A night wedding was not conventional, but neither was Rukia. She enjoyed being different. She wasn't like other women who spent their lives dreaming of white weddings, perfect husbands and babies. She was practical, simple even. She just wanted to marry the imperfect man she loved and spend all of eternity with him.
Though she wasn't entirely traditional, Rukia decided that she would follow one custom, the white dress. She would wear a mixture of lace and silk and adorn herself with a long, flowing veil. For one evening she would make everyone see her as a woman and not as "one of the guys." It was her night.
"You look stunning, Rukia!" The small, dark haired woman turned to see her friend standing in the doorway.
"Orihime! Thank you!" She flushed pink. She wasn't used to compliments. Partially because she made it a point to blend in with her surroundings and anyone who dared say anything would be clobbered, possibly to death.
"The blue suits your red hair." Rukia smiled and continued. "Byakuya will be sorry. He is sorry, I'm sure. He doesn't spend his time with anyone easily."
"Rukia, it's okay." Orihime felt awkward. Was it that obvious what had transpired between her and her friend's brother?
"He's loved you for a long time. Always moping about and walking through the garden every night, like you used to do together."
"Oh." Was all the redhead could manage to say before she could feel the strong, warm, and enveloping spiritual pressure that was Byakuya Kuchiki's. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as the blood rushed to her most sensitive areas, forcing her to recall the activities of the night prior.
"Really, Orihime!" Rukia laughed out as she felt her friend's discomfort.
It was all too telling.
"I..." The redhead took a deep breath. "I can't be around him."
Orihime turned immediately to escape, only to run into something, someone, the man that emitted that godforsaken aura she was trying so desperately to run away from. He looked down at her and she up at him. Their eyes locked. The temperature began to climb and a wave of electricity swept the room. There was an unmistakeable feeling of raw desire oozing out of the two apparent lovers. They stood there, staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity.
"Holy hell, get a room already, you two!" Rukia snapped her brother and friend out of their trance, causing the strong, sensual spiritual pressure to disappear.
"S-sorry! I have to... I have something..." Orihime stumbled on her words, trying to get past the tall man in her way. She was completely flustered. "Just let me out!"
Byakuya stepped to the side and the redhead slipped by him and rushed away, down the hall. He watched her until she was out of his sight.
"Wow. It must have been one heck of a night." Rukia smirked as she took one last look in the mirror. "I've never known you to not be able to control..."
"It is time." Her brother coughed as held out his arm for her to take. He knew all too well what Orihime did to him. He only hoped that Rukia was the only one who had witnessed and felt what effects the redhead had over him.
()()()()()
Nel, who was in her child form, stood behind the double doors waiting for the ceremony to start. Rukia had asked her to be the flower girl and she was all too pleased to accept. Behind her was Orihime and Ichigo, maid of honor and best man. In single file behind the redheaded woman was Matsumoto and Tatsuki. Behind the redheaded man was Ishida and Chad. In back, waiting anxiously, was the woman of the hour, Rukia, with the stoic Byakuya in hand.
The sound of violins could be heard, muffled through the doors. It was the queue everyone had been waiting for. Not long after the music started to play, the entrance to the main hall was opened to reveal the green haired child, who eagerly, but gracefully jumped forward and began to dance sweetly down the isle, tossing flowers into the air as she went. As soon as she was within a good distance, Orihime and Ichigo followed, then Matsumoto and Ishida, and eventually Tatsuki and Chad. All took their respective places at the altar next to a glowing Renji.
Suddenly, the music picked up and the onlookers shifted in their seats to observe the bride and her brother entering the room. Gasps were heard all over as a beautiful vision of white silk and lace floated passed by. Renji's mouth dropped open in awe. A glow of excitement grew in the pit of Rukia's stomach at the reactions she received, especially that of her husband to be. She would have to thank Matsumoto for a job well done later.
()()()()()
After the ceremony, the guests pooled into the garden for the reception. The night was lit up with strings of soft, gold light and a warm, gentle breeze blew. There was a wide assortment of food, an open bar, and plenty of hungry, thirsty shinigami to help keep it all from going to waste.
"Attention, everyone! The newlyweds will now have the first dance! Make a circle!" Matsumoto called out above the buzzing of the crowd, flailing her arms about, motioning people to move. With her announcement the couple's song began to play and the guests parted to form a circle. The new husband and wife wandered into the center empty space made for them and began to sway, wrapped in each others arms, to the familiar sound.
