Isshin spoke as soon as he saw his only son.
"Thanks, oyaji." Ichigo smiled at his father, for once not being annoyed at him. "These clothes are actually quite comfortable, who would've known?"
"Well, they're made of the best silk in the Soul Society, as expected from Byakuya-kun."
Ichigo snorted at his father's words. "He would never let me get married to his sister wearing anything but silk."
That was right. After many years of knowing each other, today he would finally marry Kuchiki Rukia, his best friend, mentor, partner and the love of his life. To say he was happy was a big understatement, after everything they both had been through, they actually had a chance at being together, joined as husband and wife.
Isshin laughed and shook his head. "You've grown so much, Ichigo. I'm proud of you." Isshin's expression softened and a small smile appeared on his face. "Your mother would also have been so proud of you."
At this, Ichigo choked. This day would have been perfect if only his mother could see him now, all grown up and about to get married. "Thank you." He whispered, trying to push back his emotions.
Before one of them could say something else, two figures entered the room, both wearing traditional kimonos.
"Onii-chan, you look amazing~!" Yuzu exclaimed upon seeing her older brother.
"Not bad Ichi-nii, Rukia-chan will be pleased." Karin said, a smirk forming on her lips.
"I think we should start calling her Rukia-nee after today, right, Karin-chan?" Yuzu told her twin sister.
"Ah, that's a good idea, Yuzu."
Ichigo eyed his little sisters, overcome with emotion. They weren't little girls anymore, they were both all grown up now, bright young women ready to take over the world. He was so proud of them.
"Thank you. You look good yourselves." He commented, making Yuzu smile and Karin blush.
"Do you like my kimono, onii-chan? Rukia-nee liked it very much too! She said pink compliments my eyes." Even if Yuzu was already over twenty, she sometimes acted like her younger self, eager to win her brother's approval.
"It is very pretty, yours too Karin."
"It's not a big deal." Karin brushed off the compliment, shrugging while her sister shook her head.
"Karin-chan, what are you talking about? Your kimono fits you perfectly, you look so cute~!"
"Yuzu, stop saying such embarrassing things!"
Isshin watched as his kids bickered and laughed with each other. What he had told Ichigo was true, he was so proud of him, of the three of them. His cute little children had grown up to be the adults Isshin and Masaki had wished them to be. Oh Masaki, you'd certainly be so proud of them. You'd love Rukia-chan too. Ichigo chose wisely.
"Oh my cute little kids, come into papa's arms!" Isshin exclaimed as he rushed to hug all three of them, filled with paternal pride and love.
"Dad, careful with my hair!"
"Stupid goat-chin, you're wrinkling my kimono!"
"Dad, I can't breathe!"
The three siblings complained as their father continued hugging the living daylights out of them, kissing their heads for good measure too. They were only interrupted by a cough. The Kurosaki-Shiba family turned to look at the intruders. Ishida, Chad and Renji were standing by the door, all clad in kimonos, watching in amusement the family's antics.
"Urahara-san says it's almost time." Ishida informed them.
"Oh, then we should get ready." Ichigo said, trying to remove the creases on his kimono.
"I can't believe you're getting married today, son! I still remember when you used to pee your bed!"
"For the love of God, shut up, dad!"
Renji snorted at this. I do hope you know what kind of family you're marrying into, Rukia.
Meanwhile, Kuchiki Rukia stood in front of a big mirror, examining herself. She was wearing a beautiful, albeit heavy, pure white silk kimono and a watabōshi –a white hood− which covered her head. The kimono was embroidered with white flowers, which were only perceivable if you looked closely at the kimono. Overall, she looked stunning. There was a certain radiance about Rukia that only a woman in love can have. She was extremely happy.
"Kuchiki-san, you look beautiful!" Orihime, who had helped Rukia put on her wedding clothes, exclaimed once she saw her fully clothed.
"Ah, thank you, Inoue." Rukia smiled at her friend. "You look beautiful as well." She added and the girl blushed.
"T-thank you, Kuchiki-san." Orihime stuttered, playing with the obi of the light pink kimono she was wearing.
