Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.

Across the Threshold

Nanao did her best not to fidget as Rangiku helped her into her wedding kimono. She was trying not to be nervous. After all, there was no reason for her to be. In just an hour or so she would be marrying the one man that she had loved and trusted all her life. All she had to do was survive the wedding ceremony. Directly afterwards would be her coronation and then the obligatory celebrations. They didn't dare take a long honeymoon given the current state of things, but they would have a few days for themselves after the wedding.

"Don't bit your lip like that," Rangiku scolded. "You'll get make up on your teeth. We're almost done."

Both of the women assisting her had already donned their most formal kimonos. Nanao tried to find her usual patience as Retsu adjusted the combs in her hair. As a royal bride, Nanao would not wear the tradition hood that signified obedience. When she was crowned, Shunsui would be the prince consort but not the ruling king. That had been both of theirs choice. One of the few changes to tradition Nanao had made was the fact that she was not going to wear the royal uchikake after the ceremony, mostly because she liked the Kyoraku family one better. Instead of being covered in symbols of royal authority, its pattern was of cherry blossoms.

"There you are." Retsu made one last adjustment to her hair ornaments. "You're ready."

Nanao nodded, not trusting her voice. Retsu and Rangiku led the way out of the room the shrine had provided for her to prepare in. Nanao carefully slipped on her sandals and began the walk towards the main shrine were everyone was waiting. Once she saw Shunsui standing there waiting for her, nothing else mattered. He was dressed formally, and was for once without his pink haori that he reclaimed from her. She didn't remember finishing her walk up to the shrine. The next thing Nanao knew she was standing next to Shunsui as the priest went through the purification rite. She was rather amazed the remembered her vows. Finally, it was time for the drinking of the sake. Once that was over, they would be married.

Taking her ninth sip of sake, Nanao set the cup down. Shunsui took her hand in his own and leaned in to kiss her. For that moment nothing existed save for the two of them. Then they were ushered into another building in the shrine complex, so Nanao could put on her uchikake, and so they both could have something to eat before the coronation ceremony. Nanao managed to eat two rice balls before she had to return outside for the next ceremony. She was thankful that there would be a feast afterwards. Despite the fact that these ceremonies did not require much from her, they still were draining.

The coronation took longer than their wedding. The regalia, which had been under a full time guard since the attempt to steal them, was official placed upon her and she was sealed into office. The cheers afterwards were deafening. While the wedding had been only for a select group of nobles, the coronation had been opened to everyone. She hadn't realized that she was that popular. Once she had been crowned queen, it was her turn to install Shunsui to the position of Prince Consort.

Once that was done, Shunsui tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and they began the walk from the shrine back to the palace. Shunsui was tense at her side as if he expected an attack. None appeared thankfully, and it didn't take long for the feast to begin. Nanao was stunned by the sheer amount of food, and it was clear that whoever had planned this knew her favorite dishes as they were all present. There were also a great many speeches that Nanao could have done without. Part of her just wanted the feast over with, and part of her was extremely nervous about tonight.

Nanao wasn't exactly innocent, not after playing the part of Rangiku's apprentice, but she didn't have any practical knowledge either. She had been the Crown Princess, and that had meant people had kept their distance, even when courting her. Until Shunsui had returned, she had never been kissed anywhere besides the hand or the cheek. She was looking forward to tonight, but that didn't stop her from feeling rather unsure of herself. Nanao sighed.

Her husband squeezed her hand under the table. "Not too much longer, Nanao-chan."

"I know."

He smiled at her. "Don't worry so much, my Nanao. Things will be just fine."

The evening dragged on. Finally, the time came for the newly wedded couple to take their leave of the court. Nanao thanked the gods that the Seireitei believed in privacy for the royal couple. She had heard that in some countries the court was allowed to stand outside the bed chamber and listen in on the royals' nocturnal activities. The idea made her shudder. At least she knew that she and her husband would be left in complete privacy for the next three days.

Nanao took Shunsui's arm, and they headed for their quarters. Her things had been moved from her rooms earlier in the week while she was gone. She was no longer the Crown Princess. Her rooms would be cleaned and closed up until there was a new heir to fill them. Nanao didn't think that would be for at least few more years. There was too much for her to manage already without throwing a baby into the mix.

"And what is my beloved Nanao-chan thinking so hard about?" Shunsui smiled down at her.

"The future."

He cupped her face in his hand and kissed her. "We can worry about that tomorrow. Tonight is just for us."

Nanao slipped her hand into his and pushed up on her toes to kiss him. "All right."

Shunsui beamed at her and scooped her up in his arms, paying no attention to her finery. Nanao let out a sigh of contentment as he carried her over the threshold. She didn't know what her future held, but she wasn't afraid of it as long as she had her champion at her side.