"And now the maid of honor and best man!" Matsumoto spoke after a good, few moments. With the busty blonde's blessing, Ichigo immediately spotted Orihime, honing in on her like she were calling to him like a bright beacon. As if it were natural, the young man scooped up the startled redhead and guided her onto the floor to join their friends.
"You look beautiful tonight, Inoue." Ichigo whispered. She scoffed. "I was stupid, I admit it. Try to forgive me. I want to make it up to you."
"Please, just don't. Let's just act as we used to. As friends. No more compliments and... Heavy looks." Her face was stern and his was adorned with a smirk.
"For now." He twirled his partner around and into a low dip. "You'll see."
Byakuya watched from afar in silent disgust as his rival tried to woo the object of his affections. Soon, one by one more couples took to the dance floor, until the nearly empty circle disappeared, and the vibrant young redhead along with it. He lost sight of her, so in a controlled panic, he wandered through the outskirts of the mob hoping to catch a flash of her red hair - just to make sure she was comfortable, of course. She wouldn't let that Kurosaki take advantage of her. Would she? His heart sunk into the pit of his stomach. He had to find her before anything could happen.
"Kuchiki." A raspy female voice called out. He cringed inwardly. "You best not bother with that gold digger. If you do, I will see to it that both you and your dear "sister" lose everything."
He stopped in his tracks. His great aunt knew how to back him into a corner. He would leave everything for a chance at life with Orihime, but he would not pull Rukia down with him. He swore to his late wife that he would protect her with his life and ensure her comfort. He wouldn't put it past the old hag to rally as much familial opposition as possible and drag him and his sister through the mud in the process. He could not let it happen, not even if Rukia gave him her blessing, which he knew she would. She was always preaching to him about how he should follow his heart once in awhile. "You needn't worry."
He would say goodbye to Orihime, that's all. Find some excuse to cut ties with her, make her hate him if he had to. He just wanted to look at her and witness her blinding smile for the last time.
As Byakuya was taller than most, he had an advantage in searching for the young woman. As his eyes wandered the festive mob he realized that there was no sign of her. He decided to try and sense her spiritual pressure. Much to his surprise she wasn't at the party, she had fled the scene and was headed towards the house. He followed her.
"Hime." He called to her as soon as she was within hearing distance. She turned, startled. "Could you not feel me coming?"
"N-no. I've got a lot on my mind. I should g-"
"That is very dangerous. You shouldn't let your guard down so easily. What if something were to happen? You'd be..." Byakuya was losing himself in the silver pools of her eyes. "... Oblivious to..."
"Byakuya..." Orihime whispered. They were like two magnets, trying in vain to resist the pull that was forcing them together. In the blink of an eye they found each other in one another's arms. His lips crushed down on hers and she welcomed them eagerly.
"Come." Byakuya gently took Orihime's hand and guided her down the path they had strolled down many a time before.
They walked in comfortable silence for some time, both enjoying the feel of one another's spiritual pressure. Slowly they moved farther and farther away from the estate and the source all their problems until they came across a small bridge that crossed a stream. Orihime pressed her body against the structure, leaning over to watch the water run over smooth rocks. Byakuya watched her, admiring her unrivaled beauty. His heart swelled. He had to say goodbye, but not just yet.
"I love you." The words slipped from the young lord's mouth before he realized what he was saying. The woman's head snapped up and she stared at him wide eyed. He seemed to be just as shocked. She placed her hand on his chest, twisting her fingers around the cloth he wore.
"I..." She was quickly interrupted.
"You filthy, wretched girl!" A booming voice interrupted their intimate moment. "Unhand my nephew at once!"
Orihime dropped her hand at once and stared at the demanding old woman. After a short moment she noticed the old lady was looking at Byakuya, venom in her stare. She followed her gaze up to her lover's face. He looked as if he'd been had.
"You were supposed to get rid of this harlot! Why is she still here?" She spat the words out with as much hate as she seemingly could muster.
"I was just saying..." Byakuya ground out through gritted teeth.
"Goodbye." His aunt said with finality.
"But..." Orihime couldn't believe it. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. She sucked in a deep breath, trying to keep the tears from falling uncontrollably. She looked to Byakuya, then to the old hag, both unwavering. He wasn't about to save her, and the old crone knew it. A crooked smile crossed the old woman's face. Victory.
"I loved you." Orihime whispered before she turned and ran away. It was time to go home to her career, her old way of life, back to the big city of lights.
"Hime!" Byakuya called after her, but she was out of range. He moved to chase after her but a boney hand grasped onto his shoulder.
"You go after her and I will ruin more than this wedding."