"My, Kuchiki, you look gorgeous!" Rangiku exclaimed as she and the other shinigami women entered the room.
"Thank you, Matsumoto-fukutaichou."
"Don't need to be so formal! We're both lieutenants after all!" Rangiku laughed.
"Ah, alright, Matsumoto-san."
"That's more like it! Now girls, isn't Kuchiki the most beautiful bride ever?" The other women nodded in agreement.
"Kuchiki-san looks so radiant!" Momo pointed out as she admired the girl in front of her.
"That's because she's in love." Rukia blushed at Nanao's words, wondering if her feelings were that obvious.
"But what a beautiful ring you have here!" Rangiku, who had been closely inspecting Rukia, said as she took her left hand. There, in her ring finger, was a white gold band adorned by a discreet diamond. "Ichigo sure knows how to pick jewelry!"
"Well, he did have Inoue's help." Rukia muttered, slightly overwhelmed by all the attention she was receiving.
"Actually Kurosaki-kun didn't even need my help. When he saw that ring he knew he had to buy it." Orihime added, smiling gently as she saw Rukia blush.
"I'm so jealous of you, Kuchiki! I want a man like that!" Rangiku pouted.
"Me too." Momo said as well, earning amused looks from the others.
"But Hinamori, I'm sure that if you tell him to, taichou will buy you a ring too!" Rangiku said, absolutely embarrassing her friend.
"Mou, Rangiku-san! Shiro-chan and I are not like that!"
"Excuse me." A deep voice interrupted the conversations. Kuchiki Byakuya was standing outside the door, wearing a deep blue silk kimono.
"Ah, nii-sama, please come in!" Rukia said and immediately her brother entered the room.
Byakuya was surprised at seeing so many girls in the same room, but that quickly changed, since at the same moment he walked in, Nanao commanded the other women to exit the room.
Once Byakuya was alone with his sister, he spoke again. "You look so beautiful, Rukia."
Rukia blushed at her brother's words. He was once of the two men she wanted to like her looks that day. "Thank you, nii-sama."
"You look like your sister did on our wedding day." Byakuya spoke as monotonously as usual, but his expression softened as he said those words.
"Nii-sama..." Rukia whispered. It was unusual for Byakuya to mention his deceased wife, for the memories were still painful for him.
"I wish she could see you now, that she could see the amazing woman you have become −a powerful shinigami, and a kind-hearted person, who has now found her happiness."
Rukia heard his words teary-eyed. For many years all she had ever wanted was her brother's approval, and now not only had she made him proud, but she had also gained his love, and they had become like true siblings.
"Thank you, nii-sama. Your words mean so much to me."
"It is the truth. I just wish I could have told you that when you first came into my home. I wish I had protected you better, and spent more time with you than I did, and now I am losing you to Kurosaki." Byakuya almost pouted at the end of his speech, which Rukia found cute.
"Think that you have gained a brother instead, nii-sama." Rukia said and almost laughed at Byakuya's expression.
"Hmph, that may be so, but always remember that whatever choices you make, Hisana and I will always be so proud of you."
"Nii-sama…"
"Awww, who knew Byakuya-bo could get emotional too!"
"Shihoin Yoruichi." Byakuya hissed her name as if it were the worst insult in the world.
"I hate to interrupt, but Kisuke says it's time already." Yoruichi, who was wearing a bright yellow kimono, said.
"Very well, we will be there." Yoruichi nodded and exited the room. Byakuya then turned to Rukia. "Are you ready?"
"Hai, nii-sama."
"Wow, Urahara-san sure outdid himself this time!" Ichigo exclaimed as he looked at his surroundings. What used to be merely training grounds was decorated as a Shinto shrine. Many guests, from both the Human World and the Soul Society, were present already. At one side he could see some Kuchiki elders, and at the other were Kukkaku and Ganju. Keigo, Mizuiro, Tatsuki and other friends, both human and shinigami, were already there as well.
"Well, he did owe you and Rukia-chan some favors." Isshin said, he too admiring his friend's handiwork.
"It's not like he did it all by himself. That guy sure is bossy." Renji grunted. He had been forced to help decorating the place by both his captain and that shady shopkeeper. His friends better be grateful for his hard work.
"To be honest, I wasn't sure this idea was gonna work, but man does this look great!" Ichigo exclaimed.
When Ichigo and Rukia had told Byakuya they were engaged, the head of the Kuchiki Clan had taken upon himself to plan his only sister's wedding. Rukia, of course, had been enchanted with the idea, however Ichigo had been reluctant at first, thinking Byakuya was going to go overboard. He had, in true Kuchiki fashion, gone overboard, but looking at the results, it sure was worthy.
Byakuya had wanted a traditional wedding, which Ichigo and Rukia had both agreed on. The first because wearing a kimono seemed a lesser hassle than wearing a tux, and the latter because she had wanted to have a similar wedding to that of her siblings. The only thing Ichigo had been very adamant on was that the ceremony as well as the reception had to be accessible for all their guests, including their human friends and family. After much thinking, Urahara had come to the rescue and offered his training grounds to hold both the ceremony and the reception. The idea appealed to Ichigo and Rukia, as well as Byakuya, and thus it was decided they would get married there. Yet, Ichigo had had his doubts if Byakuya and Urahara working together would work, however, now that he got the chance to look at the final result, both men were a great team.
"Ichigo, get ready! Rukia and Byakuya are coming!" Yoruichi said, appearing from the Senkaimon Gate.
After hearing this, all the guests stopped their conversations and turned to look at the Senkaimon Gate. A minute later the gate opened, revealing the Kuchiki siblings. Ichigo gasped when he saw Rukia, she looked beyond gorgeous. Rukia shyly smiled when she saw Ichigo. Ichigo walked towards his fiancée, and held her hands in his.
"You look beautiful." He whispered, and Rukia felt her cheeks burning.
"You look well yourself." She whispered back.
Ichigo was going to tell her something when he was interrupted by Urahara.
"It's time to start, lovebirds."
Suddenly, ritual musicians and a Shinto maiden, brought from the Soul Society, appeared in front of the groom and bride. Ichigo and Rukia made a line behind them, with their family and other guests standing behind them. Led by the musicians and the maiden, they walked to the shrine. Once inside, Ichigo and Rukia stood in front of the priest, who started purifying the bride, groom, and all the guests. Then, the priest read a scroll to announce the marriage to god, and seek blessings for the couple. Next, the maiden began dancing a sacred dance. Through it all, Ichigo and Rukia barely paid attention for they kept looking at each other, anxious to finally be wedded.
After what seemed like ages to them, it was time for the san-san-kudo ceremony. Gently, they started taking the cups in their hands and sipping from each. In the back Ichigo could distinctly hear Rangiku's shout of "I want sake too!" and Toshirou reprimanding her; Rukia's subtle roll of eyes told him that she had heard them too.
Once the Exchange of Nuptial Cups ceremony ended, it was time for the wedding vows. Ichigo had never felt so nervous in his entire life. It wasn't that he was afraid of marriage ─honestly, he and Rukia had waited enough for this moment─ but he did not want to mess up his lines over any circumstance, or he could get murdered by both Rukia and Byakuya. The sake he had drunk didn't help at all. Rukia, sensing his distress, discreetly took his hand and gave it a soft squeeze. Ichigo instantly relaxed and smiled gratefully at his bride, who smiled in return. It was amazing the effect she had on him: Rukia always comforted him, and brought the best of him ─he hoped he could do the same for her.
Now feeling confident, Ichigo walked towards the altar with Rukia by his side. Once they had reached the altar, Ichigo took a scroll out of his kimono and started reading it with a strong voice:
"We make this marriage vow respectfully before the Hachiman deity. We, Ichigo and Rukia, are delighted to be able to make our vows on this great day,
and to become husband and wife through the blessing of the Hachiman deity.
"We swear before the Hachiman deity to love and respect each other forever,
and to strive to bring prosperity to our family.
"Moreover, we swear never to veer from the true path of matrimony,
and to work to share the divine grace of Hachiman deity by helping people and society."
Rukia smirked in his direction, silently telling him he had done an amazing job. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Byakuya nodding approvingly, and his father beaming at him. Ichigo almost sighed in relief, however it was time for the bride and groom to make tamagushi offerings to god. Once this ritual was over, the most awaited event of the evening was about to take place: the Exchange of Rings.
"Ready?" Ichigo whispered, just loud enough for Rukia to hear.
"Yes." Rukia smiled, and Ichigo wordlessly took her left hand, where he could see her engagement ring shining brightly. Ever so gently, he slipped the wedding ring on her finger. Next, Rukia took his bigger hand and she too slipped the wedding ring on his finger. Then, they held hands, beaming at each other.
Once this ritual had finished, many of the guests cheered, mainly Rangiku, but were soon silenced by one of Byakuya's infamous glares. Laughing, everybody started drinking their cups of rice wine in celebration of the joyous event. After drinking, all guests started cheering and clapping.
Ichigo suddenly took Rukia into his arms, and whispered in her ear. "I'm so happy."
Rukia smiled teary-eyed, and hugged him back. "Me too, Ichigo."
They pulled apart, and Ichigo, being the type of person who is impulsive and does not care much about propriety, kissed Rukia right then and there, to the happiness of most of their friends, and the displeasure of the Kuchiki elders. The kiss was so intense, that Rukia's watabōshi fell from her head.
"Finally, my son's married to my beautiful third daughter!" Isshin exclaimed, and in that moment everyone surrounded the newlyweds, congratulating them.
After the ceremony, the reception followed in another part of the training grounds. There were many extremely elegant dishes and sake everywhere ─to Rangiku's and Shunsui's happiness. Hours after the reception had started, most guests had gone home, and only a few remained, who in their majority were drunk ─mainly Keigo and Rangiku. However, Rukia and Ichigo had ignored this fact, for they were lost in each other.
The newlyweds were in a private area of the hall, watching the guests' interactions quite amused. Keigo had tried to flirt with a number of 10 women with no success whatsoever, while Mizuiro had managed to initiate a conversation with Rangiku. A drunk Isshin was telling a pissed off Byakuya that soon there were going to be little Ichigos and Rukias running around the Seireitei. Ishida and Orihime were sitting rather close, while Chad and Tatsuki kept eyeing them with a knowing look. A Karaoke Contest had also started, and a bunch of shinigami were screaming their lungs out.
"So, what did you think of the wedding?" Ichigo suddenly asked his wife. God, it felt so good to call her that.
"I've seen worse." She joked and Ichigo laughed.
"Byakuya and Urahara-san sure outdid themselves tonight."
"Yeah, nii-sama has great taste, and Urahara-san was kind enough to comply." Rukia said.
"Mmm." Ichigo nodded absentmindedly, and proceeded to wrap his arms around Rukia's waist. "The best part of the evening, though, was finally getting married." He murmured in her ear.
Rukia smiled. "I agree with you." She started playing with her husband's wedding ring.
"Rukia…" Ichigo whispered as he turned her around, so that she was facing him. "I love you."
The newly married woman blushed at those words which never failed to melt her heart. It was often when Ichigo said those words, but she knew that he always meant them. "I love you too, so, so much." chigo smiled and leaned down to kiss her. Rukia eagerly met him halfway.
Today had been a great day for them, indeed. It proved that when it comes to true love, nothing is impossible.
A/N: I decided to make their wedding a Shinto wedding, because a) it is the traditional wedding style in Japan, and since the SS is set to look like feudal Japan, I decided to keep with this style, and b) there are too many Western style Ichiruki weddings already and I was trying to be original lol.
Anyways, I took all information about Shinto weddings from websites that looked to be written by Japanese people, and I took the translation of the vows from one of them. If something seems off about the wedding, or you have a more detailed idea of how they actually take place, please let me know so I can correct any mistakes.
Also, I'm sorry if Ichigo and Rukia seem OOC.
Thank you for reading!